Passive spinal support system

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to support systems for body-worn equipment, and more particularly, to passive support systems for equipment and / or other body-worn items including vests, backpacks, safety and protective gear, and other military and non-military gear. The invention passively off-loads body-worn item loads to reduce back fatigue, and also during a seated shock event for enhanced protection of the wearer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 765,982 filed 3 Mar. 2025.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] This invention was made with U.S. Government support under contracts N68335-24-C-0138 and N68335-25-C-0122, awarded by Naval Air Warfare Center. The U.S. Government has certain rights in this invention.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to support systems for body-worn equipment, and more particularly, to passive support systems for equipment and / or other body-worn items including vests, backpacks, safety and protective gear, and other military and non-military gear. The invention passively off-loads body-worn item loads to reduce back fatigue, and also during a seated shock event for enhanced protection of the wearer.Description of the Invention

[0004] Occupant survivability is a top priority for the design of military ground vehicles as more than 4,400 casualties in recent conflicts, or over 60% of the total casualties, have been the result of the effects of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on ground vehicles. Operational demand for ground vehicles in areas with high potential for IEDs has increased, and this accentuates the need for enhanced war-fighter protection to vehicular underbody blast events. In addition to the extreme forces resulting from explosive devices, it has been shown that shock and vibration resulting from normal vehicular operations leads to fatigue, back pain, and long-term chronic injuries which result in premature departure of highly trained individuals. Energy absorbing (EA) systems are used within the seat mountings of vehicles to attenuate the loads transmitted to the occupants. These offer protection to soldiers in case of extreme IED events.

[0005] The amount of equipment that soldiers and aviators are required to bear upon their upper torso contributes to the problem. The average weight of such equipment has increased from 5-6 lb in the 1970s-1980s to upwards of 80-100 lb today. This can more than double the total mass supported by an individual's spine, which significantly increases the chances of acute injuries (during extreme events) as well as long-term chronic injuries from normal operations. For example, 80 lb of additional lumbar-supported equipment weight for a soldier experiencing a 20 G pelvic acceleration increases the lumbar compression load by 1600 lb which roughly doubles the expected lumbar load as compared to the same event without the additional equipment. Such a load is above the allowable tolerance for spinal injury under some metrics. One widely utilized performance metric for blast survivability is the Dynamic Response Index (DRI) which was developed in the late 1960's and 1970's for ejection seats and which utilizes a second order differential equation with assumed biodynamic properties (mass, stiffness, damping) to estimate the likelihood of spinal damage. However, this metric utilizes only a pelvis or seat pan acceleration profile for input and assumes a 50th percentile aviator with minimal lumbar-supported equipment. As a result, an acceleration profile which passes DRI may be entirely insufficient to protect a modern, gear laden vehicle occupant. The same is true for other acceleration-based injury metrics (7 millisecond clip, Eiband, etc.) because the tolerable levels were identified with much lower lumbar-supported mass levels.

[0006] Studies are underway to update and develop new injury tolerance metrics based either on spinal (lumbar) load or, if acceleration based, will at least take into account the additional equipment masses that the modern warfighter is expected to wear. These new / updated metrics will have an alarming effect on the perceived performance of currently fielded seating solutions because they will show that many such systems provide inadequate protection.

[0007] More recent studies by experts in vehicular occupant safety have shown that seat-based attenuation systems would require an increased seat stroke of 60-80% to maintain lumbar loads within current tolerance levels with a mass of lumbar-supported equipment of about 45 lb. This is difficult if not impossible since seat stroking distance is already limited and overmatched by blast forces.

[0008] One solution to the problem of increased lumbar-supported weight is simply to off-load the spine, but this is not practical from an operation perspective because much of this equipment is mission and / or safety critical. Methods of alternatively supporting the additional equipment / mass by other structures such as the vehicular seat are possible but suffer from concerns of limited mobility and hindered vehicular egress. What is needed is an independent or integrated lumbar support system able to supplement the human body's ability to support weight on the upper torso. Such a system would need to be lightweight, unobtrusive so as not to hinder movement, and unpowered to protect the spine of the wearer in a range of high shock or repetitive shock events.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is a spinal support system providing a secondary “backbone” to transmit gear loading away from the user's upper torso and directly to the seat structure. The system generally has a gear adapter engaging the body-worn gear of a wearer, an articulating structural column mounted to the seat and to which the upper body adapter is attached, a resistive load device, a tendon, an anchor, and a base plate.

[0010] The gear adapter is the system component that attaches the body-worn gear of a wearer to the articulating structural column. Its purpose is to transmit at least some of the gear weight from the wearer's spine to the structural column, thereby off-loading the wearer's spine. In the preferred embodiment, the gear adapter is a length of webbing that is fixed at one end to the top of the structural column and terminates at the other end with a quick disconnect buckle, the opposite part of which is fixed to the wearer's gear. There may be more than one such adapter in cases where the gear attachment is desired to be along each side of the wearer (e.g., left and right). The webbing is sized to tolerate the expected loads. A quick disconnect buckle is preferable, though not required for the invention, to facilitate emergency egress. It is also preferable in the design that the buckles be configured such that the wearer has an ability to adjust their tension (e.g., pulling more length through the buckle) to affect the amount of gear weight being off-loaded by the system.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment, the articulating structural column is made up of serially stacked elements that are pivotably connected to one another and mechanically biased such that they can only pivot forward in the seat relative to the seat back and cannot go beyond the upright, or fully aligned (e.g., vertically), position. The segmented construction of this preferred embodiment enables articulation of the structural column such that its mobility can at least somewhat follow the occupant as he / she moves about in the seat, thereby providing some level of gear off-loading during this movement. The stacked or “vertebral” elements can be any shape and number depending on the specific needs of the seat and system design, but when fully aligned (e.g., vertically) should have adequate structural strength to resist expected loading conditions. It should be noted that segmented or articulated columns are not intended to limit the invention. For example, an alternate embodiment has the articulating structural column comprised of a single continuum element that has the desired bending characteristics such that it can follow the seated occupant's motion within the seat at least somewhat with little or negligible activation effort required by the occupant.

[0012] The resistive load device is a passive element that reacts to the gear weight being off-loaded. In the preferred embodiment, it is a spring-loaded reel. It may be mounted wherever the seat design allows, but is preferably either at the base of the articulating structural column or behind the seat back. The preferred embodiment further includes an adjustment mechanism on the resistive load device (e.g., spring-loaded reel) such that the apparatus (e.g., pre-tension of a reel) can be adjusted by the wearer to match the weight of their gear if desired.

[0013] The tendon extends from a first end by some length to a second end. In doing so, it mechanically links the resistive load device to the articulating structural column. How it does so depends somewhat on where the resistive load device is mounted relative to the structural column. For the preferred embodiment where the resistive load device is mounted below the base of the column, the tendon is affixed at its first end to the resistive load device and preferably runs along the back (i.e., seat side) of the column elements to a pivot point above, where it then is directed back to and anchored at its second end to the seat. In an alternate embodiment where the resistive load device is mounted below the base of the column with the first end of the tendon affixed to the resistive load device, the tendon may run along the seat to a pivot point above, where it then is directed to the column and anchored thereto at its second end. It should be noted that for the general configuration of this alternate embodiment, the tendon may run, from its first end at the resistive load device, along the seat on either the front (i.e., occupant side) or back to its anchor point for its second end and still be within the spirit of the invention. In an alternate embodiment where the resistive load device is mounted behind the seat back, the tendon may preferably be mounted to the resistive load device at its first end and pass through an aperture in the seat back and anchor directly to a point on the articulating structural column at its second end, without the need for re-direction via a pivot.

