Seat device and seat device system

Abstract

The invention relates to a seating device with an ellipsoidal outline, wherein a standing surface (1) is provided on the underside of the seating device, the standing surface (1) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (6) of the ellipsoidal shape, the seating device comprising a base body (2) and a cover part (3) completing the ellipsoidal shape, the cover part (3) being at least partially removable from the base body (2), and wherein the outer surface of the cover part (3) forming a seating surface (4) and being made of an elastic material. The invention further relates to a system with at least three seating devices and to an arrangement of a person on a seating device.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a seating device and a system comprising several seating devices.

[0002] Seating devices are known in the art in various designs, for example, as armchairs or seat cushions. Such seating devices have the essential feature that the user's buttocks rest on a seat surface, so that the user assumes a sitting position when used as intended.

[0003] Many people spend a significant portion of their day sitting, and it's well known that poor posture can have drastic effects on physical health, particularly regarding the back and spine. Various solutions are available to prevent problems associated with poor posture.

[0004] Such solutions typically aim to place the user in an ergonomically advantageous sitting position, often using devices designed to facilitate such a position. However, these seating devices are usually complex, difficult to transport, and expensive.

[0005] In contrast, seating devices with a simpler design and smaller size often do not provide the necessary support in assuming a correct sitting position, which in turn promotes poor posture and the development of related problems.

[0006] An object underlying the present invention can therefore be seen as overcoming the resulting conflict of objectives. A further object of the invention can be seen as creating a seating device that is improved compared to the prior art and that can be used in a variety of ways.

[0007] The present invention is based, among other things, on the discovery that a sitting position known as heel-sitting provides functional back support while simultaneously promoting the automatic adoption of an ergonomic sitting position. In this sitting position, the shins point toward the floor or rest on the floor, while the knees are bent at an acute angle and the buttocks rest on the heels.

[0008] However, adopting this sitting position requires a great deal of flexibility from the user, and on the other hand, it results in a comparatively low seat height, which is disadvantageous in many everyday situations, for example when using a table of normal height.

[0009] Within the scope of the present invention, it was discovered that a specially shaped seating device can assist in assuming a position very similar to the heel-seat position, thus promoting an ergonomic sitting posture. By slightly elevating the position of the buttocks, which rest on a seat surface at a distance from the heels, the sitting position can be raised. At the same time, a less acute knee angle is required. This allows the disadvantages of the known heel-seat position to be overcome and its advantages to be utilized.

[0010] In particular, the described advantageous seating position is achieved by using a seating device with an ellipsoidal outline. The size of the seating device can be adjusted depending on the user's height, and it has been found that even a small number of different sizes allows for use from childhood (or by very short persons) to adulthood.

[0011] To ensure stability, the seating device can have a base. This can be designed in various forms, for example, as an arrangement of feet attached to the outer circumference of the ellipsoidal shape, which together form a base, or as a capped section of the ellipsoidal shape, forming a surface or an elliptical region, which in turn forms the base.

[0012] The seating device is in particular formed from two parts or comprises at least two parts, namely a base body and a cover part. The ellipsoidal shape is then created by the combination of the base body and the cover part. The cover part can essentially be a segment of the ellipsoidal shape, which completes the outline of the shape when placed on the base body.

[0013] It is advantageous if the cover part, or at least the outer surface of the cover part, is made of a different material than the base body. The base body can consist of a substantially compression-resistant material, for example wood or rigid plastic. In contrast, it is preferred if at least the surface of the cover part, or an upper section of the cover part, is made of an elastic material, for example foamed and / or soft plastic. If desired, the entire cover part can be made of an elastic material. It is advantageous if the soft or elastic material has a certain thickness, so that a flexible seat surface is formed. The thickness is, for example, 5 mm or more.

[0014] The outer surface of the cover part, formed from the elastic material, can form a seat surface of the seating device, whereby the elastic material allows for comfortable seating. This can be achieved in particular if the Shore A hardness of the seat surface or the material forming the seat surface is between 15 and 30.

[0015] The cover part can be completely or partially removable from the base body. It is conceivable that the cover part is hinged to the base body and can be folded away, but it is also possible that the cover part can be completely lifted off the base body. The removability of the cover part is particularly advantageous if the base body has an interior space that can be accessed by removing the cover part. In this case, the cover part can act as a lid.

[0016] To facilitate the positioning of the cover part, the base body can have a corresponding recess. The cover part can be centered or centerable in this recess.

[0017] A sealing means can be arranged on the cover part and / or recess to enable a secure and low-play or play-free connection between the two parts.

[0018] To facilitate removal of the cover part, a clearance or access opening may be provided on the cover part and / or the base body.

[0019] The alignment of the cover part is, in particular, essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ellipsoid shape or to the base. The cover part is, in particular, located on the opposite side of the base.

[0020] The seating surface may optionally be a segmented section of the ellipsoidal shape. The height of this segmented section may be up to 30%, in particular between 15% and 25%, of the diameter along the transverse axis of the ellipsoidal shape. The sectional plane forming the segmented section may be a horizontal plane, which in particular runs parallel or substantially parallel to the diameter along the longitudinal axis of the ellipsoidal shape and / or parallel to the base.

[0021] If the base is formed by capping a segment-shaped portion of the ellipsoidal shape, the height of this segment-shaped portion may be up to 20%, in particular between 5% and 20%, of the diameter along the transverse axis of the ellipsoidal shape. The cutting plane forming the segment-shaped portion may be a horizontal plane, which in particular runs parallel or substantially parallel to the diameter along the longitudinal axis of the ellipsoidal shape and / or parallel to the base.

[0022] Where appropriate, the cutting plane defining the seating surface and the cutting plane defining the standing surface may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

[0023] In general, it should be noted in connection with the present invention that a capping or the absence of a segment-shaped section of the ellipsoid shape should also fall under the term "ellipsoid shape" used in connection with the invention.

[0024] In one embodiment, the ellipsoid shape is an ellipsoid of revolution, in particular a prolate or elongated ellipsoid of revolution. A certain deviation from the shape of an ellipsoid of revolution is also possible, for example, a squashing of the shape in the longitudinal direction. If appropriate, the ellipsoid shape can then be a triaxial ellipsoid.

[0025] The ellipsoid shape typically has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The longitudinal axis of the ellipsoid shape may be substantially horizontal, and the transverse axis may be substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0026] When the terms "longitudinal axis" and "transverse axis" are used, or corresponding diameters are indicated, these dimensions refer to the dimensions that a complete ellipsoid would have. The presence of a cut-off or the absence of a segment-shaped section in the seating device therefore has no influence on these lengths. In contrast, the "height" of the seating device refers to the absolute height from the standing surface to the highest point of the seating surface.

[0027] A person using the seating device according to the invention as intended can position their buttocks on the seat surface, while their legs point in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the ellipsoid shape, with one leg positioned on each side of the seating device. In this sitting position, the shins can point toward the floor, creating an acute knee angle.

[0028] This position straightens the person's back, encouraging a natural sitting position without the need for additional stabilizing or guiding devices.

[0029] To make the seating device accessible for use by people of different sizes, a system can be provided that includes several seating devices according to the invention of different sizes. Even three different sizes offer sufficient flexibility, with five, six, or seven different sizes advantageously being provided.

[0030] Whether a seat of a certain size is suitable for a person can be determined by comparing the seat height to the person's height. The ratio of the seat height to the person's height can be between 5:1 and 7:1.

[0031] The invention particularly relates to a seating device with an ellipsoidal outline, wherein a standing surface is provided on the underside of the seating device, wherein the standing surface preferably extends parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ellipsoidal shape, wherein the seating device comprises a base body and a cover part completing the ellipsoidal shape, and wherein the cover part is at least partially removable from the base body.

[0032] It is preferably provided that the outer surface of the cover part forms a seat surface and is made of an elastic material.

[0033] If necessary, the seat surface should have a Shore A hardness between 15 and 30.

[0034] If necessary, the elastic material of the seat must have a thickness of more than 5 mm.

[0035] Optionally, it is provided that the ratio between the diameter along the longitudinal axis of the ellipsoidal shape and the diameter along the transverse axis of the ellipsoidal shape is between 1.2:1 and 2:1, preferably between 1.35:1 and 1.75:1, more preferably between 1.45:1 and 1.65:1.

[0036] If appropriate, it is provided that the base body has an interior space which can be released by removing the cover part. If appropriate, it is provided that the cover part is designed as a lid for the interior space.

[0037] Where appropriate, the diameter along the longitudinal axis of the ellipsoid is intended to have a length between 220 mm and 500 mm. Where appropriate, the diameter along the transverse axis of the ellipsoid is intended to have a length between 140 mm and 320 mm.

[0038] Where appropriate, the height of the seating device shall be between 120 mm and 350 mm.

[0039] Where appropriate, it is provided that the height of the seating device is between 5 mm and 40 mm smaller than the diameter along the transverse axis of the ellipsoid. Where appropriate, it is provided that the base body comprises a material which is at least partially transparent to visible light, and that a lighting means for illuminating the base body is integrated into the base body.

[0040] If necessary, it is provided that the cover part is inserted or can be inserted in a recess of the base body in a form-fitting manner.

[0041] If necessary, it is provided that the cover part has a particularly circumferential sealing means in the connection area to the base body.

[0042] If necessary, it is provided that at least one clearance is provided on the base body in the area of ​​the recess to facilitate the removal of the cover part.

[0043] Optionally, it is provided that the cover part forms a segment-shaped section of the ellipsoid shape, wherein the height of the segment-shaped section is at most 20%, in particular between 5% and 15%, of the diameter along the transverse axis of the ellipsoid shape.

[0044] If necessary, it is provided that the cover part forms a segment-shaped section of the ellipsoid shape, wherein the segment-shaped section runs parallel to the base surface.

[0045] Where appropriate, the base and the cover part are intended to be aligned horizontally when the seating device is used as intended.

[0046] In particular, the invention also relates to a system comprising or consisting of at least three seating devices according to the invention. Optionally, it is provided that in a first seating device the diameter along the longitudinal axis has a length between 220 mm and 300 mm.

[0047] Where appropriate, it is provided that in a second seating device the diameter along the longitudinal axis has a length between 300 mm and 420 mm.

[0048] Where appropriate, it is provided that in a third seating device the diameter along the longitudinal axis has a length between 420 mm and 500 mm.

[0049] Where appropriate, it is provided that in the first seating device the diameter along the transverse axis has a length between 140 mm and 190 mm.

[0050] Where appropriate, it is provided that in the first seating device the diameter along the transverse axis has a length between 190 mm and 270 mm.

[0051] Where appropriate, it is provided that in the first seating device the diameter along the transverse axis has a length between 270 mm and 320 mm.

[0052] Optionally, it is provided that in the seating devices of the system the ratio between the diameter along the longitudinal axis of the ellipsoidal shape and the diameter along the transverse axis of the ellipsoidal shape is between 1.2:1 and 2:1, preferably between 1.35:1 and 1.75:1, more preferably between 1.45:1 and 1.65:1.

[0053] In particular, the invention also relates to an arrangement of a person on a seating device according to the invention.

[0054] Where appropriate, it is provided that the person's legs point in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the ellipsoid shape, that the person's buttocks are arranged on the seat surface, and that the person's shins point downwards, i.e. in the direction of the surface on which the seating device is placed.

[0055] Where appropriate, it is intended that the knee angle of both legs of the person, i.e. the angle between the thigh and the lower leg, is less than 90°, in particular less than 60°.

[0056] Where appropriate, the ratio between the height of the seating device and the height of the person shall be between 5:1 and 7:1.

[0057] Further features of the invention emerge from the patent claims, the description of the embodiment and the figures.

[0058] The present invention is explained in detail below using an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of protection defined by the patent claims. Furthermore, it should be noted that embodiments are also disclosed here that incorporate individual or any selection of the features described below.

[0059] It shows: Fig. 1a schematic side sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a seating device according to the invention.

[0060] Unless otherwise indicated, the following elements and components are shown in the figure: base 1, base body 2, cover part 3, seat 4, interior 5, longitudinal axis 6, transverse axis 7, recess 8, sealant 9, clearance 10, height 11.

[0061] Fig. 1 shows a side sectional view, not to scale, of an embodiment of a seating device according to the invention. The seating device comprises a base body 2 and a cover part 3 and has an ellipsoidal shape, which is illustrated in this figure by a dashed line. In particular, in this embodiment, it is the shape of a prolate ellipsoid of revolution, the geometry of which is defined by the longitudinal axis 6 and the transverse axis 7. The two axes 6, 7 are perpendicular to each other.

[0062] A capping is provided on the underside of the base body 2, forming a base surface 1. The base surface 1 is formed by a segmental section of the ellipsoid shape and, in this embodiment, runs parallel to the longitudinal axis 6 and in the horizontal direction. The base surface 1 is spanned by an ellipse.

[0063] The cover part 3 completes the ellipsoidal shape on the top side of the seat device. It is centered and inserted into a recess 8 of the base body 2. Furthermore, a sealing means 9 in the form of a circumferential sealing lip is provided to secure the cover part 3 to the base body 2. To facilitate removal of the cover part 3, two opposing cutouts 10 are provided in the base body 2. The base body 2 has an interior space 5 that can be used for storing objects. The cover part 3 acts as a lid for this interior space 5.

[0064] The base body 2 is made of a dimensionally stable plastic material. In this exemplary embodiment, it is an injection-molded part. In other embodiments, it is conceivable that the base body 2 may comprise other materials, such as wood.

[0065] In contrast to the base body 2, the cover part 3 is formed from an elastic material, so that it has an elastic seating surface 4. In this exemplary embodiment, the material of the seating surface has a Shore A hardness of approximately 20. In all embodiments, it can be advantageous if the material of the seating surface 4 has a certain thickness, so that a flexible seating surface 4 is formed. The thickness is, for example, 5 mm or more. If necessary, the entire cover part 3 can also be formed from an elastic material, which results in a seating surface 4 with a Shore A hardness of approximately 15 - 30. In other exemplary embodiments, the cover part 3 can be formed from two or more different materials, wherein advantageously at least the seating surface 4 has an elastic material.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the ratio between the lengths of the longitudinal axis 6 and the transverse axis 7 is approximately 1.6. Specifically, the length of the longitudinal axis 6 of the ellipsoidal shape is approximately 440 mm, and the length of the transverse axis 7 is approximately 280 mm. The height 11 of the seating device is approximately 255 mm. The capping forming the base 1 thus reduces the height 11 of the seating device by approximately 12 mm compared to the length of the transverse axis 7 of the ellipsoidal shape.

[0067] The cover part 3 is designed as a segment-shaped section of the ellipsoid, with the height of this section being approximately 35 mm. Similar to the base surface, the geometric section plane also runs horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal axis 6.

[0068] The Fig. 1The seat device shown can be part of a system comprising multiple seat devices. In one embodiment of a system according to the invention, six seat devices with the following geometries are provided: Length of the longitudinal axis 6 Length of the transverse axis 7 Seating device no. 1 235 mm 150 mm Seating device no. 2 280 mm 180 mm Seating device no. 3 328 mm 210 mm Seating device no. 4 393 mm 250 mm Seating device no. 5 438 mm 280 mm Seating device no. 6 485 mm 310 mm

[0069] The dimensions of the seating devices in this system allow people of different heights to choose the seating device that is suitable for them.

Claims

1. Seating device with an ellipsoidal outline, wherein a standing surface (1) is provided on the underside of the seating device, wherein the standing surface (1) preferably extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (6) of the ellipsoidal shape, wherein the seating device comprises a base body (2) and a cover part (3) completing the ellipsoidal shape, and wherein the cover part (3) is at least partially removable from the base body (2), characterized in that the outer surface of the cover part (3) forms a seat surface (4) and is made of an elastic material.

2. Seat device according to claim 1, characterized by - that the seat surface (4) has a Shore A hardness between 15 and 30, - and if appropriate, that the elastic material of the seat surface (4) has a thickness of more than 5 mm.

3. Seat device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe ratio between the diameter along the longitudinal axis (6) of the ellipsoidal shape and the diameter along the transverse axis (7) of the ellipsoidal shape is between 1.2:1 and 2:1, preferably between 1.35:1 and 1.75:1, more preferably between 1.45:1 and 1.65:

1.

4. Seat device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by - that the base body (2) has an interior space (5) which can be released by removing the cover part (3), - in particular that the cover part (3) is designed as a cover for the interior space (5).

5. Seat device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the diameter along the longitudinal axis (6) of the ellipsoid has a length between 220 mm and 500 mm, and / or that the diameter along the transverse axis (7) of the ellipsoid has a length between 140 mm and 320 mm.

6. Seat device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatthe height (11) of the seating device is between 120 mm and 350 mm, and / or that the height (11) of the seating device is between 10 mm and 40 mm smaller than the diameter along the transverse axis (7) of the ellipsoid.

7. Seat device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the base body (2) comprises a material which is at least partially transparent to visible light, and in that a lighting means for illuminating the base body (2) is integrated into the base body (2), and / or in that the cover part (3) is or can be inserted in a form-fitting manner into a recess (8) in the base body (2).

8. Seat device according to claim 7, characterized in that the cover part (3) has a particularly circumferential sealing means (9) in the connection area to the base body (2), and / or that at least one clearance (10) is provided on the base body (2) in the area of ​​the recess (8) to facilitate removal of the cover part (3).

9. Seat device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by - that the cover part (3) forms a segment-shaped section of the ellipsoidal shape, wherein the height of the segment-shaped section is at most 30%, in particular between 15% and 25%, of the diameter along the transverse axis of the ellipsoidal shape, and / or - that the cover part (3) forms a segment-shaped section of the ellipsoid shape, wherein the segment-shaped section runs parallel to the base surface (1).

10. Seat device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the base (1) and the cover part (3) are aligned horizontally when the seating device is used as intended.

11. system comprising or consisting of at least three seating devices according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that- in a first seat device, the diameter along the longitudinal axis (6) has a length between 220 mm and 300 mm, - in a second seat device, the diameter along the longitudinal axis (6) has a length between 300 mm and 420 mm, and - in a third seat device, the diameter along the longitudinal axis (6) has a length between 420 mm and 500 mm.

12. System according to claim 11, characterized by - that in the first seat device, the diameter along the transverse axis (7) has a length between 140 mm and 190 mm, in the first seat device, the diameter along the transverse axis (7) has a length between 190 mm and 270 mm, and in the first seat device, the diameter along the transverse axis (7) has a length between 270 mm and 320 mm, and / or - thatin the seating devices of the system, the ratio between the diameter along the longitudinal axis (6) of the ellipsoidal shape and the diameter along the transverse axis (7) of the ellipsoidal shape is between 1.2:1 and 2:1, preferably between 1.35:1 and 1.75:1, more preferably between 1.45:1 and 1.65:

1.

13. arrangement a person on a seating device according to one of claims 1 to 10.

14. Arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that the person's legs point in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the ellipsoid shape, that the person's buttocks are arranged on the seat surface (4), and that the person's shins point downwards, i.e. in the direction of the surface on which the seating device is placed.

15. Arrangement according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in thatthe knee angle of both legs of the person, i.e. the angle between thigh and lower leg, is less than 90°, in particular less than 60°, and / or that the ratio between the height (11) of the seating device and the size of the person is between 5:1 and 7:1.

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