DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a kit comprising a belt and a lumbar brace. In particular, such lumbar brace is mainly made of a textile material and, when properly adjusted, helps to prevent certain types of injuries associated with heavy physical activ ity, such herniated discs and low back pain.

It is known in the art that lumbar braces are used to hold and support internal organs and the back during physical exercise, such as for the weightlifting sport and/or for moving heavy loads. These braces comprise first and second front portions config- ured to rest on an abdominal area of a user. Also, these braces comprise a rear portion interposed between the first and second front portions and configured to rest on a lumbar region of a user. These abdominal braces have an inner surface configured to rest on the torso of the user. The brace is fixed to the torso of the user by attaching together the first and second front portions.

Belts are also known to be used in the art, which comprise a pair of opposite ends which are adapted to be attached together to support a garment around the waist of a user. Typically, a buckle is fixed to one end of the belt. This buckle comprises a prong, commonly known as tongue, which is adapted to fit into a hole formed in the opposite end of the belt. More typically, at the end opposite to the buckle, the belt has a plurality of holes spaced apart in a direction of extension of the belt. By changing the hole in which the prong of the buckle fits, the belt can be adjusted to hold up a garment, e.g. trousers around the waist of a user. In addition, the belt has an inner surface which is configured to rest on the waist of a user and an opposite outer surface.

A kit composed of a lumbar brace and a belt is also known in the art. This kit is disclosed, in particular, in WO 94/12125 Al, and comprises a belt adapted to be con nected to a garment and comprising first and second ends adapted to be attached together to hold the garment around the waist of a user. A lumbosacral support brace is adapted to be stably and removably attached to the belt.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One drawback of known abdominal braces is that fixation thereof typically oc curs by fixing together the first and second front portions. As a result, the brace may not remain tightly secured to the user in its proper position. For example, it may slide up or down, and hence be no longer able to ensure a proper holding action.

Therefore, the technical purpose of the present invention is to provide a kit that can obviate the aforementioned prior art drawbacks.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a kit comprising a belt and a lumbar brace that can firmly keep their position on the torso of a user, even during physical activity.

The aforementioned technical purpose and objects are substantially fulfilled by a kit comprising the technical features as disclosed in one or more of the accompanying claims.

A kit according to the present invention comprises a belt adapted to be connected to a garment and a lumbar brace adapted to be attached to the belt. The belt comprises first and second ends opposite to each other. In particular, the ends are flexible and adapted to be attached together to hold the garment around the waist of a user. In addi tion, the belt comprises a flexible elastic portion placed between the first and second ends. Also, the belt has an inner surface which is configured to rest on the waist of a user and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface.

The lumbar brace comprises first and second front portions configured to rest on an abdominal area of a user and a rear portion interposed between the first and second front portions, which is configured to rest on a lumbar region of a user. Furthermore, this abdominal brace has an inner surface configured to rest on the torso of the user. The first and second front portions are attached together to tighten the brace around the torso of the user.

According to the present invention, the outer surface of the belt is adapted to be firmly and removably attached to the inner surface of the brace.

The aforementioned technical problem is solved because, due to the fixation of the brace to the belt, any displacement or movement of the brace from its proper position on the torso of the user is prevented. As a result, the position of lumbar brace is con stantly stabilized.

In addition, by being fixed to the belt, the lumbar brace is fixed to the garment of the user, and any displacement or movement of the brace from its proper position with respect of the garment is thus prevented.

Also advantageously, the use of a belt with a tear-off closure, which affords “continuous”, no point-like fastening, provides improved adaptation to the body of the user, as well as a better fit of the lumbar brace. This will avoid the formation of folds, creases or friction on the lumbar brace, that would affect user comfort.

LIST OF DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention will result more clearly from the illustrative, non-limiting description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of a kit comprising a belt and a lumbar brace, as shown in the annexed drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a front view of a belt of a kit of the present invention in its open configu ration;

- Figure 2 is a rear view of the belt of Figure 1 in its open configuration;

- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the belt of Figure 1, applied to trousers of a user;

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a detail of the belt of Figure 1 as it is being fixed to trousers of a user;

- Figure 5 is a perspective view of a detail of the belt of Figure 1 when fixed to trousers of a user;

- Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the belt of Figure 1 when applied to trousers of a user;

- Figure 7 is a rear view of the belt of Figure 1, when applied to trousers of a user;

- Figure 8 is a perspective view of a lumbar brace of the kit of the present invention in its open configuration;

- Figure 9 is a perspective view of the lumbar brace of Figure 3 in its closed configu ration;

- Figure 10 is a perspective view of a detail of the lumbar brace of Figures 3 and 4;

- Figure 11 is a front view of a step of coupling the lumbar brace of Figures 3 and 4 to the belt of Figure 1 applied to trousers of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the annexed figures, numeral 100 designates a belt of a kit of the present invention. Furthermore, numeral 1 designates a lumbar brace that is part of the kit of the present invention.

