EP0146092A2 - Inflatable or inflated seat cushion - Google Patents

Abstract

Inflatable or inflated seat cushion intended as a training or helping device mainly for sitting upright without a back rest providing as in walking for extensive free play of movement especially in the region of the pelvis and the lumbar, which activates the erecting muscular system and avoids permanent stress. The seat cushion is made of flexible material of several adjacently-arranged communicating chambers which are divided by a groove, whereby the height of the chambers decreases from the back towards the front.

Description

The invention is directed to an inflatable or inflated seat cushion made of flexible material with several (primarily two) chambers arranged next to one another and communicating with one another.

This has the task of serving as training and aids for especially lean-free, upright sitting with a favored physiological lumbar lordosis and, as with walking upright, allowing a largely free movement, especially in the pelvic-lumbar region, due to the increased lability activates the upright musculature to stabilize the unstable equilibrium, but avoids damaging permanent loads due to the easier change of position.

In contrast to the more recent developments of seating with dynamic seating comfort, in which the focus is on passive support and reduction of the load on the holding muscles (with their inevitable weakening), with the seat cushion according to the invention widespread postural weaknesses and resulting postural damage can be done in a simple and inexpensive manner that with conventional sitting be favored, be consistently and effectively counteracted while working at the seat.

The invention is based on the fact that inflatable seat cushions of various types and designs are already known, but which, regardless of the material-related beaded shape of their chambers, generally place value on a flat seating surface parallel to the base. With these seat cushions, the most important thing is padding against a hard surface and protective shielding against damp and / or cold contact surfaces for the seat cushion. The invention, however, is directed to the formation of a seat cushion designed according to medical orthopedic aspects for the prevention and treatment of poor posture and postural damage, taking into account essential newly-recognized relationships that have so far been neglected in the relevant scientific studies. The starting point of the considerations is the fact that after long-lasting walking the symptoms of fatigue do not occur, which, in conventional sitting, require support of the spine to relieve the strain after a relatively short time. The analysis of the rhythmic walking process shows that the unstable equilibrium can be stabilized without great effort by shifting the center of gravity by means of compensatory movements in the lower pelvic and lumbar region. Due to the largely rigid fixation in the conventional way of sitting, this relieving movement is considerably restricted and "unnatural" movement patterns, incorrect postures and the resulting incorrect loads are forced. Painful tension in the shoulder, neck, lumbar, pelvic and hip region with damage to the muscles and ligaments that cause structural disorders,

adjust early; Spine and joint damage are favored in the long run.

With the aim of largely eliminating the harmful effects of conventional sitting, a special inflatable seat cushion is being developed, which primarily promotes the free movements in the lower pelvic and lumbar region, which are decisive for stabilizing the unstable balance while walking. In order to achieve this, in addition to the design of the seating in a very flexible form (unstable air cushion), it is necessary to bring the pelvis into the correct position as the starting position. The position assumed favors the natural upright posture of the spine, which among other things. characterized by a slight curvature of the lumbar spine to the front (physiological lumbar lordosis). Only with this healthy sitting posture can breathing proceed unhindered, which results in improved diaphragm function with free development of the ribs and lungs.

To achieve this object, the invention provides in a seat cushion of the type mentioned that the height of the chambers decreases from the back to the front. This results in an inclined surface as a tangential plane which forms an inclination angle of 20-30 ° with the horizontal plane when the seat cushion is filled to the maximum with an optimal design. The length of the seat cushion should be more than twice the distance between the humps, but not exceed the maximum pelvic diameter when viewed from the front. The width (z + v in FIG. 2) of the seat cushion should also not exceed this value in order to facilitate dorso-ventral tilting and sliding movements between the desired border areas. It follows from this that appropriately small seat cushions should be used in children.

The division into two adjacent chambers - this is the simplest and particularly practical solution - with a corresponding groove between these chambers initially prompts the user of the cushion to sit down in such a way that the seat bones of the pelvic bones take their place in the area of the groove between the two neighboring chambers. The raised rear chamber favors the desired pelvic position. In addition to its function as a guideline for the seat bumps, the groove serves as a particularly suitable turning area, which, in contrast to the rigid seat surface, allows the pelvis to tilt, stand up and sideways, as well as the associated changes in position of the spine and center of gravity, without hindrance and without great effort. Due to the deformability of the seat cushion, which also depends on the degree of filling, limited parallel displacements of the seat surface against the support surface are possible in all directions, which increases the freedom of movement. The parallel displaceability can be increased by increasing the chambers and / or increasing the web useful for groove formation, which can additionally be interrupted vertically several times to increase the lateral displaceability. The previously mentioned movement options can be used when using two superimposed, non-communicating, but coupled chamber systems of similar structure, i.e. in the simplest case with superimposition 'and coupling of two seat cushions according to the invention, the size ratios of which are adapted to the doubled total height with the same basic principles in their own configuration. In this context, the possibility of different filling of the two chamber systems also comes into play.

Due to the free movement in the pelvic and lumbar region around the rest starting position, the load can be permanently shifted as when walking upright, so that there is no permanent damage and the associated signs of fatigue, which generally require the back to be supported when sitting conventionally. Of course, there is no need to do without them if they also take a back seat due to the strengthening of the spinal and core muscles. The continuous shifting of the load points, which occurs through minimal movement impulses, promotes circulation and metabolism in the intervertebral disc tissue through the suction and pumping action that occurs and also counteracts degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.

The movement play achievable with the seat cushion according to the invention is in view of the extent of the movement and the Easier to carry out movement impulses greater than when walking. The associated greater instability of the equilibrium position when sitting brings further advantages. Already when leaving the labile equilibrium position slightly, counter impulses occur early to prevent tipping over, which restore the ideal starting position with little effort, thereby avoiding the long-term poor or unfavorable posture, as is the case with conventional sitting on a rigid seat surface, but also on the hitherto developed and common seat cushion is the rule. An existing false statics or pathological curvature of the spine is consistently counteracted with a seat cushion of the type according to the invention. Large leverage with harmful compression and shear effects between the vertebrae are avoided, favorable movement patterns are permanently impressed. Postural weaknesses are gradually reduced through the constant training of the entire holding muscles in the pelvic spine area, including the abdominal muscles, while sitting while working. It is of value that entire chains of movements are activated at the same time. Minor structural disorders of the spine and any associated functional disorders in the chest and abdomen can be reduced, if necessary completely eliminated, by repeated deblocking impulses that cover the spine holistically.

Painful tension in the hip, pelvic, lumbar, shoulder and neck areas is automatically and effectively resolved through fine and low-stress movement and relaxation impulses. Thus, the seat cushion according to the invention is able to make a significant contribution to the prevention and treatment of damage to the spine and joints as a result of recurrent incorrect loads and forced postures in the conventional sitting position, which favors unnatural and damaging movements, above all due to the rigid fixation of the pelvis.

Such favorable effects cannot be achieved with the seat cushions which have been used up to now and which have not been developed for the purpose of improving posture and preventing spinal damage. The tendency towards incorrect posture, which is also present when they are used, triggers tension and incorrect movement sequences, which, due to the increased mobility, can lead to increased structural disorders of the spine. Only a seat cushion adapted to the healthy posture and natural movements creates the prerequisites for the prevention and treatment of spine damage caused by incorrect posture while sitting.

In a further embodiment of the invention, not only the chamber height, but also the width of the chambers decreases from the back to the front, two or more chambers being arranged next to one another and forming the seat cushion. The bevelling of the seat surface always leads the user to the desired ideal sitting position, in which the seat bumps are located in the notch between two adjacent chambers. Here, too, the version with two chambers with favorable torques and immediate redistribution of the air filling in both chambers with a shift in the center of gravity offers maximum freedom of movement in the desired sense.

It is within the scope of the invention to make the arrangement so that the chambers are arranged in parallel next to each other. Another alternative provides that the chambers are arranged around one another in a U-shape with the U opening facing forward and their diameter decreases towards the front. In the latter case, there is less room for maneuver in the lower pelvic region, and especially the movement impulses directed to the side experience centering towards the center.

Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that two or more individual seat cushions are arranged one above the other and connected to one another, which do not communicate with one another. In principle, these individual cushions are constructed like the seat cushions, but are only arranged one above the other, the combination solution obeying the same principles sought, for which purpose corresponding modifications are also possible, particularly with regard to the overall height.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is not to see the seat cushion as a loose and independent object, but rather as an integral part of a piece of seating furniture, to which it can be assigned as a loose cushion cover or can also be connected firmly, optionally releasably. However, this does not change the basic principle of the invention.

• Fig. 1 in vereinfachter Darstellung die angestrebte Sitzposition;
• Fig. 2 eine erste Ausführungsform in perspektivischer Darstellung;
• Fig. 3 eine abgewandelte Ausführungsform in Draufsicht und
• Fig. 4 im Schnitt nach Linie IV - IV in Fig. 3.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some preferred embodiments of the invention and from the drawing. Here show:

• 1 shows a simplified representation of the desired sitting position;
• Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment in perspective;
• Fig. 3 shows a modified embodiment in plan view and
• 4 in section along line IV - IV in Fig. 3rd

1 shows the desired sitting position with the aid of the seat cushion 3 according to the invention resting on the seat 1 of a chair 2.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, this seat cushion 3 consists of two chambers 4 u. 5, which communicate with each other and a valve for inflation with a in a known manner Gas, generally with air. The different degree of filling of the two chambers 4 and 5 has an influence on the range of motion and pelvic position. The two chambers 4 and 5 communicate with each other. The rear chamber 4 has a length v and a maximum height w. This decreases to the front of the seat cushion 3, ie in the direction of the adjacent chamber 5 to the lower height x, which is slightly exceeded by the greatest height of the front chamber 5, the height of which decreases towards the front to the dimension y. The height x is in the unloaded, fully inflated state of the seat cushion in the current version - as is generally the case - limited by the height of a web connecting the transverse groove on the top and bottom, which can have several vertical interruptions. The length z of the front chamber 5 is less than the length v of the rear chamber 4, which is also higher. The seating surface 6 forms, as it were, an inclined plane, which, however, has the transverse groove 7 separating the two chambers 4 and 5. Possibly. The chambers 4 and 5 can also have one or more longitudinal grooves 8, which are indicated to a greater or lesser degree and which, since they are only alternative, are only indicated by dashed lines.

While the two chambers 4 and 5 run parallel next to each other in the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the chambers 4 and 5 in the cushion according to FIG. 3 have a generally U-shaped course with a forward-facing U-opening. The outer chamber 4 is again higher towards the rear and towards the outside, and its height decreases steadily towards the front, ie towards the front or inner chamber 5. The same applies to the chamber 5. In addition, the width v of the rear chamber 4 is larger than the width z of the front or inner chamber 5. The chamber 4 is guided in an arc around the chamber 5, FIG.

that here too the difference in the widths v and z of the chambers 4 and 5 up to the front end on the front edge 10 of the seat cushion 3 is remarkable. The space 11 within the U-shaped chamber 5 can only be covered by a material web. However, it can also consist of a further chamber 12, which in turn is lower than the adjacent chamber 5. This is shown in FIG. 4. 9 denotes the web wall for dividing the individual chambers, while 14 openings are indicated, which enable communicating air exchange between the chambers. Instead of the web wall 9, the top layer and base layer of the cushion could of course also be directly connected to one another by a weld seam that does not extend over the entire width.

Claims (10)

1.Inflatable or inflated seat cushion - as a training or aid for primarily lean-free upright sitting with largely free movement as when walking upright, which activates the straightening muscles and avoids permanent stress, especially in the pelvic-lumbar region - made of flexible material with several chambers arranged next to one another, subdivided by a groove and communicating with one another, characterized in that the height of the chambers (4, 5) decreases from the rear to the front. 2. Seat cushion according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle of inclination of the tangential plane to the top of the seat cushion in the maximum filled state forms an angle of 20-30 ° with the horizontal plane. 3. Seat cushion according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the width of the chambers (4, 5) decreases from the back to the front. 4. Seat cushion according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the chambers (4, 5) are arranged parallel to one another. 5. Seat cushion according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the chambers (4, 5) with a forward-facing U-opening are arranged in a U-shape around one another. 6. Seat cushion according to claim 5, characterized in that the width of the chambers (4, 5) decreases from the outside inwards. 7. Seat cushion according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that its length and width do not substantially exceed the maximum pelvic diameter in a frontal view. 8. Seat cushion according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that two or more individual seat cushions are arranged one above the other and connected to one another, which do not communicate with one another. 9. Seat cushion according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a web connecting the transverse grooves has multiple vertical interruptions. 10. Seat cushion according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it serves as a loose or lockable part of a piece of seating.

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