EP1457141B1 - Upper body support - Google Patents

Abstract

The seat incorporates devices which force at least one point of the seat surface (1) to move continuously and cyclically periodically in at least two movement directions, whereby the one period is greater, preferably twice as great, as the other period. The seat surface is movable around a variable rotary point (3). The seat surface in its angle of inclination is movable both in the seat direction and also laterally. Leg supports are movable with the seat surface and incorporate at least one lower leg support, preferably with a lateral support surface.

Description

The invention relates to an upper body support, in particular for a seat with a seat surface (1, 1 ', 1 ", 1' '') and a foot (2) or for a backrest or for a pillow, with at least one support surface (13), which is formed by a back support, shoulder support, neck support, headrest, combination of back support, shoulder support, neck support and headrest, lumbar support or abdominal support, wherein the upper body support is fixed in place by a foot (14),

There are several attempts to design seats that promote an ergonomic sitting position, especially in connection with office chairs or seats for PC workstations. For example, there are rocking chair-like constructions. Seats with knee braces and seatballs. However, all these seats lead to relatively cramped postures, since on the one hand, the moving seat must be stabilized and on the other hand unusually body parts, such as shins, cruciate ligaments and toes, are charged in an unfamiliar manner sensitive.

In addition, there are seats with forcibly moved seats, such as those in the DE 33 24 788 A1 in the EP 0 311 993 A2 and in the EP 0 574 073 A1 are disclosed. However, the seats shown there are relatively limited in their Sitzflächenbewegung and usually allow only a shift of the seat in one direction, such as up and down in the EP 0 311 993 A2 or right-left-rotating at the EP 0 574 073 A1 , Only the DE 33 24 788 A1 discloses a seat with a seat surface which is displaceable in two directions of movement, which is accomplished by lifting members that can lift the seat, and in this case the seat can be raised parallel to itself and lowered or laterally and circumferentially tilted.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the opposite a seat with a particularly ergonomically moving seat.

As a solution, the invention proposes a seat with the features of claim 1.

Unlike all known seats, in such a seat, the body does not need to cramp to hold the seat in position. The muscle work, which in itself is desirable in the known seats, also becomes thereby ensuring that the body must follow the movement of the seat. Here, the human body is used from an early age to such a consequence of a given movement, for example, when worn by the mother, hiking or riding. As is known, such forced movements have a relaxing effect and can also serve therapeutic purposes. The moving seat is not intended to make a vibrating motion, but a pleasant, smooth and even movement. Additional vibration movements would be conceivable.

It is understood that the amplitude of this movement is adapted so that it is possible to keep the upper body approximately calm. Due to the continuous consequences of the seat surface movement in an almost stationary upper body, a great many muscles are stressed during sitting without them cramping. The advantages of a forcibly continuously and cyclically moving seat follow in particular when the seat or the seat surface are designed such that they promote an upright posture, if not enforce. Such seats are known per se, for example, it can also be used a seat borrowed a saddle shape seat. In particular, the seat can be designed such that an upright posture with a straight back and indicated hollow cross is taken, in which the thigh is depressurized.

Such an upright posture can be ensured with a suitable Sitzflächenwahl characterized in that the seat in its inclination angle is relocated. Advantageously, this displacement can take place both in the seat direction and also laterally. In particular, it is also possible that the seat can be easily rotated with respect to the horizontal. Likewise, it may be provided to shift the seat in its height.

Means may be provided which periodically move at least one point of the seating surface continuously and cyclically in at least two directions of movement, one period being greater, preferably two times greater, than the other period. In this way, a movement similar to a step movement can be simulated with relatively simple means, as occurs, for example, when riding in the change or Paßgang or when worn. In particular, it is possible for the execution of such movements, the seat is inclined accordingly.

