A posture supporting device for supporting a person in a seated position

Abstract

A supporting device (10) for supporting a person (110) in good posture in a seated position. The supporting device (10) comprises a base (12) for resting on a seat surface and the base has a periphery. A flexible contoured upper substrate (14) is upstanding from the base (12) and has a peak (20) and an inclined surface (22) extending to the peak (20) from one side of the peak (20). The inclined surface (22) is deflectable upon a person (110) seating on the supporting device (10) and bringing their pelvic region (36) into contact with the inclined surface (22) and the deflected inclined surface (22) forms a barrier that resists progression of the pelvic region (36) toward the periphery of the base (12).

Description

A POSTURE SUPPORTING DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING A PERSON IN A SEATED POSITIONPriority Cross-Reference

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024901813 filed 14 June 2024, the contents of which is to be considered to be incorporated into this specification by this reference.Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a supporting device for supporting a person in good posture when the person is in a seated position.Background of the Invention

[0002] The discussion of the background to the invention that follows is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any aspect of the discussion was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] For those who spend significant periods of time seated, maintaining correct neutral posture of the spine can be difficult due to the anatomy of the body and its biomechanics. It is often easier to assume poor posture when seated rather than to maintain good posture, as the body has a natural inclination towards poor posture, given that sitting is not a natural position that the human body has evolved to maintain for prolonged periods of time. People who spend significant periods of time seated at a desk, such as office workers, driving based occupations, such as taxi drivers and transport drivers, often sit in a position in which the spine has a kyphotic curve (excessive forward rounding of the upper back), rather than with a preferred neutral spine with natural optimal curvature. For example, poor posture is often manifested by a person reclining or slouching in a chair or couch which creates a posterior pelvic tilt. This posture position often leads to the pelvis (ischium, pubic, ilium, sacrum and coccyx bones) tilting posteriorly. This posture position can create excessive counter nutation of the sacrum in relation to the ilium bones. Counter nutation of the sacrum creates a flattening or rounding of the natural lordotic curve of the lumbar spine, that can result in an excessive kyphotic curve through the superior thoracic. This posturecan lead to discomfort, decreased disc integrity, and reduced engagement of the core muscles.

[0004] This potentially leads to acute and chronic pain, degeneration of intervertebral discs, facet joints, sacroiliac joints, and reduced range of motion in many of the structures of the body. For example, when sitting, poor posture can lead to musculoskeletal imbalances, strain, and discomfort over time. Maintaining a neutral pelvic position and spine when sitting is vital in supporting the natural curves of the spine and ensuring proper function and health of the sacroiliac joints and the surrounding musculature and soft tissue structures.

[0005] The sacroiliac joints and lumbar spine will become uncomfortable if they are placed in a prolonged posterior pelvic tilt or counter-nutated position, and the discomfort can spread, leading to pelvic dysfunction, including stiffness and immobility. Because of the proximity of the pelvis and lower back, discomfort in the pelvis often translates into discomfort in the lower back too. The discomfort can then progress upwards to the thoracic and cervical spines and all associated structures, because once the base of the spine (sacrum / pelvis) moves into incorrect posture the rest of the spine will ordinarily follow into incorrect posture.

[0006] More specific issues that arise as a result of prolonged poor posture include:• Lower back / pelvic pain and discomfort resulting from prolonged pressure on the lumbar vertebrae, sacrum, ilium, ischium and pubic bones.• Pain and discomfort in the cervical and thoracic spine and associated areas due to kyphotic curve resulting from a loss of natural lumbar lordosis.• Overuse and underuse of a number of back, pelvic and other muscles, leading to concentric and eccentric loading and therefore fatigue, acute and chronic pain.• Discomfort in soft tissue structures (muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia) and excessive pressure on discs throughout the spine, especially in the lumbar region and all associated structures with these due to unnatural biomechanics of the pelvic and lumbar regions.

[0007] These issues would not necessarily occur if good posture was adopted and maintained when seated, but maintaining good posture requires knowledge, effort and concentration. If a person consciously focuses on how they sit, good posture can be maintained, but often when they focus on something else (computer, paperwork, thoughts, etc) the body will unconsciously ordinarily assume the most comfortable position available and when seated, this typically is a slouched position involving posterior pelvic tilt or counter-nutation of the sacrum. Often while good posture might initially be adopted, it can reduce to poor posture relatively soon after assuming a seated position as the body will usually find or retreat to its most comfortable position, particularly once focus on good posture is lost.

[0008] The difficulties associated with maintaining good posture also relates to people who spend prolonged times sitting at home, watching screens on the couch, eating meals, working, doing homework, reading books, gaming, etc. In fact, softer sitting surfaces like couches, exacerbate poor posture because of the seated or reclined positions they promote. Poor posture also affects people eating out, those attending the movies or theatre, sporting events, concerts, etc.

[0009] Various solutions to poor seated posture have been proposed in the past. For example, International Application Number PCT / AU2012 / 001431 (WO 2013 / 075165 A1) discloses a pelvic support, particularly for acting as a corrective and stabilising device to support the pelvis of a driver of a vehicle. The device is a rigid device that is placed on the seating surface and functions to counteract existing postural dysfunctions principally by muscle imbalances that arise as a result of spending lengthy periods in a seated, driving position. For example, the device is useful to counteract deformation of the sacrum and innominate bones of a driver by providing a support surface maintains the ischial tuberosities of said user in a substantially horizontal plane.

[0010] Australian patent application 2021209307 discloses a posture device that has a body with a base that is contoured so that the body has at least one direction of instability. In the preferred form, the device can shift in a front-to-back plane, or in a generally vertical side-to-side plane, or both. The device operates to introduce instability in the seated position so that the user needs to dynamically adjust his or her position to keep the device in an unstable equilibrium. That is, the user needs to stayin an optimal seating position to ensure balance. This encourages a posture in which the user's pelvis is neutral or slightly anteriorly tilted.

[0011] The present invention operates differently to the prior art identified above and forms a very simple device which facilitates good posture without major effort from the user and for long periods of time.Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention there is provided supporting device for supporting a person in good posture in a seated position, the supporting device comprising: a base for resting on a seat surface, the base having a periphery, a flexible contoured upper substrate that is upstanding from the base, the upper substrate having a peak and an inclined surface extending to the peak from one side of the peak, the inclined surface being deflectable upon a person seating on the supporting device and bringing their pelvic region into contact with the inclined surface and the deflected inclined surface forming a barrier that resists progression of the pelvic region toward the periphery of the base.

[0013] The present invention aims to interact with the pubic and ischium bones, or to minimise movement of the pubic and ischium bones, to cause the sacrum to stay relatively neutral and not go into nutation or counter-nutation movement. If this is achieved, then the spine will likely stay relatively neutral and thus in good posture and the user’s back will remain upright and as neutral as possible when seated.

[0014] The present invention is intended to be used with a seat surface that is associated with a backrest such as is common with most individual seats, including desk chairs and car seats for example. It is intended that the supporting device be positioned on the seat surface so that the person using the supporting device seats on the supporting device and has their back resting against or supported by the backrest.

[0015] The present also provides a method of use of the supporting device according to the invention, comprising placing the supporting device on a seat surface in proximity to a backrest associated with the seat surface, the user seating on the supporting device so to bring the user’s pelvic region into contact with the inclined surface of the supporting device and to deflect the inclined surface to form a barrier that resists progression of the pelvic region toward the periphery of the base of the supporting device.

[0016] The inclined surface forms a barrier that resists progression of the pelvic region toward the periphery of the base of the supporting device. In the correct use of the supporting device according to the invention, the user will lower their pelvic region into contact with the inclined surface and the inclined surface will deflect to form a barrier that resists progression of the pelvic region past the barrier toward the periphery of the base on the opposite side of the barrier. This means that the pelvic region of the person seated on the supporting device is secured in place, or is anchored in place on the surface on which the supporting device is placed, usually a seat, stool or bench. The position of the supporting device on the surface can be such as to cause the person to adopt good posture in the seated position. For example, the supporting device can be positioned on a seat or a seating or sitting surface so that the pelvic region is positioned adjacent the seat back or backrest and so the spine or back of the person is forced into good contact with the seat back or backrest. The supporting device prevents the pelvic region from sliding or shifting towards the front of the seat, which in other words involves posterior pelvic tilt or counter-nutation of the sacrum movement and which otherwise allows the person to slouch and for the spine of the person to flatten or become curved into a kyphotic position.

[0017] The supporting device of the invention can thus be employed to ensure that the person’s back remains upright and straight, or alternatively that the person’s back is maintained with a normal neutral ‘S’ curve of the lower back or normal neutral curvature of the spine. While this is important for all kinds of deskbound workers, it is also important for vehicle drivers and in particular, taxi or truck drivers or couriers who spend large amounts of time seated and who may be prone to slouching or poor posture. This is because assuming poor posture is easy, as discussed above, and can take less effort than retaining good posture. However, by use of the presentinvention, the transition from good posture to poor posture is resisted and so the likelihood of retaining good posture is improved, or even ensured. This has significant potential health benefits for persons using the supporting device of the invention, and this can translate to benefits to employers and to society in general if less trauma is experienced by persons who suffer through extended periods of poor posture. Benefits are expected to include the prevention or minimisation of back pain, dysfunction and degeneration.

[0018] The present invention is intended to be one part of the process of improving back and spine health. Use of the supporting device, along with regular movement, posture education, exercises to strengthen the core and gluteal muscles, can all help maintain proper back and spine alignment and reduce the risk of pain or injury.

[0019] The inclined surface of the supporting device will typically be a polymer surface that can deflect when a person sits on the supporting device and brings their pelvic region, typically the region of the pelvic region where the ischium and pubic bones are located or positioned, into contact with the inclined surface. The inclined surface can deflect, such as from a gentle curved or a relatively linear inclination to include a section of a more abrupt inclination that leads to or extends to the peak and behind which the contacting part of the pelvic region is secured or anchored. The inclined surface can deflect to form an angle so that a first section of the inclined surface is pushed downwardly under the weight of the pelvic region and towards the seat surface on which the device is placed or resting, and a second section of the inclined surface is deflected to extend at an obtuse angle to the first section. The second section forms the barrier or wall that resists progression of the pelvic region toward the periphery of the supporting device.

[0020] An obtuse angle in general is an angle between two lines or surfaces that is greater than 90° but less than 180°. In the present invention, the obtuse angle that is formed between the first and second sections is likely to be in the region of 90° to 140°. If the obtuse angle becomes too great (towards 180°), the second section of the inclined surface will not form the required barrier and the upper substrate may collapse under pelvic loading.

[0021] The angle that is formed between the first and second sections will not necessarily be a sharp angle. Moreover, the first and second sections will not necessarily be linear sections. The deflected inclined surface that is formed once a person sits on the supporting device and brings their pelvic region into contact with the inclined surface will have a shape or profile that is somewhat dependent on the position of the pelvic region on the inclined surface and structure or anatomy of the pelvic region of the person that sits on the inclined surface. That is, each person will have a different, although usually only slightly different, pelvic anatomy and so the shape or profile of the deflected inclined surface will be different for each user. In most forms of the invention, the first section of the deflected inclined surface is pushed downwardly under the weight of the pelvic region and the second section rests against a forward facing surface of the pelvic region. There can be an obvious or discernible angle between the first and second sections, or there can be a gentle transition between them, such as a curved transition.

[0022] It is to be noted that the supporting device of the invention will be used when the user is clothed and so when the discussion herein refers to contact of the inclined surface with the pelvic region of a user, that contact is made through the clothing, ie pants, shorts, skirts, dresses for example, and would not usually be through direct skin contact.

[0023] When a person sits on the supporting device and brings their pelvic region, or lowers their pelvic region into contact with the inclined surface, the first section can be deflected or pushed downwardly and this can cause the peak of the supporting device to shift downwardly as well. When the person has assumed a seated position on the supporting device, the peak may also assume a lowered position, or it may shift upwardly from an initial lower position as the person moves forward on the inclined surface and the second section is deflected to a more upright position. The peak may therefore initially shift toward the base and remain in that position, but alternatively, it may also then shift upwardly away from the base as the person settles on the supporting device and the inclined surface is deflected to a final shape, profile or orientation.

[0024] The shape or profile of the inclined surface and the position of the peak can be different each time the same person sits on the supporting device, and eachtime a different person sits on the supporting device. The difference in profile may be slight, but it is important to understand that because the supporting device has a flexible contoured upper substrate, the inclined surface is not restricted to adopting the same or a repeatable profile each time a person sits on the supporting device, but rather, the profile can change each time a person sits on the supporting device and each time a different person sits on the supporting device. It is expected that the upper substrate will recover to an original or “home” shape or profile each time a person lifts away or stands up from the supporting device. That is, the supporting device of the invention will return to generally the same starting position each time it is not in use and each time a person sits on the supporting device, the shape or profile of the deflected inclined surface may change.

[0025] The surface on which the base of the supporting device rests can also influence the profile of the inclined surface once a person sits on the supporting device. The surface may vary in profile and inclination and this can influence the manner in which the flexible contoured upper substrate reacts when a person sits on the supporting device. The surface of a car seat may differ in profile and inclination compared to an office chair or stool for example.

[0026] It is important that a person who sits on the supporting device, sits on the device in the correct position. The supporting device will not work correctly if the person lowers themselves onto the peak of the device. The pelvic region needs to be positioned on the inclined surface and preferably on that surface initially more towards one section or a first section of the periphery of the supporting device. The person can then move forward, or rotate their pelvic region forward and into the inclined surface. With that movement, the inclined surface can deflect as required and can form the required barrier against progression of the pelvic region toward the opposite section or an opposite second section of the periphery of the supporting device.

[0027] When a person sits on the supporting device and brings their pelvic region into contact with the inclined surface, the first section can be deflected or pushed downwardly to a position in which it flattens against the base of the supporting device.

[0028] The deflection and the resulting orientation between the first and second sections will depend on how far the pelvic region pushes into the inclined surface aswell as the anatomy of the person seated on the supporting device, as well as the characteristics of the upper substrate and the inclined surface. The upper substrate may for example be provided in different levels of flexibility, stiffness, resilience or resistance, depending on the weight of the user. For example, the upper substrate may be provided in reduced stiffness forms for small children as compared to adults.

[0029] To form the required barrier, the inclined surface can thus change so that the first section is deflected to a generally non-inclined position relative to the base of the supporting device and / or to the surface on which the base rests, and the second section is deflected to a more inclined position.

[0030] The inclined surface, before deflection, can be a generally flat or planar surface, or it can be a curved surface. Where the inclined surface is a generally flat or planar surface, the generally flat or planar surface can have side edges that extend to the peak and the side edges can connect to side surfaces or walls that extend towards or to the base. The side surfaces or walls can extend perpendicular to the inclined surface, or at an angle, such as to digress outwardly from the inclined surface towards the base. The side edges can be parallel, or they can converge inwardly towards the peak. In some forms of the invention, the inclined surface can be a generally flat or planar surface ramp surface. The inclined surface can include multiple generally flat or planar surface sections or facets.

[0031] Where the inclined surface is a curved surface, it can be a generally convex surface prior to a person sitting on the supporting device and prior to deflecting the inclined surface.

[0032] The peak can have any suitable form and in some forms of the invention, it is formed as a dome or as part of a dome. In these forms of the invention, the peak can be quite distinct or pronounced from the inclined surface and the base. That is, the peak can be spaced from the base a distance that the peak is readily identifiable as distinct from other parts or sections of the supporting device. In this form of the invention, the upper substrate may include an inclined surface that is inclined at an angle of between 30° to 60° relative to the flat base and prior to the inclined surface being deflected upon a person sitting on the supporting device. The peak may be formed as a different section of the upper substrate and where formed as part of adome, the dome may have a curvature that is distinct from the inclined surface and where the inclined surface is curved, the dome may be curved in the opposite direction to the inclined surface.

[0033] In other forms of the invention, the peak can be less apparent. In these forms of the invention, the peak can be less spaced from the base. The peak will still be part of the upper substrate, but instead of appearing as a distinct part of the upper substrate, it may just be the part of the upper substrate that is most spaced from the base. The upper substrate could thus have a shallow inclination or curvature, that rises to a peak from the inclined surface, even though the inclined surface has a very shallow or small angle of inclination. In this form of the invention, the upper substrate may include an inclined surface that is inclined at an angle of between 15° to 30° relative to the flat base and prior to the inclined surface being deflected upon a person sitting on the supporting device and deflecting the inclined surface.

[0034] In other forms of the invention, the peak can be formed on either side of a channel or recess. The channel or recess may be located in the upper substrate so that when a person sits on the supporting device the device does not press against the pelvic region of the person across the entire upper substrate, but rather, presses against the pelvic region on either side of the channel or recess. This form of the invention can be useful to reduce pressure against sensitive parts of the pelvic region, so improving the experience a person using the supporting device has. For example, each individual person has an anatomy that is unique to them and there could be some people where the device exerts pressure onto the pudendal nerve causing unwanted symptoms of the pelvic region and genitals. This form of the invention provides a channel which is intended to reduce the potential of prolonged pressure being exerted on the pudendal nerve.

[0035] In the above form of the invention in which the peak is formed on either side of a channel or recess, the channel or recess can extend into the inclined surface so that the inclined surface is separated into adjacent inclined surface sections on either side of the channel or recess. The inclined surface can have any suitable angle of inclination, such as the example angles above of 30° to 60°, or 15° to 30°.

[0036] The peak can be formed as a dome as discussed above. The peak is part of the flexible contoured upper substrate, so that the peak is formed of the same flexible material that the other parts of the upper substrate are formed from.Accordingly, when a person sits on the supporting device and the inclined surface deflects, the peak can also deflect or distort, or change shape in response to the load that is applied to the inclined surface. It may be that in some uses of the supporting device of the invention, that when a person sits on the supporting device, they may sit partly on the inclined surface, and partly on the peak. If this happens, the supporting device may still function as intended to resist progression of the pelvic region toward the periphery of the supporting device, although if too much of the pelvic region seats on the peak, then the person using the device may need to re-seat to more properly sit on the inclined surface. The person using the device may receive a tactile indication if they sit on the peak, or too close to the peak by the peak giving the person a different feel or sensation than when seated on the inclined surface.

[0037] Nevertheless, it is intended that each of the inclined surface and the peak will deflect or distort from an initial pre-sitting condition once a person sits on the supporting device and the supporting device functions to resist progression of the pelvic region towards the periphery of the supporting device.

[0038] The peak can of course be shaped other than dome-shaped, and so it could be curved, pointed or flat for example. As indicated above, where a channel or recess is included in the upper substrate, the peak can be split or separated into two or more parts or sections. The peak could also be concave.

[0039] The inclined surface can extend from an edge or peripheral surface of the upper substrate. The edge or peripheral surface can extend to or connect to the base. Accordingly, the upper substrate can include an edge or peripheral surface or section that extends to the inclined surface. The edge or peripheral surface or section can be a generally flat surface and can extend generally parallel to the base surface. The edge or peripheral surface can fully surround the peak so that the upper substrate includes a connecting surface that extends from the edge or peripheral surface and to the peak and includes the inclined surface. That is, the connecting surface will include the inclined surface. The connecting surface can alternatively extend from either side of the inclined surface. There may be no clear distinction between theinclined surface and the connecting surface, so that the inclined surface may smoothly transition into the connecting surface to form the combined inclined and connecting surfaces.

[0040] Alternatively, the inclined surface can extend from the edge or periphery of the supporting device, rather than from a separate edge or peripheral surface.

[0041] Still further, the inclined surface can extend either from the edge or periphery of the supporting device, or an edge or peripheral surface, and a connecting surface can extend either from the edge or periphery of the supporting device, or an edge or peripheral surface, so that the respective inclined and connecting surfaces can extend from the same position or different positions of the supporting device.

[0042] The base can take any suitable form. In some forms of the invention, the base is flat or planar. This clearly identifies the base as distinct from the upper substrate, and allows the base to rest on a surface when not in use. It is however within the scope of the present invention, that the base could be curved, such as part spherical.

[0043] The base can also take any suitable shape in plan view. For example, the base can be square or rectangular, triangular or diamond shaped or circular. In some forms of the invention, the base is teardrop shaped. The base can have a front and a rear end. Where the base has a teardrop shape, the nominal rear end of the base can be the broad end of the teardrop shape.

[0044] The base can be a separate component to which the upper substrate is fixed. This allows the base to be formed from a different material to the upper substrate and for example, allows the base to be formed from a rigid material. The upper substrate can be fixed to the base such as by stapling, glueing or over moulding. The upper substrate can be a flexible PVC plastic, in particular a matte PVC plastic.

[0045] In other forms of the invention, the base and the upper substrate are integral. Thus, in these forms of the invention, the base and the upper substrate are formed from the same flexible material. Suitable flexible materials include PVC plastic, in particular a matte PVC plastic.

[0046] It is important that the supporting device of the present invention retain its position on the seat surface on which the base rests. It is expected that the supporting device will often be used on leather or plastic surfaces (chair, couch or stool surfaces for example) and so the material of the base, either as separately or integrally formed with the upper substrate, can be formed from material that grips or sticks to the surface. In some forms of the invention, the grip may be provided by an adhesive that permanently attaches the supporting device to the surface.

[0047] However, a feature of some forms of the present invention is portability so that the grip is a releasable grip. The grip can be assisted by the weight of the person seated on the supporting device pushing the base onto the surface. While a low-tack pressure-sensitive adhesive may be applied to the base, the selection of suitable materials can provide sufficient grip for the base to grip the seat surface. The matte PVC plastic material mentioned above is considered to be able to sufficiently grip the leather and plastic seat surfaces that the supporting device is likely to be used with generally, particularly with the weight of the person seated on the supporting device. There will be other materials that have sufficient grip to meet the requirements of the present invention, including fabric materials such as cotton and polyester.

[0048] The supporting device can be a hollow device in which it has a hollow cavity between the base and the upper substrate. Air that fills the cavity can allow the upper substrate to flex and can provide resistance to deformation as the cavity reduces in volume upon a person sitting on the supporting device. The cavity can be generally airtight, and it can include a valve suitable to add or remove air from within the cavity to alter the characteristics of how the upper substrate deforms upon a person sitting on the supporting device.

[0049] Alternatively, the supporting device can be a foam filled device for example, whereby the foam is deformable and allows the upper substrate to deform as well. The foam could have memory characteristics, so that it retains a shape that it formed from a previous use, and this may be beneficial where a supporting device according to the invention is used by only one person, in particular by one person on one seating device, a work chair for example.

[0050] A supporting device according to the invention clearly will be lightweight and easily transportable. The supporting device would typically be able to be lifted by hand and carried in a bag, such as a shoulder bag or a daypack. Prototype supporting devices have weighed less than 500gms. Some forms of supporting devices according to the invention could be foldable, for packing and transport and in some forms of the invention, the supporting device is able to be rolled up.Brief Description of Drawings

[0051] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures in which:

[0052] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a supporting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 2 is a front end view of the supporting device of Figure 1 taken from a front end of the supporting device.

[0054] Figure 3 is a side view of the supporting device of Figure 1.

[0055] Figure 4 is a plan view of the supporting device of Figure 1.

[0056] Figure 5 illustrates the skeletal structure of a person seated on the supporting device of Figure 1.

[0057] Figure 5a shows the deflection of the supporting device illustrated in Figure 5.

[0058] Figure 6 is another view of the Figure 5 illustration from a different perspective.

[0059] Figure 7 illustrates the same view as Figure 5, but with the supporting device rotated through 180°.

[0060] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a supporting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 8a shows an example deflection of the supporting device of Figure 8 in use.

[0062] Figure 9 is a side view of the supporting device of Figure 8.

[0063] Figures 10 and 11 are perspective and plan views of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figures 12 to 14 are perspective, plan and side views of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 15 is an in-use illustration of a person seated on a supporting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.Detailed Description

[0066] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a supporting device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The supporting device 10 comprises a base 12 for resting on a seat surface and a flexible contoured upper substrate 14 that is upstanding from the base 12. In this form of the invention, the base 12 has a front end 16 and a rear end 18.

[0067] The upper substrate 14 has a peak 20 which is positioned between the front and rear ends 16, 18 but closer to the rear end 18. The upper substrate 14 has an inclined surface 22 that extends to the peak 20 from the rear end 18. As shown in Figure 3, a front inclined surface 30 extends from adjacent the front end 16, and from a generally flat region 24 that extends for a portion of the periphery of the supporting device 10. The generally flat region 24 is evident in Figure 1 (partially) and the front end view of Figure 4. Figure 2 illustrates that in the opposite side regions 26 of the supporting device 10, the generally flat region 24 is absent.

[0068] The supporting device 10 includes side and front inclined surfaces 28 and 30, all of which incline to the peak 20. The various inclined surfaces 22, 28 and 30 are all illustrated as being generally straight or flat, however one or more of them could be convexly or concavely curved.

[0069] The inclined surfaces 22, 28 and 30 extend towards the peak 20 and meet at a dome 32. It is to be understood that the peak 20 of the dome 32 is not a fixed point on the upper substrate 14 given that the upper substrate 14 is a flexible material, so that as pressure is applied to the inclined surface 22, the upper substrate14 will deform or distort from the form illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 and so the shape of the dome 32 will change and the peak 20 of the dome 32 will shift. This means that while the peak 20 is shown in Figures 1 to 4 at a particular point on the dome 32, the position of the peak 20 of the dome 32 will change when the dome 32 is distorted due to a person sitting on the supporting device 10. The supporting device 10 is shown in Figures 1 to 4 in an original or “home” shape or profile which changes significantly when a person sits on the supporting device 10.

[0070] The inclined surface 22 is deflectable upon a person seating or sitting on the supporting device 10 and bringing their pelvic region into contact with the inclined surface 22. If the supporting device 10 is used correctly, then the inclined surface 22 will deflect to form a barrier that resists the pelvic region of the person from moving toward the front end 16 of the supporting device 10.

[0071] Figures 5 and 6 show the skeletal or anatomical structure of the pelvic region of a person seated on the supporting device 10. The supporting device 10 can be assumed to have been placed on a chair for example and the seat surface can be assumed to cooperate with the base 12 so that the supporting device 10 does not slip or shift on the seat surface once the person has sat on the supporting device 10 as shown in Figures 5 and 6. While Figures 5 and 6 do not show the muscular structure, it is the case that the skeletal structure is able to interact with the supporting device 10 in the manner shown in Figures 5 and 6 without impediment from the muscular structure or any clothing the person is wearing. It is to be appreciated of course, that while Figures 5 and 6 show interaction between the supporting device 10 and the actual skeletal structure, the supporting device 10 is always to be used external of the body and usually is used while a person is clothed.

[0072] In Figure 5, the femur bones 34 are shown positioned either side of the side regions 26 of the supporting device 10. The pelvis 36 is shown centrally located above the supporting device 10 with the pubic bones 38 and ischium bones 42 pushing into the inclined surface 22, so that the inclined surface 22 is deflected into a more inclined gradient, such as is shown in Figure 5a. It is to be noted, that the person seated on the supporting device 10 pushes their pubic bones 38 and ischium bones 42 into the inclined surface 22 from the rear end 18 of the supporting device 10 and that tends to flatten the inclined surface 22 and to form a more abrupt dome 32as compared to the original or “home” shape or profile of the supporting device 10. A peak 20 remains, but the peak 20 of Figure 5 has shifted from the position of the peak 20 of Figures 1 to 4.

[0073] Figure 5 also shows that the coccyx 40 is secured in place at the rear end 18. The coccyx 40 is secured at the actual end 18 rather than on the inclined surface 22. This securing of the coccyx 40 is achieved in the supporting device 10 by the particular configuration of the supporting device 10, but may not be secured in other forms of the invention that have different configurations.

[0074] Figure 5 shows that the deflected inclined surface 22 extends into the side inclined surfaces 28 when a person sits on the supporting device 10. The inclined surface 22 can form an arc about the pubic bones 38 and the ischium bones 42 to form a barrier to movement of all of the bones 38 and 42. As can be seen from Figures 5, 5a and 6, the inclined surface 22 forms the barrier to pelvic movement and as long as the supporting device 10 cannot slip against the seat surface on which it has been placed, the pelvis 36 is restrained against sliding movement forward towards the front end 16 and thus the pelvis 36 is retained in the optimum seating position assuming the supporting device 10 has been correctly placed relative to the backrest of the seat on which the supporting device 10 has been placed.

[0075] In the correct use of the supporting device 10 a person sits on the supporting device 10 bringing or lowering their pelvic region into contact with the inclined surface 22 in an engagement direction, such as identified by the arrow ED. The inclined surface 22 will deflect in the general engagement direction ED as shown in Figure 5a to form the barrier to pelvic movement discussed above. It is to be appreciated however, that a person can alternatively lower themselves onto the supporting device 10 from above, generally perpendicular to the engagement direction ED. Accordingly, the pelvic region of a person seating on the supporting device 10 can be brought into engagement with the inclined surface 22 somewhere in the region between the engagement direction ED and 90° to the engagement direction ED. What is important, is to create the barrier profile of the kind shown in Figure 5a.

[0076] The inclined surface 22 thus forms a barrier that resists progression of the pelvic region or pelvis 36 toward the front end 16 of the supporting device 10, so that the pelvis 36 of the person seated on the supporting device 10 is secured in place, or is anchored in place on the seat surface on which the supporting device 10 is placed. It will be appreciated that in Figures 5 and 6, the supporting device 10 can be positioned relative to the backrest of the seat so that with the pelvis 36 secured or anchored in place on the seat surface, the backrest supports the lumbar spine to remain neutral with a mild lordosis position and prevents it flattening or moving into a kyphotic position. Accordingly, if good posture is initially adopted by the person seated on the supporting device 10, that good posture is retained because sliding movement of the pelvis 36 towards the front end 16 of the supporting device 10 is prevented. It is to be noted that reference hearing to securing or anchoring the pelvis 36 in place does not require absolute termination of movement of the pelvic region. Given the flexibility of the upper substrate, the pelvic region can experience limited movement in the anchored or secured position, such as limited play back and forward, or side to side. Some of the discussion that follows will describe that the supporting device 10 is a hollow device and as with any hollow device, absolute rigidity of the device is not achieved and so there is movement available for the person sitting on the device, even though it is only small movement. This allows additional comfort when using the device as the pelvic region is not trying to shift against a rigid or immovable object. The maintenance of good posture provides all of the benefits against discomfort, pain and degradation as discussed earlier herein.

[0077] Figure 7 shows the same skeletal structure as shown in Figures 5 and 6, but in Figure 7, the supporting device 10 is shown being used in the opposite orientation to that shown in Figures 5 and 6. That is, in Figure 7, the person seated on the supporting device 10 is seated in the area between the front end 16 and the peak 20, so that the person is seated on the front inclined surface 30, rather than the inclined surface 22. This illustrates that the supporting device 10 can be used in either orientation and indeed it could be used with the person seating on one of the side inclined surfaces 28. The benefit of the profile of the supporting device 10 is that a person using the supporting device 10 can seat on any of the inclined surface depending on the comfort level that the person experiences when using the supporting device 10. Accordingly, some people who used the device maybe morecomfortable seating on the inclined surface 22, whereas other people might be more comfortable seating on one of the inclined surfaces 28, or the inclined surface 30. This can be dependent on the anatomy of the person using the supporting device 10, and could depend for example, on whether the person using the supporting device 10 is a child or an adult.

[0078] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a further supporting device 50 in which the peak 52 is formed at the upper end of an inclined surface 54 of the upper substrate 56. The inclined surface 54 is much less pronounced than the inclined surface 22 of Figures 1 to 4, so the supporting device 50 at rest is flatter than the supporting device 10. Other respects, the supporting device 50 operates in the same manner as the supporting device 10, in that a person can seat on the inclined surface 54 to cause that surface to deflect and to form a barrier against progression of the pelvic region of the person toward the front end 58 of the supporting device 50. As described above, the person could alternatively seat on either of the side inclined surfaces 60 or the front inclined surface 62 depending on the comfort levels they experience. Figure 8a illustrates that the inclined surface 54 deflects into a more inclined gradient from the original or “home” shape or profile shown in Figures 8 and 9, but less than in Figure 5a, given the lower profile of the upper substrate 56 of the supporting device 50.

[0079] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a further supporting device 70 in which upper substrate 72 is separated into two lengthwise sections 74 and 76 by a channel or recess 78 that extends from the rear end 80 to the front end 82. The various inclined surfaces are therefore separated onto either side of the channel 78, so that the supporting device 70 has a pair of peaks 84, inclined side surfaces 86, front inclined surfaces 88 and rear inclined surfaces 90.

[0080] The upper substrate 72 has a similar curved profile to the supporting device 50, and so the channel 78 is provided in the upper substrate 72 in order to give consumers a choice whereby the existence of the channel 78 may improve the comfort in using the supporting device 70 compared to use of either of the supporting devices 10 or 50, by reducing the potential of prolonged pressure being exerted on the pudendal nerve as explained above.

[0081] Example deflection of the inclined surfaces of the supporting devices 10 and 50 is shown in Figures 5a and 8a. In those figures, the inclined surfaces 22 and 54 deflect upon a person sitting on the respective supporting devices, and the deflection can separate the inclined surfaces into first and second sections. In Figure 5a, a first shallow inclination section 92 is a section of the inclined surface 22 that is pushed downwardly under the weight of the pelvic region of the person seated on the supporting device 10, and a second section 94, which has significantly greater inclination than the first section 92, is the section that forms the barrier that resists progression of the pelvic region toward the front end 16 of the supporting device 10.

[0082] It will be appreciated, that the second section 94 could incline even further and approach 90° relative to the base 12, as the pelvic region pushes into the inclined surface 22. The second section 94 will begin to resist further pushing movement into the inclined surface 22 as the second section approaches 90°. The upper substrate 14 of the supporting device 10 will be made from a material that will retain its form in a deflected condition without collapse, as long as the pelvic region remains seated on the inclined surface and is not moved further over onto the peak 20, where the weight of the person could collapse the upper substrate 14. The upper substrate 14 is assisted in retaining its form by the weight of the person seated on the first section 92 of the inclined surface 22 which limits the available movement of the second section 94.

[0083] The supporting devices 10, 50 and 70 are all hollow devices in which the devices have a hollow cavity between (considering the supporting device 10) the inside surfaces of the base 12 and the upper substrate 14. While not shown in the drawings, a valve can be positioned for the introduction of air into the cavity, and a convenient location for the valve is in the base 12. This allows the consumer to adjust the air pressure within the cavity for comfort purposes. For this, the cavity needs to be generally airtight and in the supporting devices 10, 50 and 70, the base and upper substrates are formed integrally, such as from PVC plastic, in particular a matte PVC plastic.

[0084] The base 12 of the supporting device 10 is formed to have a teardrop shape, whereby the rear end 18 has a much greater radius than the front end 16 and the front and rear ends 16 and 18 are connected by curved sidewalls. This shape isadvantageous as shown in Figures 5 and 6 in that the coccyx can be secured against the curved rear end 18 by spacing the rear end 18 the appropriate distance from the peak 20. Similarly, the same beneficial arrangement is achieved when the supporting device 10 is rotated 180° as in Figure 7, and the coccyx 40 can again be secured against the curved front end 16. As explained above however, the base can take alternative shapes such as square or rectangular, triangular or diamond shaped. Figures 12 to 14 show a further supporting device 100 that has a base 102 having a circular shape, in perspective, plan and side views.

[0085] The supporting devices 10, 50, 70 and 100 illustrated in the figures can be lightweight and easily transportable when made of suitable materials, such as PVC plastic. Prototype supporting devices have weighed less than 500gms. The supporting devices 10, 50, 70 and 100 can be reduced in volume by folding, or removing the air for packing and transport, such as for placing in a backpack, handbag, computer bag, etc.

[0086] Finally, Figure 15 is a skeletal illustration of a person 110 seated in a chair 112 that has a backrest 114, and shows the supporting device 10 in place and with the inclined surface 22 (see Figure 1) having been deflected under the weight and pressure exerted by the pelvic region of a person 110, particularly the pubic bones 38 and the ischium bones 42, and to a lesser extent the coccyx 40 (see Figure 5) of the pelvic area to form the first shallow inclination section 92 and the second greater inclination section 94. It can be seen that the second section 94 is the section that forms the barrier that resists progression of the pelvic region toward the front end 16 of the supporting device 10.

[0087] Figure 15 also illustrates the importance of the backrest 114 in securing the correct posture of the person 110 when using the supporting device 10. The supporting device 10 prevents forward movement of the pelvic area, while the back rest prevents backward movement of the person 110 so that the posture of the person 110 is confined to the upright and neutral position shown in Figure 15.

[0088] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. Itis understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0089] Future patent applications may be filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of or claiming priority from the present application. It is to be understood that the following provisional claims are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date so as to further define or re-define the invention or inventions.

Claims

Claims1. A supporting device for supporting a person in good posture in a seated position, the supporting device comprising: a base for resting on a seat surface, the base having a periphery, a flexible contoured upper substrate that is upstanding from the base, the upper substrate having a peak and an inclined surface extending to the peak from one side of the peak, the inclined surface being deflectable upon a person seating on the supporting device and bringing their pelvic region into contact with the inclined surface and the deflected inclined surface forming a barrier that resists progression of the pelvic region toward the periphery of the base.

2. A supporting device according to claim 1 , the inclined surface deflecting upon a person seating on the supporting device to form an angle so that a first section of the inclined surface is pushed downwardly under the weight of the pelvic region and a second section of the inclined surface is deflected to extend at an obtuse angle to the first section.

3. A supporting device according to claim 2, the second section forming the barrier that resists progression of the pelvic region toward the front end of the supporting device.

4. A supporting device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first section forms a greater section of the inclined surface than the second section upon a person seating on the supporting device.

5. A supporting device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the first section being deflected or pushed downwardly to a position in which it flattens towards or against the base of the supporting device upon a person seating on the supporting device.

6. A supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the inclined surface being a curved surface prior to a person seating on the supporting device.

7. A supporting device according to claim 6, the inclined surface being a generally convex surface prior to a person seating on the supporting device.

8. A supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the peak being formed as part of a dome.

9. A supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the peak being formed on either side of a channel or recess located in the upper substrate.

10. A supporting device according to claim 9, wherein the channel or recess extends into the inclined surface so that the inclined surface is separated into adjacent inclined surface sections on either side of the channel or recess.

11. A supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the inclined surface extends from an edge or peripheral surface of the upper substrate.

12. A supporting device according to claim 11 , wherein the edge or peripheral surface connects to the base.

13. A supporting device according to claim 12, wherein the upper substrate comprises an edge or peripheral surface that extends to the inclined surface.

14. A supporting device according to claim 13, wherein the edge or peripheral surface is a generally flat surface and extends generally parallel to the base surface.

15. A supporting device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the edge or peripheral surface fully surrounds the peak so that the upper substrate includes a connecting surface that extends from the edge or peripheral surface to the peak and includes the inclined surface.

16. A supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the inclined surface extends from the edge or periphery of the supporting device.

17. A supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the base being flat or planar.

18. A supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the base being curved, such as part spherical.

19. A supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the base is square or rectangular, triangular or diamond shaped.

20. A supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the base is teardrop shaped with the first end of the base being the broad end of the teardrop shape and the second end of the base being the narrow end of the teardrop shape.21 . A supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the base is a separate component to which the upper substrate is fixed.

22. A supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the base and the upper substrate are integral and of the same material.

23. A supporting device according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the upper substrate is a PVC plastic, in particular a matte PVC plastic.

24. A supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the base is of a material that grips seat surfaces that are plastic or leather surfaces.

25. A supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the supporting device is hollow and has a hollow cavity between the base and the upper substrate.

26. A supporting device according to claim 25, wherein the cavity is airtight and includes a valve to add or remove air from within the cavity.

27. A supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the supporting device is foam filled device, whereby the foam is deformable.

28. A method of use of a supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, comprising placing the supporting device on a seat surface in proximity to a backrest associated with the seat surface, the user seating on the supporting device so to bring the user’s pelvic region into contact with the inclined surface of the supporting device and to deflect the inclined surface to form a barrier thatresists progression of the pelvic region toward the periphery of the base of the supporting device.

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