U.S. patent application number 10/865049 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-24 for chair.
Invention is credited to Dicks, Gerald G..
Application Number | 20050062323 10/865049 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34316238 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050062323 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dicks, Gerald G. |
March 24, 2005 |
Chair
Abstract
A back for an office chair comprises a peripheral frame shaped
generally to outline the back of an occupant in the chair; a lumbar
base structure attached to the frame; and a lumbar back support for
an occupant of the chair connected to the lumbar base structure and
extending toward the lumbar area of an occupant through an
adjustable connection. The adjustable connection helps to provide
comfort to the occupant and comprises one or more of a detent to
allow adjustment of the height of the back support in relation to
the frame, a movable joint to allow rotary motion of the lumbar
back support in relation to movement of the back of the occupant,
and an extensible connection to allow adjustment of the distance
between the lumbar base structure and the lumbar back support. The
chair back may also comprise at least one movable and flexible LED
light supported by the back for reading comfort and may contain
electrical circuitry to supply power to the LED light. The light
may be removable with an electrical plug-in connection.
Inventors: |
Dicks, Gerald G.; (Houston,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William D. Durkee
Howrey Simon Arnold & White, LLP
750 Bering Drive
Houston
TX
77057-2198
US
|
Family ID: |
34316238 |
Appl. No.: |
10/865049 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60477504 |
Jun 11, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/284.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/402 20130101;
A47C 7/462 20130101; A47C 7/46 20130101; A47C 7/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/284.4 |
International
Class: |
A47C 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A back for a chair comprising a) a peripheral frame shaped
generally to outline the back of an occupant in the chair; b) a
lumbar base structure attached to the frame; and c) a lumbar back
support for an occupant of the chair connected to the lumbar base
structure and extending toward the lumbar area of an occupant
through an adjustable connection; d) the adjustable connection
comprising a detent to allow adjustment of the height of the back
support in relation to the frame, a movable joint to allow rotary
motion of the lumbar back support in relation to movement of the
back of the occupant, and an extensible connection to allow
adjustment of the distance between the lumbar base structure and
the lumbar back support.
2. The back for a chair of claim 1 in which the lumbar base
structure is mounted to the frame by a central vertical post and at
least one pair of arms extending from the post in opposite
directions and attached to the frame.
3. The back for a chair of claim 2 in which two pairs of arms
extend from the vertical post and are attached to the frame.
4. The back for a chair of claim 2 in which the post is adjustable
in height to allow adjustment of the size of the frame.
5. The back for a chair of claim 1 in which a headrest is located
above the frame and is attached removably to the back.
6. The back for a chair of claim 5 in which the headrest has a
central portion and opposing adjustable wings on either side of the
central portion.
7. The back for a chair of claim 1 in which the back comprises at
least one LED light supported by the back and contains electrical
circuitry to supply power to the LED light.
8. The back of claim 1 in which the detent comprises a series of
partial holes with intervening channels having a width less than
the diameter of the holes and a spring biased cylinder having a
cylindrical portion which fits in the partial holes and prevents
vertical movement unless the spring biased cylinder is moved out of
the holes.
9. The back of claim 1 in which the movable joint comprises a
partial ball attached to the back of the lumbar support and mated
with a socket contained in the adjustable connection which mates
with the partial ball.
10. The back of claim 1 in which the extensible connection
comprises two sleeves with one sleeve sliding in the other to
extend or retract in response to rotation of a bolt threaded
through the sleeve closer to the lumbar back support.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority on provisional application
No. 60/477,504 filed Jun. 11, 2003 by Gerald G. Dicks, Houston,
Tex.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Chairs, particularly work chairs, office chairs, and other
commercial chairs in which occupants spend extensive time, can
cause considerable discomfort. They can be hot and they can provide
inadequate or improper support. In addition, chairs are usually not
designed to accommodate people of different sizes, even though many
prior art chairs are adjustable in regard to the height between the
seat and the floor.
[0003] The inventions relate to an improved chair, particularly an
office (commercial) chair, which provides improved features to
enhance the use and enjoyment by an occupant.
[0004] The improvements of the inventions set forth herein relate
to, but are not limited to, chairs like those described in U.S.
Design Patents D453,079 S and D446,411 S, which issued on Jan. 29,
2002, and Aug. 14, 2001, respectively.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A chair for commercial use has improved features in
accordance with the inventions that provide for user flexibility as
well as ergonomic enhancements that go beyond conventional mid back
lumbar support and headrests. This chair has features that separate
it from an everyday office chair.
[0006] In accordance with the inventions, a back for a chair
comprises a peripheral frame shaped generally to outline the back
of an occupant in the chair; a lumbar base structure attached to
the frame; and a lumbar back support for an occupant of the chair
connected to the lumbar base structure and extending toward the
lumbar area of an occupant through an adjustable connection. The
adjustable connection comprises one or more of a detent to allow
adjustment of the height of the back support in relation to the
frame, a movable joint to allow rotary motion of the lumbar back
support in relation to movement of the back of the occupant, and an
extensible connection to allow adjustment of the distance between
the lumbar base structure and the lumbar back support.
[0007] The back for a chair may also include a central vertical
post and at least one pair of arms extending from the post in
opposite directions and attached to the frame, whereby the lumbar
base structure is mounted to the frame.
[0008] The back for a chair may also include two pairs of arms
which extend from the vertical post and are attached to the
frame.
[0009] The post can be adjustable in height to allow adjustment of
the size of the frame. A headrest may be located above the frame
and attached removably to the back.
[0010] The headrest preferably has a central portion and opposing
adjustable wings on either side of the central portion.
[0011] The chair back may also comprise at least one LED light
supported by the back and may contain electrical circuitry to
supply power to the LED light. The light may be removable with an
electrical plug-in connection.
[0012] The chair can provide a detachable headrest that adjust up
and down providing comfort for almost any height person. The
headrest can also provide adjustable side wings designed to provide
side-to-side support. In addition this headrest provides a fully
breathable substructure and is covered with breathable fabric
designed to provide cool comfort for the back and sides of the
head.
[0013] The chair can provide a truly unique lumbar support that is
shaped to correspond to a masseuse's hands pressing on the small of
your back (a butterfly shape) providing ultimate comfort. This
shaped lumbar can be mounted on an omni directional ball to allow
the lumbar to follow the movement of ones back in a chair. The
lumbar is adjustable up and down and with the same adjustment knob
provides in and out adjustment for desired pressure. As with the
headrest, the lumbar structure is vented to provide airflow and is
covered with breathable fabric designed to provide cool comfortable
lumbar support.
[0014] The chair may be equipped with a fully integrated
plug-and-play LED lighting system designed to provide constant
lighting even as the chair moves. This lighting system is powered
by a hidden rechargeable battery and can easily provide light for
up to 12 hours before recharging. The light is flexible and is
located to illuminate an area in front of an occupant of the chair
which the occupant needs to have illuminated, such as a reading
area. The light is preferably attached removably to a connector on
the upper back of the chair but it can be located in other suitable
locations. The light is preferably a low temperature LED light
which requires low wattage and enjoys long life. Low voltage helps
maintain safety.
[0015] The chair preferably has two connectors on either side of
the upper back to allow for attachment of two lights or for
locating one light on either side depending on the occupant's
preference. The chair also has wiring for connecting the electrical
contacts in the connectors to a voltage source located in the
chair, such as a battery, transformer or connection to electricity.
A rheostat can be included to adjust the intensity of the light. A
battery compartment, connectors, and wiring harness can be an
addition without modifying the interior of an existing chair.
[0016] A chair in accordance with one feature of the invention
includes a back frame attachable to back frame supports which are
connected to the base of the chair. The back frame is designed to
accommodate one or more features of the inventions summarized
above, and to accommodate and hold a breathable material such as a
fabric mesh as a back to the chair. In addition, the back frame is
adjustable in a vertical direction to adjust the height of the
chair back and thereby to accommodate persons with differing back
heights when seated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of a chair in
accordance with the inventions.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a frontal perspective view of a back frame in
accordance with the inventions with back fabric removed.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a back frame in accordance
with the inventions with back and headrest supporting materials
removed.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the rear of the back frame
in FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lumbar support
in accordance with the invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a frontal view of the support post associated with
the lumbar support.
[0023] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the support post of FIG.
6.
[0024] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a spring support associated
with lumbar support.
[0025] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a holder for the spring and
detent associated with the lumbar support.
[0026] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are a side view and an isometric view of
the detent connection with the spring support and holder of FIG. 8
and FIG. 9.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a frontal plan view of the lumbar support
frame.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a top view of the lumbar support frame in FIG.
12.
[0029] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a socket or receiver
associated with the lumbar support frame of FIG. 12 and 13.
[0030] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a portion of the back post
supporting the headrest.
[0031] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the upper pair of horizontal
arms forming a part of the back frame.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a side view of a tongue and groove connection to
the top of the arms in FIG. 16.
[0033] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a cap to replace components
associated with a headrest.
[0034] FIG. 19 is an isometric illustration of a spacer used in the
back post to extend or retract the height of the back post.
[0035] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a coat hook for attachment
to the back post.
[0036] FIG. 21 is a plan view of a coat hanger for attachment to
the coat hook of FIG. 20.
[0037] FIG. 22 is an elevational view of the back post and support
arms illustrating an LED light and its location and associated
electrical circuitry.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0038] With reference to FIG. 1, a chair 10 is shown with casters
12 attached on a five-star base 14 which is connected to a central
vertical post 16 having a gas lift height adjusting mechanism 18. A
threaded mechanism can also work. The central post supports a
swivel-tilt mechanism (not shown) that supports a seat 20 with arms
22. All of these components are well known in the art although
modifications can be made as the art progresses.
[0039] The chair 10 includes a chair back 24 having a frame 26 with
a back fabric 28 such as breathable mesh attached to and supported
by the frame 26. Frame 26 is preferably shaped to support the back
of an occupant.
[0040] The chair may also include one or more flexible lights 28
and 30 having electrical connectors 32 and 34 plugged into
electrical connectors associated with the frame 26.
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 the chair back 24
comprises frame 26 mounted on a lumbar base structure 36 which
provides structural support to the frame 26. Lumbar base structure
36 preferably comprises a central vertical post 38 with a pair of
support arms 40 and 42 extending in opposite directions from the
post 38 to attach to and support the frame 26 by terminal
connectors 44 and 46. Terminal connectors 44 and 46 contain bolt
holes 47 which allow the arms 40 and 42 to be bolted or screwed to
the frame 26. The arms 40 and 42 are preferably located vertically
in relation to frame 26 at about the lumbar area of the back of an
occupant.
[0042] Another pair of arms 48 and 50 extend outwardly from the
central post 38 at about the height of the shoulders of an occupant
in the chair. These arms 48 and 50 have terminal connectors 52 and
54 which attach to and support the frame 26. Terminal connectors 52
and 54 may contain bolt holes 55 which allow the terminal
connectors 52 and 54 to be bolted or screwed to the frame 26.
[0043] The bottom end of a central post 38 may also have a terminal
connector 56 which can be bolted or screwed to the frame 26 for
structural support. The structural connections could be made
according to any suitable designs, but bolt or screws appear to be
preferred for structural stability, ease of use, and economy.
Depending on the material of the frame 26, screws can be used or
receiving threads for bolts, including embedded or glued metal
nuts, can be provided.
[0044] The upper end of the post 38 preferably has a terminal
connector 58 which is attached to the upper part of the frame 26.
This terminal connector 58 may also be bolted or screwed or
otherwise affixed to the frame 26.
[0045] The post 38 and arms 40, 42, 48 and 50 are preferably made
of an injection molded, hard, rigid, structural plastic such as
polyvinyl chloride. The frame 26 may also be made of that
material.
[0046] The post 38 and the upper arms 48 and 50 are preferably
molded with a "c" or half-round shape as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 16, and 22 which allows access to the interior of these
components. These components can contain structural ribs 60 (see
FIGS. 6, 7, 16 and 22) and can provide passageways through the
interior of these components as illustrated.
[0047] Threaded bolt receivers 62 can also be molded in or
otherwise provided which allow for flat covers as illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 3 to be bolted over and close the "c" or half-round
shape.
[0048] The upper part of the post 38 preferably has a joint 64
which allows for attachment of a headrest 66 mounted on a
structural tube 68. The joint 64 may be a T-shaped tongue and
groove attachment as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 by T-shaped
tongue 70 and corresponding T-shaped groove 72. The tongue and
groove joint may be held in place with a suitable set screw or
other mechanism. Headrest 66 preferably contains a central portion
67 which is attached to the tube 68 by suitable fastening means
such as bolts. The attachment can also include a ratchet mechanism
for lowering and raising the headrest. Ratchet mechanisms for this
purpose are known in the art. The headrest also includes wings 69
and 71 attached to central portion 67 by pins 73 and 75 which fit
in cylinders 77 and 79 for rotatable motion. A rubber or friction
material can be placed on or between the pins or cylinders to
provide friction to hold the wings in place. A comfortable mesh
covered breathable, bendable foam 81 may be snapped into snap
grooves on the central portion 67 and the wings 69 and 71.
[0049] If a headrest 66 is not desired, the headrest can be easily
removed and replaced with a structural end support 74 (see FIGS. 27
and 18) which terminates the upper end of the post 38 through the
joint 64 and which attaches to the frame 26 through bolt holes
76.
[0050] The chair may also be constructed to include an optional
coat hook 78 and coat hanger 80 (see FIGS. 16, 20 and 21). Coat
hook 78 is preferably located under the joint 64 on the post 36 and
fits around the "c" shape of the post 36. Bolt holes 82 allow for
the coat hook 78 to be mounted on the post 36. The coat hook 78 may
also contain holes 84 to accept pins 86 on the coat hanger 80 for
mounting on the coat hook 78. The coat hook 78 and coat hanger 80
are preferably removable and may also be located elsewhere in
relation to the chair back.
[0051] The post 36 may also include a replaceable section 88 which
can be selected with different lengths for attachment to frames of
different sizes. Section 88 is a structural molded plastic which
can be mounted in the post 36 and replaced with suitable bolts and
screws in bolt holes 89.
[0052] The chair preferably includes an adjustable lumbar back
support 90 connected to an adjustable lumbar base structure
supported by the lumbar base structure 36 attached to the a frame
26.
[0053] Lumbar back support 90 may be made of a suitable plastic and
preferably contains breathing holes or grooves 92. As shown in FIG.
2, it may be covered with a breathable mesh over a breathable foam
which can be snapped into and held in place by snap grooves 93 on a
lumbar base 94.
[0054] Lumbar base 94 has a hemispherical knob 96 on its back with
a vertical slot 98 in its center which extends through the lumbar
base 94. A receiver 100 fits on the knob 98 to provide for rotary
motion. A bolt 102 passes through the receiver 100 and the slot 98
and receives a nut 99 on the front side of the base 94. Vertically
parallel straps 104 can help limit movement and provide an esthetic
appearance. Thus, the lumbar support can adjust to the occupant
with rotary motion within limits.
[0055] With reference to FIG. 5, a bolt 106 with a knob 108 or
other hand operable structure on its outer end extends through a
retainer 110, a spring holder 112, a face plate 114, a detent track
116, a detent holder 118, and an extensible connection 120, and is
threaded into a nut 122 which fits in the end of the extensible
connection 120 in a space to prevent rotation.
[0056] The extensible connection 120 is oval and has sleeve 121
which fits slideably in the detent holder 118 which has a
corresponding oval sleeve 119. The detent holder 118 has a detent
extension 124 which fits through the detent track 116, the face
plate 114, the spring holder 112. The detent extension 124 fits
into the retainer 110 and snaps into place with dogs 126 expanding
into slots 128 in the retainer 110. The detent extension 124 has a
larger diameter 130 which fits in the holes 132 of detent track 116
and a smaller diameter 134 which passes between the narrower
passage 136 between the holes 132.
[0057] A spring 113 is mounted on the spring holder 112 and fits
between a flange 138 and the rear wall of the retainer 110. Thus, a
push on the knob 108 will depress the spring 113 and move the
larger diameter 130 of the detent extension 124 from the truck 116
allowing the detent mechanism to move vertically to adjust height
of the lumbar support 90. When released, the spring 113 will cause
the larger diameter 130 to engage a hole 132 in the detent track
116 to hold the detent in place.
[0058] The lumbar support 90 can be extended from and retracted
towards the post 36 by screwing the knob 108 which causes the bolt
106 to move through the nut 122 in either direction. This motion
causes the extensible connection 120 to slide in the oval sleeve
119 of the detent holder 118.
[0059] An oval shaped slideway 140 in the post 36 keeps the oval
detent holder 118 and extensible connection 120 from rotating when
the bolt 106 is rotated.
[0060] The outer flange of the extensible connection 120 is bolted
to the receiver 100 which completes the connection between the
lumbar support 90 and the knob 108 through the supporting post 36
to provide an adjustable lumbar base structure. This structure is
adjustable vertically and horizontally and also allows rotary
motion of the lumbar support 90 in relation to the remainder of the
structure. Such adjustment capabilities increases the comfort of
the chair significantly.
[0061] The entire back of the chair described above may be attached
to a chair base by opposing attaching brackets 142 and 144 which
may be bolted or screwed to the frame 26 by bolts 145. These
brackets may contain opposing oval spaces 146 which accept an oval
bar associated with the tilt-swivel mechanism of the chair.
[0062] The lights 28 and 30 (FIG. 1) may be associated with
electrical circuitry in the back of the chair. A rechargeable
battery may be located in a battery box 150 in the lower portion of
the back, although it could be located higher. The battery box 150
may have a snap-on cover with a battery inside.
[0063] With reference to FIG. 22, the wiring and electrical
connectors are preferably located to pass through the passageways
of the post 36 from the 12v battery 152 to the structural terminal
connectors 52 and 54 which contain electrical connectors 154 and
156 (plug connectors). Corresponding electrical connector 34 may
plug into connector 156. The lights 28 and 30 should be movable and
flexible to allow ease of movement and good location of constant
lighting for use by the occupant.
[0064] The light should be below about 24 volts, preferably below
12 volts, to maintain safety. Lights and connectors made by
Littlife are suitable, although LED lights and connectors are made
by others. A rheostat can be included to adjust the intensity of
the light. A battery compartment is preferably located in the lower
back with a cover which preferably includes a lock or other
positive closure.
[0065] An improved chair in accordance with the features of the
invention can provide comfort to a user and ease of use. The
improved chair allows alternative sizes and adjustments and is
relatively easy to manufacture without undue costs.
[0066] Various modifications, of course, can be made to the chair
within the spirit and teachings of the invention, and are intended
to be within its scope.
* * * * *