CN117835872A

CN117835872A - Posture device

Info

Publication number: CN117835872A
Application number: CN202280055896.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: D·弗拉德塔
Original assignee: Wufu Ip Co ltd
Current assignee: Wufu Ip Co ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-29
Filing date: 2022-07-29
Publication date: 2024-04-05
Also published as: WO2023004478A1; AU2021209307A1

Abstract

A gesture device configured to provide a support surface to a user is disclosed. The device comprises a body having a front end and a rear end and an upper surface therebetween, the upper surface providing a support surface, the body being constructed of an elastic material such that, in use, the material generates an elastic restoring force in response to the weight of a user, the elastic restoring force urging the pelvis of the user to maintain a neutral or slightly forward tilted posture.

Description

Posture device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to personal support devices, and more particularly to a posture device configured to help promote an ergonomic sitting position.

Background

Spinal or body misalignment is a health problem and may result from sedentary lifestyles or prolonged sitting. Studies have shown that incorrect sitting postures affect the alignment of the spinal curves, activation of the trunk and core muscles, and the position of the head and neck.

Thus, strategies that promote correct or ergonomic sitting postures are important, as they are precautions against the health effects associated with poor sitting postures, such as body in a lazy or drooping posture. Existing strategies to avoid bad sitting postures include "negative strategies" of antigravity control, i.e. a person consciously taking an upright sitting posture. One example is the compensatory zone "locking" strategy of antigravity control, i.e. strengthening the behaviour of the "central tightening mode" in the body core zone. However, this strategy can result in overactive superficial neuromuscular activity, with the result that certain parts of the spine are compressed and unable to move freely. The result is a compromised ability of the core to control and breathe freely.

It has been shown that in an ideal sitting position, the lumbar spine is in a neutral position and exhibits a lumbar lordotic curve. In this posture, the pelvis is neutral or slightly anteverted and the thoracic vertebrae are relaxed. This is not the result of the compensatory zone "lock-in" strategy of antigravity control.

It will be appreciated that if any prior art is referred to herein or hereinafter, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in australia or any other country, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention discloses a device that encourages the body of a user of the device to at least partially assume a seated position, with neutral lumbar vertebrae and relaxed thoracic vertebrae.

In a first aspect, there is provided a gesture device configured to provide a support surface to a user, comprising: a body having front and rear ends, an upper surface, and a bottom, wherein the bottom is shaped such that the body has at least one unstable orientation.

In some forms, the instability is primarily limited to at least one direction. The at least one direction may include a direction generally in a vertical front-to-back plane, a direction generally in a vertical side-to-side plane, or both. The at least one direction may also include a direction that is inclined from a front-to-back or lateral direction, wherein the instability in the inclined direction is less than the instability in the front-to-back or lateral direction.

In some forms, the at least one direction of instability includes a direction generally in a vertical front-to-back plane, the direction including a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends.

In some forms, in use, the vertical anterior-posterior plane is generally aligned with a sagittal (sagittal) plane of the user.

In some forms, the at least one direction of instability includes a direction generally in a vertical lateral plane that is generally transverse to a longitudinal axis extending between the front end and the rear end.

In some forms, the vertical lateral plane is generally aligned with the coronal plane of the user.

In some forms, the device supports the pelvis and spine of the user such that when the application of the user's weight causes the device to apply pressure to the spine, the lumbar spine of the user is at least partially biased to assume a neutral curve that balances between the left and right sides of the user, and the thoracic spine of the user relaxes.

In some forms, the body is constructed of an elastic material such that, in use, the material generates a restoring force in response to the weight of a user, the restoring force having a component in a forward direction.

In a second aspect, there is provided a posture device configured to provide a support surface for a user, comprising a body having a front end and a rear end and an upper surface therebetween, at least a portion of the upper surface providing the support surface, the body being constructed of an elastic material such that, in use, the material generates a restoring force in response to the weight of the user, the restoring force having a component in a forward direction.

In some forms, the restoring force urges the pelvis of the user to maintain a neutral or slightly tilted posture. Tilting may be forward and downward.

In some forms, the restoring force does not allow the material to settle, which encourages the user's nervous system to continually fine tune, thereby impeding the locking strategy.

In some forms, the restoring force does not allow the material to settle, which encourages the user's nervous system to continually fine tune, requiring active seating.

In some versions of any of the aspects described, the upper surface and the bottom surface have different surface profiles.

In a third aspect, a gesture device configured to provide a support surface to a user is provided, the gesture device comprising a body having a front end and a rear end, an upper surface between the front end and the rear end, and a bottom surface, at least a portion of the upper surface being provided with at least a portion of the upper surface providing the support surface. The upper and bottom surfaces have different surface profiles.

In some forms, the base has a longitudinal profile along a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends of the body, the longitudinal profile being curved outwardly such that the longitudinal profile is lowest at a mid-portion thereof.

In some forms, the base further has a transverse profile along a transverse axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the transverse profile is curved outwardly such that the longitudinal profile is lowest at a mid-portion thereof.

In some forms, the base has a longitudinal profile along a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends of the body, the longitudinal profile being curved outwardly such that the longitudinal profile is lowermost at a central portion thereof, and has a transverse profile along a transverse axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the transverse profile is curved outwardly such that the longitudinal profile is lowermost at a central portion thereof.

In some forms, the body is shaped such that its height at the rear end is greater than the height of the front end, wherein the body has a maximum height between the front end and the rear end but closer to the rear end.

In a fourth aspect, a gesture device configured to provide a support surface to a user is provided that includes a body having a front end and a rear end, an upper surface between the front end and the rear end, and a bottom surface, at least a portion of the upper surface providing the support surface. The upper and bottom surfaces have different surface profiles. The body is shaped such that the height of its rear end is higher than the height of the front end, wherein the body has a maximum height between the front end and the rear end but closer to the rear end.

In some forms of the third and fourth aspects, the base in use is a substantially planar surface.

In some forms, the upper surface and the bottom surface meet at a front end of the body.

In some forms, the body has a rear surface at a rear end of the body between the upper surface and the bottom, the rear surface having a curvature different from a curvature of the bottom.

In some forms of either aspect, the support surface has a contoured shape and orientation that promotes neutral or slight anteversion of the user's pelvis in use.

The profile may be oriented such that, in use, neutral or slight anteversion of the user's pelvis when the device is at its longitudinal equilibrium point contributes to the posture of the user's lumbar spine in the neutral position.

In some forms of any of the aspects, the upper surface includes a rear portion extending from the rear end, and the support surface is located forward of the rear portion.

In some forms of any of the aspects, the support surface is disposed in a generally convex shaped housing.

In some forms of any of the aspects, the upper surface includes a scalloped region that is gradually recessed from the support surface, wherein the support surface is located substantially about the scalloped region.

The scalloped region may have a perimeter that is generally shaped like a quadrilateral or shaped like a triangle.

The profile of the scalloped region may have a concave portion.

The scalloped region may be located forward of the peak height region of the body.

The scalloped region may also have a generally convex portion forward of the concave portion.

