EP0835069B1 - Undulatory motion relaxation device for furniture with a suspension system - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/BE96/00055 Sec. 371 Date Mar. 25, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 25, 1998 PCT Filed Jun. 6, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO96/39067 PCT Pub. Date Dec. 12, 1996A relaxation device for furniture, particularly for an armchair of relaxing chair, includes body support flats (11, 12, 13; 101; 201) which are each formed of interconnected elongated support members (3) extending parallel to each other and transversally to a longitudinal axis of the device (Z), a frame (2) and means (23, 43) for coupling the above support flats (11, 12, 13; 101, 201) to the frame (2), characterized in that each set of elongated support members (3) is mounted by means of a multiple action suspension system (S1, S2) which is formed of a first stage suspension unit wherein each pair of adjacent elongated support members (3', 3'') is externally coupled by means of primary intermediate suspension parts (31), and at least one additional second stage suspension unit wherein each pair of adjacent primary intermediate suspension parts (31', 31'') is externally coupled by secondary suspension parts (33; 32', 32'') which are directly (23) or indirectly (23, 33, 24) connected to the frame (2), so that the elongated support members (3) are mutually movable in two modes and can move from an unloaded state (A) to a loaded state (B) with the superimposed undulatory motion of said members (3).

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a furniture device for body support, in particular seat or chair furniture trigger, including body support plates which are each consisting of mutually elongated support elements coupled and arranged in parallel and oriented transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the device, a chassis, and coupling means for coupling the dishes of aforementioned support to the aforementioned chassis.

Technological background

Sitting or lying down should have a relaxing effect. The leg muscles can relax because they don't have to not carry weight in this position. However, back muscles could relax as long as they don't be asked when the user adopts the attitude desired.

When sitting on a seat, only a small part of the back is in real contact with the seat back. The back muscles are continuously taut in order to maintain back in the desired position to compensate for the lack adequate support for the seat back.

However, when you sit in a softer seat, the cushion certainly takes the form of the back. However, the deepest parts of the cushion exert pressure higher on the back than the less sunken parts, especially at the level of the lumbar region. Again arises the same problem that the back muscles are found under tension and the user starts to fidget, and tries to move the seat plane even further forward while sinking further and further until the lower back is completely without support.

The cause of this agitation does not lie only in the uneven support that the back receives, but also in a need movement. So there is clearly a problem comfort for the user.

Sitting for a long time just like standing for a long time represents a heavy body burden. The body needs movement to remain flexible.

A good backrest and a good seat should therefore adopt the shape of back and side, and thus provide support uniform on all exposed parts of the body. This characteristic should be maintained when the user move and adopt different attitudes.

State of the art

Comfort devices of the aforementioned type are already known. Thus, the existing beds however relate to systems with slats which must support a mattress or which more general require a soft mid layer. The most existing systems except that of Milton Luchenski (United States of America) and J.M. Reau (France) has slats which rest on supports, which move back and forth in an element of guide. The slats all pivot on the supports. The movement of the supports is only one-dimensional.

In addition, in all these known systems, the slats are in mutually independent movement. In order to follow the undulating movement of the body, which somehow presents a series of bumps and hollows, the slats pivot in a certain direction, either under the pressure of the mattress, or by an elastic material with which they are connected. It results in a lack of flexibility for existing furniture.

There are also spring suspension systems which however have the serious disadvantage of a large exposure to wear. In addition, in the case of springs interdependent acting directly on each other, a malfunction of one of them can lead to whole system malfunction.

It is also known from BE 781 040 a principle of suspension and support for bed base. However, the elements of successive corresponding elongated support have only one degree of mutual dependence.

Statement of the invention

The object of the present invention is to remedy the problems supra. To this end, the invention provides a body comfort device for furniture as described in claim 1. In this device each set of aforementioned elongate support members is suspended by means of an action suspension system multiple. This consists of a suspension of first level with external coupling by pair of support elements mutually adjacent by means of pieces of primary intermediate suspension on the one hand, and at least an additional second level suspension with coupling exterior by pair of aforementioned intermediate parts which are mutually adjacent, by means of suspension parts additional secondary. These are linked directly or indirectly to the chassis, so that the elongated support elements are mutually movable according to two modes and that these can be brought from at least an uncharged state towards a charged state with movement wave superimposed of these. Remarkably following the invention, the successive elongated support elements are each linked directly to each other along their longitudinal sides by suitable connecting means. Thus, thanks to the comfort device according to the invention, it achieves a fully continuous support plate surface thus promoting user comfort. Furthermore we gets the support plate of the device to take the shape of the body when it comes into contact with it, and more precisely when the user takes a position on or against the aforementioned support dish. The support plate follows in continuous body movement and an excellent distribution of pressure on the body is obtained. In addition, the movement intermediate suspension parts should be considered in two modes in the sense that a superposition of movements waveforms on different levels is carried out, so that the support elements perform a wave movement of overlay which adapts precisely to that of the body.

