U.S. patent application number 15/722849 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-05 for adjustable padding device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Octo Group AG. Invention is credited to Eckhart Dewert, Johannes Schneider.
Application Number | 20180092464 15/722849 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61757304 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180092464 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dewert; Eckhart ; et
al. |
April 5, 2018 |
ADJUSTABLE PADDING DEVICE
Abstract
Adjustable padding device for a piece of furniture used for
sitting and/or lying has a flat elastically deformable padding
element and an adjustable supporting device having a main body for
supporting the padding element in a plane. Padding device also has
an electric-motor adjusting device, on the supporting device for
adjusting part of supporting device in its inclination and/or
height of the part of supporting device, so padding element is
connected to supporting device and to the adjusting device and
forms a unit, and so padding element and the supporting device and
the adjusting device are in a common casing. Common casing
substantially completely surrounds the unit including the padding
element and the supporting device together with the adjusting
device. A charging/discharging device is provided for pressure
loading/pressure relief of padding element, and loading/relief
device is in the common casing.
Inventors: |
Dewert; Eckhart; (Goldingen,
CH) ; Schneider; Johannes; (Wurzburg, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Octo Group AG |
Zurich |
|
CH |
|
|
Family ID: |
61757304 |
Appl. No.: |
15/722849 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP2016/056655 |
Mar 24, 2016 |
|
|
|
15722849 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2201/123 20130101;
A61H 2201/5028 20130101; A47C 7/14 20130101; A61H 2201/5002
20130101; A61H 2201/1669 20130101; A47C 7/462 20130101; A61H
2201/0142 20130101; A61H 2201/1664 20130101; A47C 7/26 20130101;
A61H 2201/1223 20130101; A61H 2205/081 20130101; A61H 15/0078
20130101; A61H 2201/0192 20130101; A61H 2203/0456 20130101; A61H
2201/1623 20130101; A61H 2015/0014 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/14 20060101
A47C007/14; A47C 7/46 20060101 A47C007/46; A47C 7/26 20060101
A47C007/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 31, 2015 |
DE |
10 2015 104 950.3 |
Sep 27, 2017 |
DE |
10 2017 122 499.8 |
Claims
1. An adjustable padding device for seating and/or lounging
furniture, the device comprising: a) at least one flat, elastically
deformable padding element; b) at least one support device with a
base body for supporting the padding element in a planar manner; c)
the padding element together with the support device is joined to
form a unit; d) the padding element together with the support
device is accommodated in a shared casing which essentially
completely surrounds the unit comprising the padding element and
the support device; e) a charging/discharging device for achieving
pressure loading or relief of the padding element is provided; and
f) the charging/discharging device is accommodated in the shared
casing.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: a) the
charging/discharging device acts on at least one spring element to
achieve pressure loading or relief.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: a) the
charging/discharging device is an electromechanical loading/relief
device.
4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: a) the
charging/discharging device includes at least one electric motor,
the at least one electric motor being in operative connection with
a pressure exerting element, by which pressure is exerted or
exhertable on at least one spring element effecting a pressure
charging/discharging function.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: a) a control device
for controlling the electric motor or the electric motors.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: a) the control device
controls the electric motor or the electric motors in such a way
that the pressure element or the pressure elements act(s) on at
least two spring elements sequentially in time.
7. The device according to claim 5, wherein: a) the control device
controls the electric motor or the electric motors in such a way
that at least one pressure element acts on at least two spring
elements sequentially in time.
8. The device according to claim 4, wherein: a) the pressure
element loosely acts on the or each associated spring element.
9. The device according to claim 2, wherein: a) the at least one
spring element is a bed frame.
10. The device according to claim 2, wherein: a) the at least one
spring element is a springy slat.
11. The device according to claim 4, wherein: a) the
charging/discharging device includes at least one slide being
linearly movable in a longitudinal direction of the padding device
by a linear actuator, the slide carrying at least one arm, a free
end of which carries the pressure exerting element for
charging/discharging interaction with the at least one spring
element.