The radius of curvature of the concave portion may be smaller than the radius of curvature of the convex portion.

The ratio of the radius of curvature of the concave portion to the radius of curvature of the convex portion may be 1 to phi.

In some forms of any of the aspects, the body has a rear surface at the rear end adjacent the upper portion, the rear surface providing the body with a greater height at the rear end.

In some forms of either aspect, the device is supported by a frame of the chair.

The device may be functionally integrated with the chair, thereby forming the seat of the chair.

The device may be secured to the seat portion of the chair.

The device is rotatably supported in the frame of the chair.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a chair having a support surface provided by a posture device according to any of the above aspects.

In a sixth aspect, a method of constructing a posture device configured to provide a support surface to a user is provided, the posture device comprising a body having a front end and a rear end, an upper surface providing the support surface, and a bottom. The method comprises the following steps: providing a bottom and an upper surface having different surface profiles; wherein the upper surface is shaped such that the rear height of the body is greater than the front height of the body.

In some forms, the method further includes providing a base having a generally curved profile, the base having a longitudinal profile along a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends of the body, the longitudinal profile being curved outwardly such that the longitudinal profile is lowest at a central portion thereof.

In some forms, the method further comprises providing the base with an outwardly curved lateral profile along a lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis such that the lateral profile is lowest at a mid-portion thereof.

In some forms, the upper surface includes a recessed region, and the support surface is located about the recessed region.

In some forms, the method further comprises providing an end face in the body that connects between the upper surface and the bottom.

In some forms, the end face is at the rear end.

In some forms, the method further includes applying spline geometry to the gesture device such that a surface of the gesture device can be described by two or more types of geometry.

In some forms, the upper surface and the bottom of the body present a geometry obtained by overlapping a plurality of volumes, each obtained by rotating a respective circle about the center of the circle.

In some forms, the circle comprises two bottom profile circles defining a bottom surface profile, the bottom surface profile being obtained by: partially overlapping the two bottom contour circles such that the two bottom contour circles share a chord that bisects an intersection region between the bottom contour circles; the intersection region is rotated about the chord to define an ellipsoid. A portion of the lower surface of the sphere provides the surface profile of the bottom.

In some forms, the axis perpendicular to the chord is angularly offset from the perpendicular.

In some forms, the two radii are at right angles to each other, each radius extending between a respective end of the chord and the center of either bottom contour circle.

In some forms, the circle comprises an upper surface circle partially overlapping the intersection region, wherein the surface profile of the upper surface of the body is provided by an upper surface portion of the volume obtained by rotating the upper surface circle about its centre, said upper surface portion of the volume being located above said portion of said lower surface of the sphere.

In a seventh aspect, a method of assisting a user in a sitting position is provided, comprising subjecting the user to at least one directional instability to facilitate micro-movement of the user in one or both of the sagittal or coronal plane of the user's body.

In some forms, the method further comprises applying a restoring force to the user to urge the user's pelvis to maintain a neutral or slightly tilted forward and downward posture.

In an eighth aspect, a method of assisting a user in a sitting position is provided, the method comprising subjecting the user to a restoring force to urge the user to maintain a neutral or slightly inclined position of the pelvis. Tilting may be forward and downward.

In some forms, the user sits on a posture device or chair according to the aspects described above.

In another aspect, the posture device may be used on existing prasugrel and exercise equipment to increase instability and thus increase dynamic control of the pelvis and torso during exercise.

In another aspect, an exercise device is provided that includes a gesture device as a seat.

In another aspect, a seat for a toilet is provided, including a gesture device, wherein a support surface of the gesture device is disposed substantially around a hollow region.

Drawings

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1-1 depicts a seated lumbar lordotic extension or excessive person in a side view;

1-2 depict a person sitting on a gesture device provided in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure in a side view;

FIGS. 1-3 depict side views of a person with an incorrect sitting posture bending forward to a humpback;

FIGS. 1-4 depict a person with an incorrect sitting posture leaning back in a side view;

FIGS. 1-5 depict a person with an incorrect sitting posture in a side view with the person bending forward;

FIG. 2-1 depicts a person with an incorrect sitting position, without refined picking to the right, with the head tilted to the left;

2-2 depict a person sitting on a gesture device provided in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figures 2-3 depict a person with an incorrect sitting position bending to the right with a humpback and a neck bending to the right;

FIG. 3-1 depicts a front perspective view of a gesture device provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3-2 depicts a side view of the postural means shown in FIG. 3-1;

FIG. 3-3 depicts a top view of the posture device shown in FIG. 3-1;

3-4 depict bottom views of the gesture device of FIG. 3-1;

3-5 depict front views of the gesture device of FIG. 3-1;

FIGS. 3-6 depict rear views of the gesture device of FIG. 3-1;

FIGS. 3-7 depict top views of the posture device of FIG. 3-1, showing cross-sectional axes B-B and C-C; fig. 3-8 show cross-sections of the posture device of fig. 3-7 taken through axis B-B;

figures 3-8 show cross-sections of the posture device of figures 3-7 taken through axis C-C;

FIG. 4-1 depicts a front perspective view of a gesture device provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4-2 depicts a side view of the postural means shown in FIG. 4-1;

FIG. 4-3 depicts a top view of the gesture device of FIG. 4-1;

4-4 depict bottom views of the gesture device of FIG. 4-1;

FIGS. 4-5 depict front views of the gesture device of FIG. 4-1;

FIGS. 4-6 depict rear views of the gesture device of FIG. 4-1;

FIGS. 4-7 depict top views of the posture device of FIG. 4-1, showing cross-sectional axes D-D and E-E; FIGS. 4-8 show cross-sections of the figure 4-7 posture device taken through axis D-D;

FIGS. 4-9 illustrate cross-sections of the figure 4-7 gesture device taken through the E-E axis;

FIG. 5-1 depicts a front perspective view of a gesture device provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5-2 depicts a bottom perspective view of the postural means of FIG. 5-1;

FIG. 5-3 depicts a top view of the posture device shown in FIG. 5-1, showing the cross-sectional axes F-F and G-G;

5-4 depict bottom views of the gesture device of FIG. 5-1;

5-5 depict front views of the gesture device of FIG. 5-1;

FIGS. 5-6 depict rear views of the gesture device of FIG. 5-1;

FIGS. 5-7 depict side views of the postural means of FIG. 5-1;

5-8 show cross-sections of the figure 5-3 posture device taken through axis F-F;

5-9 illustrate a cross-section of the figure 5-3 posture device taken through axis G-G;

FIG. 6-1 depicts a rear perspective view of a gesture device provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6-2 depicts a top view of the posture device shown in FIG. 6-1;

FIG. 6-3 depicts a front perspective view of the postural means shown in FIG. 6-1;

FIG. 6-4 depicts a rear view of the gesture device of FIG. 6-1;

FIG. 6-5 depicts a side view of the postural means shown in FIG. 6-1;

FIG. 6-6 depicts a front view of the gesture device of FIG. 6-1;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example geometry of a gesture device;

FIG. 8-1 illustrates an embodiment of a posture device with a substantially flat bottom;

fig. 8-2 shows another embodiment of the gesture device wherein the bottom is substantially flat;

FIG. 9 shows in side view a chair incorporating a posture device provided in accordance with the present invention as a seat;

FIG. 10 illustrates in perspective view an exercise apparatus incorporating two posture devices provided in accordance with the present invention as a chair;

FIG. 11-1 shows a top view of one embodiment of a gesture device in which the bottom is substantially flat and a scalloped area within the edge area of the device is hollowed out;

FIG. 11-2 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 11-1;

fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a toilet incorporating a posture device of the type shown in fig. 11-1 and 11-2 as a toilet seat.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. The illustrative embodiments depicted in the drawings and described in the detailed description are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the presented subject matter. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in the present disclosure.