[0014] The base plate is the part of the system that mounts the device to a seat. This is ultimately the structural component that transmits the loads from the column into the seat structure and away from the occupant's spine. In the preferred embodiment, the articulating structural column and resistive load device are both mounted on the base plate and the base plate is then mounted to a seat. It is envisioned that the present invention will be applicable to a wide range of seats, and as such, the base plate may be the only part of the device that needs to changes from one seat to another due to different seat geometries, but the other parts of the device are likely to be more seat-agnostic.

[0015] In practice, a seat occupant interacts with the passive spinal support system of the present invention as follows:

[0016] First, the occupant dons gear of a known weight.

[0017] Second, the occupant adjusts the resistive load device such that it can accommodate the known gear weight. In an embodiment where the resistive load device is a spring-loaded reel, the adjustment made by the occupant is to the pre-tension of the reel.

[0018] Third, the occupant sits in the seat in the upright position.

[0019] Fourth, the occupant attaches the gear adapter to his / her gear.

[0020] Fifth, the occupant adjusts the gear adapter such that the desired gear off-loading is felt. In an embodiment where the gear adapter has buckles, the adjustment may involve pulling a length of material (e.g., webbing) through the buckles.

[0021] Sixth, the occupant performs his / her normal actions in the seat while the passive spinal support system off-loads his / her torso of at least some amount of gear weight and transfers it into the seat structure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 depicts an illustration of an exemplary passive spinal support system of the present invention in an upright position.

[0023] FIG. 2 depicts an illustration of an exemplary passive spinal support system of the present invention in a partially forward-leaned position.

[0024] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of the passive spinal support system that is recessed in a seat.

[0025] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the key components of an embodiment of the passive spinal support system of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of base plate 10 of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of articulating structural column 20 of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 depicts exemplary structural elements 201 and 202 of articulating structural column 20 of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an exemplary passive spinal support system in the upright position with the seat's shoulder harness passing therethrough unaffected.

[0030] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an exemplary passive spinal support system in a forward-leaned position with the seat's shoulder harness passing therethrough unaffected.

[0031] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary resistive load device 30 of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary tendon 40 and anchor 50 of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention where tendon 40 runs along the seat back instead of inside articulating structural column 20.

[0034] FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary gear adapter 60 of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary illustration of how gear adapter 60 attaches to an occupant's gear / vest 90.

[0036] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary egress part of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 16 depicts an exemplary adjustment mechanism 70 of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0038] In reference to FIGS. 1-2, the passive spinal support system 1 of the present invention preferably resides on the front (e.g., occupant facing side) of seat 2. Passive spinal support system 1 is composed of a base plate 10, an articulating structural column 20, a resistive load device 30, a tendon 40, an anchor 50, a gear adapter 60, and an adjustment mechanism 70. The figures show system 1 as mounted to seat back 3 of seat 2 via base plate 10, though this is not meant to be limiting. System 1 could likewise be mounted to seat bucket 4 of seat 2 without any change in its function. In fact, it is the intention of the invention that system 1 is mountable to a plurality of different seat designs with no functional change to system 1, and the only change required is of the mounting approach, which would differ depending on the type of seat and construction of the seat. That is, for mounting purposes the only part of system 1 that may need to change from seat to seat is base plate 10, which would be modified to match the specific design of each seat. At the other end, for attaching to gear, gear adapter 60 may also need to change to match the specific designs of various gear-carrying vests.

[0039] FIGS. 1-2 show passive spinal support system 1 being mounted on the front of a seat back 3 of seat 2 via base plate 10. This is simply the preferred method for seats with thick cushions and retro-fit configurations. It should be noted that this is not the only way that system 1 can integrate with a seat. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment where articulating structural column 20 is located within a recession 5 of the seat back 3 such that the fore-most aspect of column 20 does not protrude from the seat back contour. This implementation would likely require a seat to be designed around inclusion of the passive spinal support system 1 of the present invention, however. In the embodiment shown, this may preclude the need for a base plate 10. Further, resistive load device 30 may best be situated at the base of articulating structural column 20 and behind seat back 3 as illustrated. Note that resistive load device 30 could likewise be situated along the front of the seat back 3 and / or in a larger recession 5 within the seat 2 within the spirit of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the key components of the preferred embodiment of the present invention 1. This helps show detail of each component and how they interact with each other as they function. In the preferred embodiment, base plate 10 is affixed to seat back 3 of seat 2. The lower aspect of articulating structural column 20 is mounted to base plate 10, as is resistive load device 30, preferably below structural column 20. Tendon(s) 40 extend from one end that is connected to resistive load device 30 upward to terminate at the other end at anchor 50, which is also preferably mounted to seat 2, preferably near the top of articulating structural column 20 when it is in its neutral (i.e., upright) position. Gear adapter(s) 60 are attached at one end to articulating structural column 20 and, with reference to the seat assembly, are free at their other end. This free end of gear adapter(s) 60 is for connecting to the body-worn gear of the seated occupant. Adjustment mechanism 70 is preferably mounted to seat back 3 and in the proximity of resistive load device 30, but preferably more laterally to facilitate operation by a seated occupant.

[0041] An exemplary base plate 10 is illustrated alone in FIG. 5. As mentioned, base plate 10 is the component that ultimately transmits the loads lifted off the occupant to the seat structure. As such, it is critical that base plate 10 is firmly fixed to seat 2. Preferred methods are bolting and / or bonding, though the method used is not limiting to the invention. Base plate 10 likely changes in design with each different seat design that is being configured with passive spinal support system 1. In a preferred embodiment, base plate 10 has an upper portion 101 for mating with structural column 20 and a lower portion 102 for mating with resistive load device 30. Whether base plate 10 is a single part or subassembly of multiple parts is irrelevant to the invention. Mounting extension 103 protrudes from base plate 10 to provide a footing for articulating structural column 20. Since large loads are to be transmitted from structural column 20 to base plate 10, there may be the need for structural reinforcements 104 on mounting extension 103. Mounting extension 103 preferably contains a hole 105 (or contrarily a pin) for mating with a pin (or contrarily a hole) on the bottom of structural column 20. The joining of structural column 20 to base plate 10 preferably uses a pin to provide a degree of freedom (e.g., twisting). While a pin is preferred, other means could be employed here within the spirit of the invention, such as a ball joint or even a second pin / hinge to add another degree of freedom (e.g., sideward leaning and / or forward leaning). With resistive load device 30 preferably mounted below structural column 20 on base plate 10, there is need for aperture 106 to allow passage of tendon(s) 40, which extends upward from resistive load device 30. Note that while the connection of structural column 20 to base plate 10 preferably has at least one degree of freedom, that degree of freedom is also preferably limited for occupant safety. Clever design may use reinforcements 104 as mechanical hard-stops on the level of travel physically possible, though other types of interference can serve the same purpose.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows an isolated perspective view of articulating structural column 20. This column is composed of a series of structural elements that are connected together with at least one degree of freedom at each joint. If only one degree of freedom is present, the preferred motion is forward leaning via a hinge. Other degrees of freedom could be added within the spirit of the invention, however, such that the occupant has more range of motion to lean and twist as desired when sitting in the seat. Element interfaces with multiple single degree of freedom hinges or ball joints are preferred when more than one degree of freedom is desired. With forward leaning being the preferred degree of freedom, mechanical hard-stops are preferably included at each joint for occupant safety (e.g., preventing the structural column from bending backwards). As with the interface between articulating structural column 20 and base plate 10, the serial element connections of articulating structural column 20 preferably have limited ranges of motion for each degree of freedom. These various joints and limited ranges of motion are what give structural column 20 its articulating descriptor.

[0043] FIG. 7 provides an example of various degrees of freedom introduced to system 1 via articulating structural column 20. This figure shows a close-up view of lower element 201 and two serial intermediate elements 202. The degree of freedom axes are identified with dashed lines and include body twist axis 210 at lower element 201, sideward leaning axes 211 and 213 at the base of each intermediate element 202, and forward leaning axes 212 and 214 also at the base of each intermediate element 202. Hole (or pin) 204 allows integration of articulating structural column 20 to base plate 10 via hole (or pin) 105. The two degrees of freedom on each intermediate element 202 help follow natural movement of the seated occupant, but recall that this number of degrees of freedom or types of hinges are not limiting to the invention. As mentioned above, each degree of freedom is preferably constrained to a limited range of motion for occupant safety. The embodiment shown here limits the motion with mechanical hard-stops. Labeled in the figure are forward leaning hard-stop 205 and sideward leaning hard-stop 206.

[0044] The number of structural elements included in articulating structural column 20 can vary from design to design within the spirit of the invention, taking into consideration the seat design, range of occupants expected, range of weight expected, and required seated range of motion. Their intention is to collectively bend with the seated occupant and at least somewhat follow the changing contour of the occupant's back in the seat during seated motion. The exemplary illustration shows five structural elements. While designs within the spirit of the invention will work with as few as two different element designs, the preferred embodiment has three different element designs. There is lower element 201, intermediate elements 202, and upper element 203. Lower element 201 is different from the others because it includes a pin or hole for a twisting degree of freedom connection with base plate 10. Intermediate elements 202 provide the required degrees of freedom in structural mobility and are essentially a repeated chain. Upper element 203 differs from intermediate elements 202 because its top does not join with another element. Upper element 203 serves as an attachment point for gear adapter 60 at a minimum. This attachment can be at a fixed location / height along the element or can be user adjustable (e.g., via a pin) for occupants of different heights.

[0045] A potential alternate functionality of upper element 203 is to integrate with a seat's restraint system. This is illustrated in FIGS. 8-9, where the shoulder harness 80 of seat 2 is configured to move within upper element 203. In this embodiment, a single width of webbing 801 passes through seat back 3 near the seat's top and is held captive in the top of upper element 203. The means by which single width of webbing 801 is held captive is not critical to the invention, but the preferred embodiment uses a pin. After passing through upper element 203, shoulder harness 80 splits into two widths of webbing 802 to go around the occupant's shoulder. With this arrangement, shoulder harness 80 can operate independently from passive spinal support system 1. That is, an occupant can sit in seat 2, buckle the seat belt and perform their tasks normally without ever engaging passive spinal support system 1. Then if / when the occupant wants relief from gear weight, he / she can attach passive spinal support system 1 via gear adapter 60 without having to make any change to their shoulder harness.

[0046] As articulating structural column 20 follows the occupant around during movement in the seat, elements 201, 202, 203 are intended to maintain gear off-loading from the occupant under impact loads when in the upright (i.e., stacked) position. Their design is preferably hollow for light weight and high strength. Having a hollow inside also enables internal passage of tendon 40 as it travels from resistive load device 30 to anchor 50.

[0047] An exemplary resistive load device 30 is illustrated in FIG. 10. The type of mechanism employed is not specific to the invention, other than that it is passive. That is, resistive load device 30 is unpowered and cannot inject energy into the occupant. Preferably resistive load device operates with an energy storage element such as a spring. Any type of spring could be used depending on the specific design. Constant force springs or power springs are preferred, though other designs could include extension springs, compression springs, or torsional springs within the spirit of the invention. For a single tendon 40 at least one spring-loaded reel can serve as resistive load device 30, which uses an internal, tension-loaded coil spring to maintain and equalize a load applied to tendon 40. Of course, use of multiple reels to increase load carrying capacity, as illustrated, remains within the spirit of the invention. Thus, for two tendons 40 the resistive load device 30 may comprise two spring-loaded reels each wound with an apparatus tendon 303 that terminates at connector 305 to facilitate easy connection to tendons 40 as seen in FIGS. 4 and 10. Different numbers may be used from design to design to balance the intended weight to be off-loaded from an occupant. In this embodiment, resistive load device 30 operates like a reel, with a central passage 301 that enables mounting to base plate 10. The connection between base plate 10 and resistive load device 30 via central passage 301 is preferably fixed, or at least rotationally lockable in embodiments that contain an adjustment mechanism 70. Housing 302 is around central passage 301, apparatus tendon 303 which is wound around the central aspect of housing 302, and an internal spring 304. Apparatus tendon 303 is fixed relative to central passage 301 at one end and terminates with connector 305 at its other end. Apparatus tendon 303 is preferably a long, thin, tensilely stiff element that can be wound, with leading candidates being wire rope and webbing, though this is not limiting to the invention.

[0048] Tendon 40 is illustrated along with anchor 50 in FIG. 11. Note that tendon 40 may be a separate part altogether that links with connector end 305 of apparatus tendon 303, or it may be the same as apparatus tendon 303. The purpose of tendon 40 is to link resistive load device 30 to anchor 50 in a manner that provides resistive force to the movement of articulating structural column 20 in following a seated occupant and off-load gear weight. Similar to, or same as, apparatus tendon 303, tendon 40 is preferably a long, thin, and tensilely stiff element such as wire rope or webbing. It has a long body 401 that extends from fixed end 402 to anchor end 403. In embodiments where tendon 40 is a separate part of system 1, fixed end 402 attaches to connector 305 of apparatus tendon 303 and anchor end 403 attaches to anchor 50. In embodiments where tendon 40 is one and the same as apparatus tendon 303, fixed end 402 attaches to resistive load device 30 and is held fixed relative to central passage 301; anchor end 403 still attaches to anchor 50.

[0049] In the embodiments discussed previously, tendon 40 passed internally through articulating structural column 20. Near the top of articulating structural column 20 upper element 203, tendon 40 is re-directed back to seat back 3, where anchor 50 is fixed, and attaches to tendon connector 502. The connection at tendon connector 502 preferably includes at least one degree of freedom for tendon 40. In these embodiments, body 501 of anchor 50 is fixed to seat 3, preferably with bolts and / or adhesive. In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, tendon 40 may run upward from resistive load device 30 along seat back 3 instead of inside the hollow elements of articulating structural column 20. In this embodiment, tendon redirector 51 changes the upward path of tendon 40 to a forward path toward articulating structural column 20, where tendon 40 is attached at anchor 50. That is, the embodiment of FIG. 12 has anchor 50 located on articulating structural column 20 instead of on seat back 3. Tendon redirector 51 is preferably a roller. Preferably anchor 50 is fixed to upper element 203, though this is not limiting to the invention.

[0050] There may be yet another embodiment where tendon 40 is external to articulating structural column 20, but instead of running along seat back 3 of seat 2 and anchoring on articulating structural column 20 after being redirected forward via tendon redirector 51, it follows along the back of articulating structural column 20, externally, and redirects to an anchor on seat 2. In terms of illustration, this embodiment would look identical to that in FIG. 2 from the angle shown, but tendon 40 would pass upward along the seat-side of articulating structural column 20 before being redirected back to anchor 50 on the seat back 3.

