U.S. patent application number 16/627913 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-03 for cushion and method for using same, chair comprising a cushion of this type and computer program product.
This patent application is currently assigned to iii solutions GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is iii solutions GmbH. Invention is credited to Andreas REINHARD.
Application Number | 20210161304 16/627913 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005390495 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210161304 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
REINHARD; Andreas |
June 3, 2021 |
CUSHION AND METHOD FOR USING SAME, CHAIR COMPRISING A CUSHION OF
THIS TYPE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for using a cushion, in
particular for a chair, said cushion having a first cushion element
(6) that can be moved with an associated degree of freedom. In said
method, a sensor (98a, 98b, 98c, 98d) integrated into the cushion
is used to sense the position or the change in position relative to
at least one first cushion element (6), with respect to at least
one degree of freedom associated with said element. The sensor
(98a, 38b, 98c, 98d) is coupled to an interface (93) for the
wireless output of measured values. The sensor (98a, 98b, 98c, 98d)
senses measured values and sends at least some of the measured
values over the interface (93) to a device (70, 80) outside the
cushion, said device (70, 80) receiving and evaluating the measured
values and emitting an output signal.
Inventors: |
REINHARD; Andreas; (Baar,
CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
iii solutions GmbH |
Baar |
|
CH |
|
|
Assignee: |
iii solutions GmbH
Baar
CH
|
Family ID: |
1000005390495 |
Appl. No.: |
16/627913 |
Filed: |
July 4, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
July 4, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CH2018/000029 |
371 Date: |
December 31, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/72 20130101; A47C
31/008 20130101; A47C 27/084 20130101; A47C 27/083 20130101; A47C
7/142 20180801 |
International
Class: |
A47C 27/08 20060101
A47C027/08; A47C 7/14 20060101 A47C007/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 6, 2017 |
EP |
17180123.6 |
Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17. A method for using a cushion, in particular for a chair,
preferably for an office, work or leisure chair, wherein the
cushion comprises a cushion element, which can be moved with at
least one degree of freedom associated with the cushion element,
and has at least one sensor, which is integrated into the cushion,
for sensing the position or the change in position to at least the
cushion element with respect to at least one associated degree of
freedom, wherein the sensor is coupled to an interface for the
wireless output of measured values, wherein in the method, the at
least one sensor senses measured values and sends at least some of
the sensed measured values over the interface to a device outside
the cushion, the device receives and evaluates the measured values
and emits an output signal, the method is used in the case of a
chair, in the case of which the at least one cushion is placed onto
a seat rest or is integrated into a seat rest of this type, which
is supported so as to be capable of wobbling, and wherein at least
two sensors sense the position or change in position of two
different regions of the seat rest and send corresponding measured
values to the device, and the cushion comprises a pneumatic wobble
cushion, which has a plurality of deformable air chambers, which
are connected to one another, and rests on an elastically
deformable hollow body, which acts as pump for pumping up the air
chambers every time someone sits down on the cushion, and which
fills with air again as a result of its elastic expansion every
time someone gets up from the cushion.
18. The method according to claim 17, which is used in the case of
a cushion, which is placed onto a chair or is integrated into said
chair, which has at least one device for setting, by means of which
at least one of the cushion elements and at least one of the
degrees of freedom associated therewith can be set, to what extent
a movement can be attained at all or with which application of
force a certain movement can be attained, wherein the output signal
gives an instruction for actuating a device of the at least one
device for setting.
19. The method according to claim 17, in the case of which a
control signal is output as output signal.
20. The method according to claim 19, in the case of which the
device outside the cushion is or comprises a data processing
device, in particular computer, smartphone, tablet computer, which
has an output device, wherein the control signal controls the
output device.
21. The method according to claim 20, in the case of which the
sensor continuously senses measured values, said measured values
are continuously sent to the data processing device and said
measured values are continuously received by said data processing
device, and an output made on the output device varies in time as a
function of the measured values.
22. The method according to claim 20, in the case of which the
control signal is used to control a user input for a program, in
particular to control a cursor and/or as input signal for an
application, a game or the like.
23. The method according to claim 17, in the case of which the
output signal is or comprises an optical, acoustic or haptically
acting output signal, which can be sensed by a person.
24. The method according to claim 17, in the case of which the
device makes outputs outside the cushion, by means of which a
person sitting or standing on the cushion element is prompted to
make movements on the cushion, in particular predetermined
movements.
25. A cushion, in particular for a chair, preferably for an office,
work or leisure chair, comprising at least one cushion element and
a sensor integrated into the cushion for sensing the position or
the change in position to the cushion element with respect to at
least one degree of freedom associated with said cushion element,
wherein the sensor is coupled to an interface for the wireless
output of measured values, wherein the cushion comprises a
pneumatic wobble cushion, which has a plurality of deformable air
chambers, which are connected to one another, and rests on an
elastically deformable hollow body, which acts as pump for pumping
up the air chambers every time someone sits down on the cushion,
and which fills with air again as a result of its elastic expansion
every time someone gets up from the cushion.
26. The cushion according to claim 25, which is designed to sense
and wirelessly output measured values when a weight of at least 40
to 100 kg for the weight and preferably of 30 to 120 kg for the
weight is applied to the cushion element over the complete
region.
27. The cushion according to claim 25, in the case of which a
position sensor or a sensor sensing changes in position is arranged
in a movable cushion element and in the case of which the measured
values thereof are influenced by a device arranged outside the
movable cushion element.
28. The cushion according to claim 25, in the case of which a
position sensor or sensor sensing changes in position is arranged
outside a movable cushion element and in the case of which the
measured values thereof are influenced by a device arranged in or
at the movable cushion element.
29. A chair, in particular office, work or leisure chair,
comprising a cushion according to claim 25.
30. A computer program product comprising a program code, which,
when it runs on a device, has the effect that measured values are
received by a sensor of a cushion comprising the features according
to claim 25, and that an output signal, which is a function of the
measured values, is output.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a method for using a cushion, in
particular for a chair, preferably an office, work or leisure
chair, as well as a cushion of this type, a chair comprising a
cushion of this type and a computer program product. The cushion
has a cushion element, which can be moved with at least one degree
of freedom associated with the cushion element. The movability is
to in particular be provided as permanent movability during the use
of the cushion, thus when a person sits or stands on it. This can
imply that the movability is such that movements take place into a
direction beyond the originally taken direction for a longer
duration of the use, so that a return or near return into the
original state can take place in particular in the long run. The
movability is to preferably allow for movements, which are so small
that they cannot be felt consciously by a normal person sitting or
standing on the cushion, but is felt subliminally. Cushions, which
effect such subliminal movements, are also referred to as
phoronomic cushions in particular in the use of chairs.
[0002] A first chair element, onto which the cushion element can be
placed or into which the cushion element can be integrated, can be
any component of the chair. However, it is preferably a first chair
element, which is either arranged in the back or on, at or in the
seat surface of the chair. The subliminally induced movements can
strengthen and train the back and lumbar muscles of the person
sitting on the chair long-term.
PRIOR ART
[0003] A chair element comprising a seat rest, which is capable of
wobbling, is known, for example from WO 2016/067217 A1 by the
applicant of this application, III SOLUTIONS GMBH, Rebmattli 9a,
6340 Baar, Switzerland. Below the seat rest, the office, work, and
leisure chair described therein comprises a cushion comprising a
plurality of deformable (formable) air chambers (for example four
air chambers), wherein the plurality of deformable air chambers is
connected to one another and rests on an elastically deformable
(formable) hollow body. Every time someone sits down on the chair,
this hollow body serves as pump for pumping up the air chambers.
Every time someone stands up from the chair, the hollow body fills
with air again as a result of its elastic expansion. In response to
weight shift by the person on the chair, the seat rest wobbles
imperceptibly, the person performs a counter-movement, the seat
rest wobbles back again, etc.
[0004] WO 2016/067219 A1 by the applicant of this application also
describes an office, work, and leisure chair comprising a seat
rest, which is capable of wobbling. Via a cover panel, the seat
rest rests on a plurality of spring elements, which are mounted
such that they can be displaced in the direction of the edge region
of the base plate of the seat rest. In response to weight shifts on
the seat rest, the spring elements move back and forth.
[0005] The two chairs have in common that there are optimal
settings for a certain person, in the case of which the body
muscles are trained best. These settings cannot be easily found. WO
2016/067217 A1 proposes to provide the chair with a so-called
garage, into which a smartphone can be inserted. Such smartphones
have sensors. These sensors can sense, how the garage moves as a
result of the wobble movement of the seat rest. First of all, a
series of measured values is recorded. The measured values are then
analyzed by means of an app (application) on the smartphone.
[0006] A disadvantage of this is that different smartphones sit in
the garage in different ways, so that the evaluation is possibly
not entirely clear or that a separate version of the app has to be
written for every model of a smartphone. It would also be desirable
if the user (the person sitting on the chair) had the measured data
more quickly.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is thus the object of the present invention to improve a
method for using a cushion, in particular for an office, work or
leisure chair, which comprises a cushion element, which can be
moved with at least one associated degree of freedom, in such a way
that it is made easier for the person to find the optimal settings
for a chair comprising a cushion of this type and/or to otherwise
actively support the training process and/or to provide further
possibilities for using a cushion of this type. The provision of a
corresponding cushion and chair and a corresponding computer
program product with a program code also belongs to the object.
[0008] The object is solved by means of a method comprising the
features according to patent claim 1, by means of a cushion
comprising the features according to patent claim 11, a chair
comprising the features according to patent claim 15, and by means
of a computer program product comprising the features according to
patent claim 16.
[0009] In the case of the method, at least one sensor integrated
into the cushion for sensing the position or the change in position
relative to at least one cushion element with respect to at least
one degree of freedom associated with said cushion element, wherein
the sensor is coupled to an interface for the wireless output of
measured values. In the method, the at least one sensor senses
measured values and sends at least some of the sensed measured
values over the interface to a device outside the cushion element,
wherein the device receives and evaluates the measured values and
emits an output signal.
[0010] Due to the fact that the cushion has an integrated sensor,
said cushion can have a defined position, for example with respect
to the other components and elements of a chair, onto which the
cushion is placed or into which the cushion is integrated. The
position as well as a change in position of the cushion element can
thus be sensed particularly precisely. The obtained measured values
can also be provided immediately, which provides for a quick
evaluation of the measured values within or by the device,
respectively, which is located outside the cushion. The output
signal can give corresponding feedback to the person sitting or
standing on the cushion.
[0011] In the case of a preferred embodiment of the method
according to the invention, said method is used in the case of a
chair, onto which the cushion is placed and which has at least one
device for setting, by means of which at least one of the first
chair elements and at least one of the degrees of freedom
associated therewith can be set, to what extent a movement can be
attained at all or with which application of force a certain
movement can be attained. The output signal accordingly gives an
instruction for actuating a device of the at least one device for
setting. In other words, the measured values are used to correct or
even perfect the setting of a chair comprising a cushion element of
this type with respect to at least one of the first chair
elements.
[0012] In the case of a further advantageous embodiment of the
method according to the invention, a control signal is output as
output signal. In other words, not only information is reproduced,
but the device simultaneously effects the next step.
[0013] In the case of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
device is outside the cushion (or comprises at least) one data
processing device, in particular a computer, a smartphone, a tablet
computer. The data processing device has an output device, and the
optional control signal controls said output device. (In the case
of embodiments, in which no control signal is output, the device
can also have the mentioned properties as data processing
device--calculator, smartphone, tablet computer or the like.)
[0014] In the case of the embodiment comprising data processing
device outside the cushion, it is provided for the advantageous
design that the sensor continuously senses measured values,
continuously sends them over the interface to the data processing
device, and that said measured values are continuously received by
said data processing device and that an output made on the output
device varies in time as a function of the measured values. For
example an optical display can thus directly reproduce the movement
of the cushion element on a screen as output device. In the case in
point of a first chair element comprising a cushion element, which
can be moved with two degrees of freedom according to a wobbling
movement, a corresponding two-dimensional display on a screen can
be provided. For example and arrow on the screen or also the cursor
can thus be controlled with respect to the seat rest by movement of
the person sitting on the chair. In this way, the person sitting on
the chair has a particular incentive to move in a certain way on
the chair. (The movements are then no longer subliminal, but
deliberate).
[0015] In the case of a further preferred embodiment, the control
signal is used to control a user input for a program, in particular
to control a cursor and/or as input signal for an application, a
game or the like. Due to the body movements of a person sitting or
standing on the cushion element, program inputs can thus be
prompted directly. For example, the avatar of a player can thus be
controlled in a computer game, which creates interesting and
entertaining new input options.
[0016] The movement pattern sensed by the sensor further turned out
to be highly individual. This movement pattern can thus also be
used in terms of a digital "fingerprint" in order to identify a
user of the seat cushion. Such an identification can already be
made after a reception of the movement pattern for approximately 10
seconds to 20 seconds. This fingerprint can be sensed and verified
for a user sitting on the cushion element as well as for a user
standing on it. This can be used, for example, to suggest specific
seat settings for an identified user, whereby a repeated
optimization of the seat setting based on the movement pattern can
be dispensed with.
[0017] The output signal can generally be or at least comprise an
optical, acoustic output signal, which can be sensed by a person,
or an output signal, which can be sensed haptically. By means of
the feedback to the user of the cushion, said user can intuitively
run through a program of sitting on the cushion with variable seat
position.
[0018] In the case of an advantageous embodiment of the method
according to the invention, it is provided that the device makes
outputs outside the cushion, by means of which a person sitting or
standing on the cushion is prompted to make movements on the
cushion, which are preferably predetermined movements. The device
thus leads, and only then do the measured values sent by the sensor
in the chair or the corresponding interface, respectively,
follow.
[0019] The method according to the invention is preferably used in
the case of such a chair comprising a cushion of the described
type, in the case of which the at least one first chair element
comprises a seat rest, which is supported so as to be capable of
wobbling, wherein at least two sensors sense the position or change
in position of two different regions of the seat rest and send
corresponding measured values to the device. The two sensors take
into account the fact that there are two degrees of freedom. In the
case of the seat rest, which is capable of wobbling, in particular
the muscles in the lumbar region are strengthened.
[0020] In the case of a second option, it is provided that this
method is used in the case of a cushion on or in a chair according
to the features according to WO 2016/067217 A1: In the case of the
chair, the cushion is supported on a pneumatic wobble cushion that
has a plurality of deformable (thus formable) air chambers, which
are connected to one another, and rests on an elastically
deformable (thus also formable) hollow body, which acts as pump for
pumping up the air chambers every time someone sits down on the
cushion, and which fills with air again as a result of its elastic
expansion every time someone gets up from the cushion. More
preferably, a pumping hose comprising one-way valve is provided for
this purpose from the hollow body into at least one of the air
chambers in order to repump any leakage losses.
[0021] Connecting hoses between the air chambers are equipped with
valves, which can be opened or closed mechanically, hydraulically,
pneumatically or electrically in a metered manner, so that the
wobble path of the seat rest as well as the damping of the wobbling
movement can also be varied here.
[0022] The cushion according to the invention comprises a cushion
element, which can be moved with at least one degree of freedom
associated with the cushion element, and has at least one sensor,
which is (generally fixedly) integrated into the cushion, for
sensing the position or the change in position to the cushion
element with respect to at least one associated degree of freedom,
and the sensor is coupled to an interface for the wireless output
or sending of measured values.
[0023] The cushion is preferably designed in such a way that the
cushion element senses and wirelessly outputs measured values for
the weight when a weight of at least 40 to 100 kg for the weight
and preferably of 30 to 120 kg for the weight is applied to the
cushion element over the complete region. The reason for this is
that the cushion is to be able to serve for a use as seat cushion
as well as be able to be used when the user stands on the cushion.
The latter is expedient, when the user stands in front of a
standing desk, on which his computer is located. When standing on
the cushion, the entire weight of the user (for example 80 kg) is
applied to the cushion, when sitting only approximately half of it
(then 40 kg). To ensure this, the cushion element has to be
suitably stable and has to in particular be designed in such a way
that the degree of freedom for the movement is available within the
entire weight range. For this purpose, the sensor has to be
designed to sense measured values consistent with the movement
according to the degree of freedom in the case of all kinds of
weights from the weight range.
[0024] In a first option of the cushion according to the invention,
a position sensor or sensor sensing changes in position is arranged
in a movable element. The measured values of the sensor are
influenced by means of a device, which is arranged outside the
movable element. The sensor can thus be a Hall sensor, which
responds to a magnetic field of a permanent magnet outside the
movable element.
[0025] In the case of another option, a position sensor or a sensor
sensing changes in position can vice versa be arranged in a movable
element. The measured values of said sensor are influenced by a
device arranged in or at the movable element. In other words, the
principle of the cooperation of magnet and Hall sensor can also be
provided here, but with reversal in the positions of permanent
magnet (at movable elements) and Hall sensor (outside the movable
element).
[0026] The chair according to the invention has a cushion of the
described type. Said cushion can be placed onto the chair or can be
firmly integrated in the chair.
[0027] The computer program product according to the invention
comprises a program code, and has the effect (or the program code
has the effect, respectively) that, when it runs on a device,
measured values are received by a sensor of a cushion comprising
the features of the cushion according to the invention, and that an
output signal, which is a function of the measured values, is
output.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0028] The invention will be described in more detail below with
reference to the drawing, in which
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a chair, as it can cooperate according to the
invention with a cushion element and a smartphone located outside
the chair and/or a personal computer (PC) located outside the
chair;
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates the chair according to the invention
according to a second embodiment in an exploded drawing;
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a hose ring as wobble cushion comprising four
air chambers, which are each connected to an adjacent air chamber
via a hose;
[0032] FIG. 4 shows a gate or template valve, respectively, for the
metered opening and closing of the connecting hoses between the air
chambers;
[0033] FIG. 5 shows four individual cushions as wobble cushion,
which are connected by means of connecting hoses, as option for the
hose ring from FIG. 11;
[0034] FIG. 6 shows the chair from FIG. 2 comprising in particular
four individual cushions when open on the bottom and viewed from
the front;
[0035] FIG. 7 shows the measuring arrangement of Hall sensor and
permanent magnet used in the chair according to the invention in a
preferred embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart for describing an embodiment of the
method according to the invention; and
[0037] FIG. 9 shows a two-dimensional illustration of measured
values obtained with the help of a chair according to the
invention, as it can be displayed on a screen.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0038] An office, work and leisure chair referred to as a whole
with 1, which effects subliminal movements of the sitting person,
is illustrated in perspective illustration in FIG. 1. A gas spring
support 2, which is arranged centrally here, but can also be
arranged shifted laterally, e.g., in the very back, can be seen on
the bottom, whereby the gas spring support 2 is supported on a star
base, which, in the case at hand, has legs, in the example of FIG.
1 five legs, leading away from a center point. A freely articulated
roller 4 is mounted to each leg 3a. An interface plate 5 as carrier
plate can be seen on the top of the gas spring support 2, on which
all components for the wobbling capacity of the seat surface are
constructed. A chair mechanism can also be arranged below this
interface plate, so that the interface plate 5 on this chair
mechanism can be displaced freely back and forth on the gas spring
support. The actual seat rest or the cushion element 6,
respectively, is located on the interface plate 5. The chair
furthermore has a backrest 7 and armrests 8 on both sides of the
seat rest 6. The embodiments described below have two degrees of
freedom of a movement, namely for the seat rest 6 in the present
case, which is specified in FIG. 1 by the two arrows P1 and P2.
[0039] Sensors (not shown in FIG. 1 and described below) for
sensing a position or change in position of the seat rest 6, in
particular according to the movement, as it is specified by the
arrows P1 and P2, are located in the chair according to FIG. 1.
These sensors are able to wirelessly transfer measured values
outside the chair 1, for example over a Bluetooth.RTM. interface to
a smartphone 70 comprising a corresponding Bluetooth.RTM. interface
71, or to a personal computer (PC) 80 comprising a corresponding
Bluetooth.RTM. interface 81. The Bluetooth.RTM. signals are
identified with reference numeral 90 in FIG. 1.
[0040] While the invention will be described below essentially
based on a chair comprising a cushion, the cushion can also be used
as independent component and can also be placed onto other seat
surfaces or be integrated into them. It is further also possible
that the cushion is used as support for a standing user. The
movements of said user can then be sensed and processed in the same
way. It is to be considered in this case that the cushion has to
have the necessary mechanical stability, in order to support a
standing person in the usual weight range of an adult. When being
used in a chair, the cushion can form the seat rest as a whole, can
be placed onto it or can form only a portion of the eat rest. In
the following, the mentioned seat rest 6 is to be understood as
cushion in terms of the invention, or comprises a cushion of this
type.
[0041] An embodiment, which will be described below with reference
to FIGS. 2 to 6, is known from WO 2016/067219 A1, but here without
measuring device for the wobbling capacity, whereby this
publication is incorporated into the present application by
reference.
[0042] In the case of this embodiment, the chair comprises a hollow
body 40, and a hose ring 41 on the hollow body. The entire
construction of interface plate 5, hollow body 40, and hose ring 41
is concealed on the chair together with a skirt 46, which, in the
assembled state of the chair, protrudes downward slightly beyond
the interface plate 5, so that the entire construction for the
wobbling capacity of the seat plate of the seat rest 6 is
concealed, even in the case of a maximal wobble tendency of the
seat rest 6.
[0043] The hollow body 40 has a bellows-like connection 43 to its
conical top side 53, wherein this cone 53 can be formed with a much
larger angle on its tip than is shown here. The height of the cone
is to be between 0.5 and 4 cm, e.g. approximately 1 cm to 3 cm. The
conical shape is not mandatory, the hollow body 40 can even be
embodied in a completely planar manner. The hollow body 40 is
equipped with a one-way valve 42a, so that it can absorb air from
the surrounding area. A further one-way valve acting in the reverse
direction leads via hose 49 into the hose ring 41 located above the
hollow body. The hollow body 40 is furthermore equipped with a
pressure relief valve 42b. Every time a person sits down on the
chair, the conical top side of the hollow body 40 is pushed axially
against the base plate 52 thereof, by elastically folding up the
bellows-like connection 43, until the conical top side 53 bears
with its edge on the base plate 52. This hollow body 40 thereby
acts as pump: It pumps air through the connecting hose 49 and into
the hose ring 41, because its volume reduces. When a person gets up
from the chair, the bellows-like connection 43, which is elastic
and acts as spring, pushes the conical top side of the hollow body
40 upwards again, back into its initial position and thereby lifts
all of the elements bearing on it. Due to the expansion of the
hollow body volume and of the negative pressure, which thus forms
in its interior, air flows through the inlet valve 42a into its
interior, so that the hollow body 40 is filled for the next pumping
movement. The pressure relief valve 42b in the hollow body 40
regulates the pressure to a maximum value.
[0044] One or a plurality of air cushions, which form a wobble
cushion comprising at least one air chamber 44, come to rest on the
conical top side 53. In the shown example, the wobble cushion is
formed by the ring-shaped hose ring 41, similar to an inflatable
swim ring or inner tube. The hose ring 41 has four separating walls
45, which divide it into four air chambers 44. In the case of a
pronounced conical shape of the hollow body 40, the hose ring 41 is
centered and held on the cone. Two adjacent air chamber 44 are in
each case connected to one another via hose connections 48. The
actual seat plate 47 bears on the hose ring 41, the seat rest 6
bears on said seat plate. The seat rest 6 is immovably placed onto
the seat plate 47. In FIG. 2, it is shown again in an exemplary
manner as being constructed in a laminated manner comprising two or
more layers.
[0045] FIG. 3 shows the hose ring 41 as wobble cushion comprising
air chambers 44, comprising four separating walls 45 running
radially for forming the hoses 48. At least one of the air chambers
44 is equipped with a hose 61 comprising a controllable outlet
valve 62, so that controlled air can be discharged therefrom. The
outlet valve 62 can be, for example, a screw valve or simply one,
as it is common at an inner tube, so as to discharge air in a
metered manner to the outside from the wobble cushion 41 or the air
chambers 44, respectively, when the wobbling capacity is to be
increased. It can alternatively be actuated by means of the cables
of a push-pull cable.
[0046] The supply hose 49, which has already been mentioned, is
equipped with a one-way valve 60, so that compressed air can only
reach from the hollow body 40 into the hose ring 41, and not the
other way around.
[0047] FIG. 4 shows a gate-template valve comprising an upper disk
64 and a lower disk 65. A perforated disk, which is not identified,
is located between them. By changing the rotational position of the
perforated disk, for example by means of a pivot lever 55, the
holes of the perforated disk can close the bores in a metered
manner, completely close them or completely open them. The air
exchange between the chambers 44 can thus be set via the hoses
27.
[0048] FIG. 5 shows an alternative option of the wobble cushion, in
the case of which the wobble capacity is attained by means of four
different individual cushions 50, which bear on the conical top
side 53 of the hollow body 41. These four hose sections 48 can in
each case be closed more or less by means of a gate or template
valve, rotary valve or squeeze valve, in order to ensure a
setting.
[0049] FIG. 6 shows the chair according to this second option open
on the bottom, so that the individual cushions 44 or 50,
respectively, can be seen here; the individual cushion located in
the front is not shown, in order to clear the view into the
interior.
[0050] In the case of this embodiment of the invention, permanent
magnets and Hall sensors are provided in both options. It is
illustrated in an exemplary manner in FIG. 2 that the permanent
magnets are arranged in the interior of the air chambers 44,
identified there as 99a, 99b, 99c, and 99d. The Hall sensors are
provided in the interior of the hollow body 40 and are identified
there with 98a, 98b, 98c, and 98d.
[0051] Alternatively, the permanent magnets can also be provided in
the seat rest 6, with the same position of the Hall sensors. In the
case of both above options with respect to the arrangement of the
permanent magnets, the Hall sensors can further alternatively also
be provided on the interface plate 5 or in the latter. It would
generally also be possible to implement a reversal of the
situation, in the case of which the permanent magnets are provided
in or on the interface plate or are provided by the interface plate
5 itself (magnetic plate, in particular ring magnet). They can also
be provided as part of the base plate 52. They can also be provided
inside the hollow body 40. To that end, it is significant that
when, vice versa, the Hall sensors wobble, which are provided for
example on the seat rest 6, a supply of electrical energy for the
operation of the sensors is ensured in spite of the wobbling
movement, for example by means of a battery of the seat rest 6.
[0052] The principle of the Hall measurement will be described
below on the basis of the schematic FIG. 7:
[0053] A permanent magnet 99 has a north pole N and a south pole S.
A recess 96, into which an external magnetic field can enter, is
provided in a Hall sensor 98. (A recess is not mandatory). A
voltage, which is provided by a battery 94, applies between two
electrodes 95a and 95b. The Hall effect effects the generation of a
(counter) voltage in a manner, which is known per se (perpendicular
to the applied voltage). The measured value is transferred to an
interface 93, which is provided for the wireless sending of, for
example, Bluetooth.RTM. signals 90 to the smartphone (mobile radio
telephone) shown in FIG. 1 or to the personal computer 80.
[0054] Instead of using a Hall sensor, other measuring principles
can also be used. For example, a squeezing process, which is sensed
by means of one or a plurality of piezoelectric sensors, can be
effected by means of the wobbling movement.
[0055] An acceleration sensor inside the movable part can also
sense, how the speed of the wobbling movement varies and a
conclusion can be drawn therefrom to the wobble coordinates. Such
acceleration sensors are known from conventional smartphones. They
comprise a mechanical oscillator, wherein the frequency of the
oscillation or the amplitude or another variable changes when
changing the position with respect to the earth's gravitational
field.
[0056] In a further option, a laser device comprising a laser can
be provided at one of the parts (movable or immovable part) and a
receiving device at the respective other part. A laser is
preferably combined with a mirror, as it is known from distance
measurements.
[0057] As a further option, a toothed rack can mesh with a toothed
wheel and an angle of the toothed wheel can be sensed.
[0058] Finally, a plunger coil can also be moved via a permanent
magnet.
[0059] The component, which does not require an electrical wiring,
should generally be located at the movable part, and an electrical
evaluation device at the immovable part of the chair. However, a
reversal of this situation is also always possible. Optionally, a
power supply by a battery or by inductive coupling of electrical
energy into the movable chair element is to be ensured.
[0060] The embodiment according to FIG. 2 with the embodiment 200
and the corresponding option 201 according to FIG. 6, on the other
hand, have in common that there is a setting option for setting the
extent of the wobbling movement. In the case of the chair 200/201,
the setting option lies, for example, in the rotation of the
perforated ring by the pivot lever 55 from FIG. 4.
[0061] By sensing the measured values, it is possible to instruct
the user to make a setting, which is optimal for him (and his
weight). He can do so with the aid of the smartphone 70 or the
personal computer 80, respectively. A suitable application (app)
can run there, which provides instructions to the user.
[0062] Instead of the setting of the extent of the wobbling
movement by the user, it is also possible to provide electric
motors. In the case of the embodiment according to FIGS. 2 to 6, an
actuator would be able to engage with the lever arm 55 from FIG. 4.
The device outside the chair (smartphone 70 or personal computer
80) can directly send control signals for an electric motor of this
type or the control circuit thereof and can effect a setting.
[0063] The method will be described in more detail below with
reference to the flowchart in FIG. 8:
[0064] In step S10 ("start"), it starts with the activation of an
app on the smartphone 70 or opening of a function on the personal
computer 80, wherein the app or function is assigned to the chair.
At the start, it can also be necessary to turn on the measuring
devices inside the chair.
[0065] In step S12, the user is now requested to move on the chair
in a very specific way. This can include, for example, the request
of holding a glass of water in his hand and to transfer it from the
right hand to the left hand and the other way around again.
[0066] In step S14, measured values are sensed by the sensors in
the chair, and are sent over the interface 93 to the smartphone 70
or the personal computer 80, respectively.
[0067] There, the measured values are received and evaluated in
step S16. A display according to step S18 thereby can, but does not
have to take place on the screen or touchscreen of the used device.
The display can specify, for example, points in those angles, in
which the wobbling movement has taken place to the bottom, and can
thus reproduce in a two-dimensional manner, how the movement took
place.
[0068] In step S20, a predetermined criterion is used to check,
whether the measured values are complete. The criterion can include
on the one hand that a certain minimum number of measured values
has to be sensed. It can alternatively or additionally include the
criterion that the wobbling movement has taken place within a
certain tightness. It can thus be the case that it is a requirement
that a measured value exists for each angular range with a
predetermined width (for example between 5.degree. and 15.degree.).
If the measured values are not complete, the sensing of the
measured values is continued according to step S14. The request to
move according to step S12 can optionally also be made again.
[0069] As soon as it is determined in step S20 that the measured
values are complete, it is checked in step S22, whether the sensed
settings are okay. The settings of the chair have to take into
account the weight of the person sitting on the chair. In the case
of a heavier person, the springs have to be slightly more tensioned
or the air chambers have to be filled slightly more, respectively,
than in the case of a lighter person. As long as the settings are
not okay, the user is requested according to step S24 to change the
settings. The request can simply include: "please tighten
spring/operate lever 23 forward", or the like or "operate pivot
lever 55 clockwise", respectively, or a corresponding operating
element, such as a lever.
[0070] Depending on the request for setting, the user is requested
to move again, and the process is run through again. As a rule, the
user should approach optimal settings little by little. If the
criterion, according to which the settings are okay, has been met,
the process is ended (step S26: "end").
[0071] FIG. 9 shows in an exemplary manner, what a display can look
like, which is provided, for example in step S18:
[0072] Based on a center point M, which can be defined in the
chair, it is displayed, how large and in what angle the cable
movement took place. The multitude of points, which is identified
with I, shows a sequence of measured values, which were captured
little by little with predetermined settings, in the case of which
the wobbling movement is too small, thus the setting is too hard.
The multitude of measured values, which is identified with A, shows
measured values, in the case of which the settings are too soft,
i.e. the wobbling movement is too large. A region, within which the
wobbling movements usually fall, is limited by the contours K1 and
K2. The multitude of points, which is identified with Z, falls
virtually completely between the contours K1 and K2. As soon as a
certain percentage of measurement points falls between the contours
K1 and K2, the criterion has been met, for example, that the
settings are okay. In the case of the measured values of the
multitude I and A, the settings are not okay. The measured values
can be individual points, which the user will pass through little
by little while moving on the chair with the help of the cursor,
which moves on the screen/the display device as a function of the
movement of the chair and thus of the measured values. The user can
thus actively try for the cursor to at some point be located in
every angular range. As shown in FIG. 17, the contours K1 and K2
thereby do not need to be circular, but can, for example, also be
formed elliptical or kidney-shaped.
* * * * *