In the following, when referring to any direction and orientation, such as "front", "back" or "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "vertical", "horizontal" are relative to the posture device when in use. The front-to-back direction will be considered as the longitudinal direction of the device, while any lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction will be considered as the transverse direction. When the postural device is in use, the "front" and "back" (or "rear") of the postural device will be positioned towards the front and rear, respectively, of the person sitting on the postural device. Thus, the "left" and "right" sides of the gesture device will correspond to the left-hand side and right-hand side, respectively, of the person using the device.

Disclosed below is a posture device according to the present disclosure that encourages a user to adopt an optimal sitting posture with neutral lumbar vertebrae and relaxed thoracic vertebrae, and mitigates the tendency of the user to adopt a negative strategy. Various gestures are depicted in the side views of fig. 1-1 to 1-5. Fig. 1-1 depicts a person intentionally controlling the posture of the core muscles as employed in an "antigravity" strategy, with the result that the user's spine is over-curved and partially curved (i.e., "lordosis"). Fig. 1-2 show the pose of a person 10 sitting on the pose device 100. As will be discussed in more detail below, the pelvis of the person 10 presents a neutral pelvis or a slight anteversion, as motivated by the design of the postural means 100. Neutral pelvis or slight anteversion are primarily defined or understood in clinical practice. Figures 1-3 show that the spine may be excessively bent when a person is sitting in an unrefined posture. Figures 1-4 show the situation of excessive curvature of the spine when a person leans too far backward. Figures 1-5 illustrate a person leaning too far forward from the waist without neutral curvature of the spine. Because the posture device 100 promotes a sitting posture as shown in fig. 1-2, other common incorrect sitting postures as shown in fig. 1-1 and 1-3 to 1-5 are unlikely to occur.

The posture device 100 is designed to facilitate a neutral or slightly inclined correct sitting posture of the pelvis. Different versions that encourage a nerve or slightly inclined pelvic position will be targeted to users with different physiological needs. At the most common level, correct sitting is encouraged by one or more mechanisms.

The first mechanism is by introducing instability in the postural means so that the user needs to dynamically adjust his or her position to maintain the device in an unstable equilibrium state so that the user needs to maintain an optimal sitting position to ensure equilibrium. The second mechanism is by providing a support surface that is contoured to facilitate proper seating.

Embodiments employing only contoured support surfaces but having a stable bottom may have any of the upper contours described below, as well as variations thereof. Embodiments employing only an unstable bottom may have a bottom profile as described in any of the embodiments below and variations thereof. Embodiments employing contoured support surfaces and an unstable bottom can have any of the upper contours described below and any of the bottom contours described below and variations thereof.

By having an unstable bottom profile, the gesture device providing the first mechanism is designed to be unstable. The preferred posture device 100 has two directions of instability, with the instability being primarily limited to the front-to-back direction and the lateral direction of the posture device 100. However, instability may be limited primarily to one of these directions. In use, the "front-to-back" plane through the postural means 100 is generally aligned with the sagittal plane of the user. In use, the "lateral" plane through the postural means 100 will be substantially aligned with the coronal plane of the user.

However, depending on different factors, such as the particular design, materials used, etc., there may be less instability in directions oblique to the anterior-posterior and lateral directions. This will allow the user to create a "tilting" motion to compensate for the tilting instability. This "tilting" motion will be minimal compared to the back and forth or sideways motion to compensate for the instability in these directions. Thus, in these embodiments, the instability of the gesture device is still considered to be limited primarily to either the anterior-posterior direction or the lateral direction, or both.

In use, sitting on the unstable posture apparatus 100 causes a natural reaction whereby the user's body finds sagittal and coronal equilibrium points to reduce instability. By finding and maintaining a position of equilibrium in both directions, the user will naturally maintain an optimal sitting position, as shown in figures 1-2. This does not require the user to find a consciously controlled position to sit upright, which may result in lordosis as shown in fig. 1-1.

As will be described, the gesture device 100 has two different contours for each of the upper and bottom or bottom surfaces of the device. The lower surface is designed to create instability in the fore-aft direction as well as in the lateral direction so that a user sitting on the device needs to maintain an unstable balance in order to maintain balance on the device.

The contour of the upper surface may assist in correcting the inclination of the pelvis of the user. In this case, the bottom surface may be further shaped so that when in an unstable equilibrium, the user is also encouraged to take corrective inclinations.

For most people, it is beneficial to design the device to provide a neutral pelvis or slight anteversion. However, for a small percentage of people, corrective inclinations in the opposite direction may be desirable. Thus, different embodiments may be designed to facilitate backward tilting.

The following embodiments of the postural means are described as promoting neutral pelvis or slight anteversion. However, the following aspects of the posture device are applicable whether the device is designed to produce a forward tilt or a backward tilt. For example, aspects described with respect to generating instability that encourages dynamic stability of the user will apply to different embodiments.

For embodiments that promote a slight forward tilt of the user's pelvis, both the upper and lower surfaces are designed to promote a neutral pelvis or a slight forward tilt, which is described in the literature as helping to maintain the natural curve of the lumbar spine while seated. Thus, in use, both surfaces provide a reaction force in response to the weight of a person sitting on the device.

To provide for front-to-back instability, the bottom (also referred to as "base") of the gesture device 100 is shaped in the longitudinal direction (i.e., front-to-back direction). This allows the postural device 100 to move or bend in a front-to-back plane aligned with a central longitudinal axis through the device 100. The longitudinal profile is designed to facilitate the user in finding the "balance point" or center of gravity of the body in the sagittal (front-to-back) direction. The "balance point" may also be affected by the position at which the user sits on the gesture device 100. For example, where the device is designed to promote neutral pelvis or slight anteversion, if the user sits more posteriorly, there will be less anteversion of the user's pelvis and less lumbar spine flexion at the "balance point" position than if the user sits more anteriorly.

The device 100 is most stable longitudinally when the user is maintained in the optimal sagittal position, i.e., the sagittal balance point. Optimal sagittal body alignment helps provide neutral and balanced positions for the spine. This may help reduce superficial torso activity and reduce loading on the spine to promote more desirable head and neck positions. Thus, the longitudinal profile of the postural apparatus and the support surfaces need to be designed such that when the postural apparatus 100 is balanced in the anterior-posterior direction, the support surfaces are oriented to promote correction of the pelvic position, e.g. the pelvis of a person sitting on the apparatus remains neutral or slightly tilted forward.

To create lateral instability, the bottom of the postural device 100 is contoured in a lateral direction so that the device 100 may move or bend in a lateral plane that is generally aligned with a lateral axis passing through the device body 102. The lateral profile is designed to facilitate the user finding a coronal "balance point" or center of gravity in the coronal direction (left and right sides) of the user's body. The device 100 is most stable laterally when the user is in the optimal coronal position, where the user maintains a balance between the right and left sides. This may help reduce asymmetric loading and torque on the spine and pelvis.

The rear views of figures 2-1 to 2-3 show various sitting postures. In fig. 2-1, the spine is bent to one side due to incorrect posture of the person. In fig. 2-3, the human spine is bent to one side, the human is bent to the right side, and the neck is further bent to the right side due to the incorrect posture of the human. Fig. 2-2 shows the effect of coronal plane balancing. In fig. 2-2, the use of the postural apparatus 100 may help avoid creating left-right asymmetry of the spine, since the natural response of the body is to maintain a balance between the left and right sides of the coronal plane.

Another mechanism to promote correct sitting is to construct the postural means using highly elastic and flexible materials. The resilient material will preferably provide ride comfort but still be sufficiently stiff that it is able to support the weight of the user while acting as an ergonomic posture device. Furthermore, the material should be such that the posture device is compressed by the weight of the user in use. Compression results in elasticity in the material creating a restoring force which is then pushed back towards the user. This creates a dynamic sitting environment. This means that the central nervous system of the user will react by continually making fine adjustments while sitting on the postural means, helping to avoid compensatory locking or stiffness strategies.

In an alternative embodiment, the gesture device 100 is constructed of an inelastic material. By means of the profile in the device, it will still maintain the function of promoting the correct position and balance of the coronal and sagittal planes. However, the device 100 according to these embodiments does not provide the same ride comfort.

Figures 3-1 to 3-9 depict a form of a gesture device 300 of the present disclosure. The gesture device 100 includes a body 302. The body 302 has a front end 104 and a rear end 106. The device body 302 has an upper surface 108 and a bottom 110 extending between a front end 304 and a rear end 306. Rear surface 307 is located at rear end 306, between upper surface 308 and bottom 310. At the front end 304, the upper surface 308 connects to the bottom 310. The upper surface 302 provides a support surface for the user. The contours of the support surface help to position the pelvis of a person sitting on the postural apparatus 300 to be "slightly" tilted forward and downward in use. For example, the tilt may be in the range between 0 and 25 degrees, more preferably in the range between 0 and 20 degrees, more preferably in the range between 0 and 15 degrees, and still more preferably between 5 and 10 degrees.

The height of the device body 302 at the posterior end 306 is greater than the height at the anterior end 304 to support most of the body weight and to facilitate neutral pelvis or slight anteversion. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 308 and the bottom 310 meet at a front end (see fig. 3-2). The rear height is selected to help create sufficient support for the weight of the user and still maintain their pelvis in a neutral or slightly forward tilted position for the intended user, and will therefore vary depending on whether the device is for an adult or child, for example.

As shown in fig. 3-5 and 3-6, the device is generally symmetrical about its central longitudinal axis (not shown). As shown in fig. 3-2, the upper surface generally includes three sections, rear section 312, middle section 316, and front section 322 when viewed from the side. The rear portion 312 is located between the rear end 306 of the gesture device 300 and the peak 320 of the gesture device 300 at its highest elevation. Thus, the height of the device 100 generally increases in the rear portion 312. Middle portion 316 is located between peak region 320 and curved region 322. The front 314 is located between the curved region 322 and the front end 304 of the gesture device 300. The height of the device 300 generally decreases in the middle 316 and front 314 portions, but more slowly in the middle 316 and more rapidly in the front 314 portions. When viewed from the side profile, the middle portion 316 generally has a flat or slightly concave curvature, while the front portion 314 generally has a slightly convex curvature. The change in curvature corresponds to the change in the rate of height decrease and occurs in the curved region 322 between the middle portion 316 and the front portion 314. This longitudinal height profile helps to accommodate the user's anatomy and helps to encourage the user's pelvis to tilt forward. As can be seen in fig. 3-2, the height of the device 300 decreases toward the front end 304 such that the upper surface 302 meets the bottom 310 at the front end. However, in other embodiments, there may be a front surface at the front end to connect the bottom 310 and the upper surface 302 at the front end. The front surface will have a different curvature than the upper surface and the bottom.

The gesture device 300 has a varying lateral width, measured transverse to the longitudinal (front-to-back) axis. The lateral width of the curved region 322 across the upper surface 308 is substantially maximized. From here on, the width of the gesture device 300 tapers towards the front end 304 and the rear end 306. The widest part of the device will tend to support the front of the pelvis or thigh of the user when in use, although this will depend on the sitting position of the user. The varying lateral width may help intuitively guide the user in properly orienting the gesture device 300. In the illustration, the device 300 is generally narrower closer to the rear end 306 and wider closer to the front end 304, but such a configuration is not a necessary feature for this or other embodiments.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface 308 of the gesture device 300 includes a scalloped recess (interchangeably referred to as a "scallop" or "void") that accommodates the human pelvic anatomy and provides comfort to the user, as described in more detail below. It should be appreciated that although a scallop is preferred, the postural means may function without a scallop.

The shape of the scalloped region may affect the size of the void in the postural means under the user's thighs. Thus, a scalloped region shaped to provide a shallower void will tend to promote a more neutral position or a less forward sloped position than a scalloped region shaped to provide a deeper void.

As can be seen in fig. 3-1, 3-3, 3-5, and 3-6, the upper surface 308 of the gesture device 300 has an edge region 319 that surrounds a scalloped region (interchangeably referred to as a "recessed region") 314. The edge region 319 is intended to provide a surface for supporting a user. However, it should be appreciated that due to improper use or improper size of the postural means, the user may contact and be supported on the scalloped regions. The scalloped region 314 is gradually recessed from the edge region 319. The recessed region 114 has a contour 318 that gradually recesses from an edge region 319. The profile in this view includes an inclined wall 328 that opens to the bottom of the recess. As shown in fig. 3-2 and 3-5, the edge region 119 itself is also sloped, gradually downwardly from the region adjacent the recessed region 314 toward the perimeter 317 of the upper surface 308. Thus, the edge region 319 generally has a convex shaped molded shell. In some other embodiments, no gradual tilt is provided.

Preferably, the recessed region 314 is configured with a profile that can help accommodate pelvic floor anatomy. The depression provided by the profile also helps ensure the comfort of a male user. In the depicted embodiment, the perimeter 315 of the recessed region 314 has a shape similar to that of a kite (best seen in fig. 3-3 and 3-7), but may more generally have a generally quadrilateral shape to simulate the anatomy of the pelvic floor. The rim region 119 around the recessed region 314 provides support for the buttocks and hips of the user. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the postural device 300 are selected to accommodate the geometry of the ischial tuberosities (i.e., ischials) of most adults. In these embodiments, the rim 319 is generally sized to support the tibia with the recessed region 314 disposed.

Fig. 3-7 through 3-9 depict example contours of the recessed region 314 in more detail. It should be appreciated that such a profile need not be provided in all embodiments. Fig. 3-8 are cross-sectional views taken along line B-B, i.e., a cross-sectional view taken through a central longitudinal axis bisecting the concave profile 318. Fig. 3-9 are cross-sections of the C-C line from the front end to the rear end 306 of the gesture device 300. Line C-C is taken approximately where the recessed region 314 has a maximum lateral width.

As shown in fig. 3-8, the recessed region 314 is located in front of the peak region 320 of the gesture device 300. The recessed region 314 extends toward the front end 304 of the gesture device 300. Starting from the apex region 320 of the gesture device 310, the concave profile 318 includes a concave portion 324 followed by a convex portion 326. The recessed region 314 is deepest in the recessed portion 324 and becomes shallower in the raised portion 326, progressively shallower toward the front end 104 of the gesture device 300.

The recessed portion 324 includes a forwardly sloped face 325. If the user sits sufficiently forward on the gesture device 300, the weight of the user may push against the ramp 325. The bending of the resilient material at the rear (i.e., the rear of the inclined surface 325) will create a restoring force pushing back on the user, causing the pelvic floor to tilt forward.

The two portions 324, 326 have different radii of curvature. In an exemplary configuration, the ratio of the radius of the concave portion to the radius of the convex portion is 1 to φ.

Figures 3-9 illustrate that recessed region 314 is also laterally recessed across its width. Figures 3-7 illustrate the laterally widest portion of recessed area 314 generally at the transition between recessed portion 324 and recessed portion 326.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include the foregoing configuration, which may help to accommodate the anatomy of the user.

Fig. 4-1 to 4-9 depict embodiments similar to those shown in fig. 3-1 to 3-9, except that the recessed region 414 in this embodiment is closer to the front end 404 of the gesture device 400 than the recessed region 314 in the previous embodiment. This results in profile 418 having no or less pronounced "front" raised portions, profile 118 being shown in fig. 3-1 through 3-9. The intersection between the geometry of the recessed region 414 and the rest of the gesture device 400 creates a differently shaped scalloped region 414, wherein the perimeter 415 of the scalloped region is generally triangular, such as a teardrop, when viewed from the top (fig. 4-7).

Other aspects of the embodiments shown in fig. 4-1 to 4-9 are the same as described in fig. 3-1 to 3-9. Accordingly, like features are given like reference numerals. This assignment uses a naming system and if the features shown in figures 3-1 to 3-9 are assigned numbers in the form of "3xy", similar features in figures 4-1 to 4-9 will be assigned numbers in the form of "4 xy".

Fig. 5-1 to 5-9 depict another embodiment of a gesture device. The gesture device 500 is a "thinner" version of the gesture device 400 shown in fig. 4-1 to 4-9 and is more suitable for shorter-sized persons or children. It may also be suitable for lighter weight users than thicker embodiments 300, 400, which have more material due to their relative thickness and may support the user over a higher weight range. Features of the gesture device 500 having similar features to those of the previous embodiments will be referred to using numbers similar to those used to refer to similar features, using the naming system described previously.

As shown, the gesture device 500 is similar to the gesture device 400 shown in FIGS. 4-1 through 4-9, except that it has a smaller height. For example, it can be seen that the gesture device 500 also provides a forward tilt to the user. As with the previous embodiments, in this embodiment the device is made of an elastic material, the elastic force created by the back compression, the downward compression, or both, of the device 500 helps to encourage the user to naturally assume a forward tilt.

The height of the rear surface 507 between the upper surface 508 and the bottom 510 is less than the height of the rear surface 407 of the embodiment shown in figures 4-1 to 4-9.

Fig. 6-1 to 6-7 depict another embodiment of a gesture device. The gesture device 600 is an alternative "thinner" version of the gesture device. Features of the gesture device 600 that have similar features as in the previous embodiment will be denoted by similar reference numerals, which are designated using the naming system described previously. Thus, the features labeled "6xy" in FIGS. 6-1 through 6-7 will correspond to the features labeled "5xy" in FIGS. 5-1 through 5-9. It should be understood that possible variations to the specific features of the previous embodiment will also apply to similar features of this embodiment.

The gesture device 600 is similar to the gesture device 500 shown in fig. 5-1 to 5-8 except that the scalloped region 614 in the gesture device 600 has a perimeter that is generally quadrilateral or kite-shaped, similar to the scalloped region 314 in the gesture device 300 shown in fig. 3-1.

The micro-motions should also assist in tightening the pelvic floor while sitting, as the user sits on the postural means and performs the micro-motions to achieve sagittal and coronal balance. In addition, the pelvis, sitting neutral or slightly tilted forward, helps to tighten the pelvic floor. Thus, the postural means 300, 400, 500, 600 may also be used to improve pelvic muscle control.

The gesture device may have a surface designed based on a formula-definable geometry. The overall surface geometry of the gesture device is a "spline geometry", i.e., defined by a plurality of geometries of the surface. However, the different surface geometries need not be defined by circles. Each surface of the gesture device may be defined by a geometry, such as a portion of a circle or a volume it forms, a portion of an ellipse or a volume it forms, a parabola or a volume it forms, another geometry defined by a continuously varying radius, or it may itself be defined by a spline geometry.

Hereinafter, with reference to fig. 7, one example of a surface geometry defined by a circle and a volume (e.g., sphere and spheroid) generated by rotating or overlapping the circle is described. Fig. 7 shows an exemplary geometry of a gesture device, wherein the device is formed as if it were made of intersections between spheres and contours of spheres, wherein in this figure is shown in side view and as circles 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212. Thus, the relationship between spheres can also be represented by the correspondence between circles.

The bottom surface of the gesture device is formed by a portion of the bottom surface of the sphere 203, the sphere 203 being obtained by rotating the intersection region between the circles 202, 204 about a chord 216 bisecting the intersection region. Thus, circles 202, 204 are bottom contour circles. Circles 202, 204 have the same size (i.e., the same radius or diameter). However, in other embodiments, the circles 202, 204 may have different radii.

The overlap between the bottom contour circles 202, 204 may be defined by the length of the chord 216. The chords 216 are selected such that the radii defined between the center of either circle 202, 204 and each intersection point 220, 221 are 90 degrees from each other. That is, the length of chord 216 will be ∈2 times the radius of bottom contour circles 202, 204.

The chord 216 is at an angle of about 13.26 degrees to the horizontal. Therefore, an imaginary line connecting the centers of the circles 202, 204 is inclined 13.26 degrees from the vertical. The direction in which this tilting occurs relative to the vertical will define the rearward direction of the postural means. In other words, the circles 202, 204 are aligned such that the upper circle 202 is positioned slightly towards the direction that will define the rear direction of the gesture device. The amount of overlap between the circles 202, 204 and the angle of the chord 216 may be set differently in different designs to adjust the height of the device 100 and the profile of the device 100. It should be appreciated that the above-described angular offset of 13.26 degrees is an example. One skilled in the art may choose to provide other angular offsets in other embodiments. In some non-limiting examples, the angular offset may be in any range between 5 degrees and 25 degrees, and in particular may be in the range of 10 degrees to 15 degrees.

Circle 210 defines the back end curve (rear) of the gesture device 100. More specifically, the volume obtained by rotating the back contour circle 210 defines the back surface of the gesture device. Thus, the circle 210 is positioned such that if rotated about its diameter (i.e., its center), the resulting spherical volume will overlap with the spherical volume (i.e., the intersection between the circles 202, 204). The specific location of the sphere 210 need not be the same as that shown in fig. 7. The positioning of the back contour circle 210 can be adjusted to change the front-to-back length of the device 100 and the back-end height of the device 100.

The rear surface of the gesture device will extend from the intersection 225 between the spherical volume 203 and the volume formed by the rotated rear surface circle 210 and the intersection 222 between the volume formed by the rotated rear surface circle 210 and the top surface circle 206.

The "top" circle 206 defines the top surface of the gesture device. The location and radius of which define the top surface, excluding the scallops (if provided) in the postural means. In this embodiment, the top surface circle 206 is positioned tangential to the bottom contour circle 204 at an intersection 220 between the bottom contour circles 202, 204.

Circles 208 and 212 are used to geometrically define the outline of the sectors in the device. Thus, the circles 208, 212 may also be referred to as "scallop" circles. The sector circles 208, 212 are arranged such that they are tangential to each other. The imaginary line connecting the centers of the circles 208, 212 is rotationally offset from the chord 216 rearward by about 5 degrees relative to the normal. Thus, this imaginary line will deviate from the perpendicular by about 8.26 degrees. Also, the angular offset provided herein is merely an example and may be different in other embodiments. For example, in some non-limiting examples, an imaginary line connecting the centers of the circles 208, 212 may be offset from the vertical by between 5 and 20 degrees, or more specifically between 5 and 15 degrees, or more specifically between 5 and 10 degrees.

The ratio of the radius of the smaller fan circle 212 to the radius of the larger fan circle 208 is 1 to phi. However, in other examples, different ratios may be used.

The top sector circle 212 rotates about its center to obtain a negative space or void, which will in part define a recess or sector in the postural apparatus 100. Thus, the result of overlapping the void and the volume obtained by rotating the top surface circle 206 provides a first portion of the scalloped area or profile. The first portion provides a concave scalloped portion 124 as shown in fig. 3-8. In the view seen in fig. 7, this first portion is represented by an arc of the top segment circle 212, which extends from an intersection 224 between the top surface circle 206 and the top segment circle 212 to a tangential contact point 226 between the two segment circles 208, 212.

To define a second portion of the scalloped area or profile, the bottom scalloped circle 208 rotates about itself (i.e., rotates about its center or diameter). The second portion extends between the tangential contact 226 and an intersection 228 between the lower scalloped circle 208 and the top surface circle 206. This second portion provides the male scalloped portion 126 shown in fig. 3-8. Edges of the first and second parts are blended or rounded to form a softer transition between the curved surfaces. The first and second portions together provide a scalloped profile.

The top surface of the gesture device will be defined by the volume formed by the top surface circle 206 rotating around itself, but is bounded behind by the rear surface and at the bottom by the spherical volume 203. In fig. 7, the top surface is represented by an arc extending from an intersection 222 between the top surface circle 206 and the rear circle 210 to an intersection 229 between the top surface circle 206 and the bottom surface circle 202. The scallops are formed by forming voids from the top surface to provide the scalloped profile as described in the previous section. Thus, the volume formed by rotating the top surface circle 206 provides a seating volume around the sector. Thus, the surface portion of the volume surrounding the scallop profile provides a support surface.

Thus, the volume of the postural means will be defined by the portion in the sphere 203 delimited by the various surfaces (rear surface, top surface) and contours (first and second portions of scallop contours) defined in the manner described above.

Thus, adjusting the positions of the circles relative to each other will result in different final volumetric forms of the gesture device. For example, the sector circles 212, 208 may be located further away from the intersection 220. This results in a fan-shaped profile closer to the front end of the postural means. Interaction between the scalloped profile and other geometries defining the body of the device will create a scalloped area having a perimeter that is more nearly triangular or teardrop-shaped than a kite or quadrilateral.

The following dimensions are provided by way of example and should not be considered as limiting the spirit or scope of the disclosed aspects. In one example, the device body 102 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-1 through 3-6 has a rear height of about 18.1 centimeters (cm). The device had a lateral width of about 27.5cm at its widest point and a front-to-back width of about 36.1cm at its longest point. In other examples, the gesture device may have different dimensions, for example to fit users of different sizes or ages.

Under professional guidance, the device can be used as a corrective tool to create a neutral pelvic position, or to further forward the user to help with more forward pelvic tilt, and to further sit backward, swing the center of gravity further backward, and create less pelvic tilt and less lumbar lordosis.

The gesture device 100 described above may be a stand alone unit that may be used on any surface to support a user. It may also be configured to be disposed on a seat or chair so as to be secured by other portions of the seat or chair. For example, it may be mounted to a designated area on the seating surface and attached or secured thereto. In this sense, the postural means are indirectly supported by the chair and therefore by the frame of the chair. The connection between the posture device and the seating surface may be releasable so that the posture device may be removed for an unsuitable user or the posture device may be interchanged with a different posture device to suit a different user.

In further embodiments, the gesture device 100 may be functionally integrated into a chair so as to directly provide a seating surface of the chair, rather than being attachable to a seat of the chair. For example, the apparatus 100 may be supported by a plate, platform, or the like, which is part of the chair frame or itself is supported by the chair frame. The vertical height of the plate or platform is lower than the position of the seating surface so that the support surface of the postural means can be located at the seating height. The connection or attachment between the posture device and the chair frame may be releasable to allow the posture device to be interchanged with different posture devices to suit different users.

The seating surface on which the gesture device is located or a plate or platform for supporting the gesture device 100 may be movable. For example, the seating surface or plate or platform may rotate in a horizontal plane relative to the frame or frame portion of the chair.

The device may be placed on a prayer or exercise apparatus, allowing a user to sit dynamically and control their torso and pelvis, whether loaded or unloaded, while exercising.

Fig. 9 shows an example of a chair in which the seat portion is a posture device in a side view. In this example, the chair 900 includes a support base 900 upon which the seat portion 905 and the back portion 910 are supported. The skilled person can devise the exact arrangement for incorporating the posture device into the chair. The rear portion 910 is optional. The seat portion 905 includes a posture device 915. The posture device 915 is movably held in the seat portion by a frame or a bracket member. When a person sits on the posture device, he or she will need to remain balanced to overcome the instability due to the design of the posture device. The need to overcome instability has prompted dynamic control of the pelvis with the rear support while sitting. Instability in two defined planes is more advantageous to control than instability in one plane. In some cases, the bottom and the backrest of the chair may move independently of each other. This allows the user to move their torso independently of the pelvis, which is a more functional movement, and due to the unstable design of the postural means, dynamic control of the pelvis is maintained at all times. Similarly, the gesture device may be incorporated into an exercise apparatus to provide a seat in the apparatus. In exercise equipment, incorporating a posture device as a chair provides multi-planar instability of the pelvis that the user must control, with great benefit in stressful exercises. Sitting in the postural means encourages the user to find the symmetry of the pelvis while exercising while doing a loaded exercise. This will encourage the user to evenly load across the body and initiate torso and pelvis control while pushing, pulling, flexing or extending the arms and legs. Examples of such exercises are latissimus dorsi pull-down, sitting position bench press, sitting position chest fly, sitting position shoulder press, sitting position rowing, leg press, leg abduction and adduction, and leg extension. The gesture device may be incorporated into an exercise apparatus designed for at least one of these exercises. An example is shown in fig. 10, where a pull-down exercise device 1000 incorporating a posture device 1005 as a seat is depicted.

As previously mentioned, alternative embodiments of the posture device may employ only designs in which the upper surface is shaped to provide a shaped support surface that promotes a correct or optimal seating posture. Thus, any embodiment having a contoured upper surface (whether separate or integrated into a chair or other device) may have alternative embodiments in which the base does not require the user to be balanced thereon. For example, the bottom may simply be flat so that it can be stably supported on a chair, seat or any underlying support plate or platform.

For example, this may be a more preferred embodiment of a gesture device for use in a moving vehicle or seat such as a wheelchair, or the instability provided by the bottom profile is undesirable or undesirable.

Fig. 8-1 shows a posture device 800 having a flat bottom 802 and an upper surface 804, the upper surface 804 helping to maintain a more neutral sitting position. Fig. 8-2 shows a posture device 810 having a flat bottom 812 and an upper surface 814, the upper surface 804 helping to maintain a more neutral sitting position.

Fig. 11-1 to 11-3 illustrate another variation of the device 1100, which is similar to the variation illustrated in fig. 8-1 and 8-2, except that the scalloped region within the edge 1119 is hollowed out. The edge 1119 will provide a support surface upon which a user sits and is supported thereby in use. This design makes it suitable to provide the gesture device 1100 as a toilet seat, for example. The design of the top profile of the device allows the pelvis to tilt slightly forward. The pelvis can be in an optimal position for defecation using this design as a toilet seat. Fig. 12 shows an example of a toilet 1200, the toilet 1200 comprising a gesture device having a hollow center as a toilet seat.

Variations and modifications may be made to the previously described portions without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

For example, the above embodiments are described as having a concave portion and an edge surrounding the concave portion. However, alternative embodiments of the gesture device may not include the recess and edge features. The postural means are still able to adapt to the user's anatomy by providing an upper profile by means of the upper surface comprising a concavity in front of the apex portion (see, for example, figures 3-2).

In the above embodiments, the gesture device is said to provide two degrees of freedom, i.e. to have instability in both directions. However, in alternative embodiments, the gesture device may be unstable only in the front-to-back direction. This still provides a tool that causes fine adjustments to find the equilibrium point of forward tilting of the user's body and pelvis.

In the above embodiment, in the case where the sector area is provided, the depth of the sector may vary. This may depend, for example, on the scale of the intended user. The scalloped depth of the embodiment used by children may be less than the scalloped depth of the embodiment used by adults.

In the above-described embodiment, in the case where the scalloped region is provided, the edge region is shown with a downward slope toward the outer periphery of the upper surface. However, such downward tilting is optional and may not be included in all fan-shaped embodiments.

In the above embodiments, the sector-shaped region is produced in a shape like a triangle or a quadrilateral, for example a kite, a diamond, a parallelogram. However, there may be variability in the shape of the scalloped regions.

In the above embodiments, the bottom portion of the gesture device is optionally resilient.

Embodiments of the posture device may be formed as a single piece, obtained by molding the device in one piece or by joining co-molded parts together. The body may be made of a single material or may include portions made of different materials. For example, the upper body part for bearing the weight of the user may be made of a different material than the lower body part.

The above embodiments are described as providing an upper profile that promotes neutral pelvis or slight anterior pelvic tilt of the user. More generally, however, the present disclosure also contemplates aspects of providing an upper profile that promotes a sitting posture that corrects the posture in different directions (for users requiring different corrections), and at the same time providing a lower profile that provides the user with coronal and sagittal instability, thereby promoting the user to dynamically achieve coronal and sagittal balance using their muscles while seated.

Thus, embodiments of the unstable posture device in one or more planes, whether used as a stand-alone device or as a seat for a chair (e.g., office chair or other furniture) or a piece of equipment, are configured to promote a dynamic sitting posture. The dynamic sitting posture is active and requires frequent changes of posture, as the device allows the user to move freely. The use of the device thus creates an environment in which the pelvis is free to move, allowing dynamic or active sitting, in which the user can freely move their pelvis and body while sitting. The use of the device creates a "dynamic stability" when a person is sitting still.

For example, this is not easily achieved on conventional office chairs because they do not follow the movements of the user. Sitting on a conventional chair can generally result in poor posture and back pain, especially in untrained rear muscles. In addition, the backrest and armrests stress the rear muscles and do not maintain a correct sitting position. The problem of maintaining a posture for a long time has been well studied. Prolonged sitting results in loss of core strength due to degeneration of abdominal musculature. This condition can result in weakness of the core muscles and tightness of other muscles such as leg muscles. Imbalance caused by the imbalance can affect the spinal support system and cause back pain. It is reported that neck and rear pain occurs in persons who sit for a long period of time. Dynamic sitting postures, including frequent movements while sitting, can help to ameliorate these problems.

In the above, although the gesture device is mainly discussed as providing a seat, it may be used in other ways. Since the device is unstable in multiple planes, it can be used in other parts of the body to initiate dynamic control. For example, it may be used as a device for exercising the core muscles. Placing the knees in the fan-shaped region of the device and then performing a four-point exercise, such as squatting deeply, advantageously creates a dynamic environment that creates a stabilizing effect in the user's legs, buttocks, pelvis and torso.

The device may also be used as a motion device to facilitate controlled movement of the pelvis, lumbar and buttocks.

In the claims that follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A posture device configured to provide a support surface for a user, comprising: a body having front and rear ends, an upper surface, and a bottom, wherein the bottom is shaped such that the body has at least one unstable orientation.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one unstable direction comprises a direction lying generally in a vertical anterior-posterior plane, the direction comprising a longitudinal axis extending between the anterior and posterior ends.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein, in use, the vertical anterior-posterior plane is substantially aligned with the sagittal plane of the user.

4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one direction of instability comprises a direction generally in a vertical lateral plane generally transverse to a central longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the vertical lateral plane is substantially aligned with a coronal plane of a user.

6. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device supports the pelvis and spine of the user such that when the application of the user's weight causes the device to apply pressure to the spine, the lumbar spine of the user is at least partially biased to assume a neutral curve that balances between the left and right sides of the user, and the thoracic spine of the user relaxes.

7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the body is made of an elastic material such that in use the material generates a restoring force in response to the weight of a user, the restoring force having a component in a forward direction.

8. A posture device configured to provide a support surface for a user, comprising a body having a front end and a rear end and an upper surface between the front end and the rear end, at least a portion of the upper surface providing the support surface, the body being constructed of a resilient material such that, in use, the material generates a restoring force in response to the weight of the user, the restoring force having a component in a forward direction.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the restoring force urges the pelvis of the user to maintain a neutral or slightly tilted posture.

10. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper and bottom surfaces have different surface profiles.

11. A gesture device configured to provide a support surface to a user, comprising a body having a front end and a rear end, an upper surface between the front end and rear end, and a bottom surface, at least a portion of the upper surface being provided with at least a portion of the upper surface providing the support surface, wherein;

the upper and bottom surfaces have different surface profiles.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the bottom has a longitudinal profile along a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends of the body, the longitudinal profile being curved outwardly such that the longitudinal profile is lowest at a central portion thereof.

13. The device of claim 11 or 12, wherein the bottom portion further has a lateral profile along a lateral axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the lateral profile is curved outwardly such that the longitudinal profile is lowest at a mid-portion thereof.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the bottom has:

a longitudinal profile along a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends of the body, the longitudinal profile being curved outwardly such that the longitudinal profile is lowermost at a central portion thereof, and

a transverse profile along a transverse axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the transverse profile is curved outwardly such that the longitudinal profile is lowest at a mid-portion thereof.

15. A device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the body is shaped such that its rear end is higher than the front end, wherein the body has a maximum height between the front and rear ends but closer to the rear end.

16. A posture device configured to provide a support surface for a user, comprising a body having a front end and a rear end, an upper surface between the front end and the rear end, and a bottom surface, at least a portion of the upper surface providing the support surface, wherein:

The upper and bottom surfaces have different surface profiles; and

the body is shaped such that the height of its rear end is higher than the height of the front end, wherein the body has a maximum height between the front end and the rear end but closer to the rear end.

17. The device of any one of claims 8 to 11, or claim 16, wherein the base is a substantially planar surface in use.

18. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper surface and the bottom surface meet at a front end of the body.

19. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body has a rear surface located between the upper surface of the rear end of the body and the bottom, the rear surface having a curvature different from a curvature of the bottom.

20. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the support surface is contoured and oriented to assist in neutral or slight anteversion of the user's pelvis in use.

21. The device of claim 20, wherein the profile is oriented such that, in use, neutral or slight anteversion of the user's pelvis when the device is at its longitudinal equilibrium point helps to establish a posture in which the user's lumbar spine is in a neutral position.

22. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper surface includes a rear portion extending from a rear end, the support surface being forward of the rear portion.

23. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support surface is disposed in a generally convex shaped housing.

24. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper surface comprises a scalloped region that is gradually recessed from the support surface, wherein the support surface is located substantially around the scalloped region.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the perimeter of the scalloped region is generally quadrilateral or triangular.

26. The device of claim 24 or 25, wherein the scalloped region has a contour with a concave portion.

27. The device of claim 26, wherein the recessed portion is located forward of a peak height region of the body.

28. The device of claim 27, wherein the scalloped region further has a generally convex portion forward of the concave portion.

29. The device of claim 28, wherein the radius of curvature of the concave portion is less than the radius of curvature of the convex portion.

30. The device of claim 28, wherein a ratio of a radius of curvature of the concave portion to a radius of curvature of the convex portion is 1 to Φ.

31. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the body has a rear surface at the rear end adjacent the upper portion, the rear surface providing the body with a greater height at the rear end.

32. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is supported by the frame of a chair.

33. The device of claim 32, wherein the device is functionally integrated with a chair, thereby forming a seat for the chair.

34. The device of claim 32, wherein the device is secured to a seat portion of a chair.

35. A device according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the device is rotatably supported in the frame of the chair.

36. A chair having a support surface, wherein the support surface is provided by a posture device according to any one of claims 1 to 35.

37. An exercise apparatus comprising a posture device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 31 as a seat.

38. A seat for a toilet comprising a posture device according to claim 17 or any one of claims 18 to 31 when dependent on claim 17, wherein the support surface of the posture device is disposed substantially around the hollow region.

39. A method of constructing a gesture device configured to provide a support surface to a user, the gesture device comprising a body having a front end and a rear end, an upper surface providing the support surface, and a bottom, the method comprising:

providing a bottom and an upper surface having different surface profiles;

wherein the upper surface is shaped such that the rear height of the body is greater than the front height of the body.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising providing the base with a generally curved profile having a longitudinal profile along a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends of the body, the longitudinal profile being curved outwardly such that the longitudinal profile is lowest at a central portion thereof.

41. The method of claim 39 or claim 40, further comprising providing the base with a lateral profile that curves outwardly along a lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis such that the lateral profile is lowest at a mid-portion thereof.

42. The method of any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the upper surface comprises a recessed region, the support surface being located around the recessed region.

43. The method of any one of claims 39 to 42, further comprising providing an end face in the body connected between the upper surface and the bottom.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the end face is at the rear end.

45. The method of any one of claims 39 to 44, further comprising applying spline geometry to the gesture device such that a surface of the gesture device can be described by two or more types of geometry.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the upper surface and the bottom of the body adopt a geometry obtained by overlapping a plurality of volumes, each volume being obtained by rotating a respective circle about a center of the circle.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the circle comprises two bottom contour circles defining a surface contour of the bottom, the surface contour of the bottom being obtained by:

partially overlapping the two bottom contour circles such that the two bottom contour circles share a chord that bisects an intersection region between the bottom contour circles;

Rotating the intersection region about the chord to define a sphere;

wherein a portion of the lower surface of the sphere provides the surface profile of the bottom.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein an axis perpendicular to the chord is angularly offset from the vertical.

49. The method of claim 47 or 48, wherein two radii are at right angles to each other, each radius extending between a respective end of the chord and the center of either bottom contour circle.

50. The method of any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein the circle comprises an upper surface circle partially overlapping the intersection region, wherein a surface profile of an upper surface of the body is provided by an upper surface portion of a volume obtained by rotating the upper surface circle about a center of the upper surface circle, the upper surface portion of the volume being located above the portion of the lower surface of the sphere.

51. A method of assisting a user in a sitting position comprising subjecting the user to at least one directional instability to promote micro-movement of the user in one or both of the sagittal or coronal plane of the user's body.

52. The method of claim 51, further comprising applying a restoring force to the user to urge the user's pelvis to maintain a neutral or slightly tilted forward and downward posture.

53. A method of assisting a user in a seated position comprising subjecting the user to a restoring force to promote the user's pelvis to maintain a neutral or slightly tilted forward and downward posture.

54. The method of any one of claims 52 to 53, wherein a user sits on the postural means or chair of any one of claims 1 to 36.