U.S. patent application number 12/459443 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-29 for supporting device for a person's back and head area.
Invention is credited to Joachim Berc.
Application Number | 20090270236 12/459443 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29719803 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090270236 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berc; Joachim |
October 29, 2009 |
Supporting device for a person's back and head area
Abstract
The invention relates to a supporting device for the back and
head of a human being. Said device comprises a partial area of a
back supporting section at the level of the shoulder blade, a
central supporting surface in the region of a vertebral column and
open areas which are arranged on the both sides of the central
supporting surface in such a way that the shoulder blade regions
can be lowered beyond the central supporting area. The invention
can be used for furniture for the household or workplace.
Inventors: |
Berc; Joachim; (Los Angeles,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLYNN THIEL BOUTELL & TANIS, P.C.
2026 RAMBLING ROAD
KALAMAZOO
MI
49008-1631
US
|
Family ID: |
29719803 |
Appl. No.: |
12/459443 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10520051 |
Dec 29, 2004 |
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PCT/EP2003/006244 |
Jun 13, 2003 |
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12459443 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 ; 108/42;
297/118; 5/652 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/36 20130101; A63B
2210/50 20130101; A61H 2203/0443 20130101; A63B 21/4037 20151001;
A63B 21/4029 20151001; A47C 9/002 20130101; A61H 37/00 20130101;
A63B 21/065 20130101; A63B 2210/10 20130101; A63B 21/1645 20130101;
A63B 2210/04 20130101; A63B 2208/0242 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 ; 5/652;
108/42; 297/118 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00; A47B 37/00 20060101 A47B037/00; A47C 13/00 20060101
A47C013/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 2, 2002 |
EP |
02400032.5 |
Claims
1. A supporting device for a person's back and head area, with a
back support section and with a head support section, characterized
in that, in a supporting position, a partial area of the back
support section has, at the level of shoulder blade areas of the
back area, a support surface in a spinal column area and, on both
sides of the support surface, open areas which are configured in
such a way that the shoulder blade areas can move downward past the
support surface.
2. The supporting device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in
that the head support section and the back support section are
separate structural parts which can be fitted to each other for the
supporting position, forming the open areas.
3. The supporting device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in
that the open areas are formed by laterally open recesses of the
back support section.
4. The supporting device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in
that the recesses can be closed by detachably or movably arranged
cover elements.
5. The supporting device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in
that the back support section and the head support section are
integrated in a rigid support unit.
6. The supporting device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in
that the rigid support unit is arranged to be movable between an in
particular vertical rest position and an in particular horizontal
supporting position.
7. The supporting device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in
that the head support section and the back support section are
mounted relative to one another so as to be able to be moved
between the rest position and the supporting position by guide
means.
8. A home or workplace furniture item or leisure item,
characterized in that a supporting device as claimed in claim 1 is
provided.
9. The home or workplace furniture item or leisure item as claimed
in claim 8, configured as a set and/or couch.
10. An add-on unit with a head support section and a spacer part
and with at least one connection element for securing the add-on
unit to a surface part, the spacer part being configured as a
support surface for a spinal column area, and the securing being
done such that the surface part as back support section serves for
the overall creation of a supporting device as claimed in claim
1.
11. A method of stretching the chest area by using a longitudinally
elongate supporting device, said method comprising: providing a
longitudinally elongate supporting device including a head support
section and a back support section, said back support section
defining a first support surface disposed at the level of shoulder
blade areas of a person, and a second support surface, said first
support surface being disposed between said head support section
and said second support surface, said first and second support
surfaces each having a width dimension defined transversely
relative to a longitudinal central axis of said supporting device
and said second support surface having a longitudinal dimension
defined parallel to the central longitudinal axis of said
supporting device, said first support surface defining a pair of
areas which open sidewardly outwardly on opposite sides of said
back support section for receiving the respective shoulder blade
areas of the person, each said area having an innermost edge
defined by an outer longitudinal edge of said first support surface
and located adjacent the central longitudinal axis, said width
dimension of said first support surface being defined transversely
between said innermost edges of said areas and being significantly
less than said width dimension of said second support surface, said
width dimension of said first support surface being sufficiently
narrow so that said first support surface supports substantially
only a spinal column region of the person to permit the respective
shoulder blade areas of the person to move downwardly below said
first support surface without meeting any substantial resistance
from said supporting device, said longitudinal dimension and said
width dimension of said second support surface being of a dimension
sufficient for fully supporting the person's thoracic region, said
areas each having a maximum width dimension extending transversely
between the respective said innermost edge to an outer extent in
longitudinal alignment with an outer longitudinal edge of said
second support surface, said width dimension of each said area
being greater than said width dimension of said first support
surface; lying on said supporting device with the back positioned
in direct supportive engagement with said supporting device;
positioning the head on said head support section; positioning the
back on said back support section with the spinal column region on
said first support surface of said back support section, the
thoracic region on said second support surface of said back support
section, and the shoulder blade areas over the respective said
areas such that the shoulder blade areas do not meet any
substantial resistance from said supporting device when the arms
are extended sidewardly and then moved downwardly; and performing a
stretching exercise by extending the arms horizontally sidewardly
with the palms facing upward, and then allowing the arms to move
downwardly under their inherent weight so as to move the shoulder
blade areas downwardly into the respective areas, thereby
stretching the chest area.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said step of providing said
supporting device comprises providing said head support section
with a width dimension defined transversely relative to the
longitudinal central axis of said supporting device, said width
dimension of said head support section being greater than said
width dimension of said first support surface.
13. A method of stretching the chest area by using a longitudinally
elongate supporting device, said method comprising: providing a
longitudinally elongate supporting device including a head support
section defining a flat head support surface and a back support
section, said back support section defining a first flat support
surface disposed at the level of shoulder blade areas of a person,
and a second flat support surface, said first support surface being
disposed between said head support surface and said second support
surface, said head support surface and said first and second
support surfaces all lying within a common horizontal plane, said
first and second support surfaces each having a width dimension
defined transversely relative to a longitudinal central axis of
said supporting device and said second support surface having a
longitudinal dimension defined parallel to the central longitudinal
axis of said supporting device, said first support surface defining
a pair of areas which open sidewardly outwardly on opposite sides
of said back support section for receiving the respective shoulder
blade areas of the person, each said area having an innermost edge
defined by an outer longitudinal edge of said first support surface
and located adjacent the central longitudinal axis, said width
dimension of said first support surface being defined transversely
between said innermost edges of said areas and being significantly
less than said width dimension of said second support surface, said
width dimension of said first support surface being sufficiently
narrow so that said first support surface supports substantially
only a spinal column region of the person and said areas being
unobstructed sidewardly outwardly in a direction away from the
central axis and being unobstructed downwardly in a direction
transverse to the common plane to permit the respective shoulder
blade areas and the arms of the person in respective sidewardly
outwardly extended positions generally parallel to the common plane
to move downwardly below the common plane without meeting any
substantial resistance from said supporting device, said width
dimension of said second support surface, longitudinally between a
location on said second support surface corresponding axially to a
hip area of a person and a location on said second support surface
immediately axially adjacent the respective said areas in which the
shoulder blade areas are positioned, being of a dimension
sufficient for fully supporting the width of person's thoracic
region while lying on the back, said areas each having a maximum
width dimension extending transversely between the respective said
innermost edge to an outer extent in longitudinal alignment with an
outer longitudinal edge of said second support surface, said width
dimension of each said area being greater than said width dimension
of said first support surface; lying on said supporting device with
the back positioned in direct supportive engagement with said
supporting device; positioning the head on said flat head support
surface of said head support section; positioning the back on said
back support section with the spinal column region on said first
flat support surface of said back support section, the thoracic
region on said second flat support surface of said back support
section, and the shoulder blade areas over the respective said
areas; and thereafter performing a stretching exercise comprising:
fully extending the arms; thereafter positioning the fully extended
arms horizontally sidewardly outwardly generally parallel to the
common plane with the palms facing upward; thereafter allowing the
arms and the respective shoulder blade areas to move downwardly
into the respective said areas and below the common plane under
their inherent weight without meeting any substantial resistance
from said supporting device and thereby stretching the chest area
and improving the posture.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said step of providing said
supporting device comprises providing said head support section
with a width dimension defined transversely relative to the
longitudinal central axis of said supporting device, said width
dimension of said head support section being greater than said
width dimension of said first support surface.
15. A method of stretching the chest area using a longitudinally
elongate supporting device defining a longitudinal axis and having
a head support section, and a back support section having a
thoracic support surface and a narrow-width support surface located
axially between the head support section and the thoracic support
surface and including a pair of recesses on opposite sides thereof,
said method comprising the steps of: lying on the supporting device
with the back positioned in direct supportive engagement with the
supporting device; positioning the head on the head support
section; positioning the back on the back support section with the
spinal column region supported on the narrow-width support surface,
the shoulder blade areas positioned over the respective recesses,
and the thoracic region supported on the thoracic support surface;
fully extending the arms; positioning the fully extended arms
horizontally sidewardly outwardly with the palms facing upward; and
lowering the arms and the associated shoulder areas downwardly into
the respective recesses and below the support surfaces of the back
support section, thereby stretching the chest area and improving
the posture.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein said step of lowering the arms
is performed after said step of positioning the fully extended arms
horizontally sidewardly outwardly.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein said step of lowering the arms
comprises allowing the arms and the associated shoulder areas to
move downwardly under their inherent weight.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein said step of positioning the
fully extended arms comprises positioning the fully extended arms
horizontally sidewardly outwardly generally parallel to a plane in
which the support surfaces of the back support section are
disposed.
19. A method of stretching the chest area using a supporting
device, said method comprising the steps of: providing a
longitudinally elongate supporting device defining a longitudinal
axis and having a head support section, and a back support section
having a thoracic support surface and a narrow-width support
surface located axially between the head support section and the
thoracic support surface and including a pair of recesses on
opposite sides thereof, said method comprising the steps of: lying
on the supporting device with the back positioned in direct
supportive engagement with the supporting device; positioning the
head on the head support section; positioning the back on the back
support section with the spinal column region supported on the
narrow-width support surface, the shoulder blade areas positioned
over the respective recesses, and the thoracic region supported on
the thoracic support surface; fully extending the arms; positioning
the fully extended arms horizontally sidewardly outwardly with the
palms facing upward; and lowering the arms and the associated
shoulder areas downwardly into the respective recesses and below
the support surfaces of the back support section, thereby
stretching the chest area and improving the posture.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of copending application
Ser. No. 10/520 051, filed Dec. 29, 2004, hereby incorporated
herein by reference, which was the national stage of International
Application No. PCT/EP2003/006244, filed Jun. 13, 2003, which
International Application was not published in English.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a supporting device for a person's
back and head area, with a back support section and with a head
support section, and to a home or workplace furniture item or
leisure item with such a supporting device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Such supporting devices are generally known in the form of
couches or the like. Such supporting devices can be padded or
unpadded. Individuals can take up position on supporting devices of
this kind. If a person takes up a position lying on his back on
such a supporting device, both the back area and the head area are
supported. The back area extends from the coccyx to the neck area.
To permit a secure support for the person, the supporting device
has a back support section for the back area and a head support
section for the head area. The back support section is designed
with such a width as to permit a secure position of the person. In
particular, the back support section has, at least from the hip
area to the shoulder area, a width which corresponds at least to
the width of the corresponding areas of the person, so as to allow
the person to lie securely on it. Such supporting devices often
have an orthopedic design and/or adapt naturally to the person's
posture.
[0004] A person's posture is often poor in orthopedic terms. In
particular, poor posture at the workplace or in other environments
may lead to shortening of the chest muscles, which in turn can lead
to a rounded back posture, in particular to a hunched back.
[0005] The object of the invention is to make available a
supporting device of the type mentioned at the outset which, by
simple means, in particular by allowing gymnastic exercises, makes
it possible to counteract this shortening of the chest muscles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] This object is achieved by the fact that, in a supporting
position, a partial area of the back support section has, at the
level of shoulder blade areas of the back area, a support surface
in a spinal column area and, on both sides of the support surface,
has open areas which are configured in such a way that the shoulder
blade areas can move downward past the support surface.
[0007] According to the invention, therefore, a person lying on his
back on the supporting device can stretch his chest muscles in a
simple manner by extending his arms out to the sides and either
leaves them, in the outwardly extended position, under their
inherent weight or actively moves the arms and thus also the
shoulders downward, i.e. toward the rear side of the back support
section. Since, at shoulder blade level, the support surface
provides only a central, preferably narrow and at least partial
support in the spinal column area and since the shoulder blade
areas can be moved at least substantially freely downward, i.e.
past the support surface toward the rear side, it is possible to
stretch the chest muscles. The person preferably lies on the
supporting device in a position which is in an angle range of
45.degree. to 90.degree. to the vertical. In the supporting
position, an at least approximately horizontal alignment of back
section and head support section is particularly preferred. In this
way, the inherent weight of the arm and shoulder areas already
effects a desired stretching of the chest muscles, without the
person necessarily having to actively exert force in order to
achieve the aim of stretching the chest muscles. The supporting
device thus fulfills a double function in that the provision of the
recumbent position ensures a relaxed posture and, in addition, the
simple lateral extension and subsequent lowering at least of the
upper arms approximately at right angles to the thoracic cage
ensures stretching of the chest muscles. If the forearms too, in
straight continuation of the upper arms, are extended laterally
outward approximately at right angles to the thoracic cage area,
the lever effect caused by the inherent weight of the arms is
further increased, so that the stretching effect of the chest
muscles is also improved. The open areas present on both sides of
the central support surface can each be completely open to the
outside within the entire support surface formed by the back
support section and the head support section. Alternatively, they
can also be closed in the lateral outer edge areas if the
transverse extent of the open areas is so great that, with the
upper arms extended at right angles, at least the elbow areas can
move downward through the open areas. However, the open areas are
preferably also designed open laterally outward in order to permit
the desired mobility of the shoulders and arms even when the total
width of the supporting surface is small. From the coccyx or hip
area to just below the shoulder blade areas, the back support
section is advantageously made at least so wide that it corresponds
to the width of a human thoracic cage, so as to permit secure
supporting of the person's back area at least to just under the
shoulder areas. The head support section too is preferably
configured so that it ensures a secure supporting of the head.
[0008] The solution according to the invention can be applied in
different environments. In particular, it can form part of various
items of furniture in the home, office or workplace or in the
leisure sector. The supporting device can in particular rest on a
separate base, for example a frame, or can itself be provided with
suitable support, frame or leg elements in order to permit
positioning on a base. In a particularly simple embodiment, the
supporting device is formed as a rigid support unit by means of a
single panel made of shape-stable material, in particular wood or
plastic, which is provided with the back support section, including
the support surface and the lateral open areas, and with the head
support section. In other functional arrangements, such a panel can
be integrated within them or coupled to them. Thus, in particular,
it is possible to arrange such a panel removably in the area of a
room door or in the area of a room wall and, when so required, to
remove it from the door or wall and position it on a suitable base.
Alternatively, an embodiment is proposed in which such a panel is
arranged releasably on an item of home or office furniture. In
particular, it is proposed to fit such a panel standing in a
pedestal forming part of a light, and in particular provided with
at least one luminescent tube situated behind the panel. The panel
serving as supporting device thus has an additional function, by
serving as a shade or screen for the lighting means.
[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, the head support section
and the back support section are separate structural parts which
can be fitted to one another for the supporting position, forming
the open areas. In this way, it is possible to fit the head support
section and the back support section to each other to form the
desired supporting position for back and head only when required.
When not needed for stretching of the chest muscles, the head
support section and the back support section can have entirely
different functions. Thus, it is possible in particular to use the
surface of at least one support section as a table top or as a
seating arrangement when the supporting function for a person's
body is not required.
[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the open areas are
formed by laterally open recesses of the back support section. In
this case, the back support section in an area below the recesses,
seen toward the foot of the body, is advantageously much wider than
the central, preferably narrow support surface at the level of the
shoulder blade areas, so that a secure support is obtained in the
rear rib area of the person's body. The recesses advantageously
form a division of the back support section from the head support
section, so that the connection by means of the support surface is
maintained only between the head support section and the back
support section at least for the supporting position.
[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the recesses can
be closed by detachable or movable cover elements. As soon as the
recesses are closed by suitable cover elements, the back support
section preferably including the head support section can have a
continuous panel shape or continuous surface. In this way, the back
support section and/or head support section can be used for
completely different functions when they are not fitted together
for the supporting position.
[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the back support
section and the head support section are integrated in a rigid
support unit. The back support section and the head support section
are thus part of a common rigid unit. The back support section and
the head support section advantageously form a shape-stable panel
which, when not needed for chest stretching purposes, can be used
in another way, in particular as a table, as a seating arrangement
or similar.
[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the rigid support
unit is arranged so as to be movable between an in particular
vertical rest position and an in particular horizontal supporting
position. In this way, it is possible for the back support unit
formed by back support section and head support section to be moved
to the desired supporting position only when so required. When not
required, the support unit can have another function or can remain
without any function in a rest position. In particularly preferred
embodiments, the support unit is positioned movably in the area of
table arrangements or is alternatively designed as a fold-out
backrest of a chair or stool. It is advantageously also possible to
integrate the support unit in a concealed manner in a seat or couch
and bring it to the supporting position only when needed. Pivot
bearings, linear guides and similar are in particular provided for
the movable arrangement of the support unit between the rest
position and the supporting position.
[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the head support
section and the back support section are mounted with respect to
one another so as to be movable between the rest position and the
functional position by guide means. The guide means provided can be
combined swivel/slide guides, purely linear guides or hinge
arrangements, or otherwise configured cam guides.
[0015] The supporting device according to the invention can be used
particularly advantageously for home furniture items, leisure items
or workplace items. It is used particularly advantageously in
seats, couches or combined seat/couch units. Such items of
furniture can be both stationary and also movable, i.e. can be
accommodated in particular in vehicles or even in buildings or
rooms.
[0016] The invention also relates to an add-on unit which, together
with existing items of furniture or other objects which each have a
surface part, form a supporting device in the sense of the
invention. The add-on unit according to the invention has a head
support section and a spacer part serving as a support surface for
the spinal column area. The add-on unit is secured by means of at
least one connection element to a surface part of the item of
furniture or of the object, and the surface part, when the head
support section and spacer part are added on, takes over the
function of the back support section of the supporting device. The
spacer part is designed in such a way that the open areas are
obtained on both sides for movement of the shoulder blades. The
spacer part is also designed so narrow, as support surface for the
spinal column area, that suitable shoulder blade movements are not
impeded by the spacer part. By means of this solution, it is
possible in particular to attach the add-on unit to existing table,
seat and/or couch units and so obtain a supporting device according
to the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Further advantages and features of the invention are set out
in the claims and in the description, given below, of preferred
illustrative embodiments of the invention explained with reference
to the drawings in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a
supporting device according to the invention in the form of a
panel-like support unit;
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a supporting device similar to FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3a shows a further alternative embodiment of a
supporting device similar to FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0021] FIG. 3b shows a further alternative embodiment of a
supporting device similar to FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0022] FIG. 3c shows a further alternative embodiment of a
supporting device similar to FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0023] FIG. 3d shows a further alternative embodiment of a
supporting device similar to FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0024] FIG. 3e shows a further alternative embodiment of a
supporting device similar to FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0025] FIG. 4 shows a supporting device provided with rigid,
straight support legs,
[0026] FIG. 5 shows a supporting device similar to FIG. 4, but with
curved table legs,
[0027] FIG. 6 shows a supporting device with a panel-like support
unit composed of head support section, recesses and back support
section, and provided with a frame that can be folded up in the
manner of an ironing board,
[0028] FIG. 7 shows a support unit according to FIG. 1, which is
integrated removably in a corresponding recess of a room door,
[0029] FIG. 8 shows a lighting object in side view, in which a
screen is additionally designed as supporting device similar to
FIG. 2,
[0030] FIG. 9 shows the lighting object according to FIG. 8 in a
front view,
[0031] FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a supporting device
according to the invention in a perspective view, in which the
panel-like support unit in a rest position lies on a wall and, for
the supporting position shown in FIG. 10, is folded out into a
horizontal setting,
[0032] FIG. 11 shows a seat and/or couch in which the supporting
device is integrated in a pull-out casing,
[0033] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of part of a supporting
device in which a head support section can be plugged onto a back
support section and form the open areas,
[0034] FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment similar to FIG. 12 in
which, once again, a head support section can be plugged onto a
back support section and form the open areas,
[0035] FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment similar to FIG. 13 with
fixing means for the supporting position, in this instance in the
form of a screw clamp,
[0036] FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment of a supporting device
integrated in a table,
[0037] FIG. 16 shows a further table arrangement which can take
over the additional function of a supporting device,
[0038] FIG. 17 shows the table arrangement according to FIG. 16 in
its supporting position,
[0039] FIGS. 18 to 20 show various representations of detachable or
movable cover elements which, in the rest position, close the
recesses and, for the supporting position, free these recesses,
[0040] FIGS. 21 and 22 show a further furniture arrangement serving
additionally as a supporting device, the supporting position being
shown in FIG. 22,
[0041] FIG. 23 shows a further furniture arrangement positionable
relative to one another in a supporting position for its additional
function as supporting device,
[0042] FIGS. 24 and 25 show an office chair provided with an
additional function as supporting device, and
[0043] FIGS. 26 and 27 show a further table arrangement serving, in
an additional function, as a supporting device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] Supporting devices according to FIGS. 1 to 27 are used, in
their supporting position, as benches or supports for the body of a
person lying on his back. In the position lying with his back and
head on the supporting device, the person in question, by extending
his arms out to the sides, can move the arms and shoulders
downward. To do so, he has to position himself on the supporting
device in such a way that corresponding movements of the shoulder
areas, in particular of the shoulder blade areas, do not meet any
resistance from the supporting device. This is described in more
detail below. The supporting devices according to FIGS. 1 to 3 are
constructed with the same function, so that the basic functional
parts will be described first with reference to FIG. 1, and parts
or sections having the same function are provided with the same
reference numeral in the following figures, but with addition of a
differentiating letter (i.e., a, b, c, d, e, f). The supporting
device is formed by a panel-shaped support unit 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d,
1e, 1f. The support unit has a back support section 2, 2a (not
numbered in FIGS. 3a-3e), a central support bridge 4, 4a serving as
support surface, and a head support section 5, 5a adjoining the
support bridge 4, 4a. Provided on both sides, at the level of the
support bridge 4, 4a, there are recesses 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f
which are open toward the outside. The support bridge 4, 4a extends
along a midline axis (not shown) of the supporting device which in
the present case has an overall rectangular shape. A person lying
on the support unit has to position himself in such a way that he
is lying with his shoulder blade areas at the level of the recesses
3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f and his head is supported from behind.
The support bridge 4, 4a serving as support surface is preferably
made so narrow that, when the arms and shoulders are extended and
lowered, it does not impede the free movement of the shoulder
blades at least over a limited arm or shoulder path. The limited
arm and shoulder path is defined in that a sufficient extension of
the chest muscles has to be possible. The proportions of the
corresponding sections of the support unit are preferably adapted
to the body of a normal person.
[0045] The person lying on the supporting device preferably
performs a stretching exercise such that, lying on his back, he
extends his arms horizontally out to the sides and in doing so
turns the palms of the hands upward. Through the inherent weight of
the extended arms, these necessarily move, together with the
shoulder areas and shoulder blade areas, downward in the area of
the recesses 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f toward a base, as a result
of which the transversely running chest muscles lying to the front
are stretched. In this way, it is possible to effectively
counteract shortening of the chest muscles in a relaxed position
and without great effort, by which means injury due to poor posture
can be avoided or reduced.
[0046] In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the lower and upper
end areas of the support unit, as seen in the direction of the
body, are rounded as arcs of circles. The function of the support
unit does not differ in any way from that explained regarding FIG.
1. FIGS. 3a to 3e show further different forms of support units
(1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, respectively) whose functions each correspond
to the functions described with reference to FIG. 1. The depictions
are in each case schematic, so that the proportions do not
necessarily correspond to the proportions that actually arise in
practice. This applies also to all the supporting devices described
in detail farther below.
[0047] In the embodiments according to FIGS. 3a to 3e, the lateral
recesses 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f in particular are provided with
different geometric shapes which can be seen clearly from the
drawings and therefore do not have to be explained in detail at
this point.
[0048] In the embodiment according to FIG. 4, the support unit
according to FIG. 1 is provided with support legs 6 standing on a
base. These are designed as rectilinear square profiles in the
embodiment according to FIG. 4. In the embodiment according to FIG.
5, rigid support legs 7 of curved form with broad floor rests are
provided. The support unit 1 according to FIG. 5 corresponds to the
support unit according to FIG. 4.
[0049] In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the panel-shaped
support unit 1 is held by a fold-up frame 8 designed in the manner
of an ironing board frame that folds up under support unit 1 as
shown by the double-headed arrow R. The folded-up position of the
frame 8 is shown by broken lines. In this way, the support unit 1
does not take up space when not in use.
[0050] In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, the support unit 1,
so as to be accommodated without taking up space when not in use,
is mounted in a corresponding recess of a larger surface, in the
present instance in a room door 9 which is held with the aid of
hinges 10 on a room wall 11. As soon as the support unit 1 is
needed, it can be removed from the corresponding recess of the room
door 9 and brought into the supporting position at a suitable
place.
[0051] To bring it to the supporting position, the support unit 1
can in particular be placed on one or more support or frame
elements. To fix the support unit 1 in the recess of the room door
9, detachable securing means are provided in the area of the room
door 9.
[0052] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 8 and 9, a support unit
1g formed in the shape of a surfboard is additionally used as
object part of a lighting object 12 by being positioned parallel in
front of a standing fluorescent tube arrangement 14. For this
purpose, the support unit 1g is provided in its base area with plug
connection elements 15 which can be plugged releasably onto
corresponding plug connection elements of a pedestal 13. The
fluorescent tube arrangement 14 is also anchored firmly in the
pedestal 13 in its oblique position. Embodiments not shown here
include other types of household or design objects in which a
correspondingly adapted support unit is integrated in each
case.
[0053] In the embodiment according to FIG. 10, a support unit 1 is
mounted at its lower end area, by means of a hinge arrangement 17
defining a horizontal pivot axis, on a vertical wall 16 such that
it can be moved as indicated by the directional arrow T between a
folded-away rest position, indicated by broken lines, and a
supporting position, indicated by solid lines. For the supporting
position, a support foot arrangement 18 is provided which can be
articulated on the underside of the support unit 1 or can be added
as a separate part to the underside of the support unit 1.
[0054] In the embodiment according to FIG. 11, the support unit 1
is integrated in a pull-out casing 20 of a seat unit and/or couch
unit 19, in the present instance in the form of a sofa bed. The
pull-out casing 20 is pulled from a stored position, in the
direction indicated by directional arrows F, to the illustrated use
position. The support unit 1 is mounted stably on corresponding
frame parts of the pull-out casing 20 so that, in the pulled out
position of the pull-out casing 20 shown in FIG. 11, the support
unit 1 is converted directly to its supporting position. A person
can thus lie down with his back on the support unit 1 and
preferably rest his leg areas on the seat cushion and back cushion
of the sofa bed. In embodiments not shown, the support unit is
accommodated in a pull-out element in the form of a drawer or the
like, the pull-out element being able to be integrated in any
desired, suitable mobile or immobile object such as, in particular,
an air, sea or land vehicle, in a housing of a machine or a plant,
or in other arrangements.
[0055] In the embodiment according to FIG. 12, the head support
section 5h, including the central support surface 4h serving as
spacer part and located at the level of the recesses 3h, is
designed so as to be detachable from the back support section 2h.
An add-on unit is thus formed. For this purpose, connection
elements in the form of plug connections 21 are used which, in the
direction of the double-headed arrow P, allow the head support
section 5h to be removed from or pushed in the area of the
corresponding end face of the back support section 2h serving as
surface part.
[0056] The support surface 4h is configured in a panel shape so
that, in the plugged-in state, the head support section 5h remains
positioned at a distance from the two back support sections 5h. In
this way, the recesses 3h are formed.
[0057] A similar design with an add-on unit is shown in FIG. 13.
There, only the nature of the plug connection 22 is different.
Corresponding arms of the plug connection 22 engage across the top
and bottom of the panel shape of the back support section 2i in the
manner of a bracket, as the head support section 5i is attached to
or removed from the back support section 2i in the illustrated
direction of the double-headed arrow V. The upper arm of the plug
connection 22 additionally forms the central support bridge 4i for
supporting the spinal column of the person's body at the level of
the shoulder blade areas between the back support section 2i and
the head support section 5i.
[0058] The embodiment according to FIG. 14 with an add-on unit is
also similar to the embodiments according to FIGS. 12 and 13,
attachable or detachable in the direction of the double-headed
arrow B. The main difference here is that, for attaching the head
section 5k including the support surface 4k to the back support
section 2k, with corresponding recesses 3k, the plug connection 23
is additionally assigned securing means 24 in the form of a screw
clamp which permits fixing of the assembled state.
[0059] In the embodiment according to FIG. 15, an item of furniture
in the form of a table arrangement 25 is provided. Under a table
top of the table arrangement 25, a hollow space is provided in
which two support units 1 are accommodated. In the embodiment
according to FIG. 15, the table arrangement thus serves only as
storage space for the support units 1. In an illustrative
embodiment not explicit from FIG. 15, the two support units 1 are
positioned in the manner of pull-out panels linearly displaceably
under the upper table top and for converting them to their
supporting position can be drawn out from the corresponding storage
space as indicated by the directional arrows H and preferably
brought to the same level as the table top. With the aid of support
means (not shown), at least one of the support units 1 is then
fixed in this supporting position. The table top thus serves as a
support for the leg and buttock areas of a person whose back area
and head area is positioned in the area of the support unit 1.
[0060] FIGS. 16 and 17 show a further table arrangement 26 which,
like the last-described embodiment, is provided with a pull-out
head support section 27. In its rest position, the head support
section 27 is arranged under a table top of the table arrangement
25 according to FIG. 16, and is extendable or retractable as
illustrated by the double-headed arrow Q. To obtain the lateral
recesses 3i at shoulder blade level, the head support section 27 is
moved in a simple manner to the position according to FIG. 17, as
shown by the directional arrows Z, a guide bridge section 28
remaining firmly connected to the head support section 27. The
guide bridge section 28 is responsible for the linear guiding and
is mounted in corresponding rails underneath the table top. The
guide bridge also has the function of central support surface for
supporting the spinal column in the shoulder blade area, its
corresponding dimensions being adapted to this function.
[0061] In the embodiments according to FIGS. 18 to 20, the recesses
3 of the support unit 1 can be closed off by cover elements 29,
29a, 29b inserted into the recesses 3 in the manner illustrated by
the directional arrows Gin order to obtain a continuous panel form
or continuous surface even in the area of the recesses 3. In this
way, the panel-like support unit can fulfill additional functions,
in particular by being able to function as a table top.
[0062] In the embodiment according to FIG. 18, the cover elements
29 are inserted into the support unit in a simple manner with the
aid of plug-in pins.
[0063] In the embodiment according to FIG. 19, the plug elements
29a have cover edges which interact with corresponding plug grooves
on the support unit 1 in the area of the recesses and thus permit
horizontal plugging in or pulling out.
[0064] In the illustrative embodiment according to FIG. 20, the
cover elements 29b remain connected to the support unit 1. The
cover elements 29b are connected to the support unit 1 via a hinge
arrangement (not shown in detail) about horizontal pivot axes x-x
in the area of the bottom of each recess 3, allowing rotation of
the cover elements 29b as illustrated by the double-headed arrow Y.
By means of securing elements (not shown in detail), the cover
elements 29b can be fixed in the rest position closing the recesses
3.
[0065] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 21 and 22, a table
arrangement 30 is provided which is made up of an elongate table
with rectangular table top and of a square table of the same width
as the elongate table. The square table is connected permanently
via a swivel/slide guide 31 to an adjacent end face of the table
top of the elongate table. A slide element is preferably provided
at a corresponding corner of the square table and is guided in a
slide guide extending along the table top of the elongate table and
additionally permits a swivel movement of the square table.
[0066] With this configuration, it is possible to use the table
arrangement 30 also as a supporting device. The corresponding
supporting position is shown in FIG. 22. The square table with its
table top serves on the one hand as head support section 5m and, on
the other hand, in the position turned through 45.degree., its
corner area comprising the slide element acts as a support surface
4m for the spinal column of the person in the shoulder blade area.
By turning it through 45.degree., the desired recesses 3m for the
shoulder blade areas are additionally created on both sides of the
corner carrying the slide element. The table top of the elongate
table, in its area adjacent to the square table, has a back support
section 2m. The slide movement of the square table is indicated by
the double arrow S and the combined pivotability is indicated by
the double arrow D in FIG. 22.
[0067] In the embodiment according to FIG. 23, a furniture
arrangement 32 is provided in the form of square tables or stools
which are not interconnected. Such tables or stools are known in
principle. In the embodiment according to FIG. 23, however, these
are positioned in the form of a supporting device, the last stool
or table similar to the design according to FIG. 22 is turned
through 45.degree. and has a corner joined to the adjacent stool or
table. All the tables or stools have the same height. In this way,
the edge table or stool forms the head support section 5n including
the support surface 4n for the spinal column with corresponding
recesses 3n, and the adjacent stool or table forms the back support
section 2n.
[0068] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 24 and 25, a mobile
item of furniture is provided, in the present instance in the form
of an office chair 33 on a pedestal 35, having a backrest which
serves as support unit 1. The backrest can be lowered into a
horizontal supporting position according to FIG. 25, as indicated
by the directional arrow E. The hinge arrangement 36 serves for
this purpose. To permit secure holding of the support unit 1 in the
supporting position, support legs 34 are provided which, in the
present embodiment, are mounted so that they can be folded into and
out of the backrest. It is also possible to provide separate
support elements for holding the support unit 1 in its supporting
position.
[0069] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 26 and 27, a table
arrangement 37 is provided which is additionally provided with a
support unit 1 articulated on an outer edge of a table top of the
table arrangement 37 by means of a hinge arrangement 38. In this
way, the support arrangement 37 can serve as supporting device as
soon as the support unit 1 is pivoted upward into its horizontal
supporting position, as indicated by the directional arrow U. In
its horizontal supporting position, the support unit 1 is secured
by at least one corresponding support element 39 (shown only in
FIG. 27).
[0070] All the embodiments described above are shown only
schematically. Dimensions and proportions of individual parts or
sections in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to practical
configurations. The corresponding support sections, support units
or supporting devices can thus also have padded, unpadded, not
flat, but curved or orthopedically shaped surfaces. The invention
is therefore not limited to the described illustrative embodiments
and instead also encompasses other designs obvious to a skilled
person.
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