Providing information related to the posture mode of a user applying pressure to a seat component

• US 8,477,039 B2
• Filed: 05/19/2008
• Issued: 07/02/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: GEOST, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Geoat Incorporated
• Inventors: Gleckler, Anthony D., Ng, Vi-Vie, Whitworth, Daniel, Cotner, Kyle, Hall, Timothy Ryan
• Primary Examiner(s): Syed, Nabil H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Mahase, Pameshanand
• Application Number:
  US12/123,239
• Publication Number:
  US 20090058661A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,870 Days
• Field of Search: 340/666, 177/144
• US Class Current: 340/573.7
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 31/126 for chairs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0214 of power generation or supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/046 in a matrix array
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/164 the sensor is mounted in or on a conformable substrate or carrier
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/222 Electrical cables or leads therefor, e.g. coaxial cables or ribbon cables
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/103 Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes A61B5/08 takes precedence; measuring aids for tailors A41H1/00; measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry A61C19/04
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1116 Determining posture transitions
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4561 Evaluating static posture, e.g. undesirable back curvature A61B5/1116 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6887 mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6891 Furniture
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6892 Mats

Abstract

A system for producing information about the posture of a user applying pressure to a seat component is provided. A sensor structure with array of sensors is connected with the seat component, with the sensors in a predetermined pattern configured to provide output signals related to predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component. The output of the sensors in circuit communication with a processor to provide signals to the processor related to predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component, and the processor provides output related to the predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component.

Claims

1. A system for producing information about the posture of a user applying pressure to a seat component that comprises a cushion supported on a frame member, comprising

a sensor structure, comprising an array of sensors connected with the seat component and supported on a flexible sheet that is located between the cushion and the frame member, at predetermined locations and in a predetermined pattern configured to provide output signals related to predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component, each sensor comprising a pressure pad and a pair of elastically deformable force transmitting members, one of which extends between the pressure pad and the cushion and the other of which extends between the pressure pad and the frame member, the pressure pads configured to spread a load applied to the predetermined portion of the component and to transmit the load substantially across the pressure pads;

the output of the sensors in circuit communication with a processor to provide signals to the processor related to predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component,

the processor providing output related to the predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component, and

wherein a flexible sheet is associated with the seat component and is located between the cushion and the frame member of the seat component, the flexible sheet having a plurality of flexible flaps, in a pattern such that the flexible flaps define the sensor locations, wherein the pressure pad and the elastically deformable force transmitting members of each sensor are located on a respective flexible flap of the flexible sheet.

2. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the processor has an output that is in circuit communication with a posture mode indicator that provides an indication of the posture mode of the user applying pressure to the seat component.

3. A system as defined in claim 2, wherein the posture mode indicator comprises any or all of the following:

a visual output, an audio output, a vibration output, or an output that is directed to a data file.

4. A system as defined in claim 3, wherein the posture mode indicator comprises a visual display that provides pictorial information that is related to the posture mode of a user applying pressure to the seat component.

5. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the predetermined pattern of the sensors is designed to provide output related to any or all of the following posture modes:

correct posture, hunch, slumping, leaning forward, leaning left or right, diagonal left or right, and slouching.

6. A system as defined in claim 1, further including a calibration mechanism that enables the system to be calibrated to a particular user'"'"'s weight and size.

7. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the predetermined pattern of the sensors is designed to provide output related to any or all of the following posture modes:

correct posture, hunch, slumping, leaning forward, leaning left or right, diagonal left or right, and slouching.

8. A system as defined in claim 7, further including a calibration mechanism that enables the system to be calibrated to a particular user'"'"'s weight and size.