MASSAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

A massage system for a seat having a seat surface. At least one plane is defined for the seat, which plane is spanned by a longitudinal axis and a vertical axis of the seat. The at least one plane separates a first side and a second side of the seat from one another and intersects the seat. At least one massage element is arranged in at least one component of the seat. The at least one massage element has at least one active surface which is arranged on at least one of the two sides of the seat. The at least one active surface of the at least one massage element executes at least one stroke movement which is oriented parallel, downwards, and/or upwards at least partially in the direction of the at least one plane, relative to the seat surface

Claims

1-10. (canceled)

11. A massage system for a seat, comprising: a seat surface, wherein at least one plane is defined for the seat which plane is spanned by a longitudinal axis and a vertical axis of the seat, wherein the at least one plane respectively separates a first side and a second side of the seat from one another and bisects the seat, wherein at least one massage element is arranged in at least one component of the seat, wherein the at least one massage element has at least one active surface, which is arranged on at least one of the sides of the seat, wherein the at least one active surface of the at least one massage element executes at least one stroke movement which is oriented parallel, downwards, and/or upwards at least partially in the direction of the at least one plane and/or as relates to the seat surface, to have contact with a region of a body of a person sitting in the seat and to implement a massage for said region.

12. The massage system of claim 11, wherein at least one row with massage elements is arranged in the at least one component of the seat, wherein a first part of the massage elements is arranged on the first side and a second part of the massage elements is arranged on the second side of the seat, wherein at least one massage element is designed to execute a stroke movement which is oriented parallel, outwards, downwards, and/or upwards at least partially in the direction of the at least one plane and/or relative to the seat surface.

13. The massage system of claim 11, wherein at least one massage element is formed as a pneumatic massage bubble and/or as an electromechanical massage element.

14. The massage system of claim 11, wherein several active surfaces together form a concave curvature on a surface of the at least one component of the seat.

15. The massage system of claim 11, wherein at least one massage element is arranged in a component of the seat formed as a headrest and/or in a component of the seat formed as a backrest.

16. The massage system of claim 11, further comprising: at least one control unit, which is connected to at least one massage element and controls a stroke movement of the at least one massage element.

17. The massage system of claim 11, wherein at least one massage element is arranged in at least one side bolster as a component of the seat, wherein the at least one side bolster executes a movement which is at least partially oriented in the direction of the at least one plane.

18. A method for massaging a region of a body of a person sitting in a seat having a seat surface, wherein at least one plane is defined for the seat, which plane is spanned by a longitudinal axis and a vertical axis of the seat, wherein the at least one plane respectively separates a first side and a second side of the seat from one another and bisects the seat, wherein at least one massage element is arranged in at least one component of the seat, wherein the at least one massage element has at least one active surface which is arranged on at least one of the sides of the seat, wherein a stroke movement is executed by the at least one active surface of the at least one massage element, which stroke movement is oriented parallel, downwards, and/or upwards at least partially in the direction of the at least one plane and/or relative to the seat surface, wherein the region of the body of the person sitting in the seat is in contact and is massaged with the at least one active surface of the at least one massage element.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein a region of the person formed as the neck, a region of the person formed as the shoulder, and/or a region of the person formed as the lateral torso is massaged.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein air is filled into massage elements, which are formed as pneumatic massage bubbles, wherein the same quantity of air is stored in at least two pneumatic massage bubbles and/or different quantities of air are stored in at least two pneumatic massage bubbles at a point in time.

21. The massage system of claim 12, wherein at least one massage element is formed as a pneumatic massage bubble and/or as an electromechanical massage element.

22. The massage system of claim 12, wherein several active surfaces together form a concave curvature on a surface of the at least one component of the seat.

23. The massage system of claim 13, wherein several active surfaces together form a concave curvature on a surface of the at least one component of the seat.

24. The massage system of claim 12, wherein at least one massage element is arranged in a component of the seat formed as a headrest and/or in a component of the seat formed as a backrest.

25. The massage system of claim 13, wherein at least one massage element is arranged in a component of the seat formed as a headrest and/or in a component of the seat formed as a backrest.

26. The massage system of claim 14, wherein at least one massage element is arranged in a component of the seat formed as a headrest and/or in a component of the seat formed as a backrest.

27. The massage system of claim 12, further comprising: at least one control unit, which is connected to at least one massage element and controls a stroke movement of the at least one massage element.

28. The massage system of claim 13, further comprising: at least one control unit, which is connected to at least one massage element and controls a stroke movement of the at least one massage element.

29. The massage system of claim 14, further comprising: at least one control unit, which is connected to at least one massage element and controls a stroke movement of the at least one massage.

30. The massage system of claim 15, further comprising: at least one control unit, which is connected to at least one massage element and controls a stroke movement of the at least one massage element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0058] The invention is schematically shown in the drawings by means of embodiments and is described schematically and extensively with reference to the drawings.

[0059] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of the massage system according to the invention for a seat.

[0060] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of details of a second embodiment of the massage system according to the invention for a seat.

[0061] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of details of a first variant of the first embodiment of the massage system according to the invention from FIG. 1.

[0062] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of further details of the first embodiment of the massage system according to the invention embodiment from FIG. 1.

[0063] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a massage bubble of a further embodiment of the massage system according to the invention.

[0064] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of further examples of massage bubbles.

[0065] The figures are cohesively and comprehensively described; equivalent components have been assigned the same reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The first embodiment of the massage system 2 according to the invention schematically shown in FIG. 1 is formed or provided for a seat 4 of a vehicle, which is a motor vehicle or an automobile here. The components of the seat 4 include a headrest 6 for a head of a person sitting in the seat, a backrest 8 for the back of the person, and a seat cushion 10 as a seat surface for the buttocks of a person. The backrest has two side bolsters 9a, 9b in this case. In addition, a plane 24, which is a plane of symmetry here, of the seat 4 is indicated by a line, which plane is spanned by a horizontally oriented longitudinal axis of the seat 4 and a vertically oriented vertical axis of the seat 4 and which separates the seat 4 into two sides which are separated from one another by the plane 24.

[0067] The massage system 2 has several massage bubbles 11, 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b as massage elements, which are integrated into the headrest 6 and the backrest 8 as components of the seat 4 in this case, wherein the headrest 6 and the backrest 8 can also be formed as components of the massage system 2 depending on the definition.

[0068] In contrast to known headrests, it is provided in this case that the headrest 6 is extended downwards by several centimeters, e.g. by about 63 mm, parallel to the plane 24 and is expanded in a lower region.

[0069] The massage system 2 has a first massage bubble 11 and two further massage bubbles 12a, 12b, wherein the two further massage bubbles 12a, 12b are integrated into the headrest 6 horizontally next to one another along a first uppermost row, wherein these two further massage bubbles 12a, 12b are arranged symmetrically as relates to the plane 24, with a first further massage bubble to the left on the first side of the seat 4 and a second massage bubble 12b on the second side of the seat 4. The first massage bubble 11 is elongated and arranged underneath the two second massage bubbles 12a, 12b as relates to the surface of the seat 4 wherein the first massage bubble 11 forms a first layer and the second massage bubbles 12a, 12b arranged above form a second layer. In this case, the first massage bubble 11 can be arranged on the foam of a B side of the seat 4. Foam can likewise be arranged between the first massage bubble 11 and the two second massage bubbles 12a, 12b. Each massage bubble 11, 12a, 12b has at least one active surface. In this case, the first massage bubble 11 is formed to nod and/or to stretch and/or to expand the head of the person. The second massage bubbles 12a, 12b are formed to rotate the head.

[0070] A pair of massage bubbles 14a, 14b is integrated into the headrest 6 horizontally next to one another along a second row, under the first massage bubble 11 or the active surfaces 12a, 12b thereof, wherein these two massage bubbles 14a, 14b are arranged symmetrically as relates to the plane 24, with one massage bubble 14a, 14b on the left side of the seat 4 and the other on the right side of the seat 4, wherein each massage bubble 14a, 14b has an active surface here.

