DK2081468T3

DK2081468T3 - Ergonomic seat

Info

Publication number: DK2081468T3
Application number: DK07802196.1T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Harald Würl; Ralf Stöcklmeier; Guido Wachter; Josef Glöckl
Original assignee: Aeris Gmbh
Priority date: 2006-09-22
Filing date: 2007-09-07
Publication date: 2016-02-15
Also published as: DK2100540T3; EP2100540A1; WO2008034529A2; DE202006016212U1; EP2100540B1; DE102006045340A1; DE102006050394A1; EP2081468A2; DE102006045340B4; EP2081468B1; WO2008034529A3

Description

Description [0001] The invention relates to a seat with a central area and an edge area following the latter are toward the outside.

[0002] Sitting for a long time at a desk or a computer on traditional chairs or armchairs has proved to be especially damaging for the back. Usual seat constructions force a person to assume a posture, in spite of the otherwise usual possibilities for adjusting the seat height and the inclination of the back, which has a negative influence in particular on the intervertebral disks. For a pain-free functioning of the spinal column that lasts for many years, in addition to the disks even the facet articulations, the cartilage apparatus and disk apparatus as well as the musculature must be in a physiological equilibrium and be sufficiently moved. In traditional seats the ischial tuberosities (Tuber ischiadicum) are usually pressed inward into a trough by too soft a seat surface and the wings of the ilium are pushed apart as a biomechanical countermovement, which produces a slight cyphosis in the lumbar spine. This undesirable effect is designated as “outflair”. It would be biomechanically better for a planar loading of the disks and to avoid the cyphosis to press the ischial tuberosities outward from the seat surface and therefore to move the wings of the ilium inward, which retains the physiologically correct lordotic position of the spine. This is designated as “inflair”.

[0003] Another disadvantage of traditional seats and armchairs is the fact that the front edge of the seat, which edge is often curved upward, presses against the bottom of the femurs and greatly hinders the return of venous blood from the legs as well as significantly limits the freedom of movement of the pelvis. In the long term this results in stagnations of the blood in the legs and problems with the veins both in the legs and in the lower pelvis (hemorrhoids).

[0004] A seat body is known from US 2002/0036420 A1 which has an elevated number of transversely running slots in the front seat area so that this front area has a greater flexibility than the other areas of the seat. The rigidity is increased by reinforcement ribs arranged transversely to the direction of the seat. At the same time stabilizing elements on the side edges of the seat plate in the direction of the seats are provided which consist of blocks arranged in a row serially behind one another. A support surface is formed below the blocks on which the blocks are supported when the seat surface is bent downward. The blocks have a wedge-shaped slot to the particular adjacent block which slot terminates downward during the bending of the free end of the seat plate. However, this construction does not produce the desired softness with simultaneous sufficient stability.

[0005] The invention therefore has the basic problem of making a seat construction available that avoids the physiologically disadvantageous effects of traditional seats.

[0006] The problem is solved by a seat with the features of Claim 1.

[0007] The seat of the invention with a central area and an edge area that follows the latter outwardly is characterized by a suspension that has a resilience that increases from the central area outward toward the edge area. This creates an improved seat that avoids the above-cited disadvantages of traditional seats and armchairs. The seat advantageously comprises a suspension which offers a firmer central area in comparison to the edge area and therefore prevents an inward pressing of the ischial tuberosities and an adverse effect on the blood supply of the legs.

[0008] Spring arms arranged in a ray-shaped pattern extend from the firm central area of the springs in the direction of the edge area, of which arms at least the spring arms facing to the front are constructed to be increasingly softer radially toward the outside. In this manner a central area that is firmer compared to the surrounding sections of the seat is made possible. As a result of the softer construction of the spring arms the seat can yield, as a result of which any unfavorable pressure against the bottom of the femurs is avoided. The front edge of the seat adapts to the shape of the body and to the movement of the bottom of the femurs. In an advantageous embodiment the spring arms are constructed as an arrangement of leaf springs, wherein the spring arms directed to the front can be constructed to be longer and wider than, for example, the laterally arranged ones. In order to achieve the increasing resilience toward the edge area, preferably several leaf springs with different lengths can be arranged superposed on one another and become shorter from the top down.

[0009] The thickness of the individual spring arms can also be designed individually and independently of each other. The shape of the spring arms can also vary in any manner as long as the technical function remains preserved.

[0010] In an alternative embodiment the suspension can be formed by a combination of elastomeric foam materials with a different quality. It is also possible that the foam material is supported by an arrangement of flexible springs.

[011] It is also favorable that the seat comprises at least one foam layer of a translucent material, wherein in the area of the thinner layers light can shine through the foam and in the area of the thicker layers the foamed material is constructed to be non-transparent. This tells the observer that this is a seat with a flexible edge area. In addition, the foam layer improves the seating comfort.

[0012] Furthermore, it is advantageous that a comfort zone consisting of soft integral foam is arranged in the edge area or that the foam consisting of soft integral foam can extend substantially completely around the seat. The surface of the soft integral foam is preferably flocked with a flocking technique. The comfort zone gives the person sitting a comfortable feeling of sitting in the edge area so that the seat is perceived but does not press in an uncomfortable manner in any position against the femurs.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment the suspension is constructed as a plate spring with a spring force that decreases radially outward, as a result of which the above-described advantages can also be achieved. For example, the plate springs can also be slotted.

[0014] It is also advantageous that a stabilizing element can be arranged below the suspension and is a rib arrangement in a preferred device with properties that become stiffer as the bending increases. It is advantageous that the rib arrangement can comprise at least one web provided on the bottom with several notches. The notches can be constructed in different shapes and with different opening widths, wherein an inverted V-shaped design is preferred. The opening width of the notches can also be designed to be variable in the direction of the edge area in order in this manner to adapt and limit the degree of the yielding movement.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment the rib arrangement can also consist of a type of dovetail engagement, wherein the engagement becomes deeper as the bending increases until the corresponding countersurfaces rest on each other and a further bending is prevented. A dovetail design of the rib elements in vertical as well as in horizontal alignment brings about a central engagement of the rib sections into each other and can prevent undesired lateral bendings of the spring arms.

[0016] In yet another embodiment the stabilization takes place by a limiting element in the form of a loose band which is arranged laterally between the spring arms and under the plate spring. The bending of the individual spring arms opposite the adjacent spring arms is possible only until the slack has been used up. In this manner an advantageous interaction between the particular adjacent spring arms and therefore a uniformity in the movement is achieved.

[0017] It is furthermore advantageous that the seat comprises a convexly curved seat carrier that can be constructed to be harder in the middle and softer towards the edge. This supports the construction of the central area, which is firmer relative to the edge area.

[0018] All the above-described features have the goal that the seat has a firm central area and a resilient edge area, wherein the resilience is limited and on the whole a pleasant seating feeling that is friendly to the back is produced.

[0019] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the seat is arranged in a construction for sitting furniture that comprises a lower framework, preferably designed as a column or gas spring and comprises a foot part, wherein the foot part preferably has an articulation that makes possible a swinging motion of the sitting person together with the seat and the lower framework. The arrangement of the articulation is also possible at various areas of the lower framework. The higher the point of rotation of the articulation is and therefore the closer to the posterior of the sitting person, the more unfavorably the lumbar spine is stressed. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment the articulation is arranged on the foot part. When there is an inclination of the lower framework and of the seat there is the necessity for the person sitting to use at least one leg for support in order to maintain equilibrium. In this manner the lumbar spine remains in a straight line with the lower framework.

[0020] It is also advantageous that in an alternative embodiment a sitting plate for receiving the seat can be arranged on the lower framework. In particular, the sitting plate can be constructed with a receptacle for being mounted on a structural element, in particular a gas pressure spring, belonging to the lower framework. The spring arms can be injected, for example into the foam in this embodiment and are not necessarily have to be in contact with the sitting plate.

[0021] The seat can be individually adjusted in height with the aid of a lower framework constructed as a gas pressure spring. In a special embodiment of the height adjustment, for example in the case of an especially long gas pressure spring, the use even as a standing seat is advantageously possible.

[0022] In another embodiment the lower framework is constructed as a telescoping column that can be provided with a stop. As a result, the height can also be adapted to people of different sizes. The column can also comprise a spring, as a result of which the seat is resiliently received on the column. This can be advantageous since in this manner even vertical rocking movements of the sitting person are made possible and the spine is also stressed differently vertically and consequently the surrounding muscles are trained. The spring on the lower framework can also be used in all other embodiments in as far as this is technically possible.

