Vertebral column support apparatus and method
First Claim
1. A chair, comprising:
- a seat;
a back attached to the seat and having a first surface facing away from the seat and a second surface facing toward the seat;
padding attached to the second surface of the back;
a recess formed in the padding extending along a longitudinal center line of the back; and
a generally vertically extending elongated spine support member embedded in the recess, the elongated spine support member including a backing layer attached to the second surface of the back, a foam layer and an intermediate air chamber interposed between the backing layer and the foam layer, a first part of the spine support member being positioned below a surface of the padding and a second part of the spine support member extending outward beyond the surface of the padding toward the seat, the spine support member configured to engage and support at least the thoracic and lumbar regions of the vertebral column of a person seated in the chair.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The methods and apparatus taught herein provide an elongated spine support member integrated into or attached to a chair for providing improved back support. According to one embodiment of a chair, the chair comprises a seat, back and elongated spine support member. The back includes inner and outer sections. The inner section is spaced inwardly from opposite sides of the back and extends generally vertically through a substantial portion of the height of the back. The outer section extends along opposite sides of the inner section. The elongated spine support member is generally vertically extending and forms a part of the inner section of the back. The elongated spine support member is configured to engage and support at least two of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions of the vertebral column of a person seated in the chair.
77 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A chair, comprising:
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a seat; a back attached to the seat and having a first surface facing away from the seat and a second surface facing toward the seat; padding attached to the second surface of the back; a recess formed in the padding extending along a longitudinal center line of the back; and a generally vertically extending elongated spine support member embedded in the recess, the elongated spine support member including a backing layer attached to the second surface of the back, a foam layer and an intermediate air chamber interposed between the backing layer and the foam layer, a first part of the spine support member being positioned below a surface of the padding and a second part of the spine support member extending outward beyond the surface of the padding toward the seat, the spine support member configured to engage and support at least the thoracic and lumbar regions of the vertebral column of a person seated in the chair. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A portable back support, comprising:
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a back having first and second opposing surfaces; padding attached to the second surface of the back; a recess formed in the padding extending along a longitudinal center line of the back; and a generally vertically extending elongated spine support member embedded in the recess, the elongated spine support member including a backing layer attached to the second surface of the back, a foam layer and an intermediate air chamber interposed between the backing layer and the foam layer, a first part of the spine support member being positioned below a surface of the padding and a second part of the spine support member extending outward beyond the surface of the padding, the spine support member configured to engage and support at least the thoracic and lumbar regions of the vertebral column of a person seated against the portable back support. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification