U.S. patent application number 11/502657 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-15 for adjustable chair station and method of use.
Invention is credited to Perry C. North.
Application Number | 20070035164 11/502657 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37758197 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070035164 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
North; Perry C. |
February 15, 2007 |
Adjustable chair station and method of use
Abstract
Described herein are embodiments of an adjustable chair station.
In one embodiment, an adjustable chair station can include a base
member fixedly coupled to a stationary object and a carriage
rotatably coupled to the base member. The chair station can also
include a seat assembly having a seat member swivelably coupled to
the carriage, a leg member pivotally coupled to a front portion of
the seat member, and a back member slidably coupled to a back
portion of the seat member. The back member can be slidable along
the seat member in a direction extending substantially parallel to
the seat member. The chair station can also include a headrest
member slidably coupled to the back member and an armrest member
slidably coupled to the back member at a location intermediate the
headrest member and the seat member. The headrest and armrest
members can be slidable in a direction extending substantially
parallel to the back member.
Inventors: |
North; Perry C.; (Reno,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KLARQUIST SPARKMAN, LLP
121 SW SALMON STREET
SUITE 1600
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
37758197 |
Appl. No.: |
11/502657 |
Filed: |
August 11, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60707485 |
Aug 11, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/217.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/541 20180801;
A47C 3/0251 20180801; A47C 3/0257 20130101; A47C 1/03 20130101;
A47C 15/004 20130101; A47C 3/18 20130101; A47C 7/72 20130101; A47C
7/723 20180801; A47C 1/0242 20130101; A47C 7/70 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/217.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 31/00 20060101
A47C031/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable chair comprising: a base member fixedly coupled to
a stationary object; a carriage rotatably coupled to the base
member; a seat assembly comprising: (A) a seat member swivelably
coupled to the carriage, the seat member having a front portion and
a back portion generally opposite the front portion; (B) a leg
member pivotally coupled to the front portion of the seat member;
and (C) a back member slidably coupled to the back portion of the
seat member, wherein the back member is slidable along the seat
member in a direction extending substantially parallel to the seat
member; a headrest member slidably coupled to the back member and
slidable in a direction extending substantially parallel to the
back member; and an armrest member slidably coupled to the back
member at a location intermediate the headrest member and the seat
member, the armrest member being slidable in a direction extending
substantially parallel to the back member.
2. The adjustable chair of claim 1, further comprising a visual
interface support pivotally coupled to the headrest member, the
visual interface support comprising at least one visual interface
device.
3. The adjustable chair of claim 1, wherein the armrest member
comprises a pair of armrests and a user input device support
surface extendable between the armrests.
4. The adjustable chair of claim 2, wherein the armrest member
comprises a pair of armrests and a user input device support
surface extendable between the armrests.
5. The adjustable chair of claim 1, further comprising at least one
of: an actuator coupled to the seat member and the carriage; an
actuator coupled to the leg member and the front portion; an
actuator coupled to the back member and seat member; an actuator
coupled to the headrest member and the back member; and an actuator
coupled to the armrest member and the back member.
6. The adjustable chair of claim 5, further comprising a controller
in electrical communication with at least one of the actuators,
wherein the controller is selectively controllable to activate at
least one of the actuators.
7. The adjustable chair of claim 5, wherein the back support member
comprises at least one actuator aperture, and wherein a portion of
at least one of (i) the actuator coupled to the headrest member and
the back member and (ii) the actuator coupled to the armrest member
and the back member penetrates the at least one actuator
aperture.
8. The adjustable chair of claim 6, wherein the controller
comprises a memory for storing a predetermined position of at least
one of: the seat member relative to the carriage; the leg member
relative to the seat member; the back member relative to the seat
member; the headrest member relative to the back member; and the
armrest member relative to the back member.
9. The adjustable chair of claim 1, further comprising: an actuator
coupled to the seat member and the carriage; an actuator coupled to
the leg member and the front portion; an actuator coupled to the
back member and seat member; an actuator coupled to the headrest
member and the back member; and an actuator coupled to the armrest
member and the back member.
10. The adjustable chair of claim 1, wherein an angle defined
between the seat member and the back member is fixed.
11. The adjustable chair of claim 1, further comprising an actuator
coupled to the carriage and the base member, wherein the carriage
is rotatably coupled to the base member and capable rotating at
least 360-degrees about the base member via the actuator.
12. A computer station comprising: a seat assembly comprising: (A)
a seat member having a front portion and a back portion generally
opposite the front portion; and (B) a back support member slidably
coupled to the back portion of the seat member and extending away
from the seat member at a predetermined angle relative the seat
member; wherein a length of the seat member is defined as a
distance between the front portion of the seat member and the back
support member, wherein the back support member is slidable along
the seat member to adjust the length of the seat member while
maintaining the back support member at the predetermined angle
relative to the seat member. an armrest member coupled to the seat
assembly, the armrest member comprising a user input device; and a
visual interface support member coupled to the seat assembly, the
visual interface support comprising a visual interface device in
communication with the user input device.
13. The computer station of claim 12, wherein the seat assembly
further comprises an actuator having a first end coupled to the
seat member and a second end movable relative to the first end
coupled to the back support member, wherein the second end of the
actuator is movable relative to the first end of the actuator to
slidably move the back support member substantially linearly along
the seat member.
14. The computer station of claim 13, further comprising an
electronic controller in electrical communication with the
actuator, wherein the controller is operable to selectively
activate the actuator to move the back support member relative to
the seat member.
15. The computer station of claim 12, wherein the seat member
comprises a back support member aperture and the back support
member comprises a tab penetrating the back support member
aperture, wherein the tab is coupled to a first end of an actuator
with the second end of the actuator being coupled to the seat
member, such that activation of the actuator moves the tab
translationally within the aperture.
16. The computer station of claim 12, wherein the back support
member comprises a front surface, a back surface and a pair of
opposing and substantially vertically extending side surfaces
intermediate the front and back surfaces, wherein the back support
member further comprises guide rails coupled to and extending a
length of the side surfaces.
17. The computer station of claim 16, wherein the armrest member
comprises an armrest support frame having a first end portion from
which a first armrest extends, a second end portion from which a
second armrest extends, and guide rail couplers positioned between
the first and second armrests, wherein the back support member is
positioned within a space defined between the first and second
armrests and the armrest support plate such that the guide rail
couplers are slidably engageable with respective guide rails of the
back support member such that the armrest support frame is slidably
movable proximate the back surface of the back support.
18. The computer station of claim 16, wherein the visual interface
support member comprises a visual interface support frame having at
least one pair of guide rail couplers and a head support, wherein
the couplers are slidably engageable with respective guide rails of
the back support member such that the visual interface support
frame is slidably movable proximate the front surface of the back
support.
19. The computer station of claim 18, wherein the head support
comprises a pneumatically inflatable bladder.
20. The computer station of claim 12, wherein the back support
member comprises a lumbar support having a pneumatically inflatable
bladder.
21. The computer station of claim 12, wherein the visual interface
support member comprises a visual interface support bar pivotally
coupled to the support frame and pivotable between an open and
closed position, the visual interface support bar having at least
one visual interface device coupled thereto.
22. The computer station of claim 12, further comprising a carriage
coupled to the seat member, the carriage comprising two
spaced-apart substantially vertically extending plates each having
a generally semi-circular shaped channel, and the seat member
comprising two spaced-apart substantially vertically extending
plates each having a set of multiple guides arranged in a generally
semi-circular shaped configuration corresponding to the generally
semi-circular shaped channel of the substantially vertically
extending plates of the carriage, wherein each set of multiple
guides is engageable with, movable along and containable within a
respective channel of the substantially vertically extending plates
of the carriage such that the seat member is pivotable about a
horizontal axis relative to the carriage.
23. An adjustable chair station for supporting a user in an
ergonomically proper position comprising: a seat assembly
comprising a seat portion coupled to a back portion and a leg
portion, the back portion being coupled an armrest portion and a
headrest portion; means for adjusting the inclination of the seat
assembly; means for adjusting a length of the seat portion; means
for linearly adjusting the armrest portion relative to the back
portion; means for linearly adjusting the headrest portion relative
to the back portion; and means for angularly adjusting the leg
portion relative to the seat portion.
24. The adjustable chair station of claim 23, further comprising
means for electronically controlling at least one of the: (A) means
for a means for adjusting the inclination of the seat assembly; (B)
means for adjusting the length of the seat portion; (C) means for
linearly adjusting the armrest portion relative to the back
portion; (D) means for linearly adjusting the headrest portion
relative to the back portion; and (E) means for angularly adjusting
the leg portion relative to the seat portion.
25. The adjustable chair station of claim 23, further comprising
means for electronically controlling the: (A) means for a means for
adjusting the inclination of the seat assembly; (B) means for
adjusting the length of the seat portion; (C) means for linearly
adjusting the armrest portion relative to the back portion; (D)
means for linearly adjusting the headrest portion relative to the
back portion; and (E) means for angularly adjusting the leg portion
relative to the seat portion.
26. The adjustable chair station of claim 23, further comprising
means for supporting an electronic user input device in a position
easily accessible by a user.
27. The adjustable chair station of claim 23, further comprising
means for supporting a visual interface device in a position easily
viewable by a user.
28. The adjustable chair station of claim 27, further comprising
means for pivotally adjusting the means for supporting a visual
interface device between an open and closed position.
29. The adjustable chair station of claim 23, further comprising
recognition means for identifying a user and means for
electronically controlling at least one of the (A) means for a
means for adjusting the inclination of the seat assembly, (B) means
for adjusting the length of the seat portion, (C) means for
linearly adjusting the armrest portion relative to the back
portion, (D) means for linearly adjusting the headrest portion
relative to the back portion, and (E) means for angularly adjusting
the leg portion relative to the seat portion, to place the seat
assembly into a configuration corresponding to the body proportions
of an identified user.
30. The adjustable chair station of claim 23, further comprising
means for rotating the seat assembly about a central vertical axis
of the seat assembly.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/707,485, filed Aug. 11, 2005, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Apparatus and methods described herein relate generally to
an adjustable chair station, and more particularly to an adjustable
chair station, and methods of use, for providing ergonomic support
during various activities.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many chair and chair stations have attempted to provide a
system for supporting a user in an ergonomically proper position
while the user is involved in a particular activity. As used
herein, an ergonomically proper position can be defined to mean a
position, or posture, of the body which promotes the safety,
comfort, or efficiency of a user during a particular activity.
Typically, proper ergonomics is important in activities requiring
prolonged periods of immobility or repetitive physical actions. For
example, such activities can include, but are not limited to,
reading, watching television, sleeping, operating a computer,
playing a video game or driving a motorized vehicle.
[0004] Recently, as related to one particular activity, the
increased use of computers at school, home, work and other places
has raised concerns regarding proper ergonomic positioning while
using a computer. Computers are used in all aspects of life for a
variety of purposes, such as educational, recreational and
employment. Computers, along with associated peripheral, or user
interface, devices, such as keyboards, monitors, touch pads and
mice, conventionally make up a computing terminal at which one or
more users can be positioned to use the computer. As is often the
case in today's society, a user is positioned at a terminal in a
seated position and remains in the seated positioned for prolonged
periods of time. Moreover, use of a computer's user interface
device, such as typing on a keyboard or manipulation of a mouse,
typically requires a substantial number of repetitive physical or
manual activities.
[0005] Numerous injuries have been linked to poor circulation
commonly brought on by prolonged periods of immobility, such as
when sitting at a computer terminal. For example, deep vein
thrombosis is an injury resulting from a blood clot that develops
in a deep vein, such as in the lower leg. Deep vein thrombosis can
cause pain in the leg and can potentially lead to serious
complications. Other common injuries associated with prolonged
periods of immobility can be general soreness, fatigue, or strain
of various portions, muscles, or joints of the body, such as the
neck and back.
[0006] The risk of injuries related to prolonged periods of
immobility can be mitigated by proper positioning of a user's body
and/or periodically moving one or more body parts susceptible to
such injuries, such as the upper and lower legs. However, as is
often the case, a particular activity may require a user to remain
immobilized for an extended period of time without an opportunity
to engage in such preventative movement.
[0007] Similarly, injuries related to repetitive manual activities
have become increasingly prevalent as computers have become more
commonplace in society. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome is a
condition in which pressure applied to the median nerve in the
carpal tunnel causes undesirable and often painful symptoms and
which is often caused by repetitive manual activities. During use
of computer interface devices, the risk of developing carpel tunnel
syndrome can be augmented by improper positioning, inadequate
support or misalignment of one or more portions of a user's body
relative to the interface devices.
[0008] The risk of injuries related to repetitive manual activities
can be mitigated by properly positioning and supporting the user's
body such that during repetitive manual activities, the user's body
is correctly aligned. This can be difficult since many users are
unable to adjust their position or provide proper support, or
simply do not know the proper position to place their body to be
correct aligned for a specific activity.
[0009] To help mitigate the risks associated with injuries related
to immobility and repetitive manual activities during use of a
computer at a work station, several seating systems have been
developed. Such seating systems attempt to provide generally an
ergonomic chair or station for use with a computer. Such prior
seating systems, despite having numerous features, each have
certain disadvantages.
[0010] For example, a reclining computer chair apparatus for use
with a monitor and keyboard is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,363
('363 Patent). The apparatus includes a carriage slidably mounted
to a base, a seat member carried on the carriage, a back member
pivotally mounted to the seat member, a leg member pivoted to the
seat member, an arm member carried by the carriage, and a monitor
arm carried by the carriage. Motorized threaded screws are used to
move the carriage on the base and move the back and leg members
relative to the carriage.
[0011] The '363 Patent apparatus, however, is not sufficient
adjustability to provide for the varying physical dimensions of
multiple computer users. Although the '363 apparatus may allow a
user to pivotally adjust the back member with respect to seat
member, pivotally adjust the arm member with respect to the back
member, pivotally adjust the leg member with respect to the seat
member, and view a computer monitor and type on a keyboard in an
upright sitting position, in a prone position, or in multiple
positions therebetween, among other things the '363 patent
apparatus does not allow a user to adjust the distance between the
seat member and the leg member to account for differing upper leg
lengths of multiple users, does not allow rotational adjustability
of the chair about a central chair axis, does not allow for linear
adjustability of the arm members to maintain the arm members in an
ergonomically proper position, does not allow for cooperative
linear adjustability of a head support and the monitor to maintain
the monitor in an ergonomically proper position.
[0012] Additionally, although the '363 apparatus may disclose a leg
member that is pivotally connected to the seat member, the
apparatus does not provide periodic adjustment of the leg member
while occupied by a user, which can help to reduce the risk of
developing immobility-based injuries, such as deep vein
thrombosis.
[0013] Also, the '363 apparatus does not provide a compact design.
For example, the base or footprint of the apparatus extends at
least the entire length of the chair.
[0014] In another example, a work station system is described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,779,922; 4,880,270; and 4,915,450 (Work Station
Patents). The Work Station Patents describe a work station for
supporting a human operator in a seated position while the human
operates equipment located on the work station. The work station
includes a rockable chair, a carriage secured to the front portion
of the chair, two surfaces for supporting an input device and a
visual display device, respectively, are attached to the carriage,
movable along the carriage and securable to the carriage by
manually tightening a knob.
[0015] Although the Work Station Patents disclose numerous
components and features, the apparatus disclosed in the Work
Station Patents do not provide adequate adjustability of the chair
and automated adjustability of at least the positioning of the two
surfaces for supporting the input device and visual display device.
The chair described in the Work Station Patents does not allow for
adjustment of the length of the seat or the linear adjustment of
positioning of the arm support and head rest with respect to the
back support. Further, the two surfaces for supporting the input
device and visual display device described in the Work Station
Patents are designed to be adjusted by manually turning and
physically moving the surfaces to a desirable height. For practical
purposes, the manual adjustment of the input device and visual
display device support surfaces described in the Work Station
Patents is suitable for use by a single user. Otherwise, each time
a different user with different body proportions desires to use the
work station, he/she must physically adjust and readjust the
support surfaces until the surfaces are positioned at a desired
height. Such manual adjustability can result in an inefficient use
of time and energy.
[0016] In yet another example, an ergonomic chair providing a
seating system that allows a seated occupant to shift his/her
position while exercising major muscle groups is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,450,578 ('578 Patent). The chair includes a seatrest and
backrest that are connected and pivot relative to each other. The
backrest moves along backrest tracks between a lower resting
position and a raised extended position. The seatrest is allowed to
move such that as the backrest moves the seatrest correspondingly
translates and rotates. In use, a user of the chair can push
against the backrest, translate the backrest along the backrest
tracks, stretch out into the extended position and then return to
the resting position.
[0017] The '578 Patent chair, however, provides a seatrest that
freely pivots with respect to the backrest and thus does not remain
in an ergonomically proper position. Further, the '578 Patent chair
does not provide adequate support or allow for adequate
adjustability to ensure proper ergonomic orientation of a user's
body. More specifically, the chair does not provide support for a
user's arms above or below the elbows, nor does the chair provide
adequate lower leg support.
[0018] In addition, the '578 chair does not allow for adjustment of
the seatrest length, adjustment of the headrest height, nor
rotation of the chair about a central axis. Further, for those
portions of the '578 chair that are adjustable, such adjustments
are not performed automatically much less without significant human
effort.
SUMMARY
[0019] The present application relates to a chair station that
provides sufficient bodily support, adjustability, and, if desired,
other features to allow users having various dimensions to remain
in an ergonomically proper position while performing any of a
variety of activities. In certain embodiments, the chair can orient
the user in an ergonomically proper position, which, in certain
embodiments, can help reduce the risk of injuries related to
immobility, such as deep vein thrombosis, and repetitive manual
activities, such as carpel tunnel syndrome.
[0020] In some embodiments, the chair station provides a
substantially versatile and compact adjustable device for
supporting a user. Certain embodiments of the chair station can
provide the ability to adjust one or more body supporting
components to support one or more portions of a user's body in an
ergonomically proper seated position. In one embodiment, when using
the chair station for a particular application, such as a computer
station having at least a keyboard and monitor, the chair station
can, in some implementations, adjustably support a user's body in
an ergonomic position, or other position if desired, for typing on
the keyboard and viewing the monitor in a very large, and if
desired, infinite number of horizontal or vertical
orientations.
[0021] In at least some embodiments, the chair station can include
more adjustable features or aspects, and differing adjustment
methods, than conventional chairs. One or more of the various
adjustable components of the chair station can be adjusted to a
large, or if desired, infinite number of positions. In certain
embodiments, the chair can provide support for one or more portions
of any of various users having any of various body types.
[0022] In addition, in some embodiments one or more of the
positions of the supporting components can be automatically
adjusted depending on an identification of the specific user
occupying the chair. Such identification can be based on any of
various techniques, such as biometric or user input techniques.
[0023] Some embodiments of the chair station can include a stand, a
carriage coupled to the stand, and a seat assembly coupled to the
carriage. In certain implementations, the carriage is rotatably
coupled to the stand and, if desired, the carriage can be capable
of 360-degrees of rotation about the stand. Similarly, in certain
embodiments in which the chair assembly is rotatably coupled to the
carriage, the chair can also be rotatable 360-degrees about the
stand.
[0024] In some implementations, the carriage can be selectively
rotated by an actuator, such as, in certain embodiments, a stepper
motor electrically coupled to a controller. In certain embodiments,
the controller can be positioned on the chair station so that a
user occupying the chair station can easily engage the controller
to selectively manipulate one or more components of the chair
station, such as selectively rotating the carriage and seat
assembly.
[0025] In some implementations, the seat assembly can be movably
coupled to the carriage. In certain implementations, the seat
assembly is reclineable or rotatable relative to the carriage
between an upright position and a supine or prone position. In
certain implementations, an actuator can be coupled to the carriage
and the seat assembly and selectively actuated to move the seat
assembly relative to the carriage. The actuator can be electrically
coupled to the controller or other user interface such that a user
can conveniently engage the controller to adjust the position of
the seat assembly.
[0026] In certain embodiments, the seat assembly can include a back
member coupled to a seat member. The back member can provide
support for at least a portion of a user's back, and the seat
member can provide support for at least a portion of a user's upper
leg when the user occupies the chair station. In some
implementations, the back member is movably coupled to the seat
member. If desired, the back member can be slidably coupled to the
seat member and capable of translational movement between back and
front portions of the seat member. Such translational adjustability
of the back member relative to the seat member can allow the length
of the seat member, i.e., the portion of the seat member between a
front edge of the seat member and the back member, to be
selectively increased or decreased to accommodate different upper
leg dimensions of different users.
[0027] In some implementations, an actuator can be coupled to the
seat member and the back member and selectively controlled to
adjust the length of the seat member. The actuator can be
electrically coupled to the controller or other interface device to
allow a user occupying the chair station to engage the controller
to selectively adjust the length of the seat member.
[0028] In certain embodiments, the seat assembly can also include a
calf support member coupled to the seat member. The calf support
member can provide support for at least a portion of a user's lower
leg, such as the user's calf or feet.
[0029] In some implementations, the calf support member is movably
coupled to the seat member. Also, if desired the calf support
member can be pivotally coupled to the seat member to allow the
calf support member to be positioned in any of various positions or
at any of various angles relative to the seat member. In some
implementations, an actuator can be coupled to the calf support
member and the seat member and selectively controlled to move the
calf support member relative to the seat member.
[0030] In addition, in certain implementations the actuator can be
electrically coupled to the controller or other interface device.
This can, if desired, allow a user to engage the controller to
selectively adjust the position or angle of the calf support member
depending on the user's particular bodily characteristics.
[0031] In some embodiments, the chair station includes an armrest
member movably coupled, in some cases, to the back member. In
certain implementations, the armrest member can include a pair of
armrests each having an upper arm support portion, elbow support
portion and lower arm support portion. In some implementations, the
armrest member can be adjustably movable translationally or
linearly along the back member to effectively raise or lower the
armrest member, and thus the armrests. Accordingly, if desired the
armrests can be raised or lowered to a specific height
corresponding to the user's proportions such that the user can rest
his or her arms on the armrests--that is, place a respective one of
his or her upper arms, elbows, or lower arms in contact with the
upper arm, elbow, or lower arm support surfaces, respectively, of a
respective armrest. This can, if desired, position and support the
user's arms in an ergonometric orientation.
[0032] In some implementations, an actuator can be coupled to the
armrest member and the backrest and selectively controlled to move
the armrest member relative to the back member and seat member. The
actuator can also be electrically coupled to the controller or
other interface device such that a user can engage the controller
to adjust the position of the armrest member.
[0033] In certain implementations, the chair station can include a
movable headrest member coupled to the back member. In certain
implementations, the headrest member can be movable translationally
or linearly along the back member into any of various selected
positions. In some embodiments, the headrest member can be
selectively movable into a position corresponding to the
approximate location of a user's head so that a portion of the
headrest member, such as a head support cushion, can support the
users head during use of the chair station.
[0034] In some implementations, the headrest member can be coupled
to an actuator. In this case, the actuator can, if desired, also be
coupled to the back member and selectively controllable to adjust
the position, such as the height, of the headrest member in
relation to the back member and seat member. As with the actuators
identified above, the actuator coupled to the headrest member can
be electrically coupled to a controller or other interface device
such that a user engaging the controller can selectively adjust the
position of the headrest member.
[0035] In some embodiments, the back member and headrest can
include adjustable back and head supports, respectively. In some
implementations, the supports can provide cushioned support for a
user's respective back and head. The adjustable back and head
supports also can be adjustable to provide more or less cushioning
depending on the user's body dimensions or personal preference. For
example, in one implementation, the back and head supports can
include pneumatically inflatable bladders that can be selectively
controlled by the user to provide more or less cushioning.
[0036] In some embodiments, a user can access a controller to
adjust one or more movable components, such as the above-mentioned
movable components, to provide a chair station customized to the
user's specific body dimensions. In addition, in some embodiments,
the movable components of the chair station can be automatically
adjusted into predetermined positions upon recognition that a
specific user has been seated in or desires to sit in the chair
station. In some embodiments a first time user can sit in the chair
station and access a controller to selectively adjust the movable
components of the chair station into a desired configuration, e.g.,
a configuration providing optimal ergonometric benefits and
comfort. The user can then save his/her settings in the controller
so that, when the subsequently uses the chair station, the user can
select the saved configuration to automatically adjust at least
some of the adjustable components of the chair station to match the
user's customized configuration. In certain embodiments, the chair
station can recognize the user through use of biometric or user
input devices and adjust, or facilitate adjustment of, the chair
station accordingly.
[0037] In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to
activate one or more of the actuators to move one or more of the
respective movable components after a user has been seated in the
chair station in a single position for a predetermined period of
time. In some embodiments, this type of activation can promote the
circulation of blood and reduce the risk of immobility-related
injuries in the portion or portions of the body being moved. In one
embodiment, for example, the calf support member can automatically
be raised or lowered at predetermined periodic intervals during a
user's use of the chair station.
[0038] Certain embodiments of the chair station can include
computer components, such as one or more keyboards, monitors, mice,
touchpads, etc. For example, in some implementations having an
armrest member with a pair of armrests, a computer component
support table can be movably attached to the armrests. The support
table can, in certain implementations, be pivotally coupled to an
armrest at a first end portion and coupleable to the other armrest
at a second end generally opposite the first end. The support table
can be pivotable between an open position allowing ingress into and
egress from the chair station and a closed position allowing a user
occupying the chair station to conveniently access the support
table. The support table can have, for example, a computer keyboard
that, when the support table is in a closed position and the
armrest member is at a proper height, is in a proper ergonomic
position relative to the armrests and a user's arms being supported
by the armrests. With the user's arms in an ergonomic position in
relation to the keyboard, risks associated with repetitive manual
activity, such as typing on the keyboard, can be reduced.
[0039] In some implementations, a visual interface support can be
coupled to the headrest member. The visual interface support can be
movable, such as being pivotable, with respect to the headrest
member between an open position, which can allow ingress to and
egress from the chair station, and a closed position, which can
place the visual interface support in a proper ergonomic viewing
position. In some embodiments, an actuator can be coupled to the
visual interface support and the headrest member. The actuator can
be electronically coupled to a controller or other interface device
to allow a user to automatically move the visual interface support
between the open and closed position via the controller.
[0040] The visual interface support, in some embodiments, can
include one or more visual interface devices, such as computer
monitors, coupled to a support bar that, when in the closed
position, supports the monitors at an ergonomically proper distance
away from the headrest. With the visual interface support being
coupled to the headrest member, as the headrest member is raised or
lowered to account for a user's specific head and height
characteristics, the visual interface support is likewise raised or
lowered such that the visual interface devices are maintained in a
proper ergonomic position relative to the headrest without
requiring separate adjustment to the visual interface support.
[0041] According to one embodiment, a method of using a chair
station can include adjusting moveable components of the chair
station to support a user's body based upon the specific dimensions
of the user's body or according to the user's personal preference.
According to one specific implementation, the user can adjust the
chair station by one or more of the following: (1) rotating a seat
assembly relative to a base; (2) reclining or pivoting the seat
assembly relative to the base; (3) linearly moving a back member
relative to a seat member and adjusting the depth of the seat
member; (4) pivoting a calf support member relative to the seat
member; (5) linearly moving an armrest member relative to the back
member; (6) linearly moving a visual interface support member
including a headrest relative to the back member; (7) rotating a
support arm relative to the back member 150; (8) expanding or
contracting a head support; and (9) expanding or contracting a back
cushion.
[0042] According to one implementation, the method can include
saving chair station configuration settings in a controller and
accessing the settings to automatically adjust the moveable
components of the chair station according to the settings. In
certain implementations, the settings can be accessed via a
biometric device in electrical communication with the
controller.
[0043] The foregoing Summary recites various features and
advantages of various embodiments of the invention. It is to be
understood that all embodiments need not necessarily include all
such features or provide all such advantages, or address the issues
noted in the background. It is also understood that there are
additional features and advantages of certain embodiments, and they
will become apparent as the specification proceeds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of a chair station
according to one embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a rearward perspective view of the chair station
of FIG. 1.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a detailed partial perspective view of a base
coupled to a portion of a carriage of the chair station of FIG.
1.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the base coupled
to a portion of the carriage of the chair station of FIG. 1 taken
along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a carriage of the chair
station of FIG. 1.
[0049] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a seat member of a seat
assembly of the chair station of FIG. 1.
[0050] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the seat member of the seat
assembly of the chair station of FIG. 1 particularly showing a seat
cutout.
[0051] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the carriage coupled to the
seat member of the chair station of FIG. 1.
[0052] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional front view of the carriage
coupled to the seat member of the chair station of FIG. 1 taken
along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8.
[0053] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional back view of the carriage and
seat member of the chair station of FIG. 1 taken along the line
10-10 of FIG. 9.
[0054] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a back member of the seat
assembly of the chair station of FIG. 1.
[0055] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the back member coupled to
the seat member of the chair station of FIG. 1.
