GB2525004A

GB2525004A - Wearable core-body support belt

Info

Publication number: GB2525004A
Application number: GB1406403.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Carl Wilson
Original assignee: BULLETPROOF SPORT PROT
Current assignee: BULLETPROOF SPORT PROT
Priority date: 2014-04-09
Filing date: 2014-04-09
Publication date: 2015-10-14
Also published as: GB201406403D0; WO2015155502A1

Abstract

A wearable core-body support belt 10 is provided for supplementarily supporting a hip region. The support belt comprises a flexible elongate lower-torso member 12 for at least partially encircling a user's waist, a flexible lumbar support element 14 extending superiorly of and in parallel with the lower-torso member 12, and two spaced apart flexible hip support elements 16,18 extending inferiorly of and in parallel with the lower-torso member 12. Each in use hip support element 16 passes through the mid-coronal plane of the user, and a connector 20 interconnects the two ends of the lower-torso member 12.

Description

Wearable Core-Body Support Belt The present invention relates to a wearable core-body support belt, and particularly but not necessarily exclusively to a core-body support belt for wearing when performing normal or high level physical activities, such as trekking, weight lifting or playing sports.

There are a variety of belt-like back braces currently available on the market. They typically comprise an elongate substantiafly rectangular strap for encircling and bracing a user's waist, such that pressure is applied to the user's abdomen and lower back area.

The compressing force provided by such back braces provides relief for users suffering from back strains, muscle spasms, or other lower back injuries. They are also worn by users recovering from back surgery. It is usual for such back braces to he made of relatively stiff materiaL such as eather or fabric, to restrain to the user's movements, so that the user does not further injure themselves.

The user's range of movement and flexibility are therefore restricted when wearing such a hack brace, and can he uncomfortaffle for the user ii worn over long periods of time. Furthermore, such a back brace is most commonly used when the user is already suffering from lower back problems such as those mentioned above, rather than to prevent such injuries in the first place. Such a back brace is designed to support predominantly the lower back and abdomen area. Due to the elongate rectangular shape of the back brace, it is known for the back brace to rotate round the user's waist during wear, thus readjustment of the back brace is required from time to time, which is inconvenient.

The present invention therefore seeks to provide a solution to one or more of the ahovementioned problems, whilst also providing additional support to other areas of the body.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wearable core-body support belt for supplementarily supporting a hip region, the support belt comprising a flexible elongate lower-torso member for at least partially encircling a user's waist, a flexible lumbar support element extending superiorly of and in parallel with the lower-torso member, and two spaced apart flexible hip support elements extending inferiorly of and in parallel with the lower-torso member, each in-use hip support element passing through the mid-coronal plane of the user, and a connector for inter-connecting two ends of the lower-torso member.

The wearable core-body support belt is advantageous because it provides dedicated lumbar and hip support elements to provide support specifically to the lumbar and hip regions of the user, as well as the abdomen of the user. This is important in preventing injuries during normal or high level physical activities, as all three areas of the user's body arc involved. The support belt also hdps to improve physical performance of the user wearing the support belt, as the bracing effect of the belt prevents straining of muscles in these areas.

The support belt is also suitable to be worn after physical activity, or when recovering from injuries or surgery, thus making the support belt highly versatile.

The lower-torso member, lumbar support element and the two spaced apart hip support elements are flexible such that the support belt does not undesirably restrict thc range of movement, particularly lateral movcment, of thc user thus allowing complete or substantially complete freedom of movement. The flexibility of the support hell also improves comfort for the user, thus allowing the support belt to he worn over more extcndcd periods of time.

Furthermore, the provision of the flexible lumbar support element extending superiorly of the lower-torso member and the two spaced apart. flexible hip support elements extending thferiorly of the lower-torso member together form a framework or stahilising structure on the user's waist. As the two spaced apart flexible hip support elements depend downwardly onto the user's hip region, they help the support belt to retain its orientation on the user's waist, and prevent the support belt from rotating round the user in use.

Preferable and/or optional features of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 18.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a wearable core-body support belt for supplementarily supporting a hip region. the support belt comprising a flexible elongate lower-torso member for at least partially encircling a user's waist, at least one flexible hip support element extending inferiorly of and in parallel with the lower-torso member, the or each in-usc hip support element passing through the mid- coronal plane of the user, and a connector for inter-connecting two ends of the lower-torso member.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of supporting a hip region using a wearable core-body support belt in accordance with the first and/or second aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a] at least substantially encircling a user's waist with a lower-torso member. and b] providing a hip support element which depends from the lower-torso member to overlie a hip-region of the user.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of supporting a hip region, the method comprising the steps of: a] at least substantially encircling a user's waist with a flexible elongate lower-torso member, and b] providing a flexible hip support element which depends from the lower-torso member to overlie and press against a hip-rcgion of the user.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a wearable core-body support belt, in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a wearable core-body support belt, in accordance with the invention; Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of the wearable core-body support belt of Figure 2: Figure 4 shows a schematic top plan view of the wearable core-body support belt of Figure 2: and Figure 5 shows a schematic front view of yet another embodiment of a wearable core-body support belt, in accordance with the invention.

ReFerring Firstly to Figure 1, there is provided a First embodiment of a wearable core-body support belt 10 which comprises a flexible elongate lower-torso member 12.

flexible lumbar support element 14 and two spaced apart flexible hip support elements 16, 18. A connector 20 is provided on the support belt 10 for interconnecting first and second ends 22, 24 of the flexible elongate lower-torso member 12, thus retaining the support belt 10 on a user's waist.

Each of the flexible elongate lower-torso member 12, flexible lumbar support element 14 and the two spaced apart. flexible hip support elements 16, 18 is preferably a strap, strip or band. The aforementioned parts 12, 14, 16, 18 are made of a flexible material, preferably synthetic rubber, such as polychloroprene, being for example, neoprene.

The flexible material is preferably in a thickness range of 2 to 12 mm, more preferably in a range of 3 to 8 mm, and most preferably at least substantially 5 mm, such that. the support belt 10 is pliant over its entire or substantially entire longitudinal and lateral extents enough to flex around and follow the general contour of the user's waist whilst still providing good in use solidity and support. Prefcrably, these parts 12, 14, 16, 18 are or are substantially planar when lain on a horizontal surface and not in use, hut are suflicienily pliara to adapt or subsiantially adapi lo the contouring oF a user's waist.

Neoprene is particularly preferable as a choice of material to use for the support belt 10, as it is elastic, form-fitting and has heat retaining properties. Furthermore.

neoprene can be produced at an adequate thickness and density to absorb shock, thus making it an excellent material to provide protection and support for the thwer back and hip region of the user.

The flexible elongate lower-torso member 12 is substantially rectangular or oblong in shape, as denoted by the dotted lines in Figure 1. The flexible elongate lower-torso member 12 may beneFicially have smooth and chamfercd corners to prevent or Umit catching or digging into parts or flesh of a user. An elongate superior longitudinal edge 26 and an elongate inferior longitudinal edge 28 are provided for interconnecting the first. and second ends 22, 24 of the lower-torso member 12. As seen in Figure 1, the lower-torso member 12 preferably has a uniform or substantially uniform thickness throughout its atera extent. The lower-torso member 12 has a planar or substantially planar first side 30 and a planar or substantially planar second side (not shown), when not in use. Both first and second sides 30 are suitable to he used as a user body contact side for contacting the user's waist. The support belt 10 may thus be reversible.

The lower-torso member 12. in this embodiment, has a length of around 50 cm to 102 cm. or longer, so that the lower-torso member 12 can at least partially encircle an adult user's waist. The lower-torso member 12, also in this embodiment, has a width of around 3 cm to 13 cm or wider so that an adequate longitudinal or inferior-to-superior extent of an abdomen of the user can be supported by the support belt 10.

The thickness of the lower-torso member 12 is around 2 mm to 12 mm, preferably between 3 mm to 8 mm, and more preferably 5 to 7 mm, in order to provide an adequate and comfortable cushioning effect or support to the user's waist. It will be appreciated that, to suit a child, younger or smaller user, the length and width of the lower-torso member 12 may be reduced to suit.

Turning now to the flexible lumbar support element 14. it extends superiorly of and in parallel with the lower-torso member 12. In other words, the lumbar support dement 14 extends from the in use superior longitudinal edgc 26 of the lowcr-torso member 12. A central longitudinal axis of the lumbar support element 14 is spaced from and in parallel with a central ongitudinal axis of the thwer-torso member 12.

The flexihie lumbar support element 14 is provided centrally along the superior longitudinal edge 26 of the lower-torso mcmber 12, such that a central lateral axis of the lumbar support element 14 is co-axial with a central lateral axis of the lower-torso member 12. This allows the Ilexihie lumbar support element 14 to he positioned directly posteriorly of, or to overlie, the lumbar region, particularly a lumbar spine, of the user.

The flexible lumbar support element 14 is preferably integrally formed from a common blank of material with the lower-torso member 12, such that a peripheral edge 32 of the lumbar support element 14 forms part. of the superior longitudinal edge 26 of the lower-torso member 12. The lumbar support element 14 has the same or substantially the same thickness as the lower-torso member 12, such that the lumbar support element 14 is or is substantially coplanar, contiguous and/or flush with the lower-torso member 12. Similar to the lower-torso member 12, the lumbar support element 14 has a p'anar or substantially planar first side 34 and a planar or substantially planar second side (not shown), both sides 34 of the lumbar support element 14 being integrally formed with respective sides 30 of the lower-torso member 12.

The lumbar support element 14 as shown in the embodiment has a generally trapezoidal shape, such that the lumbar support element 14 extends gradually and superiorly towards a thoracic section of a vertebral column of the user. However, it will be appreciated that the lumbar support element 14 may be provided in other shapes, such as rectangular or part-circular shape.

The lumbar support element 14 has a length of around 7 cm to 15 cm and a width of around 1.5 cm to 5 cm so that the lumbar support dement 14 can brace or support the lumbar region of the user.

Turning now to the two spaced apart flexible hip support elements 16, 18, each element 16, 18 extends inferiorly of and in parallel with the lower-torso member 12.

In other words, each flexible hip support element 16. 18 extends from the inferior longitudinal edge 28 of the lower-torso member 12. Similar to the lumbar support clement 14, a central lateral axis of each hip support elements 16, 18 is spaced from and in parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the lower-torso member 12.

Each flexible hip support element 16. 18 is provided at either side of, and spaced from, the central lateral axis of the lower-torso member 12. A central lateral axis of each flexible hip support element 16, 18 is therefore spaced or offset from and in parallel with the central lateral axis of the lower-torso member 12, as well as the central lateral axis of the lumbar support element 14. The position of the two flexible hip support elements 16. 18 relative to the central lateral axis ol the lower-torso member 12 is arranged such that, when worn, the two flexible hip support elements 16, 18 pass through a mid-coronal plane, and extend longitudinally or substantially along a lateral-most sagittal plane, of the user, thereby overlying the hip region.

The two flexible hip support elements 16, 18 are preferably integrally formed with the lower-torso member 12, such that a peripheral edge 36 of each two flexible hip support element 16, 18 forms part of the inferior longitudinal edge 28 of the lower-torso member 12. The two flexible hip support elements 16, 18 have the same or substantially the same thickness as the lower-torso member 12, such that the two flexible hip support elements 16, 18 are or are substantially coplanar, contiguous and/or flush with the lower-torso member 12 when not in use.

Similarly to the lower-torso member 12, when not in use each hip support element 16 has a planar or substantially planar first side 38 and a planai or substantially planar second side (not shown), both sides 38 of each hip support elements 16 being integrally foirned with respective sides 30 of the lower-torso member 12.

Similarly to the lumbar support element 14, each flexible hip support element 16, 18 as shown in this embodiment has a trapezoidal shape, such that the flexible hip support element 16. 18 extends inferiorly towards the hip region of the user gradually.

However, as above. it will he appreciatcd that the flexible hip support dernents 16, 18 may be provided in other shapes, such as rectangular or part-circular.

Each flexible hip support elcment 16, 18 is preferably identically or similarly sized to the other, and is preferably identically or similarly sized to the lumbar support element. 14.

In the embodiment Ulustrated in Figure 1, the connector 20 is a hook and loop fastening provided on the lower-torso memhcr 12, with one part of the hook and loop fastening being provided on the first side 30 adjacent the second end 24 of the lower-torso member 12, and the other part of the hook and loop fastening being provided on the second side adjacent the first end 22 of the lower-torso member 12. It wifi he appreciated that, although the illustrated embodiment has three elongate hook and loop fastening strips 40, the shape and number of the strips and their positioning on the lower-torso member can be adapted to suit. The connector 20 is preferably releasahle. such (hat (he support belt 10 can he worn and taken oil conveniently by die user without assistance.

The connector 20 is preferably adjustable, such that when the support belt 10 is worn.

the circumference of the lumbar support element 14 can be adjusted to suit different users' waist sites. Alternatively. ii vanous lengths of die support belts are provided, the connector 20 may he provided as non-adjustable. As yet another alternative, separate adjustment means, such as a strap and buckle, may be provided on the lumbar support element 14 for adjusting the length of the lumbar support element 14.

In use, the user chooses one of the first and second sides 30 to he the user body contact side and places said side against his or her body. The central support belt 10 is positioned on the body such that the central lateral axis of the lower-torso member 12 and lumbar support element 14 are positioned adjacent the mid-sagittal plane or vertebral column of the lower back region of the user. The two ends 22, 24 of the lumbar support dement 14 are brought anteriorly and around the user's waist. The two ends 22, 24 of the lumbar support element 14 are interconnected via the preferably adjustable connector 20. The support belt 10 is adjusted such that the lumbar support dement 14 comfortably and tightly at least partially, and preferably fully, encircles the user's waist, according to the user's preference. When worn, the lumbar support element 14 and the two hip support elements 16. 18 are positioned at the lumbar region and the hip regions of the user respectively, overlapping said regions and thus stahilising these areas during flexation. The support belt 10 therelore provides supplementary support to the hip region. as well as the lumbar region, of the user.

The support belt is beneficial, due to it being highly versatile, as it can be worn to prevent injuries during normal and high kvel aclivities. The belt can he worn after physical exertion, or when recovering from injuries or surgery. It has respective depending side skirt portions which provide support to the hip areas in particular, which are often neglected as areas that can suffer injuries during exercise. The support belt is flexible and does not particularly restrict the user's movements.

Although the support hell may he generally planar when lain on a flat horizontal surface, it wifl he appreciated that the thwer-torso member, lumbar support element and/or each hip support element may be non-planar and as such may be provided with padding and/or contouring as additional reinforcement or support. in use. Padding may also he used to provide a surface profile on the first side and/or second side of the lower-torso member, lumbar support elernent and/or each hip support clement, such that the support belt complements or substantially complements the contour of the user's body.

It will he appreciated that although the lower-torso member, the lumbar support element and two spaced apart hip support elements are integrally formed as one-piece, any one or more of these parts may be provided separately froni and/or be releasably connectable with the other parts. However, integral lormation 01 die support belt is preferred as it helps to retain structural integrity of the support belt.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide more than two spaced apart Ilexihle hip support elements, for example four, if desired, being two for each hip region, for example.

anterior and posterior hip supports. As yet another alternative, a flexible elongate skirt portion may be further provided between the lower-torso member and each hip support element, as well as between the two spaced apart hip support elements. Thus the skirt portion also extends inferiorly of and in parallel with the lower-torso member. The skirt portion and the hip support elements form an extended hip support region on the support belt to increase coverage of and support to the hip region of the user.

Although the connector 20 is provided as hook and loop fastening in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, it will be appreciated that other connecting means may be provided, such as strap and buckle, as mentioned above, or snap fasteners.

Although neoprene is the preferred choice of material for the support belt, it will be appreciated that other suitable flexible material, especially other synthetic rubber materials or leathcr, may be used instead of, or in combination with, neoprene.

It will be appreciated that the described embodiment of the invention is merely one possible embodiment. A second embodiment and a third embodiment illustrating a different support belt are shown in Figures 2 to 4 and 5 respectively. Similar or identical references refer to parts which arc similar or identical to those described above, and therefore further detailed description is omitted.

This second embodiment of the wearable core-body support belt 110 is substantially identical to that of the first embodiment, and therefore comprises the flexible elongate lower-torso member 12, the flexible lumbar support element 14, at least two said spaced apart flexible hip support elements 16. 18. and the connector 20.

The belt 110, however in this case, also includes a pocket 42 on the first side 30 of the lower-torso member 12, extending from adjacent the inferior longitudinal edge 28 of the lower-torso member 12 towards the peripheral edge 32 ol the lumbar support element 14. A pocket opening 44 is provided along an in use upper perimeter edge 46 of the pocket 42.

The pocket 42 is preferably made of a flexible material with a reduced thickness compared to the material of the lower-torso member, lumbar support element and/or each hip support element, one such suitable material being aeroprene. In particular, the pocket may have a thickness of around 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, preferably around 2 mm to 3 mm, more preferably 2.5 mm.

The pocket 42 is beneficial in temporarily keeping items, such as personal belongings, conveniently on the body of the user whilst he or she is carrying out physical activities, such as playing sports. The pocket 42 may also be concealed from the outside if the first side 30 of the thwer-torso member 12 is the user body contact side of the support belt 10, in use.

Advantageously, the pocket 42 may he used to accommodate an ice or heat pack, so as to provide cooling or heating to the user's body to help alleviate pain or discomfort round the lower back of the user, or to help regulate the user's body temperature when the user is carrying out physical activities. Additionally or alternatively, support inserts, such as orthopaedic inserts, or padding, may be inserted into the pockets 42, to adjust the ridity of the support belt 110 to suit the user's needs. The pocket is therefore advantageous as it allows a user specific customisation of the support belt.

In this partiefflar embodiment, the pocket 42 element is positioned coaxially with the central lateral axis of the support belt 110 and overlies a portion of the lumbar support 14.

Alternatively or additionally, a further pocket may be provided in one or more different positions on the support belt 110, such that. additional support inserts can be provided for the waist and/or hip region of the user.

It will be appreciated that the or each pocket 42 may alternatively or additionally be provided on the second side of the lower-torso member 12. Furthermore, although the pocket illustrated in this embodiment is or is substantially square shape, it will be appreciated that (lie size and shape of the pocket may he altered to suit, br example.

rectangular or circular.

Relerring to Figure 5. a third embodiment of the wearable core-body support belt is indicated generally at 210. This third embodiment of the support belt 210 is substantially identical to that of the first embodiment, and therefore also comprises the flexible elongate lower-torso member 12, the flexible lumbar support element 14, at least two said spaced apart flexible hip support elements 16, 18, and the connector 20.

The belt 210, however in this case, has a connector 20 in the form of a rectangular shape hook and loop fastening patch 48.

It may be beneficial to in any event utilise one or more supplementary support elements with one or each hip support element to restrict or limit flexibility. The supplementary support elements may include rigid or semi-rigid inserts, being plastics or meta' rods, tabs or strips, and/or lines of reinforcement stitching, for example.

Although it is preferred to utilise the lumbar support element to improve the overall compressive characteristics of the support belt, this may he dispensed with in some situations.

Furthermore, it is feasible that only one depending hip support element may be provided, for example, if a user only requires compressive support on one side.

However, by utibsing opposing hip support elements, an improvement in the overall compressive characteristics of the belt can be realised.

It is also feasible that the hip support elements may depend from a skirt portion of the lower-torso member, wherein such skirt portion overlies and extends across the upper gluteal region of the user to provide support thereto.

The words comprises/comprising' and the words having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components. but does not preclude the presence of addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also he provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of this invention which arc, for brevity, described iii the context of a single embodiment. may also he provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only. and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departed from the scope of the invention as herein described.

Claims

Claims I. A wearable core-body support belt for supplementarily supporting a hip region, (lie support belt comprising a flexible elongate thwer-tcrso member for at least partially encircling a user's waist, a flcxiblc lumbar support elcmcnt extending superiorly of and in parallel with the lower-torso member, two spaced apart flexible hip support elements extending inferiorly of and in parallel with the lower-torso member, each in-use hip support element passing through the mid-coronal plane of the user, and a connector for inter-connecting two ends of the lower-torso member.
2. A wearable core-body support. belt as claimed in claim 1. wherein the lower-torso member, lumbar support element and/or each hip support element is a strap, strip or band.
3. A wearable core-body support belt as claimed in claim I or daim 2, wherein the lower torso member, and lumbar support element and/or each hip support element is or is substantially planar when not in use.
4. A wearaffle core-body support bell as claimed in any one of claims I to 3, wherein the lower torso member, and lumbar support element and/or each hip support element is made of neoprene.
5. A wearable core-body support belt as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lumbar support element and/or each hip support element is integrally formed with the lower-torso member.
6. A wearable core-body support belt as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lumbar support dement and/or each hip support clement is or is subslimtially flush with the lower torso member.
7. A wearable core-body support belt as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the central lateral axis of the lumbar support element is co-axial with the central lateral axis of the lower-torso member.
8. A wearable core-body support belt as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said two hip support elements are positioned at either side of the central lateral axis of the lower-torso member.
9. A wearable core-body support belt as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the central longitudinal axis of the lower-torso member is offset and parallel to the respective central longitudinal axis of the lumbar support element and each hip support element.
10. A wearable core-body support belt as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein padding is provided on the lower-torso member, lumbar support element and/or each hip support element to provide additional support to the user, in use.
II. A wearable core-body support belt as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connector is releasable.
12. A wearable core-body support belt as claimed in claim 11, wherein the connector is hook and loop fastening.
13. A wearable core-body support belt as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising at least one pocket provided on or in the lower-torso member, the lumbar support element and/or each hip support element.
14. A wearable core-body support belt as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the at least one pocket is made of a flexible material with a reduced thickness compared to the material of the lower-torso member, the lumbar support element and/or each hip support dement.
15. A wearable core-body support belt as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one pocket is made of aeroprene.
16. A wearable core-body support belt as claimed in any preceding claim. further comprising adjustment means for adjusting a length of the lower-torso member on the user.
17. A wearable core-body support belt as claimed in claim 16, wherein die connector includes such adjustment means.
18. A wearable core-body support belt as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a body side of the support belt is contoured to the hip region. the lower-torso region and the lumbar region of the user.
19. A wearable core-body support belt as darned in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more supplementary support elements for restricting a flexibility of the or each hip support element.
20. A wearable core-body support belt for supplementarily supporting a hip region, the support belt comprising a flexible elongate lower-torso member for at least partially encircling a user's waist, at least one flexible hip support clement extending inferiorly of and in parallel with the lower-torso member.the or each in-use hip support element passing through the mid-coronal plane of the user, and a connector for inter-connecting two ends of the lower-torso member.
21. A wearable core body support belt substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 1, Figures 2 to 4 or Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.
22. A method of supporting a hip region using a wearable core-body support belt as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: a] at least substantially encircling a user's waist with a lower-torso member, and b] providing a hip support clement which depends from the lower-torso member to overlie a hip-region of the user.
23. A method of supporting a hip region. the method comprising the steps of: a] at least substantially encircling a user's waist with a flexible elongate lower-torso member, and b] providing a flexible hip support clement which depends from the lower-torso member to overlie and press against a hip-region of the user.