The belt 100 is adapted to be connected to a garment, e.g. trousers 200 having loops 201, as is well known. Such belt 100 comprises first 101 and second ends 102 which are opposite to each other. The first end 101 is opposite to the second end 102 in a main direction of extension of the belt.

These ends 101, 102 are flexible and adapted to be attached together to hold the garment around the waist of a user. For example, the belt 100 is designed to fit into the loops 201 of the trousers 200. As the first 101 and second ends 102 are fastened together, the trousers 200 is held around the waist of a user.

The belt 100 further comprises an intermediate portion 107 interposed between the first 101 and second ends 102. The first 101 and second ends 102 are configured to rest on a front area of the waist of a user. Conversely, the intermediate portion 107 is configured to rest on a rear region of the waist of a user.

In addition, the belt 100 comprises a pair of side portions 112. Each side portion 112 is interposed between the intermediate portion 107 and a respective end 101, 102 of the belt 100. In operation, i.e. when the belt 100 is applied to the waist of a user, each side portion 112 is configured to rest on a respective side of a user.

The belt 100 also has an inner surface 104 which is configured to rest on the waist of a user and an outer surface 105 opposite to said inner surface 104. In operation, i.e. when the belt 100 is applied to the waist of a user, the outer surface 105 does not contact the waist of the user.

Preferably, the belt 100 comprises a first closure element 108 which is fixed to the outer surface 105 of the belt 100 at the first end 101 and a second closure element

109 fixed to the inner surface 104 of the belt 100 at the second end 102. These first 108 and second closure elements 109 define a tear-off closure. In other words, the first 101 and second ends 102 of the belt 100 are adapted to be attached together by means of a tear-off closure. It shall be noted that the first 101 and second ends 102 of the belt 100 are not attached together by a traditional buckle closure. Advantageously, as more clearly explained hereinafter, the lack of a buckle as a closure element of the belt 100 ensures a high level of comfort for the user and improved adhesion of a lumbar brace 1 to the belt 100.

Still preferably, the first closure element 108 comprises a hook portion 110 and the second closure element 109 comprises a loop portion 111. In other words, the first 101 and second ends 102 of the belt 100 are adapted to be attached together by means of a closure known with the trade name of Velcro®.

The hook portion 110 extends for a first length, whereas the loop portion 111 extends for a second length. The second length is greater than the first length. Preferably, such second length is at least twice as long as the first length. As a result, the position on the loop portion 111 in which the hook portion 110 is attached may be varied. It shall be noted that, by varying the position on the loop portion 111 in which the hook portion 110 is attached, the belt may be adjusted 100 to hold up a garment around the waist of a user.

The belt 100 of the present invention comprises a flexible elastic portion 103 flexible placed between the first 101 and second ends 102. This elastic portion 103 al lows the belt 100 to easily adapt to the waist of a user. It shall be noted that this elastic portion 103 can increase the extent of the belt 100. In other words, this elastic portion 103 can move the first 101 and second ends 102 apart from each other along the main direction of extension of the belt 100. In the embodiment as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the elastic portion 103 extends from the first end 101 to the second end 102. In other words, this elastic portion 103 defines the rear portion 107 and the side portions 112.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown in the accompanying figures, such elas- tic portion 103 corresponds to the intermediate portion 107. In other words, in this em bodiment, the elastic portion 103 is interposed between the pair of side portions 112. In yet other words, in this alternative embodiment, such elastic portion 103 is configured to rest on a rear portion of the waist of a user.

In a further alternative embodiment, not shown in the accompanying figures, the elastic portion 103 is interposed between the intermediate portion 107 and a respective side portion 112.

Further alternative embodiments, not shown, are also possible, in which the belt 100 comprises a plurality of elastic portions 103 interposed between the first 101 and second ends 102.

According to the present invention, the belt 100 comprises at least one first cou pling element 106 which is fixed to the outer surface 105. This first coupling element 106 has the purpose to attach the belt 100 to lumbar brace 1, as is explained in further detail hereinbelow.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first coupling element 106 extends for a first section along the main direction of extension of the belt 100. The first section has a length that ranges from 4 cm to 10 cm. More preferably, the first coupling element 106 has a rectangular or elliptical shape.

The first coupling element 106 also extends for a second section in a direction defined by the height of the belt 100. In other words, the first coupling element 106 extends for the second section along a direction perpendicular to the main direction of extension of the belt 100. Preferably, the second section has a height that ranges from 50% to 80% of the height of the belt.

The first coupling element 106 is fixed to the outer surface 105 of the belt 100 at the intermediate portion 107 of the belt 100.

Preferably, the belt 100 comprises a further first coupling element 106 fixed to the outer surface 105 of the belt 100 at one of the ends 101, 102 of the belt 100.

According to the embodiment as shown in Figure 1, the belt 100 comprises a number of first coupling elements 106 that is equal to three. In particular, the belt 100 comprises a pair of first coupling elements 106 that are fixed to the outer surface 105 of the belt 100 at the rear portion 107 of the belt 100 and spaced apart from a center 107' of the rear portion 107. This rear center 107' is equally spaced from the first 101 and second ends 102 of the belt 100. The belt 100 further comprises a first coupling element 106 fixed to the outer surface 105 of the belt 100 at the second end 102 of the belt 100. It shall be noted that, in the embodiment as shown in Figure 1, the rear center 107' re mains elastic, which allows the belt to easily adapt to the waist of a user.

The belt 100 comprises a fixing element 113 which is configured to stably and removably fix the belt 100 to a user garment. Preferably, such fixing element 113 is configured to stably and removably fix the belt 100 to a loop 201 of the trousers 200 of a user. In the embodiment as shown in Figures 4 and 5, this fixing element 113 comprises a flap 114 that is fixed to the first end 101 of the belt 100 and faces the outer surface 105 of the belt 100. This fixing element 113 further comprises an opposed element 115 fixed to the outer surface 105 of the belt 100 proximate to the first end 101 of the belt 100. The flap 114 and the opposed element 115 are adapted to be coupled together to fix the belt 100 to the trousers 200. In particular, when the belt 100 is applied to the trousers 200 of a user, the flap 114 and the opposed element 115 retain the loop 201 of the trou sers 200 therebetween. In other words, in operation, the loop 201 of the trousers 200 is secured between the flap 114 and the opposed element 115. Preferably, the flap 114 and the opposed element 115 define a tear-off closure. More preferably, this tear-off closure is of the loop-and-hook type, i.e the type commercially known as Velcro®. This advan tageously prevents the belt 100 from sliding in the loops 201 of the trousers 200.

It shall be noted that the opposed element 115 is shaped substantially like the first coupling element 106.

Particularly referring to Figure 8, the lumbar brace 1 comprises first 4 and second front portions 41, which are configured to rest on an abdominal area of a user and a rear portion 3 interposed between the first 4 and second front portions 41, and configured to rest on a lumbar region of a user. This lumbar brace 1 has an inner surface 2a configured to rest on the torso of the user. The lumbar brace 1 further has an outer surface 2b oppo- site to the inner surface 2a. In other words, the brace 1 is designed to wrap around the lower portion of the torso of an individual, and as more clearly explained hereinafter, to exert a local pressure mainly in the lumbar area.

Preferably the brace 1 is made of breathable fabric. Advantageously, this pro vides comfortable transpiration to the user while he/she wears the lumbar brace 1.

The first 4 and second front portions 41 are adapted to be attached together to tighten the brace around 1 the torso of the user. As the brace is tightened on the torso of the user a local pressure can be exerted on the torso of the user. Preferably, the first 4 and second front portions 41 are adapted to be attached together via a tear-off closure of the loop-and-hook type, commercially known as Velcro®. In other words, the first 4 and second front portions 41 have a loop lining 4a on the outer surface 2b. At least one of the first 4 and second front portions 41 has a hook lining 4b on the inner surface 2a. In the preferred embodiment, the hook lining 4b is only arranged on the front portion 4, 41, which is on the right side of the user in operation. Advantageously, this facilitates at- tachment of the first 4 and second portions 41 to each other for a right-handed user. The lack of a hook portion 4b on the front portion 4, 41, which is located on the left side of the user in operation improves the comfort of the lumbar brace, as the surface in contact with the skin of the user is smooth.

In the embodiment as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the lumbar brace 1 comprises first 2 and second half-parts 21. The first half-part 2 defines the first front portion 4 of the brace 1, whereas the second half-part 21 defines the second front portion 41 of the brace 1. The first 2 and second half-parts 21 are adapted to be attached together to define the rear portion 3 of the brace 1.

More in particular, each half-part 2, 21 has a respective edge 3a. This edge 3a is opposite to the respective front portion 4, 41 and, in operation, is vertically arranged along a lumbar region of the user. It shall be noted that the edges 3a face each other. Furthermore, the edges 3a are adapted to move toward/away from each other to adjust the tension in the half-parts 2, 21.

Each half-part 2, 21 comprises a plurality of connecting strips 5 sewn to the edge 3a. In particular, the connecting strips 5 are uniformly arranged along the edge 3a. The connecting strips 5 have the purpose to connect the two half-parts 2, 21 together. All the connecting strips 5 of each half-part 2, 21 terminate with a single loop 14 that, as better explained hereinbelow, joins the connecting strips of one of the two half-parts 2, 21 to the other half-part 2, 21. It shall be noted that the connecting strips 5 of both half-parts 2, 21 cross with each other, as shown for example in Figure 8. In certain alternative embodiments, the connecting strips 5 may be replaced by cords (not shown) or other substantially inextensible and technically equivalent elements.

Preferably, each half-part 2, 21 comprises adjustment means 6 which are config- ured to loosen and/or tighten said half-parts 2, 21 around a user. In particular, the ad justment means 6 are arranged on the outer surfaces 2b of the brace 1.

The adjustment means 6 comprise a pair of straps 7. Each strap 7 is fixed to a respective half-part 2, 21, at the rear portion 3 of the brace 1 and is adapted to be fixed to one of the front portions 4, 41 of the brace 1.

The straps 7 are adapted to fixed via a loop-and-hook arrangement. In particular, an inner surface of each strap 7 has a hook lining 7a, adapted to be fixed to the loop lining 4a of the front portion 4, 41. Each strap 7 may optionally have a loop lining 7b on an outer surface thereof, to facilitate fixation of the other strap 7 by allowing them to overlap.

As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5 each of the half-parts 2.21 comprises a rigid element 8, which is fixed to the half-part 2, 21, at the rear portion 3 of the brace 1 and is configured to transfer compression loads. These straps 7 are each fixed to a respective rigid element 8.

It shall be noted that, as used herein, the term "rigid" does not necessarily implies undeformability. In other words, the element 8 is not rigid in an absolute sense, but only relative to the half-parts 2, 21 and the straps 7.

More in detail, the rigid element 8 has a main direction of extension whose ori entation relative to the half-part 2, 21 is such that, when the lumbar brace 1 is worn by a user, the rigid element 8 is disposed in a substantially horizontal direction. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rigid ele ment 8 is designed to transfer compression loads. In other words, the rigid element 8 is designed to keep its length substantially unchanged, even under compression during reg ular use of the lumbar brace 1. The response of the rigid element 8 to the pull force that is transferred by the straps 7 allows proper distribution of the force exerted by the lumbar brace 1 to the user. In particular, each rigid element 8 is fixed at the edge 3a of its re spective half-part 2, 21. In operation, each rigid element 8 extends in a substantially horizontal direction along a lumbar region of the user.

Each rigid element 8 has first 8a and second ends 8b. These ends 8a, 8b are sewn to their respective half-parts 2, 21. The first end 8a is sewn at the edge 3a of the half part 2, 21. The aforementioned strap 7 is fixed to the second end 8b of its respective rigid element 8.

More in detail, the rigid element 8 is defined by a rigid strip having the short sides at the ends 8a, 8b, whereas the long sides are substantially perpendicular thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the rigid element 8 is substantially similar to the width of the straps 7.

The adjustment means 6 further comprise a pair of additional straps 9. Each ad ditional strap 9 is fixed, in particular via a seam, to the second end 8b of a respective rigid element 8. Each additional strap 9 ends with an additional loop 13, in which the respective strap 7 fits. The additional strap 9 fits into the loop 14 of the other half-part 2, 21, to exert a pull action thereon.

The lumbar brace 1 comprises at least one second coupling element 20 fixed to the inner surface 2a. Such second coupling element 20 has the purpose to attach the brace 1 to the belt 100, in particular by being attached to the first coupling element 106. In the embodiment of Figure 9, the second coupling element 20 extends over the entire inner surface 2a of the lumbar brace 1. In alternative embodiments, not shown, multiple second coupling elements 20 may be provided, arranged over the inner surface 2a.

According to the present invention, the outer surface 105 of the belt 1 is adapted to be firmly and removably attached to the inner surface 2a of the brace 1.

More in detail, the first coupling element 106 of the belt 100 is adapted to be coupled to the second coupling element 20 of the brace 2 to attach the lumbar brace 1 to the belt 100.

Preferably, the first 106 and second coupling elements 20 define a tear-off clo sure. More preferably, the first coupling element 106 is defined by a hook structure and the second coupling element 20 is defined by a loop structure. In other words, the first 106 and second coupling elements 20 are adapted to be attached together by means of a closure that is commonly known as Velcro®.

According to the present invention, the second coupling element 20 is only de fined by a loop structure. Advantageously, this provides a more comfortable brace, as the surface in contact with the skin of the user is smooth. Therefore, it shall be noted that the lumbar brace 1 may be also used without a belt 100, while still affording a high degree of comfort for the user.

In operation, the lumbar brace 1 overlaps and is connected to the belt 100. It shall be noted that each first coupling element 106 constitutes a point of fixation of the brace 1 to the belt 100. As the number of first coupling elements 106 increases the stability of the brace 1 with respect to the belt 100 also increases. Then, the brace 1 can be attached to a user garment, e.g. the trousers 200. Ad vantageously, the brace 1 is adapted to be stably fixed to the torso of the user, thus preventing any undesired movement of the brace 1 both with respect to the torso of the user and with respect to the garment.