Multi-adjustable swivel chair with back and knee supports
One embodiment of a chair mounted on a swiveling, telescoping column (14) supported by a five-legged base (10), each with its own caster (12). A seat (16) is attached to the top of the swiveling column. A knee support assembly (34) is suspended from the seat base (32). The seat is in a horizontal position, but the seat, back support (18) and knee support may be adjustable as a unit to a forward tilt. Other embodiments are described and shown.
This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/001,519, filed on Nov. 3, 2007 by Karl S. Weiss.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCHNot Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAMNot Applicable
BACKGROUND1. Field
The application relates to desk or office chairs with knee supports, specifically chairs used at computer stations or other sites that involve long periods of usage.
2. Prior Kneeling Chairs
I. All previous kneeling chairs discussed here will be referred to as a group as “prior kneeling chairs.” The first kneeling chairs were developed in Norway in the 1970s, starting with experimental sitting devices with support under the shins (see, for example,
II. To address this deficiency, the kneeling chair with back was developed. This design is essentially the same as a kneeling chair, but offers a back support to allow the sitter to rest the back (e.g., BizChair WL-1428-GG, see
III. Other designs have also aimed to make the sitting position and knee support adjustable. In the chair described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,957 (see, for example,
IV. The knee support in U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,160 (for example,
V. U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,684 describes a chair with back and collapsible knee support (see, for example,
VI. The Health Postures Stance Angle Chair (see, for example,
In accordance with the first embodiment disclosed herein, a computer station chair comprising a swivel chair on casters with adjustable back, knee, and height supports and the capacity to operate with the seat in either a forward tilt or a horizontal position.
In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetical suffixes.
- 10 five-legged base
- 12 caster
- 14 swiveling, telescoping column
- 16 seat
- 18 back support
- 20 knee support cushion
- 22 knee support poles
- 24 knee support length twist locks
- 26 knee support angle adjustment
- 28 knee support cushion base
- 30 knee support cushion base slot
- 32 seat base
- 34 knee support assembly
- 36 shortened seat
- 38 knee support assembly base
One embodiment of the chair disclosed herein is illustrated in
Additional embodiments are intended to facilitate individual body sizes and shapes. The first allows adjustment of the length of the knee support cushion 20 (see, for example,
Among the alternative possibilities is a chair that has the seat fixed in the horizontal position. As stated, the horizontal seat angle provides the best balance between mobility and an even distribution of weight across the body (see, for example,
Another alternative embodiment is of the knee support assembly as a separate attachment (see, for example,
A further consideration is the width of the knee support cushion 20. This should be at least the width of the seat (approximately 46 centimeters or 18.75 inches) with contoured cushioning to hold the knees/calves in place. Another option is to mount two separate cushions and make the positioning of the cushions adjustable left to right.
AdvantagesFrom the description above, a number of advantages of the embodiments of the adjustable swivel chair with knee and back supports as disclosed herein become evident to those skilled in the art:
(a) The suspension of the knee support assembly from the base of the seat, as opposed to being built up from the floor as in prior models, makes it possible for a kneeling chair to be mounted on a swiveling column. This structure also allows the seat, back support and knee support assembly to be adjusted for forward tilt as a single unit.
(b) The capacity to use the seat in a horizontal position, unlike prior models, while still engaging the knees in the knee support cushion, provides a unique balance between mobility and an even weight distribution. Tucking the feet into the five-legged base as well means the user can evenly distribute weight to the buttocks, the knees/upper calves, the back, and the feet. This posture also lends itself to more casual use.
(c) Easy adjustment between the horizontal and forward tilt seat positions without getting out of the chair makes it more likely the user will vary positions often, promoting better back health. The forward tilt places more weight on the knees/upper calves, and less on the back, while still permitting the sitter to keep the lower back tucked into the back support. This is in contrast to prior kneeling chairs (e.g.,
(d) Adjustable knee support length and knee support cushion angle help ensure comfort and support for users of all different sizes and shapes.
(e) Retractable knee support cushion base and knee support cushion makes it possible to switch between a kneeling chair and a conventional computer station chair. The ability to perform this retraction with the same controls that adjust knee support length and angle makes the chair easier and cheaper to manufacture. Compare this to the complicated mechanism displayed in the prior kneeling chair in
Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the multi-adjustable swivel chair with back and knee supports as disclosed herein provides several unique improvements on prior kneeling chair models. White collar workers and recreational computer users spend many hours a day at a computer station, placing a severe strain on the back if improper seating is employed. Kneeling chairs have been an important advance in workplace ergonomics, but so far they have been designed with major limitations and drawbacks. Subsequent designs have addressed some but not all of these issues. The most crucial improvements are the ones that address the need to vary postures and body positions. The multi-adjustable swivel chair with back and knee supports as disclosed herein is an important advance in kneeling chair evolution in that:
-
- it has a knee support assembly suspended from the seat base that permits the chair to be mounted on a swivel base, permitting much easier movement and use, and easier fitting in small work spaces;
- it permits the user to switch between horizontal and forward tilt seat positions easily and without leaning over or getting out of the chair, using a control lever at the seat base;
- it permits adjustment of knee support length and angle, making it compatible with different body shapes and sizes;
- it permits the user to retract the knee support cushion base and knee support cushion when desired; it has a knee support design that can be manufactured separately as an attachment; and
- it has the capacity to be used with the seat in a horizontal position, permitting a more natural and even weight distribution and more casual use. Examples of casual use can include: a) one knee up and the other foot on the floor, b) one or both feet on the knee support cushion, c) feet on top of the base legs or tucked behind them for additional weight distribution, or d) both feet on the floor.
Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of the presently preferred embodiments. For example, the chair can have no seat tilt adjustment, the knee support can have no adjustments or be adjustable by a different mechanism such as push-in buttons instead of twist locks, the knee support cushion base and knee support cushion might not be collapsible or be retracted by a different mechanism, or the back support can have its own separate adjustment.
Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
Claims
1. A chair, comprising: a vertical, support column arising from a base frame; a seat and its base attached to said support column; a back support attached to said seat; a knee support assembly that is suspended from the base of said seat; said seat, back support and knee support assembly capable of rotation as a unit on said column.
2. The chair of claim 1 wherein said seat, back support and knee support assembly can be adjusted as a unit between the forward tilt and horizontal position.
3. The chair of claim 1 wherein said seat is fixed in a horizontal position.
4. The chair of claim 1 wherein a knee support cushion base and knee support cushion of said knee support assembly are adjustable and retractable by the following mechanisms wherein:
5. The cushion base and cushion of claim 4 are connected to the seat base by two telescoping poles, making said cushion base and cushion adjustable for length.
6. The cushion base of claim 4 is connected to said poles by a bolt that can be loosened or tightened, making said cushion base and cushion adjustable for angle.
7. The cushion base and cushion of claim 4 can be retracted under the seat by pushing said poles completely inward and rotating said cushion base and cushion downward to a vertical position, further wherein a slot in said cushion base permits said cushion base and cushion to slide upward on the bolt, making said cushion base and cushion able to tuck under the seat.
8. The chair of claim 1 wherein said cushion base houses two separate cushions, each of which is adjustable left and right.
9. A knee support assembly, comprising a knee support cushion base and knee support cushions, a knee support assembly base which is attachable to the seat base of a work station chair, and a solid material, for example, metal or plastic, connecting said cushion base and cushions to said assembly base.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 3, 2008
Publication Date: Jun 4, 2009
Inventor: Karl Simon Weiss (San Diego, CA)
Application Number: 12/290,752
International Classification: A47C 7/50 (20060101);