DE102021001184B3 - Multifunctional chair - Google Patents

Abstract

A multifunctional chair is proposed with a movable seat element (A) which is mounted on an unsprung support element (B), the movable seat element (A) being designed as a rotary body with a convex lower surface as a spherical segment, with an upwardly directed base circular surface (1) and a downwardly directed spherical cap (2), which is movable on a bearing (3) of the unsprung support element (B), in such a way that the movements of the seat element (A) are restricted to rotational movements, - with a rod (4 ), which is attached centrally to the underside of the movable seat element (A), and a central cylindrical recess (5) in the unsprung carrier element (B), whereby the movements of the seat element (A) are further restricted by the angle (ϑ) between the axis of symmetry of the unsprung support element (B) and the axis of symmetry of the movable seat element (A) is limited to a predeterminable value, - with ring-shaped en weights (6), which can be detachably attached to the outer circumference of the rod (4), whereby the restoring force and thus the force required to deflect the seat element (A) from the equilibrium position is variably adjustable, and with an unsprung Bracket (7) which is connected to an unsprung support frame (8), which ensures access to the rod (4) for the purpose of attaching the annular weights (6).

Description

The present invention relates to a multifunctional chair with a movable seat element which is mounted on an unsprung support element which, in addition to being used as seating furniture, can be used for physiotherapeutic purposes and in the fitness area.

The sedentary lifestyle has become increasingly dominant, with corresponding negative effects on overall health and fitness. To counteract this, a large number of different seating furniture have already been developed that enable mobile sitting.

From the DE 20 2009 011 135 U1 a seat device is known, in particular a stool, with a platform and a seat surface mounted thereon, in particular by means of a ball, the platform and the seat surface being assigned to one another, at least partially concave bearing shells between which the intermediate element is movably arranged so that the seat surface is relatively is freely movable to the platform, in particular slidable and tiltable, preferably also rotatable, and wherein a securing arrangement is provided which is designed such that the seat surface and the platform can be coupled or coupled to one another in order to remove the seat surface from the platform or / and to prevent the intermediate element or to enable it to a certain extent, so that improper handling is prevented, which could lead to damage to the user or to the floor covering due to the ball falling down. The construction is relatively complicated and the movement of the seat surface cannot be precisely controlled.

The 20110089733 A1 describes a further seat device with a mobile seat surface that is mounted on an unsprung support surface, with castors being provided in place of ball bearings in order to reduce the noises occurring here. This construction also allows only limited mobility of the seat element.

the WO 2019/074903 A1 describes a further seat device that enables controlled, dynamic sitting, with the muscles, in particular of the pelvic floor, lower back, hips and abdomen being trained. At the same time, the alignment of the head and neck is stabilized, stress is reduced and blood circulation is improved.

The carrier element should preferably comprise a convex upper side and the seat element should preferably comprise a convex upper side and a concave lower side which slides on the convex upper side of the carrier element. The seat element moves in the direction of the front edge away from the seat device, which is centered over the base, so that the front edge of the seat element lowers in the direction of movement.

the DE 42 10 097 describes a further active dynamic seat device. It comprises three basic components, namely a seat part which is movable, a foot part which is unsprung and an intermediate piece which is also movable and which opens into a head part at its upper end. The movable seat part is mounted on the head part of the movable intermediate piece, ie on a component that is also movable. As a result, the movement of the seat part cannot be precisely controlled. Individually adjustable training is not possible.

The device is complex in terms of construction and, due to the larger number of movable basic components, is susceptible to wear. From the US 2019/0000235 A1 a multifunctional chair is known with a movable seat element which is tiltable relative to an immovable support element, the return of the tilted seat element in an upright position is effected by a counterweight which is arranged at the lower end of a central rod, which with its upper end with the movable seat element is connected, and which has a hinge approximately in its center. From the US 6,666,802 B1 a training device with a reclining surface that can be tilted relative to a dome-shaped support element is known, the reclining surface being articulated to the carrier element via a ball joint and the deflection of the lying surface taking place against weight plates that are connected to the ball of the ball joint via a central rod.

