EP2958493A1

EP2958493A1 - Device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down, in particular anti-snoring device

Info

Publication number: EP2958493A1
Application number: EP14703309.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hamid BAYAN; Armin BAYAN
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-02-25
Filing date: 2014-01-30
Publication date: 2015-12-30
Also published as: AU2014220919A1; US20180199857A1; DE102014201694A1; WO2014127970A1; CA2902247A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1, 1', 1") for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down, wherein means for sensing the position of the person lying down are provided and there are further means that cause the person to react when an unhealthy situation of the person lying down has been sensed by the means for sensing the position, wherein the means for sensing the position of the person lying down are configured as at least one switching means (8, 9) and wherein the means that cause the person to react are configured as a vibrating means (3) and wherein a housing (7) accommodates at least the vibrating means (3), a power supply (4) and an input/output means (5) and also the at least one switching means (8, 9) and the housing (7) are fixed to a band (6).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down, in particular an anti-snoring device

The invention relates to a device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying, in particular an anti-snoring device, according to the features of the respective preamble of the independent claims.

In people lying down, lying in bed in particular, unhealthy situations can occur due to a variety of causes. In this case, an unhealthy situation is understood to mean one in which a person lies and as a result of a disease (eg an arthrosis in the shoulder area) lie on his back, on his stomach or on one side without any problems (especially sleeping). while lying down or sleeping on the other side can be sleep disturbing or even disease-promoting, that is, unhealthy overall.

In addition, an "unhealthy" situation is to be understood as a situation in which a person is lying down and respiratory failure (apnea), snoring or the like may occur.in the worst case, such an unhealthy situation would be a person with arthrosis affection in the footstool and a tendency to Apnea when he lies on his back.

US 2009/0250070 A1 or DE 10 2008 016 855 A1 discloses a device and a method for influencing the sleep of a person. The device comprises a sensor device for detecting a current rotational position of the body of the person about the body longitudinal axis, an actuator device for supplying a predeterminable stimulus pattern to the body, and an operating unit with a selection device for selecting at least one desired and / or at least one a prohibited rotational position of the body of the person about the Körperiängsachse, a comparison means for comparing the current rotational position and the at least one desired and / or at least one prohibited rotational position and outputting a corresponding position signal, and a control device which can be set up, in response to the position signal, the actuator means for driving to the body from the predeterminable stimulus pattern when the position signal indicates that the current rotational position does not correspond to the at least one desired and / or at least one prohibited rotational position. This device is constructed very expensive.

US 2010/0051037 A1 discloses functional apparel for the prevention of sleep respiratory disorders and / or bedsores worn by a user. The clothing has a variety of air chambers at the back, the air chambers can be filled and emptied. An air supply unit supplies air to each of the air chambers, and a pressure detection unit measures the pressure in each of the air chambers. From the measured pressure, an electrical signal is generated. A controller receives the measured pressure signal from the pressure detection unit. Using the air supply unit, the air chambers are filled _"when .a snoring or sleep apnea of the user is detected, or a predetermined time has elapsed in which the user remains in the same position, to move the user to change its attitude. The air chambers can be damaged and lose their function.

US 2011/0132378 A1 discloses systems and methods for monitoring the position of a user wearing a portable position therapy device. The portable position therapy device is configured to monitor and store physiological signals that can be used to evaluate the sleep quality and sleeping position of a user. The device can be configured to be worn around the user's head, neck or body. Further, the device may be configured to provide feedback to a user when the user is sleeping or staying in a target position to move the user to change their positions. The feedback may be through one or more haptic motors that may be configured to provide different intensities of feedback based on the user's response. By using a microprocessor, this device is constructed very expensive.

WO 201 1/139141 A1 discloses a sleep alerting method or apparatus therefor. The sleeping position of a person is detected and the person is automatically warned by an alarm device when the sleeping position is outside a predetermined posture range. The detection of the rest position, or at least the alerting of the person when his / her posture is outside the predetermined posture range, is deactivated during a sleep period. Also, this device is based on a control by a microprocessor and is therefore very expensive and prone to failure.

DE 101 20 922 A1 relates to a method for eliminating the snoring, in which an acoustic detector detects the snoring sound and upon detection a vibration device carried by the snorer on the body is vibrated. This device is based on an acoustic detector for snoring sounds and is therefore very susceptible to noise.

DE 198 09 470 A1 relates to the use of sensor and signal means for monitoring the reclining position of a person, the knowledge being based on the fact that especially in a deviating from the lateral position sleep position in the affected persons considerable snoring sounds, possibly associated with respiratory arrest, which can lead to death, and in babies and toddlers, the risk of "sudden infant death syndrome" is significantly increased. When using on the one hand sensor means for detecting the position and / or movement of a person lying and on the other hand cooperating with the sensor means signal means for direct and / or indirect influencing the position of this person with detected changes in position can be achieved that the person a snoring suppressed lateral position to take a self-administered child in his position to reduce the risk of sudden infant death by a signal receiving caregiver from the risky supine position in the harmless lateral position can be brought. This device is based on Tilt sensors for monitoring the Ltegeposition, these are complex in construction and provide a low for the intended use reliability.

DE 101 14 205 A1 discloses a device for preventing prone sleeping, wherein the device is not adversely affected and / or disturbed by movements of a human body while sleeping, and wherein a change in position of a human body when sleeping purely mechanical or by means of at least one sensor device is detected, and wherein by means of at least one actuator means corresponding stimuli are supplied to the body, so that a predeterminable soli position is taken during sleep. This device serves to prevent the prone position and is very expensive constructed.

From DE 20 2008 009 242 U1 an anti-snore device with means for detecting a snoring and Vi bri ascertaining to stop the snoring process is known. This anti-snoring device comprises a device for stopping snoring, which consists of two units whose first unit is able to distinguish snores from other noises by virtue of its characteristics such as frequency, volume and cyclic repetition of the individual snoring sounds and whose first unit recognizes a snore Snoring a time-limited radio signal outputs, the second unit, for example, on a bracelet can be worn as a clock and emits a vibration or touch pulse to the carrier upon receipt of the radio signal of the first unit. This known anti-snoring device works in practice in itself satisfactory, but has some disadvantages. First, it is disadvantageous that the anti-snoring device consists of two units, so that their handling is complicated. Another disadvantage is that it must be ensured by the operator that the first unit that should detect the snoring, is within reach of the sleeping person, so that the snoring and the noise generated in this snoring process are reliably detected. There is a risk that the first unit is positioned too far away from the sleeping person and thus is not able to reliably detect the snoring sounds. It also means a high Effort, the first unit in such a way that the snoring sounds generated in an individual snoring can be reliably distinguished from other ambient noise (such as breath sounds or other penetrating into the bedroom or existing sounds).

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying, can be reacted to the unhealthy situation.

In particular, the invention has for its object to provide an anti-narchvorrichtung, which is improved over the known anti-snore devices from the prior art in terms of their handling and their effectiveness.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1.

In a first embodiment of the invention, means are provided for detecting the persons lying down, and there are also means which cause the person to react when an unhealthy situation of the person lying down has been detected by the means for detecting the situation. The means for detecting the position of the person lying are formed in a particularly advantageous manner as a position sensor and the means which cause the person to react, are advantageously designed as a vibrating means, wherein at least the position sensor and the vibrating means are arranged in a housing, wherein the housing is adapted to be worn in the chest area of a person, in this specific case, this means that when the position sensor has determined that the person is lying on a side that is impaired by osteoarthritis in the shoulder area, the vibrating means is activated in order to cause the lying person to react, namely to turn on the other side or on the abdomen or on the back.

Alternatively or in addition to the vibrating means which cause the person to react, the means may be designed as a vest that carries the person. This vest has at least one hollow chamber, preferably in the vertical axis of the person two mutually parailei aligned hollow chambers, wherein the at least one hollow chamber can be filled depending on the position of the person lying, emptied or kept in its filling state. By means of the position sensor, its position is basically detected during the lying process of the person lying down. As long as there is no unhealthy situation as a result of the situation, it is not necessary to fill the at least one hollow chamber of the vest. Only when an unhealthy situation has been detected by the position sensor (eg, when the person lies on the side or on the back in which there is a disease), the at least one hollow chamber of the vest is filled, so that the person is animated to a reaction, namely to move from this unhealthy situation to another, namely healthy situation. When this is done, the at least one hollow chamber of the vest can be emptied again or the filling maintained or only partially reduced to persuade the person to remain in this healthy position. The hollow chamber of the vest is advantageously filled with air, wherein a compressor is provided which generates the compressed air required for this purpose and in the at least one hollow chamber. Instead of a compressor, it is of course also possible to use a static generation of compressed air (for example by means of a compressed air cylinder). In addition, in addition to the filling or emptying of the at least one hollow chamber of the vest and the vibrating means are used.