As a further solution, there is a seat with a, preferably stable, foot and with a seat which is displaceable about a pivot point in its inclination angle. By such an arrangement, it is possible, regardless of the other features of the seat, on the one hand to ensure the body relieving movement while sitting and on the other hand an ergonomic posture with respect to a workplace or a work surface. Thus, the fixed foot ensures that a central position, such as in front of a screen and a keyboard can not be left and still a slight body movement - whether executed or forced - is performed.

In particular, it is also possible to shift the pivot point, preferably in its distance from the seat surface and / or in its distance from the foot. In this way, on the one hand, the inclination angle change and on the other hand, the seat height can be influenced. The movement can also be designed such that a pivot point can not be defined and only the inclination of the seat can be changed accordingly.

In particular, it is also possible to make the displacement of the pivot point in dependence on the displacement of the seat, so that the movement sequence for the seat can be chosen relatively freely.

Regardless of whether the inclination angle change of the seat is free or forced, the seat can be resiliently mounted. This can for example be done by a spring element, which is effective between a seat support and the foot. It is also possible to provide a suitable, resilient guide for the seat. By such suspension jerky movements are avoided, on the one hand interfere with a smooth movement and would lead to cramps on the other hand would have the consequence that caused by the seat, taking place in the subconscious balance movement suddenly and undesirably aware and so to a distraction of a concentrated activity.

It is understood that the seat does not necessarily have to be displaceable about a physically existing pivot point. Rather, one can also suitable guidance of the seat may be provided, which shifts these around a virtual fulcrum. Such a guide, for example, be provided directly under the seat itself, so that the entire foot below the seat in a known manner as a normal Sitzfuß, may be formed.

In particular, the latter arrangement can also be configured as a footstool or as a standing surface instead of a seat surface, which is forcibly moved continuously and cyclically standing directly on the ground. In this case, of course, all the movements described above for this footstool or floor space can be realized and there are similar benefits. The seat is particularly suitable for office chairs. In such an application, a stable foot in a particularly suitable manner allows a person to remain in the correct posture with respect to a work surface or computer in a prescribed position. In particular, the seat can also be realized in motor vehicles or in car seats. Here he can successfully prevent fatigue, especially on long journeys. By switching off the movement in emergency situations, a hazard potential can be reduced. Likewise, the seat can be used in railway operator stands or in aircraft and show the same advantages. In addition, it is possible to use a seat according to the invention as a lying aid when it is configured correspondingly flat or integrated into a lounger. In such an application, the seat may be subject to decubitus counteract. A seat can also be provided in the form of a chair.

As already described above, the seat surface or also the footrest or the standing surface can be moved back and forth, up and down or also laterally. In particular, however, staggering gyroscopic movements (such as in a hula or belly dance) or tumbling high-low gyroscopic movements (as in a roller coaster) are also possible. In addition, the seat but also a U-shaped, page-alternating high-low movement, as in a horse in the step, or a rocking motion, as in a dromedary in the Paßgang perform. Also, a movement similar to a dolphin jump is possible in which the seat is moved over an arc forward and then straight back. It is understood that other movements are conceivable, which can be chosen in particular according to the well-being of the user or even from a medical point of view.

To ensure the desired movements, all known drives, guides and gear can be used. For example, a desired movement can be generated by a guide pin guided in a groove. But it is also possible to drive the seat by a corresponding transmission linkage. In particular, an angle lever arrangement can be provided, by means of which-depending on the precise configuration and arrangement of the angle levers-a very wide variety of motion forms can be realized. Such an angle lever assembly builds this relatively simple and it can be dispensed with an excessive use of bearings or bearings. Likewise, camshafts, eccentrics or suitable circumferential guideways can influence the course of movement. By a suitable combination of gear members or multiple gears or änlichem can also be done switching between different movement patterns.

Preferably, the seat is inclined or formed so that a person in normal sitting position has an angle of more than 90 ° between the upper body and thigh. This is preferably true for all operating inclinations of the seat and ensures a simple upright sitting. For this purpose, the seat can also be slightly inclined forward relative to the ground.

On the seat can be provided with the seat displaceable legrests. In particular, these leg supports may have at least one lower leg support, ie a device supporting a lower leg. Such a lower leg support preferably has a laterally supporting support surface. Such a laterally supporting support surface promotes an ergonomically advantageous posture and equally allows a stable fit on the moving seat is possible. With the lower leg support a corresponding footrest can be connected.

As desired, these legrests can be arranged so that they allow a kind of ladies seat or a kind of manor. Even a crossed leg position or a light cross-legged are conceivable.

It is understood that such legrests can also serve a stable seat and thus an ergonomically advantageous sitting posture independent of the other features of the seat.

As a solution, the invention proposes that the seat comprises a backrest whose support surface is displaceable independently of the seat at least along a concave path of movement. Here, the term concave trajectory refers to a trajectory that is designed to run around a body supported on the backrest.

Such a backrest which can be displaced independently of the seat, the degree of freedom of which is preferably directed substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane, makes it possible, on the one hand for a resting seat surface, for the back area of a seated person to be moved comfortably within a certain amount of play. With a moving seat, on the other hand, the back and thus the upper body can easily follow a little the seat surface movement, without causing tension in the lower vertebral region.

Such a backrest which can be displaced along a concave movement path is also advantageous independently of the other features of the seat. In particular, it is also possible to use this inventive Basic idea to use as a back bed. Here, the guideway or guide members are horizontally supported, for example, on a bed or on a lounger, or arranged. Again, there is the advantage that the head or the upper body can be easily displaced or rotated without having to be lifted.

Also, the backrest may be subject to a forced movement or be designed drivable. In addition, the backrest can be continuously adjustable, in particular in the inclination, adjustable. This applies in particular in connection with the use of such a backrest in beds or beds.

The seat may have armrests which are arranged resiliently and independently of the seat or backrest at least in the horizontal direction displaceable. Here, the suspension can be provided both horizontally and vertically. Due to the horizontal displaceability a large radius is supported supported. The suspension serves on the one hand a comfortable support and on the other hand a return to a starting position. Such armrests are also advantageous regardless of the other features of the seat.

The seat can be provided with heating and / or ventilation. This of course also applies to a backrest or the other modules of a seat assembly, such as headrest, armrests, footrests or the like.

At the seat, a sensor may be provided for controlling the natural movement of a seated person. This can be, for example, a force transducer or a force gauge. It is also possible to check only the power consumption of the seat drive. By such a sensor for controlling the proper motion of a seated person can be checked whether the seated "positive sitting" or whether he follows only lazily the movement of the seat. It is desired that the sitter sits in a positive position and, on his own initiative, unconsciously follows the given movement of the seat. It can be assumed that in a sluggish sitting to be applied by the seat forces to perform the movement, are correspondingly larger. Accordingly, the energy consumption of the drive will increase.

The seat may further comprise means for varying the frequency and / or amplitude of the movement, so that the movement of the seat can be adapted to the type of sitting. In a positive sitting, for example, the frequency and / or amplitude of the movement can be reduced to a minimum. If, on the other hand, the sitting person starts to sit "sluggishly", then the amplitude and / or the frequency can be correspondingly changed in order to stimulate positive sitting in this way. In addition, with sluggish sitting a signal, like a Horn signal, or music sound. Such an arrangement makes it possible to reduce the risk of falling asleep, particularly in the case of aircraft or car seats or in driver's cabs, since in the case of falling asleep a transition from positive seats to sluggish seats occurs.

Also, such a seat is suitable for therapeutic purposes. In particular, in this case, a drive with individual linear actuators, which are arranged offset from one another, may be provided. The staggered arrangement can be done for example in the manner known in flight simulators. Actuators or pneumatic or hydraulic drives in particular come into question as a drive. Here, the seat especially the Remobilisierung of persons after operations of the lower extremities, the strengthening of the back and pelvic muscles and a variable, flexible and thus not one-sided load on the intervertebral discs and digestive support in whole and partial paralyzed or the therapy of autistic or hyperactive Serve people.

Fig. 1

einen ersten Stuhl mit erfindungsgemäßem Sitz in schematischer Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 2

einen zweiten Stuhl mit erfindungsgemäßem Sitz in schematischer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 3

den Stuhl nach Figur 2 in Rückansicht,

Fig. 4

den Bewegungsmechanismus der Rücklehne des Stuhls nach Figur 2 und 3 bzw. einer Kopfstütze in schematischer Darstellung,

Fig. 5

einen dritten Stuhl mit erfindungsgemäßem Sitz in schematischer Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 6

einen vierten Stuhl mit erfindungsgemäßem Sitz in schematischer Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 7

den Stuhl nach Fig. 6 in einem schematischen Horizontalschnitt,

Fig. 8

einen fünften Stuhl mit erfindungsgemäßem Sitz in einem schematischen Querschnitt,

Fig. 9

den Stuhl nach Fig. 8 in einem schematischen Längsschnitt,

Figur 10

einen siebten Stuhl ähnlich dem nach Fign. 6 und 7 mit Rücklehne und Armstützen in einer Frontansicht, wobei die Armstützen in einer Schreibposition befindlich sind,

Figur 11

den Stuhl nach Fig. 10 in einer Seitenansicht,

Figur 12

den Stuhl nach Fign. 10 und 11 in ähnlicher Darstellung wie Fig. 13, wobei die Armlehnen und eine Rücklehne in einer Ruheposition sind und

Figur 13

den Stuhl nach Fig. 12 in einer Seitenansicht.

Further advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be explained with reference to the following description of the appended drawing, in which by way of example several embodiments of a seat according to the invention are shown. In the drawing show:

Fig. 1

a first chair with inventive seat in a schematic sectional view,

Fig. 2

a second chair with inventive seat in a schematic side view,

Fig. 3

the chair after FIG. 2 in rear view,

Fig. 4

following the movement mechanism of the backrest of the chair FIG. 2 and 3 or a headrest in a schematic representation,

Fig. 5

a third chair with inventive seat in a schematic sectional view,

Fig. 6

a fourth chair with inventive seat in a schematic sectional view,

Fig. 7

the chair after Fig. 6 in a schematic horizontal section,

Fig. 8

a fifth chair with inventive seat in a schematic cross section,

Fig. 9

the chair after Fig. 8 in a schematic longitudinal section,

FIG. 10

a seventh chair similar to the one after FIGS. 6 and 7 with backrest and armrests in a front view, with the armrests in a writing position,

FIG. 11

the chair after Fig. 10 in a side view,

FIG. 12

the chair after FIGS. 10 and 11 in a similar representation as Fig. 13 , wherein the armrests and a backrest are in a rest position and

FIG. 13

the chair after Fig. 12 in a side view.

At the in FIG. 1 represented chair is a seat 1 about a provided between a stable chair foot 2 and the seat 1 pivot point 3 in its inclination angle displaced. This is ensured by a support rod 4, on which the seat surface 1 is rigidly secured by means of a support plate 5 is supported on the foot 2. Here, the support plate 5 is movably supported on the foot 2, so that the seat in a suitable manner, both in the seat direction and the side, is displaced.

The support disk 5 is supported by means of two elastic rings 6 'and 6 "on the foot 2, wherein the support disk 5 is supported on the lower elastic ring 6' and is held from above via the second elastic ring 6". As can be seen immediately, this arrangement is sufficient to provide a seat 1 which can be displaced in accordance with the invention, which has an upright rest position.

The support rod 4 further has a height adjustment 7 and a tilt adjustment 8, so that the seat can be adapted to individual needs.

How out FIG. 1 it can be seen, the support rod 4 could also be rigidly connected to the foot 2, if a corresponding movement mechanism is provided immediately below the seat 1, which allows a shift around the then virtual pivot point 3.

At the in FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment, a counter-plate 9 is provided on the seat 1 opposite the end of the support rod 4. This counter-plate 9 is used by its inertial mass as a damping element, so that the movement of the seat 1 can not be done too smoothly. In addition, 9 spring elements 10 are provided on the counter plate, on the one hand serve a vibration limitation in support of the elastic rings 6 'and 6 "and on the other hand prevent the seat 1 rotates about the support rod 4.

While the assemblies described so far ensure a free displacement of the seat 1 about the pivot point 3, which includes in FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment further includes a drive 11 which is operatively connected via an eccentric with the counter-plate 9. Here, the transmission is selected such that the seat performs a U-shaped, side-alternating movement.

As immediately apparent, it is also possible to support the support rod 4 at the bottom of the foot 2 and to store movable in the support disk 5. By profiling the bottom of the foot 2 can then a U-shaped, page-alternating high-low motion, as in a horse in the step, can be achieved.

The seat 1 is in this case chosen such that it forces an upright posture with a straight back and indicated hollow back, the thighs are relieved of pressure. This upright posture as well as the passive consequences of the active forced movement or a corresponding compensation movement give the seated a sense of security without acting drowsy, counteract a muscle spasm and promote blood circulation throughout the body and digestion. The well-cushioned movement requires a soft and gentle, changing load on the intervertebral discs. Here, the amplitude of the movement is chosen such that head, shoulders and upper body can be easily kept quiet.

A U-shaped, side-alternating movement is particularly advantageous in connection with a rigid backrest, since in such a movement the buttock is removed from the backrest at each lateral alteration, so that movement of the buttocks and corresponding follow-up movement of the back cause friction reduced at a backrest and so does not lead to tension or tension with the backrest. This is particularly important when used with car seats, aircraft seats or train driver stands.

The in Figures 2 and 3 The chair shown is essentially the same as in FIG. 1 shown. In the former, however, two lower leg supports 12 are still provided on the seat surface 1, which are fastened by means of brackets 12 'on the seat surface 1. The lower leg supports 12 have on the one hand to the side supporting, outwardly directed support surfaces that allow a seat similar to a rider's seat. In addition, the supports 12 each include a footrest so that the entire lower body of the moving seat 1 can follow, while in the in FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment, the feet rest on the ground.

By means of the brackets 12 ', the supports 12 can also be adjusted so that a seat similar to a Reiterdamensitz or a lighter cross-legged seat is possible.

In addition, the chair declines Figures 2 and 3 According to the invention, a backrest, the support surface 13 regardless of the seat 1 along a concave movement path is displaced. For this purpose, the backrest is fixed by means of a foot 14 fixed with respect to the chair foot 2 and the support surface 13 via a guide 15 with respect to the foot 14 displaced. As in particular from FIG. 4 can be seen, the guide 15 comprises a concave guide rail 17, along which a carriage 16 with the support surfaces 13 runs. As can also be understood from this figure, the concept of the concave movement path refers to the support surface 13 or to a body resting on this support surface. An in FIG. 4 construction shown can also be used as a shoulder, neck or headrest use. In particular, a combination of head, neck, shoulder and / or back support is conceivable. Here, the shape of the support surface of the head movement or a body movement is adapted and the guide rail suitably supported.

Thus, the support surface may be formed much thicker in the head area on the sides, so that is supported in a body rotation of the head in a comfortable position with respect to the then underlying shoulder.

The support surface 13 of the backrest is also resiliently displaceable along a diagonal guide 15 '.

In addition, the chair declines Figures 2 and 3 a support arm 18 on which on the one hand lighting body 19 and on the other Forearm supports 20 are attached. The lighting fixtures are oriented such that a person sitting on a chair at a computer workstation (shown in phantom) is not dazzled.

The armrests 20 are formed as angled shells and mounted by means of suspensions 21 resiliently on the support arm 18. In this case, the suspensions 21 are further attached to the support arm 18 as shoulder width apart. In this way, the supports 20 do not disturb when they are unused. The supports 20 are further suspended resiliently, with a pressure or speed-dependent locking is provided so that the armrest 20 can be used as a support when getting up when it is loaded jerkily.

How out FIG. 2 it can be seen, the person can rest in a rest position on the support surface 13 of the backrest, in this case, the seat can be brought into a rest position. In particular, it is possible to leave the arms in the forearm supports 20 in this rest position, so that they remain in a relaxed position while the person is resting. By remaining in the forearm support ensures that a uniform circulation of the body is maintained, in particular that does not sag too much blood in the arms.

It is understood that such resilient armrests can also be resiliently positioned from below or from the rear or front and are also advantageous regardless of the other features of the seat or the chair.

Here, the long suspensions 21 allow a large area in which the arms are freely movable supported. As a result, neck tension can be effectively avoided.

The chair may also include a lumbar support or a neck support, on the one hand - if necessary - be firmly connected to the seat 1 or on the other hand may be configured independently of this seat 1. In particular, these can also be displaced along a concave path of movement similar to the backrest.

At the in FIG. 5 In the chair shown, the means necessary for moving the seat 1 'are mounted directly under it in a housing 2 "supported on three footrests 2. Here, the seat 1' is correspondingly wobbleable on a support 4 'by means of two rubber rings 6' and 6" as well a plurality of support springs 10 'attached. Here, a corresponding support of the seat surface 1 'surrounds a support plate 5' on the support 4 ', above or below which the rubber rings 6' and 6 "are arranged However, a mobility according to the invention is ensured.The support springs 10 'serve in this case also a return of the seat against unwanted rotation of the same.

The rubber rings 6 ', 6 "could also be realized by a circumferential rubber ring or a hose outside.

At the in FIG. 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the positive movement of the seat 1 'according to the invention is ensured by a driven drive ring 11' which rotates about the support 4 'and which drives spacers 11 "which rotate on a guide track 11''' with the drive ring 11 ''''is profiled so that a desired tilt angle change follows.

How out FIG. 5 directly visible instead of the supports 2 'and a central support leg, as in a known desk chair use find. It is also possible to dispense entirely with the supports 2 'and to arrange the arrangement on the ground or on a normal seat. Arranged on the floor or on a low stool, this arrangement can serve as a pedestal when standing, especially in standing activities on machines or the like, or as a footstool. In particular, it is also possible, such a footstool with in FIGS. 1 to 3 combined seats to be combined.

In the FIG. 5 illustrated embodiment is particularly suitable for a chair / Stehsitz combination in which the seat is moved from a sitting position by means of a gas spring or similar lifting means in a standing position. In the sitting position, a person can then take a position for typing or the like, while the standing seat position is used for activities that can be carried out while standing. The Stehsitzposition can be provided offset from the seated position such that a staid sitting easily, especially without obstruction by a footrest or a low-lying worktop is possible.

By replacing the drive elements, in particular the guide track 11 '''in the arrangement according to FIG. 5 Different movements can be realized in a particularly simple way. Likewise, another drive is conceivable. In particular, a drive from staggered linear drives, as used for example in flight simulators, are used.

Also in FIGS. 6 to 9 The chairs shown have a seat surface 1 "or 1 '''which is displaceable about a pivot point, but this pivot point is displaced continuously with the movement of the seat surface 1' or 1 '''so that the movement is better in its complexity to describe in general.

While at the in FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrated embodiment, the movement of the seat 1 "most closely corresponds to the movement of a saddle on a horse's back, corresponds to the movement of the seat 1 '''in the in FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrated embodiment em ehesten the movement of a saddle on a Paßgänger.

Both chairs are characterized by a forcibly continuously and cyclically moving seat, wherein means are provided which shift a pivot point corresponding to the seat surface movement. By contrast, all seats or devices known from the prior art have a fixed pivot point, which can optionally be displaced over resettable actuators in its height, while the rotational movement itself, however, remains in one place.

Moreover, both chairs have means which periodically move at least one point of the seat 1 "or 1"'forcibly continuously and cyclically in at least two directions of movement, wherein the period in one direction of movement is greater than the period in the other direction of movement For example, one period is exactly twice the size of the other period, which makes it possible to achieve a rocking or seesaw movement, as is the case in the past FIGS. 6 to 9 realized embodiments described is realized.

To realize this, the in FIGS. 6 and 7 2 '''on the foot 2''' on two rocker arms 30, which support the seat surface 1 "each via a ball joint.The seat surface 1" is also supported by a support 31 also via a ball joint. The support 31 has a gas spring for height adjustment and to increase the seating comfort and is in a spherical shell 32, preferably made of nylon or a similar sliding material stored.

To comfort increase, the chair also has additional cushion 33, which are rigidly connected to the foot 2 '' '.

The rocker arms are moved over a guided by rollers 34 Bowden cable 35, which is forcibly moved continuously by a motor 36 cyclically is driven, and about return springs 37. Due to the cyclical lifting of the toggle lever, the seat surface 1 "on the one hand is displaced from right to left with a specific frequency, the exact position of the seat surface 1" being determined by the geometry of rocker arms 30 and support 31. On the other hand, at twice the frequency, the seat 1 "is also displaced forward and backward, or even in height, thus creating a seesaw movement similar to that of a saddle on a horse, which is extremely soothing, even therapeutic , Has effect.

It is understood that instead of the ball joints and other joints, such as toggle joints with enough play, or sufficiently stiff springs can be used.

In the FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrated embodiment, however, for the realization of two rigidly interconnected, eccentric and mounted with an inclination ball bearing washers 41, which are arranged below the seat 1 '''and support them. The ball bearing discs 41 are driven in rotation by a drive 42 and mounted on a shaft 43. In addition, the seat 1 '''secured in a guide, not shown against accidental tilting.

By rotating the ball bearing discs 41, the seat 1 '''is excited to a rocking movement, which corresponds approximately to the movement of a saddle on a Paßgänger. In this case, the seat 1 'moves' at one half rotation of the ball bearing disks 41 from one side to others, like in FIG. 9 shown. At the same time the seat surface 1 '''wobbles during this movement due to the eccentricity of the ball bearing discs 41 by a twisted position, as in particular Fig. 8 seen. This wobbling movement is twice the frequency as the lateral movement.

Instead of the mechanical arrangements shown, other drives can be used. In particular, the means which displace the fulcrum in accordance with the seat surface movement or the means which periodically move at least one point of the seat 1 "or 1"'forcibly continuously and cyclically in at least two directions of movement may also include control means, such as electrical or electronic Controls, and corresponding controlled actuators or other positioning options for the seat and their inclination include.

Also the in FIGS. 10 to 13 The chair shown essentially corresponds to the in FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrated chair. At the in FIGS. 10 to 13 However, a backrest 13 which is displaceable along a concave guide track 15 is still provided. The guideway 15 is fixed to support arms 56 which are connected to a boom 57 of the foot 2 '''via a hinge connection 58 with the foot 2'''. Optionally, means for locking the backrest and / or stops, which limit their mobility, may be provided. In addition, the backrest 13 may also be designed to be pivotable about a pivot point provided at the height of the guide 15. It is understood that such a design of the backrest is also advantageous regardless of the other features of the chair.

At the upper ends of the support arms 56 spring arms 59 are also provided on which armrests 60 and armrests 61 are attached. The spring arms 59 are together with the backrest 13 between a writing position (see FIGS. 10 and 11 ) and a rest position (see FIGS. 12 and 13 ) relocatable.

In the writing position, the backrest 13 is inclined forwardly and supports the back only slightly, wherein the buttocks of a seated person is moved slightly forward by the U-shaped movement when a sideways movement is present, so that just a load on the back region by a relative movement between the back and the backrest 13 is avoided, even if the backrest 13 would be rigidly arranged, as is the case for example in a motor vehicle. Due to the concave trajectory of the backrest this plays no role in this chair.

In addition, the spring arms 59 are curved in the writing position to the outside and embrace the arms and the armrests 60 from the outside. However, the suspension allows the person to move the arms to various positions without leaving the armrests so that the supportive function is nevertheless maintained.

In the rest position, the spring arms 59 are rotated about a pivot point on the upper support arms 56 and lie on these. As a result, the spring travel is shortened, so that the armrests 60 are mounted rigidly. They can be used in this way as supports for getting up.

In addition, then the armrests 61 are in a use position and a person can sit back comfortably and relaxed. It is understood that such a separate configuration of the armrests 60 can be advantageous independently of the seat surface 1 "and the backrest 13. This also applies in particular to the pivot points provided above the shoulders of a seated person and the arrangement of the armrests 61 in FIG a writing position.

In addition, a headrest may be provided on the chair. This is preferably not directly connected to the backrest but suitably fastened separately to the chair. Likewise, lateral supports that engage under the armpits, or a stomach or lumbar support and / or a chin or neck support may be provided. The abdominal support or the lumbar support can be designed to be displaceable with a concave movement path similar to the back support.

Claims (10)

1. An upper body support
   in combination with a seating facility, comprising a seating surface (1) and a chair foot (2) or as a back rest for a bed or for a couch,
   wherein the upper body support comprises at least one supporting surface (13) which is formed from a back support, shoulder support, neck support, head support, lumbar support, abdominal support or from a combination of back support, shoulder support, neck support and head support,
   characterised in
   that the upper body support

   a) in the case of a sitting facility is fixed with at least one own foot (14, 57) in a fixed position with respect to the chair foot (2) and is configured to be continuously adjustable independently of the seating surface (1) with respect to its own foot (14), in particular in its inclination
   and wherein the supporting surface (13) is displaceable along a guide (15) at least along a concave movement path in relation to the foot (14),

   b) in the case of a back rest is configured to be continuously adjustable with respect to its at least one own foot (14), in particular in the inclination and wherein the supporting surface (13) is displaceable along a guide (15) at least along a concave movement path in relation to the foot (14).
2. The upper body support according to claim 1, characterised in that this comprises a chin support and/or lateral supports acting under the arm pits.
3. The upper body support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the guide (15) comprises at least one concavely curved guide rail (17) on the upper body support along which a carriage (16) with the supporting surface (13) runs.
4. The upper body support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the supporting surface (13) is displaceable via the guide (15) along a diagonal guide (15') against the force of a spring.
5. The upper body support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that means for locking the upper body support and/or stops which delimit this mobility are provided.
6. The upper body support according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that at least one guide rail (17) is disposed on at least one retaining arm (56) of the upper body support which is displaceable with respect to the foot (14) (57) of the upper body support by means of at least one articulated connection (58).
7. The upper body support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the upper body support is subject to a forced movement and can be motor-drivable.
8. The upper body support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the supporting surface (13) is configured as thickened at its sides.
9. The upper body support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that underarm supports (20) as angled half-shells or combinations of arm supports (60) and arm rests (61) on retaining arms (56) of the upper body support are attached to at least one supporting arm (18) which is connected in a fixed position to the foot (14), said supports being spring-mounted by means of spring arms (21) (59) and at the same time displaceable relative to the upper body support about a pivot point and at least in the horizontal direction, wherein a pressure- or speed-dependent locking is provided.
10. The upper body support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the upper body support or the other assemblies such as head support, arm supports or similar are provided with heating and/or ventilation.

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