12. The device according to claim 11, wherein: a) the at least one
slide carries at least two arms, each of the arms carrying a
pressure exerting element, the pressure exerting elements being
spaced apart from each other transverse to the longitudinal
direction of the padding device.
13. The device according to claim 11, wherein: a) the at least one
spring element is a slat, the slat being connected with a least one
flexible strap, the at least one strap extending in the
longitudinal direction of the padding device, the at least one
pressure exerting element abutting against the strap for
interaction with the strap for charging/discharging the slats.
14. The device according to claim 11, wherein: a) the pressure
exerting element is a roll or a roller.
15. The device according to claim 11, wherein: a) the linear
actuator including a spindle drive.
16. The device according to claim 15, wherein: a) the at least one
slide includes a spindle nut or is connected with a spindle nut,
the spindle nut being fixed against rotation and being movable in
the axial direction of a spindle, the spindle being in drive
connection with the at least one electric motor.
17. The device according to claim 1, wherein: a) at least two
charging/discharging devices are provided, the at least two
charging/discharging devices being spaced apart from each other in
the longitudinal direction of the padding device for interacting
with different areas of the same.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
no. PCT/EP2016/056655, filed Mar. 24, 2016, and this application
claims the priority of German Application No. 10 2015 104 950.3,
filed Mar. 31, 2015, and this application claims the priority of
German Application No. 10 2017 122 499.8, filed Sep. 27, 2017, and
each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to an adjustable padding device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Padding devices of this type are generally known, and have a
support device, for example in the form of a slatted frame. The
support device has a base body with at least two support parts that
are adjustable relative to one another, and on which spring
elements are situated which support the padding when the support
device is being used. An electric motor-driven adjustment device is
provided for adjusting the support parts relative to one
another.
[0004] A support device is known from DE 10 2010 021 362 A1, in
which a loading/relief device for achieving pressure loading or
relief of the padding is provided. The pressure loading/relief
device is situated beneath the base body of the support device.
[0005] Similar support devices are also known from DE 10 2008 031
043 A1, DE 20 2005 009 180 U1, WO 2012/052972 A1, and DE 29509909
U1.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the invention is to provide an adjustable
padding device for seating and/or lounging furniture, having
expanded functionality.
[0007] This object is achieved by the invention set forth
herein.
[0008] According to the invention, the functionality of the padding
device is expanded by providing a loading/relief device for
achieving pressure loading or relief of the padding element, the
loading/relief device being accommodated in a shared casing.
[0009] In this way, it is possible not only for the padding device
to be adjustable by electric motor, but also for it to carry out a
massage function, for example. As a result of all components of the
padding device, including the loading/relief device, being
accommodated in the shared casing, the padding device according to
the invention gives the visual impression of a conventional
mattress without an electric motor-driven adjustment device and a
loading/relief device.
[0010] A further advantage of the padding device according to the
invention is that it has a low installation height.
[0011] One advantageous further embodiment of the invention
provides that the loading and relief device for achieving pressure
loading or relief acts on least one spring element. In this
embodiment, at least one spring element is thus acted on with
pressure or is relieved of pressure by the loading and relief
device.
[0012] The loading and relief device may operate according to any
given suitable operating principle, and may be designed as a
pneumatic loading and relief device, for example. In this regard,
one particularly advantageous further embodiment of the invention
provides that the loading and relief device is an electromechanical
loading and relief device. Such electromechanical devices have a
relatively simple, inexpensive design, and allow pressure loading
or relief, corresponding to any given kinematics, within broad
limits.
[0013] One advantageous further embodiment of the above-mentioned
embodiment provides that the loading and relief device has at least
one electric motor that is in operative connection with at least
one pressure element, by means of which a pressure force is or may
be exerted on at least one spring element in order to achieve
pressure loading or relief.
[0014] This results in a particularly simple design of the loading
and relief device, in that the electric motor drives at least one
pressure element that provides pressure loading or relief of the
padding. In principle, a single pressure element is sufficient for
achieving pressure loading or relief. According to the invention,
however, two or more pressure elements may also be provided, so
that the number of pressure elements is selectable within broad
limits, depending on the particular requirements. The same
correspondingly applies for the design of the pressure elements.
