U.S. patent application number 10/584676 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-30 for dynamic seating device.
Invention is credited to Jurgen Billich.
Application Number | 20090188410 10/584676 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34753313 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090188410 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Billich; Jurgen |
July 30, 2009 |
Dynamic seating device
Abstract
The present invention relates to a dynamic seating device with a
seat plate (1), which is mounted by means of a bearing head (5) on
an under-frame with a height-adjustable column (14) or on a bearing
surface. In order to automatically ensure natural movements of the
user at the same time with free mobility, according to the
invention it is proposed that the seat plate (1) comprises a recess
(8) arranged in its centre, becoming larger from its top side
towards its lower side, that a bush (19) is passed from below and
secured through the recess (8) in the seat plate (1), that the bush
(19) rests on the bearing head (5) of a support pin (6), wherein
the bearing head (5) is shaped spherically or hemispherically, so
that a common rotating and swivelling point arises above the seat
plate (1).
Inventors: |
Billich; Jurgen; (Aurich,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AMSTER, ROTHSTEIN & EBENSTEIN LLP
90 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10016
US
|
Family ID: |
34753313 |
Appl. No.: |
10/584676 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
January 7, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP05/00087 |
371 Date: |
June 28, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 9/08 20130101; A47C
3/24 20130101; A63B 22/18 20130101; A47C 3/18 20130101; A63B
2208/0233 20130101; A47C 3/0255 20130101; A47C 3/027 20130101; A47C
9/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/4 |
International
Class: |
A47C 3/20 20060101
A47C003/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 7, 2004 |
DE |
10 2004 002 231.3 |
Mar 17, 2004 |
DE |
10 2004 014 167.3 |
Nov 1, 2004 |
DE |
10 2004 053 642.2 |
Claims
1. Dynamic seating device with a seat plate (1), which is mounted
by means of a bearing head (5) on an underframe with a
height-adjustable column (14) or on a bearing surface,
characterized in that the seat plate (1) comprises a recess (8)
arranged in its centre, becoming larger from its top side towards
its lower side, that a base plate (7) with a dome-shaped
protuberance is secured in the centre of the seat plate (1) on its
top side, that the base plate (7) rests on the bearing head (5) of
a support pin (6), wherein the bearing head (5) is shaped
hemi-spherically, and that the support pin (6) is rigidly connected
to the column (14) or to a plate (10) forming the bearing surface
and protrudes through the recess (8) through the seat plate (1), so
that the seat plate (1) can tilt in all directions and rotate
without hindrance.
2. Dynamic seating device according to claim 1, characterized in
that the support pin (6) consists of a metal tube, into whose upper
end a bearing head (5) made from self-lubricating plastic is
pressed.
3. Dynamic seating device according to claim 1, characterized in
that the support pin (6) and the bearing head (5) are integral.
4. Dynamic seating device according to claim 2, characterized in
that the radius of the dome-shaped protuberance of the base plate
(7) and the radius of the bearing head (5) are less than 7 mm.
5. Dynamic seating device according to claim 1, characterized in
that a plate (13) is provided, which is arranged under the seat
plate (1) and is connected to the column (14) or to the plate (10)
in such a manner that the tilting movement of the seat plate (1) is
restricted.
6. Dynamic seating device according to claim 1, characterized in
that a spring washer (11), pressed onto the support pin (6), a
washer (12) which is mounted underneath the spring washer (11) on
the support pin (6) and whose inside diameter is much larger than
the support pin (6) so that this can tilt by at least 20.degree.
relative to the washer (12), and a plate (3) which is arranged
underneath the washer (12) on the support pin (6) and rigidly
connected to the lower side of the seat plate (1) and whose central
hole is so large that the tilting of the seat plate (1) is not
impaired and the washer (12) cannot fall through, are provided so
that the seat plate (1) is prevented from lifting off.
7. Dynamic seating device according to claim 6, characterized in
that a recess (18) is provided on the lower side of the seat plate
(1) in such a manner that a horizontal movement of the washer (12)
parallel to the plate (3) is allowed.
