Posture training support

Abstract

 A support for posture training comprises a pouch (12) for holding one or more weights (14). The pouch is positionable on the back of a patient below the inferior angle of the patient's scapulae by means of adjustable clavicle straps (16) secured to the pouch.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to posture training. The words "posture training" as used herein are intended to be given a broad interpretation, to encompass, for example, "posture control. "

[0002] A variety of circumstances can lead to the deterioration of a person's posture. One such circumstance is disease such as osteoporosis or neurological disease. Work or study positions, such as bending over a computer, a work table, a desk or a machine, for example, can lead to deteriorated posture in children and adults. Pregnant women, women with heavy anatomy at the anterior chest, or women with balance problems due to kyphosis can develop poor posture.

[0003] Present treatment for such posture disorder focuses on the use of restraints to hold a desired posture position. Such restraints include thoracolumbar supports and shoulder orthoses. The thoracolumbar support is basically a corset device. The shoulder orthoses are devices which use a back brace in combination with a thoracic band and clavicle straps to hold the preferred posture position. However, the rigid restraint of these devices does not encourage the wearer to actively use his or her muscles to achieve good posture.

[0004] Further, because at least a portion of such devices wrap around the thoracic cavity and/or abdomen, they are uncomfortable for the patient. In treating osteoporosis, such devices which incorporate a rigid member can cause further damage to the frail skeletal structure. The restraining clavicle straps of the thoracolumbar supports are also uncomfortable. The discomfort aspect of such devices diminishes their effectiveness as the patient will avoid using an uncomfortable device.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a posture training support comprising clavicle straps is characterised by a pouch for holding weight on the back of a patient, the length and width of the pouch defining an area which is significantly smaller than the area of the back of a median adult patient, the thickness of the pouch being sufficiently thin that the pouch can be unobtrusively worn under the patient's clothing, and at least one weight located in the pouch, the clavicle straps being relatively thin and narrow and secured to the pouch for strapping the pouch onto a patient's back.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for posture training comprises positioning at least one weight on the back of a patient; adjusting the position of the weight so that the weight is below the inferior angle of the patient's scapulae; and securing the weight to the patient's back at the adjusted position.

[0007] Thus, the posture training support of the present invention presents a unique approach to posture training treatment by using a small pouch to position a weight on the back of the patient, preferably below the inferior angle of the patient's scapulae. The pouch is held in place by preferably adjustable clavicle straps and can be worn under the patient's clothing.

[0008] The support of the present invention does not use the restraint approach of the prior art. The invention uses a biomechanical approach to appropriately position a weight to counteract the patient's tendency to stoop forward and allows the design of a significantly more comfortable support which in turn is more likely to be used by the patient.

[0009] The invention may be carried into practice in various ways but one posture training support in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a frontal perspective view of the support and shows the method of adding weight to the support with the pouch shown in the open position in phantom;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the pouch as indicated by section line II-II in Fig. 1; and

Fig. 3 is a detailed view of the strap adjustment means as indicated by detail III in Fig. 1.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment, the posture training support 10 of the present invention has a pouch 12 for holding weights 14 and clavicle straps 16 for securing the pouch 12 and weights 14 to the back of a patient (Fig. 1).

[0011] Pouch 12 is preferably made of a single piece of soft, durable material, such as a relatively thick, spongy material, with a loop pile surface to give a soft feel. The material is folded over itself and sewn along the bottom 18 and one of the two sides 20 and 32 to form the rectangular pouch 12 with open top 30 (Fig. 1).

[0012] Pouch 12 has a front portion 22 which lies against the back of a patient in use and a back portion 24 which faces away from the patient in use. Weight pockets 26 are provided on the inside surface of back portion 24 for holding individual weights 14a (Fig.2). Weight pockets 26 are formed by sewing a band of elastic material 28 to the inside surface of back portion 24 so that equal loops are formed in the elastic material 28 to define the weight pockets 26.

[0013] Pouch 12 is small and thin so as to be unobtrusive when worn. Its length and width define an area which is preferably significantly smaller than the area of a median adult back, indeed preferably less than one-half such back area and most preferably less than one-quarter such back area. On a larger back, pouch 12 nestles into the space between the lower portions of the shoulder blades. Pouch 12 has a length of form about 102 to 204 mm (4 to 8 inches) a width of about 51 to 102 mm (2 to 4 inches), and a thickness which is no greater than about 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) when empty and about 38 mm (1.5 inches) when filled with weights 14. A most preferred length is about 180 mm (7 inches) and a most preferred width is about 90 mm (3.5 inches). Pouch 12 preferably has some thickness when empty in that pouch 12 is preferably made of a soft cushiony material for comfort.

[0014] Pouch 12 includes a hook 13a and loop 13b closure system at open top 30 so that weights 14 which are placed in pouch 12 do not bounce out or otherwise work their way out of pouch 12 when walking vigorously or running.

[0015] Individual weights 14a are secured in pockets 26 (Fig. 2). The large, multiple weight 14b does not need to be secured in pockets 26. When weight 14b is used, it is simply placed inside pouch 12 (Fig. 1). Each weight 14 is preferably a relatively soft, pliable weight, such as can be made by filling a fabric pocket with metallic pellets, so that the weights 14 will conform to the surface of the patient's back to enhance comfort. Further, when individual weights 14a are used in combination with the multiple weight 14b, the multiple weight 14b is preferably positioned near the patient's back and the individual weights 14a positioned away from the patient's back for enhanced comfort.

[0016] Each individual weight 14a weighs approximately 113 gms (4 ounces). Multiple weight 14b preferably weighs about 454 gms (16 ounces). Thus, the weight is adjustable in 113 gm (0.25 pound) increments to a total of about 794 gms (1.75 pounds). Obviously, some variation in these weights is permissible within the broader aspects of the invention. You could, for example, simply use two 450 gm (1-pound) weights in pouch 12.

[0017] Clavicle straps 16 are attached to pouch 12 near the top 30 and the bottom 18 of each side 20 and 32 (Fig. 1). Each strap 16 has an upper portion 34 having an end 36, away from pouch 12, and has a lower portion 38 having an end 40, away from pouch 12. A patch 42 of the hook portion of a hook and loop fastening fabric is attached to the inner surface 44 at end 36 of each upper portion 34 (Fig. 3). The outer surface 46 of each lower portion 38 is provided with a loop pile material 46a for fastening engagement with hook patch 42. An elastic tether 48 is fastened on each strap 16. Each tether 48 has a first end 52 fastened to each upper portion 34 near the edge of hook patch 42 away from end 36 (Fig. 3). The second end 50 of tether 48 is attached at the end 40 of each lower portion 38. In the preferred embodiment, tether 48 is approximately 100 mm (4 inches) long and stretches to approximately 230 mm (9 inches).

[0018] The pouch 12 is properly positioned preferably just below the inferior angle of the scapulae on the back of the patient. Such proper positioning is accommodated in a range of patient sizes by the adjustability of straps 16. The use of hook patch 42 and the loop pile material 46a on the outer surface 46 of each lower portion 38 provides a comfortable adjustment range for each strap of approximately 150 mm (6 inches). Further, a range of sizes of straps is provided, such as double extra small, with lengths of approximately 250 mm (9.75 inches) and 350 mm (13.75 inches) for the upper and lower portions 34 and 38 respectively, to extra large, with lengths of approximately 350 mm (13.75 inches) and 450 mm (17.75 inches) for the upper and lower portions 34 and 38 respectively. Thus, support 10 can be used for a large range of patient sizes with some variation permissible within the broader aspects of the invention.

[0019] In use, a combination of weights 14 is selected by the treating physician for the appropriate amount of weight to treat a specific patient. Individual weights 14a are secured in weight pockets 26 of pouch 12 (Fig. 2). A multiple weight 14b is simply placed inside pouch 12 and does not need to be secured in weight pockets 26 (Fig. 1).

[0020] The patient wears support 10, under his or her clothing, by inserting his or her arms through clavicle straps 16 with ends 36 and 40 separated. Elastic tethers 48 keep ends 36 and 40 in proximity to each other and thereby make it easier to fasten ends 36 and 40 of straps 16, once straps 16 are in place over the patients arms. The fact that tethers 48 are elastic, makes it easier for the patient to position and fasten the straps 16. Pouch 12, containing weights 14, is positioned below the inferior angle of the patient's scapulae and the clavicle straps 26 are adjusted for the patient's comfort to secure pouch 12 in the proper position. This adjustment is easily accomplished by varying the point at which hook patch 42 is lapped over the loop pile of surface 46.

Claims

1. A posture training support comprising clavicle straps (16) characterised by: a pouch (12) for holding weight on the back of a patient, the length and width of the pouch defining an area which is significantly smaller than the area of the back of a median adult patient, the thickness of the pouch being sufficiently thin that the pouch can be unobtrusively worn under the patient's clothing, and at least one weight (14) located in the pouch, the clavicle straps (16) being relatively thin and narrow and secured to the pouch (12) for strapping the pouch onto a patient's back.

2. A support according to claim 1 in which the pouch (12) has one or more of the following features:

a) the pouch has an open top (30) whereby the weight (14) can be removed from the pouch;

b) the pouch has an open top (30) which includes closure means (13a,13b) whereby the weight is held within the pouch;

c) the pouch includes means (28) dividing the interior of the pouch into at least two separate pockets (26), each for holding a weight against excessive movement within the pocket;

d) the pouch is smaller in area than one half, preferably one quarter, the area of a median adult back;

e) the pouch is about 180 mm long by about 90 mm wide;

f) the pouch is no thicker than about 38 mm when filled with weights;

g) the pouch has at least three relatively small pockets for receiving relatively small weights (14a) and at least one relatively large pocket for receiving a larger weight (14b);

h) the pouch is made of a soft cushioning fabric such that it feels soft against the patient's back.

3. A support according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the straps (16) are sized to position the pouch (12) below the inferior angle of the patient's scapulae.

4. A support according to any of claims 1 to 3 in which the straps (16) are adjustable for properly positioning the pouch (12).

5. A support according to claim 4 in which the straps (16) include a hook and loop fastening (42,46a) for adjusting the straps.

6. A support according to claim 4 or claim 5 in which each strap (16) comprises two pieces (34,38) each of which has a first end secured to the pouch (12) and a second end for releasably fastening to the second end of the other piece, and a tether (48), preferably of elastic material, connected between the two pieces near the said second ends.

7. A support according to any of claims 1 to 6 in which the pocket includes one of the following:

a) a plurality of weights

b) a plurality of small weights and at least one larger weight.

8. A support according to claim 7 in which the or each weight is of a soft pliable construction such that it tends to feel comfortable on a patient's back.

9. A method for posture training comprising: positioning at least one weight on the back of a patient; adjusting the position of the weight so that the weight is below the inferior angle of the patient's scapulae; and securing the weight to the patient's back at the adjusted position.

10. A method according to claim 9 which includes providing a pouch for holding said weight therein.

11. A method according to claim 9 or claim 10 which includes securing the weight to the patient's back by means of a support according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Drawing