GB2531772A

GB2531772A - Rocking plate assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2531772A
Application number: GB1419301.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rafi Tal Marchand
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-10-30
Filing date: 2014-10-30
Publication date: 2016-05-04
Also published as: GB201419301D0

Abstract

A rocking plate assembly comprising a lower plate 108, a post 113 affixed to the centre of the lower plate 108, an upper plate 102 that engages an upper end of the post 113 such that it can tilt and at least three springs 110 located between the upper plate 102 and lower plate 108 such that when an off centre force is applied to the upper plate 102 at least one of the springs 110 compresses and a portion of the upper plate 108 rises above the upper end of the post 113. The post may have a spherical top 103 and may have a threaded portion for attachment to a seat base and to adjust the distance between the two plates. A powered rotatable ring 133 with an upwardly projecting length adjustable orbiting projection 130 may be used to tilt the upper plate 108. The device may be used as a stand or on a chair and may be used to develop balance or coordination.

Description

ROCKING PLATE ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention, relates to a rocking plate assembly and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a rocking plate assembly that optionally includes an orbiting tilt assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Physical movement is becoming recognized as an essential aid in development and maintenance of cognition: [0003] "Cross-sectional studies have found a variety of cognitive function measures to be associated with various aspects of physical performance." "Cognitive Function, Gait Speed Decline, and Comorbidities: The Health, Aging and Body Composition Study"; Hal H. Atkinson, et al; The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 62:844-850 (2007) © 2007 The Gerontological Society of America [0004] In fact there are many that advocate that even maintaining movement in an office setting enhances performance: [0005] "The human body is far from happy to sit still all the time! It is designed for movement" even during sitting. Using a seat that allows "hips, thighs and back [to] move... in the chair," results in "fewer occupational injuries and a better work environment, fewer days off sick and greater profitability for the companies as a result." "The Importance of Mobility"; Lotta Jonson; Kinnarps Magazine -No.7 [0006] The importance of movement in cognitive abilities, according to many sources, appears to be a foundation upon which a child and a young adult better receive and internalize information: o [0007] "The students' workplace' has to receive much more attention in terms of... ergonomic seating", meaning seats that allow movement of hips, thighs, and back.

"What the 'classroom of the future' will look like", Dr Dieter Breithecker Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft fiir Haltungs-and BewegungsfOrderung e. V. (Federal Working Group for Posture and Mobilization Support -Germany), 2005. (www.haltungundbew egung. de) [0008] An example of a seat that tilts in a 360° orbit around a central axis is found in US Patent 4,830,345 (Mar) in which multiple springs are arranged below a seating surface around a central spring, thereby facilitating mobility of hips, thighs 20 and back while a user is seated.

[0009] In addition, devices requiring balance and coordination of a standing individual are known and recognized as aids in restoring proprioceptive senses, for example following a stroke.

[0010] A simple example of device that requires balance and coordination is a 5 teeterboard, wherein a flat board is placed upon a cylindrical roller and the user attempts to stand on the board and maintain the board in as close to a level position as possible.

[0011] However, mastering a teeterboard often requires extensive practice and, as a result, a teeterboard is not used routinely as a physical therapy modality, 10 particularly when a patient has partially compromised proprioception.

[0012] An example of a board that supports a standing human and tilts 360° in an orbit around a central axis is found in US Patent 5,613,690 (McShane et al) which teaches a computer-enhanced proprioceptive-enhancing training board that appears to be easier to master than the above-noted teeter board.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention provide a rocking plate assembly. One assembly includes a lower plate having a center, a post having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end being affixed to the center of the lower plate, and an upper plate having a center that rockingly interfaces with the upper end of the post.

[0014] Accordingly, according to an aspect of the present invention, the rocking plate assembly includes at least three springs located at a distance from the post between the upper plate and the lower plate, such that when a downward off-center force is applied to the upper plate, one or more of the at least three springs compress, and a portion of the upper plate rises above the upper end of the post. [0015] According to some embodiments of the invention, the upper end of the post includes a sphere operatively associated with the center of the upper plate.

o [0016] According to some embodiments of the invention, the center of the upper plate includes an upper sphere receptacle having a portion that contacts at least a portion of an upper portion of the sphere.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the invention, the upper sphere receptacle is operatively associated with a lower sphere receptacle having a portion 15 that contacts at least a portion of a lower portion of the sphere.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the invention, the lower portion of the post is threaded and extends below the lower plate, the threaded portion including a positionally adjustable threaded nut configured to alter an average distance between the lower plate and the upper plate.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the invention, altering the average distance additionally alters a cumulative stiffness coefficient associated with the at least three springs.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the invention, the upper plate 5 comprises a standing surface configured for supporting the feet of a human in a standing position.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the invention, the upper plate comprises a seating surface configured for supporting a human in a sitting position. [0022] According to some embodiments of the invention, the lower end of the post io is connected to a chair pedestal.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the invention, the assembly includes a rotatable ring having an elongate upward projection that upwardly presses a portion of the upper plate, the elongate upward projection having a length that causes the portion to rise above the upper end of the post.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the invention, when the rotatable ring includes a length adjuster configured to adjust, and fix in position, the length of the elongate upward projection, thereby adjusting the magnitude that the portion rises above the upper end of the post.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the invention, when the rotatable ring rotates, the portion rising above the upper end of the post rotates around the upper plate.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the invention, the rotatable ring 5 includes a power assembly operatively associated with the rotatable ring, the power assembly configured to power the rotation of the rotatable ring.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the invention, the power assembly includes a continuous band that contacts a portion of the rotatable ring.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the invention, the power assembly is 0 located in at least one position of: radially inward to the rotatable ring, and radially outward to the rotatable ring.

[0029] These, additional, and/or other aspects and/or advantages of the present invention are: set forth in the detailed description which follows; possibly inferable from the detailed description; and or learnable by practice of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The present invention will be more readily understood from the detailed description of embodiments thereof made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: [0031] Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a rocking plate assembly, according to some embodiments of the invention; [0032] Figure 2 shows the rocking plate assembly shown in Figure 1 including an orbiting tilt assembly, according to some embodiments of the invention; and [0033] Figure 3 shows an aerial cut away view of the rocking plate assembly shown in Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a rocking plate assembly 100 which includes an optional chair attachment 122 that would attach to a seat of the chair, while an upper plate 102 connects to the horizontal plane of the chair seat. [0037] Additionally, rocking plate assembly 100 includes a chair post 120 that extends to a chair pedestal (not shown).

[0038] Rocking plate assembly 100 includes a lower plate 108 and springs 110. While in the schematic illustration only two springs are shown, as seen in a cutaway aerial view in Figure 3, rocking plate assembly 100 may optionally include four springs 110. In embodiments, rocking plate assembly 100 may include as few as three springs 110. Alternatively, rocking plate assembly 100 may optionally include five, six, eight, or even more springs 110, depending on the necessity to create, for example, greater resistance and/or more uniform compression.

[0039] Returning to Figure 1, springs 110 are held in place between upper plate 102 and lower plate 108 by spring posts 112. In addition, a threaded chair post 10 portion 113 includes a sphere 103 that allows upper plate 102 to pivot, herein tilt, 360° radially around the center of upper plate 102.

[0040] As used herein, the tenn center", for example referring to the center of upper plate 102, refers to a point which is equidistant along at least three rays extending to an outer boundary of upper plate 102.

[0041] As upper plate tilts due to an off-center pressure to one side of tipper plate 102, springs 110 adjacent to the pressure compress, thereby creating a tilt in upper plate 102.

[0042] Upper plate 102 includes an upper sphere receptacle 104 and a lower sphere receptacle 106, held in alignment by sphere receptacle posts 107. The inner 20 curved surfaces of upper sphere receptacle 104 and lower sphere receptacle 106, partially surround, and complement the shape of a portion of sphere 103 and thereby aid in the above-noted tilting of upper plate 102. Though threaded chair post portion 113 is shown with sphere 103, there are a variety of interfaces that may be utilized including an upper blunt end on threaded chair post portion 113 (not shown), which interfaces with the lower surface of upper plate 102.

[0043] As used herein, the term spring(s) 110 optionally refers to a material or an apparatus having any shape that deforms under compressive force. Springs 110 may be formed in any one of a variety of shapes; including coils, springy curved metal, cylinders, and elements having polygon cross sections.

[0044] Additionally, the term spring(s) 110 optionally includes any compressible material for example plastic, or rubber elements. Furthermore, the term spring(s) 110 may optionally refer to a compressible self-contained device, such as, inter alia, a pneumatic piston, and/or a spring-loaded piston.

[0045] In embodiments of rocking plate assembly 100, threaded chair post portion 113 includes a spring tension sleeve 118 which is internally threaded such that when rotated, causes the distance between upper plate 102 and lower plate 108 to change. The change in distance between upper plate 102 and lower plate 108 causes a change in the stiffness coefficient of springs 110.

[0046] Also included in threaded chair post 113, is an anti-rotational groove 123 20 which interfaces with an anti-rotational tab (not shown) that extends from lower plate 108. The interface between the tab and anti-rotational groove 123 prevents transmittal of rotational forces to lower plate 108 as spring tension sleeve 118 is rotated.

[0047] As used herein the term "stiffness coefficient" refers to the force of 5 displacement from equilibrium of springs 110.

[0048] In embodiments, rocking plate assembly 100 includes a tilt control sleeve 116, which encircles a threaded tilt shaft 117. The position of a tilt nut 114, which threadedingly surrounds threaded tilt shaft 117, causes up or down positioning of tilt control sleeve 116.

[0049] For example, when tilt nut 114 is rotated to raise tilt control sleeve 116, a distance 115 between tilt control sleeve 116 and upper plate 102 becomes diminished. Accordingly, the magnitude of available tilt for plate 102 becomes diminished in tilt directions 111 in the above-noted radial tilting around the center of upper plate 102.

[0050] Also included is an anti-rotational tab (not shown) that extends from tilt control sleeve 116 into anti-rotational groove 123. The interface between the tab and anti-rotational groove 123 prevents transmittal of rotational forces to tilt control sleeve 116 as tilt nut 114 is rotated.

[0052] The inventor has discovered that rocking plate assembly 110 may aid the 20 person sitting therein in readily moving hips, thighs, and back while in a sitting position; *movement which appears to provides physical benefit, for example increased circulation in the lower extremities. Additionally, the inventor has discovered that there appears to be an increase in mental acuity of the person utilizing rocking plate assembly 100.

[0053] Figure 2 shows rocking plate assembly 100 including an orbiting rocker assembly 140. Orbiting rocker assembly 140 may be adapted for use with the above-noted chair. However, in the embodiment shown, upper plate 102 is configured to support the feet of a standing human and optionally includes legs 136 that contact the support surface for example a floor in a gymnasium. As o shown, orbiting rocker assembly 140 may have application in aiding return of lower extremity proprioception, as explained below.

[0054] Tilt control sleeve 116 optionally includes a power assembly 124 that includes a power drive wheel 126, power drive shaft 127, and power supply (not shown). Power drive wheel 126 interfaces with a rotating ring 133 that extends radially outward from tilt control sleeve 116 and is supported in position by a ring support 137.

[0055] In other embodiments power drive wheel 126 rotates a drive band (not shown) that encircles at least a portion of rotating ring 133, thereby rotating tilt control sleeve 116.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, power drive wheel 126 turns in a clockwise rotational direction 135 thereby causing rotating ring 133 to rotate in a countercl ockwi se rotational directi on 134.

[0057] Rotating ring 133 includes an orbit wheel 128, which rotates in a direction 5 129, and has a threaded shaft 130 whose height above sleeve ledge 133 is adjusted by an orbit-adjusting nut 132.

[0058] When orbit wheel 128 is adjusted to be higher than the center of upper plate 102, rotating ring 133 rotates while raising a portion of upper plate 102 directly above orbit wheel 128. The rotation of rotating ring 133, thereby, causes a raised portion of upper plate 102 to moves in a radial orbit 360° around sphere 103, creating an orbiting wave.

[0059] Power assembly 124 optionally includes a speed control 119 that adjusts the rotational speed of tilt rotating ring 133, thereby adjusting the speed of the orbiting wave provided by orbit wheel 128.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively power assembly 124 includes a direction control 121 that changes the direction of the rotation of power drive wheel 126 from clockwise 135 to counterclockwise 134.

[0061] The inventor has discovered that when a user stands on rocking plate assembly 100 and radial movement of orbit wheel 128 in an orbit 360° around sphere 103, it may aid in restoring proprioception of a user that has suffered, for example, a stroke that limits proprioreceptive perception.

[0062] Additionally, the inventor has discovered that as the user compresses upper plate 102 off-center with a right leg, followed by off-center compression by a left 5 leg, the exertion may aid in increasing muscle tone on either or both legs, in addition to possibly increasing circulation in the lower extremities.

[0063] Rocking plate assembly 100 may be utilized for users to stand upon and exercise lower extremities. Additionally, the inventor has discovered that rocking plate assembly 100 may be configured in size, and modified by adding a cushion no to the upper surface of upper plate 102; and used for therapy of a variety of anatomical structures. Such anatomical structures may include arms, thighs, ankles, and shoulder musculature. The many configurations and modifications of rocking plate assembly 100 for exercise and physical therapy will be readily recognized by those familiar with the art.

[0064] Figure 3 shows an aerial cutaway view of Figure 2, taken along line A -A (Figure 2). In addition to the variety of numbers of springs 110 described above, rocking plate assembly 100 may optionally include as few as three legs 136. Alternatively rocking plate assembly 100 may optionally include five, six, eight, or even more legs 136. Additionally shown is an electromagnetic drive 125 around power drive shaft 127, which may be configured according to any one of various electromagnetic drives 125 that are well-known to those familiar with the art. [0065] In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of phrases like "one embodiment", "an embodiment", or "some embodiments", do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments.

[0066] Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

[0067] Reference in the specification to "some embodiments", "an embodiment", "one embodiment", or "other embodiments", means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the invention.

[0068] It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting, and are for descriptive purpose only.

[0069] The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures, and examples.

[0070] It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a 5 limitation to an application of the invention.

[0071] Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above.

[0072] It is to be Lmderstood that the terms "including", "comprising", o "consisting", and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps, or integers. [0073] If the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

[0074] It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element.

[0075] It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", "can", or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

[0076] Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described. [0077] Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks.

[0078] The term "method" may refer to manners, means, techniques, and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques, and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques, and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

[0079] The descriptions, examples, methods, and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting, but rather as illustrative only.

[0080] Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, 20 unless otherwise defined.

[0081] The present invention may be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.

[0082] Any publications, including patents, patent applications and articles, referenced or mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in the description of some embodiments of the invention shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

o [0083] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A rocking plate assembly, comprising: a lower plate having a center; a post having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end being affixed to the center of the lower plate; an upper plate having a center that rockingly interfaces with the upper end of the post; and at least three springs located at a distance from the post between the upper plate and the lower plate, o such that when a downward off-center force is applied to the upper plate, one or more of the at least three springs compresses, and a portion of the upper plate rises above the upper end of the post.
2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the upper end of the post includes a sphere operatively associated with the center of the upper plate.
3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the center of the upper plate includes an upper sphere receptacle having a portion that contacts at least a portion of an upper portion of the sphere.
4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the upper sphere receptacle is operatively associated with a lower sphere receptacle having a portion that contacts 20 at least a portion of a lower portion of the sphere.
5. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein the lower portion of the post is threaded and extends below the lower plate, the threaded portion including a positionally adjustable threaded nut configured to alter an average distance between the lower plate and the upper plate.
6. The assembly according to claim 5 wherein altering the average distance additionally alters a cumulative stiffness coefficient associated with the at least three springs.
7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein the upper plate comprises a standing surface configured for supporting the feet of a human in a standing 10 position.
8. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein the upper plate comprises a seating surface configured for supporting a human in a sitting position.
9. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein the lower end of the post is connected to a chair pedestal.
10. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 -9, including a rotatable ring having an elongate upward projection that upwardly presses a portion of the upper plate, the elongate upward projection having a length that causes the portion to rise above the upper end of the post.
I I. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein when the rotatable ring includes 20 a length adjuster configured to adjust, and fix in position, the length of the elongate upward projection, thereby adjusting the magnitude that the portion rises above the upper end of the post.
12. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein when the rotatable ring rotates, the portion rising above the upper end of the post, orbits around the post.
13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the rotatable ring includes a power assembly operatively associated with the rotatable ring, the power assembly configured to power the rotation of the rotatable ring.
14. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the power assembly includes a continuous band that contacts a portion of the rotatable ring.
15. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the power assembly is located in at least one position of: radially inward to the rotatable ring; and radially outward to the rotatable ring.