More specifically, the means of direct connection mentioned above are formed by articulation links of the hinge type. These means are particularly suitable well to the suspension systems implemented in the device according to the invention thus further increasing more user comfort. According to a mode of equally advantageous embodiment of the invention, so does the same for the intermediate suspension parts constituting the suspension system.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the overlapping arrangement, which is preferred for intermediate suspension parts by compared to the corresponding pairs of elongated elements of support, is produced in a plane substantially common to elongated elements mentioned above on the one hand and piece corresponding primary intermediate on the other hand. The all-round layout in a single plane presented in besides a considerable advantage in the case of seats insofar as we pass from a labile type equilibrium to a neutral type equilibrium.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each support plate consists of elongated elements, which are mutually prioritized by set functional in elements from level 1 to N in which the first level elongated elements have the function unique body support, the elements of others levels essentially having a function of connection, in particular by articulation, and suspension. The connection arrangement between elongated elements belonging to different but successive levels is respectively achieved by an overlapping bond of two elongated elements mutually adjacent by means of a link element belonging to a level immediately superior. Two elements lying down from the next higher level are at their tower connected to overlap by another elongated element belonging to a hierarchical level yet higher than the latter. This arrangement of binding is done until the last level upper only has one elongated element, which ultimately hangs from the chassis, if applicable by means of an auxiliary chassis element in which the link between elements belonging to levels different but successive hierarchies is achieved by an articulation link. Thanks to the structure hierarchical of all the elements, whether of support itself or suspension, we get a perfect coordination of the whole system with in addition, an efficient and interdependent superposition of elements of different levels simulating the superposition of different order waves.

In a more particular embodiment advantageous of the invention, the connecting elements are elongated and arranged transversely to the elongated support elements and in substantially the same plane as these, and laterally with respect to these, so that they too can serve as elements support, but lateral. This peculiarity could be particularly useful in the case of a seat. Indeed, this arrangement of lateral connecting elements of the same type as the support elements in the form of slats according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, these could be used in particular as armrests. In a mode more particular embodiment of the invention, the slat gauge narrows from end to end the other. This variation of template all slats can be very advantageously used to take into account the structure of the body, the parts narrowed ends of each support plate being arranged to match the ends respective of the body.

In a very advantageous embodiment of the invention, both the supporting elements and the connecting elements or intermediate pieces of each above mentioned hierarchical level homogeneous. This allows optimization of useful surface of comfort for the user while ensuring minimal bulk thanks to the absence elements in additional layout plans.

In an extremely advantageous embodiment according to the invention, all the aforementioned articulation means, both those who articulate the intermediate parts aforementioned among themselves as those which connect these to the aforementioned elongated support elements, are formed by axes all oriented along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the elongated element of support. This allows orientation by pivoting on their longitudinal axis of the elongated support elements in cases of solicitation of these by the body burden of a user. We thus obtain a structure which, although very simple, offers nevertheless all the advantages of a hierarchical suspension with superposition of movements wave by hierarchical level.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned direct connection means are formed by a flexible element. Other features and advantages of this alternative mode are defined in the subclaims corresponding.

Other advantages and features of this invention in general will be described below using description of some embodiments examples of the comfort device according to the invention illustrated using the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the figures

Figures 1 and 2 show a partial plan view and respectively in section of a first variant execution of a comfort device according to the invention.

Figures 3 and 4, respectively 5 and 6; 7 and 8 illustrate other similar partial views of others variants of the comfort device according to the invention.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Figures 10 to 15 show special features of the alternative embodiment illustrated in Figure 9 in layout and in operation.

Figure 16 shows a view similar to Figure 10 of another alternative embodiment according to the invention.

Figures 17 to 21 show a detailed view of a mode of execution of part of the comfort device according to the invention.

Figures 22 to 28 show schematic views of variant embodiments of the device according to the invention.

Figures 29 to 33 show another category of comfort device according to the invention.

Figure 34 shows yet another category of comfort device but which is not part of the invention.

Figures 35 to 38 show the pressure distribution.

Figures 39 to 44 show another alternative embodiment.

Description of the invention

In general, the present invention relates to comfort devices of all types such as armchairs, beds, and other applications, in which a comfort interface acting as a buffer between part of the human body and an external element can itself constitute the charge or on the contrary in which it is the body which constitutes the charge. However in the examples described below, the description will be more oriented on the armchairs, for the sake of convenience and clarity.

The seat illustrated in FIG. 1 has a backrest 11 and a seat not shown. Each of these elements constitute a support plate 11, 12 as illustrated in Figure 9. Each support plate 11, 12 has a series of mutually parallel and arranged slats 3 horizontally, which are preferably linked together by a hinge link 20. All slats are connected to a central articulation point 24 by a lever system 31, 32, 33. The slats 3 are directly connected to each other by hinges 20. The slats should not all have the same shape. They can be flexible and can be made in wood or even another material, if necessary in being covered with a soft or decorative material. These 3 can however be used perfectly of direct support elements for the body.

In the basic preferred exemplary mode, however, the backrest consists entirely of slats as visible in Figure 1. We can see the arrangement of the slats support 3 mutually parallel and horizontal. In however, the aforementioned connecting elements 31, 32, 33 also consist of slats but arranged as for them transversely with respect to the slats of support 3 as shown in Figure 1.

The support slats 3 are mutually connected from direct way by direct connection means 120 and indirectly by the suspension slats, 31, 32, 33. The direct connection means 120 are advantageously constituted by flexible elements of the cord type which cross right through each of the slats of support 3 over the entire height of the backrest 11 and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof. The indirect connection means consist of an articulation link 21, 22, 23, 24. They can advantageously be constituted by small axes when they serve as means of articulation between a pair of slats 3 and a link / suspension element 31. These 21, ... are removably placed at each end of the support slats 3 in which they come to stay on the one hand while also going to removably housed in the suspension element 31 correspondent on the other hand. As for the means of connection 22, 23 provided to connect the different suspension elements 31, 32, 33, they can advantageously be formed by axes of the same type as those above, as seen in Figure 1 with a substantially identical operation. We thus obtain a folder structure 11 which while being entirely designed in a single plan, does not benefit from it less of the advantages of a multiple suspension system thanks to the arrangement of the suspension elements 31, 32, 33, laterally and on each side of the slats of support 3. It should also be noted that the structure of support slats 3 itself narrowing from one end of file 11 to the other, which corresponds perfectly to the morphology of the human body, which also has two ends, the head and the feet, which are going to shrink from the central area of this one, arms included. Armchairs are generally designed to present on the one hand a dossier 11 substantially corresponding to the upper half of the body and on the other hand a corresponding seat 12 substantially at the bottom half. To get a armchair according to the invention which is in harmony with this body morphology, we can advantageously arrange the backing plate 11 with its narrowed part of the slats facing upwards and flat of support forming seat 12 with its part of slats narrowed facing down, so that the areas with wider support slats 3 of each of the plates support 11, 12, are mutually adjacent.

As for the lateral zones occupied by the slats of suspension 31, 32, 33, they can usefully do armrest office. Suspension slats 31, 32, 33 thus arranged are indeed perfectly suited to the elongated morphology of the arms. So we get a seat template which is both perfectly suited to body morphology while providing that same body a multiple suspension effect thanks to the hierarchy of suspension slats 31, 32, 33.

In addition, thanks to this exemplary mode according to the invention, we get all these advantages with a space requirement minimal seat. This minimal footprint with reduced thickness of each support plate 11, 12, that either the backrest or the seat, is obtained by the lateral arrangement of the connecting slats 31, 32, 33 unlike known systems requiring a additional footprint by which a space is occupied by the mechanism in addition to each dish properly said. Another advantage which is also obtained thanks to this lateral arrangement in the same plane resides in the neutral balance thus obtained as opposed to labile type equilibria that we find in some known systems in which the elements of suspension are arranged below the support slats proper.

Furthermore, this minimum size also exerts a favorable influence on the appearance of the seat which, more, is found considerably reduced. Another advantage still lies in the very great simplicity of the suspension system with the option of mounting and extremely convenient and quick disassembly, which turns out particularly practical, and also allows easy transport, especially when moving the user. The flat realization is perfectly illustrated in the sectional view illustrated in Figure 2.

