US20160324323A1 - Portable Back Support for Beach Chair - Google Patents

Embodiments relate generally to a Beach Back cushion operable to attach to the lower back portion of a beach chair comprising a water resistant exterior cover; a rectangular memory foam interior material; and two straps attached to opposite sides of the Beach Back cushion, the straps operable to attach the Beach Back cushion to a beach chair, wherein the Beach Back cushion is at least 3 inches in depth when uncompressed and at least 1.5 inches in depth when compressed; the Beach Back cushion comprises a width of approximately 16 inches; the Beach Back cushion comprises a height of approximately 8 inches; the straps comprises a first strap and a second strap operable to attach to one another via clips; and at least one clip is operable to slide along at least one strap to adjust the total length of the attached straps.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

• Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

• Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

• Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

• Many chairs, particularly foldable beach chairs, comprise fabric backs and/or plastic straps that may not provide any sort of lower back support. Beach chairs may be designed for easy transport, and for water resistance, and therefore may comprise minimal support elements. Users, particularly those with lower back pain or other issues, may not be comfortable sitting in a beach chair for very long due to the lack of support elements on the beach chair.

SUMMARY

• Aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a Beach Back cushion operable to attach to a chair comprising a water resistant exterior cover; a cushioned interior material; and at least one strap operable to attach the Beach Back cushion to a beach chair, wherein the Beach Back cushion is at least 3 inches in depth when uncompressed and at least 1.5 inches in depth when compressed.

• In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushion comprises a width of approximately 16 inches. In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushion comprises a height of approximately 8 inches. In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushion comprises a depth of approximately 5.5 inches when uncompressed. In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushion comprises a depth of approximately 2.5 inches when compressed. In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushion comprises a depth between approximately 1.5 inches and 5.5 inches. In some embodiments, the strap comprises a first strap and a second strap operable to attach to one another via clips. In some embodiments, at least one clip is operable to slide along at least one strap to adjust the total length of the attached straps. In some embodiments, each of the straps comprises a length between approximately 12 inches and 24 inches. In some embodiments, the straps comprise a total length between approximately 12 inches and 36 inches. In some embodiments, the Beach Back comprises a logo on one or more of its sides. In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushion is operable to be attached to the lower back portion of the beach chair. In some embodiments, the cushioned interior comprises memory foam.

• Additional aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a Beach Back cushion operable to attach to the lower back portion of a beach chair comprising a water resistant exterior cover; a cushioned interior material; and at least one strap operable to attach the Beach Back cushion to a beach chair, wherein the Beach Back cushion is at least 3 inches in depth when uncompressed and at least 1.5 inches in depth when compressed; the Beach Back cushion comprises a width of approximately 16 inches; the Beach Back cushion comprises a height of approximately 8 inches; the strap comprises a first strap and a second strap operable to attach to one another via clips; and at least one clip is operable to slide along at least one strap to adjust the total length of the attached straps.

• In some embodiments, the Beach Back may comprise a logo on one or more of its sides. In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushion is operable to be folded into a foldable beach chair. In some embodiments, the straps comprise a total length between approximately 12 inches and 36 inches. In some embodiments, the clips comprise plastic hook and release clips. In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushion comprises a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the Beach Back cushion may be operable to provide seating comfort; allow for easier ingress and egress of the chair; lessen the potential for lower back pain for a variety of chair heights; provide lumber support to a user sitting in the beach chair; and allows user to sit for longer periods of time without lower back pain, provides natural support for lordotic pain sufferers. In some embodiments, the position of Beach Back may be adjustable on the back of the beach chair for vertical placement to maximize individual comfort and support, and wherein the Beach Back cushion is lightweight for easy transport.

• Other aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a Beach Back cushion operable to attach to the lower back portion of a beach chair comprising: a water resistant exterior cover; a rectangular o foam interior material; and two straps attached to opposite sides of the Beach Back cushion, the straps operable to attach the Beach Back cushion to a beach chair, wherein the Beach Back cushion is at least 3 inches in depth when uncompressed and at least 1.5 inches in depth when compressed; the Beach Back cushion comprises a width of approximately 16 inches; the Beach Back cushion comprises a height of approximately 8 inches; the straps comprises a first strap and a second strap operable to attach to one another via clips; and at least one clip is operable to slide along at least one strap to adjust the total length of the attached straps.

• These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.

• FIG. 1A

  is a front elevation view of a Beach Back cushion in accordance with our new design;

• FIG. 1B

  is a rear elevation view thereof;

• FIG. 1C

  is a side elevation view thereof;

• FIG. 1D

  is an alternate side elevation view thereof, showing the side opposing that shown in

  FIG. 1C

  ;

• FIG. 1E

  is a top elevation view thereof;

• FIG. 1F

  is a bottom elevation view thereof;

• FIG. 2

  is a front perspective view of the Beach Back cushion; and

• FIG. 3

  is a perspective view of the Beach Back cushion installed on a beach chair (where the chair is optional).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

• It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

• The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout the application:

• The term “comprising” means including but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context;

• The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment);

• If the specification describes something as “exemplary” or an “example,” it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example;

• The terms “about” or approximately” or the like, when used with a number, may mean that specific number, or alternatively, a range in proximity to the specific number, as understood by persons of skill in the art field; and

• If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,” “optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.

• Embodiments of the disclosure include devices for supporting a user's back while seated in a chair, specifically a beach chair. The devices may comprise a Beach Back cushion operable to be attached to a beach chair and placed at the lower back section of the chair. The Beach Back comprise a waterproof fabric cover, a foam (memory foam) interior, and adjustable attachment means, such as straps and clips. The Beach Back may be removably attached to a chair, and may be moved between chairs. The Beach Back may be operable to be folded up within a folding beach chair, and may not impede the folding of the chair. The Beach Back may comprise various sizes and depths to fit various user requirements and chair styles. The Beach Back may comprise a logo attached to one or more sides of the Beach Back. In some cases, the Beach Back may comprise a hook assembly to allow for hanging of the Beach Back. In some cases, the Beach Back may comprise a tag or label illustrating the benefits of the Beach Back cushion and/or demonstrating the use of the Beach Back, such as attaching to a beach chair. In some embodiments, the Beach Back may be used in another setting, such as any venue where back support is limited but necessary or desired, such as airports/airplanes.

• Referring now to

  FIGS. 1A-1D

  , different views of the Beach Back are shown. The

  Beach Back

  100 may comprise a

  first face

  102, a

  second face

  104, a

  first side

  106, a

  second side

  108, a

  third side

  110, and a

  fourth side

  112. The

  Beach Back

  100 may comprise a rectangular shape. In sonic embodiments, an attachment means may be attached to the

  Beach Back

  100. In the embodiment of

  FIGS. 1A-1D

  , the attachment means may comprise straps 120. In some embodiments, the

  straps

  120 may comprise a

  first strap

  123 and a second strap 124. The

  straps

  120 may also comprise

  clips

  122 for attaching the straps around the back of a chair. In some embodiments, the

  straps

  120 may comprise non-slip nylon straps. In some embodiments, one or more of the

  clips

  122 may be able to slide along the

  strap

  120 to adjust the fit around a chair. In sonic embodiments, the

  clips

  122 may comprise a hook and release. In some embodiments, the

  clips

  122 may comprise durable plastic clips.

• FIG. 2

  illustrates another view of the

  Beach Back

  100. The

  Beach Back

  100 may be portable and designed for use at the beach. Therefore, the

  Beach Back

  100 may comprise a water resistant or waterproof exterior material. Additionally, the

  straps

  120 may be designed to be water resistant or waterproof. The

  Beach Back

  100 may comprise a cushioned interior, operable to conform to the lower back of a user, providing lumbar support that may be lacking in a chair on its own. The

  Beach Back

  100, by supporting the lower back of a user, may promote better posture and provide comfort for users with lower back pain or issues.

• FIG. 3

  illustrates a

  Beach Back

  100 installed onto a

  beach chair

  300. The

  Beach Back

  100 may be designed to be lightweight and easy to carry or move. Also, the

  Beach Back

  100 may be attached to a

  foldable chair

  300 and may be folded with the

  chair

  300, remaining attached to the

  chair

  300. The

  Beach Back

  100 may be operable to attach to a variety of

  chairs

  300, included different styles, shapes, and sizes of chairs.

• The curvature of an average person's back is approximately 1 to 2 inches. The range compromise (or curvature) on a sample of beach chairs was determined to be approximately 1 to 2.625 inches, as shown in Table 1. This means that the total distance between the lower back of a user and the back of the chair, if a user is sitting with correct posture, is approximately 2 to 4.625 inches. Therefore the

  Beach Back

  100 may be designed to make up for that space, and may comprise a thickness (or depth) that ranges from approximately 1.5 and 5.5 inches, depending on the compression on the

  Beach Back

  100. The compromise may be determined may measuring the depth of the curvature of the back of the beach chair.

• TABLE 1
  Beach Back Chair Research
  Sample Chair Sizes and Amount of Seating Compromise
  on Lower Back

  		Seat	Back	Back	Lower Back
  Chair Brand	Style	Height	Height	Width	Compromise

  Beach	High Back/	11.0	28.0	20.0	2.250
  Chair A	Medium Rise
  Beach	High Back/	10.5	27.0	20.0	2.125
  Chair B	Medium Rise
  Beach	High Back/	11.0	26.0	19.5	1.500
  Chair C	Medium Rise
  Beach	High Back/	10.0	26.0	20.5	2.625
  Chair D	Medium Rise
  Beach	High Back/	12.0	27.0	20.0	2.125
  Chair E	High Rise
  Beach	High Back/	14.0	28.0	20.5	1.000
  Chair F	High Rise
  Beach	High Back/	13.0	26.0	20.5	2.000
  Chair G	High Rise
  Average		11.643	26.857	20.143	1.946

• The addition of the

  Beach Back

  100 to the back of a beach chair will compensate for the lower back compromise of the chair. By adding the

  Beach Back

  100 to the chair, the lower back of a user will be supported, improving posture and comfort. The thickness of the

  Beach Back

  100 may be chosen based on the preferences of the user, as well as the specific beach chair being used. Particularly, users with a history of back problems or back surgeries may be benefited by the extra support for their lower back.

• In some embodiments, the

  Beach Back

  100 may be approximately 16 inches wide (along

  sides

  106 and 108), approximately 8 inches in height (along

  sides

  110 and 112). In some embodiments, the

  Beach Back

  100 may be approximately 3 inches deep uncompressed (between

  face

  102 and face 104). In some embodiments, the

  Beach Back

  100 may be approximately 5.5 inches deep uncompressed (between

  face

  102 and face 104). In some embodiments, the

  Beach Back

  100 may be approximately 1.5 inches deep when compressed, such as by a user's back. In some embodiments, the

  Beach Back

  100 may be approximately 2.5 inches deep when compressed, such as by a user's hack. In some embodiments, the depth of the

  Beach Back

  100 may vary between 1.5 inches and 5.5 inches depending on the design of the

  Beach Back

  100 and depending on the level of compression on the

  Beach Back

  100, wherein

  face

  102 may be compressed toward face 104 (or vice versa).

• In some embodiments, the

  straps

  120 may be between 12 inches and 24 inches long. In some embodiments, the

  straps

  120 may be different lengths, wherein one strap may be 12 inches long and one strap may be 24 inches long. In some embodiments, the

  clips

  122 may be moved along the length of the

  straps

  120 to adjust the total length of the

  strap

  120 when the

  clips

  122 are connected. In some embodiments, the

  Beach Back

  100 may comprise a logo on one or more of the sides.

• The interior material of the

  Beach Back

  100 may be designed to be form fitting and adjust to the back of the user. In sonic embodiments, the interior of the

  Beach Back

  100 may comprise memory foam. In some embodiments, the interior may comprise an inflatable bladder in addition to the memory foam. The inflatable bladder may be adjusted by the user to customize the firmness and/or thickness of the

  Beach Back

  100. In sonic embodiments, the interior may comprise only an inflatable bladder.

• While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are representative only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is defined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present invention(s). Furthermore, any advantages and features described above may relate to specific embodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages or having any or all of the above features.

• Additionally, the section headings used herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or to otherwise provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the headings might refer to a “Field,” the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field. Further, a description of a technology in the “Background” is not to be construed as an admission that certain technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to be considered as a limiting characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby, in all instances, the scope of the claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.

• Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Use of the term “optionally,” “may,” “might,” “possibly,” and the like with respect to any element of an embodiment means that the element is not required, or alternatively, the element is required, both alternatives being within the scope of the embodiment(s). Also, references to examples are merely provided for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be exclusive.

• While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

• Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.