CN101600401A - Posture sensing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A gesture sensing device includes: a gasket, a signal generating system, and an activator, wherein the activator activates the signal generating system when the pressure applied to the device exceeds a predetermined pressure. The activator includes: a switch having an upper portion; a compression element having an opening defined therein, the compression element at least partially surrounding the upper portion of the switch; and a top cover adapted to attach the compression element to a position at least partially surrounding the upper portion of the switch.

Description

gesture awareness device

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 10/712,581, filed November 12, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 09/553,564, filed April 20, 2000 , and U.S. Patent Application No. 09/553,564 is now issued as U.S. Patent No. 6,648,838, which was the abandoned U.S. Patent Application No. 09 filed on October 11, 1999 /416,160, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 09/023,038, filed February 13, 1998, and which is now Issued as US Patent No. 6,019,738, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

technical field

The present invention relates to devices for strengthening the spine, abdomen, and posture in multiple planes, and for teaching a neutral spine.

Background technique

In, for example, U.S. Patent No. 3,582,935 to Verhaeghe, U.S. Patent No. 3,981,032 to Brooks, U.S. Patent No. 4,730,625 to Fraser et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,146,929 to Sawhill, and U.S. Patent No. to Hsien Devices for monitoring, controlling and correcting posture are described in US Patent No. 5,279,310 and US Patent No. 5,522,401 to Brucker. However, such corrective devices are not specifically designed to be applied to the abdomen and spine of able-bodied users.

U.S. Patent No. 6,019,738 issued February 1, 2000 to Brandon, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses the first successful posture-aware device for strengthening a person's abdomen and spine in exercise therapy introduce. The disclosed apparatus comprises a pad having a longitudinal axis, signaling means for generating a signal, and detection means for detecting the weight (i.e. pressure) applied to the pad and activating the signaling means when the weight exceeds a predetermined weight . The signaling device includes a plurality of vibrator units, some of which are attached to the spacer at opposite positions on both sides of the longitudinal axis. Further improvements in gesture-aware devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,648,838 issued November 18, 2003 to Brandon et al. and co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 10/712,581 filed November 12, 2003 , the entire disclosures of both are incorporated herein by reference.

It is desirable to continually improve devices used in exercise therapy to strengthen a person's abdomen and spine. It would also be desirable to provide a device that notifies the user when a neutral spine position is maintained during multi-position (eg, sitting, lying, standing) exercises.

Contents of the invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a device comprising: a gasket, a signal generating system and an activator responsive to pressure and activating the signal generating system when the pressure applied to the device exceeds a predetermined pressure. The activator includes: a switch having an upper portion; a compression element defining an opening thereon, the compression element at least partially surrounding the upper portion of the switch; and a top cover adapted to secure the compression element to the upper portion at least partially surrounding the switch. Location.

According to a more specific embodiment, the gesture sensing device further includes a lower back assembly. The lower back assembly can be removably attached to the pad in particular embodiments, or permanently attached to the pad in other embodiments. In a further specific embodiment, the lower back assembly includes: a base defining at least one opening therein, the switch disposed in the opening; and a cushion layer defining at least one opening therein aligned with the opening in the base. The base includes a riser defining an opening therein, and the switch is disposed in the opening and extends through the base. The cap has an upper member and a plurality of arms each having a distal end including a locking member. The switch and compression elements have substantially collinear longitudinal axes.

According to these particular embodiments, the compression element is arranged between the base and the upper element of the top cover. Each arm of the top cover extends through an opening defined in the base, and a locking element of the top cover prevents accidental disengagement of the top cover from the base while allowing movement of the top cover relative to the base substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the switch and compression member . This causes the upper element of the top cover to contact and thereby activate the switch when a pressure exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the upper element of the top cover. This further allows removing the compressive element and replacing it with another compressive element, for example one having a different stiffness.

A further more specific embodiment of the device of the invention comprises a plurality of activators. In these embodiments, the shim has a longitudinal axis and a portion of the plurality of activators are located in opposing positions on either side of the longitudinal axis.

According to an additional embodiment, the signal generating system comprises a plurality of vibrator units. More specifically, a portion of the plurality of vibrator units is attached to the pad (eg, by bonding to the lower back assembly) at relative positions on either side of the longitudinal axis.

Some of the foregoing embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention include a spacer to which a lower back component is attached. The lower back assembly can also be used independently of the spacer. Therefore, according to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a gesture sensing device adapted to contact a portion of the lower back of a human user. The device includes: a base defining at least one opening therein; a cushion defining at least one opening therein aligned with the opening in the base; a signal generating system; and an activator which responds to pressure applied to the device The signal generating system is activated when a predetermined pressure is exceeded. The activator includes: a switch having an upper portion disposed within an opening defined in the base; a compression element defining an opening thereon, the compression element at least partially surrounding the upper portion of the switch; and a top cover adapted to secure the compression element at a location at least partially surrounding the upper portion of the switch. In particular embodiments, the top cover is removable, allowing replacement of the compression element.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the present invention includes all such modifications.

Description of drawings

The invention will be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1a-1b are top and exploded side views, respectively, of a first embodiment employing a detachable headrest and lumbar pad, wherein the vibrator unit and pressure sensor are provided in the lumbar unit shown in the model;

Figures 2a-2c are top, side and end views of the removable head restraint employed in the embodiment of Figures 1a-1b;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lumbar pad of Figures 1a-1b showing the location of the pressure sensor and vibrator unit in the lumbar pad;

Figures 4a-4c are top, cross-sectional and side views of an alternative embodiment head restraint with separate pressure sensor, vibrator unit and control switch;

Figure 5 is a side exploded view of an alternative embodiment including a wedge for kyphosis;

Figures 6a-6b are schematic diagrams illustrating a mechanical switch used as a pressure sensor, showing activated and deactivated states, respectively;

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a pressure sensor with a light-generated signal generating system and an external power supply;

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment in which two pressure sensors are used in sequence, one in the headrest and the other in the lumbar pad;

Figure 9 is a partially exploded left side perspective view of another embodiment of the device of the present invention, including detachable head/neck and lower back assemblies;

Figures 10a-10b are top views showing the positioning of the head/neck assembly relative to the lower back assembly for a short user and a tall user, respectively;

Figures 11-13 are a right side perspective view, a bottom view and an exploded view of the head/neck assembly of Figure 9, respectively;

14 is a left side perspective view of the embodiment of the lower back assembly of FIG. 9;

Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the lower back assembly of Figure 14;

16 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the lower back assembly of FIG. 14 through a switch/force adjustment system including a switch and a force adjustment ring;

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a switch/force adjustment system comprising a switch, a top cover, and a spring;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the top cover of Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the spring and top cover of Figure 17 relative to the base of the lower back assembly;

Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a control unit for an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of a television screen to provide visual signals to the user; and

Figure 22 is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of the switch/force adjustment system where the switch is secured within the bushing.

Like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Detailed ways

The present invention provides devices and methods for strengthening the spine and abdomen, and for teaching the user postural awareness to maintain and strengthen a neutral spine. "Neutral spine" is used to denote a biomechanically correct spinal position where the muscles are in balance and the spine absorbs forces optimally and is neither in extreme flexion nor in extreme extension. For example, typical flexion/extension deflection for a healthy user is approximately 30° and approximately 15°, respectively; other users may have greater or lesser flexion/extension deflection. The neutral position of the spine changes as the user's posture changes; for example, a user with kyphosis will have a different neutral position than a user with normal posture.

Referring now to the drawings, in FIGS. 1-3 , a first embodiment of an apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a sleeping pad 12 , preferably constructed of non-slip material, with a lumbar pad 14 and a head support 16 .

The waist pad 14 is preferably integrated with the sleeping pad 12 , that is, the waist pad 14 is formed by a part of the sleeping pad 12 . An activator 18 is provided in the lumbar pad 14 which detects the weight applied to the surface 20 of the lumbar pad 14 and subsequently activates the signal generating system 22 . Activator 18 can include, for example, one or more mechanical switches, one or more pressure sensors, or other devices known to those of ordinary skill in the art for detecting weight applied to a surface.

The activator 18 is connected to one or more signal generating systems 22 . The signal generating system 22 is activated when pressure (eg, weight) is applied to the selected activator 18 , ie, when the activator responds to (ie, detects) weight applied to the surface 20 of the sleeping pad 12 . Once activated, the signal generating system 22 generates a signal that can be perceived by a person using the device of the present invention.

In certain more specific embodiments, the activator 18 responds to pressure (eg, weight) within a desired range. Thus, when the applied pressure is less than the minimum value of the desired range, the activator 18 is not activated, and when the applied pressure is greater than the maximum value of the desired range, the activator 18 deactivates. In such embodiments, the pressure range to which the activator 18 responds can be determined by any conventional means (eg, by electronics, software, mechanical switches or other means, etc.).

Exemplary signal generating systems 22 include, but are not limited to: devices for generating vibratory signals, such as mechanical vibrators; devices for generating auditory signals, such as electronic audio generators; devices for generating visual signals, such as light bulbs or Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs); the like and combinations of these devices. The signal generating system 22 can be attached to or internal to the device 10, such as within the lumbar pad 14, or located externally. The activator 18 and signal generating system 22 are connected together, for example as part of an electrical circuit, or by means such as a low power radio transmitter. Any means, element or device for enabling the activator 18 to activate the signal generating system 22 is considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Optionally, the lumbar pad 14 can accommodate one or more lordotic inserts 14a disposed over the activator 18 for supporting users with excessive lordosis or other excessive flexion or extension deviation. Exemplary inserts include, but are not limited to, mechanical inserts, pneumatic or other expandable inserts, and the like. Lumbar pad 14 can also optionally include a switch (not shown) for disabling signal generating system 22, thereby allowing the device to be used without generating a signal.

The head support 16 includes a head/neck base 24 and a cervicothoracic support 26 . A neck support 28 of optionally adjustable width is provided on the head support 16 between the head/neck base 24 and the cervicothoracic support 26 . As shown in FIG. 1 b, the head support 16 is detachably attached to the sleeping pad 12 by attachment means 30 (e.g., hook/loop devices such as Velcro fasteners, buckles, etc.), thereby allowing the head support 16 to Optionally positioned also allows independent use of the head support 16 if desired. In an alternative embodiment, the head support 16 can be permanently attached to the sleeping pad 12 .

In a preferred embodiment, the head support 16 is provided with a plurality of handles 32 . The handle portion 32 can be formed by, for example, cutting an opening in the base 24 , or can be formed separately and attached to the base 24 .

If desired, the mattress surface 20 can be provided with a graphic 34, such as the typical shape of a human pelvis and lower backbone, to facilitate user orientation relative to the mattress surface. Showing the location of the TLC pressure points and activator 18 is also helpful in assisting the user in proper orientation with respect to the device 10 .

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the signal generating system 22 includes two vibrators 36 disposed within the lumbar pad 14 along either side of the longitudinal axis 38 of the pad 12 . The vibrator 36 is coupled to the activator 18 and is activated when the activator 18 responds to pressure applied to the surface 20 of the mattress 12 (eg, the weight of the user's body).

Examples of the activator 18 shown in Figures 6a-b include a power source 40, which may be a battery, for example, disposed within the lumbar support 14 or at another location within, on or external to the device 10, Or it could be an A/C power supply powered by a plug; a mechanical switch 42 energized by a spring with a preselected spring constant; In FIG. 6 a , a weight such as the user's body weight (indicated by the downward arrow) overcomes the spring force and closes the mechanical switch 42 , thereby closing the circuit and activating the signal generating system 22 . Thus, while the user remains in contact with the activator 18, the circuit remains closed and the signal generating system 22 remains activated. When the signal generating system includes a vibrator unit 46 (as shown in Figures 6a-b), the user perceives a vibration signal applied to his back; When the LED is turned on, the user can hear and/or see the signal generated by the signal generating system 22 . Regardless, the user is notified when the user's back comes into contact with the activator 18 and sufficient downward force is applied to cause the switch 42 to close.

An alternative embodiment of the activator 18 includes a pressure sensor and associated circuitry in place of a mechanical switch. Such accompanying circuitry is readily fabricated by one of ordinary skill in the art to produce an output signal in response to a predetermined pressure applied to the pressure sensor. This output signal in turn activates the signal generating system 22 .

Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the device of the present invention in which a pressure sensor 48 is used instead of a mechanical switch. The signal generating system includes a light bulb 50 . Power is supplied from an external A/C power supply through plug 52 .

Optionally, a kyphotic wedge 54 is inserted between the head support 16 and the sleeping pad 12 to accommodate the user in a forward head position.

4a-c illustrate an alternative embodiment of a head support 116 that includes an activator 118 and one or more signal generating systems 122 disposed within a head/neck base 124 . As shown, the signal generating system includes a plurality of vibrators disposed within the neck support 128 . When the user's head is out of contact with the activator 118, the activator 118 activates a signal generating system 122 (eg, a vibrator). For example, where activator 118 includes a mechanical switch, the switch is in an open position when a user's head is in contact with the switch, rather than in a closed position like activator 18 described above. Where the activator 118 includes a pressure sensor, the accompanying circuitry generates a signal when the sensed pressure is below a predetermined level, rather than above a predetermined level.

A three-way switch 130 can be used to connect to the activator 118 and the vibrator, if desired. A switch 130 allows the user to selectively enable or disable the activator 118 and to control the activation of the vibrator separately. Thus, in one position, the activator 118 is activated to activate the vibrator as described above for the activator 18 and signal generating system 22 . In the second position, the activator 118 is disabled and the vibrator is deactivated. In the third position, the activator is deactivated and the vibrator is activated, thereby allowing the user selective relaxation and selective stretching between exercise exercises using the device of the present invention.

The activator 118 of the previous embodiment of the head support 116 can be connected in series with the activator 18 provided in, for example, the lumbar support 14 as shown in FIG. 8 . In this embodiment, the signal generating system 22 (and optionally the head support 116) is only activated when both the activator 118 and the activator 18 are subjected to pressure such as the weight of the user's head and body, respectively. vibrator) is activated.

The signals (vibration, auditory, visual, etc.) provided by the device of the present invention allow the user to increase the strength of the muscles being exercised by eliminating momentum. In use, the signal informs the user of their thoracolumbar region to sufficiently depress the activator 18 to ensure proper muscle usage isolation. As a result, the user's proprioceptive acuity for lumbosacral coordination and strength is enhanced.

The apparatus of the present invention is preferably used on a horizontal surface such as the floor or an exercise bench. If desired, the sleeping pad 12 can be provided with one or more attachment means such as hooks or clips to enable the device to be attached to a vertical surface such as a door. The device can also be used on surfaces such as seats.

The signals provided by the device of the present invention constitute feedback to the user as he exercises so that the user can minimize momentum and maximize intensity. To initiate an exercise using the apparatus of the present invention in the supine position, the user's third lumbar vertebra (L3), typically located near the user's waistline or navel, is aligned with the lumbar pad 14 and the head/neck support 16 Fits comfortably under the user's neck. The position of the head/neck support 16 is adjusted to suit the user, if desired. In use, the lower back is compressed into the lumbar pad 14 until the signal generation system 22 generates a signal. Constant tension can be maintained isometrically by tensing the relevant muscles.

The use of an alternative embodiment of the head/neck support 116 enables the user to avoid neck strain. If the user raises the head during an abdominal exercise and causes tension in the neck, then the lifting of the head will signal the user through the signal generating system 122, such as a vibration, beep to the neck Acoustic signals generated by the instrument or any other signal generating system required. The user can then lower their head to access the head/neck support 116 .

A further embodiment 200 of a device according to the invention is shown in Figures 9-16. Apparatus 200 includes a sleeping pad 202 , a lower back assembly 204 and a head/neck assembly 206 . Both the lower back assembly 204 and the head/neck assembly 206 can be removably secured to the sleeping pad 202 by, for example, Velcro straps or other fasteners. In a specific embodiment, the lower back assembly 204 may be permanently or removably fixed to a predetermined position on the mattress 202, and the head/neck assembly 206 may be removably separated from the lower back assembly 204 by an optional distance. Fixed on the sleeping pad 202. Thus, as shown in Figures 10a-b, the device can be adjusted to accommodate users of different heights, wherein, to accommodate shorter users, the head/neck assembly 206 is moved closer to the center pad 205 to be closer to the lower back The assembly 204 is fixed to the lying pad 202 (see FIG. 10a ), or further away from the middle pad 205 and the lower back assembly 204 to accommodate tall users (see FIG. 10b ).

A specific embodiment of a head/neck assembly 206 that can be used with the aforementioned embodiment 200 of the apparatus of the present invention (as well as the aforementioned embodiment 10) is shown in FIGS. 11-13. The head/neck assembly 206 includes a neck roller 210 and a head sensor pad 212 (covering a head switch 234 ) mounted on a neck plate 214 . In particular embodiments, the neck roller 210 and head sensor pad 212 are made of a resilient material such as polyurethane or other foam, or in alternative embodiments include a resilient inner material and are made of leather, cloth, vinyl or other An outer layer of suitable covering material. The neck vibrator 232 , and more specifically the pair of neck vibrator units as shown, is secured beneath the neck roller 210 by a motor stop 240 . Alignment elements 227 of neck roll 210 are received within apertures 226 defined in neck plate 214 .

The handle portion 216 is defined along the sides 214a - b of the neck panel 214 . A downwardly opening recess 218 is formed in the lower surface 214d of the neck plate 214 and accommodates the user's fingers when the user grips the handle 216, in particular embodiments such as the downwardly opening recess 218 shown here extends beyond the upper surface 214c of the neck plate 214 . An upper back pad 220 is also secured to the neck panel 214 . Upper back vibrator 242 is disposed within cavity 228 and sandwiched between neck plate 214 and upper back pad 220 .

A fastening device 222 , such as a Velcro strap, is attached to the lower surface 214 d of the neck panel 214 such that the head/neck assembly 206 can be removably attached to the main pad 202 .

In a further specific embodiment, the battery pack 221 is fixed to the neck plate 214 by the battery cover 238 and the Velcro strap 230, and the battery pack 221 provides the upper back vibrator 242 and the neck vibrator 232 with Electric energy, and provide electric energy to the buzzer 224 in another specific embodiment. Alternatively, the battery pack can be affixed to or located within the lower back assembly 204 . Multiple battery packs may be employed if desired.

Turning to FIGS. 14-16, the lower back assembly 204 includes an outer pad 244, which in particular embodiments may be made of a resilient material such as polyurethane or other foam material, or in an alternative embodiment, the The outer pad 244 includes a resilient inner material and an outer layer made of leather, cloth, vinyl, or other suitable covering material, or made of, for example, skinned polyurethane foam manufactured by an injection molding process. Made of skin foam material. The outer pad 244 may be secured to the shell 246 for rigid support either directly or through an additional intermediate cushioning layer 264 (see FIG. 16). In particular embodiments, the upper surface of the outer pad 244 includes a plurality of positioning ribs 252 that provide the user with enhanced sensitivity and allow the user to more easily position themselves properly on the lower back assembly. 204 on.

A lower back vibrator 262 , more specifically a pair of vibrators as shown in FIG. 15 , is disposed in a cavity 263 between the outer pad 244 and the housing 246 . The vibrator 262 is activated by a switch/force adjustment system (described below). In particular embodiments, the vibrator 262 can be powered by a battery pack similar to that used in the head/neck assembly 206 described above. Alternatively, vibrator 262 can be powered by any other desired external power source through a wall outlet, a car cigarette lighter plug, an external battery or battery pack, or through system power connection 256 .

A first embodiment of the switch/force adjustment system according to the invention is shown in Figures 15-16. In this embodiment, the switch 248 is disposed in a switch housing 258, which in a specific embodiment is integrally formed with the housing 246, and in an alternative specific embodiment, the switch housing 258 258 is a separate element secured to housing 246 . A force adjustment ring 250 surrounds and engages the upper portion 249 of the switch 248 , which in turn nests within and protrudes upwardly from an opening 260 defined in the outer pad 244 .

In a particular embodiment, force adjustment ring 250 is constructed of a resilient material that is harder and less resilient than the material making up pad 244 . By varying the stiffness of force adjustment ring 250 , the amount of pressure required to close switch 248 to activate vibrator 262 can be selectively controlled. For example, a user can sequentially employ force adjustment rings 250 of increasing stiffness, thereby gradually increasing the pressure that the user's back must exert on the switch/force adjustment system to activate vibrator 262 .

As shown, a switch 248 and a force adjustment ring 250 are employed in the lower back assembly 204 . In other embodiments, switch 248 and force adjustment ring 250 are also used in head/neck assembly 206 to activate vibrator 232 and/or vibrator 242 .

A second embodiment of the switch/force adjustment system according to the invention is shown in Figures 17-19. In this embodiment, the upper portion 249 of the switch 248 is surrounded by a compression element 270, which is shown as a spring. Both the switch 248 and the compression element 270 have longitudinal axes, and when the compression element 270 is disposed about the switch 248, their axes are substantially collinear. A top cover 272 comprising an upper member 274 and a plurality of arms 276 (two shown in FIGS. Encases compression element 270 . The distal end 278 of the arm 276 includes a locking member 280 that engages the switch receptacle 258 through a notch 282 . Sufficient space is provided within switch housing 258 to allow movement of arm 276 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of switch 248 . The cap 272 nests within and protrudes upwardly from the opening 260 defined in the outer pad 244 . The locking element 280 of the top cover 272 prevents accidental disengagement of the top cover 272 while allowing removal of the top cover (ie, by squeezing the arms 276 toward each other) for removal and/or replacement of the compression member 270 .

In use, pressure applied to the cap 272 causes the cap to displace downwardly such that the cap comes into contact with the switch 248 . The stiffness of compression element 270 determines the amount of pressure required to close switch 248 to activate vibrator 262 . The user can thus sequentially employ compression elements 270 such as springs of increasing stiffness in order to gradually increase the pressure that the user's back must exert on the switch/force adjustment system to activate the vibrator 262 .

Vibrator 262 is activated by switch 248 . In a more specific embodiment using at least one pair of vibrators 262, each vibrator is operated separately and independently by the user. In other embodiments, the vibrators can be configured to work in series rather than independently.

In particular embodiments, one or more vibrators 262 can also be manually activated by a control unit 290 (eg, a handheld device shown in FIG. 20 ) that communicates with vibrators 262 via cable 254 . In FIG. 20, a specific embodiment of the handheld device 290 includes: a power switch 292 for providing power to the vibrator 262; activation switches 294a and 294b for independently activating the neck vibrator 232 and the lower back vibrator respectively 262; and paired indicators 296a and 296b, such as light-emitting marking strips, which communicate with switches 248 on the left and right sides of the lower back assembly 204, respectively (or alternatively, configured as serial operation). The handheld device 290 enables the user to activate the neck and/or lower back vibrator without having to first press the switch 248, thereby allowing the device of the present invention to be used as both an exercise device and a relaxation and stretching device. Also, when the device of the present invention is used to strengthen the user's lower back, the indicators 296a-b provide a visual reminder when the user's lower back muscles exert sufficient pressure to compress the switch 248.

In a more specific embodiment, the switch/force adjustment system incorporated in the lower back assembly 204 includes one or more measurement elements for quantifying the amount of pressure exerted by the user's lower back on the switch/force adjustment system. In such an embodiment, the pair of indicators 296a-b may include display elements that visually indicate the magnitude of the pressure. This embodiment helps the user to adjust the pressure exerted on each side of the user's lower back so that equal pressure is applied on each side to optimize the strengthening exercise achieved using the device. Alternatively, as described above, the system can be configured for tandem operation where the sides of the user's back are not monitored independently.

In a particular embodiment, the head/neck assembly 206 and the lower back assembly 204 are used together, all attached to the sleeping pad 202 . In an alternative embodiment, the head/neck assembly 206 and the lower back assembly 204 can be used separately, either attached to the sleeping pad 202 or alone. More specifically, lower back assembly 204 can be used as a stand-alone device to be placed on a floor, exercise equipment, car seat, or other surface.

The foregoing embodiments employ a vibrator unit as a signal generating system. Other signal generating systems, such as visual or auditory signal generating units, can also be used together with or instead of the vibrator unit. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, a wireless transmitter 300 in communication with the switch/force adjustment system incorporated in the lower back assembly 204 sends information defining the magnitude of the pressure to a television screen 302 in a health club or other location. Then the TV screen 302 displays information to the user.

FIG. 22 shows another alternative embodiment that provides additional support and protection to switch 248 . In this embodiment, the bushing 310 fits within the switch housing 258 and is secured to the switch housing 258 . In a specific embodiment, the bushing 310 includes metal, metal alloy, ceramic or other hard material, more specifically, the bushing 310 includes a material that is harder than the material forming the switch housing 258 . A threaded aperture 312 is defined axially through the bushing 310 and engages a corresponding thread 314 formed on an outer surface of the switch 248 . According to a more specific embodiment, a pair of bushings 310 support the switch 248 , with a first bushing fixed to the switch mount 258 and a second bushing fixed to the housing 246 and coaxial with the first bushing and the switch 248 .

The use of an embodiment of the bushing 310 provides additional support to the switch 248 and also enables the axial position of the switch 248 to be adjusted as desired, particularly during manufacture of the assembly.

In a further specific embodiment, the cushioning element 320 is disposed between the upper portion 249 of the switch 248 and the top cover 272 . For example, cushioning element 320 may comprise foam or another resilient material and protect switch 248 from excessive wear and other possible damage due to contact with top cover 272 .

In a further specific embodiment, the device of the present invention may incorporate an additional activator 320 at a location corresponding to the user's lower sacrum. In very specific embodiments, additional activators 320 activate one or more additional signal generating systems (eg, vibratory, auditory, visual, etc.) as described herein. This embodiment provides additional feedback to enable the user to maintain a desired neutral spine position while exercising.

Additional embodiments enable information to be delivered to any desired display element, such as computer monitors, laptops, PDAs, and the like. This information can be communicated via cable connections, wireless transmitters or any other desired transmission means. The information transmitted in these ways can also be further processed and stored.

Embodiments of the present invention thus provide feedback for improving proprioceptive acuity and lumbosacral coordination.

A progressive exercise routine designed especially for the device of the present invention will allow the user to start with a short (eg 4 minute) training series and progress at his own pace. When the user uses the device of the present invention to retrain the neuromuscular system, an accurate postural orientation to a strong "neutral spine" will result.

The invention is shown here as a self-contained device. However, the present invention can also be incorporated into other objects including, but not limited to, exercise equipment (eg, incline rowing machines), exercise benches, seats, beds, and the like. The invention can also be manufactured separately and subsequently attached to other objects.

Claims (38)

1. postural awareness apparatus comprises:

A) pad,

B) signal generation system, and

C) activator appliance, it activates described signal generation system when the pressure that puts on described equipment surpasses predetermined pressure, and described activator appliance comprises:

(i) switch, it has top,

(ii) compressing member is limited with opening on it, the described top of described compressing member to small part around described switch, and

(iii) top cover, it is suitable for described compressing member is fixed in the position on the described top to small part around described switch.

2. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 1, it further comprises the lower back portion assembly.

3. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein, described lower back portion assembly detachably is attached to described pad.

4. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein, described lower back portion assembly comprises:

(i) base portion is limited with at least one opening on it, described switch is arranged in the described opening, and

(ii) bed course is limited with at least one opening on it, the described register in described opening and the described base portion.

5. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein, described base portion comprises riser portions, described opening is limited in the described riser portions, and described switch is arranged in the described opening and extends through described base portion at least in part.

6. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein, described top cover comprises upper element and a plurality of arm, each described arm has the far-end that comprises locking member.

7. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein, described switch and described compressing member all have longitudinal axis, the basic conllinear of described longitudinal axis.

8. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein, described compressing member is arranged between the described upper element of described base portion and described top cover, wherein, the described arm of each of described top cover extends through the opening that is limited in the described base portion, and, the described locking member of described top cover prevents that described top cover breaks away from from described base portion is unexpected, allow described top cover to move along the direction of the described longitudinal axis of described switch and described compressing member substantially simultaneously, thereby when the pressure that surpasses described predetermined value puts on described upper element, allow the described upper element of described top cover to activate described switch with respect to described base portion.

9. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described compressing member is selected from the group of the pan that comprises spring and be made of compressible substance.

10. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 1, it comprises a plurality of activator appliances, wherein, described pad has longitudinal axis, and the part of described a plurality of activator appliances is positioned at the relative position on the both sides of described longitudinal axis.

11. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 8, it comprises a plurality of activator appliances, and wherein, described pad has longitudinal axis, and the part of described a plurality of activator appliances is positioned at the relative position on the both sides of described longitudinal axis.

12. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein, described signal generation system comprises a plurality of vibrator units, and the relative position of the part of described a plurality of vibrator units on the both sides of described longitudinal axis is attached to described pad.

13. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described signal generation system comprises a plurality of vibrator units, and the relative position of the part of described a plurality of vibrator units on the both sides of described longitudinal axis is attached to described pad.

14. a postural awareness apparatus, it is suitable for contacting the part of the lower back portion of human user, and described equipment comprises:

A) base portion is limited with at least one opening on it,

B) bed course is limited with at least one opening on it, the described register in described opening and the described base portion,

C) signal generation system, and

D) activator appliance, it activates described signal generation system when the pressure that puts on described equipment surpasses predetermined pressure, and described activator appliance comprises:

(i) switch, it has top, and described switch is arranged in the described opening that is defined in the described base portion,

(ii) compressing member is limited with opening on it, the described top of described compressing member to small part around described switch, and

(iii) top cover, it is suitable for described compressing member is fixed in the position on the described top to small part around described switch.

15. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein, described base portion comprises riser portions, and described opening is limited in the described riser portions, and described switch is arranged in the described opening and extends through described base portion at least in part.

16. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein, described top cover comprises upper element and a plurality of arm, and each described arm has the far-end that comprises locking member.

17. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein, described switch and described compressing member all have longitudinal axis, the basic conllinear of described longitudinal axis.

18. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein, described compressing member is arranged between the described upper element of described base portion and described top cover, wherein, the described arm of each of described top cover extends through the opening that is limited in the described base portion, and, the described locking member of described top cover prevents that described top cover breaks away from from described base portion is unexpected, allow described top cover to move along the direction of the described longitudinal axis of described switch and described compressing member substantially simultaneously, thereby when the pressure that surpasses described predetermined value puts on described upper element, allow the described upper element of described top cover to activate described switch with respect to described base portion.

19. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein, described compressing member is selected from the group of the pan that comprises spring and be made of compressible substance.

20. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 14, it comprises a plurality of activator appliances, and wherein, described equipment has longitudinal axis, and the part of described a plurality of activator appliances is positioned at the relative position on the both sides of described longitudinal axis.

21. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 18, it comprises a plurality of activator appliances, and wherein, described equipment has longitudinal axis, and the part of described a plurality of activator appliances is positioned at the relative position on the both sides of described longitudinal axis.

22. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein, described signal generation device comprises a plurality of vibrator units, and the relative position of the part of described a plurality of vibrator units on the both sides of described longitudinal axis is attached to described pad.

23. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein, described signal generation system comprises a plurality of vibrator units, and the relative position of the part of described a plurality of vibrator units on the both sides of described longitudinal axis is attached to described pad.

24. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 12, it further comprises control unit, and described control unit comprises:

I) activator appliance, it optionally activates at least one vibrator units, and

Ii) display element, it provides the vision indication when at least one vibrator units is activated.

25. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 24, it comprises: a plurality of activator appliances, each described activator appliance optionally activate different in described a plurality of vibrator units; And a plurality of display elements, each described display element different in described a plurality of activator appliances provides the vision indication when being activated.

26. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein, described display element provides the vision indication of the size of the pressure that puts on described activator appliance.

27. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 20, it further comprises control unit, and described control unit comprises:

I) activator appliance, it optionally activates at least one vibrator units, and

Ii) display element, it provides the vision indication when at least one activator appliance is activated.

28. the assembly of an equipment that uses in daily exercise, described assembly comprises:

A) postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 1, and

B) have a plurality of compressing members of different-stiffness.

29. the assembly of an equipment that uses in daily exercise, described assembly comprises:

A) postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 14, and

B) have a plurality of compressing members of different-stiffness.

30. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 5, it further comprises the lining that is arranged in the described opening, runs through described lining and is limited with threaded bores, and wherein, described switch comprises the screw thread that engages with described threaded bores.

31. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 8, it further comprises the lining that is arranged in the described opening, runs through described lining and is limited with threaded bores, and wherein, described switch comprises the screw thread that engages with described threaded bores.

32. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 15, it further comprises the lining that is arranged in the described opening, runs through described lining and is limited with threaded bores, and wherein, described switch comprises the screw thread that engages with described threaded bores.

33. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 18, it further comprises the lining that is arranged in the described opening, runs through described lining and is limited with threaded bores, and wherein, described switch comprises the screw thread that engages with described threaded bores.

34. as claim 31 or 33 described postural awareness apparatus, it further comprises the buffer element that is arranged between described switch and the described top cover.

35. as claim 10 and 11 described postural awareness apparatus, it further comprises and roughly is positioned on the described longitudinal axis and is in and the corresponding locational activator appliance of the following rumpbone of user.

36. as each described postural awareness apparatus among claim 1-27 and the 30-34, wherein, at least one activator appliance response pressure value is in the pressure in the range of choice.

37. a postural awareness apparatus comprises:

A) pad,

B) signal generation system, and

C) weight tester, it activates described signal generation system when the pressure that puts on described equipment surpasses predetermined pressure.

38. a strong people the abdominal part and the method for lower back portion comprise the following steps:

Make the back contact that to accept strong people as each described postural awareness apparatus among claim 1-27 or the 30-37;

Aim at described equipment, make the lumbar region that to accept strong people aim at the activator appliance of described equipment;

Compress the lumbar region that to accept strong people, thereby described activator appliance activates described signal generation system; And

When the lumbar region that keeps accepting strong people compresses, the abdominal part that compresses and loosen him, thereby make described signal generation system described abdominal part compress and the process of shrinking in keep activating.

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