I am a tile setter, and spend most of my work days crawling around on my hands and knees.
Back braces do nothing to alleviate the lower back pain caused by hanging your torso over your thighs day in and day out. So I was thinking of a form fitted front body brace that flexes back the more you bend, and distributes upper body weight to your thighs. I think the material for the brace would have to be some sort of plastic with memory that you would wear under your clothes, it would also help with lifting.

The key to a strong back is a strong stomach.
-- 2 fries shy of a happy meal, Jun 24 2003

First of all, I definately like the idea. The thighs are just fine for carrying weight, and evidence of such can be found by having someone a bit lighter than you sitting on your lap. However, I would be somewhat concerned with how far you could lean - in the end you're an off-balanced mass. Perhaps a good solution would be to add a counterbalance.
-- Worldgineer, Jun 24 2003


Bun from a former cabinetmaker.
-- thumbwax, Jun 24 2003


You could beta test this concept with a large sheet of foam rubber. Roll it into a cylinder about 1 foot across and insert it into the front of your pants. It should protrude upwards all the way to your neck. Now when you lean forward, the weight will be accepted by the springy roll of foam rubber in your pants. You will want to wear a strong belt. Plus then your buds can say "Yo 2Fry! Sore back or just happy to see me?"

Please link photos.
-- bungston, Jun 24 2003


Croissant from a do-it-yourselfer.
-- Shz, Jun 24 2003



random, halfbakery