EP3781276A1

EP3781276A1 - Sensor assembly for a seat cushion and/or an exercise ball and/or a balancing board

Info

Publication number: EP3781276A1
Application number: EP19720477.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ewald A. Aigner
Original assignee: Mft Bodyteamwork GmbH
Current assignee: Mft Bodyteamwork GmbH
Priority date: 2018-04-17
Filing date: 2019-04-16
Publication date: 2021-02-24
Also published as: WO2019201955A1

Abstract

Proposed is a sensor assembly (1) for a seat cushion (2) and/or an exercise ball (12) and/or a balancing board (19), the sensor assembly (1) comprising: at least one controller (3), said controller (3) having at least one acceleration sensor unit (14) and/or inclination sensor unit (4) for detecting at least two-dimensional acceleration data or inclination data, and said controller (3) having at least one radio interface (5) for outputting the acceleration data and/or the inclination data. The sensor assembly (1) has at least one sensor fastening means (6) on which the controller (3) is positioned, said sensor fastening means (6) being designed to be fastened to the seat cushion (2) or the exercise ball (12) or the balancing board (19).

Description

Sensor arrangement for a seat cushion and / or an exercise ball and / or a

Balancing board

The invention relates to a sensor arrangement for a seat cushion and / or an exercise ball and / or a balancing board according to the preamble of

Claim 1.

Many people work in a sitting position, be it at a desk, a control desk or in a vehicle cockpit. Such work usually requires a long sitting of the person concerned. Although many people do not recognize such activities as physical work, the long-lasting sitting loads the postural muscles of each person immensely and is very stressful for the body. In addition to chronic pain, this can lead to permanent physical deformations.

There are numerous office chairs, which pretend by their special shape such pain and postural damage to prevent or alleviate. Already the abundance of such chairs and the partly opposing and each

contradictory shapes of the individual models suggest that not all such chairs actually have a positive effect on the body of each user. In addition, such chairs are usually very rote and accordingly expensive.

There are known seat cushions, which can be placed on the seat of any chair, and which seat cushions are filled with a gas or a liquid. Such seat cushions are also known in multi-chamber designs, wherein a person sitting on it can press the fluid, with which the pillow is filled, from one chamber into another chamber by movements of the pelvis.

Such pillows are simple in construction, inexpensive to purchase and can be proven to have a positive effect on the health of those who sit on it when used appropriately. However, even with these pillows there is the possibility of an unfavorable posture while sitting, whereby the possibilities to improve one's own well-being and one's own health through the pillow remain unused due to incorrectly performed or misunderstood use. There are also training or sports equipment for training the balance or the muscles known.

It is known to support a body training by a display on a screen or the exercises to be performed in each case via a video

pretend.

Furthermore, it is known to attach sensors in sports equipment in order to monitor with them the execution of an exercise, so as to improve the execution of certain movement processes. In this regard, in particular golf clubs with measuring electronics are known.

Also, so-called. Video games are known in which the player holds a game controller in hands and the changes in position or movements of the game controller are a control variable of the video game.

Also, games for so-called smartphones are known in which part of the game is controlled by the movement of the smartphone itself, for example, by tilting it.

Exercise balls are widely used, both as a training device and as

Seating. These allow training of the spinal musculature and other exercises. So far, no practicable way is known how the exercises with gymnastic balls can be supported by means of sensory feedback and video presentation. Furthermore, there is no practicable way of controlling at least parts of a video game or an interactive training accompaniment by means of a gymnastics ball. It should be noted that

Gymnastic balls are voluminous, and a user who already has a gym ball, often neither has the space for storing another gymnastic ball nor ready to another gym ball

to purchase.

Furthermore, so-called balancing boards or balance boards are known. These serve in particular the training of the postural muscles. Such balancing boards are known in different variants, and have at least one plate on which the Übungsausführende stands, kneels or with his hands supported. This plate is rotatably and / or pivotally mounted. The exercise executor is now required to either hold the plate horizontally or move it to a predetermined pattern.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a sensor arrangement for a seat cushion and / or a gym ball and a balancing board of the type mentioned, with which the mentioned disadvantages can be avoided, with which simple and with little effort or volume, the posture and the Well-being of a user can be increased, and which is universally applicable.

This is achieved by the features of claim 1 according to the invention.

This can be reduced with little effort negative effects as a result of prolonged sitting, and the posture and well-being of a user can be increased. As a result, an already existing chair or armchair can simply be retrofitted in such a way that sitting persons can easily monitor their sitting position. This data can be transmitted to the respective sitting position of the user to a computer or a smartphone, which prompts the user - by issuing a corresponding signal - to change his attitude or his sitting position. As a result, an unhealthy sitting position can be avoided. This may also prompt or remind the user to move, as long as he remains in one and the same position for too long. This can improve the health of the user.

Physical posture also affects cognitive abilities, especially how quickly the user tires during his sitting activity. Through the objective sensor arrangement can be achieved that a user less fatigued and remains powerful longer. As a result, not only the physical well-being of the user but also his productivity can be increased.

By evaluating a seat / movement pattern of a user can also, by matching with corresponding stored data, also on the identity closed by the user. If a clearly identified user has taken a seat on the chair, the recorded data may be recorded

Seat / movement pattern further on its constitution are closed, such as whether he is tired or rested, or whether he is under the influence of drugs or has a hangover.

The relevant sensor arrangement is also universally applicable and makes it possible to retrofit an existing seat cushion or an existing chair accordingly.

As a result, the sensor-assisted or interactive body training or the control of a video game with an exercise ball can be supported simply and with a small further required storage volume. This results in the advantage that no further gymnastics ball with a permanently installed sensor or controller must be purchased. This can be an already existing

Exercise ball can be easily retrofitted. In addition, this results in the

Advantage that the belt in question on the preferred exercise balls of different people can be attached, which can use this alternately. This is particularly advantageous in fitness centers or hospitals in the context of therapeutic gymnastics. At the same time, the belt forms an effective stabilization of the gym ball. By inevitably

existing lower edge of the belt, the movement space of the

Gymnastics ball strongly limited, so that a rolling away of the gym ball is prevented.

The corresponding advantages can also be achieved with a balancing board.

The subclaims relate to further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

It is expressly referred to the wording of the claims, whereby the claims are hereby incorporated by reference into the description and are considered to be reproduced verbatim.

The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only preferred embodiments are shown by way of example, described in more detail. Showing:

Figure 1 is a sectional view of an arrangement of a seat cushion with arranged thereon sensor arrangement in a first embodiment as a belt in elevation.

Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of Figure 1 in plan view.

3 is a block diagram of a controller of the sensor arrangement;

4 is a sectional view of an arrangement of a seat cushion with sensor arrangement arranged thereon in a second embodiment as a coating in elevation; and

Fig. 5 shows the arrangement of FIG. 4 in plan view

Fig. 6 shows an arrangement of a balancing board and, as a belt

trained sensor assembly in elevation;

7 shows an exercise ball with a sensor arrangement in the form of a second preferred embodiment of an objective belt; and

8 shows an exercise ball with a sensor arrangement in the form of a third preferred embodiment of an objective belt.

FIGS. 1 and 2 and 4 to 8 each show a sensor arrangement 1 for a

Seat cushion 2 and / or an exercise ball 12 and / or a balancing board 19, wherein the sensor arrangement 1 comprises at least one controller 3, wherein the controller 3 at least one acceleration sensor unit 14 and / or

Tilt sensor unit 4 for determining at least two-dimensional

Acceleration data or inclination data, and wherein the controller 3 has at least one radio interface 5 for outputting the acceleration data or inclination data, the sensor arrangement 1 at least one

Sensor attachment means 6, on which the controller 3 is arranged, and which sensor attachment means 6 for attachment to the seat cushion 2 or the gymnastic ball 12 and the balancing board 19 is formed.

1 and 2 and 4 and 5 each show a seat cushion with a Sensor arrangement 1. FIG. 6 shows a balancing board with a sensor arrangement 1, and FIGS. 7 and 8 each show an exercise ball 2 with one

Sensor arrangement 1.

The physical posture also has an influence on the cognitive abilities,

in particular, how quickly the user tires during his sitting activity. Through the objective sensor arrangement can be achieved that a user less fatigued and remains powerful longer. As a result, not only the physical well-being of the user but also his productivity can be increased.

By evaluating a seat / movement pattern of a user can also be concluded by matching with corresponding, stored data on the identity of the user. If a clearly identified user has taken a seat on the chair, the recorded data may be recorded

The relevant sensor arrangement 1 is also universally applicable and makes it possible to use an already existing seat cushion 2 or an existing chair

to retrofit accordingly. As a result, the sensor-assisted or interactive body training or the control of a video game with an exercise ball 12 can be supported simply and with a small further required storage volume. This results in the advantage that no further gymnastic ball 12 with a permanently installed sensor or controller 3 must be purchased. As a result, an existing gymnastic ball 12 can be easily retrofitted. In addition, this results in the advantage that the relevant sensor assembly 1 or the belt 8 can be mounted on the preferred exercise balls 2 different people who can use this alternately. This is particularly advantageous in fitness centers or hospitals in the context of therapeutic gymnastics. The belt 8 also simultaneously forms an effective position stabilization of the gymnastic ball 12. Due to the inevitable existing lower edge 18 of the belt 8, the range of motion of the gymnastic ball 12 is severely limited, so that rolling away of the gymnastic ball 2 is prevented.

