Ergonomic seating device

Abstract

Seating device (1) comprising a base plate (2) for a user to sit on and a pelvic support (3) for supporting in a vertical position the pelvis of a user sitting on said base plate (2) without supporting or immobilising said user's vertebrae, wherein said pelvic support (3) is configured for contacting said pelvis (9) at the posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS) (91) and/or at the iliac crests (92), without any contact to said user's vertebrae wherein said seating device is configured for maintaining an angle of 93 to 97 between the vertically supported pelvis (9) and the femoral bones of said user. In embodiments, the seating device includes a mechanism to encourage the user's upper body mobility, for example a convex base.

Claims

1. Seating device comprising: a base plate for a user to sit on; and a pelvic support for supporting in a vertical position the pelvis of a user sitting on said base plate without supporting or immobilizing said user's vertebrae, wherein said pelvic support is configured for contacting said pelvis at the posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS) and/or at the iliac crests, without any contact to said user's vertebrae, wherein said seating device is configured for providing an angle of 93 to 97 between the pelvic support and the upper side of the base plate.

2. Seating device according to claim 1, wherein said seating device is foldable and further comprises a hinge, for attaching said pelvic support at or near a back edge of said base plate such that when the seating device is in a folded position, the pelvic support lies substantially parallel to the base plate, and when the seating device is in an unfolded position the pelvic support is stopped at an angle of 93 to 97 with an upper side of said base plate.

3. Seating device according to claim 2, wherein said base plate is thicker at said back edge than at a front edge and said upper side of said base plate forms an angle comprised between 3 and 7 with a lower side of said base plate and said pelvic support is stopped at an angle of substantially 90 with said lower side of said base plate when the seating device is in an unfolded position.

4. Seating device according to claim 2, further comprising an adjustable extension device for maintaining a lower side of said base plate in a horizontal position when the seating device lies on an inclined surface.

5. Seating device according to claim 4, wherein said adjustable extension device is attached to said base plate at or near said back edge.

6. Seating device according to claim 4, wherein said adjustable extension device allows maintaining a lower side of said base plate in a horizontal position when the seating device lies on an surface inclined at up to 20.

7. Seating device according to claim 4, wherein said adjustable extension device is continuously adjustable.

8. Seating device according to claim 2, wherein said base plate comprises means for indicating the inclination of said base plate.

9. Seating device according to claim 8, wherein said means for indicating the inclination of said base plate comprises a bubble level or wireless transmission means for wirelessly communicating with a remote handheld device.

10. Seating device according to claim 2, wherein said lower side is convex.

11. Seating device according to claim 2, further comprising a handle for carrying said seating device in a folded position.

12. Seating device according to claim 11, wherein said handle comprises a hole cut out at a front edge of said base plate.

13. Seating device according to claim 2, further comprising a locking mechanism for holding said pelvic support against said base plate when said seating device is in a folded position.

14. Seating device according to claim 2, further comprising a. mechanism for stopping said pelvic support at an angle of substantially 90 with said base plate when said seating device is in an unfolded position.

15. Seating device according to claim 2, wherein a height of the pelvic support over the back edge of the base plate when the seating device is in its unfolded position is lower or equal to 24 cm.

16. Seating device according to claim 15, wherein said height of the pelvic support is comprised between 16 cm and 24 cm.

17. Seating device according to claim 1, wherein said seating device is a chair and further comprises at least one foot for holding said base plate over the ground, an upper side of said base plate forming an angle of 3 to 7 with the ground, said pelvic support being substantially vertical and forming a support for the PSIS protuberances, the iliac crests, or both.

18. Seating device according to claim 17, wherein said height of the pelvic support is lower or equal to 24 cm.

19. Seating device according to claim 17, wherein said pelvic support comprises lateral support elements configured for additionally contacting said pelvis at the iliac crests and/or the base plate comprises depressions for lodging ischial tuberosities of a user seating on said seating device.

20. Seating device according to claim 1, wherein said pelvic support comprises lateral support elements configured for additionally contacting said pelvis at the iliac crests and/or the base plate comprises depressions for lodging ischial tuberosities of a user seating on said seating device.

Description

(1) The present invention will be better understood by reading the description below, illustrated by the figures where:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a seating device according to an embodiment of the invention in its folded position;

(3) FIGS. 2a and 2b show seating devices according to embodiments of the invention in their unfolded position and placed on a chair,

(4) FIGS. 3a and 3b are schematic side views of a seating device according to an embodiment of the invention;

(5) FIGS. 4a to 4h schematically illustrate variant embodiments of the seating device of the invention with various adjustable extension devices in folded and unfolded positions;

(6) FIGS. 4i and 4j schematically illustrate yet another embodiment of the seating device of the invention without and with support wedges respectively;

(7) FIG. 4k schematically illustrates still another embodiment of the seating device of the invention with a convex bottom surface that encourages mobility without creating muscle strain;

(8) FIGS. 5a and 5b schematically show how the seating device of the invention supports the pelvis of a seated user in a vertical position;

(9) FIGS. 5c and 5d schematically show how the seating device of the invention in variant embodiments supports the iliac crests of a seated user in a vertical position;

(10) FIGS. 6a and 6b show seating devices according to variant embodiments of the invention in the form of a chair,

(11) FIG. 7 is a side view of the seating device of FIG. 6a.

(12) In embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4k, the seating device 1 of the invention is a portable and folding seating device 1 configured to be placed on any type of seat, chair, bench, and/or on any substantially flat and horizontal surface such as for example the ground. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2a, the seating device 1 comprises a base plate 2 to sit on and a pelvic support 3 fixed to the base plate 2 by a hinge 4. The hinge 4 is preferably located at or close to a back edge 21 of the base plate 2.

(13) In a folded position schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 by an illustrative but in no way limiting example, the pelvic support 3 lies substantially parallel to the base plate 2, preferably as dose as possible to said base plate 2 in order to minimize the overall dimensions of the folded seating device 1.

(14) Most existing seats have a backward-sloping seat pan: movie theaters, conference chairs, restaurant seating, etc. Private vehicle seats are usually cupped or a bucket seat, with a large negative slope. As this slope is highly variable, any device attempting to correct the slope must be adaptable to a variety of seats. There are several seating surfaces without a seat back, such as park benches, sports stadium benches and bar stools. Most modem couches and sofas are too deep, front edge to bad<support, to sit correctly. The portable seating device according to embodiments of the present invention allows for correctly supported seating in these environments. Easy portability of the seating device allows a user to carry his or her seating device 1 in a bag, computer case or backpack to the car seat, work environment, movies, restaurant, conferences, etc. Preferably, this permits the user to purchase one seating device 1 for all seats.

(15) In embodiments, the seating device 1 comprises a handle 20 for holding the seating device 1, for example when carrying it in its folded position. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2a, the handle 20 is formed in the base plate 2, for example at or close to a front edge 22 of the base plate 2. The handle 20 for example comprises a hole 200 cut out of the front center of the base plate 2 and allowing a user to insert his or her fingers in said hole 200 when carrying the seating device 1. Other types of handles and/or other locations for the handle are however possible within the frame of the invention. In variant embodiments, the handle is for example located near the hinge. In embodiments, the handle is a soft, rigid or semi-rigid element attached to the base plate and/or to the pelvic support.

(16) The hinge 4 allows unfolding the seating device 1 in an unfolded position in which the pelvic support 3 forms an angle of approximately 90 with the base plate 2, such that the pelvic support 3 is in a vertical position when the base plate 2 is placed on a substantially horizontal surface, as illustrated in FIG. 2a by an illustrative but in no way limiting example.

(17) In embodiments, the base plate 2 comprises depressions 201 for lodging ischial tuberosities of a user seating on the seating device 1 and thereby providing improved support at said ischial tuberosities, as explained further below.

(18) FIG. 2b illustrates a seating device 1 according to a variant embodiment of the invention, according to which the pelvic support 3 is T-shaped, wherein the branches of the thus formed T provide lateral support elements 30 for supporting the iliac crest of a user seating on said seating device 1, as explained further below. Preferably, the lateral support elements 30 extend laterally from the center of the pelvic support 3 and forward towards the front edge 22 of the base plate 2. Unless otherwise specified, the same reference numbers designate the same elements in all figures.

(19) The base plate 2 is rigid and preferably relatively thin. In embodiments, as illustrated for example in FIG. 3a, the base plate 2 is slightly wedge-shaped, for example thicker at the back edge 21 than at the front edge 22, resulting in a tilt of for example 5 degrees, the upper side 23 of the base plate 2 sloping slightly forward when the lower side 24 of the base plate 2 is substantially horizontal. This tilt, or angle between the upper side 23 of the base plate 2 and the lower side 24 of the base plate 2, insures relaxation of the hip flexor muscles of a user sitting on the seating device 1, without pelvic retroversion. The angle between the upper side 23 of the base plate 2 and the lower side 24 of the base plate 2 is for example comprised between 3 and 7, for example approximately 5. Other angle values are however possible within the frame of the invention. In embodiments, the upper side and the lower side of the base plate are for example parallel to each other such that the upper side is horizontal when the lower side is placed horizontally.

(20) With reference to the FIGS. 1, 2a, 3a and 3b, the pelvic support 3 is attached to the base plate 2 through the hinge 4. The pelvic support 3 is for example a rigid and preferably relatively thin plate. In embodiments, the pelvic support 3 is for example substantially of the same thickness as the base plate 2. When the seating device 1 is in its folded position, the pelvic support 3 for example lies flat onto the base plate 2. Preferably, the seating device comprises a mechanism, not visible on the figures, to hold the pelvic support 3 against the base plate 2 when the seating device 1 is in its folded position, for example for it to stay dosed while carrying. The pelvic support 3 for example clicks into place, for example at the hinge, when the seating device 1 is folded. Other mechanisms are however possible within the frame of the invention for holding the pelvic support 3 against the base plate 2 when the seating device 1 is in its folded position. These mechanisms for example include a hook and loop locking mechanism, a latch mechanism, a Velcro type attachment or any other suitable mechanism.

(21) When the seating device 1 is in its unfolded position, the pelvic support 3 forms an angle of substantially 90 with the base plate 2, more specifically with the lower side 24 of the base plate 2. The pelvic support 3 is thus in a substantially vertical position when the base plate 2 is placed on a substantially horizontal surface, as illustrated for example in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 3a. With reference to FIG. 3b, the rotation of the pelvic support 3 relative to the base plate 2 is stopped when the seating device is in its unfolded position, such that the angle between the pelvic support 3 and the base plate 2 cannot be further increased. In embodiments, the pelvic support 3 clicks into place when the seating device 1 is unfolded and/or its rotation is stopped by cooperating profiles 39, 29 of the pelvic support 3 and of the base plate 2 respectively. When the seating device 1 is in its unfolded position, the pelvic support 3 provides a rigid, and in some embodiments locked, support for the pelvic bones. As explained below, the height of the pelvic support 3 over the base plate 2 when unfolded is adapted to the height of the sacro-iliac articulations to be supported.

(22) In embodiments illustrated by ways of illustrative but in no way limiting examples in FIGS. 4a to 4k, the base plate 2 further comprises an extension device to allow maintaining the lower side 24 of the base plate 2 horizontal, when the seating device 1 is placed for example on chairs or seats that are deep or slope backward, for example, but not only, on car seats, cinema seats, etc. Positioning the lower side 24 of the base plate horizontally ensures a vertical positioning of the pelvic support 3 and, when applicable, a slight forward sloping of the upper side 23 of the base plate 2 when the seating device 1 is in its unfolded position.

(23) The extension device for example comprises one or more adjustable elements protruding from the lower side 24 of the base plate 2, such as for example a pair of adjustable feet 25 on either side of the back edge 21 (FIGS. 4a to 4f), a set of blocks 26 of various sizes (FIGS. 4g and 4h) to be inserted in a corresponding blind hole 27 on the lower side 24 of the base plate 2, or an adjustable bar or plate, or any other suitable device. For larger adjustments, for example for bucket car seats or soft couches, and with reference to FIGS. 4i and 4j, the extension device comprises one or more support wedges 28 for example of various sizes, to add the necessary support depth. In embodiments, the height of the extension device is adjustable continuously or step-by-step, for example up to an angle of 10, 15 or 20 between the lower side 24 of the base plate 2 and the surface on which the seating device is placed. FIG. 4k illustrates a further embodiment in which the lower side 24 of the base plate 2 is convex in order to encourage the user's upper body mobility, preferably up to 10 degrees of lateral and/or forward-back motions, without creating muscle strain.

(24) In embodiments, the seating device further comprises one or more mechanical and/or electromechanical bubble levels 5 integrated into the base plate 2 to allow the user to adjust the seating device for correct base plate 2 alignment, thus insuring the pelvic support 3 is vertical. The one or more bubble levels 5 are for example connected to an electronic controller that sends a status signal of the alignment of the seating device 1 on the chair or other surface. The status signal for example triggers an acoustic signal when the alignment is not correct, or sends a signal to a portable device, for example to a smartphone, wirelessly connected to the electronic controller, wherein the portable device displays the alignment information to a user who can then correct the alignment.

(25) The seating device 1 of the invention, in particular the base plate 2, is preferably wide enough to take the weight of the upper body at the ischial tuberosities and gluteal muscles, thereby holding the base plate 2 in place. The base plate 2 is preferably long enough to be comfortable under the thighs, in embodiments slightly more flexible and thin near the front edge to prevent pinching the thighs, and optionally rounded at the lateral edges for comfort. In embodiments, the base plate 2 comprises depressions 201 for receiving the ischial tuberosities of a user seating on the seating device 1, thereby providing additional support to and insuring a correct alignment to the pelvis of the user seating on the seating device 1 of the invention.

(26) The dimensions of the pelvic support 3 and of the base plate 2, in particular their length and width, are preferably adapted to the size of the user.

(27) In embodiments, the height of the pelvic support 3 over the upper side 23 of the base plate 2 is for example 1 cm higher than the height of the posterior superior iliac spine, thereby allowing support to the pelvis without supporting the spine of a user sitting on the seating device. Typical dimensions for the height of the pelvic support 3 in seating devices 1 adapted for adults and adolescents are 16 cm, 20 cm and 24 cm.

(28) In embodiments, the width of the pelvic support 3 is for example 4 cm wider than the width of the posterior superior iliac spine, thereby allowing support to the pelvis without supporting or immobilising the spine of a user sitting on the seating device. This allows providing comfortable seating to a user, while allowing the use of the seating device 1 on most chairs or seats. Typical dimensions for the width of the pelvic support 3 in seating devices 1 adapted for adults and adolescents are 18 cm, 20 cm and 22 cm.

(29) In embodiments, the pelvic support 3 is T-shaped and thereby comprises lateral support elements 30 that provide support to the iliac crest of a user sitting on the seating device 1.

(30) In embodiments, the length of the base plate 2 is approximately 30 cm, which is usually long enough to allow thigh weight to immobilize the pelvic support 3 with minimal plate edge pressure on thighs, and short enough to fit in almost all chairs, seats and/or benches.

(31) In embodiments, the width of the base plate 2 is for example 10 cm wider than the distance between outer edges of wide gluteal tuberosities, which spreads body weight of a user seating on the seating device 1 between the thighs and the ischial tuberosities for comfort. Typical dimensions for the width of the base plate 2 in seating devices 1 adapted for adults and adolescents are 24 cm, 28 cm and 32 cm.

(32) FIGS. 5a and 5b schematically illustrate the seating device of the invention 1 supporting the pelvis of a female and of a male user respectively. When a user correctly seats on the seating device 1 of the invention, the ischial tuberosities 90 rest on the base plate 2, for example in the depressions 201, while the pelvis support 3 supports the back of the pelvis 9 at the posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS) 91, without any contact to the vertebrae. The spine is thus free to align naturally without excessive muscular effort or tension for the user. In embodiments, the pelvic support 3 comprises a protrusion 31 for ensuring the pelvic support 3 only contacts the pelvis 9 at said PSIS 91.

(33) FIGS. 5c and 5d schematically illustrate the seating device of the invention 1 with a T-shaped pelvic support 3 supporting the pelvis of a female and of a male user respectively. When a user correctly seats on the seating device 1 of the invention, the ischial tuberosities 90 rest on the base plate 2, for example in the depressions 201, while the pelvis support 3 supports the back of the pelvis 9 at the posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS) 91, without any contact to the vertebrae, and the lateral support elements 30 additionally support the iliac crests 92 The spine is thus free to align naturally without excessive muscular effort or tension for the user. In embodiments, the pelvic support 3 comprises a protrusion 31 for ensuring the pelvic support 3 only contacts the pelvis 9 at said PSIS 91 and at said iliac crests 92.

(34) In embodiments the seating device 1 of the invention has a non-slip upper side 23 and/or lower side 24 to maintain stability. The area around the hinge 4, in particular the back edge 21 of the base plate 2, is preferably rounded and smooth to prevent damage to upholstered seats and/or chairs.

(35) In embodiments, the seating device 1 of the invention is preferably lightweight and small enough to fit into a backpack, briefcase, or large purse. The material used for the seating device 1, in particular the material of the base plate 2 and of the pelvic support 3 is preferably rigid, lightweight and durable.

(36) The shapes and dimensions of the seating device of the invention as described above are given as illustrative examples. Other shapes and/or dimensions of the elements of the seating device are possible within the frame of the invention.

(37) FIGS. 6a, 6b and 7 for example show other embodiments of seating devices of the invention in the form of a seat, for example an office chair, with a low vertical backrest acting as the pelvic support 3 of the invention, a seat acting as the base plate 2 of the invention and at least one foot 6 for holding said seating device 1 at a distance over the ground. In embodiments, the tilt of the seat or base plate 2 of the seating device 1 of FIGS. 6a, 6b and/or 7 is adjustable, continuously or step-by-step, for example between 0 and 7, preferably between 3 and 7.