TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to personal support devices and in particular to posture devices, configured to help encourage an ergonomic seated position.

BACKGROUND ART

Spinal or body misalignment is a health concern which can arise from leading sedentary lifestyles or sitting for long periods of time. Research has shown that incorrect sitting postures can affect the spinal curve alignment, trunk and core muscle activation, and head and neck positioning.

Strategies to encourage a correct or ergonomic sitting position are therefore important as preventative measures against the health effects linked to having a poor sitting position, for example, where the body assumes a slouching or slumping posture. Existing strategies to avoid the poor sitting posture include “negative strategies” for antigravity control, i.e., where a person consciously adopts an upright seating position. One example is the compensatory regional ‘lock in’ strategy for antigravity control, with behaviour to reinforce a “central cinch pattern” in the core region of the body. However, this strategy leads to excess superficial neuromuscular activity, with the effect that some segments of the spine are compressed and cannot move freely. The result is that core control and the ability to breath freely are compromised.

It has been shown that in the ideal sitting position, the lumber spine is in a neutral position and assumes a lumbar lordosis curve. In this position there is a neutral or slight anterior tilt of the pelvis and the thoracic spine is relaxed. This does not result from the compensatory regional ‘lock in’ strategy for antigravity control.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein or in the below, unless explicitly specified otherwise, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a device to encourage the body of the user of the device to assume, at least in part, a sitting posture with a neutral lumbar spine and a relaxed thoracic spine.

In a first aspect, there is provided a posture device configured to provide a support surface for a user, comprising: a body, the body having a front end and a rear end, an upper surface, and a base, wherein the base is contoured so that the body has at least one direction of instability.

In some forms, the instability is predominantly confined to the at least one direction. The at least one direction may include a direction which is generally in vertical front-to-back plane, a direction which is generally in a vertical side-to- side plane, or both. The at least one direction may further include a direction which is oblique from a front-to-back or a side-to-side direction, where there is a lesser amount of instability in the oblique direction than the instability in the front-to-back or side-to-side direction.

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

In some forms, in use, the vertical front-to-back plane is generally in registry with a sagittal plane of the user.

In some forms, the at least one direction of instability includes a direction which is generally in vertical side-to-side plane, the vertical side-to-side plane being generally transverse to a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. In some forms, the vertical side-to-side plane is generally in registry with a coronal plane of the user.

In some forms, the device supports the user's pelvis and spine such that when application of the user’s weight causes a pressure to be applied by the device to the spine, the user’s lumbar spine at least in part is biased to assume a neutral curve which is balanced between left and right sides of the user, and the user’s thoracic spine is relaxed.

In some forms, the body is constructed from a resilient material, such that in use, the material generates a return force in response to the user’s weight, said return 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, the body having a front end and a rear end, and an upper surface between the front and rear ends, at least a portion of the upper surface providing the support surface, the body being constructed from a resilient material, such that in use, the material generates a return force in response to the user’s weight, said return force having a component in a forward direction.

In some forms, the return force encourages a posture in which the user’s pelvis is neutral or slightly tilted. The tilt may be anterior and downward.

In some forms, the return force does not allow the material to settle, which encourages the user’s nervous system to continually make micro adjustments, thereby discouraging locking strategies.

In some forms, the return force does not allow the material to settle, which encourages the user’s nervous system to continually make micro adjustments, thereby requiring active sitting.

In some forms of any of the aspects described, the upper surface and the base surface have different surface profiles. In a third aspect, there is provided a posture device configured to provide a support surface for a user, comprising a body, the body having a front end and a rear end, and an upper surface between the front and rear ends, at least a portion of the upper surface providing the at least a portion of the upper surface providing the support surface, and a base surface. The upper surface and the base surface have different surface profiles.

In some forms, the base has a longitudinal profile along a longitudinal axis extending between the front end and the rear end of the body which is outwardly curved, such that the longitudinal profile is at its lowest in a middle portion thereof.

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

In some forms, the base has a longitudinal profile along a longitudinal axis extending between the front end and the rear end of the body which is outwardly curved, such that the longitudinal profile is at its lowest in a middle portion thereof, and a transverse profile along a transverse axis which is transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the transverse profile is outwardly curved, such that the longitudinal profile is at its lowest in a middle portion thereof.

In some forms, the body is shaped such that it has a height which is higher at the rear end than at the front end, wherein the body is of a greatest height at a location between the front and rear ends, but closer to the rear end.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a posture device configured to provide a support surface for a user, comprising a body, the body having a front end and a rear end, an upper surface between the front and rear ends, and a base surface, at least a portion of the upper surface providing the support surface. The upper surface and the base surface have different surface profiles. The body is shaped such that it has a height which is higher at the rear end than at the front end, wherein the body is of a greatest height at a location between the front and rear ends, but closer to the rear end.

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

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

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

In some forms of any of the aspects, the support surface has a contour shaped and oriented to in use encourage a neutral pelvis or slight anterior tilt in the user’s pelvis.

The contour may be oriented so that, in use, when the device is positioned at its longitudinal balance point, the neutral or slight anterior tilt in the user’s pelvis encourages a posture where the user’s lumbar spine is in a neutral position.

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

In some forms of any of the aspects, the support surface is disposed in a profiled envelope which is generally convex.

In some forms of any of the aspects, the upper surface comprises a scalloped area which is gradually depressed from the support surface, wherein the support surface is generally located around the scalloped area.

The scalloped area may have a perimeter which is generally shaped like a quadrilateral or shaped like a triangle. The scalloped area may be contoured to have a concave portion.

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

The scalloped area may further have a generally convex portion located forward of the concave portion.

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

A ratio of the radius of curvature of the concave portion to the radius of curvature of the convex portion may have 1 to F.

In some forms of any of the aspects, the body has a rear face which is located at the rear end and adjacent the upper portion, the rear face providing the body with a greater height at the rear end.

In some forms of any of the aspects, the device is supported by a frame of a chair.

The device may be functionally integrated with the chair such that it forms a seat for the chair.

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

The device may be rotatably supported in the frame of the chair.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a chair having a support surface, wherein the support surface is provided by a posture device in accordance with any of the above aspects.

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of constructing a posture device configured to provide a support surface for a user, the posture device comprising a body having a front end and a rear end, an upper surface providing the support surface, and a base. The method comprises: providing the base and the upper surface with different surface contours; wherein the upper surface is shaped such that a rear height of the body is greater than a front height of the body. In some forms, the method further comprises providing the base with a generally curved contour, having a longitudinal profile along a longitudinal axis extending between the front end and the rear end of the body which is outwardly curved, such that the longitudinal profile is at its lowest in a middle portion thereof.

In some forms, the method further comprises providing the base with an outwardly curved transverse profile along a transverse axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, such that the transverse profile is at its lowest in a middle portion thereof.

In some forms, the upper surface includes a recessed area, the support surface being located around the recessed area.

In some forms, the method further comprises providing in the body an end surface which connects between the upper surface and the base.

In some forms, the end surface is located at the rear end.

In some forms, the method further comprises applying a spline geometry to the posture device, so that surfaces of the posture device are describable by two or more types of geometries.

In some forms, the upper surface and the base of the body assume a geometry obtained by overlapping a plurality of volumes, each obtained by revolving a corresponding circle about the circle’s centre.

In some forms, the circles include two base profile circles defining the surface contour of the base, the surface contour of the base being obtained by: partially overlapping the two base profile circles such that the two base profile circles share a chord, which bisects an intersection area between the base profile circles; revolving the intersection area about the chord to define a spheroid volume. A portion of a lower surface of the spheroid volume provides the surface contour of the base. In some forms, an axis which is normal to the chord is angularly offset from the vertical.

In some forms, two radii, each extending between a respective end of the chord and a centre of either base profile circle, are at a right angle to each other.

In some forms, the circles include an upper surface circle which partially overlaps with the intersection area, where a surface contour of the upper surface of the body is provided by an upper surface portion of a volume obtained by revolving 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 spheroid volume.

In a seventh aspect, there is provided a method of aiding the posture of a user in a seated position comprising subjecting the user to at least one direction of instability to encourage micromovements of the user in the direction of one or both of the sagittal plane or coronal plane of the user’s body.

In some forms, the method further comprises subjecting the user to a return force to encourages a posture in which the user’s pelvis is neutral or slightly tilted anteriorly and downwardly.

In an eighth aspect, there is provided a method of aiding the posture of a user in a seated position comprising subjecting the user to a return force to encourages a posture in which the user’s pelvis is neutral or slightly tilted. The tilt can be anterior and downward.

In some forms, the user is sitting on a posture device or chair according to the aspects mentioned above.

In further aspects the posture device can be used on existing pilates and exercise equipment to add instability and hence pelvic and trunk dynamic control during exercise. In a further aspect, there is provided an exercise equipment comprising a posture device as seating.

In a further aspect, there is provided a seat for a toilet, comprising a posture device, wherein the support surface of the posture device is provided substantially around a hollow region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1-1 depicts, in side view, a seated person with an extended or hyper lumbar lordosis;

Figure 1-2 depicts, in side view, a person seated on a posture device provided in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 1-3 depicts, in side view, a seated person in an incorrect position slouching forward;

Figure 1-4 depicts, in side view, a seated person in an incorrect position leaning backward;

Figure 1-5 depicts, in side view, a seated person in an incorrect position bending forward;

Figure 2-1 depicts a seated person in an incorrect seating position, slouched to the right and with the head tilted to the left;

Figure 2-2 depicts a person seated on a posture device provided in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 2-3 depicts a seated person in an incorrect seating position, slouched to the right and with the neck bent to the right; Figure 3-1 depicts a front perspective view of a posture device provided in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 3-2 depicts a side elevation view of the posture device shown in Figure 3- l;

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

Figure 3-4 depicts a bottom view of the posture device shown in Figure 3-1;

Figure 3-5 depicts a front view of the posture device shown in Figure 3-1;

Figure 3-6 depicts a rear view of the posture device shown in Figure 3-1;

Figure 3-7 depicts a top view of the posture device shown in Figure 3-1, showing cross section axes B-B and C-C;

Figure 3-8 shows a cross section of the posture device of Figure 3-7, taken through axis B-B;

Figure 3-8 shows a cross section of the posture device of Figure 3-7, taken through axis C-C;

Figure 4-1 depicts a front perspective view of a posture device provided in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 4-2 depicts a side elevation view of the posture device shown in Figure 4- l;

Figure 4-3 depicts a top view of the posture device shown in Figure 4-1;

Figure 4-4 depicts a bottom view of the posture device shown in Figure 4-1;

Figure 4-5 depicts a front view of the posture device shown in Figure 4-1;

Figure 4-6 depicts a rear view of the posture device shown in Figure 4-1;

Figure 4-7 depicts a top view of the posture device shown in Figure 4-1, showing cross section axes D-D and E-E; Figure 4-8 shows a cross section of the posture device of Figure 4-7, taken through axis D-D;

Figure 4-9 shows a cross section of the posture device of Figure 4-7, taken through axis E-E;

Figure 5-1 depicts a front perspective view of a posture device provided in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 5-2 depicts a bottom perspective view of the posture device shown in Figure 5-1;

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

Figure 5-4 depicts a bottom view of the posture device shown in Figure 5-1;

Figure 5-5 depicts a front view of the posture device shown in Figure 5-1;

Figure 5-6 depicts a rear view of the posture device shown in Figure 5-1;

Figure 5-7 depicts a side view of the posture device shown in Figure 5-1;

Figure 5-8 shows a cross section of the posture device of Figure 5-3, taken through axis F-F;

Figure 5-9 shows a cross section of the posture device of Figure 5-3, taken through axis G-G;

Figure 6-1 depicts a rear perspective view of a posture device provided in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

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

Figure 6-3 depicts a front perspective view of the posture device shown in Figure 6-1;

Figure 6-4 depicts a rear view of the posture device shown in Figure 6-1; Figure 6-5 depicts a side view of the posture device shown in Figure 6-1;

Figure 6-6 depicts a front view of the posture device shown in Figure 6-1;

Figure 7 illustrates an example geometric construction of the posture device;

Figure 8-1 illustrate an embodiment of the posture device where the base is substantially flat;

Figure 8-2 illustrate another embodiment of the posture device where the base is substantially flat;

Figure 9 illustrates in side view a chair incorporating a posture device provided in accordance with the present invention as the seat;

Figure 10 illustrates in perspective view an exercise equipment incorporating two posture devices provided in accordance with the present invention as the seats;

Figure 11-1 illustrates in top view an embodiment of the posture device where the base is substantially flat, where the scalloped region within the rim region of the device is hollowed out;

Figurell-2 illustrates the embodiment shown in Figure 11-1 in perspective view;

Figure 12 illustrates in perspective view a toilet incorporating a posture device of the type illustrated in Figures 11-1 and 11-2 as the toilet seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

In the below, where mentioned, references to any directions and orientations, such as “front”, “back” or “rear”, “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, will be made in relation to the posture device when it is in use. The front-to-back direction will be considered the longitudinal direction of the device, whereas any side-to-side direction transverse to the longitudinal direction will be considered a transversal direction. When the posture device is in use, the “front” and “back” (or “rear”) of the posture device will respectively be located toward the anterior and the posterior of the person sitting on the posture device. Accordingly, the “left” and “right” sides the posture device will be respectively correspond with the left-hand side and the right-hand side of the person using the device.

Disclosed below is a posture device according to the disclosure, which encourages the user to adopt an optimal sitting posture with a neutral lumbar spine and a relaxed thoracic spine, and mitigate the tendency for the user to adopt negative strategies. Various postures are depicted in side view in Figures 1-1 to 1-5. Figure 1-1 depicts a posture adopted by a person who is consciously controlling the core muscles as an “anti-gravity” strategy, with the result that the user’s spine is curving excessively and in sections (i.e., “lordosis”). Figure 1-2 shows the posture of a person 10 is sitting on a posture device 100. As will be discussed in more detail below, there is a neutral pelvis or slight anterior tilt in the pelvis of the person 10, as encouraged by the design of the posture device 100. The neutral pelvis or slight anterior tilt is as predominately defined or understood in clinical practice. Figure 1-3 shows there can be an excessive curvature in the spine when a person is sitting in a slouched position. Figure 1-4 shows the excessive curvature in the spine when the person leans too far back. Figure 1-5 depicts a person who is leaning too far ahead from the waist, and the spine does not have the neutral curvature. The other common incorrect seating positions such as those shown in Figures 1-1 and 1-3 to 1-5 are less likely to occur as the posture device 100 encourages the seating position shown in Figure 1-2.

The posture device 100 is designed to be encourage a correct seated position where the pelvis is neutral, or slightly tilted. Different versions which encourage the neural or slightly tilted pelvic position will be intended for users with different physiological requirements. The encouraging of the correct seated position is done, on the most general level, by one or more mechanisms.

A first mechanism is by introducing an instability in the posture device such that the user needs to dynamic adjust his or her position to keep the device in an unstable equilibrium, such that the user needs to stay in an optimal seating position to ensure balance. A second mechanism is by providing a support surface which is contoured to facilitate the correct seated position.

Embodiments which employ only the contoured support surface but have stable bases, may have any of the upper contours described below, as wells variations thereof as described. Embodiments which employ only the unstable base may have base contours as described in any of the embodiments below, as well as variations thereof. Embodiments which employ both the contoured support surface and the unstable base may have any of upper contours described below and any of the base contours as described below, as well as variations thereof.

A posture device providing the first mechanism is designed to be unstable, by having an unstable base contour. The preferred posture device 100 has two directions of instability, where the instability is predominantly confined to the front-to-back direction and a side-to-side direction of the posture device 100. However, the instability may instead be predominately confined to only one of these directions. The “front-to-back” plane through the posture device 100 will, in use, generally be in registry with a sagittal plane of the user. The “side-to-side” plane through the posture device 100 will be, in use, generally in registry with a coronal plane of the user. However, depending on different factors such as the specific design, material used, etc, there may be a lesser amount of instability in a direction which is oblique to the front-to-back and side-to-side directions. This will permit the user to create “oblique” movements to compensate for the oblique instability. Such “oblique” movements would be minimal compared with the movement in the front-to-back or in the side-to-side directions to compensate for the instability in those directions. Thus, in these embodiments the instability in the posture device is still considered to be predominantly confined in the front-to-back direction, or the side-to-side direction, or both.

In use, sitting on the unstable posture device 100 elicits a natural response whereby the user’s body finds the sagittal and coronal balance points in order to reduce instability. By finding and remaining a position where balance is achieved in both directions, the user naturally remains in the optimal seating position as shown in Figure 1-2. This does not require the user to find a consciously controlled position to sit upright, which can result in lordosis as shown in Figure 1-1.

As will be described, the posture device 100 has two distinct contours, for each of the upper surface and the bottom or base surface of the device. The lower surface is designed to create instability in a front to back direction and also in a side-to- side direction, so that the user seated on the device will need to maintain an unstable equilibrium so as to remain balanced on the device.

The upper surface may be contoured to encourage a corrective tilt in the pelvis of the user. In this case, the bottom surface may be further contoured so that when at the unstable equilibrium, the user is also encouraged to assume a corrective tilt.

For the majority of the population it is beneficial for the device to be designed to provide a neutral pelvis or slight anterior tilt. However, for a small percentage of the population a corrective tilt in the opposite direction may be desirable. Therefore, different embodiments may be designed to encourage a posterior tilt. The below embodiments of the posture device are described as encouraging a neutral pelvis or slight anterior tilt. However, aspects of the posture device described below are applicable whether the device is designed to create an anterior or a posterior tilt. For example, aspects described in relation to creating the instability which encourages the user to dynamically stabilize will be applicable to different embodiments.

For embodiments which encourage a slight anterior tilt in the user’s pelvis, the upper and lower surfaces are each designed to encourage the neutral pelvis or a slight anterior tilt, which in literature is described as helping to maintain the natural curve in the lumbar spine whilst sitting. Therefore, in use, both surfaces provide reactive forces in response to the weight of the person sitting on the device.

To provide the instability in the front- to-back direction, the bottom (also referred as “base”) of the posture device 100 is profiled in the longitudinal (i.e., front-to- back) direction. This allows the posture device 100 to be moved or flexed in a front-to-back plane in alignment with a central longitudinal axis through the device 100. The longitudinal profile is designed to facilitate the user to find a “balance” point or a centre of gravity for their body in the sagittal (front-to-back) direction. This “balance point” will also be affected by where the user as seated is located on the posture device 100. For example, where the device is designed to encourage a neutral pelvis or slight anterior tilt, if the user sits further back, then at the “balance point” position there will be a lesser amount of anterior tilt of the pelvis of the user, and less curve in the lumbar spine of the user, compared with the case where the user sits more forward.

The device 100 is longitudinally most stable when the user remains in the optimal sagittal position, i.e., the sagittal balance point. The optimal sagittal body alignment helps to provide a neutral and balanced position for the spine. This may help to reduce superficial trunk activation, and to reduce the load on the spine, to facilitate a more optimal head and neck position. Therefore, the longitudinal profile and the support surface of the posture device need to be designed such that when the posture device 100 is balanced in the front-to-back direction, the support surface is oriented so as to encourage the corrective pelvic position, e.g., to be neutral or a slightly anteriorly tilt of the pelvis of the person sitting on the device.

To create the side-to-side instability, the base of the posture device 100 is profiled in the transverse direction, so that the device 100 can be moved or flexed in a side-to-side plane generally in alignment with a transverse axis through the device body 102. The transverse profile is designed to facilitate the user to find a coronal “balance” point or centre of gravity, in a coronal direction (side-to-side) of the user’s body. The device 100 is transversely most stable when the user is in an optimal coronal position, where the user is balanced between the right and left sides. This may help to reduce asymmetrical load and torque on the spine and pelvis.

Various sitting postures are shown in rear view in Figure 2-1 to 2-3. In Figure 2-1, the spine is curved to the side due to the person’s incorrect posture in which the person is slouched to the right. In Figure 2-3, the spine is curved to the side due to the person’s incorrect posture in which the person is slouched to the right and further with the neck bent to the right. The effect of the balancing in the coronal plane can be seen Figure 2-2. In Figure 2-2, as the body’s natural response is to balance between the left and right sides of a coronal plane, the use of the posture device 100 can help to avoid the causing a side-to-side asymmetry in the spine.

A further mechanism for encouraging the correct seated position is to use a highly resilient and flexible material to construct the posture device. The resilient material will preferably provide seating comfort, but still be stiff enough so that it can support the user’s weight while functioning as an ergonomic posture device. Also, the material should be such that the posture device, in use, is compressed by the weight of the user. The compression causes the elasticity in the material to create a returning force, which then pushes back toward the user. This creates a dynamic sitting environment. This means that the user’s central nervous system then responds by constantly making micro adjustments while the user sits on the posture device, helping to avoid a compensatory locking or rigidity strategy.

In alternative embodiments, the posture device 100 is constructed of a material with no resilience. It will still retain the function of encouraging the corrective position and the coronal and sagittal balancing, by virtue of the contours in the device. However, the devices 100 in accordance with these embodiments would not provide as much seating comfort.

Figures 3-1 to 3-9 depict the posture device 300 in one form of the disclosure. The posture device 100 includes a body 302. The body 302 has a front end 104 and a back end 106. The device body 302 has an upper surface 108 and a base 110 extending between the front and back ends 304, 306. A rear face 307 is located at the back end 306, between the upper surface 308 and the base 310. At the front end 304, the upper surface 308 joins the base 310. The upper surface 302 provides a support surface for the user. The support surface is profiled to, in use, help to position the pelvis of the person sitting on the posture device 300 in a “slight” anterior and downward tilt. For example this tilt may be in the range between 0 to 25 degrees, more preferably in the range between 0 to 20 degrees, more preferably in the range between 0 to 15 degrees, and further more preferably between 5 to 10 degrees.

The device body 302 has a greater height at the back end 306 than at the front end 304, to support the majority of the body weight and facilitate a neutral pelvis, or a slight anterior tilt. In the depicted embodiment, the upper surface 308 and the base 310 meet at the front end (see Figure 3-2). The rear height is chosen to help create a sufficient amount of support of the user’s weight and still hold their pelvis in neutral or a slight anterior tilt for the intended user, and therefore will vary depending on whether the device is intended for, e.g., an adult or a child.

As best seen in Figure 3-5 and Figure 3-6, the device is generally symmetrical about its central longitudinal axis (not shown). As best seen in Figure 3-2, when viewed in its side profile, the upper surface generally includes three sections, being a rear section 312, a mid-section 316, and a front section 322. The rear section 312 is between the back end 306 of the posture device 300, and a peak region 320 where the posture device 300 is at its greatest height. Therefore, the height of the device 100 is generally increasing in this rear section 312. The mid section 316 is between the peak region 320 and an inflection region 322. The front section 314 is between the inflection region 322 and the front end 304 of the posture device 300. The height of the device 300 is generally decreasing in the mid-section 316 and front section 314, but the decrease occurs more gradually in the mid-section 316, and more rapidly in the front section 314. When viewed in the side profile, the mid-section 316 generally has a flat or shallow concave curvature, whereas the front section 314 generally has a slightly convex curvature. The change in curvature coincides with the change in how fast the height is decreasing, and occurs in the inflection region 322 between the mid- and front sections 316, 314. This longitudinal height profile helps to accommodate the user’s anatomy and helps to encourage an anterior tilt in the user’s pelvis. It can be seen from Fig 3-2 that the height of the device 300 decreases toward the front end 304 such that the upper surface 302 meets the base 310 at the front end. However, in other embodiments, there can be a front surface located at the front end, to connect the base 310 and the upper surface 302 at the front end. The front surface will have a different curvature to that of the upper surface and to that of the base.

The posture device 300 has a varying transversal width, measured transverse to the longitudinal (front to back) axis. The transversal width is generally greatest across the inflection region 322 of the upper surface 308. From here, the posture device 300 tapers in width toward the front end 304 and also toward the back end 306. The widest part of the device in use will tend to support the front of the user’s pelvis or thighs, although this will depend on the seating position which will depend on the user. The varying transversal width can help to intuitively guide the user to correctly orient the posture device 300. In the depiction, the device 300 is generally narrower nearer the back end 306 and wider toward the front end 304, but this configuration is not an essential feature for this or other embodiments.

In the preferred embodiments, the upper surface 308 of the posture device 300 includes a scalloped recess (interchangeably referred to as a “scallop” or “void”) which accommodates the human pelvic anatomy and provide comfort for the user, as described below in greater detail. It is to be understood that whilst the scalloped recess is preferred, the posture device may function without the scalloped recess.

The shape of the scalloped region may influence the size of the void in the posture device, underneath the user’s thighs. Therefore, a scalloped region shaped to provide a shallower void will tend to encourage a more neutral position or a position with less anterior tilt, than a scalloped region shaped to provide a deeper void.

As can be seen from Figures 3-1, 3-3, 3-5, and 3-6, the upper surface 308 of the posture device 300 has a rim region 319, around a scalloped region (interchangeably referred to as a “recessed region”) 314. The rim region 319 is intended to provide the surface on which the user will be supported. However it will be understood that a user may, through improper use of the posture device or due to an incorrect sizing, come into contact with the scalloped region and be supported thereon. The scalloped region 314 is gradually depressed from the rim region 319. The recessed region 114 is has a contour 318 which is gradually recessed from the rim region 319. The contour in this view includes a sloping wall 328 which leads to the bottom of the recess. As best seen in Figure 3-2 and Figure 3-5, the rim region 119 itself is also sloped, gradually downward from the area adjacent the recessed region 314 toward the perimeter 317 of the upper surface 308. Thus the rim region 319 generally has an profiled outer envelope that has a convex shape. In some other embodiments, the gradual sloping is not provided. Preferably, the recessed region 314 is configured to have a contour, which may help to accommodate the anatomy of the pelvic floor. The recess provided by the contour would also help to ensure the comfort for male users. In the depicted embodiment, the perimeter 315 of the recessed region 314 has a shape similar to an approximate kite shape (best seen in Figure 3-3 and Figure 3-7), but more broadly can have a general quadrilateral shape, to mimic the anatomy of the pelvic floor. The rim region 119 around the recessed region 314 provides support for the buttocks and hip of the user. In some embodiments, the size of the posture device 300 is chosen so as to accommodate the geometry of the ischial tuberosity (i.e., the sit bones), for most of the adult population. In these embodiments, where the recessed region 314 is provided, the rim 319 is generally sized to support the sit bones.

Figures 3-7 to 3-9 depict an example contour of the recessed region 314 in more detail. It will be understood that this contour does not need to be provided in all embodiments. Figure 3-8 is a cross section taken through line B-B, i.e., through a central longitudinal axis bisecting the recess contour 318. Figure 3-9 is a cross section through line C-C, viewing from the front and toward the rear end 306 of the posture device 300. Line C-C is taken approximately at the location where the recessed region 314 has the largest transversal width.

As shown in Figure 3-8, the recessed region 314 is located forward of the peak region 320 of the posture device 300. The recessed region 314 extends toward the front end 304 of the posture device 300. Starting from the peak region 320 of the posture device 310, the recess contour 318 includes a concave segment 324 followed by a convex segment 326. The recessed region 314 is the deepest in the concave segment 324 and becomes shallower in the convex segment 326, being progressively shallower toward the front end 104 of the posture device 300.

The concave segment 324 includes a forwardly sloping face 325. If the user is seated forward enough on the posture device 300 the weight of the user may push against the sloping face 325. The resulting flexion in the resilient material in the rear portions (i.e., to the rear of the sloping face 325) will create a return force pushing back against the user, to urge an anterior tilt of the pelvic floor.

The two segments 324, 326 have different radii of curvature. In an example construction, the radius in the concave segment and the radius in the convex segment are in a ratio of 1 to F.

Figure 3-9 shows that the recessed region 314 is also transversally concave across its width. Figure 3-7 shows that the transversally widest part of the recessed region 314 is generally in the transitional region between the concave segment 324 and the concave segment 326.

Some embodiments of the disclosure may include the aforementioned configuration may help to accommodate the anatomy of the user.

Figures 4-1 to 4-9 depicts an embodiment similar to that shown in Figures 3-1 to 3-9, with the difference that the recessed region 414 in this embodiment is located closer to the front end 404 of the posture device 400, compared with the recessed region 314 in the previous embodiment. This results in a contour 418 with no or a less pronounced “front” convex portion with the contour 118 shown in Figures 3- 1 to 3-9. The intersection between the geometry of the recessed region 414 and the rest of the posture device 400 results in a differently shaped scalloped region 414, where the perimeter 415 of the scalloped region, when viewed from the top (Figure 4-7), is of a generally triangular shape, such as a tear drop shape.

The other aspects of the embodiment shown in Figures 4-1 to 4-9 are the same as those described in respect Figures 3-1 to 3-9. Therefore, like features are assigned similar reference numerals. This assignment uses a designation system where if a feature shown in Figures 3-1 to 3-9 is assigned a number in the form of “3xy”, its like feature will be assigned a number in the form of “4xy” in Figures 4-1 to 4-9.

Figures 5-1 to 5-9 depict another embodiment of the posture device. The posture device 500 is a “thinner” version of the posture device 400 shown in Figures 4-1 to 4-9, and is more suitable for people of a shorter height or for children. It may also be suited for a user of a lighter weight compared with the thicker embodiments 300, 400, which due to its relative thickness have more material and can support a user in a higher weight range. Features of the posture device 500 which have like features in the previous embodiment will be referenced by numbers similar to the numbers used to refer to the like features, using the aforementioned designation system.

As shown, the posture device 500 is similar to the posture device 400 shown in Figures 4-1 to 4-9, except that it has a smaller height. For example, it can be seen that the posture device 500 also provides an anterior tilt to the user. As is the case with the previous embodiment, where the device is made of a resilient material, the resilient forces generated by the rearward compression, downward compression, or both, against the device 500 help to encourage the user to naturally assume an anterior tilt.

The rear surface 507 between the upper surface 508 and the base 510 is of a smaller height than rear surface 407 of the embodiment shown in Figures 4- 1 to 4- 9.

Figures 6-1 to 6-7 depict another embodiment of the posture device. The posture device 600 is an alternative “thinner” version of the posture device. Features of the postern device 600 which have like features in the previous embodiment will be referenced by similar numbers, assigned using the designation system described earlier. Thus, a feature referenced as “6xy” in Figures 6-1 to 6-7 will correspond with a feature referenced as “5xy” in Figures 5-1 to 5-9. It will be appreciated that possible variations to particular features of the previous embodiments will also apply to like features of this embodiment.

The posture device 600 is similar to the posture device 500 shown in Figures 5-1 to 5-8, except that the scalloped region 614 in the posture device 600 has a perimeter which is generally quadrilateral or kite- shaped, similar to the scalloped region 314 in the posture device 300 shown in Figure 3-1. As the user is seated on the posture device and makes the micro movements to achieve sagittal and coronal balance, the micro movements should also help to tension the pelvic floor whilst sitting. Furthermore, sitting in a neutral pelvis or a slight anterior forward tilt has been shown to help tension the pelvic floor. Therefore, the posture device 300, 400, 500, 600 also may have utility to improve pelvic muscle control.

The posture device may have surfaces designed on the basis of formulaically definable geometries. The overall surface geometry of the posture device is a “spline geometry”, i.e., defined by multiple geometries for the surfaces. However, the different surface geometries need not be defined by circles. Each surface of the posture device can be defined by a geometry, such as a segment of a circle or the volume it forms, a segment of an ellipse or a volume it forms, a parabolic curve or a volume it forms, another geometry defined by continuously changing radius, or can be itself defined by a spline geometry.

In the below, with reference to Figure 7, one example of the surface geometries defined by circles and the volumes (e.g., spheres and spheroids) generated by revolving or overlapping the circles is described. Figure 7 shows an example geometric construction of the posture device, in which the device is formed as though it has been made from the intersection between and profiles from a plurality of spheres, wherein are depicted in side view in this figure, and are shown as circles 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212. Thus, the relationships between the spheres can also be represented by corresponding relationships between the circles.

The base surface of the posture device is formed by a portion of the bottom surface of a spheroid volume 203 obtained by revolving the intersection area between the circles 202, 204, about the chord 216 bisecting the intersection area. The circles 202, 204 are thus the base profile circles. The circles 202, 204 are of the same size (i.e., same radius or diameter). However, in other embodiments the circles 202, 204 can have different radii. The overlap between the base profile circles 202, 204 can be defined by the length of the chord 216. The chord 216 is chosen so that the radii defined between the centre of either circle 202, 204 and each of the intersection points 220, 221 will be at 90 degrees from each other. That is, the length of the chord 216 will be V2 times the radius of the base profile circles 202, 204.

The chord 216 is at an angle of about 13.26 degrees from the horizontal plane. Thus, the imaginary line connecting the centres of the circles 202, 204 is tilted from the vertical by 13.26 degrees. The direction in which this tilt from the vertical occurs will define the rear direction of the posture device. In other words, the circles 202, 204 are aligned such that the upper circles 202 is located slightly toward the direction which will define the rear direction of the posture device. The amount of overlap between the circles 202, 204 and the angle of the chord 216 can be set differently in different designs, to adjust the height of the device 100 and the contours in the device 100. It will be understood that the 13.26 degrees of angular offset mentioned above is an example. Other angular offsets may be provided in other embodiments, as can be chosen by the skilled person. In some non-limiting examples, the angular offset may range anywhere between 5 and 25 degrees, for particular it may be in the range between 10 to 15 degrees.

The circles 210 defines a rear end curve (rear face) of the posture device 100. More specifically the volume obtained by revolving the rear profile circle 210 defines the rear face of the posture device. Therefore, the circle 210 is located so that, if revolved about its dimeter (i.e., its centre) the resulting spherical volume will overlap with the spheroid volume (i.e., intersection between the circles 202, 204). The specific location of the sphere 210 need not be identical to that depicted in Figure 7. An adjustment in the positioning of the rear profile circle 210 can be made to change the front to back length of the device 100, and the rear end height of the device 100.

The rear surface of the posture device will extend from the intersection 225 between the spheroid volume 203 and the volume formed by revolving the rear surface circle 210, and the intersection 222 between the volumes formed by revolving the rear surface circle 210 and the top surface circle 206.

The “top surface” circle 206 defines the top surface of the posture device. Its location and radius define the top surface, excluding the scallop in the posture device (where provided). In this embodiment, the top surface circle 206 is located so that it is tangential to the base profile circle 204, at the intersection 220 between the base profile circles 202, 204.

The circles 208 and 212 are used to geometrically define the contours of the scallop in the device. The circles 208, 212 can therefore also be referred to as “scallop” circles. The scallop circles 208, 212 are arranged so that they are tangential to each other. The imaginary line joining the centres of the circles 208, 212 are rotationally offset with respect to the normal axis from the chord 216, toward the rear, by about 5 degrees. Therefore, this imaginary line will be offset from the perpendicular, by about 8.26 degrees. Again, the angular offsets provided here are examples only, and may be different in other embodiments. For instance, in some non-limiting examples the imaginary line joining the centres of the circles 208, 212 may have an offset from the vertical of between 5 to 20 degrees, or more particularly between 5 to 15 degrees, or further ore particularly between 5 to 10 degrees.

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

The top scallop circle 212 is revolved about its centre to obtain a negative space or void, which will partially define the recess or scallop in the posture device 100. Therefore, the resulting of overlapping this void and the volume obtained by revolving the top surface circle 206 provides a first part of the scalloped region or contour. This first part provides the concave scallop segment 124 shown in Fig. 3- 8. In the view visible in Figure 7, this first part is represented by the arc of the top scallop circle 212 extending from the intersection 224 between the top surface circle 206 and the top scallop circle 212, to the tangential contact 226 between the two scallop circles 208, 212.

For defining a second part of the scalloped region or contour, the bottom scallop circle 208 is revolved about itself (i.e., about its centre or its diameter). The second part extends between the tangential contact 226 and the intersection 228 between the lower scallop circle 208 and the top surface circle 206. This second part provides the convex scallop segment 126 shown in Fig. 3-8. The edges of the first and second parts are blended or filleted to form a softer transition between surfaces. The first and second parts together provide the scallop contour.

The top surface of the posture device will be defined by the volume formed by revolving the top surface circle 206 about itself, but bound to the rear by the rear surface, and bound on the bottom by the spheroid volume 203. In Figure 7, the top surface is represented by the arc extending from the intersection 222 between the top surface circle 206 and the rear surface circle 210, to the intersection 229 between the top surface circle 206 and base surface circle 202. The scallop is created by forming a void from the top surface to provide the scallop contour as described in the preceding paragraphs. The volume formed by revolving the top surface circle 206 thus provides the seat volume around the scallop. A surface portion from this volume around the scallop contours described above therefore provides the support surface.

Therefore, the volume of the posture device will be defined by the portion in the spheroid volume 203 which is bound by the various surfaces (rear surface, top surface) and contours (first and second parts of the scallop contour) defined in the manner described above.

Accordingly, adjustments of the positions of the circles relative to each other will result in a different final volumetric form of the posture device. For example, the position of the scallop circles 212, 208 can be moved further away from the intersection 220. This results in a scallop contour which is closer to the front end of the posture device. The resulting interaction between the scallop contour and the other geometry defining the body of the device will result in a scalloped area which has a perimeter that is closer to being triangular or tear drop shaped than kite or quadrilateral shaped.

The following dimensions are provided by way of example and should not be taken as limiting the spirit or scope of the aspects disclosed. In one example, the rear height of the device body 102 of the embodiment shown in Figures 3-1 to 3-6 is around 18.1 centimetres (cm). The device at its widest point has a width of around 27.5cm from side to side, and at its longest point is around 36.1cm from front to back. In other examples, the posture device can have different dimensions, for example to suit users of different body types or ages.

Under professional guidance, this device could be used as a corrective tool, creating a neutral pelvic position, or having the user further forward facilitates more anterior pelvic tilt, and having the user sit further back, rocks the centre of gravity further back and creates less anterior pelvic tilt and less lumber lordosis.

The posture device 100 mentioned above can be a stand-alone unit which can be used on any surface to support a user. It could additionally be configured to be provided on a seat or chair so that it is secured by the other parts of the seat or chair. For instance, it can be fitted into a designated area on the seat surface and be attached or secured thereto. In this sense the posture device is indirectly supported by the chair and thus the frame of the chair. The attachment between the posture device and the seat surface may be releasable, so that the posture device can be removed for users for whom it is not suited, or the posture device may be interchanged with a different posture device to suit a different user.

In further embodiments, the posture device 100 could be functionally integrated into the chair so as to directly provide the seating surface of the chair, rather than be attachable to the seat of a chair. For example, the device 100 could be supported by a plate, platform, or the like, which is part of a chair frame or which is itself supported by a chair frame. The plate or platform would be at a vertical height which is lower than where a seating surface would be located, so that the support surface of the posture device can be presented at a seat 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 a different posture device to suit a different user.

The seat surface on which the posture device is located, or the plate or platform for supporting the posture device 100, can be movable. For example, the seat surface or the plate or platform may be rotatable on a horizontal plane, with respect to a frame or frame portion of the chair.

The device can be placed on Pilates or exercise equipment allowing the user to sit dynamically and control their trunk and pelvis whilst doing exercises, either loaded or unloaded.

An example of a chair whose seat portion is a posture device is shown at Figure 9 in side view. In this example the chair 900 includes a supporting base 900, on which a seat portion 905 and a back portion 910 are supported. The exact arrangement for incorporating the posture device into the chair can be devised by the skilled person. The back portion 910 is optional. The seat portion 905 comprises a posture device 915. The posture device 915 is movably held in the seat portion by a frame or bracket component. When a person sits on the posture device, he or she will need to maintain balance to overcome the instability due to the design of the posture device. The need to overcome the instability encourages dynamic control of the pelvis whilst sitting, with back support. Instability in two definitive planes encourages a greater amount of control than instability in one plane. In some cases, in the chair the base and back are permitted to move independently of each other. This allows the user to mover their trunk independently of their pelvis, which is an even more functional movement, and all the while maintaining dynamic control of the pelvis due to the unstable design of the posture device. Similarly, the posture device may be incorporated into exercise equipment to provide the seat in the equipment. In an exercise equipment, incorporating the posture device as a seat provides a multi-planar instability of the pelvis which the user has to control, has large benefits in loaded exercises. Being seated in the posture device, whilst doing loaded exercises, encourages the user to find symmetry in their pelvis while doing the exercise. This will encourage the user to load evenly through both sides of the body and initiate trunk and pelvic control while pushing, pulling, flexing or extending their arms and legs. Examples of these exercises are Latissimus Dorsi Pull Down, Seated Bench Press, Seated Chest Flys, Seated Shoulder Press, Seated Rowing, Leg Press, Leg Abduction and Adduction and Leg Extension. The posture device may be incorporated to a gym equipment designed for at least any one of these exercises. An example is shown in Figure 10, where a Pull Down exercise equipment 1000 incorporating posture devices 1005 as seats is depicted.

As mentioned earlier, alternative embodiments of the posture device may only employ the design where the upper surface is contoured to provide the contoured support surface encouraging the correct or optimal seating posture. Thus, any embodiment (whether standalone or integrated into a chair or other equipment) having the contoured upper surface may have an alternative embodiment where the base is not designed to require the user to balance on it. For example, the base may simply be flat, such that it can be stably supported on a chair, a seat, or any underlying support plate or platform.

For instance, this may be the more preferable embodiment for posture devices intended to be used in the seats in moving vehicles or e.g., a wheelchair, or where the instability provided by the bottom contour is undesirable or not needed.

Figure 8-1 shows a posture device 800 with a flat base 802 and an upper surface 804 which encourages a more neutral seated position. Figure 8-2 shows a posture device 810 with a flat base 812 and an upper surface 814 which encourages a more neutral seated position.

Figures 11-1 to 11-3 show a further variant of the device 1100, which is similar to that shown in Figures 8-1 and 8-2, except that the scalloped region within the rim 1119 is hollowed out. The rim 1119 will provide the support surface onto which the user is in use seated and thereby supported. This design makes it suitable for providing the posture device 1100 as, e.g., a toilet seat. The design of the top contour of the device places the pelvis in a slight anterior tilt. Using this design as a toilet seat places the pelvis in an optimum position for moving the bowels. An example of a toilet 1200 including a posture device with a hollow centre as the toilet seat is shown in Figure 12.

Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.

For example, the above embodiments are described as having a recess and a rim around the recess. However, alternative embodiments of the posture device may not include the recess and rim features. The posture device will still be able to accommodate the user’s anatomy by the upper surface providing an upper contour which includes the concavity to the front of the peak portion (e.g., see Figure 3-2).

In the above embodiments, the posture device is said to provide two degrees of freedom, i.e., having instability in two directions. However, in alternative embodiments, the posture device may only have instability in the front-to-back direction. This still provides a tool that elicits micro adjustments to find a balance point where the body and the pelvis of the user is tiled anteriorly.

In the above embodiments, where the scalloped regions are provided, the depth of the scallop can be varied. For instance, this may depend size of the intended user. The depth of the scallop for embodiments intended for use by children may be smaller than that in embodiments intended for use by adults.

In the above embodiments, where the scalloped regions are provided, the rim regions are shown to have a downward slope toward the outer perimeter of the upper surface. However, this downward slope is optional and may not be included in all scalloped embodiments. In the embodiments described above, the scalloped regions are generated shaped like a triangle or a quadrilateral such as a kite, a diamond, a parallelogram. However, there can be variability in the shape of the scalloped regions.

In the embodiments described above, the base portion of the posture device may optionally be resilient.

Embodiments of the posture device may be formed as a unitary body, obtained by moulding the device in one piece or by the bonding together of co-moulded portions. The body may be made from a single material, or may comprise portions made from different materials. For example, the upper portions of the body intended to receive the weight of the user may be constructed using a different material than the lower portions of the body.

The above embodiments are described as providing upper contours that encourage a neutral pelvis or slight anterior pelvic tilt in the user. However, more generally, the disclosure also covers the aspect of providing an upper contour that encourage a seated position which corrects the posture in a different direction (for users requiring different corrections), and at the same time providing a lower contour which provides the coronal and sagittal instability in the user and which thus encourages the user the engage their muscles to dynamically achieve both coronal and sagittal balance when seated.

Thus, whether used as a stand-alone device or as a seat for a chair such as an office chair or another furniture, or a piece of equipment, embodiments of the posture device with instability in one or more planes are configured to encourage dynamic sitting. Dynamic sitting is active and involves changing positions frequently, as the device allows for freedom of moving of the user. The use of the device thus creates an environment where the pelvis is free to move, hence allowing Dynamic or active sitting, where the user can move their pelvis and body freely whilst sitting. The use of the device creates a “dynamic stability" when the person is sitting still. This for example is not easily possible on conventional office chairs, as they do not follow the user's movement. Sitting in conventional chairs usually results in poor posture and back pain, especially with untrained back muscles. Also, back and armrests understrain the back muscles, making it impossible to maintain correct sitting posture. The problem of sitting in one position for a long time has been well studied. Sitting in position for an extended period can lead to a loss of core strength due to a de-conditioning of the abdominal musculature. The de conditioning can result in weakness in core muscles and tightness in other muscles such as the leg muscles. The imbalance resulting from the deconditioning can affect the spinal support system and can lead to back pain. Both neck and back pain have been reported in people sitting for extended period of time at work. Dynamic sitting, involving frequent movements whilst sitting, can help to ameliorate the problems.

In the above, although the posture device is primarily discussed as providing a seat, it can be used in other ways. As the device is unstable in multiple planes, it can be used on other parts of the body to initiate dynamic control. For example, it can be used as an equipment for exercising core muscles. Placing a knee in the scalloped region of the device, and then doing four point exercises such as Bird Dog, advantageously creates a dynamic environment initiating a stabilizing effect in the leg, hip, pelvis and trunk from the user.

The device can also be used also as a movement device to encourage controlled movement of the pelvis, lumbar spine and hips.

In the claims which 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.