Lifting belt

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. The belt is worn in this fashion with the abdominal band loosely secured to the underlying lumbar belt. At the time of heavy lifting, the user stretches the abdominal belt and overlappingly secures the same firstly to the lumbar belt and thereafter to itself to firmly engage the abdominal muscles and anchor the lumbar compression pad in the lower fifth lumbar region of the back.