EP1997403A1 - Active dynamic seating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The active dynamic seating unit (1) has a seat (4), a middle part (3) and a foot part, one or both the legs of the user achieve a stable seating position only by an additional support. The active dynamic seating unit has a sound generator (7a,7b), which emits a sound by carrying out a certain change of the seat position.

Description

The invention relates to an active-dynamic seating device having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1.

An active-dynamic seating device enables active, dynamic sitting in which the back muscles and the intervertebral discs are always in easy action. This active dynamic sitting posture is achieved in virtually all cases in that the actual seat of the seat device oscillates around at least one lower pivot point and is thus held in an unstable position. In addition, a suspension can be provided in the vertical direction. Such seating devices are formed in particular by pendulum stool.

A pendulum hacker is out of the DE 75 31 129 U1 known. However, it is less a stool than a working seat for working people who are forced to work. This work seat has a height-adjustable and with each movement of the user with walking saddle seat. A ball joint located above a disc base enables the pendulum movement and a tension spring mechanism integrated in the disc base effects the automatic return to the neutral position. The height adjustment of the seat and a limited suspension via a built-in intermediate gas spring.

Another pendulum stool is known as SWOPPER and among others in the EP 0 808 116 B1 described. It is about a pendulum stool with height adjustment and a spring column with an adaptable to the weight of the user suspension. The deflection of the seat, as the pendulum, via a joint between the spring column and the foot part. With the joint, the spring column is tiltably supported on the foot part.

Another pendulum stool is known under the name ERGO. It is a pendulum stool with height adjustment by means of a gas spring, whose pendulum motion is achieved solely by a convex shape of the footprint of a plate foot.

A pendulum stool with a plate base with convex footprint is also in the DD 73 618 A1 described.

The simplest form of a pendulum stool has only a seat plate, on the underside of which a central pillar is centrally fixed, the end of which forms the foot part and is convexly rounded in order to allow a tilting or pendulum movement.

All of these pendulum stools cause the user to constantly seek a balance of his posture and execute. The user of a pendulum stool relies on the one hand with his own two legs and on the other hand with the foot of the stool only in three points on a base or the floor. In order not to fall over, the seated person must constantly balance the center of gravity of his body within the triangular area defined by these points. A simple monopod stool, consisting only of the seat plate and a rigid handle projecting from the underside of the saucer plate, relieves the occupant of the greatest balancing work because the stool's orientation is not stabilized by any means.

In the balancing work on the pendulum stool, the lower section of the spine becomes the initial position of the feet activated, and the entire leg and back muscles is stimulated to a constant fine muscle play. This physiologically considered as favorable muscle play reduces tension during long sitting and thus eliminates malpractices and complaints based thereon. A pendulum stool is therefore also used in physiotherapy to strengthen the involved leg and back muscles and to promote coordination. A special exercise is, for example, to let the pelvis and thus also the pendulum stool to circle. Due to the lack of stabilization, such a balance exercise can encounter insecurity for many people, so that the exercise fails.

The object of the invention is to develop an active-dynamic seat device so that its possible uses for balance exercises are improved.

This object is solved by the features of patent claim 1.

An active dynamic seating device with a seat, a middle part (central pillar) and a foot part is typically formed by a pendulum stool of the type described above. However, the invention is applicable to any seat device in a broader sense, for example, on an inflatable gymnastics seat ball made of elastic PVC, which inflated bulging reaches a diameter of about 65 cm and forms a resilient seat device, wherein the foot part formed by the footprint of the ball sitting becomes. All actively dynamic seating devices have in common that only by the additional support of one or both legs of a user a stable seating position is achieved.

In the embodiment according to the invention, the seat device has a sound generator, which emits a sound when a certain change in the seat position is carried out.

With the sound generator, the user of the seat apparatus receives an acoustic feedback, which can assist him in performing a gymnastic exercise and can take uncertainty. Examinations on subjects have shown that an exercise succeeds better if, in its implementation, the attention of the performer can be focused on an external intention, that is, an intent not directly related to the implementation. According to the invention, the intention of the user is focused on the generation of a particular sound. As "sound" should also apply a sound. The key is that the sound can be perceived and assigned by the user.

A not to be underestimated aspect is that the play with the noise generation responds to the play instinct of a user and causes him to perform an otherwise perhaps annoying exercise concentrated on the seat device and persistently.

So that the support can be targeted, the tone generator is to be designed so that only by a deliberate change in the sitting position in the context of an exercise of the sound generator for delivering a specific sound associated with the exercise is stimulated. This gives the user an acoustic feedback as to whether the exercise is being performed properly.

One particularly useful exercise for strengthening the back muscles is for the tone generator to respond to an exercise in which the user's pelvis cyclically performs a circular or elliptical motion.

In principle, electrical or mechanical sound generators are conceivable. In electric sound generators, the motion pattern is detected by means of acceleration sensors or pressure-sensitive sensors in the seat, middle section or foot section and, after comparison with stored patterns, an acoustic signal Feedback is given when the sensory detected pattern comes close to a stored Übunasmuster.

A simple mechanical tone generator can be formed by generating a sound by means of a movable mass, which experiences an acceleration by changing the seating position, by exciting tone generator elements to emit a sound. The sound generator elements can be integrated in the moving mass itself and be excited by the movement of the mass to the sound output. An example would be a sound ball, which gives off a bright spherical sound when unrolling. Such sound balls are known as Qigong balls and e.g. made of silver or titanium.

Alternatively or additionally, the tone generator elements may be arranged along a predetermined path which traverses the moveable mass when performing an exercise and is stimulated to interact with the moveable mass for sound delivery. An example would be a singing bowl or a ball track, which is excited by the rolling of a ball to acoustic vibrations.

In one embodiment, the tone generator includes a ball, the movement of which is guided within a ball track, wherein the ball track is formed so that the ball when rolling along the track induces a sound or a noise. For example, the ball track may have an internal profiling which, in conjunction with a rolling ball, emits a sound, sound or sound. In the simplest case, a random pattern is already given by material unevenness in the ball track for the profiling, so that when rolling the ball a typical noise such as noise arises, which is similar to the rolling of a glass ball on a wooden plate. The effect is enhanced when the plate or ball track is mounted oscillating and thus can serve as a resonator.

The ball track can be designed so that the movement of the ball in the ball track can be tracked by the user not only acoustically but also optically, which enhances the feedback effect.

An embodiment in which the ball track is self-contained has the advantage that the guided ball, with suitable excitation by the seat movement, can perform an endless movement and thus stimulate a long-lasting sound.

An embodiment in which the closed ball track encloses a central axis, which runs through the seat and foot part, has the advantage that the available space on the seat is optimally utilized and the weight distribution of the unoccupied seat can be easily balanced around a vertical rest position.

An embodiment in which the ball track extends within a plane which intersects the central axis at a vertical angle, has the advantage that in a circular pendulum motion about the vertical rest position of the seat device takes place a uniform excitation of the movement in the ball track. In other words, this particular arrangement of the ball track supports a circular movement about the vertical axis. This is particularly advantageous when applied to a seat device formed by a seat ball, since the seat ball has no central axis on which a user can orient himself.

In the exemplary embodiment, the seat device is formed by a pendulum stool, whose foot part is formed by a disc base with a convex contact surface, wherein the ball track is arranged on the foot part of the seat device. In this case, the ball track can be attached from the outside to the footboard, for example, due to a retrofit. Alternatively, the ball track is integrated into the foot part. This then arises when the ball track is incorporated in the course of the manufacture of the foot part, which represents a more cost-effective solution.

The tone generator can be designed as a retrofit kit for the intended use in an active dynamic seating device. This has the advantage that existing active dynamic seating devices can be used and equipped with the advantages of the invention. For a pendulum stool retrofitting could be in a ball track with ball, which is attached to the foot of the pendulum stool later. For a seat ball as a seat device, for example, a tube closed into a circular ring would be conceivable as a ball track, which is slipped over the seat ball and held in a meridian position by a press fit. A circulating in the tube ball would be set by a circular pelvic movement of a user in a circulating movement and generate a corresponding noise when rolling.

• Fig. 1 einen Längsschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße aktivdynamische Sitzvorrichtung;
• Fig. 2 eine Aufsicht auf das Fußteil der Sitzvorrichtung.
• Fig. 3a eine Aufsicht auf das Fußteil der Sitzvorrichtung mit einem zweiseitigem Begrenzer 9a und
• Fig. 3a eine Aufsicht auf das Fußteil der Sitzvorrichtung mit zwei einseitigen Begrenzern 9b, 9c.

The invention will be explained with reference to a preferred embodiment with reference to the figures of the drawing. Show it:

• Fig. 1 a longitudinal section through an active dynamic seating device according to the invention;
• Fig. 2 a plan view of the foot part of the seat device.
• Fig. 3a a plan view of the foot part of the seat device with a two-sided limiter 9a and
• Fig. 3a a plan view of the foot part of the seat device with two one-sided limiters 9b, 9c.

The Fig. 1 shows a pendulum stool as a seat device 1. The pendulum stool comprises a foot part 2, which centrally a central column 3 receives, on which a seat 4 is fixed. The foot part 2 is formed by a cup foot 2a with a diameter of 400 mm and a convex contact surface 2b, the radius of curvature of the contact surface being 725 mm. The central column 3 includes in a known manner a gas spring for height adjustment as you know of office chairs, which allows a height adjustment of the seat in the range of 540-740 mm. The height adjustment can be requested manually by means of a trigger 6. The seat is lightly padded, with the seat cover has only a low to medium adhesion to facilitate gymnastic exercises.

In the foot part of the sound generator 7a, 7b is arranged, which consists of a ball 7a, which can rotate in a ball track 7b in a circle. The ball 7a may have a diameter between 10-30 mm. The ball track 7b is adapted to the diameter of the ball 7a and forms a circle with a diameter of 320 mm. The radially outer wall of the ball track 7b serves to guide the ball at high rotational speed with high centrifugal force. The rolling of the ball along this orbit produces a characteristic sound which gives the user feedback that he is exercising the exercise properly.

The inner wall of the ball track 7b must leave with their circle radius sufficient clearance for the course of the ball 7a. A reduction of the radius of the inside wall allows the ball 7a more play. The radius can be reduced so far that the inner wall rests against the central column 3. In this case, the ball track goes over into a spherical shell.

In order to guide the ball safely even with vigorous movement, the ball track can be undercut so that the ball can not leave the ball track.

In the exemplary embodiment, the foot part 2 has an approximately 6 mm thick cover 8, which serves to stabilize the foot part 2 and to design the sound generation by striking the ball 7a to the inner wall gives a different sound as a striking against the outer wall , The lid makes it possible to realize different surfaces according to color and feel. If the foot part is made of hollow body or as Lammellen structural body, can be covered with the lid, the inner structure. The cover could at least partially cover the ball track to prevent escape of the ball. As a deep-drawn part made of plastic or metal, the cover could also absorb the ball track in one piece. The lid with integrated ball track could be offered as a sound generator for retrofitting an existing pendulum stool for sale.

The foot part 2 with the ball track 7a is preferably produced in one piece, for example by milling a hard foam part or by its production in the casting process with a mold which images the ball track.

It goes without saying that the specific size specifications are only to be understood as approximate data from which deviations can be made if this results from consideration of the dimensions and adaptation to the given situation.

Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the foot part 2 with the cross-sectional area of the central column 3. The circular ball track 7b for the ball 7a is bounded by the radially outer outer wall 7c and the radially inner wall 7d. As already described, the inner wall 7 d can be brought up to the column 3.

With a suitable choice of the radius of the ball track 7b and the wet of the ball 7a, a minimum activity for the circular pelvic movement of a user can be specified. Only if the user the exercise in speed and Pendulum stroke has set so that it exceeds this minimum activity, the ball 7a circulate in a circular path and the central column 3, which gives him the desired. Feedback is.

As in Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b shown, there is an extension of the possibilities of use by insertable into the ball track 7b limiter 9a, 9b, 9c, which block the way for the ball 7a. The limiters are fixed in the ball track 7b in a fixed position, for example by clamping. The limiters emit a characteristic sound when striking the ball 7a. The sound comes about either through the material, such as wood or metal of the limiter or by striking the outer contact surfaces, which are provided with their own limiter sound generators 10. For example, a limiter tone generator made of metal or wood emits a characteristic sound that can be assigned by the user. A one-sided limiter 9b, 9c has only a single limiter tone generator 10, it being possible to distinguish between left-sided and right-hand limiter. A two-sided limiter 9a has on the opposite contact surfaces in each case a limiter tone generator 10.

With a from the perspective of a user rearward in the ball track 7b arranged limiter 9a, as in Fig. 3a As shown, the ball would not follow a circumferential, closed path but would be reflected at the limiter 9a. The sound produced when the ball 7a hits the limiter 9a gives the user a characteristic feedback that assists him in his practice. Due to the symmetrical division of the ball 7a forced path here is recommended the use of a two-sided limiter 9a, because the ball can strike at both opposite contact surfaces.

However, it is also possible to limit the travel of the ball to a track section between two one-way limiters 9b, 9c, as in FIG Fig. 3b shown. Thus, with two limiters 9b, 9c inserted sideways left and right into the ball track 7b from the point of view of the user, the ball 7a could be forced in its movement onto the track section between the limiters. Only one exercise with significant lateral hip movements would accelerate the ball by alternately striking the left and right limiters 9b, 9c, giving the user concrete feedback on the intensity of the exercise being performed.

In a simple way, a limiter 9a, 9b, 9c can be formed by having a metal core with a smaller diameter than the passage of the ball track 7b, which consists of the radius difference between the radially outer wall 7c and the radially inner wall 7d results, is used. This metal core is separated from an elastic tube, e.g. made of sponge rubber, sheathed. The hose is dimensioned such that the sheathed metal core can only be clamped into the ball track 7b with the application of force, as a result of which the limiter 9a, 9b, 9c is fixed in its position by press fit and is also not displaced by abutment of the ball. Instead of a metal core, a wood core can also be used.

A limiter could also be made entirely of metal and locked in the ball track by means of clamping jaws. The jaws could be spread with an internal screw, which can be zzen, for example by means of an Allen wrench, spread.

The lid 8 is in Fig. 3b shown again and can be designed as a replacement part by being adapted in its geometry to the foot part 2. The replacement of the lid 8 is carried out by the seat 4 is removed and the central column 3 is guided through the central hole of the lid 8.

Alternatively, the lid may have a radially extending slot 11 and, as with a paper ring to cover a foot of a goblet, be guided by slight widening of the radial edges of the lid at the slot 11 around the central column. The lid is then invisible from the outside, e.g. fixed to the foot part 2 by double-sided adhesive tape or clips or a clamping strip.

The lid 8 may be printed in color on its visible side. If the cover 8 is more for information reproduction than the structural reinforcement material, its wall thickness can be made thinner than the specified 6 mm. The limiter described above could also be fastened to the cover, so that with the attachment of the cover 8, the limiters would be brought into their position. Thus, different covers could be provided for different limiter arrangements.

The described concept of a replaceable lid, which can be offered in a variety of designs as a replacement part, is applicable not only to the present pendulum stool but also to other central column pendulum clocks known in the art and provides an independent inventive idea represents.

In one embodiment, the foot part 2 may be milled or turned from solid wood, wherein the ball track 7b has also been milled or turned. In this embodiment, when rolling a ball in the ball track results in a pleasant sound.

According to the invention, the tone generator includes a movable mass, which experiences an acceleration by changing the seat position. This can be a ball as in the embodiment. However, there is another moving object conceivable, such as a small car cder another vehicle on wheels. Also such movable masses are intended in Under this invention be understood as a "ball".

Claims (15)

Active dynamic seat device (1) with a seat (4), a middle part (3) and a foot part (2), in which only by additional support of one or both legs of a user a stable sitting position is achieved
characterized in that
the seat device (1) has a sound generator (7a, 7b) which can emit a sound when a certain change in the seating position is carried out. Active dynamic seat device (1) according to claim 1
characterized in that
the sound generator (7a, 7b) can be stimulated by a targeted change in the sitting position in the context of an exercise to deliver a specific sound associated with this exercise. Active dynamic seat device (1) according to claim 2
characterized in that the tone generator (7a, 7b) responds to an exercise in which the user's pelvis cyclically performs a circular or elliptical motion. Active dynamic seat device (1) according to one of the preceding claims
characterized in that the sound generator (7a, 7b) includes a movable mass which undergoes an acceleration by changing the seat position. Active dynamic seat device (1) according to claim 4
characterized in that the tone generator comprises a ball (7a) whose movement is guided within a ball track (7b). Active dynamic seat device (1) according to claim 5
characterized in that the ball track (7b) is closed in itself. Active dynamic seat device (1) according to claim 6
characterized in that the ball track (7b) is aligned with a central axis (M) passing through the seat (4) and foot (2) by the ball track enclosing the central axis (M) or in a plane defining the central axis (M). M) at a vertical angle. Active dynamic seat device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 5-7
characterized in that the Sitzverrichtung (1) is formed by a pendulum stool whose foot part (2) by a disc base (2a) is formed with convex contact surface (2b), wherein the ball track (7b) on the foot part (2) of the seat device ( 1) is arranged. Active dynamic seat device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 5-7
characterized in that the ball track (7b) is integrated in the foot part (2) and is incorporated during the production of the foot part (2). Sound generator for the intended use in an active dynamic seat device according to one of claims 1 to 9. Active dynamic seating device (1) according to claim 5,
characterized in that in the ball track 7b at least one limiter 9a, 9b. 9c is used, on which the ball 7a is reflected. Limiter for the intended use in an active dynamic seating device according to claim 5,
characterized in that the limiter 9a, 9b, 9c in the ball track 7b can be used and fixed in a fixed position. Limiter according to claim 12,
characterized in that the limiter consists of a sheath of an elastic hose core made of metal or wood. Cover for the intended use in an active dynamic seating device according to claim 1,
characterized in that the cover 8, the foot part 2 concentrically at least partially covered, wherein the central column of the seat device is guided through a hole in the lid 8, characterized in that the lid 8 is printed in color on its visible side. Lid according to claim 14,
characterized in that the lid 8 has a radially extending slot 11.

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