Posture correction device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a posture correction device (1) for helping a user sitting in front of a table (100) to adopt a correct posture. The correction device (1) comprises an elastic support element (2) for the abdomen of the user, configured to be provided between the abdomen of the user and a front edge (110) of the table (100), and an attachment means (3) removably connected to the elastic support element (2) and configured to attach the elastic support element (2) to the table (100).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention is in the field of posture correction for a person sitting at a table in a working environment, for example an office.

[0002] The aim of the present invention is to provide a very simple posture corrector that is very easy to use, regardless of the type of chair or table used. [Background technology]

[0003] Slumped shoulder syndrome refers to the tendency of the body, including the head, to lean slightly forward, with a curved back and shoulders. When poor posture is acquired from spending hours sitting in the office or working remotely from home, the bones and muscles can become accustomed to the new posture. After all, postural kyphosis is now rapidly increasing in most developed countries.

[0004] To prevent such problems, it is known that one must sit correctly at the worktable: among other things, the table height must be such that when lying on the table, the forearms are at approximately 90°, the shoulders are straight, the monitor height must be such that the person can look straight ahead, etc. In order to ensure such a correct posture, many solutions have been proposed, such as those described in the following patent documents:

[0005] Patent document 1 discloses an ergonomic chair with elements designed to support several parts of a person. In particular, the chair has no backrest, but has a support panel for the knees and a second support panel for the chest. In a working position, a person is forced to lean forward slightly and maintain an upright posture.

[0006] US Patent No. 5,399,633 discloses another ergonomic chair with support for the user's knees and chest, but in this case the chair also has a backrest. All these elements can be configured in many different ways to allow the user to assume several different postures.

[0007] A drawback of most known ergonomic chairs is that the elements used to position the user in the correct posture are specific to each chair, a fact that has resulted in a large number of overly complicated structures that have never been used in a generalized way. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 4,650,249 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,746 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention solves the aforementioned problems thanks to a new and very simple posture corrector that can be used on any type of chair. This posture corrector mainly comprises an elastic element that supports the abdomen of the user against the edge of the table on which the user is sitting. To ensure that the elastic element is maintained in the correct position, attachment means attach said elastic element to the table. Thus, when the user sits at the table, the slight application of the abdomen against the elastic element strengthens the muscles and leads the user to adopt an upright posture.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention is directed to a posture correction device for helping a user sitting at a table to adopt a correct posture, i.e., an upright posture. The posture correction device mainly includes a supporting elastic element and an attachment means. Each of these elements will now be described in more detail. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] a) Elastic support element The elastic support element for the user's abdomen is configured to be placed between the user's abdomen and the front edge of the table. It is an element with a certain elasticity, so that it deforms slightly depending on the pressure exerted against it by the user's abdomen. The range of dimensions of the elastic element in the direction of separation between the user's abdomen and the table may be 10 cm to 30 cm, more preferably 15 cm to 25 cm. This distance range ensures an appropriate distance between the user and the table.

[0012] The elastic support element can be constructed in many different ways. For example, it may be a cushion made of an elastic material such as polyethylene foam. However, preferably, the elastic support element is an inflatable element. This is advantageous since these types of elements are, by definition, elastic to most pressures achievable manually, i.e. simply by blowing through a suitable valve. Furthermore, inflatable elements are advantageous in that they have a rounded shape that lacks sharp edges and therefore naturally provides comfort to the user.

[0013] With regard to shape, the elastic support element may be of any shape that ensures that the user can rest comfortably against it, for example spherical or cylindrical, etc. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the elastic support element is a spherical inflatable balloon, for example a balloon with a diameter of 15 cm to 25 cm.

[0014] b) Mounting means The mounting means is connected to the resilient support element and is configured to mount said resilient support element to a table.

[0015] The connection of the attachment means to the elastic support element can be made in many different ways, as will be disclosed in more detail herein. As regards the attachment of the elastic support element to the table, said attachment can also be made in many different ways, as will be disclosed below, to ensure that the elastic support element does not fall or move from its natural position of use while a user is sitting at the table.

[0016] The attachment means are especially configured for attaching the elastic support element to a table. Attaching the elastic support element to a table is advantageous in that the user can move around freely without the elastic support element being attached to the user all the time. When returning to the table, the user only has to sit down naturally, since the elastic support element remains in place. Furthermore, the attachment means to the table can adopt various shapes, provided that the connection is strong and secure.

[0017] Furthermore, the attachment means are removably connected to the resilient support element, which allows the attachment means to be separated from the resilient support element and replaced if necessary, for example due to excessive wear or other reasons.

[0018] In particular, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment means comprises a mounting pad connected to the elastic support element by a pin passing through a first hole in the mounting pad and through a second hole in the elastic support element. The mounting pad further has an outer surface with an adhesive for attachment to a table. In this context, it will be understood that the pin has a rear flange with a larger diameter than the body, such that the body passes through the first hole but not the rear flange.

[0019] In this way, the posture corrector can be easily attached by simply inserting the pin through the first hole in the mounting pad and then into the second hole in the elastic support element. Optionally, the second hole can be a hole for the elastic support element to expand, in which case the pin acts as a plug for said second hole. In any case, the mounting pad is flexible enough to adapt to the shape of the edge of the table. With regard to its shape, the mounting pad can have any shape, for example round, square, rectangular, etc.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the attachment means may be connected to the elastic support element by a first flexible sheet with a suction cap and / or adhesive. More preferably, the attachment means comprises a clamp with an arm configured to grip the edge of a table. Naturally, the rear end of the clamp, i.e. the end opposite to the free end of the arm, is fixed to the above-mentioned flexible sheet. The rear end of the clamp is thereby connected to the elastic support element by means of a suction cap and / or adhesive. With this arrangement, the user only has to open the arms of the clamp in an appropriate manner depending on the opening and closing mechanism of the clamp and then attach the clamp to the edge of the table in the position where he / she wishes to sit. Thus, the elastic support element is attached to the table in a simple and reliable manner.

[0021] The clamp arm closing mechanism can be implemented in any manner so long as it provides adequate pressure against the table and prevents inadvertent release. For example, the clamp may include a spring-based closing mechanism that biases one arm against the other to clamp against the edge of the table. Alternatively, the clamp may include a worm gear-based closing mechanism that, when actuated, moves one arm against the other to clamp against the edge of the table.

[0022] In either case, the inner surfaces of the ends of the clamp arms are constructed with padded sheets to prevent damage to the table when it is clamped.

[0023] Alternatively, the attachment means may include a joint between the clamp and the elastic support system to allow for user movement, the joint being configured to allow for relative angular displacement between the attachment means and the elastic support element, such as occurs when a user moves while changing position while seated at a table, thereby preventing tension in the attachment means which could cause discomfort to the posture corrector of the present invention or even damage to its components.

[0024] As an alternative to the clamp disclosed in the paragraph above, said attachment means comprises a second flexible sheet having an adhesive surface adapted to be attached to the edge of the table. That is to say, in this case, the attachment means may comprise two flexible sheets, namely a first flexible sheet adapted to be connected to the elastic support element by vacuum and / or adhesive, and a second flexible sheet adapted to be attached to the edge of the table by adhesive. Thereby, after connecting the attachment means to the elastic support element by means of the first flexible sheet, as described above, the user only has to attach the second flexible sheet to the edge of the table by means of adhesive. In this way, the elastic support element is attached to the table in a simple and reliable manner.

[0025] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, in order to allow for user movement, the attachment means may further comprise an elastic connection element between the first flexible sheet for connection to the elastic support element and the second flexible sheet for attachment to the edge of a table, said elastic connection means performing a function equivalent to the joint described above by allowing relative rotation between the first and second flexible sheets.

[0026] Therefore, the posture corrector disclosed in the above paragraphs solves the problem in a simple manner. Although not explicitly disclosed herein, modifications or substitutions of the posture corrector of the present invention are possible within the scope of protection disclosed in the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a posture correction device according to a first embodiment of the present invention attached to a table. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the posture corrector of the first embodiment of the present invention when not attached to a table. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of an attachment means of a posture correction device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an elastic support element of the posture correction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a posture correcting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is in use. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a posture correction device according to a second embodiment of the present invention attached to a table. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the posture corrector of the second embodiment of the present invention attached to a table. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an attachment means of a posture correction device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a side view of a posture correction device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing a posture correcting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention in use. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a posture correction device according to a third embodiment of the present invention attached to a table. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 shows another perspective view of the posture corrector of the third embodiment of the present invention attached to a table. [Figure 13]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an attachment means of a posture correction device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the posture correction device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing a posture correcting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention in use. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a posture correction device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention when disassembled. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the posture correction device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the posture corrector of the fourth embodiment attached to a table. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A number of exemplary embodiments of a posture corrector 1 according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The elastic support element 2 shown in all figures except for Figure 18 is in the form of an inflatable balloon having a diameter of 15 cm to 25 cm. The inflatable balloon 2 has a valved orifice 21 for filling and draining. It should be noted that the orifice 21 does not have to be exactly in the position shown but can be located anywhere on the inflatable balloon 2.

[0030] Each of the exemplary embodiments is described in greater detail below.

[0031] First embodiment 1 to 5 show various views of a posture correction device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The posture correction device 1 according to the first embodiment has an attachment means 3 configured to be attached to a table 100.

[0032] The posture corrector 1 of the first embodiment is formed by an attachment means 3 in the form of a clamp connected to an inflatable balloon 2. In particular, the clamp comprises two arms 32 articulated to a common base, the arms being arranged to alternate between an open position in which they are separated from each other, and a closed position in which their free ends are adjacent to each other. The shape of the arms can be varied, but in this embodiment they are curved to avoid contact with the table 100, thereby preventing scratches or other damage. Inside the base to which the arms 32 are connected there are one or more springs arranged to continuously bias the arms 32 towards the closed position. The arms 32 also have fins 37 which act as handles for the user to pull outwards from both arms 32 to open them when moving the clamp from the closed position to the open position.

[0033] At the free end of each arm 32 there is a plate 36 articulated to the corresponding free end to ensure correct support against the surface of the table 100. The surface of the plate 36 that abuts against the surface of the table 100 has a padded sheet 34 to prevent damage. Thus, to attach the attachment means 3 to the table 100, the user only has to move the arms 32 from the open position by pulling the fins 37, place the clamp so that the table 100 is located between both arms 32, and grip the table 200 between them by releasing the fins 37 so that the spring or springs automatically move the arms 32 towards the closed position.

[0034] The attachment means 3 of this first embodiment also comprises a first flexible sheet 31 for connecting the attachment means 3 to the inflatable balloon 2. In this embodiment, the first flexible sheet 31 is connected to the rear face of the base of the clamp. The shape of the first flexible sheet 31 is that of a spherical cap with a cavity oriented in the opposite direction to the clamp so as to fit the spherical shape of the inflatable balloon 2. This first flexible sheet 31 can be connected to the inflatable balloon 2 in the manner of a suction cap. To improve the connection, it is possible to provide a zone with adhesive on the inflatable balloon 2 where the first flexible sheet 31 is attached.

[0035] 5 shows the first posture corrector 1 in use. The inflatable balloon 2 is connected to the attachment means 3 by the first flexible sheet 31 using adhesive. The user then opens the clamp of the attachment means 3 and attaches it to the table 100. Thus, the inflatable balloon 2 is also attached to the table 100, and the user 200 only needs to sit and lightly press his / her abdomen against the inflatable balloon 2.

[0036] Second embodiment Figures 6 to 10 show several views of a second embodiment of a posture corrector 1 similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 5. As shown, the mounting means 3 of this second embodiment of the posture corrector 1 is also configured to be mounted on a table 100.

[0037] Indeed, this second embodiment of the posture corrector 1 also comprises attachment means 31 configured as a clamp with two arms 32 alternating between an open and a closed position. However, the opening and closing mechanism of the clamp is different here since it is based on a worm gear 33 which, when actuated, moves one arm 32 relative to the other arm 32, either closer or farther apart depending on the direction of rotation. It should be noted that in this figure only the working end of the worm gear 33 is shown, the worm gear 33 being housed in a base to which the arms 32 are connected.

[0038] This attachment means 3 also comprises a first flexible sheet (31) for connection with the inflatable balloon 2. The first flexible sheet 31 is similar to that disclosed for the first posture corrector 1, being shaped as a spherical cap and optionally including an adhesive to improve connectivity with the inflatable balloon 2. However, unlike the previous embodiment, the connection between the clamp and the first flexible sheet 31 is now made by a joint 35. The joint 35 allows relative rotation between these two components, and assuming that the clamp is attached to the table 100, the inflatable balloon 2 can move in one direction or the other around the joint 35 in order to follow the movements of the user 200 when changing posture.

[0039] 10 shows the posture corrector 1 of this second embodiment in use. The installation is the same as that disclosed in relation to the first embodiment, but in this case, instead of manually pulling the arm 32 outwards, the user rotates the worm gear 33 until the arm 32 clamps the table 100. This causes the inflatable balloon 2 to be attached to the table 100, helping the user to sit upright.

[0040] Third embodiment 11 to 15 show multiple views of a posture correcting device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figures, the attachment means 3 of the third embodiment is also configured to be attached to a table 100.

[0041] Specifically, the attachment means 3 of the posture corrector 1 of this third embodiment consists of a first flexible sheet 31 and a second flexible sheet 38 joined by an elastic connection element 39. As mentioned above, the first flexible sheet 31 allows the attachment means 3 to be connected to the inflatable balloon 2 and has a spherical cap shape. To connect the first flexible sheet 31 to the inflatable balloon 2, an adhesive or a vacuum can be adopted. The second flexible sheet 38 of this embodiment is similar to the first flexible sheet, i.e. has a circular or spherical cap shape, although in each case other shapes such as a square or rectangular are also possible. Both flexible sheets 31, 38 are oriented with their cavities facing in opposite directions. The elastic connection element 39 connecting one to the other allows one to rotate relative to the other in order to allow the inflatable balloon 2 to follow small movements of the user 200 when changing posture. The second flexible sheet 38 further includes an adhesive or the like on its outwardly facing surface to enable fastening to the table 100. The second flexible sheet 38 also includes a tab T protruding from a side edge of the sheet 38 to facilitate separation from the table 100. This tab T does not include any adhesive forming part of a surface that constitutes a suction cup, such that it can be easily pulled therefrom to separate the second flexible sheet 38 from the surface of the table 100.

[0042] Thus, to attach the posture corrector 1 to a table, the user simply brings the second flexible sheet 38 towards the edge 110 of the table 100, presses it firmly against that surface and folds it, as shown in Fig. 12. Thanks to the adhesive, the surface facing outwards is attached to the table 100. The inflatable balloon 2 is then attached to the table 100 and is ready for use.

[0043] Fourth embodiment 16 to 18 show yet another embodiment of the posture corrector 1 of the present invention. The posture corrector 1 includes an inflatable balloon 2 and an attachment means 3 removably connected thereto.

[0044] The attachment means 3 includes a mounting pad 4 having a circular shape and a first hole 41 in the center. A pin 5 is further provided for connecting the mounting pad 4 to the inflatable balloon 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the pin 5 is inserted through the first hole 41 in the mounting pad 4 and the second hole 23 in the inflatable balloon 2. The mounting pad 4 is flexible and has an adhesive on its outer surface, i.e., the surface facing the inflatable balloon 2. This allows the mounting pad 4 to be folded around and attached to the edge 110 of the table 100, as shown in FIG. 18.

Claims

1. A posture correction device (1) for helping a user sitting in front of a table (100) to adopt a correct posture, comprising: an elastic support element (2) for the abdomen of the user, adapted to be placed between the abdomen of the user and the front edge (110) of the table (100); - attachment means (3) removably connected to said elastic support element (2) and adapted to attach said elastic support element (2) to said table (100); A posture correction device comprising:

2. The attachment means (3) is 2. The posture correction device (1) according to claim 1, comprising a mounting pad (4) connected to the elastic support element (2) by a pin (5) passing through a first hole (41) and a second hole (23) of the elastic support element (2), the mounting pad (4) further having an outer surface having an adhesive for mounting to the table (100).

3. The attachment means (3) is 2. A posture corrector (1) according to claim 1, connected to the elastic support element (2) by a first flexible sheet (31) having suction cups and / or adhesive.

4. The attachment means (3) is The posture corrector (1) of claim 3, further comprising a clamp having an arm (32) configured to clamp the front edge (110) of the table (100).

5. The clamp is 5. The posture corrector (1) of claim 4, further comprising a spring-loaded closing mechanism for biasing one of the arms (32) towards the other arm (32) to clamp the front edge (110) of the table (100).

6. The clamp is 5. The posture correction device (1) of claim 4, further comprising a worm gear (33)-based closing mechanism which, when activated, moves one of the arms (32) towards the other arm (32) to clamp the front edge (110) of the table (100).

7. The inner surface of the end of the arm (32) of the clamp is The posture corrector (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a padded seat (34) for preventing damage to the table (100) when clamping the table (100).

8. The attachment means (3) is 8. A posture corrector (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising a joint (35) between the clamp and the elastic support element (2) allowing movement of the user.

9. The attachment means (3) is 4. The posture corrector (1) of claim 3, comprising a second flexible sheet (38) having an adhesive surface configured to adhere to the front edge (110) of the table (100).

10. The attachment means (3) is 10. The posture correction device (1) of claim 9, further comprising an elastic connection element (39) provided between the first flexible sheet (31) for connection to the elastic support element (2) and the second flexible sheet (38) for connection to the front edge (110) of the table (100), allowing movement of the user.

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