[0071] A third row with a total of four massage bubbles 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d arranged horizontally next to one another, each with an active surface, is integrated into a lower edge of the headrest 6 here. These massage bubbles 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d or the active surfaces thereof are likewise arranged symmetrically as relates to the plane 24, with two massage bubbles 16a, 16b on the left side of the seat 4 and the two other massage bubbles 16c, 16d on the right side of the seat 4 of the plane 24. Furthermore, these massage bubbles 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are oriented diagonally downwards and/or tilted in the lower edge of the headrest 6, starting from the headrest 6.

[0072] Two massage bubbles 18a, 18b, each with an active surface symmetrical as relates to the plane 24, are integrated into the two side bolsters 9a, 9b of the backrest 8 in a fourth row, namely a first massage bubble 18a in a first side bolster 9a of the seat 4 on the left or right depending on perspective and a second massage bubble 18b in a second side bolster 9b of the seat 4 on the left or right depending on perspective. A fifth row has two massage bubbles 20a, 20b integrated into the two side bolsters 9a, 9b of the backrest 8 symmetrical as relates to the plane 24, namely a first massage bubble 20a in the first side bolster 9a and a second massage bubble 2b in the second side bolster 9b. In addition, a sixth bottommost row has two massage bubbles 22a, 22b integrated into the two side bolsters 9a, 9b of the backrest 8 symmetrical as relates to the plane 24, namely a first massage bubble 22a in the first side bolster 9a and a second massage bubble 22b in the second side bolster 9b. Accordingly, three massage bubbles 18a, 20a, 22a are arranged in the first side bolster 9a and three massage bubbles 18b, 20, 22b are arranged in the second side bolster 9b, above or below one another. Alternatively, the massage bubbles 18a, 18b can also be arranged above the side bolsters 9a, 9b.

[0073] A first embodiment of the method presented for implementing a massage of the person sitting in the seat 4 can be implemented with the massage system 2 presented. In this case, a stretching of the neck and/or a nodding movement of the head of the person and a rotation of the head of the person are implemented along the first uppermost row with the active surfaces of the massage bubbles 11, 12a, 12b. A direct massage of the neck of the person is implemented with the two massage bubbles 14a, 14b or the active surfaces thereof along the second row. In this case, a slight stretching of the neck of the person is possible due to a positioning or orientation of the massage bubbles 14a, 14b diagonally upwards. A massage of the upper shoulder of the person is implemented with the four massage bubbles 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d or the active surfaces thereof in the third row, wherein a movement oriented vertically downwards is implemented by the massage bubbles 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d along the plane 24 in the direction of a seat surface. A massage is implemented for lateral regions of the back or one respective lateral region of the back with the massage bubbles 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b or the active surfaces thereof in the side bolsters 9a, 9b.

[0074] In addition, the side bolsters 9a, 9b and thus also the massage bubbles 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b integrated therein are moved, e.g. adjusted and/or pivoted, relative to the plane 24 with respect to the position thereof. In this case, it is possible that the side bolsters 9a, 9b and thus the massage bubbles 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b are pivoted respectively to a position provided for this purpose in order to implement and/or prepare the massage, wherein a width of the backrest 8 is adapted to the size of the person sitting in the seat 4 who is to be massaged. Alternatively or additionally, the side bolsters 9a, 9b and thus the massage bubbles 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b can also be moved typically back-and-forth relative to the plane 24 during the massage. It is conceivable here that the massage bubbles 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b execute the stroke movements thereof simultaneously or synchronously to the movements of the side bolsters 9a, 9b.

[0075] In addition, it is provided here that the massage bubbles 11, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b or the active surfaces 12a, 12b thereof are integrated into a foam or a bolster of the respective component of the seat 4 here and are covered by a cover of the respective components of the seat 4 or arranged underneath.

[0076] Each massage bubble 11, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b has a deformable shell as the massage element in one embodiment, into which shell air is filled, wherein, during the method, a quantity of air within a respective massage bubble 11, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b is varied and/or changed, whereby a respective volume which is enclosed by the shell of the respective massage bubble 11, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b is varied and/or changed. In this case, a vertical or tilted stroke movement is executed by the respective massage bubble 11, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b as relates to a surface of the respective component of the seat 4, i.e. the headrest 6 or the backrest 8, wherein a height or expansion of the respective massage bubble 11, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b is moved dynamically and changed relative to the surface of the component of the seat 4, e.g. the headrest 6 or the backrest 8.