In contrast, it was the object of the invention to provide an improved seating device for dynamic sitting which, with a simple, inexpensive structure, enables individually adjustable training for the prophylaxis and treatment of postural and back injuries, in particular to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, and which allows the valid Work safety regulations, accident prevention regulations, as well as the regulations of the Medical Product Act are met.

• - mit einem Stab, der mittig an der Unterseite des beweglichen Sitzelementes angebracht ist, und mit einer zentralen zylinderförmigen Aussparung im ungefederten Trägerelement, wodurch die Bewegungen des Sitzelementes weiter eingeschränkt sind, indem der Winkel zwischen der Symmetrieachse des ungefederten Trägerelementes und der Symmetrieachse des beweglichen Sitzelementes auf einen vorgebbaren Wert begrenzt ist,
• - mit ringförmigen Gewichten, die lösbar am äußeren Umfang des Stabes anbringbar sind, wodurch die Rückstellkraft und damit der Kraftaufwand, der zur Auslenkung des Sitzelementes aus der Gleichgewichtslage erforderlich ist, variabel einstellbar ist, und
• - mit einem ungefederten Bügel, der mit einem ungefederten Haltegestell verbunden ist, wodurch die Zugänglichkeit zum Stab zwecks Anbringen der ringförmigen Gewichte gewährleistet ist.

The object is achieved by a multifunctional chair with a movable seat element which is mounted on an unsprung support element, the movable seat element being designed as a rotational body with a convex lower surface as a spherical segment, with an upwardly directed base circular surface and a downwardly directed spherical cap which is movable on a bearing of the unsprung carrier element, in such a way that that the movements of the seat element are restricted to rotational movements,

• - With a rod that is attached centrally to the underside of the movable seat element, and with a central cylindrical recess in the unsprung support element, whereby the movements of the seat element are further restricted by the angle between the axis of symmetry of the unsprung support element and the axis of symmetry of the movable seat element is limited to a specifiable value,
• - With ring-shaped weights that can be detachably attached to the outer circumference of the rod, whereby the restoring force and thus the force required to deflect the seat element from the equilibrium position can be variably adjusted, and
• - With an unsprung bracket, which is connected to an unsprung support frame, which ensures access to the rod for the purpose of attaching the ring-shaped weights.

It has been found that for an upright, relaxed and symptom-free posture, the initiation of training and movement of the deep muscles, in particular the pelvic floor, the transverse abdominal muscle (musculus transversus abdominis), and the segmental vertebral bodies (musculi multifidi) are of central importance. The multifunctional chair according to the invention makes it possible to gradually restore essential movement patterns, in particular the tilting and straightening of the pelvis, which have been forgotten through the predominantly sedentary lifestyle, by making the direct control of the deep muscles considerably easier.

For this, the direction of movement is essential: the movement must start from the pelvis, but not by shifting the center of gravity of the upper body.

This can only be achieved if the movable seat element has a convex lower surface. In principle, this requirement is met by a body of revolution with a convex lower surface in the form of a spherical cap pointing downwards.

A relatively flat spherical segment is preferred, in particular with a ratio of the spherical diameter to the height of the spherical segment in the range from 15: 1 to 25: 1, preferably 20: 1.

The sphere diameter is in particular in the range from 600 to 1000 mm, preferably around 800 mm. The height of the spherical segment is in particular in the range from 20 to 60 mm, preferably around 42 mm.

Suitable materials for the movable seat element are metals or alloys, preferably aluminum, or even plastics that have sufficient strength and service life. Preferred plastics should be hard, wear-resistant, vibration-dampening and glide easily in order to minimize rolling noise. Polyamide has proven particularly useful for this.

