WO2013151432A1

WO2013151432A1 - Stand-up support, device having such stand-up support, cassette for use in such support and set of such cassettes, and method for training a person in standing up from a sitting support.

Info

Publication number: WO2013151432A1
Application number: PCT/NL2013/050244
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wouter Dirk Van Dorsser; Michael Martinus HÖHÖLSCHER; Anna Christina VERKUYL
Original assignee: Spring B.V.
Priority date: 2012-04-02
Filing date: 2013-04-02
Publication date: 2013-10-10
Also published as: EP2833851A1; WO2013151432A8

Abstract

The invention relates to a stand-up support comprising a seating support having a first support element. The first support element is pivotably connected to a frame support at a first, front side, wherein preferably a second support element is pivotably connected to the first support element at a second, rear side, opposite the first side, wherein the frame support comprises a torsion spring device, biasing the first support element towards an upright position in which the second side extends above the first side. Said torsion spring device can comprises at least one first spring cassette inserted into a profile, especially a tube provided along the first side, which first spring cassette is exchangeable for a similar second spring cassette having a different torsion resistance than the first spring cassette. Alternatively or additionally, the spring device can be mounted in a frame or forms part thereof at a front side of the frame, wherein a bridge element is provided behind the spring device, which bridge portion provides for a mounting for at least one pivot for an arm between said bridge portion and the second support element.

Description

Stand-up support, device having such stand-up support, cassette for use in such support and set of such cassettes, and method for training a person in standing up from a sitting support.

The invention is related to a stand-up support. The invention further relates to a training device and a piece of furniture comprising such stand-up support. The invention moreover relates to a method for training standing up and/or sitting down of a person. Furthermore the invention relates to a torsion spring cassette for use in a device or method of the invention.

Stand-up supports are known in the art and are for example used in chairs to support a person who is sitting on the chair in standing up by forcing a seating surface upward, by means of a spring system. The spring system is laid out such that when the person sits on the seating surface the weight of the person overcomes the force exerted by the spring system on the seating surface, whereas when the person lifts his or her weight at least partly from the seating surface, the seating surface is forced upward, helping the person in the standing-up movement.

In NL68.12336 a chair is disclosed having a stand-up system comprising a seating surface, connected at a front side to a torsion spring device. The torsion spring device biases the seating support towards a position pivoted upwardly. The upward force is preferably such that during standing up only part of the weight of the person is supported by the seating element. The torsion spring initial force is settable by a screw mechanism, setting an initial torsion of the spring elements in a neutral position. The seating surface is defined by a single seating element, which can be caught at a rear side by a locking provision for holding the element in a downward seating position. A single seating element may be undesirable since a person supported thereby during standing up or sitting down will slide off such element or at least have the feeling of sliding off. The locking provision can be released by a handle, which results in a sudden release of the spring and thus of a sudden engagement of the upward force on the seating element, which can provide for an unsafe feeling for the person standing up from the chair. This chair needs front and rear mountings for the seating element, at least in the sitting down position. The spring elements are at one end rigidly connected to a tube to which the seating element is mounted, whereas the opposite end is provided with the screw element. Therefore the entire length of the spring element is twisted in the same direction during sitting down on the one element. This can be referred to as an a-symmetrical construction.

EP0663198 discloses a portable module to be positioned on a seating surface of a chair, and is designed for aiding a person in sitting down on and/or standing up from the chair. This module comprises a plate having surface dimensions similar to the dimensions of the chair's seating surface. On the plate two first hinges are mounted for holding a first seating element at a first, front side. The opposite side is connected to a second seating element through two further, second hinges. Spaced apart from the first hinges a shaft is mounted between two brackets, provided on the plate. Similarly a second shaft is provided between similar brackets, mounted to the underside of the second seating element, spaced apart from the second hinges. The shafts have a square or rectangular cross section and can be either a single torsion element or a series of such elements placed on top of each other. A link bar is mounted on both shafts by eyelets, each having an opening with a cross section similar to that of the shaft through which the respective shaft extends. The eyelet can therefore not rotate around the shafts. In a mid section the shafts are provided by cylindrical portions, from which the eyelets are normally forced away in longitudinal direction of the shafts by a coil spring. In such position a rotation of the link bar in the direction of the plate, towards the sitting down or downward position of the seating elements, the arm will twist the shafts, providing a biasing forced on the seating elements away from the plate, back toward an upward position. When the link arm is moved with the eyelets onto the cylindrical portion, against the coil springs, the link arm can be rotated freely around the shafts, without twisting them, such that the module can be folded into a portable position. A system is provided of sliding elements, with which the effective length of the shafts for twisting can be set by sliding the elements towards or away from the link arm. In an alternative embodiment the plate is mounted directly on a height adjustment system of a rolling chair frame. In this embodiment again a locking mechanism is provided for locking the seating elements in a downward position or intermediate positions. These systems can be understood as symmetrical systems since shaft parts on both sides of the link are will twist in opposite directions. These systems are complicated in design and need relatively much space. Moreover amendment of the spring force is cumbersome and limited. WO2011144507 discloses a stand-up chair wherein a seating support is hingedly connected to a frame, wherein in the seating support elements are guided at two opposite sides of the chair by guides, which include a mutual angle, such that the guiding results in tilting of the support elements. At least one of the guides comprises a compression spring for biasing the supports towards an upper position. The force exerted by the springs will depend directly on the position of the support elements.

The present invention aims at an alternative for these existing stand-up aiding systems. In aspects the invention aims at providing a stand up aiding system or support providing for easy and reliable adjustment means for adjusting the spring force acting on the seating element or elements. In aspects the invention aims at providing for stand-up systems or supports in which a large freedom in design of the furniture is possible for holding the support, or a training device based on such system or support. In an aspect the invention aims at a stand up system or stand up support for supporting a person when sitting down and/or standing up from a piece of furniture or training device, in which the spring force can be accurately set or amended in view of the needs and desired of the person or his or her helper.

At least one of these or other aims can be, independently or in combination, be obtained at least in part by a system, support, device or method according to this disclosure.

In order to further elucidate the present invention, embodiments thereof shall be further shown and discussed hereafter, with reference to the drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows in perspective view a chair in a first embodiment, as an example of a piece of furniture, comprising a stand-up support, in a rest position with support elements moved upward, provided with upholstery, and in a seating position, wherein the support elements are in a downward positioned, with the upholstery removed;

Fig. 2 in side view the chair of fig. 1, in the downward position of the elements and in an intermediate position, between the upward position and the downward position of the support elements, with the upholstery removed;

Fig. 3 in perspective view a stand-up support unit, for example for a chair of fig. 1 and 2, with upholstery and upholstery carrying elements removed, shown in a downward position; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the unit of fig. 3, in an upward position, with upholstery carrying elements provided, wherein a set of torsion spring elements is shown, removed from the unit;

Fig. 5A - C a unit of fig. 3 and 4 in front view, in side view and in cross sectional view along the line A - A in fig. 5A, in an upward position of the support elements;

Fig. 6 a perspective view of a second embodiment stand-up support unit, in a training device, from left to right respectively with the support elements in a downward position, in an intermediate position and in an upward, rest position;

Fig. 7 a perspective view of a stand-up support unit of fig. 6, without upholstery, in an upward position, with a spring cassette inserted;

Fig. 8 a perspective view of the unit of fig. 7, with upholstery and with a cassette removed from the unit;

Fig. 9A - C a unit of fig. 6 and 7, in front view, in cross sectional side view along the line B - B in fig. 9A, and a detail indicated by the circle C in fig. 9B, in an upward position of the support elements; and

Fig. 10A and B in a unit of fig. 7 - 9, in front view and in cross sectional view along the line A - A in fig. 10A respectively.

In this description the same or similar elements have the same or similar reference signs. The embodiments shown are presented by way of example only and should by no means be understood as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Any combination of embodiments or parts thereof as disclosed herein are also considered to have been disclosed.

In this description any reference to up or down or similar wording is to be considered as referring to a position or movement away from or towards a surface on which a stand-up support or a piece of furniture carrying or provided with a stand-up support unit of this disclosure is or would be positioned in a normal position of use. Front and rear or back have to be understood as referring to positions in relation to a normal orientation of a chair or such seating furniture.

A stand-up support or stand-up support unit according to this disclosure has to be understood at least as meaning an support or support unit that is designed to support a person in sitting down and/or standing up, by exerting a force to a persons lower body during a movement into or out from a piece of furniture or in a training device. Preferably the support is such that only part of the weight of the person is carried by the support, such that at least part of the forces necessary for controlled sitting down or standing up is to be provided by the persons own muscles. Training can be for example conducted as sessions in which a person is trained to regain or increase control of muscles, to regain or increase confidence in movements, to train muscle stamina or strength, to train movement patterns and/or in examining a persons abilities in standing up and/or sitting down, for example in a process of optimizing furniture or in research.

In this description in general embodiments of a piece of furniture shall be disclosed, having a stand-up support, which can for example be a chair or couch, wheel chair, stair lift, car seating, toilet seat, predominantly to be used in for example a domestic or office situation. Such piece of furniture can for example be designed for a specific person, depending on his or her personal abilities and situation. In this description furthermore in general a training device having a stand-up support unit shall also be disclosed. Such training device shall predominantly be used for training as described, and can for example be used in ergo therapy, physiotherapy,

rehabilitation and research settings.

In this description embodiments shall be discussed having a first and a second support element. In embodiments however, the second support element could be omitted, as well as the arms supporting it, such that the seating support is formed basically by said first support element.

In fig. 1 - 5 a piece of furniture is disclosed, by way of example shown as a chair. In fig. 6 - 10 a training device is disclosed, by way of example, which can for example be an ergo therapy training device.

Both a piece of furniture and a training device according to this disclosure in general will comprise a seating support having at least a first and second support element. The first support element can be pivotably connected to a frame support at a first, front side and the second support element can be pivotably connected to the first support element at a second, rear side, opposite the first side. The frame support comprises a torsion spring device, biasing the first support element towards an upright position in which the second side extends above the first side.

In embodiments the torsion spring device can comprise at least one first spring cassette inserted into a profile provided along the first side, which first spring cassette is exchangeable for a similar second spring cassette having a different torsion resistance than the first spring cassette. The profile can be a tube or tubular profile, such that the cassette substantially is enclosed within the profile. In embodiments a series of cassettes or at least assemblies of torsion spring elements can be provided, having different spring characteristics, especially resistances, such that a piece of furniture or training device can be readily adapted to a person's needs or desires, by choosing the right cassette or assembly.

Fig. 1 shows a chair 1 having a frame 2, a back support 3 and a seating support 4 forming part of a stand-up support unit 20. The frame 2 in this embodiment comprises two side posts 5, a floor support frame part 6 and two arm rest support elements 7, carrying arm rests 8. The back support is mounted between rearward ends 9 of the arm rest support elements 7. The back support can be releasable mounted top the frame 2, for example by nuts and/or bolts B, for adjusting the position thereof, in back and forth direction, in up and down direction and/or in angular direction. The seating support 4 has a first support element 10 and a second support element 11. The first support element 10 is pivotably connected to a frame support 12 at a first, front side 13 and the second support element 11 is pivotably connected to the first support element 10 at a second, rear side 14 of the first support element 11, opposite the first side 13 by pivot means such as hinges, hinge pins or the like, defining a pivot axis.. The frame support 12 comprises a torsion spring device 15, to be discussed hereafter, biasing the first support element 10 in a direction U towards an upright position in which the second side 14 extends above the first side 13. Upright could be understood as including a position in which a main direction L of the first support element 10 between the first and second side 13, 14 seen in side view will include an acute angle a with a horizontal plane H. The angle a can for example be between 60 and 90 degrees or more, and is preferably slightly less than 90 degrees.

In embodiments the arm rests 9 are at a higher level near the front side of the furniture item than at the rear, near the backrest, providing for additional support when standing up or sitting down.

In fig. 1 at the left side the chair is shown with the seating support 4 in an upward position, in which the first support element 10 is in such upright position. In fig. 1 at the left side the upholstery 17 of the seating support is shown, whereas at the right hand side the upholstery 17 has been removed, in order to show more of the seating support structure. The upholstery 17 provides a seating surface 18 of the seating support. In the embodiment shown a surface portion 18A of the first support element 10 is inclined slightly backward. The second support element 11 in this upward position extends at an angle 6 relative to the first support element 10, which angle 6 seen in side view can for example be between 80 and 170 degrees, more preferable such that a surface portion 18B thereof is inclined slightly upward from the first element 10. In this position the upholstery 17 of the seating support 4 provides for an angled surface 18A, B. As can be seen in this embodiment in the upward position in side view the seating support can extend to a large extend behind the frame 2, especially behind the posts 5 and the arm rest 7, 8. In this embodiment this gives the impression that the frame 2 is entirely open, without a seating surface. In this embodiment the upholstery 17 can enclose substantially the entire stand-up support unit 20, including the spring device 15. This can in embodiments provide for a more agreeable appearance and prevent contact between a person and the support unit 20, especially the spring device 15 and the hinging support elements 10, 11.

In fig. 1 at the right side the chair is shown with the seating support 4 in a downward position. In this position the first and second support elements 10, 11 or at least upholstery carried thereof provide a substantially continuous surface 18A, 18B (not shown) for a person to sit on. Due to the biasing force U provided by the torsion spring device 15, this position will normally only be reached by the person exerting a downward force on the seating support 4 by his or her body weight, wherein the spring device will provide a counter force trying to push the seating support 4 back towards the upright position. The spring device 15 is preferably balanced such that when the person is sitting on the seating support this counter force is easily overcome, but when he or she lifts part of the weight from the seating support 4, the spring device will force the seating support to follow the person, supporting the person in standing-up. In a sitting down motion the spring device 15 will provide a counterforce, in order to gently guide the sitting down movement, supporting part of the weight of the person. The angled seating surface 18A, B provides for the benefit that at least part of the seating surface 18B is available for accurate support even with the seating support in the upright position.

As can be seen in fig. 1 the frame support 12 can be mounted to the frame 2. In fig. 1 the frame support 12 is provided with mounting flanges 16 for mounting the frame support 12 to a frame 2, especially to the posts 5. The frame support 12 can be an integral part of the frame construction of the furniture piece.

Fig. 2 shows in side view the chair 1 of fig. 1, without upholstery 17. At the left hand side the chair is again shown with the seating support 4 in the downward position, whereas at the right hand side the seating support 4 is shown in an intermediate position, between an upward and a downward position. In fig. 2 it can be seen that the unit 20 comprises a bridge portion 21, having a portion 22 extending rearward from front side 13. At least one arm 23 extends between a first pivot 24 at a rearward end of the said portion 22 of the bridge portion 21 and a second pivot 25 provided at the second seating element 11, spaced apart from the second, rear side 14 of the first support element 10. This arm or multiple arms support the second support element 11 and provide for or aid the movement thereof when the seat support 4 is moved between the upward and the downward positions.

In general it can be seen that the first pivot point or points 24 defines a first pivot axis 26, the second pivot point or points 25 define a second pivot axis 27, that the first support element 10 is pivotable relative to the frame 2 in a third pivot axis 28 and the second support element 11 is pivotable relative to the first support element 10 in a fourth pivot axis 29. The four pivot axis form the corners of a four-rod movement assembly, comprising the first and second support elements 10, 11, the bridge portion 21 with the portion 22 and the or each arm 23. The four pivot axis 26, 27, 28, 29 may define a perfect or non-perfect parallelogram or trapezium. In a non- perfect parallelogram the distance Dl between a third pivot axis 28 and the fourth rotation axis 29 can be substantially the same as the distance D2 between the first and second pivot axis 28, 29, wherein the distance D3 between the third pivot axis 28 and the first pivot axis 26 can differ from the distance D4 between the second pivot axis 27 and the fourth pivot axis 29.

In a perfect parallelogram D1=D2 and D3=D4. By providing a non-perfect parallelogram the force characteristics of the force exerted by the support 4 can be made non-linear, e.g. such that in the downward position the force is slightly lower than in an adjacent intermediate position.

In fig. 2 the fourth pivot axis 29 is shown as positioned relatively high, i.e. above the surface of upholstery 17 carrying elements 30, 31, and preferably relatively close to the surface 18 of the upholstery 17, in fig. 2 left hand side shown in broken lines, such that when the seating support is brought into the angled position, the upholstery 17 is bent in an advantageous manner, without unnecessarily stretching the upholstery at the surface or, if the upholstery is provided as two separate pieces, one on each support element 10, 11, the forming of a gap between said separate pieces is minimized or even prevented.

Fig. 3 shows a unit 20, without the upholstery carrying elements 30, 31, which could for example be plastic, metal or wooden elements such as for example but not limited to slats, shells, plates, shingles or the like. Alternatively they could be integral to the upholstery and/or to the unit 20. Fig 3 shows the unit 20 comprising a spring device 15 and the frame support 12, especially flanges 16. In this embodiment the bridge portion 21 comprises two strips 32, each connected to or integral with a flange 16. The portion 22 is formed in this embodiment by a substantially U-shaped element 33 mounted to the strips 32, such that the strips 32 are connected to each other. The legs of the U-shaped elements extend rearward and are provided with the first pivots 24.

In embodiments the distance D3 can be relatively small, for example less than 20 cm, more preferably less than 15 cm, such as for example less than 10 cm. In embodiments the distance D3 can be larger or smaller than the distance D4, whereas they are preferably both smaller than Dl and D2. A distance D3 smaller than D4 could be advantageous. In preferred embodiments in the downward position the second pivot 25 lies slightly higher than the first pivot 24, which may better prevent pivoting beyond the downward position and can be advantageous in the force needed to get the support out of the downward position.

Between the flanges 16 a profile 34 is provided, in this embodiment a tubular profile or tube 34. The profile has two opposite ends 35 which extend in a bearing bush 36 mounted to or part of the flange 16, such that the profile can rotate within said bushings 36 around the third axis 28. The first seating support element 10 comprises two substantially parallel arms 35 connected to the profile 34 such that upon rotation of the profile 34 around the third axis 28, the arms 35 rotate with it. In the downward position as shown in fig. 3 the arms 35 can rest on the bridge portion 21, preventing further downward rotation of the arms 35. Each arm 35 is provided, at facing sides, with a flange 35A for supporting and mounting an upholstery carrying element 30. At the free ends 36 the arms 35 are bent upward slightly, and provided with a pivot opening 37.

The second support element 11 comprises two brackets 38 with upstanding flanges 39 having an end 40 provided with pivot openings 41 complementary to pivot openings 37. Pivot axles 42 are provided in said openings 37, 41 for connecting the brackets 38 to the respective arms 35 and at the same time defining the fourth pivot axis 29. The brackets are furthermore provided with the second pivots 25 and define support surfaces 43 for supporting the second upholstery element 31. As can be seen two arms 23 extend between the first and second pivots 24, 25. The flanges 16 are provided with openings 44 for mounting them to a frame 2.

In fig. 3 a further opening 45 can be seen in the flange 16, showing an end

46 of an assembly 47 of spring elements 48 for biasing the support 4 towards the upward position. In fig. 4 a perspective view is shown of the support in said upward position, with the assembly 47, which can also be referred to as a cassette 47, outside the unit 20. In this embodiment the assembly comprises a series of leaf springs, for example made of steel, stainless steel or another suitable material. The leaf springs 48 may be loosely mounted on top of each other, or may be interconnected, for example by glue, riveting, welding, encasing or any other suitable means. The leafs 48 together form a torsion spring element having a longitudinal direction LT. In this embodiment the assembly 47 can be inserted into the profile 34 in the longitudinal direction through the opening 45. As can be seen the opening 45 can have a cross section complementary to the cross section of the assembly 48 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LT, for providing a close fit.

In fig. 5 the unit 20 is shown, with the seating support 4 in the upward position, with the assembly 47 in an inserted position and with the upholstery support elements 30, 31 mounted to the arms 35 and brackets 38. In fig. 5C a cross sectional view is shown of, especially, the spring device 15, wherein the profile 34 is cut open to show the spring assembly 47. As can be seen opposite ends 46 of the spring assembly

47 extend in the openings 45, such that said ends 46 are prevented from movement in said openings 45, at least other than in the longitudinal direction LT. In a

longitudinal midsection of the profile 34 enclosing elements 49 are provided, engaging both the profile 34 and the torsion spring assembly 47. These elements may for example be substantially plate shaped with again an opening 45A through which the assembly 47 can be inserted, but which do not allow rotation of the assembly 47 within the opening 45A. Thus when the profile 34 is rotated around the third pivot axis 28, the assembly 47 will be twisted since the elements 49 will rotate the longitudinal midsection of the spring assembly 47 relative to the ends 46 held in the openings 45 in the flanges 16. Clearly further rotation around said axis 28 will further twist the assembly 47, increasing the torque. The openings 45, 45A are preferably placed such that in the upward position of the support 4 the assembly is not or only very slightly twisted, whereas in the downward position they are twisted to a high or maximum value, by rotating the mid section relative to the ends 46, especially over the angle a. By choosing the appropriate number and kind of leaf elements 48 the force characteristic of the spring assembly can be optimized based on the person for whom the unit is designed. If a smaller number of leafs 48 is to be used than filling the entire openings 45, 45A, spacers can be provided between and/or on or below the leafs 48, to such extend that the ends 45 and the mid section again have the appropriate cross section.

In embodiments the posts 5 or such frame parts to which the unit 20 is mounted, for example by the flanges 16, can be provided with an additional opening, at least at one side of the frame, in line with the relevant opening 45, such that the spring assembly, such as a cassette 47 can be inserted into and/or removed from the profile 34 without having to dismount the unit. The additional opening(s) can be closed off by a removable cap or the like and/or by the upholstery. In embodiments the spring assembly 47 or cassette can be as will be described hereafter with respect tot fig. 6 - 10.

Since both the profile 34 and the bridge portion 21 with the portion 22 are carried by the frame mountings 12, especially by the flanges 16, the unit 20 can be an integral part of a frame 2, can be mounted at the front of a chair, can be enclosed almost entirely in an upholstery of a furniture piece, is easy to mount and dismount, for example for exchanging the spring assembly 47 for a spring assembly 47 having other spring characteristics, and at the same time can positively define the downward position, wherein a large part of the weight of the person sitting on the support 4 can be carried directly by the frame mounting by virtue of the arms 35 supported by the strips 21. The four-bar system provides for a controlled movement of the second support portion 11 relative to the first support portion 10, in relation to the position of the first portion 10 relative to the frame 2, wherein especially in an embodiment where the four pivot axis 26, 27, 28, 29 are not placed on the corners of a proper parallelogram the spring characteristic can be tuned, for example such that at the end of the downward movement the spring force exerted can be relaxed slightly again, after a peak in said force just prior to reaching the ultimate end position, which can result in that in a normal sitting position the person can move relative to the support 4 relatively freely without having the feeling that he pushed out of the support 4 immediately when only slightly lifting the weight from said support 4.

By using two strips 32 for forming the bridge portion 21, which are directly coupled to or integral with the flange 16, enclosing the profile 34 is relatively easy since the bushings 36 can easily be slid over the profile 34, where after the strips 22 can be connected by the portion 23. In embodiments the elements 49 can be designed to be positioned in different positions along the profile 34, by which the effective length of the spring system can be adjusted. Obviously the strips 22 can be orientated differently, for example such that the bridge portion 21 provides for a substantially horizontal surface for support on a frame 2 and the arms 35 or any other angle.

In this embodiment the spring assembly 47 is symmetrically loaded, since at both sides of the elements 49 the relevant parts of the assembly are twisted substantially mirror symmetrically.

Fig. 6 to 10 disclose an alternative embodiment of a unit 20 and of a piece of furniture or a training device 100. In fig. 6 an embodiment of a training device 100 is show, in perspective view, in three positions. From left to right the device is shown with a support part 4 in a downward position, in an intermediate position and in an upward or rest position.

A training device 100 of fig. 6 comprises a frame 2 stand-up support unit

20, comprising a seating support 4 and a spring device 15. The frame 2 comprises a foot portion 6 for support on a floor, comprising a column 6A for height adjustment. A pedal 6B is provided in a known manner for operating the height adjustment column 6A. The frame 2 further comprises a seating frame portion 50 carried on the column 6A and carrying the unit 20 and arm rests 8. A back support 3 is connected to the seating frame portion 50.

In this embodiment again the seating support 4 comprises a first and second support element 10, 11, pivotably connected to each other by means defining a third pivot axis 28, wherein the first support element 10 is carried by a spring device 15 mounted to the frame 2, especially to the seating frame portion 50. Again arms 35 are connected between first and second pivot points 24, 25, such that a four-bar movement system is provided, similar to that of the earlier described embodiment. The spring device 15 again biases the seating support 4 in direction U, towards the upward position as shown in fig. 6 right hand side.

In fig. 7 a unit 20 is shown, without upholstery and possible upholstery carrying elements 30, 31. The unit 20 comprises a frame support 12, having in this embodiment two substantially parallel tube or bar elements 51 which can be mounted to the frame 2, especially to the seating frame 50, or could be an integral part thereof, a shown in fig. 6. At a front end 52 of each element 51 a bushing 36 is provided, through which a profile 34, especially a tubular profile such as a cylindrical tube extends. One end 53 of the profile 34 ends in the relevant bushing 36A and is preferably closed off, whereas the other end 54 extends well beyond the other bushing 36B. The profile 34 can again rotate around third axis 28 relative to said bushings 36. Arms 35 are again connected to the profile 34, such that rotation of the profile 34 around axis 28 leads to pivoting of the arms 35. A plate or first upholstery support element 30 is provided between or on said arms 35, or can be an integral part thereof. First pivots 24 are provided on the elements 51, whereas again second pivots 26 are provided on brackets 38 carrying or forming support surfaces 43. In this embodiment the brackets 38 comprise or are formed as part of leaf hinges or paumelles 55 defining the fourth pivot axis 29 between the surface 43 and a second support surface 56 for connecting to the first support element 10 or a first upholstery supporting element 30. Again arms 23 are provided between the first and second pivots 24, 25, effectively forming part of a four bar system having a perfect or non-perfect parallelogram construction, for example a trapezoid as discussed before.

In fig. 8 the unit 20 is shown, with upholstery 17, wherein upholstery is mounted to the unit, thereby connecting the arms 35 and brackets 38. In this figure a spring assembly 47 is shown outside the spring device 15. In this embodiment the spring assembly 47 can be in the form of a cassette, which has to be understood as at least meaning but not limited to a set of leaf torsion spring elements 48 mounted on top of each other and interconnected in an appropriate way, either with or without intermediate spacer elements, which can be inserted into and removed from the device 15 as a unit, defining a predefined torque characteristic. Several of such cassettes can be available, having different torque characteristics, but preferably all having the same cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction LT. In the embodiment shown in fig. 8 the cassette 47 comprises a series of leaf elements made of for example steel, such as spring steel, stainless steel or any other suitable material, connected to each other at opposite longitudinal ends 46A, B by for example rivets 57, wherein spacer elements can be provided at least at or near said ends 46A, B. Obviously other means can be used for connecting the leaf elements 48, as discussed before. In the embodiment shown one end 46A can be provided with an engagement portion 58, such as for example a grip, which can be connected to or be integral with spacer elements inserted between leaf elements 48 and connected thereto for example by the rivets 57, such that the cassette can be manipulated by said engagement element 58. Different engagement portions can have different markings, such as for example but not limited to colors, in order to indicate the spring characteristic of the relevant cassette or such spring assembly 47. Since the engagement element extends outside the profile, it is readily visible to a person using the device 100.

As can be seen in fig. 8 - 10, the profile 34 is provided, at the end 54, with an opening 45 through which the cassette 47 can be inserted in the longitudinal direction LT, the end 46B leading. The cassette 47 can be inserted such that substantially only the engagement element 58 extends outside the profile 34.

As can be seen especially in fig. 10 B, the end 46A of the cassette 47, leading in the insertion direction, can be fitted into a complementary opening 45A in a plate 49 extending at least partly through the profile 34 at the end 53 and rigidly connected to the element 51. The said end 46A is substantially or, preferably, almost entirely prevented thereby from rotation within the opening 45A. Since the arms 35 are rigidly connected to the profile 34, for example by welding or gluing, and since the opposite end 46B of the cassette 47 is substantially locked relative to the profile 34 against rotation by the opening 45 in which said end 46B is enclosed, rotation of the profile 34 around the axis 28 will lead to a twisting of the cassette 47 and, especially, of the spring element 48, providing for a torque and thus to a biasing force F in the direction U towards the upright position. In this embodiment an a-symmetrical loading of the cassette 47 appears, which can be understood as meaning that the one end 46B rotates relative to the opposite end 46A. This means that a longer effective spring length LT is made available, compared to the individual spring lengths of the parts on either side of the elements 48 in the embodiment of fig. 1 - 5 or similar symmetrical systems. The end of the profile or the bushing at the end 46A can be closed with a plug 70 having a tuning element 71 to define the insertion depth of the spring assembly or cassette 47.

In fig. 9C a detail is shown, in cross section, of the cassette 47 in the profile 34, with the opening 45A at the end 53. As can be seen the rivets 27 can have spherical heads 57A extending on opposite sides of the cassette 47. The opening 45A can have a basic rectangular shape compatible with and preferably substantially similar to that of the cross section of the cassette 47 at the end 46A, which at two diagonally opposite corners 59A is widened by providing spaces 59C in order to provided for extra space for the rivet heads 57A and some rotational play for the end 46A within the opening 45A in the direction U, but such that at the two other corners 59B engagement surfaces 60 are formed, such as shoulders, against which opposite sides 61 of the cassette 47 can engage when relatively rotated within the opening 45A in the direction V opposite to the direction U. This provides for the possibility that the cassette 47 can be inserted easily since the opening 45A provides for sufficient play to not have to very accurately bring the openings 45 and 45A in an outlined position relative to each other, whereas upon pivoting the seating surface 4 towards the downward or sitting position rotation of the cassette relative to the support 50 is easily prevented and thus optimal torque is obtained. Opening 45 could be designed substantially identical to opening 45A, but in inverted position. Similarly openings 45 and 45A in the embodiments of fig. 1 - 5 could be designed in such a way. As can be seen in the embodiments the design is preferably such that the arms 23 can extend between the arms 35 when the support 4 is in the downward position, thus resulting in a very compact design.

A training device 100 can be used for training by having a person sit down and stand up with a first cassette, once or repetitively, and the exchange the cassette for one having a different spring characteristic, until e.g. an optimal characteristic is defined.

It should be noted that in embodiments both symmetrical and a- symmetrical systems can be used, wherein in symmetrical systems either the longitudinal opposite end parts of the spring assembly such as a cassette of spring elements can be twisted relative to a mid section thereof, or vice versa, or a combination thereof, whereas in an a-symmetrical system both ends of the spring cassette can be twisted relative to each other. Variants are also possible, for example a double or multiple symmetrical system in which a spring assembly is held still at two opposite longitudinal ends and in one or more positions in between thereof, whereas between the positions held still, a mid section is twisted relative to the held still positions, ore vice versa.

In support units according to the present disclosure or furniture or training devices equipped therewith, the spring device 15 preferably is situated at the front side of the unit and/or of the piece of furniture or training device. This can provide for an optimal movement of the seating support 4, especially of the first support portion 10, since when pivoting it will have almost no or at least only limited forward or rearward movement. Moreover, this can provide for easy mounting of the unit 20 in or as part of a frame 2, can provide for easy positioning and, if desirable, easy exchange for a different cassette or such spring assembly 47. The unit 20 can be compact in design and can be assembled as one unit. In the embodiments shown the spring device 15 placed such that it defines the third pivot axis 28. However, it could also be designed such that it defines or is located at for example one of the other pivot axis 26, 27, 29, or there can be different spring devices at two or more of the pivot axis 26 - 29. In the embodiments shown the lengths (sitting depths) of the first and second seating support portions 10, 11 measure in the direction L are chosen such that for a person standing in front of the piece of furniture or training device fitted with a unit 20 will be able to comfortably rest his or her buttocks on at least the area between the first and second surface portions 18A, B and/or partly on the second portion 11, such that when sitting down there is relatively small or preferably no discernable or at least no unpleasant amount of movement of the contact area between the person and the surface 18 during the downward movement. Preferably the support is designed such that in a normal sitting position the sitting bones or ischia are positioned at about the transition between the first and second surface areas 18A, 18B or slightly in front thereof.

In embodiments of the present invention a locking provision can be provided for locking the seating support in a fixed position, for example in a downward position as shown, such that the spring force is eliminated from working on a person sitting down or the seating support can be locked in such position even when the seating support is not used. Such locking provision can for example be a clamp holding an arm 35 to the bridge portion 21, or a releasable connection between the seating support and a frame part, for example as disclosed in the prior art.

In embodiments of the present invention a provision can be provided for amending the effective length of the spring assembly, such as for example known from EP0663198 as discussed, in which blocks are provided that can be slid along the spring assembly with an opening similar to openings 45, which blocks are prevented from rotating with the spring assembly by for example the bridge portion 21 and/or the profile and/or the frame supports and/or means for moving the blocks in said longitudinal direction. In embodiments of the present invention these blocks can for example be slidable along the spring assembly by a screw spindle operable from a side of the unit 20, which spindle engages screw threads in the blocks for bringing them closer together or further apart by rotation of the spindle. In alternative embodiments the blocks can be provided with a protrusion that extends outside the profile and allows the blocks to be slid manually. This can especially be useful in the unit when positioned at the front of a piece of furniture. Various alternatives to such movement of the blocks along the spring assembly will be directly available to the skilled person.

In embodiments of the present invention the spring assembly can be mountable in the profile in a different manner, for example in a radial direction of the profile. The profile can be open at a side for placing the spring assembly, for example from a front side of the unit. In alternative embodiments the profile can exist of or comprise a number of bars or the like in between which the spring assembly can be fitted and wherein the seating support is connected to said bars.

In embodiments the spacers for a spring assembly can be washers or strips, which can at least extend at or near opposite ends 46 of the assembly and in a mid section thereof, or at least at positions where the spring assembly is engaged in the unit. The strips can extend along the full length of the assembly or part thereof, and can be more flexible than the elements 48, and can for example be made of plastic.

The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments shown and described. Many variations are possible within this disclosure, including but not limited to combinations of embodiments or parts thereof. These are also considered to have been disclosed herein.

Claims

1. Stand-up support, comprising a seating support, having a first support element, wherein the first support element is pivotably connected to a frame support at a first, front side, and wherein preferably a second support element is pivotably connected to the first support element at a second, rear side, opposite the first side, wherein the frame support comprises a torsion spring device, biasing the first support element towards an upright position in which the second side extends above the first side,

wherein said torsion spring device comprises at least one first spring cassette inserted into a profile, especially a tube provided along the first side, which first spring cassette is exchangeable for a similar second spring cassette having a different torsion resistance than the first spring cassette, and/or

wherein the spring device is mounted in a frame or forms part thereof at a front side of the frame, wherein a bridge element is provided behind the spring device, which bridge portion provides for a mounting for at least one pivot for an arm between said bridge portion and the second support element.

2. Stand-up support according to claim 1, wherein the or each cassette has a longitudinal direction and is insertable into the tube in said longitudinal direction.

3. Stand-up support according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the or each cassette comprises a series of spring element, especially leaf spring elements, connected to each other at least near or at at least one of two opposite longitudinal ends, preferably both.

4. Stand-up support according to claim 3, wherein the spring elements are connected to each other by a connecting element, wherein the connecting element forms at least part of an interface between the cassette and the tube and/or the first support element.

5. Stand-up support according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the or each cassette, when inserted into the profile, is connected to the profile and/or first support element at a first end and connected to the frame support at a second, opposite end or in as longitudinal mid section of the cassette.

6. Stand-up support according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the or each cassette comprises an engagement portion extending outside the profile when the cassette is inserted into the profile, wherein the engagement portion of a cassette comprises an indication of the spring resistance of the relevant cassette.

7. Stand-up support according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the frame support is provided with a bridge element or the bridge element, extending under the first support element, wherein a carrying arm, preferably being the arm, is connected between first and second pivots on the bridge element and the second support element respectively.

8. Stand-up support according to claim 7, wherein the first support element, the carrying arm, the bridge element and the second support element form a four arm movement system, especially a non-perfect parallelogram or trapezium, especially such that the distance between a second rotation axis between the first and second support element and a first rotation axis of the torsion spring device is substantially the same as the distance between the first and second pivots, wherein the distance between the first rotation axis and the first pivot is preferably different from the distance between the second rotation axis and the second pivot.

9. Stand-up support according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the frame support is provided with mounting flanges for mounting the frame support to a frame of a furniture piece, such as a chair or bench.

10. Stand-up support according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the profile is rotationally connected to the frame support, wherein the first support element is connected to said profile.

11. Stand-up support according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the bridge portion at least partly defines a downward end position of the seating support.

12. Stand-up support according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the torsion spring device comprises at least one first torsion spring assembly inserted into a profile, especially a tube provided along the first side, which first spring assembly is preferably exchangeable for a similar second spring assembly having a different torsion resistance than the first spring assembly.

13. Stand-up support according to claim 12, wherein the profile is rotationally connected to the frame support, wherein the first support element is connected to said profile.

14. Stand-up support according to claims 12 or 13, wherein the or each spring assembly has a longitudinal direction and is insertable into the profile in a

longitudinal direction.

15. Stand-up support according to any one of claims 12 - 14, wherein the or each spring assembly, when inserted into the profile, is connected to the profile and/or first support element at a first end and connected to the frame support at a second, opposite end or in a longitudinal mid section of the spring assembly.

16. Stand-up support according to any one of claims 12 - 15, wherein the or each spring assembly comprises an engagement portion extending outside the profile when the assembly is inserted into the profile, wherein the engagement portion of an assembly preferably comprises an indication of the spring resistance of the relevant cassette.

17. Stand-up support according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the support is a chair or part thereof, wherein the frame of the chair is open behind the spring device and bridge portion, such that with the seating support in an upward position in side view there is an unobstructed passage between an arm rest and a foot portion of the frame, behind a post to which the frame support is mounted.

18. Stand-up support according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the bridge portion or parts thereof is/are directly connected to or formed as part of the frame support, especially of mounting flanges thereof.

19. Stand-up support according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the spring device comprises at least two bushings by which the profile of the spring device is rotationally supported.

20. Stand-up support according to claim 19, wherein the first support element is mounted to or comprises at least two arms fixedly connected to the profile, close to and preferably directly adjacent the bushings.

21. Stand-up support according to claim 19 or 20, wherein either:

- a first end of a spring assembly within the profile is mounted in an opening at or near a first bushing, substantially prevented from rotation relative to the relevant frame support, and the opposite longitudinal end of the spring device is connected to the profile, spaced apart from the opposite second bushing, at a side thereof facing away from the first bushing, substantially prevented from rotation relative to the profile; or

a first and second opposite longitudinal ends of a spring assembly within the profile are mounted in openings at or near bushings, substantially prevented from rotation relative to the frame supports, wherein a longitudinal midsection of the spring assembly is secured substantially against rotation relative to the profile.

22. Stand-up support according to claim 21, wherein the securing of the spring assembly against rotation is done such that at least during a movement of the first seating support element into a direction towards a downward end position the relevant rotation of the relevant part of the spring assembly relative to the frame support or the profile respectively is prevented.

23. Stand-up support unit, preferably according to one of the previous claims, the stand-up support unit being for mounting into a frame of a piece of furniture or a training device, said unit comprising a seating support having at least a first support element, wherein the first support element is connected to a rotational profile of a torsion spring device, wherein the torsion spring device comprises at least one frame support and at least one spring assembly extending within said profile, said profile being supported by at least first and second bushings on the at least one frame support, wherein either:

a first end of the spring assembly within the profile is fixed, preferably at or near a first bushing, such that it is substantially prevented from rotation relative to the relevant frame support, and the opposite longitudinal end of the spring device is connected to the profile, preferably spaced apart from the opposite second bushing, at a side thereof facing away from the first bushing, such that it is substantially prevented from rotation relative to the profile; or

- a first and second opposite longitudinal ends of the spring assembly within the profile are mounted, preferably in openings at or near the bushings, such that they are substantially prevented from rotation relative to the frame supports, wherein a longitudinal midsection of the spring assembly is secured substantially against rotation relative to the profile.

24. Stand-up support unit according to claim 23, wherein on the first support element is connected to the profile at a first, front side and a second support element is pivotably connected to the first support element at a second, rear side, opposite the first side, wherein the torsion spring device biases the first support element towards an upright position in which the second side extends above the first side.

25. Stand-up support unit according to claim 23 or 24, wherein a bridge element is provided behind the spring device, which bridge portion provides for a mounting for at least one pivot for an arm between said bridge portion and the second support element.

26. Stand-up support unit according to claim 25, wherein the bridge portion at least partly defines a downward end position of the seating support.

27. Stand-up support according to any one of claims 23 - 26, wherein the frame support is provided with the bridge element, extending under the first support element, wherein the arm is a carrying arm, connected between first and second pivots on the bridge element and the second support element respectively.

28. Stand-up support unit according to claim 27, wherein the first support element, the carrying arm, the bridge element and the second support element form a four arm movement system, especially a non-perfect parallelogram or trapezium, especially such that the distance between a rotation axis between the first and second support element and a rotation axis of the torsion spring device is substantially the same as the distance between the first and second pivots, wherein the distance between the third rotation axis and the first pivot is preferably different from the distance between the fourth rotation axis and the second pivot.

29. Stand-up support unit according to any one claims 23 - 28, wherein the frame support is provided with mounting flanges for mounting the frame support to the frame of a furniture piece, such as a chair or bench.

30. Stand-up support unit according to any one of claims 23 - 29, wherein the torsion spring device comprises at least one first spring cassette inserted into the profile, especially a tube provided along the first side, which first spring cassette is exchangeable for a similar second spring cassette having a different torsion resistance than the first spring cassette.

31. Stand-up support unit according to claim 30, wherein the or each cassette has a longitudinal direction and is insertable into the tube in said longitudinal direction, wherein the or each cassette preferably comprises a series of spring elements, especially leaf spring elements, connected to each other at least near or at at least one of two opposite longitudinal ends, preferably both, wherein more preferably the spring elements are connected to each other by a connecting element, wherein the connecting element forms at least part of an interface between the cassette and the tube and/or the first support element.

32. Stand-up support unit according to any one of claims 23 - 31, wherein the or each spring assembly comprises an engagement portion extending outside the profile when the spring assembly is inserted into the profile, wherein the engagement portion of a spring assembly preferably comprises an indication of the spring resistance of the relevant cassette.

33. Stand-up support unit according to any one of claims 23 - 32, wherein the bridge portion or parts thereof is/are directly connected to or formed as part of the frame support, especially of mounting flanges thereof.

34. Stand-up support according to any one claims 23 - 33, wherein the first support element is mounted to or comprises at least two arms fixedly connected to the profile, close to and preferably directly adjacent the bushings.

35. Training device comprising a stand-up support according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a series of cassettes or spring assemblies is provided for insertion into the profile, wherein cassettes or spring assemblies have different torsion resistances.

36. Training device according to claim 35, wherein the device comprises hand supports, preferably having front ends positioned higher than a rearward portion.

37. Method for training a person in standing up and/or sitting down, wherein a training device is used according to claim 35 or 36.

38. Method according to claim 37 wherein a first cassette or spring assembly is inserted into the profile, after which a person is requested to sit down on the sitting support, formed by at least the first and preferably first and second support elements, and requested to stand up again, supported by the first and preferably first and second support elements, forced upward by the torsion spring device, where after the cassette is exchanged by a second cassette with a different torsion resistance, especially lower, where after the person is requested to sit down and stand up again.

39. Torsion spring cassette for use in a stand-up support according to any one of claims 1 - 34, in a training device of claim 35 or 36 or a method according to claim 37 or 38.

40. Torsion spring cassette according to claim 39, wherein

the cassette comprises a series of leaf elements connected to each other at opposite longitudinal ends.

41. Torsion spring cassette according to claim 40, wherein spacer elements are be provided at least at or near said ends.

42. Torsion spring cassette according to claim 40 or 41, wherein a longitudinal end is provided with an engagement portion, such as for example a grip, especially an engagement portion which is connected to or is integral with spacer elements inserted between leaf elements.

43. Torsion spring cassette according to claim 42 wherein the engagement portion has a marking, in order to indicate the spring characteristic of the cassette.

44. Torsion spring cassette according to any one of claims 40 - 43, wherein the leaf elements are connected to each other by a connecting element, wherein the connecting element is arranged for forming at least part of an interface between the cassette and a tube and/or a first support element of the stand-up support.

45. Set of torsion spring cassettes according to claims 42, 43 or 44, wherein the engagement portions of different cassettes have different markings, in order to indicate the spring characteristic of the relevant cassette.