BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many persons suffer from a posture problem. Often, it is only a cosrnetic issue, slouched shoulders not being considered attractive. However, incorrect posture can indicate and cause bad muscle tone, and it can also cause various problems, such as back pain. In addition, in persons with spine problems, maintaining a correct posture is important for proper healing and/or avoiding further injury.

US patent 4,055,168 to Miller et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a two part device for posture training, in which the two parts are interconnected by a cable. The device sets off an alert when the cable is extended beyond a certain amount. The device is attached to a person using a harness.

US patent 3,991,745 to Yoslow et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a bend sensor which is attached to a back, for example, using tape, and elastic belt or braces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An aspect of some exemplary embodiments of the invention relates to providing a posture feedback device that is cheap enough to be considered as disposable after a short time use. Optionally, the device comprises only a few parts and simple electronic circuitry.

Alternatively or additionally, the device utilizes low cost methods of attachment to a patient.

An aspect of some exemplary embodiments of the invention relates to attaching a posture training device to a patient using adhesive pads. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a standard type removable adhesive pad, such as used for ECG leads, is used.

Optionally, the device includes means for attaching to the pad, so that a new pad can be used each time the device is attached to the patient. An advantage of adhesive pads is the freedom in locating the device and/or device components on different parts of the back and/or on other parts of the body.

An aspect of some exemplary embodiments of the invention relates to a basic circuitry for a posture alert system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the circuitry comprises essentially of a power source, a switch and a buzzer. Optionally, when the back is bent, the switch is closed and the buzzer is connected to the power source. In some

embodiments, the circuitry includes a capacitor and/or a resistor, for providing a time delay or time integration logic.

An aspect of some exemplary embodiments of the invention relates to a posture training device having a low profile. An avantage of such a low profile is that the device may be worn inconspicuously by the patient, while going about his/her every day activities. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the low profile of the device interacts synergistically with the adhesive pads used for attachment, to allow convenient attachment of the device in locations where the device will not protrude. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device is a two part device connected by a string. One of the device parts optionally serves merely as an anchor for the string and thus has a low profile. The other device part optionally includes the circuitry. However, due to the simplicity of the circuitry in some embodiments of the invention, this part can also be made thin, for example less than 4 mm thick and typically about 3.3 mm thick. A thinner device may be manufactured, for example by coating the device with foam, rather than a separate capsule, by choosing thinner components and/or by using lower-profile attachment means of the device to an adhesive pad.

An aspect of some exemplary embodiments of the invention relates a method of adjusting a two part posture training device, in which the length of a string connected two parts of the device is adjusted using a slip buckle, for example a smaller version of the type used for adjusting strap lengths in rucksacks. Thus, a person can more easily put on and adjust such a device. After the two parts of the device are attached, the slip buckle is optionally moved so that the string is tight, but not so tight as to set off an alert by mimicking a back-bending situation.

There is thus provided in accordance with a posture training device, comprising : a first adhesive section, adapted to adhere to a skin of a human; a second adhesive section, adapted to adhere to a skin of a human; a circuitry which senses changes in relative disposition of the sections; and an alert generator which generates an alert responsive to said sensed changes.

Optionally, the device comprises a string interconnecting said two adhesive sections.

Optionally, said circuitry senses an elongation of said string caused by relative motion of said sections. Alternatively or additionally, said circuitry senses a tensing of said string caused by relative motion of said sections.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a sheath for said string. Optionally, said sheath is flat. Alternatively or additionally, said sheath is adhesive.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a spring which maintains a tension in said string.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a sliding buckle to which said string is anchored for selectable changing of a length of said string between said two sections. Alternatively or additionally, the device comprises an anchor at one of said sections, for anchoring one end of said string. Alternatively or additionally, the device comprises a sliding anchor connecting one of said sections to the string, which allows slipping of said string through said anchor. Alternatively or additionally, the device comprises said circuitry comprises a contact switch closed by said string.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry wirelessly senses relative motion of said two sections and said two sections are unconnected.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device comprises an off-button, for at least temporarily disabling said alert.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry ignores transient changes.

Alternatively or additionally, said circuitry counts a number of changes. Alternatively or additionally, said circuitry measures time between position changes. Alternatively or additionally, said circuitry detects absolute changes in position. Alternatively or additionally, said circuitry detects relative changes in position.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry is attached to one of said sections. Optionally, said circuitry is repeatedly detachable from said one section to which it is attached. Alternatively, said circuitry is attached by a clip to said section. Optionally, said clip matches standard sized clip connectors on standard ECG lead adhesive stickers.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry is adhesively attached to said one section.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said one section is damaged by said detaching.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the adhesive of said sections dissolves in water.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said alert generator is integral with said circuitry in a single packaging. Alternatively, said alert generator is wirelessly connected to said circuitry.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device comprises at least a third adhesive section including a sliding channel for said string.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said device, when deployed, is less than 4 mm thick. Optionally, said device is less than 3.3 mm thick.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry is encapsulated in a foam coating. Alternatively or additionally, said circuitry is encapsulated in a silicon capsule.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said alert generator generates an alert if there is a change. Alternatively or additionally, said alert generator generates an alert if there is no change in a period of time.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said alert comprises a beep.

Alternatively or additionally, said alert has a rising amplitude. Alternatively or additionally, said alert comprises a recorded message. Alternatively or additionally, said alert comprises a small electric shock. Alternatively or additionally, said alert comprises a mechanical stimulation of the body.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said alert generator has a controllable delay setting to set a length of transient change for which no alert is generated.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said alert generator has a controllable loudness.

Optionally, said circuitry and said alert generator consist essentially of a battery, a spring switch and a speaker.

There is also provide din accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a kit, comprising: a plurality of adhesive pads; a smaller number of at least one sets of circuitry adapted to be attached to at least some of said pads; and at least one string adapted to interconnect two of said pads, wherein said circuitry detects changes in location between said two pads connected by said string. Optionally, said at least one sets of circuitry comprises at least two sets of circuitry, having different location change detection settings.

There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of back posture monitoring, comprising: attaching a first adhesive section to a back of a human, at a first axial location thereon; attaching a second adhesive section to the back, at a second axial location thereon; adjusting a length of a string connecting said sections, so the string is taut; straightening the back in response to an audible alert generated by circuitry associated with said adhesive sections, when said back is bent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following description of exemplary embodiments, in conjunction with the figures. The figures are generally not shown to scale and any measurements are only meant to be exemplary and not necessarily limiting. In the figures, identical structures, elements or parts which appear in more than one figure are preferably labeled with a same or similar number in all the figures in which they appear, in which: Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a posture training device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the device of Fig. 1, deployed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 is an electronic circuit diagram of a circuit for the device of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 is a showing of a layout of the circuit of Fig. 3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 is an electronic circuit diagram of an alternative circuit for the device of Fig. 1; and Fig. 6 is a blow up of an alternative embodiment of a sensor portion of the device of Fig. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a posture training device 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Device 100 includes an anchor part 102 to which a string 106 is anchored at a connector 110 and a sensor part 104, which includes a sensor electronics package 116. An optional sliding buckle 108, described below, maintains a tension in string 106, when device 100 is deployed.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of device 100, deployed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Anchor part 102 is optionally attached to the back and above a shoulder blade of a patient 120 and sensor part 104 is optionally attached at a waist area of the patient, possibly underlying a belt or a waistline of a skirt. Buckle 108 is adjusted so that string 106 is taunt, yet does not set off device 100. When the back is bent, the string is tensioned, causing device 100 to go off. Other methods of attaching and/or using device 100 will be apparent from the following discussion. Optionally, a ratchet mechanism is provided, for example in anchor 102, to automatically tension the string.

Fig. 3 is an electronic circuit diagram of an exemplary circuit 130 for device 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a simple circuit is used, for example comprising only

a power source 132, such as a battery, a buzzer 134 and a switch 136. Switch 136 is activated (closed) by string 106 being tensioned. This closes the circuit and allows current to flow through buzzer 134. More complex circuitry, such as for providing timing delays, tension- responsive buzzer amplitude and/or other logic, may also be provided, for example using dedicated electronics or using a suitably wired integrated circuit. However, such more complex circuits may not be desirable if they increase the complexity and/or cost of device 100 by too much. Battery 132 may be a lithium battery. However, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, device 100 is made for short term operation and a lower cost battery, having a smaller energy store is used. In an exemplary embodiment, battery 132 is configured to work for a fixed amount of time and/or fixed number of alerts, for example 100 or 1000.

Fig. 4 is showing of a layout 140 of the circuit 130, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, circuit 130 is laid out on a printed circuit board (PCB) or the like 142, which forms the connections between the electronic components. Optionally, PCB 142 has rounded edges, to reduce the possibility of inadvertent trauma to patient 120. A coating 144 around and on top of the PCB is optionally provided, as described below. In the layout shown, when string 106 is tensioned, buy pulling it away from PCB 142, an arm 138, attached to the string is pulled down and closes normally open switch 136. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, arm 138 comprises a spring and has a resting position away from switch 136.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, coating 144 is provided, thus affording a smooth outer surface as shown for example in Fig. 1. Alternatively or additionally, the coating also provides padding, to prevent any protrusions on PCB 142 from hurting the patient or damaging the patient's clothing. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the coating comprises a flat rectangular box made of silicon or another elastomer. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, openings are provided in the box. One, a wide opening, may be provided in the box for inserting the PCB into the box. Another, hole shaped opening, may be provided for allowing an exit for string 106. Another opening, on the bottom of the box may be provided for securing an attachment between an adhesive pad (described below) and PCB 142. Alternatively, the adhesive pad is attached directly to the box.

Referring back to Fig. 1, anchor part 102 and sensor part 104 are optionally attached to the body using adhesive pads 112 and 114 respectively. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a standard ECG type pad is used, which includes a snap at its center. Connector 110 optionally comprises a mate to the snap. A similar mate is optionally provided on PCB 142, as described above. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the two adhesive pads are

interchangeable, however, this is not required. Alternatively or additionally, non-standard snap sizes or connector types are used, to force a particular provided adhesive pad to be used.

Although snaps may be preferred, alternatively, other attachment means may be provided, for example, clips and Velcro. In one example, the adhesive pads is adhesive on both sides, one side for attachment to the skin and one side fore attachment to connector 110 and/or sensor circuitry 116.

Alternatively, the adhesive pads may be permanently fixed to device 100. However, by allowing the adhesive pads to be replaced, a multi-use device can be provided, while allowing new and clean pads to be used daily. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the adhesive is a one time adhesive that, once attached to the body and removed, cannot be reattached.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the adhesive pads are foam pads, which assist in conforming to the body shape and/or in avoiding bruises from device 100.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, sliding buckle 108 or other means are used to allow a patient to adjust the tension in string 106, thereby setting the threshold of alert generation by device 100. However, such a sliding buckle is not required, for example if a user can be trusted to attach the device without over-or under-tensioning the string, or by suitable manipulation of the string flexibility and arm spring constant. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, connector 110 allows sliding motion of string 106 inside of it, to assist the adjustment of the string. Referring to Fig. 4, it is noted that the springiness of arm 138 also affects the tension in the string. Alternatively or additionally, string 106 itself may be formed of a material which allows axial extension, for example being made of rubber. Alternatively or additionally, a portion of string 106 or the anchor 110 may comprise s a spring or axially extendible material. By controlling the relative strength and/or movement and extension limitations of arm 138 and string 106, various effects can be achieved.

In a first example, string 106 can be axially extended 1 cm, before the tension in the string is greater than the force required to bring arm 138 down and close switch 136. Thus, the threshold for sounding an alert will be a back curvature which causes an extension of at least 1 cm in the string. This allows the wearer to bend somewhat over without setting off an alert.

In a second example, string 106 cannot be axially extended, thereby the threshold for sounding an alert is the distance that arm 138 travels. The spring constant of arm 138 determines how taunt string 106 will be. Optionally, this constant is made large enough to allow easy adjustment of the string length without inadvertent setting off of an alert.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an optional safety pin 146 (Fig. 4) is provided to prevent arm 138 from closing switch 136 until it is removed. Such a pin may be useful for travel, or for use during the process of deploying device 100. Alternatively to a safety pin, pin 146 may comprise a spring which, will bend if sufficient force is applied to it and allow switch 136 to close. Thus, the effective spring constant of arm 138 can be controlled. Alternatively, other methods of varying a spring constant, as known in the art, may be used.

In the above described device 100, an audio alert is described. However, other alert methods may be used, for example an electric shock alert, a vibration alert, a visual alert (to the patient or other persons) or a pricking alert, in which a sharp element (not shown) is extended by the current flow into the patient. The use of ECG pads assists in providing electric current to the body. Alternatively or additionally, a wireless alert system may be used in which the sensor transmits a wave (ultrasonic, RF, etc.) or is electro-magnetically coupled to an alert generating device, such as a wrist watch or a pendent worn by the patient. Optionally, but not necessarily, the receiver circuit in the wrist watch, pendant or other device, is made more complex to allow a simpler transmission circuit to be used in device 100.

Alternatively, device 100 is a purely mechanical device, which does not require any electronics. Optionally, when arm 138 is bent, an extension of the arm pinches or pricks the skin underlying sensor 116. Optionally, in this embodiment sensor 116 is formed of a single piece of plastic, for example, by molding.

Although a simple electronic circuit is desirable (when an electronic circuit is used), in some embodiments of the invention, minimal logic may be added to such a circuit. In one example a capacitor is added in parallel to the buzzer, and the circuit is configured so that a minimum charge needs to be stored in the capacitor to power the buzzer. Thus, a minimum duration of a bend situation which creates an alert, can be set. Such a duration setting may be useful, for example to allow certain motions by the patient or to allow the patient to learn to detect improper posture without an alert, with the alert serving only as a backup.

In another example the circuit can be configured so that switch 136 is always closed and is open only when arm 138 is pressed down. Thus, an alert will be sounded whenever a back is unbent. This type of circuit may be more useful for body parts other than the back.

In another example, a capacitor may be continuously charged by the battery through a resistor and will operate the buzzer unless the switch is closed to drain off the capacitor. Thus, a minimum number of bending operations per time duration can be required. This type of circuit may be useful for preventing a person from maintaining too stiff a back. Alternatively

or additionally, circuitry may be provided to count the number of alerts and or provide an estimate of the total duration of"bad"posture. Optionally, device 100 includes a switch to allow a user to selectively have alerts sounded or stored for later acoustic or visual display.

Optionally, a variable resistor is provided for setting the alert loudness. Alternatively or additionally, the circuit generates a progressively increasing alert amplitude. Also, a variable resistor may be provided to provide for a variable delay. If tension is measured by sensor 116, means can be provided for varying the tension in the string that is necessary to set off the alarm, for example a buckle for varying the length of string 106 that is elastic.

Optionally, device 100 includes an on-off button or a temporary-off button which can be accessed while the device is worn. Thus, if a patient is expecting bent-back activities, he can prevent the device from continuously sounding an alert. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the button comprises a spring-loaded toggle, with a finger contact surface of substantially all the top surface of sensor circuitry 116. Alternatively, a patient may disengage device 100 by moving slip buckle 108. Alternatively or additionally, device 100 includes two buckles. One (108) for adjusting the string length and one for marking the position of the first buckle when optimally placed. Thus, a user can move slip buckle 108 to disengage the device, and then when desired, slide slip buckle 108 up to the second buckle, thereby re-engaging device 100.

Although an exemplary implementation of a device in accordance with the invention is as a two-part device interconnected by a string, some of the above features, such as using a self adhesive pad for attachment may also be practiced in other types of devices, such as those using a strain gauge such as suggested in the Yoslow patent.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention, instead of using a naked string 106, a flat cable or a string sheathed in a flat conduit are used. Thus, the string can only move along the conduit and not transverse to it and/or interaction between the string and the patient's clothing is avoided. Optionally, the conduit can be attached to the back, for example using tape or adhesive pads or by being self adhesive. Optionally, the conduit is stretchable.

Alternatively to providing only two attachment points for string 106, a third attachment point with an adhesive pad and a sliding coupler to attach to string 106, may be provided, so that the path of string 106 can be made to better conform to a body part and/or to allow the measurement of bends in other parts of the body, such as joints.

Fig. 5 is an electronic circuit diagram of an alternative circuit for the device of Fig. 1.

In this circuit, a complete buzzer element is replaced by a piezoelectric plate BZ1 (also marked "buzzer"in the Fig.) driven using a transistor based circuit. The piezoelectric element is

optionally a FT-15T-5, 5B1. The switch Sl is optionally a SKQLLA (by ALPS). The transistor Q1 is a 2N2222 type transistor, the resistors are 220kQ (Rl), 560Q (R2) and 5.6kQ (R3). The PCB may be any standard type of PCB and the battery is optionally a GP317 (by GP) battery.

These elements and values are provided for illustrative purposes only and other circuits having similar functionality may be substituted for the circuit if Fig, 5.

Fig. 6 is blow-up of an alternative embodiment of a sensor portion 200, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, coating 144 is formed of two molded pieces of plastic, a base 202 and a cover 204. PCB 208 is sandwiched between them. Although arm 138 is shown as a separate element, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it may be formed as part of cover 204 or be separately molded from plastic. A part 210 may be an extension of the arm to control switch 136. Alternatively, a shorter extension may be used, so that the volume occupied by element 210 is the switch itself. Further, although an eye for attaching string 106 is shown, other attaching means, such as a narrow cleft to grasp the string may be used instead. An opening 206 is optionally formed in bottom 202 to serve as a female receptacle for a snap in the adhesive pad.

Although the above device 100 has been described in a manner which makes it especially suitable for a back-bending/shoulder slouch detecting use, the device may be used and/or adapted for other body parts. In one example, the device may be attached on the abdomen to detect if a belly is sucked in. In another example, the device can be connected between the shoulders and the middle of the back to detect when the shoulders are not held straight, even if the back is not bent. Similarly, the device may be used to detect a bent neck.

In another application, the device may be used to detect if a weight is being lifted by bending the back rather than by bending the knees. To this end, a larger string extension threshold is optionally provided.- In another application, device 100 may be used for convalescents, for example after birth or abdominal surgery. The device can be set, for example to generate an alert if a patient is bending his back in an amount sufficient to cause pain or to place the patient in a position he cannot get out of. The patient himself may set the device responsive to his particular pain sensations and movement limitations caused by the surgery.

In another application, device 100 can be used to remind a user not to exceed a certain range of motion of a joint, such as a knee or an ankle. Alternatively, the device can be used to generate feedback to the patient, for example during physical therapy, of reaching a certain movement goal.

In another application, especially, but not only for the back, the battery is used to generate stimulation pulses to the muscle and/or nerves under the device, thereby strengthening the muscle and/or causing other desirable therapeutic effects.

Although device 100 has been described as using a string connecting the two parts of the device, a wireless device may also be constructed. However, such a device rnay be less desirable due to its increased expense, complexity and/or possibly of irritation by active fields in some embodiments. In one example, the sensor part detects a change in magnetic field cause by a magnet in the anchor part. Optionally, the two parts are relatively close together. In another example, the sensor detects changes in RF coupling, caused for example by changes in the relative orientations of antenna in the two parts or by changes in distances between an antenna and a core. In another example, the sensor detects changes in amplitude of an ultrasonic signals transmitted, periodically or continuously from the anchor part.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, device 100 is sold in kits including one device 100 and a plurality of replacement adhesive pads. Alternatively or additionally, packages of replacement pads may be sold separately. Optionally, a kit may include several devices, each one with a different sensitivity, for example to allow a patient to progressively increase his level of control. Alternatively, different sensitivity devices are provided in separate packages. Although the device is optionally unobtrusive, in some implementations, it may be desired to provide an ornamental device and/or bright colored device, for enhanced visual appeal while it is being worn. Optionally, the kit includes usage instructions.

Although a simple buzzing alert is described, a more complex audio alert may be generated, for example generating a speech command"stand straight"and/or calling the name of the patient. Optionally, if several devices are worn by a single patient, each device will generate a different alert. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a patient can record a short speech message on the device. Optionally, different messages are played responsive to various parameters of the alert (s), such as the alert number, alert duration and/or time between the alerts.

It will be appreciated that the above described methods of posture training and the various apparatus described may be varied in many ways. In addition, a multiplicity of various features, both of methods and of devices have been described. It should be appreciated that different features may be combined in different ways. In particular, not all the features shown above in a particular embodiment are necessary in every similar exemplary embodiment of the invention. Further, combinations of the above features are also considered to be within the scope of some exemplary embodiments of the invention. When used in the following claims,

the terms"comprises","includes","have"and their conjugates mean"including but not limited to".

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has thus far been described. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the following claims.