[0051] As mentioned above, gear adapter 60 attaches to articulating structural column 20 and is the part of passive spinal support system 1 that links the weight worn by the occupant to the device for off-loading purposes. FIG. 13 shows an exemplary gear adapter 60. Gear adapter 60 is generally a tensilely stiff yet conformable part that can comfortably contour around different sized occupants and vests. In a preferred embodiment, gear adapter 60 is composed of at least one length of stiff, conformable webbing material 601 that has a column attachment clasp 602 at its upper end for attaching to articulating structural column 20 and gear attachment clasp 603 at its lower end for attaching to an occupant's gear / vest 90. The column attachment clasp 602 preferably allows multiple degrees of freedom. The attachment made at gear attachment clasp 603 is preferably of a quick-release buckle to ensure simple egress in emergencies. Gear adapter 60 may also include slider buckle 604 in embodiments where length adjustment of gear adapter 60 is required, such as the preferred embodiment. Other embodiments may include fixed and / or removable padding at various locations along the length of gear adapter 60 to improve comfort, though this is not required in the invention.

[0052] FIG. 14 shows how gear adapter 60 may interface with a passenger's gear / vest 90. Gear attachment clasp 603 releasably joins with device attachment clasp 901 on gear / vest 90. Device attachment clasp 901 is held fixed to gear / vest 90 via vest connector 902. How vest connector 902 is fixed to gear / vest 90 is not specific to the design and can vary considerably given the wide variety of vests available, but could include direct stitching, hook and loop, buttons, buckles, etc., or be a removable and customizable part that integrates with modular, lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) loops. There may be different numbers of gear adapters 60 for different seat and vest designs, and these all fall within the spirit of the invention. The most commonly practical numbers of gear adapters 60 are one and two.

[0053] For each connection point between the gear / vest 90 and articulating structural column 20 via gear adapter 60, there is preferably an emergency egress feature such as that shown in FIG. 15. The specific design and function will vary depending on how gear attachment clasp 603 mate with device attachment clasp 901. In the embodiment shown egress adapter 605 is situated at the attachment point and has a tether 606 extending therefrom to a handle 607. Once the occupant pulls on handle 607, egress adapter 605 disengages gear attachment clasp 603 from device attachment clasp 901. Tether 606 is not a required component of the egress feature but may make it easier for the occupant to locate handle 607. Handle 607 is not specific to the invention and could be of any design, such as one or more beads, a loop of material (e.g., same material as tether 606), a folded tab of material, or any assortment of handles. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the attachment is made by a pinch-type buckle, so in this instance, egress adapter 605 would create the required pinch action when handle 607 is pulled to disengage the attachment. Another embodiment may use a cam lock buckle, however, and in that case, pulling of handle 607 would lift the cam to release the lock. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate the wide variety of possibilities here that fall within the spirit of the invention.

[0054] FIG. 16 shows an exemplary adjustment mechanism 70 of the present invention. How the adjustment is made is not specific to the invention, just that an adjustment can be made. The means of adjustment would also likely need to change based on the design of resistive load device 30. For the embodiments shown here with a spring-loaded reel as resistive load device 30, FIG. 16 shows a complementary adjustment mechanism 70. Here there is a mounting base 701 that holds adjustment mechanism 70 fixed relative to seat 2. Mounting base 701 may contain a plurality of teeth 702 that mesh with teeth 704 of adjustment plate 703 to hold position of adjustment plate 703 relative to mounting base 701. Pivotably attached to adjustment plate 703 is knob 705 that the user can turn to adjust the set point of energy storage element 304. In the exemplary case of a spring as energy storage element 304, turning knob 705 here would change the pre-load. Turning of knob 705 is preferably releasably locking (e.g., ratcheting) to hold the change fixed. In the embodiment shown, turning of knob 705 changes the set point of energy storage element 304 via adjustment element 706. Examples of adjustment element 706 include wire rope, chain, and timing belts, though these are not limiting. While this embodiment enables fairly fine resolution in the adjustment, one skilled in the art will recognize that a more coarse adjustment mechanism could be implemented just as well, such as using a lever with two positions (e.g., high and low).

[0055] In use, an occupant can sit in seat 2, buckle the seat belt 80 and perform their tasks normally without ever engaging passive spinal support system 1. Then if / when the occupant wants relief from gear weight, he / she can adjust the resistive load device 30 via adjustment mechanism 70 such that it can accommodate the occupant's known gear weight (e.g., by pre-tensioning the reel). The occupant then attaches gear adapter 60 to their gear / vest 90. The occupant performs his / her normal actions in the seat while the articulating structural column 20 acts like a secondary “backbone” to transmit gear loading away from the user's upper torso and directly to the seat 2 structure. This provides an independent or integrated lumbar support system able to supplement the human body's ability to support weight on the upper torso. Moreover, the system 1 is lightweight, unobtrusive so as not to hinder movement, and unpowered to protect the spine of the wearer in a range of high shock or repetitive shock events.

[0056] Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications thereto may obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with the underlying concept. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0038]In reference to FIGS. 1-2, the passive spinal support system 1 of the present invention preferably resides on the front (e.g., occupant facing side) of seat 2. Passive spinal support system 1 is composed of a base plate 10, an articulating structural column 20, a resistive load device 30, a tendon 40, an anchor 50, a gear adapter 60, and an adjustment mechanism 70. The figures show system 1 as mounted to seat back 3 of seat 2 via base plate 10, though this is not meant to be limiting. System 1 could likewise be mounted to seat bucket 4 of seat 2 without any change in its function. In fact, it is the intention of the invention that system 1 is mountable to a plurality of different seat designs with no functional change to system 1, and the only change required is of the mounting approach, which would differ depending on the type of seat and construction of the seat. That is, for mounting purposes the only part of system 1 that may need to change from seat to seat is base plate ...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 765,982 filed 3 Mar. 2025.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] This invention was made with U.S. Government support under contracts N68335-24-C-0138 and N68335-25-C-0122, awarded by Naval Air Warfare Center. The U.S. Government has certain rights in this invention.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to support systems for body-worn equipment, and more particularly, to passive support systems for equipment and / or other body-worn items including vests, backpacks, safety and protective gear, and other military and non-military gear. The invention passively off-loads body-worn item loads to reduce back fatigue, and also during a seated shock event for enhanced protection of the wearer.Description of the Invention

[0004] Occupant survivability is a top priority for the design of military ground vehicles as more than 4,400 casualties in recent conflicts, or over 60% of the total casualties, have been the result of the effects of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on ground vehicles. Operational demand for ground vehicles in areas with high potential for IEDs has increased, and this accentuates the need for enhanced war-fighter protection to vehicular underbody blast events. In addition to the extreme forces resulting from explosive devices, it has been shown that shock and vibration resulting from normal vehicular operations leads to fatigue, back pain, and long-term chronic injuries which result in premature departure of highly trained individuals. Energy absorbing (EA) systems are used within the seat mountings of vehicles to attenuate the loads transmitted to the occupants. These offer protection to soldiers in case of extreme IED events.

[0005] The amount of equipment that soldiers and aviators are required to bear upon their upper torso contributes to the problem. The average weight of such equipment has increased from 5-6 lb in the 1970s-1980s to upwards of 80-100 lb today. This can more than double the total mass supported by an individual's spine, which significantly increases the chances of acute injuries (during extreme events) as well as long-term chronic injuries from normal operations. For example, 80 lb of additional lumbar-supported equipment weight for a soldier experiencing a 20 G pelvic acceleration increases the lumbar compression load by 1600 lb which roughly doubles the expected lumbar load as compared to the same event without the additional equipment. Such a load is above the allowable tolerance for spinal injury under some metrics. One widely utilized performance metric for blast survivability is the Dynamic Response Index (DRI) which was developed in the late 1960's and 1970's for ejection seats and which utilizes a second order differential equation with assumed biodynamic properties (mass, stiffness, damping) to estimate the likelihood of spinal damage. However, this metric utilizes only a pelvis or seat pan acceleration profile for input and assumes a 50th percentile aviator with minimal lumbar-supported equipment. As a result, an acceleration profile which passes DRI may be entirely insufficient to protect a modern, gear laden vehicle occupant. The same is true for other acceleration-based injury metrics (7 millisecond clip, Eiband, etc.) because the tolerable levels were identified with much lower lumbar-supported mass levels.

[0006] Studies are underway to update and develop new injury tolerance metrics based either on spinal (lumbar) load or, if acceleration based, will at least take into account the additional equipment masses that the modern warfighter is expected to wear. These new / updated metrics will have an alarming effect on the perceived performance of currently fielded seating solutions because they will show that many such systems provide inadequate protection.

[0007] More recent studies by experts in vehicular occupant safety have shown that seat-based attenuation systems would require an increased seat stroke of 60-80% to maintain lumbar loads within current tolerance levels with a mass of lumbar-supported equipment of about 45 lb. This is difficult if not impossible since seat stroking distance is already limited and overmatched by blast forces.

[0008] One solution to the problem of increased lumbar-supported weight is simply to off-load the spine, but this is not practical from an operation perspective because much of this equipment is mission and / or safety critical. Methods of alternatively supporting the additional equipment / mass by other structures such as the vehicular seat are possible but suffer from concerns of limited mobility and hindered vehicular egress. What is needed is an independent or integrated lumbar support system able to supplement the human body's ability to support weight on the upper torso. Such a system would need to be lightweight, unobtrusive so as not to hinder movement, and unpowered to protect the spine of the wearer in a range of high shock or repetitive shock events.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is a spinal support system providing a secondary “backbone” to transmit gear loading away from the user's upper torso and directly to the seat structure. The system generally has a gear adapter engaging the body-worn gear of a wearer, an articulating structural column mounted to the seat and to which the upper body adapter is attached, a resistive load device, a tendon, an anchor, and a base plate.

[0010] The gear adapter is the system component that attaches the body-worn gear of a wearer to the articulating structural column. Its purpose is to transmit at least some of the gear weight from the wearer's spine to the structural column, thereby off-loading the wearer's spine. In the preferred embodiment, the gear adapter is a length of webbing that is fixed at one end to the top of the structural column and terminates at the other end with a quick disconnect buckle, the opposite part of which is fixed to the wearer's gear. There may be more than one such adapter in cases where the gear attachment is desired to be along each side of the wearer (e.g., left and right). The webbing is sized to tolerate the expected loads. A quick disconnect buckle is preferable, though not required for the invention, to facilitate emergency egress. It is also preferable in the design that the buckles be configured such that the wearer has an ability to adjust their tension (e.g., pulling more length through the buckle) to affect the amount of gear weight being off-loaded by the system.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment, the articulating structural column is made up of serially stacked elements that are pivotably connected to one another and mechanically biased such that they can only pivot forward in the seat relative to the seat back and cannot go beyond the upright, or fully aligned (e.g., vertically), position. The segmented construction of this preferred embodiment enables articulation of the structural column such that its mobility can at least somewhat follow the occupant as he / she moves about in the seat, thereby providing some level of gear off-loading during this movement. The stacked or “vertebral” elements can be any shape and number depending on the specific needs of the seat and system design, but when fully aligned (e.g., vertically) should have adequate structural strength to resist expected loading conditions. It should be noted that segmented or articulated columns are not intended to limit the invention. For example, an alternate embodiment has the articulating structural column comprised of a single continuum element that has the desired bending characteristics such that it can follow the seated occupant's motion within the seat at least somewhat with little or negligible activation effort required by the occupant.

[0012] The resistive load device is a passive element that reacts to the gear weight being off-loaded. In the preferred embodiment, it is a spring-loaded reel. It may be mounted wherever the seat design allows, but is preferably either at the base of the articulating structural column or behind the seat back. The preferred embodiment further includes an adjustment mechanism on the resistive load device (e.g., spring-loaded reel) such that the apparatus (e.g., pre-tension of a reel) can be adjusted by the wearer to match the weight of their gear if desired.

[0013] The tendon extends from a first end by some length to a second end. In doing so, it mechanically links the resistive load device to the articulating structural column. How it does so depends somewhat on where the resistive load device is mounted relative to the structural column. For the preferred embodiment where the resistive load device is mounted below the base of the column, the tendon is affixed at its first end to the resistive load device and preferably runs along the back (i.e., seat side) of the column elements to a pivot point above, where it then is directed back to and anchored at its second end to the seat. In an alternate embodiment where the resistive load device is mounted below the base of the column with the first end of the tendon affixed to the resistive load device, the tendon may run along the seat to a pivot point above, where it then is directed to the column and anchored thereto at its second end. It should be noted that for the general configuration of this alternate embodiment, the tendon may run, from its first end at the resistive load device, along the seat on either the front (i.e., occupant side) or back to its anchor point for its second end and still be within the spirit of the invention. In an alternate embodiment where the resistive load device is mounted behind the seat back, the tendon may preferably be mounted to the resistive load device at its first end and pass through an aperture in the seat back and anchor directly to a point on the articulating structural column at its second end, without the need for re-direction via a pivot.

[0014] The base plate is the part of the system that mounts the device to a seat. This is ultimately the structural component that transmits the loads from the column into the seat structure and away from the occupant's spine. In the preferred embodiment, the articulating structural column and resistive load device are both mounted on the base plate and the base plate is then mounted to a seat. It is envisioned that the present invention will be applicable to a wide range of seats, and as such, the base plate may be the only part of the device that needs to changes from one seat to another due to different seat geometries, but the other parts of the device are likely to be more seat-agnostic.

[0015] In practice, a seat occupant interacts with the passive spinal support system of the present invention as follows:

[0016] First, the occupant dons gear of a known weight.

[0017] Second, the occupant adjusts the resistive load device such that it can accommodate the known gear weight. In an embodiment where the resistive load device is a spring-loaded reel, the adjustment made by the occupant is to the pre-tension of the reel.

[0018] Third, the occupant sits in the seat in the upright position.

[0019] Fourth, the occupant attaches the gear adapter to his / her gear.

[0020] Fifth, the occupant adjusts the gear adapter such that the desired gear off-loading is felt. In an embodiment where the gear adapter has buckles, the adjustment may involve pulling a length of material (e.g., webbing) through the buckles.

[0021] Sixth, the occupant performs his / her normal actions in the seat while the passive spinal support system off-loads his / her torso of at least some amount of gear weight and transfers it into the seat structure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 depicts an illustration of an exemplary passive spinal support system of the present invention in an upright position.

[0023] FIG. 2 depicts an illustration of an exemplary passive spinal support system of the present invention in a partially forward-leaned position.

[0024] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of the passive spinal support system that is recessed in a seat.

[0025] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the key components of an embodiment of the passive spinal support system of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of base plate 10 of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of articulating structural column 20 of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 depicts exemplary structural elements 201 and 202 of articulating structural column 20 of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an exemplary passive spinal support system in the upright position with the seat's shoulder harness passing therethrough unaffected.

[0030] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an exemplary passive spinal support system in a forward-leaned position with the seat's shoulder harness passing therethrough unaffected.