Of course, since it is essentially the back which is often a problem in terms of comfort, and that a significant number of people know at the base back problems, a chair in which only the support plate 11 constituting the file would present the aforementioned slat structure and in which the seat 12 as for it could consist for example of a simple fabric such as canvas, would prove particularly advantageous, especially in terms of cost but also weight.

It should also be emphasized that thanks to the system of suspension described, you get a fully armchair self-adjusting. Indeed, all the elements 3, 31, ... are automatically set up by their interdependence mutual when the user is going to sit in the armchair and thus comes into contact with the dishes of support 11, 12.

Specifically, a variant according to the invention is also illustrated in FIG. 3 and in section in FIG. 4, This variant is very similar to the previous one, but in this one, the support elements 3 are constituted by flexible straps 53, produced by example in a fabric such as ultra-light canvas. An ultra-light embodiment is thus obtained. The section of each support strap 53 is shown on the sectional view of Figure 4 in which we see also clearly that this is also in this variant of a template suspension structure completely flat, as in the variant described above.

Another alternative embodiment illustrating elements of suspension 131, 132, 133 with a different structure than the support slats 153 proper is shown in Figure 7 with the partial sectional view illustrated in figure 8.

With a flexible realization of the slats of the type of that of the straps described above, we can compensate for the lateral torsion of the user, which allows him more back movement.

Yet another variant of execution is illustrated on Figures 5 and 6. This is of great interest particular since it shows the monobloc realization of all. The hinge pins are replaced here by narrowed connecting zones 221 between the slats support 203 on the one hand and the elements of suspension 231, 232, 233 on the other hand. These latter 231, 232, 233 meanwhile have a reinforcement zone 230 in the form of a protruding bead. These provide sufficient rigidity to each element of which are heavily used during use of the wheelchair. With this execution mode, the entire support plate 211 can be made of a piece, for example of synthetic material, in particular by injection molding. Indeed, all the elements of support 203 and suspension 231, 232, 233 are attached mutually by connecting areas each time narrowed 221, 222, 223, 224 acting as a coupling or articulation as described above. So a extremely advantageous and good manufacturing process market is obtained allowing a rate of realization very high comfort chair ensuring convenience comparable to that of the variants described above due to the presence of the suspension elements side 231, 232, 233. In this case also, the realization is monoplane as represented in the view in Section illustrated in Figure 8. Advantageously, the zones 221, .., 224 are narrowed longitudinally (fig. 5), but also in thickness as visible on the Fig. 6.

As a particular variant of the monoblock mode, one can provide in particular inflatable modules each forming support plates 211, ...

Now another variant will be described and illustrated by Figures 9 and 10 with a representation schematic illustrated in Figures 11-12 and 22-23.

In the variant described below, the elements of suspension 331, 332, 333 have a structure which is likely to allow them to fit together as well that it emerges from FIG. 11 and 12 respectively for the backrest 311 and for the seat 312 of an armchair. Thus, one can distinguish support elements in form of slats 303 shown in dotted lines for the convenience of representation, which are each fixed by a double articulation link 320, 320 and in pairs to a primary link 331 having for example a T shape and bringing together each time a pair of mutually adjacent slats, 303, 303. In turn, the connecting elements 331 T-shaped primaries are joined in pairs to a secondary link and suspension element 332 advantageously having an H shape in which come to fit the two primary elements in shape of T 331 at respectively opposite sides of the element corresponding secondary 332. In turn the elements H-shaped secondaries are connected to an element tertiary 333 in the form of a box joining the two sub-assemblies with the above structure H-shaped elements 332 surrounded on either side 331 T-shaped elements. this variant again the link structure two by two at hierarchical levels. Advantageously, each connections between elements of successive levels 331-332, 332-333, is achieved by links hinge 321, 322, and 323 respectively. Figure 12 shows the layout simpler seat 312 for this variant. This variant is certainly more cumbersome but it nevertheless has a solidity to any test and it is particularly suitable for the templates of most important headquarters. In Figures 22 and 23 we finds an overall schematic representation of the abovementioned variant and this, in the rest position A as well as in load position B.

A more detailed representation of this variant of execution in arched position of the file is represented in figure 10. This figure represents a side view with partial cutaway of file 311 in arched position in which we can clearly see the interlocking cooperation between intermediate parts primary linkage and suspension 331 on the one hand and the corresponding secondary parts 332. It appears moreover clearly that the tertiary element 333 forming a box constitutes a protection of the suspension of the device according to the invention.

All the variants described up to present has the big advantage of being completely self-adjusting insofar as it is the installation of the user in the device which generates the setting appropriate place for support and suspension elements with substantially uniform pressure on all exposed parts of the body, i.e. in contact with the above elements of the device.

Figure 28 shows the arrangement of three dishes of support 411, 412, 413 together forming a relax 400 with multi-level suspension similar in shape to that described for the other alternative embodiments above. Performing a relax in a single support dish is illustrated in figure 27. The chassis can also be made adjustable, especially in the case of relax 400.

It is understood that the support dish as described above is also adaptable to pre-existing furniture such as a car or truck seat and like.

The operation of the device is described below.

User 1 rests with one whole back on one hinge point 324. The back pressure is uniformly distributed over all of the slats 303 of the folder 311 so these 303 adopt perfectly the shape of the user's back. So the system behaves exactly like the strip of rubber of a wiper that continuously adopts the shape of the windscreen wiped during the race the wiper (see Figures 20 and 21).

The articulation points form a connection between two elements or parts, allowing these elements to move relative to each other about an axis, which is fixed with respect to said elements or when it is necessary, which is movable.

An articulation point can also consist of several joints which are mounted one next to the other. They can be made from metal, hardened plastics or even a material flexible (see Figures 10, 22-23).

Similarly, the pressure in this case starts from of a single point of articulation, and it is distributed evenly along the entire length of the wiping strip by articulated levers, which shows the analogy with a vehicle wiper, as shown in the Figures 20 and 21.

The user can therefore change continuously attitude while seated while back and face remain supported uniformly throughout. Any attitude or movement is therefore not a burden for the back muscles. The shape of the backrest adapts continuously to that of the back. As a result, we have the feeling of sitting more gently on slats made of wood such as those proposed according to the invention in the first variants described with the slats 3, only on cushions, even the softest. In fact, the body sways on only two points of joints 323 ', 324. Even when we find ourselves practically immobile, we must consider that we are despite everything in motion, even a tiny one little.

The backrest and seat can tilt together. When you find yourself in a tilted back position, we find the attitude as in a lounge chair or relax, and in the upright position as in a seat office. In the latter case, many activities must be provided for the seated user because the office activities are multiple, including a writing position, computer activity, telephone, each impose on the user attitudes respectively different for the back. Thanks to armchair according to the invention, the backrest takes perfectly the corresponding shape of the back according to the needs of the moment and gives it full support. We can thus find in upright position while having a back relaxed and supple even after a seated posture extended.

The suspension is carried out by means of the points which are connected to the chassis. To avoid that the support plates 11, 12, 13 assume a shape capricious in the unloaded state, means of recall suitable are advantageously provided according to the invention allowing support plates and / or parts suspension intermediaries to end up in the desired pull or push position, such as represented in figures 35 to 38 by the arrows of different amplitudes for the last two showing a suspension system in the box S, S ', these not being provided in the seats according to fig. 35-36 (uniform amplitude).

The number of joints and intermediate parts of suspension depends directly on the number of slats whose support plate is formed, and the desired mobility. Combinations can be made more complex and / or simpler than those illustrated in the figures depending on the desired mobility parameters support slats.

In contact with the body with the support plate, it takes the form of the body so that the support plate continuously follows the body movement in its attitude change and the pressure on this is constantly distributed evenly.

Another variation of execution is described below in the light of the Figures 25 - 26 and 39 to 44.

In this variant, each support plate 511, 512 is made mobile by another type of suspension means.

In the example illustrated, each support plate is still made up a series of slats 503 which are interconnected by hinged links 520. Each slat 503 is fixed to one, two or more double casters 581 (two double in the illustrated example), on which suspension cables 584, 585 without deflecting. The casters double 581 can rotate independently one of the other. If applicable, the left and right casters can rotate integrally on an axis of rotation common 599.

The support plate 511 is stretched between two cables 584, 585, which are attached to the end of the chassis and make a zigzag course on the casters 581 corresponding to the slats and fixed by element 587 to these 503 and by the casters 582 which are fixed to the chassis 590.

One of the cables 584 receives the force which is exerted on the support plate while the other 585 cable pulls on the support plate against the chassis. Each cable can be stretched by a reminder such as spring 586, which moderates the variation of length.

In order to prevent the support plate from adopting in the state not loaded any form, this can be attached at the top to a movable hinge. Stops can be arranged on the chassis which prevent a slat to move in an unwanted direction. The dish of support can be forced to a straight state by means of a stretched cable or batten or frame that is pushed in underneath against the support plate.

A frame can be hinged to the underbody.

The slat system having substantially the same width works flawlessly for support of body parts individually such as the back, the seat, the legs, which exercise on substantially their entire length practically the same pressure on the support plate.

In the case of a relax type seat, the procedure will be simplest way by providing three support dishes separate 411, 412, 413, mutually detached. However, when you want to rest the whole body on a single support dish, you must take into account the fact that the back exerts over a length of at least twenty centimeters more pressure on the support plate unique as the legs over the same length. Through Therefore, in a lying position, the parts of the lightest bodies, i.e. the legs and head, are pushed into the air. In each variant described above, both those based on support slats suspended by type elements similar to the one with suspension cables, this problem is remedied.

In the first system, the articulation points which support the slats and the intermediate pieces are moved towards the location where the highest pressure. So we shorten the arm from the moment where the pressure increases.

In the other variant with cables, we shrinks the slats 503 and the casters are mounted support 582 closer to each other where the pressure on the support plate is greatest. In doing this, we get that all the casters 581 are pushed with substantially the same pressure against the cable.

When you want to use slats of the same width, preferably used for each body part, which exerts substantially the same pressure on all of its length, cables stretched separately.

The device according to the invention can support directly to the body or require only a very thin coating layer.

Only in the device according to the invention is describes an embodiment according to which the slats of support are directly connected to each other by means a corresponding link, in particular an articulation or of connecting cable.

In the variants described above, it is provided above of the backrest, a spring or a counterweight, so to prevent the file from collapsing. It is however also possible to hang on each side of the mechanism a series of slats in order to get this same effect. Each slat serves as a counterweight for the slat which is mounted on the other side.

dans ce dernier cas, les ressorts servent uniquement encore à ramener les lattes de support à l'état non chargé en situation initiale droite et lesdits ressorts ne servent donc plus à suspendre le poids de celles-ci. Ainsi est achevé le côté arrière du dossier notamment dans le cas de la variante illustrée sur la figure 9. Par l'agencement d'ailerons perpendiculaires aux extrémités des lattes, les côtés latéraux du dossier sont également achevés et en outre, le mécanisme de suspension s'en trouve caché. Des deux côtés, les lattes peuvent être parachevées par différents revêtements et le dossier peut être monté de façon réversible. Le même agencement peut être prévu également pour l'assise 12.

This has the following advantages:

in the latter case, the springs only serve again to bring the support slats back to the unloaded state in the initial straight situation and said springs therefore no longer serve to suspend the weight of these. Thus is completed the rear side of the backrest especially in the case of the variant illustrated in Figure 9. By the arrangement of fins perpendicular to the ends of the slats, the lateral sides of the backrest are also completed and in addition, the suspension mechanism is hidden there. On both sides, the slats can be finished with different coverings and the backrest can be mounted reversibly. The same arrangement can also be provided for the seat 12.

As another variant described in the figures 17 to 19, support elements 603 can be provided such that the slats in direct connection with each other by hinges as described above or else can also be arranged with free rotation around of a longitudinal axis of rotation by providing in this case a small gap 640 between support elements mutually adjacent. In the case of elements of support in the form of slats, these must then be pulled in the right direction by means of a bond flexible 600. When using small rollers 703 which are preferably made of a material compressible, these can then rotate completely around their axis 713. In addition, the rounded shape of the support elements 703 can exert an action stimulating on the parts of the body in contact with them providing a pleasant effect. In the variant with gap 640, pleasant ventilation is also induced on the body part in support.

It should be noted that in the variants of the wiper type described above, one can implement a symmetrical mechanism as shown in Figures 20 and 24 or asymmetrical, see figures 20 and 21. In this last case, the intermediate suspension parts can make connections between elements of the same hierarchical level or different level.

It follows from the above that the suspension system or mechanism implemented can be arranged as well in underside of the hanging support plate with in this case a labile balance, see in particular Figures 9 to 16, that laterally, i.e. on the side of the slats of support proper with in this case a balance neutral as described above (see figures 1 to 8), thus that an arrangement above the support plate generating in this case a stable equilibrium situation, (see figure 32) and each time of course in one or more assembly plans.

