EP2375939A1

EP2375939A1 - Supporting device

Info

Publication number: EP2375939A1
Application number: EP09775367A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johannes Cornelis Christoffel Luijkx
Original assignee: Hans Luijkx Riooltechniek
Current assignee: Hans Luijkx Riooltechniek
Priority date: 2009-01-09
Filing date: 2009-12-28
Publication date: 2011-10-19
Anticipated expiration: 2029-12-28
Also published as: RU2011133197A; RU2547290C2; WO2010080025A1; NL1036398C2; EP2375939B1

Abstract

Supporting device (128), comprising at least one substantially plate-like support body (3, 9), and at least one tilting mechanism which bears the support body (3, 9), for load by a user on a side of the support body (3, 9) opposite the tilting mechanism. The support body (3, 9) is tiltable here about a tilt axis defined by the tilting mechanism and in a loaded state is oriented in accordance with the load. The device is distinguished from the known device in that it comprises: at least three support bodies (9), each carried by a tilting mechanism. The support bodies are thus centred on the load, and the comfort of a user is increased.

Description

SUPPORTING DEVICE

The present invention relates to a supporting device. Such a supporting device serves for instance to enable the head of a user to be placed thereon, wherein such a supporting device can serve as head support . A supporting device according to the present invention can also serve as a seat-defining device or a carrier for allowing a body part (such as a leg or arm) of a patient to rest thereon, for instance as support in an operating room.

Supporting devices for the head or the seat of a user are per se known. These known devices are usually formed by a cushion-like element.

Such known supporting devices have a number of drawbacks, however, relating particularly to the application options thereof, for instance in saunas, in a garden or on the beach and so on.

It is thus usual for use to be made in a sauna of a stack of planks, for instance for resting the head. Benches are also arranged in saunas, usually of wood or highly durable plastic, although wood is usually recommended because of its breathing properties. Metal is also an option, although it is used less frequently. On the beach users will usually roll up a towel and/or an item of clothing so as to enable placing thereof under their head by way of forming a supporting device. It is however also the case on the beach or in the garden that cushion-like elements are exposed, as in saunas, to a very high humidity and fungal growth can occur here in the material of a cushion-like element. On the other hand, a stack of planks of wood, plastic or metal as embodiment of a known supporting device is hard and uncomfortable, mainly as a result of the point load which is caused thereby, or at least felt by a user, particularly when he/she wishes to rest the head thereon. Reference is made here by way of example to the disclosure of WO-A-2007/139365, from which is known a substantially vertically positioned backrest of a chair on which two tiltable supports are arranged, in a likewise substantially vertical positioning, which can pivot about an axis which is parallel to the backrest and is thus vertical. The supports define relatively large contact surfaces which are of ergonomic design to correspond with the curves of the back of a user. This requires expensive supports and, if such a configuration were to be used to support heads of users, all but individual adaptation of the supports would be necessary to be able to provide the users with an adequate degree of comfort without these users still having an often almost painful sensation when their head comes to lie on such a two-part configuration of almost always ill- fitting supports.

The publication US-866,753 discloses a supporting device which comprises two (head) supports, each of which are arranged pivotally via a ball joint on a frame in the form of a rod assembly. Irrespective of an upward or horizontal orientation thereof, the ball joints must be secured with a locking in a desired orientation, for instance on the basis of the preference of a user, before this latter can take up position with their head against or on the supports. The art known from this publication has little flexibility and requires quite some operation in order to be able to arrive at an acceptable convenience of use and comfort .

Reference can further be made to the disclosure according to US-A-3, 253, 858 which relates to a chair seat comprising a single seat element which can swivel as a singular whole about an axis running below and parallel to the seat surface, while springs are applied to bring the seat surface in the unloaded situation into a kind of starting position, relative to which the user can take up a position individual to him or her, counter to the spring force .

The present invention has been developed with a view to obviating or at least reducing the above stated and other problems and drawbacks of known embodiments of supporting devices, for which purpose a supporting device is provided according to the present invention which is distinguished by the combination of features as defined in the single independent claim. A supporting device according to the present invention provides the function that substantially plate-like and preferably form-retaining support bodies are oriented in accordance with the load. Particularly when a user lays their head on the supporting device according to the invention, the load on the plate-like support bodies will have the result that these support bodies are oriented in accordance with the load and take up an angular position resulting in a greater degree of comfort than according to the prior art, while use can nevertheless be made of very simple plate-like or even flat support bodies, these even being as simple as at least three slats. Simple support bodies in an embodiment of for instance wood or plastic or metal have the further advantage that application is possible in {highly} humid environments, such as on the beach or in a garden or in a sauna, without fungal growth, as would be the case with a cushion-like embodiment of a support body as in the known art. It is moreover known of woods, plastics, metals or other support bodies that they bring a higher degree of hygiene than for instance cushion- like elements or bodies, which are usually perceived - and rightly so - as unhygienic, particularly when different users make use thereof and particularly in warm and moist environments, such as on the beach and in the sauna. All these drawbacks are obviated with the supporting device according to the present invention. It is thus the case according to the invention that the at least three support bodies are oriented in accordance with the load caused by the body part of a user, and the comfort is increased considerably relative to a fixedly oriented plank and also relative to a known configuration with fewer than three support bodies. When the support bodies are tiltable about their own tilting mechanism, it will be possible for each of the support bodies to take up position at an angle of its own when each of the support bodies is oriented in accordance with the load thereon, so that each support body forms as it were a contact surface with for instance the head of the user. A greater contact surface, or at least more contact points with this head of this user, can thus be provided, and as a result a higher degree of comfort. The same will of course also already apply, at least in respect of providing a larger contact surface, in an embodiment with a single support body.

Supporting devices according to the present invention have various preferred embodiments as defined in the dependent claims.

In an embodiment at least two of the tilt axes defined by the tilting mechanisms can be substantially parallel to each other. An angle can thus be enclosed between the support bodies when they are oriented in accordance with the load thereon, when the point loads on the three support bodies are exerted substantially on an area having therein the transition between the two support bodies, with the tilting mechanisms on either side thereof. In addition, it is possible for a user to utilize only one of the two support bodies, and a second user can utilize the other of the two support bodies. A kind of dual function can thus be provided .

It is also possible in an embodiment of a supporting device for the at least three of the tilt axes defined by the tilting mechanisms to be substantially parallel to each other. It is precisely in such an embodiment that, due to a point load on the area having therein the transition between two support bodies with the tilting mechanisms on either side of this area, a V-shape can be realized for a comfortable support of for instance the head of the user. A bowl, in which the user can for instance place their head, is thus formed or defined in comfortable manner with at least three support bodies.

In yet another preferred embodiment at least one or each support body can be arranged on a rotation mechanism which defines a rotation axis and the rotation axis of which is oriented substantially transversely of the plane defined by the support body. An associated support body can thus be rotated about this rotation axis using the rotation mechanism, and still more possible uses are provided. In such an embodiment the tilting mechanism is preferably arranged between the support body and the rotation mechanism. A fully independent rotation of an associated support body is thus possible, wherein the rotation mechanism can effect an angular position adjustment of its own transversely of the rotation axis, while the rotation axis brings about an orientation in a direction around the rotation axis .

In an embodiment with a rotation mechanism the device according to the invention can have the feature that at least one combination of a rotation mechanism and a tilting mechanism forms a unit. An example of such an embodiment of a rotation mechanism and tilting mechanism forming a unit is a rubber or other resilient body. Other embodiments of integrated rotation mechanisms and tilting mechanisms are also possible.

In a specific embodiment a supporting device according to the invention can have the feature of a base plate. The tilting mechanisms can then be arranged on the base plate and each carry a support body thereon. Alternatively, the supporting device can comprise a foot which is arranged under a tilting mechanism which then carries the support body on the opposite side. A base plate has the advantage that it can serve as base for two or more combinations of support bodies with tilting mechanisms each associated therewith.

In yet another preferred embodiment the supporting device according to the invention can have the feature of at least one spring element which is connected to the tilting mechanism and which exerts an adjusting force on the tilting mechanism at at least one of the support bodies in order to bring the support body into a rest position in the unloaded situation. When a load is then exerted thereon, for instance by laying a head of a user thereon, a starting position of the support body is in any case realized prior thereto which ensures that the user can easily begin to exert the associated load on the support body and can allow their head to rest thereon. A similar consideration can apply in an embodiment of a supporting device according to the invention wherein a spring element connected to the rotation mechanism is provided, likewise for the purpose of bringing an associated support body equipped with such a spring into a rest position in unloaded state so as to make the supporting device available to a user for use with the support body in this rest position.

A supporting device according to the invention can have the feature here that at least one of the support bodies is bowl-shaped for the purpose of accommodating particularly a curvature along the back of the head of a user. The convenience of use can thus be increased still further.

Following the above elucidation relating to the present invention a number of preferred embodiments will be described in detail hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which the same or similar parts, components and aspects are designated with the same reference numerals, and in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a supporting device according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a top view of another embodiment of a supporting device according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view in the direction of arrow III in fig. 2;

Fig. 4 shows yet another alternative embodiment of a supporting device according to the present invention;

Fig. 5 shows yet another embodiment of a supporting device according to the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of a supporting device according to the invention; and Fig. 7 shows another further embodiment of a supporting device according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a supporting device 1, substantially according to the prior art of WO-2007/139365, albeit with flat and non-arcuate support bodies and in an arrangement to be placed flat on a ground surface, wherein bearing surfaces defined by the support bodies are positioned upward. Supporting device 1 comprises a ground plate or base plate 2 on which assemblies are arranged of two planks 3 with tilting mechanisms 4. Tilting mechanisms 4 are designed very simply as two rails mounted with an intermediate space on base plate 2. Axes are thus defined around which the planks can tilt. A beam 6 with a width narrower than the intermediate space between rails 5 extends in the intermediate space, this beam 6 being arranged on the underside of planks 3. It is precisely because beams 6 are narrower than the intermediate space between rails 5 that a tilting movement of each of the planks 3 individually is possible in the direction of respective arrows A and B.

A user who rests their head on this device in the area comprising the edges of planks 3 directed toward each other will thus rest with their head on two hard contact points; one on each of the planks 3. The known device thus has drawbacks in respect of the comfort it provides, certainly when the planks are further not arcuate or curved to correspond with the shape of the head of the individual user and/or are not covered with any comfort-enhancing (cushion) material. The similarity to the device known from WO-A- 2007/139365 ends here.

Spring elements 7 are arranged at a distance in outward direction relative to tilting mechanisms 4. Spring elements 7 extend between base plate 2 and a free edge of planks 3. In this way the free edges of plank 3 can be pulled or pushed with spring elements 7 for placing thereof into a desired starting position or rest position so as to be able to make the supporting device with planks 3 available to a user for use in this starting position or rest position. Spring elements 7 can also realize a more fixed connection between planks 3 and base plate 2 where, with the very simple embodiment of tilting mechanisms 4, the danger would otherwise occur of planks 3 possibly detaching from base plate 2. For this purpose the spring elements must however be arranged on base plate 2 as well as on the free edges at a distance from tilting mechanisms 4 of planks 3.

Figure 2 shows a top view of another embodiment of a supporting device 8 according to the present invention. The top view shows clearly that four support bodies 9 are arranged above a base plate. Fig. 3, which shows a perspective view in the direction of arrow III in fig. 2, shows in more detail another embodiment of a tilting mechanism 10. Only a single plate 9 is shown here. A substantially U-shaped member 11 is arranged below plate 9. Positioned between the legs of the ϋ-shape of member 11 is a pin 12 which is recessed in a hole 13 in a block 14 mounted on base plate 2. Hole 13 here has larger dimensions than the diameter of pin 12, so that pin 12 can rotate substantially freely about a rotation axis defined by pin 12. A rotation mechanism 15 is thus realized.

Passing through the top side of pin 12 is a locking pin 16 which runs through pin 12 in a passage, wherein the passage through pin 12 has a larger dimension that the diameter of locking pin 16. Plate 9 can thus tilt in the direction of arrow D about a tilt axis defined by locking pin 16. Such an embodiment could also be realized per se without the presence of base plate 2, with only tilting mechanism 10 and plate 9 thereon. Pin 12 could be secured in block 14, but even without the base plate the hole 13 could allow free rotation in the direction of arrow C so that block 14 forms a kind of foot for such an embodiment. After examination of the foregoing it will be completely and wholly apparent that many alternative and additional embodiments will occur to the skilled person, which all lie within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims, if not according to the letter thereof then certainly according to the spirit thereof. It is thus possible to conceive of another embodiment, as for instance shown in fig. 4. Here a plate 9 is fixedly mounted on its underside on a solid rubber bush 17, which in turn protrudes into a hole 18 in base plate 2. The solid rubber tube 17 makes tilting possible in diverse directions, indicated with arrows E and F. A rotation of the plate about an axis 19 perpendicular to plate 9 is moreover also possible by twisting of the material of the solid rubber tube 17 about this rotation axis 19. This is shown with an arrow G. The integrated functions of a tilting mechanism and of a rotation mechanism are thus realized in a single unit which substantially comprises bush 17.

The example of figure 5 shows a ball head joint 20 in dismantled state, this being an embodiment of an entity of a tilting and rotation mechanism forming a unit. A ball 21 is arranged on a stem 22 on the underside 23 of plate 9. During assembly this ball 21 drops into a recess 24 in base plate 2, after which closing parts 25 are arranged with some clearance over and against ball 21 and fixed on and to base plate 2, for instance using adhesive or mechanical fixing means such as screws or the like. Closing parts 25 comprise a jointly formed passage 26 for stem 22 and have an upward diverging form 27 to allow space for rotation about a rotation axis substantially transversely of base plate 2 and for tilting in all directions relative to this rotation axis.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a supporting device with (in frontal view) circular, plate-like support bodies 9 which are each arranged on a tilting and rotation mechanism 30. Each support body 9 is placed in the direction of arrow G on an upright 31 with a ball head 32 on the free outer end thereof. Provided in the underside of support bodies 9 is a receiving cavity 33 for receiving the ball head therein. Each support body 9 can thus rotate and pivot so as to adjust its position to a load of a weight pressing thereon for an optimum pressure distribution and increased comfort.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment with support bodies 9 having different peripheral forms.

Many other embodiments are likewise possible. The supporting device can be designed such that at least one of the support bodies is bowl-shaped for the purpose of accommodating particularly a curvature along the back of a head of a user. This is shown with broken lines in figure 6. All of the at least three support bodies are preferably bowl-shaped in order to thus realize the most optimal possible convenience of use.

Support bodies (or at least one thereof) can be covered with a cushion-like element, for instance a gel element or silicone-filled elements.

The choice of a material of the device or parts thereof can be based on an intended application. An application under a sunbed or sun lamp or in a sauna will thus preclude the support bodies being manufactured from a strongly heat- conducting material (such as a metal), because these support bodies might then become too hot for a user to touch such support bodies or even lie on or against them. In an operating room use can be made of metal, in particular surgical steel. As a cushion element for massage applications the support bodies can be covered with a compressible body such as a gel or silicone element. The embodiment of a ball head joint 20 shown in figure 5 is in fact not so very different from a ball joint, many embodiments of which are freely available commercially. Ball joints are thus commercially available and consist of a metal threaded end with a ball at the end. This ball is pressed into a plastic cavity. This plastic part has a flat side with which it can be fixed to a wooden support surface. The threaded end is screwed into the wood, whereby there is no danger of burning if it is applied for the sauna cushion. Tilting surfaces or planks of wood, plastic or metal forming or defining the support bodies can in front view additionally or alternatively also be round, triangular, square, rectangular and so on. Combinations of support bodies with different peripheral forms in a single device are likewise possible, as shown in figure 7. The peripheral forms can also be defined jointly by a number of such support bodies or plates, and the forms of the support bodies are preferably chosen and arranged such that minimal gaps generally remain therebetween and maximum support is thus provided without (great) risk of hair or fingers of a user becoming trapped or jammed in these gaps. In addition, use can further be made of a frame which can be arranged on the base plate and round the support bodies . A package can thus be formed which is easily stored, particularly when such a frame fits so closely round the support bodies that they are held in a position parallel to the base plate. It is noted that a device according to the invention is shown and described with a base plate, and that it is possible to integrate a device according to the invention in a chair, bed, sauna bench or other similar configuration, wherein the base plate can be omitted and/or another component of such a configuration has the function of the base plate.

Claims

1. Supporting device, comprising:

- at least one substantially plate-like support body, and - at least one tilting mechanism which bears the support body for load by a user on a side of the support body opposite the tilting mechanism, wherein the support body is tiltable about a tilt axis defined by the tilting mechanism and in a loaded state is oriented in accordance with the load, characterized by at least three support bodies, each carried by a tilting mechanism.

2. Supporting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least three support bodies each define a substantially flat bearing surface.

3. Supporting device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bearing surfaces are oriented substantially upward.

4. Supporting device as claimed in at least one of the foregoing claims, wherein the tilt axes defined by the tilting mechanisms are substantially parallel to each other.

5. Supporting device as claimed in at least one of the foregoing claims, wherein the support bodies are each arranged on a rotation mechanism which defines a rotation axis and the rotation axes of which are oriented substantially transversely of bearing surfaces defined by the support bodies.

6. Supporting device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the tilting mechanisms are arranged between the support bodies and the rotation mechanisms.

7. Supporting device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the rotation mechanisms and the tilting mechanisms form units.

8. Supporting device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the units are elements which are deformable round the rotation axes and the tilt axes and which are preferably resiliently deformable round a rest position, such as a rubber or resiliently elastic plastic.

9. Supporting device as claimed in at least one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a base plate.

10. Supporting device as claimed in at least one of the foregoing claims, wherein the supporting device is at least partially formed from a single moisture-resistant material from the group at least comprising wood and plastic.

11. Supporting device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the supporting device is formed substantially wholly from the material.

12. Supporting device as claimed in at least one of the foregoing claims, further comprising spring elements which are connected to the tilting mechanisms and which exert adjusting forces on the tilting mechanisms in order to bring the support bodies into rest positions in the unloaded situation.

13. Supporting device as claimed in at least claim 5, further comprising spring elements which are connected to the rotation mechanism and which exert adjusting forces on the rotation mechanisms in order to bring the support bodies into a rest position in the unloaded situation.

14. Supporting device as claimed in at least one of the foregoing claims, wherein at least one of the support bodies is bowl-shaped for the purpose of accommodating particularly a curvature along a body part, such as the back of the head, of a user.