WO2011003215A2

WO2011003215A2 - Seat having body support function

Info

Publication number: WO2011003215A2
Application number: PCT/CH2010/000171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Del Curto
Original assignee: Marco Del Curto
Priority date: 2009-07-07
Filing date: 2010-07-02
Publication date: 2011-01-13
Also published as: EP2451318B1; CH701410A2; WO2011003215A3; EP2451318A2; ES2543466T3

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat (1) comprising a support (3) in addition to a seat surface (2), which for example is tilted forward. The weight of the upper body (5) can lie substantially on the support (3). Said support begins in the lower area of the upper body (5). The upper body (5), which is stretched forward, already rests at the hip (6) and/or the abdomen. The low-lying rest makes the upper body (5) free to such an extent that high mobility results especially in the lower back area (8). The upper body (5) can move freely and perform all conceivable tasks. Relaxation of the back, back training, and better blood circulation through the entire body occur. The seat (1) can be combined with training devices or can even be a retrofit kit or part of a means of transportation, for example, a bicycle or the like.

Description

Seat with body support function

The present invention relates to a seat with body support function.

Man is not created for sitting, but for the changing strain of the muscles through the constant movements that result in running, hunting and collecting. Thus, the daily sitting for hours, as it is practically unavoidable especially in office work, often leads to postural problems and back problems. These arise from the fact that the body weight rests on the buttocks and the upper body remains in a stooped posture above a work table. The backrest of the office chair is of little use. This initially leads to tension in the back muscles and finally to pain that can make the office's daily life unbearable. Back ailments have become a common disease that eventually leads to doctor visits and physiotherapy, in the worst case even leads to back surgery. This is extremely unpleasant for those affected. However, the consequences are also significant increases in costs for employers due to reduced work management and increasing absenteeism and for the general public due to the associated expenses in the healthcare sector. Although many people do sports or visit fitness studios where they train the muscles on the corresponding equipment, this can only happen for a limited time after work, that is, after eight or more hours of unfavorable sitting for the body. Based on these findings, the invention has the object to provide a seat with a special body support function, with a meaningful movement and strengthening of the back muscles is made possible.

The inventive seat corresponds to the characterizing features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the inventive concept are apparent from the dependent claims.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the schematic drawing.

Fig. 1 shows a first example of the seat;

Fig. 2 shows a second example in the form of an office or

Work chair with backrest;

Fig. 3 shows a seat according to Fig. 1 with a training function

for the leg and abdominal muscles;

Fig. 4 shows a seat in connection with a work table;

Figs. 5-6 show embodiments with additional training functions in the form of stationary running or cycling;

FIGS. 7-12 show examples of detailed solutions of the seat according to the invention.

As can be seen from the first embodiment of the seat 1 according to FIG. 1, a seat surface 2 is present, but the weight of the body can rest to a considerable extent on a support 3 arranged in front of it. This is not only the chest 4, but rather already in the bottom Area of the upper body 5 at. Preferably such that the upper body 5, which is stretched forward as shown, already rests with the hip 6. Depending on a lateral guide 7 can prevent the upper body 5 from slipping. Due to the low-lying support of the upper body 5 is so far free that especially in the lower back area 8 results in a high degree of mobility. Of course, this also continues up to the upper back area 9. The upper body 5 can thus tilt freely to the left and right, rotate around the spine 10 and perform all conceivable work without having to be supported with the arms 11. The muscles in the lower back area 8 are varied and well supplied with blood. The movements of the head and the arms 11 have a corresponding training effect on the upper back area 9. In addition, despite the support 3 and the legs 12 are fully movable, which brings more training options with it, which will be discussed later.

Incidentally, the seat 1 may be formed largely like a conventional office or work chair. In Fig. 1, the seat 2 is shown inclined forward. It can either be freely movable about a pivot axis 13 or lockable in a corresponding pivot position. The support 3 is arranged for example by means of a support arm 14 on a conventional column 15. Other solutions are also possible, see, for example, the support arm 14 under the horizontal seating surface 2 in the embodiment of FIG. 2. In both embodiments, there are feet. Preferably, a foot cross is used with four to six feet, whereby at least one or the feet 16 extending under the support 3 or, in the case of a swivel chair, to be aligned there are to be so long that a danger of tipping is excluded. There may also be rollers 17. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, a normal backrest 18 is provided. This means that you can sit back in normal sitting position in between. Also, the support 3 could be removable, preferably by means of a quick release, so that one can quickly switch between a conventional office and work chair and a training seat with body support function during the day. Also, the support 3 could serve in normal sitting position as a support for a keyboard or be provided with a corresponding attachment. That would ensure a good sitting position for the back even with this use.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 3 is equipped with a training device for the leg and abdominal muscles. Specifically, it has at least one of the top of the leg 12, or the thigh, attaching leg system 19. This can be pressed against a spring force 20 upwards. The drawn spring is to be understood only symbolically, it can be designed arbitrarily. The leg system 19 may also be arranged on a resilient arm. If it is pushed upwards by the thigh in the direction of the arrow 21, preferably in a repetitive movement, then the leg and especially the abdominal muscles are used and trained. It can also be carried out alternately with the left and right leg 12, a pedaling movement. Not excluded is an arrangement of the leg system 19, in which the thigh pressure must not be up but down. Another variant will be described later with reference to FIG. 10. Just to illustrate that the support 3 may also be dimensioned differently than shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it projects further into the chest area in FIG. In this case, the upper, up to the chest area projecting part of the support 3 is preferably tapered, see also the plan view in Fig. 7 and 8. In Fig. 4, the seat 1 is connected to a work table 22, thus forming with this a structural unit. However, the design details can also be designed differently. If the work table is not anchored stable, the seat 1 may have its own column 15. It can be seen in any case how worked on a computer 23 and still the body can be easily kept fit.