For the intended function of the multifunctional chair, it is essential that the movement of the seat element can be precisely controlled by the user. This is achieved in that the movements of the seat element are restricted to rotational movements and a superposition of other movements is excluded. The carrier element must therefore not move during use. To do this, it must be unsprung, rigid in itself.

The unsprung support element is designed in particular in the form of a ring with a preferably essentially flat upper and lower boundary surface. The same materials as those listed above for the movable seat element are suitable as materials. The materials must be rigid in themselves.

On the upper boundary surface, 3, 4 or even several ball transfer units are preferably firmly positioned as bearings in a symmetrical arrangement. This construction of the unsprung support element enables it to be manufactured economically.

The ball transfer units are made of steel or preferably made of a plastic that is suitable for minimizing rolling noise, in particular made of polyamide.

The convex lower surface of the movable seat element, which is designed as a spherical cap, and the ball rollers advantageously have a very high surface quality in order to generate as little friction and little (rolling) noise as possible during movement.

Due to the convex lower boundary surface of the movable seat element and the type of mounting, the movements of the seat element are restricted to rotational movements.

According to the invention, the same are further restricted by corresponding components, namely a rod which is attached centrally to the underside of the movable seat element, and a central cylindrical recess in the unsprung support element by the above components Limit the angle between the axis of symmetry of the unsprung support element and the axis of symmetry of the movable seat element to a predeterminable value.

As a result, the rotational movement of the movable seat element is limited to a maximum predeterminable deflection in relation to the equilibrium position and thus accident-free use of the multifunctional chair is guaranteed.

The rod can be detachable, for example screwable, or fixed, for example by welding. In the first case it is also possible to attach rods with different lengths and / or weights and thus different restoring forces.

The rod preferably has a length in the range from 20 mm to 250 mm, in particular from approx. 180 mm and a diameter in the range from 10 mm to 100 mm, in particular from approx. 30 mm.

The same materials as for the movable seat element and the unsprung support can advantageously be used as materials for the rod.

The rod is advantageously significantly longer than the diameter of the cylindrical recess. A corresponding length of the rod depending on the thickness of the same and on the diameter and the wall thickness of the cylindrical recess ensures that the seat element still rests securely on the unsprung support element even in the position of maximum deflection. This increases the safety of use.

The training intensity can advantageously be varied by changing the restoring force of the central rod. For this purpose, as described above, rods with different lengths and / or weights can be used.

The restoring force and thus the force required to deflect the movable seat element from the equilibrium position can be variably adjusted via one or more ring-shaped weights that can be detachably attached to the outer circumference of the rod. This enables individually adjustable training. Training intensities or stimuli can be set in a targeted manner.

Accessibility to the rod for the purpose of attaching or loosening the ring-shaped weights is ensured by the unsprung support element being connected to an unsprung support frame on one side by means of an unsprung bracket. The connection between the unsprung support element and the unsprung bracket can be detachable or fixed. In one embodiment, the unsprung bracket is welded to the unsprung support element. The connection between the unsprung bracket and the unsprung holding frame can also be designed to be detachable or fixed. In one embodiment, the unsprung bracket is welded to the unsprung holding frame.

The multifunctional chair according to the invention can advantageously have components for locking the movable seat element and can thus be used as seating furniture with a fixed seat element.

As a component for locking the movable seat element, a sleeve can in particular be provided, which rests in a first position on a central pin on the unsprung support frame and leaves a distance to the rod free, and thus does not hinder its mobility, and which is in a second position can be moved upwards, and thereby fixes the rod.

• Das bewegliche Sitzelement ist vorteilhaft mit einer Sitzfläche insbesondere aus Kunststoff oder Hartgummi ausgestattet, vorteilhaft mit einem ggf. waschbaren Bezug.

The multifunctional chair according to the invention can preferably have the usual further components of seating furniture, in particular office seating furniture:

• The movable seat element is advantageously equipped with a seat surface, in particular made of plastic or hard rubber, advantageously with an optionally washable cover.

The movable seat element and the unsprung support element are advantageously covered on the outside by a housing that ensures compliance with accident regulations, prevents contamination and ensures long-term compliance with functionality.

The unsprung support frame can preferably be continuously adjusted to the desired seat height.

At the lower end of the unsprung support frame, a component designed as a cross or disk is advantageously attached as a “foot”.

The multifunctional chair can be equipped with a standard backrest.

• Ganz besonders wichtig ist, dass damit die Tiefenmuskulatur erreicht werden kann:
  • Die gesamte Rumpfmuskulatur besteht aus tiefen und oberflächlich gelegenen Muskeln, wobei die Oberflächenmuskulatur den Körper bewegt und formt. Sie kann jedoch nicht allein den Körper stabilisieren, wenn die Tiefenmuskulatur durch mangelnde Reize verkümmert. Die Tiefenmuskulatur ist für die Stabilitäts- und Positionskontrolle einzelner Wirbelsegmente zuständig und gibt unserem Körper Haltung. Der Beckenboden und das Zwerchfell vervollständigen die Funktion dieses Muskelkorsetts. Ist die Tiefenmuskulatur gut trainiert, spannt sie sich Millisekunden vor jeder Alltagsbewegung an. Sie stützt und schützt somit unsere Gelenke und wirkt Abnutzungserscheinungen entgegen. Die Tiefenmuskulatur lässt sich im Gegensatz zur Oberflächenmuskulatur nur schwer trainieren, da sie sich nicht willkürlich anspannen lässt und rein reflektorisch reagiert.

The multifunctional chair according to the invention is particularly advantageous in the medical-therapeutic area, in health prophylaxis and rehabilitation:

• It is particularly important that the deep muscles can be reached:
  • The entire core musculature consists of deep and superficial muscles, whereby the surface muscles move and shape the body. However, it cannot do this alone Stabilize the body when the deep muscles atrophy due to a lack of stimuli. The deep muscles are responsible for the stability and position control of individual vertebral segments and give our body posture. The pelvic floor and the diaphragm complete the function of this muscle corset. If the deep muscles are well trained, they tense milliseconds before every day-to-day movement. It supports and protects our joints and counteracts signs of wear and tear. In contrast to the surface muscles, the deep muscles are difficult to train because they cannot be tensed at will and react purely reflexively.

This is where the multifunctional chair according to the invention comes in: in manual therapy, the therapist's hands “guide” the pelvis. The multifunctional chair, on the other hand, dictates or supports the movement, so to speak, and causes the patient to “understand movement”. The patient can then continue to train this understanding of movement independently by means of the movement specification of the multifunctional chair

The use of the multifunctional chair according to the invention makes it possible to train the various areas of the deep muscles (chest, lumbar spine, pelvis, sacral area) separately. This enables a more conscious access and thus a direct control of the respective deep muscles, as the global muscles take a back seat.

• Verbesserung der Beweglichkeit im Becken,
• Steigerung der Wahrnehmung und dadurch Setzen gezielter Trainingsreize,
• Verbesserung der Tiefenmuskulatur,
• Verbesserung der Rumpfmuskulatur,
• Verbesserung der physiologischen Körperhaltung,
• Prävention von Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen durch verbesserte Durchblutung,
• Reduzieren von Beschwerden bis hin zur Beschwerdefreiheit.

With the multifunctional chair according to the invention, the following advantages in particular can be achieved:

• Improvement of mobility in the pelvis,
• Increase in perception and thereby setting targeted training stimuli,
• Improvement of the deep muscles,
• Improvement of the core muscles,
• Improvement of the physiological posture,
• Prevention of cardiovascular diseases through improved blood circulation,
• Reduce complaints to the point of freedom from complaints.

The treatment or training can be integrated into everyday sitting activities to save time. Last but not least, this can significantly reduce health costs.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing and exemplary embodiments. In the figures, the same reference symbols denote the same or corresponding features.

• 1: eine Prinzipskizze des erfindungsgemäßen Multifunktionsstuhls,
• 2: eine schematische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Multifunktionsstuhls in Gleichgewichtsstellung,
• 3: eine schematische Ansicht derselben Ausführungsform in maximaler Auslenkung des beweglichen Sitzelementes (A) und
• 4: eine schematische Ansicht derselben Ausführungsform in arretierter Position.

They show in detail:

• 1 : a schematic diagram of the multifunctional chair according to the invention,
• 2 : a schematic view of a first embodiment of a multifunctional chair according to the invention in equilibrium position,
• 3 : a schematic view of the same embodiment with maximum deflection of the movable seat element ( A. ) and
• 4th : a schematic view of the same embodiment in the locked position.

The schematic diagram in 1 shows a multifunctional chair according to the invention with a movable seat element A. with upper base circular area 1 and lower ball cap 2 and an unsprung support element B. with a warehouse 3 . On the lower spherical cap 2 is a stick in the middle 4th positioned, that of a central cylindrical recess 5 in the unsprung support element B. assigned. An unsprung bracket 7th connects the unsprung support element B. with the holding frame 8th leaving a space between the lower end of the rod 4th and the holding frame 8th . On the staff 4th are detachable, ring-shaped weights 6th provided that the restoring force of the movable seat element A. raise. On the holding frame 8th is a central peg 9 provided on which a sleeve 10 rests, which in the illustration in the figure with freely movable seat element A. from the lower end of the tenon 4th is spaced.

The schematic view of a first embodiment in 2 corresponds to the schematic diagram in 1 , but with additional constructive details.

3 In contrast, shows a schematic representation of the same embodiment, but in the position of maximum deflection, ie with an angle ϑ between the axis of symmetry of the unsprung support element ( B. ) and the axis of symmetry of the movable seat element ( A. ).

4th shows a schematic view of the same embodiment in the locked position, with the sleeve 9 up over the bar 4th is pushed.

List of reference symbols

A.

movable seat element

B.

unsprung support element

ϑ

Angle between the symmetry axis of the unsprung support element ( B. ) and the symmetry axis of the spherical segment ( A. )

1

Base circular area

2

Spherical cap

3

camp

4th

Rod

5

central cylindrical recess

6th

annular weights

7th

unsprung bracket

8th

unsprung support frame

9

Sleeve

10

Cones

Claims (4)

Multifunctional chair with a movable seat element (A), which is mounted on an unsprung support element (B), wherein the movable seat element (A) is designed as a rotational body with a convex lower surface as a spherical segment, with an upwardly directed base circular surface (1) and a downwardly directed spherical cap (2), which is movable on a bearing (3) of the unsprung support element (B), in such a way that the movements of the seat element (A) are restricted to rotational movements, - With a rod (4) which is attached centrally to the underside of the movable seat element (A), and a central cylindrical recess (5) in the unsprung support element (B), whereby the movements of the seat element (A) are further restricted by the angle (ϑ) between the axis of symmetry of the unsprung support element (B) and the axis of symmetry of the movable seat element (A) is limited to a predeterminable value, - With ring-shaped weights (6) which can be detachably attached to the outer circumference of the rod (4), whereby the restoring force and thus the force required to deflect the seat element (A) from the equilibrium position can be variably adjusted, and - With an unsprung bracket (7) which is connected to an unsprung support frame (8), whereby the accessibility to the rod (4) for the purpose of attaching the annular weights (6) is guaranteed. Multifunctional chair after Claim 1 , characterized in that the rod (4) is significantly longer than the diameter of the central cylindrical recess (5) in the unsprung support element (B). Multifunctional chair after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that it has components for locking the movable seat element (A). Multifunctional chair after Claim 3 , characterized in that a sleeve (9) is provided as a component for locking the movable seat element (A), which in a first position rests on a central pin (10) on the holding frame (8) and is at a distance from the rod (4 ) leaves free, and thus does not hinder it in its mobility, and which can be moved upwards into a second position, thereby fixing the rod (4).

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