rocking device

Abstract

To provide a simple, safe, and usable rocking device for hyperactive children that can help them concentrate on sitting, improve their posture while focusing on work or tasks, alleviate back pain, prevent drowsiness, and allow them to ride with confidence as their center of gravity does not shift significantly even when the weight-bearing surface rocks. [Solution] A rocking device characterized by being composed of a top plate and a flat cushion body with an elastic hollow structure that is filled with fluid and inflated beneath it, in which the top plate swings like a seesaw in 360 degrees around a pivot point that is formed in a part of the cushion body when a load is applied to the top plate.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a swinging device with a swinging load surface.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are swinging chairs intended to alleviate lower back pain and fatigue caused by sitting on a chair for long periods, and similarly to the present invention, the top plate is supported by an elastic material. In both cases, the top plate swings around a solid fulcrum, so differences in the properties of the elastic material lead to differences in the swinging motion. In addition, there are restrictions on the environments where the device can be placed without legs, which poses problems in terms of convenience and versatility.

[0003] Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a swinging chair used for the purpose of enhancing concentration on sitting for children with hyperactivity associated with developmental disorders. this is Since the seat surface swings with the floor surface as the fulcrum, the swing width of the seat surface is large, and there is a risk of the chair tipping over or the user falling off if the chair swings vigorously. In addition, since the chair rotates due to the gap formed between the chair's ground contact surface and the floor surface, there is a risk that the toes of the user or other people may be caught in the gap, which poses a safety problem.

[0004] Non-Patent Document 2 is a chair intended to relieve lower back pain, improve posture during work, train muscles, promote blood circulation, and burn calories. Since a balance ball is used as the elastic material, the contact area between the balance ball and the top plate is small, making the top plate unstable. In addition, since the fulcrum for the swinging motion of the top plate shifts between the bottom surface, the hollow interior, and the top surface of the balance ball depending on the user's movement, the motion of the top plate becomes irregular and unstable, causing the user to focus their attention on controlling their posture, which reduces their concentration on work, tasks, and the like. Furthermore, the structure poses problems in terms of versatility and portability.

[0005] Balance balls and balance cushions are commonly used as rocking devices when used while seated. Because the seat itself is cushioned, when the user sits on them, their pelvis sinks in, and the load is distributed across the entire lower pelvis, widening the base of support and making it difficult for the user to perceive the load on their ischial tuberosities. Therefore, once the user is seated and at rest, they become stable, and in order to obtain sensory stimulation for movement and balance, the user needs to consciously shift their weight and move up and down. As a result, there is a problem in that it becomes difficult to concentrate on work or tasks when trying to do so while seated.

[0006] Many people use balance balls as chairs for office work. However, when concentrating on office work, the balance ball often remains almost stationary. The main purposes of using balance balls are to improve posture, prevent and alleviate lower back pain and stiff shoulders, and prevent drowsiness while working. To achieve these effects, it is necessary to sit on the balance ball and move the pelvis back and forth, left and right, or up and down to obtain sensory stimulation of movement and balance. However, such movements are infrequent during office work, and the effects are often not fully realized. This is thought to be because, similar to Non-Patent Document 1, the pivot point for the rocking motion of the seat is on the floor, resulting in a large amplitude of swing and shifting of the user's center of gravity. Therefore, in addition to the conscious movement required to rock the ball, attention must also be paid to the risk of falling or tipping over, making it difficult to concentrate on office work. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Publication No. 2-121841 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-58719 [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] Balance chair for children with developmental disabilities and hyperactivity, special support class, Falcon Main Store, [searched February 28, 2025], Internet <https: / / www.falconshop.jp / product / 4094> [Non-Patent Document 2] Sprang Chair, TECHPEDIA [Accessed February 28, 2025], Internet <https: / / techpedia.ta3.com / technologie-pre-ludi / novinky / biznis-a-technologie / 3314 / kancelarska-stolicka-sprang-chair-vyuziva-fit-loptu-pre-dynamicke-sedenie> [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The background technologies described above have challenges in terms of simplicity, safety, and versatility. The objective of the present invention is to provide a rocking device that can be used easily, safely by anyone, and is highly versatile and can be used anywhere, for purposes such as enabling hyperactive children with developmental disabilities to improve their concentration on sitting, improve their posture while concentrating on work or tasks, alleviate back pain, prevent drowsiness, and feel safe riding on it because the user's center of gravity does not shift significantly even when the load surface rocks greatly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and is a rocking device characterized by a top plate that swings like a seesaw in 360 degrees using a fluid fulcrum. The top plate and the elastic, hollow, flat cushion body provided beneath it that is filled with fluid and expands The structure consists of a flat plate fixed to the underside of the cushion body, with legs provided on the underside of the flat plate.The cushion body has a flat top and bottom surface. Its top surface is flexible, but becomes rigid when it comes into surface contact with a top plate that is larger than the top surface. When a load is applied anywhere other than the center of the top plate, the fluid compressed at the load point on the top plate flows in the hollow of the cushion body toward the opposite side of the center of the cushion body, causing the top plate to tilt with a single point on the top surface of the cushion body as the pivot point. As the load point on the top plate moves, the top plate oscillates. This movement is like a seesaw, moving 360 degrees around the pivot point formed on the top surface of the cushion body. This pivot point is supported by the fluid and is not supported by any solid, so it can be called a fluid pivot point. In this specification, the term "fluid pivot point" has the meaning described above.

[0011] This invention cushion body The shape of the cushion is preferably a perfect circular disc. The edges of the upper and lower surfaces of the cushion are beveled R-shaped convex curves. The shape of the top plate is preferably a circle with a diameter equal to that of the cushion. The top plate and the cushion are joined to the extent that their centers are aligned but they do not separate, and they function as a single oscillating device. In this configuration, the fulcrum for the fluid is formed at the center of the upper surface of the cushion.

[0012] This invention The basic embodiment is one used as a chair. Chairs designed for specific age groups and usage scenarios Convenience It can improve. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] First, let's discuss the effects on the sensory characteristics of hyperactivity. One of the causes of hyperactivity in developmental disorders is sensory impairment of proprioception and vestibular senses, leading to a lack of movement and balance. Movement is perceived by proprioception, and balance is perceived by vestibular sense. When the brain perceives sensory impairment, it commands actions to compensate for the deficiency. When proprioception and vestibular senses are impaired, the brain commands more movement to compensate for the lack of movement and balance. Even in situations where one should remain still, the brain commands movement, resulting in behaviors such as walking around or running, i.e., hyperactive behavior.

[0014] Accordingly, a hyperactive person sitting on the rocking device of the present invention obtains sensory stimulation of movement and balance, which satisfies sensory seeking, reduces hyperactive behavior, and produces the effect of increasing concentration on sitting.

[0015] Next, the conscious effects will be described. When a user sits on the rocking device of the present invention, the seating surface rocks in response to even a slight shift in body weight due to the fluid fulcrum. The seating surface rocks even with unconscious body movement, and the brain can obtain sensory stimulation of movement and balance through the unconscious postural righting reflex.

[0016] Therefore, the user can obtain sensory stimulation of movement and balance while concentrating their consciousness on work or tasks, and this has the secondary effects of improving posture, alleviating lower back pain, and preventing drowsiness.

[0017] In addition, even when a user intentionally makes a large shift in body weight, the top plate will not swing forward, backward, left, or right because the top plate is in contact with the fluid fulcrum. Since the user responds to the rocking of the top plate by tilting their pelvis forward, backward, left, and right, they are unlikely to feel a risk of falling or tipping, and can use the device safely and with peace of mind.

[0018] The mechanism of the secondary effects is as follows.

[0019] The correct sitting posture on a chair is fundamentally a state where the pelvis is slightly anteverted and body weight is evenly applied to the ischial tuberosities on both sides. In the present invention, when a user sits with their center of gravity line aligned with the fluid fulcrum, the posture adjustment function for evenly loading both ischial tuberosities operates. In the present invention, since the seating surface is plate-shaped and rigid, the supporting base surface is narrow, and the user can easily sense the load on the ischial tuberosities. When the posture collapses and the center of gravity deviates, the seating surface tilts, so the user attempts to apply their body weight evenly to both ischial tuberosities to keep the seating surface horizontal. This occurs even unconsciously, and can also be consciously controlled. Therefore, by using the present invention on a daily basis, posture is gradually improved.

[0020] In addition, the posture adjustment function constantly stimulates the brain through proprioception, vestibular sensation and the like, the brain is continuously activated, which makes it easier to concentrate consciousness on work and tasks, and is effective in preventing drowsiness.

[0021] When sitting on a chair for a long time, specific muscles in the lumbar region are burdened, which often leads to fatigue-induced low back pain. When a user sits on the present invention and the seat surface swings, the pelvis tilts forward, backward, leftward and rightward, so that a plurality of muscles around the lumbar region repeatedly contract and relax, blood circulation is maintained, and the present invention is effective in preventing fatigue-induced low back pain.

[0022] Since the present invention has a simple configuration and can be reduced in weight, it is portable and can be handled easily. Since the fulcrum of the fluid is in contact with the top plate, the top plate does not swing forward, backward, leftward or rightward, the risk of the user falling off or toppling over is low, the present invention is safe, and can be used by people from children to the elderly Therefore with high versatility. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a reference embodiment for assisting understanding of the structure of the top plate and the cushion body which are the swinging part of the present invention shown in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the swinging part shown in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a top view of the swinging part shown in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the swinging part shown in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the basic embodiment of the present invention and Embodiment 2. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0024] Figure 1 shows the Oscillating part perspective view of the present invention. This is a swinging tool in which a top plate 1 as a load-bearing portion and a cushion body 2 that causes the top plate 1 to swing are joined together by an elastic body 3 to form an integral unit. thisIn terms of form, the top plate 1 is circular, and the cushion body 2 is a disc shape with the same diameter as the top plate 1. Figure 2 is a front view, Figure 3 is a top view, and Figure 4 is a bottom view.

[0025] The top plate 1 is made of wood, various resins, or other materials that are hard and thick enough not to deform under load, depending on the purpose, and its upper surface 11 and lower surface 12 are flat and horizontal.

[0026] The cushion body 2 is a hollow structure that is filled with fluid and inflated, using a material with low elasticity such as polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, thermoplastic rubber, etc. The upper surface 21 and lower surface 22 are soft planes, and their periphery is a chamfered R-shaped convex curved surface. That is the case.

[0027] If weight reduction is a priority, a gas is preferable for the filling fluid. If stability is a priority, a liquid is also acceptable. Furthermore, the fluid is not limited to gases and liquids; sols, gels, and non-Newtonian fluids are also included.

[0028] When a load is applied to the top plate 1, the upper surface 21 of the cushion body 2, while flexible, becomes rigid by making surface contact with the lower surface 12 of the top plate 1, forming a unified structure. When a load is applied anywhere other than the center of the top plate 1, the fluid compressed at the load point on the top plate 1 flows in the hollow of the cushion body 2 toward the opposite side of the center of the cushion body 2, causing the top plate 1 to tilt with the center of the upper surface 21 as the fulcrum. As the load point on the top plate 1 moves, the top plate 1 oscillates, but this movement is like a seesaw in a 360-degree direction around the aforementioned fulcrum. This fulcrum is supported by the fluid and not by any solid, so it can be called a fluid fulcrum.

[0029] Joining the top panel 1 and cushion body 2 is the top plate 1 Perform the operation within a range that does not restrict the oscillation. basicThe joining method involves connecting elastic cord material 3 through the lower surface 22 of the cushion body 2 at four points where two perpendicular lines intersect the outer periphery of the top plate 1 at the center of the top plate 1, and at each point symmetrical with respect to the center of the top plate 1, and securing them with fixing members 31 at each position on the outer periphery of the top plate 1, thereby holding the cushion body 2. The elastic cord material is preferably a rubber band. The above joining method is defined in this specification as the rubber band joining method. Note that the elastic cord material used in the rubber band joining method is not limited to a rubber band.

[0030] Furthermore, the joining method is not limited to the rubber band method. For example, one method is to join the top plate 1 and the cushion body in a circular shape using adhesive, covering a joining area 7 that is one-third of the diameter of the central part of the cushion body. This joining method is defined herein as the adhesive joining method. Alternatively, the same joining area 7 as the adhesive joining method may be joined with hook-and-loop fasteners so that it can be removed. This joining method is defined herein as the hook-and-loop fastener joining method. Alternatively, the rubber band joining method may be used in combination with the adhesive method or the hook-and-loop fastener method.

[0031] Tabletop 1 The shape of cushion body 2 is circular. Or each It may also be a polygon. If the cushion body 2 is a shape other than circular, the pivot point of the fluid shifts due to the oscillation of the top plate 1, so the degree of oscillation changes depending on the combination, and various combinations can be implemented depending on the purpose of use.

[0032] However, regardless of the shape of the top plate 1 and the cushion body 2, in order for a fluid support point to exist on the upper surface 21, the top plate 1 must be large enough to cover the upper surface 21.

[0033] That's all. Oscillating part The characteristics are the same as those of each of the following embodiments, so the explanation of the similar parts will be omitted. each Corresponding sections are denoted with the same symbol and explained accordingly. [Examples]

[0034] Example 1 This invention Reference to aid in understanding the structure of the oscillating part. Figure 1 is an oblique view, Figure 2 is a front view, Figure 3 is a top view, and Figure 4 is a bottom view. show.

[0035] When the present invention is implemented in the form of a chair, The tabletop 1 is large enough for a user to sit on with their buttocks resting on it, and its diameter is preferably 20 to 25 centimeters for infants, 25 to 30 centimeters for children, and 30 to 35 centimeters for adults.

[0036] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide cushioning material on the upper surface 11 to prevent pelvic slippage and improve sitting comfort. The cushioning material is not limited to any material that fulfills its purpose. However, it is preferable that the cushioning material has enough cushioning properties to sense the load on the ischial tuberosity when a load is applied.

[0037] The ratio of the thickness to the diameter of cushion 2 should be such that the user does not slide off when the tabletop is at its maximum incline. For adults, a ratio of 1:5 to 1:6 is preferable. For infants and children, a ratio of 1:6 to 1:7 is acceptable to prevent the incline from becoming too steep.

[0038] When using Example 1 as a seat for the swinging part alone, When used on a chair, bench, or table, the height from the floor to the top surface 11 should preferably be such that the user's hip and knee joints are bent at a 90-degree angle and the soles of their feet are touching the floor when seated. However, this does not apply when placed on the floor.

[0039] When using the present invention as a chair This document explains how to use and how it works. The user Tabletop 1 When a user sits on the table, if their kinesthetic and vestibular senses are functioning normally, they will unconsciously adjust their seating position so that the tabletop 1 is horizontal, resulting in the user's center of gravity passing through the fluid's pivot point. Subsequently, due to the user's unconscious body movements and conscious shifts in their center of gravity, the tabletop 1 swings like a seesaw in 360 degrees around the fluid's pivot point, allowing the user to receive sensory stimulation of movement and balance.

[0040] The top plate 1 and the cushion body 2 are preferably joined by a rubber band method, and more preferably a combination of the rubber band method and an adhesive method or a hook-and-loop fastener method may be used. However, the joining method is not limited to these.

[0041] Example 1 As a seat for the oscillating part alone When using the tabletop 1 by placing it on the seat of a chair, if the chair has a backrest or armrests, or if a table is set up in front of it, it is best not to lean against them. If you lean against them, the degree of oscillation of the tabletop 1 will decrease, and the effect of the oscillation will be reduced. [Examples]

[0042] Figure 5 shows the present invention. Basic form This is a perspective view of Example 2, which will be implemented as follows. This is an example of its use as a chair. The characteristics of cushion body 2 are the same as in Example 1.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5 The shape of the tabletop 1 is square, and the diameter of its inscribed circle is equal to the diameter of the cushion body 2. The corners of the tabletop 1 are beveled. To increase rearward stability, the rear legs of the legs 5 are spread outwards and rearward. Yes, there is. The diameter of the inscribed circle of the top plate 1 is the same as the specified diameter of the top plate 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0044] In Example 2, the height from the floor to the top surface 11 is preferably such that the user's hip and knee joints are bent at a 90-degree angle and the soles of their feet are on the floor when seated. Furthermore, a backrest and armrests are not provided because leaning against them would reduce the degree of oscillation of the top plate 1, thus diminishing the effect of the oscillation.

[0045] In Example 2, the joining of the top plate 1 and the flat plate 4 can be done by connecting the four corners of the top plate 1 and the four corners of the flat plate 4 with rubber bands, as a variation of the rubber band joining method. In this case, the joining of the cushion body 2 to the top plate 1 and the flat plate 4 may be done in combination with an adhesive method or a hook-and-loop fastener method.

[0046] The method of use and action in Example 2 are the same as in Example 1.

[0047] Example 2 This section explains the effects and benefits of using this product on hyperactive tendencies.

[0048] In human sensory function, the sense of movement is perceived by proprioception, and the sense of balance is perceived by vestibular sensation. Human senses are known as the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, but in development from infancy to childhood, proprioception and vestibular sensation, in addition to the five senses, play an important role as the seven senses.

[0049] There are significant individual differences in how easily or insensitive people are perceived. A tendency to be more sensitive is called hypersensitivity, while a tendency to be less sensitive is called hyposensitivity or insensitivity. There are two patterns of reaction to these sensory biases: a passive reaction or an active reaction.

[0050] A passive response to hypersensitive sensations is a state of sensory hypersensitivity, where individuals appear easily distracted, impulsive, or aggressive due to their heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli. An active response, on the other hand, is a state of sensory avoidance, where individuals avoid those sensory stimuli.

[0051] A passive response to insensitive senses results in a state called low response or low registration, where sensory stimuli do not easily reach the brain, making it difficult to notice stimuli or maintain attention. An active response, on the other hand, is a state of sensory seeking where individuals try to take in more sensory stimuli to compensate for the lack of stimuli, leading to impulsive and hyperactive behavior.

[0052] Hyperactivity refers to the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity that are characteristic of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a type of developmental disorder. These symptoms include hyperactive behaviors such as leaving one's seat when required, being unable to sit still, and acting impulsively. In recent years, in childcare and education settings, there has been an increase in the number of children who exhibit hyperactive tendencies, even among those not diagnosed with developmental disorders by doctors. These children often have difficulty participating in group activities and concentrating due to behaviors such as wandering around and being unable to sit still.

[0053] One of the causes of hyperactivity and impulsivity is the sensory dysregulation of proprioception and vestibular sensation, which leads to a lack of movement and balance. Even in situations where one should remain still, the brain commands movement, resulting in hyperactive behaviors such as wandering or moving around.

[0054] Therefore, Example 2 If children with hyperactive tendencies can sit down and receive sensory stimulation related to movement and balance while seated, their sensory exploration needs will be satisfied, hyperactive behavior will decrease, and they will be able to sit for longer periods and concentrate on activities more easily.

[0055] In Example 2, the shapes of the tabletop 1, cushion body 2, flat plate 4, and legs 5 can be appropriately changed depending on the user's age and usage environment. For example, when used in a workplace environment, the tabletop 1, cushion body 2, and flat plate 4 may be made into circles of the same diameter, and the four legs of the legs 5 may be evenly arranged at the four corners. By using this during work or meetings, it is expected that it will be easier to concentrate on the content, good posture will be maintained, fatigue-related lower back pain will be alleviated, and drowsiness will be prevented. [Examples]

[0056] Embodiment 3, which implements the rocking device of the present invention in the form of a balance training device used by a person, has the same configuration as the basic embodiment. The legs are short, and the size of the oscillating part is as follows.

[0057] In Example 3, the diameters of the top plate 1 and cushion body 2 are preferably 50 to 60 centimeters, considering the need for a standing and balancing posture. Furthermore, the ratio of the height to the diameter of the cushion body 2 is preferably 1:6 to 1:7.

[0058] Balance cushions and balance boards are commonly used as balance training equipment. Balance cushions have a cushioned load-bearing surface, making their movement complex and balance control difficult, and thus difficult for beginners to use. Also, most balance boards have a rigid spherical body located beneath the top plate that makes contact with the ground, causing oscillation. This creates a distance between the load-bearing point on the top plate and the pivot point of the oscillation, causing the load-bearing point to swing back and forth and side to side, making balance control difficult, and these are also difficult for beginners to use. In Example 3, the top surface 11 is a rigid plane, and the top plate 1 and the fluid pivot point are in contact. As a result, the user's center of gravity does not swing significantly, making it easier for beginners to control their balance and concentrate on training.

[0059] In Example 3, the shape of the top plate 1 and cushion body 2 can be appropriately changed to suit the purpose of balance training and the type of sport. For example, it may be square for use in a quadruped position, or oval for use as balance training equipment for surfing, snowboarding, etc. [Examples]

[0060] Embodiment 4, which implements the rocking device of the present invention in the form of a children's play equipment, has the same configuration as the basic embodiment. The legs are short, and the size of the oscillating part is as follows.

[0061] The diameters of the tabletop 1 and cushion body 2 in Example 4 are determined by the environment of the installation location and the number and ages of children who will be using it simultaneously. For example, if it is assumed that four toddlers will be using it at the same time, a diameter of 120 cm to 150 cm is preferable. In addition, the ratio of the height to the diameter of the cushion body 2 is preferably 1:7 to 1:8.

[0062] When multiple children stand on top of platform 1 and move around it, a seesaw-like oscillation occurs in all 360 degrees around the fluid's pivot point, allowing the children to enjoy developing their sense of balance.

[0063] Furthermore, as a variation of Example 4, the shapes of the tabletop 1 and cushion body 2 can be changed to a triangle for use by 3 people, a square for use by 4 people, etc., or they can be constructed by combining different shapes.

[0064] The numerical values ​​such as lengths and ratios in this specification are merely examples.

[0065] Although typical embodiments of the rocking device of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible. Rocking devices having the characteristics shown in the basic embodiment, including these modifications, are included in the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1. Tabletop Top surface of 11 1 12 1 bottom surface 2 cushion body Top surface of 21 2 22 2 lower surface 3 Rubber bands 31 3 Fixing member 4 flat plate 5 legs Outer edge of 6 21 7. Bonding methods: adhesive bonding and hook-and-loop fastener bonding range. Outer edge of 8 22

Claims

1. A rocking device in which a top plate can swing in the circumferential direction in response to a load, comprising a top plate and a cushion body having an elastic hollow structure fixed to the lower surface of the top plate and expanding into a flat shape when filled with fluid, further comprising a flat plate fixed to the lower surface of the cushion body and legs provided on the lower surface of the flat plate, wherein the cushion body has a substantially flat upper and lower surface and forms a sealed space in which the fluid filled inside can move in response to an external force, the top plate has a planar shape larger than the upper surface of the cushion body, and the central part of the lower surface of the top plate is fixed to the central part of the upper surface of the cushion body, wherein when the load point on the top plate moves, the fluid inside the cushion body moves and becomes unevenly distributed, locally supporting the lower surface of the top plate and functioning as a pivot point for the top plate to swing, thereby enabling the top plate to swing in the circumferential direction.

2. The rocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cushion body is disc-shaped, with the edges of its upper and lower surfaces formed as R-shaped convex curved surfaces, and the top plate is circular with the same diameter as the cushion body, and the two are joined at the center with their centers aligned, so that the pivot point of the rocking motion formed when a load is applied to the top plate is located at the center of the upper surface of the cushion body.

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