8. Dynamic seating device according to claim 6, characterized in
that a spacer is provided between the plate (3) and the lower side
of the seat plate (1) in such a manner that the movement of the
washer (12) parallel to the plate (3) is allowed in all
directions.
9. Dynamic seating device according to claim 5, characterized in
that the column (14) and the plate (13) are made of wood, wherein
the plate (13) is firmly glued with the column (14).
10. Dynamic seating device according to claim 1, characterized in
that the surface of the seat plate (1) is upholstered with flexible
material (2) and lined with a covering material or leather.
11. Dynamic seating device with a seat plate (1), which is mounted
by means of a bearing head (5) on an underframe with a
height-adjustable column (14) or on a bearing surface,
characterized in that a conical bush (19) which is secured to the
lower side of the seat plate (1), protrudes through a central hole
in the seat plate (1), that the bush (19) rests on the bearing head
(5) of a support pin (6), wherein the bearing head (5) is shaped
spherically, and that the support pin (6) is rigidly connected to
the column (14) or to a plate (10) forming the bearing surface, so
that the seat plate (1) can tilt in all directions and rotate
without hindrance.
12. Dynamic seating device according to claim 11, characterized in
that a cap (20) made from plastic is arranged between the conical
bush (19) and the spherical bearing head (5) of the support pin
(6).
13. Dynamic seating device according to claim 11, characterized in
that a conical bracket (21) is provided, whose upper opening is
smaller than the bearing head (5) and which is secured together
with the bush (19) to the lower side of the seat plate (1), in such
a manner that when the seat plate (1) is raised, it is prevented
from lifting off.
14. Dynamic seating device according to claim 11, characterized in
that a constriction (25) of the bush (19) is provided underneath
the bearing head (5), in such a manner that when the seat plate (1)
is raised, it is prevented from lifting off.
15. Dynamic seating device with a seat plate (1), which is mounted
by means of a bearing head (5) on an underframe with a
height-adjustable column (14) or on a bearing surface,
characterized in that the seat plate (1) comprises a recess (8)
arranged in its centre, becoming larger from its top side towards
its lower side, that a conical metal cap, reduced in diameter from
bottom to top, is passed from below through the recess (8) in the
seat plate (1) and secured, and that the metal cap rests on the
bearing head (5) of a support pin (6) and forms the bush (19),
wherein the bearing head (5) is shaped hemispherically, so that a
common rotating and swivelling point arises above the seat plate
(1).
16. Dynamic seating device according to claim 15, characterized in
that the conical bush (19) is provided at the bottom with an edge
(25), with which the bush (19) can be secured from below to the
seat plate (1).
17. Dynamic seating device according to claim 15, characterized in
that the support pin (6) in the lower part is shaped cylindrically,
in the part adjoining thereto as a truncated cone and in the top
part hemispherically and in the centre is provided with a vertical
pin (23), which seats and fixes the bearing head (5) made from
self-lubricating plastic through its hole.
18. Dynamic seating device according to claim 15, characterized in
that the conical bush (19) after being placed on the support pin
(6) is provided with a constriction (25), which prevents the bush
(19) from being lifted off the support pin (6).
19. Dynamic seating device according to claim 15, characterized in
that a hollow, split truncated cone (26) fitting into the bush (19)
is provided, whose upper opening is smaller than the diameter of
the spherical bearing head (5) of the support pin (6) and which is
secured together with the edge (24) of the bush (19) to the lower
side of the seat plate (1) by means of a washer (27) in such a
manner that after the conical bush (19) has been placed on the
support pin (6) the seat plate (1) is prevented from lifting
off.
20. Dynamic seating device according to claim 15, characterized in
that the lower cylindrical part of the support pin (6) is provided
with a screw thread (22) and engages into a concentric hole of the
column (14).
21. Dynamic seating device according to claim 15, characterized in
that the seat plate (1) is provided with upholstery (2).
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a dynamic seating device
with a seat plate, which is tiltably and rotatably mounted by means
of a bearing head on an under-frame with a height-adjustable column
or on a bearing surface.
[0002] "Sitting as stress" is the title of a book by the SVSS
author team (Verlag pmsi Holdings Deutschland GmbH, 1993,
recommended by the Federal Association of German Back Schools). It
explains in 200 pages that correct sitting is not a rigid posture,
but requires constant mobility. Since these unrestricted movements
are not attainable when sitting on normal seats, various changes of
sitting postures, which humans must consciously take up in
alternation, are suggested in this book. It is illustrated how
difficult it is in everyday life and at the workplace to move
sitting in a body-conformal way. Some of the recommended sitting
postures however do not permit desk work or other activities such
as piano playing among other things to be performed. To some extent
work-preventing postures are suggested, which although able to
produce physical sensitisation processes, are unfit for work and
everyday tasks over longer periods. These shortcomings in sitting
and movement however can be prevented by a suitable seating
device.
[0003] A stool, which through cylindrical segments placed one above
the other allow movement of the seat face over two horizontal axes
offset by 90.degree., is known as a seating device, which should
improve sitting from a health point of view, from German Patent DE
201 10 832 U1. As a result of the distance between the two axes
there is a difference between pitch- and lateral tilting movement.
Overall, both fulcrums of the coccyx are spaced too far apart to
allow physiological optimum and homogeneous transmission of
movement to take place.
[0004] A further mobile seating device is described in German
Patent DE 295 16 794 U1, whose main feature however is a flexible
seat with a resetting force and therefore does not meet the demands
made here.
[0005] In addition from French Patent FR 27 94 349 A1 it is known
how to mount a seat plate on a hemispherical bearing head so that
it can tilt and rotate, wherein the hemispherical bearing head is
mounted in a spherical recess on the lower side of the seat
plate.
[0006] It is common to the dynamic seating devices described above
that the user, with the structure of the known seating device
selected in each case, is forced into unnatural and over longer
duration unpleasant movements. For work and everyday tasks these
seating devices are therefore only suitable to a limited
extent.
[0007] On the basis of the state of the art described above the
object of the present invention is to create a seating device of
the kind initially specified, which automatically allows natural
movements of the user at the same time with free mobility.
[0008] The object stated above is achieved in accordance with a
first teaching of the present invention by the fact that the seat
plate comprises a recess arranged in its centre, becoming larger
from its top side towards its lower side, that a base plate with a
dome-shaped protuberance is secured in the centre of the seat plate
on its top side, that the base plate rests on the bearing head of a
support pin, wherein the bearing head is shaped hemispherically and
that the support pin is rigidly connected to the column or to a
plate forming the bearing surface and protrudes through the recess
through the seat plate, so that the seat plate can tilt in all
directions and rotate without hindrance.
[0009] Furthermore, the object stated is achieved in accordance
with a second teaching of the present invention by the fact that a
conical bush, which is secured to the lower side of the seat plate,
protrudes through a central hole in the seat plate, that the bush
rests on the bearing head of a support pin, wherein the bearing
head is shaped spherically, and that the support pin is rigidly
connected to the column or to a plate forming the bearing surface,
so that the seat plate can tilt in all directions and rotate
without hindrance.
[0010] Finally, the object stated is achieved in accordance with a
third teaching of the present invention by the fact that the seat
plate comprises a recess arranged in its centre, becoming larger
from its top side towards its lower side, that a conical metal cap,
reduced in diameter from bottom to top, is passed from below
through the recess in the seat plate and secured, and that the
metal cap rests on the bearing head of a support pin and forms the
bush, wherein the bearing head is shaped hemispherically so that a
common rotating and swivelling point arises above the seat
plate.
[0011] The present invention therefore consists of a dynamic
seating device, in which to achieve natural movements of the user
at the same time with free mobility, according to the invention it
is proposed that the seat plate has a central recess running
conically from top to bottom with a bush inserted from below, which
rests on the spherical or hemispherical bearing head of a support
pin, so that a common rotating and swivelling point arises above
the seat plate, not under it.
[0012] This invention concerns a seating device, which prevents
posture injuries particularly within the extended spinal column
region, by permitting free mobility and simultaneously
physiologically centred sitting through a common rotating and
swivelling point above the seat plate. In addition, body regions
which have already become stiff can be rehabilitated thereby. This
seating device can be employed both for daily use and for
therapeutic purposes.
[0013] The seating device can offer possibilities to again achieve
a natural upright posture, which can no longer be taken up due to
reduced work and everyday tasks, and to avoid damage to the
body--particularly to the spinal column. The seating device should
create possibilities for the individual to recover an already lost
sensitivity for dealing naturally with his/her own body as well as
offering movement possibilities, which allow total freedom for
constant movement when sitting. Although humans sit, they must be
in continuous movement and in constant play with the equilibrium if
the natural oscillations of the body are to be continually allowed
and tensions are not to build up in any way. Rigid sitting should
be avoided, so that constant play with the equilibrium can take
place and many natural bodily functions are not lost and are
regained, respectively.
[0014] In order to achieve this, a seat face must allow free
tilting movements to all sides without disturbing resetting forces
of the seat and the common rotating and swivelling point of the
seat plate must lie directly above so that a natural extension of
the spinal column beyond the coccyx is provided and thus constant
transmission of movement can take place within the entire body.
[0015] Further arrangements of the invention are indicated in the
dependent claims and are elucidated in detail below in connection
with the explanation given with reference to a drawing of several
exemplary embodiments. In the drawing there are shown in each case
schematically, in cross section:
[0016] FIG. 1 a first exemplary embodiment of a seating device
according to the invention with a height-adjustable column;
[0017] FIG. 2 a second exemplary embodiment of a seating device
according to the invention for placing on any sub-base;
[0018] FIG. 3 a third exemplary embodiment of a seating device
according to the invention with a height-adjustable column;
[0019] FIG. 4 a fourth exemplary embodiment of a seating device
according to the invention for placing on any sub-base;
[0020] FIG. 5 a fifth exemplary embodiment of a seating device
according to the invention with a height-adjustable column; and
[0021] FIG. 6 in sectional view a mounting in the case of a sixth
exemplary embodiment of a seating device according to the
invention.
[0022] In accordance with FIG. 1 a seat plate 1, preferably made
from wood, is rigidly connected by several bolt connections 4 to a
base plate 7, which through a dome shaped protuberance forms the
upper shell of a slide bearing. A thin foam-material sheet 2 glued
with the seat plate 1 covers this base plate 7 and ensures a soft,
anti-slip seat face. The centre of the seat plate is provided with
a recess 8, so that the dome of the base plate 7 can rest on a
hemispherical plastic part 5 pressed in a support pin 6 and the
conjoined seat plate 1 could tilt at least +/-20.degree. in all
directions. In order to keep the friction in this bearing to a
minimum and nevertheless achieve the necessary stability, steel was
selected as the material together with its diameter of 14 mm for
the support pin 6. The support pin 6 is rigidly connected to a
height-adjustable column 14 by adhesive, a dowel pin 15 or a screw.
The column 14 is vertically adjustable and can be fixed in an
under-frame consisting of a plate 16 and at least three feet 17.
For example, the column 14 can be constructed as a spindle and
engage in a screw thread of the plate 16 in the manner of a piano
stool, so that vertical adjustment can take place by rotating the
plate 13. Seat plate 1 and a round plate 13 rigidly connected to
the column 14 form the stop for limiting the tilting movement. The
plate 13 at the same time prevents the column 14 from being torn
out, if this should be made of wood. In order to prevent the seat
plate 1 from lifting off when being transported, a spring washer 11
is pushed onto the support pin 6, and a washer 12 mounted between
spring washer 11 and plate 3 is dimensioned so that it does not
obstruct the tilting movement of the seat plate 1 and also does not
pass through the central hole of the plate 3, which is rigidly
connected to the lower side of the seat plate 1.
[0023] In FIG. 2 an embodiment without vertical adjustment is
illustrated. Here the under-frame is replaced by a plate 10, so
that the seating device can be placed on any sub-bases suitable for
seating.
[0024] A seat plate 1, preferably made from wood, in accordance
with FIG. 3 is provided with a central conical hole, through which
the conical bush 19 protrudes and is rigidly connected to the lower
side of the seat plate 1 by fastening elements 4. As the lower part
of the slide bearing the support pin 6 is connected at its tip to a
spherical bearing head 5. A cap 20 made from self-lubricating
plastic lies between them. As a result of this construction the
bearing point is able to lie above the seat plate 1 and the latter
can tilt approximately .+-.20.degree. in all directions. To prevent
the seat plate 1 lifting off from the support pin 6 a conical
bracket 21, through which the bearing head 5 on its top side does
not pass, is secured together with the conical bush 19 on the lower
side of the seat plate 1. A foam-material sheet 2 glued to the seat
plate 1 covers the conical bush 19 and ensures a soft, anti-slip
seat face. The support pin 6 is rigidly connected to a
height-adjustable column 14 by adhesive, a dowel pin 15 or a screw
thread 22. The column 14 is vertically adjustable and can be locked
in an under-frame consisting of a plate 16 and at least three feet
17. For example, the column 14 can be constructed as a spindle and
engage in a screw thread of the plate 16 in the manner of a piano
stool, so that vertical adjustment can take place by rotating the
plate 13. Seat plate 1 and a round plate 13 rigidly connected to
the column 14 form the stop for limiting the tilting movement. The
plate 13 at the same time prevents the column 14 from being torn
out, if this should be made of wood.
[0025] In FIG. 4 an embodiment without vertical adjustment is
illustrated. Here the under-frame is replaced by a plate 10, so
that the seating device can be placed on any sub-bases suitable for
seating.
[0026] In accordance with FIG. 5 a conical bush 19 provided with an
edge 24 at the bottom is secured from below to the seat plate 1
through a recess 8 in the seat plate 1, which preferably consists
of wood. A foam-material sheet 2 glued to the seat plate 1 covers
the seat plate 1 and the bush 19 and ensures a soft, anti-slip seat
face. The support pin 6 is rigidly connected to a height-adjustable
column 14 by adhesive, a dowel pin or a screw thread 22 and forms
the lower part of the bearing, so that the seat plate 1 mounted
with the bush 19 can tilt in all directions as far as the angle of
the cone of the bush 19 permits and allows it rotate without
hindrance. In order to keep the friction in this bearing to a
minimum and nevertheless achieve the necessary stability, metal was
selected as the material for the support pin 6 and its head 5
consists of a hemispherical plastic part, which is held in position
by a locking pin 23. The column 14 is vertically adjustable and can
be fixed in an under-frame consisting of a plate 16 and at least
three feet 17. For example, the column 14 can be constructed as a
spindle and engage in a screw thread of the plate 16 in the way of
a piano stool, so that the vertical adjustment can take place by
rotating the plate 13, which is rigidly connected to the column 14.
Seat plate 1 and the round plate 13 form the stop for limiting the
tilting movement. The plate 13 at the same time prevents the column
14 from being torn out, if this should be made of wood. In order to
prevent the seat plate 1 from lifting off, the bush 19 is pressed
circularly at its constriction 25, after being placed on the
support pin 6.
[0027] A further arrangement for preventing the seat plate 1 from
lifting off is illustrated in FIG. 6. A hollow cone 26, which
consists of two parts and extends to the bearing head 5, is
inserted into the bush 19 after being placed on the support pin 6
and is held with a circular metal plate 27, which is secured
together with the bush 19 to the lower side of the seat plate 1.
The hollow cone 26 can also consist of only one part if the
diameter of the shank of the support pin 6 is less than its bearing
head.
REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST
[0028] 1 seat plate [0029] 2 flexible material or upholstery [0030]
3 plate [0031] 4 fastening element [0032] 5 bearing head [0033] 6
support pin [0034] 7 base plate [0035] 8 recess [0036] 9 fastening
element [0037] 10 plate [0038] 11 pressed-on spring washer [0039]
12 washer mounted on the support pin [0040] 13 plate [0041] 14
column [0042] 15 dowel pin [0043] 16 plate [0044] 17 feet [0045] 18
recess [0046] 19 bush [0047] 20 cap [0048] 21 conical bracket
[0049] 22 screw thread [0050] 23 pin [0051] 24 edge of the bush
[0052] 25 constriction [0053] 26 hollow cone [0054] 27 circular
metal plate
* * * * *