U.S. patent application number 16/355729 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-11 for systems and methods for providing ergonomic chairs.
This patent application is currently assigned to Corecentric LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Corecentric LLC. Invention is credited to Bryce Harlow.
Application Number | 20190209886 16/355729 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60009571 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-11 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190209886 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harlow; Bryce |
July 11, 2019 |
Systems and Methods for Providing Ergonomic Chairs
Abstract
A chair for providing support to a user's spine to improve
posture and for providing ways for the user to perform exercises.
The chair may include a flexible connection that enables a back
support to move side to side through a sidebending range of motion
of the user. The back support, which may include a flexible chair
spine, may be configured to adapt to the curvature of the user's
spine when the user is seated in the chair. A seat of the chair may
include channels and vents to improve air circulation within the
seat.
Inventors: |
Harlow; Bryce; (Fort
Lauderdale, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Corecentric LLC |
Fort Lauderdale |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Corecentric LLC
|
Family ID: |
60009571 |
Appl. No.: |
16/355729 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15270933 |
Sep 20, 2016 |
10272282 |
|
|
16355729 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/006 20130101;
A47C 7/405 20130101; A47C 1/022 20130101; A63B 23/0227 20130101;
A63B 2220/17 20130101; A63B 2225/093 20130101; A47C 7/441 20130101;
A47C 7/48 20130101; A47C 3/026 20130101; A63B 2208/0228 20130101;
A47C 7/402 20130101; A47C 7/746 20130101; A63B 23/0233 20130101;
A47C 7/44 20130101; A63B 21/023 20130101; A63B 21/04 20130101; A63B
23/0205 20130101; A63B 2209/02 20130101; A47C 7/02 20130101; A47C
7/54 20130101; A47C 9/002 20130101; A63B 2220/80 20130101; A47C
7/38 20130101; A63B 2220/833 20130101; A47C 7/443 20130101; A47C
7/46 20130101; A63B 21/045 20130101; A63B 2208/0233 20130101; A63B
2220/10 20130101; A63B 2071/0627 20130101; A47C 7/004 20130101;
A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 21/1609 20151001; A63B 2225/20
20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/16 20060101
A63B021/16; A47C 7/74 20060101 A47C007/74; A63B 21/045 20060101
A63B021/045; A47C 7/44 20060101 A47C007/44; A47C 7/40 20060101
A47C007/40; A47C 1/022 20060101 A47C001/022; A47C 7/00 20060101
A47C007/00; A47C 7/02 20060101 A47C007/02; A47C 7/38 20060101
A47C007/38; A63B 23/02 20060101 A63B023/02; A47C 7/46 20060101
A47C007/46; A47C 7/54 20060101 A47C007/54; A63B 21/04 20060101
A63B021/04; A47C 7/48 20060101 A47C007/48 |
Claims
1. A chair for supporting a user, said chair comprising: a seat; a
back support including at least one support surface that is
configured to be adjacent to a spine of said user; at least two arm
supports; and a connector that provides a flexible connection
between said seat and said back support; wherein said flexible
connection is configured to enable said back support to move
through a sidebending range of motion from a left side of said user
to a right side of said user; wherein said arm supports are
connected to said connector and are configured to move in
conjunction with said back support through said sidebending range
of motion.
2. The chair of claim 1 wherein said flexible connection can be
adjusted to restrict said range of motion.
3. The chair of claim 1 wherein said flexible connection can be
adjusted to increase said range of motion.
4. The chair of claim 1 wherein said flexible connection provides a
pivot point for said back support to move within said sidebending
range of motion.
5. The chair of claim 4 wherein a bottom edge of said back support
is shaped as an arc of a circle to allow said movement within said
sidebending range of motion.
6. The chair of claim 1 wherein said back support further comprises
a chair spine.
7. The chair of claim 6 wherein said back support further
comprises: a thoracic support that is connected to said chair spine
and is adjacent to a portion of said user's thoracic spine; and a
lumbosacral support that is connected to said chair spine and is
adjacent to a portion of said user's lumbar spine; wherein said
connection between said thoracic support and said chair spine
enable said thoracic support to flex in response to forces from
said user.
8. The chair of claim 7 wherein said connection between said
lumbosacral support and said chair spine enable said lumbosacral
support to flex in response to forces from said user.
9. The chair of claim 8 wherein said thoracic support and said
lumbosacral support are capable of independently flexing in
response to forces from said user.
10. The chair of claim 1 wherein said seat comprises: an upper seat
surface with an outer layer including at least one vent; a seat pan
that connects to said upper seat surface to create an interior
housing; and at least one channel adjacent to said interior housing
at a first end and adjacent to said outer layer at a second end;
wherein said at least one vent aligns with said second end of said
at least one channel to enable air to flow between said interior
housing and an exterior of said outer layer.
11. The chair of claim 10 wherein said seat pan includes at least
one vent that enables the flow of air between said interior housing
and an exterior of said seat pan.
12. The chair of claim 1 wherein said back support includes sensors
to determine a position of the user on said chair.
13. The chair of claim 1 wherein said seat includes sensors to
determine a position of the user on said chair.
14. A chair for supporting a user, said chair comprising: a seat
with a seating surface; a connector that provides a flexible
connection between said seat and a back support, wherein said
flexible connection is higher than said seating surface; at least
two arm supports connected to said connector; and said back support
comprising: a spine; a thoracic support that is connected to said
spine and is configured to be adjacent to a portion of said user's
thoracic spine; and wherein said flexible connection enables said
back support and said at least two arm supports to move through a
sidebending range of motion from a left side of said user to a
right side of said user.
15. The chair of claim 14 wherein said flexible connector remains
substantially fixed during said movement of said user.
16. The chair of claim 14 wherein said connection between said
thoracic support and said spine enable said thoracic support to
flex in response to forces from said user.
17. The chair of claim 16 wherein said back support further
comprises a lumbar support that is connected to said spine and is
adjacent to a portion of said user's lumbar spine, wherein said
connection between said lumbar support and said spine enable said
lumbar support to flex in response to forces from said user.
18. The chair of claim 17 wherein said thoracic support and said
lumbar support are capable of independently flexing in response to
forces from said user.
19. A chair for supporting a user, said chair comprising: a seat
with a seating surface; a connector that provides a flexible
connection between said seat and a back support, wherein said
flexible connection is higher than said seating surface; and said
back support comprising: a vertical support member; a neck support
that is connected to said vertical support member and is configured
to be adjacent to a portion of said user's neck; a thoracic support
that is connected to said vertical support member and is configured
to be adjacent to a portion of said user's thoracic spine; and a
lumbar support that is connected to said vertical support member
and is configured to be adjacent to a portion of said user's lumbar
spine; wherein said flexible connection enables said back support
to move through a sidebending range of motion from a left side of
said user to a right side of said user.
20. The chair of claim 19 further comprising at least two arm
supports that are connected to said connector, wherein said
flexible connection further enables said at least two arm supports
to move in conjunction with said back support through said
sidebending range of motion.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority to and is a continuation
application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/270,933 filed on
Sep. 20, 2016.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to chairs and, more
specifically, to chairs such as residential and office chairs that
provide flexible seating support that promotes proper posture.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Maintaining proper health, fitness and physical appearance
are major concerns for people today. However, in many countries, a
large section of the population have sedentary jobs. To compound
this, many are unable to find the time to exercise because they
spend so much time at these sedentary jobs. The typical office
worker, for example, is confined to his or her desk about 7.5 hours
per day.
[0004] In the United States, statistics paint a bleak picture with
respect to present day sedentary lifestyles. For example, about 36%
of Americans are obese and, with respect to the future working
population, one out of three persons under 18 years of age is
obese. A significant portion of the United States' medical costs is
incurred in treating diseases associated with obesity. At first
blush, it may seem that many persons address their lack of exercise
on the job by working out at gyms. But only about 15% of Americans
have gym memberships and only about 10% of those who have
memberships use them.
[0005] Sitting for long periods without exercise can have
significant negative effects on the body. For example, headaches,
mental fatigue, stress-related tension in the shoulders, and
accumulation of fluids in the lungs and neck are some of the
consequences of sitting for long periods without exercise. One
section of the body that is especially susceptible to this is the
back. With respect to the back, sitting for long periods without
exercise can cause muscle imbalances, weakness, loss of
flexibility, pain, arthritis, sciatica, degenerative disc disease,
and the like.
[0006] Poor posture while sitting is a further issue associated
with the modern day sedentary lifestyle. As noted above, sitting
for long periods without exercise in and of itself is an health
issue, but poor posture complicates this further. Examples of bad
sitting posture include a person reclining too much in a chair or
leaning out of the chair such that there is no support for the
person's back. Currently, chair design is focused on providing
proper back support from the lumbar region of the back.
[0007] The problems presented by the modern day sedentary lifestyle
is of growing concern. At least one city in the United States has
considered this issue and has issued guidelines to address it.
Specifically, the city of New York has issued "Active Design
Guidelines" for designing office space to address obesity and its
related diseases. The guidelines seek to provide architects and
designers with approaches for designing urban spaces and healthier
buildings. For example, the new designs place stairwells in
convenient locations so that workers will use the stairs more
often. Although buildings are now being designed to facilitate
healthier lifestyles, generally, the furniture used in buildings
are not designed to facilitate the healthier lifestyle desired by
many today.
[0008] This patent application relates to application Ser. No.
14/029,189 that is titled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING
ERGONOMIC EXERCISE CHAIRS," and Design Application No. 29/545,421
that is titled "CHAIR." Both applications were filed by the same
inventor and are commonly owned. While this application does not
claim priority to application Ser. No. 14/029,189 or Design
Application No. 29/545,421, it does hereby incorporate both
disclosures herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to systems and methods
that provide chairs that change the support provided to a user
based on the posture of the user sitting in the chair. The chairs
also provide flexibility in movement of the user and the ability to
perform exercises. Some of the mechanisms on the chair may have
dual functions such that when the chair is being used for seating
support and flexibility the mechanisms perform one function and
when they are being used as a tool for exercise they perform
another or additional function.
[0010] Embodiments of the invention include a chair that provides
proper support and flexibility for a user's back. For example,
embodiments may provide a chair with a back support that bends at
least at a section of the back support that is at a level higher
than a level of the seat. The bending occurs in response to force
from the user when the user sits in the chair. The flexibility of
the back support may be provided by a flexible chair spine that
adapts to the curvature of the user's spine. This feature creates
the necessary compression for pelvic tilt and rotation, while
allowing the user to flex and extend. Additional flexibility is
provided through a flexible mechanism that allows the user's back
to move side to side through a sidebending range of motion. This
feature provides natural support and freedom to the user, while
enabling the user to exercise his or her oblique muscles by flexing
from side to side. These features keep the spine supported and
protected through the user's sidebending range of motion.
[0011] Embodiments of the invention include a chair that has a
flexible back support that delivers resistance in addition to
flexibility and serves as a mechanism for a user to perform other
core exercises. The flexibility in the back support that engenders
this exercise feature may be provided by a flexible chair spine and
related mechanisms of the chair. For example, this chair exhibits a
recline angle of up to 35.degree., which is not seen in prior art
office chairs.
[0012] Embodiments of the invention include a back support
comprising at least a lumbosacral support and a thoracic support
that may be shaped and designed to support the user's spine.
Specifically, the lumbosacral support may be attached to the
flexible spine to provide support to the user's lumbar and sacrum
portions of the user's spine, while the thoracic support may be
attached to the flexible spine to support the user's thoracic
portion of the spine. The lumbosacral support may present a concave
surface to the user to assist with the shape of the lumbosacral
portion of the spine and the thoracic support may present a convex
surface to the user to push against this portion of the spine. This
design further promotes proper posture of the user.
[0013] Embodiments of the invention include a chair having a back
support connected to a breathable seat that includes numerous
channels and gaps or indentions within the seat and an outer layer
including holes or vents surrounding the seat that enable the flow
of air through the seat. Springs may also be used within the seat
to promote venting and further comfort to the user.
[0014] Embodiments of the invention include adjustable arms that
are independent and ergonomically designed to fit the user's body.
The arms may be connected to the back support to enable independent
adjustment to match the user's body and keep the user's upper
extremities in the proper position. The adjustable arms are fixed
to the spine of the chair to promote flexibility during side to
side movement and corresponding oblique abdominal exercises. The
adjustment mechanism may be engaged through a button or lever under
each armpad, such that the user controls the independent movement
of the adjustable arms.
[0015] Embodiments of the invention may include employing sensors
in at least the lumbosacral support, the thoracic support, and the
seat for evaluating the posture of the user and technique during
exercise. The sensors may be designed to communicate with a
personal device, personal computer, server, or the Internet, such
that a computer program can analyze the data from the sensors and
provide posture feedback to the user. Specifically, the data from
the sensors may be analyzed and presented to the user through a
mobile application or website that operates as a "posture coach."
If using the chair for exercise, the sensors may be used to track
repetitions of specific exercises.
[0016] According to embodiments of the invention, a user is
provided with an ergonomic exercise chair that helps the user stay
fit and healthy. Specifically, the user has at his or her disposal,
a chair that encourages proper posture and may be used while in the
office, while working, and during work breaks to do exercises
throughout a working day. As such, the user may more easily
maintain health and fitness and do so at low cost. These benefits
to the user may accrue to the user's employer because a happier and
healthier employee is one who is more productive, less prone to be
absent from work due to sickness, and would incur less health
insurance related costs.
[0017] According to embodiments, the chair is designed to mimic the
movement of the spine by allowing for flexion-extension,
sidebending, and rotation, while prior art chairs focused solely on
flexion-extension. In prior art chairs, spinal alignment assistance
ceases when the user separates from the chair, so the user's spine
must compensate. This chair is designed to maintain contact
throughout the user's movements to engage the user's core and offer
proper support to the spine.
[0018] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
technical advantages of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention
will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims
of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The
novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the
invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,
together with further objects and advantages will be better
understood from the following description when considered in
connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly
understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the
purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as
a definition of the limits of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0020] FIGS. 1A-1C show a chair according to embodiments of the
invention;
[0021] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a chair according to embodiments of the
invention;
[0022] FIGS. 3A-3C show a chair according to embodiments of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of a J-bar connector
according to embodiments of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 4B shows a cross section view of the J-bar connector
according to embodiments of the invention;
[0025] FIGS. 5A-5B show a chair according to embodiments of the
invention;
[0026] FIGS. 6A-6C show a chair according to embodiments of the
invention;
[0027] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a back support according to embodiments
of the invention; and
[0028] FIGS. 8A-8C show a seat according to embodiments of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] FIG. 1A shows a front view, FIG. 1B shows a side view, and
FIG. 1C shows a back view of a chair according to embodiments of
the invention. Chair 10 includes chair back support 11, seat 12,
and base 13. Chair back support 11 is shown as including flexible
chair spine 101, structural back support 102, neck support 103,
thoracic support 104, and lumbosacral support 105. The outer
portion of neck support 103 may include back 103a (made of plastic,
metal, the like, or combinations thereof) with an inner layer 103b
that would be in contact with the neck and base of the skull of a
user when seated in chair 10. Inner layer 103b may be made of mesh
or fabric or the like and may be mechanically connected to back
103a, or connected by adhesives such as glue, etc. Inner layer 103b
may also include egg crate memory foam material. The neck support
103 may be fully adjustable to the user's specifications with
respect to height, prominence, and tilt. It should be noted that in
some chair embodiments, no neck support 103 is present.
[0030] Chair back support 11 includes flexible chair spine 101 and
structural back support 102. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, flexible
chair spine 101 and structural back support 102 may be oriented in
a substantially vertical plane while seat 12 is oriented in a
substantially horizontal plane. As used herein, substantially with
respect to a particular plane means planes within 5.degree. of the
particular plane. Flexible chair spine 101 may be anchored to a
structural back support 102 by various methods. Flexible chair
spine 101 and structural back support 102 may be mechanically
connected at a top portion and a bottom portion of the flexible
chair spine 101, wherein the connections may include a ball and
socket joint, a mechanical connection, a bolt, or a mechanical
gear. In some embodiments, the mechanical connection may allow for
adjustment of the flexible chair spine 101 by a user. For example,
a knob or button on the chair 10 may allow the user to adjust the
shape of the flexible chair spine 101 by adding or releasing
tension on the spine 101. This feature enables the user to adjust
the flexible chair spine 101 to the shape of his or her spine to
improve support and comfort.
[0031] It should be noted that, in embodiments of the invention,
the flexibility described with respect to flexible spine 101 may be
present throughout the length of flexible spine 101. For example,
flexible spine 101 may be flexible in the section that supports the
lower back of the user, the thoracic area of the user, and the
head/neck region of the user. It should be appreciated, however,
that in embodiments of the invention the extent of flexibility may
vary from one section of flexible spine 101 to another. For
example, the section of flexible spine 101 that supports the lower
back (connected to lumbosacral support 105) may be less flexible
than the section that supports user's thoracic portion of the spine
(connected to thoracic support 104), which in turn may be less
flexible than the section that supports user's head (connected to
neck support 103). Further, any section of flexible section 101 may
be configured to bend while other sections may not be able to bend.
For example, the section of flexible spine 101 that supports user's
thoracic portion of the spine (connected to thoracic support 104)
may be configured to bend while other sections, such as the section
that supports the user's lower back (connected to lumbosacral
support 105), is not able to be bent, or vice versa.
[0032] Flexible chair spine 101 and/or structural back support 102
may be connected to seat 12 by various methods. In one embodiment,
a J-bar connector 113 may connect the seat 12 to (1) the flexible
chair spine 101 at connection 115 and (2) the structural back
support 102 at flexible connection mechanism 116. The connector
113, connection 115, and flexible connection mechanism 116 will be
described in further detail herein. Flexible chair spine 101 may
further be connected to structural back support 102 at or around
the neck support 103 with a ball and joint connection 114. The seat
12, including a seat surface 106 may be connected to the base 13 by
various methods, including a pedestal 107. The base 13 may be a
five-star base with five arms 108 as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C,
wherein each arm 108 is connected to a wheel 109.
[0033] To provide uniform support to a user's back, flexible chair
spine 101 may be connected to a vertical center line of neck
support 103, thoracic support 104, and lumbosacral support 105 as
shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C. As such, a portion of each of neck
support 103, thoracic support 104, and lumbosacral support 105 may
be located to the left or right of flexible chair spine 101. In
this way, the left portions of neck support 103, thoracic support
104, and lumbosacral support 105 may be a mirror image of the
respective right portions of neck support 103, thoracic support
104, and lumbosacral support 104. It should be appreciated that
flexible chair spine 101 could be implemented as a plurality of
elements in back support 11 that are connected to neck support 103,
thoracic support 104, and lumbosacral support 104.
[0034] Flexible chair spine 101 is flexible and may be made of
plastic, fiber glass, carbon fiber etc., so as to allow chair spine
101 to flex and compress depending on user's movement forward or
backward in chair 10. Structural back support 102 is more rigid and
may be made of metallic or non-metallic materials, such as plastic,
carbon fiber, aluminum, etc., to anchor the flexible chair spine
101 to the remainder of the chair 10. Flexible chair spine 101 and
structural back support 102 support the back of user. The J-bar
connector 113 and flexible chair spine 101 are designed such that
when user 110 leans backwards with a sufficient force it flexes
backwards. When the force is removed, J-bar connector 113 and
flexible spine 101 return to their previous configuration. Flexible
chair spine 101 may be made from materials such as thermoplastics,
which can be bent, flexed, twisted, compressed, turned, and
squeezed. Thermoplastic materials give flexible chair spine 101 an
"elastic design." In this way, flexible chair spine 101 is capable
of adjusting to the body of a user in a manner such that it follows
the curvature of the user's back and spine.
[0035] FIGS. 2A-2B (back view) and 3A-3C (perspective view) further
illustrate the flexibility of the chair due to a mechanism that
enables side to side or sidebending movement by a user 110 within a
vertical plane that is aligned with the structural back support
102. FIG. 2A shows the structural back support 102 and flexible
chair spine 101 moving to a right side of the user 110 within said
vertical plane through a pivot point at a flexible connection
mechanism 116, while FIG. 2B shows the structural back support 102
and flexible chair spine 101 moving to a left side of the user 110.
FIG. 3A illustrates the user 110 in a starting or upright position
where the structural back support 102 and flexible spine 101 are
substantially in said vertical plane. FIG. 3B illustrates the
structural back support 102 and flexible chair spine 101 moving
from the left side of the user 110 through the pivot point at
flexible connection mechanism 116, while FIG. 3C illustrates the
structural back support 102 and flexible chair spine 101 moving to
the right side of the user 110. The structural back support 102 and
flexible chair spine 101 may return to the starting or upright
position after completing the sidebending movements of FIGS. 2A-2B
and 3B-3C. While these figures illustrate movements from an upright
or starting position, the corresponding sidebending movements can
occur in any position. The J-bar connector 113 remains
substantially fixed throughout these movements of the user. These
features enable the user 110 to accomplish exercises for the
oblique muscles in the chair 10.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2A-3C, the flexible connection between the
J-bar connector 113 and the structural back support 102, which will
be further described herein, enable the chair 101 to move side to
side with respect to the seat 12. The user 110 is free to move side
to side through a sidebending range of motion. In one embodiment,
the flexible connection mechanism 116 that connects the structural
back support 102 and the J-bar connector 113 provides a pivot point
for a sidebending range of motion. The bottom edge of the
structural back support 102 is shaped like an arc of a circle and a
middle portion of the J-bar connector 113 is shaped like a
complementary portion of this arc. This complementary design
enables the structural back support 102 to move from side to side
without touching this middle portion of the J-bar connector 113. In
some embodiments, the side to side range of motion of the user 110
is limited by the flexible connection mechanism 116. For example,
the user 110 may only be able to move 15.degree.-17.degree. from
center in each direction, enabling a full range of motion of
30.degree.-34.degree.. A locking mechanism that enables the user
110 to lock or unlock this feature of the chair 10 may be
incorporated. In the locked position, the side to side range of
motion is restricted and the structural back support 102 and the
top portion of the J-bar connector 113 remain oriented in the same
vertical position. This side to side feature may be enabled when
user 110 desires to use the chair 10 to do the above described side
to side exercises in addition to usual activities involving
reaching, but may be disabled when user 110 desires to use the
chair 10 for other purposes.
[0037] It should be noted that in prior art chairs a side to side
motion of the upper body, as described above, is not available. If
a user moved side to side, then the entire chair would move or the
user would lose contact with the chair. Specifically, prior art
back supports cannot independently move through a sidebending range
of motion about a pivot point. In embodiments of the invention,
however, chair back support 11 rotates side to side (right or left)
without seat 12 rotating side to side (right or left). In this way,
the resistance provided by back support 11 when sidebending by user
110's upper body, provides exercise to user 110's back, core, and
oblique muscles. During the side to side motion of user 110's upper
body, the agonist side of the body contracts and the antagonist
side resists the motion back to a neutral position.
[0038] FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded view of the back support 11,
which shows the flexible connection mechanism 116 of the chair 10
in greater detail. FIG. 4B illustrates a cross section view of the
same portion of the back support 11. In this embodiment, the
flexible chair spine 101 is mechanically connected to the
structural back support 102 at a bottom portion through a first
housing 320 in the J-bar connector 113 and at a top portion through
a pivot point connection. These connections anchor the flexible
chair spine 101 to the structural back support 102. The outer
surface 302 of the J-bar connector 113 outlines a circular
mechanical connection between the structural back support 102 and
the J-bar connector 113. A circular housing 304 within the J-bar
connector 113 houses two o-rings 306, 308 that provide a fit or
barrier for the connection between the J-bar connector 113 and the
structural back support 102. These o-rings 306, 308 may be made of
a plastic or rubber material. A circular connector 330 on the
structural back support 102 connects to the J-bar connector 113
within the circular housing 304. The connector 330 may include
bolts or fasteners for attaching the structural back support 102 to
the J-bar connector 113. This mechanical connection within circular
housing 304 enables the structural back support 102 to rotate
through a circular range of motion with respect to the J-bar
connector 113 at this pivot point.
[0039] A spring housing 310, 312 that houses a spring 330 is
connected to the structural back support 102. The spring 332 in
this housing 310, 312 can provide resistance for the sidebending
range of motion and/or cause the structural back support 102 to
return to the neutral position after sidebending. Stationary or
adjustable projections in the structural back support 102 or the
circular housing 304 may be used to impede or stop the movement of
the structural back support 102, which can limit the range of
motion and give a soft end feel. A first connector 316, which
includes a portion of the spring housing 312, mechanically connects
to the structural back support 102. A fitted casing 322 is adjacent
to the first connector 316. The first connector 316 includes a
first housing 320 that is designed to mechanically connect to the
flexible chair spine 101 through connection 115, and a second
housing 318 that is designed to mechanically connect to a button
326. The fitted casing 322 assists with (1) the connection 115
between the flexible chair spine 101 and the first connector 316,
and (2) the connection between the button 326 and the first
connector 316. This button 326 may be used to adjust the settings
for the back support 11.
[0040] In another embodiment, button 326 or another button or knob
may be used to control or adjust the sidebending range of motion
for the structural back support 102. Specifically, actuation of a
button or knob may (1) lock the flexible connection mechanism 116,
thereby preventing the structural back support 102 from moving
through a sidebending range of motion, or (2) adjust the range of
motion or resistance for the flexible connection mechanism 116.
This enables the user 110 to control the range of motion and/or
resistance associated with the side to side motion of the back
support 11.
[0041] In one embodiment, button 326 or another button or knob may
be used to control or adjust the shape and/or resistance of the
flexible chair spine 101. Specifically, the actuation of a button
or knob could adjust the position of the flexible chair spine 101
with respect to the structural back support 102 by moving this
portion of the spine 101 forward or backward. This movement would
adjust the elasticity or resistance of the spine 101 through
multiple settings aiding in customizing the fit to the individual
user. In another embodiment, a separate knob or button on the J-bar
connector 113, the structural back support 102, or the seat surface
106 may be actuated to reduce tension in flexible chair spine 101
and/or increase the tension, or vice versa. This knob or button may
control the shape of the flexible chair spine 101, thereby
controlling the tension therein. In other embodiments, the knob may
also operate a pulley system to change the tension in wires that
run throughout the flexible chair spine, and could, for example,
provide multiple resistance levels.
[0042] A second connector 342 may be designed to further support
the adjustable connection 115 between the flexible chair spine 101
and the J-bar connector 113. The second connector 342 may be spring
loaded to assist in adjusting the shape and/or resistance of the
flexible chair spine 101. An outer casing 340 may be used to cover
the second connector 342 and the bottom side of the J-bar connector
113.
[0043] FIGS. 4A-B illustrate one embodiment of the current
invention and are not designed to limit the current invention to
this embodiment. The flexible connection mechanism 116 between the
structural back support 102 and the seat 12 could be designed
differently to achieve the sidebending range of motion for the user
or provide for a different side to side range of motion. Similarly,
the connection 115 between the flexible chair spine 101 and the
structural back support 102 could be designed differently to
achieve an adjustable shape or resistance of the flexible chair
spine 101.
[0044] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate chair 10 adapting to accommodate
different seating postures of user 110. In FIG. 5A, user 110 adopts
a reclining position by leaning backwards with sufficient force so
as to cause flexible chair spine 101 in conjunction with the J-bar
connector 113 to bend backwards as shown. Chair 10 compensates for
user 110's reclining posture. Specifically, chair back support 11
includes flexible chair spine 101, which adapts to user 110's spine
curvature while also providing sufficient support to prop user 110
up and give proper support to user 110's spine. It should be noted
that user 110's spine is slightly bent and flexible chair spine 101
and the J-bar connector 113 adapts to that slightly bent
configuration. In other words, flexible chair spine 101 not only
supports user 110's back, it also conforms to the shape of user
110's back and keeps user 110's body upright. In this way, flexible
chair spine 101 is configured to bend to the curvature of user
110's spine but remains stiff enough to support user 110's
back.
[0045] FIG. 5B shows chair 10 adapting to user 110's posture when
user 110 leans forward. It should be noted that in FIG. 5B, user
110's spine is relatively straight and spine 101 adopts to this
relatively straight neutral configuration.
[0046] If user 110 moves from the posture shown in FIG. 5A to the
posture shown in FIG. 5B, i.e. user 110 leans forward, spine 101
will compress (overall) and the flexible spine 101 will adjust
accordingly. The converse is true--if user 110 moves from the
posture shown in FIG. 5B to the posture shown in FIG. 5A, i.e. user
110 leans backward, spine 101 will expand (overall). Thus, instead
of a chair that is basically fixed and the user's body taking a
posture that conflicts with the chair design (such as the chair
back), as is the case with existing chairs, chair 10 conforms to
user 110's posture. In other words, flexible chair spine 101, in
conjunction with the J-bar connector 113, bends by flexing and
compressing depending on the change in the shape of, and force
applied by, a user's back on chair back support 11 of chair 10.
This compression of spine 101 provides an exercise function
allowing the user 110 to practice core stabilization exercises such
as pelvic tilt.
[0047] It should be appreciated that, in most existing chairs, when
the user leans backward, the back portion of such chairs do not
bend. Instead, there may be a pivoting mechanism at or below the
seat level that allows the chair back as a whole to move backwards
without the chair back itself bending. In other words, no portion
of the back of such chairs move significantly, if at all, in
relation to another part of the back or in relation to the seat. In
contrast, as in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the shape of flexible chair spine
101 changes depending on the position and shape of the back of user
110. In this way, portions of flexible chair spine 101 move in
relation to other portions of spine 101. Thus, the additional
bending or flexing of back support 11 or flexible spine 101 as
described herein is different from the simple tilting or pivoting
of the back support as happens with existing chairs. The bending or
flexing flexible spine 101 includes an outer section stretching and
a corresponding inner section compressing. It should also be noted
that the bending occurs at a level higher than a level of the seat
and is not solely based upon a lumbar adjustment, as typical in
current offerings. This bending is different from mechanisms at the
base of back support 11, such as the J-bar connector 113, that
allows movement, such as tilting, of back support 11. The flexible
spine 101 in conjunction with the J-bar connector 113 enable the
chair 10 to recline up to 35.degree., which is further than
existing chairs.
[0048] User 110 may move from the posture shown in FIG. 5A to the
posture shown in FIG. 5B, or vice versa (back support 11 and
flexible spine 101 bending backwards and forwards) several times in
a day. Because flexible chair spine 101, and in some embodiments
J-bar connector 113, have a resistance mechanism, user 110's back
and forth movement allows user 110 to exercise his or her lower
core throughout the day. While doing this back and forth movement,
the more resistance applied to the chair, the easier the exercise
becomes, as the chair assists with this movement. As such, flexible
chair spine 101, helps to strengthen user 110's core by virtue of
the chair 10's flexibility that at the same time provides a
predetermined resistance to movement. Muscles such as the
abdominals, erector spinae and quadratus lumborum (iliocostalis,
spinalis, longiissimus) are strengthened by these exercises. The
erector spinae and quadratus lumborum muscles help maintain proper
alignment of the spine. Weakness in these muscles leads to poor
posture and back pain. These conditions may be prevented when a
user uses chair 10 to exercise. Other muscle groups that are
exercised as user 110 moves against the resistive force of flexible
chair spine 101 include rectus abdominis, external and internal
oblique's psoas, diaphragm, pelvic floor, hips, shoulders, and
paracervicle muscles.
[0049] Neck support 103, thoracic support 104, and lumbosacral
support 105 will move with the user's body during the use of chair
10. As the user flexes, extends or rotates his or her body in chair
10, each of neck support 103, thoracic support 104, and lumbosacral
support 105, which support the three primary regions of the spine,
will move in conjunction with a corresponding body part (head and
sections of back). This provides support to and lower pressure on
all of the spinal segments. For example, when the user's spine
twists, each of the supports 104, 105 may twist individually,
allowing for up and down movements at any angle. Further, it
provides exercise for muscles along the full length of the three
muscle groups of the spine as well as the intrinsic muscles between
individual vertebra.
[0050] In embodiments, the flexibility in flexible chair spine 101
is not only with respect to (1) side to side movement as depicted
in FIGS. 2A-3C, and (2) backwards and forwards movement as depicted
in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Rather, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, flexible chair
spine 101 may also be flexible so as to allow user 110 to rotate
left to right when seated in chair 10. In other words, user 110 can
turn clockwise and counterclockwise, pivoting from the hip so that
flexible chair spine 101 flexes (rotates) as the back of user 110,
while resting on flexible chair spine 101 and the connections of
the lumbosacral 105 and thoracic supports 104, is rotated (twisted)
to the left or right. In this way, chair back support 11 has
sufficient flexibility in flexible chair spine 101 to provide a
mechanism for user 110 to exercise back, core and surrounding
muscles by rotating (twisting) the upper body from left to right,
pivoting from the hip, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. This exercise
feature is in addition to or an alternative to the exercise feature
provided by the side to side movement described in FIGS. 2A-3C and
the backwards and forwards movement described in FIGS. 5A and
5B.
[0051] It should be noted that in existing chairs a left to right
twisting (rotating) motion of the upper body, as described above,
would cause the seat and/or chair back to rotate together in the
direction of the rotating motion. This is the swiveling motion of
existing chairs. In embodiments of the invention, the swiveling
feature may be present but there also may be mechanisms to make it
inactive when user 110 desires to use flexible spine 101 to do the
above described rotation exercises. In embodiments of the
invention, structural back support 102 remains stable as flexible
chair spine 101 pivots (rotates) at connection 115 and lumbosacral
support 105 and thoracic support 104 rotate on flexible chair spine
101 at their respective connection points. In this way, the
resistance provided by flexible chair spine 101 when it is being
rotated by user 110's upper body, provides exercise to user 110's
back and core muscles. During the rotation motion of user 110's
upper body, the agonist side of the body contracts and antagonist
side resists the motion back to a neutral position.
[0052] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the back support 11 according to
certain embodiments of the invention. Thoracic support 104 is
configured so that it molds to a user's body and promotes proper
posture when the user sits in chair 10. The outer portion of
thoracic support 104 may include a flexible back 104a (e.g. made of
flexible plastic, memory foam and lycra) with an inner layer 104b
that contacts the thoracic area of user 110 when user 110 is seated
in chair 10. Inner layer 104b may be made of non-metallic
materials, including but not limited to, egg crate memory foam,
nylon covering, gel, and the like. Inner layer 104b may be
connected to flexible back 104a by adhesives such as glue or by
mechanical means such as screws. Further, inner layer 104b may be
adapted to conform to a user's body. In this way, when user 110
sits in chair 10, thoracic support 104 will expand to the shape of
user 110's upper back. This strengthens the user's core (stomach,
hips and lower back). The inner layer 104b forms a convex surface
with respect to the user, which pushes against this portion of the
user's spine 110 to promote proper posture and provides pressure
relief to the scapulae to allow freedom for upper extremity
movement. The thoracic support 104 is flexibly connected to
flexible spine 101, so that it may flex or twist independently.
[0053] Lumbosacral support 105 is configured so that it molds to a
user's body and promotes proper posture when the user sits in chair
10. The outer portion of lumbosacral support 105 may include a
flexible back 105a (e.g. made of flexible plastic, or
thermoplastics) with an inner layer 105b that contacts the lower
back area of user 110 when user 110 is seated in chair 10. Inner
layer 105b may be made of non-metallic materials, including but not
limited to, egg crate memory foam, nylon covering, gel and the
like. Inner layer 105b may be connected to flexible back 105a by
adhesives such as glue, or by using mechanical means such as
screws. Inner layer 105b may be made of material adapted to conform
to a user's body. In this way, when user 110 sits in chair 10,
lower back support 105 will expand to the shape of user 110's lower
back. This strengthens the user's core (stomach, hips, and lower
back). The inner layer 105b forms a concave surface with respect to
the user, which comforts this portion of the user's spine to
promote proper posture. The lumbosacral support 105 is flexibly
connected to flexible spine 101, so that it may flex or twist
independently and is oriented in such a way to promote an anterior
pelvic tilt.
[0054] In certain embodiments, the shape and contour of thoracic
support 104 and lumbosacral support 105 promote proper posture.
While both supports 104, 105 resemble an oval shape, thoracic
support 104 has more height and less width than lumbosacral support
105. Further, the convex surface of thoracic support 104 contrasts
the concave surface of lumbosacral support 105. These desired
shapes and contours and placement on the flexible chair spine 101
of the thoracic support 104 and lumbosacral support 105 promote
proper posture and support for the user's spine.
[0055] Lumbosacral support 105 and thoracic support 104 may also be
made of memory plastic that molds to user 110's body when user 110
sits into chair 10. The memory plastic material is adapted to
expand and contract. It contracts when user 110 sits in chair 10
and expands when user 110 gets out of chair 10. It should be noted
that neck support 103 (if included), thoracic support 104, and
lower back support 105 may be provided as one element attached to
flexible chair spine 101 instead of the separate elements attached
to flexible chair spine 101 as shown. It should also be noted that
chair back support 11 could be one contiguous element (including
sections covered by neck support 103, thoracic support 104, and
lumbosacral support 105) that is flexible as described with respect
to flexible spine 101.
[0056] FIGS. 1A-1C show chair 10 also includes arm supports 114.
Arm supports 114 provide support for user 110 to rest his or her
arms on. Arm supports 114 may be substantially horizontal in a
plane above seat 12 (at a higher level) and to the left or right of
seat 12. Arm support 114 may include memory arm pad 111 to relieve
pressure on user 110's forearm. This is an ergonomic feature. When
user 110 rests his or her arm on arm pad 111, arm pad 111 relieves
pressure points on user 110's arm and promotes healthy circulation
in the arms. The end of arm pad 111 may have a notch/grip for user
110 to hold during exercises. The notch/grip may also be used as a
stabilization point for stretching to relieve/prevent carpal
tunnel, golfer elbow, and tennis elbow. In some instances, arm
supports 114 may prevent user 110 from pulling chair 10 as close to
a desk as user 110 may desire. To equip arm supports 114 with the
flexibility of providing proper ergonomic support and allow chair
10 to be pulled close to a desk without hindrance from arm supports
114, arm supports 114 may be adapted so that their positions can be
changed in relation to the other components of chair 10. In some
embodiments, a button or knob 112 is located on the bottom side of
each arm pad 111 to allow the user to adjust the positions of the
arm supports 114. Since a button or knob 112 is located under each
arm pad 111, the arm supports 114 may be adjusted independently of
one another. The arm supports 114 are adjustable forward/back,
in/out, and rotate 360 degrees. The arm supports 114 may be
anchored to the structural back support 102 and/or flexible chair
spine 101 to enhance the flexibility or movement of the arm
supports 114 during exercises by the user 110.
[0057] FIGS. 1A and 1B show chair 10 including seat 12. Seat 12 may
be made of materials including memory foam, gel, and nylon elastic
outer fabric. Seat 12 may be connected to chair back support 11 by,
for example, the J-bar connector 113. However, different methods
may be used to connect seat 12 to chair back support 11. FIG. 8A
illustrates an exploded view of seat 12. The seat 12 may be
connected to the base 13 by various methods. The base 13 may be a
five-star base with five arms 108, wherein each arm 108 is
connected to a wheel 109.
[0058] In certain embodiments, the seat 12 comprises a seat pan 504
(made of plastic, metal, the like or combinations thereof) that may
be attached to a pedestal 502 (made of plastic, metal, the like or
combinations thereof) by fasteners, bolts, glue, etc. In some
embodiments, the seat pan 504 connects to the pedestal 502 through
an adjustable track system 532, where the seat pan 504 may slide
forward and backward with respect to the pedestal 502. This feature
enables the user to adjust the position of the seat 12 with respect
to the back support 11. The pedestal 502 may be connected to the
base 13 by various methods. The seat pan 504, which is designed to
house the cushion or foam layers of the seat, forms the bottom
shell of the seat 12. A first layer 506 may be made of materials
including but not limited to egg crate memory foam, nylon covering,
gel and the like. This first layer 506 is housed at the bottom of
the seat pan 504. A second spring layer 508 that houses numerous
springs 510 is stacked on top of the first layer 506 in the seat
pan 504. The spring layer 508 relieves pressure on bony prominences
of the user 110. These layers 506, 508 provide comfort and support
to the user 110. Varying foam densities may be used in these layers
506, 508, to relieve pressure in bony prominences in the tailbone
and at the base of the spine of the user 110 and to promote
positioning and circulation.
[0059] A seat surface 516 contacts the user 110 when seated in the
chair 10. The seat surface 516 is designed to be mechanically
connected to the seat pan 504 through various methods, including
fasteners, clips, bolts, form fitting, etc. When connected, the
seat surface 516 and the seat pan 504 create a shell or interior
housing for the three layers 506, 508 of the seat 12. As shown in
FIG. 8A, the seat surface 516 includes a housing for a portion of
the three layers 506, 508 to fit into. An outer layer 518 that
covers the outside of seat surface 516 may be made of materials
including but not limited to leather, breathable fabric, nylon
covering, and the like. The seat surface 516 contains holes or
vents 522 to connect the seat surface 516 to the seat pan 504
through the use of clips, screws, bolts, etc. In some embodiments,
the holes 522 provide a hollow area for the seat pan 504 to clip to
the seat surface 516. The seat surface 516 includes channels 520
which provide an open-air tunnel between the three layers 506, 508
and the outer layer 518 of the seat surface 516. Vents or holes 524
in the outer layer 518 are provided at the locations of the
channels 520. The channels 520 and the vents 524 provide an
open-air connection between the interior housing with the two
layers 506, 508 and the outside environment, which is designed to
promote air circulation in the seat 10. Thus, air can flow into and
out of the interior housing of the seat 12, thereby cooling the
seat. Porous materials may be used for the first layer 506 and the
spring layer 508 to further promote air circulation in the seat 12.
The seat pan 504 also contains holes 530 and the adjustable track
system 532, which is open to the exterior, to promote air
circulation between the interior housing with the two layers 506,
508 and the outside environment. In combination, these features
create a breathable seat for the user.
[0060] FIGS. 8B and 8C illustrate a bottom view and a side view of
the seat surface 516. The outer layer 518 includes vents or holes
524 that align with the channels 520 in the seat surface 516. These
features create the open air tunnel between the inner layers 506,
508 and the outside environment. A top portion 530 of the seat
surface 516, which contacts the user 110, is contoured to the shape
of the user's legs and buttocks. The top portion 530 of the seat
surface 516 may also include a waterfall edge at the front portion
of the seat 12 (away from chair back support 110) which promotes
healthy blood circulation in user 110's body. A wedge seat that
tilts downward toward the seat (forward tilt) may be incorporated
to promote anterior pelvic tilt and open up the hip angle, thereby
promoting proper postural alignment from the base of support and
creating more room for blood circulation and nerves. Overall, the
combinations of the features of the seat 12 provide user 110 with
an ergonomic seat.
[0061] While the inherent ergonomic features of the chair promote
an active lifestyle and proper posture, additional technical
improvements further enhance the user's experience by providing
feedback on the user's posture or workout program. In certain
embodiments, the chair 12 is also equipped with sensors to (1)
provide feedback to the user about his or her posture and
form/technique while exercising, and/or (2) track the number of
repititions completed for any of the exercises described above.
Pressure sensors may be placed under the outer layer 518 of the
seat surface 516 to track the user's location on the seat.
Additional pressure sensors may be placed under the surface of the
lumbosacral support 105 and/or the thoracic support 104 to track
the user's alignment when seated in the chair 12. Based upon the
desired configuration, on/off sensors or analog sensors that track
various pressures may be used.
[0062] Pressure readings from these sensors could be transmitted to
a computing device on the chair for tracking, aggregation, and
analysis. These readings could be analyzed to determine whether the
user 110 is pushing too hard against certain portions of the chair
or if there is no pressure being applied in an area where there
should be. Data from the computing device could then be transmitted
to a computer or server for further processing. In another
embodiment, the pressure readings from the sensors could be
transmitted directly to a computer, smartphone, wearable device, or
server for tracking, aggregation, and analysis. From there, the
results could be presented to the user through a user interface or
application on a computer, smartphone, or wearable device. For
example, a user could obtain an analysis or summary of his posture
through the day through a smartphone application. The application
may act as a "posture coach" by recommending solutions to improve
the user's posture and/or signal an alarm to the user if his or her
posture is failing. This data may also be used for social media
interactions, research, or shared with insurance companies or
medical professionals with consent of the user 110. If this
information is shared with insurance companies or medical
professionals, then proper user identity protection precautions
must be designed and adhered to.
[0063] Additional sensors could be placed on or in the structural
back support 102 or the J-bar connector 113 to track the movement
of the structural back support 102. For example, one or more
sensors in the J-bar connector 113 may track the number of times
that the user moves from side to side or forward and back to
complete an abdominal exercise. This feature could be used to track
the number of repetitions for the user's abdominal workout. These
readings could also be transmitted directly to a computer,
smartphone, wearable device, or server for ultimate presentation to
the user.
[0064] Embodiments of the invention include methods that
manufacture any of the chairs with features described herein. For
example, embodiments of the invention include a method including
manufacturing a chair that has a seat and a back support connected
to the seat. For example, the back support may be manufactured so
that it has a flexible spine.
[0065] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is
not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the
process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means,
methods and steps described in the specification. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the
disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines,
manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,
presently existing or later to be developed that perform
substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be
utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the
appended claims are intended to include within their scope such
processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,
methods, or steps.
* * * * *