EP0311993B1 - Actuating system for lying, sitting and standing-up furniture - Google Patents

Abstract

A sitting or lying system is proposed, which consists of sitting or lying furniture and has several pressure cushions which can be filled with air or the like. In order to improve further the sitting or lying characteristics, in particular to guarantee sitting or lying which does not cause tiredness, a pulsating pressure medium acts on the pressure cushions (2), and the quantity of compressed air flowing in and flowing out and the time period are controlled. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a programmable pressure cushion system for reclining, sitting and standing furniture.

Seating and reclining furniture have long been designed and designed according to ergonomic criteria, with the aim of enabling the user to sit or lie down as free of discomfort and fatigue as possible. In general, you endeavor, for. B. to maintain an assumed ideal sitting position as unchanged as possible.

These considerations basically also apply to seats in means of transport, such as. B. Motor vehicle seats in which air cushions can be inflated in the lumbar spine area, in the lateral back area and as a support in the thigh area in such a way that a type of bucket seat is created, which can be individually adapted to the respective user in relation to the amount of air per bag.

Similar considerations are also made for reclining furniture, where the goal is pursued via sophisticated slatted frames, water beds or pneumatic mattresses, the user both when lying down and what the previous description concerns, while sitting, to enable a position which, medically speaking, is adapted to the shape of the body - in particular the spine, in order to allow sitting or lying as tired as possible.

From US-A 3 477 071 a pressure cushion system in the form of individual cushions or a pressure cell assembly for a reclining furniture has become known, in which pressure cushions to which compressed air is present symmetrically to a longitudinal center plane are present on the left and right in the bed. These pressure cushions are intermittently pressurized with compressed air into a static position by means of a mechanical control unit with a time switch in order to achieve an alternating shift of the lying position of a patient in order to avoid bedsores. The arrangement only provides for raising or lowering a respective body half or body region in order to achieve a body shift. The relieved pressure pads are reset by the body weight. The duration of the shift is achieved by means of a timer, and the speed of the pressurization is achieved by appropriate control devices. A disadvantage of this known device is the limited possibility of movement of the patient, which only aims at a static change in position.

The invention has for its object to provide a programmable pressure pad system, which brings an improvement over the currently known reclining, standing or sitting furniture and is suitable for fitness, sports and medical and general use.

In particular, it should be the task of the programmable pressure cushion system to reconcile the functional properties and the needs of the organs or body parts involved in standing-sitting with the requirements of everyday life. This everyday life demands z. B. (traffic, office, school) not only the extension of the sitting time, which goes far beyond the behavioral, neurophysiological and orthopedic-anatomical ability, but also an ability to concentrate that is as unaffected by the physical inadequacies as possible, which influence each other in the opposite way: the physical concentration is good , professional attention suffers, if it is high, body control lapses, but if it is bad (the normal case), professional fitness also suffers.

The invention is based on the knowledge of the tasks and functional properties and the physiological need of those organs of the body, the task of which is to bring about and regulate the various positions, postures and movements, and their integration into the interactions with the psycho-mental conditions of everyday life .

The organs involved in the body position-posture movement and its regulation as well as their tasks, functional properties and needs are known. In the following, only those tasks, functions and needs are emphasized which are not or are not sufficiently taken into account in the conventional functional furniture.

Common to all organs is the constant adaptation to changes of both short-term and long-term nature. Short-term changes generally do not leave long-term interventions in the functioning of the organs (except in the event of an accident or injury). Long-term changes in function, however, always leave permanent morphological-physical changes either in the sense of exercise training (a functional improvement) or in the sense of underfunction, atrophy, degeneration (a deterioration in function) or in the mental-psychological field in the sense of flexibility or in the sense of habit , the limitation of diversity.

Are z. B. Joints (multi-joint spine) moved too little, so adjustment processes take place in the direction of reduced supply, hinders the exchange and production restriction of the joint sliding substance, restriction of movement and insufficient resilience. Accordingly, the requirement is to maintain the Joint function the repeated, joint-specific, maximum movement in all levels of movement to be expected from functional furniture.

The intervertebral discs z. B. require adequate nutrition to maintain their function, which is only guaranteed if these are relieved of pressure, which in connection with the spinal column statics can only be done by constant gentle changes in position of the pelvis against the shoulder. As the pressure on the intervertebral discs increases with the sitting time in the symmetrical trunk posture, it is a requirement to place asymmetrical sitting and lying movements on an equal footing next to the symmetrical postures.

Muscles need constant changes in position, tension and use of strength. They require stretching stimuli and have to recover at certain intervals depending on the type of fiber and the state of training. If they are constantly moved at defined intervals, they are also ready for sudden work assignments. These sudden movements, which the muscles in conventional furniture are not adjusted to, are considered to be the main cause of muscular discomfort.

The receptors of the sensor-motor system finally need, in order to accomplish their task, to change the state of their measured variable after a defined time, as an increase or decrease in pressure, tension, tension etc.

Under certain conditions (job, motor traffic, school, etc.) the brain tends to deal with recurring actions with less and less effort: habits that cannot be controlled become appropriate, which is why the brain is so diverse must be stimulated. In addition, it is not capable of long-term functions. B. regulate body and organ, and coordinate mental and motor-physical needs satisfactorily.

This results in the realization that lying, sitting and standing must be built into a programmable movement system that takes into account the needs of the organs involved.

In summary, the invention serves

• 1. the maintenance of the muscular balance,
• 2. The constancy of the spinal column pressure at the lowest possible level
• 3. the preservation of the neuromuscular control loop
• 4. the inclusion of asymmetrical sitting-lying-up movements in the functional furniture
• 5. the fight against habitual attitudes (habitual attitudes = causing complaints)

This is solved by a programmable pressure pad system according to the features of claim 1.

Advantageous further developments and improvements of the subject matter of claim 1 are possible through the measures listed in the subclaims.

For lying-sitting-standing, this means that after a certain time interval, the body is forced to move in as many levels as possible, contrary to its habit, in programmed movement steps. The movement initiative usually starts with the device and not from the user. An exception is conscious movement or muscle training, in which the user influences the stroke or the outflow speed of the pressure medium through muscle power. According to the invention, the movement should not be a block movement, e.g. B. the trunk in space, but as a movement of body parts, of spinal sections against each other. Wherever there are joints, they should be operated.

The movement system consists of the system carrier (different for the application areas), an element carrier system in individual or modular construction and the movement-active elements, the air pockets. The movements are caused by pressure pads, in particular air cushions, attacking certain parts of the body and by changing the volume, i. H. by inflating the air cushion or deflating the air cause a body movement that inevitably leads to muscle movement. The body movement and thus the muscle movement should be carried out intermittently in a certain time course or time interval and in particular symmetrically and asymmetrically, with a control system for the pulsating, ie. H. regulates pressure-increasing or pressure-reducing flow of the pressure medium in the pressure cushion or air cushion. This pulsating change in the air cushion at certain time intervals accordingly changes the physical position of the person, which leads to an attitude that corresponds to the needs of the organs.

The air pockets are attached to an element carrier system - the pads - with the task of regulating the movement - as required - also against movement resistance, such as. B. muscle-tendon shortening, joint blockade, neuromuscular tone changes, Habits and the like. To perform adequately, which presupposes that the air pockets can always be brought into a pressure direction position that is optimal for the movement requirements via the pads. For this purpose, the pads are to be adjusted three-dimensionally, if possible, by means of adapters on the system carrier, the pads having a slack in the functional direction of the air pockets, and which can be folded down or lowered to facilitate entry, but must still be lockable in function.

The invention is also of considerable importance for use in the physically handicapped, in casualty victims or other persons with permanent or temporary muscle, brain and nerve function weakness. Here, the movement therapy of the human musculoskeletal system, as will be described, plays an important role.

However, even for normal people, the seating or reclining system according to the invention is used to pursue a completely new sitting or reclining philosophy, which aims at permanently dynamic sitting or reclining in contrast to the previously known sitting or reclining.

According to the development of the invention according to subclaim 2, it is important that the sandwich pressure pads arranged symmetrically and in mirror image on a piece of seating or reclining furniture can be loaded both symmetrically and asymmetrically. In the simplest case, this is, for example, a seat cushion divided into two chambers, which is preferably inflated asymmetrically, ie on the left or right, in order to consciously achieve a one-sided lifting of the buttocks. Here the upper body inevitably focuses on the changed buttocks position, which leads to a change in the spine posture, ie to a movement of vertebrae against vertebrae, and finally to a change in the stressed holding muscles. The targeted support of the air cushion takes place via individual or modular pads.

In connection with sub-claim 3, a plurality of pressure pads connected in series or connected in parallel are attached symmetrically or asymmetrically, for example, to a piece of seating furniture, in order to be intermittently acted upon or relieved of air. This in turn leads to a shift in posture and thus to an activation of the receptors and, as a result, to a change in the stressed holding muscles. The necessary time intervals can be varied depending on the state of the user, the physiological receptor function and the state of exhaustion of the holding muscles playing a decisive role.

According to the development of the invention according to subclaim 4, the seating surface of a piece of seating furniture has a symmetrical two-chamber system, preferably a three, four or five-chamber system, which can be acted upon by pulsating air in a symmetrically or asymmetrically manner. As a result, the movement therapy described above can be carried out. So-called multifunctional cushions are preferably used as pressure cushions, which are constructed as a sandwich, have several separate chambers, which can have different functions in different programs, or can also only act as level regulators outside the moving part of the multifunctional cushion. A lateral support of the pelvis as a so-called trochanter pad centers the pelvis above the air cushions.

Lateral thigh pads secure the support. In the medical field, the thigh support can also be used in the middle of the knee as a so-called abduction wedge. In this case, the air cushions are also subjected to air symmetrically or asymmetrically intermittently.

According to sub-claim 5, further pressure chambers are provided in the lower and upper area of the backrest as lumbar support, trunk, shoulder, armpit support or side support, according to sub-claim 6 additional pressure pads are provided in the neck area as head restraint, the pulsating air or a corresponding one according to the invention being used in principle Discharge is provided. The pressure cushions provided in subclaims 4 to 6 can be symmetrical on a piece of seating furniture with respect to its vertical center plane, but in special medical cases also asymmetrical, ie. H. be arranged at different heights. Appropriate valves in the pressure pads connected in series or in parallel can in each case supply the necessary chambers with compressed air by means of a corresponding control, which are necessary for the treatment therapy.

According to subclaim 7, armrests and footrests can be provided with side parts of vehicle seats as armrests or shoulder bump pads with pressure pads.

According to subclaim 8, a front seat belt or front pelvic fixation pads are provided, in particular in vehicles or aircraft, but also for therapeutic treatment of the disabled, which likewise have compressed air chambers over the entire length or over partial lengths and which can be charged with air statically or dynamically.

The pads or the pressure pads can have different shapes according to their function and direction of pressure (Fig. 4 No. 2, Fig. 3). Multifunctional cushions are preferably used, which contain various functions in their sandwich construction. It is also possible to place several pillows on top of one another in a cover, which can serve to increase the stroke, differentiate direction or limit frictional forces. Special friction pads can also be used to trigger muscle activity.

The carrier system, ideally a chair, armchair, bed, wheelchair, standing stand or the like, which is built according to the principles of the invention, can be adapted in connection with the element system (pad system) to such an extent that not only the size and weight, but also anatomical-physiological or pathological conditions of the user can be taken into account (e.g. spinal bends (scoliosis) or muscle or joint function restrictions (contractures) etc.).

• 1. Durch Adaption des Trägersystems vom Nutzer weg oder näher heran. Bei gleichbleibendem Druck erhöht sich der Bewegungshub im ersten Fall oder mindert den Gelenkwinkelausschlag im zweiten Fall.
• 2. Durch unterschiedlichen Hub des Basiskissens. Im ersten Fall wird die Veränderung in der Regel vom Betreuungspersonal eingestellt, im zweiten Fall vom Patienten selbst einstellbar.

For reasons of movement control (neurophysiological reasons) it is desirable to be able to adjust the movement stroke without changing the pressure of the system, which can be done in two ways.

• 1. By adapting the carrier system away from or closer to the user. If the pressure remains constant, the movement stroke increases in the first case or reduces the joint angle deflection in the second case.
• 2. By different stroke of the base cushion. In the first case, the change is usually set by the nursing staff, in the second case by the patient himself.

• 1. Durch Erhöhung des Arbeitsdruckes pneumatischerseits unter Gegenführung der gegenüberliegenden Pelotte.
• 2. Durch Erhöhung des Druckes des Basiskissens der gegenüberliegenden Seite.

In a similar way, the working pressure can be increased while the working stroke remains the same:

• 1. By increasing the working pressure pneumatically on the opposite side with the opposite pad.
• 2. By increasing the pressure of the base cushion on the opposite side.

Because the user himself has influence over the most varied components of the use, he assumes a large part of the responsibility for his body, which is very important for pedagogical matters.

Different training, exercise or therapeutic programs require the precise adjustment of the pad and multifunctional pillow: muscle fiber-differential training: eccentric, concentric, static, dynamic, long-range, short-range, constant pressure, constant pressure.

If the pocket stroke is reduced by approaching the owner, the frequency of movement increases with constant pressure, which is important for certain exercises that influence the receptor.

External stroke limiters can also be used. In order to achieve a constant pressure distribution over all the cushions involved in the movement cycle, it may be necessary with large physical weight ratios to rub wide rubber bands over high-pressure cushions, which reduce the stroke of these cushions by increasing the external resistance. In such a case, smaller pillows can also be used.

To all movement-active pillows z. B. to hold when sitting on the body, the entire back of a piece of furniture follow the movement of the user completely beyond the zero position (vertical) into the hip movement, whereby the flexion pressure and the stretch limit can be adjusted.

When used in motor vehicle traffic, control processing of external control interventions can be provided, e.g. B. pulse generator on the steering wheel rim, brake or gas.

Is z. If the steering wheel is turned to the right, the left support pillows (base pillows) are inflated and the dynamic pillows deflated and vice versa.

In the case of aircraft seats, the technical integration into an artificial horizon is accordingly conceivable.

It is also planned to include external movement elements in the control of existing furniture.

Is. e.g. B the head, foot and possibly middle section of an existing bed can be adjusted, so this possibility of movement can be used by the system electronics.

Likewise, electrically controllable footrests or the regulation of an "upright chair" can be included in the movement of the body if required for wheelchairs.

The entire system or parts of the system are to be integrated into existing reclining / standing furniture using special adapters.

The basic idea according to the invention can be applied to both seating and reclining furniture (for example also a step bed). In addition, there are so-called "standing furniture", also called standing stands or abdominal sloping boards, which are used for treatment therapies for the disabled. In particular in medical use and here in the care of the disabled, standing furniture of this type is also used according to the invention, in which the person stands vertically or obliquely, is embedded and the pressure cushion is applied to certain parts of the body.

Fig. 1

ein erfindungsgemäßes Druckpolstersystem mit im wesentlichen auf der rechten Seite gezeichneten Druckpolstern,

Fig. 2

ein an sich bekanntes Druckpolster als Multifunktionskissen für eine Sitzfläche, wie es speziell in Fig 3 weiterentwickelt ist.

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht des Druckpolsters nach Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

ein Schaltungsschema für das erfindungsgemäße Sitz- und Liegesystem,

Fig. 5a bis c

eine Anwendung der Erfindung zur Behandlung von Körperbehinderten bei hohem Halsmarkquerschnitt,

Fig. 6a bis c

der zugehörige Schaltungsplan zu Fig. 5a bis 5c,

Fig. 7a bis d

ein weiteres Anwendungsbeispiel der Erfindung z. B. für eine spastische Tetraplegie,

Fig. 8a und b

das Schaltschema zu Fig. 7a und 7d,

Fig. 9

ein als Stuhl ausgebildeter Systemträger mit Elementträger (Pelotten) und deren Adapter,

Fig. 10a bis d

ein weiteres Multifunktionskissen (Sandwichkissen) in verschiedenen
Anwendungsbereichen,

Fig. 11a bis b

ein Rollstuhladaptersystem mit Systemträger und Elementträger,

Fig. 12a bis c

ein System- und Elementträger in Form eines Bettes,

Fig. 13a und b

ein Trainings- und Übungsgerät als Stehständer.

Further features and advantages essential to the invention result from the exemplary embodiments explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Show it

Fig. 1

a pressure pad system according to the invention with pressure pads drawn essentially on the right side,

Fig. 2

a pressure pad known per se as a multifunctional cushion for a seat, as has been specially developed in FIG. 3.

Fig. 3

3 shows a side view of the pressure cushion according to FIG. 2,

Fig. 4

1 shows a circuit diagram for the seating and lying system according to the invention,

5a to c

an application of the invention for the treatment of physically disabled people with a high cervical cross-section,

6a to c

the associated circuit diagram for FIGS. 5a to 5c,

7a to d

another application example of the invention, for. B. for a spastic quadriplegia,

8a and b

7a and 7d,

Fig. 9

a system support designed as a chair with element supports (pads) and their adapters,

10a to d

another multifunctional pillow (sandwich pillow) in different
Application areas,

11a to b

a wheelchair adapter system with system carrier and element carrier,

12a to c

a system and element carrier in the form of a bed,

13a and b

a training and exercise device as a standing stand.

The invention to be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 is a completely new type of pulsating seating system. In principle, compressed air generated by a compressor, which is controlled electrically or digitally-electrically, fills a number of air pockets based on demand and relieves pressure by appropriate valves, the user being moved in up to three levels as required. The movement per air pocket refers only to a certain area of the body, with several such air pockets being connected in series or in parallel.

In the case of trucks, buses, airplanes, etc., existing compressors can be used, as well as pressure bottle supply.

The working diagram is described with reference to FIG. 1 in connection with the circuit diagram according to FIG. 4.

The seat (1) described in Fig. 1 has pressure pads or air pockets (2), which can be designed differently. These air pockets can be in or on the existing seat, e.g. B. under existing covers by means of tapes or closures or otherwise attached. However, they can be integrated into the seating system from the outset, as is the case with known sports seats in motor vehicles, with the user being adjusted on two levels (high, low, wide, narrow) with an adjustable back. This allows an individual adjustment to the size and number of the different system units. The air pockets can be incorporated as a complete system or system parts into special covers and pulled over the seat (1).

An essential element of the seating system is the pressure cushion shown in FIG. 1, designed as a seat cushion (3). This is explained in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3. The seat cushion (3) consists of a multi-chamber system and in particular of a rear seat leg or back pocket (6) divided into two separate chambers (4, 5) and a front one, possibly also through a partition (7) in chambers (8, 9) separated thigh pocket (10). According to the seat cushion (3) shown in side section in FIG. 3, the rear seat leg pocket (6) is attached to an additional level adjustment cushion (11) with which the height of the seat leg pocket (6) can be varied. Compressed air supply lines (12) and air discharge lines (13) with valves (14) are provided for each chamber (4, 5, 8, 9 and 11).

The seat cushion (3) is therefore constructed as a sandwich bag with the possibility of influencing the various chambers.

The seat (1) can have further pressure chambers (15) in the lateral seating area, which offer the user a lateral support for the thighs. The armrest (16) can optionally also be configured as a compressed air cushion.

The back part (17) of the seat (1), like the seat part (18), has a number of pressure pads or air pockets (2). These are, in particular, the lumbar air pocket (19) for supporting the lumbar region and a side air pocket (20) arranged in the lower lateral region of the back part (17) for supporting the lateral back region. Shoulder support pockets (21) are also laterally provided in the upper shoulder area of the back part (17).

The headrest (22) consists of an air-filled neck pocket (23), a middle pocket (24) and two side pockets (25), each of which form separate air pockets. The side pockets (25) can be made of transparent material for viewing.

An air-filled safety belt (26), consisting of the lap belt (27) and the shoulder belt (28), is provided in particular for use in motor vehicles, aircraft and for the treatment of the disabled. The air filling of the seat belt (26) can be used permanently but also intermittently in order to apply pressure to the user from the front.

If necessary, additional pillows can be attached at certain points.

The pressure cushions or air pockets (2) are normally arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center plane (29) of the seating furniture (1).

According to the circuit diagram shown in Fig. 4, the seat control is divided into a right leg (30) and a left leg (31), which are acted upon intermittently with compressed air. It works as follows:
First working cycle: The switch console (32) gives a first output signal (33) to the electrically pneumatically operated compressor (34) and at the same time to the solenoid valve (35) for opening the air supply line (36) in the right leg (30). The output signal (33) further actuates the pressure switch (37) to determine the upper pressure level in the air pockets (2) arranged behind it. After reaching the pressure level set by the pressure switch in the air pockets (2), a return signal (33 ') is passed on to a timer (38) by the pressure switch (37) and this is switched on. At the same time, the solenoid valve (35) is closed and the compressor (34) is switched off by the return signal (33 '), since the air is held in the air pockets (2) by the closed solenoid valve (35). The timer (38) is set to a certain value. During this time, the air pockets (2) are filled.

Second work cycle: After the first work cycle described above with the air filling of the air pockets (2) arranged in the right leg (30) and the holding process of this operating state caused by the timer, another work cycle follows, which in the left leg (31) corresponds to the first work cycle described above accordingly. For this purpose, however, a first output signal (39) of the time switch (38) is sent beforehand when the time switch (38) has expired in the right leg (30), which has a further solenoid valve (40) in the air supply line (36) between the pressure switch (37) and the Solenoid valve (35) opens and allows the air in the air pockets (2) to escape.

At the same time, this output signal (39) activates the pressure switch (37) in the lower pressure level, which leads to a return signal (39 ') coming from the pressure switch (37) which switches on the compressor (34). At the same time, the solenoid valve (40) is closed. In addition, the return signal (39 ') in the left leg (31) as a signal (39˝) opens the solenoid valve (41) in the left air supply line (42) and activates the pressure switch (43) to determine the pressure level in the left Air pockets (2) of the left strand. By reaching the upper pressure level in the air pockets (2) in the pressure switch (43), the solenoid valve (41) is closed when the pressure level is reached, the compressor (34) is switched off and the timer (38) is started again in order to build up the pressure level in the left branch for to hold a certain time. Analogously, this process takes place in the left strand (31) the same as in the right strand (30).

Third working cycle: After holding the air pockets (2) in the left leg, the third working cycle follows: After the timer (38) has elapsed, it emits another output signal (44) which leads to the solenoid valve (45) and opens it allow the air to escape from the air pockets (2) in the left leg (31). The output signal (44) continues to the pressure switch (43) and this closes the solenoid valve (45) when the lower pressure level is reached. After reaching this state, the pressure switch (43) leads the return signal (44 ') back to the switch console (32) in order to restore the original initial state. The process can then begin again with the first work cycle.

The right and left strand can work in represent the right and / or left seat half of a piece of seating furniture, wherein the pressure pads (2) acted upon in a strand (30, 31) can be distributed as desired symmetrically or asymmetrically on the seating furniture. In addition, further strands (46 and 47) can be provided, which include, for example, the rear and front air admission of a seat. For example, the strand (46) for loading the air pockets in the backrest area and the strand (47) for loading the air pockets in the seat belt can be used as shown and described in FIG. 1. Likewise, one of the strands (46, 47) or a further strand can serve to apply air to the headrest. The additional strands (46, 47) are then operated in parallel with the work cycles described or in time behind them.

The individual switching states of the solenoid valves (35, 40, 41, 45) as well as the pressure switches (37, 43) and the timer (38) and the compressor (34) are identified as follows: An oblique line at the end of the output signal or return signal means opening or switching on, a vertical line closing or switching off the respective unit.

The switching cycle of the working cycles described above can be carried out manually or automatically. This is controlled by the switch console (32).

FIGS. 5 and 7 show application examples from the medical field.

The patient shown in FIGS. 5a to c is a so-called high cervical cross-section, ie the patient is completely paralyzed from the neck down. Because of this paralysis situation, the body, ie the joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles, has an enormous lack of movement, which often leads to severe stiffening leads and can be reduced by means of the device according to the invention. According to the illustration in FIGS. 5a to c, the fullest possible trunk movement should take place in three movement planes. In particular - as shown - a mutually acting, ie diagonal pelvic trunk-head-side inclination should be simulated. 5a, the middle position can be seen in the rear view of the user. For this, the patient sits on the split seat cushion (3) shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The individual further air cushions shown in FIG. 5a are in a central position, so that the patient is aligned symmetrically. 6a to 6c, the switching state of the working cycles shown in FIG. 4 and described in detail is shown schematically.

In Fig. 5b, an asymmetrical and pulsating loading of the attached air pockets (2) is to take place, which can be done by the working cycle (1) described in relation to Fig. 4. The air pockets (2) arranged in the right work strand (30) (see FIGS. 4 and 6b) in this work cycle are attached asymmetrically to the patient (48). An air cushion (49) below the right foot (50) of the patient (48) is thus inflated and raised by the air supply line (36). At the same time, the right air chamber (51) of the buttocks air cushion (3) is inflated, causing the buttocks to rise on one side on the right side, but supported by the lower pelvic cushion (56) on the left side. An air cushion (52) arranged on the right pushes the upper body to the left, while an air cushion (53) arranged below the left elbow, supported by an air cushion (54) also arranged on the left side at shoulder height, rotates the upper body to the right, ie clockwise. One on the right side of the Body-arranged neck cuff (55) presses the head to the left side. The air cushions (2) arranged in the right strand in FIG. 4 are accordingly asymmetrically distributed on the left and right of the body and bring about the desired displacement of the body when pressure is applied. The compressed air therefore flows through the pressure pads (49, 51, 52, 56, 53, 54, 55) caused by the first work cycle.

The reverse movement sequence then takes place in the second working cycle as shown in FIG. 5c. The right foot cushion (49) is deliberately kept under pressure while the left buttock air chamber (51 '), the left side air cushion (52'), the right lower side cushion (56 '), the right elbow air cushion (53'), the right one upper shoulder pad (54 ') and the left side neck pad (55') are applied. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 6c, the left strand (31) is activated by the second work cycle described in FIG. 4.

The air cushions shown in FIGS. 5b and 5c on both sides of the patient are accordingly connected in series and are pressurized with compressed air in the first work cycle (5b) or second work cycle (5c). The neutral state is shown in Fig. 5a.

This movement therapy from the center to one side and over the center to the other side results in a deepening of the breath and mobilization of the spine in such patients. The side tilt shown in FIGS. 5b and 5c is maintained for 3 to 5 minutes, for example. Depending on the patient's condition, several air pockets can of course be added or left out. As with the strands (46 and 47) in 4, additional front and rear pockets or the like can be added.

A further example is shown in FIGS. 7a to 7d, which is a spastic quadriplegia with a massive, partially fixed, right-convex scoliosis, ie. H. a spinal deformity. The task of the device according to the invention with an asymmetrical, pulsating seating system also lies in the mobilization of the spine and the activation of the insufficient position receptors on the right side of the trunk in the exemplary embodiment.

The starting position of the patient is shown in FIG. H. the right convex spinal curvature (scoliosis) is to be compensated in accordance with the air cushions activated in FIG. 7b. 5, the left foot is raised by a left foot cushion (57), the right buttock area is raised by the right buttock cushion (58), the pelvis is supported in this area by a lower left pelvic fixation pocket (59) through a right side pocket (60) the torso, which is curved to the right, is pushed to the left. This movement is supported by an arm air cushion (61) and an upper left side cushion (62). The original orientation of the upper body counterclockwise in FIG. 7a is accordingly rotated clockwise according to FIG. 7b. For this purpose, FIGS. 8a and b symbolically show the movement sequence of the working cycles as described above.

In addition to the lateral movement according to FIG. 7b, a rotational movement of the upper body can also be carried out according to FIGS. 7c and d be made. In order to carry out a rotary movement (arrow 63) to be carried out clockwise in plan view according to FIG. 7d, an additional air cushion (64) is attached in the rear shoulder blade region and an air cushion (65) in the front shoulder region, which cause the body to perform the described rotary movement.

The therapies shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 result in an enormous stimulation of the circulatory system of the otherwise almost immobile patient. This improves blood circulation in the skin, muscles and bones and improves breathability. Stiffening of the spine is also prevented, and demineralization of the spine and compression of the intervertebral discs are reduced or even stopped. The forced movements also stimulate the digestive organs. Further advantages are optimal pressure ulcer prophylaxis (pressure ulcer), prevention of scoliosis. H. Spinal bends and finally remobilization in the case of existing scoliosis. Spastic appearances can also be treated effectively.

The invention can therefore not only be used in normal seating or reclining furniture for fatigue-free sitting and lying, but is particularly indicated in rehabilitation and sports medicine and after operations on the back, as scoliosis training. Basically, it can be used to train the core muscles in a concentric or eccentric manner. Depending on the stroke setting in connection with the pressure component, it is possible to train in the direction of movement of the pressure pads or against the direction of movement. The pressure pads can, for example, bend the trunk to the left and the patient has to exert his own force against it Press against forced bending. Furthermore, the patient can be asked to press the air out of the filled pocket as quickly as possible after reaching a maximum movement or to bring about the setpoint pressure in the pressure measuring element by means of counterpressure at any point in the movement sequence.

Medizin:

Orthopädie:

Wirbelsäulenthematik

innere Medizin:

Obstipation, Atembeschwerden

Neurologie:

Gleichgewichtsstörung

Pädiatrie:

Hüft- und Wirbelsäulenleiden

Neuropädiatrie:

Störung des zentralen Nervensystems

Psychiatrie:

Schlafstörung, Excitabilitätssyndrom

Rehabilitation:

Rollstuhlversorgung etc.

außermedizinischer Bereich:

Einsatz bei neu konstruierten Sitzmöbeln jeglicher Art: Problemloser nachträglicher Einsatz bei vorhandenen Sitzen wie Stühle, Bürostühle, Sofas, Sessel (Fernsehsessel)

Spezialbereich:

als Konferenzstühle (Kino, Theatersitze) Schulsitzmöbel

Autositze:

speziell im Fernverkehr: Lastkraftwagen, Omnisbusse, Flugzeugsitze, Zugsitze Sicherheitssysteme.

The following areas of application can be listed:

Medicine:

Orthopedics:

Spinal issue

internal Medicine:

Constipation, difficulty breathing

Neurology:

Balance disorder

Pediatrics:

Hip and spine problems

Neuropediatrics:

Central nervous system disorder

Psychiatry:

Sleep disorder, excitability syndrome

Rehabilitation:

Wheelchair supply etc.

out of medical field:

Use with newly designed seating furniture of any kind: problem-free subsequent use with existing seats such as chairs, office chairs, sofas, armchairs (TV armchairs)

Special area:

as conference chairs (cinema, theater seats) school seating

Car seats:

especially in long-distance transport: trucks, omnibuses, aircraft seats, train seats, security systems.

The embodiments of the invention are supplemented by the further FIGS. 9 to 13.

In Fig. 9, a system carrier for retrofitting in an existing seat (67a) or a system carrier for a new seat (67) is shown. On the right side, a pad (70) runs in a front cushion fold on a system carrier (67), on the left side the pad (70b) can be made from a laterally installed system carrier (67) via the adapter (68) in height and Adapters (69) can be adjusted in width. The parts shown with reference numerals (68a, 69a, 70a) are the adapters and pads belonging to the system carrier (67a). An additional pelvic cushion (66) is provided in the seating area. Otherwise, the description for FIG. 1 applies.

10a, b show a further example of a multifunctional cushion, the valves being shown with reference number (12). The right separate pocket (71) can work symmetrically or asymmetrically together with the left pocket (72) and a connection with the lower pocket (73) can work in the same way or in the opposite way in another movement program (FIG. 10b shows the side view of FIG. 10a).

Fig. 10c shows a "roof tile cushion", in which a row of air channels (74) are overlapped under a film plate (104), which unfold when inflated and allow lateral displacement without friction for the user. This type of pillow in combination with the sandwich pillow according to FIG. 10d is intended for use in transverse trunk displacements. This multifunctional pillow consists of three different air pocket types, but with a different one Function. This should serve as an example for the various possible combinations of air cushions of different shapes and functions.

The variability of the system carrier when used on wheelchairs is almost unlimited. 11a and b represent a system carrier, which consists of a center column (78) to which height-adjustable cross members (79) are attached, which can of course also be asymmetrical. The center column (78) is connected to the cross member (78b) in a partially movable manner via an angle-adjustable joint. A rear pelvic pad (80) and a lumbar pad (81) are directly connected to the central column (78) by means of height-adjustable adapters. The trochanter pads (85) are intentionally not connected to the center column (78) on separate adapters, because these pads (85) not only have the pelvic fixation in the transverse direction, but also in a special training and in interaction with the spinach pads (86) 11b, which shows the fixation of the pelvis in the vertical direction, e.g. B. allow for scoliosis (spinal bend). The pads (83) are adapted to the upper cross member (79) and have the task of exerting pressure on the shoulders in the vertical direction. In combination with the back pocket, there is a longitudinal-diagonal movement when the shoulder pads are subjected to asymmetrical pressure with the diagonal back pocket.

The fuselage (84) and spinapelotte (86) as fuselage-encompassing pelotte can usually be folded down.

Fig. 12a shows a bed (101) on which in a special sheet (94) a pillow bag (87) as a multifunctional pillow (one pillow divided, one undivided), two shoulder pillows (88), a lumbar pocket (89) and two pelvic back pockets (90), each designed as a multi-function cushion, are attached by means of fastenings (93). In the sense of the invention, individual pillows or a combination of several pillows can move the respective body parts by selecting a program.

The knees lie on a split knee roller cushion (100), which is explained in more detail in FIG. 12c and can be adjusted in width on a guide (103) in the middle of two inner knee pads (102) including pressure cushion (102). The air can be applied to the knee rolls symmetrically or asymmetrically, as can the knee abduction pads (102), which can, however, also be used statically. The abduction pads (102) can, however, also be pushed onto the outside of the guide; H. they can be used dynamically for function reversal or in both directions.

FIG. 12b in combination with the system according to FIG. 12a shows a system carrier (95) which, in turn, is adjustable in length and width by means of adapters holding air pocket-equipped pads for the different pressure directions. These pads (96, 97, 98, 99) can of course be adjusted in at least two spatial dimensions.

The user needs a sliding shoe (92) as heel protection, which can also contain an air pocket with a plastic-reinforced heel. This shoe prevents friction damage to the heel when using the knee roll.

The object shown in FIGS. 13a and b is a training and exercise device that can also be used in the medical field. There are used for the exercise treatment of the severely disabled or Rehabilitation of accidental injuries so-called inclined stomach reclining stands and standing stands are used for a wide variety of exercise and training approaches. However, these exercise devices do not permit leg movements, so that the feet, knees and hip joints are only subjected to static loads during training or exercise treatment, which does not meet the requirements of the new movement system according to the invention.

With the new standing stand (swinging stand), articulated movements of the foot, knee and hip can generally be carried out, but can also be locked for exercise and training purposes. According to the invention, however, the joints are moved in their natural posture - while standing, the load size being infinitely adjustable via the adjustable leg guide rails in such a way that the lower leg part and the upper leg part can be adjusted independently of one another for adjusting the knee joint (112). In Fig. 13a the standing stand is further mounted on a frame (104) which is provided with wheels (127). The leg guide rails (110, 111) are attached to a center stand (103) with a hip joint (109) that is freely movable in hip movement and extension and allows approx. 45 ° expansion and expansion as well as approx. 45 ° external and internal rotation . A column (106), which has deflection rollers (107) at its upper and lower ends, is incorporated in the height adjustment by means of a cable pull mechanism (108). The cable is locked at the lower end of a tube (105) which is inserted into the center stand (103) so that the height of the standing part can be adjusted mechanically or electrically (cable winch). A strong rubber buffer (129) is inserted into the tube (105), through which the joint (109), a seat part (117) (Fig. 13b, 122) and trochanter pads are on a transverse axis (Fig. 13b, 128) (115) and pelvic supports (116), which according to the invention are adjustable via adapters, are provided with air cushions and can alternatively be attached to a stand on the tube (105).

The leg guides (110) in FIG. 13b (111, 126 right leg, 124, 125 left leg) are provided with a knee joint (112) which can be locked freely or in any other angle setting. The foot guide (114) is only angle-adjustable in the flexion and extension plane and can also be equipped with air pockets, just like the thigh and lower leg knee pads (113). The leg guides can float freely above the base frame (104), but can also be locked in different positions. They can be connected to the base frame via elastic bands that direct the movement stroke in different directions, which is good for an untargeted strength training. For a targeted movement-controlled training, a cross-directionally adjustable and rotatable curved rail (123) with slide is used on the base frame by means of an adapter, to which the foot frame is to be fastened, so that the user can practice a movement running in a certain plane, or into which it is moved by means of electrically controlled cables (112). The cables (112) hang from a winch mechanism (121), which in turn can be adjusted with an adapter on a cross tube (120). This mechanism is attached to a stand (118) which can support a worktop at its upper end with an inserted tube (119).

The cable mechanism is programmably computer-controlled together with the pneumatics, so that the "standing column" allows a variety of completely new movement and therapy programs.

Claims (12)

1. Programmable compressed air cushion system for furniture where the occupant adopts a lying, sitting or standing position, for causing intentional movements of parts of the human body, consisting of compressed air cushions able to be filled with air or the like as an assembly of compressed air cells or individual compressed air pads, which are distributed on one side, centrally, symmetrically or asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central plane of the body over predetermined positions which cannot be moved during use and can be pressurised in an adjustable manner by means of a control device intermittently, statically and/or dynamically, the pressurisation serving for therapeutic movement, which can be controlled in a time-dependent manner, of parts of the human body by acting on the muscles, the tendons and ligaments, the joints, the spinal column, the extremities or the like.
2. Programmable compressed air cushion system according to Claim 1, characterised in that the compressed air cushion is constructed as an assembly of cells, at least one compressed air pad overlying preferably one compressed air cell in the form of a sandwich.
3. System according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that several compressed air cushions (2) are arranged in a line (30, 31) possibly able to be separated by control valves, in a series connection or parallel connection.
4. System according to Claim 2, characterised in that the sitting surface of a seat is constructed as an assembly of compressed air cells (3) and at least in the rear region of the seat comprises a symmetrical or asymmetrical compressed air pad (6), and that preferably in the front region a continuous or divided (8, 9) compressed air cell (10) is provided as a thigh support with variable pressurisation.
5. System according to one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that the back rest (17) of a seat (1) comprises in the lower region a lumbar compressed air pad (19) and possibly in the lower lumbar and/or in the upper shoulder region, laterally located compressed air pads (20, 21).
6. System according to one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that provided in the upper region of the back rest (17) is a shoulder compressed air mounting for compressed air pads (83) possibly in conjunction with pectoralis or sternum pads (65), a head rest (22) with neck pad (23), a rear back of the head support (24) and side pads (25).
7. System according to one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that the arm rests and foot rests of a seat are provided with compressed air cells.
8. System according to one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that the seat system has a safety belt with a mounting (26), with a compressed air pad extending along the lap strap (27) largely in the region of the ilium and/or of the shoulder strap (28).
9. System according to one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that the mountings and their compressed air pads have different shapes according to their function and direction of pressurisation.
10. System according to one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that adaptability of the compressed air cushion system to the size and anatomical/physiological or pathological features of the user is provided.
11. System according to one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that a variation of the working stroke or of the amplitude of movement of the compressed air pads with a constant pressure is provided for the user by adjusting the mountings in their position or that a variation of the working pressure, with a constant stroke, takes place for the patient by varying the pressure in the statically pressurised compressed air cushion of the sandwich type.
12. System according to one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that the entire back of the seat follows the movement of the user in sitting also beyond the starting position (vertical) completely in the flexing of the hips, adjustability of the flexing pressure and of the stretching limitation being provided.

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