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Sitting support and method for ergonomically supporting a sitting personSitting support and method for ergonomically supporting a sitting person description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070007808, Sitting support and method for ergonomically supporting a sitting person. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of PCT application no. PCT/NL2005/000017, designating the United States and filed Jan. 13, 2005; which claims the benefit of the filing date of Dutch application no. NL 1025228, filed Jan. 13, 2004; both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to a sitting support. The invention particularly relates to a sitting support with which, during sitting, complaints of a user can be prevented and/or remedied. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] It is known that sitting on a chair can lead to various complaints in a user, for instance lower back complaints. In order to at least partly obviate this problem, special, ergonomically adapted chairs are used that are, nevertheless, particularly expensive and are usually only suitable for one user. Particularly also for people with a physical disability, individually adapted sitting supports are used that are expensive and regularly need to be adjusted. SUMMARY [0004] It is an object of the invention to provide a sitting support that actively contributes to the health and the wellbeing of the user during use. [0005] A further object of the invention is to provide a sitting support that is easy to use and maintain and is particularly safe for the user. [0006] A further object of the invention is to provide a sitting support that is universally applicable and can simply be used in different chairs, sofas and the like. [0007] At least a number of these and other objects are achieved with a sitting support according to the invention. [0008] In a sitting support according to the invention, on a base, at least one upper part is borne, on which the user can sit during use. The or each upper part can move relative to the base, in particular reciprocally driven with the aid of drive means. As a result, in the user, a movement of the pelvis relative to the spinal column is induced that has a stimulating effect on the user. Complaints such as lower backache, but also headache, stiffness, shoulder complaints, decubiti and other complaints can be prevented or remedied thereby, while, moreover, the blood perfusion to particularly the extremities is stimulated. [0009] A sitting support according to the invention has the advantage that it can simply be taken along and can be placed on different chairs, which are at least understood to mean any piece of furniture, surface or other element suitable for seating that can carry a sitting person. This allows a user to use this sitting support anywhere. Here, what is particularly advantageous is a sitting support according to the invention that is provided with an electric drive, fed by batteries, an accumulator or similar power supply independent of the electricity grid. A further advantage of a sitting support according to the invention is that it is universally applicable, although, of course, an ergonomically shaped and/or individual top surface can be used. [0010] Herein, a reciprocal movement is understood as at least comprising one rotating, at least pivotal movement and/or a translating movement, where a path is alternately traveled in opposite directions. [0011] The reciprocal movement preferably has a frequency of less than 5 Hz, more in particular less then 2 Hz. It has been found that a low frequency is preferred, for instance less than 0.12 Hz, in particular 0.08 Hz or less. [0012] In a first advantageous embodiment, one upper part is provided, pivotally about a central axle. Here, the user sits on the top surface and his or her pelvis is rotated. Here, it is preferred that the user rests his or her back against a back rest. Here, the pivotal angle is preferably settable and relatively small, for instance a few degrees with respect to the axial line. [0013] In a second embodiment, the sitting surface is formed by two top surfaces driven in opposite directions, going back and forth so that the desired reciprocal movement is obtained. The movements of the top surfaces are preferably linear. Here, the stroke of each top surface relative to a middle position is relatively small, for instance a few centimeters. [0014] During use, the user will rest on the or each top surface with his or her ischia. As a result of the reciprocal movement, a continuously varying sitting load can be obtained, in particular around the ischia. [0015] In a particularly simple embodiment, the sitting support substantially consists of a dish-shaped base on which an upper part rotatable about a central axle is borne by a bearing. Particularly suitable for this are, for instance, cylindrical bearings or barrel thrust bearings between the base and the upper part. The upper part preferably comprises a plate with a sitting cushion thereon. The plate and the base may be provided with a suitable profiling for the bearing. Here, drive means are provided between the base and the upper part, preferably in a thus formed substantially closed space. Drive means having a simple design may for instance comprise an eccentric, driven by an electric motor, for obtaining reciprocal movements. On the bottom side, the base is preferably provided with friction-increasing means such as studs, rubber or different plastic feet or the like, for a stable placement on a seat. Operating means may be provided on or near the top side for switching on and off and optionally setting the pivotal angle, the movement frequency and the like. [0016] In the alternative embodiment described with two upper parts moving relative to each other, a similar structure with base and upper parts can be chosen, where an eccentric can be used for the drive. Here, alternatively, a rotating disc or the like can also be used for the movement of the upper parts. [0017] The invention further relates to a method for moving a sitting person. According to the invention, such a method is characterized by the measures according to claim 12. [0018] Such a method has the advantage that a user can apply it to any chair, with chair needing to be given a broad interpretation. With this method, the sitting comfort of the user is enhanced and complaints such as back and neck complaints and headache are prevented or reduced, while, moreover, for instance the blood circulation can be stimulated and a positive effect against RSI can be obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] In clarification of the invention, exemplary embodiments of a sitting support, assembly and method according to the invention will be further described with reference to the drawing. In the drawings: Continue reading about Sitting support and method for ergonomically supporting a sitting person... Full patent description for Sitting support and method for ergonomically supporting a sitting person Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Sitting support and method for ergonomically supporting a sitting person patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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