Neil O Smith

US Patent:

51472619, Sep 15, 1992

Filed:

Mar 6, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/666267

Inventors:

Neil Smith - Boca Raton FL
Gerson M. Greenbarg - Boca Raton FL

Assignee:

Florida Orthopedics, Inc. - Opa Locka FL

International Classification:

A63B 21072

US Classification:

482106

Abstract:

A lifting belt which really is two belts; a lumbar belt, and an abdominal belt are enclosed. The lumbar belt is the inner belt and has a lumbar compression pad in its mid-rear portion for engaging the fifth lumbar area of the back. The two bodies extending therefrom are of a flexible material generally known as "Spandex". Metal stays are provided vertically adjacent the lumbar compression pad and vertically of the users. Releasable attachment is provided at the two end portions of the lumbar belt, one part being the loop-like material, and the other end having the hook-like material. The end with the hook-like material has loop-like material on its reverse portion. The abdominal belt is secured to the lumbar belt adjacent the lumbar compression pad and desirably has a pair of body portions which extend to their respective ends, and at the ends one has the hook-like releasable attachment member on the inner side, and the loop-like on the outer member. The remote belt end has only the hook-like member on its inside which permits it to overlappingly engage the other end which, in turn, engages the lumbar belt. The method of the invention contemplates the steps of positioning a belt as described on the lifter's body by first engaging the lumbar compression pad in the lower fifth lumbar region, and thereafter securing the lumbar belt at its releasably secured ends.

US Patent:

53991516, Mar 21, 1995

Filed:

Sep 10, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/118889

Inventors:

Neil Smith - Boca Raton FL

Assignee:

FLA Orthopedics, Inc. - Miami Lakes FL

International Classification:

A61F 502

US Classification:

602 19

Abstract:

A unisize type lifting belt containing basically three elements: the underlying wrap assembly with expandable back panel and overlapping closure ends; suspenders with four adjustable ends to secure to the underlying wrap assembly at varying positions in front and at two positions varying vertically in the rear; and expandable side pull portions which have a pair of elastic band portions and removably secured end tabs is disclosed. The expandable side pulls are normally applied by snugly securing the side pulls to the underlying wrap assembly prior to lifting.