U.S. patent application number 12/131335 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-01 for active dynamic seating device.
Invention is credited to Matthias Ebert, Eberhard Lenz.
Application Number | 20090001788 12/131335 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39711836 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090001788 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lenz; Eberhard ; et
al. |
January 1, 2009 |
ACTIVE DYNAMIC SEATING DEVICE
Abstract
An active dynamic seating device is provided that includes a
seat, a central part and a base part, where a stable sitting
position is attained by additionally supporting one or both legs of
a user. The seating device encompasses a tone generator, which
emits a tone in response to carrying out a certain change of the
sitting position. The seating device is particularly well-suited
for, for example, carrying out gymnastics exercises.
Inventors: |
Lenz; Eberhard; (Stuttgart,
DE) ; Ebert; Matthias; (Stuttgart, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Muncy, Geissler, Olds & Lowe, PLLC
P.O. BOX 1364
FAIRFAX
VA
22038-1364
US
|
Family ID: |
39711836 |
Appl. No.: |
12/131335 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/217.4 ;
150/158; 297/313; 297/461; 482/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 9/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/217.4 ;
482/1; 297/313; 297/461; 150/158 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/62 20060101
A47C007/62 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 2, 2007 |
DE |
102007025799.8-14 |
Claims
1. An active dynamic seating device comprising: a seat; a central
part; a base part; and a tone generator for emitting a tone in
response to a change in a sitting position.
2. The active dynamic seating device according to claim 1, wherein
a specific change of the sitting position as part of an exercise
stimulates the tone generator to emit a certain tone, which is
associated with the exercise.
3. The active dynamic seating device according to claim 2, wherein
the tone generator responds to an exercise, in which the pelvis of
the user cyclically carries out a circular or ellipsoidal
motion.
4. An active dynamic seating device according to claim 1, wherein
the tone generator comprises a movable mass, which is subject to
acceleration by changing the sitting position.
5. The active dynamic seating device according to claim 4, wherein
the tone generator comprises a ball, the motion of which is guided
within a ball track.
6. The active dynamic seating device according to claim 5, wherein
the ball track is self-contained.
7. The active dynamic seating device according to claim 5, wherein
the ball track is oriented on a central axis, which runs through
the seat and the base part, and wherein the ball track encloses the
central axis or runs in a plane, which intersects the central axis
at a right angle.
8. The active dynamic seating device according to claim 5, wherein
the seating device is a rocking stool, the base part (2) of which
is formed by a circular base plate comprising a convex support
surface, wherein the ball track is disposed on the base part of the
seating device.
9. The active dynamic sitting device according to claim 5, wherein
the ball track is integrated into the base part and is incorporated
in the course of the production process of the base.
10. A tone generator for an active dynamic seating device
comprising a seat, a central part, and a base part, wherein a
stable sitting position is attained only by additionally supporting
one or both legs of a user, and wherein the tone generator emits a
tone in response to carrying out a certain change of the sitting
position.
11. The tone generator according to claim 10, wherein the tone
generator is provided in the base part of the seating device and
comprises a ball that runs in a ball track.
12. The active dynamic seating device according to claim 5, wherein
at least one delimiter on which the ball is reflected is inserted
into the ball track.
13. A delimiter for an active dynamic seating device comprising a
seat, a central part, a base part, whereby a stable sitting
position is attained only by additionally supporting one or both
legs of a user, and a tone generator, which comprises a ball, the
motion of which is guided within a ball track, wherein the
delimiter is inserted into the ball track and is fixed in permanent
position.
14. The delimiter according to claim 13, wherein the delimiter
comprises a core made of metal or wood, which is encased by an
elastic hose.
15. A cover for an active dynamic seating device comprising a seat,
a central part, and a base part, whereby a stable sitting position
is attained only by additionally supporting one or both legs of a
user, and a tone generator located in the base part, the tone
generator comprising a ball, the motion of which is guided within a
ball track, wherein the cover at least partially covers the base
part in a concentric manner, wherein the central column of the
seating device is guided through a hole in the cover, and wherein a
visible side of the cover is imprinted with color.
16. The cover according to claim 15, wherein the cover encompasses
a radially extending slot.
17. The according to claim 1, wherein a stable sitting position is
attained only by additionally supporting one or both legs of a
user.
Description
[0001] This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(a) to German Patent Application No. DE
102007025799, which was filed in Germany on Jun. 2, 2007, and which
is herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an active dynamic seating
device.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] An active dynamic seating device enables active, dynamic
sitting, wherein the back muscles and the spinal disks are always
slightly engaged. In virtually all cases, this active dynamic
sitting posture is attained in that the actual seat of the seating
device swings about at least one lower pivot and is thus held in an
unstable position. Additionally, provision can be made for a
suspension in the vertical direction. Such sitting devices are
formed in particular by rocking stools.
[0006] A rocking stool is known from DE 75 31 129 U1, which
corresponds in part to U.S. Pat. No. 4,099,697. However, it is less
of a stool than a work seat for working professionals who are
obligated to stand while working. Said work seat encompasses a
saddle seat, which is adjustable with respect to height and follows
each motion of the user. A ball joint disposed above a circular
base plate allows the back and forth motion and a tension spring
mechanism integrated in the circular base plate effects the
automatic return into the neutral position. The height adjustment
of the seat and a limited suspension effect are provided by way of
a gas spring integrated in the intermediate part.
[0007] A further rocking stool is known as SWOPPER and is described
in EP 0 808 116 B1, which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,628,
among others. It is a rocking stool that allows height adjustment
and comprises a spring column having a suspension that can be
adapted to the weight of the user. The deflection of the seat,
which is to say the back and forth motion, takes place via a joint
between the spring column and the base part. The joint holds the
spring column on the base part so as to allow tilting.
[0008] A further rocking stool is known by the name of ERGO. It is
a rocking stool that allows height adjustment by means of a gas
spring, the back and forth motion of which is attained solely by
means of a convex shape of the support surface of a circular base
plate. A rocking stool comprising a circular base plate with a
convex support surface is also described in DD 73 618 A1.
[0009] The simplest form of a rocking stool only encompasses one
seat platform, at the underside of which a central column is
fastened in the center, the end of which forms the base part and
which is rounded off in a convex manner so as to provide for a
tilting or rocking motion.
[0010] All of the cited rocking stools constantly prompt the user
to seek and perform balancing motions with respect to the sitting
posture. The user of a rocking stool supports himself, on the one
hand, with his own two legs and, on the other hand, with the base
of the stool on a support or the ground, respectively, only in
three points. So as not to topple over, the person sitting down
must always balance the center of gravity of his body within the
triangular surface, which is defined by these points. A simple
one-legged stool, which only comprises the seat platform and a
rigid shaft, which protrudes from the seat platform bottom,
commands the greatest balancing work from the person sitting down,
because the orientation of the stool is not stabilized by any
auxiliary means.
[0011] In response to the balancing work on the rocking stool, the
lower section of the spine is activated by the initial position of
the feet, and all the leg and back muscles are constantly
stimulated to carry out fine flexing. This flexing of the muscles,
which is physiologically considered to be advantageous, reduces
tension when sitting for a long time and thus corrects malpositions
and the associated discomfort. A rocking stool is thus also used in
physiotherapy in order to strengthen the involved leg and back
muscles and boost coordination. For example, a special exercise is
to allow the pelvis and thus also the rocking stool to gyrate. Due
to the lack of stabilization, such a balancing exercise can meet
with unsteadiness in many people so that the exercise fails.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an active dynamic seating device such that the possible
applications thereof for balance exercises are improved.
[0013] An active dynamic seating device comprising a seat, a center
part (central column) and a base part is typically formed by a
rocking stool of the type any seating device in the broader sense,
for example also to an inflatable gymnastics ball-shaped seat made
of elastic PVC, which, when inflated firmly, reaches a diameter of
approximately 65 cm and forms a resilient seating device, wherein
the base part is formed by the support surface of the ball-shaped
seat. All active dynamic seating devices have in common that a
stable sitting position is attained only by means of the additional
support of one or both legs of a user.
[0014] In the embodiment according to the invention, the seating
device encompasses a tone generator, which emits a tone in response
to carrying out a certain change of the sitting position. With the
tone generator, the user of the seating device is given acoustic
feedback, which provides him with support when carrying out a
gymnastics exercise and can eliminate unsteadiness. Examinations of
test persons have shown that an exercise has more success when the
attention of the person carrying out the exercise can be focused to
an outside intention, that is, an intention, which, has no direct
correlation with the execution of the exercise. According to the
invention, the intention of the user is focused on the generation
of a certain tone. A sound shall also be regarded as a "tone". What
is important is that the tone is perceived by the user and that
association is possible.
[0015] An aspect, which is not to be underestimated, is that the
game with sound generation appeals to the play instinct of a user
and prompts the user to carry out an exercise on the seating
device, using concentration and persistence, which he may otherwise
consider to be tedious.
[0016] For the support to be able to take place in a specific
manner, the tone generator must be configured such that the tone
generator is stimulated to emit a certain tone, which is associated
with the exercise, only by means of a specific change of the
sitting position in the context of an exercise. The user thus
attains acoustic feedback as to whether the exercise is being
carried out correctly.
[0017] An exercise, which is particularly suitable for
strengthening the back muscles, is that the tone generator responds
to an exercise, wherein the pelvis of the user cyclically carries
out a circular or ellipsoidal motion.
[0018] Generally, electrical or mechanical tone generators are
possible. With electrical tone generators, the motion pattern in
the seat, center part or base part is sensed by means of
acceleration sensors or pressure-sensitive sensors, and acoustic
feedback is given after a comparison with stored patterns if the
pattern detected by the sensors comes close to a stored exercise
pattern.
[0019] A simple mechanical tone generator can be formed in that, by
means of a movable mass, which is subject to acceleration caused by
a change of the sitting position, a tone is generated in that tone
generating elements are stimulated to emit a tone. The tone
generating elements can be integrated in the movable mass itself
and can be stimulated to emit a tone by the motion of the mass. One
example would be a tone ball, which emits a high sphere sound in
response to a rolling motion. Such tone balls are known as Qigong
balls and are made, e.g., of silver or titanium.
[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the tone generating elements
can be arranged along a predetermined track, which the movable mass
covers in response to carrying out an exercise and which can be
stimulated to emit a tone by means of interaction with the movable
mass. One example would be a singing bowl or a ball track, which is
stimulated to acoustic oscillations by means of the rolling motion
of a ball.
[0021] In one embodiment, the tone generator comprises a ball, the
motion of which is guided within a ball track, wherein the ball
track is configured such that the ball induces a tone or a sound
along the track in response to the rolling motion. For example, the
ball track can encompass an inner profile, which emits a sound,
note or tone in cooperation with a rolling ball. In the simplest
case, a random pattern is already defined for the profile by the
material unevenness in the ball track so that, in response to the
rolling motion of the ball, a typical sound, such as a swooshing
sound, is created, which is similar to the rolling motion of a
glass ball on a wood plate. The effect is amplified if the plate
and ball track are supported so as to oscillate and can thus serve
as a resonator.
[0022] The ball track can be configured such that the user cannot
only follow the motion of the ball in the ball track acoustically
but also optically, which amplifies the feedback effect.
[0023] One embodiment, in which the ball track is self-contained,
has the advantage that the guided ball can carry out an endless
motion and can thus stimulate a long lasting tone in response to
suitable stimulation by means of the sitting motion.
[0024] One embodiment, in which the self-contained ball track
encloses a central axis, which runs through the seat and the base
part, has the advantage that the space available at the seat is
used optimally and that the weight distribution of the vacant seat
can be balanced in a simple manner by a vertical rest position.
[0025] One embodiment, in which the ball track runs within a plane,
which intersects the central axis at a right angle, has the
advantage that even stimulation of the motion in the ball track
takes place in response to a gyrating rocking motion about the
vertical rest position of the seating device. Or, in other words:
this special arrangement of the ball track supports a gyrating
motion about the vertical axis. This is particularly advantageous
when used for a seating device, which is formed by a ball-shaped
seat, because the ball-shaped seat does not encompass a central
axis, which a user can use for reference.
[0026] In an embodiment, the seating device can be formed by a
rocking stool, the base part of which is formed by a circular base
plate comprising a convex support surface, wherein the ball track
is arranged on the base part of the seating device. The ball track
can thereby be attached to the base part from the outside, for
example, by retrofitting. Alternatively, the ball track is
integrated into the base part. This results when the ball track is
incorporated in the course of the production process of the base,
which overall represents the more cost-efficient solution.
