Ergonomically improved chaise longue
The relaxation device addresses ergonomic limitations by allowing adjustable rotation and inclination through transverse and longitudinal axes with locking mechanisms, enhancing user comfort and medical benefits.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PINARD VINCENT
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing relaxation devices, such as garden swings, lack ergonomic adjustments that allow users to achieve comfortable positions by rotating or inclining their body parts, such as elevating legs relative to the torso or changing the support side without altering the longitudinal orientation.
A relaxation device with adjustable joints that allow rotation around a transverse and longitudinal axis, equipped with locking mechanisms to maintain optimal positions, and optional electric motor control for adjusting inclines.
Enables users to achieve ergonomic comfort by adjusting the device's inclination and orientation to relieve pressure on specific body parts, providing medical benefits and enhanced user experience.
Smart Images
Figure FR2025000242_18062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Description Title of the invention: Improved ergonomic chaise longue
[0001] The invention relates generally to a relaxation device including a berth and means for suspending said berth above the ground. technical field
[0002] The invention falls within the general field of leisure furniture, and more particularly ergonomic relaxation furniture. Previous technique
[0003] In the current state of the art, we know of a model of swing, for example a garden swing, which includes a seat that can form a bench or a bed, suspended above the ground by means of a system of chains or support arms connected to an upper part of a frame placed or fixed to the ground via links allowing said seat to adopt an oscillatory movement around an axis of oscillation defined by the pivot links.
[0004] The seat of such a swing is essentially flat, so a user wishing to lie down on it cannot find a very comfortable position. Furthermore, it is generally not possible to rotate the seat of such a swing around an axis perpendicular to the axis of oscillation in order to elevate a part of a user's body in a reclining position—for example, to raise their legs relative to their torso or vice versa, or their right side relative to their left side, or vice versa—positions which can nevertheless provide the user with greater comfort than that produced by simply lying flat. Principle of the invention
[0005] The inventor, having observed the disadvantages inherent in the aforementioned state of the art, considered that it would be useful to design a relaxation device allowing a user greater comfort of use, as well as greater freedom in configuring the position of the bed in order to considerably improve the ergonomics offered by the device thus obtained. Summary of the invention
[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention thus proposes a relaxation device including a cot and means for suspending said cot above the ground, characterized in that it includes at least one adjustable joint connecting said cot to the suspension means, said joint being configured so as to allow rotation of the cot around a transverse axis, and means for locking the cot in a position obtained after rotation around the transverse axis.
[0007] Rotating the bed around a transverse axis allows for adjustment of its inclination in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse axis. This adjustment allows a user to elevate their legs relative to their torso and vice versa, thus, for example, relieving pressure on either of these body parts. Locking mechanisms, which may be intrinsic or extrinsic to the adjustable joint, will maintain the bed in a position that is optimal for the individual user, both in terms of comfort and even medical needs.
[0008] The suspension means may include a central leg with a joint located near the center of gravity of the bunk, or two suspension arms connected by joints at two longitudinal ends of the bunk.
[0009] According to a first particular embodiment of this first aspect of the invention, the suspension means include a suspension fork, the arms of which are connected to the ends of the bunk via a first and a second joint, and the central part of which is intended to be connected to a support by means of a third joint which is adjustable and configured to allow rotation of the bunk around a transverse axis.
[0010] In this first embodiment of the invention, the bunk's inclination is adjusted at the joint located in the central part of the suspension fork. The support may consist of a gantry, in which case the central part of the suspension fork will be positioned above the bunk, which will then be suspended above the ground by means of the suspension fork's arms, forming a kind of cradle. Alternatively, the support may consist of a central leg placed on or anchored to the ground, in which case the central part of the suspension fork will be positioned below the bunk, which will rest on the ends of the suspension fork's arms.
[0011] According to a second particular embodiment of this first aspect of the invention, an apparatus as described above includes at least a first and a second joint each connecting one end of said bunk to a subset of the suspension means, at least one of the first and second joints being adjustable and configured so as to allow rotation of the bunk around a transverse axis.
[0012] In this second embodiment of the invention, the bunk's inclination is adjusted at one or both of the first and second joints. The use of two joints at the ends of the bunk allows for the suspension means to be implemented in the form of a fork with arms supporting said joints, on which the ends of the bunk will rest by gravity if a central part of the fork is anchored to the ground, but also in the form of two separate feet placed on or anchored to the ground, each supporting approximately half the weight of the bunk.
[0013] However, in this second embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, it will also be possible to make the suspension means in the form of a suspension fork, the central part of which can be connected via a third joint to a hook placed high up, and the arms of which will be connected to the ends of the berth which will be attached to it via the first and second joints, in order to form a gondola.
[0014] According to a second aspect of the invention, which can be implemented alternatively or cumulatively with the first aspect described above, the suspension means are configured so as to allow rotation of the bunk around a longitudinal axis.
[0015] Rotating the bunk around its longitudinal axis allows for adjustment of its incline in the transverse direction. This adjustment makes it possible to elevate one side of the body relative to the other, thus relieving pressure on either side of the body.
[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of this second aspect, the device according to the invention further includes means for locking the bunk in a position obtained after rotation around its longitudinal axis.
[0017] The locking mechanisms allow the bunk to be held in a position that, from an ergonomic point of view, is optimal for its particular user.
[0018] As explained above, the suspension means may include a central leg with a joint located near the center of gravity of the bunk, or a suspension fork with two arms, each connected to a longitudinal end of the bunk.
[0019] According to a variant of this second aspect, the suspension means are configured so as to allow the berth to make a half turn around the longitudinal axis, the shape of the berth having an axial symmetry with respect to the transverse axis.
[0020] Such a configuration of the suspension means and the bunk allows its user to turn the latter around in order to change the support side without changing the longitudinal orientation of the bunk, or, on the contrary, to change the longitudinal orientation of the bunk without changing the support side.
[0021] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of this variant, the apparatus described above further includes two screens substantially in the shape of half-domes arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal central axis of the berth and each intended to cover approximately half of an upper surface of said berth.
[0022] Such a configuration of the device allows the user to be offered protection as well as a lateral backrest by means of either of the two screens regardless of the angular position he has chosen to give the bunk in relation to its longitudinal axis.
[0023] According to another variant of the invention, at least one of the joints includes an electric motor intended to impart a rotational movement to the bunk relative to the suspension means.
[0024] Such an electric motor could, for example, be attached to the bunk and connected to a pinion located at one end of it, in order to cooperate with a rack attached to one end of a fork included in the suspension means, and thus generate an upward or downward movement of the end of the bunk, causing the bunk to pivot around its transverse axis.
[0025] Such a variant will also incorporate locking mechanisms, as any movement of the bunk will be inhibited when the electric motor is inactive.
[0026] Advantageously, the device described above includes at least one solar panel intended to power said electric motor.
[0027] Preferably, this device is also equipped with a remote control intended to control the operation of said electric motor.
[0028] Such a remote control will allow the user to adjust the incline of the bunk without having to get out of it, and thus more easily and quickly find the configuration that suits them best. Brief description of the drawings
[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and with regard to the accompanying drawings, among which: Fig. 1
[0030] [Fig 1] is a functional diagram which represents, in front view and in a first particular configuration, a relaxation device according to an advantageous implementation method of the invention; Fig. 2
[0031] [Fig 2] is a functional diagram that represents this relaxation device from a top view; Fig.3
[0032] [Fig 3] is a functional diagram that represents this relaxation device in side view; Fig. 4
[0033] [Fig 4] is a functional diagram which represents the relaxation device in a front view in a second particular configuration; Fig. 5
[0034] [Fig 5] is a perspective view illustrating a particular embodiment of a berth that can be included in such a relaxation device; Fig. 6
[0035] [Fig 6] is a perspective view illustrating an example of a joint that could be included in such a relaxation device; Fig. 7
[0036] [Fig 7] is a sectional view illustrating another example of a joint that can be included in such a relaxation device; Fig. 8
[0037] [Fig 8] is a functional diagram which represents, in front view and in a first particular configuration, a relaxation device according to another advantageous embodiment of the invention Fig. 9
[0038] [Fig 9] is a functional diagram which represents, in front view and in a first particular configuration, a relaxation device according to a variant of the invention; Fig. 10
[0039] [Fig 10] is a functional diagram which represents this relaxation device in its first configuration from a top view; Fig. II
[0040] [Fig 11] is a functional diagram which represents, in front view and in a second particular configuration, a relaxation device according to a variant of the invention; and Fig. 12
[0041] [Fig 12] is a functional diagram that represents this relaxation device in its second configuration from a top view. Description of the implementation methods
[0042] Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, considered together, represent in schematic form a relaxation device according to a first aspect of the invention, including a berth SI and means for suspending said berth above the ground, which include a suspension fork S2 whose arms are connected to ends of the berth SI via a first and a second joint (A1, A2), and whose central part is intended to be connected to a support by means of a third joint A3. According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the first, second and third joints (A1, A2, A3) is adjustable and configured so as to allow rotation of the berth SI about a transverse axis (Z, Z1), the device further including means for locking the berth SI in a position obtained after rotation about said transverse axis (Z, Z1).
[0043] Rotating the bunk around a transverse axis (Z, Zl) allows its inclination to be adjusted in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis X, perpendicular to the axis Transverse (Z, Zl). This adjustment allows a user to raise their legs relative to their torso and vice versa, thus relieving pressure on either part of the body. Locking mechanisms, which may be intrinsic or extrinsic to the adjustable joint, will maintain the bed in a position that is optimal for the individual user, both in terms of comfort and even medical needs.
[0044] According to a first particular embodiment of this first aspect of the invention, it is the third joint A3 which is adjustable and configured so as to allow a rotation of the berth SI around a transverse axis Z.
[0045] In this first embodiment of the invention, the inclination of the bunk SI is adjusted at the joint A3 located in the central part of the suspension fork S2. The support may consist of a gantry (not shown here), in which case the central part of the suspension fork S2 will be positioned above the bunk SI, which will then be suspended above the ground by means of the arms of the suspension fork S2, in order to form a kind of gondola, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3.
[0046] Alternatively, the support may consist of a central foot placed on the ground or anchored in it, in which case the central part of the suspension fork S2 will be positioned below the bunk SI which will rest on the ends of the arms of the suspension fork.
[0047] According to a second particular embodiment of this first aspect of the invention, at least one of the first and second joints (Al, A2) is adjustable and configured so as to allow a rotation of the bunk SI around a transverse axis (Z, Zl).
[0048] In this second embodiment of the invention, the adjustment of the inclination of the bunk SI is carried out at the level of one and / or the other of the first and second joints (A1, A2).
[0049] In this second embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, the suspension means include a suspension fork S2, the central part of which can be connected via the third joint A3 to a hook arranged at a height, and whose arms will be connected to the ends of the berth SI which will be attached to it via the first and second joints (A1, A2), in order to form a gondola, as represented by Figures 1, 2 and 3.
[0050] Alternatively, the implementation of two joints (Al, A2) arranged at the ends of the berth SI allows the suspension means to be made in the form of a fork S2 having arms bearing said joints (Al, A2) on which the ends of the berth SI will rest by gravity if a central part of the fork is anchored to the ground, but also in the form of two separate feet placed on the ground or anchored in it, each bearing about half the weight of the berth.
[0051] Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 further illustrate a second aspect of the invention, in which the suspension means are configured to allow rotation of the bunk SI around a longitudinal axis X, thereby enabling adjustment of its inclination in a transverse direction. Such adjustment makes it possible to raise one side of the body relative to the other, and thus relieve blood pressure on either side of the body.
[0052] As explained above, the suspension means may include a central foot with a joint located near the center of gravity of the bunk SI, or a suspension fork S2 with two arms each connected to a longitudinal end of the bunk SI.
[0053] In the particular embodiment represented by Figures 1, 2 and 3, the suspension means are configured so as to allow the berth SI to make a half turn around the longitudinal axis X, the shape of the berth SI having axial symmetry with respect to the transverse axis Z.
[0054] In this embodiment, the SI berth has an inclined and inverted "S" shaped section in the first configuration illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, formed by two distal parts DPI and DP2 framing a median part MDP and respectively connected to the first and second joints Al and A2. Each distal part DPI or DP2 has here, with respect to the median part MDP, an inclination P approximately equal to 120°.
[0055] As Figure 4 shows, such a configuration of the suspension means and the bunk allows its user to turn the latter around in order to change the support side without changing the longitudinal orientation of the bunk, or, on the contrary, to change the longitudinal orientation of the bunk without changing the support side.
[0056] In the particularly advantageous embodiment represented by Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, the apparatus described above further includes two screens (QD1, QD2) substantially in the shape of half-domes arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central axis X of the berth SI and each intended to cover approximately half of an upper surface of said berth SI.
[0057] Figure 5 illustrates in perspective an advantageous embodiment of the SI bunk, which here forms a single unit with the two screens (QD1, QD2), each of which offers a user of the SI bunk protection as well as a lateral backrest regardless of the angular position he or she has chosen to give the bunk with respect to its longitudinal axis X.
[0058] The sleeping platform shown here has an ergonomically designed shape to produce an optimal distribution of load factors, in terms of the user's weight and blood pressure, and can advantageously be equipped with a comfort mattress, as well as at least one additional cushion, to make the user's positioning against the screen more comfortable, on the one hand, but also to allow modulation of the angles between distal parts DPI or DP2 and medial part MDP corresponding to the user's knee and hip joints, on the other hand, which will allow obtaining a higher or lower knee height in a knee-head alignment of the user.
[0059] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a first joint A1 that can be included in a relaxation device as described above. This embodiment is advantageous due to its low manufacturing cost, as it uses relatively inexpensive components to produce and assemble. In this example, the first joint A1 includes a first cylindrical sleeve M1, designed to slide along one end ES2 of a portion of the suspension means. This end could be the end of an arm of a suspension fork connected to a central part located above or below the bunk, but it could also be the end of a vertical arm resting directly on the floor or anchored to it.This end is provided with a series of through adjustment orifices OT distributed along a vertical axis Yl, the wall of the first cylindrical sleeve Ml being provided with at least two through locking orifices 01 placed opposite each other and having a diameter corresponding to that of the adjustment orifices OT, one. pin GP1 ensuring that the first cylindrical sleeve Ml is held in position when its position vis-à-vis the end ES2 is deemed satisfactory by the user of the device.
[0060] The first sleeve Ml is equipped with two positioning tabs FR intended to accommodate between them a vertical tab LG, these elements being equipped with passage holes through which a bolt BL1 is provided in order to make a pivot connection allowing the tab LG to rotate around the axis formed by said bolt BL1.
[0061] The LG tongue is integral with a second cylindrical sleeve M2, inside of which is placed an ESI end of a cylindrical shaft which is itself integral with the berth.
[0062] Thus, a vertical translation of the first sleeve M1 will result in the bunk tilting in the longitudinal direction X, achieved by rotation around a transverse axis whose position depends on the structure chosen for the second joint connecting the other end of the bunk to the suspension system. If this second joint is a ball joint, the bunk will rotate around a transverse axis passing through the center of this ball joint. If the second joint has a structure similar to the one shown here, the position of the transverse axis of rotation will depend on the setting chosen by the user at each of the first and second joints. In the case of antisymmetrical settings, the transverse axis of rotation will pass through the middle of the bunk.
[0063] In the advantageous embodiment shown here, the ESI end of the bunk can rotate within the second sleeve M2 to allow a 180° rotation of the bunk around its longitudinal axis X, the advantages of which have been explained above. The wall of the second cylindrical sleeve M2 is provided with at least two through-locking holes 02 positioned opposite each other, intended to be aligned with through holes in the ESI end of the cylindrical shaft attached to the bunk at various angular positions defining preset inclinations of the bunk around its longitudinal axis X. A pin GP2, capable of passing through the through holes 02 and the through holes in the second sleeve M2, allows the bunk to be held in a position that, from an ergonomic point of view, will be considered optimal for its user.
[0064] Figure 7 shows in section another possible embodiment of a first joint A1 that can be included in a relaxation device as described above.
[0065] In this other embodiment, the ES2 end of the suspension means is provided with a CRM rack, while a sleeve M3 attached to the ESI end of the berth includes a toothed wheel suitable for cooperating with the CRM rack and intended to be driven in rotation around a transverse axis by an electric motor MOT.
[0066] This alternative embodiment is advantageous because the locking of the berth in position after adjustment of its position obtained by rotating the toothed wheel RD is carried out automatically thanks to the motor brake intrinsic to the MOT motor.
[0067] In addition, the MOT motor, the RD gear and the CRM rack allow for remote, motorized adjustment of the Al articulation configuration and therefore allow a user to change the inclination of their bunk by means of control buttons located on it, and / or a manual remote control, i.e. by remaining in position on the bunk so as to better appreciate in real time the effects of their adjustments.
[0068] Figure 8 schematically represents an alternative motorized embodiment in which the third articulation A3 includes a central toothed wheel RD3 intended to cooperate with a substantially semi-circular toothed ring CR3 arranged in the central part of a suspension fork S2 whose arms are connected to the ends of the berth SI via a first and second articulation (A1, A2).
[0069] Such a motorized embodiment also allows a user to change the inclination of their bunk while remaining in position on it, so as to better appreciate the effects of their adjustments in real time.
[0070] The electrical energy required to set in motion the moving parts included in the motorized embodiments of figures 7 and 8 can come from the electrical network, but also from a battery powered by the network or by a local electricity generation system including a solar panel or a wind turbine.
[0071] Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12, to be considered together, represent in schematic form a relaxation device according to a variant of the invention, including a berth SI and means for suspending said berth above the ground, which include a central leg CFT one end of which is anchored to the ground GND, while the other is connected to a central part MDC of the berth SI via a ball joint schematically represented here by a cup HCP hosting a hemisphere HSP a section of which is integral with a lower surface of said central part MDC.
[0072] According to this embodiment of the invention, the HCP cup and the HSP hemisphere form a single adjustable joint A31 configured to allow rotation of the bunk SI about a transverse axis Z. The device further includes means for locking the bunk SI in a position obtained after rotation about said transverse axis (Z). These locking means are not shown here to avoid unnecessarily complicating the diagrams, and may in particular consist of means for clamping the HSP hemisphere, such as one or more pressure screws passing through the wall of the HCP cup to bear against the surface of the HSP hemisphere.
[0073] It should also be noted here that a rotational movement of the berth around the transverse axis Z can also be obtained by replacing respectively the hemisphere HSP and the cup HCP included in the single joint A31 with a half-cylinder of axis Z and a channel of semi-circular section of axis Z, which will thus form a pivot joint of axis Z.
[0074] In this variant of the invention, the suspension means are further configured to allow the berth SI to make a half turn around a longitudinal axis X, the shape of the berth SI being formed by two distal parts DPI and DP2 framing a middle part MDF, which partially surrounds the central part MDC connected to the central foot CFT.
[0075] In this embodiment, the MDF middle part of the bunk SI surrounds the central part MDC and is connected to it by means of two pivot links PV1 and PV2 coaxial with each other and with the longitudinal axis X. Locking means formed here by through latches L1 and L2 allow the bunk SI to be held in position in one or the other of its two possible orientations after rotation around the longitudinal axis X, when the ends of said latches L1 and L2 are inserted into holes provided in inner perimeter slices of the MDF middle part.
[0076] Thus, a user of the device who will have initially been placed in the first configuration illustrated by figures 9 and 10 will be able, after unlocking the latches L1 and L2 by retracting their ends, to impart to the bunk SI a rotational movement around the longitudinal axis X as shown in figure 10, an opening OP made in the perimeter of the middle part MDF allowing the central leg CFT not to obstruct such a rotation.
[0077] When a rotation of 180° around the longitudinal axis X has been carried out, the device will be placed in the second configuration illustrated by figures 11 and 12, in which the upper surface of the berth SI is the surface which was the lower surface of said berth in the first configuration illustrated by figures 9 and 10.
[0078] This rotation allows the user's body positioning to be reversed, enabling them to regain their posture while maintaining the longitudinal orientation of the SI bunk.
Claims
Demands 1. Relaxation device including a berth (SI) and means for suspending said berth above the ground, characterized in that it includes at least one adjustable joint (A1, A2, A3) connecting said berth (SI) to the suspension means, said joint being configured to allow rotation of the berth around a transverse axis (Z, Z1), and means for locking (GP1, 01) the berth (SI) in a position obtained after rotation around the transverse axis (Z, Z1).
2. Relaxation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the suspension means include a suspension fork (S2), the arms of which are connected to the ends of the berth (SI) via a first and a second joint (A1, A2), and the central part of which is intended to be connected to a support by means of a third joint (A3) which is adjustable and configured so as to allow rotation of the berth (SI) around a transverse axis (Z).
3. Relaxation device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes at least one first and one second joint (Al, A2) each connecting one end of said berth (SI) to a subset of the suspension means (S2), at least one of the first and second joints (Al, A2) being adjustable and configured so as to allow rotation of the berth (SI) around a transverse axis (Z, Zl).
4. Relaxation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the suspension means are further configured to allow rotation of the berth (SI) around a longitudinal axis (X).
5. Relaxation device according to claim 4, characterized in that it further includes locking means (GP2, 02) of the berth (SI) in a position obtained after rotation around its longitudinal axis (X).
6. Relaxation device according to claim 5, characterized in that the suspension means are configured so as to allow the berth (SI) to make a half turn around the longitudinal axis (X), the shape of the berth (SI) having axial symmetry with respect to the transverse axis (Z).
7. Relaxation device according to claim 6, characterized in that it further includes two screens (QD1, QD2) substantially in the shape of half-domes arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal central axis (X) of the berth (SI) and each intended to cover approximately one half of an upper surface of said berth (SI).
8. Relaxation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the joints includes an electric motor intended to impart a rotational movement to the bunk relative to the suspension means.
9. Relaxation device according to claim 8, characterized in that it includes at least one solar panel for supplying energy to said electric motor.
10. Relaxation device according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that it is further equipped with a remote control for controlling the operation of said electric motor.