GB2540553A

GB2540553A - A posture device

Info

Publication number: GB2540553A
Application number: GB1512702.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hassan Sanei Mehran
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-07-20
Filing date: 2015-07-20
Publication date: 2017-01-25
Also published as: GB201512702D0

Abstract

Posture device that comprises; an elongate support member 2, for placement adjacent the user's spine, with a head connection mechanism 1 and a torso securement harness 3; and an alarm for alerting when the head mechanism 1 and/or the torso harness 3 are in an irregular arrangement relative to the elongate support member 2 or the users spine. The torso harness 3 may include a waist band 31 and shoulder straps 30. The alarm can incorporate audio, visual or haptic features, such as speakers 22 and a vibration panel 24. The elongate support member 2 may have a textured face for contacting a users spine upon irregular arrangement. The device may be adjustable. Proximity sensors 21 and a headset 10 can allow a wireless connection to the users head and help to detect forward head posture FHP. The device may include a control unit to provide data to a data analysis centre.

Description

A POSTURE DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a posture device, in particular a device for controlling a user’s posture; more particularly a device for monitoring and training users on correct posture.

Background

Increasing reliance on computers and prevalence of sedentary lifestyles or desk based jobs combine with a lack of awareness of posture, and leads many users to suffer from neck and back pain due to poor posture.

Although many of such users know what good posture is, they find it difficult to maintain this, allowing poor posture to slowly creep in causing chronic neck and back pain.

Good posture is definable as when the user sits up straight, with a straight back and has their head is in line with their shoulders. Poor posture is when the user slouches or has forward head posture (FHP).

Poor posture can lead to pain, reduction in performance, taking medication, physiotherapy, time off work and loss of income.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

Granted European patent EP 2 385 863 (ARTERIA) discloses a posture training machine characterised in that it comprises a vertical support structure for resting the back of the user in erected position, said vertical support structure being of adjustable height and comprising at least five rest elements, of which at least three longitudinally positioned at the user's vertebral column and at least a respective one on each side arranged in transversal direction close to the user's shoulders, wherein each of said rest elements is adjustable in height with respect to the plane of said vertical support structure in an independent manner to identify a correct posture and is also equipped at its free end with a contact sensor, connected with means for the audio/visual signalling of which and/or how many rest elements are activated.

Granted Australian patent AU 2008 201 515 (JOSEY) discloses a posture training device comprising; a signalling unit able to be worn longitudinally over a user's spine, the signalling unit having two ends that can be used to activate the signalling unit by tension being applied to either of the two ends;a waist strap able to be fitted around a waist of a user, the waist strap connected to one of the ends of the signalling unit; and a central strap able to extend adjacent the spine of a user, the central strap being connected to an opposing end of the signalling unit.

Granted United States patent US 6 827 694 (GLADOUN) discloses a posture training device for back muscles direct training to maintain good posture. Rigid spinal curvature model with sensors and single attachment point method provide preferable shoulder based and alternative belt based embodiments.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a posture device for correcting a user’s posture, the device comprising an elongate support member for placement adjacent the user’s spine, which elongate support member has a head connection mechanism and a torso securement harness; and an alarm for alerting when the mechanism and/or harness are not in a predetermined arrangement relative to the spine and/or the elongate support member.

The mechanism and harness are arranged in use to maintain the elongate support member in a regular relationship in a predetermined arrangement relative to parts or all of the spine. The user may set this predetermined arrangement in use in some embodiments.

In contrast to the prior art therefore the present invention does not hold the user in the correct position, (a splint would do this which will in time weaken the users natural posture holding muscles and aggravate the problem and handicap the user further). The device can instead be set at the correct posture depending on the best produced by the user, will monitor this position and as soon as a poor posture is developing, uses different parameters to detect this and then activates different alarm/alert systems to communicate to the user of this happening. This advantageously reminds the user to regain good posture which will in turn deactivate the alarm signal.

In this way the user uses their own muscles to maintain good posture, meaning these muscles will be gradually strengthened and keeping good posture will be less of an effort and more automatic in the future.

In some embodiments the member may be variable in length so as to accommodate different heights of users.

The alarm thereby provides feedback for the user to recognise when the spine, head and torso have moved from this arrangement or alignment.

The device advantageously promotes the maintenance of good posture by analysing the posture of the user and providing instant tactile and/or audio feedback if the user develops poor posture. This feedback reminds the user to maintain good posture at all times. The device not only prevents poor posture, but can strengthen the back and neck muscles, so good posture can be achieved with less effort even without the device in place.

In an embodiment the alarm is audible, advantageously so as to not require movement from the user to ascertain the existence or cause of the alert. In other embodiments the alarm may be visual, for example to alert users wearing headphones or of limited hearing.

In yet further embodiments the alarm may be haptic, so as to prompt movement from the user. For example the alarm may comprise vibration, displacement or pressure in the device, such as to correct posture to a regular position. This displacement may be uncomfortable and/or arranged to prompt the user to return to a regular posture, and/or may be focussed on any body part which is not in a regular position.

For example the displacement may comprise a part that is arranged to exit the elongate support member and cause uncomfortable pressure against a body part determined to be causing incorrect posture, such as slouched shoulders, and/or the displacement part may comprise a stud or studs pushing against the spine central to the user’s back, prompting the user to arch their spine into a regular posture.

In some embodiments the mechanism and harness may comprise continuous securable belts, which belts may respectively be arranged to encircle the head and/or torso as appropriate. The mechanism and/or harness may alternatively be discontinuous, for example using anchors on body parts. For example the harness may anchor onto shoulders, or the mechanism may be anchored over the user’s ears.

The torso harness may comprise a waist belt, and/or a chest and upper torso portion. Such portion may be attached to the belt, so as to maintain correct positioning more closely, and throughout the torso, with reference to the member. In this way advantageously the posture may be controlled or regulated with reference to multiple axes, or planes.

The mechanism and harness may be situated at or adjacent the member ends. The mechanism and harness may connect mechanically to the member, or may in some embodiments comprise electronic, digital or electric connection solely. For example in some embodiments the mechanism may use a proximity alert transmitter for establishing proximity to the elongate support member and consequently establishing if the correct curvature or posture is present by analysing whether the head’s position is close enough to the reference line provided by the member

The member may follow contours of the user’s back or spine, and/or may be articulated for adjustment thereto.

In an embodiment the elongate support member may include at least one sensor or switch. Which sensor may in some embodiments comprise a pressure sensor, for example transmitters arranged to register and/or measure mechanical displacement.

In an embodiment the mechanism and/or portion may include at least one sensor.

The sensor(s) may be arranged to register pressure, for example wherein irregularity of posture is liable to cause a body part to push against the sensor.

In other embodiments the mechanism and/or harness may be equipped with a strain gauge or tension meter controller means to register tension, such as to register differences in tension in the belts. The controller may comprise a tension meter arranged to measure tension in the belt, and/or a strain gauge may measure tension across the member.

The sensor(s) and controller(s) may provide data to a data analysis centre to be combined to provide a system whereby the user’s posture is measured against a regular set of data readings, and analysed thereagainst.

In this way the data analysis centre may provide a signal to the alarm upon identification of an irregular signal or combination of irregular signals and/or tendency towards such. In this way advantageously multiple or single signals may be monitored at any one time, and data correlated and/or separated and may be made available for analysis locally or remotely, both in real time and at a later date, for example by a health care professional.

The data analysis centre may be local or remote. For example the device may comprise a local transceiver, memory and circuit board, and allow data, software and/or firmware up- or down-loads. The device may comprise wired or wireless connectivity.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1a shows a side view of a first embodiment of the device; Figure 1b shows a side view of a third embodiment;

Figures 2 show isometric views of the first embodiment and second embodiment respectively, exploded;

Figure 3 shows a reverse isometric view of the first exploded embodiment shown in Figure 1a;

Figure 4 shows a second isometric view of the second exploded embodiment shown in Figure 1b;

Figures 5 show isometric views of the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1a;

Figures 6 show plan views of the second embodiment shown in Figure 1b;

Figures 7 show side views of the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1a;

Figures 8 show isometric view of the second embodiment as shown in Figure 1b; Figures 9 show plan views of the second embodiment as shown in Figure 1b;

Figures 10 show side views of the second embodiment as shown in Figure 1b;

Figures 11 show differing embodiments of the device;

And

Figures 12 show detail views of the second embodiment as shown in Figure 1b. Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there are shown embodiments with differing levels of technology, wherein an elongate support member 2 is positioned in use adjacent or in line with the user’s spine, and maintained in place by a head mechanism 1 and a torso harness 3, comprising waist strap and chest belts in the first embodiment. The embodiments do not hold the user in the correct position or regular arrangement, merely remind to correct posture if they detect a poor one.

The elongate support member is shaped to follow or mirror the user’s spine, to differing levels.

Irregular arrangement alarms or detection methods are based on tension in the head mechanism or band and waist straps, strain gauges or proximity sensors. Methods of alerting the user are pressure points on the head, stomach and back, audio alarm and vibration.

All three embodiments thereby show a posture correcting device for promoting positive posture.

An audio alert sound and vibration stimulus is used to remind users to correct posture. The embodiment conditions the user to maintain good posture until it becomes second nature.

Embodiment 1

The elongate support member has two layers, sculpted to fit the contours of the body, and has a cross section that is semicircular to add strength and rigidity. An outer layer 23 provides rigidity, while an inner layer 26 provides comfort and/or a textured feedback face for the user.

The harness is looped through slits 25 on the elongate support member. The user places the elongate support member on their back and secures using the harness and buckles 33. The head mechanism comprises a headset 10, which is set upon the head sweeping around the back of the head securing as it loops 11 over the user’s ears. The user can set a ‘normal’ position that relates to good posture using the control unit 51 located on the waist strap 31. A proximity sensor 21 is used to detect FHP. The receiver is located at the top of the main body and the target/reflector is set into a running style headset 10. A strain gauge is used to identify bending pressure on the main structure caused by an arched back (slouching). This unit incorporates a vibration panel 24 and speakers 22,62 to provide tactile and audio feedback when bad posture is detected.

During FHP, the distance between the receiver and the target/reflector increases, which in turn activates the audio/ vibration devices.

The harness system comprises of a Ύ” shaped adjustable vertical strap 32, two shoulder straps 30 with a three way waist strap 31.

The user places the main body on their back and secures using the harness.

Some embodiments use proximity sensors which means there is no physical connection between the device and the user’s head, where this sensor works with a RFID tag on an self-adhesive plaster to enable the device to determine the position of the head and then alert the user if forward head posture is sensed. The user would put on the device and then attach the tag, and set the norm position that relates to good posture and the product would then monitor any movements away from this norm whether it is up, down or side to side. The sensor works to identify the position of the user’s head and alert the user if forward head posture is sensed.

In some other embodiments cables extend from the member an affix to the waist strap, wherein as the user moves the cables are retracted and extended. Using these cables the device can determine twisting and arching movements. A vibration pad provides a stimulus through vibrations in the lower back.

Embodiment 2

The member is straight with a minimal curve to add rigidity. The cross section is semicircular to sit between the shoulder blades comfortably. The member is formed of two layers, has a slight curve to follow the body. The embodiment has a textured inside face 28 and rigid outer layer 27. The texture is in a position where it is not in contact when good posture is apparent but starts to give tactile feedback when slouching.

The head mechanism comprises a head band 11 and the torso harness comprises a midriff strap 34 that secures the device to the user whilst in good posture. area strap is used to secure a Velcro (RTM) head band to the member. The strap restrict adverse movements of the user’s head and neck preventing FHP. The rigid member attaches to the waist with a using ratchet or buckle strap composed of a sliding adjustment click belt (with a male part that enters a female part) which can be tightened by pulling an end or loosened by lifting the buckle away. Pressure points are created on the forehead, upper back and stomach if the user has bad posture in turn promoting good posture.

The head band is secured to the main body using an adjustable pin 29 that provides an extension of 1-2 inches. The head band pivots at a point above the ears to allow the user to tilt their head up and down. A partial or semi-circular frame 20 on the head band slides through the eyelet on the pin allowing the user to turn their head right and left as well as up and down.

The structure comes under pressure to bend when posture fails due to push and pull forces from the head band and midriff strap. The embodiment allows for full freedom of movement for head and back, simply monitoring the posture of the user. The embodiment uses a combination of proximity sensors and retracting cables to determine the posture of its user. The device uses an alarm or warning system if bad posture is sensed with the goal of correcting the behaviour of its user. A textured panel that is interchangeable with other panels of different grades may be inserted into the member. When the user’s back begins to arch or assume FHP, the textured panel engages with the middle of the back causing a pressure point and pain to deter the users from moving into a position of bad posture.

The member resists most of this bending motion and tension in the structure causes pressure points in the forehead, upper back and stomach, reminding the user to resume good posture. A textured panel between the shoulders engages with the back of the user when they begin to arch their back. It fits in between the shoulder blades and does not affect the user’s movement.

The device includes a strain gauge which will identify poor posture by detecting bending in the structure. A vibration panel is activated to provide tactile feedback and a speaker gives an audio alert when bad posture is detected. These features may complement or replace a textured panel.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments, so as to create variation in standard features of any of the embodiments..

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A posture device for correcting a user’s posture, the device comprising an elongate support member for placement adjacent the user’s spine, which elongate support member has a head connection mechanism and a torso securement harness; and an alarm for alerting when the mechanism and/or harness are not in a predetermined arrangement relative to the spine and/or the elongate support member

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the head connection mechanism comprises a harness for engaging the user’s head.

3. A device according to claim 1 wherein the head connection mechanism comprises a wireless connection to the user’s head.

4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the harness comprises a waist band.

5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the harness comprises shoulder bands.

6. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a textured face for contacting the user’s spine upon irregular arrangement.

7. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a vibrating part for contacting the user’s spine upon irregular arrangement as an alarm.

8. A device according to any preceding claim comprising an audio alarm.

9. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a visual alarm.

10. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the predetermined arrangement is adjustable by the user.

11. A device substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1a, 2a, 3, 5 and 7.

12. A device substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1b, 2b, 4, 6 and 8 to 10.

13. A device substantially as described herein with reference to figure 11a.

14. A device substantially as described herein with reference to figure 11b.