[0023] It is also advantageous that the lower framework can be arranged on the foot part in a support and can be inclined relative to a vertical axis in all directions. The column can be stopped in every possible position of inclination. In the preferred embodiment the inclination can be carried out at least to the extent that at every height of the seat, i.e., every possible longitudinal adjustment of the column, a vertical line can be adjusted between the foremost point of the seat surface and the foremost point of the foot part. This is advantageous for a sitting in equilibrium independently of the seat height without falling to the front, to the rear or in a side direction.

[0024] The articulation in the foot part can be advantageously constructed as a swinging articulation with at least one rubber element for limiting the swinging width of the column and of the seat. It is furthermore advantageous that the rubber element can be placed under pretension by a mechanism, wherein the mechanism offers different possibilities for adjusting the pretension. As a result, the different preferences regarding the swinging width and the easiness of the swinging of the sitting person can be taken into account. Also, the support force is influenced by the foot of the sitting person, i.e., given a great pretension of the rubber element only a slight or no support force is necessary.

[0025] Furthermore, the foot part can comprise means for fixing the inclination of the column and means for adjusting the pretension, wherein the means are preferably formed by a self-adjusting screwing with a hand wheel. As a result, the sitting person can advantageously perform adaptations in a simple manner in accordance with his individually preferred and ergonomically correct adjustment regarding the height, inclination and the possible swinging width of the seat.

[0026] It can also be possible that the construction underneath the translucent foam layer consists of non-translucent, in particular dark material. (A7) [0027] Furthermore, it can be advantageous that the rib arrangement comprises at least one web that comprises downwardly directed recesses. (A14) [0028] The seat can preferably comprise a convexly curved sitting surface which is constructed to be harder in the middle and softer toward the edge. (A19) Other advantages of the invention are shown in detail in the following together with the description of a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention using the figure. In the figures:

Fig. 1 shows a central cross section of the seat construction in a side view;

Fig. 2 shows a detail view 1 of the upper half of the seat in the central cross section in a side view;

Fig. 3 shows a central cross section of the seat in a front view;

Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of the lower half of the seat construction;

Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the seat carrier and of the suspension;

Fig. 6 shows a view of the seat from below;

Fig. 7 shows a side view of the suspension in the central cross section; fig. 7a shows another embodiment of the stabilizing element with suspension in a side view;

Fig. 7b shows a cross section of a spring arm and stabilizing element with a section A-A through the stabilizing element;

Fig. 7c shows another embodiment of the stabilizing element with suspension in a side view;

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the suspension in another embodiment obliquely from below;

Fig. 9 shows the lower area of the lower framework with the foot part in a side view in the central cross section;

Fig. 10 shows a support of the foot part as cross section in a side view;

Fig. 11 shows an exploded view of the lower framework and of the foot part;

Fig. 12 shows another embodiment of the seat as central cross section in a side view;

Fig. 13 shows another embodiment of the seat construction in exploded view obliquely from below;

Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of several seats on a foot strip in a front view.

[0029] The objects shown in the figures 9 to 14 and explained in a corresponding manner in the description do not fall within the protective scope of the claims. The description is given solely for the sake of technical completeness.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows the central cross section is a side view of the seat 1 with the lower framework 8 and the foot part 17. Fig. 1 serves for illustration and the individual features are described in detail in the following figures, wherein the upper area of the construction is described as detail 1 in fig. 2 and the lower area as detail 2 in fig. 9.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows the detail 1 of fig. 1, the seat 1 of the invention as a cross section in a side view. The seat 1 comprises a central area 4 in the middle and an edge area 5 toward the front. A receptacle 16 is arranged in the central area 4 on the bottom of the seat 1 within which receptacle the lower framework 8, which is preferably constructed as a gas spring, runs. The seat 1 is fastened on the lower framework 8 via the receptacle 16. The receptacle 16 is a part of the seat carrier 2, which constitutes the essential, carrying unit of the seat 1. The seat carrier 2 forms a stable frame and extends in the rear area almost completely over the entire surface of the seat 1 and in the front area only over a certain part, approximately a third of the seat 1. The suspension 3 is arranged on the seat carrier 2 and is constructed in this embodiment as a type of plate. The suspension 3 substantially covers the entire surface of the seat carrier 2 and has several spring arms 6 extending from the central area 4 over at least a part of the edge area 5. In the edge area 5 the spring arms 6 can yield relative to the central area 4 in all directions. Stabilizing elements 7 are arranged on the bottom on the spring arms 6 which elements limit the maximum bending of the spring arms. The entire seat 1 is surrounded up to the central bottom area by a casing 15 consisting of foam wherein the casing 15 is constructed in the upper seat area as a rather thick, upwardly curved seat cushion 32 and extends on the bottom as a relatively thinner layer over the seat carrier 2. The seat carrier 2 is foamed in almost completely with foam. On the front side the casing 15 comprises several recesses 12’ which are described in more detail in the following. The film is preferably translucent so that light can shine through in areas without a construction located underneath, e.g., between the spring arms 6. The foam is preferably a soft integral foam whose surface is additionally but not necessarily flocked by the flocking technique known to the average person skilled in the art. In the lower central area 4 the seat 1 comprises a cap 14 that can be fastened on the seat carrier 2, wherein the lower framework 8 is run through an opening in the central area of the cap 14.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a central cross section of the seat 1 in a front view. Fig. 3 shows, in addition to the features described in fig. 2, especially the release mechanism for the height adjustment of the lower framework 8 constructed as a gas pressure spring. The release lever 93, which lies in a planar manner in a recess 12 of casing 15, is connected to the transmission element 11 which is engaged with the centrally arranged release element 10. The release element 10 is constructed as a type of rocker so that it can be inclined by the transmission element 11 opposite a vertical plane and the part inclining downward presses against the upper edge of the lower framework 8. The release lever 13 as well as the transmission elements 11 connected on it are arranged twice laterally on the left and on the right. A handle 9 is arranged in the back area of the seat carrier 2 which handle serves on the one hand to raise the seat and on the other hand as a rear limitation for the sitting person. The suspension 3 is arranged on the seat carrier 2, wherein elevations and recesses are provided inside the seat carrier 2 into which corresponding key forms of the suspension 3 can engage. In addition, the suspension 3 is fastened to the seat carrier 2, preferably riveted, screwed or the like or manufactured with it as one part (not shown).

[0033] For the sake of clarity fig. 4 shows the bottom construction of the seat 1 in an exploded view.

[0034] Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the seat carrier 2 and of the suspension 3 obliquely from the front. The suspension 3 is substantially constructed as a type of plate that has a greater rigidity in the central area 4 relative to the areas located further to the outside. The suspension is slightly rounded in the rear and is provided with a return spring for fastening the handle 9 on the seat carrier 2. The outer edge is run straight to the front and the front edge as well as all corners are rounded off. The individual spring arms 6 extend from the central area 4 over the seat carrier 2 to the front and have an essentially rectangular shape in a top view, wherein the front edges are rounded off. In the left and the right outer area of suspension 3 the spring arms 6, which extend obliquely outward, are cut off along the straight outer edges. In this embodiment the spring arms 6 cover with their length approximately two thirds of the edge area 5; however, even longer and shorter variants in any other shapes are possible. Substantially V-shaped intervals are located between the spring arms 6, whose V spreads out in the direction of the outer edge area. The central area 4 of the suspension 3 has a substantially round form that corresponds to a corresponding key form on the seat carrier 2. The fastenings described in fig. 3 are also indicated as rivets in this figure.

[0035] The seat carrier 2 has a rounded form in back followed by side edges directed directly to the front and which extend substantially to the horizontal middle of the seat carrier 2. The substantially round central area 4 forms on the front side the closure of the seat carrier 2, which also has an appropriately rounded outer contour in this area that extends in a curved manner to the ends of the side edges directed to the front. The central area 4 has a shrouding 33 inside the seat carrier 2 from which shrouding webs 34 for stiffing the seat carrier extend laterally and also to the rear to the outer edge. The transfer elements 11 are received inside the shrouded central area 4 in such a manner that they can forward their movement via an articulation to the release element 10. The release element 10 is also supported in an articulated manner and comprises a wing on the left and the right side by which the transfer element 11 transfers the movement.

[0036] Fig. 6 shows the seat 1 in a bottom view. The receptacle 16 for receiving the lower framework is arranged in the central area, which receptacle is surrounded by a cap 14 for completely closing the seat 1 for avoiding deposits of dust, etc. In the rear area the handle 9 is connected in one piece to the seat 1. Recesses 12 in the casing 15 extend on the bottom in a tongue-like shape to the left and the right side in which recesses the release levers 13 are arranged integrated in a planar manner. On the bottom the release levers 13 are connected to the transmission elements 11, wherein the pressure movement of the release lever 13 acts on the bottom of the transmission element. The foam casing 15 comprises several recesses 12’ on the bottom and rounded off to the front which extend substantially from the left to the right outer edge. The rounding of the recesses 12’ located closer to the central area 4 is greater than that of those in the front edge area 5.

[0037] Fig. 7 shows a side view of the suspension 3 constructed substantially as a plate. In the central area 4 the suspension 3 comprises bores and recesses for the adaptation and fastening to the seat carrier 2. The spring arms 6 extend to the front over at least part of the edge area 5. A stabilizing element 7 is arranged on the bottom on each of the spring arms which element preferably consists of individual ribs spaced by notches. The width of the notches between the ribs is reduced by a bending of the spring arms 6 indicated by the arrow until the opposite surfaces rest on each other so that a further bending of the particular spring arm 6 is prevented. The stabilizing element 7 can be realized in different embodiments. Thus, fig. 7a shows another possibility in which the stabilizing element 7 is a rib arrangement with individual rib elements with a type of dovetail engagement whose pointed front side engages with an increasing bending of the spring arm 6 into the corresponding back countersurface of the rib element arrangement in front of it.

[0038] Figure 7b shows a side cross section of a spring arm 6 with stabilizing element 7 including a horizontal section A-A through one of the V-shaped recesses of the stabilizing element 7. The recesses are constructed with a dovetail shape relative to each other so that upon a bending of the spring arm 6 the stabilizing element 7 must intermesh and a lateral bending or shifting of the spring arm 6 can be prevented.

[0039] In another embodiment shown in fig. 7c the stabilizing element 7 is realized by leaf springs 35 arranged directly below the spring arm 6. The number and length of the leaf springs 35 is variable so that the resilience of the spring arms 6 is adjustable. The leaf springs 35 are preferably constructed so that they gradually become longer the closer they lie to the spring arm 6.

[0040] Fig. 8 shows the suspension 3 in another embodiment for a round seat in perspective from obliquely below. Equally long and equally wide spring arms 6 extend circumferentially from the round central area 4 at regular intervals. However, it is also possible to change the individual spring arms 6 as regards their length and/or width and/or thickness, for example, to shorten them in the front area of the seat. Stabilizing elements 7 are arranged under the individual spring arms 6 which elements 7 are realized according to the embodiment described in fig. 6. In addition, loose bands 36 are arranged between the spring arms 6 which bands are preferably constructed to be elastic and prevent the individual spring arms from making relative movements that are too high. Relative movements in height as well as lateral movements are also taken into account. As a result of the connection of the spring arms 6 by loose bands 36 a continuous deformation of the suspension 3 is produced in the area of the spring arms 6. The loose bands 36 can also be used in all other embodiments to the extent technically possible. The embodiment shown in fig. 8 corresponds in its essential features to that of a plate suspension so that a separate view of a plate spring known to the average person skilled in the art with resilient, possibly slotted edge is not given but it is also expressly claimed.

[0041] Fig. 9 shows the lower area of the lower framework 8 with the front part 17 in a side view in a central cross section. The lower framework 8 constructed as a column is inclined forward by the angle a relative to a vertical plane and is received in an articulated manner in a support 19 inside the foot part 17. In the upper area the foot part 17 has an opening 21 inside which the lower framework 8 can move in all directions. The construction for being able to execute the movement of inclination of the lower framework 8 is arranged in a hollow space inside the foot part 17. The conical support 19, which is described in detail in fig. 10, extends in the upper area in the manner of a flange away from the lower framework 8. A substantially rectangular plate 24 with a central recess 25 is arranged in the bottom area and is fastened in a readily rotatable manner to the foot part 17 by a rubber part. The plate 24 can also be fastened in a recess on the foot part 17, wherein a rubber part inside the recess ensures mobility (not shown). A round rubber element 29 is arranged between the plate 24 and the support 19, which rubber element extends at least partially into the recess 25 of the plate 24. The plate 24 is inclined upward in the rear area relative to the horizontal bottom plane and engages in the rear closure area with the inclination device 37. As a result of the inclination device 37 the plate 24 and with it the lower framework 8 are raised and lowered with the support 19 and the rubber element 20 in the rear area and therefore the inclination of the lower framework 8 is adjusted. The rubber element 20 surrounds the support 19 on the top and forms a stop 19’ in all directions by which the inclination of the lower framework 8 is limited. In the rear area the foot part 17 comprises an elevated support area 18. On the bottom several compensation elements 23 are arranged for a reliable position of the foot part 17.

[0042] Figure 9 shows an optional pretensioning device 37 as a type of screwing in this embodiment in addition to the above-described embodiments. The interval of the rear part of the plate 24 relative to the upper area of the support 19 can be changed by the pretensioning device 37 so that the rubber element 20 located between them can be put under an appropriately greater or lesser or no pretension. In this manner the swinging width can be adapted. Given a different adjustment of the various pretensioning devices 37 the swinging width can also be adapted in a variable manner in the different directions.

[0043] Fig. 10 shows the support 19 of the foot part 17 in a side view as a cross section. The support 19 is constructed substantially as a type of conical casing that comprises a flange 40 that widens out towards the outside in the upper area. In the inside the support comprises a preferably injected-in casing 22 provided in the upper area with an offset. Several spaced struts 38 are arranged on the bottom 26’ of the downwardly extending flange 40 into which struts the rubber element 20 can engage and be squeezed into the hollow spaces formed by the struts 38 under loading.

[0044] Fig. 11 shows an exploded view of the lower framework 8, the foot part 17 and of the pretensioning device 37 arranged inside the foot part 17 and with the plate 24 in an exploded view from obliquely below. The lower framework 8 extends in the central area through the foot part 17 to the lower edge of the plate 24. For reasons of clarity a view of the support 19 is not shown in this figure. In the rear area the plate 24 comprises a recess 24’. A T-piece is arranged above the recess 24’ and is rotatably supported in the foot part. The web 27’ of the T-piece 27 extends through the recess 24’. A hand wheel 28 provided with an inner threading is fitted through the recess 24’ from below. The hand wheel 28 is substantially stellate with rounded edges and hollow inside. A spring element 29 and a catch part 30 are arranged inside the hand wheel 28 which are both connected by a screw 31 to the T-piece 27. The spring element 29 has a shape that substantially imitates the outside contour of the hand wheel 28. The hand wheel 28 with the elements 29, 30 arranged in it is connected firmly to the T-piece 27 by the screw 31. The downwardly directed web 27’ of the T-piece 27 has an outer threading so that the hand wheel can be moved in accordance with the screw mechanism along the web 27’ by rotation. The plate 24 is entrained along the web 27’ in accordance with the movement of the hand wheel 28 so that the inclination of the plate 24 to the horizontal can be changed and with it the inclination of the lower framework 8. Predefined catch positions are determined by the spring element 29 and the catch part 30 relative to the rotation of the hand wheel 28 in order to make possible an adjustment of the lower frame 8 in predefined steps.

[0045] Figure 12 shows another embodiment of a seat 1 as a central cross section in a side view. The lower frame 8, which is preferably constructed as a gas pressure spring, is fastened on the substantially conical seat carrier 2. A seat plate 41 is fastened on top on the seat carrier 2 and extends from the front edge of the seat carrier 2 into the rear area of the seat cushion 32. A substantially firm central area 4 and rear area are formed by the seat plate 41. Spring arms 6 extending to the front part are arranged in the front edge area 5 which are injected freely inside the foam casing 15 and function as a resilient spring arrangement. The spring arms 6 can be arranged, as shown, offset above the seat plate 41 or inside the casing 15 opposite the seat plate 41. On the bottom the spring arms 6 comprise stabilizing elements 7, which stabilizing elements 7 can be constructed in one of the above-described embodiments. On the bottom the seat cushion 32 comprises recesses 12’ in the front area. Depending on the desired resiliency of the edge area 5, the spring arms 6 extend longer or shorter inside the edge area 5 in the direction of the front end. The spring arms can also be individually connected to each other.

[0046] Fig. 13 shows another possible embodiment of a seat construction in an exploded view obliquely from below. In addition to the known, previously described features the seat construction comprises a spring 42 in the area of the lower framework 8 constructed as a telescopic column and which spring is received on the lower framework 8 and also on the bottom of seat 1 by a spring receptacle 43.

[0047] Figure 14 shows several seats 1 with their particular lower frameworks 8 on a foot strip 44 arranged in a row. The previously described functions of the seat construction are also realized in this embodiment but not explicitly shown.

[0048] It is expressly pointed out that all different feature elements of the individual exemplary embodiments can be combined with each other as desired in as far as this is technically possible and there is no contradiction with the attached claims.

Description of the operation: [0049] A person sits on the seat of the invention with a firm central area and an edge area resiliently directed to the front with his ischial tuberosities in the firm central area and forms a line with the lower framework with his spine. The resilient edge areas consisting preferably of soft integral foam bends down with the spring arms until the stabilizing elements limit the bending. If the sitting person would sit too far to the front with his ischial tuberosities, he would slide over the edge area or would have to support himself considerably more strongly with his feet. The front edge area therefore forms a comfort zone which is located during seating at the level of the femur but does not press against the bottom of the femur. The seat can be positioned in such a manner by adjusting the inclination of the lower framework that the front edge of the seat can form a vertical line with the front edge of the foot part at every adjustment in height. In this manner one is sitting in equilibrium with a gentle support by the feet, wherein the physiological lordotic position of the spine remains. The lower framework is supported in the foot part in such a manner that the inclination can be adjusted by an adjusting of the inclination device. A predetermined swinging width in all directions is also made possible by an articulated support by a rubber element and is limited in all directions by a stop. A seat construction is made available by sitting on a firm surface with a spine that is straight due to the inclination of the seat construction and the aid of the feet which ensures a pain-free functioning of the spine for many years.

List of reference numerals

Seat 1 Shrouding 33

Seat carrier 2 Struts 34

Suspension 3 Leaf springs 35

Central area 4 Bands 36

Edge area 5 Inclination device 37

Spring arms 6 Flange 40

Stabilizing elements 7 Seat plate 41

Lower framework 8 Spring 42

Handles 9 Spring receptacle 43

Release element 10 Foot strip 44

Transmission element 11 Pretensioning device 37 Recesses 12’

Release lever 13 Cap 14 Casing 15 Receptacle 16 Foot part 17 Conical support 19 Rubber element 20 Opening 21 Casing 22

Claims

A seat (1) comprising - a central region (40) and a peripheral region thereof (5) with a spring (3) which exhibits increasing resilience from the central region (4) and towards the peripheral region (5) , characterized in that - the spring (3) has radially arranged spring arms (6), of which the least forward spring arms (6) become radially outwardly more and more soft, and - at least one stabilizer (7) arranged beneath the spring (3), which is formed by means of a rib device, has an increasing stiffness as its deflection increases, and wherein the rib device has at least one step which has downward recesses formed by V-shaped incisions, the incisions have different opening widths.

Seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring arms (6) are constituted by a device of leaf springs of different length and / or width and / or thickness.

Seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (3) consists of a combination of elastomeric foam material of different nature and / or elastomeric foam material with bending devices.

Seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a comfort zone of flexible structural foam is arranged in a peripheral area (5).

Seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suspension (3) is provided by means of a plate spring with radially outwardly decreasing spring force.

Seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rib device consists of rib means with dovetail engagement, which, with increasing deflection, engage more deeply.

A seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the stabilizing means (7) consists of at least one limiting means in the form of a loose band (36) arranged laterally between at least two spring arms (6) or below the plate ladder, and a predetermined deflection applies that the softness is exhausted.

Seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a convex curved seating surface which is rather hard in the middle but softens against the rim.

Seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seating surface has a rear restriction (9), preferably in the form of a grip.