It is understood that the protection of the present invention is in no way limited to the variants of execution described above but that the scope of these may encompass all variants included in the scope of the claims below. So in an arrangement particular, a large surface support dish 811 can be provided as a bed element, as shown in the Figure 32. A particular variant is illustrated in figure 29 in which one distinguishes support means of rather collected appearance, of form for example polygonal, in particular hexagonal forming a honeycomb structure. Means of support are also made mutually interdependent as in the variants described above with the connections of hierarchical articulations illustrated in the figures 30 and 31 which are arranged analogously to execution variants described above. We obtain thus a multidimensional ripple effect thanks to the special structure of support elements 803 which have no specific orientation to properly speaking. An 811 support dish of this type is especially suitable in the case of a bed allowing relaxation in all directions.

Another variant not forming part of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 34. It represents a 911 support dish arranged as buffer interface between the back 901 of a schoolboy 1 and a satchel or any baggage 950, in particular in hardened synthetic. In this case also, with the advent of larger, surface binders harder as well as luggage of the same type, a means of interface with the back which must carry it, becomes practically essential if we want to avoid the evils of back, especially for children still in full growth. A good distribution of the pressure of the satchel which can be loaded inside in a strong way uneven is very useful and helps effectively to avoid the appearance in particular of scoliosis.

Claims (33)

1. A body comfort device for furniture, in particular for seat or relaxing furniture, comprising body support flats (11, 12, 13; 101; 201), each having elongate supporting elements (3) mutually linked and being arranged in parallel and oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis (Z) of the device, a frame (2) and linking means (23, 43) for linking said support flats (11, 12, 13; 101, 201) to said frame (2), each set of said elongate supporting elements (3) being suspended by means of a suspension system with multiple action (S1, S2), which is formed by a first level suspension with external link per pair of respectively adjacent elongate supporting elements (3', 3") by means of primary intermediate suspension parts (31) on the one hand, and of at least one additional second level suspension with external link per pair of said primary intermediate suspension parts (31', 31"), which are mutually adjacent, by means of secondary suspension parts (33; 32', 32"), which are connected to the frame (2) directly (23) or indirectly (23, 33, 24), so that the elongate supporting elements (3) are mutually mobile according to two modes and that the latter (3) can be driven from at least one unloaded state (A) to a loaded state (B) in a superposed waved movement thereof (3), characterized in that successive elongate supporting elements (3) are each directly connected mutually along their longitudinal sides (39) by connecting means (20).
2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said supporting flats (11, 12, 13) are mutually detached (6).
3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said direct connecting means (20) are formed by articulation connections.
4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said primary intermediate suspension parts (31) are hingedly (21) connected to each corresponding pair of mutually adjacent supporting elements (3', 3").
5. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each primary intermediate suspension part (31) is arranged in overlap respective said corresponding pair of supporting elements (3', 3").
6. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each primary intermediate suspension part (31) is arranged substantially symmetrically respective said pair of elongate supporting elements (3', 3").
7. Device according to any one of the claims 4 to 6, characterized in that each hinged connection (21) is arranged substantially centrally respective each corresponding elongate supporting element (3).
8. Device according to one of the claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the overlapping arrangement is realised in a plane which is substantially common to said elongate supporting elements (3', 3"), on the one hand, and to the corresponding first intermediate suspension part (31), on the other hand.
9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each support flat (11, 12, 13; 101; 201) is comprised of supporting elements (3; 31; 32; ...), which are mutually hierarchised per functional set in elements of first, ..., n^th level, in which the elongate supporting elements of first level have as sole function the one to support the body and wherein the elements of the further levels have essentially a suspension and connection function, the connection arrangement between elongate supporting elements belonging to different but successive levels being respectively performed by an overlapping connection of two mutually adjacent elongate supporting elements by means of a suspension element belonging to an immediately higher hierarchic level (N+1), wherein two elongate supporting elements of said immediately higher level (N+1) are in turn connected in overlap by a further elongate suspension element belonging to a still higher hierarchic level (N+2) respective the latter (N+1), wherein this connecting arrangement is performed until the absolute top level (N+M) has one sole elongate element left, which is then in turn suspended to the frame (2), if need be by means of an auxiliary frame element (2', 2",...), in which the connection between elements belonging to hierarchically different but successive levels (N+i, N+i+1) is performed by a hinged connection.
10. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the suspension elements (31, 32, ...) are elongate and arranged perpendicularly respective the elongate supporting elements (3), substantially in the same plane as the latter, and laterally with respect thereto, so as to be able to serve as lateral supporting element.
11. Device according to one of the claims 9 or 10, characterized in that both the supporting elements (3) and the suspension elements (31; 32; ...) of each said hierarchical level (1, ... N, ...) has a substantially homogeneous profile making the achievement of an optimisation of the effective comfort surface for the user with the need of a minimum volume thanks to the absence of elements in additional arrangement planes.
12. Device according to one of the claims 5 or 6, characterized in that said overlapping arrangement is performed in a shifted plane, wherein the pair of elongate supporting elements (3', 3") is arranged in a substantially common plane, one of the faces whereof serves as a body support and wherein the opposite face is intended to receive in overlap the first intermediate part (31).
13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each said second intermediate part (32) is hingedly connected (22) to each corresponding pair of adjacent intermediate first parts (31', 31").
14. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said second suspension parts (32) are arranged in overlap respective the corresponding pair of said intermediate primary parts (31', 31").
15. Device according to one of the claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the length of an intermediate suspension part as from the second level is substantially equal to the sum of the widths of the adjacent elongate supporting elements (3', 3"), that it (31) connects and/or respectively substantially equal or slightly smaller than the sum of the lengths of the connecting elements of lower level (N) that it (N+1) connects.
16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that resilient means (5) are provided at each supporting flat (11, 12) to bring back the device from the loaded operating state (B) to an unloaded inactive state (A).
17. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the resiiient means (5) are formed by springs.
18. Device according to any one of the claims 16 or 17, characterized in that one of the ends of at least one of said intermediate suspension parts (31; 32; 33) for each said hierarchical level has one of its ends arranged in resilient connection with the corresponding supporting flat (11, 12, 13; 101) and/or the frame (2).
19. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all said articulation means (23, 21; 22), which articulate said intermediate suspension parts mutually or to said elongate supporting elements (3), are formed by shafts which are all oriented according to the direction of the longitudinal axis of said elongate supporting element (3), so as to allow the elongate supporting elements (3) to be oriented by rotation around their longitudinal axis in case the latter are stressed by the body charge of a user.
20. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the linking means (23, 43) are removable, enabling a suitable loosening of said supporting flats (11, 12, 13; 101) respective their respective frames (2).
21. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the direct connection means are formed by a supple element.
22. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said supple elements are formed by resilient straps (60).
23. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that said supple means are formed by one or several seals (70) going through the elongate supporting elements (3) substantially perpendicularly.
24. Device according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, 22 or 23, characterized in that said multiple suspension system is formed by a pair of mutually crossing seals (84, 85) cooperating with rollers (80, 81, 82), wherein each roller (80, 81, 82) forms a pulley thus being provided with a peripheral groove (83) for the passage of said seals (84, 85), and in that each elongate supporting element (3) is fastened to at least one double wheal (81) along which said seals cross each other and in that the other rollers (80, 82) are fastened two by two on a frame (86) in such a way that they are arranged alternatively respective the first rollers (81) according to a diamond-shaped configuration arrangement, such that said seals (84, 85) extend over the entire length of said body support flats (11, 12, 13; 101) at the same time zigzagging relative to each other.
25. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said double rollers (81) can rotate individually relative to one another.
26. Device according to claim 24, characterized in that said double roller (81) rotates in a mutually integral manner on a common rotary shaft.
27. Device according to any one of the claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the set of elongate supporting elements (3) of each supporting flat (11, 12, 13; 101) is tensioned between two seals (84, 85) each of the one of the cables (84) acting as a pressure receiver in the event of load on said support flat (11, 12, 13; 101), and each other cable (85) acting as a traction element of each corresponding supporting flat (11, 12, 13; 101) against said frame (86).
28. Device according to any one of the claims 23 to 27, characterized in that each seal (84, 85) can be clamped by means of clamping members (88) to adjust the length of said seals.
29. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each said supporting flat (11, 12, 13; 101, 201) is one-piece, including said supporting elements (3) and said intermediate parts (31, 32, ...), as well as said linking means (23, 33, 24, 43).
30. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said supporting flats are produced by injection moulding, wherein said supporting flats are made in synthetic material.
31. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting elements (803) have a compact shape of the regular polygonal type, preferably hexagonal with honeycomb arrangement, with combined arrangement of said suspension elements of different levels.
32. Variable seat and/or relax, with frame, characterized in that it comprises a body comfort device according to one of the preceding claims comprising supporting flats.
33. Variable bed supporting beam with frame, characterized in that it comprises a body comfort device according to one of the claims 1 to 31, comprising supporting flats.

Images