In a further development of the invention, the means for detecting the position of the person lying as a gyroscope or switching means are formed. With a gyroscope as a position sensor, it is possible to detect the position of the person continuously (continuously). This provides a high degree of flexibility in order to capture the two main areas ("healthy" and "unhealthy" position) of the person and to take appropriate action. Such a gyroscope is an independent building block that can be easily integrated in the device. Instead, the position sensor of another device, such as Beispie! a smartphone. As a particularly simple means for detecting the position of the person lying switching means are used. These switching means are simple electrical contacts which are arranged in a current or signal circuit and, depending on the position of the person lying, close or interrupt the current or signal circuit. This is a measure of whether in which area ("healthy" and "unhealthy" position) the person is. Depending on this, measures may be taken to either prevent the person from gaining an inadmissible situation (for example, due to injury or illness), or, if the person has taken an improper situation, those measures be initiated. These measures are then acoustic, optical, vibrating or other measures, such as the application of the above-described inflatable or deflatable vest.

These switching means (for example, two facing contacts or two or more than two such pairs of contacts) are arranged in the person's body extra applicable bands or normal wearable clothing pieces (for example T-shirt, pajamas and the like) and in the power or signal circuit connected. It is important and essential that the at least one pair of contacts arranged in the band, garment or the like and this is also applied by the person that thereby the two different from each other to be detected location areas of the person ("healthy" and "unhealthy" position ) and can be reacted accordingly to prevent the person unconsciously, especially during the sleep phase, in a position that is unhealthy, because for example, in this position there is a risk that the person injured or already in this position an injury or illness exists (so that this position is harmful for the person) or the person would start to snore.

The switching means are actuated by the body pressure or the body mass of the person. Thus, it is automatically and simply established that the person has taken a position that they have due to their health constitution. should not take action and therefore measures (for example, activation of the acoustic or vibrating means) must be taken so that this situation is not maintained. If these measures have been taken and the person has changed the previously assumed position again, the body pressure on the switching means is eliminated, so that the previously taken measures can be omitted (for example deactivation of the acoustic or vibrating means).

The switching means may for example be designed as a button. A button is a switching device, which is operated by pressing and then returns to the starting position. For this purpose, for example, a mechanical energy storage is used. In the case of a switching device in the form of a push-button, it can be seen from the associated effect that it has been actuated. In the device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying in one embodiment, the at least one Schaltmittei in the form of a button takes over the triggering of the vibrations to animate the person to change their lying position. The pressure required to actuate the switch is produced by the body mass of the person. The at least one switching means can be positioned on the entire body circumference of the person, for example in the region of her spine or on the side of her body.

According to the invention, it is provided with regard to the anti-snoring device that the means for detecting the snoring process are designed as position sensors and the position sensor and the vibrating means are arranged in a housing, wherein the housing is designed to be worn in the chest area of a person.

From this configuration, the following advantages.

On the one hand, the anti-snoring device exploits the knowledge that a life-threatening apnea (respiratory arrest, also referred to here as "unhealthy" situation) and / or snore sounds always occur when a sleeping person lies on his back provided, which is adapted and adapted to the position of the sleeping person and distinguish different positions from each other (depending on the detected position of the sleeping person, the vibrating means are activated.

If the position sensor detects that the sleeping person is lying on his stomach or lying on his side in an uncritical or "healthy" lateral position, it is not necessary to activate the vibrating means, since in these positions the apnea of the snoring process for known biological reasons not used Only when a critical ("unhealthy") lateral position or supine position of the sleeping person has been detected by means of the position sensor, it can be assumed on the basis of the biological conditions that persons who are prone to non-respiration or snoring also Breathing or the snoring process begins, so that in such a case, the vibrating means are activated. This vibration directly on the body of the sleeping person causes it to either breathe again or to stop the snoring process or to move to a position other than the critical ("unhealthy") lateral position or supine position. The snoring process also automatically stops, as determined by the position sensor, so that it deactivates the vibrating means when movement of the sleeping person from the "unhealthy" position to another "healthy" position has been detected, due to the previous activation of the vibrating means was initiated.

In order to improve the handling of the anti-snore device according to the invention, all means for detecting the position of the sleeping position, the vibrating means, power supply and other means possibly required, integrated in a housing. Further possibly required means can be, for example, an on / off switch in order to activate or deactivate the anti-snoring device. By arranging the required means in a housing ensures that only this one device must be worn in the chest area of the person. As a result, the application of the device is much easier and disturbs especially when sleeping then not when it is worn in the chest area. Other places on the body to carry the invention Anti-snoring device are not excluded, but wearing in the chest area is particularly advantageous, since the position of the sleeping person mitteis the position sensor in this area can be detected very reliable and at the same time does not disturb the sleeping person wearing the device.