[0077] To this end, at least one massage bubble 11, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b can be connected to a power unit, e.g. a pump, as a control unit via at least one air line, e.g. via at least one tube, to control, i.e. to change, the quantity of air in the at least one massage bubble 11, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b, wherein air is conveyed or filled by the pump into the at least one massage bubble 11, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b, wherein the air can be directed out. In one possible embodiment, air can be suctioned or extracted from the at least one massage bubble 11, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b. Furthermore, at least one controllable valve can be arranged along the at least one air line, between the power unit and the at least one massage bubble 11, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b. If the at least one valve is open, it is possible to change the quantity of air in the at least one massage bubble 11, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b via the pump. If the at least one valve is closed, it is possible to keep the quantity of air in the at least one massage bubble 11, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b constant. In this case, air can be directed into the environment depending on a position of the at least one valve, wherein pressure equalization is possible. If a respective valve is open, a massage bubble assigned thereto will be ventilated.

[0078] The second embodiment of the massage system 30 according to the invention, which is shown schematically in a plan view in FIG. 2a, is formed or provided for a seat 32 of a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle in this case, of which, in FIG. 2a, a headrest 34 and a backrest 36, each without a cover or covering, are suitable as the components. In this case, a plane 38, e.g. a plane of symmetry, of the seat 32 is indicated by a line. This plane 38 divides the seat 32 into two sides or separates the two sides of the seat 32 from one another.

[0079] The massage system 30 has several massage bubbles 40a, 40b, 42a, 42b, which are integrated into the headrest 34 here, and which likewise can be formed or characterized as a component of the massage system 30.

[0080] In this case, a first pair of massage bubbles 40a, 40b, each with a respective active surface, are integrated into the headrest 34 horizontally next to one another along a first uppermost row, wherein these two massage bubbles 40a, 40b are arranged symmetrically as relates to plane 38 or to the left and right of plane 24 or on the left side and right side of the seat 4.

[0081] A second pair of massage bubbles 42a, 42b, each with a respective active surface, is integrated into the headrest 34 horizontally next to each other along the first uppermost row, wherein these two massage bubbles 42a, 42b are also arranged symmetrically as relates to plane 38 or on both sides of seat 32, symmetrically as relates to the plane 38.

[0082] These two massage bubbles 42a, 42b are also shown from above in FIG. 2b.

[0083] FIG. 2c shows a further variant of the massage system 130 for a headrest 134 of a seat for a vehicle in a schematic sectional view through the headrest 134, wherein two inner massage bubbles 142a, 142b and two outer massage bubbles 144a, 144b are arranged symmetrically as relates to plane 138 of the seat. FIG. 2c also shows that the inner massage bubbles 142a, 142b are arranged between the outer massage bubbles 144a, 144b in this case.

[0084] With the massage system 30, active surfaces of the two respective massage bubbles 42a, 42b are oriented at an acute angle of about 10° in the direction of the plane 38, whereby they form a concave cavity 46 or cupping or curvature for a surface for the headrest 34.

[0085] In addition, with one variant of the massage system 130, active surfaces of the two respective massage bubbles 142a, 142b are both oriented downwards at an acute angle of about 10°, whereby they form a concave cavity 146 or cupping or curvature for a surface for the headrest 134.

[0086] FIG. 2d shows a pull strap 48 with an anchor and a cover 50 made of elastic or flexible material. A concealed prong fastener, not shown in further detail, is attached between the massage bubbles 42a, 42b, 142a, 142b of both variants so that the massage bubbles 42a, 42b, 142a, 142b or the active surfaces thereof enclose the neck of a person sitting in the seat 32 or the shoulders of the person diagonally. The pull strap 48 is sewn onto the under-stitched cover or stretch covering for the headrest 34, 134 and the anchor is threaded through the foam bolsters into a headbox of the headrest 34, 134. A rod is arranged in the headbox, with which rod the headrest 34, 134 can be moved relative to a backrest.

[0087] FIG. 2e shows the massage bubble 42b enlarged and a tube 52 assigned thereto. The massage bubble 42b schematically shown in FIG. 2e is formed as a three-stroke bubble here, which has three chambers arranged over one another. FIG. 2e also shows an edge 58 of an uppermost chamber of said massage bubble 42b formed as a three-stroke bubble, wherein this edge 58 encloses the active surface of the massage bubble 42b.

