U.S. patent application number 11/154426 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-28 for medical patient support chair.
Invention is credited to Steven C. Stoneman, William C. Stoneman.
Application Number | 20060290184 11/154426 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37566464 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060290184 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stoneman; William C. ; et
al. |
December 28, 2006 |
Medical patient support chair
Abstract
A chair for supporting medical patients, especially bariatric
patients, includes a skeletal frame; a seat assembly mounted to the
frame and including a seat base and a seat back, with the seat base
being pivotably mounted to the frame and the seat back being
pivotably mounted to the seat base for relative movement of the
seat assembly to the frame and relative movement of the seat back
to the seat base and the frame. Included is a first movement
inducing assembly mounted to the seat base and the frame and
extending therebetween for moving the seat assembly relative to the
frame and a second movement inducing assembly mounted to the seat
base and the seat back and extending therebetween for selectively
moving the back relative to the seat back and the frame,
substantially independently of the first movement inducing
assembly; and a motion control arrangement for operatively
controlling the first and second movement inducing assemblies
independently of one another for singular or tandem independent
movement of the seat back and the seat assembly as necessary for
medical patient comfort and care.
Inventors: |
Stoneman; William C.;
(Somerset, KY) ; Stoneman; Steven C.; (Somerset,
KY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STOLL, KEENON & PARK, LLP
300 W. VINE STREET, SUITE 2100
LEXINGTON
KY
40507
US
|
Family ID: |
37566464 |
Appl. No.: |
11/154426 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/330 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 2203/14 20130101;
A61G 5/00 20130101; A61G 5/042 20130101; A61G 2200/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/330 |
International
Class: |
A47C 1/00 20060101
A47C001/00 |
Claims
1. A chair for supporting medical patients comprising: a skeletal
frame; a seat assembly mounted to said frame and including a seat
base and a seat back, said seat base being pivotably mounted to
said frame and said seat back being pivotably mounted to said seat
base for relative movement of said seat assembly to said frame and
relative movement of said seat back to said seat base and said
frame; a first movement inducing assembly mounted to said seat base
and said frame and extending therebetween for moving said seat
assembly relative to said frame; a second movement inducing
assembly mounted to said seat base and said seat back and extending
therebetween for selectively moving said seat back relative to said
seat back and said frame, substantially independently of said first
movement inducing assembly; and a motion control arrangement for
operatively controlling said first and second movement inducing
assemblies independently of one another for singular or tandem
independent movement of said seat back and said seat assembly as
necessary for medical patient comfort and care.
2. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 1 and
further comprising a rolling ground support arrangement including
rotatable wheels at substantially the outer reaches of the frame,
mounted thereto and extending away from the frame for ground
contact.
3. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 2
wherein said rolling ground support arrangement includes two
casters supporting a rear portion of said chair and two fixed
wheels supporting a front portion of said chair.
4. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 2
wherein said rolling ground support arrangement includes two
casters supporting a rear portion of said chair and two fixed
wheels supporting a front portion of said chair, and further
comprising a driving arrangement for moving said chair across a
friction surface including at least one motor for driving said two
fixed wheels, and a drive control arrangement for controlling said
driving arrangement and thereby controlling translational movement
of said chair.
5. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 4
wherein said driving arrangement includes an assembly for driving
each fixed wheel individually in either a clockwise manner or a
counterclockwise manner, thereby allowing an operator to steer said
chair during movement over a friction surface.
6. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 5
wherein said assembly for driving each fixed wheel includes a drive
motor mounted closely adjacent a respective fixed wheel and
operatively connected thereto for selectively rotatably driving
each fixed wheel individually, each said drive motor being
connected to said drive control arrangement for selective operation
by an operator.
7. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 6 and
further comprising a control stick for controlling said drive
wheels for movement of said chair responsive to movement of said
stick by an operator.
8. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 7
wherein said control stick is movable between a rider control
position and an attendant accessible position.
9. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 1
wherein said first and second movement inducing assemblies each
include at least one piston/cylinder arrangement operatively
associated with said first movement inducing assembly and said
second movement inducing assembly.
10. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 1
wherein said motion control arrangement is configured to move said
chair to a Trendelenburg Position responsive to a switch
operatively associated with said movement inducing assemblies.
11. A chair for supporting medical patients comprising: a skeletal
frame; a seat assembly mounted to said frame and including a seat
base and a seat back, said seat base being pivotably mounted to
said frame and said seat back being pivotably mounted to said seat
base for relative movement of said seat assembly to said frame and
relative movement of said seat back to said seat base and said
frame; a first movement inducing assembly mounted to said seat base
and said frame and extending therebetween for moving said seat
assembly relative to said frame; a second movement inducing
assembly mounted to said seat base and said seat back and extending
therebetween for selectively moving said seat back relative to said
seat back and said frame, substantially independently of said first
movement inducing assembly; a motion control arrangement for
operatively controlling said first and second movement inducing
assemblies independently of one another for singular or tandem
independent movement of said seat back and said seat assembly as
necessary for medical patient comfort and care; and a rolling
ground support arrangement including rotatable wheels at
substantially the outer reaches of the frame, mounted thereto and
extending away from the frame for ground contact.
12. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 11
wherein said rolling ground support arrangement includes two
casters supporting a rear portion of said chair and two fixed
wheels supporting a front portion of said chair.
13. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 11
wherein said rolling ground support arrangement includes two
casters supporting a rear portion of said chair and two fixed
wheels supporting a front portion of said chair, and further
comprising a driving arrangement for moving said chair across a
friction surface including at least one motor for driving said two
fixed wheels, and a drive control arrangement for controlling said
driving arrangement and thereby controlling translational movement
of said chair.
14. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 13
wherein said driving arrangement includes an assembly for driving
each fixed wheel individually in either a clockwise manner or a
counterclockwise manner, thereby allowing an operator to steer said
chair during movement over a friction surface.
15. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 14
wherein said assembly for driving each fixed wheel includes a drive
motor mounted closely adjacent a respective fixed wheel and
operatively connected thereto for selectively rotatably driving
each fixed wheel individually, each said drive motor being
connected to said drive control arrangement for selective operation
by an operator.
16. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 15
and further comprising a control stick for controlling said drive
wheels for movement of said chair responsive to movement of said
stick by an operator.
17. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 16
wherein said control stick is movable between a rider control
position and an attendant accessible position.
18. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 11
wherein said first and second movement inducing assemblies each
include at least one piston/cylinder arrangement operatively
associated with said first movement inducing assembly and said
second movement inducing assembly.
19. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 11
wherein said motion control arrangement is configured to move said
chair to a Trendelenburg Position responsive to a switch
operatively associated with said movement inducing assemblies.
20. A chair for supporting medical patients comprising: a skeletal
frame; a seat assembly mounted to said frame and including a seat
base and a seat back, said seat base being pivotably mounted to
said frame and said seat back being pivotably mounted to said seat
base for relative movement of said seat assembly to said frame and
relative movement of said seat back to said seat base and said
frame; a first movement inducing assembly mounted to said seat base
and said frame and extending therebetween for moving said seat
assembly relative to said frame; a second movement inducing
assembly mounted to said seat base and said seat back and extending
therebetween for selectively moving said seat back relative to said
seat back and said frame, substantially independently of said first
movement inducing assembly; a motion control arrangement for
operatively controlling said first and second movement inducing
assemblies independently of one another for singular or tandem
independent movement of said seat back and said seat assembly as
necessary for medical patient comfort and care; a rolling ground
support arrangement including two casters supporting a rear portion
of said chair and two fixed wheels supporting a front portion of
said chair, mounted thereto and extending away from the frame for
ground contact; a driving arrangement for moving said chair across
a friction surface including an assembly for driving each fixed
wheel individually in either a clockwise manner or a
counterclockwise manner, thereby allowing an operator to steer said
chair during movement over a friction surface, and a drive control
arrangement for controlling said drive arrangement and thereby
controlling translational movement of said chair.
21. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 20
wherein said assembly for driving each fixed wheel includes a drive
motor mounted closely adjacent a respective fixed wheel and
operatively connected thereto for selectively rotatably driving
each fixed wheel individually, each said drive motor being
connected to said control arrangement for selective operation by an
operator.
22. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 21
and further comprising a control stick for controlling said drive
wheels for movement of said chair responsive to movement of said
stick by an operator.
23. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 22
and further comprising an assembly for driving each fixed wheel
individually in either a clockwise manner or a counterclockwise
manner, thereby allowing an operator to steer said chair during
movement over a friction surface wherein said control stick is
movable between a rider control position and an attendant
accessible position.
24. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 20
wherein said first and second movement inducing assemblies each
include at least one piston/cylinder arrangement operatively
associated with said first movement inducing assembly and said
second movement inducing assembly.
25. A chair for supporting medical patients according to claim 20
wherein said motion control arrangement is configured to move said
chair to a Trendelenburg Position responsive to a switch
operatively associated with said movement inducing assemblies.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates broadly to furniture for
people with special medical needs and more particularly to a
bariatric chair with an adjustable seat assembly and is capable of
translational movement along the surface.
[0002] Bariatric chairs and other bariatric seating provide support
for medical patents who may weigh between 500 and 1000 pounds. As
may be expected, conventional furniture is not designed for such
use. Bariatric chairs are designed to provide support for medical
patients with such a need and wheeled versions allow medical
attendants to move patients in the chairs.
[0003] Bariatric seating should be comfortable for the patient and
mobile bariatric seating should be comfortable for an attendant to
use to transport a patient. Further, the level of adjustability
available for bariatric seating should be extensive so that any
individual person can be placed in a position that is most
comfortable to him or her while allowing convenient ingress and
egress.
[0004] Security is also important to bariatric patients and a
feeling of stability and support should be offered in such a
seating environment. Imparting such a sense of secure stability to
bariatric patients enhances the ability of a caregiver to deliver
effective care under a reduced stress level. Enhanced stability is
also effective in promoting patient self-reliance.
[0005] There currently exists a need for bariatric seating that
provides enhanced stability and support in a mobile seat with
enhanced seat adjustability and control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is currently an object of the present invention to
provide a chair for medical patients that will allow the seat
bottom to be moved relative to the frame and independently of the
seat back.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
chair for medical patients that will allow the back to be moved
relative to the seat bottom, and both separately therefrom and in
tandem therewith.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
chair for medical patients that will allow the seat bottom to move
through various positions while maintaining the angular
relationship between the seat bottom and the seat back all the
while allowing the seat back to be selectively adjusted with
respect to both the frame and the seat bottom.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide
such a medical chair that is self-propelled for movement along a
surface.
[0010] To those and other ends, the present invention provides a
chair for supporting medical patients, especially bariatric
patients, including a skeletal frame and a seat assembly mounted to
the frame. The seat assembly includes a seat base and a seat back,
the seat base being pivotably mounted to the frame and the seat
back being pivotably mounted to the seat base for relative movement
of the seat assembly to the frame and relative movement of the seat
back to the seat base and the frame. The present invention further
includes a first movement inducing assembly mounted to the seat
base and the frame and extending therebetween for moving the seat
assembly relative to the frame; a second movement inducing assembly
mounted to the seat base and the seat back and extending
therebetween for selectively moving the seat back relative to the
seat back and the frame, substantially independently of the first
movement inducing assembly; and a motion control arrangement for
operatively controlling the first and second movement inducing
assemblies independently of one another for singular or tandem
independent movement of the seat back and the seat assembly as
necessary for medical patient comfort and care.
[0011] Preferably, the present invention further includes a rolling
ground support arrangement including rotatable wheels at
substantially the outer reaches of the frame, mounted thereto and
extending away from the frame for ground contact. It is preferred
that the rolling ground support arrangement includes two casters
supporting a rear portion of the chair and two fixed wheels
supporting a front portion of the chair. It is further preferred
that the rolling ground support arrangement includes two casters
supporting a rear portion of the chair and two fixed wheels
supporting a front portion of the chair, and further comprising a
driving arrangement for moving the chair across a friction surface
including at least one motor for driving the two fixed wheels, and
a drive control arrangement for controlling the driving arrangement
and thereby controlling translational movement of the chair.
[0012] It is preferred that the driving arrangement include an
assembly for driving each fixed wheel individually in either a
clockwise manner or a counterclockwise manner, thereby allowing an
operator to steer the chair during movement over a friction
surface. Preferably, the assembly for driving each fixed wheel
includes a drive motor mounted closely adjacent a respective fixed
wheel and operatively connected thereto for selectively rotatably
driving each fixed wheel individually, each drive motor being
connected to the drive control arrangement for selective operation
by an operator. It is preferred that the present invention further
include a control stick for controlling the drive wheels for
movement of the chair responsive to movement of the stick by an
operator. The control stick may be movable between a rider control
position and an attendant accessible position.
[0013] It is preferable that the first and second movement inducing
assemblies each include at least one piston/cylinder arrangement
operatively associated with said first movement inducing assembly
and said second movement inducing assembly. Preferentially, the
motion control arrangement is configured to move the chair to a
Trendelenburg Position responsive to a switch operatively
associated with the movement inducing assemblies.
[0014] The present invention can be described in greater detail as
a chair for supporting medical patients including a skeletal frame
and a seat assembly mounted to the frame and including a seat base
and a seat back, the seat base being pivotably mounted to the frame
and the seat back being pivotably mounted to the seat base for
relative movement of the seat assembly to the frame and relative
movement of the seat back to the seat base and the frame. The
present invention further includes a first movement inducing
assembly mounted to the seat base and the frame and extending
therebetween for moving the seat assembly relative to the frame;
and a second movement inducing assembly mounted to the seat base
and the seat back and extending therebetween for selectively moving
the seat back relative to the seat back and the frame,
substantially independently of the first movement inducing
assembly. Further, the present invention provides a motion control
arrangement for operatively controlling the first and second
movement inducing assemblies independently of one another for
singular or tandem independent movement of the seat back and the
seat assembly as necessary for medical patient comfort and care;
and a rolling ground support arrangement including rotatable wheels
at substantially the outer reaches of the frame, mounted thereto
and extending away from the frame for ground contact.
[0015] It is preferred that the rolling ground support arrangement
includes two casters supporting a rear portion of the chair and two
fixed wheels supporting a front portion of the chair. Preferably,
the rolling ground support arrangement includes two casters
supporting a rear portion of the chair and two fixed wheels
supporting a front portion of the chair, and further comprising a
driving arrangement for moving the chair across a friction surface
including at least one motor for driving the two fixed wheels, and
a drive control arrangement for controlling the driving arrangement
and thereby controlling translational movement of the chair.
[0016] The present invention further preferably includes, within
the driving arrangement, an assembly for driving each fixed wheel
individually in either a clockwise manner or a counterclockwise
manner, thereby allowing an operator to steer the chair during
movement over a friction surface. It is further preferred that the
assembly for driving each fixed wheel includes a drive motor
mounted closely adjacent a respective fixed wheel and operatively
connected thereto for selectively rotatably driving each fixed
wheel individually, each drive motor being connected to the drive
control arrangement for selective operation by an operator.
Preferably, the present invention further includes a control stick
for controlling the drive wheels for movement of the chair
responsive to movement of the stick by an operator. The control
stick may be movable between a rider control position and an
attendant accessible position.
[0017] It is preferred that the first and second movement inducing
assemblies each include at least one piston/cylinder arrangement
operatively associated with said first movement inducing assembly
and said second movement inducing assembly.
[0018] Preferably, the motion control arrangement is configured to
move the chair to a Trendelenburg Position responsive to a switch
operatively associated with the movement inducing assemblies.
[0019] The present invention can also be described in greater
detail as a chair for supporting medical patients including a
skeletal frame and a seat assembly mounted to the frame and
including a seat base and a seat back, with the seat base being
pivotably mounted to the frame and the seat back being pivotably
mounted to the seat base for relative movement of the seat assembly
to the frame and relative movement of the seat back to the seat
base and the frame. Also included is a first movement inducing
assembly mounted to the seat base and the frame and extending
therebetween for moving the seat assembly relative to the frame and
a second movement inducing assembly mounted to the seat base and
the seat back and extending therebetween for selectively moving the
seat back relative to the seat back and the frame, substantially
independently of the first movement inducing assembly. The present
invention further includes a motion control arrangement for
operatively controlling the first and second movement inducing
assemblies independently of one another for singular or tandem
independent movement of the seat back and the seat assembly as
necessary for medical patient comfort and care A rolling ground
support arrangement is provided that includes two casters
supporting a rear portion of the chair and two fixed wheels
supporting a front portion of the chair, mounted thereto and
extending away from the frame for ground contact. Further provided
is a driving arrangement for moving the chair across a friction
surface including an assembly for driving each fixed wheel
individually in either a clockwise manner or a counterclockwise
manner, thereby allowing an operator to steer the chair during
movement over a friction surface, and a drive control arrangement
for controlling the driving arrangement and thereby controlling
movement of the chair.
[0020] It is preferred that the assembly for driving each fixed
wheel include a drive motor mounted closely adjacent a respective
fixed wheel and operatively connected thereto for selectively
rotatably driving each fixed wheel individually, each drive motor
being connected to the drive control arrangement for selective
operation by an operator.
[0021] The present invention further preferably includes a control
stick for controlling the drive wheels for movement of the chair
responsive to movement of the stick by an operator. Also preferably
included is an assembly for driving each fixed wheel individually
in either a clockwise manner or a counterclockwise manner, thereby
allowing an operator to steer the chair during movement over a
friction surface wherein the control stick is movable between a
rider control position and an attendant accessible position. The
first and second movement inducing assemblies may each include at
least one piston/cylinder arrangement operatively associated with
said first movement inducing assembly and said second movement
inducing assembly. The motion control arrangement is preferably
configured to move the chair to a Trendelenburg Position responsive
to a switch operatively associated with the movement inducing
assemblies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair for supporting
medical patients according to one preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the framework associated
with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective underside view of the frame
structure of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of partial framework associated
with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a side partial view of the framework association
with the present invention used to provide a motion diagram of the
seat and back structure thereof;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a side partial view of the framework association
with the present invention of FIG. 5 with movement inducing
assemblies installed;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective underside view of the frame
structure of the present invention illustrating the drive system
components; and
[0029] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the control systems of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Turning now to the drawings and, more particularly to FIG.
1, a chair for medical patients, especially bariatric patients,
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated generally at 10 and includes a skeletal frame 12, as
best seen in FIG. 2 and other subsequent figures. The frame 12 is
upholstered and includes chair covers 14 and side panels 24.
Fundamental to any chair and provided here are a seat bottom 26 and
a seat back 30 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The seat bottom 26 and the
seat back 30 are mounted to a seat bottom frame 28 (not shown in
FIG. 1) and a seat back frame 32, respectively. The frame
structures are best seen in FIG. 2. Since most of the figures
herein illustrate a skeletal frame, for clarity reference will be
made to movements and connections to the seat bottom frame 28 and
the seat back frame 32. Nevertheless, it should be understood that
motions applicable to the seat bottom frame 28 and the seat back
frame 32 are also imparted to the seat bottom 26 and the seat back
30.
[0031] Returning now to FIG. 1, the chair 10 of the present
invention also includes arm rests 22 and a foot rest 20 both of
which are mounted to the frame 12 with each arm rest 22 being
mounted to a side frame 34 and the foot rest 20 being rotatably
mounted intermediate two side frame 34 portions.
[0032] Since the chair 10 of the present invention is moveable in a
translational manner across a surface, a pair of drive wheels 16 is
provided at the two front corners of the chair 10 while a pair of
casters 18 is mounted at the rear corners of the chair and their
360 degree rotational movement allows for essentially a zero
turning radius for the chair as will be seen in greater detail
hereinafter.
[0033] Turning now to FIG. 2, the chair 10 of the present invention
is illustrated without the upholstery and reveals a skeletal frame
12 formed from a series of generally vertical and horizontal cross
members extending between two side frame portions 34.
[0034] Also revealed in FIG. 2 are the movement inducing assemblies
that impart motion to the seat bottom frame 28 and the seat back
frame 32. These consist of piston/cylinder arrangements illustrated
at 36, 37 and 42 in FIG. 2 and, more clearly, in FIG. 3. Although
not shown, it is contemplated that the foot rest 20 may be equipped
with a piston/cylinder arrangement so that its movements may be
coordinated with the movement of the seat bottom 26 and seat back
30. Further, the foot rest 20 may be mechanically linked to the
seat back 30 for coordinated movement therewith. It should be noted
that the seat bottom 26 is supported by the seat bottom frame 28
while the seat back 30 is supported by the seat back frame 32.
[0035] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
movement inducing assemblies are not limited to piston/cylinder
arrangements and the motion may be accomplished using other means,
for example, motors with pinions operating with gear racks.
[0036] The piston/cylinder arrangements, also referred to as
movement-inducing assemblies, are configured for moving the seat
bottom frame 28 relative to the overall frame 12 in partial
rotation about a seat/frame pivot point 49 where the seat frame 28
is pivotally joined to the side frame 34. According to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention, this motion is
accomplished using a pair of piston/cylinder arrangements 36, 37
that form the first movement inducing assembly and are pivotally
mounted to a lower boss 38 attached to a lower cross member 39 and
an upper boss 40 which is mounted to the seat bottom frame 28. As
these pistons and cylinders 36, 37 are caused to extend and
contract, the seat bottom frame 28 is caused to rotate about the
pivot 49 as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter. The
dual nature of the seat bottom piston/cylinder arrangements 36, 37
provides balanced support and provides the necessary strength to
move both the seat back frame 32 and the seat bottom frame 28
relative to the overall frame 12 while supporting a bariatric
patient.
[0037] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the second
movement inducing assembly is configured as single piston/cylinder
arrangement 42 pivotably attached to a lower boss 44 that is fixed
to the lowermost cross member 45 on the seat back frame 32 while
the other end of the piston/cylinder arrangement 42 is pivotably
attached to a boss 46 fixed to the forwardmost cross brace 29 of
the seat bottom frame 28. As will be seen, the seat bottom movement
inducing assembly 36, 37 is operable independently of the seat back
movement inducing assembly 42. The seat back frame 32 is configured
for partial rotation about a pivot point 48 where the seat back
frame 32 is joined to the seat bottom frame 28.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, motion diagrams illustrate the
relationship between the piston/cylinder arrangements 36, 37 and 42
and the respective chair components. In FIG. 5, the piston/cylinder
arrangements 37, 42 are illustrated schematically.
[0039] Regarding seat motion, the overall frame structure 12 does
not move and remains in a ground supported manner on the wheels 16
and casters 18 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. The seat bottom frame 28
moves in a rotational manner about pivot point 49 at the forward
part of the chair on the arm frame 34. Movement of the seat bottom
frame 28 is governed by piston/cylinder arrangement pair 36, 37,
each of which is pivotably mounted to the frame 12 and the seat
bottom frame 28. FIGS. 5 and 6, being side views, do not illustrate
both piston/cylinder assemblies of the pair, but are illustrative
with regard to the mounting arrangements, showing piston/cylinder
assembly 37 mounted to the frame 12 at boss 38 and the seat bottom
frame 28 at boss 40.
[0040] Movement of the seat back frame 30 relative to the seat
bottom frame 28 is accomplished using the seat back piston/cylinder
assembly 42 which is pivotably mounted to the lowermost portion of
the seat back frame 30 at boss 44 and pivotably mounted to a
forward portion of the seat bottom frame 28 illustrated at 46.
Extension and compression of the seat back piston/cylinder 42
results in rotational movement of the seat back 30 about pivot
point 48 at the rear most portion of the seat bottom frame 28.
[0041] As will be seen in greater detail hereinafter, movement of
the seat bottom frame 28 and the seat back frame 30 may take place
simultaneously or individually but it should be noted that control
of the movement inducing assemblies 36, 37 and 42 are independent
operations. Therefore, motion of the seat bottom frame 28 about
pivot point 49, as illustrated by arrow A in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be
accomplished individually or simultaneously with movement of the
seat back frame 30 about pivot point 48 as illustrated by arrow
B.
[0042] Turning now to FIG. 7, the chair 10 of the present invention
is provided with a drive system 50 for translational movement of
the chair across a friction surface. The drive system 50 includes
the aforesaid wheels 16 disposed at two forward corners of the
frame structure 12. The wheels 16 are powered by electric or
hydraulic motors with a motor 52, 54 dedicated to each drive wheel.
These motors 52, 54 may be engaged simultaneously or individually
in order to provide direct general control for the chair 10. As may
be expected, movement of one drivel wheel while holding the other
stationary results in a "zero-turning radius" as is known in mowers
and other vehicles with this drive configuration. The motors 52 are
joined by an axle 56 extending therebetween.
[0043] In order to control motion of the chair components including
translational motion of the chair 10 across the friction surface
and relative motion of the seat bottom frame 28 and the seat back
frame 32, a control system is provided. The control system is
illustrated in block diagram form in FIG. 8, and includes a chair
motion controller 62 that is operatively attached to
piston/cylinder arrangements 36, 37 and 42 for moving the front and
back portion of the seat assembly. The controller may be
preprogrammed to achieve certain seating arrangements. For example,
controls may be provided to move the chair into a Trendelenburg
position automatically. The Trendelenburg position allows bariatric
patients to breathe better in emergency situations. The controller
62 may be preprogrammed to achieve other predetermined positions
and therefore may be customized for use by a single patient.
[0044] A joystick 60 is provided for all controlling all chair
motion, both translational movement across a friction surface and
movement of the seat back frame 30 and the seat bottom frame 28. As
seen in FIG. 8, a selector 64 is provided in operational engagement
with the joystick 60. An operator may use the selector to select
either the drive system or the chair movement system for selective
control by the joystick 60. The selector 64 can also be used to
activate preprogrammed chair movements including Trendelenburg
Position placement.
[0045] The drive controller 36 distributes power to the two
electric motors 52, 54 which may also be formed as hydraulic
motors. Control of the chairs translational movement is attained
through the use of the joystick 60 which provides an intuitive grid
for chair movement. In order to move the chair, the selector 64 is
used to select chair translational movement and the joystick 60 is
directed to whatever direction the occupant or attendant would like
to travel. For example, to move the chair in a forward manner,
slightly to the left, the joystick is placed off-center forwardly
and slightly to the left thereby providing an intuitive steering
feel. The joystick 60 may be moved to various points about the
chair 10 for access by a patient or a caregiver.
[0046] By the above, it can be seen that the present invention
provides a sturdy chair for bariatric use which has a significant
range of movement to provide for the comfort and health of medical
patients undergoing treatment and requiring such a chair.
[0047] It will therefore be readily understood by those persons
skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of a
broad utility and application. While the present invention is
described in all currently foreseeable embodiments, there may be
other, unforeseeable embodiments and adaptations of the present
invention, as well as variations, modifications and equivalent
arrangements, that do not depart from the substance or scope of the
present invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or to
be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude
such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and
equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only
by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *