Rolling seat cushion and method for manufacturing a rolling seat cushion

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seat cushion (1) for a sliding seat of a rowing boat or rowing ergometer, comprising a planar cushion (10) with a top (10.1) and a bottom (10.2) and with several planar layers (100, 101) arranged one above the other, wherein at least two layers (100, 101) have different degrees of hardness and / or flexural stiffness, wherein at least one lower layer (101) arranged below an upper layer (100) has a higher degree of hardness and / or a higher flexural stiffness than the upper layer (100).The seat cushion (1) according to the invention is characterized in that the at least one lower layer (101) contains or is formed from a thermoelastic foam which can be deformed by heating and retains its shape created by the deformation after cooling, and the lower layer (101) is at least partially narrower than the upper layer (100).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat cushion for a sliding seat of a rowing boat or rowing ergometer according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the seat cushion is intended to be used primarily in rowing. State of the art

[0002] Seat cushions with flat, planar cushions and multiple superimposed, planar layers are well known in the art. It is also known that the individual layers have different degrees of hardness and / or flexural stiffness. For example, DE 20 2020 000 440 U1 describes a cushioning device consisting of a planar cushion or pad with a top and bottom surface and multiple superimposed, planar cushion layers, in which at least two layers have different degrees of hardness and a lower layer arranged beneath an upper layer has a higher degree of hardness than the upper layer. However, such known seat cushions cannot simply be used for the aforementioned application without significant design modifications.

[0003] In rowing, the rower typically sits on a standardized sliding seat made of wood or carbon. This can lead to uncomfortable or even painful pressure on the ischial tuberosities (sit bones). Many rowers complain of buttock pain. In a survey, 69% of national team rowers reported regularly experiencing seat problems during training. The problem is also common among recreational rowers, both during regular training and especially on longer trips.

[0004] Currently, the market offers standardized cushions made of neoprene, gel, rubber, foam, etc., which generally help, but only partially solve the problem in the long term.

[0005] Another approach involves sliding seats with holes in the area of ​​the ischial tuberosities. However, the hole spacing is fixed and may not suit every rower. Furthermore, this can lead to pressure points around the ischial tuberosities.

[0006] In 2021, researchers at Ulm University of Applied Sciences initiated a project to develop individually customized rowing seats. Dynamic pressure distribution measurements were used to identify where unwanted pressure peaks occur for each rower. Based on these measurements, an optimized seat surface was modeled to achieve more even pressure distribution. A digital 3D model of the individual sliding seat was then created from this model and subsequently 3D printed. Presumably due to the significant effort involved, the project initiators are proposing this solution for elite rowers. A readily customizable solution is not currently available. The solution developed at Ulm University of Applied Sciences is very complex and likely quite expensive.

[0007] Other well-known solutions are standard products that do not take individual buttock characteristics into account. Some providers only differentiate between women and men.

[0008] Furthermore, standard rowing pads distribute the rower's weight far beyond the area of ​​the ischial tuberosities, which can lead to pressure on the gluteal muscles. This can also potentially cause pain, impaired circulation, and muscle cramps, which in unfavorable cases can radiate down the leg or into the lower back.

[0009] Some cushions attempt to improve seating comfort by increasing the material thickness, which raises the rower's position and thus the center of gravity in the boat. This makes it more difficult to control the boat (maintain balance), especially in racing boats, and can generally lead to problems with the boat's setup (particularly the height of the oars and oarlocks). In this case, the rower sits higher than the boatswain intended during setup.

[0010] Cushions made of soft materials (e.g., gel) reduce the contact between the rower and the boat, which makes it more difficult to position the boat (maintain balance), especially in racing boats. Description of the invention

[0011] The present invention is based on the objective of eliminating the aforementioned disadvantages and creating a seat cushion which avoids discomfort when rowing on a hard sliding seat and which is structurally simple in its manufacture.

[0012] According to the invention, the aforementioned problem is solved according to the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with the characterizing features. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the seat cushion according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0013] Further objectives, features, advantages and application possibilities of the seat cushion according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing.

[0014] The drawing shows Fig. 1 The seat cushion according to the invention in an advantageous embodiment in a side section. Implementation of the invention

[0015] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the seat cushion 1 according to the invention comprises a flat cushion 10 with a top surface 10.1 and a bottom surface 10.2 and with several superimposed, flat layers 100, 101, wherein at least two layers 100, 101 have different degrees of hardness and / or flexural stiffness, wherein at least one lower layer 101 arranged below an upper layer 100 has a higher degree of hardness and / or a higher flexural stiffness than the upper layer 100.

[0016] The seat cushion 1 according to the invention is characterized in that the at least one lower layer 101 contains or is formed from a thermoelastic foam which can be deformed by heating and retains its shape created by the deformation after cooling, and the lower layer 101 is at least partially narrower than the upper layer 100.

[0017] The term "narrower" refers to the lower layer 101, which is narrower compared to the width of the middle and / or upper layer(s) shown in the installed state of the seat cushion 1 according to the invention.

[0018] Particularly advantageous is that at least the middle layer 102, but especially preferably also the upper layer 100, has a lower degree of hardness and / or lower flexural stiffness than the lower layer 101. The two upper, softer layers 100 and 102 thus ensure a comfortable fit to the rower's buttocks, while the lower, hardest layer 101 allows for adaptation to the sliding seat and gives the subsequent sliding seat cushion its stability.

[0019] The blank is cut or stamped from the foam sheet supplied by the material manufacturer according to the dimensions of a typical rolling seat. In a second step, the bottom and middle layers are sanded at an angle towards the outside. As a result, only in the area of ​​the seat hump do all three layers (100, 101, 102) remain; at the edge, the top layer (100) remains along with a small part of the middle layer (101) (see Fig. 1).

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the seat cushion 1 according to the invention comprises at least one middle layer 102 arranged above the lower layer 101 and below the upper layer 100, which is narrower at least in some areas with respect to the width B of the layers 100, 101, 102 than the upper layer 100 and the lower layer 101 is narrower than the middle layer 102.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower layer 101 is chamfered from below 10.2 outwards 10.3 and above 10.1 as well as towards the outside 100.1 of the upper layer 100 or the middle layer 102 in order to achieve the most precise possible fit to a rolling seat.

[0022] Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the middle layer 102 to be beveled from bottom 10.2 outwards 10.3 and top 10.1 as well as towards the outside 101.1 of the upper layer 100.

[0023] As a result, at least one layer 101, but preferably all layers 100, 101, 102, is formed at least partially on its underside and is to be applied in a form-fitting manner to a sliding seat of a rowing boat or rowing ergometer.

[0024] Layers 100, 101, 102 are particularly favorably arranged in such a way that only in the area of ​​a person's ischial tuberosities do all layers 100, 101, 102 remain stacked on top of each other.

[0025] The present invention further relates to a manufacturing process for producing a seat cushion 1 according to the aforementioned features. This process comprises the following successive steps: a) First, a seat cushion 1 according to the invention is produced with at least two layers 100, 101, preferably at least three layers 100, 101, 102. b) The seat cushion 1 produced in this way is then heated at a defined temperature °C for a defined time T.1. For this purpose, the seat cushion 1 is heated, for example, in an oven at a temperature of preferably 130 °C for, for example, 10 minutes T.1. c) The heated seat cushion is then applied directly to the rolling seat after heating and subsequently pressed down.

[0026] The pressing process can be carried out, for example, by means of a technical apparatus (e.g., a robot) designed to hold, pick up, and / or grip the seat cushion 1 and press the seat cushion 1 onto a rolling seat. This embodiment of the method can also prove particularly advantageous because it is additionally or alternatively possible for the pressing process to be carried out, for example, by placing an object or a person onto the heated seat cushion 1 for a defined time T.2.

[0027] The advantages of the seat cushion according to the invention are manifold. It enables optimal reduction of pressure peaks through a "tailor-made" sliding seat cushion. It avoids unnecessary pressure on the gluteal muscles due to its geometry, which tapers towards the outside, allowing the rower to continue sitting primarily on their now well-supported ischial tuberosities. It advantageously allows for a slight increase in the seating position, preferably by only about 10 mm. The rower maintains contact with the boat thanks to a sufficiently firm sliding seat cushion.

[0028] The material to be used should preferably have very good skin compatibility and a closed cell structure so that neither water nor sweat can penetrate it. List of reference numbers 1 seat cushion 10 cushions 10.1 Top 10.2 Underside / bottom 10.3 outside 100 upper layer 100.1 Outer surface of the upper layer 101 lower layer 102 middle layer QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2020 000 440 U1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Seat cushion (1) for a sliding seat of a rowing boat or rowing ergometer, comprising a planar cushion (10) with a top (10.1) and a bottom (10.2) and with several planar layers (100, 101) arranged one above the other, wherein at least two layers (100, 101) have different degrees of hardness and / or flexural stiffness, wherein at least one lower layer (101) arranged below an upper layer (100) has a higher degree of hardness and / or a higher flexural stiffness than the upper layer (100), characterized by , that the at least one lower layer (101) contains or is formed from a thermoelastic foam which can be deformed by heating and retains its shape created by the deformation after cooling, and that the lower layer (101) is at least in some areas narrower than the upper layer (100). [2] Seat cushion (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that it comprises at least one middle layer (102) arranged above the lower layer (101) and below the upper layer (100), which is narrower than the upper layer (100) at least in some areas with respect to the width (B) of the layers (100, 101, 102) and the lower layer (101) is narrower than the middle layer (102). [3] Seat cushion (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the lower layer (101) is beveled from below (10.2) outwards (10.3) and upwards (10.1) as well as towards the outside (100.1) of the upper layer (100) or the middle layer (102). [4] Seat cushion (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the middle layer (102) is beveled from bottom (10.2) outwards (10.3) and top (10.1) as well as towards the outside (101.1) of the upper layer (100). [5] Seat cushion (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that the middle layer (102) has a lower degree of hardness and / or a lower flexural stiffness than the lower layer (101). [6] Seat cushion (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one layer (101) but preferably all layers (100, 101, 102) are formed at least partially on their underside, to be applied in a form-fitting manner to a sliding seat of a rowing boat or rowing ergometer. [7] Seat cushion (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the layers (100, 101, 102) are formed in such a way that only in the area of ​​the ischial tuberosities of a person do all layers (100, 101, 102) remain on top of each other. [8] Method for manufacturing a seat cushion (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the following successive steps: a) Production of a seat cushion (1) with at least two layers (100, 101), b) Heating the seat cushion (1) at a defined temperature (°C) for a defined time (T.1), c) Applying and then pressing the seat cushion (1) from above (10.1) onto a rolling seat. [9] Method for manufacturing a seat cushion (1) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the pressing is carried out by placing an object or person on the heated seat cushion (1) for a defined time (T.2).

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