The corresponding advantages are furthermore achievable even with a balancing board 19.

The objective sensor arrangement 1 is intended to be arranged on a seat cushion 2 and / or an exercise ball 12 and a balancing board 19.

As a seat cushion 2 pads or cushions are referred to, which are intended that one sits down on this. Although it is basically possible to sit on any kind of pillow, seat cushions differ from your relatives, the pillow, smaller dimensions and above all by a lower height or filling. Those skilled in the art are well aware of these two embodiments of a cushion, and this has no problem

To distinguish pillows from a seat cushion 2.

In particular, it is provided that the seat cushion 2 is a plastic-coated seat cushion, which is filled with a fluid. Such seat cushions are also offered under the name "Sitzball".

Gymnastics balls 12 are well known and widely used. These are also called Sitzball designated and sold as such. An exercise ball 12 typically has a diameter between 45 cm and 85 cm, and is made of a plastic, with wall thicknesses in the range between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

Balancing boards 19 are likewise known in various designs, and described in different embodiments, for example, in the publications EP 2 049 207 or EP 2 982 420 mentioned by way of example. However, that is

representational sensor assembly 1 is not limited to specific embodiments of balancing boards 19.

In addition to the name Balancing Board 19, there are many other names for such training devices. The term "balancing board 19" is used objectively, since it is also used in the sports equipment retail trade, and is also known in the IPC class A63B 22/16. Furthermore, the alternative German term "balancing board" is completely unusual. Since the term Balancing Board 19 is mentioned in the International Patent Classification, it is a clear and unambiguous term.

The sensor arrangement 1 has at least one controller 3, which is arranged on at least one sensor attachment means 6 of the sensor arrangement 1.

The controller 3 has at least one inclination sensor unit 4, which is designed to measure the inclination in at least two dimensions and to output corresponding two-dimensional inclination data. The inclination sensor unit 4 therefore preferably has two

Tilt sensors, which are arranged substantially normal to each other. Inclination sensors are known to the skilled person in different variants.

Alternatively or in addition to the inclination sensor unit 4, the controller 3 has at least one acceleration sensor unit 4, which is designed to measure the acceleration in at least two dimensions and to determine corresponding two-dimensional acceleration data

issue. The acceleration sensor unit 4 therefore preferably has two Acceleration sensors, which in particular as a piezoelectric accelerometer, in particular as delta-shear transducers are formed, and which are arranged substantially normal to each other.

The controller 3 also has at least one radio interface 5 for outputting or transmitting the inclination data and / or the acceleration data. The radio interface 5 can be designed according to any radio transmission method or standards. According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the radio interface 5 is designed for data transmission in accordance with IEEE 802, in particular according to IEEE 802.15.1 or Bluetooth. This makes a particularly simple communication with other devices possible.

Fig. 3 shows a simplified block diagram of a controller 3, wherein in addition to the inclination sensor unit 4 and the radio interface 5 further a battery 10 and a pC 1 1 are shown. Of course, the controller 3 may have further modules.

When using the objective sensor arrangement 1 on a gymnastic ball 2 or a balancing board 19, the controller 3 can preferably by a

Smartphone are formed. In this case, a smartphone that is no longer actively used, in particular, can also be used, since none

Registration with a mobile operator is required.

The controller 3 is arranged on or in the sensor attachment means 6 or attached to the sensor attachment means 6. It is provided in particular that the controller 3 is arranged in a, preferably closable, pocket, in particular an inner pocket, of the sensor attachment means 6. This is shown schematically in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5. This is a simple exchange or

Service of the controller 3 possible, while ensuring that the position of the controller 3 with respect to the seat cushion 2 and the gymnastic ball 12 and the balancing board 19 can not move too far.

The sensor attachment means 6 is preferably different for attachment to the seat cushion 2 or the exercise ball 12 or the balancing board 19

educated. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the arrangement of the sensor arrangement 1 on a seat cushion will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5.

It is provided according to a first preferred embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, that the sensor attachment means 6 is formed as a belt 8. The design as a belt 8 allows a quick and flexible adaptation of the sensor assembly 1 to different seat cushion. The belt can be adjustable in its scope, in particular a so-called.

Velcro is provided.

According to a second preferred embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, it is provided that the sensor attachment means 6 as

Seat cushion cover 9 is formed. As a result, the controller 3 can be arranged in or on the seat cushion 2 in such a way that this is barely perceptible.

It has proved to be particularly advantageous for receiving the sitting position of the user when the sensor attachment means 6 is designed to fasten the controller 3 on an upper side 7 of the seat cushion 2, as also shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. As a result, changes can be detected particularly clearly when the user changes his position.

The measuring accuracy can be further increased by the fact that

Sensor attachment means 6 and the seat cushion 2 cooperate such that the controller 3 is pressed against the seat cushion 2. This can be achieved simply by matching the sensor fastening means 6 and the seat cushion 2 with respect to their size or their dimensions. As a result, a bias voltage is achieved. This can ensure that even with strong movements of the user is always a contact between the controller 3 and seat cushion 2 is given.

In particular, the sensor attachment means 6 is formed comprising a textile material, wherein different types of textile materials can be provided. As a result, a visually diverse design is possible.

It is preferably provided that the sensor attachment means 6 is formed comprising a stretch material, wherein different materials or Mixtures of different materials can be provided. In particular, it is provided that the sensor attachment means 6 is formed comprising a stretch fabric, as sold for example under the name elastane or spandex. By using strech materials, one and the same sensor arrangement 1 can be arranged on different seat cushions 2. As a result, however, the effect is further improved in particular that the controller 3 is pressed against the seat cushion 2. By this bias can be ensured that the controller 3 actually receives every movement of the seat cushion 2.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, preferred embodiments for the arrangement of the sensor arrangement 1 on an exercise ball 12 will be described.

The objectively designed as a belt 8 sensor assembly 1 has a

Diameter and a width, normal to the diameter. The ratio of diameter to width can be very different. In particular, it is provided that the diameter / width ratio is between 1, 25 and 7. The respective values are at an arrangement of the belt 8

To determine gym ball 12. The belt 8 may alternatively be referred to as a hose.

It is preferably provided that the belt 8 is formed comprising a stretch material, wherein different materials or mixtures

different materials can be provided. In particular, it is provided that the belt 8 is formed comprising a stretch fabric, as sold for example under the name elastane or spandex. Through the use of Strechmaterialien a certain belt 8 can be arranged on very different exercise balls. As a result, a secure hold of the belt 8 is further supported on the exercise ball 2.

The subject belt 8 is provided for attachment to an exercise ball 2.

According to a first preferred embodiment, it is provided that the belt 8 can be opened and has at least one closure mechanism 9. Fig. 7 shows a correspondingly formed belt 8 in a stylized representation. By the shutter mechanism 15, a simple and secure fastening of the belt 8 to the exercise ball 12 is possible.

The closure mechanism 15 can be designed very differently.

It is preferably provided that the closure mechanism 15 comprises

at least one hook and loop fastener and / or at least one button closure and / or at least one hook closure is formed. Appropriate

Closures are known in the field of human clothing, and need not be further explained.

According to a second preferred embodiment, it is provided that the belt 8 is closed in the periphery, so it can not be opened. This allows easy production. The belt 8 is then as a whole on the respective

Exercise ball 12 reared. Fig. 8 shows a correspondingly formed belt 8 in a stylized representation.

It has proven to be advantageous, in particular together with the second

Embodiment of a belt 8, proven when the belt 8 has at least one diameter adjustment. This is an area with appropriate means which allow a change in the diameter of the belt 8. As a result, a specific belt 8 can be arranged on a larger number of different exercise balls 12.

In particular, it is provided that the Durchmesserverstellbereich in particular comprising a lacing is formed, as these are known for example from shoes or lace-making. The adaptation or the accuracy of fit can be further improved by using an elastic cord as the cord in the respective lacing.

As a further means for adapting the belt 8 or for securing it on an exercise ball 12, it has proved to be advantageous that at least one second edge 18 of the belt 8 least a drawstring 13 is arranged, and that arranged in the drawstring 13, a tension element is. Particularly preferably, a corresponding drawstring 13 is arranged on both edges. A drawstring 13 is known in the field of clothing. Fig. 2 shows a correspondingly shaped belt 8, each with a drawstring 13 at the first edge 17, and at the second edge 18. The drawstring 13 at the second edge 18, as which is designated in the position of use lower edge, again improves the security of the gymnastic ball 12th

To further improve the handling of the gymnastic ball 12 may further be provided that the belt 8 at least one handle, in particular at least one gripping tab has.

The controller 3 is disposed in the belt 8 and fixed to the belt 8, respectively. It is provided in particular that the controller 3 is arranged in a, preferably closable, pocket 16 of the belt 8. This is shown schematically in FIG. As a result, a simple replacement or service of the controller 3 is possible.

For the quality of the determined acceleration data, it has proved to be advantageous if the controller 3 is not arranged directly at the center of the gymnastic ball 12. It has proven to be advantageous if the controller 3 is arranged in the region of a first edge 17 of the belt 8, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The exercises or the handling of the gymnastic ball 12 can also be extended by arranging a predeterminable number of weights on the belt 8. The belt 8 may have corresponding pockets in which weights can be arranged. As a result, the gymnastic ball 12 can either be balanced or provided with a deliberate imbalance.

There is further provided a system comprising a seat cushion 2 and / or an exercise ball 12 and a balancing board 19 with an objective sensor arrangement 1 or an objective belt 8, which further comprises a display and a video game, the controller 3 having at least one parameter controls the video game, and the parameters by moving the seat cushion 2 and / or the gymnastics ball 12 and the balancing board 19 is changed. The user sits down on the gym ball 12 or the seat cushion 2 and controls or changes an indication on a display by movements with his butt or his hips. When using the balancing board 19, the user stands on the base plate of the balancing board 19 and controls or changes an indication on a display by movements of his body.

When using the sensor device on a balancing board 19, both the application with a belt 8 and a coating can be provided.

Accordingly, all preferred embodiments may be provided.

Claims

PATENT APPLICATIONS

1 . Sensor arrangement (1) for a seat cushion (2) and / or an exercise ball (12) and / or a balancing board (19), wherein the sensor arrangement (1) has at least one controller (3), wherein the controller (3) at least a

Acceleration sensor unit (14) and / or inclination sensor unit (4) for

Determination of at least two-dimensional acceleration data or

Inclination data, and wherein the controller (3) at least one

Radio interface (5) for outputting the acceleration data and / or the

Inclination data, wherein the sensor arrangement (1) at least one

Sensor attachment means (6), on which the controller (3) is arranged, and which sensor attachment means (6) for attachment to the seat cushion (2) or the gymnastic ball (12) and the balancing board (19) is formed.

2. Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the radio interface (5) for data transmission according to IEEE 802, in particular according to Bluetooth, is formed.

3. Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor attachment means (6) is formed comprising a textile material.

4. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sensor attachment means (6) comprising a

Stretch material, in particular comprising a stretch fabric, is formed.

5. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sensor attachment means (6) for attachment of the controller (3) on an upper side (7) of the seat cushion (2) is formed.

6. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the controller (3) in a, in particular closable, pocket (16), in particular an inner pocket, of the sensor attachment means (6). is arranged.

7. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensor attachment means (6) as a coating, in particular as a seat cushion cover (9) is formed.

8. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensor attachment means (6) is designed as a belt (8).

9. Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the controller (3) in the region of a first edge (17) of the belt (8) is arranged.

10. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the belt (8) is closed in the periphery.

11. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the belt (8) can be opened, and at least one

Closure mechanism (15), wherein the closure mechanism (15) in particular comprising at least one hook and loop fastener and / or at least one head closure and / or at least one hook closure is formed.

12. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the belt (8) has at least one Durchmesserverstellbereich, the Durchmesserverstellbereich in particular comprising a lacing, preferably comprising at least one elastic cord is formed.

13. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the belt (8) has at least one handle, in particular at least one gripping tab.

14. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that at least one second edge (18) of the belt (8) at least one drawstring (13) is arranged, and that in the drawstring (13) has a tension element is arranged.

15. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that on the belt (8) a predetermined number of weights are arranged.

16. gymnastic ball (12), characterized in that on the

An exercise ball (12) designed as a belt (8) sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 8 to 15 is arranged.

17. The system of an exercise ball (12) according to claim 16, a display and a video game, wherein the controller (3) controls at least one parameter of the video game to change the parameter by moving the

Gymnastics Ball (12).

18. Seat cushion (2), characterized in that on the seat cushion (2) a sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15 is arranged.

19. Seat cushion (2) according to claim 18, characterized in that the sensor attachment means (6) and the seat cushion (2) cooperate such that the controller (3) is pressed against the seat cushion (2).

A system of a seat cushion (2) according to claim 18 or 19, a display and a video game, wherein the controller (3) controls at least one parameter of the video game to change the parameter by moving the

Seat cushion (2).

21. Balancing board (19) with a sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15.

The system of a balancing board (19) of claim 21, a display and a video game, wherein the controller (3) controls at least one parameter of the video game to change the parameter by moving the video

Balancing boards (19).