[0056] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a calf support member
coupled to the seat member of the chair station of FIG. 1 where the
seat member is shown with a pair of plates removed.
[0057] FIG. 14 is a rearward perspective view of an armrest member
of the chair station of FIG. 1.
[0058] FIG. 15 is a frontal perspective view of the armrest member
of the chair station of FIG. 1.
[0059] FIG. 16 is a rearward perspective view of the armrest member
of the chair station of FIG. 1 shown with a support table in an
open position and a portion of an armrest cushion removed.
[0060] FIG. 17 is a rearward perspective view of the armrest member
coupled to the back member of the chair station of FIG. 1.
[0061] FIG. 18 is a rearward perspective view of a visual interface
support member of the chair station of FIG. 1.
[0062] FIG. 19 is a rearward perspective view of the visual
interface support member of the chair station of FIG. 1 shown with
a support bar in an open position.
[0063] FIG. 20 is a rearward perspective view of the visual
interface support member coupled to the back member of the chair
station of FIG. 1.
[0064] FIG. 21 is a detailed perspective view of the seat member
shown without a pair of plates, the back member, calf support
member, armrest member and visual interface support member of the
chair station of FIG. 1.
[0065] FIG. 22 is a rearward detailed perspective view of the seat
member shown without a pair of plates, the back member, calf
support member, armrest member and visual interface support member
of the chair station of FIG. 1.
[0066] FIG. 23 is a frontal perspective view of a chair station
having a slip cover according to one embodiment.
[0067] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the chair station of FIG. 1
shown in a reclined or supine position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0068] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application.
The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in
which the chair station may be practiced. It is to be understood
that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may
be made without departing from the scope of the chair station of
the present application.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a powered, adjustable, ergonomic
computer station or computer chair 10, which may support an
operator and computer interface equipment, is shown. The computer
station 10 could include at least one controller 300 connected to
computer user interface equipment as well as various other
components of the computer station. In some implementations, the
controller 300 can be a computing device, such as, for example, a
stand alone central processing unit or a central processing unit
connected to a computer network. By way of example, the computer
station 10 can also include a stand 20, carriage 40, seat assembly
100, armrest member 153, visual interface support member 154 and
controller 300.
Stand
[0070] Generally, in some embodiments, the stand 20 may be used to
support the carriage 40, seat assembly 100 and controller 300 above
the ground, or other suitable anchor point, and allow the carriage,
the seat assembly, and controller to substantially rotate about a
longitudinal axis 16 of the chair station 10. As shown in FIGS. 3
and 4, the stand 20 may generally comprise a base 22, support arms
24, post support 26, and a stand actuator 30. The base 22 may be a
cylindrical plate having a bottom major surface opposite a top
major surface. The base 22 can be placed upon the ground or other
attachment surface or point such that the bottom major surface is
facing a generally downwardly direction and the top major surface
is facing a generally upwardly direction. The base 22 may have
several apertures 32, such as around its rim, through which
fasteners (not shown) may extend to secure the base 22 to the
ground or other attachment surface or point. Additionally, the base
22 may have adjustable supports (not shown), which may be used to
level the base relative to the ground.
[0071] The plurality of support arms 24 extend generally upwardly
from the base 22 to the post support 26. Each of the plurality of
support arms 24 has a first end attached to the top major surface
of the base 22 and a second end attached to a side of the post
support 26 to hold the post support 26 away from the top major
surface of the base 22 so that a slip ring and drive gear assembly
34 may be positioned underneath the post support 26.
[0072] The post support 26 can be a substantially tubular member
with an open top end 35, an open bottom end 36, and a cylindrical
interior channel 37 extending from the open top and bottom ends.
The vertical channel 37 may further fixedly retain a set of
bearings 38, such as generally annularly shaped ball bearings
conventionally known in the art. One bearing 38 can be positioned
at least partially within the vertical channel proximate the top
end 35 and the other bearing 38 can be positioned at least
partially within the bottom end 36. The support arms 24 support the
post support 26 in a substantially vertical orientation such that a
central axis of the cylindrical member extends substantially
transversely relative to the top major surface of the base 22.
[0073] The post 52 of carriage 40 can be a substantially tubular
member sized to extend through the vertical channel 37. Generally,
the post 52 can be sized such that a portion of the post 52 extends
through the bearings 38 and is frictionally contained by an inner
surface of the bearings. The bearings allow the post 52 to rotate
within the interior channel 37 relative to the post support 26. As
will be described in more detail below, rotation of the post 52
relative to the post support 26 in turn rotates the carriage 40,
seat assembly 100 (which is attached to the carriage 40) and
controller 300 relative to the post support. In some embodiments,
the post 52, and thus the carriage 40, seat assembly 100 and
controller 300, is capable of rotating a full 360.degree. about an
axis of the chair station 10, e.g., longitudinal axis 16.
[0074] The slip ring and drive gear assembly 34 include a slip ring
having a first portion movable relative to a second portion. The
first portion can be fixedly coupled to the post support 26 and the
second portion can be fixedly coupled to the post 52 and a drive
gear. In at least one embodiment, the drive gear can be connected
to actuator 30, which can be a stepper motor, via a belt, such as
belt 43, band, chain or other similar connector. Activation of the
actuator 30 rotates the drive gear, second portion of the slip ring
and the post 52 relative to the first portion of the drive gear and
post support 52. In at least one embodiment, the stand actuator 30
may be controlled by an operator of the chair station 10 through an
electric switch (not shown) mounted on a moveable armrest 153 (see
FIGS. 14-16, 21 and 22) of the seat assembly 100 to allow the
operator to directly control rotation of the seat assembly 100. In
another embodiment, the stand actuator 30 may be connected to and
controlled by the controller 300, which in turn is controlled by an
operator via computer user interface equipment, such as one or more
interface devices 14, which can be user input interface devices,
such as keyboards, touchpads or mice, or visual interface devices,
such as monitors or other display devices.
[0075] The slip ring of the assembly 34 provides electrical
connectivity between the first portion and second portion of the
slip ring. Accordingly, cables and wires, such as wire 39, from a
stationary source can be electrically connected to cables and
wires, such as wire 41, from a rotatable source, such as the
carriage 40, seat assembly 100 and/or controller 300 via the slip
ring. In other words, the slip ring of assembly 34 allows wires and
cables, such as power supply connections, telephone/cable
connections, stand actuator 30 connections and other connections,
to electrically connect to various connections of the rotatable
components of the computer station 10 while the components are
rotating relative to the base. In this manner, the computer station
10 can freely rotate with respect to the stand 20 without
interference from wires or cables.
Carriage
[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the carriage 40
includes a stand portion 50 to which the post 52 is fixedly
attached and from which the post 52 extends. The carriage 40, via
the post 52, substantially rotates about a central longitudinal
axis, e.g., an axis that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 16
of the chair 10, of the post 52 relative to the post support 26 and
thus the base 20. Because the carriage 40 is attached to the seat
assembly 100, as will be described in more detail below, rotation
of the carriage 40 relative to the base 20 causes the seat assembly
to also rotate relative to the base.
[0077] In the illustrated embodiments, the stand portion 50
includes a support plate 54 and two upright pivot plates 56. The
support plate 54 may have a substantially rectangular planar shape
with a top surface 57, a bottom surface 58 opposite the top
surface, side edges 59 extending parallel to each other and
transversely from the top and bottom surfaces, a front edge 60
extending transversely between the side edges and a back edge 61
extending parallel to the front edge. The post 52 may be located on
and extend generally transversely from the bottom surface 58 of the
support plate 54. In some embodiments, the post 52 extends
downwardly from the bottom surface 58 from a location proximate a
center of the bottom surface 58.
[0078] The two upright pivot plates 56 can be substantially planar
and may be attached to and extend generally transversely from the
top surface 57 of the support plate 54 in a spaced-apart
relationship. In some embodiments, each upright pivot plate 56 is
oriented in a substantially upright manner proximate and extending
substantially parallel to a respective one of the side edges 59 of
the support plate 54. Each upright pivot plate 56 can have an
inwardly facing side surface 47 opposite an outwardly facing side
surface 49 such that when attached to the support plate 54, the
inwardly facing side surfaces face each other and the outwardly
facing side surfaces face away from each other. Each upright pivot
plate 56 can also include a bottom edge attached to the support
plate 54 and a top edge 62 generally opposite the bottom edge.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the upright pivot
plates 56 may be attached to the support plate 54 such that a
portion of the each upright pivot plate 56 overhangs the front edge
60 of the support plate 54. The top edge 62 of each upright pivot
plate 56 can have a front portion 63 and a rear portion 64. In
certain embodiments, the front portions 63 of the top edges 62
extend in a substantially horizontal direction, i.e., parallel to
the top surface 57 of support plate 54, and provide at least
partial support for the seat assembly 100 when the seat assembly
100 is in a generally upright position or orientation. The rear
portions 64 of the top edges 62 can extend at a downward angle from
the front portions 63 toward the bottom edge of the upright pivot
plates. As will be described in more detail below, since the rear
portion 64 is downwardly angled, the seat assembly 100 may move
between an upright position and a fully reclined or supine position
without interference by the rear portion. Further, the rear
portions 64 of the top edges 62 can provide at least partial
support for the seat assembly 100 when the seat assembly 100 is a
fully reclined position.
[0080] Each upright pivot plate 56 has an open channel 66 formed in
the outwardly facing side surface 49. The open channels 66 can have
a generally quadrangular, e.g., rectangular or square,
cross-section and extend from a front edge 51 to a back edge 53 of
the upright pivot plates 56. The channels 66 each define a roller
pathway for receiving one or more rollers as will be described
below. As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the open channels
66 are downwardly curved such that the middle portions of the
channels, i.e., portions away from and intermediate the front and
back edges 51, 53 of the pivot plate 56, are nearer the bottom
edges of the upright pivot plates 56 and the portions of the
channels proximate the front and back edges are nearer the top
edges 62 of the pivot plates.
Seat Assembly
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 6-13, in one embodiment, the seat
assembly 100 includes a seat member 70, a back member 150 and a
calf support member 130. As shown in FIGS. 6-10, the seat member,
or seat support, 70 includes a plate 112 and a pair of spaced-apart
upright plates 72 attached to the plate. In some embodiments, the
plate 112 has a substantially rectangular planar shape with a top
surface 117, a bottom surface 118 opposite the top surface, side
edges 119 extending parallel to each other and transversely from
the top and bottom surfaces, a front edge 120 extending
transversely between the side edges and a back edge 121 extending
parallel to the front edge.
[0082] In some embodiments, the spaced-apart upright plates 72 have
a substantially semicircular planar shape. The upright plates 72
are attached to and extend approximately transversely from the
bottom surface 118 of the plate 112. Each of the upright plates 72
can include a flat edge 73 and a curved edge 74. The two ends of
curved edge 74 may be connected together by the flat edge 73. The
flat edges 73 can be attached to the bottom surface 118 proximate
the side edges 119 of the plate 112 and extend substantially
parallel to the side edges. Each of the plates 72 may have a set of
rollers 75 attached to an inwardly facing side surface 101 of the
plate. Each roller 75 extends generally transversely from the
respective inwardly facing side surface 101. Each set of rollers 75
can be arranged in a generally curved configuration to
substantially or approximately follow the curvature of the curved
edge 74 of the respective semicircular plates 72. Moreover, the
curved configuration of the sets of rollers 75 can follow and align
with the curvature of the open channels 66 of the upright pivot
plates 56.
[0083] In the illustrated implementations, a minimum distance
between the inwardly facing surfaces 101 of the upright plates 72
must be greater than the maximum distance between the outwardly
facing surfaces 49 of the upright pivot plates 56.
[0084] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the seat member 70 and carriage
40 can be fitted together by inserting at least a portion of the
rollers 75 within an open channel 66 of a respective upright pivot
plate 56. Engagement between the rollers 75 and the channels 66
allows for a rocking or pivoting action of the seat member 70
relative to the carriage 40. The rocking or pivoting action of the
seat member 70, which is facilitated by the plurality of rollers 75
moving through a respective open channel 66, allows the seat
assembly 100 to move between an upright position (see FIG. 1) and a
supine (e.g., fully reclined) position (see FIG. 24). Moreover, the
seat member, and thus the seat assembly 100, can be at least
partially supported by the horizontal first portion 63 of top edge
62 of upright plates 56 when the chair is in the upright position
and at least partially supported by the angled second portion 64 of
the top edge of the upright plates when the chair is in the supine
position.
[0085] Although a carriage 40 having channels 66 formed in
outwardly facing surfaces 49 of the upright pivot plates 56 to
receive corresponding rollers extending from inwardly facing
surfaces 101 of the upright plates 72 is shown, it is recognized
that the channels 66 can be formed in the inwardly facing surfaces
47 of the pivot plates and receive rollers extending from the
outwardly facing surfaces 103 of the upright plates. In this
implementation, the minimum distance between the inwardly facing
surfaces 47 of the upright pivot plates 56 must be greater than the
maximum distance between the outwardly facing surfaces 103 of the
upright plates 72.
[0086] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, movement of the seat assembly
100 between a generally upright position and a generally reclining
or supine position relative to the carriage 40 can be controlled by
an actuator, such as linear actuator 80, moveably coupled to the
carriage and the seat member 70. The linear actuator 80 has a
telescopic end, or ram, 82 and an anchor end 84. At least a portion
of the telescopic end 82 may be propelled from or retracted within
a portion of the anchor end 84. The anchor end 84, which is movably
attached to an anchor point, such as an attachment point on the top
surface 57 of support plate 54 proximate the front edge 60 of the
plate, moves, e.g., extends or retracts, the telescopic end 82 by
any of various methods or devices, such as, but not limited to,
hydraulic methods, pneumatic methods, electric motor devices or the
like, into a desired position in relation to the anchor end 84. The
telescopic end 82 can be movably attached to an anchor point, such
as an attachment point on the bottom surface 118 of the seat member
plate 112 proximate the back edge 121 of the plate. In some
embodiments, the linear actuator 80 can be a model Electrak 050
linear actuator made by Danaher Motion of Wood Dale, Ill.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 10, the actuator 80 can, by telescoping or
retracting its telescopic end 82, pivot the seat member 70, and
thus the seat assembly 100, between the upright and supine
positions. In this manner, the computer chair 10 is capable of
changing or altering the angle of incidence of the seat assembly
100 relative to the stand 20 to provide, in some embodiments, a
comfortable and ergonomic overall positioning of the body of the
user during operation of the chair. Furthermore, the actuator 80
may be connected to the controller 300 for operator control,
automatic control by the controller, or both.
[0088] Referring particularly to FIG. 7, the plate 112 can further
include at least one seat cutout 122 extending from the top surface
117 to the bottom surface 118. The seat cutout 122 can be located
proximate the back edge 121 of the plate 112 and be sized to
receive and allow for movable passage of at least a portion of a
back member 150 (see FIG. 12). More particularly, the seat cutout
122 can be generally rectangular shaped having a width dimension
and a length dimension.
[0089] In some embodiments, the seat member 70 can also include a
seat cushion 114 attached to and supported on the top surface 117
of the plate 112. The seat member 70 can have any of a variety of
shapes, such as generally rectangular, and have a width dimension
and a length dimension. In at least one embodiment, the cushion 114
could be located between the front edge 120 and the seat cutout
122. The seat member 70 can be made of an at least partially
resilient material to provide a comfortable surface upon which an
operator's upper legs and buttocks can be supported.
[0090] The seat member 70 includes a set of seat rails 116 affixed
to the top surface 117 of the plate 112. Each rail 116 can include
a length of rigid material, such as metal, having a foot portion
adjoining the top surface 117, a web portion extending from the
foot portion and a head portion atop the web portion. The rails 116
can be positioned on the plate 112 proximate a respective side edge
119 of the plate 112 such that the rails extend parallel to each
other and, in some embodiments, the side edges 119 of the plate.
The rails 116 can also be positioned such that one end of each seat
rail 116 is proximate, such as abutting or being flush with, the
back edge 121 of the plate and the opposite end of each seat rail
terminates at a location intermediate the seat cushion 114 and the
seat cutout 122 such that at least a portion of each rail 116
extends the length of the seat cutout 122.
[0091] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, in one particular
embodiment, the back member 150 includes a back frame plate 155,
two stiffeners 156, a set of two back frame rails 158 and two
attachment brackets 160. The back frame plate 155 can have a
generally rectangular and substantially planar shape with a front
side 164, a back side 165 generally opposite the front side, a top
edge 166, a bottom edge 167 generally opposite the top edge and two
side edges 168 extending between the top and bottom edges. The back
frame plate 155 can also have at least three cutouts, such as, for
example, a first back frame cutout 169, a second back frame cutout
170 and a third back frame cutout 172, extending between the front
side and back side. As will be described in more detail below, the
back frame cutouts 169, 170, 172 can each have a generally elongate
shape and facilitate attachment to and passage of various
actuators.
[0092] In certain embodiments, stiffeners 156 are attached to the
back frame plate 155 to reduce or prevent warping or flexing of the
back frame plate 155 when under load or stress during operation.
The stiffeners 156 can be metal plates having a substantially
elongate planar shape and attached to respective side edge 168 of
the back frame plate 155 such that the stiffeners extend generally
transversely relative to the front and back sides, 164, 165,
respectively, of the frame plate. The stiffeners 156 can extend a
substantial distance along the side edges 168 of the back frame
plate. For example, as illustrated, the stiffeners extend from the
top edge 166 to the bottom edge 167.
[0093] The back frame rails 158 can have the same features as the
seat rails 116 and are attached to an outwardly facing side surface
of a respective stiffener 156. The back frame rails 158 can extend
substantially parallel to the front and back sides 164, 165 a
substantial length of the stiffener 156. In some implementations,
the back frame rails 158 can extend along the stiffener 156 from a
location proximate the top edge 166 of the back frame plate 155 to
a location a distance away from the bottom edge 167 of the back
frame plate.
[0094] The attachment brackets 160 each have a foot portion 174, an
upright support portion 176 and a rail attachment mechanism. The
foot portion 174 is fixedly attached to the rail attachment
mechanism, which can be a linear bearing, such as linear bear 178,
which, in at least one embodiment, can be a model 500 series, e.g.,
511 Style B, as supplied by Danaher Motion of Wood Dale, Ill. The
upright support portion 176 of each attachment bracket 160 receives
and is secured to a respective stiffener 156 proximate a bottom
portion of the frame plate and, in some cases, projects downward
from the stiffener 156 past the bottom edge 167 of the back frame
plate 155.
[0095] The upright support portions 176 of the attachment brackets
160 are attached to each stiffener 156 such that the foot portions
174 substantially point inwardly towards each other and linear
bearings 178, which are attached to an underside of each foot
portion 174, are oriented so to slideably receive at least a
portion of a respective seat rail 116. In this manner, the linear
bearings 178 interact with the seat rails 116 to provide a movable
connection between the seat member 70 and the back member 150. Such
a movable connection allows the back member 150, and more
particularly, the back frame plate 155, to move generally
translationally over and linearly along the top surface 117 of the
seat member plate 112. In this manner, the length of the seat
member 70 can be adjusted, i.e., increased and decreased, to
accommodate different upper leg lengths of different operators.
[0096] As shown, in some implementations, the upright support
portions 176 of the attachment brackets 160 can be angled relative
to the foot portions 174 such that when upright support portions
are attached to the back member 150, the back member is
correspondingly angled relative to the top surface 117 of the seat
member plate 112. The upright support portions 176 can be angled to
place the back member 150 at a predetermined angle, e.g.,
100.degree. in some embodiments, relative to the seat member plate
112, and thus the seat member 70, to support a user's back in an
ergonomically proper spine position relative to the user's upper
legs.
[0097] In at least one embodiment, the back frame plate 155 can
include a back frame actuator attachment point 173, such as a
downwardly oriented projection or tab, extending from the bottom
edge 167 of the back frame plate. The back frame actuator
attachment point 173 can be used to assist in the linear or
translational movement of the back member 150 relative to the seat
member 70. Referring to FIG. 12, when the back member 150 is
moveably mounted to the seat rails 116 of the seat member 70, at
least a portion of the back frame actuator attachment point 173
protrudes through the seat cutout 122 and beyond the bottom surface
118 of the plate 112 of the seat member 70. A back frame actuator,
such as linear actuator 162, which can have features similar to
linear actuator 80, can be attached by its telescopic end 165 to
the portion of the back frame actuator attachment point 173
protruding through the seat cutout 122. The anchor end 163 of the
actuator 162 is attached to the bottom surface 118 of the seat
member plate 112. In this manner, the back frame actuator 162 can
be activated to move the back member 150 linearly along the set of
seat rails 116 on the seat member 70. Accordingly, the back member
150 can be adjustably moved relative to the seat member 70 by
activating the back frame actuator 162 to generally meet the
operator's upper leg length.
[0098] In at least one embodiment, the back frame actuator 162 may
be electrically connected to the controller 300. Such a
configuration may allow a particular operator to enter data into
the controller 300 to initially set the position of the back member
150 relative to the seat member 70, such as to provide for the
operator's ergonomic comfort and support. In the event the
configuration of the chair station 10 has been subsequently
altered, this data may be retained in the controller 300 and later
retrieved to reset the back member 150 to the preset position when
the particular operator, or another operator, later uses the
computer chair 10.
[0099] As perhaps best shown in FIG. 13, the calf support 130 can
include a calf support frame 132, calf cushion 134 and calf support
actuator 136. The calf support frame 132 can be, for example,
substantially planar and have a substantially rectangular shape
with a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface and
four side edges around a periphery of the frame. A calf support
cushion 134 can be attached to the top surface of the calf frame
132 to provide support to at least a portion of an operator's legs.
One end of the calf frame 132 can be movably attached, such as by
suitable hinges, e.g., hinge 83, hinge 101 (see FIG. 23) or other
attachment devices, to one or more edges, such as side edges 119 or
front edge 120, of the seat member plate 112. The calf support
actuator 136, which can be a linear actuator similar to linear
actuator 81, can be attached to an underside of the calf support
frame 132 at one end and anchored to the bottom surface 118 of the
seat member plate 112 at another end.
[0100] The hinged, pivotal or otherwise movable attachment of the
calfsupport 130 to the seat 110 and the movement provided by the
calf support actuator 136 allow an angle of incidence 0 of the calf
support 130, i.e., the angle between the top surface 117 of the
seat member plate 112 and the top surface of the calf support frame
132, to be adjusted. In at least one embodiment, the calf support
130 can move within an angle of incidence range of negative
55.degree. relative to the plane of the seat member 70.
Accordingly, the calf support 130 can be adjustably positioned
relative to the seat member 70 by activating the actuator 136 to
provide comfortable and ergonomic leg support for a user of the
chair station 10.
[0101] In at least one embodiment, the calf support actuator 136
can be connected to the controller 300. In some implementations, at
least one of or both the operator, through a computer interface,
can activate the controller 300 to command the calf support
actuator 136 and the controller 300 can automatically control the
calf support actuator through a software program. In the latter
instance, the controller 300 can activate the calf support actuator
136 according to random, pseudo random or regularly schedules,
e.g., without operator intervention. Such scheduling of movement of
the calf support 130 via the calf support actuator 136 and
controller 300 moves at least a portion of an operator's legs to
promote proper blood circulation in the operator's legs during long
time use of the computer chair, which can aid in reducing the
possibility of the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis and other
aliments. These automated movements of the calf support 130 may
also have beneficial ergonomic value in stimulating muscles that
may support the operator's body in a reclining position.
Armrest Member
[0102] As shown in FIGS. 14-17, 21 and 22, moveable armrest member
153 can include two arm supports 182, an arm support tie plate 183,
linear bearings 178, a support table 180 and an armrest actuator
189.
[0103] As perhaps best shown in FIG. 16, each arm support 182 can
include a generally L-shaped metal arm support frame 184. The frame
184 can have a first upper arm support portion 107 and a second
lower arm support portion 109 longer than and extending generally
transversely from the first upper arm support portion. The first
upper arm support portion 107 of each frame 184 can be fixedly
mounted to a front surface 196 of the arm support tie plate 183
proximate to a respective end portion 200 of tie plate.
[0104] In at least some embodiments, each support frame 184 can be
substantially surrounded by a generally L-shaped cushion, such as
padding 185. In some implementations, the padding 185 is further
surrounded by upholstery 186. Each arm support 182 can include a
front end 187, a back end 188, a bottom 190, and a top 192. The top
192 of each arm support 182 adjacent the second lower arm support
portion 109 can support at least a portion, such as a lower
portion, of an operator's arm. The foot of each arm support, i.e.,
the portion of the arm support 182 adjacent the first upper arm
support portion 107, can support the operator's elbow and at least
a portion of the operator's upper arm.
[0105] Arm supports configured in this manner can provide
particular benefits. For example, when the seat assembly 100 is
placed in a substantially supine position, at least the foot
portions of the arm supports 182 can prevent the operator's arm
from falling off the arm support due to gravity.
[0106] As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the arm support tie
plate 183 can be substantially planar and have a generally elongate
rectangular shape with a front side 196, a back side 198 generally
opposite the front side and two end portions 200. In one
embodiment, linear bearings 178 can be fixedly attached to a
respective L-shaped bearing support plate 202. Each bearing support
plate 202 can have a first portion fixedly attached to the front
side 196 of the arm support tie plate 183 proximate a respective
end portion 200 and a second portion extending generally
transversely from the first portion and away from the front side of
the arm support tie plate adjacent a respective arm support 182.
Accordingly, when attached to the bearing support plates 202, the
bearings 178 are located proximate respective end portions 200 of
the arm support tie plate 183. Further, although not particularly
shown, the linear bearings 178 may be attached directly to the arm
support tie plate 183 without a bearing support plate 202.
[0107] Generally, each linear bearing 178 is positioned proximate
to a respective end 200 of the front side 196 of the arm support
tie plate 183 so that the linear bearing 178 is in position to
moveably engage at least a portion of a respective back frame rail
158. The interaction of the linear bearings 178 with the back frame
rails 158 allow the arm support tie plate 183, and hence the
armrest member 153 including the arm supports 182, to move in a
substantially linear direction parallel to the plane of the back
frame plate 155. In at least one embodiment, the attachment
brackets 160 can act as a stop to prevent further downwardly
directed movement of the arm support tie plate 183 and the moveable
armrest 153 towards the seat member 70.
[0108] In at least some embodiments, the support table 180 can be
substantially planar and, in certain implementations, have a
generally elongate shape with a first end and a second end
generally opposite the first end. The support table 180 can be used
to support computer user interface equipment 14, such as, for
example, user input devices, e.g., touchpad, keyboard, mice, etc.
In at least one embodiment, the support table 180 can include
connection points, e.g., USB ports and the like, to allow the
computer user interface equipment 14 and the like to be connected
to the controller 300. The support table 180 could be supported by
the front ends of the two arm supports 182. In some embodiments,
the support table 180 can be curved, such as in a
boomerang-shape.
[0109] The front end 187 of each arm support 182 could be used to
substantially support and secure the support table 180. For
example, the first end of the support table 180 can be pivotally
connected to one of the arm supports 182 proximate its front end
187 via conventional coupling techniques. The second end of the
support table 180 can be removably secured to the other of the arm
supports 182 proximate its front end 187 by being removable
received in a substantially horizontal slot 194 formed in the front
end.
[0110] The above described configuration allows an operator to
manually, or otherwise, move the support table 180 by pivoting the
table about the front end 187 of one arm support 182 to move the
table away from and towards the other arm support 182. For example,
the support table 180 could be moved away from a closed position,
i.e., a position in which the second end of the support table 180
is engaged with the slot 194 and the table is substantially in
front of the back member 150, into an open position, i.e., the
second end of the support table is removed out of engagement with
the slot 194 and moved substantially away from the slot, to allow
the operator to ingress or egress the seat assembly 100. Once
seated in the computer chair 10, the operator could then move, such
as by swinging or pivoting, the support table 180 back into the
closed position generally in front of the back member 150 and over
at least a portion of the seat member 70 such that both arm
supports 182 again support the support table 180.
[0111] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 22, an armrest actuator 189, which
in at least one embodiment could be a linear actuator, such as
linear actuator 80 as discussed above, may be connected to the arm
support tie plate 183 and the back frame plate 155. More
specifically, an anchor end 203 of the actuator 189 may be movably
attached to a top edge of the first back frame cutout 169 of the
back frame plate 155 while the telescopic end 201 may be movably
attached to a connection point 209 formed on an upper edge of the
arm support tie plate 183. The actuator can be activated to
linearly move the arm support plate 183, and hence the armrest
member 153, along the back frame rails 158 relative to the back
member 150. In this setup, at least a portion of the armrest
actuator 189 may be located and move within at least a portion of
the first back frame cutout 169 during operation of the armrest
member 153. In at least one embodiment, the armrest actuator 189
can move the armrest member 153 generally vertically through
approximately 4 inches of travel along the back frame rails
158.
[0112] In at least one embodiment, the armrest actuator 189 may be
connected to the controller 300. This may allow the operator to
enter data into the controller 300 to initially set the position,
e.g., height, of the armrest member 153 relative to the seat member
70 to take into account the operator's height and the length of the
operator's upper arms for providing ergonomic comfort and support
for the particular operator. This data may be retained in the
controller 300 and later retrieved to reset the armrest member 153
back to the preset position when the particular operator, or
another operator, later uses the computer chair 10.
Visual Interface Support Member
[0113] Referring now to FIGS. 18-22, the visual interface support
member 154 can include a visual interface support tie plate 214, a
visual interface support bar member 206 and a head support 216. The
visual interface support tie plate 214, which may be made from a
rigid material, such as a metal, and have a generally rectangular
planar shape, can include a front surface 220, a back surface 221
surface generally opposite the front surface, a top edge 222, a
bottom edge 223 generally opposite the top edge and two side edges
224 intermediate and extending generally transversely to the top
and bottom edges. In one possible embodiment, a central portion of
the bottom edge 223 intermediate the two sides edges can have a
recess 225 extending upwardly from the bottom edge. As shown, the
recess 225 can have a generally triangular shape with a flattened
top edge 226 that can be used to movably anchor an end of an
actuator.
[0114] In one embodiment, two sets of spaced-apart linear bearings
178 are coupled to the visual interface support tie plate 214 via
bearing supports 218 attached to the plate. In some embodiments,
however, the linear bearings 178 can be attached directly to the
visual interface support tie plate 214. The bearing supports 218
could be L-shaped metal brackets with a first portion affixed to
the back surface 221 of visual interface support tie plate 214 at
approximately each of the respective corners of the back surface
221 and a second portion extending transversely from the first
portion projecting outwardly from the back 221. The linear bearings
178 are fixedly attached to the bearing supports 218 and face each
other. In this orientation, the bearings 178 can be moveably
attached to at least a portion of a respective back frame rail 158
of the back frame 150. In this manner, the two linear bearings 178
can facilitate slidable or linear movement the visual interface
support tie plate 214 in direction substantially parallel to the
plane of the back frame plate 155.
[0115] Like the armrest member 153, the visual interface support
member 154 can be movably attached to the set of back frame rails
158 via bearing supports 218 and linear bearings 178. However, in
the illustrated embodiments, since the bearing supports 218 and
linear bearings 178 are attached to the back surface of the visual
interface support tie plate 214, the visual interface support tie
plate 214 is positioned proximate the front surface 164 of the back
frame plate 155, rather than the back surface 165.
[0116] The support frame actuator 210 can be connected to both the
visual interface support tie plate 214 and the back frame plate
155. In at least in one embodiment, the support frame actuator 210
can be a linear actuator, such as linear actuator 80 discussed
above. The anchor end 213 of the actuator 210 is attached to the
lower end of the second back frame cutout 170 of the back frame
plate 155 and the telescopic end 211 of the actuator is attached to
the top edge 226 of the recess 225 of the visual interface support
tie plate 214. In this manner, the second back frame cutout 170
allows passage of at least a portion of the support frame actuator
210 through the back frame plate 155 to reach and connect to the
visual interface support tie plate 214. Accordingly, the support
frame actuator 210 can be activated to slideably move the visual
interface support tie plate 214, and hence visual interface support
member 154, relative to the back frame plate 155.
[0117] The visual interface support bar member 206 can support
computer user interface equipment 14, such as visual interface
devices, e.g., computer monitors, LED screens, LTD screens, CRT,
plasma screens, and the like, at a proper distance and elevation
from the operator's head. For example, the support bar member 206
can include a generally tubular support bar 228 and a support bar
actuator 208 coupled to the support bar. The support bar 228 is
pivotally coupled to the visual interface support tie plate 214.
The support bar actuator 208 can be connected to both the support
bar 228 and the visual interface support tie plate 214 to pivotally
move the support bar 228 relative to the visual interface support
tie plate.
[0118] In the illustrated embodiments, support bar member 206 can
include a support bar 228 having a generally D-shape with a
substantially straight back side 234 and an at least partially
curved front side 232. In some embodiments, the curved front side
232 includes first portions 242 extending transversely from
respective ends of the straight back side 234 and second portions
244 extending from the first portions at an angle with respect to
the first portion at first ends and connected to each other at
second ends. As shown, a crank 236 can be attached to and extend
generally transversely away from the back side 234 of the support
bar 228.
[0119] The support bar 228 is coupled to the visual interface
support tie plate 214 by a pair of support bar mounts 230. Each
support bar mount 230 can be attached to the back surface 221 of
the support tie plate 214 proximate a respective corner adjacent
the top edge 222 of the back surface of the support tie plate 214.
The support bar mounts 230 can each include a bearing 238 to
pivotally secure the straight back side 234 within the support bar
mounts. In this manner, the front side 232 of the support bar 228
can pivot about the back side 234 of the support bar (see FIG. 19).
The support bar mounts 230 extend generally transversely away from
the back surface 221 of the visual interface support tie plate 214
and hold the bearings 238 away from the back surface such that the
back side 234 of the support bar 228 is positioned away from the
back side 234 of the support tie plate 214. When secured by the
bearings 238, the front side 232 of the support bar 228 can be
located frontward of the visual interface support tie plate 214 and
the back side 234 can be located rearward of the back side 165 of
the back frame plate 155.
[0120] In at least one embodiment, movement of the support bar 228
can be controlled by an actuator, such as support bar actuator 208,
which in at least one instance is a linear actuator, such as linear
actuator 80 described above. The support bar actuator 208 can have
an anchor end 215 moveably attached to the visual interface support
tie plate proximate the bottom edge 223 of the tie plate. The
telescopic end 217 can be movably attached to the crank 236 of the
support bar 228. Movement of the telescopic end 218 relative to the
anchor end 215 moves the crank 236, which results in rotation of
the back side 234 of the support bar 228 and thus rotation of the
front side 232 of the support bar about the back side.
[0121] As shown in FIG. 18, in at least one operational position,
such as a closed position, the front side 232 of the support bar
228 could rest at a substantially 90.degree. angle to the plane of
the back frame plate 155 and thus the visual interface support tie
plate 214. In some embodiments, the angle of the front side 232 of
the support bar 228 when the bar is in the closed position can be
adjusted by up to 10.degree., i.e., between approximately
80.degree. and 100.degree. relative to the plane of the back frame
plate 155 and tie plate 214, depending on the individual operator's
viewing comfort. As shown in FIG. 19, the front side 232 of the
support bar 228 could rotate upwardly a predetermined angle from
the closed position to a non-operational position, such as an open
position. In some embodiments, the predetermined angle can be
approximately 55.degree. as shown to clear, or extend rearward of,
the front side 164 of the back frame plate 155 and allow the
operator to ingress and egress the computer chair 10. Accordingly,
in certain embodiments, the front side 232 of the support bar 228
can pivot a total of approximately 65.degree. about a longitudinal
axis of the back side 234 of the support bar.
[0122] As described above, the front side 232 of the support bar
228 can be used to mount various computer user interface devices
14, such as computer screens and the like. In some embodiments,
these devices can be adjustably mounted to the support bar 228 so
that a particular operator can adjust the positions of the devices
individually, such as by tilting a computer screen up or down, for
the particular operator's usage and comfort.
[0123] In some embodiments, the visual interface support member 154
can include a head support 216 mounted to, for example, the front
surface 220 of the visual interface support tie plate 214. The head
support can include a cushion or other at least partially resilient
element to generally support and cushion the head of the
operator.
[0124] In certain implementations, the head support 216 can be
adjustable in one or more ways. For example, with the head support
216 connected directly to the visual interface support tie plate
214, movement of the visual interface support tie plate relative to
the back frame plate 155, correspondingly moves the head support
relative to the back frame plate, such as in an up and down motion
as shown in FIG. 20.
[0125] The head support 216 can also be adjustable by being
expandable and contractible, such as in an in and out motion away
from the back frame plate 155. The expansion and contraction motion
can be controlled, in some instances, by one or more devices, such
as an air bladder, a cam, a lever or the like, to move the head of
the operator relative to the front side 232 of the support bar 228,
and hence the visual interface equipment attached to the bar.
Expansion and contraction adjustment of the head support 216 can
allow a particular operator to adjust the placement of the front of
the head support 216 for proper support of the particular
operator's head to provide comfortable physical support and a
proper visual viewing distance relative to the computer user
interface equipment 14 mounted to the support bar 228. By adjusting
the visual interface support 154 in one or more of the manners
described above, the proper and comfortable distance for line of
vision operation can be adjusted to provide comfortable and
ergonomically supportive positions for the individual operator.
[0126] The front side 164 of the back frame plate 155 could support
a back cushion 152 which could support the back of the operator.
The back cushion 152 could be placed and be generally attached to
the back frame plate 155 so as not to interfere with the operation
and movement of the visual interface support 154, the movable
armrest 153, and the movement of the back frame 151. To further aid
in this support, the back cushion 152 could contain an expansion
and contraction means (e.g., air bladder, cam, lever and the
like-not shown) to provide adjustable support for the operator's
back. The expansion and contraction of the back cushion 152, in at
least one embodiment, could be governed by the controller 300.
[0127] In at least one embodiment, one or more of the cushions 114,
134, 152 of the computer station 10 may further incorporate a
massage unit (not shown), which could be controlled by the
controller 300 to activate periodically to massage portions of the
operator's legs in an attempt to alleviate the possible occurrence
of deep vein thrombosis and another similar ailments. The actions
of massage unit upon portions of the operator's person may also act
to promote proper blood circulation in the user during long time
use of the invention. The massage unit may also have further
beneficial ergonomic value in stimulated muscles that support the
operator's body in a reclining position.
[0128] In at least one embodiment, the various adjustable aspects
of the visual interface support 154, e.g. those aspects that are
moved by an actuator, air bladder or similar devices, may be
connected to the controller 300. Such a connection may allow a
particular operator to use the controller 300 to initially set the
position of the visual interface support 154 and associated movable
components of the support. For example, the controller 300 can be
used to adjust the visual distance between the eyes of an operator
and the computer user interface equipment 14 attached to the
support bar 228 and adjust the height and/or head support
characteristics to accommodate various heights and head sizes of
different operators of the computer chair 10. This preset
positioning data may be retained in the controller 300 and later
retrieved, such as by activation of a biometric interface 305 (see
FIG. 23), to reset the visual interface support 154 back to the
preset positions as defined by the saved preset positioning
data.
[0129] In those embodiments, having linear actuators with an anchor
end connected to a first element and a telescopic end connected to
a second element, it is recognized that the orientation of the
linear actuators can be reversed such that the anchor end can be
connected to the second element and the telescopic end can be
connected to the first element.
Controller
[0130] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the controller 300 can include a
computing device, such as central processing unit 302, having
appropriate computer hardware and related software. In the
illustrated embodiments, the controller 300 can include a container
304 in which the central processing unit 302 can be located. The
container 304 can be attached to the back of the back frame plate
155 in such a manner as not to impede the movements of the movable
armrest member 153, visual interface support member 154, seat
assembly 100 between the upright and supine positions, and head
support 218 and back cushion 152 between expanded and contracted
positions. The controller 300 may be hardwired directly or
wirelessly connected to the various actuators and other movement
inducing devices which may be used to position the various movable
or expandable/contractible components of the computer chair 10. As
described above, in some implementations, the controller 300 can be
configured to allow an operator to use the computer user interface
equipment 14 to activate the controller 300. The controller 300,
under operator command, can then operate the various connected
actuators, air bladders, movable cams and other similar devices to
manipulate the movable and otherwise physically adjustable
components of the computer chair to meet the physical requirements,
comfort needs and ergonomic parameters of a particular
operator.
[0131] Once the computer chair 10 is manipulated into a specific
configuration to provide comfortable and proper ergonomic support,
the operator can use the controller 300 to store the preposition or
configuration data corresponding to the specific configuration. The
data can be later used to recreate the desired positioning of the
movable components of the computer chair 10 when the operator is
using or desires to use the computer chair. In this manner, the
operator, when entering, e.g., ingresses, the chair station, can
activate the controller 300 through one or more biometric
interfaces 305, such as, but not limited to, a hand palm reader, a
retinal scanner and other biometric devices, connected to the
controller 300. The biometric interface 305, upon sensing one or
more unique physical characteristics of the operator can
communicate with the controller 300 to retrieve the preposition or
configuration data from storage or a memory to configure the
computer chair to meet the physical measurements or characteristics
of the operator.
[0132] In at least one embodiment, the controller 300 can have a
software scheduling program, which can cause the calf support 130
to move from a preset position to a more depressed position and
then back to the preset position. The software scheduling program
can activate automatic adjustments occurring one or more times
during an activation interval, which can be scheduled, random or
pseudorandom. In this manner, the computer chair may assist in
preventing deep vein thrombosis and other similar aliments caused
by inactivity.
[0133] In some embodiments, the controller 300 can have further
computing capability, either independently or in conjunction with a
computer network connected to the controller, to process data
unrelated to the movement, positioning and placement of the
moveable components of the computer chair.
[0134] In at least one embodiment, the controller 300 can be
connected to an independent power supply (IPS) (not shown). The IPS
can at least partially act as a power reserve for the computer
chair and can be maintained by the user or operator as a stand
alone device. In the event outside electrical power, such as a
standard household current, which can provide power to the computer
chair, is interrupted, the IPS can power the controller 300, linear
actuators 81, and other similar devices, for limited periods of
time. For example, if the outside electrical power is interrupted
to the computer chair, the IPS can provide at least enough power to
allow the operator sitting in the computer chair to activate the
controller 300 via the appropriate computer user interface
equipment 14 and bring the chair into the exit or open position,
e.g., the seat member 70 is positioned to bring the seat assembly
100 into the generally upright position and the support bar 228
bearing the visual computer user interface equipment 14 is brought
into an upright or open position. With the computer chair in this
position, the operator may, if needed, push the support table 180
out and away, such as by pivoting about a front end 187 of the
attached arm support 182, so that the operator may egress from
chair.
[0135] In the event of an emergency requiring immediate evacuation
from the computer chair or if both the outside power supply and the
IPS have failed, the operator can still evacuate the chair by
manually pushing away the support table 180 and exiting the chair
from underneath the visual interface support 154.
[0136] As perhaps best shown in FIG. 23, portions of the seat
assembly 100, e.g., the seat member 10, back member 150, controller
300 and other components, may be clothed in upholstery such as slip
cover 250. The slipcover 250 may have slits (not shown) through
which portions of the movable armrest 153 and visual interface
support 154 may protrude and move through.
[0137] According to one embodiment, an operator or user can use the
chair station 10 in a number of ways. For example, a user desiring
to use the chair station, e.g., sit in the chair station in a
comfortable or ergonomic position to perform one or more various
activities, can manually move the support table 180 into an open
position if necessary and either manually or through one or more of
the user interface devices 114 move the support bar 228 into an
open position. With the support table 180 and the support bar 228
in the open position, the user can seat himself into the chair by
placing his upper legs on the seat member 70, lower legs on the
calf support member 130 and resting his back on the back support
member 150.
[0138] The user can then adjust the moveable components of the
chair 10 to support his body based upon the specific dimensions of
his body or according to his personal preference. Adjustment of the
moveable components can be accomplished by engaging one or more of
the user interface devices 114 electrically coupled to the
controller 300. For example, via the user interface devices 114,
the user can adjust the chair station 10 in one or more of the
following ways to conform to his bodily dimensions or preferences:
(1) rotate the seat assembly 100 about the base 20 to
correspondingly rotate his body; (2) recline or pivot the seat
assembly 100 relative to the base to place his body in a more
reclined or supine position; (3) linearly move the back member 150
relative to the seat member 70 to adjust the depth of the seat
according to the length of his upper legs for supporting his back;
(4) pivoting the calf support member 130 relative to the seat
member 70 to raise or lower the position of the his lower legs with
respect to his upper legs; (5) linearly move the armrest member 153
relative to the back member 150 to raise or lower the position of
his arms; (6) linearly move the visual interface support member 154
relative to the back member 150 to position the head support 216
adjacent his head and position visual interface devices 114 at a
desired level for viewing; (7) rotating the support arm 228
relative to the back member 150 to further position the visual
interface devices 114 at a perhaps more desirable level for
viewing; (8) expanding or contracting the head support 216 to
support his head in a desirable manner; and (9) expanding or
contracting the back cushion 152 to support his back in a desirable
manner.
[0139] Once the user has adjusted the various moveable components
into a desired configuration, he can save his settings in the
controller 300 using the user interface devices 14. In the event
the user would like to sit in the chair station and the chair
station has been subsequently adjusted, the user can access his
saved settings by engaging the user interface devices 14. For
example, the user can enter a password or other information. If the
information is recognized by the controller 300, the controller 300
automatically adjusts the moveable components of the chair station
via one or more of the actuators according to his settings without
requiring further actions by the user. Alternatively, the user can
be identified by engaging a biometric device connected to the
controller.
[0140] When the user desires to egress the chair station, he can
engage the user interface devices 14 to rotate the support arm 228
and the visual interface devices 14 attached to the support arm
upwardly away from the user. The user can then manually open the
support table 180 and egress the chair station.
[0141] As discussed above, the various embodiments of the computer
chair provide for powered adjustments to multiple moveable
components to accommodate differences in the physical
characteristics of various operators using the chair. Additionally,
the moveable components can be adjusted to provide ergonomic
support and comfort. In at least some embodiments, the operator can
use computer user interface equipment connected to a controller to
set the positioning of one or more of the various movable
components of the computer chair according to the operator's
comfort. In some embodiments, the controller can determine when a
particular operator is using or desires to use the computer chair
via a biometric interface for sensing a particular operator and set
the movable components to preset positions for the particular
operator. The computer chair could then reversibly support the
operator in an ergonomic position when operating the computer user
interface equipment.
[0142] It can thus be seen that the embodiments disclosed above can
provide a uniquely adjustable, comfortable, and ergonomic chair
station. The chair station can provide, for example, at least one
or more, or if desired, all, of the following advantages:
[0143] Automatic adjustment of one or more body supporting
components to accommodate one or more body proportions of a user,
such as upper leg length, upper body length, arm length and head
size;
[0144] Reduction of the risks associated with injuries related to
immobility and repetitive manual motion;
[0145] Support for users of various physical dimensions in an
ergonomic position;
[0146] Computer controlled adjustment of one or more movable
components;
[0147] Automatic adjustment of one or more movable components
according to one or more predetermined, user-defined chair station
configurations;
[0148] Biometric or user input recognition of users and automatic
adjustment of the chair station into a user's predetermined
configuration based upon recognition of the user;
[0149] Adjustable user input and visual interface devices and
adjustment of one or more movable components to support a user in
an ergonomic position during use of the devices;
[0150] Compact design for convenient placement in small or large
spaces;
[0151] Adjustment of the depth of the chair station seat to
accommodate use of the chair station by multiple users having
different upper leg lengths;
[0152] Linear adjustment of one or more moveable components to
maintain proper ergonomic position of a user; and
[0153] Control of the adjustment of one or more moveable components
by a user via a user interface device.
[0154] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the
principles of the disclosed chair station may be applied, it should
be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred
examples and should not limit the scope of the chair station.
Rather, the scope of the disclosed chair station is defined by the
claims as issued.
* * * * *