Apparatus and method for controlling posture

Abstract

A posture control device that maintains an individual's posture in a correct position by elevating the upper portion of the thighs. The thigh elevation device elevates the thighs, which causes the pelvis to automatically rotate anteriorly. The rotation results in an increased curvature of the lumbo-sacral spine which properly aligns the vertebrae with one another. One embodiment uses a stand-alone thigh elevation device which is positioned below the upper portion of the thigh of a user when the user is sitting. An alternative embodiment uses a specially designed seat cushion with an elevated portion to control leg position in the same manner. The seat cushion can be detachable or an integral part of a chair. Optional features include cushion securing devices including straps and/or hook and loop attachments. An alternative embodiment uses an inflatable thigh elevation device which allows the user or medical personnel to dynamically adjust the angle of the user's leg.

I claim:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for rotating the pelvis to properly align vertebrae, comprising: 
 a pliant leg support, further comprising: 
 means to removably attach the pliant leg support to a seat such that the pliant leg support aligns with the upper portions of the proximal thighs anterior to the ischial tuberosity of an individual when the individual is sitting on the seat; and  
 the pliant leg support having a thickness sufficient to elevate the thigh of an individual when the individual sits on the seat such that the elevation of the thigh causes the ischial tuberosity to rotate;  
   whereby the rotation of the ischial tuberosity causes the individual's vertebrae to align such that the lumber region and the cervical regions to align in a lordotic curve and the thoracic region to align in a kyphotic curve.    
     
     
         2 . An apparatus, as in    claim 1   , wherein the means to removably attach the pliant leg support is hook and loop attachment straps.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus, as in    claim 1   , wherein the diameter of the pliant leg support is approximately 2-3 inches.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus, as in    claim 1   , further comprising: 
 means to adjust the diameter of the pliant leg support such that its diameter can be altered to suit individuals of varying sizes.    
     
     
         5 . An apparatus, as in    claim 4   , further comprising: 
 a remote control for remotely controlling the diameter of the pliant leg support.    
     
     
         6 . An apparatus, as in    claim 4   , wherein the diameter of the pliant leg support is controlled by injection of a fluid pressure medium into the thigh elevation pad.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus, as in    claim 6   , wherein the fluid pressure medium is air.  
     
     
         8 . An apparatus for rotating the pelvis to properly align vertebrae, comprising: 
 a seat;    a pliant leg support, the pliant leg support integrated with the seat such that the pliant leg support aligns with the upper portions of the proximal thighs anterior to the ischial tuberosity of an individual when the individual is sitting on the seat; and    the pliant leg support having a thickness sufficient to elevate the thigh of an individual when the individual sits on the seat such that the elevation of the thigh causes the ischial tuberosity to rotate;    whereby the rotation of the ischial tuberosity causes the individual's vertebrae to align such that the lumber region and the cervical regions to align in a lordotic curve and the thoracic region to align in a kyphotic curve.    
     
     
         9 . An apparatus, as in    claim 8   , wherein the diameter of the thigh elevation pad is approximately 2-3 inches.  
     
     
         10 . An apparatus, as in    claim 8   , further comprising: 
 means to adjust the diameter of the pliant leg support such that its diameter can be altered to suit individuals of varying sizes.    
     
     
         11 . An apparatus, as in    claim 10   , further comprising: 
 a remote control for remotely controlling the diameter of the pliant leg support.    
     
     
         12 . An apparatus, as in    claim 10   , wherein the diameter of the pliant leg support is controlled by injection of a fluid pressure medium into the pliant leg support.  
     
     
         13 . An apparatus, as in    claim 12   , wherein the fluid pressure medium is air.  
     
     
         14 . A method of properly aligning vertebrae, including the steps of: 
 elevating the upper portion of an individual's proximal thighs anterior to the ischial tuberosity when the individual is sitting on the seat a sufficient distance to cause the ischial tuberosity to rotate;    rotating the ischial tuberosity of the individual such that the individual's vertebrae align in the lumber region and in the cervical regions in a lordotic curve and align in the thoracic region in a kyphotic curve.    
     
     
         15 . A method, as in    claim 14   , including the additional step of elevating the upper thigh greater than 2 inches with a pliant leg support.  
     
     
         16 . A method, as in    claim 14   , including the additional step of using an adjustable pliant leg support to raise the upper thigh of the individual.  
     
     
         17 . A method, as in    claim 16   , including the additional step of using an air pressurized pad as the pliant leg support to increase or decrease the elevation of the individual's thighs.  
     
     
         18 . A method, as in    claim 16   , including the additional step of remotely controlling the thickness of the pliant leg support.  
     
     
         19 . A method, as in    claim 18   , including the additional step of using an air pressurized pad as the pliant leg support to increase or decrease the elevation of the individual's thighs.  
     
     
         20 . A method, as in    claim 18   , including the additional step of integrating the adjustable pliant leg support into a seat.