US20170360204A1

US20170360204A1 - Adjustable spinal support apparatus, system, and device

Info

Publication number: US20170360204A1
Application number: US15/531,214
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott L. Ellis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-12-03
Filing date: 2015-12-01
Publication date: 2017-12-21

Abstract

An adjustable spinal support apparatus, system, and device is described. The adjustable spinal support allows for easy customization of a desired spinal contour. The support provides a structure for using non-deforming space adjusters, individually or in combination, to create various thicknesses along the length of the support. The support may be removably secured to a recliner, or a reference contour. A reference contour may provide convenience and portability in some applications. A padding (or cover) may be attached to the adjustable spinal support or attached to both the adjustable spinal support and a reference contour.

Description

CLAIM TO PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119 AND 120

The present application for patent claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 62/139,253 filed on Mar. 27, 2015, entitled, “ADJUSTABLE SPINAL SUPPORT APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND DEVICE,” owned by the applicant hereof, and expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Also, the present application for patent is a continuation in part (CIP) of and claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/559,710 filed on Dec. 3, 2014, entitled, “ADJUSTABLE SPINAL SUPPORT APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND DEVICE,” owned by the applicant hereof, and expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

I. Field

The disclosed embodiments relate to an adjustable spinal support apparatus, system, and device.

II. BACKGROUND

Many people suffer from some form of spinal injury. Injuries can be caused from trauma like a car accident, or simply from deterioration over time. Common spinal injuries can cause severe pain if the spine is not supported in a certain position. There are many different types of spinal injuries that can occur. A common spinal injury, for example, is a slipped disc. A slipped disc (intervertebral disc) may push in a particular direction, causing the vertebra body to lose symmetry and height. The vertebra can experience strain as its “shock absorber” isn't functioning properly. Also, a slipped disc can bulge and push on a nerve causing pain. Limiting the motion of the injured area can help reduce pain and encourage recovery. Another type of spinal injury is degenerative disc disease. There are many different types of degenerative disc disease that have different cause and effects. For example, with Spondylolisthesis, if the joints or discs degenerate enough, they can become mechanically ineffective, causing one vertebral body to slip forward on another deforming the spine. This can be quite painful. Sometimes the back's muscles try to adjust for the instability caused by the deformation and spasm as a result. This can cause pain as well. Again, providing support can take pressure off the back and its muscles and allow them to rest, not spasm, or cause pain. Many spinal injuries benefit from motion-limitation as provided by a spinal support. One of the problems with current spinal supports is that they are soft and/or conforming. They do not provide the firm stability that is often needed and/or desired in a spinal support. For example, a “memory foam” type support will compress and conform when force is applied, and spring back into shape when the force is removed. Or another example, common back and neck supports are constructed of pillows or chambers filled with gel, air, or stuffing that also have deformability characteristic to them. Often these fail to provide the accuracy and level of stability and/or firmness needed to reduce pain. Moreover, these types of supports can't be adjusted to the exact support and shape people want for their specific spinal injury. For example, a spinal injury can occur anywhere on the spine causing it to lean or tilt or move in many different directions. People need to be able to customize the support to their exact preference. Sometimes just being off by fractions of an inch in the adjustment can cause pain. Moreover, the support may need to change over time. Some spinal injuries are temporary, while others progressively worsen over time. So non-conforming and/or accurate customizable supports are needed. Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide an adjustable spinal support apparatus, system, and device.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, an apparatus for adjustable spinal support, is described comprising: at least one thickness adjuster; a support base that supports a plurality of thickness adjusters, wherein the thickness adjusters are incompressible; a securer attached to the support base, wherein the securer secures the at least one thickness adjuster to the base; and a support fastener attached to the support base and a reference contour.
In yet another embodiment, a device for adjustable spinal support, is described, comprising: a support structure comprising a plurality of stretchable tubular shaped receptacles; at least one spacer, wherein the spacer comprises substantially incompressible thickness; wherein at least one tubular receptacle contains at least one spacer; and a support fastener attached to the support structure, wherein the fastener attaches the support structure to a contour reference.
In another embodiment, an adjustable spinal support, is described, comprising: means for supporting a plurality of thickness spacers, wherein the thickness spacers are non-deforming; means for securing at least one thickness spacer to the means for supporting; and means for fastening the adjustable spinal support to a means for reference.
In an embodiment, an apparatus for adjustable spinal support, is described, comprising: at least one thickness adjuster; a support base that supports a plurality of thickness adjusters, wherein the thickness adjusters are incompressible; a securer attached to the support base, wherein the securer secures the at least one thickness adjuster to the base; and a support fastener attached to the support base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following embodiments may be better understood by referring to the following figures. The figures are presented for illustration purposes only, and may not be drawn to scale or show every feature, orientation, or detail of the embodiments. Some of the components in a view of the embodiments may be missing in order to help clearly illustrate the embodiments being described. They are simplified to help one of skill in the art understand the embodiments readily, and should not be considered limiting.

FIG. 1. illustrates a car seat view of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 2A. illustrates an embodiment(s) of the adjustable spinal support.

FIG. 2B. illustrates another embodiment(s) of the adjustable spinal support.

FIG. 3A. illustrates yet another embodiment(s) of the adjustable spinal support.

FIG. 3B. illustrates another embodiment(s) of the adjustable spinal support.

FIG. 4. illustrates an embodiment(s) of the adjustable spinal support.

FIG. 5. illustrates a bed view of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 6. illustrates a simplified spinal segment comprising a disc injury.

FIG. 7A. illustrates a side view with a reference contour of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 7B. illustrates an oversimplified side view of just spacers including use of tapered spacers of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 8. illustrates a topside view using supports with a reference contour of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 9. illustrates a backside view with a reference contour of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 10.A illustrates an oval shaped reference contour with a handle of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 10.B illustrates an back-shaped reference contour with a handle of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 10.C. illustrates an curved shaped reference contour with a handle of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 10.D illustrates a shaped reference contour with a handle of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 10.E illustrates a rectangular shaped reference contour with a handle of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 11A. illustrates a spinal support with a padding of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 11B. illustrates a spinal support with a reference contour with a cover of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 11C. illustrates a spinal support with a reference contour with another cover of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 12A. illustrates some more details of the spacers of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 12B. illustrates some more details of the spacers of the embodiment(s).

FIG. 12C. illustrates some more details of the spacers with a taper of the embodiment(s).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Each of the additional features and teachings disclosed below may be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and teachings to provide an adjustable spinal support. Representative examples of the following embodiments, will now be described in further detail with reference to the attached drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art details for practicing the preferred aspects of the embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments.
The disclosed embodiments describe an adjustable spinal support apparatus, system, method, and device. As mentioned previously, many people suffer from many different types of spinal injuries. FIG. 6. helps to illustrates a type of spinal injury. FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified spinal segment 600 comprising a disc injury. As is commonly known, the spine is comprised of vertebras or vertebra bodies 605. Normally, healthy discs 615 help cushion and act as “shock absorbers” in-between the vertebras 605. Nerves 610 run out from, and around from, the vertebras. When an injured disc 620 that isn't functioning properly causes the spine to be deformed and tilt, lean, or place additional pressure on areas of the spine pain may result. For example, nerve 630 may be pinched from the unsupported vertebras, or an injured disc 640 may be pushing on a nerve and cause pain. Limiting the motion of the deformed spine may help reduce pain and/or promote recovery.
Often people with injured spines need or desire a firm, consistent, customizable (adjustable) spinal support to help relieve pain and/or encourage recovery. People when sitting, driving, sleeping, etc. tend to recline in a variety of positions depending on the setting. For example, a person may want a different support contour in one setting over another. They may want a different contour at different times and/or over time. A person with a spinal injury may want a specific contour while driving that is different from a contour while reclining in a chair or laying in bed. So the support needs to be customizable while working in a variety of reclining settings. Also, because movement or lack of support may cause pain, a firm and consistent contour is desirable. Moreover, it may be useful if the adjustability and use of the support is simple, affordable, and convenient.
The various embodiments basically comprise, broadly speaking, four main “functionalities.” Some of these functionalities may be shared together in one component. Some of the embodiments may be missing one of the main functionalities. The main functionalities are described in terms of broad categories for the sake of simplicity of understanding and should not be construed to limit. They are broadly speaking a base, thickness adjusters, adjuster securer, and support fastener. The base and/or adjuster securer provides a structure for the adjusters, which in turn combined, produce the customized contour down the length of the spine or a segment of the spine. The fastener removably secures the spinal support to a recliner. A recliner may be any structure that a person sits on like a chair, car seat, office chair, seat, back rest, Lazyboy®, lawn chair, cushion, lounge, sofa, airplane seat, stretcher, bed platform, box spring, a wheelchair etc. A recliner may also be a bed, mattress, cot, hospital bed, gurney, or anything a person may lie down on. Collectively a recliner may be described as a reclining device. Referring now to the figures for more detailed explanation.
FIG. 1 illustrates a car seat view 100 of the embodiment(s). The recliner or reclining device 101 shown in FIG. 1 is a common generic car seat. The support base, base, base portion, or support structure 105 in this embodiment comprises a series of tubular shaped receptacles that may retain the thickness adjusters, spacers, thickness spacers, or contour adjustors 115. In this embodiment the thickness spacer securer, thickness adjuster securer, or spacer securer, is built into the base portion. e.g. the tubular shaped receptacles 125 that hold the spacers. Thus, in some embodiments the securer 125 may be an inherent part of the base 105. A support fastener, stabilizer, support stabilizing system, support stabilizer, or fastener 110 secures the support to a recliner. As it may be seen from FIG. 1 the spacers may be used individually or combined to create varying widths along the base (spinal area) that in turn create a customizable support contour. The call out view of the spacers shows six spacers being used in conjunction to create a different width on that specific area of the spine. The thickness adjusters may be easily pulled in and out of the tubular receptacles to adjust the contour as desired. Side view A shows how an embodiment may be a single layer 120 of tubular receptacles 125. For more width adjustment range, a double or multiple layer 130 of tubular receptacles may be used as shown in side view B. In an embodiment of a multiple layer tubular receptacle, the base portion 135 may be in-between the tubular layers. The base portion 135, however, may be on one side of the layers, or built into the layers as shown with base portion 105. Side view C shows how the multiple layered embodiment 140 may be filled with adjusters to show the additional depth that is producible.
In an embodiment, the tubular receptacles may be constructed relatively affordably and simply from, for example, a stretchable fabric like a knit that contains some Spandex®. Any material that is slightly elastic in nature may work for the purpose. For example, a knit fabric, mesh, membrane, ligature, corduroy, or netting may work. In this embodiment, the “tubes” may securely hold one adjuster and/or stretch to hold a plurality of adjusters. An empty receptacle, would provide no significant difference in the back contour for that area on the base. The receptacles, across the length of the base, may be configured in a variety of quantities to adjust contour granularity. In an embodiment there may be three receptacles across the length of the base. The receptacles are sized to securely house (hold) the spacers and may vary in width depending on the type of spinal support desired. If there are three receptacles across the length of the base, they may be for example, about ten inches in width. In this embodiment, the receptacles are wider and provide less granularity in the contour shape. For example, the base may comprise three to ten receptacles that vary in width from ten inches to two inches respectively. In another embodiment, for example, a spinal support that requires higher granularity or customization may have twenty-four smaller dimensioned receptacles (“tubes”). In this example, the tubes may be about an inch wide and provide more accurate support. As one of skill in the art can ascertain, the size and amount of the receptacles may vary to adjust the contour granularity of the spinal support as desired.
Moreover, the receptacles and/or spacers may be spaced close together down the length of the support, or spaced apart from each other down the length of the support depending on the desired effect. For example, in the embodiment of tubular receptacles the receptacles are spaced very close to each other, in fact, they may share a common seam. However, the tubular receptacles may also be spaced apart from each other without sharing a common seam as well. In an embodiment, the spacers may be spaced apart from each other down the length of the support anywhere from a quarter of an inch to three inches or more.
In addition, the spacers may be a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the desired embodiment and affect. In an embodiment the spacers may be oblong or rectangular shaped. The spacers may have rounded, tapered or beveled edges for comfort. They may be sized to fit within the thickness securers. For example, they may be an inch to ten inches wide. They may be long or short in length depending on the embodiment. For example, when using the spinal support on a bed, the length of the spacers may be longer than for a car use. A person may wish to create a spinal support over a large area of a bed. In that embodiment, the spacers may be anywhere between one inch and seventy-six inches in length (or about the width of the bed). Additionally, a person may have a “bucket” car seat and need spacers that are shorter to fit inside the car seat properly. In another embodiment, the spacers may be four-six inches in length, so that two spacers of four-six inches in length may be placed inside a single thickness securer to create the effect of a single eight-twelve inch spacer.
The spacers (a.k.a. thickness adjusters) may be fairly rigid or firm. They may be made from a material, substance, or any combination of such that is substantially incompressible or basically non-deforming. Substantially incompressible or incompressible here means that ordinary distributed force will not compress it. Most materials may be compressed with enough pressure and/or over a limited area. For example, a piece of wood may be compressed by a screwdriver being pushed with great force on it. But a force that is distributed across some area of the wood will not compress the wood. For example, a child sitting on a wooden swing seat. Some materials hardness are described with specific units like rubber in terms of durometer. That said, the adjusters may be constructed from a plurality of materials that may provide the substantially incompressible or incompressible characteristics desired and one of skill in the art would know how to make and use the material to provide the desired firmness without the need for specific units provided. As a general guidance, materials typically having durometer, on a Shore A scale greater than 30 would suffice. The spacers may be made from or any combination of, for example, plastic, wood, metal, firm foam, rubber, rubberized material, fiberglass, cork, cardboard, particle board, polymer, composite, thermoplastic, elastomer, polymer, etc.
FIG. 2A. illustrates an embodiment(s) of the adjustable spinal support 200. In an embodiment, the base portion 205 comprises one or more strips of material that provide the structure for the adjusters 215. The base portion 205 may be constructed, for example, from strips of rubberized mat. In general, the base portion 205 may be constructed of any material or combination of that is flexible but sturdy like nylon belting for example. The base portion 205 may be comprised of a rectangular piece of reinforced fabric, firm foam, nylon belting, solid piece of fabric, knit fabric, rubberized mat, piece of vinyl, leather, plastic, woven belting, etc.
In an embodiment the spinal support may be constructed to be ventilated, or breathable to help reduce moisture.
In an embodiment, thickness adjuster securers 225 may be formed from soft rubber-like pegs. The pegs may be placed along the base portion 205 and receive the adjusters 215. The thickness adjuster securers 225 may be few or many and spaced as desired. Support fastener 210 may be any type of mechanism, device, system, or combination thereof that secures the spinal support to a recliner. For example, support fastener 210 may be a loop of elastic attached on both ends to the base that may be stretched to go over a headrest on a car seat.
FIG. 2B. illustrates another embodiment(s) of the adjustable spinal support 200. Support stabilizer 210 is shown as an adjustable strap with mating connectors 212. A variety of materials/parts may be used to construct the support stabilizer 210 as one of skill in the art would readily determine. For example, the fastener may be a system, harness, straps, ties, rope, elastic, belt, nylon belt, woven belting, a horizontal and vertical system, a vertical system, a horizontal system, strands of fabric, ribbon, bungee-type rope, etc.
FIG. 2B illustrates how the securer 225 may be configured in an embodiment. The securer 225 may be constructed from the same types of material as described for that of the support fastener 210. In and embodiment, securer 225 may be made from an adjustable belt that weaves in and out of the base 205 to allow the thickness adjuster(s) (a.k.a. forms) 215 to slide under. The securer 225 may be tightened down from the back 220 and secure the thickness adjuster(s) 215.
FIG. 3A. illustrates yet another embodiment(s) of the adjustable spinal support 300. In an embodiment the support base 305 comprises a surface like Velcro® that the thickness spacer 315 may attached to. The Velcro® would be the thickness spacers securer 325 portion of the support base. The thickness spacer 315 may have a mating Velcro® surface on their bottom side enabling them to adhere to the support base 305. Side view of thickness spacer 315 illustrates this concept. The stabilizer 310 may be, for example, pieces of cording attached to the support base 305 that may be tied 312 around a recliner to secure the spinal support in place.
FIG. 3B. illustrates another embodiment(s) of the adjustable spinal support 300. In an embodiment the base 305 comprises male or female snaps. The snaps may be considered the spacer securer 325 portion of the base 305. Spacer(s) 315 would have mating male or female snaps on them that would enable them to attach to the base 305 in a secure manner. Side view of spacer(s) 315 illustrates how the snaps may be placed on the bottom portion. The snaps may be plastic, heavy duty, nylon etc. Fastener 310 may be a system of straps that have mating connector ends 312 such that the straps may attach the spinal support 300 to a recliner 101 in a secure but detachable manner. The spacer securer 325 may be made of ligature, tongue in groove joints or any type of connections as is well known in the art.
FIG. 4. illustrates an embodiment(s) of the adjustable spinal support 400. In an embodiment, the support structure 405 may comprise holes or slots where a portion of the spacer 415 may poke through the holes or slots 407 and be secured by a spacer securer 425 on the backside of the base. For example, a cotter pin may be pushed through a small opening 418 located on the bottom side of the spacer 415. FIG. 4 helps illustrate another embodiment of the spacer. The spacer(s) may be stacked or combined loosely not connecting to each other, may be formed with a single solid thickness, or may be able to connect to each other like Legos® to create the desired thicknesses. FIG. 4 helps illustrate this concept. For example, spacer 415A shows the spacer 415 being connected 417 to each other like Legos®. However, one of skill in the art would know that any number of types of connections may be used to accomplish the same function as is well known in the art. While spacer 415B shows how the spacer may be a single thickness individually. FIG. 4 illustrates how the support structure 405 may be a different shapes like an oval, oblong, square, or rectangle. Fastener 410 may be an elastic loop securely attached to one end of the base, and secured in a removably detachable fashion with a snap or connector on the other end.
FIG. 5. illustrates a bed view of the embodiment(s) 500. The recliner in this view is a bed 501. The base 505 may be larger sized spanning the width of the mattress. The support stabilizing system 510 may be a system that secures the base 505 to the mattress. The adjuster securer 525 as shown here may be stretchable tubular shaped receptacles. The contour adjustor 515 as shown in this embodiment may be varying in numbers within adjuster securer 525 to create a customized spinal contour. In addition, support stabilizing system 510 may comprise something as simple as sticky type substance on the bottom side of the base that would prevent the base from slipping around while in use. For example, a type of silicon based layer may allow the base 505 to be removably secured on the bed 501.
In another embodiment, a method for using an adjustable spinal support apparatus, system, and device is described. A spinal support is placed on a recliner by using a fastener to removably secure the spinal support to the recliner. The fastener may be attached to a base portion of the spinal support. A base portion is configured to house (hold) a plurality of thickness adjusters. The thickness adjusters are removably secured to the base. A person may customize the spinal contour to their exact preference by adding and subtracting the thickness spacers along the length the spinal support.
In an embodiment, a reference contour (reference, back reference, or portable reference) may be used with the disclosed embodiments. The reference contour may be a support mechanism that enables the adjustable spinal support to be attached to it. The reference contour may provide a contour that enables a user to fine tune their preferences of spinal support, contour, thicknesses, etc., on a platform that is portable but a consistent reference. This may be a desired convenience for some users. This may help a user create a specific (custom) support contour that can be moved to various recliners (or environments) without perhaps needing to recreate a contour for the new environment. For example, the support base, thickness adjusters, and securer (or any of the disclosed embodiments) may be attached to the reference contour using the support fastener instead of attaching to a recliner. The support fastener may be one as already disclosed above, or may be one as described below. In an embodiment, utilizing a reference (reference contour), a user may now be able to move the portable spinal support to another location or device like an airplane seat without needing to readjust or significantly readjust the specific contour.
A reference contour may comprise, but is not limited to, wood, plastic, metal, molding, particle board, engineered board, material, foam, cork, firm foam, rubber, rubberized material, fiberglass, cardboard, particle board, polymer, composite, thermoplastic, elastomer, polymer, etc., or any combinations thereof. The reference contour's shape and/or surfaces may be solid, perforated, semi-solid, smooth, semi-smooth, textured, flat, contoured, beveled, or curved. The reference contour may be rectangular, square, oblong, oval, or hour glassed, in shape, any combinations thereof, or any suitable shape for the application as a reference contour.
In FIG. 7A the adjustable spinal support 705, as described above, is shown attached to the reference contour 700. Also, shown in FIG. 7A the concept of the multiple layered embodiments 140 is shown how it may be attached to the reference contour 700. One layer is shown as 710 and another layer is shown as 730. A spacer inside the adjuster securer is shown as 720. In an embodiment, the multiple layers 710 and 730 can each hold up to three spacers. In another embodiment, the multiple layers 710 and 730 can each hold between 1-10 spacers.
FIG. 7B shows an oversimplified view of how spacers 720 and 740 may be fitted together to form a contour. Spacer 740 may be tapered, as shown in FIG. 12C, on one or more ends to lessen the step between spacers.
In an embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, horizontal or vertical supports 810, termed herein as stabilizers, may be added to attach to the reference contour 800 and the adjustable spinal support 805 in order to help keep the adjustable spinal support 805 positioned in place on the reference contour 800. The horizontal or vertical supports 810 shown in FIG. 8 are shown as spring loaded straps (like elastic or bungee cord) that are placed horizontally from the back of the reference contour 800 across the top surface of the adjustable spinal support 805. Three horizontal or vertical supports 810 are shown, but as many as are required or desired may be included, or any combinations thereof. The horizontal or vertical supports 810 may comprise a variety of materials (not just spring loaded) as is well known in the art. Also, the horizontal or vertical supports 810 in an embodiment may be structures that are attached to the bottom, top, or inner surfaces of the adjustable spinal support 805 that can travel down into or attach to the reference contour 800. For example, cords can be sewn into the tubular shaped receptacles 125 that come down through or attach to the reference contour 800 for added support.
The spinal support 905 may be attached to the reference contour 900 in a variety of manners. For example, the support may be attached to the reference contour with mating connectors 920 as shown in FIG. 9 In addition, snaps of various materials (plastic, metal) as is known in the art may be used. In an embodiment, the support may be attached to the reference contour with a flap 940 that folds over towards the back of the reference contour from the spinal support on the front. The flap 940 may be constructed to be firm, or not that stretchable across the length L in order to provide tension and support across the whole length of the spinal support and not just at the points of attachment at 920: more connectors across the length L may also accomplish this function. In an embodiment, strings, straps, laces, Velcro, snaps, buttons, hooks, eyehooks, cotter pins, buckles, belts, connectors, interlocks, attachment systems, or any combination thereof may be used to connect the spinal support to the reference contour. In an embodiment, the cover (or padding) may hold the spinal support onto the reference contour.
In an embodiment, the reference contour may have smooth surfaces, with one axis in a rectangular with rounded corners shape, and the other axis with a curved shape (back shape). An example of this configuration is shown in FIG. 10B. The reference contour, depending on the desired application, construction, and materials may be anywhere from 1/16^thof an inch thick to 3 inches thick, with a length of 6 inches to 6 feet, and a width of 6 inches to 6 feet. In some embodiments the reference may be longer or wider to conform to a bed size. In an embodiment, the reference contour 700,800, 900 is ½ inch thick, comprising wood, with a rectangle shape on one axis, and a flat shape on the other axis as shown in FIG.7-9. In an embodiment the reference contour has a handle for user convenience. The handle may be firm or flexible. The handle may comprise a traditional firm or flexible handle 1005, a loop 1020, an oval cut out 1040, or a recess 1010 for ease of carrying as shown in FIGS. 10A-10E.
In another embodiment, see FIG. 11A, a padding 1130 may be placed on top of the spinal contour (adjustable spinal support) 1105, or envelope 1140 (wrap) the spinal contour (adjustable spinal support) as shown in FIG. 11B with or without the reference contour 1110. The padding may be a thin piece of foam, material, fabric, stuffing, cotton or polyester padding or stuffing, quilted fabric, or any combinations thereof that will soften the edges of the spinal contour (adjustable spinal support), but not be so soft as to create discomfort by way of conforming motion. In an embodiment, the padding is between 1/16^thand 3 inches thick. In an embodiment, the padding comprises soft foam 0.5 inches thick. The padding may be attached to the support and/or reference contour in any manner as is well known in the art. For example, it may be Velcroed, buttoned, snapped, or held in pace over the corners with elastic bands. The padding may be attached with flaps 1145 that wrap around the spinal support and/or the reference contour to hold it in place as shown in FIG. 11C. The padding (or a cover) may be constructed like a pocket, pillowcase, an envelope, or a cover that the entire spinal support and/or spinal support with reference contour fits inside of 1140. In this embodiment, the padded cover 1140 may be zipped open and shut to allow access. The padding may be textured, quilted, tucked, pleated, smooth or flat. There may be a padding or cover for the spinal support and an additional one for the reference contour. Any of the padding, envelope, cover, thickness spacer securer, base, or any material component of the embodiments may comprise breathable fabric, breathable mesh, or materials that allow for airflow to reduce moisture.
FIGS. 12.A-C illustrates some more details of the spacers of the embodiment(s). In an embodiment the spacers (a.k.a. thickness adjusters) may be solid, honeycombed, perforated, or semi-sold 1210, 1220, and 1230 as shown in FIG. 12A-C. In an embodiment, the spacers 1205, 1215, and 1235 as described above, may be a variety of shapes, for example tapered 1225, 1245, and 1240 on one edge to make the transitions between the spacers of various thicknesses more smooth. The taper may be on one edge 1245 of the spacers, or on both edges 1245 and 1240. The tapers may vary in height on different spacers for a given set of spacers. This flexibility in taper height may help customize a contour. The tapers may also be different in height on the ends of a single spacer from each other: 1245 may be higher than 1240 on a single spacer. In another embodiment, the spacers may be shorter in length than the overall length of the accommodating single thickness securer. In this embodiment, two or more “shorter” spacers may be placed in the thickness securer to create the effect of a single “full” length spacer. This is illustrated in FIG. 11A with a “midline” point 1120, such that shorter spacers are on one side of the midline point 1120, and shorter spacers are on the other side of the midline point 1120. Midline point 1120 may be purely referential or an actual physical distinction.
In an embodiment, An apparatus for adjustable spinal support, is described, comprising: at least one thickness adjuster; a support base that supports a plurality of thickness adjusters, wherein the thickness adjusters are incompressible; a securer attached to the support base, wherein the securer secures the at least one thickness adjuster to the base; and a support fastener attached to the support base. In an embodiment, the securer comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: stretchable tubular receptacles, at least one belt, male pegs, Velcro, metal snaps, elastic cord, ligature, tongue and groove joints, plastic snaps, nylon snaps and pins. In an embodiment, the stretchable tubular receptacles comprise at least three receptacles constructed in part of an elastically stretchable membrane, elastic, spandex, knit fabric, mesh, netting, and ligature. In an embodiment, the thickness adjusters comprises rectangular shaped substantially incompressible forms of various thicknesses. In an embodiment, the various thicknesses range from between 0.1 inches to 5 inches. In an embodiment, the thickness adjusters are stacked to form cumulative varying thicknesses. In an embodiment, the thickness adjusters are secured to the base in varying thicknesses across a portion of the length of the base to form a customizable ergonomic support contour for the spine. In an embodiment, the support base is rectangular, oblong, or oval shaped and is at least one selected from the group consisting of: piece of fabric, rubberized mat, reinforced fabric, vinyl, leather, strip of nylon belt, plastic, hemp, and a plurality of strips of nylon belt. In an embodiment, the support fastener is at least one selected from the group consisting of: harness, vertical and horizontal strap system, loop, ties, belt, adjustable straps, strands, rope, adjustable straps with mating connectors, and elastic. In an embodiment, the support fastener secures the support base to a chair, bed, car seat, headrest, backrest, cushion, mattress, lawn chair, lounge chair, sofa, recliner, wheelchair, airplane seat, stretcher, bed platform, or box spring. In an embodiment, the thickness adjusters are various lengths such that some do not extend the entire width of the support base. In an embodiment, the thickness adjusters are various lengths in the range between 1 inch and 76 inches. In an embodiment, the adjustable spinal support is ventilated.
In another embodiment, a device for adjustable spinal support, is described, comprising: a support structure comprising a plurality of stretchable tubular shaped receptacles; at least one spacer, wherein the spacer comprises substantially incompressible thickness; wherein at least one tubular receptacle contains at least one spacer; and a support fastener attached to the support structure, wherein the fastener attaches the spinal support to a recliner. In an embodiment, the stretchable tubular shaped receptacles comprise at least three receptacles constructed in part of an elastically stretchable membrane, elastic, spandex, knit fabric, mesh, netting, and ligature. In an embodiment, the spacers comprise rectangular shaped substantially incompressible forms of various thicknesses in the range from between 0.1 inches to 5 inches. In an embodiment, the spacers are stacked to form cumulative varying thicknesses, and wherein the spacers are various lengths in the range between 1 inch and 76 inches.
In yet another embodiment, An adjustable spinal support, is described, comprising: means for supporting a plurality of thickness spacers, wherein the thickness spacers are non-deforming; means for securing at least one thickness spacer to the means for supporting; and means for fastening the adjustable spinal support to a reclining device. In an embodiment, the means for securing comprises: at least one selected from the group consisting of: stretchable tubular receptacles, at least one belt, male pegs, Velcro, metal snaps, elastic cord, ligature, tongue and groove joints, plastic snaps, nylon snaps and pins. In an embodiment, the thickness spacers comprise rectangular shaped substantially incompressible forms of various thicknesses in the range from between 0.1 inches to 5 inches.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form or to exemplary embodiments disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. Similarly, any process steps described might be interchangeable with other steps in order to achieve the same result. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments and its best mode practical application, thereby to enable others skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use or implementation contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the embodiments be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather means “one or more.” Moreover, no element, component, nor method step in the described disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the following claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for . . . .”
It should be understood that the figures illustrated in the attachments, which highlight the functionality and advantages of the described embodiments, are presented for example purposes only. The architecture of the described embodiments are sufficiently flexible and configurable, such that it may be utilized (and navigated) in ways other than that shown in the accompanying figures.
In addition, the conjunction “and” when used in the claims is meant to be interpreted as follows: “X, Y and Z” means it can be either X ,Y or Z individually, or it can be both X and Y together, both X and Z together, both Y and Z together, or all of X, Y, and Z together.
Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the described embodiments in any way. It is also to be understood that the steps and processes recited in the claims need not be performed in the order presented.
Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.
The various features of the embodiments described herein may be implemented in different systems without departing from the embodiments. It should be noted that the foregoing embodiments are merely examples and are not to be construed as limiting the embodiments. The description of the embodiments is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. As such, the described teachings may be readily applied to other types of apparatuses and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for adjustable spinal support, comprising:

at least one thickness adjuster;

a support base that supports a plurality of thickness adjusters, wherein the thickness adjusters are incompressible;

a securer attached to the support base, wherein the securer secures the at least one thickness adjuster to the base; and

a support fastener attached to the support base and a reference contour.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the securer comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: stretchable tubular receptacles, at least one belt, male pegs, Velcro, metal snaps, elastic cord, ligature, tongue and groove joints, plastic snaps, nylon snaps and pins.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stretchable tubular receptacles comprise at least three receptacles constructed in part of an elastically stretchable membrane, elastic, spandex, knit fabric, mesh, netting, and ligature.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thickness adjusters comprises rectangular shaped substantially incompressible forms of various thicknesses; and

at least one of the thickness adjusters comprises a tapered end.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the various thicknesses range from between 0.1 inches to 5 inches.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thickness adjusters are stacked to form cumulative varying thicknesses.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thickness adjusters are solid, semi-solid, or perforated.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thickness adjusters are secured to the base in varying thicknesses across a portion of the length of the base to form a customizable ergonomic support contour for the spine.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support base is rectangular, oblong, or oval shaped and is at least one selected from the group consisting of: piece of fabric, rubberized mat, reinforced fabric, vinyl, leather, strip of nylon belt, plastic, hemp, and a plurality of strips of nylon belt.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reference contour is rectangular, square, oblong, hour-glassed, or oval shaped; and

the reference contour comprises wood, plastic, metal, molding, particle board, engineered board, material, foam, cork, firm foam, rubber, rubberized material, fiberglass, cardboard, particle board, polymer, composite, thermoplastic, elastomer, polymer, or any combinations thereof.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reference contour is solid, perforated, semi-solid, smooth, semi-smooth, textured, flat, contoured, beveled, curved, back-shaped, rectangular, square, oblong, oval, hour glassed, or any combinations thereof.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reference contour comprises a handle.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support fastener is at least one selected from the group consisting of: harness, vertical and horizontal strap system, loop, ties, belt, adjustable straps, strands, rope, adjustable straps with mating connectors, elastic, flaps, snaps, Velcro, laces, connectors, mating connectors, strings, straps, laces, Velcro, snaps, buttons, hooks, eyehooks, cotter pins, buckles, belts, interlocks, attachment systems, or any combination thereof.

14.-15. (canceled)

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable spinal support is ventilated.

17. A device for adjustable spinal support, comprising:

a support structure comprising a plurality of stretchable tubular shaped receptacles;

at least one spacer, wherein the spacer comprises substantially incompressible thickness;

wherein at least one tubular receptacle contains at least one spacer; and

a support fastener attached to the support structure, wherein the fastener attaches the support structure to a contour reference.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the contour reference comprises wood, is rectangular shaped and flat, is half an inch thick, is between 12-36 inches long, and is between 6-24 inches wide.

19-20. (canceled)

21. The device of claim 17, wherein the stretchable tubular shaped receptacles comprise at least three receptacles constructed in part of an elastically stretchable membrane, elastic, spandex, knit fabric, mesh, netting, and ligature.

22. The device of claim 17, wherein the spacers comprise rectangular shaped substantially incompressible forms of various thicknesses in the range from between 0.1 inches to 5 inches; and

at least one spacer is tapered.

23.-25. (canceled)

26. An adjustable spinal support, comprising:

means for supporting a plurality of thickness spacers, wherein the thickness spacers are non-deforming;

means for securing at least one thickness spacer to the means for supporting; and

means for fastening the adjustable spinal support to a means for reference.

27. The adjustable spinal support of claim 26, wherein the means for reference is rectangular, square, oblong, hour-glassed, or oval shaped; and

the means for reference comprises wood, plastic, metal, molding, particle board, engineered board, material, foam, cork, firm foam, rubber, rubberized material, fiberglass, cardboard, particle board, polymer, composite, thermoplastic, elastomer, polymer, or any combinations thereof.

28-31. (canceled)