U.S. patent number RE45,281 [Application Number 13/507,810] was granted by the patent office on 2014-12-09 for dynamic furniture.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Exciting Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Mark M. Erb, Scott C. Erb. Invention is credited to Mark M. Erb, Scott C. Erb.
United States Patent |
RE45,281 |
Erb , et al. |
December 9, 2014 |
Dynamic furniture
Abstract
Dynamic furniture having platforms in dynamic attachment to an
actuator assembly that in turn is in dynamic attachment to a base.
Use of motional platforms supported by a motional actuator assembly
permits an article of the furniture to conform to the many and
varied body positions a user wants, and allows a user to more
easily change body positions while remaining within the furniture,
and in medical scenarios may obviate most needs to transfer a
patient from one article of furniture to another.
Inventors: |
Erb; Scott C. (Alexandria,
VA), Erb; Mark M. (Alexandria, VA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Erb; Scott C.
Erb; Mark M. |
Alexandria
Alexandria |
VA
VA |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Exciting Inc. (Alexandria,
VA)
|
Family
ID: |
40264259 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/507,810 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
11879144 |
Jul 16, 2007 |
7850238 |
Dec 14, 2010 |
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/321;
297/354.13; 297/327; 297/325 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C
1/032 (20130101); A47C 1/03255 (20130101); A61G
5/125 (20161101); A47C 1/024 (20130101); A61G
5/14 (20130101); A47C 1/0342 (20130101); A61G
5/1056 (20130101); A61G 5/006 (20130101); A47C
3/02 (20130101); A61G 5/1059 (20130101); A47C
3/027 (20130101); A61G 5/1067 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47C
1/12 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;397/320,354.11,321,340,325,327,354.12,354.13,313,354.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Barfield; Anthony D
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Greenblum & Bernstein
P.L.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Dynamic furniture for supporting a seated or reclining user,
said furniture comprising: a base; an actuator assembly consisting
of two elongate, parallel members, each member having a proximate
portion and a distal portion, wherein said actuator is in
excentric, restrained, and substantially centralized orbital
connection to said base between said proximate portions and distal
portions of said members; a seat platform, in orbital, restrained,
and single connection to said proximate portion of said actuator
assembly and disposed at least partially within said parallel
members; and a back platform, in orbital, restrained, and single
connection to said .[.proximate.]. .Iadd.distal .Iaddend.portion of
said actuator assembly and disposed at least partially within said
parallel members, and wherein said seat platform is capable of
rotation about said seat platform orbital connection without
displacing said back platform, wherein said back platform is
capable of rotation about said back platform orbital connection
without displacing said seat platform, wherein vertical
displacement of said seat platform proximate to said seat platform
orbital connection displaces said actuator to further displace said
back platform, and wherein vertical displacement of said back
platform proximate to said back platform orbital connection
displaces said actuator to further displace said seat platform.
2. The dynamic furniture of claim 1 whereby said seat platform and
said back platform comprise orbital connections dimensioned to
allow said seat platform and said back platform to selectively pass
through a substantially planar orientation to achieve positions
including an upright position, a reclining position, and a flexing
position.
3. The dynamic furniture of claim 2 wherein said seat platform is
in excentric orbital connection to said proximate portion of said
actuator assembly.
4. The dynamic furniture of claim 3 wherein said back platform is
in excentric orbital connection to said distal portion of said
actuator assembly.
5. The dynamic furniture of claim 3 wherein said back platform is
in circular orbital connection to said distal portion of said
actuator assembly.
6. The dynamic furniture of claim 2 wherein said seat platform is
in circular orbital connection to said proximate portion of said
actuator assembly.
7. The dynamic furniture of claim 6 wherein said back platform is
in circular orbital connection to said distal portion of said
actuator assembly.
8. The dynamic furniture of claim 6 wherein said back platform is
in excentric orbital connection to said distal portion of said
actuator assembly.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of human supports and
more specifically to the field of adjustable, therapeutic furniture
commonly known as recliners.
BACKGROUND
Furniture possesses many uses. Without delving deeply into the
history of furniture, there have evolved two primary classes of
furniture dedicated to supporting a human in repose: beds and
chairs. Beds are designed to accommodate a human lying generally
flat, and chairs are adapted to accommodate a more contorted,
seated human body arrangement. Although recliners exist that allow
multiple positions, such recliners have inherent drawbacks: for
example, a user is either in one of the preset reclining positions,
or is in an unstable in-between state; and often a user cannot flex
his back beyond an angle of 180 degrees.
There is a need for a single article of furniture that can adjust
to the many positions of human repose, rather than limited specific
preset positions. Of particular interest, are medical patients
having mobility issues. It is often the case that a patient has an
issue standing, lying down, or even moving from one article of
furniture to another. The problem becomes further complicated when
moving a patient into or from one article of furniture to another
becomes inherently destructive to the patient's health. Current
furniture is either functionally insufficient, or overly
complicated and specialized.
Although simple furniture suitable to accommodate a human in
various states of repose is a rare find, other devices with highly
adjustable body members suitable to greatly alter the configuration
of a human do exist. Such devices tend to include exercise
equipment. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,611 there is
disclosed an exercise device having two body supports which move in
similar rotation and inverse elevation to one another to change
from a chair configuration, where one support is higher than the
other, to a spine tensioning apparatus, where the supports are near
equal in elevation. Preferably body supports are spaced apart from
one another such that the only interconnecting human link between
the two supports, when in a near equal elevation configuration, is
the human spine. The spine, in this configuration is then subjected
to similar forces as a simple beam supported by two separate
forces, tension, compression, shear and moment. The spine is aided
by and through tension and contraction and increased blood flow and
afforded the ability for spinal muscle, nerve and soft tissue
development and maintenance. The supports, independent of each
other, comprise an upper body support and a lower body support and
allow an individual's body to practice spine enhancement,
development, & or traction, lying or any combination thereof,
or alternately, face up, face down, or on either left or right
side. The apparatus is also applicable to retrofitting existing
chairs.
Although this exercise device includes two rotatable platforms
which allow a significant degree of freedom of motion to the user,
its primary purpose is to tension a spine rather than to support a
human in various states of repose. Adapted to provide spinal
tension rather than body support, this exercise device's body
support platforms are purposefully static internally and limited to
circularly-rotating platforms. The body supports are not
dynamically motionable to allow changing into different positions
of repose while the user remains within the furniture.
Therefore there is a need for a single article of furniture
designed to allow a user to occupy multiple states of repose and to
easily reach those states of repose without having to leave and
reenter the furniture.
SUMMARY
The dynamic furniture of the present invention is designed to
cooperate with the user to facilitate achieving countless seating
positions--including the standing, lying, and inverted body
positions. A user, which can be either the individual occupying the
device or an attendant acting externally, can easily transition
between the many positions the body can achieve. It solves many of
the problems associated with previous articles of furniture,
including: difficult or unsafe entrance into and out of a chair,
difficult or unsafe entrance to or from bed; difficult transition
between lying, sitting, and standing; and the ability of the user
to easily change body position and angle of repose in order to
minimize the ill effects of remaining in a relatively fixed
position within the furniture for any length of time. The present
invention will help a person transition from standing, to sitting,
to reclining, to lying flat and more; and the user can experience
the therapeutic motions between positions. The addition of locking
controls allows a user enhanced manipulation with respect to
position maintenence. Significantly, the user can flex his or her
back in many angles of repose.
The present invention is directed to dynamic furniture for
supporting a seated, standing, or reclining user in a home, office,
medical facility, mass transport vehicle, mobile platform, or other
location where the aspects of the present invention would be
advantageous. The furniture includes a base, an actuator, a seat
platform, and a back platform. The base acts to support the present
invention and includes a portion adapted to contact a stable
surface such as a floor, wall, ceiling, or mobile platform. The
preferred base is a substantially flat plate with space to attach
two rotatable connectors, though the base can be a curved plate or
other shape as needed for other specific purposes--such as rocking
or tilting. One or more path-joint assemblies connect the base to
an actuator in such a manner as to permit the actuator assembly to
move along a specific path relative to the base. The actuator in
turn holds dynamic scat platform and dynamic back platform with
separate, independent path-joint assemblies.
For reference purposes, it is helpful to discuss the actuator
assembly in terms of a proximate portion and a distal portion. The
proximate portion of the actuator assembly normally holds the seat
platform and the distal portion of the actuator holds the back
platform, as though one were facing the seat portion of a chair.
The terms "seat" and "back" when used in conjunction with a
platform correspond to the seat and back portions of the body of a
user. The back platform normally contacts an upper portion of a
human body, and the seat platform normally contacts a lower portion
of a human body--though they can be reversed or used otherwise. In
other embodiments of the present invention there are also leg
rests, head rest, and other platforms connected.
The seat platform is attached to the actuator assembly in a manner
that allows the seat platform to travel along a specific path
relative to the actuator assembly. The back platform is attached to
the actuator assembly in a manner that allows the back platform to
move along a specific path relative to the actuator assembly.
Preferred platforms are essentially panels, which may be flat or
from slightly to moderately curved, sized to accept the various
parts of the body for which the panel would be used.
The paths, as allowed by the path joints of the present invention,
between components of the furniture include circular orbits and
excentric orbits. A circular orbit occurs between two components
when a path joint assembly restricts the motion of a first
component to include only a uniform, substantially-circular motion
relative to the second component. An excentric orbit occurs between
two components when a path joint assembly allows the motion of a
first component to include a non-uniform motion relative to the
second component such that a non-circular path is allowed. By
"orbit" it is meant that a component moves in relation to a second
component due to one or more axes of restrained connection. The
paths of the present invention need not be confined to
two-dimensional motion, but may further include motion within a
third-dimension.
It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a comfortable
article of furniture that is relatively simple to enter and
exit.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide an
article of furniture that is relatively simple to manufacture,
operate, and maintain.
It is also a further aspect of the present invention to provide an
article of furniture that dynamically moves with the body of a user
into the many desired states of repose, and can be moved by the
user or an attendant to reposition the body of a seated user.
It is a still further aspect of the present invention to provide an
article of furniture capable of achieving angles beyond 180
degrees.
These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive.
Furthermore, some features may apply to certain versions of the
invention, but not others. Other features, aspects, and advantages
of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the
following description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dynamic
furniture.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dynamic
furniture.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dynamic
furniture.
FIG. 4a is a sectional motion diagram of a path-joint assembly
dynamically connecting a base to an actuator.
FIG. 4b is a sectional motion diagram of a path-joint assembly
dynamically connecting a base to an actuator.
FIG. 4c is a sectional motion diagram of a path-joint assembly
dynamically connecting a base to an actuator.
FIG. 4d is a sectional motion diagram of a path-joint assembly
dynamically connecting a base to an actuator.
FIG. 4e is a sectional motion diagram of a path-joint assembly
dynamically connecting a base to an actuator.
FIG. 5a is a sectional motion diagram of a path-joint assembly
dynamically connecting platforms to an actuator.
FIG. 5b is a sectional motion diagram of a path-joint assembly
dynamically connecting platforms to an actuator.
FIG. 6a is a sectional motion diagram of a path-joint assembly
dynamically connecting platforms to an actuator.
FIG. 6b is a sectional motion diagram of a path-joint assembly
dynamically connecting platforms to an actuator.
FIG. 7a is a sectional motion diagram of a path-joint assembly
dynamically connecting platforms to an actuator.
FIG. 7b is a sectional motion diagram of a path-joint assembly
dynamically connecting platforms to an actuator.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dynamic
furniture.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of components of an embodiment of the
dynamic furniture.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of components of an embodiment of the
dynamic furniture.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of components of an embodiment of the
dynamic furniture.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of components of an embodiment of the
dynamic furniture.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an embodiment of components of the
dynamic furniture.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the dynamic
furniture.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the dynamic
furniture.
FIG. 16a is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dynamic
furniture.
FIG. 16b is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dynamic
furniture.
FIG. 16c is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dynamic
furniture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring first to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the dynamic furniture
100 is shown. The dynamic furniture 100 includes a base 102 which
is located in a position to support the dynamic furniture 100.
There is no preferred shape or construction for such a purpose and
the base 102 shown in FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration readily
amenable to home and office use having a rectangular floor contact.
As the base 102 must support the weight of a human being, often in
motion within the present invention, the base 102 should be
constructed of sturdy material. Examples of materials sufficient
with the present invention include wood, metals, plastics, and
composites having sufficient strength to accept component wear.
Other base configurations will suit the present invention; however,
the dynamic furniture 100 of FIG. 1 shows the preferred base 102
adapted to sit on the floor in a stable manner.
It is necessary for base 102 to support the actuator 104 while the
actuator 104 is permitted to move only along a specific path with
respect to the base 102. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
actuator 104 is a curved plate and its path of movement is
determined by the path-joint assembly which connects actuator
assembly 104 to base 102. The preferred embodiment of path-joint
assembly for the curved actuator assembly 104, as shown in FIG. 1,
incorporates the base 102 to the actuator assembly by means of a
double-member excentric path joint assembly. The path-joint
assembly includes front boom 170, and a rear boom 172 that, in
conjunction with the four rotatable connectors 152, join the base
102 to the actuator assembly 104. The front boom 170 has one of its
sides circularly rotatably connected to a proximate portion of the
actuator assembly 104; and also the front boom 170 has its opposite
side circularly rotatably connected to a proximate portion of the
base 102. A rear boom 172 similarly has one of its sides circularly
rotatably connected to a distal portion of the actuator assembly
104, and the rear boom 172 has its opposite side circularly
rotatably connected to the other end of the base 102. The
path-joint assembly depicted in FIG. 1 permits the actuator
assembly 104 to tilt back and forth into various positions along an
excentric path relative to the base 102. The actuator assembly 104
need not be shaped like the curved plate shown in FIG. 1, and can
include one or more curved bars, one or more straight bars, or
other shapes and configurations capable of dynamically holding
motionable platforms. A back platform 108 contacts an upper portion
of a human body, and the seat platform 106 contacts a lower portion
of a human body--though they can be reversed or used otherwise.
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 disclose two positions of an embodiment of the
dynamic furniture 100 with the seat platform 106 sized and shaped
to accept a user's butt and legs, and the back platform 108 sized
and shaped to accept the user's back and head. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3
each also show the dynamic furniture 100 with curved actuators 104,
and with two each of the double-member excentric path-joint
assemblies forming a two-sided path-joint assembly. This preferred
two-sided path-joint assembly includes front booms 170, rear booms
172, and multiple rotatable connectors 152. Such a two-sided
path-joint assembly operates in the same manner as the one-sided
path-joint assembly previously disclosed, and any description of
actuator assemblies or path-joint assemblies herein disclosed can
be constructed in a one-sided or two-sided configuration. A
path-joint assembly of the present invention is any joining
mechanism, or one or more path joints that allows one component of
the present invention to move, either circularly, excentrically, or
otherwise, about another component of the present invention. A
path-joint assembly may include two or more path-joints, that work
together to enable one or more components to move about, or in
relation to, another component of the present invention. A path
joint assembly may also be tensioned to further enhance balance or
stability.
FIG. 3 illustrates the dynamic furniture 100 positioned for a user
lying down with legs up and back flexed; and FIG. 2 illustrates the
dynamic furniture 100 in a position suitable for lounging or
sitting. By "flexed" it is meant that the platforms of the dynamic
furniture achieve a position greater than one-hundred-eighty
degrees, such that if occupied, a user within would occupy a
position that curves the body toward the spine. Due to the path
joint assemblies of the present invention, embodiments of the
present invention are additionally capable of forming both upright
and reclining positions. By "upright," it is meant that a user
within the furniture would occupy a seated position that curves the
body toward the stomach. A "reclining position" of the present
invention is a position that places the body in a substantially
one-hundred-eighty degree position. The present invention is
capable of achieving positions in the upright, reclining, and
flexed states.
By using excentric path-joint assemblies, such as those shown in
FIGS. 1-3, the actuator assembly 104 is joined to base 102 in a
manner that permits the actuator assembly to travel along an
excentric orbit relative to the base 102. By excentric orbit, it is
meant that an edge of a portion of the actuator forges a path that
when continued for a noticeable distance traces out an excentric
shape with respect to the base. The path derived from an excentric
path-joint assembly is advantageous because it is conducive to
sustaining balance, for the user, while the user is remaining
static or dynamically changing body positions within the
furniture.
FIG. 4a illustrates the motion of a straight bar actuator assembly
104 that is movably joined to base 102 with a double-boom excentric
path joint assembly. The .beta. arrows in FIG. 4a illustrate the
dynamic motion of the actuator assembly 104, in relation to base
102, which is permitted by the front boom 170 and rear boom 172 of
the double-boom excentric path joint assembly. When the path joint
assembly includes double booms as in FIG. 4a, rather than the boom
depicted in FIG. 1, then the double booms can also cross each
other. A floor-mounted embodiment, for example, works best when the
double booms routinely cross each other.
An alternate embodiment of an excentric path-joint assembly is
illustrated in FIG. 4b. In FIG. 4b, the actuator assembly 104
includes a straight bar, and base 102 includes a fixed base post
118 portion extending upward. A geared excentric path-joint
assembly 144 connects the actuator 104 to the base post 118 portion
of the base 102. The .beta. arrows in FIG. 4b illustrate the
motioning of the actuator assembly 104 that is permitted by this
embodiment of the geared excentric path-joint assembly. FIG. 11
shows the geared excentric path-joint assembly 144 in greater
detail.
The embodiment of the geared excentric path-joint assembly 144
shown in FIG. 11 comprises a double-hole bar 164 connecting the
actuator gear-and-peg 192 to the base gear-and-peg 190. The gear
portion of the actuator gear-and-peg 192 is fixably attached to the
actuator assembly 104. The gear portion of the base gear-and-peg
190 is fixably attached to the base post 118. The double-hole bar
164 is rotatably connected separately to each of the two pegs and
keeps the two gears in mechanical communication so that the path
swept out by the actuator assembly 104 is excentric relative to the
base post 118. Embodiments of the base post 118 may be directly
secured to the floor, ceiling, wall, or a mobile platform.
The geared excentric path-joint 144 assembly depicted in FIG. 11 is
preferably controlled by a dynamic-joint controller capable of
selective lock and adjust control of the movement of the actuator
relative to the base. FIG. 11 also depicts an excentric
dynamic-joint controller 134 of the present invention. This
actuator control allows a user or attendant to halt the motion of
the actuator relative to base post 118. It also allows a user or
attendant to adjust the focus of the excentric path of the actuator
assembly 104 with respect to base post 118. Such a dynamic-joint
controller is shown in FIG. 11 comprising control knob 124 in
selective connection to the actuator gear-and-peg 192, and a track
182 located within the base post 118. The actuator gear-and-peg 192
is affixed to the actuator assembly 104, the base gear-and-peg 190
is affixed to the base post 118, and the double-hole bar 164
dynamically holds the mating gears together. Further, engaging
control knob 124 locks the actuator assembly 104 to the base post
118. Disengaging the control knob 124 then permits the actuator
assembly to again achieve motion in relation to the base post 118.
Additionally, when the control knob is disengaged, a screwdriver or
other such instrument may be inserted into the slot 193 within the
peg portion of the base gear-and-peg 190 in order to adjust the
normally fixed position of the base gear-and-peg 190 and reaffix it
to base post 118. This adjustment changes the focus of the
excentric path of the actuator assembly 104, relative to base post
118, and thus changes the balance and stabilization realized by a
seated user for his particular body type.
Returning to FIG. 1, the preferred actuator assembly 104 is shown.
The actuator assembly 104 dynamically supports both the rotatably
attached seat platform 106 and, similarly, the rotatably attached
back platform 108. The preferred embodiment of actuator 104
includes an interior, open space; and the preferred structure for
achieving this interior, open space is the illustrated curved plate
actuator. The curved plate actuator 104 allows the back platform
108 and the seat platform 106 to achieve angles between each other
ranging from less than eight-five degrees to more than one hundred
ninety degrees--and those in between. This enables the dynamic
furniture 100 to conform to the sitting and lying postures of a
user situated there within, as well as other postures in-between
and beyond--such as standing up or flexing one's back. This
actuator assembly 104 configuration is preferred since it allows a
user to easily enter and exit the chair from the front or either
side, and it allows a disabled user to enter into the seated
position of the dynamic furniture 100 by sliding over from another
chair or from a lying position into a bed. Materials suitable for
the actuator, as well as other components of the dynamic furniture,
include wood, metals, plastics, and composites having sufficient
strength to accept component wear, and to hold the weight of an
individual in dynamic motion.
Turning to FIGS. 4c and 4d, the actuator assembly 104 includes a
straight bar, and the excentric path-joint assembly includes a base
track 182 and double contacts 122. The base track 182 is attached
to the base post 118 portion of the base 102. The double contacts
122 are affixed to actuator 104, and these double contacts are
permitted only to slide within base track 182. The .beta. arrows in
FIG. 4c and FIG. 4d illustrate the movements of the actuators 104
permitted by their respective excentric path-joint assemblies. The
base track can be any shape sufficient to promote orbital motion of
the actuator relative to the base 102, such as that shown in FIG.
4d in which both circular orbital and excentric orbital motions are
allowed by the shape of the base track 182.
Alternatively, other orbital path-joint assemblies may include any
other mechanical attachment means suited to enable an orbital path
of travel for the actuator 104 relative to base 102.
Examples of embodiments of specific dynamics for seat platforms and
back platforms relative to the actuator 104 are as diagrammed in
FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b, FIG. 7a, and FIG. 7b. FIG.
5ashows that the straight bar actuator assembly 104 holds the back
platform 108 in orbital circular connection with circular
path-joint assembly 150; and straight bar actuator assembly 104
also holds seat platform 106 in orbital circular connection with a
circular path-joint assembly 150. The motions of these platforms
are illustrated by the .alpha. arrows in FIG. 5a.
FIG. 5b shows a roller 154 rotatably connected to actuator 104.
FIG. 5b also shows the seat platform 106 joined to actuator
assembly 104 by frictional contact with roller 154; and it shows
the back platform 108 connected to the straight bar actuator 104 by
the circular path-joint assembly 150. The embodiment of the
flex-joint 128 shown in FIG. 5b is a one-pivot two-bar structure
comprising a rear bar 176 attached to the edge of the back platform
108, a front bar 174 attached to the edge of the seat platform 106,
and a rotatable connector 152 that rotatably connects the rear bar
176 to the front bar 174. The flex-joint 128 of the present
invention is a joining mechanism between the seat platform 106 and
the back platform 108 that ties the motion of the seat platform 106
to that of the back platform 108, and vice versa. When gravity
causes seat platform 106 to remain in frictional connection with
roller 154, seat platform 106 is constrained to movement along the
roller 154. The combination of joints illustrated in FIG. 5b then
allows seat platform 106 to move along an excentric path .beta.
while back platform 108 moves along a circular path .alpha..
FIG. 6a shows the straight bar actuator assembly 104, the back
platform 108, the seat platform 106, an embodiment of the
flex-joint 128 therebetween, and an extended path-joint assembly
130. The flex-joint 128 of FIG. 6a includes a two-pivot one-bar
structure having two rotatable connectors 152 and double-hole bar
164. One rotatable connector 152 rotatably connects one end of
double-hole bar 164 to the edge of the back platform 108, and the
other rotatable connector 152 rotatably connects the other end of
double-hole bar 164 to the edge of the seat platform 106. The
extended path-joint assembly 130 includes a double-hole bar 164
adapted to project the path of motion for the seat platform 106
either above or below the extended path-joint assembly 130. With
the circular path-joint assembly 150 joining the back platform 108
to the actuator 104, the combination of joints illustrated in FIG.
6a allows the seat platform 106 to move along the excentric path
.beta. while back platform 108 moves along circular path
.alpha..
FIG. 6b shows the back platform 108 attached to the actuator 104
using a geared excentric path-joint assembly 144, and the seat
platform 106 attached to the actuator assembly 104 by another
geared excentric path-joint assembly 144. These path-joint
assemblies enable the seat platform 106 to move along an excentric
path .beta. relative to the actuator assembly 104, and back
platform 108 to travel along an excentric path .beta. relative to
actuator assembly 104. In FIG. 6b, the flex-joint 128, which joins
the scat and back platforms together, is comprised of a three-pivot
two-bar structure. This preferred embodiment of flex-joint 128 is
comprised of two double-hole bars 164 and three rotatable
connectors 152: wherein one rotatable connector rotatably connects
the two double-hole bars, another rotatable connector rotatably
connects the seat platform 106 to the flex-joint 128, and the final
rotatable connector rotatably connects the back platform 108 to the
flex-joint 128. This arrangement provides a significant amount of
stability and flexibility for the user.
FIG. 9 shows an enlargement of the path-joint assembly 144 that is
shown in FIG. 6b as connecting actuator 104 with seat platform 106.
The seat platform 106 is joined to actuator assembly 104 by the
geared excentric path-joint assembly 144 comprising a double-hole
bar 164, actuator gear-and-peg 192, and platform gear-and-peg 194.
The actuator gear-and-peg 192 is fixably attached to the actuator
104 with the peg protruding, the platform gear-and-peg 194 is
fixably attached to the seat platform 106, and the double-hole bar
164 is rotatably attached to each of the two pegs, thus keeping the
two gears mechanically engaged. This geared excentric path-joint
assembly 144 is capable of maintaining multiple, variable seat
platform positions relative to the actuator 104 that can be altered
by a user merely by repositioning his or her body position. Since
the seat platform 106 is permitted to move only in an excentric
path relative to actuator 104, the platform is said to be in
excentric connection with the actuator 104.
FIG. 7a shows the actuator assembly 104 with a seat platform 106 in
excentric connection. It also shows the actuator 104 in excentric
connection with the back platform 108. The seat platform 106 is
joined to the actuator assembly 104 by a deformable path-joint
assembly 140; and the back platform 108 is joined to the actuator
104 by a deformable path-joint assembly 140. The deformable
path-joint assembly 140 may be comprised of a resilient, flexible
material that has a natural state of relaxation, can be deformed
into various curved positions by the application of force, and will
tend to spring back to its natural state of equilibrium. The
preferred deformable path-joint assembly is a spring. The flex
joint 128 is a rotatable connector. The combination of joints
illustrated in FIG. 7a enables seat platform 106 and back platform
108 to move along excentric paths .beta. and .beta.,
respectively.
FIG. 7b shows the back platform 108 rotatably connected to actuator
assembly 104, the seat platform 106 joined to the actuator 104 by
the path-joint assembly, and the seat platform 106 joined to the
back platform 108 by an embodiment of the flex-joint 128 capable of
deformation. The deformable flex-joint 128 includes a deformable
material that has a natural state of relaxation that can be
deformed into one or more positions by the application of force.
Preferred deformable flex-joints include a strip of fabric or
elastic that is then attached between the back platform 108 and
seat platform 106. The path-joint assembly, in FIG. 7b, includes a
rotatable connector 152, rotatably attached to the seat platform
106, capable of sliding within track 182. The combination of joints
illustrated in s FIG. 7b allows the seat platform 106 to move along
an excentric path .beta. while the back platform 108 moves along a
fixed circular path .alpha..
Turning to FIG. 8, an embodiment of the dynamic furniture 100 is
shown. This embodiment of the dynamic furniture 100 shows: the base
102 with a rectangular floor contact member; the base post 118
stemming upward from the floor via a telescoping assembly 178, and
an armrest 186 attached to the base post 118. The flex-joint 128
joins the back platform 108 and the seat platform 106, and the back
platform 108 is rotatably attached to the straight actuator
assembly 104 via circular path-joint assembly 150. The seat
platform 106 rests on the roller 154, and the circular path-joint
assembly 150 connects the actuator assembly 104 to the base post
118 portion of the base 102. The circular path-joint assembly 150
shown between the actuator assembly 104 and the base post 118 is a
rotatable connector that allows actuator 104 to tilt back and forth
into various positions along a fixed circular path relative to the
base post 118. More specifically, the circular path-joint assembly
150 allows the actuator 104 to rotate vertically with respect to
the base 102. The motion enabled by the circular path-joint
assembly is illustrated by the .alpha. arrows in FIG. 4e; and the
motions of the seat and back platforms are as diagrammed in FIG.
5b. FIG. 4e shows the base 102, the base post 118 portion of base
102, the actuator assembly 104, circular path-joint assembly 150,
and the circular orbital motion that a circular path-joint assembly
allows--as shown by the .alpha. arrows.
Alternative circular path-joint assemblies, and rotatable
connectors, may include a peg turning within a hole, a rod turning
within a sleeve, double contacts sliding within a circular track,
or any other mechanical attachment means suited to allow a circular
path of travel. By circular path of travel, it is meant that an
edge of a portion of the actuator assembly 104 forges a path of
travel that traces out a circular arc shape with respect to the
base 102.
