CN101600401B

CN101600401B - Posture sensing device

Info

Publication number: CN101600401B
Application number: CN200680055666.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李·布兰东; 托马斯·杰克逊
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-06-29
Filing date: 2006-06-29
Publication date: 2014-06-25
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-29
Also published as: AU2006345722B2; JP5204102B2; EP2037832A4; EP2037832A1; JP2009542316A; CN101600401A; AU2006345722A1; CA2656407A1; CA2656407C; MX2009000218A; WO2008005000A1

Abstract

A gesture-aware apparatus, comprising: a gasket, a signal producing system, and an activator that activates the signal producing system when a 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 an upper portion of the switch; and a cap adapted to attach the compression element in a position at least partially surrounding the upper portion of the switch.

Description

Postural awareness apparatus

The application is the U.S. Patent application No.10/712 submitting on November 12nd, 2003, 581 partial continuous case, and U.S. Patent application No.10/712, 581 is the U.S. Patent application No.09/553 that submit on April 20th, 2000, 564 continuous case, and U.S. Patent application No.09/553, 564 have authorized now as U.S. Patent No. 6, 648, 838, and described U.S. Patent No. 6, 648, 838 is the also resigned U.S. Patent application No.09/416 that submit on October 11st, 1999, 160 partial continuous case, and described U.S. Patent application No.09/416, 160 is the U.S. Patent application No.09/023 that submit on February 13rd, 1998, 038 continuous case, and U.S. Patent application No.09/023, 038 has authorized now as U.S. Patent No. 6, 019, 738, all above-mentioned documents by reference to mode all introduce at this.

Technical field

The present invention relates to the device for the posture in strong spinal column, abdominal part and multiple plane, and for instructing neutral spine.

Background technology

For example inventing the U.S. Patent No. 3,582,935 that people is Verhaeghe, the U.S. Patent No. 3 that invention people is Brooks, 981,032, the invention people people's such as be Fraser U.S. Patent No. 4,730,625, invent the U.S. Patent No. 5 that people is Sawhill, 146,929, the U.S. Patent No. 5 that the U.S. Patent No. 5,279,310 that invention people is Hsien and invention people are Brucker, device for monitoring, control and proofread and correct posture has been described in 522,401.But it is abdominal part and the spinal column that is applied to strong user that this correcting unit does not have specific design.

The invention people who authorizes on February 1st, 2000 U.S. Patent No. 6,019,738 that is Brandon discloses in exercise regimen for strong people's abdominal part and the successful postural awareness apparatus of the first of spinal column, this patent by reference to mode all introduce at this.Disclosed equipment comprise there is the pad of longitudinal axis, for generation of advertiser and the checkout gear of signal, described checkout gear is for detection of putting on the weight (being pressure) of pad and activation signal device in the time that weight exceedes predetermined weight.Advertiser comprises multiple vibrator units, and the described multiple vibrator units of a part are attached to pad on the relative position of the both sides of longitudinal axis.The further improvement of postural awareness apparatus is disclosed in the U.S. Patent No. 6 that the invention people that authorizes on November 18th, 2003 is the people such as Brandon, 648,838 and the U.S. Patent application No.10/712 that simultaneously submits to the 12 days November in 2003 of pending trial, in 581, the two whole open by reference to mode all introduce at this.

Wish constantly to improve the device using in strong people's abdominal part and the exercise regimen of spinal column.It would also be desirable to provide a kind of device of for example, informing user in multidigit (sit, lie, stand) is taken exercise in the time keeping neutral spine position.

Summary of the invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of equipment, it comprises: pad, signal generation system and activator appliance, described activator appliance response pressure and in the time putting on the pressure of described equipment and exceed predetermined pressure activation signal produce system.Activator appliance comprises: switch, and it has top; Compressing member, is limited with opening on it, described compressing member is at least partly around the top of switch; And top cover, its its be suitable for compressing member to be fixed at least partly around the position on the top of switch.

According to more concrete embodiment, described postural awareness apparatus further comprises lower back portion assembly.Described lower back portion assembly can detachably be attached to pad in concrete embodiment, or in other the specific embodiment, is permanently attached to pad.In further concrete embodiment, lower back portion assembly comprises: base portion, on it, be limited with at least one opening, and switch is arranged in opening; And bed course, on it, be limited with at least one opening, the register in this opening and base portion.Base portion comprises riser portions, be limited with opening, and switch is arranged in described opening and extend through base portion in described riser portions.Top cover has upper element and multiple arm, and each described arm has the far-end that comprises locking member.Switch and compressing member have the longitudinal axis of basic conllinear.

The embodiment concrete according to these, compressing member is arranged between base portion and the upper element of top cover.Each arm of top cover extends through the opening being limited in base portion, and the locking member of top cover prevents that top cover from surprisingly departing from from base portion, allows top cover substantially to move along the direction of the longitudinal axis of switch and compressing member with respect to base portion simultaneously.This makes in the time that the pressure that exceedes predetermined value puts on the upper element of top cover, thus the contact of the upper element of top cover and activator switch.This further allows to remove compressing member and uses another compressing member such as compressing member for example with different-stiffness to replace it.

The further more concrete embodiment of equipment of the present invention comprises multiple activator appliances.In these embodiments, the part that pad has longitudinal axis and described multiple activator appliances is positioned at the relative position on the both sides of longitudinal axis.

According to the additional specific embodiment, signal generation system comprises multiple vibrator units.More specifically, the relative position of a part for described multiple vibrator units on the both sides of longitudinal axis is attached to pad (for example,, by being bonded to lower back portion assembly).

Some aforementioned embodiments of equipment of the present invention comprises pad, and described pad is attached with lower back portion assembly.Lower back portion assembly also can be independent of pad and use.Therefore, according to a further aspect in the invention, provide a kind of postural awareness apparatus, it is suitable for a part for the lower back portion that contacts mankind's user.Described equipment comprises: base portion, is limited with at least one opening on it; Bed course, is limited with at least one opening on it, the register in this opening and base portion; Signal generation system; And activator appliance, its activation signal in the time that the pressure that puts on equipment exceedes predetermined pressure produces system.Activator appliance comprises: switch, and it has top, and switch is arranged in the opening being defined in base portion; Compressing member, is limited with opening on it, compressing member is at least partly around the top of switch; And top cover, it is suitable for compressing member to be fixed on the position at least part of top around switch.In concrete embodiment, top cover can remove, thereby allows the replacement of compressing member.

In the following detailed description, for one of ordinary skilled in the art, it is more apparent that other features and advantages of the present invention will become.But although should be appreciated that and be indicated as being the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description here and concrete example are to provide by the mode of explanation rather than the mode of restriction.In the situation that not departing from spirit of the present invention, can make within the scope of the invention various changes and remodeling, and the present invention includes these all remodeling.

Accompanying drawing explanation

By with reference to accompanying drawing, the present invention is by easier to understand, wherein:

Fig. 1 a-1b is respectively top view and the decomposition side view that adopts the first embodiment of removable headrest and bustle, and wherein vibrator units and pressure transducer are arranged in the lumbar unit shown in model;

Fig. 2 a-2c is top view, side view and the end-view of the removable headrest that adopts of the embodiment in Fig. 1 a-1b;

Fig. 3 is the profile of the bustle in Fig. 1 a-1b, wherein shows pressure transducer in bustle and the position of vibrator units;

Fig. 4 a-4c is top view, cutaway view and the side view with the replaceable embodiment of the headrest of pressure transducer, vibrator units and gauge tap separately;

Fig. 5 is the side-looking exploded view that comprises the replaceable embodiment of kyphosis wedge;

Fig. 6 a-6b shows the schematic diagram as the mechanical switch of pressure transducer, shows respectively activation and stops state of activation;

Fig. 7 is the schematic diagram with the pressure transducer of photoproduction signal generation system and external power source supply;

Fig. 8 is the schematic diagram of replaceable embodiment, has wherein adopted in turn two pressure transducers, and one is positioned at headrest, and another is positioned at bustle;

Fig. 9 is the left side perspective view of the decomposed of another embodiment of equipment of the present invention, and it comprises separable head/neck and lower back portion assembly;

Figure 10 a-10b be while showing respectively for short user and tall person's user head/neck with respect to the top view of the set of lower back portion assembly;

Figure 11-13 are respectively right perspective view, upward view and the exploded views of the head/neck of Fig. 9;

Figure 14 is the left side axonometric chart of the embodiment of the lower back portion assembly of Fig. 9;

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

Figure 16 is the sectional view through switch/force adjustment system of a part for the lower back portion assembly of Figure 14, and described switch/force adjustment system comprises switch and power adjustment ring;

Figure 17 is the sectional view of the replaceable embodiment of switch/force adjustment system, and described switch/force adjustment system comprises switch, top cover and spring;

Figure 18 is the axonometric chart of the top cover of Figure 17;

Figure 19 shows the spring of Figure 17 and the top cover axonometric chart with respect to the setting of the base portion of lower back portion assembly;

Figure 20 is the schematic diagram for the control unit of the embodiment of equipment of the present invention;

Figure 21 shows the schematic diagram that uses television screen that visual signal is provided to user; And

Figure 22 shows the replaceable embodiment axonometric chart of switch/force adjustment system, and wherein, switch is fixed in lining.

In multiple views of accompanying drawing, similar label is indicated similar parts.

The specific embodiment

The invention provides the apparatus and method for strong spinal column and abdominal part, thereby and for instructing the perception of user posture to keep and strong neutral spine." neutral spine " is used for representing biomechanics correct spinal position, and in this position, muscle keeps balance, and spinal column absorbing power and neither also not stretching in the limit in limit bending best.For example, the typical bending deflection/stretching, extension deflection of healthy user is respectively about 30 ° and about 15 °; Other user may have greater or lesser bending deflection/stretching, extension deflection.Neutral spine position changes along with the postural change of user; For example, the neutral spine position of cyphotic user is different from the neutral spine position of user with normal posture.

Referring now to accompanying drawing, in Fig. 1-3, the first embodiment of equipment 10 of the present invention comprises the lying mat 12 being preferably made up of anti-slip material, and it supports 16 with bustle 14 and head.

Bustle 14 is preferably integrated with lying mat 12, and bustle 14 is made up of a part for lying mat 12.Activator appliance 18 is arranged in bustle 14, and described activator appliance 18 detects the weight on the surface 20 that puts on bustle 14 and the system 22 of activation signal generation subsequently.Activator appliance 18 can comprise for example one or more mechanical switchs, one or more pressure transducer or one of ordinary skilled in the art known for detection of other device that puts on surperficial weight.

Activator appliance 18 is connected in one or more signal generation systems 22.For example, when pressure (weight) puts on selected activator appliance 18,, in the time that activator appliance response (detecting) puts on the weight on surface 20 of lying mat 12, activation signal produces system 22.Once activate, signal generation system 22 just produces the signal that can be used the people of present device to aware.

In some more specific embodiment, activator appliance 18 responds the pressure (for example weight) in expected range.Therefore, in the time that applied pressure is less than the minima of expected range, activator appliance 18 is not activated, and in the time that applied pressure is greater than the maximum of expected range, activator appliance 18 stops activating.In this embodiment, the pressure limit that activator appliance 18 responds can be determined by any traditional mode (for example, by electronic component, software, mechanical switch or other device etc.).

Exemplary signal generation system 22 includes, but are not limited to: for example, for generation of the device of vibration signal, mechanical vibrator; For example, for generation of the device of audible signal, electronic audio generator; For generation of the device of visual signal, for example bulb or light emitting diode (LED); The combination of analog and these devices.Signal generation system 22 can invest equipment 10 or in its inside, for example, in bustle 14, or is placed in outside.Activator appliance 18 and signal generation system 22 link together, for example, as the part of circuit, or by devices such as such as low powered radio emitters.Anyly all be believed to comprise within the scope of the invention for the device, element or the equipment that make activator appliance 18 can activation signal produce system 22.

Optionally, bustle 14 can hold one or more lordosis insert 14a that are arranged on activator appliance 18 tops for supporting the user that has excessive lordosis or other overbending or stretch deflection.Exemplary insert includes, but are not limited to: mechanical insert, inflation or other inflatable insert etc.Bustle 14 can also optionally comprise that switch (not shown) produces system 22 for inhibit signal, thereby allows use equipment in the situation that not producing signal.

Head supports 16 and comprises head/neck base 24 and neck rami pectorales support 26.The neck support 28 that width can optionally be adjusted is arranged on head and supports on 16 and between head/neck base 24 and neck rami pectorales support 26.As shown in Figure 1 b, head supports 16 and such as, is detachably attached to lying mat 12 by attachment arrangement 30 (hook/loop device such as velcro fasteners, hasp), thereby allow head to support 16 selectively set, also allow the independent head that uses when needed to support 16.In replaceable embodiment, head supports 16 can for good and all be attached to lying mat 12.

In a preferred embodiment, head supports 16 and is provided with multiple Handheld Divisions 32.For example cutting openings formation in pedestal 24 can be passed through in Handheld Division 32, or can independently form and be attached to pedestal 24.

If needed, lying mat surface 20 can arrange figure 34, and for example people's pelvis and bottom backbone's typical shape, so that user is with respect to lying mat surface orientation.The position that demonstrates TLC pressure spot and activator appliance 18 is also beneficial to and helps user suitably directed with respect to equipment 10.

In the preferred implementation shown in Fig. 3, signal generation system 22 comprises that two both sides along the longitudinal axis 38 of liner 12 are arranged on the vibrator 36 in bustle 14.Vibrator 36 be connected in activator appliance 18 and for example, in the time that activator appliance 18 response puts on the pressure (weight of user health) on surface 20 of lying mat 12 vibrator 36 be activated.

The example of the activator appliance 18 shown in Fig. 6 a-b comprises: power supply 40, it can be battery, for example, this battery be arranged in lumbar support 14 or be arranged in equipment 10, other positions of on equipment 10 or equipment 10 outsides, or it can be the A/C power supply of powering by plug; Mechanical switch 42, it provides energy by the spring with preliminary election spring constant; And pair of contact 44, it forms loop with the signal generation system 22 such as such as vibrator.In Fig. 6 a, the weight such as the body wt of such as user (being represented by downward arrow) exceed spring force and make mechanical switch 42 closures, thereby make circuit closed and activation signal produce system 22.Therefore,, in the time that user keeps contacting with activator appliance 18, loop remains closed and signal generation system 22 keeps activating.When signal generation system involving vibrations device unit 46 (as shown in Fig. 6 a-b), user perception puts on the vibration signal at its back; In replaceable embodiment, in the time that signal generation system 22 comprises audio-frequency generator, bulb or LED, the signal that signal generation system 22 produces can be heard and/or see to user.In any case in the time that back and the activator appliance 18 of user have contacted and applied enough downward power and cause that switch 42 is closed, user is apprised of.

The replaceable embodiment of activator appliance 18 comprises the pressure transducer and the interlock circuit that replace mechanical switch.This circuit of following is easy to be manufactured by those of ordinary skill in the art, so that response puts on the predetermined pressure of pressure transducer and produces output signal.This output signal and then activation signal produce system 22.

Fig. 7 shows another embodiment of equipment of the present invention, and what wherein adopt is pressure transducer 48 rather than mechanical switch.Signal generation system comprises bulb 50.Electric energy is supplied with by outside A/C power supply by plug 52.

Optionally, kyphosis is inserted between head support 16 and lying mat 12 with wedge 54, in order to adapt to the user in head forward facing position.

Fig. 4 a-c shows head and supports 116 replaceable embodiment, and it comprises the activator appliance 118 and the one or more signal generation system 122 that are arranged in head/neck base 124.As shown in the figure, signal generation system comprises multiple vibrators that are arranged in neck support 128.In the time that the head of user departs from the contacting of activator appliance 118, activator appliance 118 activation signals generation systems 122 (for example vibrator).For example, in the situation that activator appliance 118 comprises mechanical switch, in the time that the head of user contacts with described switch, described switch is in an open position, and in the close position unlike above-mentioned activator appliance 18.In the situation that activator appliance 118 comprises pressure transducer, follow circuit during lower than predeterminated level when the pressure detecting and produce signal, rather than produce signal while exceeding predeterminated level.

If need, can adopt three-way switch 130 to be connected to activator appliance 118 and vibrator.Switch 130 allows user optionally to enable or forbid activator appliance 118 and allows to control respectively the activation of vibrator.Therefore, on a position, activator appliance 118 is activated, so that as activated vibrator above for the description of activator appliance 18 and signal generation system 22.In the second position, activator appliance 118 is disabled, and vibrator is stopped activation.On the 3rd position, activator appliance is disabled, and vibrator is activated, thereby using equipment of the present invention to carry out the intermittence of athleticism, allows user selectivity to loosen and select to stretch.

Head supports activator appliance 118 in 116 aforementioned embodiments and can connect with the activator appliance 18 being arranged in lumbar support 14 for example, as shown in Figure 8.In this embodiment, only all be subject to respectively the used time of doing of the head of for example user and the weight equal pressure of health when activator appliance 118 and activator appliance 18, signal generation system 22 (and be optionally arranged on head support the vibrator in 116) is just activated.

The signal (vibration, audition, vision etc.) that equipment of the present invention provides allows user to strengthen the intensity of the muscle of being taken exercise by eliminating momentum.In use, signal informs that its territory, breast lumbar region of user compresses activator appliance 18 fully, thereby guarantees the isolation of correct muscle purposes.Therefore, coordinating and strong proprioception acuity enhancing for waist sacrum of user.

Equipment of the present invention is such as preferably used on the horizontal surface such as floor or exercise bench.If needed, lying mat 12 can be provided with one or more attachment arrangements such as such as hook or fixture etc., thereby makes described equipment can be attached to the vertical surface such as for example door.Described equipment can also be used for the surfaces such as such as seat.

The signal that equipment of the present invention provides has formed the feedback to user in the time that user is taken exercise, thereby user can make momentum minimize and make intensity to maximize.In order to use equipment of the present invention to start to take exercise at supine position, near the third lumbar vertebra (L3) (being typically positioned at the stringcourse or umbilical part of user) of user is aimed at bustle 14, and head/neck support 16 is placed in comfortable position, user cervical region below.If needed, the position of head/neck support 16 is adjusted into user and adapts.In use, lower back portion is pressed in bustle 14, until signal generation system 22 produces signal.By straining relevant muscle, can keep equally constant-tension.

The use of the replaceable embodiment of head/neck support 116 makes user can avoid neck strain.If lifting head in abdominal part training process, user causes neck strain, lifting of head will be sent signal to user by signal generation system 122 so, and signal generation system 122 is for example the vibration to cervical region, audible signal or any signal generation system that other needs that buzzer produces.Then thereby user can reduce its head contact head/neck support 116.

Be shown in Fig. 9-16 according to the further specific embodiment 200 of equipment of the present invention.Equipment 200 comprises lying mat 202, lower back portion assembly 204 and head/neck 206.Lower back portion assembly 204 and head/neck 206 can both detachably be fixed on lying mat 202 by for example Velcro band or other securing member.In concrete embodiment, lower back portion assembly 204 can permanently or detachably be fixed on the precalculated position in lying mat 202, and head/neck 206 is separated by optional apart from being detachably fixed on lying mat 202 with lower back portion assembly 204.Therefore, as shown in Figure 10 a-b, thereby described equipment can be adjusted and adapt to the different user of height, wherein, in order to adapt to short user, thereby head/neck 206 shifts near middle pad 205 to be fixed on lying mat 202 and (to see Figure 10 a), or more (see Figure 10 b) away from middle pad 205 and lower back portion assembly 204 in order to adapt to tall person's user more to approach the mode of lower back portion assembly 204.

The specific embodiment of the head/neck 206 that the aforementioned embodiments 200 (and aforementioned embodiments 10) of equipment of the present invention can be used is shown in Figure 11-13.Head/neck 206 comprises neck roll 210 and is arranged on the hot nose pad 212 (covering head switch 234) in neck board 214.In the specific embodiment, neck roll 210 and hot nose pad 212 are made up of for example polyurethane or other foam elastomeric material, or the skin that comprises elasticity internal material and be made up of skin, cloth, vinyl or other suitable cover cover material at replaceable embodiment.Cervical region vibrator 232, more specifically paired cervical region vibrator units is as shown in the figure fixed on the below of neck roll 210 by motor backups 240.The alignment member 227 of neck roll 210 is placed in the perforate 226 being limited in neck board 214.

Handheld Division 216 limits along the side 214a-b of neck board 214.Be formed at the lower surface 214d of neck board 214 and in the time that user is held Handheld Division 216, lay the finger of user under shed recess 218, in concrete embodiment, example extends beyond the upper surface 214c of neck board 214 as shown here under shed recess 218.Upper back pad 220 is also fixed on neck board 214.Upper back vibrators 242 is arranged in cavity 228 and is clipped between neck board 214 and upper back pad 220.

The fixtures 222 such as such as Velcro band are attached to the lower surface 214d of neck board 214, make head/neck 206 can detachably be attached to main pad 202.

In further concrete embodiment, set of cells 221 is fixed on neck board 214 by battery cover 238 and Velcro band 230, and set of cells 221 provides electric energy to described upper back vibrators 242 and cervical region vibrator 232, and provide electric energy to buzzer 224 in the other specific embodiment.Alternatively, set of cells can be fixed on lower back portion assembly 204 or be positioned at its inside.If need, can adopt multiple set of cells.

Translate into Figure 14-16, lower back portion assembly 204 comprises external cladding 244, described external cladding 244 can be made up of for example polyurethane or other foamed materials elastomeric material in concrete embodiment, or in replaceable embodiment, described external cladding 244 comprises elastic inner layer material and skin, described skin is made up of skin, cloth, vinyl or other suitable clad material, or is made up of the eyelid covering foamed materials such as the eyelid covering polyurethane foam of manufacturing by injection molding method.External cladding 244 both can directly also can be fixed on the housing 246 as rigid support by additional intermediate buffering layer 264 (seeing Figure 16).In concrete embodiment, the upper surface of external cladding 244 comprises multiple positioning edges 252, and described positioning edge 252 provides the sensitivity of enhancing to user, and user can more easily oneself be suitably placed on lower back portion assembly 204.

Lower back vibrators 262, more specifically paired vibrator is as shown in figure 15 arranged in the cavity 263 between external cladding 244 and housing 246.Vibrator 262 activates by switch/force adjustment system (describing hereinafter).In concrete embodiment, vibrator 262 can by with above-mentioned head/neck 206 in use similarly battery-powered.Alternatively, vibrator 262 can pass through wall outlet, vehicle cigarette lighter, external cell or set of cells or connect 256 by any external power source of other needs by system power supply.

Be shown in Figure 15-16 according to the first embodiment of switch/force adjustment system of the present invention.In this embodiment, switch 248 is arranged in switch base 258, and in concrete embodiment, described switch base 258 forms with housing 246, and in the interchangeable specific embodiment, described switch base 258 is the individual components that are fixed on housing 246.Power adjustment ring 250 around and the top 249 of engagement switch 248, described power adjustment ring 250 so be inserted in the opening 260 limiting in external cladding 244 and certainly this opening 260 project upwards.

In concrete embodiment, power adjustment ring 250 is made up of elastomeric material, and the hard and elasticity of described elastomeric material is less than the material that forms pad 244.By changing the rigidity of power adjustment ring 250, thereby can optionally control closing switch 248 and activate the size of the required pressure of vibrators 262.For example, the power adjustment ring 250 that user can sequentially adopt rigidity to increase gradually, thus the back that increases gradually user must be applied in switch/force adjustment system in order to activate the pressure of vibrator 262.

As shown in the figure, in lower back portion assembly 204, adopt switch 248 and power adjustment ring 250.In other the specific embodiment, switch 248 and power adjustment ring 250 also for head/neck 206 in order to activate vibrator 232 and/or vibrator 242.

Be shown in Figure 17-19 according to the second embodiment of switch/force adjustment system of the present invention.In this embodiment, the compressed element 270 in the top 249 of switch 248 surrounds, and described compressing member 270 as shown is spring.Switch 248 and compressing member 270 all have longitudinal axis, and in the time that compressing member 270 arranges around switch 248, their the basic conllinear of axis.Comprise that the top cover 272 of upper element 274 and multiple arm 276 (shown in Figure 17-18 being two) is arranged on the top of compressing member 270, upper element 274 is contacted with the top of compressing member 270, and arm 276 encases compressing member 270 at least partly simultaneously.The far-end 278 of arm 276 comprises locking member 280, and described locking member 280 is by notch 282 engage switch mounts 258.In switch base 258, be provided with enough spaces in order to allow arm 276 to move along the direction of the longitudinal axis that is basically parallel to switch 248.Top cover 272 is inserted in the opening 260 being limited in external cladding 244 and projects upwards from described opening 260.The locking member 280 of top cover 272 prevents that top cover 272 is unexpected and departs from, and allows to remove top cover (by relative to one another extrusion arm 276) to remove and/or replace compressing member 270 simultaneously.

In use, the pressure that puts on top cover 272 causes the downward displacement of top cover, and top cover is contacted with switch 248.Thereby the rigidity of compressing member 270 has determined closing switch 248 and has activated the amount of the required pressure of vibrator 262.Therefore user can sequentially adopt the compressing members 270 such as the spring that such as rigidity increases gradually, must be applied in switch/force adjustment system for activating the pressure of vibrator 262 to increase gradually the back of user.

Vibrator 262 activates by switch 248.In the more specifically embodiment of at least one pair of vibrator 262 of use, each vibrator is operated dividually and independently by user.In other the specific embodiment, vibrator can be configured in series rather than independently work.

In concrete embodiment, one or more vibrators 262 can also pass through control unit 290 (example hand-held device as shown in figure 20) and manually activate, and described control unit 290 is by cable 254 and vibrator 262 communications.In Figure 20, the specific embodiment of hand-held device 290 comprises: on and off switch 292, and it is for providing electric energy to vibrator 262; Activator switch 294a and 294b, they are respectively used to independent cervical region vibrator 232 and the lower back vibrators 262 of activating; And paired

indicator

296a and 296b, for example luminescent marking bar, they respectively with left side and the right side of lower back portion assembly 204 on switch 248 communications (or alternatively, be configured to in pairs the serial operation of vibrator).Hand-held device 290 makes user can activate cervical region and/or lower back vibrators and without push switch 248 first, thereby allows equipment of the present invention not only as exercising apparatus but also as loosening and extending apparatus.And in the time that device of the present invention is used for the lower back portion of strong user, indicator 296a-b sends visual alerts in the time that the lower back portion muscle of user applies enough pressure with compression switch 248.

In embodiment more specifically, in lower back portion assembly 204, the switch/force adjustment system of combination comprises that one or more measuring cells are applied to the size of the pressure in switch/force adjustment system for quantizing the lower back portion of user.In this embodiment, paired indicator 296a-b can comprise the display element of vision ground indicated pressure size.This embodiment helps user to adjust each side applied pressure of the lower back portion of user, to apply equal pressure and then allow the strong exercise optimization that uses this equipment to realize in each side.Alternatively, as mentioned above, system can be configured to for serial operation, and wherein the both sides at user back are not independently monitored.

In concrete embodiment, head/neck 206 and lower back portion assembly 204 use jointly, all attach to lying mat 202.In replaceable embodiment, head/neck 206 and lower back portion assembly 204 can separately use, and both can attach to lying mat 202 and also can use separately.More specifically, lower back portion assembly 204 can be placed on floor, exercise device, automotive seat or other surface as independent device.

Aforementioned embodiments adopts vibrator units as signal generation system.Other the signal generation system such as such as vision or audible signal generation unit also can use or replace vibrator units to use with vibrator units is common.For example, as shown in figure 21, send to the television screen 302 of health club or other position the big or small information that limits pressure with the wireless transmitter 300 of the switch/force adjustment system communication of combination in lower back portion assembly 204.Then television screen 302 shows information to user.

Figure 22 shows another interchangeable embodiment, and it provides additional support and protection to switch 248.In this embodiment, lining 310 is arranged in switch base 258 and is fixed on switch base 258.In concrete embodiment, lining 310 comprises metal, metal alloy, pottery or other hard material, and more specifically, the hardness of the material that lining 310 comprises is greater than the material that forms switch base 258.Axially be limited with threaded bores 312 through lining 310, and the respective threaded 314 forming on the outer surface of threaded bores 312 engagement switch 248.According to more concrete embodiment, a pair of lining 310 supporting switch 248, wherein the first lining is fixed on switch base 258 and the second lining is fixed on housing 246 and coaxial with the first lining and switch 248.

Utilize the embodiment of lining 310 to provide additional support to switch 248, and can be as required, particularly in the manufacture process of assembly, adjust the axial location of switch 248.

In further concrete embodiment, buffer element 320 is arranged between the top 249 and top cover 272 of switch 248.For example, buffer element 320 can comprise foamed materials or other elastomeric material, and avoids switch 248 because contact top cover 272 is subject to excessive wear and other possible damage.

In further concrete embodiment, device of the present invention can be in the position of the lower rumpbone corresponding to user in conjunction with additional activator appliance 320.In very concrete embodiment, additional activator appliance 320 activates one or more additional signals as described here and produces systems (for example vibration, audition, vision etc.).Thereby this embodiment provides additional feedback to make user can in the time taking exercise, keep the neutral spine position needing.

Additional embodiment makes information can be delivered to the display element of any needs, for example computer display, kneetop computer, PDA etc.This information can be by cable connection, wireless transmitter or any transmission means transmission that other needs.The information of transmitting by these modes can also be further processed and store.

Therefore embodiments of the present invention provide the feedback for improvement of proprioception acuity and the coordination of waist sacrum.

The progressive daily exercise that is in particular equipment design of the present invention will allow user for example, to train series beginning and the speed progress with oneself from short (4 minutes).In the time that user uses equipment of the present invention again to train neuromuscular system, will produce the accurate posture location to strong " neutral spine ".

The present invention is shown at this equipment establishing one's own system.But the present invention also can be attached in other object, include, but are not limited to following object: exercise device (rowing machine for example tilts), exercise bench, seat, bed etc.The present invention can also manufacture separately and be attached to subsequently other object.

Claims

1. for the spinal column of strong user and a postural awareness apparatus for abdominal part, comprising:

A) pad, described pad is used for contacting the back of described user,

B) signal generation system, described signal generation system involving vibrations device, and

C) activator appliance, it activates described signal generation system in the time that the pressure that puts on described pad by the back of described user exceedes predetermined pressure, and described activator appliance comprises:

(i) switch, it has top, and described switch is arranged in the time putting on the pressure of described pad by the back of described user and exceed described predetermined pressure, and described switch can axially move to the position of activating described signal generation system,

(ii) compressing member, is limited with compressing member opening on it, described compressing member is at least partly around the described top of described switch and be configured to receive the described pressure from the back of described user, and

(iii) top cover, it is suitable for described compressing member to be fixed on the position at least part of described top around described switch,

Wherein, the rigidity of described compressing member has determined to close described switch to activate the amount of the required pressure of described vibrator, thereby user can sequentially adopt the cumulative compressing member of rigidity, be applied on described switch to activate the pressure of described vibrator to increase gradually the back of user.

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

3. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprises multiplely having to the Handheld Division of under shed recess, and described multiple Handheld Divisions are connected to the relative both sides of described pad.

4. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein, on the upper surface of described pad, comprise multiple positioning edges, described positioning edge provides the sensitivity of enhancing to user, and user can more easily oneself be suitably placed on described lower back portion assembly.

5. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the pressure of at least one activator appliance response pressure value in the range of choice.

6. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein, described at least one activator appliance only responds the pressure of described force value in the described range of choice.

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

8. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein, described lower back portion assembly comprises:

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

(ii) bed course, is limited with bed course opening on it, described bed course opening and described base portion register.

9. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein, described base portion comprises riser portions, described base portion opening is limited in described riser portions, and described switch is arranged in described base portion opening and extends through at least in part described base portion.

10. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 9, it further comprises the lining being arranged in described opening, runs through described lining and is limited with threaded bores, wherein, described switch comprises the screw thread engaging with described threaded bores.

11. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein, described top cover comprises upper element and multiple arm, each described arm has the far-end that comprises locking member.

12. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described switch and described compressing member all have longitudinal axis, the basic conllinear of described longitudinal axis.

13. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein, described compressing member is arranged between the described upper element of described base portion and described top cover, wherein, the each described arm of described top cover extends through the opening being limited in described base portion, and, the described locking member of described top cover prevents that described top cover from surprisingly departing from from described base portion, allow described top cover substantially to move along the direction of the described longitudinal axis of described switch and described compressing member with respect to described base portion simultaneously, thereby allow the described upper element of described top cover to activate described switch when exceeding when the pressure of described predetermined pressure puts on described upper element.

14. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 13, it further comprises the lining being arranged in described opening, runs through described lining and is limited with threaded bores, wherein, described switch comprises the screw thread engaging with described threaded bores.

15. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 14, it further comprises the buffer element being arranged between described switch and described top cover.

16. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described compressing member is spring.

17. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described compressing member is the pan being made up of compressible substance except spring.

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

19. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 13, it comprises multiple activator appliances, wherein, described pad has longitudinal axis, and a part for described multiple activator appliances is positioned at the relative position on the both sides of described longitudinal axis.

20. postural awareness apparatus as described in claim 18 or 19, it further comprises and being roughly positioned on described longitudinal axis and in the locational activator appliance corresponding with the lower rumpbone of user.

21. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein, described signal generation system comprises multiple vibrator units, the relative position of a part for described multiple vibrator units on the both sides of described longitudinal axis is attached to described pad.

22. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 21, further comprise control unit, and wherein, at least one in multiple vibrators by described multiple activator appliances at least one or be selectively activated by described control unit.

23. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein, described signal generation system comprises display, described display for when activate by described control unit described multiple vibrators described at least one time vision when indicate described at least one activator appliance be activated.

24. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein, described control unit can manually operate.

25. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 21, it further comprises control unit, described control unit comprises:

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

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

26. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 25, it comprises: multiple activator appliances, each described activator appliance optionally activates different in described multiple vibrator units; And multiple display elements, in described multiple activator appliances different one of each described display element provides vision indication while being activated.

27. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein, described display element provides the big or small vision indication of the pressure that puts on described activator appliance.

28. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein, described signal generation system comprises multiple vibrator units, the relative position of a part for described multiple vibrator units on the both sides of described longitudinal axis is attached to described pad.

29. 1 kinds of postural awareness apparatus, it is suitable for a part for the lower back portion that contacts mankind's user, and described equipment comprises:

A) base portion, is limited with base portion opening on it,

B) bed course, is limited with bed course opening on it, described bed course opening and described base portion register,

C) signal generation system, described signal generation system involving vibrations device, and

D) activator appliance, it activates described signal generation system in the time that the pressure that puts on described equipment by the described part of described lower back portion exceedes predetermined pressure, and described activator appliance comprises:

(i) switch, it has top, and described switch is arranged in the time exceeding described predetermined pressure by described lower back portion applied pressure, and described switch can axially move to the position of activating described signal generation system in the base portion opening of described restriction,

(ii) compressing member, is limited with compressing member opening on it, described compressing member is at least partly around the described top of described switch and be configured to receive the pressure from the described part of described lower back portion, and

30. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein, the pressure of at least one activator appliance response pressure value in the range of choice.

31. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 30, wherein, described at least one activator appliance only responds the pressure of described force value in the described range of choice.

32. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein, described base portion comprises riser portions, described opening is limited in described riser portions, and described switch is arranged in described opening and extends through at least in part described base portion.

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

34. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein, described top cover comprises upper element and multiple arm, each described arm has the far-end that comprises locking member.

35. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein, described switch and described compressing member all have longitudinal axis, the basic conllinear of described longitudinal axis.

36. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein, described compressing member is arranged between the described upper element of described base portion and described top cover, wherein, the each described arm of described top cover extends through the opening being limited in described base portion, and, the described locking member of described top cover prevents that described top cover from surprisingly departing from from described base portion, allow described top cover substantially to move along the direction of the described longitudinal axis of described switch and described compressing member with respect to described base portion simultaneously, thereby allow the described upper element of described top cover to activate described switch when exceeding when the pressure of described predetermined pressure puts on described upper element.

37. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 36, it further comprises the lining being arranged in described opening, runs through described lining and is limited with threaded bores, wherein, described switch comprises the screw thread engaging with described threaded bores.

38. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 37, it further comprises the buffer element being arranged between described switch and described top cover.

39. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein, described compressing member is spring.

40. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein, described compressing member is the pan being made up of compressible substance except spring.

41. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 29, it comprises multiple activator appliances, wherein, described equipment has longitudinal axis, and a part for described multiple activator appliances is positioned at the relative position on the both sides of described longitudinal axis.

42. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 36, it comprises multiple activator appliances, wherein, described equipment has longitudinal axis, and a part for described multiple activator appliances is positioned at the relative position on the both sides of described longitudinal axis.

43. postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 41, it further comprises control unit, described control unit comprises:

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

The assembly of 44. 1 kinds of equipments that use in daily exercise, described assembly comprises:

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

B) there are multiple compressing members of different-stiffness.

The assembly of 45. 1 kinds of equipments that use in daily exercise, described assembly comprises:

A) postural awareness apparatus as claimed in claim 29, and

B) there are multiple compressing members of different-stiffness.