WO2015176729A1

WO2015176729A1 - Calming chair

Info

Publication number: WO2015176729A1
Application number: PCT/DK2015/050127
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pia Christiansen; Birthe PEDERSEN
Original assignee: Protac A/S
Priority date: 2014-05-22
Filing date: 2015-05-22
Publication date: 2015-11-26
Also published as: DK3128986T3; EP3128986A1; DK201470547A1; EP3128986B1; PL3128986T3; NO3128986T3; HUE036997T2; DK178665B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to calming chairs. More specifically, the invention relates to a calming chair with an elastically deformable base section for physically challenged users, such as elderly users.

Description

CALMING CHAIR

Technical field of the invention

Background of the invention

It is known that persons who suffer from angst, unrest, or sensory disorders have difficulty in finding rest, sleeping, or relaxing. A reason for this may be that they have difficulty in feeling the boundaries of their own bodies, and they can need a physical object to focus on, preferably something that presses against the body and that they can bend and wrap around themselves. Especially, in the treatment of people suffering from conditions such as neurological diseases, psychiatric disorders, i.e. symptoms of psychosis, dementia, mentally retarded, patients with sensory integration problems, it is known to physically stimulate the proprioceptive sensory system and the tactile sensory system to inhibit the flow of impulses to the central nervous system and obtain a calming effect. Hence, there is an increased focus on providing auxiliary equipment which can stimulate the proprioceptive sensory system and the tactile sensory system.

It is already known to use calming chairs for this purpose. In the international application WO2008119347, a calming chair is shown enclosing balls that stimulate the proprioceptive sensory system and the tactile sensory system of the person sitting in it. Although a very good general solution, this calming chair is developed for users that are not physically challenged. Elderly people, as an example, have difficulties rising from the calming chair without assistance. Hence, there is a need for a calming chair that can be adjusted in a better way to meet the needs of a physically challenged user.

Summary of the invention

Hence, one object of the present invention is to provide a calming chair that is adjusted in a better way to meet the needs of a physically challenged user.

One aspect relates to a calming chair for therapeutic treatment, wherein said calming chair comprises;

- a supporting region comprising a seat part, a back rest, and a side rest for supporting the body of the sitting user;

- at least one supportive part which can be placed upon said user, the supportive part being filled with a plurality of objects for increasing the weight of said supportive part, and which objects exert a sporadic pressure on the body of the user;

characterized in that the seat part comprises a seat section being filled with a plurality of mutually displaceable substantially spherical objects, and an elastically deformable base section; wherein the seat section is positioned on top of the elastically deformable base section.

An advantage of using substantially spherical objects is that they, due to the weight of the user, displace and form according to the shape of the body of the user, whereby a comfortable position can be obtained. The substantially spherical objects can be hollow and have a shell of polymer, glass, metal or the like, and have different kinds of filling such as fluids or solid materials.

In one embodiment, the substantially spherical objects are perfectly spherical, e.g. ball shaped. In one or more embodiments, the substantially spherical objects may be thermally isolating if the filling is warmed up by heat from the body of the user. The substantially spherical objects can also be solid and made from polymer, glass, metal or the like.

Disclosed herein is a calming chair for therapeutic treatment. The calming chair comprises a supporting region and at least one supportive part.

The supporting region comprises a seat part, a back rest, and a side rest for supporting the body of the sitting user, whereas the supportive part can be placed upon said user.

In one or more embodiments, the back rest comprises a back section being filled with a plurality of mutually displaceable substantially spherically objects. The back section may be detachable from the remaining back part. The back section may only be connected to the back part at the top of the back section.

The back section - preferably detachable from the back part - may be divided into a number of subsections and/or channels for securing the substantially spherically objects in a user-determined position ensuring that they do not all accumulate at the bottom of the back section, when the back section is attached to the back part.

The supportive part is being filled with a plurality of objects for increasing the weight of the supportive part, and which objects exert a sporadic pressure on the body of the user. Preferably, the plurality of objects is a plurality of mutually displaceable substantially spherically objects.

The seat part comprises a seat section being filled with a plurality of mutually displaceable substantially spherically objects, and an elastically deformable base section. The seat section is positioned on top of the elastically deformable base section.

The term "elastically deformable" refers to the deformation of the base section caused by an applied stress (e.g. the weight of the user), wherein the base section returns to its original shape after the stress is removed (e.g. when the user rises from the calming chair). For any material, an elastic limit (also known as yield strength) is the separation point between elastic and plastic deformation characteristics. That is, an applied stress beneath the elastic limit results in elastic deformation, whereas an applied stress above the elastic limit results in plastic deformation (or breakage for brittle materials). In any case, the selected material should have an elastic limit that allows the base section to withstand normal use of the calming chair. The elastically deformable base section has several purposes. When the user sits down in the calming chair, the elastically deformable base section absorbs some of the impact energy, thereby avoiding that the user sinks too deep into the seat part. This is especially important for physically challenged users, such as elderly people, since their abdominal muscles are so weak that they drop down into the calming chair rather than performing a controlled sitting motion. Without the elastically deformable base section, elderly people will sink too deep into the seat part for them to rise from the seated position without assistance.

The effect of the elastically deformable base section returning to its original position after deformation by the weight of the user is also an advantage when it comes to continued use. The calming chairs on the market today will need to be rolled manually after use for seat part to be reshaped. This is not necessary with the calming chair of the present invention. Advantageously, the diameter of the substantially spherically objects, such as balls, in the seat section and/or in the back section can be varied in order to

accommodate the different size of users. The diameter of the substantially spherically objects can also be varied in order to exert a more or less sporadic pressure on the body of the user. To obtain the calming effect, it is essential that the pressure exerted on the body of the user is sporadic, opposite to e.g. chairs or other furniture that provide a uniform supporting surface. This means that the body of the user is supported in a number of spots having a mutual distance of approximately the diameter of the substantially spherically objects. It is also important that the substantially spherically objects are mutually displaceable for the user in order to be able to obtain a good support. The inventors have found that the diameter of the substantially spherically objects in the seat section is optimal when being within the range of 2-10 cm. In one or more embodiments, the diameter of the substantially spherically objects in the seat section is within the range of 2-15 cm, such as within the range of 2-12 cm, e.g. within the range of 2-10 cm, such as within the range of 3-10 cm, e.g.

within the range of 4-10 cm, such as within the range of 5-10 cm. In one or more embodiments, the diameter of the substantially spherically objects in the supportive part is within the range of 2-15 cm, such as within the range of 2- 12 cm, e.g. within the range of 2-10 cm, such as within the range of 3-10 cm, e.g. within the range of 4-10 cm, such as within the range of 5-10 cm. In one or more embodiments, the elastically deformable base section is made of a cellular structural material. In one or more embodiments, the elastically deformable base section is made of a foam material, such as polyisocyanate, ethylvinylacetate, and/or polyurethane foams. The height of the seat section is of importance for how deep the user will sink into the seat part. If too high, the user will sink too much, and if too low, the

substantially spherically objects will have difficulty in displacing properly. The latter may result in bruises, especially for elderly people, where the blood flow is challenged.

In one or more embodiments, the height of the seat section is at least 2 times the diameter of the largest substantially spherically objects present in the seat section, such as 2-10 times, e.g. 2-8 times, e.g. 3-5 times the diameter of the largest substantially spherically objects present in the seat section.

In one or more embodiments, the height of the seat section is within the range of 4- 40 cm, such as within the range of 5-35 cm, e.g. within the range of 5-30 cm, such as within the range of 5-25 cm, e.g. within the range of 10-20 cm. Preferably, the height of the seat section is within the range of 5-15 cm.

The optimal way of rising from a chair, is first to grab onto the calming chair at a position above the legs, and as close to the knees as possible. Then the user should lean forward to bring the centre of gravity above the legs and hands; and shift the feet to maximize base of support. The shift of the feet should be done so as to place the line of gravity within the base of support, i.e. between the feet. This is done by positioning at least a part of heel of the rear positioned foot under a part of the seat part. Hence, in one or more embodiments, the calming chair is adapted such that when seated, the user is capable of placing at least a part of the heels under the seat part. In one or more embodiments, the calming chair is adapted such that when seated, the user is capable of placing at least a part of the heels below at least a part of the elastically deformable base section.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the calming chair comprises at least one pre-shaped element shaped according to the supportive properties of the chair. The advantage of the pre-shaped element, which could be made from pre-shaped polymeric material, is that it ensures a dimensionally stable calming chair. The pre- shaped element(s) thereby stabilizes the supporting region.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the pre-shaped element(s) will constitute a shell having the shape of a chair, i.e. the pre-shaped element(s) may form the basis of the calming chair and may be in one continuous piece.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the pre-shaped element(s) comprises a low part which inclining inwards thereby forming a "cut-out" of the pre-shaped element, i.e. a narrowing of the pre-shaped element. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the pre-shaped element inclines outwards in a direction from the top towards to bottom of the calming chair before it inclines inwards at the "cut-out" at the bottom of the pre-shaped element. At a leg section of the pre-shaped element, which is positioned behind the users leg, when the user sits in the calming chair and which extends until the "cut-out" at the bottom, the pre-shaped element may have a surface extending substantially vertically instead of inclining outwards. The vertically extending surface provides additional support to the legs of the user when the user is getting out of the chair.

In one or more embodiments, the calming chair further comprises an armrest. In one or more embodiments, at least a part of the side rest is integrated as part of the pre-shaped element. In one or more embodiments, at least a part of the arm rest is integrated as part of the pre-shaped element.

In one or more embodiments, at least a part of the side rest and at least a part of the arm rest are integrated as part of the pre-shaped element.

In one or more embodiments, the seat part further comprises a part of the pre- shaped element.

In one or more embodiments, the calming chair further comprises a recloseable opening with a fastener, such as a zipper or a hoop and loop fastener, for gaining access to the inside of the calming chair. The advantage of a recloseable opening is that access to the inside of the chair makes it possible to replace the seat section or the elastically deformable base section. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the calming chair comprises a chair cover comprising a reclosable opening with a fastener, such as a zipper or a hoop and loop fastener, for gaining access to the inside of the calming chair. The chair cover may be adapted for covering the entire calming chair or only specific parts of it.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the chair cover covers the pre- shaped element(s) and the at least one supportive part. The chair cover may also cover the back section with the mutually displaceable substantially spherically objects. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the seat section (filled with the plurality of mutually displaceable substantially spherically objects) and the elastically deformable base section may be enclosed in a separate seat cover detachable from the chair cover. The seat cover in this way may form a seating pillow. The seating pillow may be detachable from the rest of the calming chair in the sense that it resembles a pillow, which can be placed inside the chair cover and/or on top of the chair cover, e.g. in a recess formed in the pre-shaped element. In one or more embodiments, the seat cover and/or the chair cover is made from a liquid repellent material. This prevents sweat or other bodily fluid such as e.g. urine from penetrating through the covers and into the underlying materials inside the chair. In one or more embodiments, the seat section comprises a recloseable opening with a fastener, such as a zipper or a hoop and loop, for gaining access to the inside of said seat section. Through the access to the inner of the seat section, the filling, such as balls, can be replaced with another filling or cleaned and re-filled in the seat section. The recloseable opening in the seat section, may in one or more

embodiments be an opening in the seat cover.

It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a calming chair where the supportive parts are detached, Figure 2 shows a cross section of a preferred embodiment of a calming chair where the supportive parts are detached, and

Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of a calming chair.

Figure 4a shows another preferred embodiment of a calming chair seen in a side view and figure 4b shows the same embodiment of the calming chair as seen in a top-down view. Detailed description of the invention

In Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of a calming chair 100 according to the invention is shown. The calming chair 100 is shown with the supportive parts detached. A pre-shaped element 600, shaped according to the supportive properties of the calming chair, is shown. The side rest 400 and the arm rest 700 are integrated as part of the pre-shaped element 600. The back rest 300 is shown attached to the pre-shaped element 600, and may be filled with a plurality of mutually displaceable substantially spherical objects, or be a cushion of materials well-known in the art, such as a foam material. In an alternative embodiment, the back rest 300 may also be at least partly integrated in the pre-shaped element 600. If the back rest 300 comprises plurality of mutually displaceable substantially spherical objects, it may do so in the form of a back section being detachable from the calming chair 100.

Figure 1 also discloses the seat section 202 of the seat part 200, filled with a plurality of mutually displaceable substantially spherical objects, such as balls.

In Figure 2, a cross section of a preferred embodiment of a calming chair 100 is shown. The calming chair 100 is shown with the supportive parts detached. A pre- shaped element 600, shaped according to the supportive properties of the calming chair, is shown. The side rest 400 and the arm rest 700 are integrated as part of the pre-shaped element 600. The back rest 300 is shown attached to the pre-shaped element 600, and may be filled with a plurality of mutually displaceable

substantially spherical objects, or be a cushion of materials well-known in the art, such as a foam material. In an alternative embodiment, the back rest 300 may also be at least partly integrated in the pre-shaped element 600. If the back rest 300 comprises plurality of mutually displaceable substantially spherical objects, it may do so in the form of a back section being detachable from the calming chair 100. The seat part 200 comprises a seat section 202 being filled with a plurality of mutually displaceable substantially spherical objects, and an elastically deformable base section 204. The seat section 202 is positioned on top of the elastically deformable base section 204. The seat section 202 and the elastically deformable base 204 may be covered by a separate seat cover. The seat cover may form a pillow, which can be removed from the rest of the calming chair 100, if the seat section 202 and the elastically deformable base 204 needs to be changed e.g. to adjust for properties of the calming chair for a specific user.

Figure 2 also discloses that the seat part 200 further comprises a part of the pre- shaped element 600. The seat section 202 and the elastically deformable base 204 fits into a recess in the pre-shaped element 600, where it is the edge defining this recess that is part of the seat part 200.

The calming chair 100 is adapted such that when seated, the user is capable of placing at least a part of the heels under the seat part. This is shown as a "cut-out" of the base section (lower part) of the pre-shaped element 600; or rather the pre- shaped element 600 is shaped such that the base section is narrower than the remaining part of the pre-shaped element 600. The pre-shaped element 600 generally inclines outwards before inclining inwards at the "cut-out" at the bottom of the pre-shaped element 600.

In Figure 3, a preferred embodiment of a calming chair 100 according to the invention is shown. The calming chair 100 is shown with the supportive parts 500 attached. A pre-shaped element 600, shaped according to the supportive properties of the calming chair, is shown. The side rest 400 and the arm rest 700 are integrated as part of the pre-shaped element 600. The back rest 300 is shown attached to the pre-shaped element 600, and may be filled with a plurality of mutually displaceable substantially spherical objects, or be a cushion of materials well-known in the art, such as a foam material. If the back rest 300 comprises plurality of mutually displaceable substantially spherical objects, it may do so in the form of a back section being detachable from the calming chair 100.

The pre-shaped element 600 is shown in a transparent material, such that the seat section 202 and the elastically deformable base section 204 can be seen. The seat section 202 is positioned on top of the elastically deformable base section 204.

In figures 4a and 4b, another preferred embodiment of a calming chair 100' according to the invention is shown in a side-view and a top-down view,

respectively. The calming chair 100' is shown with the supportive parts 500 detached. A pre-shaped element 600, shaped according to the supportive properties of the calming chair, is shown. The side rest and the arm rest are integrated as part of the pre-shaped element 600 in the same manner as the embodiment of the preceding figures. The back rest 300 is shown as part of the pre- shaped element 600. A back section (not shown in the drawing) filled with a plurality of mutually displaceable substantially spherical objects may be attached to the back part 300, e.g. at the top of the back section or down along the back part 300. In figure 4a, the seat section 202 being filled with a plurality of mutually

displaceable substantially spherical objects, and an elastically deformable base section 204 is shown as positioned inside a non-transparent seat cover forming a seating pillow. The seating pillow comprising the seat section 202 and the elastically deformable base 204 fits into a recess in the pre-shaped element 600.

The pre-shaped element 600 comprises a low part 601 which inclining inwards thereby forming a "cut-out" of the pre-shaped element, i.e. a narrowing of the pre- shaped element 600.

The pre-shaped element 600 generally inclines outwards before inclining inwards at the "cut-out" 601 at the bottom of the pre-shaped element 600. At a limited leg section 602 of the pre-shaped element 600, which is positioned behind the users leg, when the user sits in the calming chair and which extends until the "cut-out" 601 at the bottom of the pre-shaped element 600, the pre-shaped element has a surface 602 extending substantially vertically instead of inclining outwards. The vertically surface 602 supports the legs of the user further when the user has to get out of the chair. In the top-down view of the calming chair 100' in figure 4b, the vertical surface 602 can be seen clearly. The measures in figure 4b are merely an example of a dimension which the calming chair 100' may have and should therefore not be seen as a limiting parameter for the dimension of a calming chair 100' in general. Common for the two shown embodiments of the calming chair 100, 100' shown in figures 1-3 and figures 4a-b, respectively, is that they may comprise a chair cover which covers the supportive parts 500, the pre-shaped element 600 and the back rest 300. The seat section 202 and the elastically deformable base 204 may be covered by the chair cover and/or be covered by a separate seating cover. The seat cover may form a seating pillow, which can be removed from the rest of the calming chair 100, 100', if the seat section 202 and the elastically deformable base 204 needs to be changed e.g. to adjust for properties of the calming chair for a specific user. The seating pillow may be placed inside the chair cover and/or on top of the chair cover, e.g. in a recess formed in the pre-shaped element as shown in all the figures.

References

100 Calming chair

200 Seat part

202 Seat section

204 Elastically deformable base section

300 Back rest

400 Side rest

500 Supportive part

600 Pre-shaped element

601 Cut-out part of the pre-shaped element

602 Leg part of the pre-shaped element

700 Armrest

Claims

1. A calming chair (100) for therapeutic treatment, wherein said calming chair comprises;

- a supporting region comprising a seat part (200), a back rest (300), and a side rest (400) for supporting the body of the sitting user;

- at least one supportive part (500) which can be placed upon said user, the supportive part (500) being filled with a plurality of objects for increasing the weight of said supportive part, and which objects exert a sporadic pressure on the body of the user;

characterized in that the seat part (200) comprises a seat section (202) being filled with a plurality of mutually displaceable substantially spherical objects, and an elastically deformable base section (204); wherein the seat section (202) is positioned on top of the elastically deformable base section (204).

2. A calming chair according to claim 1, wherein the substantially spherical objects are perfectly spherical, e.g. ball shaped.

3. A calming chair according to any one of the claims 1-2, wherein the elastically deformable base section is made of a cellular structural material.

4. A calming chair according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the elastically deformable base section is made of a foam material.

5. A calming chair according to any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the height of the seat section is within the range of 4-40 cm.

6. A calming chair according to any one of the claims 1-5, wherein the calming chair is adapted such that when seated, the user is capable of placing at least a part of the heels under the seat section.

7. A calming chair according to any one of the claims 1-5, wherein the calming chair is adapted such that when seated, the user is capable of placing at least a part of the heels under at least a part of the elastically deformable base section.

8. A calming chair according to any one of the claims 1-7, further comprising at least one pre-shaped element (600), shaped according to the supportive properties of the calming chair.

9. A calming chair according to any one of the claims 1-7, further comprising an armrest (700).

10. A calming chair according to any one of the claims 1-9, wherein the diameter of the substantially spherical objects in the seat section is within the range of 2-10 cm.