Modular furniture system and method

Abstract

A modular furniture system for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain, the modular furniture system comprising at least one basic body module (10, 12, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602) and a plurality of extension modules (14, 16, 18, 20, 202, 212, 218, 302, 312, 316, 320, 402, 404, 408, 410, 412, 502, 512, 514, 516, 602, 612, 630, 632, 634) which are attachable to the at least one basic body module by a detachable connection to obtain a furniture, wherein the extension modules include at least two different foot extension modules (14, 218, 312, 404, 513, 612, 634), and at least two different seat extension modules (16, 18, 20, 212, 214, 316, 408, 512, 630), wherein the extension modules are arbitrarily interchangeable to enable the furniture to adapt to body positions selected from a list of different body positions (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36), including sitting (22, 24, 28, 30, 32, 34), kneeling, and standing (26, 32) positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a furniture which promotes health by alternately loading the body while sitting, standing, or kneeling.Technical Background

[0002] Current furniture offers a multiplicity of seat possibilities where a distinction is usually made between sitting and relaxing. Likewise, one distinguishes between work chairs and living or lounge chairs. Each form of type of seating is intended to suit the current activity and is adapted to the actual situation from an ergonomic point of view. There is also a wide variety of children's chairs, which size depends on the size of a child.

[0003] It is known that a chair can slide on casters, or have fixed feet, it may be supplied with a hemisphere for swinging or curved runners as in a rocking chair. There are height adjustable or fixed models. Each model is designed to provide the user with optimal sit / stand / knee functions, thus relieving or protecting the back. There are also some models combining semi-standing, rocking and ergonomic seating. There are instructions on how to optimally adjust the position for the various concepts. In principle, all of these approaches are very positive, but they all have one common disadvantage. According to back surgeons, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and neurologists (specialists in back surgery, neurology, occupational and physiotherapy), today's sitting and standing is yesterday's smoking. In other words, improper sitting is harmful. It does not matter which chair or seat form one chooses, what is harmful is to remain for long periods of time in a fixed position. Even a standing table has the disadvantage that constant standing is harmful to the back. Only alternating between positions and thereby alternating the load on the back every 30-60 minutes gives a real advantage and promotes health when working, eating, sitting or resting.

[0004] U.S. patent US4919485 discloses two chair legs and armrests connected in pairs, between which the seat and backrest are fixed to form a chair. The elements are, however, always the same.

[0005] German utility model DE202017107106 U1 discloses a removable chair with a seat for seating a person with removable chair legs and chair backs.

[0006] German utility model DE202017002565 U1 discloses a piece of seating furniture characterized by being based on a modular frame which can be extended or reduced by further modules. It is not a question of regularly changing the elements, but rather the possibility of replacing broken elements or to meet new design requirements.

[0007] What is needed is a system and method of solving the mentioned problem of unhealthy sitting. New approaches are necessary. What is needed is a technical solution that actively promotes alternating load on the back through modularity and which at the same time satisfies the varied requirements of everyday life.Summary of the Invention

[0008] An objective of the invention is to provide furniture for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain. Another objective is to provide furniture which is arbitrarily interchangeable to allow the furniture adapt to body positions chosen from a variety of different body positions including sitting, kneeling and standing positions, in order to provide alternating load on the back thereby minimizing back and / or body damage. Another objective of the invention is to provide furniture enabling frequent changes of body postures between sitting, standing and kneeling for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain.

[0009] At least one of the objectives of the present invention is achieved by a modular furniture system for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 15.

[0010] The modular furniture system comprises at least one basic body module and a plurality of extension modules, which are attachable to the basic body module by a detachable connection to obtain a furniture. The extension modules include at least two different foot extension modules and at least two different seat extension modules. The extension modules are arbitrarily interchangeable to enable the furniture to adapt to body positions selected from a list of different body positions, including sitting, kneeling, and standing positions.

[0011] According to the invention, the problem of frequent back pain is solved by modular design of the furniture (i.e. seating furniture) allowing for different sitting, standing and kneeling positions by occasionally exchanging the attached extensions modules. The modular furniture systems enables alternating loading of the body or back of a person depending on the configuration of the attached extension modules. The modular furniture system takes into account the fact that even a healthy basic position becomes a one-sided strain if a person remains motionless in this position for too long. Therefore, a frequent change of posture is more important than a "correct" sitting position. By regularly changing the shape of the seating furniture and adding and removing different elements, a healthy load on the back and body is promoted by changing positions. The modular design permits rapid functional changes of the furniture without the need of any tools. The modularity also makes the invention suitable and adapted to different situations such as home office, office, private use as well as in schools.

[0012] Further embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0013] In some embodiments the at least one basic body module may be selected from the group of a hollow cube, and a wall or rod connecting a lower portion and an upper portion. The rod may be a height-adjustable rod.

[0014] In some embodiments the lower portion and the upper portion each may comprise an extended part perpendicular to the wall rod and each part may comprises an outward facing depression or an opening.

[0015] In some embodiments at least one face of the basic body module, preferably a hollow cube, is selected from a closed face with an outward facing depression, an open face, and a face with an opening. A hollow cube may have six faces whereof two opposite faces are open faces and the other four faces have openings or are closed faces with an outward facing depression. A basic body module with a wall or rod and an upper and lower part has an upper and lower face.

[0016] In some embodiments the seat extension module and / or the foot extension module may have a protrusion fitting into the corresponding openings or the corresponding depressions of the faces of the basic body module. The extension module may thereby be attached to the basic body module by a detachable connection. The protrusion and the corresponding openings and depressions may be circular, quadratic or rectangular.

[0017] In some embodiments the detachable connection may be static or rotatable. A rotatable connection may be obtained by a circular protrusion or pivot or swivel bearing.

[0018] In some embodiments the detachable connection may comprise a key-lock mechanism between the at least one opening and the at least one protrusion or between the depression and the at least one protrusion, and wherein closing and opening of the key-lock mechanism may be accomplished without using any tool other than the user's hands. The detachable connection may be magnetic. The modules can be assembled and disassembled without the need of any tool.

[0019] In some embodiments the at least one seat extension module may be selected from the group of a flat seat, with or without cushion, an enlarged seat for supported standing, a seat with backrest (the backrest may be adjustable), a seat with at least one armrest (the armrest may be adjustable), a ball seat, an air cushion, a wedge-shaped seat, a child seat. The seat extension modules may comprise movable backrests and / or armrests and cushions of various shapes and flexibility (hard, soft). All mechanical movements may be activated electrically or by suitable body sensation.

[0020] In some embodiments the at least one foot extension module may be selected from the group of fix feet, rotatable feet, feet with casters, a dome or hemisphere or curved surface, a pair of curved runners or a half-barrel, an air cushion, a ball system. The foot extension module may be of varying lengths to adapt the furniture for kneeling, seating or standing position. The foot extension module may comprise a height adjustable mechanism or a swivel mechanism.

[0021] In some embodiments the extension modules may further include at least one accessory extension module, selected from the group an armrest extension module, a table extension module, and a bench extension module for connecting two basic body modules. The accessory extension module is attachable to the basic body module or the seat extension module by a detachable connection, preferably via key-lock mechanism. A quick key-lock mechanism may be a mechanism which unlocks two interlocking forms when a button is pushed and locks when the button is released.

[0022] In some embodiments the basic body module may be provided with a seat extension module and with a foot extension module, and wherein a further seat extensions module and foot extension module are connected laterally to the basic body module. The seating position may be quickly changed by tilting or turning the basic body module.

[0023] In some embodiments the extension module may comprise electro-mechanical means to provide medical mobilization of at least one body part selected from one of a list of body parts consisting of a hip, a joint and the back. The electro-mechanical means may be means of massage of soft tissues.

[0024] In some embodiments the seat extension module may comprise an electrical heating device.

[0025] In some embodiments the modular furniture system may comprise an alert system configured to provide feedback to a user to prompt an exchange of extension modules. The alert system may be configured to sense a prolonged static body position of the user.

[0026] The feedback may be given after a predefined absolute time or a predefined time of the user being in the static position.

[0027] The invention further relates to a method for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain, the method comprising the steps of: (a.) providing a modular furniture system as described above including an alert system; (b.) connecting the basic body module with at least one extension module to obtain a furniture for a specific body position; (c.) prompting the user via the alert system to exchange the at least one extension module to obtain a furniture for a further specific body position different to the previous specific body position; (d.) repeating step c.

[0028] Step c. is preferably performed after a predefined time of use of the furniture, e.g. 30 min. In some embodiments the alert system may be configured to sense a prolonged static body position of the user and the alert system may be configured to prompt the user after a predefined time of the user being in the static position.Brief Explanation of the Figures

[0029] The attached drawings represent, by way of example, different embodiments of the subject of the invention. Fig. 1is a side view of the system of the invention adapted to furniture for different body positions. Fig. 2Ais a side view of a first embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture. Fig. 2Bis a 90-degree rotated side view of the first embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture. Fig. 3Ais a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising a cubic basic body module. Fig. 3Bis a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising a basic body module in the form of a rod. FIG. 4Ais a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with extensions on the side. FIG. 4Bis a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to rotated sitting furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with extensions on the side. FIG. 5Ais a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with a table extension. FIG. 5Bis a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with a table extension. FIG. 5Cis a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with an armrest extension. FIG. 5Dis a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with an armrest extension. FIG. 6Ais a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising two connected cubic basic body modules with a bench extension. FIG. 6Bis a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising two connected cubic basic body modules with a bench extension. FIG. 6Cis a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to table furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with a table extension. FIG. 6Dis a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to table furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with a table extension.

[0030] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the Figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, dimensions may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the invention and its embodiments. Furthermore, when the terms 'first', 'second', and the like are used herein, their use is intended for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. Moreover, relative terms like 'front', 'back', 'top' and 'bottom', and the like in the Description and / or in the claims are not necessarily used for describing exclusive relative position. Those skilled in the art will therefore understand that such terms may be interchangeable with other terms, and that the embodiments described herein are capable of operating in other orientations than those explicitly illustrated or otherwise described.Embodiments of the Invention

[0031] The following description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way as it is exemplary in nature, serving to describe the best mode of the invention known to the inventors as of the filing date hereof. Consequently, changes may be made in the arrangement and / or function of any of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0032] According to the invention, the problem of frequent back pain is solved by modular design of the seating furniture allowing for different sitting, standing and kneeling positions in order to enable the loading of the body differently depending on the configuration. This takes into account the fact that even a healthy basic position becomes a one-sided strain if a person remains motionless in this position for too long. Therefore, a frequent change of posture is more important than a "correct" sitting position. By regularly changing the shape of the seating furniture and adding and removing different elements, a healthy load on the back and body is promoted by changing positions. The modular design permits rapid functional changes of the furniture without the need of any tools. The modularity also makes the invention suitable and adapted to different situations such as home office, office, private use as well as in schools.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, a simple example of furniture designed for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain by permitting frequent changes of body positions 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 may consist of a basic body module 10, 12 with either a closed front side 10 or an open front side 12, wherein an open front side permits more freedom for placing a person's legs 24, 26. The basic body module is complemented by a foot extension module 14 and a seat extension modules 16, 18, 20 adapted for sitting without a backrest 16 or with a backrest 18, or for supported standing 20. As described in the following embodiments, the simple and rapid assembly of different modules without the need of any tools permits a person to easily change among the body positions of FIG. 1 even in the absence of any additional, separately configured seating furniture.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, a first embodiment of 200 of a seating furniture configured for sitting may consist of a basic body module 202, preferably in the shape of a hollow cube. The cube may have at least one open face 204 as shown in the side view of FIG. 1A.

[0035] Alternatively, side walls may have openings or open faces 206 for example of quadratic or circular shape according to the side view of FIG. 1B, wherein the basic body module is rotated around a vertical axis by 90 degrees. At least two opposite faces of the cube may have depressions or openings 208, 210, similar to the openings 206 on the sidewalls, into which protrusions 214, 220 present on seat extension modules 214 and foot extension modules 218 may snuggly fit via a kind of key-lock mechanism when the extension modules are connected 216, 222 to the basic body module. Firm connections are rapidly established without the need of any tools. Likewise, the connections may be loosened by minor mechanical force. Embodiment 200 may be configured with a large range of seat extension modules adapted for example to all body postures of FIG. 1. The key-lock mechanisms 216, 222 optionally, for example, permit rotations around a vertical axis through the center of the foot extension module 218 and the seat extension module 212. Seat extension modules optionally comprise movable backrests and / or armrests and cushions of various shapes and flexibility (hard, soft). All mechanical movements may be activated electrically or by suitable body sensation.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3B, embodiment 300 of a seating furniture configured for sitting optionally consists of a basic body module in the form of a rod 320 to which perpendicular portions 322, 324 are attached. The lower oriented perpendicular portion 324 may be attached to a foot extension portion 312. Embodiment 300 has the advantage of a simple change of height by configuring the rod to be extendable, in comparison with the basic body module of embodiment 200 reproduced in FIG. 3A wherein the height is fixed. The perpendicular portions 322, 324 may again have depressions 326, 328 for example of quadratic or circular shape into which protrusions 314 on foot extension modules and protrusions 318 on seat extension modules may snuggly fit via a quick key-lock mechanism (such as a mechanism which unlocks two interlocking forms when a button is pushed and locks when the button is released) when the extension modules are connected to the basic body module. Firm connections are rapidly established without the need of any tools. Likewise, the connections may be loosened by minor mechanical force. Open faces 306 may also be provided to enable connection to corresponding structures or to reduce weight.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4A and 4B, embodiment 400 of a seating furniture configured for sitting optionally consists of a basic body module 402, preferably of an essentially cubic shape, to which foot module 404 and seat module 408 are firmly connected by a similar quick key-lock mechanism as described for embodiments 200, 300. Further extension modules 412, 410 may optionally be connected in the same way to the sidewalls of the basic body module 402. A rotation of the basic body module by about 90 degrees around a horizontal axis may offer additional functions to the static sitting posture of the previous embodiments, such as rocking or swinging facilitated by the curved surface of extension modules 410, 412. Open faces 406 may also be provided to enable connection to corresponding structures or to reduce weight.

[0038] Referring now to FIGs. 5A to 5D, embodiment 500 of a seating furniture configured for sitting optionally is made up of a basic body module 502, preferably of an essentially cubic shape, optionally having open faces 506, to which a foot extension module 513 and a seat extension module selected from one of a list of seat modules, including at least a seat module 512 with an attached table 514 for example configured as a support for laptops or books (FIG. 5A, 5B). Alternatively, embodiment 500 comprises a basic body module 512 to which a seat module 512 supplied with armrests 516 is connected (FIG. 5C, D). Furthermore, embodiment 500 may be configured with an extension module comprising for example both a table, an armrest feature, or a lateral extension (such as foot extension 410 and seat extension 412 in FIGs. 4A and 4B).

[0039] Referring now to FIGs. 6A to 6D, embodiment 600 optionally features a combination of basic body modules 602 and extension modules 612, 630, 632 configured for furnishing whole rooms, for example family rooms or office spaces. For this purpose, larger structures consisting of several basic body units 602 may complement the single units of embodiments 200 - 500. As an example, a bench may be formed by connecting a seat extension module 630 providing sitting for at least two persons to two basic body modules 602, wherein connections are again made by the quick key-lock mechanism of the previous embodiments (see FIG. 6A and 6B). Likewise, a table optionally consists of a basic body module foot extension module 634 with feet of various heights adapted to either a sitting posture or a standing posture adjusted to the height of the user in question. Here as well, the quick key-lock mechanism permits rapid changes between different configurations. Furthermore, embodiment 600 may also be configured with an extension module comprising for example both a table, an armrest feature, or a lateral extension (such as 410 and 412 in FIGs. 4A and 4B).

[0040] All seating furniture of the embodiments disclosed herein may comprise additional features for healthy sitting according to the latest scientific findings, for example seat extension modules 212, 316, 408, 512, 630 with vibrating cushions activated, for example, by suitable body movement. Likewise, all mechanical movements such as rotation about a vertical axis through foot extension modules and seat extension modules or changes of armrest and backrest positions may be activated electrically or by body sensations. Along with the option of heatable seat extension modules, the frequent change of posture permitted by movable modules significantly lowers the load on the body and thereby prophylactically avoids back pain.

[0041] The invention is used in any place of daily routine. Thus, in the private sphere as well as at work or, for example, at school, the adoption of a healthy posture and its change should be promoted. By using the invention, health is improved and maintained.

[0042] An example of use would be modular seating furniture for use in an open-plan office. The employees can use this independently, whereby they arrange for regular changes of the seating furniture. For example, an employee could spend the first hour of the morning standing and then change to a half-kneeling position for another 60 minutes. After that, a backrest could be added to the seating furniture, after which the user can sit resting. Additional foot or armrests add further variety to the posture. Various seat attachments are also conceivable, such as semicircular cushions, rough, hard or very soft surfaces and so on. The basic shape of the seating furniture will allow all combinations here.

[0043] It is understood that the features of the invention, which will be explained below, can be used not only in the combination indicated in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the illustrations in diagrams one to seven are only exemplary, the specific shape of the seating furniture not being given.

[0044] In an advantage, the invention furniture is provided which enables frequent changes of body postures between sitting, standing and kneeling, thereby prophylactically avoiding of back pain.

[0045] In another advantage, the invention provides furniture for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain comprises a modular design consisting of a basic body module and various extension modules which can easily be interchanged.

[0046] In still another advantage, the invention provides furniture for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain of a modular design in which modules can be assembled and disassembled without the need of any tool.

[0047] It should be appreciated that the particular implementations shown and herein described are representative of the invention and its best mode and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0048] As will be appreciated by skilled artisans, the present invention may be embodied as a system, a device, or a method of configuring furniture or a method of avoiding back pain.

[0049] The present invention is described herein with reference to components, and modules, according to various aspects of the invention.

[0050] Moreover, the system contemplates the use, sale and / or distribution of any goods, services or information having similar functionality described herein.

[0051] The specification and figures should be considered in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all modifications described herein are intended to be included within the scope of the invention claimed. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims (as they currently exist or as later amended or added, and their legal equivalents) rather than by merely the examples described above. Steps recited in any method or process claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, may be executed in any order and are not limited to the specific order presented in any claim. Further, the elements and / or components recited in apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise functionally configured in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the present invention. Consequently, the invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.

[0052] Benefits, other advantages and solutions mentioned herein are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or components of any or all the claims.

[0053] As used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", or variations thereof, are intended to refer to a non-exclusive listing of elements, such that any apparatus, process, method, article, or composition of the invention that comprises a list of elements, that does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements such as those described in the instant specification. Unless otherwise explicitely stated, the use of the term "consisting" or "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the enumerated elements named thereafter, unless otherwise indicated. Other combinations and / or modifications of the above-described elements, materials or structures used in the practice of the present invention may be varied or adapted by the skilled artisan to other designs without departing from the general principles of the invention.

[0054] The patents and articles mentioned above are hereby incorporated by reference herein, unless otherwise noted, to the extent that the same are not inconsistent with this disclosure.

[0055] Other characteristics and modes of execution of the invention are described in the appended claims.

[0056] Further, the invention should be considered as comprising all combinations of every feature described in the instant specification, appended claims, and / or drawing figures, whether expressly described in combination, or whether clearly suited to combination which may fairly be considered new, inventive and industrially applicable.

[0057] Additional features and functionality of the invention are described in the claims appended hereto and / or in the abstract. Such claims and / or abstract are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference thereto in this specification and should be considered as part of the application as filed.

[0058] Multiple variations and modifications are possible in the embodiments of the invention described here. Although certain illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described here, a wide range of changes, modifications, and substitutions is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. While the above description contains many specific details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather exemplify one or another preferred embodiment thereof. In some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the foregoing description be construed broadly and understood as being illustrative only, the spirit and scope of the invention being limited only by the claims which ultimately issue in this application.

Examples

first embodiment

[0034]Referring now to FIG. 2, 200 of a seating furniture configured for sitting may consist of a basic body module 202, preferably in the shape of a hollow cube. The cube may have at least one open face 204 as shown in the side view of FIG. 1A.

embodiment 200

[0035]Alternatively, side walls may have openings or open faces 206 for example of quadratic or circular shape according to the side view of FIG. 1B, wherein the basic body module is rotated around a vertical axis by 90 degrees. At least two opposite faces of the cube may have depressions or openings 208, 210, similar to the openings 206 on the sidewalls, into which protrusions 214, 220 present on seat extension modules 214 and foot extension modules 218 may snuggly fit via a kind of key-lock mechanism when the extension modules are connected 216, 222 to the basic body module. Firm connections are rapidly established without the need of any tools. Likewise, the connections may be loosened by minor mechanical force. Embodiment 200 may be configured with a large range of seat extension modules adapted for example to all body postures of FIG. 1. The key-lock mechanisms 216, 222 optionally, for example, permit rotations around a vertical axis through the center of the foot extension mod...

embodiment 400

[0037]Referring now to FIG. 4A and 4B, embodiment 400 of a seating furniture configured for sitting optionally consists of a basic body module 402, preferably of an essentially cubic shape, to which foot module 404 and seat module 408 are firmly connected by a similar quick key-lock mechanism as described for embodiments 200, 300. Further extension modules 412, 410 may optionally be connected in the same way to the sidewalls of the basic body module 402. A rotation of the basic body module by about 90 degrees around a horizontal axis may offer additional functions to the static sitting posture of the previous embodiments, such as rocking or swinging facilitated by the curved surface of extension modules 410, 412. Open faces 406 may also be provided to enable connection to corresponding structures or to reduce weight.

[0038]Referring now to FIGs. 5A to 5D, embodiment 500 of a seating furniture configured for sitting optionally is made up of a basic body module 502, preferably of an es...

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a furniture which promotes health by alternately loading the body while sitting, standing, or kneeling.Technical Background

[0002] Current furniture offers a multiplicity of seat possibilities where a distinction is usually made between sitting and relaxing. Likewise, one distinguishes between work chairs and living or lounge chairs. Each form of type of seating is intended to suit the current activity and is adapted to the actual situation from an ergonomic point of view. There is also a wide variety of children's chairs, which size depends on the size of a child.

[0003] It is known that a chair can slide on casters, or have fixed feet, it may be supplied with a hemisphere for swinging or curved runners as in a rocking chair. There are height adjustable or fixed models. Each model is designed to provide the user with optimal sit / stand / knee functions, thus relieving or protecting the back. There are also some models combining semi-standing, rocking and ergonomic seating. There are instructions on how to optimally adjust the position for the various concepts. In principle, all of these approaches are very positive, but they all have one common disadvantage. According to back surgeons, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and neurologists (specialists in back surgery, neurology, occupational and physiotherapy), today's sitting and standing is yesterday's smoking. In other words, improper sitting is harmful. It does not matter which chair or seat form one chooses, what is harmful is to remain for long periods of time in a fixed position. Even a standing table has the disadvantage that constant standing is harmful to the back. Only alternating between positions and thereby alternating the load on the back every 30-60 minutes gives a real advantage and promotes health when working, eating, sitting or resting.

[0004] U.S. patent US4919485 discloses two chair legs and armrests connected in pairs, between which the seat and backrest are fixed to form a chair. The elements are, however, always the same.

[0005] German utility model DE202017107106 U1 discloses a removable chair with a seat for seating a person with removable chair legs and chair backs.

[0006] German utility model DE202017002565 U1 discloses a piece of seating furniture characterized by being based on a modular frame which can be extended or reduced by further modules. It is not a question of regularly changing the elements, but rather the possibility of replacing broken elements or to meet new design requirements.

[0007] What is needed is a system and method of solving the mentioned problem of unhealthy sitting. New approaches are necessary. What is needed is a technical solution that actively promotes alternating load on the back through modularity and which at the same time satisfies the varied requirements of everyday life.Summary of the Invention

[0008] An objective of the invention is to provide furniture for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain. Another objective is to provide furniture which is arbitrarily interchangeable to allow the furniture adapt to body positions chosen from a variety of different body positions including sitting, kneeling and standing positions, in order to provide alternating load on the back thereby minimizing back and / or body damage. Another objective of the invention is to provide furniture enabling frequent changes of body postures between sitting, standing and kneeling for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain.

[0009] At least one of the objectives of the present invention is achieved by a modular furniture system for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 15.

[0010] The modular furniture system comprises at least one basic body module and a plurality of extension modules, which are attachable to the basic body module by a detachable connection to obtain a furniture. The extension modules include at least two different foot extension modules and at least two different seat extension modules. The extension modules are arbitrarily interchangeable to enable the furniture to adapt to body positions selected from a list of different body positions, including sitting, kneeling, and standing positions.

[0011] According to the invention, the problem of frequent back pain is solved by modular design of the furniture (i.e. seating furniture) allowing for different sitting, standing and kneeling positions by occasionally exchanging the attached extensions modules. The modular furniture systems enables alternating loading of the body or back of a person depending on the configuration of the attached extension modules. The modular furniture system takes into account the fact that even a healthy basic position becomes a one-sided strain if a person remains motionless in this position for too long. Therefore, a frequent change of posture is more important than a "correct" sitting position. By regularly changing the shape of the seating furniture and adding and removing different elements, a healthy load on the back and body is promoted by changing positions. The modular design permits rapid functional changes of the furniture without the need of any tools. The modularity also makes the invention suitable and adapted to different situations such as home office, office, private use as well as in schools.

[0012] Further embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0013] In some embodiments the at least one basic body module may be selected from the group of a hollow cube, and a wall or rod connecting a lower portion and an upper portion. The rod may be a height-adjustable rod.

[0014] In some embodiments the lower portion and the upper portion each may comprise an extended part perpendicular to the wall rod and each part may comprises an outward facing depression or an opening.

[0015] In some embodiments at least one face of the basic body module, preferably a hollow cube, is selected from a closed face with an outward facing depression, an open face, and a face with an opening. A hollow cube may have six faces whereof two opposite faces are open faces and the other four faces have openings or are closed faces with an outward facing depression. A basic body module with a wall or rod and an upper and lower part has an upper and lower face.

[0016] In some embodiments the seat extension module and / or the foot extension module may have a protrusion fitting into the corresponding openings or the corresponding depressions of the faces of the basic body module. The extension module may thereby be attached to the basic body module by a detachable connection. The protrusion and the corresponding openings and depressions may be circular, quadratic or rectangular.

[0017] In some embodiments the detachable connection may be static or rotatable. A rotatable connection may be obtained by a circular protrusion or pivot or swivel bearing.

[0018] In some embodiments the detachable connection may comprise a key-lock mechanism between the at least one opening and the at least one protrusion or between the depression and the at least one protrusion, and wherein closing and opening of the key-lock mechanism may be accomplished without using any tool other than the user's hands. The detachable connection may be magnetic. The modules can be assembled and disassembled without the need of any tool.

[0019] In some embodiments the at least one seat extension module may be selected from the group of a flat seat, with or without cushion, an enlarged seat for supported standing, a seat with backrest (the backrest may be adjustable), a seat with at least one armrest (the armrest may be adjustable), a ball seat, an air cushion, a wedge-shaped seat, a child seat. The seat extension modules may comprise movable backrests and / or armrests and cushions of various shapes and flexibility (hard, soft). All mechanical movements may be activated electrically or by suitable body sensation.

[0020] In some embodiments the at least one foot extension module may be selected from the group of fix feet, rotatable feet, feet with casters, a dome or hemisphere or curved surface, a pair of curved runners or a half-barrel, an air cushion, a ball system. The foot extension module may be of varying lengths to adapt the furniture for kneeling, seating or standing position. The foot extension module may comprise a height adjustable mechanism or a swivel mechanism.

[0021] In some embodiments the extension modules may further include at least one accessory extension module, selected from the group an armrest extension module, a table extension module, and a bench extension module for connecting two basic body modules. The accessory extension module is attachable to the basic body module or the seat extension module by a detachable connection, preferably via key-lock mechanism. A quick key-lock mechanism may be a mechanism which unlocks two interlocking forms when a button is pushed and locks when the button is released.

[0022] In some embodiments the basic body module may be provided with a seat extension module and with a foot extension module, and wherein a further seat extensions module and foot extension module are connected laterally to the basic body module. The seating position may be quickly changed by tilting or turning the basic body module.

[0023] In some embodiments the extension module may comprise electro-mechanical means to provide medical mobilization of at least one body part selected from one of a list of body parts consisting of a hip, a joint and the back. The electro-mechanical means may be means of massage of soft tissues.

[0024] In some embodiments the seat extension module may comprise an electrical heating device.

[0025] In some embodiments the modular furniture system may comprise an alert system configured to provide feedback to a user to prompt an exchange of extension modules. The alert system may be configured to sense a prolonged static body position of the user.

[0026] The feedback may be given after a predefined absolute time or a predefined time of the user being in the static position.

[0027] The invention further relates to a method for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain, the method comprising the steps of: (a.) providing a modular furniture system as described above including an alert system; (b.) connecting the basic body module with at least one extension module to obtain a furniture for a specific body position; (c.) prompting the user via the alert system to exchange the at least one extension module to obtain a furniture for a further specific body position different to the previous specific body position; (d.) repeating step c.

[0028] Step c. is preferably performed after a predefined time of use of the furniture, e.g. 30 min. In some embodiments the alert system may be configured to sense a prolonged static body position of the user and the alert system may be configured to prompt the user after a predefined time of the user being in the static position.Brief Explanation of the Figures

[0029] The attached drawings represent, by way of example, different embodiments of the subject of the invention. Fig. 1is a side view of the system of the invention adapted to furniture for different body positions. Fig. 2Ais a side view of a first embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture. Fig. 2Bis a 90-degree rotated side view of the first embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture. Fig. 3Ais a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising a cubic basic body module. Fig. 3Bis a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising a basic body module in the form of a rod. FIG. 4Ais a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with extensions on the side. FIG. 4Bis a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to rotated sitting furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with extensions on the side. FIG. 5Ais a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with a table extension. FIG. 5Bis a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with a table extension. FIG. 5Cis a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with an armrest extension. FIG. 5Dis a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with an armrest extension. FIG. 6Ais a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising two connected cubic basic body modules with a bench extension. FIG. 6Bis a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to sitting furniture comprising two connected cubic basic body modules with a bench extension. FIG. 6Cis a side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to table furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with a table extension. FIG. 6Dis a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the invention adapted to table furniture comprising a cubic basic body module with a table extension.

[0030] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the Figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, dimensions may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the invention and its embodiments. Furthermore, when the terms 'first', 'second', and the like are used herein, their use is intended for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. Moreover, relative terms like 'front', 'back', 'top' and 'bottom', and the like in the Description and / or in the claims are not necessarily used for describing exclusive relative position. Those skilled in the art will therefore understand that such terms may be interchangeable with other terms, and that the embodiments described herein are capable of operating in other orientations than those explicitly illustrated or otherwise described.Embodiments of the Invention

[0031] The following description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way as it is exemplary in nature, serving to describe the best mode of the invention known to the inventors as of the filing date hereof. Consequently, changes may be made in the arrangement and / or function of any of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0032] According to the invention, the problem of frequent back pain is solved by modular design of the seating furniture allowing for different sitting, standing and kneeling positions in order to enable the loading of the body differently depending on the configuration. This takes into account the fact that even a healthy basic position becomes a one-sided strain if a person remains motionless in this position for too long. Therefore, a frequent change of posture is more important than a "correct" sitting position. By regularly changing the shape of the seating furniture and adding and removing different elements, a healthy load on the back and body is promoted by changing positions. The modular design permits rapid functional changes of the furniture without the need of any tools. The modularity also makes the invention suitable and adapted to different situations such as home office, office, private use as well as in schools.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, a simple example of furniture designed for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain by permitting frequent changes of body positions 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 may consist of a basic body module 10, 12 with either a closed front side 10 or an open front side 12, wherein an open front side permits more freedom for placing a person's legs 24, 26. The basic body module is complemented by a foot extension module 14 and a seat extension modules 16, 18, 20 adapted for sitting without a backrest 16 or with a backrest 18, or for supported standing 20. As described in the following embodiments, the simple and rapid assembly of different modules without the need of any tools permits a person to easily change among the body positions of FIG. 1 even in the absence of any additional, separately configured seating furniture.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, a first embodiment of 200 of a seating furniture configured for sitting may consist of a basic body module 202, preferably in the shape of a hollow cube. The cube may have at least one open face 204 as shown in the side view of FIG. 1A.

[0035] Alternatively, side walls may have openings or open faces 206 for example of quadratic or circular shape according to the side view of FIG. 1B, wherein the basic body module is rotated around a vertical axis by 90 degrees. At least two opposite faces of the cube may have depressions or openings 208, 210, similar to the openings 206 on the sidewalls, into which protrusions 214, 220 present on seat extension modules 214 and foot extension modules 218 may snuggly fit via a kind of key-lock mechanism when the extension modules are connected 216, 222 to the basic body module. Firm connections are rapidly established without the need of any tools. Likewise, the connections may be loosened by minor mechanical force. Embodiment 200 may be configured with a large range of seat extension modules adapted for example to all body postures of FIG. 1. The key-lock mechanisms 216, 222 optionally, for example, permit rotations around a vertical axis through the center of the foot extension module 218 and the seat extension module 212. Seat extension modules optionally comprise movable backrests and / or armrests and cushions of various shapes and flexibility (hard, soft). All mechanical movements may be activated electrically or by suitable body sensation.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3B, embodiment 300 of a seating furniture configured for sitting optionally consists of a basic body module in the form of a rod 320 to which perpendicular portions 322, 324 are attached. The lower oriented perpendicular portion 324 may be attached to a foot extension portion 312. Embodiment 300 has the advantage of a simple change of height by configuring the rod to be extendable, in comparison with the basic body module of embodiment 200 reproduced in FIG. 3A wherein the height is fixed. The perpendicular portions 322, 324 may again have depressions 326, 328 for example of quadratic or circular shape into which protrusions 314 on foot extension modules and protrusions 318 on seat extension modules may snuggly fit via a quick key-lock mechanism (such as a mechanism which unlocks two interlocking forms when a button is pushed and locks when the button is released) when the extension modules are connected to the basic body module. Firm connections are rapidly established without the need of any tools. Likewise, the connections may be loosened by minor mechanical force. Open faces 306 may also be provided to enable connection to corresponding structures or to reduce weight.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4A and 4B, embodiment 400 of a seating furniture configured for sitting optionally consists of a basic body module 402, preferably of an essentially cubic shape, to which foot module 404 and seat module 408 are firmly connected by a similar quick key-lock mechanism as described for embodiments 200, 300. Further extension modules 412, 410 may optionally be connected in the same way to the sidewalls of the basic body module 402. A rotation of the basic body module by about 90 degrees around a horizontal axis may offer additional functions to the static sitting posture of the previous embodiments, such as rocking or swinging facilitated by the curved surface of extension modules 410, 412. Open faces 406 may also be provided to enable connection to corresponding structures or to reduce weight.

[0038] Referring now to FIGs. 5A to 5D, embodiment 500 of a seating furniture configured for sitting optionally is made up of a basic body module 502, preferably of an essentially cubic shape, optionally having open faces 506, to which a foot extension module 513 and a seat extension module selected from one of a list of seat modules, including at least a seat module 512 with an attached table 514 for example configured as a support for laptops or books (FIG. 5A, 5B). Alternatively, embodiment 500 comprises a basic body module 512 to which a seat module 512 supplied with armrests 516 is connected (FIG. 5C, D). Furthermore, embodiment 500 may be configured with an extension module comprising for example both a table, an armrest feature, or a lateral extension (such as foot extension 410 and seat extension 412 in FIGs. 4A and 4B).

[0039] Referring now to FIGs. 6A to 6D, embodiment 600 optionally features a combination of basic body modules 602 and extension modules 612, 630, 632 configured for furnishing whole rooms, for example family rooms or office spaces. For this purpose, larger structures consisting of several basic body units 602 may complement the single units of embodiments 200 - 500. As an example, a bench may be formed by connecting a seat extension module 630 providing sitting for at least two persons to two basic body modules 602, wherein connections are again made by the quick key-lock mechanism of the previous embodiments (see FIG. 6A and 6B). Likewise, a table optionally consists of a basic body module foot extension module 634 with feet of various heights adapted to either a sitting posture or a standing posture adjusted to the height of the user in question. Here as well, the quick key-lock mechanism permits rapid changes between different configurations. Furthermore, embodiment 600 may also be configured with an extension module comprising for example both a table, an armrest feature, or a lateral extension (such as 410 and 412 in FIGs. 4A and 4B).

[0040] All seating furniture of the embodiments disclosed herein may comprise additional features for healthy sitting according to the latest scientific findings, for example seat extension modules 212, 316, 408, 512, 630 with vibrating cushions activated, for example, by suitable body movement. Likewise, all mechanical movements such as rotation about a vertical axis through foot extension modules and seat extension modules or changes of armrest and backrest positions may be activated electrically or by body sensations. Along with the option of heatable seat extension modules, the frequent change of posture permitted by movable modules significantly lowers the load on the body and thereby prophylactically avoids back pain.

[0041] The invention is used in any place of daily routine. Thus, in the private sphere as well as at work or, for example, at school, the adoption of a healthy posture and its change should be promoted. By using the invention, health is improved and maintained.

[0042] An example of use would be modular seating furniture for use in an open-plan office. The employees can use this independently, whereby they arrange for regular changes of the seating furniture. For example, an employee could spend the first hour of the morning standing and then change to a half-kneeling position for another 60 minutes. After that, a backrest could be added to the seating furniture, after which the user can sit resting. Additional foot or armrests add further variety to the posture. Various seat attachments are also conceivable, such as semicircular cushions, rough, hard or very soft surfaces and so on. The basic shape of the seating furniture will allow all combinations here.

[0043] It is understood that the features of the invention, which will be explained below, can be used not only in the combination indicated in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the illustrations in diagrams one to seven are only exemplary, the specific shape of the seating furniture not being given.

[0044] In an advantage, the invention furniture is provided which enables frequent changes of body postures between sitting, standing and kneeling, thereby prophylactically avoiding of back pain.

[0045] In another advantage, the invention provides furniture for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain comprises a modular design consisting of a basic body module and various extension modules which can easily be interchanged.

[0046] In still another advantage, the invention provides furniture for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain of a modular design in which modules can be assembled and disassembled without the need of any tool.

[0047] It should be appreciated that the particular implementations shown and herein described are representative of the invention and its best mode and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0048] As will be appreciated by skilled artisans, the present invention may be embodied as a system, a device, or a method of configuring furniture or a method of avoiding back pain.

[0049] The present invention is described herein with reference to components, and modules, according to various aspects of the invention.

[0050] Moreover, the system contemplates the use, sale and / or distribution of any goods, services or information having similar functionality described herein.

[0051] The specification and figures should be considered in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all modifications described herein are intended to be included within the scope of the invention claimed. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims (as they currently exist or as later amended or added, and their legal equivalents) rather than by merely the examples described above. Steps recited in any method or process claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, may be executed in any order and are not limited to the specific order presented in any claim. Further, the elements and / or components recited in apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise functionally configured in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the present invention. Consequently, the invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.

[0052] Benefits, other advantages and solutions mentioned herein are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or components of any or all the claims.

[0053] As used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", or variations thereof, are intended to refer to a non-exclusive listing of elements, such that any apparatus, process, method, article, or composition of the invention that comprises a list of elements, that does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements such as those described in the instant specification. Unless otherwise explicitely stated, the use of the term "consisting" or "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the enumerated elements named thereafter, unless otherwise indicated. Other combinations and / or modifications of the above-described elements, materials or structures used in the practice of the present invention may be varied or adapted by the skilled artisan to other designs without departing from the general principles of the invention.

[0054] The patents and articles mentioned above are hereby incorporated by reference herein, unless otherwise noted, to the extent that the same are not inconsistent with this disclosure.

[0055] Other characteristics and modes of execution of the invention are described in the appended claims.

[0056] Further, the invention should be considered as comprising all combinations of every feature described in the instant specification, appended claims, and / or drawing figures, whether expressly described in combination, or whether clearly suited to combination which may fairly be considered new, inventive and industrially applicable.

[0057] Additional features and functionality of the invention are described in the claims appended hereto and / or in the abstract. Such claims and / or abstract are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference thereto in this specification and should be considered as part of the application as filed.

[0058] Multiple variations and modifications are possible in the embodiments of the invention described here. Although certain illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described here, a wide range of changes, modifications, and substitutions is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. While the above description contains many specific details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather exemplify one or another preferred embodiment thereof. In some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the foregoing description be construed broadly and understood as being illustrative only, the spirit and scope of the invention being limited only by the claims which ultimately issue in this application.

Examples

first embodiment

[0034]Referring now to FIG. 2, 200 of a seating furniture configured for sitting may consist of a basic body module 202, preferably in the shape of a hollow cube. The cube may have at least one open face 204 as shown in the side view of FIG. 1A.

embodiment 200

[0035]Alternatively, side walls may have openings or open faces 206 for example of quadratic or circular shape according to the side view of FIG. 1B, wherein the basic body module is rotated around a vertical axis by 90 degrees. At least two opposite faces of the cube may have depressions or openings 208, 210, similar to the openings 206 on the sidewalls, into which protrusions 214, 220 present on seat extension modules 214 and foot extension modules 218 may snuggly fit via a kind of key-lock mechanism when the extension modules are connected 216, 222 to the basic body module. Firm connections are rapidly established without the need of any tools. Likewise, the connections may be loosened by minor mechanical force. Embodiment 200 may be configured with a large range of seat extension modules adapted for example to all body postures of FIG. 1. The key-lock mechanisms 216, 222 optionally, for example, permit rotations around a vertical axis through the center of the foot extension mod...

embodiment 400

[0037]Referring now to FIG. 4A and 4B, embodiment 400 of a seating furniture configured for sitting optionally consists of a basic body module 402, preferably of an essentially cubic shape, to which foot module 404 and seat module 408 are firmly connected by a similar quick key-lock mechanism as described for embodiments 200, 300. Further extension modules 412, 410 may optionally be connected in the same way to the sidewalls of the basic body module 402. A rotation of the basic body module by about 90 degrees around a horizontal axis may offer additional functions to the static sitting posture of the previous embodiments, such as rocking or swinging facilitated by the curved surface of extension modules 410, 412. Open faces 406 may also be provided to enable connection to corresponding structures or to reduce weight.

[0038]Referring now to FIGs. 5A to 5D, embodiment 500 of a seating furniture configured for sitting optionally is made up of a basic body module 502, preferably of an es...

Claims

1. Modular furniture system for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain, the modular furniture system comprising at least one basic body module (10, 12, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602) and a plurality of extension modules (14, 16, 18, 20, 202, 212, 218, 302, 312, 316, 320, 402, 404, 408, 410, 412, 502, 512, 514, 516, 602, 612, 630, 632, 634) which are attachable to the at least one basic body module by a detachable connection to obtain a furniture, wherein the extension modules include at least two different foot extension modules (14, 218, 312, 404, 513, 612, 634), and at least two different seat extension modules (16, 18, 20, 212, 214, 316, 408, 512, 630), wherein the extension modules are arbitrarily interchangeable to enable the furniture to adapt to body positions selected from a list of different body positions (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36), including sitting (22, 24, 28, 30, 32, 34), kneeling, and standing (26, 32) positions.

2. Modular furniture system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one basic body module is selected from the group of a hollow cube (10, 12, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602), and a wall or rod (320) connecting a lower portion (324) and an upper portion (322).

3. Modular furniture system according to claim 2, wherein the lower portion (324) and the upper portion (322) each comprise an extended part perpendicular to the wall rod (320) and each part (322, 324) comprises an outward facing depression (326, 328) or an opening.

4. Modular furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one face of the basic body module (10, 12, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602) is selected from a closed face with an outward facing depression (208, 210), an open face (204, 304, 504, 604), and a face with an opening (206, 306, 506, 606).

5. Modular furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seat extension module and / or the foot extension module has a protrusion (214, 220, 314, 318, 614, 618) fitting into the corresponding openings (206, 306, 506, 606) or the corresponding depressions (208, 210, 326, 328) of the faces of the basic body module (10, 12, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602).

6. Modular furniture system according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion (214, 220, 314, 318, 614, 618) and the corresponding openings (206, 306, 506, 606) or depressions (208, 210, 326, 328) are circular, quadratic or rectangular.

7. Modular furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detachable connection is static or rotatable.

8. Modular furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detachable connection comprises a key-lock mechanism between the at least one opening (210) and the at least one protrusion or between the depression (326, 328) and the at least one protrusion (214, 220, 314, 318, 614, 618), and wherein closing and opening of the key-lock mechanism may be accomplished without using any tool other than the user's hands.

9. Modular furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one seat extension module is selected from the group of a flat seat (212, 316, 408), an enlarged seat for supported standing, a seat with backrest (18), a seat with at least one armrest, a ball seat, an air cushion, a wedge-shaped seat, a child seat.

10. Modular furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one foot extension module (14, 218, 312, 404, 513, 612, 634) is selected from the group of fix feet, rotatable feet, feet with casters, a dome or hemisphere or curved surface, a pair of curved runners or a half-barrel, an air cushion, a ball system.

11. Modular furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension modules further include at least one accessory extension module (410, 412, 516, 514, 632, 630), selected from the group an armrest extension module (516), a table extension module (514, 632), and a bench extension module (630) for connecting two basic body modules (602), wherein the accessory extension module is attachable to the basic body module (10, 12, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602) or the seat extension module (16, 18, 20, 212, 214, 316, 408, 512, 630) by a detachable connection.

12. Modular furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension module comprises electro-mechanical means to provide medical mobilization of at least one body part selected from one of a list of body parts consisting of a hip, a joint and the back, preferably means of massage of soft tissues.

13. Modular furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seat extension module comprises an electrical heating device.

14. Modular furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular furniture system comprises an alert system configured to provide feedback to a user to prompt an exchange of extension modules.

15. Method for the prophylactic avoidance of back pain, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing a modular furniture system according to claim 14; b. connecting the basic body module with at least one extension module to obtain a furniture for a specific body position; c. prompting the user via the alert system to exchange the at least one extension module to obtain a furniture for a further specific body position different to the previous specific body position; d. repeating step c.

Images