WO2021260254A1

WO2021260254A1 - Body support for use with a saddle chair or other sitting-standing support

Info

Publication number: WO2021260254A1
Application number: PCT/FI2020/050790
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oskar Ylänkö; Pekka Ylänkö
Original assignee: Ergotekniikka Oy Tuolitalo
Priority date: 2020-06-22
Filing date: 2020-11-24
Publication date: 2021-12-30
Also published as: FI12754Y1; EP4167798A1

Abstract

A body support for use with a saddle chair or other sitting-standing support, comprising a hub (1) which can be fitted around the gas spring or corresponding support post under the seat for attaching the body support, a support arm (3) attached to the hub (1), a horizontal portion (5) of the vertical shaft, provided with a wheel (4) and attached to the support arm (3), a vertical shaft (6), for which the horizontal support (5) of the vertical shaft functions as a base. Supported by the vertical shaft (6) is placed a desk plate or other stand (7), the distance of which from the hub (1) can be adjusted by the distance adjustment (8), and the height by the height adjustment (9).

Description

BODY SUPPORT FOR USE WITH A SADDLE CHAIR OR OTHER SITTING STANDING SUPPORT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device to be attached to a saddle chair or other chair used as a sitting-standing support, by means of which the seated person achieves the neutral body posture free of muscle strain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the 1980s, the United States of America's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) conducted a number of studies which attempted to find a characteristic body posture for a person, in which the muscles are completely relaxed such that they experience no strain. As a part of the project were studied astronauts working in outer space under conditions of microgravity and into what kind of position their body would settle when the muscles were entirely relaxed (Neutral Body Posture).

In general, according to the NASA studies, the working position creating the least muscle strain is one, in which the angle of the gravity line from the neck to the hip of the individual is vertical, the angle of the thighs in relation to the gravity line approximately 128 ±7 degrees, the angle between the legs and the thighs 133 +8 degrees, and the angle of the upper arms to the vertical line of the back 36 ±19 degrees forwards. The thighs should be 9 ±4 degrees outwards in relation to the perpendicular midline of the body. This position may be called the neutral body posture. What is notable about the position regarding sedentary work is also that the angle of the sole in relation to the leg is 111 ±6 degrees, wherein the heel is elevated in relation to the toes. On the basis of the studies, NASA published Man-Systems Integration Standards (MSIS) which are utilized in the design of workstations and tools used in outer space (https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/2004 0200967.pdf), Fig. 5.

Also in NASA subsidiaries, an attempt has been made to utilize the results of the study in office chairs, car seats, and massage chairs (US5141285A, US20190183722A1,

WOl998026691A2). In all of the above said, an attempt has been made to reduce muscle strain through the design of the paddings, however, without the seated person being guided to sit in the neutral body posture with the aid of accessory devices. In the work environment, for working at a computer terminal are generally used fixed desks with a working height of 70- 80cm, or height-adjustable desks with a working height of 80-120cm when seated at the desk. The depth of the seat of an office chair used with a typical fixed-height desk is 45-55cm, wherein the thighs are at an approximately 90 degree angle in relation to the body, and the soles are along the floor, wherein the angle of the legs in relation to the thighs is also approximately 90 degrees. In office chairs of this type, the sitting position can be improved only by the design of the back support and by adjustments. At a height-ad ustable desk, it is possible to sit in a position closer to the neutral body posture, provided that the chair that is used allows for an adequate angle between the thighs and the body. When seated at a height-adjustable desk, it is possible to achieve the neutral body posture using a saddle chair or other comparable chair, in which the thighs can be directed 128 ±7 degrees downwards from the vertical angle of the hip.

With telecommuting work to be done at home, the worker must often use existing furniture items which are not intended for computer terminal work. In all of the above said, the chair and desk are separate pieces of furniture, wherein the distance of the seated person from the desktop is not defined. In this case, sitting upright is dependent on the distance between the chair and the desk, and keeping this distance constant is difficult when using a chair provided with wheels. Achieving a lower body position according to the neutral body posture is best achieved by such a chair, in which the width and shape of the seat from its front portion allows not only directing the thighs downwards but also the angle of the thighs in relation to the perpendicular midline of the body. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to obviate the above said barriers to ergonomic computer terminal work in the workplace and in telecommuting work. The invention enables achieving the working position that research has shown to be the least stressful to the muscles such that a user can easily adjust for himself or herself the distance between the chair and the desk, the height of both the seat and the desktop from the floor, and can thus define a working position that is suitable for himself or herself.

The object according to the invention is achieved by a body support according to claim 1, comprising a hub which can be fitted around a gas spring or corresponding support post under the seat for attaching the body support, a support arm attached to the hub, a horizontal portion of the vertical shaft provided with a wheel and attached to the support arm, a vertical shaft, for which the horizontal support of the vertical shaft functions as a base. Supported by the vertical shaft is placed a desk plate or other stand, the distance of which from the hub can be adjusted by the distance adjustment, and the height by the height adjustment.

In one embodiment of the invention, the neutral body posture can be achieved by means of the distance and height adjustments of the desk plate or other stand supported by the vertical shaft, together with the height adjustment of the seat.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the inclination of the desk plate or other stand supported by the vertical shaft is adjustable.

In an embodiment of the invention, the height adjustment of the vertical shaft is performed by a gas spring or an electric motor.

In an embodiment of the invention, onto the desk plate or other stand is marked the angle for placing the arms.

In one embodiment of the invention, the horizontal portion of the vertical shaft can be moved in the horizontal direction in relation to the support arm. In this case, for example, the horizontal portion of the vertical shaft fits or is adapted to move in the backwards and forwards direction within the support arm.

In one embodiment of the invention, the support arm has a locking screw or other corresponding stopper, with which the distance of the vertical shaft in relation to the hub can be adjusted.

In one embodiment of the invention, the support arm is provided with heel supports, or the heel supports are attached to the horizontal portion of the vertical shaft.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the body support comprises a chair, in which the hub is installed around the gas spring or corresponding support post under the seat.

By using the invention, significant advantages are achieved. The invention requires very little space and, by using it, a user can achieve an optimal position for computer terminal work at the workplace or at home. The invention is intended for use with such a saddle chair or other sitting-standing support, using which the thighs can be placed according to the neutral body posture when seated.

By using the invention, the seated person can settle into the neutral body posture by adjusting the height of the seat, the distance of the desk from the seated person, and the height of the desk. By using the invention, the seated person can also move along with the desk. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is a body support as defined in the preamble of claim 1, to be placed around the gas spring of a chair or other pillar supporting the chair.

The main parts of the invention are a hub to be installed around the gas spring or corresponding support post of a chair or other seat, a support arm attached to the hub and provided with a wheel, functioning as the base for the height-ad usting vertical shaft, and a desk plate or other stand, such as a desktop, to be placed as supported by the vertical shaft. The hub is composed of two semicircular arched parts which, when connected together, form a disc with a hole in the middle. The diameter of the hole, while it is attached to the gas spring of the chair, is approximately 30 mm. The halves of the hub are connected together, for example, with screws, around the piston of the gas spring or other support post used in the seat.

The hub is connected to the support arm which is at a horizontal or declining angle and within which the horizontal portion of the vertical shaft has room to move in the backwards and forwards direction. By means of the locking screw or other corresponding stopper in the support arm, the distance of the vertical shaft in relation to the hub and the seated person can be adjusted. The horizontal portion of the vertical shaft has a wheel directly under the vertical shaft, by means of which the vertical shaft is settled onto the floor.

On top of the vertical shaft attached to the horizontal portion of the vertical shaft is placed a telescopic arm, supported by which the vertical shaft can be lifted and lowered in the vertical direction. The telescopic arm can be locked to the desired height with the locking screw or corresponding stopper. The vertical shaft may also be manufactured such that the adjustment of height is performed by a gas spring, an electric motor or other relief mechanism placed inside the vertical shaft, and the telescopic pipes formed by the vertical shaft serve both as a protective casing and an attachment base for the height adjustment mechanism.

The desk plate to be installed to the upper part of the vertical shaft is adjusted close to the seated person such that the body angles according to the neutral body posture are implemented. When the seat is at such a height that the angle between the thighs and the gravity line of the seated person is 128 ±7 degrees, and the angle between the thighs and the legs is 133 +8 degrees, as measured by a gauge (Fig. 5), the distance of the vertical shaft and the thereto-attached desk from the seated person and the height are adjusted such that the angle of the upper arm in relation to the desk plate is 122 ±24 degrees, as measured by a gauge. By placing the arms according to the 35 degree lines (Fig. 3) on the desk plate, and by placing the heels on the heel supports, the neutral body posture is achieved, implementing also the above said angles according to studies, in which the distance of the arms and the angle of the body should be. In an embodiment of the invention, the hub is made from metal and is, for example, 50 mm in its outer diameter and 30 mm in its inner diameter. The hub is placed around the piston of the gas spring of the chair and tightened with screws such that the hub is able to rotate around the gas spring.

In this embodiment, to the outer edge of the hub is attached, in the horizontal direction, a square-shaped pipe 20mm in its outer diameter and 18.5mm in its inner diameter which forms a support arm. Inside the support arm is placed a pipe which is, for example, 16 mm in its outer diameter and which forms the horizontal portion of the vertical shaft. Into the support arm is drilled a hole, for example, 10mm in diameter, to the outside of which is attached a nut of the same diameter. The nut functions as the matching piece to the thumb screw which, while extending within the support arm, locks the horizontal portion of the vertical shaft from moving. The heel supports in the support arm allow the heel to be kept free from the ground.

To the outer end of the horizontal portion of the vertical shaft are attached perpendicularly at a 90 degree angle nested pipes functioning, for example, as the telescopic arm, within which is located a gas spring adjusting the height of the vertical shaft. To the upper end of the vertical shaft is attached a desk plate, by adjusting the height and distance of which from the seated person the neutral body posture for the seated person is achieved.

In this embodiment, along with the invention is delivered an angle gauge (Fig. 5) instructive for achieving each angle of the body which the seated person can use to check his or her position.

By using means according to the invention, significant advantages are achieved in comparison to prior known art.

By using the invention, while performing computer terminal work or other corresponding duties, a user is able to work in such a position, in which as little strain as possible is directed onto the muscles for maintaining an ergonomic position. A body support according to the invention may also be turned to the side of the seated person if it is not needed. As it takes up very little space, the invention is suitable for use in open-plan offices and in telecommuting work taking place at home. LIST OF FIGURES

In the following, the invention is described in more detail by means of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows a body support according to one embodiment of the invention from the right upper oblique,

Fig. 2 shows the body support of Fig. 1 when attached to a chair,

Fig. 3 shows, from the right side, the body support of Fig. 1 when attached to a saddle chair such that the angles according to the neutral body posture of the seated person on the chair are as declared,

Fig. 4 shows the body support of Fig. 1 from above, and the reference angles on the desk plate for the forearms, and Fig. 5 shows the angle gauge instructive for achieving the angle of the body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figs. 1-5 show a body support to be attached to a saddle chair according to the invention, the hub 1 of which is attached, for example, around the protective pipe of the gas spring supporting the chair, and in which the support arm 3 provided with heel supports 2 is attached horizontally in relation to the hub. Extending within the support arm 3 of Fig. 1, the horizontal portion 5 of the vertical shaft is provided with a wheel 4 allowing movement of the body support, and functions as the supporting part of the vertical shaft 6 such that, in this embodiment, the support arm 3 attached to the hub 1 is that much larger than the horizontal portion 5 of the vertical shaft in its inner diameter that the horizontal portion 5 of the vertical shaft has room to move within the support arm 3, and the thereto-attached heel supports 2 can be set at the required distance from the seated person. The horizontal portion 5 comprises one or more wheels 4. In this embodiment, the vertical shaft 6 is attached at a 90 degree angle in relation to the horizontal portion 5 of the vertical shaft. The distance of the desk 7 to be placed on top of the vertical shaft 6 from the seated person can be adjusted by the distance adjustment 8 on the support arm 5 that, in this embodiment, is a thumb screw which fits into to the threads in the nut attached to the support arm and tightens the horizontal portion 5 of the vertical shaft into place through a hole drilled in the support arm 3 at the nut. The height of the desk 7 can be adjusted by the height adjustment 9 that, in this embodiment, is a release lever for the gas spring inside the vertical shaft 6. In this embodiment, onto the surface of the desk 7 are marked grooves 10 indicating the angle of the right forearm 10. In Fig. 2, the body support is attached to the gas spring of the saddle chair in the manner intended by the invention. Fig. 3 shows the body angles of the seated person while the invention is used. Fig. 4 shows the placement of the forearm of the seated person according to the angles indicated by the grooves 10. Fig. 5 shows an embodiment for an angle gauge assisting in measuring the body angles.

The object of the invention is a body support for use with a saddle chair or other sitting-standing support. According to one embodiment of the invention, the support is attached from a hub 1 to be fitted around the gas spring or corresponding support post under the seat, and to the support arm 3 on the hub, provided with heel supports 2, can be attached the horizontal portion 5 of the vertical shaft, provided with a wheel 4 and functioning as the base for the vertical shaft 6, and in which, supported by the vertical shaft, can be placed the desk plate or other stand 7, the distance of which from the seated person can be adjusted by the distance adjustment 8, and the height by the height adjustment 9.

The distance adjustment 8 can alternatively be implemented such that the stand 7 can be moved in the horizontal direction towards the hub 1/seat and/or the seat can be moved in the horizontal direction towards the stand 7. In this case, the seat is provided with a mechanism, by means of which the seat can be moved in the horizontal direction towards the stand 7 and away from the stand 7, and/or the stand 7 is provided with a rail or other mechanism, along which the stand 7 can be moved in the horizontal direction towards the hub 1/seat or away from the hub 1/seat.

The invention is not limited only to the examples presented above, but many variations are possible within the scope of the inventive idea defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A body support for use with a saddle chair or other sitting-standing support, characterized in that the body support comprises:

- a hub (1) which can be fitted around a gas spring or corresponding support post under the seat for attaching the body support,

- a support arm (3) attached to the hub (1), - a horizontal portion (5) of the vertical shaft, provided with a wheel (4) and attached to the support arm (3),

- a vertical shaft (6), for which the horizontal support (5) of the vertical shaft functions as a base, and in which, supported by the vertical shaft (6), is placed a desk plate or other stand (7), the distance of which from the hub (1) can be adjusted by the distance adjustment (8), and the height by the height adjustment (9).

2. A body support according to claim 1, characterized in that the neutral body posture is achieved by the distance

(8) and height (9) adjustments of the desk plate or other stand (7) supported by the vertical shaft (6), together with the height adjustment of the seat.

3. A body support according to claim 1, characterized in that the inclination of the desk plate or other stand (7) supported by the vertical shaft (6) is adjustable.

4. A body support according to claim 1, characterized in that the height adjustment (9) of the vertical shaft (6) is performed by a gas spring or an electric motor.

5. A body support according to claim 1, characterized in that onto the desk plate or other stand (7) is marked the angle (10) for placing the arms.

6. A body support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the horizontal portion (5) of the vertical shaft can be moved in the horizontal direction in relation to the support arm (3).

7. A body support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the horizontal portion (5) of the vertical shaft has room to move in the backwards and forwards direction within the support arm (3).

8. A body support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support arm (3) has a locking screw or other corresponding stopper, with which the distance of the vertical shaft (6) in relation to the hub (1) can be adjusted.

9. A body support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support arm (3) is provided with heel supports (2), or the heel supports (2) are attached to the horizontal portion (5) of the vertical shaft.

10. A body support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body support comprises a chair, in which the hub (1) is installed around the gas spring or corresponding support post under the seat.

11. A body support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stand (7) can be moved in the horizontal direction towards the hub (l)/seat and/or the seat can be moved in the horizontal direction towards the stand (7).