Device for Supporting the Spine of a User and Improving Posture

Abstract

A device (10) for improving posture and for supporting the spine of a user. The device (10) comprising a main spine bar (1) arranged to be secured to the back of the user at the location of the spine by a strap arrangement. The strap arrangement comprising a waist strap belt (2) connected to a proximal lower end of the spine bar (10) and comprising a first and a second member configured to wrap around the waist of the user and connect by first connecting means. The strap arrangement further comprising shoulder and torso straps (3) connected at proximal upper end of the spine bar (1) and configured to wrap around the shoulders and torso of the user and connect together by second connecting means, so that when the shoulder and torso straps (3) have connected at a predetermined location the shoulders of the user are uniformly pulled backwards thereby causing the spine of the user to assume an S-shape posture form.

Claims

1. A device for improving posture and for supporting the spine of a user, wherein the user has a torso with shoulders, a back, a spine and a waist, the device comprising: a main spine bar having a proximal lower end and an opposite proximal upper end, wherein the main spine bar is secured to the back of the user at the location of the spine by a strap arrangement, the strap arrangement comprising a waist strap connected to the proximal lower end of the spine bar and comprising a first and a second member configured to wrap around the waist of the user and connect by first connecting means, and shoulder and torso straps connected at the proximal upper end of the spine bar and configured to wrap around the shoulders and torso of the user and connect by second connecting means, so that when the shoulder and torso straps have connected the shoulders of the user are uniformly pulled backwards thereby causing the spine of the user to assume an S-shape posture form.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the spine has an upper thoracic vertebrae and a bottom lumbar vertebrae, and wherein the spine bar extends, when in contact with the spine of the user, from the upper thoracic vertebrae to the bottom lumbar vertebrae.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the spine has a curvature and wherein the spine bar is shaped according to the curvature when in a perfect posture.

4. An adjustable moulding device for shaping a spine bar to the S shape of a spine, the moulding device comprising: a fixed member plate connected to a heat resistance surface, and a movable member plate configured to move in a relative direction to the fixed member plate, wherein the fixed member plate and the movable member plate comprise securing elements for securing a positive moulding element and a negative moulding element respectively; wherein the positive moulding element defines the positive shape of the spine, while the negative moulding element defines the corresponding negative shape of the spine and precisely matches the positive moulding element, the positive moulding element and the negative moulding element being secured to the respective fixed member plate and the movable member plate by positioning on top of the fixed member plate and the movable member plate a securing member plate, which is clamped into position such that the positive moulding element and the negative moulding element are respectively secured to the fixed member plate and the movable member plate; wherein the moulding device is configured for shaping the spine bar by applying pressure to a strip of material positioned between the positive moulding element and the negative moulding element.

5. A method of manufacturing a spine bar comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a unique S shape of the user's spine; b) marking the obtained S shape down the middle of a flat material, wherein the length of the flat material corresponds to the actual length of the user's spine measured between the upper thoracic vertebrae to the bottom lumbar vertebrae; c) cutting the flat material along the marked S shape, so as to obtain two pieces, a positive half portraying the positive shape of user's spine and a negative half portraying the negative shape of the user's spine, wherein the positive half defines the positive moulding element while the negative half defines the negative moulding element; d) providing a moulding device including the positive half and the negative half; e) securing the positive moulding element on the fixed member plate of the moulding device and the negative moulding element on the movable member plate by clamping a securing member plate on top of the positive moulding element and the negative moulding element, wherein the positive moulding element and the negative moulding element are secured such that an outline of the negative and positive shape of the user's spine is clearly visible; f) positioning a strip of heated material between the positive moulding element and the negative moulding element; g) applying pressure on the strip of heated material by moving the movable member plate relative to the fixed member plate such that the strip of material is compressed by the positive moulding element and the negative moulding element; and h) continue applying pressure until the material strip takes a desired shape.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The following drawings are provided as an example of an inventive Embodiment to explain further and describe various aspects of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows an example of a device according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] FIGS. 2a to 2c show different views of the exemplified device of FIG. 1 as worn by the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present invention will be illustrated using the exemplified embodiments shown in the FIGS. 1 and 2, which will be described in more details below. It should be noted that any references made to dimensions are only indicative and do not restrict the invention in any way. While this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain illustrated embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows an example of a device 10 according to the present invention. The device is provided with a spine bar 1 configured to be secured to the back of the user at the location of the spine by a strap arrangement. The strap arrangement is provided with a waist belt 2 comprising a first and a second member arranged to wrap around the waist of the user and secured in place by a first connecting means 4. The waist belt 2 is connected at a proximal lower end of the spine bar 1 and is arranged when connected to secure the spine bar at the lumbar section of the spine. The strap arrangement is further provided with a shoulder and torso straps 3, connected to at a proximal upper end of the spine bar 3 and are arranged to come over the shoulders and then wrap around the under arms and then the torso such that when connected by the second connecting means the shoulders are pulled backwards, thereby forcing the spine of the user to assume the correct posture. The waist belt 2, and the shoulder and torso straps 3 may be made from an elastic strap material that is arranged when a pulling force is applied to one of its ends to stretch by a predetermined length. Once the forces are no longer applied, the elastic strap material returns to its original shape. The elastic strap material may be in the form of stretchable fabric made from synthetic fabric which stretches when a force is applied at one its ends. The spine bar 1 may be made from a tough, rigid mouldable material, and may be covered by a soft fabric to feel comfortable when secured on the back of the user. The soft fabric may be the same stretchable fabric used for the straps 2 and 3, but other materials may be used that are known in the art to enhance comfort when in contact with the skin of the user. The first and second connection means 4 and 5 for connecting the waist belt members 2, and the shoulder and torso straps 3 may comprise Velcro strips, tensioners, buckle or clasps and the like.

[0035] The spine bar 1 may be made of from a tough, rigid mouldable light-weight material. For example, the spine bar may be made out of a thermoplastic polymer, e.g. polycarbonate, polyester based polymers, e.g. polycaprolactone, Teflon, polyethene, and the like. Furthermore, the spine bar 1 may be made from a metal-based material, e.g. aluminium, rubber-based material, wood or any other material that may be shaped so as to support the spine of the user. The spine bar 1 may be shaped according to the curvature of the user's spine when in perfect posture. In this way, the spine bar 1 conforms to the contours of the user's spine thereby offering better support to the spine when worn. The spine bar 1 may be designed to support a specific region of the user's spine depending on the needs of the user. For example, the spine bar 1 may extend from the upper thoracic vertebrae to the bottom lumbar vertebrae.

[0036] For example, the device 10 may be made from a tough, rigid, lightweight material moulded to the precise shape of the individual spine and held in position by a waist belt 2, of approximately 2 inches (around 50.0 mm.) and two elasticised shoulder and torso straps 3. The total weight of the device is approximately ½ lb., around 350 grams. The width of the spine bar 1 is 2 inches (around 50.0 mm), and ⅕ inch (5 mm) thick. The length of the spine bar 1 varies according to the length of the user's spine. The device is concealed under clothing, and because it is light and narrow, the only part of the body it makes contact with is the spine, the person wearing it is unaware of its presence. As a result, the device 10 can be worn for long periods during both static and dynamic activities.

[0037] The spine bar 1 is shaped according to the spine curvature of the user, when in a good posture positioned, by means of a moulding machine. First, the shape of the user's spine is obtained. This can be done by direct measurement of the user's spine curvature via specialised spine measuring device, by means of an electronic scanning method, or by means of a photographic process. Then the obtained shape is marked on a flat material, such as a white display board, having predetermined dimensions. For example, the flat material may measure 800 mm×150 mm with the spinal shape drawn down the middle. The flat material is cut along the spinal shape, resulting in two pieces of flat material, each measuring 800 mm×75 mm. One side could be called the negative moulding element, the other the positive moulding element. The positive and the negative moulding elements are secured in a moulding device, which consists of a 25 mm plate, e.g. made from polycarbonate, metal and the like, that measures 800 mm×75 mm, which is fixed to a heat-resistant surface. On top of this plate a securing member plate, e.g. made from the same material as the fixed member plate, with the same dimensions is placed. The positive moulding element is sandwiched between the two plates. The positive moulding element is then adjusted so that the containing the positive shape of the spine is showing. The securing member plate is then clamped to the fixed plate, and the moulding element is secured into the desired position. The negative moulding element is secured in a similar manner. A separate securing plate is clamped to a member plate that is movable in a relative direction to the fixed member plate, e.g. may be configured to move along a left to right track. Moving this movable member plate allows the positive and negative spinal shapes to mate. The spine bar 1 is made by positioning a heated strip of material with the predetermined dimensions between the positive and negative moulding elements. For example, the strip material may have a thickness of 5 mm, a width of 50.0 mm, while the length is dependent on the length of the user's spine. The edge of the heated strip of material is then placed down on the heat resistant surface with the side vertical and in contact with the positive. The movable member plate containing the negative shape is then pressed against the pliable polycarbonate until it deforms into the precise shape of the spine. Pressure continues to be applied until the shape becomes rigid.

[0038] FIGS. 2a and 2c show different views of the device 10 as worn by the user. FIG. 2a shows a back view of the device 10 as worn by the user. As shown in the figures the device is positioned on the back of the user such that the spine bar 1 is secured by the strap arrangement along the spine of the user. The waist belt members 2, are wrapped around the waist of the user and connected to the front of the user's waist by Velcro strips or other means as previously discussed. The shoulder and torso straps 3 come over the shoulders, then wrap around the under the arms and then the torso. They overlap at the back, as shown in FIG. 2a, and connected to the front of the user as shown in FIG. 2b, by Velcro strips or other connecting means as previously discussed. With the shoulder and torso straps wrapped around the shoulders and torso, the shoulders are uniformly pulled backwards thereby putting the body in good posture form.

[0039] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein which are given by way of example only and that various modifications and alternations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.