"A posture support" Technical Field:

This invention relates to a posture support. More specifically, the invention relates to a dual-function posture support with a number of functionalities. Background Art:

It is generally accepted that good posture is very important for an individual's general wellbeing. Poor posture is known to put excess stresses and strains on the individual's spine and their musculoskeletal system. Over time, poor posture can lead to a plethora of problems including impaired mobility, excessive compression of joints leading to herniated discs, compression on nerves and/or blood vessels as well as impaired digestion, pain and even reduced lung capacity.

There are many causes of poor posture. Often, poor posture is as a result of one's environment. For example, it is known for many desk workers to suffer from back, neck and shoulder pain caused by long hours spent in a sitting position. Long distance drivers often suffer from similar problems. Poor posture may also be as a result of certain activities. For example, it is known for schoolchildren and others to suffer from back, shoulder and neck pain as a result of carrying heavy backpacks laden down with heavy items.

Over the years, various devices have been provided to improve posture and obviate the effects of poor posture. For example, it is known to provide seat cushions and lumbar supports to improve sitting posture. Furthermore, it is known to provide wearable braces and other devices to correct standing posture. However, there are a number of problems with the known devices. First of all, the known devices tend to address a specific problem and therefore have limited functionality. In order to address multiple postural problems, it is necessary for an individual to purchase a number of these devices. This is inconvenient and expensive to do. Another problem with the existing devices is that many of these devices are relatively expensive and therefore they are not accessible to many sufferers of poor posture. Some posture problems have also yet to be addressed.

United States Patent No. US9,072,365 in the name of Maneii describes a back support including a bag. The back support comprises a cushion that may be mounted at varying locations along the bag to suit the height of the user and the bag is placed behind the back of the user when the user is seated. UK Patent Application Publication No. GB2,500,728 in the name of Field describes a backpack having a compartment housing a posture improvement seat.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a posture support that overcomes at least some of the problems and that provides a useful choice for the consumer.

Summary of the Invention:

According to the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support operable interchangeably as a sitting posture support and a standing posture support, the dual- function posture support comprising a wedge-shaped body constructed from a resiliently deformable material that when in use as a sitting posture support is placed beneath the user's posterior between the user's posterior and a support surface with the thin end of the wedge-shaped body proximal to the user's knee and the thick end of the wedge- shaped body distal from the user's knee thereby promoting an upright sitting posture of the user, the dual-function posture support further comprising a releasable fastener to releasably secure the wedge-shaped body to the lumbar-engaging area of a backpack in a position intermediate the backpack and the user's back so that when in use as a standing posture support, the wedge-shaped body is located between the user's back and the backpack with the thick end of the wedge located adjacent the lower back of the user and the thin end of the wedge facing upwardly towards the user's upper back, thereby promoting a more upright stance of the user.

By having such a posture support, the posture support when mounted on a backpack will act to shift the weight of the backpack outwardly away from the wearer's lower spine. As a consequence of this, the burden of carrying the weight will be transferred to the wearer's core foundational muscles. This will also cause the carrier to straighten and remove pressure from their spine as the wearer will be less inclined to tilt their head into a forward head translation and roll their shoulders anteriorly. Advantageously, the wedge-shaped body can be detached from the backpack. In this way, the wedge-shaped body can be detached from the backpack and used as a seat cushion posture support. When used as a seat cushion posture support, the posture support will promote better seated posture of the user, taking pressure off the spine and transferring much of the load onto the core foundational muscle groups in the lower back region. Accordingly, the posture support addresses a plurality of disparate postural problems including the heretofore largely overlooked problem caused by wearing a heavy backpack. This is achieved with a relatively inexpensive construction of device that is suitable for mass manufacture and distribution.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which the wedge-shaped body is provided with a securing strap for releasably securing the wedge-shaped body to the waist of a user when the dual-function posture support is in use as a standing posture support.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which the wedge-shaped body's wedge angle is between 7° and 20°. Preferably, the wedge-shaped body's wedge angle is between 8° and 12°. Ideally, the wedge-shaped body's wedge angle is 1 1 °. A wedge angle of this order will provide a posture support that it relatively unobtrusive yet advantageously will provide a posture support that is comfortable and effective as both a backpack posture support and a sitting posture support.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which the means to releasably secure the wedge-shaped body to a backpack comprises a pair of complementary fasteners, one for mounting on the wedge-shaped body and the other of which is for mounting on the backpack.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which the complementary fastener for mounting on the backpack is releasably mounted on the backpack. In this way, the posture support can be transferred from one backpack to another and can be used with a variety of different backpacks if desired.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which the complementary fastener mounted on the backpack is provided with a plurality of clips for releasable engagement of the backpack.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which there are four clips for engagement of the backpack. By providing four clips, the complementary fastener mounted on the backpack can be fastened securely to the backpack at or adjacent to each of the four points where the straps of the backpack are connected to the backpack. This will provide a secure and stable foundation on which the wedge-shaped body can be mounted. In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which the complementary fasteners are of the hook and eye type. For example, Velcro (Registered Trade Mark, ®) is seen as a useful fastener to use. Hook and eye fasteners are seen as particularly suitable as the wedge-shaped body can be securely fastened to the backpack but can also be removed with relative ease in a matter of seconds.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which the hook type fasteners are mounted on the wedge-shaped body. By having the hook type fasteners mounted on the wedge-shaped body, the backpack will have the eye fasteners which will not be an irritant to the wearer's skin if they are in contact with the wearer's skin in the absence of the wedge-shaped body. In other words, if the wedge-shaped body is not used with the backpack (if for example there is a very light load in the backpack and the wedge-shaped body is deemed unnecessary), the backpack with the eye type fasteners will still be comfortable to wear. Furthermore, other surfaces, such as chairs or other seats may have the eye fasteners applied thereto so that they can receive a wedge-shaped body that has the hook-type fasteners mounted thereon but if they don't, these other surfaces will not be uncomfortable to sit on.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which the means to releasably secure the wedge-shaped body to a backpack comprises a plurality of clips connected to the wedge-shaped body for engagement of the backpack.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which the wedge-shaped body is encased in a fabric cover.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which the resiliently deformable material comprises high-density memory foam. In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the wedge-shaped body comprises a laminate having a pair of foam layers, a base foam layer located remote from the user and an upper foam layer mounted on the base foam layer and located proximal to the user. The upper foam layer may comprise between 1 % and 50% of the overall thickness of the wedge-shaped body and the base foam layer may comprise between 50% and 99% of the overall thickness of the wedge-shaped body.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which the base foam layer is constructed from a higher density foam than the upper foam layer. _The base foam layer will preferably comprise a high density memory foam or a high density closed cell foam material.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which the base foam layer is constructed from a closed-cell foam.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which the upper foam layer comprises an open-cell foam.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture in which the upper foam layer comprises a gel foam.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which the edges of the wedge-shaped posture support that abut against a user are rounded. ln one embodiment of the invention there is provided a dual-function posture support in which the wedge-shaped body is provided with at least one hook for securing the wedge-shaped body to a seat.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided, in combination, a backpack and a dual-function posture support.

Brief Description of the Drawings:

The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a posture support according to the invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the posture support according to the invention; Figure 3 is a rear view of part of the posture support according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the posture support shown in an alternative configuration;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a wedge-shaped body of a posture support according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the wedge-shaped body of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is another front perspective view of the wedge-shaped body of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a side view of the wedge-shaped body of Figure 5; Figure 9 is a front view of the wedge-shaped body of Figure 5; Figure 10 is a rear view of the wedge-shaped body of Figure 5;

Figure 1 1 is a bottom plan view of the wedge-shaped body of Figure 5;

Figure 12 is a top plan view of the wedge-shaped body of Figure 5;

Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a wedge body of a posture support according to the invention;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of part of a releasable fastener of a posture support according to the invention;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the part of the releasable fastener of Figure 14 being mounted on a backpack;

Figure 16 is an exploded view of the posture support according to the invention along with a backpack;

Figure 17 is a diagrammatic representation of a person using the posture support according to the invention in a standing position;

Figure 18 is a diagrammatic representation of a posture support along with views of the posture support in operation in both a standing and a sitting configuration;

Figure 19 (a) is a diagrammatic representation of a person carrying a backpack;

Figure 19(b) is a diagrammatic representation of a person carrying a backpack using the posture support according to the invention;

Figure 20(a) is a diagrammatic representation of a person sitting down; and

Figure 20(b) is a diagrammatic representation of a person sitting down using the posture support according to the invention. Detailed Description of the Drawings:

Referring to Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, there is shown a posture support, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 , comprising a wedge-shaped body 3 constructed from a resiliently deformable material. The posture support 1 further comprises a releasable fastener 5 to releasably secure the wedge-shaped body to a backpack (not shown). In the present case, the releasable fastener 5 to releasably secure the wedge- shaped body to a back-pack comprises a substantially rectangular sheet of fabric 7 with four clips 9, one of which is mounted adjacent to each of the four corners of the sheet of fabric 7 via a strap 1 1. The clips 9 are operable to engage the backpack adjacent each of the ends of the backpack's pair of shoulder straps. The sheet of fabric further comprises one part 13 of a pair of complementary fasteners, the other part 15 of the pair of complementary fasteners is mounted on the rear of the wedge-shaped body (as illustrated in Figure 3). In the present embodiment, the complementary fasteners are of the hook and eye type, commonly sold under the brand Velcro ®. The hooks 15 are mounted on the rear of the wedge-shaped body 3 and the eyes 13 are mounted on the sheet of fabric 7.

In use, in order to mount the posture support 1 onto a backpack, the sheet of fabric 7 is first attached to the backpack (not shown) using the four clips 9. Each of the four clips 9 is clamped onto one end of one of the pair of shoulder straps (not shown) of the backpack so that there is one clip 9 connected at each end of each of the shoulder straps. Preferably, the clips 9 are adjustable along the strap 1 1 to allow adjustment of the clip position to provide a secure fit of the sheet of fabric 7 on the backpack. The sheet of fabric is mounted on the backpack with the complementary fasteners 13 facing outwardly away from the backpack. Once the sheet of fabric 7 is correctly mounted onto the backpack, the wedge-shaped body 3 is connected to the backpack by bringing the complementary fasteners 15 on the wedge-shaped body 3 into engagement with the complementary fasteners 13 on the sheet of fabric 7. In other words, the wedge-shaped body 3 is connected to the sheet of fabric 7 which in turn is connected to the backpack.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a perspective view of the posture support 1 shown in an alternative configuration. In this configuration, the posture support 1 is shown separate from the means 5 to releasably secure the wedge-shaped body to a backpack and rather than upright, the posture support is shown on one of its larger sides. In this configuration, the posture support is ideal for use as a sitting posture support. The person using the posture support simply places the posture support 1 on their chair and the posture support will promote a more desirable seating angle. The wedge angle, Θ, of the wedge-shaped body is of the order of 1 1 °. This is the ideal angle however it is envisaged that angles between 7° and 20°, and more preferably between 8° and 12° will provide suitable support.

Referring to Figures 5 to 12 inclusive, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a wedge-shaped body of a posture support according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 51. The wedge-shaped body comprises a front face 53, a rear face 55, a pair of side faces 57, 59, a top face 61 and a bottom face 63. The wedge- shaped body increases in thickness from front to back from a thickness of 2 inches (0.0508m) to a thickness of 3.4 inches (0.08636m). The wedge-shaped body has a maximum width from side to side of 1 1 inches (0.2794m) and a maximum depth from front to back of 8 inches (0.2032m). A ridge 65 is formed substantially centrally on the top face 61 extending from the front face backwards to the rear face and there is provided an indent 67 on the rear face. The indent 67 provides room for the base of a user's spine when using the wedge-shaped body as a sitting posture support. It can be seen from Figure 8 in particular that the edges of the wedge-shaped body are rounded rather than being sharp. It is envisaged that wedges of different dimensions could be provided to suit different sizes of users. For example, it is envisaged that the wedge- shaped body may be provided in "small", "medium" and "large" sizes ranging in size from a width of the order of 8 inches (0.2032m) for the "small" sized wedge-shaped body up to a width of the order of 12 inches (0.3048m) for the "large" sized wedge-shaped body.

Referring now to Figures 13 to 17 inclusive and initially to Figure 13, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a wedge-shaped body of a posture support according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 131 , where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The wedge-shaped body 131 is similar in construction to the wedge-shaped body 51 illustrated in Figures 5 to 12 inclusive. The wedge-shaped body 131 differs from that shown in Figures 5 to 12 inclusive in that the wedge-shaped body 131 comprises a securing strap 133 attached to the body. The securing strap preferably has complementary releasable securing means at each end 135, 137 of the securing strap 133 so that the ends 135, 137 of the strap may be connected together. The releasable securing means could be provided by way of Velcro ® fasteners, buckles, clips, buttons, hooks or the like fasteners and what is important is that the two parts of the strap 133 can be releasably attached together. The ends 135, 137 of the strap 133 are shown in circles to illustrate that the specific connectors at the end of the strap are not shown but may be one of a number of different types. The securing strap 133 is used to secure the wedge shaped body in position around the waist of a user (as shown in Figure 17) or around a seat to secure the wedge-shaped body in position on the seat (not shown), if appropriate.

In addition to the foregoing, there is provided a pair of Velcro ® pads 139 (more specifically, one part of a set of complementary Velcro ® fasteners) located on the bottom face 63 of the wedge-shaped body 131 , for engagement of a complementary Velcro® pad (not shown) mounted on a backpack. The Velcro ® pads 139 effectively form part of a releasable fastener to releasably secure the wedge-shaped body to the lumbar-engaging area of a backpack.

Referring now to Figures 14 and 15, there is shown the other part of the releasable fastener to releasably secure the wedge-shaped body to the lumbar-engaging area of a backpack, indicated generally by the reference numeral 141 , where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The other part of the releasable fastener to releasably secure the wedge-shaped body to the lumbar-engaging area of a backpack comprises a substantially rectangular sheet of fabric 7 with four straps 1 1. There is provided a clip (not shown) or other fastener such as Velcro ® fasteners, buckles, buttons, hooks or the like fasteners at the outer ends of each of the four straps 1 1. The fasteners at the end of the four straps 1 1 are operable to engage a backpack 151 adjacent each of the ends of the backpack's pair of shoulder straps (not shown). The sheet of fabric 7 further comprises a panel of Velcro ® 143 for engagement of the complementary Velcro ® pads 139 on the bottom face of the wedge-shaped body 131. In order to attach the wedge-shaped body 131 to the backpack 151 , the other part of the releasable fastener 141 is secured to the backpack using the four straps 1 1 and then the Velcro pads ® 139 of the wedge-shaped body 131 are brought into engagement with the Velcro ® panel 143, thereby securing the wedge-shaped body in position relative to the backpack. Referring now to Figure 16, there is shown an exploded view of the posture support according to the invention as shown in Figures 13 and 14 along with a backpack 151. It will be understood that the other part 141 of the releasable fastener to releasably secure the wedge-shaped body to the lumbar-engaging area of a backpack is secured to the backpack 151 and thereafter the Velcro ® pads (not shown) on the wedge-shaped body are brought into engagement with the Velcro ® panel 143. Referring to Figure 17, the assembled posture support is shown mounted on a backpack 151 carried on a user's back. It is envisaged that the Velcro ® panel 143 could be provided directly mounted on the backpack 151 , for example by being glued and/or stitched into position on the backpack 151.

Referring to Figure 18, there is shown a view of the wedge-shaped body 131 of the posture support along with views of the wedge-shaped body of the posture support in use by a user as a standing posture support and as a sitting posture support. When in use as a standing posture support, the securing strap 133 is secured around the waist of the user. When in use as a sitting posture support, the securing strap 133 is secured around the back of a chair 181 to hold the wedge-shaped body in position on the seat.

Referring now to Figures 19(a) and 19(b), there is shown a pair of diagrammatic views of a person 191 wearing a backpack 151 , with and without the dual-function posture support 1 according to the invention. In Figure 19(a), the person 191 is wearing the backpack 151 without the posture support. Generally speaking, for good standing posture, the ears should be in line with the shoulders, hips, knees and ankles. However, it can be seen in Figure 19(a) that the person's head 193 is bowed forwards and their shoulders 195 are rounded forwards to counteract the weight of the backpack 151. This posture where the curvature of the spine (indicated by dotted line 197) is flexed from the load of the bag, pitches the weight of the body forward on to the much weaker joints and muscles thus stressing the spine, intervertebral discs, and the delicate paraspinal muscles instead of stressing the larger and stronger foundational hip and core muscles of the person. Referring now to Figure 19(b), the posture support 1 is mounted on the backpack 151 and is located between the wearer's back and the backpack. The thin end of the wedge is located towards the upper back of the wearer. It can be seen that in Figure 19(b), the wearer 191 is standing more upright with the head 193 and shoulders 195 rearwardly of the position shown in Figure 19(a). In such a position, the curvature of the spine (indicated again by dotted line 197) is more stable and the loading and movement originates and is transferred to the strong foundational core muscles of the hips, gluteus, hamstrings, quadriceps, and posterior chain instead of the delicate paraspinal muscles, thus taking stress off the spine and intervertebral discs.

Referring to Figures 20(a) and 20(b), there is shown a pair of diagrammatic views of a person 191 sitting, with and without the posture support 1 according to the invention. In Figure 20(a), the person 191 is sitting on a flat surface, in this case a stool 201 , however it could be another surface such as a chair or a bench. It can be seen that their upper leg 203 forms a substantially right angle with both their lower leg 205 and the base of their spine 207 (as illustrated by the dashed lines). In this position, there is a tendency for the person's shoulders 193 and head 195 to move forwards, putting additional pressure on the spine (the curvature of which is illustrated by curved, dotted line 197) and the musculoskeletal structure of the person 191. Referring to Figure 20(b), the posture support 1 has been removed from the backpack by simply tearing the complementary releasable fasteners apart and the posture support has been placed onto the flat surface 201. In doing so, their upper leg 203 now forms a substantially obtuse angle with both their lower leg 205 and the base of their spine 207 (as illustrated by the dashed lines). This angle promotes a more upright posture with the head and shoulders rearward of the position shown in Figure 20(a) and will cause the core foundational muscle groups at the base of the hips, the upper legs and the gluteus muscles to work harder, decreasing the stress on the spine (the curvature of which is illustrated again by dotted line 197) and intervertebral discs. It can be seen from the foregoing that the posture support according to the invention can be used as both a standing and a sitting posture support. This is highly advantageous and it is believed that the posture support would be particularly effective for students that carry backpacks and sit for long periods throughout the day. When carrying the backpack, the posture support could be mounted onto the backpack and when about to sit, the posture support can be removed from the backpack quickly and placed onto the seat so that it acts as a sitting posture support. Once it is desired to carry the backpack once more, the posture support can be reattached to the backpack. This attachment and detachment is all achieved in a matter of moments. If desired, the seat could be provided with eye type fasteners of the complementary fasteners as a covering or in strategically positioned locations so that the hook type fasteners on the wedge-shaped body could be attached thereto to hold the wedge-shaped body in position.

It will be understood that various modifications could be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings that are deemed within the scope of one or more of the claims. For example, the wedge-shaped body may be provided with a cover or casing that in turn may be removable. The cover could be made of fabric and/or a washable material. Ideally, the covering material is a 4-way stretch, weft-knit fabric with a waterproof polyurethane transfer coating. The material will provide protection against fungi and bacteria and preferably will be machine washable. In the embodiments described, the clips are mounted onto a separate fabric sheet which in turn is connected to the backpack, however it is envisaged that the clips could be connected directly to the wedge-shaped body and the clips could be used to hold the wedge-shaped body directly to the backpack. Furthermore, in the embodiment described, a fabric sheet is connected onto the backpack and the wedge-shaped body connects onto that fabric sheet using hook and eye type fasteners. However, one part of the hook and eye (or other quick release complementary fastener) could be incorporated directly onto the surface of the backpack and the other part of the hook and eye fastener (or other quick release complementary fastener) could be mounted on the wedge-shaped body. Throughout the specification, reference is made to a hook and eye type complementary fastener however other alternative releasable fasteners could be used if desired. For example, the wedge shaped body could connect to the backpack directly or to the fabric sheet using a zip, buttons, clips or other type of fastener. In the embodiments described, the sheet of fabric is described as substantially rectangular however it will be understood that it could be trapezoidal, triangular or other shape if desired. Indeed, a trapezoid may be more appropriate for many backpacks as the top of the straps of many backpacks tend to connect to the top of the backpack closer to the centre of the backpack than the bottom of the straps which tend to be connected adjacent the extremities spaced far apart from the centre of the backpack. For backpacks with straps that connect at their top adjacent the centre of the backpack, only three clips (or other clamps) may be needed, one for the top of the backpack to connect to both of the pair of straps and two for the bottom of the backpack to each connect to one of the pair of straps at their lowermost end. It is believed that a variety of different types of clips could be used. What is important is that the clips will not easily release inadvertently. In the drawings, for simplicity, the wedge-shaped foam body is shown having sharp edges however it will be understood that the foam will preferably be a moulded foam with rounded edges.

Preferably, a high-density memory foam is used as the resiliently deformable material from which the wedge-shaped body is constructed. For example, an open-celled modified polyurethane foam could be used as the resiliently deformable material. Throughout this specification, reference has been made to a "high-density" memory foam. One type of foam that is deemed suitable is that sold by the company Dynamic Systems Inc. of Leicester, North Carolina, USA under the registered trade mark SunMate ®. The foam is preferably an open-cell modified polyurethane foam which is designed to provide comfortable orthopaedic support, in combination with effective impact energy absorption. Various densities will be utilised depending on the weight of the individual. The following is an example of the range spectrum of the foams properties that are deemed particularly suitable for use in many situations. The foam will have a density of between 3.0 and 6.0lb/ft ³ and an energy absorption quantity that can be varied between 1 ft-lb/in ³ to 12 ft-lb/in ³ with a 0.05 to 0.2 rebound coefficient. Preferably, the foam will have a tear strength of between 3.93 and 5.43 and a tensile strength of between 28 and 39 i.e. medium and firm SunMate ® foams may be used in the seat cushioning. The tear strength was measured in accordance with ASTM D624 using Die C whereas the tensile strength was measured in accordance with ASTM D412. The foam will have a Young's Modulus (Psi - pounds per square inch) of between 26.56 and 41 .36 and ideally will have a usable temperature range of between 20°F to 130°F. Finally, the covering material is preferably 4-way stretch, weft-knit fabric with a waterproof polyurethane transfer coating. Ideally, the covering will be protected against fungi and bacteria and will be machine washable.

Throughout this specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" and the terms "include, includes, included and including" are all deemed totally interchangeable and should be afforded the widest possible interpretation.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the claims.