FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an orthopaedic device for supporting a user in a substantially upright or seated posture. Such support allows maintenance of an erect posture longer than would be otherwise possible in people with degenerative disorders, chronic lower back pain, trauma disc injury, sciatica, overall spinal disease or the like. The device is also suitable for sufferers of hip pain or the like.

BACKGROUND ART

Spinal injuries and associated back pain are problems endured by many people. Such injuries are often degenerative but can also occur from traumatic injury, for example, due to poor lifting techniques.

A particular problem for back pain sufferers is the difficulty of standing or sitting for extended periods of time, because of the resultant stress on the spine.

Typical situations likely to induce back pain include queuing, using telephones/ attending performances in which the audience is required to either stand or sit relative still for long periods, and performing tasks at a bench or sink for prolonged periods where such sufferers are unable to lie down or otherwise seek relief from symptoms.

Various types of supporting apparatus are known. However, most known devices are not suitable to facilitate standing or sitting for extended periods of time. For example, crutches, walking frames and the like are primarily intended as mobilising aids, and when used for extended periods tend to result in fatigue of the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders and neck of the user. Such devices are also not sufficiently compact or portable to facilitate convenient transportation and use in a broad range of environments.

For these reasons, there has been a long felt need for a portable orthopaedic device which is sufficiently versatile to be used in different modes whilst retaining the desirable characteristics of being lightweight, portable, and able to provide effective relief.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved orthopaedic device which overcomes or substantially ameliorates at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a portable orthopaedic device for supporting a user in a substantially upright or seated posture, said device comprising: a collapsible column having an upper end and a lower end; and a first support member located at the upper end of the column and adapted to extend transversely across the user's torso; the device being configured to be positioned directly in front of the user with the first support member extending substantially symmetrically across the torso to support the user's elbows and/or forearms such that by a forward leaning action part of the user's weight is transferred substantially evenly and bilaterally to a surface upon which the lower end of the column rests thereby uniformly relieving stress on the user's spine whilst permitting substantially unimpeded movement of the user's hands.

Preferably, the device further comprises a third support member extending outwardly from the column intermediate the first and second support members.

Preferably also, the column includes a plurality of detachable sections, removal of at least one of which permits discrete adjustment of the effective length of the device. At least one of the column sections is

preferably also adjustable in length.

Preferably also, the device is adapted for use in conjunction with a portable seat member to support the torso of the user in the seated position. Most preferably, at least one of said detachable column sections is adapted to form a leg member for the seat.

The first support member preferably comprises a substantially flat supporting surface which forms the head of a "T ^H when located at the upper end of the column, the column forming the stem of the "T ^M . The supporting surface is preferably padded and shaped to enhance user comfort but may alternatively be made from a non-padded moulded plastics material, for example. The column, and second and third support members are preferably made from tubular plastics material, aluminium, or similar lightweight materials.

The first, second and third support members are preferably detachable from the column by way of suitable connection elements, thereby enhancing the portability of the device when disassembled.

The column sections are preferably also joined end to end by connection elements. Each connection element preferably comprises a pair of mutually opposed outwardly depending coaxial sleeves adapted to receive respective sections of the column. More preferably, each connection element additionally includes a third sleeve extending generally orthogonally to the

respective coaxial sleeves to releasably receive a corresponding one of the second or third support members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a frontal perspective view of a portable orthopaedic device in a preferred mode of use according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a reverse elevational view of an enlargement of the encircled area in Figure 1;

Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the device of Figure 1 in alternative modes of use; and

Figure 7 is an exploded elevational view of the portable orthopaedic device of Figure 1.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, wherein corresponding features are denoted by corresponding reference numerals, the invention provides a portable orthopaedic device 1 for supporting a user 2 in a substantially upright or seated position. The device comprises a collapsible column 5 and a first support member 6 located at the upper end of the column. The first support member incorporates a padded top surface 7 and is disposed to extend transversely across the user's

torso, as described in more detail below. The device further includes a second support member 10 extending outwardly from the column to provide support for a foot, knee, or shin of the user, as best seen in Figure 3. A third support member 11 extends outwardly from the column intermediate the first and second support members to provide a hand grip, as seen in Figure 4, for example.

The column 5 is composed of respective upper, middle, and lower detachable sections 14, 15 and 16. Each such section is removable, to permit discrete adjustment of the effective overall length of the device, and to permit collapsing of the column as described in more detail below.

The upper and middle column sections 14 and 15 are releasably connected by an intermediate connecting element 16A incorporating mutually opposed outwardly depending coaxial sleeves 17 adapted to receive and captively retain the respective column sections with an interference fit. Similarly, the middle and lower column sections are connected by a lower connecting element 18. Each connecting element 16A and 18 incorporates an additional sleeve 19 extending outwardly to locate a respective one of the second and third support members 10 and 11. The first support member 6 is connected with the top of the column by means of a T-piece 20 incorporating a downwardly depending sleeve 21 adapted for engagement with the upper end of the

column with an interference fit. The bottom of the lower column section 16 incorporates a rubber foot 22 to enhance grip with the supporting surface.

The connecting elements 16A, 18 and 20 are preferably formed from a PVC composite and the column sections and support members from square section aluminium alloy tube. It will be appreciated, however, that any suitable lightweight materials may be used.

As best seen in Figure 7, the upper and lower column sections 14 and 16 are each composed of telescopically engageable inner and outer tubes 23 and 24. Each outer tube 24 incorporates a longitudinal array of locating formations in the form of circular apertures or holes 25. Each inner tube 23 incorporates a complementary detent mechanism comprising a selectively releasable locking pin 26. The locking pin is biased outwardly by a suitable spring (not shown) into releasable engagement with a selected one of the locating holes 25 thereby securing the inner and outer tubes in preselected relative relationship. This arrangement permits adjustment of the effective length of the upper and lower column sections 14 and 16. This in turn permits adjustment of both the overall length of the column, as well as the relative spacing of the second and third support members 10 and 11 with respect to the top support member 6.

Figure 1 shows the apparatus in a first preferred

mode of use, wherein the device is positioned directly in front of the user with the first support member 6 extending substantially symmetrically across the torso with the top surface 7 nested immediately below the rib cage. If necessary the top or bottom column sections 14 and 16 are adjusted according to the height of the user. A substantial proportion of the user's upper body weight is then supported on the elbows and/or forearms, which simply rest at shoulder width on the top surface 7 of the first transverse support member 6. In this way, the user's weight is evenly transferred from the torso to the surface upon which the lower end of the column rests. This uniformly relieves stress on the user's spine, whilst permitting substantially unimpeded movement of the user's hands and forearms. This mode of use would be particularly suitable at a work bench, sink, basin or the like where the user may be required to stand in one position for reasonably long periods and perform tasks requiring the use of both hands.

As best seen in Figure 3, in a variant of the first mode of use, the user's foot and leg may be supported in an elevated position upon the second support member 10. It will be appreciated that by turning the apparatus through 180° about the column axis, the user's weight may be supported on alternate legs. This feature assists in minimising intervertebral disc pressure.

In Figure 4, the apparatus is shown in a lifting

mode. In this case, the top support member 6 is positioned diagonally across the lower rib cage to one side so as to provide support for the abdomen, whilst the user grasps the third support member 11 with one hand, providing additional support for the upper torso. In this configuration, the other hand is free to grasp the article to be lifted, in this instance a suit case. By pivoting the device forwardly and upwardly about the foot 22 whilst gently lifting with the grasping arm, the object can be lifted without undue strain on the spine, since a substantial proportion of the weight of both the user and the suit case is supported by the column 5.

Figure 5 shows a particularly useful mode wherein the user may be supported in the seated position. In the illustrated example, the device is used in conjunction with a portable seat member 30 incorporating a pair of detachable forwardly extending legs 31. The third leg member 32 is conveniently provided by the detachable column section 16. This conveniently reduces the effective length of the column by the desired amount to enable the device to be used in the seated configuration. As shown, the adjustable upper column section 14 with an additional socketed extension piece 33 added permits the overall length of the remaining column section to be adjusted to the required height, as appropriate for the particular application. Again, it will be appreciated that with the user resting both

elbows or forearms on the top support member 6, both hands are left free for use. It will be appreciated that this form of the invention is also suitable for use with a conventional chair or knee stool, for example.

Finally, Figure 6 shows the device when used as a crutch, wherein the upper support member 6 is tucked under the arm pit, and the third support member 11 grasped with the corresponding hand to support the user's weight in conventional manner.

In another mode (not shown), the first support member 6 and upper column section 14 may be removed, enabling the device to be used as a walking stick, with the user holding the third support member 11 as a handle. In yet another mode of use (also not shown), a pair of mutually opposed outwardly extending support members may be provided as knee or shin supports, whereby the device can be used to support the operator in a semi-kneeling position. This enables tasks to be performed at a bench or sink, for example, by positioning both knees or shins in the supports, and both elbows or forearms on the top support member, whilst the device rests forwardly against the bench or sink.

As will be appreciated from Figure 7, when not required for use, the device can be disassembled into its constituent components by simply removing the various tubular column sections from the retaining

sleeves of the connecting elements. The device is then extremely portable, and can be readily carried in a back pack, small brief case or the like.

It should be appreciated that unlike conventional crutches, for example, the device is intended primarily as a stationary support aid for regular use, as distinct from a temporary mobility aid. Accordingly, the facility of collapsibility and portability is a particularly desirable characteristic. The device also offers the advantage that the user's weight is supported primarily via the forearms, elbows, and abdomen which are less susceptible to fatigue and soft tissue damage, and have fewer sensitive nerve endings than, say, the armpits and wrists which bear weight in the case of crutches. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the user's weight is supported bilaterally and symmetrically, thereby eliminating any twisting of the spin and reducing the possibility of fatigue and cramping on one side of the body. For these reasons, a greater proportion of body weight may be supported by the invention for significantly longer periods of time than by prior art devices, to the extent that the present invention can be used to provide mild traction for spinal decompression, whilst the user is in the sitting or standing position.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated

that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. For example, the column may comprise any convenient number of detachable, interchangeable, or interlocking sections. Similarly, the support members may be permanently affixed to the column or removably connected by appropriate means. The column may also be configured such that the second and third support members are removably connected at a variety of selected locations, typically by a detent mechanism as is used to provide adjustment of the length of the column sections. Alternatively, a variety of hydraulically operable struts may be provided, for example.