Furthermore, according to the invention it is sufficient in
principle when a single electric motor is provided. However, two or
more electric motors may be provided if necessary, depending on the
particular requirements.
[0015] Another advantageous further embodiment of the invention
provides a control device for controlling the electric motor or the
electric motors. The control device may in particular have a manual
switch via which a user of the support device may select whether,
to what extent, or corresponding to which kinematics, pressure
loading or relief is to be exerted.
[0016] One advantageous further embodiment of the above-mentioned
embodiment provides that the control device controls the electric
motor or the electric motors in such a way that the pressure
element or the pressure elements act(s) on at least two spring
elements sequentially in time. In this embodiment, the pressure
loading or relief of an individual spring element may vary over
time, so that, due to appropriate pressure loading or relief of
adjacently situated spring elements, pressure loading or relief
that varies over time, and in particular is "rolling," may be
achieved, as is known per se for so-called massage chairs, for
example.
[0017] One advantageous further embodiment of the above-mentioned
embodiment provides that the control device controls the electric
motor or the electric motors in such a way that at least one
pressure element acts on at least two spring elements sequentially
in time. This results in a particularly simple design.
[0018] Another extremely advantageous further embodiment of the
invention provides that the or each pressure element loosely acts
on the or each associated spring element. In this embodiment, a
connection between the pressure element and the associated spring
element is not necessary, thus simplifying assembly and disassembly
of the loading and relief device, also for maintenance, for
example. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the pressure
element acts on an associated spring element with pressure for
achieving pressure loading, while the pressure element is otherwise
not in contact with the spring element, so that the spring element
then develops its full spring effect.
[0019] Another advantageous further embodiment of the invention
provides that the spring elements are bed frames.
[0020] According to another further embodiment of the invention,
the spring elements may also be elastic slats.
[0021] The invention is explained in greater detail below with
reference to the appended drawings, in which embodiments of a
support device according to the invention is illustrated. All
features that are described, illustrated in the drawings, and
claimed in the patent claims, alone or in any combination,
constitute the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their
description or illustration in the drawings, and regardless of
their recapitulation in the patent claims.
[0022] Relative terms such as left, right, up, and down are for
convenience only and are not intended to be limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a highly schematic perspective view of one
embodiment of a padding device according to the invention that is
adjustable by electric motor;
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a highly schematic first side view of the
padding device according to FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a highly schematic second side view of the
padding device according to FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the padding device according to
FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a
padding support device 2 according to the invention that includes a
base body 20 embodied as a slatted bed frame carrying a plurality
of spring elements, formed by slats;
[0028] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of the charging/discharging
device 26;
[0029] FIG. 7 shows the interaction between the pressure exerting
element 36 and the slat 24;
[0030] FIG. 8 shows support device 2, with some of slats omitted to
show details of the charging/discharging device 26;
[0031] FIG. 9 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 5;
[0032] FIG. 10 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 5;
and
[0033] FIG. 11 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a padding device
according to the invention that is adjustable by electric motor,
having a support device 2 for supporting padding of seating and/or
lounging furniture, in particular a mattress of a bed. In the
illustrated embodiment, the support device 2 is designed as
described in EP 1 239 753 B1, the contents of which are hereby
fully incorporated by reference into the present patent
application.
[0035] As described in EP 1 239 753 B1, the support device 2 has a
base body with at least two support parts that are adjustable
relative to one another, and on which spring elements are situated
which support the padding when the support device is being used.
FIG. 1 illustrates a padding element 4 in the form of a mattress.
As further described in EP 1 239 753 B1, the padding element 4
together with the support device 2 and an electric motor-driven
adjustment device is joined to form a unit for adjusting the
support parts relative to one another.
[0036] The padding element 4 together with the support device 2 and
the electric motor-driven adjustment device is accommodated in a
shared casing which essentially completely surrounds the unit
comprising the padding element 4 and the support device 2 together
with the adjustment device. The casing is symbolically represented
by a dashed line 6 in FIG. 3.
[0037] The embodiment illustrated in the drawings is thus an
adjustable padding device in the sense of EP 1 239 753 B1.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, a charging/discharging device
or loading/relief device 8 is provided for achieving pressure
loading or relief of the padding. The loading/relief device 8 may
operate according to any given suitable operating principle. In the
illustrated embodiment, the loading/relief device is depicted as a
pneumatically operating device. For achieving pressure loading or
relief, the loading/relief device acts on at least one spring
element, for example an elastic slat, of the support device. For
this purpose, in the illustrated embodiment the loading/relief
device has a plurality of pressure elements situated in succession
in the longitudinal direction of the support device 2; in FIG. 1,
only one pressure element is denoted by reference numeral 10. The
pressure elements 10 situated in succession in the longitudinal
direction of the support device 2 act on spring elements situated
in succession in the longitudinal direction of the support device
2. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure elements 10 each
have a cushion-like design and are inflatable by means of a pump.
The pneumatic control takes place via valves in such a way that the
pressure elements 10 are inflatable independently of one
another.
[0039] As indicated in FIGS. 2 through 4, the loading/relief device
is situated within the profile height of the base body of the
support device 2. According to the invention, an arrangement of the
loading/relief device 8 within the profile height of the base body
of the support device 2 is understood to mean that the components
of the loading/relief device 8 are situated within an upper
delimiting plane and a lower delimiting plane that are defined,
respectively, by the top side and the bottom side of the base body
of the support device 2, while pressure elements, by means of which
the loading/relief device 8 brings about pressure loading or relief
of the padding, protrude beyond the profile height during operation
of the loading/relief device. In the illustrated embodiment (see
FIG. 2), the pressure elements 10 are situated within the profile
height of the support device 2 in the uninflated state, whereas in
the inflated state they protrude beyond the profile height, as
required for achieving pressure loading of the padding 4.
[0040] According to the invention, the loading/relief device 8 is
accommodated in the shared casing 6, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the padding has a foam cover
12 on which a user lies during use of the support device 2. By
inflation of the pressure elements 10, a pressure force is exerted
on spring elements, for example elastic slats of the support device
2, situated between the foam cover 12 and the pressure elements 10;
the spring elements transmit the pressure force to the foam cover
12 on which a user lies during use of the support device 2. A
massage effect, for example, is achievable in this way.
[0042] Although the loading/relief device 8 is illustrated in the
drawings of FIGS. 1-4 as a pneumatically operating device, in
practice it is preferred for the loading/relief device to be an
electromechanical loading/relief device having least one electric
motor that is in operative connection with at least one pressure
element, by means of which a pressure force is or may be exerted on
at least one spring element in order to achieve pressure
loading.
[0043] For controlling the electric motor or the electric motors, a
control device is provided that preferably controls the electric
motor or the electric motors in such a way that the pressure
element or the pressure elements act(s) on at least two spring
elements sequentially in time. The control device preferably
controls the electric motor or the electric motors in such a way
that at least one pressure element acts on at least two spring
elements sequentially in time. In this way, rolling pressure
loading may be provided, as is known for so-called massage chairs,
for example.
[0044] In the sense of a simple and maintenance-friendly design, it
is preferred that the or each pressure element loosely acts on the
or each associated spring element. This means that the pressure
element has no fixed mechanical connection to the spring element,
and in the active state exerts a pressure force on the associated
spring element, while the pressure element in the inactive state is
retracted by the spring element, so that in this state the spring
effect of the spring element is not impaired, and in this state the
spring element is thus freely resilient and its spring effect is
thus not adversely affected in this state.
[0045] Accordingly, in FIGS. 5-11, there is shown in another
preferred embodiment of the invention, a support device 2 directed
to the use of springs to carry out the invention.
[0046] FIG. 5 depicts a support device 2 which is part of the
padding device according to the invention. The support device 2
includes a base body 20 which is embodied as a slatted bed frame
carrying a plurality of spring elements, which are embodied as
flexible slats. In FIG. 5 only two slats are referenced by
reference numerals 22, 24. The upper side of the slats define a
support plane, on which, in use, a padding element of the padding
device is supported.
[0047] In order to provide a massage function, a
charging/discharging device 26 is provided which will be described
hereinafter in greater detail.
[0048] FIG. 6 depicts a schematic view of the charging/discharging
device 26.
[0049] The charging/discharging device 26 includes at first slide
28 being linearly movable in the longitudinal direction of the
padding device, as symbolized in FIG. 6 by a double arrow 30, by
means of a first linear actuator 32 along a linear axis, the first
slide 28 being in operative connection with a first electric motor
34, the first slide 32 carrying at least one arm 33, the free end
of which carrying a pressure exerting element 36 for
charging/discharging interaction with the slats 22, 24.
[0050] The pressure exerting element 36 is embodied as a wheel or a
roller.
[0051] The pressure exerting element 36 is adjustable relative to
the support plane defined by the slats 22, 24. An adjustment drive
38 is arranged for adjusting the pressure exerting element 36
relative to the support plane, as symbolized by a double arrow 40
in FIG. 6, the adjustment drive 38 including a second electric
motor. The adjustment drive 38 will be described hereinafter in
greater detail with reference to FIG. 11.
[0052] The slats 22,24 are connected to and sandwiched between
flexible straps, which are symbolized by broken lines 40, 42 in
FIG. 6.
[0053] In use, in order to cause a massage effect upon a user
resting on the padding device, the first slide 28 is moved along
its linear axis by means of the first linear actuator 28 to the
left in FIG. 6.
[0054] The pressure exerting element 36 is adjusted toward the
lower side of the slats 22, 24 by means of the adjustment drive 38,
so as to interact with the slats 22, 24.
[0055] FIG. 7 depicts the interaction between the pressure exerting
element 36 and the slat 24, wherein the pressure exerting element
36 is charging the slat 24 so as to protrude over the support
plane. As can been seen from FIG. 7, the pressure exerting element
36 abuts against the side of the strap 40 facing away from the
slats 22, 24.
[0056] As it is evident from FIGS. 6 and 7, upon linear motion of
the first slide 28 along the longitudinal direction of the support
device 2, the slats may be charged consecutively so as to effect a
`rolling` massage effect.
[0057] An embodiment for putting the basic principle illustrated in
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 into practice will now be explained in greater
detail with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 11.
[0058] FIG. 8 depicts the support device 2, wherein some of slats
are omitted in order disclose details of the charging/discharging
device 26.
[0059] In this embodiment, in addition to the charging/discharging
device 26, a further charging/discharging device 26' is provided.
The charging/discharging devices 26, 26' are arranged so as to
cause a massage effect in different areas of the padding device.
Both charging/discharging devices 26, 26' have the same
construction. Accordingly, in the following only the
charging/discharging device 26 will be described in greater detail.
For ease of reference, in FIGS. 9 to 11 only the
charging/discharging device 26 is shown, while the
charging/discharging device 26' is omitted.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 9, the charging/discharging device 26
includes the first slide 28, which is linearly movable in the
longitudinal direction of the padding device by means of the first
linear actuator along a linear axis. The linear axis is defined by
a first linear guide 44 extending in the longitudinal direction of
the support device 2.
[0061] The first slide 28 is in operative connection with the first
electric motor 34, the first slide carrying the arm 33 (see FIG. 9
and FIG. 10), the free end of which carries the pressure exerting
element 36 for charging/discharging interaction with the slats 22,
24. The pressure exerting element 36 is embodied as a wheel or
roller, which is rotatable relative to the arm 33, abutting against
the side of strap 40 facing away from the slats 22, 24 (see in
particular FIG. 10).
[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the first slide 28 carries at
least two arms, namely the arm 33 and additional arm 33', each of
the arms 33, 33' carrying a pressure exerting element 36 and 36'
respectively, the pressure exerting elements 36, 36' being spaced
apart from each other transverse to the longitudinal direction of
the padding device, as can be seen best from FIG. 10.
[0063] The pressure exerting elements 36 and 36' are adjustable
relative to the support plane defined by the slats, the adjustment
drive 38 being arranged for adjusting the pressure exerting
elements 36, 36' relative to the support plane.
[0064] The first slide 28 carries a pivot shaft 46 (see FIG. 10)
defining a pivot axis, the arms 33, 33' being connected to the
pivot shaft 46 in a manner fixed against rotation, the adjustment
drive 38 being arranged for pivoting the pivot shaft 46 about its
pivot axis, so as to adjust the pressure exerting elements 36, 36'
relative to the support plane by pivoting the arms 33, 33'.
Consequently, the arms 33, 33' have the function of pivot
levers.
[0065] In order to move the first slide 28 along the first linear
guide 44 a first linear actuator including a first spindle drive 48
(see FIG. 10) is provided. The first spindle drive 48 includes a
first spindle extending in the longitudinal direction of the first
linear guide 44 and being fixed against rotation. A first spindle
nut is threaded on the first spindle and is in rotary drive
connection with the output shaft of the first electric motor 34 via
a worm gear. The first spindle nut together with the worm gear and
the output shaft of the first electric motor is received within the
first slide 28, which has a housing-like structure.
[0066] Upon rotation of the drive shaft of the first electric motor
34 the first spindle nut rotates. Consequently, the first slide 28
moves along the first linear guide 44 in one direction or the
other, depending from the sense of rotation of the spindle nut.
Consequently, the slide together with the pressure exerting
elements 36, 36' is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the
first linear guide 44, so as to charge different slats.
[0067] In parallel to the first linear guide 44 a second linear
guide 50 (see FIG. 9) is provided. On the second linear guide 50, a
second slide 52 is guided in the longitudinal direction of the
support device 2.
[0068] On the second slide 52, the pivot shaft 46 is mounted so as
to rotate about its pivot axis. By means of pivot shaft 46 the
second slide 52 is coupled to the first slide. Consequently, both
slides 28, 52 move synchronously, when the first slide moves upon
actuation of the first electric motor 34.
[0069] The adjustment drive 38 will now be described in greater
detail referring to FIG. 11.
[0070] The adjustment drive 38 includes a second linear actuator
including a second electric motor 54 and a second spindle drive 56.
The second electric motor 54 is in rotary drive connection with a
rotatable spindle of the second spindle drive 56.
[0071] On the spindle, a second spindle nut 58 is located in a
manner fixed against rotation. The second spindle nut 58
constitutes the output element of the second spindle drive.
Consequently, upon actuation of the second electric motor 54 the
spindle rotates causing the second spindle nut 58 to move in the
axial direction of the spindle.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 11, for rotating the pivot shaft 46
about its pivot axis upon linear movement of the spindle nut 58, a
connecting link 60 is provided. A first end of the connecting link
60 is connected to the spindle nut 58 by a first hinge joint 62, a
second end of the connecting link 60 being connected to the pivot
shaft 46 by means of a second hinge joint 64 eccentrically to the
pivot axis of the pivot shaft 46, so as to pivot the pivot shaft 46
upon linear motion of the spindle nut 58.
[0073] A control device 64 (see FIG. 6) is provided for controlling
the electric motors 34, 54. Upon actuation of the first electric
motor 34, the slides 28, 52 are positioned relative to the slats
22, 24 along the linear guides 44, 50 so as to charge different
slats according to the respective position of the slides 28, 52.
Upon actuation of the second electric motor 54, the pivot shaft 46
pivots causing the pressure exerting elements 36, 36' to charge the
respective slat. The intensity of the resulting massage effect may
be controlled by controlling the pivot angle of the pivot shaft
46.
[0074] The invention provides a support device having a high level
of functionality, and which is not only adjustable by electric
motor, but also has an integrated loading/relief device for
achieving pressure loading or relief of the padding.
[0075] While this invention has been described as having a
preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further
modifications, and uses and/or adaptations of the invention and
following in general the principle of the invention and including
such departures from the present disclosure as come within the
known or customary practice in the art to which the invention
pertains, and as may be applied to the central features
hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *