FR3024025A1 - POSTURAL SUPPORT DEVICE FOR STANDING POSITIONS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of ergonomic furniture. The device comprises two branches (6) symmetrically articulated by one end (7) on a supporting structure (1) about axes (5) substantially vertical. Each branch (6) is provided, at a distance from its end (7), a lateral support member (8) of fixed orientation or rotatably mounted for the elbow or the forearm. A transverse support element (9) for the trunk is mounted between two lateral attachment points (10) located respectively on the two branches (6). The relative position of the lateral support element (8) and the point of attachment (10) on each branch (6) is preferably modifiable. Application: workstation in a standing position leaning forward.

Description

The present invention relates, in general, to the field of ergonomic furniture. More particularly, it relates to a postural support device for standing positions, the expression "standing positions" encompassing standing positions more or less bent forward, requiring a support of the torso, and standing positions more or less bent backwards. , requiring back support. Still more particularly, this invention relates to a postural support device which combines three support elements, namely two lateral support members, respectively left and right, intended for the elbows or forearms of the user, and an element of transverse or central support for the trunk of the same user. Patent EP 1785058 A2 already discloses a bodily support for a workstation in a seated or standing position, which comprises two support elements, respectively left and right for the bends, these two support elements being arranged according to a "V" configuration with an editable gap and angle. Similarly, US 6247672 B1 discloses a body support for sitting work, comprising two support elements for the forearms and wrists, arranged in "V" with a variable spacing and angle. Since they have no support elements for the trunk, these devices are hardly suitable for the standing position, in particular a standing position bent forward, whereas this kind of posture is more and more recommended as ergonomic working position. French patent FR 2816816 B1, by the same inventor (P. FAOUEN), describes an ergonomic workstation that includes a support support for a portion of the trunk 25 of a user, able to stand, and two elbow rest pivotally mounted on telescopic arms themselves articulated on the support support for the trunk. In a rather similar manner, US Pat. No. 6,619,747 B2 discloses a support device for the torso and the forearms, for a user in a standing position leaning forward (see in particular FIGS. 18 and 19). The device comprises here, mounted on the same carrier structure, a transverse support element for the torso, and two branches articulated symmetrically by a first end about substantially vertical axes, each branch being provided at a distance from its first end. , a lateral support element for the elbow or forearm. Despite certain mobilities, the last two devices mentioned generally retain an invariable spatial relationship between the support element for the trunk or the torso, on the one hand, and the support elements for the elbows or forearms, other 3024025 part. More particularly, the support element for the trunk or torso is always located (with reference to the user) far enough in bitter support elements for the elbows or forearms, which limits the possible postures as well as the movements of the user, and even prohibits certain uses, such as holding in the upright position leaning back making the support element for the torso play a back support function. Moreover, these known devices remain bulky, and they do not fold or only partially in case of non-use, especially for storage or transport. Moreover, in general, current devices with support elements for the elbows or forearms, and where appropriate a trunk support element, are often designed only as an integral part of a workstation, such as a computer station, and therefore do not constitute standalone solutions and universal application. The present invention aims to remedy the disadvantages and inadequacies of the current devices, as recalled above, and it is therefore intended to provide a postural support device of the kind considered here, which offers great flexibility in positioning the trunk support element relative to the elbow or forearm support members, to accommodate a variety of postures and uses, while maintaining a simple, lightweight and compact structure which may be independent of the post work and allowing storage and transport under minimal footprint. For this purpose, the subject of the invention is essentially a postural support device for upright positions, the device comprising two branches articulated symmetrically by a first end on a support structure around substantially vertical axes, each branch being provided, at a distance of its first end, a lateral support element for the elbow or the forearm, this lateral support element being of fixed orientation or rotatably mounted relative to the branch, and the device also comprising at least one element transverse support for the trunk, the device being characterized in that the transverse support element for the trunk is mounted between two lateral attachment points located respectively on the two aforementioned branches. Preferably, the relative position of the lateral support element for the elbow or the forearm and the point of attachment of the transverse support element for the trunk, along the length of each branch, is modifiable. .

