Lumbar lordosis promoting device

Abstract

The device for promoting lumbar anteversion consists of one or more fluid bags (1). Each bag (1) has one or more fluid inlet points (2) connected to a pressurized fluid source (7) arranged to allow filling of the bag (1) from a first end to one or more fluid outlet points (3) arranged to allow drainage of fluid from a second end opposite the first end. The device also includes an internal fluid pressure regulation system to which several sensor systems (8, 9, 10) can be applied.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lumbar lordosis facilitator device that can be adapted to any type of seat and includes elements that ensure proper positioning of the user's back, reducing the risk of injury. [Background technology]

[0002] People who spend a lot of time sitting often have back problems due to poor posture. The solution is usually to modify the chair back so that the user's back is in a more appropriate position. However, this does not guarantee that the user will lean back properly in the chair most of the time.

[0003] This technology includes a system with a fluid bag that can be placed in a chair. The system is partially filled with fluid. Thus, when a user sits at the front of the bag, the fluid moves to the rear, creating a thrust that pushes the user into the correct position. This system is fairly effective and is considered to be the closest system to the present invention. However, this system is highly dependent on the position of the user. If the user sits too far forward or back, the system will not work and may even be counterproductive.

[0004] Applicant is not aware of any solution that is as effective as the one asserted. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The invention comprises a lumbar forward tilt promoting device as set forth in the claims, the configuration of which solves the discussed problem and offers significant advantages that are evident to those skilled in the art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a lumbar anteversion promotion device consisting of one or more fluid bags, such as the fluid bags described in the background. However, in this specification, each bag has one or more inlets of gas or another fluid, which are hooked to a source of pressurized fluid, usually air, and arranged to fill the bag from a first end, which is arranged at the top of the chair (near the backrest) during use. It also has one or more fluid exit points arranged to allow the fluid to be discharged at least through the opposite end or a second end. The fluid source is not particularly related to what type it is, but could be a compressor, a gas cartridge, a pressure pump, etc. Furthermore, the system includes an internal fluid pressure regulation system. The system may be formed with differential valves at the inlet and / or outlet points (between the source and the bag), but is preferably a smart system.

[0007] In a preferred solution, the pressure regulation system includes one or more primary sensors (first sensor system) near an entry point that is located at the top of the chair (near the backrest) during use, and one or more secondary sensors (second sensor system) in the remaining area of ​​the bag. These two sensor systems detect or confirm the presence of a user. The device also has one or more tertiary sensors (third sensor system) at the front of the bag to detect bending of the second end of the bag. These sensor systems can be of different types, as will be shown later.

[0008] In one of its configurations, the device consists of two or more bags, either connected to each other or separated but facing the same direction, thus controlling the comfort due to the different pressures on each of the user's gluteal muscles, which are preferably joined by a structure and / or inside a case.

[0009] The additional exit points may be located at other locations away from the second end, for example by the user sitting down as the path to the exit point is closed, in other words the pressure drops through these additional exit points as the available volume of the bag decreases.

[0010] In another configuration, the outlet point is open, there is no valve that can close the path, and the inlet point is hooked up or set to admit fluid from a source when the presence of a user is detected, which may be based on the detected weight and position of the user (e.g., using a data table relating weight to the pressure to be used).

[0011] Further variants are described below as defined in the dependent claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] For a better understanding of the present invention, the following figures are included.

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a bag according to an example configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the second example in use. [Diagram 3] 1A-1D are schematic top views of five different exemplary configurations of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The configuration modes of the present invention will now be briefly described by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0015] The device shown in the figures consists of one or more inflatable bags (1), each having one or more inlet points (2) for air or another fluid and one or more outlet points (3), represented here by two opposite ends. The inlet points (2) are represented on a first end, which is initially filled, and the outlet points (3) on a second end, which is free of fluid during use. When more than one bag (1) is arranged, these bags are preferably joined by a structure (4) made of fabric, nonwoven or the like, which forms a cushion placed on the chair or integrated in it (Fig. 3D). The bags (1) are independent of the support points, since they cover all the areas on which the user of the chair may lean.

[0016] The present invention will be described based on the configuration of Figures 1 and 2. Two segments (5, 6) are defined in each bag (1), each bag (1) having, as herein, an inlet point (2), an outlet point (3) and an internal fluid pressure regulation system. The first segment (5) is attached to the inlet point (2) and the second segment (6) is attached to the outlet point (3). Usually, both the outlet point (3) and the inlet point (2) have valves that open and close the fluid path automatically or by an electronic controller. Both the outlet point (3) and the inlet point (2) may have check valves. Examples of applications include duckbill valves or springs that open when the pressure difference between the two sides exceeds a preset value. The outlet point (3) may not have a valve if the inner surface of the bag (1) is sufficient to close the path when the two sides approach due to the user's weight.

[0017] The inlet point (2) is connected to a source (7) of gas or another pressurized fluid, such as a compressor, compressed gas cartridge, accumulator connected to a compressor, pressure pump, etc., or any such element. A device such as a pressure gauge monitors the proper pressure of the fluid in the bag (1). The outlet point (3) may open to the outside or to a fluid deposit, and the source (7) withdraws the fluid from the fluid deposit, forming a closed circuit. An additional outlet point (3') may be included near the inlet point (2) with a differential or electronic valve that releases the fluid if the internal pressure range is exceeded. If the inlet point (2) has an electromagnetic valve, this inlet point (2) may also function as an additional outlet point (3') that opens and closes without activating the source (7). This additional outlet point (3') may be located at any point of the bag (1), for example in the middle area.

[0018] Each bag (1) may have a case (11) that has several functions: first, this case (11) defines the upper expansion limit of the bag (1) so that the internal pressure can be increased without affecting the volume, and second, this case (11) may have other advantages such as allowing for changes in aesthetics, feel, or providing a stain-resistant finish.

[0019] Each bag (1) has a first presence sensor system (8) in the first segment (5), a second presence sensor system (9) in the bag (1) and a third sensor system (10) that detects the curvature of the bag (1) and is located at the front of the bag (1). Each of these sensor systems (8, 9, 10) can be repeated to ensure detection or to take measurements at several points.

[0020] The first sensor system (8) and the second sensor system (9) are sensors that detect the presence of a user. These sensor systems can be buttons with springs, pressure sensors, conductivity sensors, etc., but usually detect weight. The third sensor (10) detects the curvature of the bag (1) in front of the second segment (6), and may detect deformation of the bag (1), the internal pressure of the bag (1), the fluid path through the exit point (3), etc. Having two sensor systems (8, 9) allows knowing the position of the user on the device, i.e., towards the front or towards the back. It is possible to place more than two sensor systems (8, 9) to increase the accuracy of the presence and position detection.

[0021] If the sensor system (8, 9) detects the presence of a user by weight, the pressure can be adjusted according to tables indicating what pressure the source (7) needs to provide depending on the weight of the user. The pressure can be measured directly or based on the output of the pump.

[0022] The sensor system (8, 9) needs to detect the presence of a user in a direct way, for example by weight, or in an indirect way, for example by detecting the fluid path through the exit point (3) as a way to check that someone is sitting at the second end.

[0023] When a seated person is detected, the outlet point (3) opposite the inlet point may be opened without a valve if fluid is to be introduced, and the weight of the person will squeeze the two walls of the bag (1) to close the fluid path to the outlet point, resulting in the situation shown in Figure 2.

[0024] Inside each bag (1) there may be separating elements that ensure that the two sides of the bag (1) are separated when a person stands up, i.e. when the user is no longer present, for example made of some soft material with teeth or foam rubber cogs arranged on the inner surface, which maintains a gap between the two sides of the bag (1) when the weight is removed, allowing the bag (1) to return to its original position.

[0025] In use, the device is placed on or integrated into a chair so that the second segment (6) remains at the front of the chair. The user sits on a chair, sofa, seat, etc. and places his / her buttocks on the device, pushing the bag (1) backwards from the second segment (6). If the user only leans on the second segment (6), the second segment (6) empties through the exit point (3) while the first segment (5) expands until the correct thrust is generated. The bending of the device reorients the user's body and sets it in the correct lumbar position. When the user leans on the second segment (6) and partially on the first segment (5), depending on the pressure and the difference between that pressure and the required pressure, fluid is removed or injected until the correct thrust is generated, promoting lumbar forward tilt again. However, when the user leans back against the second segment, the bag (1) becomes completely depleted of fluid as it is determined that the user is properly seated and leaning back against the hypothetical back, and thus the first sensor system (8) detects a seated user.

[0026] A second sensor system (9) detects the presence of a user and other sensors detect if the bag needs to be emptied (third sensor system (10) and first sensor system [8]). The third sensor system (10) may replace a differential pressure valve at the outlet point (3), a flow sensor at one or more of the outlet points (3), etc. A less preferred option is to place a differential pressure valve at the inlet point (2) to complement or replace the first sensor (8).

[0027] This device has several possible configurations, which are shown in some examples in Figures 3A-E. The basic idea is that each gluteal muscle of the user is supported by one or more bags (1), and this operation can be performed in various ways.

[0028] An electronic switchboard may control all elements of the device, having an on-off switch. The device may be battery powered, connected to a grid by a cord, connected by a cord to a car battery, etc. Optionally, the fluid may be heated as it is introduced into the bag (1) by a resistor located at the inlet point (2).

Claims

1. A device for promoting lumbar forward tilt, a pressure regulation system including a pressurized fluid supply (7); One fluid bag (1), one fluid inlet point (2) connected to said pressurized fluid source (7) so that said bag (1) can be filled from a first end; one fluid bag (1) including one fluid outlet point (3) at the second end through which the bag (1) can be emptied; means for detecting the presence of a user; The pressurized fluid supply source (7) is configured to inject fluid into the bag (1) through the inlet point (2) when it detects the presence of the user, so that the pressurized bag (1) pushes the buttocks of the user to promote lumbar forward tilt.

2. The device for promoting lumbar forward tilt according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure regulation system including at least a differential pressure valve.

3. The pressure regulation system 2. The device for promoting lumbar forward tilt according to claim 1, further comprising one or more first sensors forming a first sensor system (8) near the entry point (2), one or more sensors forming a second sensor system (9) for detecting the presence of a user, and one or more third sensors forming a third sensor system (10) for detecting the curvature of the bag (1) or the fluid path to the second end of the bag (1).

4. 2. The device for promoting lumbar forward tilt according to claim 1, characterized in that it is composed of two or more independent bags (1) facing in the same direction.

5. 5. The device for promoting lumbar forward tilt according to claim 4, wherein the bag (1) is connected by a structure (4).

6. 2. The device for promoting lumbar forward tilt according to claim 1, further comprising a check valve at the inlet point (2) and / or the outlet point (3).

7. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the outlet point (3) is connected to a fluid reservoir connected to the supply source (7).

8. 2. The device for promoting lumbar forward tilt according to claim 1, wherein each bag (1) includes a separating element that ensures a gap between the two sides.

9. 2. The device for promoting lumbar forward tilt according to claim 1, wherein the insides of the bags (1) close the fluid path when they lean against each other.

10. 2. The device for promoting lumbar forward tilt according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an additional exit point (3') on the outside of the second end.

11. 2. The device for promoting lumbar forward tilt according to claim 1, further comprising an outer case (11) for the bag (1).

12. 2. The device for promoting lumbar forward tilt according to claim 1, wherein the exit point (3) is configured to open and the entry point (2) to operate automatically when the presence of a user is detected.

13. The device for promoting lumbar forward tilt according to claim 12, characterized in that the power source (7) operates based on the weight and position of the user detected by a sensor system (8, 9).

Images