WO2018031633A1

WO2018031633A1 - Apparatus and method for improving posture while sitting on a flat surface

Info

Publication number: WO2018031633A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/046063
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Schwartz; Dimitry POLYOKOV; Marty SOKOLOFF
Original assignee: David Schwartz; Polyokov Dimitry; Sokoloff Marty
Priority date: 2016-08-09
Filing date: 2017-08-09
Publication date: 2018-02-15

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, a chair-like apparatus for a person (user) to sit up in a flat surface, comprising two or three inter-connected members.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING POSTURE

WHILE SITTING ON A FLAT SURFACE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to improving a person's posture while sitting up on a flat surface, such as in bed.

BACKGROUND

[0002] One of the pleasures in life is to sit up in bed or any flat surface (e.g., grass, sand, dirt, etc.) to read (a book, phone, tablet, a laptop, etc.) or to watch television, etc. But acquiring a proper posture while sitting up on a flat surface is nearly impossible to sustain. Many physical

therapists are concerned about how to eliminate the epidemic of poor posture (posterior pelvic tilt & forward head posture) in patients, while sitting on a flat surface.

[0003] Currently marketed products, concepts, and inventions that have been proposed to solve the problem of sitting upright on a flat surface (e.g., bed lounges, pillows, "husbands", camping chairs, etc.) do not achieve the goal in a

biomechanically sound fashion. Without proper alignment of the head/cervical spine complex and the pelvis via proper

thoracolumbar curvature and appropriate hip flexion, undue stress is placed on the soft tissues and ligaments of the intervertebral spine, sacroiliac joint, hips and neck. Part of the problem is that these currently available solutions attempt to assist posture in a partially or fully reclined position, prone (on stomach) , supine (on back) , or sometimes in a side- lying position.

SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure provides a chair-like apparatus for a person (user) to sit up on any flat surface (including a bed), comprising three inter-connected members: a head piece member extending longitudinally and vertically, with a front to engage the user and a top with a pillow at or near the top and at the front, the head piece member being sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to engage the head and neck of the person (user) ; a backboard support member extending longitudinally and

vertically, with the top of the backboard support member

connected to the bottom of the head piece member, the backboard support member being sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to engage the back of the person (user) ; and a hip/knee support member extending perpendicularly from the bottom of the

backboard support member, with the top of the hip/knee support member connected to the bottom of the backboard support member, the hip/knee support member being sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to engage the hips and knees of the person (user) . The apparatus is configured to create a flex-point or hinge at the hips and knees of the person (user) ; and the apparatus is adapted/configured to cradle the spine of the person (user) in its neutral form; allowing the hips to flex in a natural manner; and allowing the knees to flex.

[ 0005 ] This disclosure also provides a chair-like apparatus for a person (user) to sit up on any flat surface (e.g., bed) comprising two inter-connected members: a concave back rest member that supports the thoracic and lumbar spine in a slightly reclined position, extending longitudinally and vertically and connected at its bottom to the top of a hip/knee support member with a convex top and flat base, extending perpendicularly from the concave back rest. The concave back rest member can be made of a semi-rigid material such as polyurethane foam or plastic. The concave back rest member can also be made of an air-tight material (e.g., plastic, vinyl, cloth, etc.) that is inflatable via an air pump/motor or manual pump (or inflated by any manner suitable/possible) . The concave back rest member is connected to the top of the hip/knee support member by either straps or a flat member, such as a mat that is flat (e.g., mesh, cloth, etc.), or 2 straps and 2 latches or 2 tracks; such that the concave back rest member and the hip/knee support member are connected by 2 straps that fasten to both members, 2 straps and 2 slidable latches or tracks that fasten to both members and is perpendicular to the concave back rest member, or by a mat that is flat connecting the two members and is perpendicular to the concave back rest member. The apparatus is configured to create a flex-point or hinge at the hips and knees of the person

(user) . The apparatus is adapted/configured to cradle the spine of the person (user) in its neutral form; allowing the hips to flex in a natural manner; and allowing the knees to flex. Two optional armrests are attached to the concave back rest member at approximately half way to three quarter way toward the bottom of the concave back rest, facing the front of the apparatus such that the user may rest her arms on it; the arm rests protruding out from either side. The hip/knee support member can be made of a semi-rigid material such as polyurethane foam or plastic. The hip/knee support member can also be made of an air-tight

material (e.g., plastic, vinyl, cloth, etc.) that is inflatable via an air pump/motor or a manual pump or inflated by any manner suitable/possible) .

[ 0006 ] This disclosure also provides a method to reduce back pain, neck pain, thoracic pain, and/or hip pain; and/or to reduce discomfort in back, neck, thorax, and hip when a person

(user) assumes a sitting posture on any flat surface; and/or to reduce the risks associated with prolonged slouching (poor sitting) in a long-sitting position resulting in cervicogenic headaches, cervical radiculopathy, reduced breathing capacity, lumbar discogenic pathology (herniation/bulge, lower extremity radiculopathy), piriformis syndrome, or SI joint pathology;

comprising providing to a person (user) a chair-like apparatus disclosed herein and having the person (user) sit in the apparatus on any flat surface, including a bed. This disclosure also provides a method to improve respiratory mechanics when a person (user) assumes a sitting posture on a flat surface.

[0007] Numerous other aspects are provided in accordance with these and other aspects of the invention. Other features and aspects of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a chair-like apparatus of this disclosure in folded form.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a chair-like apparatus of this disclosure in fully assembled or unfolded form.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a chair-like apparatus of this disclosure in one view.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a chair-like apparatus of this disclosure from FIG. 3 in an alternative view .

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a chair-like apparatus of this disclosure from FIG. 3 in an alternative view .

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a chair-like apparatus of this disclosure from FIG. 3 in an alternative view .

[0014] FIG 7 illustrates an embodiment of a chair-like apparatus of this disclosure in one view.

[0015] FIG 8 illustrates an embodiment from FIG. 7 in an alternative view.

[0016] FIG 9 illustrates an embodiment from FIG. 7 in an alternative view. [0017] FIG 10 illustrates an embodiment from FIG. 7 in an alternative view.

[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment from FIG. 7 in an alternative view.

DE TAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] As used herein, the word "a" or "plurality" before a noun represents one or more of the particular noun.

[0020] For the terms "for example" and "such as," and

grammatical equivalences thereof, the phrase "and without limitation" is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. As used herein, the term "about" is meant to account for variations due to experimental error. All measurements reported herein are understood to be modified by the term

"about," whether or not the term is explicitly used, unless explicitly stated otherwise. As used herein, the singular forms "a, " "an, " and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0021] As used herein, a "user" may be a person (human) or an animal user.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Methods and materials are described herein for use in the present invention; other, suitable methods and materials known in the art can also be used. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. All publications, patent applications, patents, database

entries, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

[0023] This disclosure provides a chair-like apparatus for a person (user) to sit up on any flat surface (including a bed), comprising three inter-connected members: a head piece member extending longitudinally and vertically, with a front to engage the user and a top with a pillow at or near the top end and at the front, the head piece member being sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to engage the head and neck of the person

(user) ; a backboard support member extending longitudinally and vertically, with the top of the backboard support member

backboard support member, with its top connected to the bottom of the backboard support member, the hip/knee support member being sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to engage the hips and knees of the person (user) . The apparatus is configured to create a flex-point or hinge at the hips and knees of the person

(user) ; and the apparatus is adapted/configured to cradle the spine of the person (user) in its neutral form; allowing the hips to flex in a natural manner; and allowing the knees to flex .

[ 0024 ] This disclosure also provides a chair-like apparatus for a person (user) to sit up on any flat surface (e.g., bed) comprising two inter-connected members: a concave back rest member that supports the thoracic and lumbar spine in a slightly reclined position, extending longitudinally and vertically and connected at its bottom to the top of a hip/knee support member with a convex top and flat base, extending perpendicularly from the concave back rest. The concave back rest member may be made of a semi-rigid material such as polyurethane foam or plastic. The concave back rest member may also be made of an air-tight material (e.g., plastic, vinyl, cloth, etc.) that is inflatable via an air pump/motor or manual pump (or inflated by any manner suitable/possible) . The concave back rest member is connected to the top of the hip/knee support member by either straps or a mat that is flat, or 2 straps and 2 slidable latches or 2 slidable tracks. In some embodiments, the concave back rest member and the hip/knee support member are connected by 2 straps that fasten to both members, 2 straps and 2 slidable latches or tracks that fasten to both members and is perpendicular to the concave back rest member, or by a mat that is flat connecting the two members and is perpendicular to the concave back rest member. The apparatus is configured to create a flex-point or hinge at the hips and knees of the person (user) . In certain embodiments, the concave back rest member and the hip/knee support member are connected by 2 straps that fasten to both pieces or by a mat that is flat. The apparatus is

adapted/configured to cradle the spine of the person (user) in its neutral form; allowing the hips to flex in a natural manner; and allowing the knees to flex. Two optional armrests are attached to the concave back rest member at approximately half way to three quarter way toward the bottom of the concave back rest member, facing the front of the apparatus such that the user may rest her arms on it; the arm rests protruding out from either side. The hip/knee support member and/or the concave back rest member may be made of a semi-rigid material such as

polyurethane foam or plastic. The hip/knee support member can also be made of an air-tight material (e.g., plastic, vinyl, cloth, etc.) that is inflatable via an air pump/motor or manual pump (or inflated by any manner suitable/possible) . In certain embodiments, air channels run between the concave back rest member and the hip/knee support member to allow the apparatus to be inflated. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is

inflatable. In certain further embodiments, the apparatus is inflated with a manual pump or an air pump/motor (or inflated by any manner suitable/possible) .

[0025] This disclosure also provides a method to reduce back pain, neck pain, thoracic pain, and/or hip pain; and/or to reduce discomfort in back, neck, thorax, and hip when a person

(user) (user) assumes a sitting posture on any flat surface; and/or to reduce the risks associated with prolonged slouching

(poor sitting) in a long-sitting position resulting in

cervicogenic headaches, cervical radiculopathy, reduced

breathing capacity, lumbar discogenic pathology

(herniation/bulge, lower extremity radiculopathy) , piriformis syndrome, or SI joint pathology; comprising providing to a person (user) the chair-like apparatus disclosed herein and having the person (user) sit in the apparatus on a flat surface, including a bed. This disclosure also provides a method to improve respiratory mechanics when a person (user) assumes a sitting posture on a flat surface, comprising providing to a person (user) the chair-like apparatus disclosed herein and having the person (user) sit in the apparatus on any flat surface, including a bed.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the three members or the two members are detachable and/or adjustable. In certain

embodiments, the three members or the two members are not detachable. In other embodiments, the three members or two members are connected by pivot arms, allowing the apparatus to be folded in the middle. In further embodiments, the apparatus is approximately 22 - 25 inches long when folded or detached. The foldable apparatus may be more easily portable than the apparatus with detachable members.

[0027] The apparatus may be roughly L-shaped when fully assembled or unfolded. [0028] The flat surface may be any flat surface that one can sit or lie on. Examples include grass, sand, dirt, bed, etc. In certain embodiments, the flat surface is a floor, carpeted, or otherwise suitable indoor surface. In certain embodiments, the flat surface is an outdoor lawn or any other flat, suitable outdoor surface.

[0029] In certain embodiments, each member of the apparatus is made of plastic, wood, metal, aluminum, and metal alloy, or another suitable material.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the backboard support member of the 3-member apparatus comprises a cushion facing the person (user) for a person (user) to rest his/her back.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the hip/knee support member comprises a cushion facing the person (user) to rest his/her legs .

[0032] In certain embodiments, the head piece member of the 3-member apparatus does not comprise a pillow.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the pillow and other soft materials (such as a cushion of the backboard support member and a cushion of the hip/knee support member) include, without limitation, polyurethane foam, rubber, cotton, down, feather, and other suitable materials.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the apparatus is about 4 feet to about 5 feet in total length when assembled or unfolded.

[0035] In certain embodiments, each member of the apparatus is connected to another member by connectors known in the art.

[0036] In certain embodiments of the 2-member apparatus, the straps are made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the straps are made of nylon mesh, cotton mesh, leather, or vinyl. In certain embodiments of the 2-member apparatus, the straps are attached to the concave back rest member and the hip/knee support permanently or via a detachable snap-like system. The straps are adjustable via a pully strap system such that the hip/knee support can be placed at different distances from the concave back rest member.

[0037] The flat mat of the 2-member apparatus is made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the mat is made of nylon mesh, cotton mesh, leather, vinyl, or cotton. In some

embodiments, the top or near the top of the mat, the mat has a Velcro material attached toward the back where the hip/knee support connects. The top of the hip/knee support has a

companion Velcro material to attach to the mat. Via this Velcro mechanism, the hip/knee support is adjustable such that the hip/knee support can be placed at different distances from the concave back rest member.

[0038] The concave back rest member and the hip/knee support member of the 2-member apparatus are each made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the concave back rest member and/or the hip/knee support member are made of rigid, semi^¬ rigid, or flexible materials such as plastic, rubber, foam, or polyurethane . Each piece can be covered with a layer of fabric or foam to make them more comfortable to the touch, softer or firmer .

[0039] The concave back rest member and the hip/knee support member can be manufactured by any method in the art. In some embodiments, the head/back support member and the hip/knee support member using standard molding techniques or by 3D printing .

[0040] The apparatus may be of any suitable dimensions. Some embodiments are shown with approximate dimensions in the drawings. Other suitable dimensions are possible.

[0041] In certain embodiments, each member of the apparatus is connected to another member by connectors known in the art. [0042] The disclosed chair-like apparatus allows a person (a user) to sit more comfortably on any flat surface, including a bed. The apparatus cradles the spine of the person (user) in its neutral form, supports the lumbar spine, and allows the hips to flex in the natural manner that takes tension off the lower back. It also allows the knees to flex to take tension off the hamstrings. The apparatus also cradles the head in a manner that allows natural alignment of the cervical spine in a position that allows the user to sit up in bed in a naturally supported and neutral posture that minimizes strain on the neck, hips and back .

[0043] Without appropriate cervical, thoracolumbar and pelvic support via the disclosed apparatus, several pathological alignments occur. First, a forward head is created and a

shortening of the suboccipital region occurs and lengthening of the deep neck flexors is created. This has been linked to migraines, headaches, neck pain, upper extremity radiculopathy, aw pain and shoulder pain. In the thoracic region, breathing is restricted significantly when thoracic flexion is maintained for prolonged periods of time and is not supported. This leads to shortening of the soft tissues such as the pectoral regions

(pec .minor/ma or ) and a rounding of the shoulders which leads to significant shoulder pathology (rotator cuff/impingement

syndrome) along with the above mentioned cervical dysfunction. Prolonged lumbar flexion has been clinically proven to create disc herniations/bulges and compression in the lumbar region as well as elongate and irritate the lower back muscles. This, in turn, leads to a shortening of the anterior hip muscles which leads to gait dysfunction and hip pain. Without a flex-point in the knee region, undue tension is placed on the hamstrings, which leads to lumbo-pelvic malalignment and lower back pain, hip pain, knee pain and other lumbopelvic pathologies. [0044] The disclosed apparatus may be constructed by any suitable materials and methods known in the art. The inter^¬ connection may be accomplished by any suitable methods and materials known in the art.

[0045] Any of the inflatable apparatus needs to be inflated. Thus, in certain embodiments, a motor is provided to inflate the inflatable apparatus. The inflatable apparatus can also be deployed with a manual pump. And thus, in certain embodiments, a manual pump is provided to inflate the inflatable apparatus. The apparatus may be inflated by any suitable and possible manner and apparatus .

[0046] REFERENCE TO FIGURES

[0047] These and other embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to FIGs . 1-10 wherein like numerals are used throughout to denote like elements.

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a chair-like apparatus 100, made of, for example, plastic, in a folded and more portable configuration. The apparatus is about 4 feet in size .

[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a chair-like apparatus 200, made of, for example, plastic, having three inter-connected members: a head piece member 201, a backboard support member 202, and a hip/knee support member 203. The apparatus is configured to engage a person (user) (user) . The apparatus is placed on a flat surface, e.g., a bed.

[0050] The head piece member 201 extends longitudinally and vertically, with a pillow 204 (made of, for example,

polyurethane foam) at or near the top of the head peace member 201 facing the front of the head peace member 201 so that a person's head may rest on it. The head piece member 201 is sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to engage the head and neck of the person (user) . [0051] The backboard support member 202 extends

longitudinally and vertically, with its top connected to the bottom of the head piece member 201. The backboard support member is sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to engage the back of the person (user) . A cushion is shown facing the person

(user), allowing the person's back to rest on the cushion.

[0052] The hip/knee support member 203 extends

perpendicularly from the bottom of the backboard support member, with its top connected to the bottom of the backboard support member 202. The hip/knee support member is sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to engage the hips and knees of the person

(user) . A cushion is shown facing the person (user) , allowing the person's leg to rest on the cushion.

[0053] The apparatus is configured to create a flex-point or hinge at the hips and knees of the person (user) . The apparatus is adapted/configured to cradle the spine of the person (user) in its neutral form; to allow the hips to flex in a natural manner; and to allow the knees to flex.

[0054] FIG. 3-6 illustrates an embodiment of a chair-like apparatus in different views.

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a chair-like apparatus 300, having two interconnected members. A concave back rest member 301 extends longitudinally and vertically. The concave back rest being sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to the mid and lower back of the person (user) . Two optional armrests 302 and 303, one on the left and one on the right, may be attached to the concave back rest member at approximately half way to three quarter way toward the bottom of the concave back rest member at the same level, the arm rests protruding out from the concave back rest member perpendicularly from the concave back rest member, facing the front of the apparatus such that a user's arms may rest on them when the person (user) is sitting on the apparatus. A hip/knee support member 306 extends perpendicularly from the concave back rest member, with the top of the hip/knee support member connected to the bottom of the concave back rest member with two slidable latches or tracks 304 and 305, extending perpendicularly from the concave back rest member with one at the right and one at the left of the concave back rest member, the two slidable latches or tracks may be disconnected to separate the two members or may be permanently attached, the hip/knee support member being sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to engage the hips and knees of the person (user) . The hip/knee support member 306 is rounded in shape; but it may be any suitable shape. Two straps (not shown) connect the hip/knee support member 306 and the concave back rest member 301; the straps fasten to both the hip/knee support member 306 and the concave back rest member 301.

[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates the embodiment of a chair-like apparatus of FIG. 3 but in different view, seen head on from the front. A concave back rest member 401 and a hip/knee support member 406 can be seen. But the armrests 402 and 403, the slidable latches or tracks 404 and 405 cannot be seen in this front view. Two straps (not shown) connect the hip/knee support member 406 and the concave back rest member 401; the straps fasten to both the hip/knee support member 406 and the concave back rest member 401. The concave back rest member 401 is 16 inches wide. However, it may be any suitable width.

[0057] FIG. 5 illustrates the embodiment of a chair-like apparatus of FIG. 3 but in different view, seen from above. A concave back rest member 501 and a hip/knee support member 506 can be seen, as well as armrests 502 and 503, and the slidable latches or tracks 504 and 505. Two straps (not shown) connect the hip/knee support member 506 and the concave back rest member 501; the straps fasten to both the hip/knee support member 506 and the head and back support member 501. The apparatus is 33.15 inches long. However, it may be any suitable length.

[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates the embodiment of a chair-like apparatus of FIG. 3 but in different view, seen from one side. A concave back rest member 601 and a hip/knee support member 606 can be seen, as well as one armrest 603 and one of the slidable latches or tracks 605. The armrest 602 and one of the slidable latches or tracks 604 cannot be seen in this side view. Two straps (not shown) connect the hip/knee support member 606 and the concave back rest member 601; the straps fasten to both the hip/knee support member 606 and the concave back rest member

601. Dimensions are shown in FIG. 6 for this specific embodiment in inches. However, any suitable dimension is contemplated.

[0059] The apparatus is configured to create a flex-point or hinge at the hips and knees of the person (user) . The apparatus is adapted/configured to cradle the spine of the person (user) in its neutral form; to allow the hips to flex in a natural manner; and to allow the knees to flex.

[0060] FIG. 7-11 illustrate yet another embodiment of a chair-like apparatus.

[0061] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a chair-like apparatus 700, having two interconnected members. The concave back rest 701 being sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to mid and lower back of the person (user) . The mat 702 connects the hip/knee rest 703 to the concave back rest 701 and lies perpendicular to the concave back rest 701 with its top at the bottom of the concave back rest 701. The hip/knee rest 703 is connected horizontally to the mat 702, with its top connected to the bottom of the mat 702. The concave back rest member 701 is 16 inches wide. However, it may be any suitable width.

[0062] FIG. 8 illustrates the embodiment of a chair-like apparatus 800 of FIG. 7 but in different view, seen head on from the front. The concave back rest 801 and the hip/knee rest 803 can be seen. The concave back rest member 801 is 16 inches wide. However, it may be any suitable width. In this view, the mat cannot be seen.

[0063] FIG. 9 illustrates the embodiment of a chair-like apparatus 900 of FIG. 7 but in different view, seen from the side. The concave back rest 901, the hip/knee rest 903, and the mat 902 connecting both pieces can be seen. The concave back rest member 901 is 18.6 inches high. However, it may be any suitable height. The hip/knee support is attached to the mat by Velcro so the distance between the concave back rest and the hip/knee support can be adjusted.

[0064] FIG. 10 illustrates the embodiment of a chair-like apparatus 1000 of FIG. 7 but in different view, seen from above. The concave back rest 1001, the hip/knee rest 1003 and the mat 1002, connecting both pieces (concave back rest 1001 and

hip/knee rest 1003) can be seen. The hip/knee support is

attached to the mat by Velcro so the distance between the concave back rest and the hip/knee support can be adjusted. In this view, the far end of the hip/knee support is 31.8 inches from the concave back rest member 1001. However, it may be adjusted to any suitable distance using the Velcro attachments.

[0065] FIG. 11 illustrates the embodiment of a chair-like apparatus 1100 that is inflatable. The concave back rest 1101, the hip/knee rest 1103 and the mat 1102, connecting both pieces (concave back rest 1101 and hip/knee rest 1103) can be seen. The hip/knee support is attached to the mat by Velcro so the

distance between the concave back rest and the hip/knee support can be adjusted. In this embodiment, there are air cavities on the side of the mat that connect the concave back rest and the hip/knee rest to inflate the entire apparatus through the same input . [0066] Other Embodiments

[0067] The foregoing description discloses only exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0068] It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the appended claims.

Thus, while only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be

understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A chair-like apparatus for a person (user) to sit up on a flat surface, comprising three inter-connected members:

a head piece member extending longitudinally and vertically, with a pillow at or near the top of the head piece member facing the front of the apparatus, the head piece member being sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to engage the head and neck of the person (user) ;

a backboard support member extending longitudinally and

vertically, with a top connected to the bottom of the head piece member, the backboard support member being sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to engage the back of the person (user) ; and

a hip/knee support member extending perpendicularly from the backboard support member, with the top of the hip/knee support member connected to the bottom of the backboard support member, the hip/knee support member being sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to engage the hips and knees of the person (user) ; wherein the apparatus is configured to create a flex-point or hinge at the hips and knees of the person (user) ; and the apparatus is adapted/configured to cradle the spine of the person (user) in its neutral form; allowing the hips to flex in a natural manner and allowing the knees to flex.

2. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the three members are detachable .

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the flat surface is a bed.

4. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the three members are connected by pivot arms, allowing the apparatus to be folded in the middle.

5. The apparatus any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is about 4 feet long when folded.

6. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each member of the apparatus is made of plastic, wood, metal, metal alloys, or hard plastic.

7. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is about 6 feet to about 10 feet in size when

assembled or unfolded.

8. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backboard support member comprises a cushion and/or the hip/knee support member comprises a cushion, said cushion is configured to face the person (user) .

9. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pillow or the cushion is made of polyurethane foam, rubber, cotton, down, or feather.

10. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is about 6 feet to about 10 feet in size when assembled or unfolded.

11. A chair-like apparatus for a person (user) to sit up on a flat surface comprising two inter-connected members: a concave back rest member that supports the thoracic and lumbar spine in a slightly reclined position, extending longitudinally and vertically and connected at its bottom to the top of

a hip/knee support member with a convex top and flat base, extending perpendicularly from the concave back rest; wherein said apparatus is configured to create a flex-point or hinge at the hips and knees of the person (user) ; wherein the concave back rest member and the hip/knee support member are connected by 2 straps that fasten to both members, 2 straps and 2 slidable latches or tracks that fasten to both members and is perpendicular to the concave back rest member, or by a mat that is flat connecting the two members and is

perpendicular to the concave back rest member;

wherein the apparatus is adapted/configured to cradle the spine of the person (user) in its neutral form; allowing the hips to flex in a natural manner; and allowing the knees to flex.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the concave back rest is connected to the bottom end of the hip/knee support member by either straps or a mat.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the straps or the mat is made of mesh or cloth.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the concave back rest member and/or hip/knee support is made of a semi-rigid material.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the semi-rigid material is polyurethane foam or plastic.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the concave back rest member and the hip/knee support are made of an air-tight material that is inflatable via an air pump/motor or a manual pump.

17. The apparatus of clam 16, wherein the air-tight material is plastic, vinyl, or cloth.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 11-17, further comprising two armrests attached to the concave back rest member at

approximately half way to three quarter way toward the bottom end of the concave back rest member, the arm rests protruding out from either side, perpendicular to the concave back rest memeber .

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 11-18, wherein at the top or near the top of the mat, the mat has a Velcro material attached toward the back of the mat where the hip/knee support member connects and the top of the hip/knee support member has a companion Velcro material to attach to the mat; such that the hip/knee support is adjustable.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 11-19, wherein the flat surface is a bed.

21. A method to reduce back pain, neck pain, thoracic pain, and/or hip pain; and/or to reduce discomfort in back, neck, thorax, and hip when a person (user) assumes a sitting posture in bed; and/or to reduce the risks associated with prolonged slouching (poor sitting) in a long-sitting position resulting in cervicogenic headaches, cervical radiculopathy, reduced

breathing capacity, lumbar discogenic pathology

(herniation/bulge, lower extremity radiculopathy) , piriformis syndrome, or SI joint pathology; said method comprising

providing the apparatus of claim 1 or the apparatus of claim 11 for the person (user) to sit up in a flat surface and having the person (user) sit in the apparatus on a flat surface.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the flat surface is a bed.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the flat surface is a floor, carpeted, or otherwise suitable indoor surface.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the flat surface is an outdoor lawn or any other flat, suitable outdoor surface.