Posture improving device

Claim 1

In a posture improving device of the type that includes first and second belt segments that have first ends, means on second ends of said belts for removably holding said segments in an encircling position about the waist of a user, and an electrically operated alarm assembly interposed betwEen said first ends of said segments that emits an audible sound when said user allows his stomach muscles to relax and expand, said alarm assembly comprising: a. an elongate rigid plate that has first and second ends and first and second sides, with said first end of said first belt segment connected to said first end of said plate; b. a first post, open frame, stud, and a pair of guides that extend outwardly from said first side of said plate; c. a flat, elongate member of L-shape that includes first and second legs, said member in slidable contact with said first side of said plate, said first leg longitudinally aligned with said plate and said second leg transversely positioned relative to said plate, said first leg having an elongate, longitudinally extending slot therein that slidably engages said stud to limit the longitudinal movement of said member relative to said plate; d. first means for securing said first end of said second belt segment to said second leg; e. a second post that extends outwardly from said first leg; f. a tensioned spring that extends between said first and second posts for holding said member in a first position relative to said plate when said user maintains said stomach muscles in a taut condition; g. an electrically operated buzzer mounted in said frame; h. a battery; i. second means that extends outwardly from said second side of said plate for removably supporting said battery at a fixed position relative to said plate; j. a normally open electric switch mounted on said first side of said plate; k. electrical circuit means for connecting said battery, buzzer and switch to one another; l. a clip mounted on said first leg that is moved to contact said switch and place the latter in a closed position when said member moves to a second position upon the user allowing his stomach muscles to relax and expand, with said spring returning said member to said first position upon said user placing said stomach muscles in a taut condition. m. a tapped boss that extends outwardly from said second side of said plate; n. a first cup-shaped housing member that has the peripheral edge thereof in abutting contact with said second side of said plate, and said first housing member concealing said battery and second means; o. a screw that extends through an opening in said first housing member to engage said tapped boss to removably hold said first housing member on said plate to permit said first housing member to be periodically removed for said battery to be replaced with a fully charged battery; and p. a second cup-shaped housing member secured to said first side of said plate, said second housing member having openings in the ends thereof through which portions of said first and second belt segments extend, and said second housing member serving to conceal said buzzer, switch and spring.