US20050248204A1 - Supporting device for the back and head of a human being - Google Patents
Supporting device for the back and head of a human being Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050248204A1 US20050248204A1 US10/520,051 US52005104A US2005248204A1 US 20050248204 A1 US20050248204 A1 US 20050248204A1 US 52005104 A US52005104 A US 52005104A US 2005248204 A1 US2005248204 A1 US 2005248204A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- support section
- supporting device
- supporting
- head
- support
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 8
- 210000002976 pectoralis muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 12
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 description 8
- 210000000038 chest Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N novaluron Chemical compound C1=C(Cl)C(OC(F)(F)C(OC(F)(F)F)F)=CC=C1NC(=O)NC(=O)C1=C(F)C=CC=C1F NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000004904 shortening Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010409 ironing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000399 orthopedic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 210000001217 buttock Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000245 forearm Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000011796 hollow space material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
- A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C9/00—Stools for specified purposes
- A47C9/002—Stools for specified purposes with exercising means or having special therapeutic or ergonomic effects
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus ; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
- A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H37/00—Accessories for massage
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
- A63B21/4029—Benches specifically adapted for exercising
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
- A63B21/4037—Exercise mats for personal use, with or without hand-grips or foot-grips, e.g. for Yoga or supine floor exercises
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2203/00—Additional characteristics concerning the patient
- A61H2203/04—Position of the patient
- A61H2203/0443—Position of the patient substantially horizontal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
- A63B21/065—User-manipulated weights worn on user's body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/16—Supports for anchoring force-resisters
- A63B21/1618—Supports for anchoring force-resisters on a door or a door frame
- A63B21/1645—Supports for anchoring force-resisters on a door or a door frame for anchoring on a door
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
- A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
- A63B2208/0242—Lying down
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2210/00—Space saving
- A63B2210/04—Space saving incorporated in beds, sofas
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2210/00—Space saving
- A63B2210/10—Space saving specially constructed to fit in the corner of a room
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2210/00—Space saving
- A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
Definitions
- the invention relates to a supporting device for a person's back and head area, with a back support section and with a head support section, and to a home or workplace furniture item or leisure item with such a supporting device.
- Such supporting devices are generally known in the form of couches or the like. Such supporting devices can be padded or unpadded. Individuals can take up position on supporting devices of this kind. If a person takes up a position lying on his back on such a supporting device, both the back area and the head area are supported. The back area extends from the coccyx to the neck area. To permit a secure support for the person, the supporting device has a back support section for the back area and a head support section for the head area. The back support section is designed with such a width as to permit a secure position of the person.
- the back support section has, at least from the hip area to the shoulder area, a width which corresponds at least to the width of the corresponding areas of the person, so as to allow the person to lie securely on it.
- Such supporting devices often have an orthopedic design and/or adapt naturally to the person's posture.
- a person's posture is often poor in orthopedic terms.
- poor posture at the workplace or in other environments may lead to shortening of the chest muscles, which in turn can lead to a rounded back posture, in particular to a hunched back.
- the object of the invention is to make available a supporting device of the type mentioned at the outset which, by simple means, in particular by allowing gymnastic exercises, makes it possible to counteract this shortening of the chest muscles.
- a partial area of the back support section has, at the level of shoulder blade areas of the back area, a support surface in a spinal column area and, on both sides of the support surface, has open areas which are configured in such a way that the shoulder blade areas can move downward past the support surface.
- a person lying on his back on the supporting device can stretch his chest muscles in a simple manner by extending his arms out to the sides and either leaves them, in the outwardly extended position, under their inherent weight or actively moves the arms and thus also the shoulders downward, i.e. toward the rear side of the back support section.
- the support surface provides only a central, preferably narrow and at least partial support in the spinal column area and since the shoulder blade areas can be moved at least substantially freely downward, i.e. past the support surface toward the rear side, it is possible to stretch the chest muscles.
- the person preferably lies on the supporting device in a position which is in an angle range of 45° to 90° to the vertical.
- the supporting device thus fulfills a double function in that the provision of the recumbent position ensures a relaxed posture and, in addition, the simple lateral extension and subsequent lowering at least of the upper arms approximately at right angles to the thoracic cage ensures stretching of the chest muscles.
- the open areas present on both sides of the central support surface can each be completely open to the outside within the entire support surface formed by the back support section and the head support section. Alternatively, they can also be closed in the lateral outer edge areas if the transverse extent of the open areas is so great that, with the upper arms extended at right angles, at least the elbow areas can move downward through the open areas.
- the open areas are preferably also designed open laterally outward in order to permit the desired mobility of the shoulders and arms even when the total width of the supporting surface is small.
- the back support section is advantageously made at least so wide that it corresponds to the width of a human thoracic cage, so as to permit secure supporting of the person's back area at least to just under the shoulder areas.
- the head support section too is preferably configured so that it ensures a secure supporting of the head.
- the solution according to the invention can be applied in different environments.
- it can form part of various items of furniture in the home, office or workplace or in the leisure sector.
- the supporting device can in particular rest on a separate base, for example a frame, or can itself be provided with suitable support, frame or leg elements in order to permit positioning on a base.
- the supporting device is formed as a rigid support unit by means of a single panel made of shape-stable material, in particular wood or plastic, which is provided with the back support section, including the support surface and the lateral open areas, and with the head support section. In other functional arrangements, such a panel can be integrated within them or coupled to them.
- a panel removably in the area of a room door or in the area of a room wall and, when so required, to remove it from the door or wall and position it on a suitable base.
- an embodiment is proposed in which such a panel is arranged releasably on an item of home or office furniture.
- it is proposed to fit such a panel standing in a pedestal forming part of a light, and in particular provided with at least one luminescent tube situated behind the panel.
- the panel serving as supporting device thus has an additional function, by serving as a shade or screen for the lighting means.
- the head support section and the back support section are separate structural parts which can be fitted to one another for the supporting position, forming the open areas. In this way, it is possible to fit the head support section and the back support section to each other to form the desired supporting position for back and head only when required.
- the head support section and the back support section can have entirely different functions.
- the open areas are formed by laterally open recesses of the back support section.
- the back support section in an area below the recesses, seen toward the foot of the body is advantageously much wider than the central, preferably narrow support surface at the level of the shoulder blade areas, so that a secure support is obtained in the rear rib area of the person's body.
- the recesses advantageously form a division of the back support section from the head support section, so that the connection by means of the support surface is maintained only between the head support section and the back support section at least for the supporting position.
- the recesses can be closed by detachable or movable cover elements.
- the back support section preferably including the head support section can have a continuous panel shape or continuous surface. In this way, the back support section and/or head support section can be used for completely different functions when they are not fitted together for the supporting position.
- the back support section and the head support section are integrated in a rigid support unit.
- the back support section and the head support section are thus part of a common rigid unit.
- the back support section and the head support section advantageously form a shape-stable panel which, when not needed for chest stretching purposes, can be used in another way, in particular as a table, as a seating arrangement or similar.
- the rigid support unit is arranged so as to be movable between an in particular vertical rest position and an in particular horizontal supporting position.
- the back support unit formed by back support section and head support section can be moved to the desired supporting position only when so required.
- the support unit can have another function or can remain without any function in a rest position.
- the support unit is positioned movably in the area of table arrangements or is alternatively designed as a fold-out backrest of a chair or stool. It is advantageously also possible to integrate the support unit in a concealed manner in a seat or couch and bring it to the supporting position only when needed. Pivot bearings, linear guides and similar are in particular provided for the movable arrangement of the support unit between the rest position and the supporting position.
- the head support section and the back support section are mounted with respect to one another so as to be movable between the rest position and the functional position by guide means.
- the guide means provided can be combined swivel/slide guides, purely linear guides or hinge arrangements, or otherwise configured cam guides.
- the supporting device according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously for home furniture items, leisure items or workplace items. It is used particularly advantageously in seats, couches or combined seat/couch units. Such items of furniture can be both stationary and also movable, i.e. can be accommodated in particular in vehicles or even in buildings or rooms.
- the invention also relates to an add-on unit which, together with existing items of furniture or other objects which each have a surface part, form a supporting device in the sense of the invention.
- the add-on unit according to the invention has a head support section and a spacer part serving as a support surface for the spinal column area.
- the add-on unit is secured by means of at least one connection element to a surface part of the item of furniture or of the object, and the surface part, when the head support section and spacer part are added on, takes over the function of the back support section of the supporting device.
- the spacer part is designed in such a way that the open areas are obtained on both sides for movement of the shoulder blades.
- the spacer part is also designed so narrow, as support surface for the spinal column area, that suitable shoulder blade movements are not impeded by the spacer part.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a supporting device according to the invention in the form of a panel-like support unit;
- FIG. 2 shows a supporting device similar to FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 3 a to 3 e show further alternative embodiments of supporting devices similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- FIG. 4 shows a supporting device provided with rigid, straight support legs
- FIG. 5 shows a supporting device similar to FIG. 4 , but with curved table legs
- FIG. 6 shows a supporting device with a panel-like support unit composed of head support section, recesses and back support section, and provided with a frame that can be folded up in the manner of an ironing board,
- FIG. 7 shows a support unit according to FIG. 1 , which is integrated removably in a corresponding recess of a room door,
- FIG. 8 shows a lighting object in side view, in which a screen is additionally designed as supporting device similar to FIG. 2 ,
- FIG. 9 shows the lighting object according to FIG. 8 in a front view
- FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a supporting device according to the invention in a perspective view, in which the panel-like support unit in a rest position lies on a wall and, for the supporting position shown in FIG. 10 , is folded out into a horizontal setting,
- FIG. 11 shows a seat and/or couch in which the supporting device is integrated in a pull-out casing
- FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of part of a supporting device in which a head support section can be plugged onto a back support section and form the open areas
- FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment similar to FIG. 12 in which, once again, a head support section can be plugged onto a back support section and form the open areas,
- FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment similar to FIG. 13 with fixing means for the supporting position, in this instance in the form of a screw clamp,
- FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment of a supporting device integrated in a table
- FIG. 16 shows a further table arrangement which can take over the additional function of a supporting device
- FIG. 17 shows the table arrangement according to FIG. 16 in its supporting position
- FIGS. 18 to 20 show various representations of detachable or movable cover elements which, in the rest position, close the recesses and, for the supporting position, free these recesses,
- FIGS. 21 and 22 show a further furniture arrangement serving additionally as a supporting device, the supporting position being shown in FIG. 22 ,
- FIG. 23 shows a further furniture arrangement positionable relative to one another in a supporting position for its additional function as supporting device
- FIGS. 24 and 25 show an office chair provided with an additional function as supporting device
- FIGS. 26 and 27 show a further table arrangement serving, in an additional function, as a supporting device.
- Supporting devices according to FIGS. 1 to 27 are used, in their supporting position, as benches or supports for the body of a person lying on his back. In the position lying with his back and head on the supporting device, the person in question, by extending his arms out to the sides, can move the arms and shoulders downward. To do so, he has to position himself on the supporting device in such a way that corresponding movements of the shoulder areas, in particular of the shoulder blade areas, do not meet any resistance from the supporting device. This is described in more detail below.
- the supporting devices according to FIGS. 1 to 3 are constructed with the same function, so that the basic functional parts will be described first with reference to FIG. 1 .
- the supporting device is formed by a panel-shaped support unit 1 .
- the support unit has a back support section 2 , a central support bridge 4 serving as support surface, and a head support section 5 adjoining the support bridge 4 .
- a central support bridge 4 serving as support surface
- a head support section 5 adjoining the support bridge 4 .
- recesses 3 Provided on both sides, at the level of the support bridge 4 , there are recesses 3 which are open toward the outside.
- the support bridge 4 extends along a midline axis (not shown) of the supporting device which in the present case has an overall rectangular shape. A person lying on the support unit has to position himself in such a way that he is lying with his shoulder blade areas at the level of the recesses 3 and his head is supported from behind.
- the support bridge 4 serving as support surface is preferably made so narrow that, when the arms and shoulders are extended and lowered, it does not impede the free movement of the shoulder blades at least over a limited arm or shoulder path.
- the limited arm and shoulder path is defined in that a sufficient extension of the chest muscles has to be possible.
- the proportions of the corresponding sections of the support unit are preferably adapted to the body of a normal person.
- the person lying on the supporting device preferably performs a stretching exercise such that, lying on his back, he extends his arms horizontally out to the sides and in doing so turns the palms of the hands upward.
- these necessarily move, together with the shoulder areas and shoulder blade areas, downward in the area of the recesses 3 toward a base, as a result of which the transversely running chest muscles lying to the front are stretched. In this way, it is possible to effectively counteract shortening of the chest muscles in a relaxed position and without great effort, by which means injury due to poor posture can be avoided or reduced.
- FIGS. 3 a to 3 e show further different forms of support units whose functions each correspond to the functions described with reference to FIG. 1 .
- the depictions are in each case schematic, so that the proportions do not necessarily correspond to the proportions that actually arise in practice. This applies also to all the supporting devices described in detail farther below.
- the lateral recesses in particular are provided with different geometric shapes which can be seen clearly from the drawings and therefore do not have to be explained in detail at this point.
- the support unit according to FIG. 1 is provided with support legs 6 standing on a base. These are designed as rectilinear square profiles in the embodiment according to FIG. 4 .
- rigid support legs of curved form with broad floor rests are provided.
- the support unit 1 according to FIG. 5 corresponds to the support unit according to FIG. 4 .
- the panel-shaped support unit is held by a fold-up frame 8 designed in the manner of an ironing board frame.
- the folded-up position of the frame 8 is shown by broken lines. In this way, the support unit 1 does not take up space when not in use.
- the support unit 1 so as to be accommodated without taking up space when not in use, is mounted in a corresponding recess of a larger surface, in the present instance in a room door 9 which is held with the aid of hinges 10 on a room wall 11 . As soon as the support unit 1 is needed, it can be removed from the corresponding recess of the room door 9 and brought into the supporting position at a suitable place.
- the support unit 1 can in particular be placed on one or more support or frame elements.
- detachable securing means are provided in the area of the room door 9 .
- a support unit 1 g formed in the shape of a surfboard is additionally used as object part of a lighting object 12 by being positioned parallel in front of a standing fluorescent tube arrangement 14 .
- the support unit 1 g is provided in its base area with plug connection elements 15 which can be plugged releasably onto corresponding plug connection elements of a pedestal 13 .
- the fluorescent tube arrangement 14 is also anchored firmly in the pedestal 13 in its oblique position.
- Embodiments not shown here include other types of household or design objects in which a correspondingly adapted support unit is integrated in each case.
- a support unit 1 is mounted at its lower end area, by means of a hinge arrangement 17 defining a horizontal pivot axis, on a vertical wall 16 such that it can be moved between a folded-away rest position, indicated by broken lines, and a supporting position, indicated by solid lines.
- a support foot arrangement 18 is provided which can be articulated on the underside of the support unit 1 or can be added as a separate part to the underside of the support unit 1 .
- the support unit 1 is integrated in a pull-out casing 20 of a seat unit and/or couch unit 19 , in the present instance in the form of a sofa bed.
- the support unit 1 is mounted stably on corresponding frame parts of the pull-out casing 20 so that, in the pulled out position of the pull-out casing 20 shown in FIG. 11 , the support unit 1 is converted directly to its supporting position. A person can thus lie down with his back on the support unit 1 and preferably rest his leg areas on the seat cushion and back cushion of the sofa bed.
- the support unit is accommodated in a pull-out element in the form of a drawer or the like, the pull-out element being able to be integrated in any desired, suitable mobile or immobile object such as, in particular, an air, sea or land vehicle, in a housing of a machine or a plant, or in other arrangements.
- the head support section 5 a including the central support surface 4 a serving as spacer part and located at the level of the recesses 3 h , is designed so as to be detachable from the back support section 2 h .
- An add-on unit is thus formed.
- connection elements in the form of plug connections 21 are used which, in the direction of the arrow, allow the head support section 5 h to be pushed in in the area of the corresponding end face of the back support section 2 h serving as surface part.
- the support surface 4 h is configured in a panel shape so that, in the plugged-in state, the head support section 5 h remains positioned at a distance from the two back support sections 5 h . In this way, the recesses 3 h are formed.
- FIG. 13 A similar design with an add-on unit is shown in FIG. 13 .
- the nature of the plug connection 22 is different.
- Corresponding arms of the plug connection 22 engage across the top and bottom of the panel shape of the back support section in the manner of a bracket.
- the upper arm of the plug connection 22 additionally forms the central support bridge 4 i for supporting the spinal column of the person's body at the level of the shoulder blade areas.
- the embodiment according to FIG. 14 with an add-on unit is also similar to the embodiments according to FIGS. 12 and 13 .
- the main difference here is that, for attaching the head section 5 k including the support surface 4 k to the back support section 2 k , the plug connection 23 is additionally assigned securing means 24 in the form of a screw clamp which permits fixing of the assembled state.
- an item of furniture in the form of a table arrangement 25 is provided under a table top of the table arrangement 25 .
- a hollow space is provided in which two support units 1 are accommodated.
- the table arrangement thus serves only as storage space for the support units 1 .
- the two support units 1 are positioned in the manner of pull-out panels linearly displaceably under the upper table top and for converting them to their supporting position can be drawn out from the corresponding storage space and preferably brought to the same level as the table top. With the aid of support means (not shown), at least one of the support units 1 is then fixed in this supporting position.
- the table top thus serves as a support for the leg and buttock areas of a person whose back area and head area is positioned in the area of the support unit 1 .
- FIGS. 16 and 17 show a further table arrangement 26 which, like the last-described embodiment, is provided with a pull-out head support section 27 .
- the head support section 27 In its rest position, the head support section 27 is arranged under a table top of the table arrangement 25 according to FIG. 16 .
- the head support section 27 is moved in a simple manner to the position according to FIG. 17 , a guide bridge section 28 remaining firmly connected to the head support section 27 .
- the guide bridge section 28 is responsible for the linear guiding and is mounted in corresponding rails underneath the table top.
- the guide bridge also has the function of central support surface for supporting the spinal column in the shoulder blade area, its corresponding dimensions being adapted to this function.
- the recesses 3 of the support unit 1 can be closed off by cover elements 29 , 29 a , 29 b in order to obtain a continuous panel form or continuous surface even in the area of the recesses 3 .
- the panel-like support unit can fulfill additional functions, in particular by being able to function as a table top.
- the cover elements 29 are inserted into the support unit in a simple manner with the aid of plug-in pins.
- the plug elements 29 a have plug edges which interact with corresponding plug grooves on the support unit 1 in the area of the recesses and thus permit horizontal plugging in or pulling out.
- the cover elements 29 b remain connected to the support unit 1 .
- the cover elements 29 b are connected to the support unit 1 via a hinge arrangement (not shown in detail) about horizontal pivot axes in the area of the bottom of each recess 3 .
- the cover elements 29 b can be fixed in the rest position closing the recesses 3 .
- a table arrangement 30 is provided which is made up of an elongate table with rectangular table top and of a square table of the same width as the elongate table.
- the square table is connected permanently via a swivel/slide guide 31 to an adjacent end face of the table top of the elongate table.
- a slide element is preferably provided at a corresponding corner of the square table and is guided in a slide guide extending along the table top of the elongate table and additionally permits a swivel movement of the square table.
- the table arrangement 30 also as a supporting device.
- the corresponding supporting position is shown in FIG. 22 .
- the square table with its table top serves on the one hand as head support section and, on the other hand, in the position turned through 45°, its corner area comprising the slide element acts as a support surface for the spinal column of the person in the shoulder blade area. By turning it through 45°, the desired recesses 3 m for the shoulder blade areas are additionally created on both sides of the corner carrying the slide element.
- the table top of the elongate table, in its area adjacent to the square table, has a back support section 2 m .
- the slide movement of the square table is indicated by the double arrow S and the combined pivotability is indicated by the double arrow D in FIG. 22 .
- a furniture arrangement 32 is provided in the form of square tables or stools which are not interconnected. Such tables or stools are known in principle. In the embodiment according to FIG. 23 , however, these are positioned in the form of a supporting device, the last stool or table similar to the design according to FIG. 22 is turned through 45° and has a corner joined to the adjacent stool or table. All the tables or stools have the same height. In this way, the edge table or stool forms the head support section 5 n including the support surface 4 n for the spinal column, and the adjacent stool or table forms the back support section 2 n.
- a mobile item of furniture is provided, in the present instance in the form of an office chair, having a backrest which serves as support unit 1 .
- the backrest can be lowered into a horizontal supporting position according to FIG. 25 .
- the hinge arrangement 36 serves for this purpose.
- support legs 34 are provided which, in the present embodiment, are mounted so that they can be folded into and out of the backrest. It is also possible to provide separate support elements for holding the support unit 1 in its supporting position.
- a table arrangement 37 is provided which is additionally provided with a support unit 1 articulated on an outer edge of a table top of the table arrangement 37 by means of a hinge arrangement 38 .
- the support arrangement 37 can serve as supporting device as soon as the support unit 1 is pivoted upward into its horizontal supporting position in the direction of the arrow. In its horizontal supporting position, the support unit 1 is secured by at least one corresponding support element 39 .
Abstract
The invention relates to a supporting device (1) for the back and head of a human being. Said device comprises a partial area of a back supporting section at the level of the shoulder blade, a central supporting surface (4) in the region of a vertebral column and open areas which are arranged on the both sides of the central supporting surface (3) in such a way that the shoulder blade regions can be lowered beyond the central supporting area. The invention can be used for furniture for the household or workplace.
Description
- The invention relates to a supporting device for a person's back and head area, with a back support section and with a head support section, and to a home or workplace furniture item or leisure item with such a supporting device.
- Such supporting devices are generally known in the form of couches or the like. Such supporting devices can be padded or unpadded. Individuals can take up position on supporting devices of this kind. If a person takes up a position lying on his back on such a supporting device, both the back area and the head area are supported. The back area extends from the coccyx to the neck area. To permit a secure support for the person, the supporting device has a back support section for the back area and a head support section for the head area. The back support section is designed with such a width as to permit a secure position of the person. In particular, the back support section has, at least from the hip area to the shoulder area, a width which corresponds at least to the width of the corresponding areas of the person, so as to allow the person to lie securely on it. Such supporting devices often have an orthopedic design and/or adapt naturally to the person's posture.
- A person's posture is often poor in orthopedic terms. In particular, poor posture at the workplace or in other environments may lead to shortening of the chest muscles, which in turn can lead to a rounded back posture, in particular to a hunched back.
- The object of the invention is to make available a supporting device of the type mentioned at the outset which, by simple means, in particular by allowing gymnastic exercises, makes it possible to counteract this shortening of the chest muscles.
- This object is achieved by the fact that, in a supporting position, a partial area of the back support section has, at the level of shoulder blade areas of the back area, a support surface in a spinal column area and, on both sides of the support surface, has open areas which are configured in such a way that the shoulder blade areas can move downward past the support surface.
- According to the invention, therefore, a person lying on his back on the supporting device can stretch his chest muscles in a simple manner by extending his arms out to the sides and either leaves them, in the outwardly extended position, under their inherent weight or actively moves the arms and thus also the shoulders downward, i.e. toward the rear side of the back support section. Since, at shoulder blade level, the support surface provides only a central, preferably narrow and at least partial support in the spinal column area and since the shoulder blade areas can be moved at least substantially freely downward, i.e. past the support surface toward the rear side, it is possible to stretch the chest muscles. The person preferably lies on the supporting device in a position which is in an angle range of 45° to 90° to the vertical. In the supporting position, an at least approximately horizontal alignment of back section and head support section is particularly preferred. In this way, the inherent weight of the arm and shoulder areas already effects a desired stretching of the chest muscles, without the person necessarily having to actively exert force in order to achieve the aim of stretching the chest muscles. The supporting device thus fulfills a double function in that the provision of the recumbent position ensures a relaxed posture and, in addition, the simple lateral extension and subsequent lowering at least of the upper arms approximately at right angles to the thoracic cage ensures stretching of the chest muscles. If the forearms too, in straight continuation of the upper arms, are extended laterally outward approximately at right angles to the thoracic cage area, the lever effect caused by the inherent weight of the arms is further increased, so that the stretching effect of the chest muscles is also improved. The open areas present on both sides of the central support surface can each be completely open to the outside within the entire support surface formed by the back support section and the head support section. Alternatively, they can also be closed in the lateral outer edge areas if the transverse extent of the open areas is so great that, with the upper arms extended at right angles, at least the elbow areas can move downward through the open areas. However, the open areas are preferably also designed open laterally outward in order to permit the desired mobility of the shoulders and arms even when the total width of the supporting surface is small. From the coccyx or hip area to just below the shoulder blade areas, the back support section is advantageously made at least so wide that it corresponds to the width of a human thoracic cage, so as to permit secure supporting of the person's back area at least to just under the shoulder areas. The head support section too is preferably configured so that it ensures a secure supporting of the head.
- The solution according to the invention can be applied in different environments. In particular, it can form part of various items of furniture in the home, office or workplace or in the leisure sector. The supporting device can in particular rest on a separate base, for example a frame, or can itself be provided with suitable support, frame or leg elements in order to permit positioning on a base. In a particularly simple embodiment, the supporting device is formed as a rigid support unit by means of a single panel made of shape-stable material, in particular wood or plastic, which is provided with the back support section, including the support surface and the lateral open areas, and with the head support section. In other functional arrangements, such a panel can be integrated within them or coupled to them. Thus, in particular, it is possible to arrange such a panel removably in the area of a room door or in the area of a room wall and, when so required, to remove it from the door or wall and position it on a suitable base. Alternatively, an embodiment is proposed in which such a panel is arranged releasably on an item of home or office furniture. In particular, it is proposed to fit such a panel standing in a pedestal forming part of a light, and in particular provided with at least one luminescent tube situated behind the panel. The panel serving as supporting device thus has an additional function, by serving as a shade or screen for the lighting means.
- In one embodiment of the invention, the head support section and the back support section are separate structural parts which can be fitted to one another for the supporting position, forming the open areas. In this way, it is possible to fit the head support section and the back support section to each other to form the desired supporting position for back and head only when required. When not needed for stretching of the chest muscles, the head support section and the back support section can have entirely different functions. Thus, it is possible in particular to use the surface of at least one support section as a table top or as a seating arrangement when the supporting function for a person's body is not required.
- In one embodiment of the invention, the open areas are formed by laterally open recesses of the back support section. In this case, the back support section in an area below the recesses, seen toward the foot of the body, is advantageously much wider than the central, preferably narrow support surface at the level of the shoulder blade areas, so that a secure support is obtained in the rear rib area of the person's body. The recesses advantageously form a division of the back support section from the head support section, so that the connection by means of the support surface is maintained only between the head support section and the back support section at least for the supporting position.
- In a further embodiment of the invention, the recesses can be closed by detachable or movable cover elements. As soon as the recesses are closed by suitable cover elements, the back support section preferably including the head support section can have a continuous panel shape or continuous surface. In this way, the back support section and/or head support section can be used for completely different functions when they are not fitted together for the supporting position.
- In a further embodiment of the invention, the back support section and the head support section are integrated in a rigid support unit. The back support section and the head support section are thus part of a common rigid unit. The back support section and the head support section advantageously form a shape-stable panel which, when not needed for chest stretching purposes, can be used in another way, in particular as a table, as a seating arrangement or similar.
- In a further embodiment of the invention, the rigid support unit is arranged so as to be movable between an in particular vertical rest position and an in particular horizontal supporting position. In this way, it is possible for the back support unit formed by back support section and head support section to be moved to the desired supporting position only when so required. When not required, the support unit can have another function or can remain without any function in a rest position. In particularly preferred embodiments, the support unit is positioned movably in the area of table arrangements or is alternatively designed as a fold-out backrest of a chair or stool. It is advantageously also possible to integrate the support unit in a concealed manner in a seat or couch and bring it to the supporting position only when needed. Pivot bearings, linear guides and similar are in particular provided for the movable arrangement of the support unit between the rest position and the supporting position.
- In a further embodiment of the invention, the head support section and the back support section are mounted with respect to one another so as to be movable between the rest position and the functional position by guide means. The guide means provided can be combined swivel/slide guides, purely linear guides or hinge arrangements, or otherwise configured cam guides.
- The supporting device according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously for home furniture items, leisure items or workplace items. It is used particularly advantageously in seats, couches or combined seat/couch units. Such items of furniture can be both stationary and also movable, i.e. can be accommodated in particular in vehicles or even in buildings or rooms.
- The invention also relates to an add-on unit which, together with existing items of furniture or other objects which each have a surface part, form a supporting device in the sense of the invention. The add-on unit according to the invention has a head support section and a spacer part serving as a support surface for the spinal column area. The add-on unit is secured by means of at least one connection element to a surface part of the item of furniture or of the object, and the surface part, when the head support section and spacer part are added on, takes over the function of the back support section of the supporting device. The spacer part is designed in such a way that the open areas are obtained on both sides for movement of the shoulder blades. The spacer part is also designed so narrow, as support surface for the spinal column area, that suitable shoulder blade movements are not impeded by the spacer part. By means of this solution, it is possible in particular to attach the add-on unit to existing table, seat and/or couch units and so obtain a supporting device according to the invention.
- Further advantages and features of the invention are set out in the claims and in the description, given below, of preferred illustrative embodiments of the invention explained with reference to the drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a supporting device according to the invention in the form of a panel-like support unit; -
FIG. 2 shows a supporting device similar toFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 3 a to 3 e show further alternative embodiments of supporting devices similar toFIGS. 1 and 2 , -
FIG. 4 shows a supporting device provided with rigid, straight support legs, -
FIG. 5 shows a supporting device similar toFIG. 4 , but with curved table legs, -
FIG. 6 shows a supporting device with a panel-like support unit composed of head support section, recesses and back support section, and provided with a frame that can be folded up in the manner of an ironing board, -
FIG. 7 shows a support unit according toFIG. 1 , which is integrated removably in a corresponding recess of a room door, -
FIG. 8 shows a lighting object in side view, in which a screen is additionally designed as supporting device similar toFIG. 2 , -
FIG. 9 shows the lighting object according toFIG. 8 in a front view, -
FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a supporting device according to the invention in a perspective view, in which the panel-like support unit in a rest position lies on a wall and, for the supporting position shown inFIG. 10 , is folded out into a horizontal setting, -
FIG. 11 shows a seat and/or couch in which the supporting device is integrated in a pull-out casing, -
FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of part of a supporting device in which a head support section can be plugged onto a back support section and form the open areas, -
FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment similar toFIG. 12 in which, once again, a head support section can be plugged onto a back support section and form the open areas, -
FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment similar toFIG. 13 with fixing means for the supporting position, in this instance in the form of a screw clamp, -
FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment of a supporting device integrated in a table, -
FIG. 16 shows a further table arrangement which can take over the additional function of a supporting device, -
FIG. 17 shows the table arrangement according toFIG. 16 in its supporting position, - FIGS. 18 to 20 show various representations of detachable or movable cover elements which, in the rest position, close the recesses and, for the supporting position, free these recesses,
-
FIGS. 21 and 22 show a further furniture arrangement serving additionally as a supporting device, the supporting position being shown inFIG. 22 , -
FIG. 23 shows a further furniture arrangement positionable relative to one another in a supporting position for its additional function as supporting device, -
FIGS. 24 and 25 show an office chair provided with an additional function as supporting device, and -
FIGS. 26 and 27 show a further table arrangement serving, in an additional function, as a supporting device. - Supporting devices according to FIGS. 1 to 27 are used, in their supporting position, as benches or supports for the body of a person lying on his back. In the position lying with his back and head on the supporting device, the person in question, by extending his arms out to the sides, can move the arms and shoulders downward. To do so, he has to position himself on the supporting device in such a way that corresponding movements of the shoulder areas, in particular of the shoulder blade areas, do not meet any resistance from the supporting device. This is described in more detail below. The supporting devices according to FIGS. 1 to 3 are constructed with the same function, so that the basic functional parts will be described first with reference to
FIG. 1 . Parts or sections having the same function are provided with the same reference numbers in the other supporting devices, but with addition of a differentiating letter. The supporting device is formed by a panel-shapedsupport unit 1. The support unit has aback support section 2, acentral support bridge 4 serving as support surface, and ahead support section 5 adjoining thesupport bridge 4. Provided on both sides, at the level of thesupport bridge 4, there arerecesses 3 which are open toward the outside. Thesupport bridge 4 extends along a midline axis (not shown) of the supporting device which in the present case has an overall rectangular shape. A person lying on the support unit has to position himself in such a way that he is lying with his shoulder blade areas at the level of therecesses 3 and his head is supported from behind. Thesupport bridge 4 serving as support surface is preferably made so narrow that, when the arms and shoulders are extended and lowered, it does not impede the free movement of the shoulder blades at least over a limited arm or shoulder path. The limited arm and shoulder path is defined in that a sufficient extension of the chest muscles has to be possible. The proportions of the corresponding sections of the support unit are preferably adapted to the body of a normal person. - The person lying on the supporting device preferably performs a stretching exercise such that, lying on his back, he extends his arms horizontally out to the sides and in doing so turns the palms of the hands upward. Through the inherent weight of the extended arms, these necessarily move, together with the shoulder areas and shoulder blade areas, downward in the area of the
recesses 3 toward a base, as a result of which the transversely running chest muscles lying to the front are stretched. In this way, it is possible to effectively counteract shortening of the chest muscles in a relaxed position and without great effort, by which means injury due to poor posture can be avoided or reduced. - In the embodiment according to
FIG. 2 , the lower and upper end areas of the support unit, as seen in the direction of the body, are rounded as arcs of circles. The function of the support unit does not differ in any way from that explained regardingFIG. 1 .FIGS. 3 a to 3 e show further different forms of support units whose functions each correspond to the functions described with reference toFIG. 1 . The depictions are in each case schematic, so that the proportions do not necessarily correspond to the proportions that actually arise in practice. This applies also to all the supporting devices described in detail farther below. - In the embodiments according to
FIGS. 3 a to 3 e, the lateral recesses in particular are provided with different geometric shapes which can be seen clearly from the drawings and therefore do not have to be explained in detail at this point. - In the embodiment according to
FIG. 4 , the support unit according toFIG. 1 is provided withsupport legs 6 standing on a base. These are designed as rectilinear square profiles in the embodiment according toFIG. 4 . In the embodiment according toFIG. 5 , rigid support legs of curved form with broad floor rests are provided. Thesupport unit 1 according toFIG. 5 corresponds to the support unit according toFIG. 4 . - In the embodiment according to
FIG. 6 , the panel-shaped support unit is held by a fold-upframe 8 designed in the manner of an ironing board frame. The folded-up position of theframe 8 is shown by broken lines. In this way, thesupport unit 1 does not take up space when not in use. - In the embodiment according to
FIG. 7 , thesupport unit 1, so as to be accommodated without taking up space when not in use, is mounted in a corresponding recess of a larger surface, in the present instance in aroom door 9 which is held with the aid ofhinges 10 on aroom wall 11. As soon as thesupport unit 1 is needed, it can be removed from the corresponding recess of theroom door 9 and brought into the supporting position at a suitable place. - To bring it to the supporting position, the
support unit 1 can in particular be placed on one or more support or frame elements. To fix thesupport unit 1 in the recess of theroom door 9, detachable securing means are provided in the area of theroom door 9. - In the embodiment according to
FIGS. 8 and 9 , asupport unit 1 g formed in the shape of a surfboard is additionally used as object part of alighting object 12 by being positioned parallel in front of a standingfluorescent tube arrangement 14. For this purpose, thesupport unit 1 g is provided in its base area withplug connection elements 15 which can be plugged releasably onto corresponding plug connection elements of apedestal 13. Thefluorescent tube arrangement 14 is also anchored firmly in thepedestal 13 in its oblique position. Embodiments not shown here include other types of household or design objects in which a correspondingly adapted support unit is integrated in each case. - In the embodiment according to
FIG. 10 , asupport unit 1 is mounted at its lower end area, by means of ahinge arrangement 17 defining a horizontal pivot axis, on avertical wall 16 such that it can be moved between a folded-away rest position, indicated by broken lines, and a supporting position, indicated by solid lines. For the supporting position, asupport foot arrangement 18 is provided which can be articulated on the underside of thesupport unit 1 or can be added as a separate part to the underside of thesupport unit 1. - In the embodiment according to
FIG. 11 , thesupport unit 1 is integrated in a pull-outcasing 20 of a seat unit and/orcouch unit 19, in the present instance in the form of a sofa bed. Thesupport unit 1 is mounted stably on corresponding frame parts of the pull-outcasing 20 so that, in the pulled out position of the pull-outcasing 20 shown inFIG. 11 , thesupport unit 1 is converted directly to its supporting position. A person can thus lie down with his back on thesupport unit 1 and preferably rest his leg areas on the seat cushion and back cushion of the sofa bed. In embodiments not shown, the support unit is accommodated in a pull-out element in the form of a drawer or the like, the pull-out element being able to be integrated in any desired, suitable mobile or immobile object such as, in particular, an air, sea or land vehicle, in a housing of a machine or a plant, or in other arrangements. - In the embodiment according to
FIG. 12 , thehead support section 5 a, including thecentral support surface 4 a serving as spacer part and located at the level of therecesses 3 h, is designed so as to be detachable from theback support section 2 h. An add-on unit is thus formed. For this purpose, connection elements in the form ofplug connections 21 are used which, in the direction of the arrow, allow thehead support section 5 h to be pushed in in the area of the corresponding end face of theback support section 2 h serving as surface part. - The
support surface 4 h is configured in a panel shape so that, in the plugged-in state, thehead support section 5 h remains positioned at a distance from the twoback support sections 5 h. In this way, therecesses 3 h are formed. - A similar design with an add-on unit is shown in
FIG. 13 . There, only the nature of theplug connection 22 is different. Corresponding arms of theplug connection 22 engage across the top and bottom of the panel shape of the back support section in the manner of a bracket. The upper arm of theplug connection 22 additionally forms thecentral support bridge 4 i for supporting the spinal column of the person's body at the level of the shoulder blade areas. - The embodiment according to
FIG. 14 with an add-on unit is also similar to the embodiments according toFIGS. 12 and 13 . The main difference here is that, for attaching thehead section 5 k including thesupport surface 4 k to theback support section 2 k, theplug connection 23 is additionally assigned securing means 24 in the form of a screw clamp which permits fixing of the assembled state. - In the embodiment according to
FIG. 15 , an item of furniture in the form of atable arrangement 25 is provided. Under a table top of thetable arrangement 25, a hollow space is provided in which twosupport units 1 are accommodated. In the embodiment according toFIG. 15 , the table arrangement thus serves only as storage space for thesupport units 1. In an illustrative embodiment not explicit fromFIG. 15 , the twosupport units 1 are positioned in the manner of pull-out panels linearly displaceably under the upper table top and for converting them to their supporting position can be drawn out from the corresponding storage space and preferably brought to the same level as the table top. With the aid of support means (not shown), at least one of thesupport units 1 is then fixed in this supporting position. The table top thus serves as a support for the leg and buttock areas of a person whose back area and head area is positioned in the area of thesupport unit 1. -
FIGS. 16 and 17 show afurther table arrangement 26 which, like the last-described embodiment, is provided with a pull-outhead support section 27. In its rest position, thehead support section 27 is arranged under a table top of thetable arrangement 25 according toFIG. 16 . To obtain the lateral recesses 3 i at shoulder blade level, thehead support section 27 is moved in a simple manner to the position according toFIG. 17 , aguide bridge section 28 remaining firmly connected to thehead support section 27. Theguide bridge section 28 is responsible for the linear guiding and is mounted in corresponding rails underneath the table top. The guide bridge also has the function of central support surface for supporting the spinal column in the shoulder blade area, its corresponding dimensions being adapted to this function. - In the embodiments according to FIGS. 18 to 20, the
recesses 3 of thesupport unit 1 can be closed off bycover elements recesses 3. In this way, the panel-like support unit can fulfill additional functions, in particular by being able to function as a table top. - In the embodiment according to
FIG. 18 , thecover elements 29 are inserted into the support unit in a simple manner with the aid of plug-in pins. - In the embodiment according to
FIG. 19 , theplug elements 29 a have plug edges which interact with corresponding plug grooves on thesupport unit 1 in the area of the recesses and thus permit horizontal plugging in or pulling out. - In the illustrative embodiment according to
FIG. 20 , thecover elements 29 b remain connected to thesupport unit 1. Thecover elements 29 b are connected to thesupport unit 1 via a hinge arrangement (not shown in detail) about horizontal pivot axes in the area of the bottom of eachrecess 3. By means of securing elements (not shown in detail), thecover elements 29 b can be fixed in the rest position closing therecesses 3. - In the embodiment according to
FIGS. 21 and 22 , atable arrangement 30 is provided which is made up of an elongate table with rectangular table top and of a square table of the same width as the elongate table. The square table is connected permanently via a swivel/slide guide 31 to an adjacent end face of the table top of the elongate table. A slide element is preferably provided at a corresponding corner of the square table and is guided in a slide guide extending along the table top of the elongate table and additionally permits a swivel movement of the square table. - With this configuration, it is possible to use the
table arrangement 30 also as a supporting device. The corresponding supporting position is shown inFIG. 22 . The square table with its table top serves on the one hand as head support section and, on the other hand, in the position turned through 45°, its corner area comprising the slide element acts as a support surface for the spinal column of the person in the shoulder blade area. By turning it through 45°, the desiredrecesses 3 m for the shoulder blade areas are additionally created on both sides of the corner carrying the slide element. The table top of the elongate table, in its area adjacent to the square table, has aback support section 2 m. The slide movement of the square table is indicated by the double arrow S and the combined pivotability is indicated by the double arrow D inFIG. 22 . - In the embodiment according to
FIG. 23 , afurniture arrangement 32 is provided in the form of square tables or stools which are not interconnected. Such tables or stools are known in principle. In the embodiment according toFIG. 23 , however, these are positioned in the form of a supporting device, the last stool or table similar to the design according toFIG. 22 is turned through 45° and has a corner joined to the adjacent stool or table. All the tables or stools have the same height. In this way, the edge table or stool forms thehead support section 5 n including thesupport surface 4 n for the spinal column, and the adjacent stool or table forms theback support section 2 n. - In the embodiment according to
FIGS. 24 and 25 , a mobile item of furniture is provided, in the present instance in the form of an office chair, having a backrest which serves assupport unit 1. The backrest can be lowered into a horizontal supporting position according toFIG. 25 . Thehinge arrangement 36 serves for this purpose. To permit secure holding of thesupport unit 1 in the supporting position, supportlegs 34 are provided which, in the present embodiment, are mounted so that they can be folded into and out of the backrest. It is also possible to provide separate support elements for holding thesupport unit 1 in its supporting position. - In the embodiment according to
FIGS. 26 and 27 , atable arrangement 37 is provided which is additionally provided with asupport unit 1 articulated on an outer edge of a table top of thetable arrangement 37 by means of ahinge arrangement 38. In this way, thesupport arrangement 37 can serve as supporting device as soon as thesupport unit 1 is pivoted upward into its horizontal supporting position in the direction of the arrow. In its horizontal supporting position, thesupport unit 1 is secured by at least onecorresponding support element 39. - All the embodiments described above are shown only schematically. Dimensions and proportions of individual parts or sections in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to practical configurations. The corresponding support sections, support units or supporting devices can thus also have padded, unpadded, not flat, but curved or orthopedically shaped surfaces. The invention is therefore not limited to the described illustrative embodiments and instead also encompasses other designs obvious to a skilled person.
Claims (10)
1. A supporting device for a person's back and head area, with a back support section and with a head support section, characterized in that, in a supporting position, a partial area of the back support section (2 to 2 n) has, at the level of shoulder blade areas of the back area, a support surface (4 to 4 n) in a spinal column area and, on both sides of the support surface (4 to 4 n), open areas (3 to 3 n) which are configured in such a way that the shoulder blade areas can move downward past the support surface.
2. The supporting device as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the head support section (5 to 5 n) and the back support section (2 to 2 n) are separate structural parts which can be fitted to each other for the supporting position, forming the open areas (3 to 3 n).
3. The supporting device as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the open areas are formed by laterally open recesses (3 to 3 n) of the back support section (3 to 3 n).
4. The supporting device as claimed in claim 3 , characterized in that the recesses (3) can be closed by detachably or movably arranged cover elements (29 to 29 b).
5. The supporting device as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the back support section (2) and the head support section (5) are integrated in a rigid support unit (1).
6. The supporting device as claimed in claim 5 , characterized in that the rigid support unit (1) is arranged to be movable between an in particular vertical rest position and an in particular horizontal supporting position.
7. The supporting device as claimed in claim 6 , characterized in that the head support section and the back support section are mounted relative to one another so as to be able to be moved between the rest position and the supporting position by guide means (21, 22, 23, 28, 31).
8. A home or workplace furniture item or leisure item, characterized in that a supporting device as claimed in claim 1 is provided.
9. The home or workplace furniture item or leisure item as claimed in claim 8 , configured as a seat and/or couch.
10. An add-on unit with a head support section and a spacer part and with at least one connection element for securing the add-on unit to a surface part, the spacer part being configured as a support surface for a spinal column area, and the securing being done such that the surface part as back support section serves for the overall creation of a supporting device as claimed in claim 1.
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US12/931,362 US8298126B2 (en) | 2002-07-02 | 2011-01-31 | Supporting device for a person's back and head area |
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Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110136635A1 (en) * | 2002-07-02 | 2011-06-09 | Joachim Berc | Supporting device for a person's back and head area |
US20160096062A1 (en) * | 2014-10-02 | 2016-04-07 | Michele Moerth-Cross | Exercise and massage treatment table system |
US10737134B2 (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2020-08-11 | Prx Performance, Llc | Wall-Mounted Collapsible Exercise System |
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US11160397B2 (en) * | 2019-04-24 | 2021-11-02 | Melissa Louise Zurek | Orthopedic cushion |
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Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110136635A1 (en) * | 2002-07-02 | 2011-06-09 | Joachim Berc | Supporting device for a person's back and head area |
US8298126B2 (en) | 2002-07-02 | 2012-10-30 | Joachim Berc | Supporting device for a person's back and head area |
US20160096062A1 (en) * | 2014-10-02 | 2016-04-07 | Michele Moerth-Cross | Exercise and massage treatment table system |
US9675510B2 (en) * | 2014-10-02 | 2017-06-13 | Michele Moerth-Cross | Exercise and massage treatment table system |
US10737134B2 (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2020-08-11 | Prx Performance, Llc | Wall-Mounted Collapsible Exercise System |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2491229C (en) | 2013-08-13 |
EP1378268A1 (en) | 2004-01-07 |
KR101033957B1 (en) | 2011-05-11 |
ATE319508T1 (en) | 2006-03-15 |
WO2004004843A1 (en) | 2004-01-15 |
CN100349633C (en) | 2007-11-21 |
KR20110008346A (en) | 2011-01-26 |
US20090270236A1 (en) | 2009-10-29 |
US8298126B2 (en) | 2012-10-30 |
US20110136635A1 (en) | 2011-06-09 |
ES2261622T3 (en) | 2006-11-16 |
KR20050033564A (en) | 2005-04-12 |
AU2003246425A1 (en) | 2004-01-23 |
EP1378268B1 (en) | 2006-03-08 |
HK1081134A1 (en) | 2006-05-12 |
JP4287371B2 (en) | 2009-07-01 |
DE50206012D1 (en) | 2006-05-04 |
CA2491229A1 (en) | 2004-01-15 |
CN1665568A (en) | 2005-09-07 |
JP2005531375A (en) | 2005-10-20 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |