ADJUSTABLE BACKREST

Abstract

A back support for use with a chair includes a first support, a second support spaced from the first support, and an adjustable support extending between the first and second supports, the adjustable support includes a cable and an adjustable tensioning assembly operably connected to the cable, wherein in response to actuation of the adjustable tensioning assembly a length of exposed cable changes.

Claims

1. A back support for use with a chair comprising: a first support; a second support spaced from the first support; and an adjustable support extending between the first and second supports, the adjustable support including: a cable; and an adjustable tensioning assembly operably connected to the cable, wherein in response to actuation of the adjustable tensioning assembly a length of exposed cable changes.

2. The back support of claim 1, wherein changing the length of exposed cable changes a tension of the adjustable support.

3. The back support of claim 1, wherein changing the length of exposed cable changes a length of the adjustable support.

4. The back support of claim 1, wherein the cable includes a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being coupled to the adjustable tensioning assembly.

5. The back support of claim 1, wherein the adjustable support includes a first guide member spaced from the adjustable tensioning assembly, the cable extending from the adjustable tensioning assembly to the first guide member.

6. The back support of claim 1, wherein the adjustable support includes a first portion that carries the adjustable tensioning assembly and a second portion spaced from the first portion, the first and second portions connected by the cable.

7. The back support of claim 6, wherein the adjustable support includes a first guide member positioned on the second portion.

8. The back support of claim 7, wherein the cable extends from the adjustable tensioning assembly to the first guide member and back to the adjustable tensioning assembly.

9. The back support of claim 8, wherein in response to actuation of the adjustable tensioning assembly the cable slides relative to the first guide portion.

10. The back support of claim 7, wherein the adjustable support includes a second guide member position on the first portion.

11. The back support of claim 11, wherein the adjustable tensioning assembly is positioned between the first guide member and the second guide member.

12. The back support of claim 11, wherein the adjustable support includes a third guide member positioned on the second portion.

13. The back support of claim 12, wherein the cable extends from the adjustable tensioning assembly to the first guide member, from the first guide member to the second guide member, from the second guide member to the third guide member, and from the third guide member back to the adjustable tensioning assembly.

14. The back support of claim 13, wherein in response to actuation of the adjustable tensioning assembly the cable slides relative to the first guide portion, the second guide portion, and the third guide portion.

15. The back support of claim 1, wherein the chair is a wheelchair.

16. An adjustable back support for use with a chair, the chair having a first upright support spaced from a second upright support, the adjustable back support comprising: an adjustable support having a first end opposite a second end, a cable, and an adjustable tensioning assembly operably connected to the cable, wherein the first end is coupled to the first upright support, and the second end is coupled to the second upright support, and wherein in response to actuation of the adjustable tensioning assembly a length of the adjustable support changes.

17. The back support of claim 16, wherein the chair is a wheelchair.

18. The back support of claim 17, wherein the first upright support is a first wheelchair cane, and the second upright support is a second wheelchair cane.

19. The back support of claim 16, wherein the adjustable support includes a first guide member spaced from the adjustable tensioning assembly, the cable extending from the adjustable tensioning assembly to the first guide member and back to the adjustable tensioning assembly.

20. The back support of claim 16, wherein the adjustable support includes a first portion that carries the adjustable tensioning assembly and a second portion spaced from the first portion, the first and second portions connected by the cable.

21. A back support for use with a chair having laterally spaced opposite sides flanking a rear area of the chair, the back support comprising: an elongated flexible member adapted to span across the rear area of the chair when the back support is installed on the chair; first and second supports coupled to the elongated flexible member and adapted to respectively couple the elongated flexible member to the opposite side of the chair; and a tension control device coupled to the elongated flexible member, the tension control device adjustable to change tension of the elongated flexible member.

22. The back support of claim 21, wherein the elongated flexible member is a cable.

23. The back support of claim 21, wherein the first and second supports each comprise a strap.

24. The back support of claim 23, wherein: the elongated flexible member is a cable, and each strap comprises a guide past which the cable extends.

25. The back support of claim 21, wherein the tension control device is adjustable by rotating a portion of the tension control device to change a length of the elongated flexible member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a side and rear perspective view of the claimed backrest with a cover installed over the claimed backrest, the backrest being installed on a wheelchair.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a rear elevational view of the claimed backrest without a backrest cover attached to the canes of a wheelchair showing one type of tension adjustment mechanism.

[0014] FIG. 3 shows a front elevational view of the claimed backrest with the backrest cover removed.

[0015] FIG. 4 shows a side and back exploded perspective view of one type of installation bracket that can be used with the claimed backrest.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the backrest showing two alternative configurations of the backrest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Now, referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout, FIG. 1 shows the claimed backrest 11 installed on the upright supports or canes 3 of a wheelchair 1. The backrest 11 can be installed on the canes 3 of a wheelchair using any of a plurality of conventional wheelchair back mounting brackets 7, such as the two point mounting bracket system shown in FIG. 1. The backrest 11 can also be installed using a single point mounting system as shown in FIG. 5.

[0018] Referring now to FIG. 2, the backrest 11 is comprised of a rigid perimeter frame 21 having a large central aperture 23, a top portion 24, a bottom portion 25 and a pair of substantially identical sides 26. Sides 26 provide attachment means for a plurality of fixed straps 31, which extend from both sides 26 of the backrest 11. Possible attachment means for the plurality of fixed straps 31 include apertures, grommets and hooks as well as other fixed and removable attachment means. Fixed straps 31, in at least one embodiment, serve as attachment points for variably adjustable tension straps 41, but are not necessary to the claimed invention. Variably adjustable tension straps 41 are arranged between the fixed straps 26.

[0019] The claimed invention could include several variably adjustable straps 41. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, four variably adjustable straps 41 are used. Thus, the embodiment shown can provide adjustment in four areas along the vertical aspect of the backrest. Alternate embodiments using either more or fewer variably adjustable straps 41 are within the scope of the invention in that certain condition might require either more adjustability or less adjustability.

[0020] Variably adjustable straps 41 can preferably be tensioned and eased without moving the person seated against the backrest 11 via tensioning mechanism 51. One embodiment of the invention calls for variably adjustable straps 41 that can be an inelastic cord or cable that is securable at a tension but can be further tensioned or eased off, if necessary. An additional embodiment could employ hook and loop style fasteners that can be pulled through a loop or buckle, doubled back over and secured to itself. Likewise, other tensioning mechanisms 51 could be used including, but not limited to ratchet tensioners, reel tensioners, screw tensioners, cable tensioners and spring tensioners, all of said tensioning mechanism being designed maintain a desired fit to the backrest, allow easy adjustment, be adjustable in small increments, have a high degree stability once adjusted and be at least somewhat resistant to moisture and other elements.

[0021] Referring again to the particular embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3, which shows four separately adjustable support structures 45, each of said adjustable support structures 45 having an adjustable tensioning mechanism 51 to control one section of the backrest 11. Obviously, more or fewer support structures 45 could be used. Moreover, as shown on FIG. 3, there are eight fixed straps 31 on each side 26 of the backrest 11. It is possible to employ more fixed straps 31 and additional adjustable tension mechanisms 51 so as to add adjustable support structures 45 which are each individually adjustable to the backrest 1.

[0022] In the claimed embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each of the adjustable tension mechanisms 51 is attached to two fixed straps 31. Cable 41 is wound through loop buckles 33, or 81 (shown in FIG. 5), or around guide members or the like which are attached to fixed straps 31 opposite the adjustable tension mechanisms 51. It is preferable to provide guide members or loop buckles 33, 81 or the like that offer relatively little friction to cable 41 so that cable 41 tension remains uniform throughout the length of the cable 41. It is even more preferable to provide low friction guide members 33. Additionally, adjustable tension mechanism 51 could be attached to only a single fixed strap 31. Thus, in the embodiment shown, each pair of fixed straps 31 would be connected by a cable 41 tensioned by an adjustable tension mechanism 51. Likewise, the cable 41 of the claimed invention is not limited to standard round cross-section cable, but could include flat straps and other types of connecting means.

[0023] In an additional embodiment, the fixed straps 31 are not used and the adjustable tension mechanism 51 is attached to one side 26 of the backrest 11 and cable 41 is attached to the opposite side of the backrest 11 via low friction guide members 33. As in the case of the embodiment using the fixed straps 31, it is possible to use as many or as few adjustable tension mechanisms 51 as is desired.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, adjustable tension member 51 may further include a guide member 55. Guide member 55 essentially provides a path for cable 41 such that cable 41 can be doubled over so as to serve a broader area of the backrest 11 as shown in FIG. 3. Thus, cable guide member 55 is helpful to create a larger section under the control of a single adjustable tension member 51.

[0025] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, adjustable tension member 51 is attached to one side of the rigid backrest frame 21 by fixed straps 31. Opposite the adjustable tension member 51 are a pair of guide members 33. As shown in FIG. 2, the cable runs from the adjustable tension mechanism to the first guide member 33 attached to the first side of the rigid backrest frame 21, around the cable guide 55 on the adjustable tension member 51 and then around the second guide member 33 attached to the first side of the frame and then back to the adjustable tension mechanism.

[0026] Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 1, the front of the backrest 11 is covered by a cover 61 that may or may not include additional cushioning. Additional lateral supports (not shown) attachable to the backrest for further positioning needs.

[0027] FIG. 5 shows two additional embodiments of the claimed invention. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows five (5) adjustable support structures 45. The upper two (2) adjustable support structures 45 are identical to those disclosed elsewhere in this detailed description. The lower two (2) support structures 45, while similar in function, are slightly different in appearance. Specifically, instead of a cable 41 that stretches across the backrest 11 to the opposite side of the backrest, flat straps 83 are tensioned across backrest using an adjustable tension member 51.

[0028] The middle adjustable support structure 45 shown in FIG. 5 is a single strap 83 support structure. Instead of using the single strap 83 as shown, the adjustable support structure 45 might also employ a cable 41 that stretches across the backrest as shown in the above embodiments.

[0029] As discussed above, the claimed invention is particularly well-suited for patients with lordosis and scoliosis in that it is adjustable along the height of the backrest to provide uniform corrective pressure to aid in treating postural defects and deformities.

[0030] While the present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.