U.S. patent application number 12/036193 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-19 for modular ergonomic chair.
This patent application is currently assigned to Waheed Ghilzai. Invention is credited to Waheed GHILZAI.
Application Number | 20080143164 12/036193 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37829408 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080143164 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GHILZAI; Waheed |
June 19, 2008 |
MODULAR ERGONOMIC CHAIR
Abstract
A modular ergonomic chair capable of accommodating a variety of
users and uses that includes a) a chair base, b) a support column
coupled to the chair base, c) a seat base, including a seat base
pivot, with the seat base coupled to the support column, d) a seat,
including one or more mounts, with the seat coupled to the seat
base pivot, and e) one or more knee support pads coupled to a knee
support pivot, with the knee support pivot coupled to any of the
preceding chair elements. The modular ergonomic chair is capable of
supporting a user in a reclined, upright, or inclined position and
may accommodate a number of additional task-specific
components.
Inventors: |
GHILZAI; Waheed;
(Emeryville, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MORRISON & FOERSTER LLP
425 MARKET STREET
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94105-2482
US
|
Assignee: |
Waheed Ghilzai
Emeryville
CA
|
Family ID: |
37829408 |
Appl. No.: |
12/036193 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11210350 |
Aug 23, 2005 |
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12036193 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/423.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 1/06 20130101; A47C
1/11 20130101; A47C 9/005 20130101; A47C 15/004 20130101; A47C 1/10
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/423.12 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/50 20060101
A47C007/50 |
Claims
1. An ergonomic chair comprising: a) a chair base; b) a support
column coupled to said chair base; c) a seat base, comprising a
seat base pivot, said seat base coupled to said support column; d)
a seat, comprising a mount, said seat coupled to said seat base
pivot; and e) a plurality of knee support pads, each knee support
pad coupled to a knee support pivot, said knee support pivot
coupled to one or more of said chair base, said support column,
said seat base, and said seat; wherein said plurality of knee
support pads are capable of pivoting independently on said knee
support pivot.
2. The chair of claim 1 comprising a plurality of said mounts.
3. A chair comprising an improvement wherein the improvement
comprises: a plurality of independently pivoting knee support pads
mounted on a pivot.
4. The chair of claim 1, further comprising a modular support
member coupled to said mount.
5. The chair of claim 4, wherein said modular support member
comprises a unitary first portion for coupling to said mount, and
an at least bifurcated second portion for coupling to one or more
components.
6. The chair of claim 5, where said one or more components are
independently selected from the group consisting of a thoracic
support pad, an armrest, a work surface, a tray, and a head
support.
7. The chair of claim 4, wherein said modular support member
comprises a first arm and second arm, wherein said first arm and
said second arm are substantially parallel.
8. The chair of claim 7, wherein said modular support member
further comprises a central beam forming a central plane, wherein
said first arm angles so as to extend below the plane of the
central beam before angling to extend parallel with the plane of
the central beam, and wherein said second arm angles so as to
extend above the plane of the central beam before angling to extend
parallel with the plane of the central beam.
9. The chair of claim 4, wherein the coupling between said modular
support member and said mount is non-permanent and can be made at
variable positions on said support member using a locking pin
mechanism.
10. The chair of claim 4, wherein said knee support pivot is
coupled to said modular support member.
11. The chair of claim 10, wherein the coupling between said
modular support member and said knee support pivot is non-permanent
and may be made at variable positions along the length of said
support member using a locking pin mechanism.
12. The chair of claim 4, further comprising a thoracic support pad
coupled to said modular support member.
13. The chair of claim 12, wherein the coupling between said
modular support member and said thoracic support pad is
non-permanent and may be made at variable positions on said modular
support member using a locking pin mechanism.
14. The chair of claim 12, wherein said thoracic support pad is a
chest support pad.
15. The chair of claim 4, further comprising a work surface coupled
to said modular support member.
16. The chair of claim 4, wherein said modular support member is
connected to said mount.
17. The chair of claim 1, wherein said seat may pivot on said seat
base pivot so as to present an inclined, a declined, or a
substantially horizontal position.
18. The chair of claim 1, wherein said seat base further comprises
a semi-circular guide having a plurality of insertion points
arranged along the outer edge of said semi-circular guide.
19. The chair of claim 1, wherein said chair base comprises a
plurality of articulating support legs.
20. The chair of claim 1, whereby a first knee support pad of said
plurality of knee support pads is able to provide support to a knee
of a user seated in said chair at a rotational position on said
knee support pivot that is independent of the rotational position
of a second knee support pad of said plurality of knee support pads
on said knee support pivot.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/210,350, filed on Aug. 23, 2005, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to the field of chairs and other
seated, support apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Chairs may be found in nearly every home or office
environment where they serve important functions in increasing
productivity, relieving stress, decorative aesthetics, and so
forth. However, most chairs cannot provide many of these features
simultaneously and are purpose-built to favor one function or
purpose at the expense of others.