The use of the vibrating means has the particular advantage that, on the one hand, the sleeping person receives a clear impulse when lying on his back, which is a clear indication that a snoring process is to be expected. In addition, the vibration has the advantage that it does not disturb the sleepers. In addition, the position sensor reliably determines the position of the sleeping person without other surrounding parameters (such as, for example, noise) disturbing the position detection.

In a further development of the invention, additional means are provided which emit an acoustic signal when a supine position of the person has been detected by means of the position sensor. This makes it possible, on the one hand, for the sleeping person not only to be informed by the vibration, but also by a clear acoustic signal, that they are in a supine position and thus clearly use the snoring process. This is particularly advantageous when the sleeping person is in a deep sleep phase and lies on his back, so then after detection of the supine position clear indication of this supine position by the vibration and additionally by the acoustic signal to the sleeping person can be given. In addition, depending on the person's skiing behavior, it may be advantageous for people in the vicinity to be alerted by the acoustic signal on their supine position and the onset of snoring.

Furthermore, it is provided that the vibrating means alone or together with the means which emit an acoustic signal can be activated when a supine position of the person has been detected by means of the position sensor. For this purpose, for example, in the housing switching means integrated as a further means by which the person can divide whether only the vibrating means or the vibrating means are to be activated together with the means that emit an acoustic signal when a supine position during the sleeping process was detected. These switching means are, for example, as well as the on / off means for the commissioning of the device, arranged in the housing and accessible from the outside for the operator. The same applies to the power supply, which is also integrated in the housing and can optionally be removed for charging when the power supply is a rechargeable battery. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply can also be designed as a rechargeable battery, which is permanently installed in the housing and can be charged from the outside via a corresponding charging socket in the housing.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that a band can be fastened or fastened to the housing, in order to thus apply the anti-snoring device in the chest area of a person. Advantageously, the anti-snore device is a stand-alone device whose required means (in particular, such as the position sensor, the vibrating means and the power supply) are arranged in the housing, to which housing a band or the like is fixed, with which the device in the chest area of the person can be created. Such a band is formed in a conventional manner as an elastic band and provided in its end with a clip-buckle, so that the handling when applying the device in the chest area is simple.

Alternatively, it is conceivable to carry out the anti-snore device as a stand-alone device, to which the band, as described above, can be fastened. That is, in such a case, the device constituting the anti-snoring device, while a stand-alone device, need not be designed solely for this purpose alone. Here it offers itself in an advantageous embodiment of the invention for example! indicates that the anti-snoring device is designed as a smartphone.

Such a smartphone usually has a position sensor (also referred to as a gyroscope) and integrated vibrating means. This means that advantageously such a smartphone can be used as an anti-snoring device. It is only necessary to ensure that the smartphone is provided with a band so that it can be put on in the chest area of the sleeping person. As a concrete te execution, it is conceivable, for example, that the smartphone is inserted into a receiving pocket, wherein the receiving pocket comprises the tape and hereby the smartphone can be placed on the chest area of the person. In order to use the smartphone as anti-snoring device, it is only necessary to program a corresponding app (application) and install it on the smartphone. With this app, the position of the sleeping person can then be detected by means of the position sensor of the smartphone and the vibrating means of the smartphone can then be activated when a supine position of the sleeping person has been detected by means of the position sensor. The same applies to the means that emit an acoustic signal, which are also integrated in a smartphone.

In a further embodiment of a device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down, a housing accommodates at least one vibrating means, a power supply and an input / output means. The input / output means is designed as an on / off switch. Furthermore, the housing can accommodate a delay switch. The delay switch generates an adjustable time interval before the vibrating means is activated. The delay switch is to allow the changing of the position of the person without triggering the vibrating means. If the person is not supposed to or should not take a supine position, but it should be possible without triggering vibration, for example, to switch from the right side position on the unhealthy supine position in the left Seiteniage. Only when the time interval set for the delay switch is exceeded in an unhealthy position will vibrations be given to the person and encourage them to change to a healthy position.

Furthermore, an element or regulator for adjusting the intensity of the vibrations can be provided in the housing. Since the device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down is used in particular during the sleeping phase of the person, the depth of the person's sleep must be taken into account here. Furthermore, the depth of the partner's sleep should be considered here. The intensity can in particular be selected such that the desired reaction of the person occurs. The desired response is the change from an unhealthy situation of a reclining person to a healthy situation of a recumbent one Person to see. Should be avoided! however, the awakening of the person or their partner from sleep.

In the event that an acoustic signal is provided to animate the person to change the lying position, the volume of the acoustic signal can be regulated via a volume control.

A band serves to receive at least one switching agent for activating the vibrating means and for receiving the housing. Fastening means for displaceable fixing of the at least one switching means and the housing can be made integral with these. According to the position of the device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying on the torso of the person or the body and the at least one switching means are positioned. In order to accommodate the body circumference, depending on the position on the torso or torso of the person, the band has a closure element. The closure element can be designed, for example, as a Velcro fastener, snap fastener, buckle or belt coupling.

For example, the device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a reclining person may be worn by the person, such as a belt or even in place of a belt, at about the level of their navel. Also at the height of the chest or the chest of the person, the device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying can be worn by the person. In a further embodiment of the device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying, the at least one switching means for detecting the position of the person lying is coupled to a transponder. This compact switchgear and transponder combination preferably has its own energy supply and can be fixed at any point of the person's body, for example using adhesive plaster, in a further embodiment, this compact unit consists of a switching means for detecting the position of the person lying, a transponder for transmitting the signal, a power supply and vibrating means around the person to change position animate. This compact unit can also be fixed to the person's body with the aid of, for example, adhesive plasters. The transponder can transmit the signal to an evaluation unit next to the person's place of sleep or into another room. This evaluation unit can in turn be coupled to a signal generator, so that other persons, for example the nursing staff, become aware of the unhealthy situation of a person lying down and can initiate measures in order to move the person to assume a healthy reclining position. Also, monitoring of an unhealthy situation of a lying child can be done by the parents. The evaluation or monitoring unit can then be set up, for example, in the parents' bedroom. Also, the evaluation or monitoring unit can be used to monitor the unhealthy situation of a person lying in a sleep laboratory.

The vibrating means can also be combined with a transponder and is thus freely fixable to the body of the person, for example by adhesive plaster. The transponder of the vibrating means can communicate directly with the transponder of the at least one switching means. Alternatively, the transponder of the vibrating means can also communicate with the evaluation or monitoring unit. The transponder of the vibrating means can thus be actuated via the evaluation or monitoring unit and thus vibrations are triggered. These vibrations are intended to animate the person to switch from an unhealthy to a healthy lying position.

In the evaluation or monitoring unit, a delay element and a controller for adjusting the intensity of the vibrations can be integrated. The radio signal transmitted to the transponder of the vibrating means influences the intensity of the vibrations. The delay element is used for the delayed release of the vibrations, so that the person can change from a healthy on an unhealthy to another healthy lying position without being exposed to vibrations. If, however, the person remains in the unhealthy lying position, vibrations set in after the set delay time, which cause the person to leave the unhealthy lying position to a healthy lying position. A transponder can also be combined with an acoustic signal generator.

A transponder is a radio communication device that receives incoming signals and automatically forwards or answers. The transponder can be designed as an active transponder with its own power supply. The use of a passive transponder without its own power supply is conceivable.

Furthermore, the evaluation or monitoring unit may include a signal generator, for example, for a sound signal. This signal can directly animate the person to change from an unhealthy reclining position to a healthy reclining position, as long as the evaluation unit is positioned near that person. Alternatively, other people can be made aware of the unhealthy lying position by the signal. These individuals can then take steps to encourage the person to switch from an unhealthy to a healthy lying position.

The evaluation or monitoring unit can also be combined with a docking station in order to charge the transponder-switching means combination, the transponder-vibrating means combination or the transponder switching means-vibrating means combination if accumulators are provided as energy supply. It can also be provided a separate charger provided that the mobile positionable on the person's body elements have a rechargeable power supply. Also, a direct data exchange in addition to the data exchange via a radio link between the evaluation or monitoring unit and / or docking station is conceivable. A docking station can also be provided as a separate unit.

In a further embodiment of a device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down, a housing accommodates at least one vibrating means, a power supply, an input / output means and a transponder. The housing is then freely positionable on the body of the person and can be determined, for example, via adhesive plaster on the body of the person. The transponder located in the housing can directly with the switching means transponder combination communicate and / or communicate with the evaluation or monitoring unit.

The device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down can also be used in the case of demented persons or sleepwalking people. By a reverse mechanism, the device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down can be activated as soon as the person sits down in bed, for example. By connecting to other rooms, such as staff or staff rooms, other people may become aware of the unwanted behavior of the person and take appropriate measures to avert harm to the person. In care facilities, hospitals, etc. can be triggered by the device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying a signal, such as an optical or acoustic signal.

According to the invention it is provided that means are provided for detecting the unhealthy situation of a person lying, means for detecting the position of the person lying and also means are present, which cause the person to respond, if by the means for detecting the situation unhealthy situation of the person lying has been detected, wherein the means for detecting the position of the person lying as at least one switching means are executed and that the means that cause the person to react as a vibrating means and that a housing at least the vibrating means, a power supply and receiving an input / output means and that at least one switching means and the housing are fixed to a band.

Thus, a compact, easy to use by the person device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down. For example, a gyroscope can be dispensed with in favor of switching means on a position sensor. The switching means lead by their simple design to almost one hundred percent reliability. Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention that the input / output means is designed as an on / off switch. An on / off switch can safely interrupt the power supply. The vibrators only generate vibrations when desired by the person.

Furthermore, it is inventively provided that the at least one switching means as a simple electrical contact, which is arranged in a current or signal circuit, and depending on the position of the person lying closes the power or signal circuit is executed or interrupts. The simple, robust design enables a very high level of functional reliability.

Furthermore, it is inventively provided that the at least one switching means is actuated by the body pressure of the person. By the body mass of the person, the switching means is actuated, this reduces the risk of malfunction. Only when the switching means is subjected to a high force due to the body mass of the person, the device triggers.

Furthermore, it is inventively provided that the power supply for receiving a battery or a rechargeable battery is suitable. By batteries, the function is also guaranteed if no charging option is available. The person only has to ensure a supply of batteries corresponding to the planned absence. If a charging option is available, rechargeable batteries are recommended to save resources.

Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention that the power supply, which is integrated in the housing, can optionally be removed for charging, if the energy supply is an accumulator. This leads to a high flexibility in the power supply and an external charging device can also be used.

Furthermore, it is inventively provided that the power supply is designed as an accumulator, which is permanently installed in the housing and can be charged via a corresponding charging socket in the housing from the outside. in this connection the person merely has to establish a connection between the loading device and the device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down. For example, a USB charger with a USB or micro USB port may be used, in which case chargers may be used, for example, for smartphones or mobile phones to charge the device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a recumbent person. The charger can then be operated for example via the cigarette lighter or the on-board socket of a car. Also, the connection to a laptop or PC via a USB port for loading the device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying is conceivable.

Furthermore, it is inventively provided that the at least one switching center! is executed as a button. A button is very simple and therefore offers a very high reliability and can be produced inexpensively.

Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention that the at least one switching means is used to detect the lateral position of a person. Depending on the condition of the person, an unhealthy lateral position can be almost excluded by this switching means.

Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention that the at least one switching element serves to detect the supine position of a person. Depending on the clinical picture of the person, an unhealthy supine position can be almost excluded by this switching means.

Furthermore, it is inventively provided that the at least one switching means is slidably fixed by fastening means on the belt. The displaceable fixing the position of the switching means can be tailored to the person.

Furthermore, it is inventively provided that the fastening means are formed integrally with the at least one Schaitmittel. Due to the integral design tion, the switching means is compact in construction and can be cheaply manufactured.

Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention that the housing is fastened with fastening means displaceable on the belt. Due to the almost freely selectable position of the housing, the person can choose a suitable position for the housing.

Furthermore, it is inventively provided that the fastening means are integral with the housing. Due to the integral design, the housing is compact in construction and can be produced inexpensively.

Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention that the band has a closure element. The closure element allows the exact adjustment of the tape length on the body circumference of the person. Only by contacting the Schaitmittel and the Vibriermittel with the torso or the torso of the person the desired functionality is guaranteed.

Furthermore, it is inventively provided that the at least one switching means is connected via an electrically conductive connection with the elements in the housing. Through this connection all electrical elements located in the circuit are conductively connected to each other. Due to the flexible design of the conductive connection, the position of the at least one switching element and the housing on the band can be selected to be flexible with respect to each other.

Furthermore, it is inventively provided that the closure element is designed as a hook and loop fastener. A Velcro fastener is easy to make and easy to use by the person.

Furthermore, it is inventively provided that the housing has a delay switch in addition to the elements. The delay switch allows the person to lie down from a healthy lying position to another healthy lying position when crossing at least one intermediate position to allow unhealthy lying position without feeling vibrations on the body.

Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention, in the housing, a regulator for regulating the intensity of the vibration of the vibrating means or for regulating the volume in an acoustic signal! is provided. By controlling the intensity or volume, the vibrating center! be adjusted so that neither the person nor her partner are awakened by the vibrations. However, the intensity should be selected so that the desired effect occurs.

According to the invention it is provided that on the device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying, wherein means are provided for detecting the position of the person lying and also means are present, which cause the person to respond, if by the means for detecting the situation an unhealthy situation of the person lying has been detected, wherein the means for detecting the position of the person lying down are designed as at least one switching means, which is coupled with a transponder.

By using a transponder, the at least one switching means can be fixed to almost every body stance of the person in a simple manner. A connection through cables or cables between the individual functional units of the device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying is no longer necessary. Furthermore, the radio signal of the transponder can also be transmitted to other rooms, for example to an evaluation or monitoring unit. From this evaluation or monitoring unit can then be controlled, for example, with a transponder coupled vibrating means on the body of the person lying.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying, in particular a

Anti-snore device and Fig. 2 shows another Ausführungsbeispie! a device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down,

Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a

Device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a lying

Person.

For the same elements or functionally identical elements in the illustrated embodiments, the same reference numerals are given.

In the following description of the figures, terms such as top, bottom, left, right, front, back, etc. refer exclusively to the example representation and position of the device and other elements selected in the respective figures. These terms are not intended to be limiting, that is to say that different positions and / or mirror-symmetrical design or the like may change these references.

1 shows a schematic representation of an anti-snore device 1 according to the invention, wherein at least one position sensor 2 and vibrating means 3 and a power supply 4 must be provided. Optionally, further input / output means 5 (for example switches, touchscreen for operating an app and the like) may be provided. Likewise, optionally means may be provided which generate an acoustic signal. The same applies to a switch, not shown, with which can be selected by an operator, if only the vibrating means 3 or instead of the vibrating means 3 and at the same time the means which emit an acoustic signal to be actuated, if by means of the position sensor 2 a Supine position was detected. Finally, a band 6 is shown in principle, which is attached to a housing 7 of the anti-snoring device 1, so that the housing 7 can be fixed to the chest area of the person. These embodiments of the anti-snoring device described above also apply to the device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down.

FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of a device Γ for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down. The device V has a housing 7. The housing 7 serves to receive a vibrating means 3, a power supply 4 and an input / output means 5 via a fastening means 12, which may also be integral with the housing 7, the housing 7 is fixed to a belt 6. The determination of the housing 7 on the belt 6 can also be made displaceable. On the belt 6 switching means 8, 9 are further fixed via fastening means 10. The determination of the switching means 8, 9 on the belt 6 can also be made displaceable. About electrically conductive connections 1 1, the switching means 8, 9 are connected to the housing 7. The device V for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down must have at least one switching means 8, 9. Viebriermittei 3, power supply 4, input / output means 5 and the at least one switching means 8, 9 are connected to each other electrically conductive. The input / output means 5, in this embodiment designed as an on / off switch, interrupts in the off or zero position, the power supply to the Virbriermittel 3 and the at least one switching means 8, 9. Is via the input / output means 5 the Device 1 'by selecting the position J "activated, the circuit can be closed by actuation of at least one switching means 8, 9. When the circuit is closed, the vibrating means 3 sets in. The vibrating means 3 stops the vibrations as soon as either the circuit through the at least one switching means 8, 9, the input / output means 5 or the power supply 4. In the case of using replaceable energy supply elements, such as batteries, the person must make the replacement of the power supply element in the power supply 4, so that the vibrating means 3 again If the power supply 4 via a rechargeable power supply element, for example an accumulator, the person must connect the power supply to a charger. When a suitable state of charge is reached, the vibrating means 3 can be reactivated. Does the power supply provide enough electrical power to supply the vibrator 3 is available and the input / output means 5 is switched to passage, activates or deactivates the person, the vibrating means 3 via the at least one switching means 8, 9. The Schaltmittei 8 is preferably positioned on the belt 6, the person through it a side position actuated. With regard to the symptoms or the clinical picture of the person, this lateral position is to be regarded as an unhealthy situation for a person lying down. By the body mass of the person, the switching means 8 is actuated, the circuit is closed and the vibrating means 3 generates vibrations. These vibrations induce the person in sleep to take a healthy situation of a lying person. If this healthy reclining position was taken by the person, the switching means 8 interrupts the circuit, the vibrating means 3 stops the vibrations. The switching means 9 is preferably positioned on the belt 6, the person actuates it by their Rückenl ge. This supine position is to be regarded as an unhealthy situation of a recumbent with regard to the symptoms or the illness of the person. By the body mass of the person, the switching means 9 is actuated, the circuit is closed and the vibrating means 3 generates vibrations. These vibrations induce the person in sleep to take a healthy situation of a lying person. If this healthy reclining position was taken by the person, the switching means 9 interrupts the circuit, the vibrating means 3 stops the vibrations.

The device 1 'for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down according to the embodiment described above comprises at least one vibrating means 3, a power supply 4, an input / output means 5 and a switching means 8, 9. Preferably, the elements 3, 4, 5, 8 and / or 9 arranged on a belt 6. The elements 3, 4, 5 are preferably arranged in a housing 7, which in turn may be arranged on the belt 6. In order to adapt the band 6 to the body circumference of the person, it has a closure element 13. The closure element 13 can be designed as Kiettverschluss. An embodiment of the closure element 13 as a buckle, snaps, belt coupling, etc. is conceivable. Depending on the body circumference of the person, the housing 7 which preferably contains the elements 3, 4 and 5, and the at least one Schaltmittei 8, 9 positioned on the belt 6. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of a device 1 "for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down.The housing 7 can receive a delay switch 14 in addition to the elements 3, 4 and 5. The delay switch 14 prevents a change in response It is not until the person remains in an unhealthy situation over an extended period of time that he or she is animated to vibrate for a change of position.

In addition, a regulator 15 for varying or regulating the intensity of the vibrations of the vibrating means 3 can additionally be provided in the housing 7. Alternatively, the regulator 15 is used to regulate the volume if an acoustic signal generator is provided. The delay switch 14 and the controller 15 are optional, each element 14, 15 can be provided to increase the comfort and functionality of the device 1 "for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down.

The band 6 may be worn by the person in any position on his torso. The position depends on the needs of the person's condition or preferences.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down / anti-snoring device

V Device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down

1 "Device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying

2 position sensor

3 vibrating agent

4 energy supply

5 input / output device

6 band

7 housing

8 switching means

9 Schaitmittel

10 fasteners

1 1 connection

12 fasteners

13 closure element

14 delay switch

5 controllers

Claims

P A T E N T A N S P R E C H E

Device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person being hanged, in particular an anti-snoring device

1.

Device (1, 1 ', 1 ") for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying, wherein means are provided for detecting the position of the person lying and also means are present, which cause the person to respond, if by the means for detection characterized in that the means for detecting the position of the person lying down as at least one switching means (8, 9) are carried out and that the means that cause the person to respond as a Vibrating means (3) are executed and that a housing (7) at least the vibrating means (3), a power supply (4) and an input / output means (5) receives and that at least one Schaitmittei (8, 9) and the housing (7 ) are fixed to a band (6).

Device (1, V, 1 ") according to claim 1, characterized in that the input / output means (5) is designed as an on / off switch.

Third

Device (1, 1 ', 1 ") according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one switching means (8, 9) as a simple electrical contact, which is arranged in a current or Sägnalkreis, and depending on the position of the person lying Current or signal circuit closes or interrupts is executed.

4th

Device (1, T, 1 ") according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the at least one Schaltmittei (8, 9) is actuated by the body pressure of the person.

5th

Device (1, V, 1 ") according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply (4) for receiving a battery or a rechargeable battery is suitable.

6th

Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply (4), which is integrated in the housing (7), may optionally be removed for charging when the power supply (4) is a battery.

7th

Device (1, V, 1 ") according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply (4) is designed as a battery which is permanently installed in the housing (7) and via a corresponding charging socket in the housing (7) from the outside can be loaded.

8th.

Device (V) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one Schaltmittei (8, 9) is designed as a button.

9th

Device (1 ') according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that the at least one Schaltmittei (8) serves to detect the lateral position of a person.

10th

Apparatus according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that the at least one Schaltmittei (9) serves to detect the supine position of a person.

11th

Device (1 ') according to claims 1, 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that the at least one shaft means (8, 9) by fastening means (10) on the belt (6) is slidably fixed.

12th

Device (1 ') according to claim 11, characterized in that the fastening means (10) are formed integrally with the at least one shaft means (8, 9).

13th

Device (1 ') according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (7) with fastening means (12) slidably fixed on the belt (6).

14th

Device (1 ') according to claim 13, characterized in that the fastening means (12) are made integral with the housing (7).

15th

Device (1 ') according to claim 1, characterized in that the band (6) has a closure element (13).

16th

Device (1 ') according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one switching means (8, 9) via an electrically conductive connection (11) with the elements (3, 4, 5) in the housing (7) is connected.

17th

Device (1 ') according to claim 15, characterized in that the closure element (13) is designed as Kiettverschluss.

18th

Device (1 ") according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (7) in addition to the elements (3, 4, 5) has a delay switch (4).

19th

Device (1 ") according to claim 1, characterized in that in the housing (7) is provided a regulator (15) for regulating the intensity of the vibrations of the vibrating means (3) or for regulating the volume in the case of an acoustic signal.

20th

A device for detecting an unhealthy situation of a person lying down, wherein means are provided for detecting the position of the person lying and also means are present, which cause the person to respond when detected by the means for detecting the situation an unhealthy situation of the person lying was, characterized in that the means for detecting the position of the person lying as at least one switching means are executed, which is coupled to a transponder.