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  Torso arch support for body board usersUSPTO Application #: 20060073943Title: Torso arch support for body board users Abstract: A garment worn by the user encircles his torso and includes a combined abdomen and chest cushion arrangement which supports the torso during a riding or paddling procedure. The pad includes layers of resilient cushion material as part of the garment. The cushion material is arranged in a series of different thickness pads or layers so as to compensate for the wedge-like angle between the surface of the board and the user's chest. In one form, the pads or bladders are arranged in three rows and two columns and are of a different thickness, commencing with the lower part of the user's rib cage and extending to the waist. The length of each of the pads or bladders is of a different dimension so as to accommodate for the decrease in space between the rib cage and the waist with respect to the surface of the board. (end of abstract) Agent: Petre Ganjian - Glendale, CA, US Inventor: David J. Perka USPTO Applicaton #: 20060073943 - Class: 482055000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, Involving User Translation Or Physical Simulation Thereof, Swimming The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060073943. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] Priority claimed on Ser. No. 60/557,917 filed Apr. 1, 2004 PENDING and Ser. No. 60/526,287 filed Dec. 3, 2003 PENDING, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to the field of orthopaedic supports, and more particularly to a novel torso or arch support that improves the endurance and paddling performance of board riders including surfers, paddle boarders, and boogie boarders. [0004] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art [0005] In the field of ocean sports, many people use a variety of boards on which to ride waves or surf along a beach front. In using such boards, it is the customary practice for the user to lie prone on his stomach along the upper surface of the board. In order to travel through the water, the user employs his arms in a paddling manner which causes his upper torso to rise above the surface of the board so that the torso is solely supported by the skeletal frame along the back. This causes a strain or fatiguing of the lumbar region due to the arch of the back which must be sustained for a relatively long period of time. Thus, such board riders suffer from chronic back pain, muscle tension, postural imbalance and other nagging problems. [0006] Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide a torso or arch support which will relax the lumbar muscles, increase nerve flow and relieve discomfort in the lower back. Such a support should increase circulation and relieve compression of skeletal disks and nerves. The device should support the abdomen and the pelvis regions of the torso. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] Accordingly, the above problems and difficulties are avoided by the present invention which provides a garment to be worn by the board user which encircles his torso and includes a combined abdomen and chest pad arrangement which supports the torso on the surface of the board during a riding or paddling procedure. The pad includes layers of resilient foam cushion material, such as a gel, fiber, or inflatable bladders which are a part of the garment. The cushion material is critical in supporting the torso or body of the user so that injury and strain in the back, neck and shoulder areas are avoided. The cushion material pads or bladders may take the form of a single pad or be arranged in a series of different thicknesses so as to compensate for the wedge-like angle between the surface of the board and the user's chest when raised during a paddling procedure. In one form of the invention, the pads or bladders are arranged in three rows and two columns. Each pad or bladder is of a different thickness, commencing with the lower part of the user's rib cage and extending to the waist. Also, the length of each of the pads or bladders is of a different dimension so as to accommodate for the decrease in space between the rib cage and the waist with respect to the surface of the board. In other words, the cushion material occupies the void between the user's chest and abdominal area and the surface of the board. [0008] Therefore, it is among the primary objects of the present invention to provide a torso and arch support for board riders which improves the endurance and paddling performance of water sport users, such as surfers, paddle boarders and boogie boarders. [0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel orthopaedic support for board riders which lends support to the user's torso where most needed, such as at the lower back where vertebrae are most sensitive to damage. [0010] Another object of the present invention resides in providing an arch support for board riders which relieves tension on the lower back, upper back, shoulders and neck, by providing at least two and one-half inches of soft supportive cushion material. [0011] Still another object relates to an orthopaedic support for the back to be worn by board riders which protects shoulders, back and neck from trauma and chronic muscular issues caused by unsupported paddling and arching during the sports activity. [0012] A further object pertains to a torso and arch support which acts as a highly efficient paddle assistance device. [0013] Still a further object resides in providing an arch support which increases the athlete's average endurance of a sport-session and improves in-session stamina by conserving energy. [0014] A further object resides in providing an arch support which allows for a wide-range of unobstructed movement by the user through its flexible and light-weight design. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood with reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: [0016] FIG. 1 is a side-elevational view of an environmental usage of the torso support incorporating the present invention; [0017] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the torso support employed as a garment worn by a user incorporating the present invention; [0018] FIG. 3 is a view, similar to the view of FIG. 2, illustrating the torso support as a vest with a pouch for insertably receiving a torso support of cushion material; [0019] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the vest and cushion material illustrated in FIG. 3 as taken in the direction of arrows 4-4 thereof; [0020] FIG. 5 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the garment and cushion material as taken in the direction of arrows 5-5 of FIG. 4; [0021] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the invention taking the form of a mid-body belt incorporating the support cushion material in accordance with the present invention; Continue reading... Full patent description for Torso arch support for body board users Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Torso arch support for body board users patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Torso arch support for body board users or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Treadmill for skiing-like exercise Next Patent Application: Exercise apparatus Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Torso arch support for body board users patent info. 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