Path-joint assemblies may alternatively include compound
path-joints comprising two or more path-joint assemblies configured
in series, such as the many types of universal joints which enable
curvilinear paths which are not necessarily planar, and may also
include spherical path-joint assemblies such as the many types of
ball-and-socket or ball-in-socket joints.
The path-joint assembly need not join the base post 118 portion of
base 102 to a center portion of the actuator assembly 104, as shown
in FIG. 4e; the path-joint assembly need only be affixed to the
base 102 in such a manner as to allow a substantial portion of the
actuator assembly 104 to protrude and dynamically achieve its
function of supporting other moving components of the dynamic
furniture 100 such as back, seat, and leg rest platforms.
Returning to FIG. 8, the present invention includes an upper
portion 110 that includes back platform 108 with a head rest
platform 116 connected by a rotatable connector 152; and the seat
platform 106 has a leg rest platform 112 connected by a rotatable
connector 152. Other embodiments of the dynamic furniture 100 may,
however, include a fixably attached head rest or leg rest platform.
Between the back platform 108 and the seat platform 106 is the
flex-joint 128, in FIG. 8; and the leg rest platform 112 shown
therein may include one or more portions that are independently
adjustable to accommodate leg injuries. As the dynamic furniture
100 includes the aspects of both a chair and a cot, the preferred
dimensions for the head rest platform 116, the back platform 108,
the seat platform 106, the leg rest platform 112, and other
platforms are simply that of a panel. Any dimensions for the
platforms sculpted or padded to provide further comfort with a user
may be applied to the present invention.
FIG. 10 shows a dynamic-joint controller 132. As the present
controller is applicable to many components of the present
invention, the controller shall be discussed as connecting a
generic first component 176 to a generic second component 174. The
first component may include the head rest platform 116, back rest
platform 108, seat platform 106, or leg rest platform 112. The
second component may include the head rest platform 116, back rest
platform 108, seat platform 106, or leg rest platform 112--though
the first component will differ from the second component. The
first component 176 is rotatably connected to the second component
174. The first component 176 and the second component 174 can be
put in selective rotational connection by equipping either of the
two components with additional parts. Thus equipped, a user can
control the angle between the two components or any other furniture
components attached thereto. FIG. 10 shows the two components
equipped with the additional parts that make it capable of
selective lock and adjust control of the angle between them. This
preferred embodiment of the dynamic-joint controller includes a
slave gear-and-peg 200, control gear-and-peg 196, and control knob
124; and the first component 176 rotatably connected to the second
component 174 such that the two gears can be engaged. The gear
portion of slave gear-and-peg 200 is affixed to the first component
176, and the control gear-and-peg 196 is rotatably connected to the
second component 174. Engaging and then turning the control knob
124 will rotate the first component 176 relative to the second
component 174. When the control knob 124 is engaged it can also be
used to lock the first and second components together in the
then-current position. When the slave and control gears are riot
engaged, the first and second components bars are free to rotate,
relative to each other. The controller shown in FIG. 10 can be
adapted for use on flex-joints and other path-joint assemblies, or
rotatable connectors.
For example, FIG. 12 illustrates a circular dynamic-joint
controller 136 capable of selective lock and adjust control of the
movement of actuator assembly 104 in relation to the base post 118
of the present invention. In FIG. 12, the circular dynamic-joint
controller 136 includes the control gear-and-peg 196, which at one
side is rotatably connected to base post 118 and at its other side
is affixed to control knob 124; and it shows that circular
dynamic-joint controller 136 includes slave gear-and-peg 200: the
gear portion of which is affixed to the actuator 104, and the peg
portion of which is rotatably attached to the base post 118.
The slave gear-and-peg 200 may also include stops 180 to limit
dynamic motioning of the actuator assembly 104, when needed, to an
acceptable range for a specific user. In the preferred embodiment
of the circular dynamic-joint controller 136, as depicted in FIG.
12, the control knob 124 can be pushed in to engage the gear
portion of control gear-and-peg 196 with the gear portion of slave
gear-and-peg 200. When engaged, turning the control gear-and-peg
196 via the control knob 124 will rotate the actuator assembly 104
relative to the base post 118. When the control knob 124 is engaged
it can be used to lock the actuator 104 relative to the base post
118. When engaged or disengaged, movement of actuator 104 is
limited by stops 180.
The flex-joint 128 of the embodiment in FIG. 13 includes a
dynamic-joint controller capable of selective lock and adjust
control, of the movement of the two platforms relative to each
other, via rotation of control knob 124. A preferred embodiment of
this controller is shown in more detail in FIG. 10. Other
dynamic-joint controllers available to the trade, and capable of
fulfilling the advantages of the present invention, are also
acceptable. Turning to FIG. 14, the dynamic furniture 100 includes
the actuator assembly 104 attached to the base post 118 portion of
base 102; and the dynamic furniture also includes the seat platform
106 and the back platform 108, each rotatably connected to the
actuator 104 by one or more circular path-joint assemblies 150. The
seat platform 106 is rotatably connected to the actuator assembly
104 in a proximate position; and the back platform 108 is rotatably
connected to the actuator 104 in a distal position. The terms
`proximate position` and `distal position` as they relate to the
actuator assembly 104 are purely for the purpose of explaining the
attachment locations of the back platform 108 and seat platform
106. If the actuator 104 is divided into two portions separated by
an imaginary middle point, then proximate is meant merely to refer
to one portion of the actuator assembly 104, and distal is merely
meant to refer to the other portion of the actuator assembly
104.
In the dynamic furniture 100 embodiment in FIG. 14, the flex-joint
128 joins the back platform 108 to the seat platform 106. As FIG.
14 also shows, embodiments of the present invention might further
include a leg rest platform guide 126. The preferred leg rest
platform guide 126 of the present invention includes a roller 154
attached to actuator assembly 104 that serves to restrict the
rotation of the leg rest platform 112 in relation to seat platform
106. The purpose of the leg rest platform guide 126 is to hold the
leg rest platform 112 in a position that comfortably supports a
user's legs in various positions of repose and throughout the range
of motions involved in changing from lying flat to other positions.
The preferred structure of the leg rest platform guide 126 includes
roller 154 rotatably connected to actuator 104. Gravity ensures the
leg rest platform 112 remains in contact with the roller 154 during
use; and because this preferred leg rest platform guide 126 is
connected to the actuator 104, the leg rest platform 112 will
effectively adjust to the user as the user moves between positions,
such as between a lying and a sitting position. For example, the
leg rest platform guide 126 ensures that in a lying position,
embodiments possessing the leg rest platform guide 126 have a leg
rest platform 112 that contacts the legs of the user in a manner
substantially planar with the seat platform 106; and while
progressing to a sitting position, the leg rest platform guide 126
ensures that the users legs will be supported while they
progressively bend to ninety degrees or less. The embodiment shown
in FIG. 14 also includes arm rest 186, to facilitate moving ones
body while within the dynamic furniture.
As shown in FIG. 15, an embodiment of the dynamic furniture 100
might further include a butt platform 160 positioned between the
seat platform 106 and the back platform 108. The preferred version
of the butt platform 160 is a curved panel rotatably connected at
two ends of its periphery. At one end it is rotatably connected to
the seat platform 106; and at its opposite end it is rotatably
connected to the back platform 108. In this preferred embodiment,
portions of the butt platform 160 are capable of rotation to
positions both above and below the platforms to which it is
connected. The embodiment shown in FIG. 15 also includes: arm rest
186; head rest platform 116 with handle 162; and rotatably attached
leg rest platform guide 126, as well as the leg rest platform 112
equipped with foot rest platforms 166 and foot rest adjusters 168
to further support a seated patient.
As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, platforms connected to the
actuator need not be connected to the extreme ends of the actuator;
and a portion of the actuator can be extended to provide guidance
and support for additional platforms attached thereto.
The flexibility of the dynamic furniture 100 allows it to be
utilized for many, various purposes related to transportation,
relaxation, repose, and examination. Turning to FIGS. 16a, 16b, and
16c, an embodiment of the dynamic furniture 100 is shown to include
additions and features that allow the present invention to include
aspects of a chair, bed, lift chair, and body repositioning device
in a single apparatus. FIG. 16a shows the actuator 104 connected to
base post 118 by the circular path-joint assembly 150 which
includes circular dynamic-joint controller 136. The seat platform
106 is connected to the actuator 104 by the rotatable connector
152; and seat platform 106 is connected to the leg rest platform
112 by the rotatable connector 152 which includes a dynamic-joint
controller 132. FIG. 16a also shows the back platform 108 connected
to the actuator assembly 104 by the rotatable connector 152, and
the back platform 108 is connected to the head rest platform 116 by
the rotatable connector 152 which includes the dynamic-joint
controller 132. The seat and back platforms are connected together
by two of the flex-joints 128 of which one includes the
dynamic-joint controller 132.
FIG. 16a shows the furniture 100 configured to assist the user in
standing up. FIG. 16b shows the furniture 100 configured for
sleeping. FIG. 16c shows the furniture flexed beyond
horizontal.
The dynamic furniture 100 embodiment depicted herein may include a
wheel assembly having multiple wheels affixed to the base 102.
Features which are further advantageous to the present invention
include the telescoping assembly 178 pictured in FIG. 16a. The
telescoping assembly 178 provides the capability of the dynamic
furniture to be raised and lowered. Other means within the trade
for accomplishing the elevation adjustment are acceptable.
Conjunctively, the base 202 further includes swivel 156 comprising
a rotatable member that allows one portion of the base to rotate
upon another portion of the base. The illustrated embodiment
further includes armrests 186 affixed to the base posts 118. Any
convenience feature common in the furniture art, particularly
padding, or power-assisted mobility and adjustability, may be
included in the present invention, as important aspects of the
present invention include comfort and service.
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