[0027] The tone generator can be equipped as a retrofit kit for the
intended use in an active dynamic seating device. This has the
advantage that already available active dynamic seating devices can
be used and equipped with the advantages according to the
invention. For a rocking stool, the retrofitting could include a
ball track comprising a ball, which is retroactively attached to
the base part of the rocking stool. For a ball-shaped seat as
seating device, a tube, which is closed to form an annulus, would
be possible as a ball track, for example, which is placed over the
ball-shaped seat and held in a meridian position by means of a
press fit. A ball revolving in the tube would be put into a
revolving motion by a gyrating motion of the pelvis of a user and
would generate a corresponding sound in response to a rolling
motion.
[0028] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various
changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are
not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through an active
dynamic seating device according to the invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a top view onto the base par of the seating
device;
[0032] FIG. 3a shows a top view onto the base part of the seating
device comprising a two-sided delimiter 9a; and
[0033] FIG. 3b shows a top view onto the base part of the seating
device comprising two one-sided delimiters 9b, 9c.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a rocking stool as seating device 1. The
rocking stool comprises a base part 2, which centrally accommodates
a central column 3, on which a seat 4 is fastened. The base part 2
is formed by a circular base plate 2a having a diameter of 400 mm
and a convex support surface 2b, wherein the radius of curvature of
the support surface is 725 mm. In the known manner, the central
column 3 comprises a gas spring for height adjustment, as it is
known for office chairs, which allows height adjustment of the seat
in the range of 540-740 mm. The height adjustment can be brought
about manually by means of a trigger 6. The seat is cushioned
slightly, wherein the seat cover encompasses only small to medium
grip in order to facilitate gymnastics exercises.
[0035] The tone generator 7a, 7b, which comprises a ball 7a, which
can revolve in a circle in a ball track 7b, is arranged in the base
part. The ball 7a can have a diameter of 10-30 mm. The ball track
7b is adapted to the diameter of the ball 7a and forms a circle
having a diameter of 320 mm. The wall of the ball track 7b, which
is located in a radially external direction, serves the purpose of
guiding the ball at a high circumferential velocity with a high
centrifugal force. The rolling motion of the ball along said circle
generates a characteristic sound, which provides feedback to the
user that he is carrying out the exercise correctly.
[0036] The circle radius of the interior wall of the ball track 7b
must leave sufficient play for the course of the ball 7a. A
reduction of the radius of the inside wall allows for more play for
the ball 7a. The radius can be reduced to the extent that the inner
wall abuts the central column 3. In this case, the ball track
transitions into a ball cup.
[0037] So as to be able to safely guide the ball even in response
to an intense motion, the ball track can be undercut so that the
ball cannot leave the ball track.
[0038] In the exemplary embodiment, the base part 2 encompasses a
cover 8, which has a thickness of approx. 6 mm, which serves the
purpose of stabilizing the base part 2 and designing the tone
generation in that the ball 7a hitting the inner wall produces a
different sound than when hitting the outer wall. The cover makes
it possible to implement different surfaces according to color and
feel. If the base is configured as a hollow body or as a plate
structure body, the inner structure can be covered by means of the
cover. The cover could at least partially cover the ball track in
order to prevent the ball from escaping. As a deep drawn component
made of plastic or metal in one piece, the cover could also
accommodate the ball track. The cover comprising the integrated
ball track could be offered for sale as a tone generator for
retrofitting an existing rocking stool.
[0039] The base part 2 comprising the ball track 7a is preferably
made in one piece, for example by means of milling out a hard foam
component or by the production thereof by means of a casting
process in a shape, which represents the ball track.
[0040] It goes without saying that the concrete height dimensions
only represent approximate information, which can be deviated from
if there is a need, considering the dimensions and adaptation to
given factors.
[0041] FIG. 2 shows a top view onto the base part 2 comprising the
cross-sectional surface of the central column 3. The circular ball
track 7b for the ball 7a is defined by the radially outer wall 7c
and by the radially inner wall 7d. As already described, the inner
wall 7d can extend up to the column 3.
[0042] By suitably selecting the radius of the ball track 7b and
the mass of the ball 7a, minimum activity can be systematically
predetermined for the gyrating motion of the pelvis of a user. The
ball 7a will revolve around the central column 3 in a circular path
only if the user has adjusted the speed and rocking stroke of the
exercise such that he exceeds said minimum activity, which provides
him with the desired feedback.
[0043] As is shown in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b, the delimiters 9a, 9b,
9c, which can be inserted into the ball track 7b and which block
the path of the ball 7a, provide for an enhancement of the
application possibilities. The delimiters are fixed in a permanent
position within the ball track 7b, for example by means of
clamping. Upon striking the ball 7a, the delimiters emit a
characteristic tone. The tone results either from the material,
such as the wood or metal of the delimiters, or from striking the
outer contact surfaces, which are provided with delimiter tone
generators 10 of their own. A delimiter tone generator made of
metal or wood, for example, thus emits a characteristic tone, which
can be associated by the user. A one-sided delimiter 9b, 9c
encompasses only a single delimiter tone generator 10, wherein a
differentiation can be made between left-sided and right-sided
delimiter. A two-sided delimiter 9a encompasses, on the opposite
contact surfaces, a delimiter tone generator 10 in each case.
[0044] If a delimiter 9a, as is shown in FIG. 3a, were disposed in
a rear direction in the ball track 7b from the user's perspective,
the ball would not follow a revolving, closed track, but would be
reflected at the delimiter 9a. The tone generated when the ball 7a
strikes the delimiter 9a provides characteristic feedback to the
user, which supports him in his exercise. Due to the symmetric
division of the track imposed on the ball 7a, the use of a
two-sided delimiter 9a is advisable here, because the ball can
strike both contact surfaces located opposite to one another.
[0045] However, it is also possible to limit the path of the ball
to a track section between two one-sided delimiters 9b, 9c, as is
shown in FIG. 3b. If two delimiters 9b, 9c were laterally inserted
into the ball track 7b on the left-hand side and the right-hand
side from the user's perspective, the motion of the ball 7a could
be forced onto the track section between the delimiters. Only an
exercise with distinct lateral hip motions would accelerate the
ball such that it would alternately strike the left and right
delimiters 9b, 9c, which provide concrete feedback to the user
relating to the intensity of the exercise, which is carried
out.
[0046] A delimiter 9a, 9b, 9c can be formed in a simple manner in
that a metal core is used, which has a smaller diameter than the
width of the ball track 7b, which results from the radius
difference between the radially outer wall 7c and the radially
inner wall 7d. Said metal core is encased by an elastic hose, for
example made of foamed rubber. The hose is dimensioned such that
the encased metal core can be clamped into the ball track 7b only
by applying force, thus fixing the delimiter 9a, 9b, 9c into the
position thereof by means of a press fit and thus not being moved
by a striking of the ball. A wood core can also be used instead of
a metal core.
[0047] A delimiter could also be completely made of metal and could
be locked in the ball track by means of clamping jaws. The clamping
jaws could be forced apart by means of a screw located internally,
which can be tightened, for example, by means of an Allen
wrench.
[0048] The cover 8 is once again illustrated in FIG. 3b and can be
embodied as a replacement part, in that the geometry thereof is
adapted to the base part 2. The replacement of the cover 8 is
performed in that the seat 4 is removed and the central column is
guided through the central hole of the cover 8. In the alternative,
the cover can encompass a radially extending slot 10 and can be
guided around the central column like a paper ring for covering a
base of a goblet, by means of slightly expanding the radial edges
of the cover on the slot 10. The cover is then fixed on the base
part 2 so as to be invisible from the outside, for example by means
of a double-sided adhesive strip or clips and a clamping strip.
[0049] On the visible side thereof, the cover 8 can be imprinted
with color. If the cover 8 serves rather the display of information
than the design-related material reinforcement, the wall thickness
thereof can be configured to be thinner than the specified 6 mm.
The above-described delimiters could also be fastened to the cover
so that the delimiters would be moved into their positions by
attaching the cover 8. Different covers could thus be provided for
different delimiter arrangements.
[0050] The described concept of a replaceable cover, which can be
offered in a wide variety of embodiments as a replacement part, is
not limited to being used for the present rocking stool, but can
also be used for other rocking stools comprising a central column,
as are known from the state of the art, and represents an
independent inventive idea.
[0051] In one embodiment, the base part 2 can be shaped from solid
wood by means of milling or turning, wherein the ball track 7b was
also produced by means of milling or turning. This embodiment
produces a pleasant tone in response to a rolling motion of a ball
in the ball track.
[0052] The above embodiment has been described in an example where
the tone generator comprises a ball, the motion of which is guided
within a ball track. However, any kind of movable mass, which is
subject to acceleration by changing the sitting position, can be
used instead of a ball. For example, a small toy car with wheels
can be used instead of a ball.
[0053] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are to be included within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *