WO2016144302A1

WO2016144302A1 - Thoracic apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2016144302A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/019250
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brendan RIDINGS; Michael Tunney
Original assignee: Posture Md LLC
Current assignee: Posture Md LLC
Priority date: 2015-03-06
Filing date: 2015-03-06
Publication date: 2016-09-15
Anticipated expiration: 2017-09-06

Abstract

A thoracic apparatus has upper and lower regions. The upper region may have a convex upper-back contacting region that may push the upper back of a user forward to encourage sitting with shoulders back in an open chest posture, and may have a central spinal accommodation. The lower region may have a recess to accommodate the lower lumbar region of the body in a position relatively rearwardly of the upper back. The apparatus may have a relatively stiff main member, and softer body members that contact the user's back that may have a dimpled or uneven surface. A lower portion may function as a stem positioning the upper region adjacent the upper back of the user. Fittings may secure the apparatus in a particular position, orientation, or location relative to a piece of furniture such as a chair or sofa. The back of the apparatus may have a no-slip fitting.

Description

THORACIC APPARATUS

Field of Invention

[0001] This description relates to thoracic apparatus.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Back pain is a common problem. A number of ailments falling under the general rubric of "back pain" may relate to long term repeated activity in which a person may be hunched over a keyboard for many hours per day.

[0003] Lower lumbar supports and cushions are known. However, lower lumbar supports do not engage the upper back. It may also be noted that a cushion, which may be intended to compress or deflect, may not perform the same role as a guide or form that tends to encourage the user to adopt a better posture for natural muscle balance. Where a better posture is encouraged, the body may become accustomed to supporting itself more comfortably.

Summary of Invention

[0004] The following summary may introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The summary is not intended to, and does not, limit or define the claims.

[0005] In an aspect of the invention there is a thoracic engagement apparatus. It has a first region for orientation facing forwardly toward, and for engaging, the upper back of a user. The first region has first and second wings. The first and second wings extend away from each other. There is a spinal accommodation is defined intermediate the first and second wings. Each wing has a first portion proximate the spinal accommodation, and a second portion more laterally distant from the spinal accommodation. The second portion is more rearward than the first portion.

[0006] In a feature of that aspect of the invention, the apparatus may have a second region, the second region defining a rearwardly relieved accommodation for a lumbar portion of the user's back. In another feature, the second region includes a stem extending away from the first region, the stem functioning to position the first region away from the user's lower lumbar region. In a further feature, the apparatus has a least a first securement engagement fitting by which to secure the thoracic engagement apparatus to seating. In still another feature, the apparatus includes a rearward facing engagement interface, the engagement interface is a non-slip engagement interface. In yet another feature, the non-slip engagement interface includes at least one grip member. In another feature, the spinal accommodation defines a channel. In still another feature, the spinal accommodation includes a softer material than the first portions of the wings adjacent thereto. In another feature, the first and second wings each present an array of contacts for engaging the user' s back. In a further additional feature, the first and second wings each have an undulating array of presenting a field of contacts extending both laterally and longitudinally relative to the user' s back. In still yet another feature, each of the wings has an insert seated therein, the insert is made of a softer material than adjacent structure, and the softer material is positioned to contact the user's back. In still yet a further feature, the apparatus is made of a monolith. In a further additional feature the apparatus is made of a polymeric foam.

[0007] In another aspect of the invention, there is a thoracic engagement apparatus having a first portion for engagement with a user' s upper back, said first portion being convex rearwardly, and presenting a profile against which to conform the user' s upper back.

[0008] In a feature of that aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a stem extending downwardly of the upper portion. In another feature the apparatus also include a lower portion, the lower portion including a lower lumbar accommodation recessed rearwardly relative to the upper portion. In still another feature, the upper region has a spinal accommodation. In another feature, the upper region presents a dimpled surface to the user's back. In yet another feature, the apparatus includes a stiffer main body portion of the upper portion, and a softer portion for contacting the user' s back. In a further feature, the apparatus has a rearwardly facing surface having a non-slip element. In a feature of that aspect, the profile may be termed a rearwardly relieved profile. In another feature, the apparatus is a seating apparatus for mating with furniture such as a chair or sofa. In another feature the apparatus is a reposing apparatus for use with a reclining element of furniture or with a floor or carpet or exercise mat. [0009] In another aspect of the invention is the use of the apparatus, including whichever of the foregoing aspects or features, or aspect and features, as may be combined, in a seating position, and another aspect of the invention includes the use thereof in a reclining, lying, or prone position on a level surface, the ground, a floor, a carpet, or an exercise mat.

Brief Description of the Illustrations

[0010] These and other features and aspects of the invention may be explained and understood with the aid of the accompanying illustrations, in which:

[0011] Figure la is a general arrangement perspective view of a thoracic apparatus according to an aspect of the invention herein as employed in use;

[0012] Figure lb is a perspective view from in front, above, and to one side of the thoracic apparatus of Figure la;

[0013] Figure lc shows a member of the apparatus of Figure lb;

[0014] Figure Id is a front view of the apparatus of Figure lb;

[0015] Figure le is a top view of the apparatus of Figure lb;

[0016] Figure If is a bottom view of the apparatus of Figure lb;

[0017] Figure lg is a left hand view of the apparatus of Figure lb;

[0018] Figure lh is a right-hand view of the apparatus of Figure lb;

[0019] Figure 2a is a side view of an insert member of the thoracic apparatus of Figure la;

[0020] Figure 2b is an end view of the insert member of Figure 2a;

[0021] Figure 3a is a front view of the member of Figure 2a;

[0022] Figure 3b is a rear view of the member of Figure 3a;

[0023] Figure 3c is a left-hand view of the member of Figure 3a;

[0024] Figure 3d is a right-hand view of the member of Figure 3a;

[0025] Figure 3e is a top view of the member of Figure 3 a;

[0026] Figure 3f is a bottom view of the member of Figure 3 a;

[0027] Figure 3g is a sectional view taken along the vertical central plane of the member of Figure lc;

[0028] Figure 3h is a view on section '3h - 3h' of Figure 3a; and

[0029] Figure 3i is an enlargement of detail '3i' of Figure 3f. Detailed Description

[0030] The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments incorporating one or more of the principles, aspects and features of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles, aspects and features of the invention. In the description, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals. The drawings may be taken as being to scale, or generally proportionate, unless indicated otherwise.

[0031] The scope of the invention herein is defined by the claims. Though the claims are supported by the description, they are not limited to any particular example or embodiment, and any claim may encompass processes or apparatus other than the specific examples described below. Other than as indicated in the claims themselves, the claims are not limited to apparatus or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below, or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatus described below. It is possible that an apparatus, feature, or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention.

[0032] The terminology used in this specification is thought to be consistent with the customary and ordinary meanings of those terms as they would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in North America. The Applicants expressly exclude all interpretations that are inconsistent with this specification, and, in particular, expressly exclude any interpretation of the claims or the language used in this specification such as may be made in the USPTO, or in any other Patent Office, other than those interpretations for which express support can be demonstrated in this specification or in objective evidence of record, demonstrating how the terms are used and understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, or by way of expert evidence of a person or persons of experience in the art.

[0033] This description discusses modular wall assemblies and elements of such assemblies. In this discussion it may be helpful to make reference to a co-ordinate system based on the user's body. The spinal direction may be thought of as the vertical or z-axis, and while a spine may not be precisely straight, the positive z- direction may be thought of as the upward direction of the spine, and the negative direction may be thought of as the downward direction. The lateral direction, or y- direction, may be thought of as the sideways distance measured away from the spine. The positive x-direction is the forward facing direction of the user; the negative x- direction is the backward or rearwardly facing direction of the user. The terminology is somewhat arbitrary and is understood whether the unit is installed, or is being processed in a factory in another orientation.

[0034] The commonly used engineering terms "proud", "flush" and "shy" may be used herein to denote items that, respectively, protrude beyond an adjacent element, are level with an adjacent element, or do not extend as far as an adjacent element, the terms corresponding conceptually to the conditions of "greater than", "equal to" and "less than".

[0035] Reference is made herein to polymeric foam members. For the purposes of this discussion a variety of commercially available materials could be used. Unless stated otherwise, the foam members may be understood as being made of polyurethane foam, although other foams could be used, and, subject to the needs of manufacturing processes, a less rigid material might also be employed in some instances.

[0036] Referring to Figures la - lc, there is a thoracic engagement apparatus 20. Apparatus 20 may typically be located on seating of some kind, be it a chair, or bench, or couch, as may be. Referring to apparatus 20 as installed on a chair 22, there is a body 24. It has a first, or upper, region 26, and a second, or lower, region 28.

[0037] Upper region 26 has a forward or front surface 30 that, in use, faces forwardly (i.e., toward the user or generally in the positive x-direction as defined) and that defines an upper back engagement interface. Upper region 26 may include a first, or left-hand element or portion or wing 32, such as may in use face toward and engage the left shoulder or upper left hand portion of the back of the user; and a second, or right-hand element or portion or wing 34, such as may, in use, face toward and engage the right shoulder or upper right hand portion of the back of the user. Each wing has a first region, or verge, or margin, or edge 36 that is most proximate to the user's spine, and a second region, or margin, or verge, or edge, 38, that is more distant, or most distant, from the user's spine. Each wing has a contact interface, or surface, or region 40.

[0038] Apparatus 20 may have, or may include, an intermediate zone or portion or region, 42, that is located intermediate, i.e. , between, wings 32 and 34. Intermediate region 42 may tend to extend in the spinal or z-direction. Intermediate region 42 may define a rebate, or relief, or seat, or hollow, or recess, or receiver, or refuge, or channel, or accommodation 50, in which to receive the user's spine during use. The accommodation or region 42 may be empty, or hollow, or vacant. Alternatively, it may have a foam or other material that is softer than the adjacent wings, such that it may yield more easily, or preferentially, without putting pressure on the user's vertebrae. Body 24 may also have am opposed, or rear, or back face 44, that is oriented to face rearwardly, i.e. , generally in the -x-direction. In some embodiments back face 44 may be substantially flat, although this need not necessarily be so. Body 24 may also have lateral first and second or left and right-hand generally opposed side edges or faces 46, 48. Body 24 may also have a top end 52 and a bottom end 54, each of which may terminate in a flat face. In one embodiment, the upper end of body 24 may be rounded or tapered, or may have a mitred or truncated mitered appearance or profile when viewed from in front or from behind.

[0039] Looking at the cross-section of Figure 3h, as one proceeds from the proximate portion or region, or margin or edge of each of wings 32, 34 toward the distal portion, or region, or margin, or edge thereof, the laterally more distant portions are angled back and away from the spine such that if apparatus 20 is laid on its back face 44, the central region protrudes most forwardly (at least to either side of spinal accommodation 50), and the wings are relieved laterally outwardly and rearwardly. Viewing the cross-section of Figure 3h, the resultant profile shape may be said to be W-shaped in section, with the small central point or generally V-shaped notch, or wedge of the W being that of spinal accommodation 50, and the rather longer outwardly extending legs corresponding to the profile of the respective left and right wings or portions or regions. In the embodiment shown, the longer side legs of the W may be of greater proportionate length and may be curved, or bow-legged. The curves of the left and right hand wings may be formed on circular arcs, and may have a common center of curvature. In one embodiment that center of curvature may lie in the plane of back face 44 at the centerline of the unit. The arcs need not be circular, and the center of curvature need not be in the plane of the back of the unit. The curvature might be elliptic, or parabolic, or some other shape. The curve might be shallower, i.e., the center of curvature might be more distant than the plane of back face 44, expressed differently, the radius of curvature might be greater than the through thickness of body 24 at the upper back location of the section of Figure 3h. In terms of proportion, the depth of spinal accommodation 50 might be 3/8" or perhaps half an inch or even greater (1 cm to l-½ cm, or more), whereas the (at least nominal) through thickness of body 24 may be about 3 inches, more or less, (7 ½ cm) such that the ratio of the depth of the spinal accommodation 50 to the through thickness may be on the order of 1:5 to 1 : 10, and may in one embodiment be in the range of about 1 :8.

[0040] Body 24 may have a second or lower region or portion 28. In the embodiment shown, lower region or portion 28 may extend from the bottom end 54 of body 24 up to the location at which the full depth through thickness ends (or, in the positive z- direction, it commences). In the embodiment shown, there is a transition, or taper, or sloped portion 60 that extends from bottom end 54 to transition intersection or termination point 62, where the taper meet the vertical line of the front profile of upper portion 26. In terms of proportion, point 26 may be about 2/5 of the way up body 24. It may be in the range of about 1/3 to about ½ or the overall height of apparatus 20 measured in the z-direction. The through thickness of body 24 at bottom end 54 may be about 1". The through thickness at termination point 62 may be about 3 inches. Although a straight-line sloped taper is shown, such that the front face of the taper lies in an inclined plane, Ρβο, it need not be a straight line slope, or a planar surface, but could be formed or cut, or molded on a curved or other contour such as may suit. For example, it could be formed on a profile similar to the profile of the lower lumbar region of the body. In any case, the tapered slice, or rearward trimming of the body is, or may be, such as to yield or define a rebate or relief, or recess, or allowance, or space, or volume, or accommodation 64 that would otherwise not be there had the profile of wings 32 and 34 continued straight downward in the z- direction. Accommodation 64 may allow for, or accommodate, or stand rearwardly clear of the lower lumbar region of the user. That is, lower region 28, in use, is intended to be located rearwardly of the lower lumber region of the person.

[0041] Lower portion 28 may define a stem, or leg, or stand, or stand-off, or spacer. That is, where apparatus 20 is located on a chair or other seating, it may be desired that upper region 26 may locate in a zone corresponding to the upper back or upper region of the spine. The overall height of body 24 may be of the order of 18 to 24 inches, and, in one embodiment, may be about 21 inches. The extension of lower portion 28 functions as a spacer or standoff from the lower portion of the seat up the back-rest portion of the chair or seat, preventing upper portion 26 from sliding or falling down. The extension height of roughly 8 inches, leaving an upper portion of some 13 inches, may be such as to accommodate a range of variation of seating geometry, and also a range of variation of user body sizes.

[0042] Body 24 need not be monolithic, but could itself be made of a frame or truss structure, supporting left and right-pads corresponding to wings 32, 34. However, it may be convenient to make body 24 from a single monolith of material. As an addition or an alternative to a stand-off stem or support such as provided by lower portion 28, apparatus 20 may have a securement, or securement, such as may be used to position apparatus 20 relative to seating or other objects, and to discourage displacement of apparatus 20 once mated with, or positioned relative to, that seating or other object. To that end, body 24 may have a bore or passage or hole formed therethrough, as indicated at 70, which may be a vertical passage having a first opening 66 in the face of top end 52, and a second opening 68 in back face 44. A tie, or strap, or belt, or band, or similar object may be fed through passage 70, possibly in the manner of a seat belt. Attachment of the belt may tend to discourage motion of apparatus 20, and, in particular, may tend to locate apparatus 20 in a vertical position. Alternatively, or additionally, body 24 may have a lateral bore or passage 80 having a first opening 72 in right hand edge face 46 and a second opening in second or left- hand edge face 48. A tie, or strap, or band, or web, may be passed laterally through passage 80, thereby permitting apparatus 20 to be secured to an adjacent chair or other object, and discouraging lateral motion.

[0043] Apparatus 20 may have further fittings to discourage dislodgement thereof. For example back face 44 may have hook-and-eye fabric fittings, such as Velcro (t.m.) for engagement of mating fabric fittings of an adjacent chair. Alternatively, or additionally, back face 44 may have a field or array of pads or strip or beads of an adherent material, such as a polymer, for example silicon, that may tend to provide a no-slip contact with other materials

[0044] Body 24 may be made in such a manner that the body contact interface regions 40 of wings 32 and 34 may be formed integrally as parts of wings 32, 34. Alternatively, apparatus 20 may have left and right-hand seats, or sockets, or engagement interfaces such as accommodations 82, 84 formed in or on wings 32, 34, respectively. Corresponding left and right hand members, which may be body contact members, or surface members, or facings, or pads, or inserts 86, 88 may be mounted to those engagement interfaces. In each case, the left and right-hand members are mirror opposites of each other, such that a description or illustration of one also provides an understanding of the other.

[0045] In one embodiment, members 86 and 88 may be made of the same material as body 24 more generally. In another embodiment members 86, 88 be made of a softer material than the underlying material of body 24 more generally. Members 86 and 88 may present an external facing 90 which may have, or be, or have the form of, a field or array 92 of protruding members, or contacts, or protrusions, or bumps and dimples, or blisters, or raised members, or asperities 94. The pattern of the array may be one of contacts formed as raised diagonal lozenges, as in Figures lb, 2a and 2b. In use, combined with the occasional motion of the user, the pad array may tend to have a massaging effect on the portion of the user's back contacted by the array.

[0045] External facing 90 of members 86 and 88 is generally curved, or formed to follow the general curve of main member 100, with the surface standing proud of the body, as noted above. The back or inner face of insert members 86, 88 may also follow a curved back or base wall of the accommodation, as at 102. Wall 102 may also be flat, and need not follow the general curve of the body, though it may be convenient for manufacture if it does. The footprint of insert members 86, 88 corresponds to the footprint of accommodations 82, 84, as may be, such that if there were taken in a developed, or flat, view, they would project onto each other, with the proximal and distal margins 106, 108 of the inserts mating with the corresponding proximal and distal margins 36, 38 of accommodations 82, 84. Similarly the obliquely angled and arcuate bottom edge 110 of the insert mates with bottom edge 112 of the accommodation. The curved upper end 114 of the insert follows the correspondingly curved upper edge 116 of the pocket to meet the respective proximal edges at the upper point. The mitred shoulder of member 100 is indicated as 118.

[0046] As noted, where inserts or facings are used, those members may be softer than the underlying structure of apparatus 20. Inasmuch as apparatus 20 may be intended for contact with a user's back, and inasmuch as apparatus 20 may be intended to provide a form to which the user's back may conform, body 24 may have substantial stiffness against local compression, against bending deflection in the x and y directions, and against torsional deflection about the z-axis. Body 24 need not be rigid, but may have some measure of flexibility while still having a suitable firmness and general resistance to deformation. To that end, body 24 may be made of a relatively stiff material, such as a relatively high density foam or nylon. In some embodiments body 24 may be made of a substantially rigid material. In some embodiments that material may be a wood or a wood-like material. As may be understood, the contact array of external facings 90 stand proud of the surface profile of the adjacent, firmer, body material, or materials, such that it is external facing 90 that contacts the user's back.

[0047] In some embodiments, either all of apparatus 20 or main body 100 may be made of an EVA foam - possibly a poly urethane foam, it may be that the part is molded simultaneously of a dual density foam in which there is a higher density, stiff er main part, corresponding to main body 100; and a softer in lower density foam in those portions that touch the shoulder blades, such as inserts 86, 88. Alternatively, the entire object may be made of foam of a single density.

[0048] The quilted surface texture of asperities 94 of surface 90 may tend to give multiple surface contact points, like a knobby massage surface. The presence of the multiple points of contact where it is knobby in an array of field of asperities may tend to cause autogenic inhibition. Contact at multiple points promotes this, and tends to cause the back muscles to relax - overall, tending to yield a more massaging effect.

[0049] Although apparatus 20 has been described in the context of use with seating, it will also be understood that in some embodiments, particularly embodiments of relatively thin through-thickness in the x-direction, apparatus 20, or apparatus generally similar thereto, may be used in lying-down, or prone, application, such as on a bed, or on a floor.

[0050] In use, apparatus 20 may tend not to function predominantly as a cushion, but rather as a posture device tending to encourage the user to sit with the user's shoulders back, rather than hunched over or rolled over. Apparatus 20 may tend to encourage the user to sit with a straight, or straighter, spine, and may thus tend to encourage the users muscles to operate in a naturally aligned or supportive manner. That is, as opposed to apparatus 20 providing a cushion or a support, apparatus may tend to function as a form encouraging the body to support itself.

[0051] In proper posture you want spine to be generally straight, straight, such that in a standing position the ankles, knees, hips, shoulder and ear are all in a common plane. [0052] It is relatively common for people who spend a significant portion of their working lives at a desk to work in a hunched-over position at a keyboard, with their head leaning forward and their shoulders rounded forward and inward. As a person hunches forward while silting, the whole back is rounded as you hunch forward- i.e., bending about a horizontal axis. On occasion, in rehabilitation there may be as many as 9 in 10 patients who exhibit posture with their shoulders rounded forward, and wife the head in forward position not aligned with body. This condition is sometimes referred to, or gives rise to Upper-Crossed Syndrome in which there is a muscle imbalance in the upper body. It is an imbalance of musculature in the upper body from chronic mis-position of upper body in hunched over appearance - day after day, repeated, body then keeps those muscles in tightened shape permanently, and may be termed adaptive shortening. Over time, the repeated adoption of this position tends to cause the muscles to become accustomed to that position and to become unbalanced.

[0053] This postural distortion may lead to straightening of the cervical (neck) spine, causing discs to compress on the front side of the spine and bulge on the backside (bulging cervical discs). For every inch forward the head travels forward from the mid line ( a line that should go straight through the ears, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles) there is 10-12 lbs additional pressure on the lower back. As may be noted, the site of pain (the lower lumbar region) and source of pain (eccentricity of the weight of the upper body shoulders and head forward of the body midline) are two different tilings. No lumbar support can address this. The rounding or forward position of the shoulders is the primary cause of a multitude of shoulder issues. As the shoulder rounds forward (anatomical drawings make this very clear) there is a tendon that becomes impinged in the front of the shoulder. Shoulder impingement is the most prevalent diagnosis. This position pulls on the rotator cuff and weakens over time. This leads to shoulder instability and creates conditions for rotator cuff tears. This posture creates hunch back look which is referred to a tight thoracic spine (excessive kyphosis). This will get worse with time and further distorts the lower back position as well as create disc issues and pain between the shoulder blades.

[0054] There may be substantial consequences for health arising from spending long periods of time in such an incorrect posture, including the promotion of osteoporosis, lower back and joint pain, and other ailments. With shortened musculature certain muscles become chronically tight and overactive. This posture is one of the top reasons for chronic headaches as well. For example, the sub-occipital muscle at the base of the skull may become chronically tight. This in turn may pinch blood vessels and may lead to chronic headaches or tension headaches. The correlating muscles that would normally oppose this mis-positioning may have become weakened over time.

[0055] As the shoulders round forward, it may not only be that poor posture has an unattractive appearance, and a presentation of unconfidence, but may also change the function of shoulder. A significant proportion of reported shoulder pain, sometimes referred to as shoulder impingement syndrome, is caused by rounded shoulder posture. At the same time, the rounding of the shoulders pulls the rotator cuff muscle. When constantly pulled into a lengthened position, it may tend to lose elasticity, may become stretched and weak, and may tend easily to tear.

[0056] The problem of lower back pain is quite common, and has been the subject of much attention. There have been attempts to provide lower back supports, or lumbar supports as they may be termed. Some existing lumbar supports push the lower back up and outward, which itself may tend to promote bad posture.

[0057] Apparatus 20 may tend to work in the opposite manner. That is, upper region 26 stands for ardly proud of lower regions 28 (i.e., it stands further forward in the x- direction). The rounded center is the most forward part, with the wings extending laterally and rearwardly in a shape that may tend to push the upper back out (i.e., forward), while letting the lower spine stay in, where it normally is and where it is supposed to be. In the embodiment shown and described, the general shape of the upper region 26 is rearwardly convex (in contrast to the hunched over forward posture which may be thought of as being concave). Thus, rather than acting, or acting primarily, as a bodily compressible cushion, apparatus 20 may tend to act primarily as a relatively stiff body or frame or form to which the body of the user, and in particular the upper back (e.g., the shoulders), may tend to conform.

[0058] The pressing of the wings against the upper back may tend to be comfortable, and may tend to cause, or encourage, the user to sit with their shoulders back, in an open chest posture, rather than hunched forward. This, in turn may tend to promote a more confident posture, and the establishment or maintenance of greater balance in the muscles. By tending to retract, or to encourage or facilitate retraction of, the shoulder blades, the user may also then experience having the cervical spine move back naturally into a more neutral position generally in line with the mid-line of the body.

[0059] The bottom 8 or 10 inches is reverse wedge cut on the taper discussed above. As noted, the wedge may allow the user to sit back in the chair, and when so seated the upper region it presses into the user's back without the user having deliberately to Sean back into the chair. The groove up the middle accommodates the user's spine, and may tend to keep x-direction pressure off the vertebrae.

[0060] Accordingly, the hips contact at the low point, and the mid-back contacts at the high point - any may thereby tend to maintain the proper curvature of the lower back. Apparatus 20 does not then function as a cushion or as a load bearing support, but rather places the back in the proper posture - encourages the muscles that normally give you proper posture to engage properly. The action of apparatus 20 is then in the nature of a guide that encourages better posture. That better posture may tend to train the musculature to self-support better, which, over time, is also more comfortable. Apparatus 20 is not (at least initially) a comfy cushion. It causes the user to sit in the right place. After a time, muscle memory works on its own, whether the person is sitting in the chair or not, therefore benefits endure outside of use of chair. Apparatus 20 does not require the user to be strapped in.

[0061] Apparatus 20 may then tend to encourage the restoration of upright posture. The reverse wedge design may tend to permit the user to keep the hips back, while promoting the upper body to be pushed forward, which will appear as sitting up straight. This may tend to restore natural curvature to the lumbar spine (lower back). Current lumbar pillows cannot achieve this as they may tend to have no interaction with the upper body, and, of course, there is loss of function as soon as the user needs to reach forward.

[0061] The convex thoracic support region (mid to upper back) of upper portion 26 may tend to cause the majority of contact with the muscles next to the user's spine, and curves backward (looks like a half sphere placed vertically). This may encourage a user naturally to pull the shoulders back without conscious effort. As the torso sits up straight and the shoulder blades come back, the head goes from a forward position back to neutral where the ears are aligned with the shoulders and hips. This may tend to aid in addressing upper crossed syndrome by placing user in proper position while performing seated tasks. The main reason for bad spinal and shoulder alignment is over active muscles in the front of the body and under active muscles in the back. This tends to lead to bad posture. Apparatus 20 may tend to activate the muscles of the upper back and restore proper tension in them. The user may have the opportunity also to become aware of what good posture feels like and may then come more easily to recognize when they are in a bad position. Apparatus 20 may tend to push the user off the back of their chair, as is natural when reaching for a keyboard or to write, and allows user to maintain shoulders back while arms are fully extended. In one embodiment, apparatus 20 is about 6" wide and about 21" tall. Since it runs vertically, it may tend to discourage pelvic un-leveling by discouraging lateral tilting of the spine.

[0062] As noted, the apparatus may be used as a seating apparatus for mating with furniture such as a chair or sofa. Alternatively the apparatus may be used as a reposing apparatus for use with a reclining element of furniture or with a level surface, the ground, a floor or carpet, or an exercise mat, including whichever of the foregoing aspects or features, or aspect and features, as may be combined, in a seating or reclining position.

[0063] In summary, the description provides a frame or form, or relatively stiff body that is a thoracic engagement apparatus having a first portion for engagement with a user' s upper back, and in which the first portion is convex rearwardly, and presents a profile against which to conform the user's upper back, e.g., in a shoulders-back, pectoral muscles extended, chest-open condition. This may contrast with cushions or pillows that may often tend to do the opposite. The first portion is an upper potion and the apparatus may include a stem extending downwardly of the first portion. The apparatus may also include a lower portion, that lower portion including a lower lumbar accommodation recessed rearwardly relative to the upper portion. The upper region of the apparatus may have a spinal accommodation. The first region may present a dimpled surface to the user' s back. The apparatus may include a stiffer main body portion of said first portion, and a softer portion for contacting the user's back. It may also include a rearwardly facing surface having a non-slip element.

[0064] Several embodiments have been described hereinabove. Further embodiments can be made combining the features and aspects of those embodiments in such combinations and permutations as may be appropriate, as may be understood without need for redundant explanation of further description of all of those possible combinations and permutations.

[0065] What has been described above has been intended illustrative and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variances and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims appended hereto. Various embodiments of the invention have been described in detail. Since changes in and or additions to the above-described best mode may be made without departing from the nature, spirit or scope of the invention, the invention is not to be limited to those details but only by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims We claim:

1. A thoracic engagement apparatus, having

a first region for orientation facing forwardly toward, and for engaging, the upper back of a user;

said first region having first and second wings, said first and second wings extending away from each other;

each wing having a first portion proximate to the other wing, and a second portion more laterally distant from the other wing; and said second portion being more rearward than said first portion.

2. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second region, said second region defining a rearwardly relieved accommodation for a lumbar portion of the user's back.

3. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 2 wherein said second region includes a stem extending away from said first region, said stem functioning to position the first region away from the user' s lower lumbar region.

4. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus has a least a first securement engagement fitting by which to secure the thoracic engagement apparatus to seating.

5. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus includes a rearward facing engagement interface, said engagement interface being a non-slip engagement interface.

6. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 5 wherein said non-slip engagement interface includes at least one grip member.

7. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spinal accommodation defines a channel.

8. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 1 wherein the spinal accommodation includes a softer material than the first portions of the wings adjacent thereto.

9. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first and second wings each present an array of contacts for engaging the user' s back.

10. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 9 wherein said first and second wings each have an undulating array of presenting a field of contacts extending both laterally and longitudinally relative to the user' s back.

11. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said wings has an insert seated therein, said insert being made of a softer material than adjacent structure, said softer material being positioned to contact the user's back.

12. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus is made of a monolith.

13. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus is made of a polymeric foam.

14. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus includes a spinal accommodation intermediate said wings.

15. A thoracic engagement apparatus having a first portion for engagement with a user' s upper back, said first portion being convex rearwardly, and presenting a profile against which to conform the user's upper back.

16. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 15 wherein said first portion is an upper potion and said apparatus includes a stem extending downwardly of said upper portion.

17. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 15 wherein said apparatus also include a lower portion, said lower portion including a lower lumbar accommodation recessed rearwardly relative to said upper portion.

18. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 15 wherein said upper region has a spinal accommodation.

19. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 15 wherein said first region presents a dimpled surface to the user' s back.

20. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 15 wherein said apparatus includes a stiffer main body portion of said first portion, and a softer portion for contacting the user' s back.

21. The thoracic engagement apparatus of claim 15 wherein said apparatus has a rearwardly facing surface having a non-slip element.