[0088] In this case, it is provided that a height of the headrest 6, 34, 134 can be adjusted relative to the backrest 8, 36, wherein a vertical position of the massage bubbles 11, 12a, 12b, 42a, 42b, 142a, 142b, 144a, 144b or the active surface thereof can be adapted to a position of the neck of the person. The massage bubbles 11, 12a, 12b, 42a, 42b, 142a, 142b, 144a, 144b or the active surfaces thereof form the concave cavity 46, 146 and enclose a neck of a person sitting in the seat 32 due to the tilted arrangement and/or orientation thereof relative to the plane 38, 138.

[0089] The respectively presented massage system 2, 30, 130 can realize a respective embodiment of the presented method for implementing a massage of the neck or the upper region of the spinal column of the person sitting in the seat 2, 32 and the massage bubbles 11, 12a, 12b, 42a, 42b, 142a, 142b, 144a, 144b can have contact with the headrest 6, 34, 134.

[0090] In one embodiment, each massage bubble 11, 12a, 12b, 42a, 42b, 142a, 142b, 144a, 144b has an elastically deformable shell with at least one chamber into which air is filled, wherein a quantity of air within the at least one chamber of a respective massage bubble 11, 12a, 12b, 42a, 42b, 142a, 142b, 144a, 144b is varied and a respective volume which is enclosed by the shell of the respective massage bubble 11, 12a, 12b, 42a, 42b, 142a, 142b, 144a, 144b is changed during the method. In this case, a cyclical and/or oscillating stroke movement is implemented by the respective massage bubble 11, 12a, 12b, 42a, 42b, 142a, 142b, 144a, 144b or the active surface thereof relative to a surface of the headrest 34, 134 in the direction of the neck of the person, wherein a height or expansion of the respective massage bubble 11, 12a, 12b, 42a, 42b, 142a, 142b, 144a, 144b is moved, e.g. dynamically, relative to the neck. This stroke movement is indicated by arrow 43 in the example of massage bubbles 42a, 42b in FIGS. 2a and 2b.

[0091] FIG. 3a shows a schematic representation of the headrest 6 and the backrest 8 of the variant of the first embodiment of the massage system 2 for the seat 4 from FIG. 1 without a cover. In addition to the massage bubbles 11, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d or the active surfaces thereof already indicated by means of FIG. 1, FIG. 3a shows two additional massage bubbles 15a, 15b, each with an active surface, which are arranged between the second row of massage bubbles 14a, 14b and the third row of massage bubbles 16a, 16b, wherein these two additional massage bubbles 15a, 15b or the active surfaces thereof are likewise arranged symmetrically as relates to the plane 24, on the two sides of the seat 4 separated by the plane 24.

[0092] The two active surfaces 12a, 12b of the uppermost massage bubble 11 are also schematically shown in FIG. 3b. This massage bubble 11 comprises two chambers arranged next to one another, wherein each chamber has an active surface 12a, 12b, wherein these two active surfaces 12a, 12b can also form a common active surface, depending on the definition. The two active surfaces 12a, 12b here are connected, via pneumatic lines 65, to at least one electric and/or pneumatic control unit, not shown in greater detail here, which has a power unit, e.g. a pump, which is formed to convey air to the at least one chamber and the assigned active surface 12a, 12b of the massage bubble 11 through an, e.g. pneumatic, line 65.

[0093] Due to an exchange of air between the pump and the chambers of the massage bubble 11, a stroke movement, which is indicated by dotted circles 62 in FIG. 3a, is executed by the active surfaces 12a, 12b, starting from the chambers, in one embodiment of the method. These active surfaces 12a, 12b of the massage bubble 11 are arranged underneath the foam of bolsters of the headrest 6 in the upper region of the headrest 6 and, with one embodiment of the method, are formed to move and/or to tilt the head of the person sitting in the seat 4 forward due to the stroke movement (dotted circles 62).

[0094] Accordingly, the massage bubbles 14a, 14b are also connected, via electric and/or pneumatic lines, to at least one electric and/or pneumatic control unit, e.g. to a pump, which is formed to convey air into the massage bubbles 14a, 14b and, in one potential embodiment, also to extract it, wherein a stroke movement, which is indicated by arrow 64 in FIG. 3a, is executed by the active surfaces of the massage bubbles 14a, 14b in the direction of the plane 24, with the embodiment of the method. The massage bubbles 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b in this case are arranged to the left and right of the plane 24, on molded foam of the headrest 6, and are formed to rotate the head of the person to the right and to the left as relates to the plane 24, indicated by arrow 64.

[0095] FIG. 3c is based on FIGS. 1 and 3a, wherein the massage bubbles 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b are also shown schematically in the side bolsters 9a, 9b of the backrest 8 without a cover. In the embodiment of the method, the massage bubbles 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b or the active surfaces thereof also execute stroke movements, indicated here by arrow 66, and are oriented in the direction of the plane 24 and thus also in the direction of a lateral torso or upper body of the person sitting in the seat 4.

[0096] The headrest 6 of the seat 4 and the embodiment of the massage system 2 are schematically shown from the side in FIG. 4a, from the side in FIG. 4b in a section, and from the front in a plan view in FIG. 4c. This shows that the two chambers or the active surfaces 12a, 12b of the massage bubble 11 assigned to the chambers are arranged symmetrically as relates to the plane 24. In this case, FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c also show two rods 68, via which the headrest 6, i.e. a headbox of the headrest 6, is connected to the backrest 8, which is not shown here, and can be displaced extensively vertically as relates to the backrest 8. In addition, FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c also show a person 70 sitting in the seat 4.

[0097] The third row with the four massage bubbles 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d arranged horizontally next to one another is integrated into the lower edge 72 of the headrest 6 here, wherein the lower edge 72 and the massage bubbles 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are oriented and/or tilted downwards diagonally, wherein the two inner massage bubbles 16b, 16c here are tilted downwards at a first angle of about 34°, for example, and the two outer massage bubbles 16a, 16d here are tilted downwards at a second angle of about 26°, for example, and thus in the direction of the neck and/or the shoulder of the person 70 as the region. Typically, the first angle is greater than the second angle which means that an inner massage bubble 16b, 16c is tilted downwards at a greater angle than an outer massage bubble 16a, 16b. Alternatively, it is conceivable that an outer massage bubble 16a, 16d is tilted downwards as an inner massage bubble 16b, 16c. In this case, the person 70 can rest their shoulder and/or their upper back against the lower edge 72, depending on the definition and/or posture of the person 70, wherein the massage bubbles 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d form a contact surface tilted downwards and curved concavely and have contact with the shoulder and/or upper back, particularly partially enclose the neck.

[0098] In one embodiment of the method, the massage bubbles 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are filled with air in the lower edge 72 and a quantity of the air changes, wherein a stroke movement, which is oriented in the direction of the shoulder and/or the upper back of the person 70, is executed by each massage bubble 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d. The arrows here represent a potential movement sequence. Thus, the inner massage bubbles 16b, 16c are filled with air and moved downwards. Furthermore, the inner massage bubbles 16b, 16c are ventilated and the outer massage bubbles 16a, 16d are filled with air simultaneously. Furthermore, a stroke movement can be executed in the horizontal or vertical direction also by any inner massage bubble 16b, 16c, and a stroke movement can also be executed in the horizontal or vertical direction by any outer massage bubble 16b, 16c. Since a quantity of air is varied in the massage bubbles 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, the stroke movement of a respective massage bubble 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d in a respective direction changes. In this case, is provided in one embodiment of the method that initially the inner massage bubbles 16b, 16c and subsequently the outer massage bubbles 16b, 16c are filled with air.

[0099] FIG. 5 shows another variant of a massage bubble 54 as a massage element of a further embodiment of the massage system with an assigned overflow element 56. In this case, an active surface of this massage bubble 54 is enclosed by an edge 60. Such an overflow element 56 is formed as a guide and/or line for air as an alternative to a tube. Furthermore, the overflow element is an extension of the massage bubble 54 or the geometry thereof and is produced from two films welded together, just as the massage bubble 54.

[0100] An outer edge 58, 60 of the surface of the respective massage bubble 42b from FIG. 2e and the massage bubble 54 from FIG. 5 resembles a periodic function, e.g. R.sub.b,c (α)=c−b*cos (4*α). This function R.sub.b,c (α) describes a distance between the edge 58, 60 and a center point of the surface of the massage bubble 42b, 54, wherein α is an angle between 0° and 360°, b is an amplitude of the cosine function, and c is a constant, where c>b. In the embodiment, c can be at least twice, e.g. n-times, as big as b. A minimum distance between the edge 58, 60 and the center point of the surface with the value c−b results respectively at α=0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, and 360°. A maximum distance between the edge 58, 60 and the center point with the value c+b results respectively at α=45°, 135°, 225°, and 315°.

[0101] FIG. 6a schematically shows an example of a massage element formed as a massage bubble 200, which has only one pneumatic chamber 202.

[0102] A further example of a massage bubble 204 as a massage element is shown from the side in FIG. 6b and from above in FIG. 6c. This massage bubble 204 comprises a first upper chamber 206 and a second lower chamber 208, which are pneumatically connected to one another by an overflow element 210. In addition, FIG. 6c also shows a line 212, via which at least one of the two chambers 206, 208 is supplied with air or supply air, wherein said air can be exchanged between the two chambers 206, 208 via the overflow element 210.

[0103] FIG. 6d shows a further example of a massage bubble 214 as a massage element which has a total of three chambers 216a, 216b, 216c arranged over one another in this case, which are connected to one another respectively via an overflow element 218a, 218b.

[0104] A further example of a massage bubble 220 as a massage element, which is schematically shown in FIG. 6e, is based on the massage bubble 214 shown in FIG. 6d, wherein, in addition to the three chambers 216a, 216b, 216c arranged over one another and the overflow elements 218a, 218b arranged in between, the massage bubble 220 shown in FIG. 6e has two guides 222a, 222b, which are formed to guide and/or to support the chambers 216a, 216b, 216c arranged in between such that the stroke movement to be executed by the massage bubble 220 is executed along the guides 222a, 222b.

[0105] During operation of the massage bubble 204 presented in FIGS. 6b and 6c, one embodiment provides that the lower chamber 208 is filled with air directly which then reaches the upper chamber 206 via the overflow element 210. The overflow element 210 can be characterized and/or formed as an opening between the two chambers 206, 208, via which opening there is an exchange of air between the chambers 206, 208. This example of the massage bubble 204 can be formed or characterized as a double-stroke bubble or two-stroke bubble.

[0106] In the embodiment, a respective guide 222a, 222b for the massage bubble 220 can be provided via a foam, a film, and/or a cover of the seat, in which the massage bubble 220 is arranged. An unbowed caving or buckling of the massage bubble 220 can be counteracted by providing the guides 222a, 222b, which in this case is possible using guides 222a, 222b as well as using a central arrangement of the overflow elements 218a, 218b alternatively or additionally.

[0107] The massage bubble 224 schematically shown in FIG. 6f as a massage element also has three chambers 216a, 216b, 216c, wherein, however, it is provided here that the overflow elements 226a, 226b are arranged off-center, to the side here, between two chambers 216a, 216b, 216c each, in contrast to the massage bubbles 214, 220 from FIGS. 6d and 6e.

[0108] The example of the massage bubble 228 presented in FIG. 6g as a massage element is based on the examples of the massage bubble 214, 220 shown in FIGS. 6d and 6e, wherein it is additionally provided here that each of the three chambers 216a, 216b, 216c is adhered to a film strip 232 via a respective adhesion point 230a, 230b, 230c. FIG. 6h shows a further massage bubble 234 with two chambers 236a, 236b, which are connected to one another in this case via an overflow element 238 arranged laterally or externally, wherein air can be exchanged between the two chambers 236a, 236b via said overflow element 238.

[0109] In one implementation of the method with a respective massage bubble 204, 214, 220, 224, 228, 234, the massage bubbles 204, 214, 220 with the chambers 216a, 216b, 216c positioned over one another execute a straight or longitudinal stroke movement during the filling with air.

[0110] A straight stroke movement, which is additionally superposed by a rotation, can be executed in the examples of the massage bubbles 224, 228, 234 from FIGS. 6f, 6g, and 6h as massage elements with overflow elements 226a, 226b, 238 arranged off-center or decentrally and/or with the massage bubbles 216a, 216b, 216c adhered to the film strip 232. This rotation is enabled by the off-center overflow elements 226a, 226b, the film strip 232, to which the chambers 216a, 216b, 216c are adhered, and/or the lateral overflow element 238 formed, e.g., as a tube.

[0111] FIG. 6i shows the massage bubble 234, which is shown from a lateral perspective in FIG. 6h, in the unfolded state in a plan view.

[0112] As FIGS. 6j, 6k, 6l, 6m, and 6n further show, the massage bubbles 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d, 240e respectively shown therein or the active surfaces 242a, 242b, 242c, 242d, 242e thereof have different shapes or contours. In this case, the massage bubble 240a shown schematically in FIG. 6j has an active surface 242a with a basic rectangular shape with rounded corners and several rounded indentations. FIG. 6j further shows also a line 244, through which air is supplied to the massage bubble 240a.

[0113] A contour 242b of the massage bubble 240b schematically shown in FIG. 6k has a basic rectangular shape with rounded corners and rounded recesses, as they are also provided, for example, with massage bubble 42b from FIG. 2e and massage bubble 54 from FIG. 5.

[0114] An active surface 242c of the massage bubble 240 schematically shown in FIG. 61 has an extensively rectangular contour here, which is cambered on the sides.

[0115] A contour 242d of the massage bubble 240d schematically shown in FIG. 6m has an oval contour here.

[0116] The massage bubble 240e from FIG. 6n has a round active surface 242e here, which is additionally enclosed by a weld seam 246.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0117] 2 Massage system

[0118] 4 Seat

[0119] 6 Headrest

[0120] 8 Backrest

[0121] 9a, 9b Side bolster

[0122] 10 Seat cushion

[0123] 11 Massage bubble

[0124] 12a, 12b, Active surface

[0125] 14a, 14b, Massage bubble

[0126] 15a, 15b,

[0127] 16a, 16b,

[0128] 16c, 16d,

[0129] 18a, 18b,

[0130] 20a, 20b,

[0131] 22a, 22b

[0132] 24 Plane

[0133] 30 Massage system

[0134] 32 Seat

[0135] 34 Headrest

[0136] 36 Backrest

[0137] 38 Plane

[0138] 40a, 40b, Massage bubble

[0139] 42a, 42b,

[0140] 43 Arrow

[0141] 46 Cavity

[0142] 48 Pull strap

[0143] 50 Cover

[0144] 52 Tube

[0145] 54 Massage bubble

[0146] 56 Overflow element

[0147] 58, 60 Edge

[0148] 62 Dotted circle

[0149] 64 Arrow

[0150] 65 Line

[0151] 66 Arrow

[0152] 68 Rod

[0153] 70 Person

[0154] 72 Edge

[0155] 130 Massage system

[0156] 134 Headrest

[0157] 138 Plane

[0158] 142a, 142b, Massage bubble

[0159] 144a, 144b

[0160] 146 Cavity

[0161] 200 Massage bubble

[0162] 202 Chamber

[0163] 204 Massage bubble

[0164] 206, 208 Chamber

[0165] 210 Overflow element

[0166] 212 Line

[0167] 214 Massage bubble

[0168] 216a Chamber

[0169] 216b, 216c,

[0170] 218a, 218b Overflow element

[0171] 220 Massage bubble

[0172] 222a, 222b Guide

[0173] 224 Massage bubble

[0174] 226a, 226b Overflow element

[0175] 228 Massage bubble

[0176] 230a, 230b Adhesion point

[0177] 230c

[0178] 232 Film strip

[0179] 234 Massage bubble

[0180] 236a, 236b Chamber

[0181] 238 Overflow element

[0182] 240a, 240b Massage bubble

[0183] 240c, 240d,

[0184] 240e

[0185] 242a, 242b Active surface

[0186] 242c, 242d,

[0187] 242e

[0188] 244 Line

[0189] 246 Weld seam