SPINAL ALIGNMENT COMPONENT

Abstract

A spinal alignment component is adapted for incorporation into a wearable spinal alignment apparatus and comprises a first rigid elongate member comprising a first distal end and a second rigid elongate member comprising a second distal end. The first rigid elongate member and the second rigid elongate member are independently movable relative to one another to adjust the displacement between the first distal end and the second distal end. Wearable spinal alignment apparatus incorporating the component is also described. The component and apparatus offers a means to encourage ideal alignment and correct the posture of a wearer.

Claims

1. A spinal alignment component adapted for incorporation into a wearable spinal alignment apparatus, the spinal alignment component comprising: a first rigid elongate member comprising a first distal end; and a second rigid elongate member comprising a second distal end; wherein the first rigid elongate member and the second rigid elongate member are independently movable relative to one another to adjust the displacement between the first distal end and the second distal end.

2. A spinal alignment component according to claim 1, further comprising a housing which receives each of the first rigid elongate member and second rigid elongate member, wherein each of the first rigid elongate member and second rigid elongate member are reversibly extendable from the housing, and wherein each of the first distal end and the second distal end remain external to the housing when the first rigid elongate member and second rigid elongate member are retracted into the housing.

3. A spinal alignment component according to claim 2, wherein each of the respective first and second rigid elongate members are slidably received within the housing, each of the respective first and second rigid elongate members being axially slidable within the housing.

4. A spinal alignment component according to claim 2, wherein the first rigid elongate member is extendable from the housing in a first direction and the second rigid elongate member is extendable from the housing in a second direction, wherein the first direction is diametrically opposed to the second direction.

5. A spinal alignment component according to claim 2, wherein the housing is a rigid elongate housing defining a first channel and a second channel, the first channel being adapted to receive the first rigid elongate member and the second channel being adapted to receive the second rigid elongate member, wherein the respective first and second rigid elongate members are each slidably received within the housing.

6. A spinal alignment component according to claim 5, wherein the first channel and the second channel are parallel channels defined by the housing and separated by a partition wall.

7. A spinal alignment component according to claim 5, wherein each of the first channel and the second channel extend along the entire axial length of the housing.

8. A spinal alignment component according to claim 2, comprising a friction fit mechanism between the housing and each of the first rigid elongate member and second rigid elongate member.

9. A spinal alignment component according to claim 8, wherein the friction fit mechanism comprises a resilient protrusion on an outer surface of each of the first and second rigid elongate members which cooperates with a linear array of teeth distributed along an inner surface of the housing, such that the protrusion moves along the linear array of teeth as the rigid elongate member is moved relative to the housing, and interference between the resilient protrusion and one or more teeth from the linear array facilitates the temporary securement of the rigid elongate member in a specific position relative to the housing.

10. A spinal alignment component according to claim 1, wherein the component is adapted for incorporation into a wearable spinal alignment apparatus by comprising attachment means for securement to a wearable component.

11. A spinal alignment component according to claim 2, wherein the component is adapted for incorporation into a wearable spinal alignment apparatus by comprising attachment means on the housing for securement to a wearable component.

12. A spinal alignment component according to claim 11, wherein the attachment means comprise one or more flanges extending outwardly from a main body of the housing, the one or more flanges each optionally comprising one or more apertures through which a securement means may be passed.

13. A spinal alignment component according to claim 1, wherein the displacement between the first distal end and the second distal end is adjustable to correspond with the distance between the occipital head and the sacral spine of a user when the user is in ideal alignment.

14. A spinal alignment component according to claim 1, wherein each of the first distal end and the second distal end comprise a sensing means, wherein the sensing means is adapted to sense contact between a contact portion and the wearer's body, and to generate sensor data, and a communication means, wherein the communication means is adapted to communicate the sensor data with one or more user devices.

15. A spinal alignment component according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second elongate components comprises a terminal region having an enlarged profile adjacent to the respective first distal end and second distal end.

16. A spinal alignment component according to claim 15, wherein the enlarged profile is provided by a protrusion of the terminal region extending laterally in one direction.

17. A wearable spinal alignment apparatus comprising the spinal alignment component according to claim 1, and a securement system to attach the apparatus to the torso of a wearer.

18. A wearable spinal alignment apparatus according to claim 17, comprising an external housing, wherein the spinal alignment component is held within the external housing, the external housing being adapted for securement to the torso of a wearer by a securement system comprising one or more straps, and the external housing defining first and second apertures through which each of the first and second rigid elongate members respectively pass.

19. A wearable spinal alignment apparatus according to claim 18, wherein one or more cavities are defined between the spinal alignment component and an inner wall of the external housing.

20. A wearable spinal alignment apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the spinal alignment component is fixedly attached to the external housing.

21. A wearable spinal alignment apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the spinal alignment component is fixedly attached to the external housing by stitching.

22. A wearable spinal alignment apparatus comprising the spinal alignment component according to claim 1, and a backpack, wherein the spinal alignment component is fixedly attached to the backpack.

23. A wearable spinal alignment apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the spinal alignment component is fixedly attached to the backpack by stitching.

24. A wearable spinal alignment apparatus comprising the spinal alignment component according to claim 1, and a harness adapted to secure the apparatus to the torso of a user.

25. Use of the spinal alignment component according to claim 1 to correct the posture of a user.

26. Use of the spinal alignment component according to claim 1 in a wearable alignment device or apparatus.

27. Use according to claim 26, wherein the wearable alignment device or apparatus comprises a backpack.

28. A spinal alignment component adapted for incorporation into a wearable spinal alignment apparatus, wherein the spinal alignment component comprises sensing means to detect one or more of movement, position and orientation of a wearer during use of the component.

29. A wearable spinal alignment apparatus comprising the spinal alignment component according to claim 28, and a securement system to attach the apparatus to the torso of a wearer.

30. A wearable spinal alignment apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the apparatus is a backpack.

31. Use of the wearable spinal alignment apparatus according to claim 17 to correct the posture of a user.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0146] FIG. 1 shows (a) a side elevation and (b) a rear elevation of one embodiment of a spinal alignment component according to the invention.

[0147] FIG. 2 shows perspective views of a spinal alignment component according to the invention (a) in a fully retracted configuration, and (b) in a fully extended configuration.

[0148] FIG. 3 shows (a) an exploded view of a portion of one embodiment of a spinal alignment component according to the invention, and (b) a cross-sectional view of the housing of a spinal alignment component according to the invention.

[0149] FIG. 4 shows (a) a side elevation, (b) a front elevation, and (c) a perspective view of a first embodiment of a wearable spinal alignment apparatus according to the invention, incorporating the spinal alignment component depicted in FIGS. 1-3.

[0150] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the embodiment of a wearable spinal alignment apparatus from FIG. 4.

[0151] FIG. 6 shows (a) a side elevation, (b) a front elevation, and (c) a perspective view of a second embodiment of a wearable spinal alignment apparatus according to the invention, incorporating the spinal alignment component depicted in FIGS. 1-3.

[0152] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the embodiment of a wearable spinal alignment apparatus from FIG. 6.

[0153] FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of a wearable spinal alignment apparatus according to the invention, incorporating the spinal alignment component depicted in FIGS. 1-3 within a backpack, in (a) extended configuration, rear elevation, (b) extended configuration, side elevation, and (c) retracted configuration, side elevation.

[0154] FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of a wearable spinal alignment apparatus according to the invention, incorporating the spinal alignment component depicted in FIGS. 1-3 within a harness, in (a) front elevation, (b) extended configuration, rear elevation, (c) extended configuration, side elevation, and (d) retracted configuration, side elevation.

[0155] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wearable alignment device.

[0156] FIG. 11 is a front view of an embodiment of a wearable alignment device.

[0157] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a wearer, wearing an embodiment of the wearable alignment device.

[0158] FIG. 13a is a side view of a wearer positioned in ideal alignment, wearing an embodiment of a wearable alignment device.

[0159] FIG. 13b is a side view of a wearer not positioned in ideal alignment, wearing an embodiment of the wearable alignment device.

[0160] FIG. 14 is a rear view of another embodiment of a wearable alignment device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0161] In the following description, like features in the drawings are given like reference numerals.

[0162] FIG. 1 shows a side elevation (a) and rear elevation (b) of a first embodiment of a spinal alignment component 1 according to the invention.

[0163] The spinal alignment component is made up of an elongate housing 11 made of rigid plastics material which independently receives and guides two rigid elongate members 12a and 12b. First rigid elongate member 12a extends upwardly (as seen in FIG. 1) out of the housing 11 through a first aperture (not shown) and second rigid elongate member 12b extends downwardly (as seen in FIG. 1) out of the housing 11 through a second aperture (not shown). Each of the first and second rigid elongate members 12a, 12b are slidably engaged with the housing 11 within respective internal channels defined by the housing 11. FIG. 1 shows the component in a fully extended configuration, with each of the first and second rigid elongate members 12a, 12b extended out of the housing 11 to the greatest extent possible. Further extension may be prevented by a detent mechanism within the component or may simply lead to complete removal of the rigid elongate member from the component, in which case the component could no longer fulfil its function until the user returns the elongate member to the housing. The first rigid elongate member 12a has a first distal end 10a which is the terminal portion of the first elongate member furthest from the housing 11, and the second rigid elongate member 12b has a second distal end 10b which is the terminal portion of the second elongate member furthest from the housing 11. In this fully extended configuration the displacement between the first distal end 10a and the second distal end 10b takes a maximum value. The first and second rigid elongate members and independently movable into and out of the housing by sliding along the respective channels provided in the housing.

[0164] The first and second rigid elongate members 12a, 12b are each made from aluminium in the embodiments shown.

[0165] An adjustable interference fit (described in more detail below) between the housing 11 and the respective first rigid elongate member 12a and second rigid elongate member 12b ensures that the rigid elongate members 12a, 12b maintain their chosen position within the channel of the housing and can be adjusted to select one of a plurality of available axial positions.

[0166] The first rigid elongate member 12a includes a terminal region which includes a first cap 14a which includes a lateral protrusion which extends laterally outwards from the rigid elongate member. An equivalent cap 14b lies at the terminal region of the second rigid elongate member 12b. The caps 14a, 14b each house sensor equipment including a gyroscope and Bluetooth connectivity hardware (not shown). The caps 14a, 14b are each formed from moulded soft, flexible plastic material or neoprene, thereby providing a comfortable contact point for the occipital head and sacral spine, respectively, of a user. The protrusion facilitates contact with the relevant body part of the user.

[0167] Each of the first and second rigid elongate members include axially oriented rails along their length which are complementary to axially oriented grooves within the channels of the housing 11, providing a secure fit between the elongate members and he housing (as described in more detail below).

[0168] FIG. 2 shows perspective views of the same embodiment of the spinal alignment component shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2(a), the component is shown in its fully retracted configuration. In FIG. 2(a), the component is shown in its fully extended configuration. In the fully retracted configuration shown in FIG. 2(a), both rigid elongate members 12a and 12b have been pushed into the housing 11 until fully retracted, such that the displacement between the first distal end 10a and the second distal end 10b takes a minimum value. In the fully extended configuration shown in FIG. 2(b), both rigid elongate members 12a and 12b have been pulled from the housing 11 until fully extended, such that the displacement between the first distal end 10a and the second distal end 10b takes a maximum value. The retracted configuration shown in FIG. 2(a) may be suitable for transport or storage of the component. The extended configuration shown in FIG. 2(b) may be suitable when the component is in use as part of a wearable alignment device, as described in more detail below.

[0169] FIG. 3(a) shows an exploded view of a portion of the first embodiment of the spinal alignment component 1, showing each component in more detail. FIG. 3(b) shows a lateral cross-section of the housing 11.

[0170] First rigid elongate member 12a includes two resilient protrusions which are formed from resilient metal. Each of the resilient protrusions 13a, 13b includes a planar region which defines two apertures and a non-planar region which includes two leg portions. The resilient protrusions are attached to opposing outwardly facing edge surfaces of the first rigid elongate member 12a by screws 13c (of which only one is labelled in FIG. 3(a)) which pass through corresponding apertures in the resilient protrusion and engage with threaded cavities 13d (of which only one is labelled in FIG. 3(a)) in the first rigid elongate member 12a. When the resilient protrusion is attached to the first rigid elongate member the planar region lies flush with the outer surface of the first rigid elongate member and the non-planar region protrudes from the outer surface of the first rigid elongate member.

[0171] The cap 14a is attached to the rigid elongate member 12a by a push-fit. A friction fit is provided between a protrusion from the lower portion of the cap 14a and the rigid elongate member 12a.

[0172] The housing 11 defines axially extending first channel 15a and second channel 15b which extend along the entire length of the housing and are open at either end of the housing (such that each channel provides a passage or bore extending axially through the housing). Each channel includes a linear array of teeth 16 arranged along two opposing inner walls of the channel. Each resilient protrusion on the surface of the first rigid elongate member 12a interferes with a respective linear array of teeth 16 which lie along the internal surface of the channel 15a. This provides a plurality of discrete axial positions at which the first rigid elongate member 12a may be located within the channel 15a due to interference between the resilient protrusion 13a, 13b and the array of teeth 16.

[0173] A housing end-cap 19 is attached to the end of the housing 11 by passing screws 19c and 19d through corresponding apertures 116a and 19b and into threaded cavities 11a, 11b in the body of the housing 11. The housing end-cap 19 defines an aperture 19a whose dimensions correspond with the dimensions of the first rigid elongate member 12a, such that the rigid elongate member 12a is slidably received by the aperture 19a with a snug fit. When the housing end-cap 19 is fixed in place on the housing 12a, the opening of the channel 15a is accessible through the aperture 19a, however the opening of the channel 15a is blanked-off. This blanked-off end of the channel 15b provides a stop for the second rigid elongate member 12b when retracted into the housing 11 from the other end (not shown). The second rigid elongate member is pushed into the channel 15b until the end of the second rigid elongate member 12b meets the housing end-cap 19 which covers the end of the channel 15b, which provides a stop to prevent further retraction of the second rigid elongate member into the housing 11.

[0174] An equivalent housing end-cap (not shown) is installed on the other end of the housing 11, but in a reverse orientation, i.e. the aperture in the housing end-cap permits access to the entrance of the channel 15b but blanks off the channel 15a. Thus first rigid elongate member 12a will advance inwards along the channel 15a when pushed into the housing until the end of the first rigid elongate member 12a meets the housing end-cap (not shown) whereby any further movement of the first rigid elongate member into the housing is prevented.

[0175] FIG. 3(b) provides a cross-sectional view of the housing 11 in which the two parallel channels 15a and 15b can clearly be seen. The channels are each of a substantially C-shaped cross-section which complements the substantially C-shaped cross section of the two rigid elongate members 12a, 12b. The channels 15a, 15b are separated by a partition wall 119. Parallel rails 12c and 12d on the first rigid elongate member 12a fit within complementary grooves 18a, 18b in the wall of the channel 15a, providing a secure fit between the member 12a and the channel 15a an facilitating the sliding movement of the member 12a within and along the channel 15a.

[0176] The housing 11 comprises four laterally extending flanges 17 (only one of which is labelled in FIG. 3 for clarity) which provide a means to fixedly attach the housing 11 into a wearable spinal alignment apparatus. For example, the flanges 17 may fit into complementary pockets within a bag or clothing. The flanges 17 may include one or more apertures (not shown) to provide an attachment point for securing into wearable spinal alignment apparatus.

[0177] The housing may be manufactured by extruding a plastic material through an appropriately shaped die.

[0178] FIG. 4 shows a wearable spinal alignment apparatus 2 incorporating the spinal alignment component 1. FIG. 4(a) is a side elevation view, FIG. 4(b) is a front elevation view and FIG. 4(c) is a perspective view. For clarity, not every feature is labelled where it appears multiple times in FIGS. 4(a)-(c).

[0179] The wearable spinal alignment apparatus 2 is made up of the spinal alignment component 1 within a hollow external housing or shell 21. The hollow shell 21 is made up of a convex front panel 21a which is made of a semi-rigid thermoformed EVA foam and a planar back panel 21b (shown in FIG. 5) which is made of soft, flexible foam covered in a textile layer. The front panel 21a and back panel 21b are fixed together by stitching between the back panel 21b and an external flange 22 of the front panel 21a.

[0180] A first aperture 23a (best seen in FIG. 5) is defined between the front panel 21a and the back panel 21b. A second aperture 23b (best seen in FIG. 5) is defined in the front panel 21a. The apertures 23a and 23b are arranged to receive the first and second rigid elongate members 12a and 12b of the spinal alignment component 1 respectively. The housing 11 of the spinal alignment component 1 resides within the hollow shell 21, and the first and second rigid elongate members 12a and 12b extend out of the housing 11 and outwardly through the apertures 23a and 23b respectively in the hollow shell. When assembling the apparatus the housing 11 of the component 1 is first placed within the front panel 21a, the second rigid elongate member 12b is passed through the second aperture 23b and into the second channel 15b, the first rigid elongate member 12a is passed through the first aperture 23a and into the first channel 15a, then the back panel 21b is placed against the front panel 21a and stitched into place along the flange 22 such that the first rigid elongate member 12a passed through the thus-created aperture 23a between the front panel 21a and back panel 21b.

[0181] The back panel 21b includes protruding flexible corner portions 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d which carry buckles 25a, 25b, 25c and 25d. The buckles are designed to receive the ends of straps (not shown) which pass around the shoulders and waist of a wearer to secure the wearable spinal alignment apparatus 2 to the wearer's torso, with the back panel 21b held against the wearer's back and the front panel 21a facing outwards away from the wearer.

[0182] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the wearable spinal alignment apparatus 2 showing the component 1 positioned within the hollow shell 21. Aperture 23b in the front panel 21a of the shell 21 can be seen. In addition, elongate apertures or slits 26a and 26b are provided along a peripheral portion of the back panel 21b. The slits 26a and 26b provide access points for the wearer to access the interior of the hollow shell 21, in particular cavities that are created within the hollow shell 21 on either side of the housing 11 of the component 1. These cavities offer the wearer a useful storage facility for storing personal possessions while the apparatus is in use. The slits 26a and 26b in FIG. 5 can be opened by pulling the flexible fabric of the rear panel 21b to enlarge the cross section of the slit opening. The resilient nature of the fabric of the back panel means that the cross section of the slit opening returns to a narrow size when the fabric is released, such that no specific closure means is required, although such closure means, for example a zip or buttons, may be provided for additional security.

[0183] The hollow design of the shell 21 creates cavities (not shown) within the shell 21 on either side of the housing 11.

[0184] The remaining features of FIG. 5 have been described with reference to earlier Figures.

[0185] FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a wearable spinal alignment apparatus 3. FIG. 4(a) is a side elevation view, FIG. 4(b) is a front elevation view and FIG. 4(c) is a perspective view. All features of the apparatus correspond with those of wearable spinal alignment apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 4, except that wearable spinal alignment apparatus 3, instead of providing elongate apertures in the back panel 31b, provides elongate apertures 36a and 36b in the front panel 31a of the hollow shell 31. Each of the elongate apertures 36a and 36b include a zip mechanism 37 for closure of the aperture.

[0186] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the wearable spinal alignment apparatus 3 showing the component 1 positioned within the hollow shell 31.

[0187] FIG. 8 shows a wearable spinal alignment apparatus 4 comprising the spinal alignment component 1 incorporated into a backpack 41. The component 1 may be incorporated into the backpack 41 by securing the component to the backpack, for example by stitching to irreversibly fix the component in place. FIG. 8(a) shows a rear elevation view with the first and second rigid elongate members 12a, 12b of the component 1 fully extended from the housing 11 such that a first contact portion of the first rigid elongate member 12a lies adjacent the wearer's occipital head and a second contact portion of the second rigid elongate member 12b lies adjacent the wearer's sacral spine. A third contact portion lies on the housing 11 and is secured against the wearer's thoracic spine at all times while the backpack is being worn, by the shoulder straps.

[0188] When using the component incorporated into a wearable spinal alignment apparatus, such as the backpack depicted in FIG. 8, the wearer may retract one or both of the first and second rigid elongate members 12a, 12b of the component 1 by pushing them towards the backpack, into the housing 11, during ordinary daily use of the backpack when it is not desirable for the component to be visible to others. FIG. 8(c) shows such a configuration of the apparatus in which both the first and second rigid elongate members 12a, 12b are fully retracted into the housing 11 such that they are minimally visible. This provides the wearer with a versatile piece of apparatus which can be used as an ordinary backpack when desired without the first and second rigid elongate members 12a, 12b being visible to others.

[0189] When the wearer wishes to use the apparatus as a posture aid, for example when conducting exercises, they may extend the first and second rigid elongate members 12a, 12b by pulling them away from the housing 11. Alternatively, the wearer may extend only one of the first and second rigid elongate members 12a, 12b while leaving the remaining member in a retracted configuration. For example, the wearer may wish to extend only the first rigid elongate member 12a to contact the occipital head so that they may adopt a seated position and ensure good posture while seated.

[0190] One the elongate members are extended, by positioning their body to ensure contact between the occipital head and the first contact portion, and the sacral spine and the second contact portion, the wearer achieves ideal alignment.

[0191] FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a wearable spinal alignment apparatus 5 comprising the spinal alignment component 1 incorporated into a harness 51 adapted for securement to a user's torso. The harness comprises first and second shoulder straps 52, 53 arranged to encircle the shoulders of a wearer, as shown. The harness also includes a horizontal strap 54 made up of left and right strap components which are attachable across the front of the wearer's torso. In the embodiments shown, the left and right strap components are attachable by hook and loop type fasteners, although any suitable fastening mechanism known to the skilled person may be used. When fastened, the horizontal strap passes around the wearer's torso, for example the wearer's waist to provide additional securement of the component to the wearer's back, minimising the risk of movement of the component away from its contact with the thoracic spine.

[0192] In a further embodiment of the invention, the component shown in FIGS. 1-3 includes a plurality of position/orientation sensors. For example, two or more sensors may be provided which measure the position or orientation of the component. In one embodiment, the sensors and contained within the housing 11. For example, there may be a first sensor located at one end of the housing 11, close to (or attached to) the end-cap 19 and a second sensor close to (or attached to) the end-cap (not shown) at the other end of the housing. Such an embodiment facilitates the measurement of position or orientation data regardless of whether the rigid elongate members and extended or retracted.

[0193] There is shown in FIGS. 10 to 14 a further embodiment 100 of a wearable spinal alignment apparatus 100, which is an embodiment of the apparatus of the seventh aspect of the invention.

[0194] FIG. 10 shows the wearable alignment device 100 which comprises a rigid elongate member 110, comprising three contact portions 111, 112, 113. The first 111, second 112, and third 113 contact portions are arranged collinearly along the rigid elongate member.

[0195] The rigid elongate member 110 is formed of a rigid plastic, is substantially cylindrical, and is of a length approximately equal to the distance between the occipital head and sacral spine of the wearer. It is attached to the securement system 114 by a fabric sheath 115, which encompasses and retains the intermediate section of the elongate member. In an alternative embodiment, the rigid elongate member 110 is replaced by the spinal alignment component as described above in reference to FIGS. 1-3, with the housing of the component attached to the securement system within the sheath 115.

[0196] FIG. 11 shows the securement system 114 comprising left and right shoulder loops 120, 121 and two horizontal securement straps 122, 123. The shoulder loops 120, 121 are disposed to encircle the shoulders of a wearer, and the two horizontal securement straps 122, 123 connect the left and right shoulder loops across the front of the wearer. The horizontal securement straps 122,123 comprise a buckle and clasp fastener 124 to temporarily and reversibly connect the left and right shoulder loops, and a friction based adjuster 125 to reversibly adjust the length of the horizontal securement straps.

[0197] FIGS. 12, 13a and 13b show a wearer 130, wearing the first embodiment of the wearable alignment device 100. The wearer puts the device on by releasing the fasteners 124 to disconnect the horizontal securement straps 122,123 and loosens the adjuster 125 to increase the length of the horizontal securement straps 122, 123. The wearer puts their left arm through the left shoulder loop 120, and puts their right arm through the right shoulder loop 121. The left and right shoulder loops 120, 121 encircle the wearer's shoulders, and the rigid elongate member 110 is positioned about the wearer's back.

[0198] The wearer fastens the horizontal securement straps 122, 123 across their front by engaging the buckle and clasp fastener 124. The wearer adjusts the length of the horizontal securement straps by pulling the strap through the friction based adjuster 125, in order to securely locate the rigid elongate member 110 in the centre of their back. The third contact portion 113 is secured against the wearer's thoracic spine 133. The device does not comprise any means to secure the rigid elongate member to the wearer's waist or head.

[0199] While the first contact portion 111 is disposed about the occipital head 131, the first contact portion is only in contact with the occipital head when the wearer is in ideal alignment. The wearer can therefore rotate, nod, shake and move their head freely with minimal restriction from the device.

[0200] While the third contact portion 113 is disposed about the sacral spine 133, the third contact portion is only in contact with the sacral spine when the wearer is in ideal alignment. The wearer can therefore rotate, bend and move their hips and lower back freely with minimal restriction from the device.

[0201] FIG. 13a shows the wearer positioned in ideal alignment. The first, second and third contact portions 111, 112, 113 are in contact with the occipital head, sacral spine and thoracic spine 131, 132, 133. FIG. 13b shows the wearer not positioned in ideal alignment. Only the third contact portion 113 is in contact with the thoracic spine 133, and the first and second contact portions 111, 112 are not in contact with the occipital head and sacral spine 131, 132.

[0202] This demonstrates that if the wearer moves away from ideal alignment, at least one of the first 111 or second 112 contact portions will move away from the occipital head 131 and sacral spine 132 respectively. The wearer independently moves their body into ideal alignment, as there is no securing means around the wearer's head or waist to force them into ideal alignment. The wearer uses tactile feedback from the rigid elongate member to determine when ideal alignment is achieved. The wearer undertakes everyday activities and exercise while wearing the device and uses the tactile feedback to maintain ideal alignment. They thereby mentally and physically adapt to maintaining ideal alignment and correct posture while undertaking everyday activities and exercise.

[0203] Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 14 a second embodiment of the wearable alignment device 200.

[0204] FIG. 14 shows the wearable alignment device 200, which comprises the features of the first embodiment of the wearable alignment device discussed herein. FIG. 14 shows the rigid elongate member positioned between the shoulder blades and alongside the spine of the wearer.

[0205] The device further comprises a lower extendable elongate section 251 and an upper extendable elongate section 252. The extendable elongate sections are concentric with the main body of the rigid elongate member 253 and extend telescopically from therein to adjust the total length of the rigid elongate member. A lower securing clip 254 and upper securing clip 255, fix the extension of the extendable elongate sections 251, 252 from the main body of the rigid elongate member 253. The clips hold the extendable elongate sections rigid to the main body of the rigid elongate member, and maintain the collinearity of the contact portions. The clips are friction lock clips, operable by a flip lock.

[0206] The wearer adjusts the extension of the extendable elongate sections 251, 252 by opening the flip lock of the friction lock clips 254, 255 and sliding the extendable elongate sections in or out of the main body of the rigid elongate member 253. The wearer adjusts the total length of the rigid elongate member so that the first contact portion is disposed proximal their occipital head and the second contact portion is disposed proximal their sacral spine, and also so that the peripheries of the rigid elongate member do not protrude below the wearer's waist or above the wearer's head.

[0207] FIG. 14 shows a first and second sensors 256, 257 disposed about the first and second contact portions 258, 259. The sensors 256, 257 comprises a force sensor and a wireless communication means, to sense when a wearer's body is in contact with the contact portion and communicate that data to a user device.

[0208] The device also includes an inclinometer (not shown) which senses when the rigid elongate member is aligned with the vertical and feeds this back to the user via communication with a user device.

[0209] The wearer uses feedback from the user device to determine when ideal alignment is achieved. The wearer uses recorded feedback from the user device to review when ideal alignment is achieved or not achieved during everyday activities and exercise. They thereby mentally and physically adapt to maintaining ideal alignment and correct posture while undertaking everyday activities and exercise.

[0210] Although the invention has been explained in relations to two embodiments, it is to be understood that many other possible embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claim or claims will cover such embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention.

Further Aspects and Embodiments of the Disclosure

[0211] The following numbered clauses define further aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure:

[0212] 1. A wearable alignment device, comprising a rigid elongate member comprising first, second and third contact portions disposed along its length, such that when the device is worn by a wearer the first, second and third contact portions are arranged collinearly and disposed to contact the wearer's occipital head, sacral spine and thoracic spine respectively; and

[0213] a securement system comprising left and right shoulder loops adapted to encircle the wearer's left and right shoulders, and at least one horizontal securement strap adapted to connect the left and right shoulder loops across the wearer's front;

[0214] wherein when the device is worn by a wearer the securement system is disposed to secure the third contact portion in contact with the thoracic spine, and the first and second contact portions remain movable away from the occipital head and sacral spine respectively.

[0215] 2. The wearable alignment device according to clause 1, wherein the wearable alignment device does not comprise a securement strap arranged to encircle the wearer's waist.

[0216] 3. The wearable alignment device according to either clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the wearable alignment device does not comprise a securement strap arranged to encircle the wearer's head.

[0217] 4. The wearable alignment device according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein at least one horizontal securement strap comprises a fastening means, wherein the fastening means is operable to reversibly detach the horizontal securement strap from across the wearer's front.

[0218] 5. The wearable alignment device according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein at least one shoulder loops comprises a fastening means, wherein the fastening means is operable to reversibly detach the shoulder loop from encircling the wearer's shoulder.

[0219] 6. The wearable alignment device according to either clause 4 or clause 5, wherein the fastening means comprises a buckle and clasp.

[0220] 7. The wearable alignment device according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein at least one horizontal securement strap comprises an adjustment means, wherein the adjustment means is operable to reversibly adjust the length of the horizontal securement straps.

[0221] 8. The wearable alignment device according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein at least one shoulder loop comprises an adjustment means, wherein the adjustment means is operable to reversibly adjust the length of the shoulder loop.

[0222] 9. The wearable alignment device according to either clause 7 or clause 8, wherein the adjustment means comprises a friction based adjuster.

[0223] 10. The wearable alignment device according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the rigid elongate member is cylindrical.

[0224] 11. The wearable alignment device according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the rigid elongate member is comprised of a suitable metal, such as aluminium.

[0225] 12. The wearable alignment device according to any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the rigid elongate member comprises at least one extendable elongate section, adapted to reversibly adjust the length of the rigid elongate member and the extendable elongate section is secured rigidly and collinear to the main body of the elongate member.

[0226] 13. The wearable alignment device according to clause 12, wherein the rigid elongate member comprises two extendable elongate sections.

[0227] 14. The wearable alignment device according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the securement system is incorporated into a bag.

[0228] 15. The wearable alignment device according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the securement system is incorporated into clothing.

[0229] 16. The wearable alignment device according any one of clauses 1 to 15, further comprising a sensing means, wherein the sensing means is adapted to sense contact between a contact portion and the wearer's body, and to generate sensor data, and a communication means, wherein the communication means is adapted to communicate the sensor data with one or more user devices.

[0230] 17. The wearable alignment device according to clause 16, wherein the sensing means is disposed about the first and second contact portions.

[0231] 18. The wearable alignment device according to clause 16, wherein the sensing means is disposed about the first contact portion.

[0232] 19. A method for using a wearable alignment device to improve the alignment of a wearer according to any one of clauses 1 to 18.

[0233] 20. A method of manufacturing a wearable alignment device according to any one of clauses 1 to 19.