[0004] There is thus a need for a chair that can effectively
deliver form, function, and adaptability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In order to meet the need for a versatile chair for use in
home, office, and other settings, the present application provides
a modular chair that can be easily adapted for a wide range of
functions while comfortably and ergonomically supporting a diverse
range of users and body types.
[0006] In one embodiment, the application provides an ergonomic
chair with (a) a chair base; (b) a support column coupled to the
chair base; (c) a seat base having a seat base pivot, with the seat
base coupled to the support column; (d) a seat having at least one
mount, the seat being coupled to the seat base pivot; and (e) one
or more knee support pads that are coupled to a knee support pivot,
with the knee support pivot coupled to one or more of the chair
base, the support column, the seat base, and the seat.
[0007] In another embodiment, the seat has more than one mount.
Preferably, the seat may have a mount in the front and one situated
on the back, relative to the facing of a typical user. In an
embodiment, such mounts may find use as coupling points for further
attachments.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, the chair has more than one knee
support pad. Preferably, the chair has two knee support pads. In an
embodiment having more than one knee support pad, the knee support
pads pivot independently on the knee support pivot, to which they
are attached.
[0009] In an embodiment of the chair, a modular support member,
capable of supporting one or more removable attachments, is coupled
to a seat mount. Preferably, the coupling between modular support
member and the seat mount is non-permanent and made using a locking
pin mechanism.
[0010] In one embodiment employing a support member, the knee
support pivot is coupled to the modular support member. Preferably,
the coupling between the knee support pivot and the support member
is non-permanent and may be made at a variable position on the
support member. Even more preferably, the coupling between the knee
support pivot and the support member is made using a securing
means, such as a locking pin mechanism, or equivalent coupling
means. In another embodiment employing a support member, a thoracic
support pad is coupled to the modular support member. Preferably
the thoracic support pad is a chest support pad. Preferably, the
coupling between the thoracic support pad and the modular support
member is non-permanent and made at a variable position on the
support member. More preferably, the coupling between the thoracic
support pad and the support member is made using a locking pin
mechanism.
[0011] In yet another embodiment of the chair employing a modular
support member, a head support is coupled to the modular support
member. Preferably, the coupling between the head support and the
modular support member is non-permanent and made at a variable
position on the support member. More preferably, the coupling is
made using a locking pin mechanism.
[0012] In an additional embodiment employing a modular support
member, a work surface is coupled to the support member.
Preferably, the coupling between the work surface and the modular
support member is non-permanent and made at a variable position on
the support member. More preferably, the variable coupling is made
using a locking pin assembly.
[0013] In an additional embodiment employing a modular support
member, an armrest is coupled to the support member. Preferably,
the coupling between the armrest and the modular support member is
non-permanent and made at a variable position on the support
member. More preferably, the variable positioning is made using a
locking pin assembly.
[0014] In an embodiment employing an armrest, a tray is coupled to
the armrest. Preferably, the coupling between the tray and the
armrest is non-permanent.
[0015] In another embodiment, the seat may pivot on the seat base
pivot pin to which it is coupled so as to present a declined, a
substantially horizontal, or inclined position. In an embodiment,
the chair can accommodate a user in a range of seating positions
from reclined, to upright, to inclined.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, the chair base has a plurality of
articulating support legs.
[0017] In an embodiment of the chair, the chair base is adapted for
permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a floor.
[0018] Without limitation, a plurality of independently pivoting
knee pads may find use as an improvement for an existing chair.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a chair incorporating elements
of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of a modular a chair
incorporating elements of the present invention with collapsed
legs.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a top view of a chair incorporating elements of
the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4A is an isometric view of a modular support member of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4B is a side view of a modular support member of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 is an isometric front-side view of a chair
incorporating elements of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a knee support assembly of
the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a side view of a chair incorporating elements of
the present invention showing a seated, inclined user.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a side view of a chair incorporating elements of
the present invention showing a seated, reclined user.
[0028] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a work surface for use with a
chair of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a side view of a chair incorporating elements of
the present invention, including a tray for use with a chair of the
present invention.
[0030] In the figures, identical numbering indicates the same
structure appearing in different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The present application discloses several elements useful in
chair design. These elements may find use individually within a
given chair or in combination within a single chair. It is
understood that these distinctive elements may be incorporated into
existing chair designs or combined, in whole or in part, into new
designs.
[0032] For clarity, elements of the invention may be easily
understood with reference to the following non-limiting
examples.
[0033] FIG. 1 depicts a chair embodying aspects of the
invention.
[0034] As shown, the chair comprises a chair base 100. As depicted,
the chair base comprises wheel-bearing legs 102. In one embodiment,
wheel-bearing legs 102 articulate or collapse. Articulation or
collapse of legs 102 may allow for a more compact profile and
portability, as seen in FIG. 2. In an alternate embodiment, the
chair base is adapted for permanent or semi-permanent attachment to
a floor. In such an alternate embodiment, the chair base does not
comprise wheel-bearing legs but instead comprises a substantially
horizontal flange, wherein are formed a hole or holes to receive
screws or bolts for permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a
floor. Comparable means for attaching the chair base to a floor may
be substituted for the flange. In yet another embodiment, the floor
to which the chair base is permanently or semi-permanently attached
is the floor of a bus, aircraft, train, or other form of mass
transit. Mounted on chair base 100, is a support column 104.
Preferably, the support column comprises a mechanism 106 for
adjusting the length of the support column, such as a pneumatic
cylinder, and ultimately the height of the user when seated. A seat
base 108 is mounted on the support column. In the embodiment of
FIG. 1, the seat base comprises a pivot 110 to which seat 112 of
the chair is coupled, and a semicircular guide 111 that allows for
control of the degree of seat pivoting by means of insertion points
arranged along the outer edge of guide 111. Coupling via the pivot
allows seat 112 to pivot along an arc so as to present an inclined,
substantially horizontal, or declined position. In the present
embodiment, seat 112 comprises a spring-loaded pin 109, a seat
support 113, a seat pad 118, a front mount 114, and a rear mount
116. In alternative embodiments the seat may comprise fewer
components or additional components. Pin 109 of seat 112 engages
with the insertion points of semicircular guide 111 of seat base
108 to determine the position of seat 112. In alternate
embodiments, other comparable means of securing seat 112 along its
arc of movement may be employed.
[0035] Occupants of the chair are thus able to sit in an inclined,
upright, or reclined position, based on the position of the seat
along its pivot range. As seen in FIG. 1, seat 112 comprises two
mounts: a front mount 114 and a rear mount 116. In alternate
embodiments, any number of mounts may be used. The mounts of
alternate embodiments may be located at positions other than the
front or rear, such as a along the side of seat 112. Mounts 114 and
116 each comprise a securing means. The securing means may be
constructed as securing means 406 shown in FIG. 4A. As used in this
application, a securing means is any means or mechanism capable of
establishing a permanent or non-permanent coupling with another
structure. In one embodiment, mounts 114 and 116 comprise locking
pin mechanisms, as seen in FIG. 1.
[0036] In the embodiment of the securing means seen in FIG. 4A,
securing means 406 is a locking pin mechanism comprising a
rectangular guide bracket 408 and a spring-loaded, locking pin 410.
In the embodiment, the rectangular guide bracket 408 finds use as a
receiver for a member comprising one or more insertion points that
engage with the matching, spring-loaded locking pin 410 to
establish a coupling. An example of such a member is central beam
400, described in more detail below, having holes as its insertion
points. The spring of spring-loaded pin 410 provides tension to
engage pin 410 with the insertion points of the member received by
guide bracket 408. It is generally understood that any comparable
means or mechanism for securing may be substituted for any of the
locking pin mechanisms found in the chair of the invention. By way
of example, securing may alternatively be achieved by using a
threaded screw, for use with matched, threaded insertion points,
rather than a locking pin mechanism.
[0037] Seat pad 118 may take any shape suitable for supporting a
seated user. Preferably, seat pad 118 is shaped as seen in FIG. 3.
As seen in FIG. 3, seat pad 118 is substantially symmetrical when
bisected by a longitudinal axis, with the width being greater at
the back, as referenced by the preferred user seating orientation,
than at the front.
[0038] The chair of FIG. 1, also comprises a modular support member
122. In FIG. 1, the modular support member is non-permanently and
adjustably coupled to securing means of front mount 114. The
modular support member may be readily coupled to securing means of
rear mount 116, as well. In alternative embodiments, the modular
support member is coupled to other components of the chair, such as
the seat base or the support column. Preferably, securing means of
mounts 114 and 116 are locking pin mechanisms as previously
described. Modular support member 122 may support a variety of
additional chair components.
[0039] In one embodiment seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 4B, modular
support member 122 comprises a substantially linear central beam
400 dividing into two parallel arms 402 and 404. Arm 402 angles so
as to extend below the plane of central beam 400 before angling to
extend parallel with central beam 400 while arm 404 angles so as to
extend above the plane of central beam 400 before angling to extend
parallel with central beam 400. Central beam 400 and arms 402 and
404 comprise attachment or insertion points for securing means,
such as securing means of front mount 114 or rear mount 116 of FIG.
1.
[0040] The chair of FIG. 1 comprises a knee support assembly 124.
In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the knee support assembly is coupled
to modular support member 122. However, it is understood that knee
support assembly 124 may be coupled to other elements of the chair
in alternate embodiments.
[0041] As seen in FIGS. 5 and 5A, knee support assembly 124 (FIG.
5A) comprises two independent knee support pads 500 and 502.
Assembly 124 further comprises a securing means 504. Preferably,
securing means 504 is a locking pin mechanism of comparable
structure and function to other locking pin mechanisms described
herein. Assembly 124 further comprises pivot stops 506 and 508 for
use in limiting the arc of rotation of knee support pads 502 and
500, respectively. Support member 122 is depicted in FIG. 5A to
provide a point of reference, but does not comprise an element of
knee support assembly 124. In certain embodiments not shown, the
chair may comprise a single knee support pad or more than two knee
support pads. Each knee support pad is adjustably coupled to knee
support pivot 126. In this embodiment, pivot 126 is a substantially
linear and horizontal rod that allows a coupled knee support pad to
pivot along an arc centered on pivot 126, as seen in FIG. 5A. In
the present embodiment, knee support pads 500 and 502 are mounted
distally along the pivot 126 as seen in FIG. 5A. In an alternate
embodiment, the knee support pads are mounted proximally along the
pivot. In yet another embodiment, the knee support pads are mounted
adjustably along the pivot such as by use of a threaded, drilled,
slotted, or otherwise configured pivot that accommodates movement
of the knee support pads along the length of the pivot and
preferably accommodates securing of each knee support pad at a
selected position such as by means of a locking pin mechanism as
disclosed elsewhere, herein. When more than one knee support pad is
in use, each knee support pad pivots independently of any other
knee support pad, along an arc centered on pivot 126, as evident in
FIG. 5. Independent pivoting of knee support pads allows a chair of
the invention to accommodate a wide range of user body type,
seating positions, and leg positions. Further, independent pivoting
offers users greater freedom of movement. As with other elements of
the present application, knee support assembly 124 may find use as
an improvement to currently existing chairs.
[0042] The chair of FIG. 1 also comprises a thoracic support pad
130 coupled to support member 122. The support function of thoracic
support pad 130 is determined by the mount to which support member
122 is currently coupled. When support member 122 is engaged with
front mount 114, as depicted in FIG. 1, thoracic support pad 130
provides a chest support pad for the user, as can be seen in FIG.
6. When support member 122 is engaged with rear mount 116, thoracic
support pad 130 provides a back support pad for the user, as seen
in FIG. 7. In FIG. 1, thoracic support pad 130 is non-permanently
and adjustably coupled to support member 122 by securing means 132.
In other embodiments, alternate coupling means are used.
Preferably, securing means 132 is a locking pin mechanism as
previously described.
[0043] As seen in FIG. 1, the chair comprises an armrest 134
coupled to support member 122. In this embodiment, armrest 134 is
adjustably coupled by securing means 136. As shown, securing means
136 is a locking pin mechanism as previously described. Armrest 134
provides a convenient resting surface for a user's forearms, when
support member 122 is coupled to front mount 114 as seen in FIG.
6.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the chair
comprises a head support 138 coupled to support member 122. In an
embodiment, head support 138 may be adjustably coupled by securing
means 140 or comparable adjustable coupling means. Preferably,
securing means 140 is a locking pin mechanism. Head support 138
provides a convenient resting surface for a user's head, when
support member 122 is coupled to front mount 114, as seen in FIG.
6.
[0045] As seen in FIG. 8, the chair comprises a work surface 800
coupled to support member 122. In this embodiment, work surface 800
is adjustably coupled by securing means 802. Preferably securing
means 802 is a locking pin mechanism as previously described. Work
surface 800 may support any number of objects for manipulation,
examination, or interaction with or by the user. For example, work
surface 800 may support tool holder 804. It is understood that work
surface 800 may take any of a number of forms capable of supporting
any number of objects for manipulation, examination, or interaction
with or by the user. In FIG. 8, work surface 800 is formed with
hooks 806 to support tools and implements. In alternative
embodiments, the work surface holds tools and implements, such as
scissors, combs, brushes, and hairdryers, of use to a hair
stylist.
[0046] In yet another embodiment, and as seen in FIG. 9, the chair
comprises a tray 900 coupled to armrest 134. Tray 900 is
permanently or adjustably coupled to armrest 134 by securing means
902. Tray 900 may support any number of objects for manipulation,
examination, or interaction with or by the user. It is understood
that tray 900 may take variable forms capable of supporting any
number of objects for manipulation, examination, or interaction
with or by the user. In this specific embodiment, tray 900 supports
a keyboard 904 as shown. Alternatively, the tray may support a
book, or documentation, for use by an occupant.
[0047] One skilled in the art will understand the inventive aspects
disclosed in the foregoing. One skilled in the art will further
understand that many alternatives and variations exist with regard
to the detailed embodiments presented, and that such alternatives
and variations are within the scope and contemplation of the
invention set forth in the claims that follow.
* * * * *