U.S. patent application number 12/288722 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-04 for body support structure.
Invention is credited to Eric Ping Pang Chan, Bernard San Lap Lo, Conrad Marini.
Application Number | 20090140568 12/288722 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40674969 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090140568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chan; Eric Ping Pang ; et
al. |
June 4, 2009 |
Body support structure
Abstract
A body support structure includes a backrest having a frame and
a plurality of laterally spaced strips. Each of the strips extends
in a longitudinal direction, with an upper end portion of each of
the strips formed in an inverted J-shape. In another aspect, a body
support structure includes a frame and a seat segment having a
front portion and a rear portion. A back support segment is joined
to the seat segment and has an upper portion formed in an inverted
J-shape. A front portion of the seat segment and the upper portion
of the back support segment are the only portions directly joined
to the frame. In another aspect, a body support structure includes
a plurality of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced strips
and at least one laterally extending elastomeric member connecting
each of said plurality of strips.
Inventors: |
Chan; Eric Ping Pang; (New
York, NY) ; Lo; Bernard San Lap; (North York, CA)
; Marini; Conrad; (Woodbridge, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
40674969 |
Appl. No.: |
12/288722 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61000348 |
Oct 25, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/452.11 ;
297/452.29; 297/452.63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/40 20130101; A47C
11/00 20130101; A47C 7/024 20130101; A47C 7/405 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/452.11 ;
297/452.29; 297/452.63 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/00 20060101
A47C007/00; A47C 7/16 20060101 A47C007/16 |
Claims
1. A body support structure comprising: a backrest comprising a
frame and a plurality of laterally spaced strips, each of said
plurality of strips extending in a longitudinal direction and
defining a back support segment, wherein an upper portion of each
of said plurality of strips is formed in an inverted J-shape with
an end portion of said upper portion spaced rearwardly from a back
support portion, and a curved portion joining said end portion and
said back support portion, wherein said curved portions of said
plurality of strips define an upper boundary of said backrest, and
wherein said end portion is coupled to a frame.
2. The body support structure of claim 1 wherein said plurality of
strips are made of bamboo.
3. The body support structure of claim 1 wherein each of said
plurality of strips have a body facing surface, wherein at least a
portion of at least some of said body facing surfaces are curved in
cross section within a laterally extending plane.
4. The body support structure of claim 1 wherein a first subset of
said plurality of strips arranged along a center of said backrest
are shorter than a second subset of said plurality of strips
arranged laterally outboard of said first subset.
5. The body support structure of claim 1 wherein each of said
plurality of said strips further comprises a seat segment extending
forwardly from said back support segment, wherein a forward portion
of said seat segment is coupled to said frame.
6. The body support structure of claim 5 wherein said back support
portion of each of said strips is free of any connection to said
frame.
7. The body support structure of claim 6 wherein each of said back
support portions are joined only to corresponding ones of said
curved portions and said seat segments.
8. The body support structure of claim 5 further comprising at
least one laterally extending elastomeric member connecting said
seat segment of each of said plurality of strips.
9. The body support structure of claim 8 wherein each of said
strips comprises a groove shaped to receive a mounting portion of
said elastomeric member.
10. A body support structure comprising: a frame; a seat segment
having a front portion and a rear portion; and a back support
segment having a bottom portion joined to said rear portion of said
seat segment and an upper portion formed in an inverted J-shape;
wherein said front portion of said seat segment and said upper
portion of said back support segment are directly coupled to said
frame, and wherein said front portion of said seat segment and said
upper portion of said back support segment are the only portions of
said seat segment and said back support segment directly joined to
said frame.
11. A body support structure comprising: a plurality of
longitudinally extending and laterally spaced strips; and at least
one laterally extending elastomeric member connecting each of said
plurality of strips.
12. The body support structure of claim 11 wherein said strips are
made of wood.
13. The body support structure of claim 12 wherein said strips are
made of bamboo.
14. The body support structure of claim 11 wherein each of said
plurality of strips has a body facing surface, wherein at least a
portion of at least some of said body facing surfaces are curved in
cross section within a laterally extending plane.
15. The body support structure of claim 11 wherein each of said
strips comprises a groove, and wherein said at least one
elastomeric member comprises a mounting portion received in said
groove.
16. The body support structure of claim 11 wherein said at least
one elastomeric member comprises a plurality of longitudinally
spaced elastomeric members.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/000,348, filed Oct. 25, 2007, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a body support
structure, and in particular, to a body support structure formed
from at least one flexible strip, and to the method for the
manufacture and use thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Body support structures, such as chairs, are often
configured to provide ergonomic support to the user, for example by
flexing or adjusting in response to one or more forces applied by
the user. Often, such structures employ rigid components coupled
together with complex mechanisms that are manipulated in an attempt
to provide a desired kinematic movement. Such mechanisms may not be
aesthetically pleasing, such that they must be covered or otherwise
obscured, which can add to the cost of the structure. In addition,
many conventional structures are not made of sustainable, organic
materials, but rather must be extensively processed and assembled,
with the final product lacking recyclable characteristics.
Accordingly, the need remains for a body support structure which is
ergonomically flexible, yet is relatively simple, made from
sustainable and/or recyclable materials and is aesthetically
pleasing.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention is defined by the following claims,
and nothing in this section should be considered to be a limitation
on those claims. In one aspect, one embodiment of a body support
structure includes a backrest having a frame and a plurality of
laterally spaced strips. Each of the strips extends in a
longitudinal direction, with an upper portion of each of the strips
formed in an inverted J-shape having an end portion spaced
rearwardly from a back support portion, and a curved portion
joining the end portion and the back support portion. The curved
portions of the strips define an upper boundary of the backrest,
while the end portions are coupled to the frame.
[0005] In another aspect, a body support structure includes a frame
and a seat segment having a front portion and a rear portion. A
back support segment has a bottom portion joined to the rear
portion of the seat segment and an upper portion formed in an
inverted J-shape. The front portion of the seat segment and the
upper portion of said back support segment are directly coupled to
the frame, and are the only portions of the seat segment and the
back support segment directly joined to the frame.
[0006] In yet another aspect, a body support structure includes a
plurality of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced strips
and at least one laterally extending elastomeric member supporting
each of the plurality of strips.
[0007] The various aspects provide significant advantages over
other body support structures. For example and without limitation,
the plurality of strips, and their connection with a frame,
provides a flexible and supportive structure, which is
aesthetically pleasing. In addition, in certain embodiments, the
strips can be made of sustainable materials.
[0008] The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of
general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of
the following claims. The various preferred embodiments, together
with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to
the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a body
support structure without a frame shown and with a force being
applied to the seat segment.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a body
support structure without a frame shown and with a force being
applied to the back support segment.
[0011] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of alternative
embodiments of a body support structure without a frame shown and
with a torsional force being applied to the back support
segment.
[0012] FIG. 4A is a partial, exploded, top perspective view of a
plurality of strips and an elastomeric support member.
[0013] FIG. 4B is a partial, perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of an elastomeric support member.
[0014] FIGS. 4C and 4D are partial bottom views of alternative
embodiments of strips with an elastomeric support member.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a partial, exploded, bottom perspective view of a
plurality of strips and an elastomeric support member.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a plurality of strips
and an elastomeric support member.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the plurality of strips and
elastomeric support member shown in FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a side view of one of the plurality of strips.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a body
support structure.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a side view of the body support structure shown
in FIG. 9.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the body support
structure shown in FIG. 9.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a front view of the body support structure shown
in FIG. 9.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a top view of the body support structure shown in
FIG. 9.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a body support structure.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the body support
structure shown in FIG. 14.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a body support structure.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a body support structure.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a body support structure.
[0029] FIG. 19 is a partial, front perspective view of one
embodiment of a body support structure.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a partial, front perspective view of an
alternative embodiment of a body support structure.
[0031] FIG. 21 is a partial, front perspective view of an
alternative embodiment of a body support structure.
[0032] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a body support structure.
[0033] FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a
body support structure.
[0034] FIG. 24 is a bottom review of the body support structure
shown in FIG. 23.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1-8, a body support structure includes a
plurality of longitudinally extending strips 2 extending in a
longitudinal direction 4. The strips are laterally spaced apart in
lateral direction, such that the sides of adjacent strips do not
overlap. The term "longitudinal" as used herein means running in a
lengthwise direction, for example between the front and back of a
seat and/or between the top and bottom of a backrest. The term
"lateral" as used herein means running in a cross-direction 6, for
example from side-to-side of a seat and back. In one embodiment,
the sides of the strips are spaced apart so as to form gaps 8
therebetween. In various embodiments, the gaps 8 are between 0 and
12 mm, alternatively between 3 mm and 10 mm, and alternatively
between 4 mm and 8 mm. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 5
and 6, each strip has a body facing surface 10, configured as an
upper surface on a seat segment 12 and as a forwardly facing
surface of a back support segment 14. The strips 2 can have an
oval, obround, circular, elliptical or other cross-sectional shape.
In one embodiment, at least a portion of the body facing surface 10
of at least some of the strips are curved in cross section taken
along a lateral plane (see, e.g., FIG. 6). For example, the body
facing surface has a flat portion which transitions to curved sides
18. In other embodiments, the entirely of the body facing surface
is convex. Of course, it should be understood that different strips
can have different cross-sections and that the same strip can have
different cross-sections along its length. In addition, one or more
of the strips may have rectangular, triangular, diamond, various
polygonal shapes, or any other cross-sectional shape.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 4A-7, the surface 12 of each strip facing
opposite the body facing surface, e.g., the bottom of the seat
segments 12 or the back of the back support segments 14, is
configured with an elongated slot or groove 20 running
longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of the strip
2, and in one embodiment along the entirety of the length of the
strip. In one embodiment, the groove 20 has a rectangular profile
taken in cross-section along a laterally extending plane, although
it can be formed as a T-shaped recess, or with an oval, circular,
obround, or triangular profile, or any other suitable profile
shaped to receive a mounting or guide portion.
[0037] In one embodiment, the strips 2 are made of wood, or other
organic materials, including for example bamboo. In various
embodiments, the strips can be formed from solid or laminate
bamboo. The strips are bent into a desired shape. The strips can
also be made of other materials, including various metals and
plastics. To form the strips, for example from bamboo, a laminate
veneer is formed into a defined profile. Then, the oval
cross-sectional shape and groove are then formed, for example by
extrusion. The strip 2 is then bent and formed in the desired
profile shape using heat and pressure. The frame structure coupled
to the strips also can be formed from bamboo, for example laminated
bamboo, or from other materials including wood, plastic and
metal.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the body support structure is formed
from a plurality of strips. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the body
support structure is formed from a single strip 102 that extends
laterally to define the entirety of the body support structure. As
shown in FIGS. 19-21, the widths of the individual strips, and the
gaps between adjacent strips, can be varied along the lengths
thereof such that the overall body support surface varies. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the body support surface 30
is wider at top of the backrest and at the front of the seat, with
the strips converging at the junction therebetween. The strips 2 in
FIG. 20 are spaced closer together than the strips in FIG. 19.
Conversely, as shown in FIG. 21, the body support surface is
widened at the junction between the seat and backrest, and narrowed
at the top of the back and at the front of the seat.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 18, the strips 2 or strip each
have a seat segment 12 and a back support segment 14. The seat
segment 12 has a front curved portion 32 and a rear portion 34. The
back support segment has a bottom portion 36 joined to the rear
portion of the seat segment, preferably by the strips being
integrally formed at a curved junction 48. The back support segment
further includes an upper portion 38 formed in an inverted J-shape.
The upper portion 38 includes an end portion 40 spaced rearwardly
from a back support portion 42, and a curved portion 44 joining the
end portion 40 and the back support portion 42. The curved portions
44 of the plurality of strips, in combination, define an upper
boundary of the backrest, which can be linear, curved or some
combination thereof. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a first
subset 50 of strips 2, arranged along a center of the backrest, are
shorter than a second subset 52 of strips, arranged laterally
outboard of the first subset 50, such that the backrest is taller
along shoulder supporting portions thereof. The term "subset"
refers to one or more strips. Of course, the relative length can be
varied such that the center portion is the tallest, such that the
height is the same across the width of the backrest, or in any
other suitable and desired configuration. The strips can also be
shaped and positioned such that the body facing support surface 30
across the middle of the back is not flat, but rather is curved
inwardly (concave) so as to conform to the back of the user.
Likewise, the strips can be shaped and positioned such that the
body facing support surface across the seat is not flat, but rather
is curved downwardly so as to conform to the legs and buttock of
the user.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 9-18, the strip 102 or strips 2 are
coupled to a frame 60. In particular, the frame includes at least a
laterally extending front (seat) cross member 62 and a laterally
extending rear, upper (backrest) cross member 64. The front, curved
portion 32 of the seat segments are fixedly and directly joined to
the front cross member, and the end portion 40 of each upper
portion is fixedly and directly joined to the rear cross member 64.
The connection to the cross members 62, 64 is the only direct and
fixed connection between the strips 2 and the frame 60. The terms
"fixed" and "fixedly" as used herein mean securely placed or
coupled such that there is no relative movement therebetween. The
term "direct" means without an intervening component. In one
embodiment, the connections to the cross members is the only
connection, direct or indirect, between the strips 2, 102 and frame
6. The frame can be made of wood, metal, plastic or any other
sufficiently rigid structural material, including without
limitation bamboo. The frame can also be configured with a base
providing height adjustment, rotation about a vertical axis, and/or
a rocking motion about a horizontal axis.
[0041] As shown in the various embodiments, the cross members 62,
64 are joined to form the frame. It should be understood that the
frame may include one or more receptacles configured to be
connected to the end portions 32, 40 of the strips, and that such
receptacles, even if made as separate components from the cross bar
62, 64 or other frame component, are considered part of frame, with
the strips therefore being joined directly to the frame 60.
[0042] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9-18, the rear cross
member 64 can be joined to side members 66 that extend forwardly in
the longitudinal direction to define armrests. The rear cross
member and side members are integrally formed in one embodiment,
for example in a U-shape when viewed from above. The side members
can then be joined to legs, which are connected to the front cross
members. The frame can further include a sled base 68 (see FIGS. 14
and 15), a plurality of legs 70 (FIG. 17), or a combination thereof
(FIG. 16). The term "plurality" as used herein means two or more.
As shown in FIGS. 9-13, an upper portion 66 of the side members is
angled forwardly and downwardly from the rear cross member to form
the armrest, with a lower portion 72 then angled downwardly and
rearwardly to form a pair of rear legs. Another U-shaped frame
component 74 is connected to the lower portions 72 and surrounds
the rear portion of the seat/back segments without being attached
thereto. The frame component has a pair of side frame members 76
extending forwardly and then downwardly so as to define a pair of
front legs 78. The front cross member 62 spans the distance between
and is connected to the front legs 78.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 22, the body support structure is
sufficiently wide so as to accommodate more than one user. In this
configuration the structure forms a bench. The structure can also
be made without a back (FIG. 22), with the strips 102 defining the
seat segment simply being curved downwardly at both ends 232 and
secured to a pair of cross-members 260, which are supported by legs
262.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 4A-7, in one embodiment, the strips are
further indirectly connected to the frame with a plurality of
resilient, flexible elastomeric members 80 or strips that extend
laterally between and are coupled to the side frame members 76. The
elastomeric strips 80 include a plurality of guide portions 82 that
are received in respective grooves 20 of adjacent strips 2,
preferably with a press fit. The guide portions 82 can be further
secured to the strips 2 with adhesives, fasteners and other
securing devices. The guide portions 82 help maintain the spacing
of the strips 2 and also ensure that the strips 2 are engaged and
supported by the elastomeric members 80. The elastomeric members 80
can extend laterally across beneath and support the seat segment 12
of one or more strips 2, and/or extend across and support the back
support segment 14 of one or more strips. The number and locations
of the strips 80 can be varied to provide variable performance and
support to the seat and back. For example and without limitation,
as shown in one embodiment of FIGS. 23 and 24, two strips 80 are
positioned under the seat segment 12, and three strips 80 are
positioned behind the back support segment 14. The two elastomeric
members supporting the seat segments are positioned respectively
under the front portion of the seat segment to support the thighs
of the user and under the rear portion of the seat segment to
support the buttock of the user. The ends of the elastomeric
members supporting the seat segments are secured to the laterally
spaced apart frames. In other embodiments, the elastomeric members
are connected to the strips 2, but not the frames. The elastomeric
members supporting the back support segments are positioned in the
upper thoracic region, the lumbar region and the lower sacral
region. In this embodiment, the strips 80 supporting the back
support segments interconnect the strips 2, but are not connected
to the frame. In other embodiments, the ends of the strips are
connected to and supported by the frame. Of course, it should be
understood that a single strip can be used, or more than two/three
strips. In another embodiment, a membrane of elastomeric material
is coupled between the side frame members, or between front and
back laterally extending cross members, or between longitudinally
spaced members and laterally spaced members.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 4B-4D, openings or holes 86 (circular,
obround, diamond and/or other shapes) can be formed in the
elastomeric strips 80 between the guide portions 82. The
elastomeric strips 80 can be made of various thermoplastic
polyether ester elastomer block copolymers, including for example
Hytrel.RTM. elastomeric materials available from DuPont. A variety
of other elastomers are also suitable.
[0046] In one embodiment, the strips or elastomeric members can be
oriented, for example by increasing the alignment of the
crystalline structure on a molecular level so that the load bearing
characteristics are altered. One suitable method for orienting the
strips is by stretching, for example to at least 1.5 times, and
alternatively at least two times, an original dimension. In one
embodiment, the strips are oriented cyclically by stretching and
relaxing the member. Various materials and methods of orientation
are disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. US 2006/0267258 A1, entitled "Load
Bearing Surface," which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0047] In operation, the user sits in the body support structure.
The strips 2 bend individually to conform to the weight and
position of the user. In particular, the backrest segments 14 of
the strips 2 can independently flex forwardly and rearwardly, while
the seat segments 12 of the strips 2 independently move up and
down, with the connection between the seat and back segments 14, 12
providing for an integrated, ergonomic support. The strips 2 having
backrest segments 14, and their connection to the seat segments 12,
also provide for a twisting of the backrest, so as to promote
flexibility of the shoulder blades and accommodate torsional
movement of the backrest.
[0048] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it
is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as
illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended
claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to
define the scope of the invention.
* * * * *