U.S. patent application number 10/896572 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-27 for office chair with inflatable cellular insert.
Invention is credited to Sprouse, Anthony Eric II.
Application Number | 20050017565 10/896572 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34083486 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050017565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sprouse, Anthony Eric II |
January 27, 2005 |
Office chair with inflatable cellular insert
Abstract
A seat cushion for a chair having a contoured, padded base with
an inflatable air cell pad positioned securely within the base and
encased within a cover. The air cell pad is optimally located in
the base so as to be positioned under the user's buttocks,
particularly under the areas of high-pressure areas on the buttocks
of a normally positioned user. The inflatable air cell pad is
operatively connected to a pump device positioned on the chair for
access by a seated user of the chair. The user can sit on the
cushion and inflate or deflate the air cell pad for optimal support
and comfort. In one aspect of the invention the pump comprises a
bulb and valve combination.
Inventors: |
Sprouse, Anthony Eric II;
(Shiloh, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
POLSTER, LIEDER, WOODRUFF & LUCCHESI
12412 POWERSCOURT DRIVE SUITE 200
ST. LOUIS
MO
63131-3615
US
|
Family ID: |
34083486 |
Appl. No.: |
10/896572 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60489041 |
Jul 22, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/452.41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/452.41 |
International
Class: |
A47C 007/02 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A seat cushion for a chair for support of a seated user, the
seat cushion comprising: a padded base; an inflatable air cell pad
positioned securely within the base and located in the base so as
to be positioned under an area of high pressure on the buttocks of
a normally positioned user; a cover enclosing the padded base; and
a pump device operatively connected to the air cell pad and
positioned for access by the user of the chair so the user can sit
on the seat cushion and inflate or deflate the air cell pad with
the pump for optimal support and comfort.
2. The seat cushion of claim 1 wherein the pump comprises a bulb
and valve combination.
3. The seat cushion of claim 1 wherein the padded base comprises a
cavity for placement of the air cell pad.
4. The seat cushion of claim 1 wherein the cover has a stretchable
top surface.
5. The seat cushion of claim 1 wherein the air cell pad comprises a
flexible base, an array of individual interconnected air cells on
the base, and an air conduit having one end in fluid connection
with at least one of the individual air cells and a second end
connectable to the pump.
6. The seat cushion of claim 1 wherein the air cell pad is formed
from neoprene.
7. The seat cushion of claim 1 wherein the padded base is formed
from polyurethane foam.
8. The seat cushion of claim 1 wherein the chair is an office
chair.
9. A seat cushion for an office chair for support of a seated user,
the seat cushion comprising: a contoured foam base having a cavity
formed therein; an inflatable air cell pad positioned securely
within the cavity and located in the base so as to be positioned
under an area of high pressure on the buttocks of a normally
positioned user, said air cell pad comprising a flexible base, an
array of upstanding, interconnected air cells on the base and, an
air conduit in fluid communication with at least one of the
individual air cells; a cover enclosing the padded base; and a pump
device operatively connected to the air conduit and positioned for
access by the user of the chair so the user can sit on the cushion
and inflate or deflate the air cell pad with the pump for optimal
support and comfort.
10. The seat cushion of claim 9 wherein the cavity is formed
through a bottom surface of the base.
11. The seat cushion of claim 9 wherein the cavity is formed
through a top surface of the base.
12. The cushion of claim 9 wherein the air cell pad is formed from
neoprene.
13. A chair for support of a seated user, the chair comprising: a
back rest for supporting the back of a the seated user: a seat
cushion for seating of the user, the seat cushion comprising a
contoured foam base having a cavity formed therein, an inflatable
air cell pad positioned securely within the base cavity and located
in the base so as to be positioned under an area of high pressure
on the buttocks of a normally positioned user, said air cell pad
comprising a flexible base, an array of upstanding, interconnected
air cells on the base and an air conduit in fluid communication
with at least one of the individual air cells; and a cover
enclosing the padded base; and a pump device operatively connected
to the air conduit and positioned for access by the seated user of
the chair so the user can sit on the seat cushion and inflate or
deflate the air cell pad with the pump for optimal support and
comfort.
14. The chair of claim 13 wherein the air cell pad is formed from
neoprene.
15. The chair of claim 13 wherein the pump device is a bulb pump
having a valve thereon to allow release of air from the air cell
pad.
16. The chair of claim 13 wherein the pump device is enclosed by
the cover.
17. The chair of claim 13 wherein the cavity is formed through a
top surface of the foam base.
18. The chair of claim 17 wherein the air cell pad is covered by a
layer of foam.
19. The chair of claim 17 wherein the cover has an opening therein
to expose the air cell pad.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/489,041, filed Jul. 22, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to office furniture and more
specifically to an office chair cushion that provides improved
pressure distribution and reduced pressure at high pressure
points.
[0003] Generally speaking, persons who work in an office
environment spend a considerable amount of time in a seated
position, usually seated at a desk and often seated for extended
periods of time working at a computer terminal. In any event
sitting on a chair for long periods of time can result in
discomfort in the buttocks, particularly at high pressure points
such as the ischia and bony prominences. Although a number of
office chairs are available having padding or the like, it would be
beneficial to provide an office chair that includes a seat cushion
that provides improved pressure distribution and reduced pressure
at high pressure points, and even more beneficial if the user can
easily and conveniently adjust the pressure distribution and
reduction aspects of the cushion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One aspect of the invention provides a seat cushion for an
office chair having a contoured, padded base with an inflatable air
cell pad positioned securing within the base and encased within a
cover. The air cell pad is optimally located in the base so as to
be positioned under the user's buttocks, particularly under the
high-pressure areas of the buttocks of a normally positioned user.
The inflatable air cell pad is operatively connected to a pump
device located outside the cover for access by the user of the
chair. The user can sit on the cushion and then inflate or deflate
the air cell pad for optimal support and comfort. The pump can be
of any acceptable design. In one aspect of the invention the pump
comprises a bulb and valve combination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The patent or patent application contains at least one
drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent
application publication with color drawings will be provided by the
Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment
of an office chair including a seat cushion of the present
invention with the seat cover partial cut away to expose the air
cell insert;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seat cushion of the
present invention, sans cover;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the cushion of the
present invention taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the cushion of the
present invention;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the air cell pad;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a pressure map of a prior art office chair seat
cushion showing areas of distribution of 50 mm Hg pressure;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a pressure map of the seat cushion of the present
invention showing areas of distribution of 50 mm Hg pressure;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a pressure map of a prior art office chair seat
cushion showing areas of distribution of 40 mm Hg pressure;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a pressure map of the seat cushion of the present
invention showing areas of distribution of 40 mm Hg pressure;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a pressure map of a prior art office chair seat
cushion showing areas of distribution of 30 mm Hg pressure; and
[0016] FIG. 11 is a pressure map of the seat cushion of the present
invention showing areas of distribution of 30 mm Hg pressure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0017] An office chair, employing a seat cushion of the present
invention is indicated generally in FIG. 1 by reference numeral 20.
Office chair 20 can be of any acceptable configuration and, at a
minimum include a seat cushion 21 and a backrest 23 for a user.
Chair 20, as shown, includes a floor engaging base 25 having
casters 27 and an upwardly extending pedestal 29 connected to a pan
30 (FIG. 3) on which the seat cushion is mounted. Pedestal 20
generally is connected to pan 30 by a swivel connection (not
shown). Backrest 23 includes a rigid frame (not shown) and is
attached to the seat pan by an appropriate brace 31 or the like. In
most embodiments, base 25, casters 27, pedestal 20, pan 30, brace
31 and the backrest frame are constructed of metal. Hence, the
backrest is padded for comfort, as is the seat cushion, as will be
explained below, and both are enclosed by an acceptable cover 33.
Cover 33 usually is a durable, aesthetically pleasing fabric. In
the present invention, certain physical qualities are preferred,
particularly the cover of seat cushion 21.
[0018] It will be appreciated that chair 20 as shown is a basic
configuration for simplicity of description, and the acceptable
configurations of a chair employing the seat cushion of the present
invention are unlimited. The chair can have a headrest, arm rests,
legs, and so forth. Also, it will be pointed out that although the
main application of the seat cushion of the present invention is an
office chair, the claimed seat cushion can be used in any seating
environment. It can be particularly suited to those users where
users are seated for extended periods of time, such as chairs in
theatres, dentists' chair, chairs in hair salons, barber chairs,
and even chairs for home use.
[0019] Seat cushion 21, without a cover, is shown in greater detail
in FIGS. 2 through 4. Cushion 21 includes a supportive, resilient
base 35. Base 35, in an illustrated aspect of the invention, is
comprised of polyurethane foam and shaped with appropriate contours
to facilitate comfortable seating by the user, as known in the art.
Base 35 includes a cut out area or cavity 37 and an air cell pad 39
positioned in cavity 37. In general, cavity 37 is formed in the
bottom of base 35 and air cell pad 39 is introduced into the cavity
and a foam layer or seal can be secured to the bottom of the base
to keep air cell pad 39 in place. In one aspect of the invention
the thickness of the foam can range for 1/2 in to more than 3
inches, preferably 11/2 inches to 2 or more. It will be appreciated
that foam other than polyurethane foam can be employed, including,
but not limited to viscoelastic foam or any other type of material
that imparts the functional qualities of a foam.
[0020] In alternative embodiments of the invention, cavity 37 can
be formed in the top of base 35 with air cell pad 39 introduced
from the top. In such an arrangement, there can be a thin layer of
foam positioned over the air cell pad or the air cell pad can be
covered only by cover 33. In yet another alternative embodiment,
the cover can have an opening at the air cell pad, so that the air
cell pad is exposed.
[0021] Air cell pad 39 is located in base 35 at a position that
places the air cell pad under the ischial area of a normally seated
user. The ischial tuberosities are the lower portions of the hip
bones and usually represent the area of greatest pressure on the
buttocks of a seated user. Most discomfort experienced from prolong
seating is felt in the buttocks at the ischial area.
[0022] In any event, air cell pad 39, shown in detail in FIG. 5, is
comprised of a flexible base 40 and an array of individual air
cells 42 arranged in rows of air cells across the base. In the
illustrated embodiment, each air cell 42 is a preferably an
expandable, four fin cell preferably molded from neoprene. Any
geometry of cell can be employed however, such as pyramidal shaped,
cells having more than four fins, cubes or other useful shapes. The
geometry of the air cells, however, should provide minimal
resistance to conformity to the shape of the buttocks of the seated
user. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the air cells are
approximately 2 inches in height. As seen in FIG. 3, the geometry
of the air cells 42 in array of air cells provides for a smooth
transition between the air cell pad 39 and surrounding base 35. The
individual air cells 42 are interconnected so that air introduced
into one cell is distributed among the cells so as to equalize
pressure within the cells.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 5, there is an air conduit 46 connected to
one air cell 42 at one end and a pump, shown as bulb pump 48 in
FIG. 4, at the other end. Air cell pad 39 preferably can be molded
from neoprene in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No.
4,541,136, which is incorporated herein by reference. Air cell pad
39 also can be made from urethane or PVC or other plastic or
moldable materials that can be used to make an air cell.
[0024] Base 35 is enclosed in cover 33. In the illustrated
embodiment, the top surface of cover 33 should stretch to deform
under the seated user, ideally 250% by 170%. It is not necessary
for the cover material over the sides of the seat cushion to
stretch. The cover material at the top surface preferably also
should be breathable. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover also
encloses air cell pad 39.
[0025] It will be appreciated from the drawings that in the
illustrated embodiment, bulb pump 48 is located on one side of seat
cushion 21, outside cover 33 so as to be accessible to the user
seated on the chair. The pump can be located in any convenient
place on the chair as long as it is easily accessible by a seated
user and can is in fluid communication with air cell pad 39. The
pump actually could be under the cover yet accessible for actuation
by depressing the cover and bulb, for example. Pump 48 includes a
bulb 50 and push button relief of valve 52. The user can actuate
bulb 50 and pump air into the air cell pad and depress push button
valve 52 to allow the release of air from the air cell pad.
Although the illustrated embodiment employs a bulb pump, it is
intended that any acceptable pump be encompassed by the present
invention. To achieve optimal benefit of the seat cushion of the
present invention, the user sits on the cushion with the ischial
area positioned over air cell pad 39. The user then can actuate
pump bulb 50 and pump air into the air cell pad until that
individual user is comfortable and well supported. The cells 42
deform under the buttocks and thighs to provide a maximum Air
Floatation.RTM. support surface. The user also can allow air to
escape through the valve until he or she reaches a desired
immersion into air cell pad 39 to provide customized support
surface. This support surface provides superior pressure relief
over prior art seat cushions, as shown by pressure mapping
illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 11 below. In any event, during use,
if the user wants to change the immersion depth or seating
characteristics, he or she can open the valve and adjust the air
pressure within air cell pad 39.
[0026] The pressure maps in FIGS. 5 through 11 are a visual
representation of the force distribution on a seat cushion of the
present invention versus a prior art office chair seat cushion
designed to reduce pressure. The prior art cushion tested is the
Ergogenesis Model No. J2507 (Ergogenesis, Navasota, Tex.). The
prior art seat cushion is a contoured seat, based upon the concept
of zero gravity posture that is designed to disperse the user's
body weight over an increased surface area.
[0027] In creating the pressure maps approximately 35 to 40 mm Hg
pressure was applied to the cushion by a seated load. The darkest
areas of the black and white pressure maps, which correspond to the
red areas of the color pressure maps, represent the areas of
greatest pressure. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the areas of 50 mm Hg
pressure resulting from the force load on the prior art seat
cushion (FIG. 6) and the cushion of the present invention (FIG. 7).
As shown by the pressure maps, areas of resulting 50 mm Hg pressure
appear on the pressure map of FIG. 6, whereas none appear on
pressure map of FIG. 7.
[0028] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the distribution of 40 mm Hg
pressure or greater in the respective cushions under the force
load. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the pressure map of the prior art
cushion illustrates a significant area of pressure of 40 mm Hg or
greater, whereas the cushion of the present invention again shows
none.
[0029] Finally, FIGS. 10 and 11 show the distribution of 30 mm Hg
pressure or greater under the force load. The pressure map of the
prior art cushion, FIG. 10, shows an even greater area of pressure
when measuring pressure of 30 mm Hg or more, whereas the cushion of
the present invention, mapped in FIG. 11, shows relatively small
areas of pressure of 30 mm Hg or greater under the force load.
[0030] It will be appreciated by comparing the darkest areas of the
pressure maps in the black and white pressure maps, which
correspond to the red color in the color pressure maps, that the
seat cushion of the present invention reduces pressure,
particularly at the ischial areas when measuring three different
pressure distributions under a constant force load.
[0031] It will be appreciated that the foregoing description and
accompanying drawings illustrate one representative aspect of the
invention, including the best mode of working the invention
presently known to the inventor. However, the specification should
be viewed as illustrative of the broadest aspects of the invention
and should not be construed in a limiting sense.
* * * * *