US20090212609A1

US20090212609A1 - Vehicle Seat

Info

Publication number: US20090212609A1
Application number: US11/918,061
Authority: US
Inventors: Markus Mattedi; Hannes Weberbauer; Maik Ziegler
Original assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
Current assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
Priority date: 2005-04-09
Filing date: 2006-04-06
Publication date: 2009-08-27
Also published as: CN101155715A; WO2006108551A2; KR20070118684A; WO2006108551A3; EP1868841A2; JP2008536551A; BRPI0609732A2; DE102005016390B4; DE102005016390A1

Abstract

A vehicle seat has a seat surface and a backrest. At least one training apparatus for training at least one muscle area of the torso and/or of the arms of a person using the vehicle seat is integrated into the backrest.

Description

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a vehicle seat with a seat surface and a backrest.
Very different embodiments of vehicle seats are known from the general prior art. Although many manufacturers have developed a very wide variety of concepts in order to develop seats which protect the back or the spinal column, the problem still remains that prolonged sitting in a vehicle seat of this type can have a considerable adverse effect on the health of the person using the seat. This applies in particular to seats for commercial vehicles, in which the users spend considerable amounts of time.
German document DE 297 14 633 U1 discloses a mobile training apparatus for the human body for use in a motor vehicle or on other seats, which training apparatus is equipped with a plurality of devices for carrying out different body exercises.
However, the disadvantage of this known apparatus is that, in principle, the seat pad would have to be adapted to the contour of each individual seat, since the pad cannot be connected to the seat in such a manner that a movement of the seat pad in relation to the seat is prevented. This results in the exercises to be carried out by the user not being able to be carried out correctly, and there may hence also be a risk of injury. Furthermore, it is very highly complicated to fasten the training apparatus to the particular seat. In addition, the pad described there requires additional space, specifically both as far as the transportation of the same when not in use is concerned and also in the state in which the seat pad is fitted on the seat, since it takes up a not inconsiderable amount of space in the interior of the vehicle. If, however, this space on the vehicle seat is to be saved, a high degree of seating comfort is lost.
European document EP 1 304 144 A1 describes a training apparatus which is used for a seat in an aircraft in order to prevent thrombosis. In this case, a user uses his legs to press a footrest downward counter to the force of a spring.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a vehicle seat which, firstly, can be used as a high-quality seat and which, secondly, is capable of countering the health problems caused by seats of this type.
According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features claimed.
The training apparatus which, according to the invention, is integrated into the backrest results in diverse possibilities for the person using the vehicle seat to train various muscle areas of the arms and/or of the torso, and therefore, during breaks in the journey, specific training can be carried out which counteracts the widespread back pain caused by frequent and prolonged sitting. The possible use of already existing components and functions of the vehicle seat thereby results in a space-saving, weight and cost-optimized design of the seat, in which the risk emanating from loose parts during the driving mode is prevented and a simple and secure fixing of the respective training apparatus is ensured by the integration thereof into the backrest.
In addition, it is possible, by means of this integration according to the invention of the at least one training apparatus into the backrest of the vehicle seat, to use the structure of the vehicle seat to absorb the forces occurring during the various training exercises. Furthermore, the use of the existing components of the vehicle seat ensures that the user has a sitting posture which does not give any cause for complaint from orthopedic aspects.
In order to carry out training of the muscular system of the back or stomach, in an advantageous development of the invention, the at least one training apparatus can be formed so that the backrest can be pivoted in relation to the seat surface about an essentially horizontal axis counter to a device applying a resistance by the person using the vehicle seat. In order to be able to use the backrest for the two abovementioned groups of muscles, it merely has to be ensured that the action of the device applying the resistance can be reversed. Of course, a use of one of these functions only for the muscular system of the back or only for the muscular system of the stomach is also possible.
Training of the muscular system of the chest and back is possible if the at least one training apparatus has two mutually opposite bars which can be pivoted in relation to the backrest about respective essentially vertical axes counter to a device applying a resistance by the person using the vehicle seat. These bars can also be used for both groups of muscles, i.e. for the muscular system of the chest and/or the back, if the action of the device applying the resistance is reversed.
In a further advantageous refinement of the invention, if the at least one training apparatus has a rod which is to be pulled downward or is to be pushed upward counter to a device applying a resistance by the person using the vehicle seat, then, by this means, exercise of the latissimus dorsi is possible when pulling it downward and exercise of the shoulder or triceps is possible when pushing it upward.
Furthermore, the at least one training apparatus can have at least one armrest which can be pivoted in relation to the backrest about an essentially horizontal axis counter to a device applying a resistance by the person using the vehicle seat. A training apparatus of this type makes it possible to train the biceps in the exercise in which the resistance is opposed to bending of the arm, and to train the triceps in the exercise in which the resistance is opposed to stretching of the arm.
In order to train the front and rear muscular system of the forearm, the at least one training apparatus can have at least one hand rest which can be pivoted in relation to an armrest about an essentially horizontal axis counter to a device applying a resistance by the person using the vehicle seat. Training of both groups of muscles is also possible here if the action of the device applying the resistance is reversed.
The above-described exercise for training the muscular system of the chest or back can also be achieved if the at least one training apparatus is integrated into a head restraint fitted on the backrest, with the at least one training apparatus having two mutually opposite bars which can be pivoted in relation to the head restraint about respective essentially vertical axes counter to a device applying a resistance by the person using the vehicle seat.
The object is alternatively achieved by other claimed features.
A seat surface which is displaceable counter to a resistance permits training of the muscular system of the legs if the seat surface is pushed away from a fixed object in the interior of the vehicle, and a training of the muscular system of the shoulder and chest and of the latissimus dorsi if the seat surface has to be pulled counter to a resistance in the direction of the fixed object.
The object is furthermore alternatively achieved by other claimed features.
By means of a leg rest, which can be pivoted in relation to the seat surface about an essentially horizontal axis, the muscular system of the upper or lower thigh can be trained, depending on the direction in which the device applying the resistance acts.
The object is furthermore alternatively achieved by yet other claimed features.
A training apparatus in the form of a “stepper” contributes both to the training of the muscular system of the legs and also to improving the general physical fitness.
Finally, the object is furthermore achieved by still further claimed features.
The muscular system of the legs and the general physical fitness can also be improved by a training apparatus of this type in the manner of a training bicycle.
All of the solutions have the advantages already mentioned above of the possible use of already existing components and functions of the vehicle seat and the simple integration into the same, as a result of which the forces occurring during the training exercises can be absorbed by the structure of the vehicle seat.
Further advantageous refinements and developments of the invention are also claimed. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated schematically below with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle seat according to the invention with a plurality of embodiments of training apparatuses integrated into the backrest of the same;

FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of the vehicle seat according to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the vehicle seat in which a training apparatus is fitted on the seat surface; and

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the vehicle seat in which a training apparatus is fitted on the seat surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows, in a perspective illustration, a vehicle seat 1 which has a seat surface 2 and a backrest 3. The vehicle seat 1 is preferably used in a truck or a passenger vehicle and can be designed as a driver's seat, as a front passenger seat or as a seat for a rear passenger.
In addition to the customary features of a seat, such as, for example, a head restraint 4 fitted on the backrest 3, the vehicle seat 1 very generally has at least one training apparatus for training at least one muscle area of the torso, of the legs and/or of the arms of a person (not illustrated) using the vehicle seat 1. FIG. 1 merely illustrates those training apparatuses with which the user can train the muscular system of his torso and/or arms.
All of the training apparatuses explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 1 are integrated into the backrest 3. Of course, it is nevertheless possible to remove the training apparatuses individually if there is no need for certain training apparatuses. Furthermore, it is pointed out that the embodiments described below of the vehicle seat 1 sometimes have a plurality of training apparatuses and that these can be used in any desired combination. In particular, it is also possible to equip the vehicle seat 1 with just one of the training apparatuses. This also applies to the embodiments of the same which are illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 and described further on. Furthermore, any desired combinations of the training apparatuses illustrated in the individual figures are also possible if they are not ruled out in respect of the space which they require.
A first embodiment of a training apparatus is formed in that the backrest 3 can be pivoted in relation to the seat surface 2 about an essentially horizontal axis 5 counter to a device (not illustrated) applying a resistance by the user in accordance with the arrow denoted “A”. The device, which is not illustrated in any of the embodiments of the training apparatus and applies the resistance counter to the force of the user, can have at least one hydraulic cylinder, at least one pneumatic cylinder, at least one stack of weight plates, at least one compression spring, at least one tension spring, at least one expander, or similar suitable elements, in the respectively suitable number. It is preferred, for all of the training apparatuses described below, to use such devices, the resistance of which can be adjusted, and therefore an expenditure of force which can be matched to the particular user can be achieved, since it is thereby possible to carry out individual training. For example, use can be made of pneumatic cylinders, the resetting force of which can be adjusted.
When, in the present case, the backrest 3 is pressed to the rear about the axis 5 counter to the resistance, the stretching muscular system of the back can be trained. If, by switching over the device for applying the resistance, the resistance acts in the opposite direction, then the muscular system of the stomach can be trained by pivoting the backrest 3 forward about the axis 5. For this purpose, in the present case, a strap 5 a can be provided on the front side of the backrest 3 and be closed around the user's rib cage or stomach. For this purpose, use may also be made of a seatbelt (not shown) which is integrated into the vehicle seat 1 if it is designed in a manner such that it can be blocked in its position bearing against the user's body.
A further training apparatus is provided by two mutually opposite bars 7 which can be pivoted in relation to the head restraint 4 about respective essentially vertical axes 6 counter to a device applying a resistance by the user, in accordance with the arrow “B” are provided on the head restraint 4. If the bars 7 are pushed inward counter to the resistance, this leads to training of the muscular system of the user's chest, whereas the muscular system of the back can be trained by the bars 7 being pushed outward counter to the resistance. Again, for this purpose, a reversal of the direction of action of the device for applying the resistance is required. Rather than be fitted on the head restraint 4, the bars 7 could also be fitted on the backrest 3 and could be pivoted in relation to the same. In both cases, it is possible to integrate the device (also not illustrated here) applying the resistance counter to the expenditure of force of the user into the backrest 3 or into the head restraint 4.
In the present case, a further training apparatus is integrated into the backrest 3 of the vehicle seat 1, which training apparatus has a rod 8 which runs essentially in the horizontal direction and has to be pulled downward by the user in the direction of the arrows “C” counter to the resistance in order to train the latissimus dorsi, whereas the triceps and the muscular system of the shoulders can be trained when the rod 8 is pushed upward counter to the resistance. A “biceps curl” is also possible if the user stands behind the vehicle seat 1
A further training apparatus is formed in that two armrests 9 which are fitted on both sides of the backrest 3 can be pivoted about the arrows denoted by “D” in relation to the backrest 3 about respective essentially horizontal axes 10 counter to a device applying a resistance. If, in this case, the resistance acts against the armrests 9 being swung upward then the biceps muscle can be trained. The triceps muscle can be trained in that that device applying the resistance acts counter to the armrests 9 being swung downward.
In the present case, respective hand rests 11 are fitted to the armrests 9, said hand rests, like the armrests 9, being able to be pivoted about essentially horizontal axes 12 in relation to the armrests 9 in accordance with the arrows denoted by “E”, wherein, in the case in which the resistance acts upward counter to a movement of the hand rests 11, the front muscular system of the forearm is trained, and, in the case that the resistance acts downward counter to a movement of the hand rests 11, the rear muscular system of the forearm is trained. Respective supporting loops 11 a are provided on the armrests 9 to hold the user's forearm. In the case of this training apparatus, an adjustable movement stop for the hand rests 11 both in the upward direction and in the downward direction can be provided. If appropriate, the hand rests 11 may furthermore be adjustable in the longitudinal direction in order to permit adaptation to different arm lengths of users.
The device applying the resistance can be used for one training apparatus, for more than one training apparatus or, given a suitable construction, also for all of the training apparatuses. However, it is also possible to use, for each training apparatus, a separate device applying the resistance.
FIG. 2 illustrates a number of possibilities as to how training apparatuses for training various muscle areas of the person using the vehicle seat 1 can be integrated into the seat surface 2. First of all, it is possible to displace the seat surface 2 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in which the vehicle seat 1 is fitted on a pair of rails 13, which are fixed on the vehicle, to be precise likewise counter to a device (again not illustrated) applying a resistance counter to said movement. If the resistance acts against a movement of the seat surface 2 to the rear, then, if the user is supported with his legs or feet on a suitable surface, the muscular system for leg stretching and the posterior can be trained. A suitable surface can be formed, for example, by a vehicle window breast or a dashboard. By contrast, in the case in which the resistance is directed against a movement of the seat surface 2 forward, a training apparatus in the manner of a rowing apparatus is provided if the user pulls forward on a handle (not illustrated) which, in turn, can be fitted on the vehicle window breast or on the dashboard. For this purpose, the handle may optionally also be pulled out of the dashboard.
Furthermore, a leg rest 14 is fitted on the seat surface 2 and can be pivoted in relation to the seat surface 2 about an essentially horizontal axis 15 counter to a resistance in accordance with the arrow “F”, as a result of which the muscular system of the legs is trained. In this case, the muscular system for leg bending and the posterior can be trained by pressing the leg rest 14 downward whereas training of the muscular system for leg stretching is made possible if the resistance acts counter to the leg rest 14 being pulled upward. This pulling of the leg rest 14 upward by the user's legs can be made possible by respective loops 16 on the leg rest 14.
Also in the case of the training apparatuses illustrated in FIG. 2, the device applying the resistance can have at least one hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, a compression spring, tension spring, an expander or the like and, if appropriate, can be effective for all of the training apparatuses.
A further embodiment of a training apparatus which can be fitted on the seat surface 2 of the vehicle seat 1 is illustrated in FIG. 3. This training apparatus has two pedals 17 which are to be actuated by the person using the vehicle seat 1 by pushing in the direction of the arrows denoted by “G” counter to a device applying a resistance. The pedals 17 can be coupled to each other in terms of movement and are pushed downward counter to the movement resistance in an alternating manner about a horizontal axis (not denoted specifically), as a result of which the muscular system of the user's legs is trained. The two pedals 17 are fitted on the seat surface 2 of the vehicle seat 1 by means of a connecting rod 18. The device applying the resistance can again have at least one hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, a compression spring, tension spring, an expander or the like.
FIG. 4 shows a similar embodiment of the. training apparatus fitted on the vehicle seat 1. This training apparatus has two pedals 19 which can be rotated by the user counter to the resistance, are likewise fitted on the seat surface 2 by means of a connecting rod 20 and are rotated about a horizontal axis in the manner of a bicycle. In this case, in particular an eddy current brake can be provided as the device applying the resistance.
All of the training apparatuses illustrated and described can be locked in certain final positions and/or provided with suitable damping stops. Furthermore, the training apparatuses can be designed in such a manner that they can be adapted to different heights.

Claims

1-16. (canceled)

17. A vehicle seat comprising:

a seat surface,

a backrest, and

at least one training apparatus for training at least one muscle area of the torso of a person using the vehicle seat, at least one muscle area of arms of the person, or muscle areas of both the torso and the arms of the person that is integrated into the backrest.

18. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 17, wherein the at least one training apparatus is formed so that the backrest can be pivoted in relation to the seat surface about an essentially horizontal axis, counter to a device applying a resistance, by the person using the vehicle seat.

19. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 17, wherein the at least one training apparatus has two mutually opposite bars which can be pivoted in relation to the backrest about respective essentially vertical axes, counter to a device applying a resistance, by the person using the vehicle seat.

20. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 17, wherein the at least one training apparatus has a rod which is to be pulled downward or is to be pushed upward, counter to a device applying a resistance, by the person using the vehicle seat.

21. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 17, wherein the at least one training apparatus has at least one armrest that can be pivoted in relation to the backrest about an essentially horizontal axis, counter to a device applying a resistance, by the person using the vehicle seat.

22. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 17, wherein the at least one training apparatus has at least one hand rest that can be pivoted in relation to an armrest about an essentially horizontal axis, counter to a device applying a resistance, by the person using the vehicle seat.

23. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 17, wherein the at least one training apparatus is integrated into a head restraint fitted on the backrest.

24. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 23, wherein the at least one training apparatus has two mutually opposite bars that can be pivoted in relation to the head restraint about respective essentially vertical axes counter to a device applying a resistance by the person using the vehicle seat.

25. A vehicle seat comprising:

a seat surface, and

a backrest,

wherein the seat surface is arranged on rails, which are fixed on the vehicle, so that the seat surface can be displaced in a longitudinal direction, counter to a device applying a resistance, by a person using the vehicle seat.

26. A vehicle seat comprising:

a seat surface,

a backrest, and

a leg rest that can be pivoted in relation to the seat surface about an essentially horizontal axis, counter to a device applying a resistance, by a person using the vehicle seat fitted on the seat surface.

27. A vehicle seat comprising:

a seat surface,

a backrest, and

two pedals that are to be pushed, counter to a device applying a resistance, by a person using the vehicle seat fitted on the seat surface.

28. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 18, wherein the device applying the resistance has at least one of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a stack of weight plates, a compression spring, a tension spring, and an expander.

29. A vehicle seat comprising:

a seat surface,

a backrest, and

two pedals that can be rotated, counter to a device applying a resistance, by a person using the vehicle seat fitted on the seat surface.

30. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 17, wherein the vehicle seat is designed as a front passenger seat of a truck or passenger vehicle.

31. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 17, wherein the vehicle seat is designed as a driver's seat of a truck or passenger vehicle.

32. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 17, wherein the vehicle seat is designed as a rear passenger seat of a truck or passenger vehicle.

33. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 25, wherein the device applying the resistance has at least one of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a stack of weight plates, a compression spring, a tension spring, and an expander.

34. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 26, wherein the device applying the resistance has at least one of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a stack of weight plates, a compression spring, a tension spring, and an expander.

35. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 27, wherein the device applying the resistance has at least one of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a stack of weight plates, a compression spring, a tension spring, and an expander.

36. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 25, wherein the vehicle seat is designed as a front passenger seat of a truck or passenger vehicle.