Thus, the idea underlying the present invention is to "suspend" the transverse support element for the torso between the two branches that carry the lateral support elements 3024025 for elbows or forearms. Such a configuration makes it possible to place the support element for the trunk either behind the supporting elements for the elbows or the forearms, or on the contrary in front of these support elements for the elbows or the forearms. arm, for an ideal adaptation to each posture or activity.

The modifiable relative positioning of the lateral support elements for the elbows or forearms, on the one hand, and the transverse support element for the trunk, on the other hand, can be obtained by mounting each slidably, or selectively, at a fixation point selected from a plurality of attachment points provided on the corresponding branch, or providing on each branch a series of potential attachment points for the transverse support element for the trunk, or by combining the two previous solutions. In a remarkably simple embodiment, the attachment points provided for the lateral support element for the elbow or the forearm are merged with the attachment points for the transverse support element for the torso. , this on each branch. It is also possible to give priority to technical solutions making it possible, on each branch, for an easy "crossover" of the support element for the elbows or forearms and the support element for the trunk, without it being necessary to it is necessary to disassemble one or other of these support elements. For example, each lateral support element for the elbows or the forearms is slidably mounted on the upper part of the corresponding branch, while the point or points of attachment for the transverse support element for the trunk are located in the lower part of this branch.

In a preferred embodiment, the transverse support member for the trunk comprises an extended central portion, of semi-rigid consistency, provided for contact with the trunk of the user, and two lateral form connecting members. elongate, which start from the central part and which end respectively to the two lateral attachment points located on the two branches. The two lateral connecting members 30 may consist of: flexible members, such as cables or straps, preferably of adjustable length, or by resilient members, such as springs or tensioners, preferably of adjustable tension, or by means of chains, whose useful length is adaptable by the selection of the link engaged on the point of attachment. Such connecting members improve the "suspension" of the transverse support element for the trunk, thereby increasing the mobility of this support element and the comfort of the user, providing, where appropriate, a increasing strength as the user leans forward.

Advantageously, the two lateral connecting members each comprise, at their free end, a hook or a ring designed to engage in a hole or on a notch belonging to a series of holes or notches distributed along the length of the branch. corresponding, which allows to select the position of the support element for the trunk in the anteroposterior direction.

In the case of lateral support elements for elbows or forearms mounted rotating on both branches, the rotation of these lateral support elements advantageously combines with the mobility of the support element. for the trunk, to provide the user with an accessibility radius or an increased volume occupation volume.

The two lateral support elements for the elbows or the forearms, in particular designed as platforms or gutters, can be mounted movably against the force of spring means, urging these lateral support elements in the longitudinal direction of the branches. corresponding to the second end of said branches. The spring effect allows each lateral support element to reach a position 20 of variable equilibrium, more or less advanced on the corresponding branch, depending on the weight and the inclination of the trunk and the arms of the user. Thanks to the modifiable relative positioning of the support elements, the same transverse support element can be used, depending on the desired use and posture, either anterior support element or posterior support element. However, in a particular embodiment, the device comprises a double transverse support element with, placed in front of one another between the two branches, a ventral support element and a back support element. This embodiment facilitates the transition from one posture to another for the user. Advantageously, means are provided for controlling a modification of the angle formed by the two branches, and for angularly immobilizing one branch relative to the other in a desired relative angular position. These means may comprise at least one irreversible worm gear and tangent wheel transmission mechanism, the or each worm being rotatably connected to a control shaft, manual or motorized, while the or each tangent wheel is connected in 35 rotation at the first end of a branch. It is thus possible to vary the spacing of the two support elements for the elbows or forearms, and simultaneously 3024025 - 5 - the spacing of the attachment points of the support element for the trunk, so the tension level of this support element for the trunk; indeed, people of high body weight or weight tend to have elbows more apart and a need for support or maintenance of the trunk more important.

For a good adaptation of the device to the size and the morphology of the user, as well as to the desired posture and the task performed, are still advantageously provided on the support structure means for adjusting the spacing between the devices. substantially vertical axes of articulation of the two branches, and / or means for adjusting the height of these two branches on the supporting structure. As can be understood, these adjustment means act simultaneously on the position of the two support elements for the elbows or the forearms, and on the position of the support element for the trunk, which allows an adjustment simple and well coordinated of all the support elements. In addition to these adjustments, the two branches are advantageously foldable or retractable for storage or transport in a minimum space during periods of non-use. In particular, in the case of a mounting of the branches at the top of a support column or against a wall or a partition, each branch may comprise, close to its substantially vertical axis of articulation, a hinge around a substantially horizontal folding axis 20 for folding this branch downwards, in a storage or transport position. If the branches are carried by a worktable or a table, it is possible to retract them under the tray or the table, in the manner of a drawer. It will be appreciated that in such storage or transport positions the trunk support member may remain "suspended" between the two limbs and thus need not be removed. In the case of support elements for elbows or forearms slidably mounted on the two branches, abutments are advantageously provided at the second ends of these branches, so as to avoid any undesirable separation of said support elements. This arrangement makes the device indémontable and thus guarantees a safe use while constituting an anti-vandalism measure. The device may also comprise in its upper part a shelf, extending in use over a portion of the branches in front of the lateral support elements for the elbows or forearms, this shelf being preferably foldable towards the up or down in a non-use position, especially for storage or transport. The addition of such a tablet makes it possible to constitute a complete workstation, on which can be placed a computer or any other device or tool, the tablet can also integrate such equipment, for example a keyboard or a touchscreen. In the latter case, the tablet advantageously takes the form of a flat box incorporating such equipment and mounted in the upper part of the device. In addition, being in the extension of the lateral support elements, this tablet 5 can be used to support the wrists or hands of the user. The carrying structure of the device can be completed by two support feet on the ground respectively supporting the second ends of the two branches, these support feet on the ground being preferably each provided at their base with a steerable footrest for the user. This arrangement greatly increases the stability of the device, while relieving the structural element such as support column which supports the two branches at their first ends. The device of the invention has so far been defined as an individual device, for a single user, but this device can also be designed as a dual device, designed for two users placed face to face or back to back, with two pairs 15 branches arranged head to tail in an "X" configuration. In any case, the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows, with reference to the appended schematic drawing representing, by way of examples, a few embodiments of this postural support device: FIG. an overall perspective view of a device according to the present invention in a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a plan view from above of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view, partially in section, of the device of Figures let 2; Figure 4 is a partial view, in perspective and in section, illustrating a first variant relating to the lateral support elements; FIG. 5 is a partial view, in perspective and in section, illustrating a second variant relating to the lateral support elements; Figure 6 is a plan view from above, in correspondence with Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a detail of the transverse support member, in a first embodiment; Figure 8 shows a detail of the transverse bearing member in a second embodiment; Figure 9 shows a detail of the transverse support member, in a third embodiment; Figure 0 shows a mechanism for adjusting the angle formed by the two branches; Figure 11 is a plan view from above of another device according to the invention, with wall fixing and adjustable spacing arms; FIG. 12 represents, in a plan view from above, a device with a double transverse support element; Figure 13 is a side view of the device, illustrating the folding of the branches; FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention with a shelf and support feet on the ground; Figure 15 is a plan view from above of a dual device for two users. The device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises a support structure 10 generally designated by the reference numeral 1, which structure in the illustrated example comprises a base 2 above which a support column 3 rises. At the top of the support column 3 is mounted a yoke 4, crossed by two parallel and vertical axes 5, more or less close together. Two branches 6, extending horizontally, are articulated symmetrically on the yoke 4 about the two axes 5, each branch 6 having a first end 7 engaged in the yoke 4 and traversed by one of the axes 5. Each branch 6 is provided in its upper part with a lateral support element 8, provided for the support of the elbow or of the left or right forearm of a user, the lateral support element 8 being located at a certain distance D of the first end 20 7 of the branch 6. In addition, a transverse support element 9, provided for the support of the trunk of the user, is mounted between the two branches 6, and more precisely between two points lateral fasteners 10 located vis-a-vis respectively on the two branches 6, at a distance from the first end 7 of the latter. In this first embodiment, there is provided a series of fixing holes 11, 25 distributed along the length of each branch 6 and situated on the upper face of this branch 6. The lateral support element 8 is positioned in the one of the fixing holes 11, chosen so as to place the lateral support element 8 at the desired distance D from the first end 7 of the branch 6. This lateral support element 8 is here an element mounted to turn on the branch 6 about a vertical axis 12, materialized by a pivot which can be engaged in the selected fixing hole 11. Still considering this embodiment, and as shown in particular in Figures 1 and 3, there is provided on the inner side of each branch 6 a series of potential attachment points 10 for the transverse support element 9, allowing to position this transverse support element 9 more or less forwards or backwards. These attachment points 10, distributed along the length of the branch 6, here take the form of simple holes formed in the side wall of this branch 6. In a first variant, illustrated in FIG. 4, each Lateral support element 8 is slidably mounted on the corresponding branch 6, according to the arrow F1. In the example shown, the lateral support element 8 is carried by a slider 13 which is movable along the upper part 6a of the branch 6, while the attachment points 10 are located in the lower part. 6b of this branch 6. As is understood, this configuration allows easy "crossing" of the lateral support elements 8 and the transverse support element 9, the slide 13 of each lateral support element 8 can pass above the attachment point 10 used for the transverse support element 9, without encountering any obstacle.

In a second variant, illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, each lateral support element 8 is slidably guided on the corresponding branch 6 by guiding in an inverted "T" groove 14, dug on the upper face of the branch. 6. In addition, there is provided a return spring 15 stretched between an attachment point 16 located under the lateral support member 8 and another attachment point 17 located at the second end 18 of the branch 6. , so that the lateral support element 8 is permanently biased towards this second end 18. In a variant (not shown), the return spring is stretched between the lateral support element and the one of the holes in the upper part of the branch, instead of the second end of the branch. This makes it possible to vary the desired voltage level and to have the same effect of the spring for any position of the lateral support element on the branch. Moreover, FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an embodiment in which, unlike the previous ones, each lateral support element 8 for the elbow or the forearm is of fixed orientation, and no longer rotating, relative to the branch. 6 corresponding. For the sake of simplicity, the two lateral support elements 8 have been represented as rectangular platforms. In practice, these support elements advantageously comprise lateral flanges, or are designed as a gutter, for better support and more effective lateral support of the elbows or forearms. As for the transverse support member 9 for the trunk, the latter comprises a central portion 19 extended horizontally and vertically, and two lateral connecting members 20 of elongate shape, which start from the lateral zones of the central portion 19 and which respectively terminate at the two lateral attachment points 10 facing each other on the two branches 6. The central portion 19 of the transverse support element 9 for the trunk may be constituted by a plate semi-rigid material, covered on one side or on both sides of a foam comfort coating, this central portion 19 may have a flat or curved conformation. In a first embodiment of the transverse support element 9 (FIG. 7), the lateral connecting members are straps 20, a first end of which is fixed, for example by riveting, at an attachment point 21. located on the lateral edge 22, possibly reinforced, of the central portion 19. The other end of each strap 20 carries a hook 23, which is engageable in the hole constituting the corresponding attachment point 10, located on one of the 6. A loop 24 allows the length of each strap 20 to be adjusted. In a second embodiment of the transverse support element 9 (FIG. 8), the lateral connecting members are springs 20 ', in particular of the helical traction springs. Each spring 20 'is anchored by one end at an attachment point 21 located on the lateral edge 22 of the central portion 19, while the other end of the spring 20' is hooked 23, adapted to cooperate with the hole constituting the corresponding attachment point 10, located on one of the branches 6. In a third embodiment of the transverse support element 9 (Figure 9), the lateral connecting members are chains 20 ", The first link 24 is moored at an attachment point 21 located on the lateral edge 22 of the central portion 19. The terminal link 24, or an intermediate link 24 (as shown), is engaged on a notch or lug secured to the branch 6 and materializing here the attachment point 10. Thus it is possible, by simple selection of the link 24 engaged on this notch or lug, to adjust the useful length L of the chain 20 ". The two branches 6 being articulated symmetrically about the two vertical axes 5, these two branches 6 can form with each other a variable angle A. FIG. 10 shows a mechanism 25 which makes it possible to adjust the angle A formed by the two branches 6, the mechanism 25 being in particular adapted to the case of close axes and this mechanism then being able to be housed in the volume of the yoke 4. The mechanism 25 comprises a worm 26, keyed on a control shaft 27 rotatably mounted on the yoke 4 and externally carrying a knob knurled 28 for manual control, accessible to the user. The worm 26 is engaged on one side with a first tangent gear 29 rotatably connected to the first end 7 of the branch 6 located on the left side. This worm 26 is also engaged on the other side with a second tangent gear 29 rotatably connected to the first end 7 of the branch 6 located on the right side. The two tangential toothed wheels 29 can be reduced to toothed sectors, whose teeth are present on the only useful area, as illustrated in the drawing. By manually turning the knurled rotary knob 28, in one direction or the other, the user causes the rotation of the control shaft 27 and the worm 26, which itself drives in rotation the two toothed wheels. tangents 29 in opposite directions. Thus the two branches 6 are pivoted and spaced apart or angularly constricted, according to the arrows F2, which is accompanied by a distance or a bringing together of the two support elements 8 for the elbows or forearms and simultaneously , a modification of the distance between the two attachment points 10 of the transverse support element 9 for the trunk.

In addition, since the worm gear mechanism 26 and the tangential toothed wheels 29 are of the "irreversible" type, this mechanism 25 itself provides for the angular immobilization of one arm 6 with respect to the other, in each position. relative chosen. FIG. 11 represents another device according to the invention, without a support column but fixed against a wall 30, and comprising two branches 6 of adjustable spacing. Each branch 6 is articulated, by a vertical axis 5, on a "half-clevis" 4 'or 4 "The two half-clevises 4' and 4" are slidably mounted on a horizontal slide 31 and parallel to the wall 30, to which this slide 31 is fixed at several points 32. The symmetrical sliding of the two half-clevises 4 'and 4 ", according to the arrows F3, makes it possible to modify the spacing E between the respective axes 5 of the two branches 6.

Blocking means, such as locking screws 33, are provided on the two half-clevises 4 'and 4 "to immobilize the latter in the desired position on the slide 31. Other locking means (not shown) serve to immobilize each branch 6 in rotation, relative to the half-yoke 4 'and 4 ", in the desired orientation. Moreover, the two branches 6 are advantageously adjustable in height. In the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 3), the height adjustment is obtained by endowing the support structure 1 with a telescopic support column 3, according to the arrow F4, making it possible to place the yoke 4 and the two branches 6 to a greater or lesser height, especially depending on the size of the user. In the case of a wall attachment (according to FIG. 11) the height adjustment of the branches 6 is easily obtained by mounting the clevis 4 or the two half-clevises 4 'and 4 "slidably on vertical guide columns, they themselves fixed to the wall 30. In one or other of the embodiments described above, the transverse support element 9 can be used in particular as an anterior support element, more particularly as a support element. ventral for a user standing upright leaning forward, the user can then place his elbows or forearms on the two lateral support elements 8. In this use, the two 3024025 attachment points 10 of the transverse support element 9 are generally situated further back, that is to say closer to the second ends 18 of the branches 6, than the two lateral support elements 8. In a reverse manner, as in FIG. 'illustrates Figure 11, the support element Transversal 9 is usable as a back support member. In this use, the two lateral support elements 8 for the elbows or the forearms are located further back, that is to say closer to the second ends 18 of the branches 6, than the two attachment points. 10 of the transverse support element 9. As shown in FIG. 12, it is also possible to have a double transverse support element 10 with a ventral support element 9a and a back support element 9b. between which the user takes place, these two support elements 9a and 9b being placed in front of one another between the two branches 6. The ventral support element 9a is mounted between two attachment points 10a located in facing relation, and the backing element 9b is mounted between two other attachment points 10b located opposite each other, while each lateral support element 8 for the elbows and the front -bras is located on the corresponding branch 6, between the attachment points 10a and 10b. It should be noted that the backing element 9b is also usable as a rear support element for the buttocks, if the length of the lateral connecting members of this support element is increased. In a variant that is not illustrated, the point of attachment 10a of the ventral support element 9a and the point of attachment 10b of the backing element 9b are merged on each branch 6. use and in all cases, the lateral connecting members 20 or 20 'or 20 "which connect the central portion 19 of the transverse support element 9 to the two branches 6, being flexible or elastic or deformable members, allow 25 the user to incline and / or advance his trunk, while remaining properly supported.In addition, in the case of sliding mounting of the lateral support elements 8 for the elbows or forearms, in particular against the force of a return spring 15, the arms of the user have the ability to describe a movement that is in the same direction as that of the trunk, so in perfect coordination.

During periods of non-use, in particular for storage or transport, the device can be folded under a small footprint, as shown in FIG. 13. For this purpose, each branch 6 has a small distance from its first end 7, so close to its axis 5 of substantially vertical articulation, a hinge about a substantially horizontal axis of folding 34, oriented transversely to the branch 6. Thus, after being close together, the two branches 6 can be folded downwards according to the arrow F5, in a substantially vertical position, this 3024025 - 12 - is against the support column 3 is parallel to the wall 30. In the case of lateral support elements 8 mounted sliding on the two branches 6, stops 35 are provided on the second ends 18 of these branches 6, to avoid any undesirable separation of the lateral support elements 8 when the 5 branches 6 are folded towards the ba s. FIG. 14 shows another device according to the invention, whose supporting structure 1 here again comprises a support column 3, which bears directly on the ground by its base. This device is completed in its upper part by a shelf 36 which, in the use position, extends horizontally above a portion of the two branches 6 in front of the two lateral support elements 8, at the same level as these latter. The shelf 36 is hingedly connected to the yoke 4 by a hinge 37, which folds said shelf upwards according to the arrow F6, in a raised position indicated 36 ', when this shelf is not used. In the use position, the tablet 36 provides a flat horizontal surface capable of supporting any device such as a computer as well as any other object or document; the surface of this tablet 36 may also serve as a writing support. In the device of FIG. 14, the supporting structure 1 comprising the support column 3 is completed by two support feet 38 on the ground, which respectively support the second ends 18 of the two branches 6. Thus, the device 20 rests on the ground in three points arranged at the vertices of a triangle, in the manner of a tripod. Each bottom support leg 38 is provided, at its base, with a footrest 39 which can be oriented in a horizontal plane, this footrest being connected to a ring 40 which is rotatably mounted according to the arrow F7 around the base of this base. foot 38, the ring 40 can be immobilized in translation and in rotation relative to the support foot 38. In use, the support of the feet of the user on the two footrests 38 stabilizes the angular spacing of the two branches 6, and it avoids unbalancing the device in case of inclination of the body of the user to the front. Conversely, the release of these footrests 38 by the feet of the user makes it possible to vary the spacing of the two branches 6, without the need for locking / unlocking means of these branches 6 relative to the yoke 4. As the 14, an additional transverse support element 41, similar in configuration and mounting to the transverse support element 9 for the trunk, is suspended at intermediate height between the two feet 38 of support on the ground .

The additional support element 41 is provided for the support of the lower limbs of a user standing, this additional support element 41 being situated for example at the height of the knees or shins of the user. 'user. With such an additional support element 41, the postural balance is improved. Like the support column 3, the two ground support legs 38 advantageously have a telescopic structure, so as to allow a height adjustment of the entire device. Each of the legs 38 has a series of holes 42 constituting possible attachment points for the additional support element 41, which makes it possible to independently adjust the height of said additional support element 41. It will be noted that, placed in a relatively high position thanks to the holes 42, the additional support element 41 can also serve as a support for the thighs or buttocks of the user, a reversal of this support element according to the desired use being made possible by the flexibility of the lateral connecting members of this support element. In a variant also "readable" in Figure 14, the tablet is replaced by a flat box, installed in the upper part of the device. The box has a bottom corresponding to the mark 36, fixed horizontally above a portion of the branches 6, and an articulated lid and liftable in correspondence with the reference 36 '. This box includes equipment, such as a keyboard embedded in its bottom and / or a flat screen carried by the inner face of the lid, in particular a touch screen. In the closed position, the lid being lowered and preferably locked by a lock, these devices are protected or even secured, while the outer face of the cover provides a surface similar to that of a tablet, especially for writing or for ask documents or other objects. Note that in this latter variant, the lateral support elements 8 for the elbows or forearms retain their full usefulness, comfortably reach the keyboard or the touch screen, or to write. Finally, Figure 15 shows a dual device, for two users placed face to face or back to back. Thus, there is provided here a first device D1 with its two branches 6, two lateral support elements 8 for the elbows or forearms, and 30 its transverse support member 9 for the trunk of a first user . In a diametrically opposite position, there is provided a second device D2 with its two branches 6, its two lateral support elements 8 for the elbows or the forearm, and its transverse support element 9 for the trunk of a second user. The branches 6 of the first device D1 are directly extended by the branches 6 of the second device D2, in the manner of scissors, with a hinge about a vertical axis 43 located at the central point of intersection. The intersection of the branches 6 may cause a shift in height thereof, this offset can be offset by any appropriate means. A tablet 44 preferably of circular or oval shape, for the use of both users, can be placed in the upper part between the two devices D1 and D2. The tablet 44 can be rotatably mounted about the vertical axis 43, along the arrow F8, to facilitate the exchange of documents or objects between the two users. A central support column 45 supports this double device at the point of intersection of the branches 6, also constituting the center of rotation of the shelf 44. In addition, in a manner not shown, the second ends 18 of the four branches 6 of this double device D1, D2 can be supported by ground support feet, possibly foldable, similar to the ground support feet of the previous embodiment (Figure 14). In a variant (not shown) of this double device, the two unitary devices are not arranged head to tail, but adjacent. In this case, the two unitary devices advantageously have a common boundary branch, on which are mounted, in particular slidably in parallel directions: an anterior support element for the user's elbow or forearm of the first device, and an anterior support member for the right elbow or forearm of the user of the second device. The postural support device, previously described, is applicable to any workstation in a standing position, in particular a computer station or an industrial station. Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments of this postural support device which have been described above, by way of example; it embraces, on the contrary, all variants of implementation and application respecting the same principle. Thus, in particular, one would not depart from the scope of the invention: by combining in any way possible the characteristics described in the context of the various embodiments illustrated in the drawing, for example by also providing for a tablet as illustrated in Figure 14 on the devices of the preceding figures; - Providing branches conformation not rectilinear, but more or less curved or bent, the branches may also be provided telescopic or reinforced in particular at their first end; giving the lateral support elements for elbows or forearms any shape, such as rectangular or oblong or circular, either flat or in a gutter or with lateral retaining flanges; by giving any flat or curved shape to the transverse support element for the trunk, and realizing this support element in all suitable materials; Replacing the various guide and adjustment means described by all equivalents; completing the device with one or more additional support members, such as the transverse support member for the lower limbs; by providing a supporting structure of any type and any conformation: 10 autonomous supporting structure, in particular with support column surmounting a base resting on the ground, bearing structure fixed against a wall or other wall or partition, bearing structure fixed on a post work or as part of a workstation. 15 20 25 30 35

Claims (24)

REVENDICATIONS1. Postural support device for upright positions, the device comprising two branches (6) symmetrically articulated by a first end (7) on a supporting structure (1) about substantially vertical axes (5), each branch (6) being provided with, at a distance from its first end (7), a lateral support element (8) for the elbow or the forearm, this lateral support element (8) being of fixed orientation or rotatably mounted relative to the branch (6), and the device also comprising at least one transverse support element (9) for the trunk, characterized in that the transverse support element (9) for the trunk is mounted between two points of lateral attachments (10) respectively located on the two branches (6) above. Dis 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the relative position of the lateral support element (8) for the elbow or the forearm, and the point of attachment (10) of the element d transverse support (9) for the trunk, along the length of each branch (6), is modifiable. 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that each lateral support element (8) is slidably mounted on the corresponding branch (6). 4. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that each lateral support element (8) is selectively mounted at an attachment point (11) chosen from a plurality of fixing points (11) provided on the branch ( 6) corresponding. 5. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that there is provided on each branch (6) a series of potential attachment points (10) for the transverse support member (9) for the trunk. 6. Device according to the set of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that, on each branch (6), the attachment points (11) provided for the lateral support member (8) for the elbow or the forearms are merged with the attachment points (10) for the transverse support member (9) for the trunk. 7. Device according to the set of claims 3 and 5, characterized in that each lateral support element (8) is slidably mounted on the upper part (6a) of the corresponding branch (6), while the points of fastener (10) for the transverse support element (9) are located in the lower part (6b) of this branch (6). 8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the two lateral support elements (8) for the elbows or the forearms are movably mounted against the force of spring means (15) soliciting these lateral bearing elements (8) in the longitudinal direction of the corresponding branches (6) towards the second end (18) of said branches (6). 9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transverse support element (9) for the trunk comprises an extended central portion (19), of semi-rigid consistency, provided for the contact with the trunk of the user, and two elongate lateral connecting members (20; 20 '; 20 ") which extend from the central part (19) and which end respectively at the two attachment points (10) situated on the two branches (6). 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the two lateral connecting members are flexible members, like cables or straps (20), preferably of adjustable length. 11. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the two lateral connecting members are resilient members of the kind springs (20 ') or tensioners, preferably adjustable tension. 12. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the two lateral connecting members are constituted by chains (20 "), the useful length (L) is adaptable by the selection of the link (24) engaged on the point d fastener (10). 13. Device according to the set of claims 7 and 9, characterized in that the two lateral connecting members (20; 20 '; 20 ") each comprise, at their free end, a hook (23) or a ring provided for engage in a hole (10) or a notch (25) belonging to a series of holes (10) or notches distributed along the length of the corresponding branch (6). 14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a double transverse support member with. placed one in front of the other between the two branches (6), a ventral support element (9a) and a back support element (9b). 15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises means (25 to 29) for controlling a modification of the angle (A) formed by the two branches (6), and to immobilize angularly one limb (6) relative to the other in a selected relative angular position. 16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that said means comprise at least one irreversible transmission mechanism (25) worm 3024025 - 18 - endless and tangent wheel, the or each worm (26) being connected to a control shaft (27), manual or motorized, while the or each tangent wheel (29) is rotatably connected to the first end (7) of a branch (6). 17. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the carrier structure (1) comprises means (31, 32, 33) for adjusting the spacing (E) between the axes (5) substantially vertical articulation of the two branches (6). 18. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that there are provided means for adjusting the height of the two branches (6) on the carrier structure (1). 19. Device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the two legs (6) are provided foldable or retractable, in a storage or transport position. 20. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that each leg (6) comprises, near its axis (5) substantially vertical articulation, a hinge about a substantially horizontal axis of folding (34), allowing a folding of this branch (6) downwards, in a storage or transport position. 21. Device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that it comprises, in its upper part, a shelf (36, 36 ') preferably foldable upwards or downwards in a position of no -use, or a cabinet incorporating equipment, the shelf or cabinet being mounted (e) above a portion of the two branches (6) and in front of the lateral support elements (8) for the elbows or the front -bras 25 22. Device according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the carrier structure (1) is completed by two feet (38) supporting the ground respectively supporting the second ends (18) of the two branches (6). these ground support feet (38) are preferably each provided at their base with a footrest (39) which can be swiveled by the user. 30 23. Device according to claim 22, characterized in that it comprises an additional transverse support member (41), in particular for the lower limbs, suspended between the two feet (38) of support to the ground. 24. Device according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that it is designed as a dual device (D1, D2), for two users placed face to face or back to back, with two pairs of branches ( 6) arranged upside down in an "X" configuration.