The embodiments according to FIGS. 5 and 6 also serve the latter purpose. In the first, the seat 1 is provided with a treadmill 24. It makes sense that the treadmill be divided into two, that is, left and right each a treadmill 24 is arranged. Common deflection shafts and support rollers are still possible. Despite the front lying body position, the treadmill 24 can be used very well for rapid running movements. The height of the seat 2 and the support 3 can be adapted for this purpose. This is also possible with the other versions. The fact that the body is supported and thus the body weight is not fully on the feet, the knee joints are compared to a normal treadmill even considerably spared. The training effect of a treadmill can thus be achieved free of disadvantages for the knee. Moreover, the treadmill 24 can be used in a safe and therapeutically meaningful way many times by users who already have knee problems. And this without time pressure, even in repetitive shorter training sessions during working hours.

The same applies to the embodiment of FIG. 6, where instead of a treadmill 24 pedals 25 are available. Also in this case, the body can be moved while working. Of course, this embodiment could also be extended to a full-fledged home trainer or home bicycle by additionally handlebar grips and possibly displays relating to the training performance and so on are mounted, as they are common in such devices. The latter example also makes it possible to use the seat 1 on a bicycle or an impeller. He would therefore form a structural unit with the bicycle or wheel, theoretically also a retrofitting of existing bicycles or wheels would be conceivable. The seat 1 can thus be used not only as a stationary seating with support function but also in sports equipment and means of transport. This also includes motorcycles and motorcycles, where the back can be relieved, especially on longer trips. The support 3 would come to lie approximately between the seat 2 and the handlebar, which may also be on the gas tank. In this case, the body would also be supported by the arrangement of the seat 2 and the support 3. It should be noted here that a combination of seat 1 and handlebar is possible in which the handlebar is part of the seat.

Further variants of constructive detail solutions of the seat 1 according to the invention are apparent from FIGS. 7 to 12. In the plan view of Fig. 7 it can be seen that the seat 2 may have a deviating from a conventional office or work chair shape. A centrally projecting from the seat 2 in the direction of the support 3 molding 26 leads to a wide, tapered front seat shape, as they are known from scooters ago. Furthermore, flaps 27 and 28 may be provided which allow a pivoting movement. Their pivot axis B - B or C - C may, for example, in the rear region of the flap 27 or approximately centered. In the example of FIG. 7, the flaps 27 are arranged on both sides of the formation 26, wherein it remains of course free to omit this formation 26 as well. According to FIG. 8, the seat surface 2 can also be completely formed by flaps 28. These pivotal flaps 27 or 28 allow up and down movement of the thigh. Ultimately, this also results in a pedaling movement, only without pedals 25. These movable flaps 28 are particularly suitable in connection with the treadmill version according to FIG. 5. In this case, an adjustability of the pivot axis 13 and / or 34 may be useful.

Like the seat 2, the support 3 may also have a formation 29, so that the upper body 5 is supported approximately in the middle approximately to the chest 4, but the breast 4 itself remains free and movable. The seat 2 facing side of the support 3 may also have a body-appropriate, for example, rounded shape 30. Fig. 9 shows a section through the support 3 along the line A - A in Fig. 8. The support 3 has a human body adapted, for example, cup-shaped support surface, so that the stomach 31 and / or even the hip 6 comfortably place place. Of course, this surface can be upholstered. Stop the lateral guides 7.

A further variant of leg systems 32 finally shows Fig. 10. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the legs 12 against a spring force not be pushed upwards but in the direction of arrow 33 apart. This, in turn, allows the leg and also the gluteal muscles to be trained.

In FIGS. 11 and 12, two versions with further adjustment or rocking possibilities are presented. In the first example, the support 3 is hinged to the seat 1 so that it can be tilted up and down about a pivot axis 34, as indicated by dashed lines. In this case, the support arm 14 pivots with the support 3 arranged thereon about the horizontally extending pivot axis 34. In the second example according to FIG. 12, the seat surface 2 and the support 3 are coupled together. This means that the seat 2 and the support 3 move together about the pivot axis 13. Of course, both versions can technically be solved differently than sketched. This also applies in particular to the shape and arrangement of the support arm 14 and / or the pivot axes 13 and 34. In particular, the pivot axes 13 and / or 34 can continue to be moved to the right in the direction of the upper body. Both versions have in common that the pivoting movement 35 in the sense of an individual adjustment of the seat or support position and / or can be designed as a pleasant Wippmöglichkeit. In the latter case, a corresponding suspension will be present in a meaningful way, which pushes back the support 3 and / or the seat 2 in the constructively provided or in an individually adjustable basic position.

It is within the scope of the invention according to claim 1, the seat in detail differently than shown and explained previously form. In particular, the structural parts of the seat 1 can be arbitrarily different, both in terms of technical design as well as in terms of design. The different versions and variants can be combined with each other. Particularly with regard to the training devices 19, 24, 25, 27, 28 and 32 which can be used on the seat, there are the most varied possibilities that can not be exhaustively represented and described at this point. It is obvious that the seat 2, if it is not adjustable, can also be inclined at a different angle than drawn forward.

The seat 1 can be used wherever the person is exposed to the stresses of prolonged sitting. The weight of the upper body 5 can be displaced away from the seat 2 and towards the support 3. In this case, the weight distribution between the seat 2 and the support 3 can be very different. However, the support 3 can easily absorb most of this weight. In any case, a relief of the back, a back training and better blood circulation of the whole body takes place. This can lead to a reduction in disease losses. It may even be assumed that improved blood flow to the brain and, as a result, improved concentration and work performance. Not least, the waist, buttocks and thighs are tightened.

Claims

claims

1. seat with body support function, characterized by a above a seat (2) extending forward support (3), wherein this in spatial relation to the seat (2) is arranged so that the lower portion of a human upper body (5), namely Hip (6) and / or belly (31) can rest on it.

2. Seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat surface (2) is inclined forward or tilted forward, with the purpose to bring the upper body (5) in a deviating from the vertical, forward-oriented position.

3. Seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support (3) is inclined to the rear or tilted backwards, whereby her the seat (2) facing the end is lower.

4. Seat according to one of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the support (3) has a human body adapted Aufliegefläche, for example, cup-shaped rounded.

5. Seat according to one of claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the support (3) on both sides guides (7), with the purpose of giving the body lateral support.

6. Seat according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the support (3) at its the seat surface (2) facing away from the center end a molding (29), with the purpose of the upper body (5) to the chest (4 ) in the middle.

7. Seat according to one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the support (3) at its the seat surface (2) facing the end of a corporeal, rounded shape (30).

8. Seat according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the said support (3) facing the end of the seat surface (2) tapers.

9. Seat according to claim 8, characterized by a centrally of the seat surface (2) projecting formation (26).

10.Sitz according to one of claims 1-9, characterized in that it is provided with a Fußkreuz, wherein at least one under the support (3) extending or there to be aligned foot (16) is longer than the remaining feet, with the purpose to prevent a risk of tipping over.

11.Sitz according to one of claims 1-10, characterized in that the support (3) is hinged so that it is tiltable about a pivot axis (34) in a pivoting movement (35) up and down, either as adjustment or as Wippmöglichkeit.

12. Seat according to claim 11, characterized in that the seat surface (2) is coupled to the support (3) in such a way that they can be tilted up and down together about a pivot axis (13) in a pivoting movement (35), either as adjustment - or as a seesaw opportunity.

13.Sitz according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by a suspension, which pushes back the support (3) and / or the seat surface (2) with respect to the pivoting movement (35) in a basic position.

14. Seat according to one of claims 1-13, characterized in that it is part of a structural unit with a work table (Fig. 4).

15. Seat according to one of claims 1 - 14, characterized by a on the support (3) settable essay on which a keyboard is adjustable.

16. Seat according to one of claims 1-15, characterized by at least one training device (19, 24, 25, 27, 28, 32), with the purpose of being able to move the body and to train its musculature, for example the abdominal, Back and / or abdominal muscles.

17. A seat according to claim 16, characterized by at least one movably arranged leg system (19, 32) or flap (27, 28) which is placed so that it is movable with a leg or thigh.

18. Seat according to claim 17, characterized in that the leg system (19, 32) or flap (27, 28) is pivotable against a spring force, including at least one spring is present and / or the leg system (19, 32) or flap ( 27, 28) is arranged on a resilient arm.

19. Seat according to one of claims 16 - 18, characterized in that the seat surface (2) has either pivotable flaps (27) or is formed from pivotable flaps (28).

20. Seat according to claim 19, characterized in that a pivot axis (B - B, C - C) of the flaps (27, 28) either in the rear area or centrally located.

21. Seat according to claims 10 and 19, characterized in that on both sides of the formation (26) of the seat surface (2) each have a flap (27) is present.

22. Seat according to one of claims 17 - 21, characterized in that the leg system (19, 32) is arranged so that these by a leg (12) or thigh up and / or down and / or to the side and / or between the legs (12) is compressible.

23. Seat according to claim 16, characterized by at least one below the seat surface (2) and / or the support (3) arranged treadmill (24).

24. Seat according to claim 16, characterized by below the seat surface (2) and / or the support (3) arranged pedals (25), whereby the seat is used as a home bicycle.

25.Sitz according to one of claims 1-10, characterized in that it is part of a structural unit with a means of locomotion, such as a bicycle, wheel, motorbike or motorcycle, or that it is designed as a retrofit kit for these devices.

26. Seat according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that a link to the support (3) is formed or arranged.