WO2008155642A1 - Adjustable furniture - Google Patents
Adjustable furniture Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2008155642A1 WO2008155642A1 PCT/IB2008/001611 IB2008001611W WO2008155642A1 WO 2008155642 A1 WO2008155642 A1 WO 2008155642A1 IB 2008001611 W IB2008001611 W IB 2008001611W WO 2008155642 A1 WO2008155642 A1 WO 2008155642A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- adjustable
- furniture
- furniture according
- positions
- previous
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B9/00—Tables with tops of variable height
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B21/00—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
- A47B21/02—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards with vertical adjustable parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C19/00—Bedsteads
- A47C19/04—Extensible bedsteads, e.g. with adjustment of length, width, height
- A47C19/045—Extensible bedsteads, e.g. with adjustment of length, width, height with entire frame height or inclination adjustments
Definitions
- This invention relates to a height-adjustable furniture having one or more adjusting mechanisms for adjusting parts of the furniture, e.g. table tops, seats, bed boards and the like, in a number of height and/or tilt positions.
- the users' options to modify the settings of the furniture are not utilized to their full potential, because the user typically settles for e.g. standing or sitting at a table or on a chair, and typically changes would not be undertaken or at a maximum one or two times during one working day.
- the useful effect of the adjustable furniture would therefore fail to appear, and accordingly the user still risks being harmed due to extended hours (monotonous repetitive work) in the same posture.
- US 5,224,429 describes a height-adjustable table, or workstation, wherein adjustments are handled by drive motors being controlled by a controller, such as a microprocessor.
- a user entering parameters for a number of desired height locations can program the controller. Moreover, making a sequence of the programmed locations is a user-dependent rather than user-independent process because each sequence step requires confirmation by the user before execution.
- adjustable furniture of the kind described above have their adjusting mechanisms arranged to be able to bring the furniture into optional positions through user-independent control of the mechanisms.
- the changes are minor and happen very slowly and preferably unnoticed by the user.
- the user-independent control of the adjusting mechanisms can be undertaken in sev- eral principally different ways: especially, but not exhaustively, positions taken in a random sequence, positions chosen from a selection of positions being previously accepted by the user as desired positions, and a fixed sequence of positions. Moreover, it would be possible to vary a parameter covering the duration of each position and the changeover time. Similarly, the tilt angle and the deflection of the adjustable parts could be varied from time to time. If a user-independent change of position proves inappropriate in a certain work situation, use could be made of a built-in actuation mechanism according to the invention, whereby the user can take over control of his/her furniture in order to halt its changeover or switch to a subsequent position.
- the control unit could preferably be comprised by a control circuit with an actuator, e.g. a servomotor, to drive the adjusting mechanisms.
- an actuator e.g. a servomotor
- the control unit according to the invention could comprise a computerized control, wherein a pre-entered program manages switching between the different positions of the furniture. Furthermore, the control unit according to the invention could include a sensor evaluating whether the furniture is in use and can, in the affirmative, keep the switching program active. Alternatively, the control unit could be activated and deactivated by the user by means of a time switch.
- the invention could include a warning mechanism, which is activated and issues a signal (sound, light, vibrations or the like) in advance of any position change.
- control unit could be applied to new furniture as well as furniture in use, wherein the current drive mechanisms could optionally be reused wholly or in part.
- Fig. 1 shows an adjustable table according to the invention
- Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a control circuit for a position-adjustable table according to the invention.
- Fig. 1 shows a table 1 comprising two tabletops S 1 and S 2 being connected via a frame 3 to a foot 2, supported on a substrate.
- the tabletop S 1 can be moved up and down by activating a cylinder/piston unit 4.
- the tabletop S 2 can be moved up and down by a cylinder/piston unit 7 and moreover be pivoted/tilted around a pivot point 9 by being activated by a cylinder/piston unit 6.
- the cylinder/piston units 4, 6, 7 are being activated by a control unit 5, resulting in the settings of the tabletops being amended.
- each of the cylinder/piston units could be managed by a set of data, which is supplied to the control unit 5 in the form of a computer program.
- a sensor 10 is provided on the table 1 and serves the purpose of informing the controller unit 5 if a user uses the table 1. If a user is not present, the controller 5 assumes a standby position.
Landscapes
- Special Chairs (AREA)
Abstract
Adjustable furniture with one or more adjusting mechanisms (4, 6, 7) to position the furniture (1) in a number of height and/or tilt positions. The adjusting mechanisms (4, 6, 7) are adapted to bring the furniture (1) into optional positions by means of a user- independent control unit (5) for the mechanisms (4, 6, 7).
Description
ADJUSTABLE FURNITURE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a height-adjustable furniture having one or more adjusting mechanisms for adjusting parts of the furniture, e.g. table tops, seats, bed boards and the like, in a number of height and/or tilt positions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Development of adjustable furniture has in recent many years been concentrated on provision of adjusting mechanisms making it easy to switch position of the furniture e.g. a table, a chair or a bed. In such a manner, problems resulting from maintaining a body position over longer time are avoided. Much is done and much is invested in order that personnel do not sustain permanent harm to the musculoskeletal system resulting from inappropriate working postures. In the industry, regular evaluation (Workplace Risk Assessment) is performed regarding the workplaces, and often inspections are performed by ergo therapists and physiotherapists, who go over the layout of each individual workplace. The employees themselves are also aware that their posture during working hours is important.
Accordingly, many such constructions are known, whereby it is possible to adjust the height as well as the tilt of e.g. a table with one or more tabletops, and equally well for the seat, the backrest and the armrest of a chair. Other examples are beds in hospitals and in private use, whereby the bed should support a number of different sitting and horizontal positions, preferably without too much physical work for the employees or relatives.
For the well-known devices adjustments are made, whereby the user activates the adjustment mechanisms, which could be designed in countless ways and be operated in a purely mechanic way or by means of small servomotors.
Moreover, it is generally known to adjust furniture to individually adapted positions, which the user can switch between, e.g. by keying in personal codes in the adjusting
mechanisms. This is especially applied to the automobile industry in order to switch between different positions of seats, etc.
However, the users' options to modify the settings of the furniture are not utilized to their full potential, because the user typically settles for e.g. standing or sitting at a table or on a chair, and typically changes would not be undertaken or at a maximum one or two times during one working day. The useful effect of the adjustable furniture would therefore fail to appear, and accordingly the user still risks being harmed due to extended hours (monotonous repetitive work) in the same posture.
US 5,224,429 describes a height-adjustable table, or workstation, wherein adjustments are handled by drive motors being controlled by a controller, such as a microprocessor.
A user entering parameters for a number of desired height locations can program the controller. Moreover, making a sequence of the programmed locations is a user-dependent rather than user-independent process because each sequence step requires confirmation by the user before execution.
However, problems related to lack of posture changes are solved according to the invention as adjustable furniture of the kind described above have their adjusting mechanisms arranged to be able to bring the furniture into optional positions through user-independent control of the mechanisms. The changes are minor and happen very slowly and preferably unnoticed by the user.
The initiative to modify position is now moved from the user to the user-independent control of the mechanisms, and accordingly changes are automatically taking place.
The user-independent control of the adjusting mechanisms can be undertaken in sev- eral principally different ways: especially, but not exhaustively, positions taken in a random sequence, positions chosen from a selection of positions being previously accepted by the user as desired positions, and a fixed sequence of positions. Moreover, it would be possible to vary a parameter covering the duration of each position and the changeover time. Similarly, the tilt angle and the deflection of the adjustable parts could be varied from time to time.
If a user-independent change of position proves inappropriate in a certain work situation, use could be made of a built-in actuation mechanism according to the invention, whereby the user can take over control of his/her furniture in order to halt its changeover or switch to a subsequent position.
The control unit could preferably be comprised by a control circuit with an actuator, e.g. a servomotor, to drive the adjusting mechanisms.
The control unit according to the invention could comprise a computerized control, wherein a pre-entered program manages switching between the different positions of the furniture. Furthermore, the control unit according to the invention could include a sensor evaluating whether the furniture is in use and can, in the affirmative, keep the switching program active. Alternatively, the control unit could be activated and deactivated by the user by means of a time switch.
In order to effectively counteract RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) it is important to frequently change positions and thereby also the muscles used by the user in each position. This is obtained by even small changes (a few centimeters at a time) - and is almost not recognized by the user.
Furthermore, the invention could include a warning mechanism, which is activated and issues a signal (sound, light, vibrations or the like) in advance of any position change.
The control unit could be applied to new furniture as well as furniture in use, wherein the current drive mechanisms could optionally be reused wholly or in part.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the invention will hereafter be explained in details and with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein
Fig. 1 shows an adjustable table according to the invention, and Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a control circuit for a position-adjustable table according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1 shows a table 1 comprising two tabletops S1 and S2 being connected via a frame 3 to a foot 2, supported on a substrate.
The tabletop S1 can be moved up and down by activating a cylinder/piston unit 4. The tabletop S2 can be moved up and down by a cylinder/piston unit 7 and moreover be pivoted/tilted around a pivot point 9 by being activated by a cylinder/piston unit 6.
The cylinder/piston units 4, 6, 7 are being activated by a control unit 5, resulting in the settings of the tabletops being amended.
As shown diagrammatically in Fig. 2, each of the cylinder/piston units could be managed by a set of data, which is supplied to the control unit 5 in the form of a computer program.
Furthermore, referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a sensor 10 is provided on the table 1 and serves the purpose of informing the controller unit 5 if a user uses the table 1. If a user is not present, the controller 5 assumes a standby position.
Claims
1. Adjustable furniture with one or more adjusting mechanisms (4, 6, 7) to position the furniture (1) in a number of height and/or tilt positions, characterized by the adjusting mechanisms (4, 6, 7) being adapted to bring the furniture (1 ) into optional positions by means of a user-independent control unit (5) for the mechanisms (4, 6, 7).
2. Adjustable furniture according to claim 1 , characterized by the adjusting mechanisms (4, 6, 7) being managed to adopt the positions in a defined sequence.
3. Adjustable furniture according to claim 1 , characterized by the adjusting mechanisms (4, 6, 7) being managed to adopt the positions in a random se- quence.
4. Adjustable furniture according to one of claims 1-3, characterized by the adjusting mechanisms (4, 6, 7) being managed to switch positions with a fixed frequency.
5. Adjustable furniture according to one of claims 1-3, characterized by the control unit (5) switching positions with a shifting frequency.
6. Adjustable furniture according to one of the previous claims, characterized by the control unit (5) comprising a control circuit including an actuator, e.g. a servomotor.
7. Adjustable furniture according to one of the previous claims, characterized by the control unit (5) comprising a computer management system capable of switching positions of the furniture by means of a computer program.
8. Adjustable furniture according to claim 7, characterized by the control unit (5) in addition to the computer management system also comprising a sensor (10) evaluating if the furniture is in use, and, in the affirmative, keeping the switch- ing program active.
9. Adjustable furniture according to one of the previous claims, characterized by the actuation mechanism allowing the user to manually overrule the control unit (5) to either halt the switching operation or step up the switching operation.
10. Adjustable furniture according to one of the previous claims, characterized by including a warning mechanism that is activated and issues a signal (sound, light, vibrations or the like) in advance of each position change.
11. Adjustable furniture according to one of the previous claims, characterized by the speed of the position changes being adjustable.
12. Adjustable furniture according to one of the previous claims, characterized by the furniture being a working table having one or more adjustable working surfaces (S1, S2).
13. Adjustable furniture according to one of the claims 1-11 , characterized by the furniture being a chair with an adjustable seat and/or backrest.
14. Adjustable furniture according to one of the claims 1-11 , characterized by the furniture being a bed with an adjustable mattress support.
15. Adjusting unit comprising one or more adjusting mechanisms according to one of the previous claims, characterized by being designed as a retrofit unit, which can optionally be coupled to existing drive mechanisms.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP08762928A EP2157883A1 (en) | 2007-06-19 | 2008-06-19 | Adjustable furniture |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DKPA200700879 | 2007-06-19 | ||
DKPA200700879 | 2007-06-19 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2008155642A1 true WO2008155642A1 (en) | 2008-12-24 |
Family
ID=39831678
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/IB2008/001611 WO2008155642A1 (en) | 2007-06-19 | 2008-06-19 | Adjustable furniture |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2157883A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008155642A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2625983A1 (en) * | 2012-02-07 | 2013-08-14 | KIH-utveckling AB | Workplace with integrated interface for identification of a user |
CN104274290A (en) * | 2014-10-28 | 2015-01-14 | 高俊芳 | Multifunctional automatic control platform device for medical treatment and life of child patient |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19604329A1 (en) * | 1996-02-07 | 1997-08-14 | Mauser Office Gmbh | Height adjustable table esp office work table |
EP0922410A2 (en) * | 1997-12-10 | 1999-06-16 | Svenska Kenab Karlshamns Ergonomi AB | Method and device for controlling an adjustable table |
US5940911A (en) * | 1997-11-10 | 1999-08-24 | Wang; Yi-Lung | Multi-functional bed structure |
DE29917299U1 (en) * | 1999-10-01 | 1999-12-16 | Himolla Polstermoebel Werk | Sitting / reclining furniture |
-
2008
- 2008-06-19 WO PCT/IB2008/001611 patent/WO2008155642A1/en active Application Filing
- 2008-06-19 EP EP08762928A patent/EP2157883A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19604329A1 (en) * | 1996-02-07 | 1997-08-14 | Mauser Office Gmbh | Height adjustable table esp office work table |
US5940911A (en) * | 1997-11-10 | 1999-08-24 | Wang; Yi-Lung | Multi-functional bed structure |
EP0922410A2 (en) * | 1997-12-10 | 1999-06-16 | Svenska Kenab Karlshamns Ergonomi AB | Method and device for controlling an adjustable table |
DE29917299U1 (en) * | 1999-10-01 | 1999-12-16 | Himolla Polstermoebel Werk | Sitting / reclining furniture |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2625983A1 (en) * | 2012-02-07 | 2013-08-14 | KIH-utveckling AB | Workplace with integrated interface for identification of a user |
CN104274290A (en) * | 2014-10-28 | 2015-01-14 | 高俊芳 | Multifunctional automatic control platform device for medical treatment and life of child patient |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2157883A1 (en) | 2010-03-03 |
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