A self-centering posture seating device is adapted to induce proper posture in seated persons. Specifically, a back support member designed to provide resilient support selectively in the region of the lumbar vertebra of a seated person is conjoined with a posture seating device designed to provide resilient support primarily in the spaced-apart regions corresponding to the ischial tuberosities. The result is a "self-centering" posture seating device which is noticeably more comfortable when properly used than it is when improperly used.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to seating equipment; and, more particularly, to a 
self-centering posture seating device adapted to induce proper posture in 
seated individuals. 
The present invention is an improvement on posture seating devices of the 
type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,557,269 issued to the present inventor 
on June 19, 1951. The U.S. Pat. No. 2,557,269 devices comprise, in 
substance, planar seating devices designed to provide resilient support 
selectively in spaced-apart regions corresponding to the main areas of 
pelvic support of a seated person known as the ischial tuberosities. When 
a person sits properly centered on the device, the weight of his body 
above the pelvis is transmitted to the resilient support regions by way of 
the ischial tuberosities, and the spinal column is induced to assume the 
proper position for correct posture. As a result, the various organs 
within the body are maintained in proper position, and fatigue and pain 
are minimized. 
In use of this posture seating device, however, it has been observed that 
some persons are so inured to improper posture that they do not sit 
properly centered, and much of the potential benefit of the device is 
consequently lost to these individuals. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In accordance with the present invention, a self-centering posture seating 
device is adapted to induce proper posture in seated persons. 
Specifically, a back support region designed to provide resilient support 
selectively in the region of the lumbar vertebra of a seated person is 
conjoined with a posture seating device designed to provide resilient 
support in the spaced-apart regions corresponding to the ischial 
tuberosities. The result is a "self-centering" posture seating device 
which is noticeably more comfortable when properly used than it is when 
improperly used. This invention is not only beneficial to persons with 
back trouble but also to persons without back trouble.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate broken-away views of a 
self-centering posture seating device comprising a seat support member 
generally denoted 10 and a back support member generally denoted 12. In 
essence, the seat support member 10 is a seating device designed to 
provide resilient support primarily in the spaced-apart regions 
corresponding to the ischial tuberosities of a seated person. More 
specifically, support is preferably provided by a plurality of resilient 
bands 13 stretched across a rigid seat frame 14 preferably of aluminum 
tubing, in a plurality of sets 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E intersecting in 
two regions 16 and 16 spaced apart by the distance separating the ischial 
tuberosities of a seated person. Depending upon the size of the support 
regions, this distance can vary from four to six inches. For comfort, an 
overall layer 18 of soft foam is preferably applied over both the metal 
frame and the resilient bands 13, and an outer protective cover 19 of 
fabric or like material can be applied around the seat support member. The 
resilient bands can be bands of thick rubber or like material such as 
bands of 1/16th inch thick rubber. If desired, optional nonresilient 
reinforcement can be provided in the form of loose, nonresilient bands 
(not shown) which effectively limit the amount of total penetration into 
the seat upon perturbations such as would be caused by a person dropping 
onto the seat or by a vehicle hitting bumps. 
Back support member 12 is a somewhat similar structure designed to provide 
resilient support primarily in the region of the lumbar vertebra. Such 
support is preferably provided by a plurality of resilient bands 20 
stretched across a rigid back support frame 21 in a plurality of sets 22A 
and 22B intersecting in region 23. The back support member 12 is either 
rigidly or hingeably conjoined to seat support member 10 in such a manner 
that support region 23 is centered with respect to support regions 16 and 
17, and disposed thereabove by the approximate height of the lumbar 
vertebra of a seated person. Again, depending on tne size of the support 
region, this distance can vary from 4 to 6 inches. As in the case of the 
seat support, an overall layer of soft foam 24 and an outer cover 25 can 
be applied around the back support member for comfort and protection. 
Preferably, the members 10 and 12 are conjoined by coupling together metal 
frames 14 and 21, as by hinging by hinge 26. 
The advantage of this posture seating device relative to those of 
comparable simplicity heretofore known is that it is substantially 
"self-centering" and provides enhanced posture controlling support. The 
region of the lumbar vertebra located between concave and convex curves in 
the spinal column is a critical support region for the back, and a seated 
person instinctively moves this region into a support region. Such 
instinctive motion automatically assures that the seated person will be 
properly centered with respect to the regions for supporting the ischial 
tuberosities, thereby securing the full benefits of the posture seating 
device. 
While the invention has been described in connection with a small number of 
specific embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are 
merely illustrative of many other specific embodiments which also utilize 
the principles of the invention. Thus, numerous and varied devices can be 
devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and 
scope of the present invention.