[0031] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary resistive load device 30 of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary tendon 40 and anchor 50 of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention where tendon 40 runs along the seat back instead of inside articulating structural column 20.

[0034] FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary gear adapter 60 of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary illustration of how gear adapter 60 attaches to an occupant's gear / vest 90.

[0036] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary egress part of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 16 depicts an exemplary adjustment mechanism 70 of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0038] In reference to FIGS. 1-2, the passive spinal support system 1 of the present invention preferably resides on the front (e.g., occupant facing side) of seat 2. Passive spinal support system 1 is composed of a base plate 10, an articulating structural column 20, a resistive load device 30, a tendon 40, an anchor 50, a gear adapter 60, and an adjustment mechanism 70. The figures show system 1 as mounted to seat back 3 of seat 2 via base plate 10, though this is not meant to be limiting. System 1 could likewise be mounted to seat bucket 4 of seat 2 without any change in its function. In fact, it is the intention of the invention that system 1 is mountable to a plurality of different seat designs with no functional change to system 1, and the only change required is of the mounting approach, which would differ depending on the type of seat and construction of the seat. That is, for mounting purposes the only part of system 1 that may need to change from seat to seat is base plate 10, which would be modified to match the specific design of each seat. At the other end, for attaching to gear, gear adapter 60 may also need to change to match the specific designs of various gear-carrying vests.

[0039] FIGS. 1-2 show passive spinal support system 1 being mounted on the front of a seat back 3 of seat 2 via base plate 10. This is simply the preferred method for seats with thick cushions and retro-fit configurations. It should be noted that this is not the only way that system 1 can integrate with a seat. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment where articulating structural column 20 is located within a recession 5 of the seat back 3 such that the fore-most aspect of column 20 does not protrude from the seat back contour. This implementation would likely require a seat to be designed around inclusion of the passive spinal support system 1 of the present invention, however. In the embodiment shown, this may preclude the need for a base plate 10. Further, resistive load device 30 may best be situated at the base of articulating structural column 20 and behind seat back 3 as illustrated. Note that resistive load device 30 could likewise be situated along the front of the seat back 3 and / or in a larger recession 5 within the seat 2 within the spirit of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the key components of the preferred embodiment of the present invention 1. This helps show detail of each component and how they interact with each other as they function. In the preferred embodiment, base plate 10 is affixed to seat back 3 of seat 2. The lower aspect of articulating structural column 20 is mounted to base plate 10, as is resistive load device 30, preferably below structural column 20. Tendon(s) 40 extend from one end that is connected to resistive load device 30 upward to terminate at the other end at anchor 50, which is also preferably mounted to seat 2, preferably near the top of articulating structural column 20 when it is in its neutral (i.e., upright) position. Gear adapter(s) 60 are attached at one end to articulating structural column 20 and, with reference to the seat assembly, are free at their other end. This free end of gear adapter(s) 60 is for connecting to the body-worn gear of the seated occupant. Adjustment mechanism 70 is preferably mounted to seat back 3 and in the proximity of resistive load device 30, but preferably more laterally to facilitate operation by a seated occupant.

[0041] An exemplary base plate 10 is illustrated alone in FIG. 5. As mentioned, base plate 10 is the component that ultimately transmits the loads lifted off the occupant to the seat structure. As such, it is critical that base plate 10 is firmly fixed to seat 2. Preferred methods are bolting and / or bonding, though the method used is not limiting to the invention. Base plate 10 likely changes in design with each different seat design that is being configured with passive spinal support system 1. In a preferred embodiment, base plate 10 has an upper portion 101 for mating with structural column 20 and a lower portion 102 for mating with resistive load device 30. Whether base plate 10 is a single part or subassembly of multiple parts is irrelevant to the invention. Mounting extension 103 protrudes from base plate 10 to provide a footing for articulating structural column 20. Since large loads are to be transmitted from structural column 20 to base plate 10, there may be the need for structural reinforcements 104 on mounting extension 103. Mounting extension 103 preferably contains a hole 105 (or contrarily a pin) for mating with a pin (or contrarily a hole) on the bottom of structural column 20. The joining of structural column 20 to base plate 10 preferably uses a pin to provide a degree of freedom (e.g., twisting). While a pin is preferred, other means could be employed here within the spirit of the invention, such as a ball joint or even a second pin / hinge to add another degree of freedom (e.g., sideward leaning and / or forward leaning). With resistive load device 30 preferably mounted below structural column 20 on base plate 10, there is need for aperture 106 to allow passage of tendon(s) 40, which extends upward from resistive load device 30. Note that while the connection of structural column 20 to base plate 10 preferably has at least one degree of freedom, that degree of freedom is also preferably limited for occupant safety. Clever design may use reinforcements 104 as mechanical hard-stops on the level of travel physically possible, though other types of interference can serve the same purpose.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows an isolated perspective view of articulating structural column 20. This column is composed of a series of structural elements that are connected together with at least one degree of freedom at each joint. If only one degree of freedom is present, the preferred motion is forward leaning via a hinge. Other degrees of freedom could be added within the spirit of the invention, however, such that the occupant has more range of motion to lean and twist as desired when sitting in the seat. Element interfaces with multiple single degree of freedom hinges or ball joints are preferred when more than one degree of freedom is desired. With forward leaning being the preferred degree of freedom, mechanical hard-stops are preferably included at each joint for occupant safety (e.g., preventing the structural column from bending backwards). As with the interface between articulating structural column 20 and base plate 10, the serial element connections of articulating structural column 20 preferably have limited ranges of motion for each degree of freedom. These various joints and limited ranges of motion are what give structural column 20 its articulating descriptor.

[0043] FIG. 7 provides an example of various degrees of freedom introduced to system 1 via articulating structural column 20. This figure shows a close-up view of lower element 201 and two serial intermediate elements 202. The degree of freedom axes are identified with dashed lines and include body twist axis 210 at lower element 201, sideward leaning axes 211 and 213 at the base of each intermediate element 202, and forward leaning axes 212 and 214 also at the base of each intermediate element 202. Hole (or pin) 204 allows integration of articulating structural column 20 to base plate 10 via hole (or pin) 105. The two degrees of freedom on each intermediate element 202 help follow natural movement of the seated occupant, but recall that this number of degrees of freedom or types of hinges are not limiting to the invention. As mentioned above, each degree of freedom is preferably constrained to a limited range of motion for occupant safety. The embodiment shown here limits the motion with mechanical hard-stops. Labeled in the figure are forward leaning hard-stop 205 and sideward leaning hard-stop 206.

[0044] The number of structural elements included in articulating structural column 20 can vary from design to design within the spirit of the invention, taking into consideration the seat design, range of occupants expected, range of weight expected, and required seated range of motion. Their intention is to collectively bend with the seated occupant and at least somewhat follow the changing contour of the occupant's back in the seat during seated motion. The exemplary illustration shows five structural elements. While designs within the spirit of the invention will work with as few as two different element designs, the preferred embodiment has three different element designs. There is lower element 201, intermediate elements 202, and upper element 203. Lower element 201 is different from the others because it includes a pin or hole for a twisting degree of freedom connection with base plate 10. Intermediate elements 202 provide the required degrees of freedom in structural mobility and are essentially a repeated chain. Upper element 203 differs from intermediate elements 202 because its top does not join with another element. Upper element 203 serves as an attachment point for gear adapter 60 at a minimum. This attachment can be at a fixed location / height along the element or can be user adjustable (e.g., via a pin) for occupants of different heights.

[0045] A potential alternate functionality of upper element 203 is to integrate with a seat's restraint system. This is illustrated in FIGS. 8-9, where the shoulder harness 80 of seat 2 is configured to move within upper element 203. In this embodiment, a single width of webbing 801 passes through seat back 3 near the seat's top and is held captive in the top of upper element 203. The means by which single width of webbing 801 is held captive is not critical to the invention, but the preferred embodiment uses a pin. After passing through upper element 203, shoulder harness 80 splits into two widths of webbing 802 to go around the occupant's shoulder. With this arrangement, shoulder harness 80 can operate independently from passive spinal support system 1. That is, an occupant can sit in seat 2, buckle the seat belt and perform their tasks normally without ever engaging passive spinal support system 1. Then if / when the occupant wants relief from gear weight, he / she can attach passive spinal support system 1 via gear adapter 60 without having to make any change to their shoulder harness.

[0046] As articulating structural column 20 follows the occupant around during movement in the seat, elements 201, 202, 203 are intended to maintain gear off-loading from the occupant under impact loads when in the upright (i.e., stacked) position. Their design is preferably hollow for light weight and high strength. Having a hollow inside also enables internal passage of tendon 40 as it travels from resistive load device 30 to anchor 50.

[0047] An exemplary resistive load device 30 is illustrated in FIG. 10. The type of mechanism employed is not specific to the invention, other than that it is passive. That is, resistive load device 30 is unpowered and cannot inject energy into the occupant. Preferably resistive load device operates with an energy storage element such as a spring. Any type of spring could be used depending on the specific design. Constant force springs or power springs are preferred, though other designs could include extension springs, compression springs, or torsional springs within the spirit of the invention. For a single tendon 40 at least one spring-loaded reel can serve as resistive load device 30, which uses an internal, tension-loaded coil spring to maintain and equalize a load applied to tendon 40. Of course, use of multiple reels to increase load carrying capacity, as illustrated, remains within the spirit of the invention. Thus, for two tendons 40 the resistive load device 30 may comprise two spring-loaded reels each wound with an apparatus tendon 303 that terminates at connector 305 to facilitate easy connection to tendons 40 as seen in FIGS. 4 and 10. Different numbers may be used from design to design to balance the intended weight to be off-loaded from an occupant. In this embodiment, resistive load device 30 operates like a reel, with a central passage 301 that enables mounting to base plate 10. The connection between base plate 10 and resistive load device 30 via central passage 301 is preferably fixed, or at least rotationally lockable in embodiments that contain an adjustment mechanism 70. Housing 302 is around central passage 301, apparatus tendon 303 which is wound around the central aspect of housing 302, and an internal spring 304. Apparatus tendon 303 is fixed relative to central passage 301 at one end and terminates with connector 305 at its other end. Apparatus tendon 303 is preferably a long, thin, tensilely stiff element that can be wound, with leading candidates being wire rope and webbing, though this is not limiting to the invention.

[0048] Tendon 40 is illustrated along with anchor 50 in FIG. 11. Note that tendon 40 may be a separate part altogether that links with connector end 305 of apparatus tendon 303, or it may be the same as apparatus tendon 303. The purpose of tendon 40 is to link resistive load device 30 to anchor 50 in a manner that provides resistive force to the movement of articulating structural column 20 in following a seated occupant and off-load gear weight. Similar to, or same as, apparatus tendon 303, tendon 40 is preferably a long, thin, and tensilely stiff element such as wire rope or webbing. It has a long body 401 that extends from fixed end 402 to anchor end 403. In embodiments where tendon 40 is a separate part of system 1, fixed end 402 attaches to connector 305 of apparatus tendon 303 and anchor end 403 attaches to anchor 50. In embodiments where tendon 40 is one and the same as apparatus tendon 303, fixed end 402 attaches to resistive load device 30 and is held fixed relative to central passage 301; anchor end 403 still attaches to anchor 50.

[0049] In the embodiments discussed previously, tendon 40 passed internally through articulating structural column 20. Near the top of articulating structural column 20 upper element 203, tendon 40 is re-directed back to seat back 3, where anchor 50 is fixed, and attaches to tendon connector 502. The connection at tendon connector 502 preferably includes at least one degree of freedom for tendon 40. In these embodiments, body 501 of anchor 50 is fixed to seat 3, preferably with bolts and / or adhesive. In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, tendon 40 may run upward from resistive load device 30 along seat back 3 instead of inside the hollow elements of articulating structural column 20. In this embodiment, tendon redirector 51 changes the upward path of tendon 40 to a forward path toward articulating structural column 20, where tendon 40 is attached at anchor 50. That is, the embodiment of FIG. 12 has anchor 50 located on articulating structural column 20 instead of on seat back 3. Tendon redirector 51 is preferably a roller. Preferably anchor 50 is fixed to upper element 203, though this is not limiting to the invention.

[0050] There may be yet another embodiment where tendon 40 is external to articulating structural column 20, but instead of running along seat back 3 of seat 2 and anchoring on articulating structural column 20 after being redirected forward via tendon redirector 51, it follows along the back of articulating structural column 20, externally, and redirects to an anchor on seat 2. In terms of illustration, this embodiment would look identical to that in FIG. 2 from the angle shown, but tendon 40 would pass upward along the seat-side of articulating structural column 20 before being redirected back to anchor 50 on the seat back 3.

[0051] As mentioned above, gear adapter 60 attaches to articulating structural column 20 and is the part of passive spinal support system 1 that links the weight worn by the occupant to the device for off-loading purposes. FIG. 13 shows an exemplary gear adapter 60. Gear adapter 60 is generally a tensilely stiff yet conformable part that can comfortably contour around different sized occupants and vests. In a preferred embodiment, gear adapter 60 is composed of at least one length of stiff, conformable webbing material 601 that has a column attachment clasp 602 at its upper end for attaching to articulating structural column 20 and gear attachment clasp 603 at its lower end for attaching to an occupant's gear / vest 90. The column attachment clasp 602 preferably allows multiple degrees of freedom. The attachment made at gear attachment clasp 603 is preferably of a quick-release buckle to ensure simple egress in emergencies. Gear adapter 60 may also include slider buckle 604 in embodiments where length adjustment of gear adapter 60 is required, such as the preferred embodiment. Other embodiments may include fixed and / or removable padding at various locations along the length of gear adapter 60 to improve comfort, though this is not required in the invention.

[0052] FIG. 14 shows how gear adapter 60 may interface with a passenger's gear / vest 90. Gear attachment clasp 603 releasably joins with device attachment clasp 901 on gear / vest 90. Device attachment clasp 901 is held fixed to gear / vest 90 via vest connector 902. How vest connector 902 is fixed to gear / vest 90 is not specific to the design and can vary considerably given the wide variety of vests available, but could include direct stitching, hook and loop, buttons, buckles, etc., or be a removable and customizable part that integrates with modular, lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) loops. There may be different numbers of gear adapters 60 for different seat and vest designs, and these all fall within the spirit of the invention. The most commonly practical numbers of gear adapters 60 are one and two.

[0053] For each connection point between the gear / vest 90 and articulating structural column 20 via gear adapter 60, there is preferably an emergency egress feature such as that shown in FIG. 15. The specific design and function will vary depending on how gear attachment clasp 603 mate with device attachment clasp 901. In the embodiment shown egress adapter 605 is situated at the attachment point and has a tether 606 extending therefrom to a handle 607. Once the occupant pulls on handle 607, egress adapter 605 disengages gear attachment clasp 603 from device attachment clasp 901. Tether 606 is not a required component of the egress feature but may make it easier for the occupant to locate handle 607. Handle 607 is not specific to the invention and could be of any design, such as one or more beads, a loop of material (e.g., same material as tether 606), a folded tab of material, or any assortment of handles. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the attachment is made by a pinch-type buckle, so in this instance, egress adapter 605 would create the required pinch action when handle 607 is pulled to disengage the attachment. Another embodiment may use a cam lock buckle, however, and in that case, pulling of handle 607 would lift the cam to release the lock. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate the wide variety of possibilities here that fall within the spirit of the invention.

[0054] FIG. 16 shows an exemplary adjustment mechanism 70 of the present invention. How the adjustment is made is not specific to the invention, just that an adjustment can be made. The means of adjustment would also likely need to change based on the design of resistive load device 30. For the embodiments shown here with a spring-loaded reel as resistive load device 30, FIG. 16 shows a complementary adjustment mechanism 70. Here there is a mounting base 701 that holds adjustment mechanism 70 fixed relative to seat 2. Mounting base 701 may contain a plurality of teeth 702 that mesh with teeth 704 of adjustment plate 703 to hold position of adjustment plate 703 relative to mounting base 701. Pivotably attached to adjustment plate 703 is knob 705 that the user can turn to adjust the set point of energy storage element 304. In the exemplary case of a spring as energy storage element 304, turning knob 705 here would change the pre-load. Turning of knob 705 is preferably releasably locking (e.g., ratcheting) to hold the change fixed. In the embodiment shown, turning of knob 705 changes the set point of energy storage element 304 via adjustment element 706. Examples of adjustment element 706 include wire rope, chain, and timing belts, though these are not limiting. While this embodiment enables fairly fine resolution in the adjustment, one skilled in the art will recognize that a more coarse adjustment mechanism could be implemented just as well, such as using a lever with two positions (e.g., high and low).

[0055] In use, an occupant can sit in seat 2, buckle the seat belt 80 and perform their tasks normally without ever engaging passive spinal support system 1. Then if / when the occupant wants relief from gear weight, he / she can adjust the resistive load device 30 via adjustment mechanism 70 such that it can accommodate the occupant's known gear weight (e.g., by pre-tensioning the reel). The occupant then attaches gear adapter 60 to their gear / vest 90. The occupant performs his / her normal actions in the seat while the articulating structural column 20 acts like a secondary “backbone” to transmit gear loading away from the user's upper torso and directly to the seat 2 structure. This provides an independent or integrated lumbar support system able to supplement the human body's ability to support weight on the upper torso. Moreover, the system 1 is lightweight, unobtrusive so as not to hinder movement, and unpowered to protect the spine of the wearer in a range of high shock or repetitive shock events.

[0056] Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications thereto may obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with the underlying concept. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0038]In reference to FIGS. 1-2, the passive spinal support system 1 of the present invention preferably resides on the front (e.g., occupant facing side) of seat 2. Passive spinal support system 1 is composed of a base plate 10, an articulating structural column 20, a resistive load device 30, a tendon 40, an anchor 50, a gear adapter 60, and an adjustment mechanism 70. The figures show system 1 as mounted to seat back 3 of seat 2 via base plate 10, though this is not meant to be limiting. System 1 could likewise be mounted to seat bucket 4 of seat 2 without any change in its function. In fact, it is the intention of the invention that system 1 is mountable to a plurality of different seat designs with no functional change to system 1, and the only change required is of the mounting approach, which would differ depending on the type of seat and construction of the seat. That is, for mounting purposes the only part of system 1 that may need to change from seat to seat is base plate ...

Claims

1. A passive spinal support system to off-load body-worn gear weight of a seated occupant comprising:an articulating structural column fixed at one end to a seat and extending to a free end configured to follow movement of an occupant seated in said seat, said articulating structural column being comprised of at least two discrete structural elements movably-connected together to permit at least one degree of freedom of movement within a constrained range of movement to the free end of said articulating structural column;a resistive load device that is fixed to said seat, said resistive load device containing at least one passive energy storage element;a tendon that extends a length from a first end to a second end, said first end being mechanically coupled to said resistive load device and said second end being mechanically coupled to an anchor such that said length enables said second end of articulating structural column to restoratively follow movement of a seated occupant; andat least one gear adapter extending from a first end that attaches to said articulating structural column to a second end that releasably attaches to body-worn gear of a seated occupant.

2. The passive spinal support system of claim 1, further comprising a base plate, said base plate being configured to be affixed to said seat for mounting of at least one of said articulating structural column and said resistive load device thereto.

3. The passive spinal support system of claim 1, further comprising an adjustment mechanism that is linked to said resistive load device, said adjustment mechanism enabling a seated occupant to make at least one set point adjustment of said passive energy storage element.

4. The passive spinal support system of claim 1, wherein said anchor is fixed to said seat and said articulating structural column further comprises a tendon redirector for redirecting said tendon, said tendon passing internally through said discrete structural elements.

5. The passive spinal support system of claim 1, wherein said anchor is fixed to said seat and said articulating structural column further comprises a tendon redirector for redirecting said tendon, said tendon passing externally along said discrete structural elements.

6. The passive spinal support system of claim 1, wherein said anchor is fixed to said articulating structural column and said system further comprises a tendon redirector for redirecting said tendon, said tendon passing externally from said discrete structural elements.

7. The passive spinal support system of claim 1, further comprising an emergency egress adapter configured to disconnect a point of attachment between said at least one gear adapter and said body-worn gear.

8. The passive spinal support system of claim 1, further comprising a device attachment clasp configured for engagement or disengagement of said at least one gear adapter to said body-worn gear.

9. The passive spinal support system of claim 1, wherein said at least one gear adapter is adjustable in length.

10. The passive spinal support system of claim 1, wherein said articulating structural column includes means for free operation of a seat restraint system, including but not limited to a shoulder harness.

11. The passive spinal support system of claim 1, said articulating structural column has a neutral resting position upright along the seat back.

12. The passive spinal support system of claim 1, wherein said resistive load device is a spring-loaded reel.

13. The passive spinal support system of claim 1, wherein said individual structural elements are hollow.

14. A passive spinal support system for an occupant of a vehicle seat, comprising:a support base attached to said vehicle seat;an articulating structural column pivotally attached at one end to said support base and extending to a distal end, said articulating structural column further comprising a plurality of discrete structural elements connected together end-to-end at a joint having at least one degree of freedom such that said articulating structural column is configured to track movement of the occupant seated in said vehicle seat;at least one resistive load device attached to said support base;at least one tendon extending from said resistive load device, journalled through the distal end of said articulating structural column and anchored;a coupling at the distal end of said articulating structural column configured for securement to said seated occupant;whereby the distal end of said articulating structural column restoratively follows movement of said seated occupant.

15. The passive spinal support system according to claim 14, wherein said at least one resistive load device comprises a spring-loaded reel attached to said support base.

16. The passive spinal support system according to claim 14, wherein said at least one resistive load device comprises a pair of spring-loaded reels attached to said support base, and said at least one tendon comprises a corresponding pair of tendons.

17. The passive spinal support system according to claim 14, wherein said at least one tendon extends from said resistive load device, is journalled through the distal end of said articulating structural column, and is attached to the vehicle seat.

18. The passive spinal support system according to claim 14, wherein said coupling further comprises at least one gear adapter configured for releasable attachment to an article of body-worn gear of said seated occupant.

19. The passive spinal support system according to claim 14, wherein said plurality of discrete structural elements are configured to constrain movement of said articulating structural column to a constrained range of movement.

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