Adjustable chair station and method of use

Abstract

Described herein are embodiments of an adjustable chair station. In one embodiment, an adjustable chair station can include a base member fixedly coupled to a stationary object and a carriage rotatably coupled to the base member. The chair station can also include a seat assembly having a seat member swivelably coupled to the carriage, a leg member pivotally coupled to a front portion of the seat member, and a back member slidably coupled to a back portion of the seat member. The back member can be slidable along the seat member in a direction extending substantially parallel to the seat member. The chair station can also include a headrest member slidably coupled to the back member and an armrest member slidably coupled to the back member at a location intermediate the headrest member and the seat member. The headrest and armrest members can be slidable in a direction extending substantially parallel to the back member.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/707,485, filed Aug. 11, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Apparatus and methods described herein relate generally to an adjustable chair station, and more particularly to an adjustable chair station, and methods of use, for providing ergonomic support during various activities.

BACKGROUND

Many chair and chair stations have attempted to provide a system for supporting a user in an ergonomically proper position while the user is involved in a particular activity. As used herein, an ergonomically proper position can be defined to mean a position, or posture, of the body which promotes the safety, comfort, or efficiency of a user during a particular activity. Typically, proper ergonomics is important in activities requiring prolonged periods of immobility or repetitive physical actions. For example, such activities can include, but are not limited to, reading, watching television, sleeping, operating a computer, playing a video game or driving a motorized vehicle.

Recently, as related to one particular activity, the increased use of computers at school, home, work and other places has raised concerns regarding proper ergonomic positioning while using a computer. Computers are used in all aspects of life for a variety of purposes, such as educational, recreational and employment. Computers, along with associated peripheral, or user interface, devices, such as keyboards, monitors, touch pads and mice, conventionally make up a computing terminal at which one or more users can be positioned to use the computer. As is often the case in today's society, a user is positioned at a terminal in a seated position and remains in the seated positioned for prolonged periods of time. Moreover, use of a computer's user interface device, such as typing on a keyboard or manipulation of a mouse, typically requires a substantial number of repetitive physical or manual activities.

Numerous injuries have been linked to poor circulation commonly brought on by prolonged periods of immobility, such as when sitting at a computer terminal. For example, deep vein thrombosis is an injury resulting from a blood clot that develops in a deep vein, such as in the lower leg. Deep vein thrombosis can cause pain in the leg and can potentially lead to serious complications. Other common injuries associated with prolonged periods of immobility can be general soreness, fatigue, or strain of various portions, muscles, or joints of the body, such as the neck and back.

The risk of injuries related to prolonged periods of immobility can be mitigated by proper positioning of a user's body and/or periodically moving one or more body parts susceptible to such injuries, such as the upper and lower legs. However, as is often the case, a particular activity may require a user to remain immobilized for an extended period of time without an opportunity to engage in such preventative movement.

Similarly, injuries related to repetitive manual activities have become increasingly prevalent as computers have become more commonplace in society. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which pressure applied to the median nerve in the carpal tunnel causes undesirable and often painful symptoms and which is often caused by repetitive manual activities. During use of computer interface devices, the risk of developing carpel tunnel syndrome can be augmented by improper positioning, inadequate support or misalignment of one or more portions of a user's body relative to the interface devices.

The risk of injuries related to repetitive manual activities can be mitigated by properly positioning and supporting the user's body such that during repetitive manual activities, the user's body is correctly aligned. This can be difficult since many users are unable to adjust their position or provide proper support, or simply do not know the proper position to place their body to be correct aligned for a specific activity.

To help mitigate the risks associated with injuries related to immobility and repetitive manual activities during use of a computer at a work station, several seating systems have been developed. Such seating systems attempt to provide generally an ergonomic chair or station for use with a computer. Such prior seating systems, despite having numerous features, each have certain disadvantages.

For example, a reclining computer chair apparatus for use with a monitor and keyboard is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,363 ('363 Patent). The apparatus includes a carriage slidably mounted to a base, a seat member carried on the carriage, a back member pivotally mounted to the seat member, a leg member pivoted to the seat member, an arm member carried by the carriage, and a monitor arm carried by the carriage. Motorized threaded screws are used to move the carriage on the base and move the back and leg members relative to the carriage.

The '363 Patent apparatus, however, is not sufficient adjustability to provide for the varying physical dimensions of multiple computer users. Although the '363 apparatus may allow a user to pivotally adjust the back member with respect to seat member, pivotally adjust the arm member with respect to the back member, pivotally adjust the leg member with respect to the seat member, and view a computer monitor and type on a keyboard in an upright sitting position, in a prone position, or in multiple positions therebetween, among other things the '363 patent apparatus does not allow a user to adjust the distance between the seat member and the leg member to account for differing upper leg lengths of multiple users, does not allow rotational adjustability of the chair about a central chair axis, does not allow for linear adjustability of the arm members to maintain the arm members in an ergonomically proper position, does not allow for cooperative linear adjustability of a head support and the monitor to maintain the monitor in an ergonomically proper position.

Additionally, although the '363 apparatus may disclose a leg member that is pivotally connected to the seat member, the apparatus does not provide periodic adjustment of the leg member while occupied by a user, which can help to reduce the risk of developing immobility-based injuries, such as deep vein thrombosis.

Also, the '363 apparatus does not provide a compact design. For example, the base or footprint of the apparatus extends at least the entire length of the chair.

In another example, a work station system is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,779,922; 4,880,270; and 4,915,450 (Work Station Patents). The Work Station Patents describe a work station for supporting a human operator in a seated position while the human operates equipment located on the work station. The work station includes a rockable chair, a carriage secured to the front portion of the chair, two surfaces for supporting an input device and a visual display device, respectively, are attached to the carriage, movable along the carriage and securable to the carriage by manually tightening a knob.

Although the Work Station Patents disclose numerous components and features, the apparatus disclosed in the Work Station Patents do not provide adequate adjustability of the chair and automated adjustability of at least the positioning of the two surfaces for supporting the input device and visual display device. The chair described in the Work Station Patents does not allow for adjustment of the length of the seat or the linear adjustment of positioning of the arm support and head rest with respect to the back support. Further, the two surfaces for supporting the input device and visual display device described in the Work Station Patents are designed to be adjusted by manually turning and physically moving the surfaces to a desirable height. For practical purposes, the manual adjustment of the input device and visual display device support surfaces described in the Work Station Patents is suitable for use by a single user. Otherwise, each time a different user with different body proportions desires to use the work station, he/she must physically adjust and readjust the support surfaces until the surfaces are positioned at a desired height. Such manual adjustability can result in an inefficient use of time and energy.

In yet another example, an ergonomic chair providing a seating system that allows a seated occupant to shift his/her position while exercising major muscle groups is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,578 ('578 Patent). The chair includes a seatrest and backrest that are connected and pivot relative to each other. The backrest moves along backrest tracks between a lower resting position and a raised extended position. The seatrest is allowed to move such that as the backrest moves the seatrest correspondingly translates and rotates. In use, a user of the chair can push against the backrest, translate the backrest along the backrest tracks, stretch out into the extended position and then return to the resting position.

The '578 Patent chair, however, provides a seatrest that freely pivots with respect to the backrest and thus does not remain in an ergonomically proper position. Further, the '578 Patent chair does not provide adequate support or allow for adequate adjustability to ensure proper ergonomic orientation of a user's body. More specifically, the chair does not provide support for a user's arms above or below the elbows, nor does the chair provide adequate lower leg support.

In addition, the '578 chair does not allow for adjustment of the seatrest length, adjustment of the headrest height, nor rotation of the chair about a central axis. Further, for those portions of the '578 chair that are adjustable, such adjustments are not performed automatically much less without significant human effort.

SUMMARY

The present application relates to a chair station that provides sufficient bodily support, adjustability, and, if desired, other features to allow users having various dimensions to remain in an ergonomically proper position while performing any of a variety of activities. In certain embodiments, the chair can orient the user in an ergonomically proper position, which, in certain embodiments, can help reduce the risk of injuries related to immobility, such as deep vein thrombosis, and repetitive manual activities, such as carpel tunnel syndrome.

In some embodiments, the chair station provides a substantially versatile and compact adjustable device for supporting a user. Certain embodiments of the chair station can provide the ability to adjust one or more body supporting components to support one or more portions of a user's body in an ergonomically proper seated position. In one embodiment, when using the chair station for a particular application, such as a computer station having at least a keyboard and monitor, the chair station can, in some implementations, adjustably support a user's body in an ergonomic position, or other position if desired, for typing on the keyboard and viewing the monitor in a very large, and if desired, infinite number of horizontal or vertical orientations.

In at least some embodiments, the chair station can include more adjustable features or aspects, and differing adjustment methods, than conventional chairs. One or more of the various adjustable components of the chair station can be adjusted to a large, or if desired, infinite number of positions. In certain embodiments, the chair can provide support for one or more portions of any of various users having any of various body types.

In addition, in some embodiments one or more of the positions of the supporting components can be automatically adjusted depending on an identification of the specific user occupying the chair. Such identification can be based on any of various techniques, such as biometric or user input techniques.

Some embodiments of the chair station can include a stand, a carriage coupled to the stand, and a seat assembly coupled to the carriage. In certain implementations, the carriage is rotatably coupled to the stand and, if desired, the carriage can be capable of 360-degrees of rotation about the stand. Similarly, in certain embodiments in which the chair assembly is rotatably coupled to the carriage, the chair can also be rotatable 360-degrees about the stand.

In some implementations, the carriage can be selectively rotated by an actuator, such as, in certain embodiments, a stepper motor electrically coupled to a controller. In certain embodiments, the controller can be positioned on the chair station so that a user occupying the chair station can easily engage the controller to selectively manipulate one or more components of the chair station, such as selectively rotating the carriage and seat assembly.

In some implementations, the seat assembly can be movably coupled to the carriage. In certain implementations, the seat assembly is reclineable or rotatable relative to the carriage between an upright position and a supine or prone position. In certain implementations, an actuator can be coupled to the carriage and the seat assembly and selectively actuated to move the seat assembly relative to the carriage. The actuator can be electrically coupled to the controller or other user interface such that a user can conveniently engage the controller to adjust the position of the seat assembly.

In certain embodiments, the seat assembly can include a back member coupled to a seat member. The back member can provide support for at least a portion of a user's back, and the seat member can provide support for at least a portion of a user's upper leg when the user occupies the chair station. In some implementations, the back member is movably coupled to the seat member. If desired, the back member can be slidably coupled to the seat member and capable of translational movement between back and front portions of the seat member. Such translational adjustability of the back member relative to the seat member can allow the length of the seat member, i.e., the portion of the seat member between a front edge of the seat member and the back member, to be selectively increased or decreased to accommodate different upper leg dimensions of different users.

In some implementations, an actuator can be coupled to the seat member and the back member and selectively controlled to adjust the length of the seat member. The actuator can be electrically coupled to the controller or other interface device to allow a user occupying the chair station to engage the controller to selectively adjust the length of the seat member.

In certain embodiments, the seat assembly can also include a calf support member coupled to the seat member. The calf support member can provide support for at least a portion of a user's lower leg, such as the user's calf or feet.

In some implementations, the calf support member is movably coupled to the seat member. Also, if desired the calf support member can be pivotally coupled to the seat member to allow the calf support member to be positioned in any of various positions or at any of various angles relative to the seat member. In some implementations, an actuator can be coupled to the calf support member and the seat member and selectively controlled to move the calf support member relative to the seat member.

In addition, in certain implementations the actuator can be electrically coupled to the controller or other interface device. This can, if desired, allow a user to engage the controller to selectively adjust the position or angle of the calf support member depending on the user's particular bodily characteristics.

In some embodiments, the chair station includes an armrest member movably coupled, in some cases, to the back member. In certain implementations, the armrest member can include a pair of armrests each having an upper arm support portion, elbow support portion and lower arm support portion. In some implementations, the armrest member can be adjustably movable translationally or linearly along the back member to effectively raise or lower the armrest member, and thus the armrests. Accordingly, if desired the armrests can be raised or lowered to a specific height corresponding to the user's proportions such that the user can rest his or her arms on the armrests—that is, place a respective one of his or her upper arms, elbows, or lower arms in contact with the upper arm, elbow, or lower arm support surfaces, respectively, of a respective armrest. This can, if desired, position and support the user's arms in an ergonometric orientation.

In some implementations, an actuator can be coupled to the armrest member and the backrest and selectively controlled to move the armrest member relative to the back member and seat member. The actuator can also be electrically coupled to the controller or other interface device such that a user can engage the controller to adjust the position of the armrest member.

In certain implementations, the chair station can include a movable headrest member coupled to the back member. In certain implementations, the headrest member can be movable translationally or linearly along the back member into any of various selected positions. In some embodiments, the headrest member can be selectively movable into a position corresponding to the approximate location of a user's head so that a portion of the headrest member, such as a head support cushion, can support the users head during use of the chair station.

In some implementations, the headrest member can be coupled to an actuator. In this case, the actuator can, if desired, also be coupled to the back member and selectively controllable to adjust the position, such as the height, of the headrest member in relation to the back member and seat member. As with the actuators identified above, the actuator coupled to the headrest member can be electrically coupled to a controller or other interface device such that a user engaging the controller can selectively adjust the position of the headrest member.

In some embodiments, the back member and headrest can include adjustable back and head supports, respectively. In some implementations, the supports can provide cushioned support for a user's respective back and head. The adjustable back and head supports also can be adjustable to provide more or less cushioning depending on the user's body dimensions or personal preference. For example, in one implementation, the back and head supports can include pneumatically inflatable bladders that can be selectively controlled by the user to provide more or less cushioning.

In some embodiments, a user can access a controller to adjust one or more movable components, such as the above-mentioned movable components, to provide a chair station customized to the user's specific body dimensions. In addition, in some embodiments, the movable components of the chair station can be automatically adjusted into predetermined positions upon recognition that a specific user has been seated in or desires to sit in the chair station. In some embodiments a first time user can sit in the chair station and access a controller to selectively adjust the movable components of the chair station into a desired configuration, e.g., a configuration providing optimal ergonometric benefits and comfort. The user can then save his/her settings in the controller so that, when the subsequently uses the chair station, the user can select the saved configuration to automatically adjust at least some of the adjustable components of the chair station to match the user's customized configuration. In certain embodiments, the chair station can recognize the user through use of biometric or user input devices and adjust, or facilitate adjustment of, the chair station accordingly.

In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to activate one or more of the actuators to move one or more of the respective movable components after a user has been seated in the chair station in a single position for a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, this type of activation can promote the circulation of blood and reduce the risk of immobility-related injuries in the portion or portions of the body being moved. In one embodiment, for example, the calf support member can automatically be raised or lowered at predetermined periodic intervals during a user's use of the chair station.

Certain embodiments of the chair station can include computer components, such as one or more keyboards, monitors, mice, touchpads, etc. For example, in some implementations having an armrest member with a pair of armrests, a computer component support table can be movably attached to the armrests. The support table can, in certain implementations, be pivotally coupled to an armrest at a first end portion and coupleable to the other armrest at a second end generally opposite the first end. The support table can be pivotable between an open position allowing ingress into and egress from the chair station and a closed position allowing a user occupying the chair station to conveniently access the support table. The support table can have, for example, a computer keyboard that, when the support table is in a closed position and the armrest member is at a proper height, is in a proper ergonomic position relative to the armrests and a user's arms being supported by the armrests. With the user's arms in an ergonomic position in relation to the keyboard, risks associated with repetitive manual activity, such as typing on the keyboard, can be reduced.

In some implementations, a visual interface support can be coupled to the headrest member. The visual interface support can be movable, such as being pivotable, with respect to the headrest member between an open position, which can allow ingress to and egress from the chair station, and a closed position, which can place the visual interface support in a proper ergonomic viewing position. In some embodiments, an actuator can be coupled to the visual interface support and the headrest member. The actuator can be electronically coupled to a controller or other interface device to allow a user to automatically move the visual interface support between the open and closed position via the controller.

The visual interface support, in some embodiments, can include one or more visual interface devices, such as computer monitors, coupled to a support bar that, when in the closed position, supports the monitors at an ergonomically proper distance away from the headrest. With the visual interface support being coupled to the headrest member, as the headrest member is raised or lowered to account for a user's specific head and height characteristics, the visual interface support is likewise raised or lowered such that the visual interface devices are maintained in a proper ergonomic position relative to the headrest without requiring separate adjustment to the visual interface support.

According to one embodiment, a method of using a chair station can include adjusting moveable components of the chair station to support a user's body based upon the specific dimensions of the user's body or according to the user's personal preference. According to one specific implementation, the user can adjust the chair station by one or more of the following: (1) rotating a seat assembly relative to a base; (2) reclining or pivoting the seat assembly relative to the base; (3) linearly moving a back member relative to a seat member and adjusting the depth of the seat member; (4) pivoting a calf support member relative to the seat member; (5) linearly moving an armrest member relative to the back member; (6) linearly moving a visual interface support member including a headrest relative to the back member; (7) rotating a support arm relative to the back member 150; (8) expanding or contracting a head support; and (9) expanding or contracting a back cushion.

According to one implementation, the method can include saving chair station configuration settings in a controller and accessing the settings to automatically adjust the moveable components of the chair station according to the settings. In certain implementations, the settings can be accessed via a biometric device in electrical communication with the controller.

The foregoing Summary recites various features and advantages of various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that all embodiments need not necessarily include all such features or provide all such advantages, or address the issues noted in the background. It is also understood that there are additional features and advantages of certain embodiments, and they will become apparent as the specification proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of a chair station according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a rearward perspective view of the chair station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a detailed partial perspective view of a base coupled to a portion of a carriage of the chair station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the base coupled to a portion of the carriage of the chair station of FIG. 1 taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a carriage of the chair station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a seat member of a seat assembly of the chair station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the seat member of the seat assembly of the chair station of FIG. 1 particularly showing a seat cutout.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the carriage coupled to the seat member of the chair station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional front view of the carriage coupled to the seat member of the chair station of FIG. 1 taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional back view of the carriage and seat member of the chair station of FIG. 1 taken along the line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a back member of the seat assembly of the chair station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the back member coupled to the seat member of the chair station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a calf support member coupled to the seat member of the chair station of FIG. 1 where the seat member is shown with a pair of plates removed.

FIG. 14 is a rearward perspective view of an armrest member of the chair station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a frontal perspective view of the armrest member of the chair station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a rearward perspective view of the armrest member of the chair station of FIG. 1 shown with a support table in an open position and a portion of an armrest cushion removed.

FIG. 17 is a rearward perspective view of the armrest member coupled to the back member of the chair station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a rearward perspective view of a visual interface support member of the chair station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is a rearward perspective view of the visual interface support member of the chair station of FIG. 1 shown with a support bar in an open position.

FIG. 20 is a rearward perspective view of the visual interface support member coupled to the back member of the chair station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is a detailed perspective view of the seat member shown without a pair of plates, the back member, calf support member, armrest member and visual interface support member of the chair station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 22 is a rearward detailed perspective view of the seat member shown without a pair of plates, the back member, calf support member, armrest member and visual interface support member of the chair station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 23 is a frontal perspective view of a chair station having a slip cover according to one embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the chair station of FIG. 1 shown in a reclined or supine position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the chair station may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the chair station of the present application.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a powered, adjustable, ergonomic computer station or computer chair 10, which may support an operator and computer interface equipment, is shown. The computer station 10 could include at least one controller 300 connected to computer user interface equipment as well as various other components of the computer station. In some implementations, the controller 300 can be a computing device, such as, for example, a stand alone central processing unit or a central processing unit connected to a computer network. By way of example, the computer station 10 can also include a stand 20, carriage 40, seat assembly 100, armrest member 153, visual interface support member 154 and controller 300.

Stand

Generally, in some embodiments, the stand 20 may be used to support the carriage 40, seat assembly 100 and controller 300 above the ground, or other suitable anchor point, and allow the carriage, the seat assembly, and controller to substantially rotate about a longitudinal axis 16 of the chair station 10. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the stand 20 may generally comprise a base 22, support arms 24, post support 26, and a stand actuator 30. The base 22 may be a cylindrical plate having a bottom major surface opposite a top major surface. The base 22 can be placed upon the ground or other attachment surface or point such that the bottom major surface is facing a generally downwardly direction and the top major surface is facing a generally upwardly direction. The base 22 may have several apertures 32, such as around its rim, through which fasteners (not shown) may extend to secure the base 22 to the ground or other attachment surface or point. Additionally, the base 22 may have adjustable supports (not shown), which may be used to level the base relative to the ground.

The plurality of support arms 24 extend generally upwardly from the base 22 to the post support 26. Each of the plurality of support arms 24 has a first end attached to the top major surface of the base 22 and a second end attached to a side of the post support 26 to hold the post support 26 away from the top major surface of the base 22 so that a slip ring and drive gear assembly 34 may be positioned underneath the post support 26.

The post support 26 can be a substantially tubular member with an open top end 35, an open bottom end 36, and a cylindrical interior channel 37 extending from the open top and bottom ends. The vertical channel 37 may further fixedly retain a set of bearings 38, such as generally annularly shaped ball bearings conventionally known in the art. One bearing 38 can be positioned at least partially within the vertical channel proximate the top end 35 and the other bearing 38 can be positioned at least partially within the bottom end 36. The support arms 24 support the post support 26 in a substantially vertical orientation such that a central axis of the cylindrical member extends substantially transversely relative to the top major surface of the base 22.

The post 52 of carriage 40 can be a substantially tubular member sized to extend through the vertical channel 37. Generally, the post 52 can be sized such that a portion of the post 52 extends through the bearings 38 and is frictionally contained by an inner surface of the bearings. The bearings allow the post 52 to rotate within the interior channel 37 relative to the post support 26. As will be described in more detail below, rotation of the post 52 relative to the post support 26 in turn rotates the carriage 40, seat assembly 100 (which is attached to the carriage 40) and controller 300 relative to the post support. In some embodiments, the post 52, and thus the carriage 40, seat assembly 100 and controller 300, is capable of rotating a full 360° about an axis of the chair station 10, e.g., longitudinal axis 16.

The slip ring and drive gear assembly 34 include a slip ring having a first portion movable relative to a second portion. The first portion can be fixedly coupled to the post support 26 and the second portion can be fixedly coupled to the post 52 and a drive gear. In at least one embodiment, the drive gear can be connected to actuator 30, which can be a stepper motor, via a belt, such as belt 43, band, chain or other similar connector. Activation of the actuator 30 rotates the drive gear, second portion of the slip ring and the post 52 relative to the first portion of the drive gear and post support 52. In at least one embodiment, the stand actuator 30 may be controlled by an operator of the chair station 10 through an electric switch (not shown) mounted on a moveable armrest 153 (see FIGS. 14-16, 21 and 22) of the seat assembly 100 to allow the operator to directly control rotation of the seat assembly 100. In another embodiment, the stand actuator 30 may be connected to and controlled by the controller 300, which in turn is controlled by an operator via computer user interface equipment, such as one or more interface devices 14, which can be user input interface devices, such as keyboards, touchpads or mice, or visual interface devices, such as monitors or other display devices.

The slip ring of the assembly 34 provides electrical connectivity between the first portion and second portion of the slip ring. Accordingly, cables and wires, such as wire 39, from a stationary source can be electrically connected to cables and wires, such as wire 41, from a rotatable source, such as the carriage 40, seat assembly 100 and/or controller 300 via the slip ring. In other words, the slip ring of assembly 34 allows wires and cables, such as power supply connections, telephone/cable connections, stand actuator 30 connections and other connections, to electrically connect to various connections of the rotatable components of the computer station 10 while the components are rotating relative to the base. In this manner, the computer station 10 can freely rotate with respect to the stand 20 without interference from wires or cables.

Carriage

Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the carriage 40 includes a stand portion 50 to which the post 52 is fixedly attached and from which the post 52 extends. The carriage 40, via the post 52, substantially rotates about a central longitudinal axis, e.g., an axis that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 16 of the chair 10, of the post 52 relative to the post support 26 and thus the base 20. Because the carriage 40 is attached to the seat assembly 100, as will be described in more detail below, rotation of the carriage 40 relative to the base 20 causes the seat assembly to also rotate relative to the base.

In the illustrated embodiments, the stand portion 50 includes a support plate 54 and two upright pivot plates 56. The support plate 54 may have a substantially rectangular planar shape with a top surface 57, a bottom surface 58 opposite the top surface, side edges 59 extending parallel to each other and transversely from the top and bottom surfaces, a front edge 60 extending transversely between the side edges and a back edge 61 extending parallel to the front edge. The post 52 may be located on and extend generally transversely from the bottom surface 58 of the support plate 54. In some embodiments, the post 52 extends downwardly from the bottom surface 58 from a location proximate a center of the bottom surface 58.

The two upright pivot plates 56 can be substantially planar and may be attached to and extend generally transversely from the top surface 57 of the support plate 54 in a spaced-apart relationship. In some embodiments, each upright pivot plate 56 is oriented in a substantially upright manner proximate and extending substantially parallel to a respective one of the side edges 59 of the support plate 54. Each upright pivot plate 56 can have an inwardly facing side surface 47 opposite an outwardly facing side surface 49 such that when attached to the support plate 54, the inwardly facing side surfaces face each other and the outwardly facing side surfaces face away from each other. Each upright pivot plate 56 can also include a bottom edge attached to the support plate 54 and a top edge 62 generally opposite the bottom edge.

As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the upright pivot plates 56 may be attached to the support plate 54 such that a portion of the each upright pivot plate 56 overhangs the front edge 60 of the support plate 54. The top edge 62 of each upright pivot plate 56 can have a front portion 63 and a rear portion 64. In certain embodiments, the front portions 63 of the top edges 62 extend in a substantially horizontal direction, i.e., parallel to the top surface 57 of support plate 54, and provide at least partial support for the seat assembly 100 when the seat assembly 100 is in a generally upright position or orientation. The rear portions 64 of the top edges 62 can extend at a downward angle from the front portions 63 toward the bottom edge of the upright pivot plates. As will be described in more detail below, since the rear portion 64 is downwardly angled, the seat assembly 100 may move between an upright position and a fully reclined or supine position without interference by the rear portion. Further, the rear portions 64 of the top edges 62 can provide at least partial support for the seat assembly 100 when the seat assembly 100 is a fully reclined position.

Each upright pivot plate 56 has an open channel 66 formed in the outwardly facing side surface 49. The open channels 66 can have a generally quadrangular, e.g., rectangular or square, cross-section and extend from a front edge 51 to a back edge 53 of the upright pivot plates 56. The channels 66 each define a roller pathway for receiving one or more rollers as will be described below. As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the open channels 66 are downwardly curved such that the middle portions of the channels, i.e., portions away from and intermediate the front and back edges 51, 53 of the pivot plate 56, are nearer the bottom edges of the upright pivot plates 56 and the portions of the channels proximate the front and back edges are nearer the top edges 62 of the pivot plates.

Seat Assembly

Referring to FIGS. 6-13, in one embodiment, the seat assembly 100 includes a seat member 70, a back member 150 and a calf support member 130. As shown in FIGS. 6-10, the seat member, or seat support, 70 includes a plate 112 and a pair of spaced-apart upright plates 72 attached to the plate. In some embodiments, the plate 112 has a substantially rectangular planar shape with a top surface 117, a bottom surface 118 opposite the top surface, side edges 119 extending parallel to each other and transversely from the top and bottom surfaces, a front edge 120 extending transversely between the side edges and a back edge 121 extending parallel to the front edge.

In some embodiments, the spaced-apart upright plates 72 have a substantially semicircular planar shape. The upright plates 72 are attached to and extend approximately transversely from the bottom surface 118 of the plate 112. Each of the upright plates 72 can include a flat edge 73 and a curved edge 74. The two ends of curved edge 74 may be connected together by the flat edge 73. The flat edges 73 can be attached to the bottom surface 118 proximate the side edges 119 of the plate 112 and extend substantially parallel to the side edges. Each of the plates 72 may have a set of rollers 75 attached to an inwardly facing side surface 101 of the plate. Each roller 75 extends generally transversely from the respective inwardly facing side surface 101. Each set of rollers 75 can be arranged in a generally curved configuration to substantially or approximately follow the curvature of the curved edge 74 of the respective semicircular plates 72. Moreover, the curved configuration of the sets of rollers 75 can follow and align with the curvature of the open channels 66 of the upright pivot plates 56.

In the illustrated implementations, a minimum distance between the inwardly facing surfaces 101 of the upright plates 72 must be greater than the maximum distance between the outwardly facing surfaces 49 of the upright pivot plates 56.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the seat member 70 and carriage 40 can be fitted together by inserting at least a portion of the rollers 75 within an open channel 66 of a respective upright pivot plate 56. Engagement between the rollers 75 and the channels 66 allows for a rocking or pivoting action of the seat member 70 relative to the carriage 40. The rocking or pivoting action of the seat member 70, which is facilitated by the plurality of rollers 75 moving through a respective open channel 66, allows the seat assembly 100 to move between an upright position (see FIG. 1) and a supine (e.g., fully reclined) position (see FIG. 24). Moreover, the seat member, and thus the seat assembly 100, can be at least partially supported by the horizontal first portion 63 of top edge 62 of upright plates 56 when the chair is in the upright position and at least partially supported by the angled second portion 64 of the top edge of the upright plates when the chair is in the supine position.

Although a carriage 40 having channels 66 formed in outwardly facing surfaces 49 of the upright pivot plates 56 to receive corresponding rollers extending from inwardly facing surfaces 101 of the upright plates 72 is shown, it is recognized that the channels 66 can be formed in the inwardly facing surfaces 47 of the pivot plates and receive rollers extending from the outwardly facing surfaces 103 of the upright plates. In this implementation, the minimum distance between the inwardly facing surfaces 47 of the upright pivot plates 56 must be greater than the maximum distance between the outwardly facing surfaces 103 of the upright plates 72.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, movement of the seat assembly 100 between a generally upright position and a generally reclining or supine position relative to the carriage 40 can be controlled by an actuator, such as linear actuator 80, moveably coupled to the carriage and the seat member 70. The linear actuator 80 has a telescopic end, or ram, 82 and an anchor end 84. At least a portion of the telescopic end 82 may be propelled from or retracted within a portion of the anchor end 84. The anchor end 84, which is movably attached to an anchor point, such as an attachment point on the top surface 57 of support plate 54 proximate the front edge 60 of the plate, moves, e.g., extends or retracts, the telescopic end 82 by any of various methods or devices, such as, but not limited to, hydraulic methods, pneumatic methods, electric motor devices or the like, into a desired position in relation to the anchor end 84. The telescopic end 82 can be movably attached to an anchor point, such as an attachment point on the bottom surface 118 of the seat member plate 112 proximate the back edge 121 of the plate. In some embodiments, the linear actuator 80 can be a model Electrak 050 linear actuator made by Danaher Motion of Wood Dale, Ill.

As shown in FIG. 10, the actuator 80 can, by telescoping or retracting its telescopic end 82, pivot the seat member 70, and thus the seat assembly 100, between the upright and supine positions. In this manner, the computer chair 10 is capable of changing or altering the angle of incidence of the seat assembly 100 relative to the stand 20 to provide, in some embodiments, a comfortable and ergonomic overall positioning of the body of the user during operation of the chair. Furthermore, the actuator 80 may be connected to the controller 300 for operator control, automatic control by the controller, or both.

Referring particularly to FIG. 7, the plate 112 can further include at least one seat cutout 122 extending from the top surface 117 to the bottom surface 118. The seat cutout 122 can be located proximate the back edge 121 of the plate 112 and be sized to receive and allow for movable passage of at least a portion of a back member 150 (see FIG. 12). More particularly, the seat cutout 122 can be generally rectangular shaped having a width dimension and a length dimension.

In some embodiments, the seat member 70 can also include a seat cushion 114 attached to and supported on the top surface 117 of the plate 112. The seat member 70 can have any of a variety of shapes, such as generally rectangular, and have a width dimension and a length dimension. In at least one embodiment, the cushion 114 could be located between the front edge 120 and the seat cutout 122. The seat member 70 can be made of an at least partially resilient material to provide a comfortable surface upon which an operator's upper legs and buttocks can be supported.

The seat member 70 includes a set of seat rails 116 affixed to the top surface 117 of the plate 112. Each rail 116 can include a length of rigid material, such as metal, having a foot portion adjoining the top surface 117, a web portion extending from the foot portion and a head portion atop the web portion. The rails 116 can be positioned on the plate 112 proximate a respective side edge 119 of the plate 112 such that the rails extend parallel to each other and, in some embodiments, the side edges 119 of the plate. The rails 116 can also be positioned such that one end of each seat rail 116 is proximate, such as abutting or being flush with, the back edge 121 of the plate and the opposite end of each seat rail terminates at a location intermediate the seat cushion 114 and the seat cutout 122 such that at least a portion of each rail 116 extends the length of the seat cutout 122.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, in one particular embodiment, the back member 150 includes a back frame plate 155, two stiffeners 156, a set of two back frame rails 158 and two attachment brackets 160. The back frame plate 155 can have a generally rectangular and substantially planar shape with a front side 164, a back side 165 generally opposite the front side, a top edge 166, a bottom edge 167 generally opposite the top edge and two side edges 168 extending between the top and bottom edges. The back frame plate 155 can also have at least three cutouts, such as, for example, a first back frame cutout 169, a second back frame cutout 170 and a third back frame cutout 172, extending between the front side and back side. As will be described in more detail below, the back frame cutouts 169, 170, 172 can each have a generally elongate shape and facilitate attachment to and passage of various actuators.

In certain embodiments, stiffeners 156 are attached to the back frame plate 155 to reduce or prevent warping or flexing of the back frame plate 155 when under load or stress during operation. The stiffeners 156 can be metal plates having a substantially elongate planar shape and attached to respective side edge 168 of the back frame plate 155 such that the stiffeners extend generally transversely relative to the front and back sides, 164, 165, respectively, of the frame plate. The stiffeners 156 can extend a substantial distance along the side edges 168 of the back frame plate. For example, as illustrated, the stiffeners extend from the top edge 166 to the bottom edge 167.

The back frame rails 158 can have the same features as the seat rails 116 and are attached to an outwardly facing side surface of a respective stiffener 156. The back frame rails 158 can extend substantially parallel to the front and back sides 164, 165 a substantial length of the stiffener 156. In some implementations, the back frame rails 158 can extend along the stiffener 156 from a location proximate the top edge 166 of the back frame plate 155 to a location a distance away from the bottom edge 167 of the back frame plate.

The attachment brackets 160 each have a foot portion 174, an upright support portion 176 and a rail attachment mechanism. The foot portion 174 is fixedly attached to the rail attachment mechanism, which can be a linear bearing, such as linear bear 178, which, in at least one embodiment, can be a model 500 series, e.g., 511 Style B, as supplied by Danaher Motion of Wood Dale, Ill. The upright support portion 176 of each attachment bracket 160 receives and is secured to a respective stiffener 156 proximate a bottom portion of the frame plate and, in some cases, projects downward from the stiffener 156 past the bottom edge 167 of the back frame plate 155.

The upright support portions 176 of the attachment brackets 160 are attached to each stiffener 156 such that the foot portions 174 substantially point inwardly towards each other and linear bearings 178, which are attached to an underside of each foot portion 174, are oriented so to slideably receive at least a portion of a respective seat rail 116. In this manner, the linear bearings 178 interact with the seat rails 116 to provide a movable connection between the seat member 70 and the back member 150. Such a movable connection allows the back member 150, and more particularly, the back frame plate 155, to move generally translationally over and linearly along the top surface 117 of the seat member plate 112. In this manner, the length of the seat member 70 can be adjusted, i.e., increased and decreased, to accommodate different upper leg lengths of different operators.

As shown, in some implementations, the upright support portions 176 of the attachment brackets 160 can be angled relative to the foot portions 174 such that when upright support portions are attached to the back member 150, the back member is correspondingly angled relative to the top surface 117 of the seat member plate 112. The upright support portions 176 can be angled to place the back member 150 at a predetermined angle, e.g., 100° in some embodiments, relative to the seat member plate 112, and thus the seat member 70, to support a user's back in an ergonomically proper spine position relative to the user's upper legs.

In at least one embodiment, the back frame plate 155 can include a back frame actuator attachment point 173, such as a downwardly oriented projection or tab, extending from the bottom edge 167 of the back frame plate. The back frame actuator attachment point 173 can be used to assist in the linear or translational movement of the back member 150 relative to the seat member 70. Referring to FIG. 12, when the back member 150 is moveably mounted to the seat rails 116 of the seat member 70, at least a portion of the back frame actuator attachment point 173 protrudes through the seat cutout 122 and beyond the bottom surface 118 of the plate 112 of the seat member 70. A back frame actuator, such as linear actuator 162, which can have features similar to linear actuator 80, can be attached by its telescopic end 165 to the portion of the back frame actuator attachment point 173 protruding through the seat cutout 122. The anchor end 163 of the actuator 162 is attached to the bottom surface 118 of the seat member plate 112. In this manner, the back frame actuator 162 can be activated to move the back member 150 linearly along the set of seat rails 116 on the seat member 70. Accordingly, the back member 150 can be adjustably moved relative to the seat member 70 by activating the back frame actuator 162 to generally meet the operator's upper leg length.

In at least one embodiment, the back frame actuator 162 may be electrically connected to the controller 300. Such a configuration may allow a particular operator to enter data into the controller 300 to initially set the position of the back member 150 relative to the seat member 70, such as to provide for the operator's ergonomic comfort and support. In the event the configuration of the chair station 10 has been subsequently altered, this data may be retained in the controller 300 and later retrieved to reset the back member 150 to the preset position when the particular operator, or another operator, later uses the computer chair 10.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 13, the calf support 130 can include a calf support frame 132, calf cushion 134 and calf support actuator 136. The calf support frame 132 can be, for example, substantially planar and have a substantially rectangular shape with a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface and four side edges around a periphery of the frame. A calf support cushion 134 can be attached to the top surface of the calf frame 132 to provide support to at least a portion of an operator's legs. One end of the calf frame 132 can be movably attached, such as by suitable hinges, e.g., hinge 83, hinge 101 (see FIG. 23) or other attachment devices, to one or more edges, such as side edges 119 or front edge 120, of the seat member plate 112. The calf support actuator 136, which can be a linear actuator similar to linear actuator 81, can be attached to an underside of the calf support frame 132 at one end and anchored to the bottom surface 118 of the seat member plate 112 at another end.

The hinged, pivotal or otherwise movable attachment of the calfsupport 130 to the seat 110 and the movement provided by the calf support actuator 136 allow an angle of incidence 0 of the calf support 130, i.e., the angle between the top surface 117 of the seat member plate 112 and the top surface of the calf support frame 132, to be adjusted. In at least one embodiment, the calf support 130 can move within an angle of incidence range of negative 55° relative to the plane of the seat member 70. Accordingly, the calf support 130 can be adjustably positioned relative to the seat member 70 by activating the actuator 136 to provide comfortable and ergonomic leg support for a user of the chair station 10.

In at least one embodiment, the calf support actuator 136 can be connected to the controller 300. In some implementations, at least one of or both the operator, through a computer interface, can activate the controller 300 to command the calf support actuator 136 and the controller 300 can automatically control the calf support actuator through a software program. In the latter instance, the controller 300 can activate the calf support actuator 136 according to random, pseudo random or regularly schedules, e.g., without operator intervention. Such scheduling of movement of the calf support 130 via the calf support actuator 136 and controller 300 moves at least a portion of an operator's legs to promote proper blood circulation in the operator's legs during long time use of the computer chair, which can aid in reducing the possibility of the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis and other aliments. These automated movements of the calf support 130 may also have beneficial ergonomic value in stimulating muscles that may support the operator's body in a reclining position.

Armrest Member

As shown in FIGS. 14-17, 21 and 22, moveable armrest member 153 can include two arm supports 182, an arm support tie plate 183, linear bearings 178, a support table 180 and an armrest actuator 189.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 16, each arm support 182 can include a generally L-shaped metal arm support frame 184. The frame 184 can have a first upper arm support portion 107 and a second lower arm support portion 109 longer than and extending generally transversely from the first upper arm support portion. The first upper arm support portion 107 of each frame 184 can be fixedly mounted to a front surface 196 of the arm support tie plate 183 proximate to a respective end portion 200 of tie plate.

In at least some embodiments, each support frame 184 can be substantially surrounded by a generally L-shaped cushion, such as padding 185. In some implementations, the padding 185 is further surrounded by upholstery 186. Each arm support 182 can include a front end 187, a back end 188, a bottom 190, and a top 192. The top 192 of each arm support 182 adjacent the second lower arm support portion 109 can support at least a portion, such as a lower portion, of an operator's arm. The foot of each arm support, i.e., the portion of the arm support 182 adjacent the first upper arm support portion 107, can support the operator's elbow and at least a portion of the operator's upper arm.

Arm supports configured in this manner can provide particular benefits. For example, when the seat assembly 100 is placed in a substantially supine position, at least the foot portions of the arm supports 182 can prevent the operator's arm from falling off the arm support due to gravity.

As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the arm support tie plate 183 can be substantially planar and have a generally elongate rectangular shape with a front side 196, a back side 198 generally opposite the front side and two end portions 200. In one embodiment, linear bearings 178 can be fixedly attached to a respective L-shaped bearing support plate 202. Each bearing support plate 202 can have a first portion fixedly attached to the front side 196 of the arm support tie plate 183 proximate a respective end portion 200 and a second portion extending generally transversely from the first portion and away from the front side of the arm support tie plate adjacent a respective arm support 182. Accordingly, when attached to the bearing support plates 202, the bearings 178 are located proximate respective end portions 200 of the arm support tie plate 183. Further, although not particularly shown, the linear bearings 178 may be attached directly to the arm support tie plate 183 without a bearing support plate 202.

Generally, each linear bearing 178 is positioned proximate to a respective end 200 of the front side 196 of the arm support tie plate 183 so that the linear bearing 178 is in position to moveably engage at least a portion of a respective back frame rail 158. The interaction of the linear bearings 178 with the back frame rails 158 allow the arm support tie plate 183, and hence the armrest member 153 including the arm supports 182, to move in a substantially linear direction parallel to the plane of the back frame plate 155. In at least one embodiment, the attachment brackets 160 can act as a stop to prevent further downwardly directed movement of the arm support tie plate 183 and the moveable armrest 153 towards the seat member 70.

In at least some embodiments, the support table 180 can be substantially planar and, in certain implementations, have a generally elongate shape with a first end and a second end generally opposite the first end. The support table 180 can be used to support computer user interface equipment 14, such as, for example, user input devices, e.g., touchpad, keyboard, mice, etc. In at least one embodiment, the support table 180 can include connection points, e.g., USB ports and the like, to allow the computer user interface equipment 14 and the like to be connected to the controller 300. The support table 180 could be supported by the front ends of the two arm supports 182. In some embodiments, the support table 180 can be curved, such as in a boomerang-shape.

The front end 187 of each arm support 182 could be used to substantially support and secure the support table 180. For example, the first end of the support table 180 can be pivotally connected to one of the arm supports 182 proximate its front end 187 via conventional coupling techniques. The second end of the support table 180 can be removably secured to the other of the arm supports 182 proximate its front end 187 by being removable received in a substantially horizontal slot 194 formed in the front end.

The above described configuration allows an operator to manually, or otherwise, move the support table 180 by pivoting the table about the front end 187 of one arm support 182 to move the table away from and towards the other arm support 182. For example, the support table 180 could be moved away from a closed position, i.e., a position in which the second end of the support table 180 is engaged with the slot 194 and the table is substantially in front of the back member 150, into an open position, i.e., the second end of the support table is removed out of engagement with the slot 194 and moved substantially away from the slot, to allow the operator to ingress or egress the seat assembly 100. Once seated in the computer chair 10, the operator could then move, such as by swinging or pivoting, the support table 180 back into the closed position generally in front of the back member 150 and over at least a portion of the seat member 70 such that both arm supports 182 again support the support table 180.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 22, an armrest actuator 189, which in at least one embodiment could be a linear actuator, such as linear actuator 80 as discussed above, may be connected to the arm support tie plate 183 and the back frame plate 155. More specifically, an anchor end 203 of the actuator 189 may be movably attached to a top edge of the first back frame cutout 169 of the back frame plate 155 while the telescopic end 201 may be movably attached to a connection point 209 formed on an upper edge of the arm support tie plate 183. The actuator can be activated to linearly move the arm support plate 183, and hence the armrest member 153, along the back frame rails 158 relative to the back member 150. In this setup, at least a portion of the armrest actuator 189 may be located and move within at least a portion of the first back frame cutout 169 during operation of the armrest member 153. In at least one embodiment, the armrest actuator 189 can move the armrest member 153 generally vertically through approximately 4 inches of travel along the back frame rails 158.

In at least one embodiment, the armrest actuator 189 may be connected to the controller 300. This may allow the operator to enter data into the controller 300 to initially set the position, e.g., height, of the armrest member 153 relative to the seat member 70 to take into account the operator's height and the length of the operator's upper arms for providing ergonomic comfort and support for the particular operator. This data may be retained in the controller 300 and later retrieved to reset the armrest member 153 back to the preset position when the particular operator, or another operator, later uses the computer chair 10.

Visual Interface Support Member

Referring now to FIGS. 18-22, the visual interface support member 154 can include a visual interface support tie plate 214, a visual interface support bar member 206 and a head support 216. The visual interface support tie plate 214, which may be made from a rigid material, such as a metal, and have a generally rectangular planar shape, can include a front surface 220, a back surface 221 surface generally opposite the front surface, a top edge 222, a bottom edge 223 generally opposite the top edge and two side edges 224 intermediate and extending generally transversely to the top and bottom edges. In one possible embodiment, a central portion of the bottom edge 223 intermediate the two sides edges can have a recess 225 extending upwardly from the bottom edge. As shown, the recess 225 can have a generally triangular shape with a flattened top edge 226 that can be used to movably anchor an end of an actuator.

In one embodiment, two sets of spaced-apart linear bearings 178 are coupled to the visual interface support tie plate 214 via bearing supports 218 attached to the plate. In some embodiments, however, the linear bearings 178 can be attached directly to the visual interface support tie plate 214. The bearing supports 218 could be L-shaped metal brackets with a first portion affixed to the back surface 221 of visual interface support tie plate 214 at approximately each of the respective corners of the back surface 221 and a second portion extending transversely from the first portion projecting outwardly from the back 221. The linear bearings 178 are fixedly attached to the bearing supports 218 and face each other. In this orientation, the bearings 178 can be moveably attached to at least a portion of a respective back frame rail 158 of the back frame 150. In this manner, the two linear bearings 178 can facilitate slidable or linear movement the visual interface support tie plate 214 in direction substantially parallel to the plane of the back frame plate 155.

Like the armrest member 153, the visual interface support member 154 can be movably attached to the set of back frame rails 158 via bearing supports 218 and linear bearings 178. However, in the illustrated embodiments, since the bearing supports 218 and linear bearings 178 are attached to the back surface of the visual interface support tie plate 214, the visual interface support tie plate 214 is positioned proximate the front surface 164 of the back frame plate 155, rather than the back surface 165.

The support frame actuator 210 can be connected to both the visual interface support tie plate 214 and the back frame plate 155. In at least in one embodiment, the support frame actuator 210 can be a linear actuator, such as linear actuator 80 discussed above. The anchor end 213 of the actuator 210 is attached to the lower end of the second back frame cutout 170 of the back frame plate 155 and the telescopic end 211 of the actuator is attached to the top edge 226 of the recess 225 of the visual interface support tie plate 214. In this manner, the second back frame cutout 170 allows passage of at least a portion of the support frame actuator 210 through the back frame plate 155 to reach and connect to the visual interface support tie plate 214. Accordingly, the support frame actuator 210 can be activated to slideably move the visual interface support tie plate 214, and hence visual interface support member 154, relative to the back frame plate 155.

The visual interface support bar member 206 can support computer user interface equipment 14, such as visual interface devices, e.g., computer monitors, LED screens, LTD screens, CRT, plasma screens, and the like, at a proper distance and elevation from the operator's head. For example, the support bar member 206 can include a generally tubular support bar 228 and a support bar actuator 208 coupled to the support bar. The support bar 228 is pivotally coupled to the visual interface support tie plate 214. The support bar actuator 208 can be connected to both the support bar 228 and the visual interface support tie plate 214 to pivotally move the support bar 228 relative to the visual interface support tie plate.

In the illustrated embodiments, support bar member 206 can include a support bar 228 having a generally D-shape with a substantially straight back side 234 and an at least partially curved front side 232. In some embodiments, the curved front side 232 includes first portions 242 extending transversely from respective ends of the straight back side 234 and second portions 244 extending from the first portions at an angle with respect to the first portion at first ends and connected to each other at second ends. As shown, a crank 236 can be attached to and extend generally transversely away from the back side 234 of the support bar 228.

The support bar 228 is coupled to the visual interface support tie plate 214 by a pair of support bar mounts 230. Each support bar mount 230 can be attached to the back surface 221 of the support tie plate 214 proximate a respective corner adjacent the top edge 222 of the back surface of the support tie plate 214. The support bar mounts 230 can each include a bearing 238 to pivotally secure the straight back side 234 within the support bar mounts. In this manner, the front side 232 of the support bar 228 can pivot about the back side 234 of the support bar (see FIG. 19). The support bar mounts 230 extend generally transversely away from the back surface 221 of the visual interface support tie plate 214 and hold the bearings 238 away from the back surface such that the back side 234 of the support bar 228 is positioned away from the back side 234 of the support tie plate 214. When secured by the bearings 238, the front side 232 of the support bar 228 can be located frontward of the visual interface support tie plate 214 and the back side 234 can be located rearward of the back side 165 of the back frame plate 155.

In at least one embodiment, movement of the support bar 228 can be controlled by an actuator, such as support bar actuator 208, which in at least one instance is a linear actuator, such as linear actuator 80 described above. The support bar actuator 208 can have an anchor end 215 moveably attached to the visual interface support tie plate proximate the bottom edge 223 of the tie plate. The telescopic end 217 can be movably attached to the crank 236 of the support bar 228. Movement of the telescopic end 218 relative to the anchor end 215 moves the crank 236, which results in rotation of the back side 234 of the support bar 228 and thus rotation of the front side 232 of the support bar about the back side.

As shown in FIG. 18, in at least one operational position, such as a closed position, the front side 232 of the support bar 228 could rest at a substantially 90° angle to the plane of the back frame plate 155 and thus the visual interface support tie plate 214. In some embodiments, the angle of the front side 232 of the support bar 228 when the bar is in the closed position can be adjusted by up to 10°, i.e., between approximately 80° and 100° relative to the plane of the back frame plate 155 and tie plate 214, depending on the individual operator's viewing comfort. As shown in FIG. 19, the front side 232 of the support bar 228 could rotate upwardly a predetermined angle from the closed position to a non-operational position, such as an open position. In some embodiments, the predetermined angle can be approximately 55° as shown to clear, or extend rearward of, the front side 164 of the back frame plate 155 and allow the operator to ingress and egress the computer chair 10. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the front side 232 of the support bar 228 can pivot a total of approximately 65° about a longitudinal axis of the back side 234 of the support bar.

As described above, the front side 232 of the support bar 228 can be used to mount various computer user interface devices 14, such as computer screens and the like. In some embodiments, these devices can be adjustably mounted to the support bar 228 so that a particular operator can adjust the positions of the devices individually, such as by tilting a computer screen up or down, for the particular operator's usage and comfort.

In some embodiments, the visual interface support member 154 can include a head support 216 mounted to, for example, the front surface 220 of the visual interface support tie plate 214. The head support can include a cushion or other at least partially resilient element to generally support and cushion the head of the operator.

In certain implementations, the head support 216 can be adjustable in one or more ways. For example, with the head support 216 connected directly to the visual interface support tie plate 214, movement of the visual interface support tie plate relative to the back frame plate 155, correspondingly moves the head support relative to the back frame plate, such as in an up and down motion as shown in FIG. 20.

The head support 216 can also be adjustable by being expandable and contractible, such as in an in and out motion away from the back frame plate 155. The expansion and contraction motion can be controlled, in some instances, by one or more devices, such as an air bladder, a cam, a lever or the like, to move the head of the operator relative to the front side 232 of the support bar 228, and hence the visual interface equipment attached to the bar. Expansion and contraction adjustment of the head support 216 can allow a particular operator to adjust the placement of the front of the head support 216 for proper support of the particular operator's head to provide comfortable physical support and a proper visual viewing distance relative to the computer user interface equipment 14 mounted to the support bar 228. By adjusting the visual interface support 154 in one or more of the manners described above, the proper and comfortable distance for line of vision operation can be adjusted to provide comfortable and ergonomically supportive positions for the individual operator.

The front side 164 of the back frame plate 155 could support a back cushion 152 which could support the back of the operator. The back cushion 152 could be placed and be generally attached to the back frame plate 155 so as not to interfere with the operation and movement of the visual interface support 154, the movable armrest 153, and the movement of the back frame 151. To further aid in this support, the back cushion 152 could contain an expansion and contraction means (e.g., air bladder, cam, lever and the like-not shown) to provide adjustable support for the operator's back. The expansion and contraction of the back cushion 152, in at least one embodiment, could be governed by the controller 300.

In at least one embodiment, one or more of the cushions 114, 134, 152 of the computer station 10 may further incorporate a massage unit (not shown), which could be controlled by the controller 300 to activate periodically to massage portions of the operator's legs in an attempt to alleviate the possible occurrence of deep vein thrombosis and another similar ailments. The actions of massage unit upon portions of the operator's person may also act to promote proper blood circulation in the user during long time use of the invention. The massage unit may also have further beneficial ergonomic value in stimulated muscles that support the operator's body in a reclining position.

In at least one embodiment, the various adjustable aspects of the visual interface support 154, e.g. those aspects that are moved by an actuator, air bladder or similar devices, may be connected to the controller 300. Such a connection may allow a particular operator to use the controller 300 to initially set the position of the visual interface support 154 and associated movable components of the support. For example, the controller 300 can be used to adjust the visual distance between the eyes of an operator and the computer user interface equipment 14 attached to the support bar 228 and adjust the height and/or head support characteristics to accommodate various heights and head sizes of different operators of the computer chair 10. This preset positioning data may be retained in the controller 300 and later retrieved, such as by activation of a biometric interface 305 (see FIG. 23), to reset the visual interface support 154 back to the preset positions as defined by the saved preset positioning data.

In those embodiments, having linear actuators with an anchor end connected to a first element and a telescopic end connected to a second element, it is recognized that the orientation of the linear actuators can be reversed such that the anchor end can be connected to the second element and the telescopic end can be connected to the first element.

Controller

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the controller 300 can include a computing device, such as central processing unit 302, having appropriate computer hardware and related software. In the illustrated embodiments, the controller 300 can include a container 304 in which the central processing unit 302 can be located. The container 304 can be attached to the back of the back frame plate 155 in such a manner as not to impede the movements of the movable armrest member 153, visual interface support member 154, seat assembly 100 between the upright and supine positions, and head support 218 and back cushion 152 between expanded and contracted positions. The controller 300 may be hardwired directly or wirelessly connected to the various actuators and other movement inducing devices which may be used to position the various movable or expandable/contractible components of the computer chair 10. As described above, in some implementations, the controller 300 can be configured to allow an operator to use the computer user interface equipment 14 to activate the controller 300. The controller 300, under operator command, can then operate the various connected actuators, air bladders, movable cams and other similar devices to manipulate the movable and otherwise physically adjustable components of the computer chair to meet the physical requirements, comfort needs and ergonomic parameters of a particular operator.

Once the computer chair 10 is manipulated into a specific configuration to provide comfortable and proper ergonomic support, the operator can use the controller 300 to store the preposition or configuration data corresponding to the specific configuration. The data can be later used to recreate the desired positioning of the movable components of the computer chair 10 when the operator is using or desires to use the computer chair. In this manner, the operator, when entering, e.g., ingresses, the chair station, can activate the controller 300 through one or more biometric interfaces 305, such as, but not limited to, a hand palm reader, a retinal scanner and other biometric devices, connected to the controller 300. The biometric interface 305, upon sensing one or more unique physical characteristics of the operator can communicate with the controller 300 to retrieve the preposition or configuration data from storage or a memory to configure the computer chair to meet the physical measurements or characteristics of the operator.

In at least one embodiment, the controller 300 can have a software scheduling program, which can cause the calf support 130 to move from a preset position to a more depressed position and then back to the preset position. The software scheduling program can activate automatic adjustments occurring one or more times during an activation interval, which can be scheduled, random or pseudorandom. In this manner, the computer chair may assist in preventing deep vein thrombosis and other similar aliments caused by inactivity.

In some embodiments, the controller 300 can have further computing capability, either independently or in conjunction with a computer network connected to the controller, to process data unrelated to the movement, positioning and placement of the moveable components of the computer chair.

In at least one embodiment, the controller 300 can be connected to an independent power supply (IPS) (not shown). The IPS can at least partially act as a power reserve for the computer chair and can be maintained by the user or operator as a stand alone device. In the event outside electrical power, such as a standard household current, which can provide power to the computer chair, is interrupted, the IPS can power the controller 300, linear actuators 81, and other similar devices, for limited periods of time. For example, if the outside electrical power is interrupted to the computer chair, the IPS can provide at least enough power to allow the operator sitting in the computer chair to activate the controller 300 via the appropriate computer user interface equipment 14 and bring the chair into the exit or open position, e.g., the seat member 70 is positioned to bring the seat assembly 100 into the generally upright position and the support bar 228 bearing the visual computer user interface equipment 14 is brought into an upright or open position. With the computer chair in this position, the operator may, if needed, push the support table 180 out and away, such as by pivoting about a front end 187 of the attached arm support 182, so that the operator may egress from chair.

In the event of an emergency requiring immediate evacuation from the computer chair or if both the outside power supply and the IPS have failed, the operator can still evacuate the chair by manually pushing away the support table 180 and exiting the chair from underneath the visual interface support 154.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 23, portions of the seat assembly 100, e.g., the seat member 10, back member 150, controller 300 and other components, may be clothed in upholstery such as slip cover 250. The slipcover 250 may have slits (not shown) through which portions of the movable armrest 153 and visual interface support 154 may protrude and move through.

According to one embodiment, an operator or user can use the chair station 10 in a number of ways. For example, a user desiring to use the chair station, e.g., sit in the chair station in a comfortable or ergonomic position to perform one or more various activities, can manually move the support table 180 into an open position if necessary and either manually or through one or more of the user interface devices 114 move the support bar 228 into an open position. With the support table 180 and the support bar 228 in the open position, the user can seat himself into the chair by placing his upper legs on the seat member 70, lower legs on the calf support member 130 and resting his back on the back support member 150.

The user can then adjust the moveable components of the chair 10 to support his body based upon the specific dimensions of his body or according to his personal preference. Adjustment of the moveable components can be accomplished by engaging one or more of the user interface devices 114 electrically coupled to the controller 300. For example, via the user interface devices 114, the user can adjust the chair station 10 in one or more of the following ways to conform to his bodily dimensions or preferences: (1) rotate the seat assembly 100 about the base 20 to correspondingly rotate his body; (2) recline or pivot the seat assembly 100 relative to the base to place his body in a more reclined or supine position; (3) linearly move the back member 150 relative to the seat member 70 to adjust the depth of the seat according to the length of his upper legs for supporting his back; (4) pivoting the calf support member 130 relative to the seat member 70 to raise or lower the position of the his lower legs with respect to his upper legs; (5) linearly move the armrest member 153 relative to the back member 150 to raise or lower the position of his arms; (6) linearly move the visual interface support member 154 relative to the back member 150 to position the head support 216 adjacent his head and position visual interface devices 114 at a desired level for viewing; (7) rotating the support arm 228 relative to the back member 150 to further position the visual interface devices 114 at a perhaps more desirable level for viewing; (8) expanding or contracting the head support 216 to support his head in a desirable manner; and (9) expanding or contracting the back cushion 152 to support his back in a desirable manner.

Once the user has adjusted the various moveable components into a desired configuration, he can save his settings in the controller 300 using the user interface devices 14. In the event the user would like to sit in the chair station and the chair station has been subsequently adjusted, the user can access his saved settings by engaging the user interface devices 14. For example, the user can enter a password or other information. If the information is recognized by the controller 300, the controller 300 automatically adjusts the moveable components of the chair station via one or more of the actuators according to his settings without requiring further actions by the user. Alternatively, the user can be identified by engaging a biometric device connected to the controller.

When the user desires to egress the chair station, he can engage the user interface devices 14 to rotate the support arm 228 and the visual interface devices 14 attached to the support arm upwardly away from the user. The user can then manually open the support table 180 and egress the chair station.

As discussed above, the various embodiments of the computer chair provide for powered adjustments to multiple moveable components to accommodate differences in the physical characteristics of various operators using the chair. Additionally, the moveable components can be adjusted to provide ergonomic support and comfort. In at least some embodiments, the operator can use computer user interface equipment connected to a controller to set the positioning of one or more of the various movable components of the computer chair according to the operator's comfort. In some embodiments, the controller can determine when a particular operator is using or desires to use the computer chair via a biometric interface for sensing a particular operator and set the movable components to preset positions for the particular operator. The computer chair could then reversibly support the operator in an ergonomic position when operating the computer user interface equipment.

It can thus be seen that the embodiments disclosed above can provide a uniquely adjustable, comfortable, and ergonomic chair station. The chair station can provide, for example, at least one or more, or if desired, all, of the following advantages:

Automatic adjustment of one or more body supporting components to accommodate one or more body proportions of a user, such as upper leg length, upper body length, arm length and head size;

Reduction of the risks associated with injuries related to immobility and repetitive manual motion;

Support for users of various physical dimensions in an ergonomic position;

Computer controlled adjustment of one or more movable components;

Automatic adjustment of one or more movable components according to one or more predetermined, user-defined chair station configurations;

Biometric or user input recognition of users and automatic adjustment of the chair station into a user's predetermined configuration based upon recognition of the user;

Adjustable user input and visual interface devices and adjustment of one or more movable components to support a user in an ergonomic position during use of the devices;

Compact design for convenient placement in small or large spaces;

Adjustment of the depth of the chair station seat to accommodate use of the chair station by multiple users having different upper leg lengths;

Linear adjustment of one or more moveable components to maintain proper ergonomic position of a user; and

Control of the adjustment of one or more moveable components by a user via a user interface device.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed chair station may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples and should not limit the scope of the chair station. Rather, the scope of the disclosed chair station is defined by the claims as issued.

Claims

1. An adjustable chair comprising:

a base member fixedly coupled to a stationary object;

a carriage rotatably coupled to the base member;

a seat assembly comprising: (A) a seat member swivelably coupled to the carriage, the seat member having a front portion and a back portion generally opposite the front portion; (B) a leg member pivotally coupled to the front portion of the seat member; and (C) a back member slidably coupled to the back portion of the seat member, wherein the back member is slidable along the seat member in a direction extending substantially parallel to the seat member;

a headrest member slidably coupled to the back member and slidable in a direction extending substantially parallel to the back member; and

an armrest member slidably coupled to the back member at a location intermediate the headrest member and the seat member, the armrest member being slidable in a direction extending substantially parallel to the back member.

2. The adjustable chair of claim 1, further comprising a visual interface support pivotally coupled to the headrest member, the visual interface support comprising at least one visual interface device.

3. The adjustable chair of claim 1, wherein the armrest member comprises a pair of armrests and a user input device support surface extendable between the armrests.

4. The adjustable chair of claim 2, wherein the armrest member comprises a pair of armrests and a user input device support surface extendable between the armrests.

5. The adjustable chair of claim 1, further comprising at least one of:

an actuator coupled to the seat member and the carriage;

an actuator coupled to the leg member and the front portion;

an actuator coupled to the back member and seat member;

an actuator coupled to the headrest member and the back member; and

an actuator coupled to the armrest member and the back member.

6. The adjustable chair of claim 5, further comprising a controller in electrical communication with at least one of the actuators, wherein the controller is selectively controllable to activate at least one of the actuators.

7. The adjustable chair of claim 5, wherein the back support member comprises at least one actuator aperture, and wherein a portion of at least one of (i) the actuator coupled to the headrest member and the back member and (ii) the actuator coupled to the armrest member and the back member penetrates the at least one actuator aperture.

8. The adjustable chair of claim 6, wherein the controller comprises a memory for storing a predetermined position of at least one of:

the seat member relative to the carriage;

the leg member relative to the seat member;

the back member relative to the seat member;

the headrest member relative to the back member; and

the armrest member relative to the back member.

9. The adjustable chair of claim 1, further comprising:

an actuator coupled to the seat member and the carriage;

an actuator coupled to the leg member and the front portion;

an actuator coupled to the back member and seat member;

an actuator coupled to the headrest member and the back member; and

an actuator coupled to the armrest member and the back member.

10. The adjustable chair of claim 1, wherein an angle defined between the seat member and the back member is fixed.

11. The adjustable chair of claim 1, further comprising an actuator coupled to the carriage and the base member, wherein the carriage is rotatably coupled to the base member and capable rotating at least 360-degrees about the base member via the actuator.

12. A computer station comprising:

a seat assembly comprising: (A) a seat member having a front portion and a back portion generally opposite the front portion; and (B) a back support member slidably coupled to the back portion of the seat member and extending away from the seat member at a predetermined angle relative the seat member; wherein a length of the seat member is defined as a distance between the front portion of the seat member and the back support member, wherein the back support member is slidable along the seat member to adjust the length of the seat member while maintaining the back support member at the predetermined angle relative to the seat member.

an armrest member coupled to the seat assembly, the armrest member comprising a user input device; and

a visual interface support member coupled to the seat assembly, the visual interface support comprising a visual interface device in communication with the user input device.

13. The computer station of claim 12, wherein the seat assembly further comprises an actuator having a first end coupled to the seat member and a second end movable relative to the first end coupled to the back support member, wherein the second end of the actuator is movable relative to the first end of the actuator to slidably move the back support member substantially linearly along the seat member.

14. The computer station of claim 13, further comprising an electronic controller in electrical communication with the actuator, wherein the controller is operable to selectively activate the actuator to move the back support member relative to the seat member.

15. The computer station of claim 12, wherein the seat member comprises a back support member aperture and the back support member comprises a tab penetrating the back support member aperture, wherein the tab is coupled to a first end of an actuator with the second end of the actuator being coupled to the seat member, such that activation of the actuator moves the tab translationally within the aperture.

16. The computer station of claim 12, wherein the back support member comprises a front surface, a back surface and a pair of opposing and substantially vertically extending side surfaces intermediate the front and back surfaces, wherein the back support member further comprises guide rails coupled to and extending a length of the side surfaces.

17. The computer station of claim 16, wherein the armrest member comprises an armrest support frame having a first end portion from which a first armrest extends, a second end portion from which a second armrest extends, and guide rail couplers positioned between the first and second armrests, wherein the back support member is positioned within a space defined between the first and second armrests and the armrest support plate such that the guide rail couplers are slidably engageable with respective guide rails of the back support member such that the armrest support frame is slidably movable proximate the back surface of the back support.

18. The computer station of claim 16, wherein the visual interface support member comprises a visual interface support frame having at least one pair of guide rail couplers and a head support, wherein the couplers are slidably engageable with respective guide rails of the back support member such that the visual interface support frame is slidably movable proximate the front surface of the back support.

19. The computer station of claim 18, wherein the head support comprises a pneumatically inflatable bladder.

20. The computer station of claim 12, wherein the back support member comprises a lumbar support having a pneumatically inflatable bladder.

21. The computer station of claim 12, wherein the visual interface support member comprises a visual interface support bar pivotally coupled to the support frame and pivotable between an open and closed position, the visual interface support bar having at least one visual interface device coupled thereto.

22. The computer station of claim 12, further comprising a carriage coupled to the seat member, the carriage comprising two spaced-apart substantially vertically extending plates each having a generally semi-circular shaped channel, and the seat member comprising two spaced-apart substantially vertically extending plates each having a set of multiple guides arranged in a generally semi-circular shaped configuration corresponding to the generally semi-circular shaped channel of the substantially vertically extending plates of the carriage, wherein each set of multiple guides is engageable with, movable along and containable within a respective channel of the substantially vertically extending plates of the carriage such that the seat member is pivotable about a horizontal axis relative to the carriage.

23. An adjustable chair station for supporting a user in an ergonomically proper position comprising:

a seat assembly comprising a seat portion coupled to a back portion and a leg portion, the back portion being coupled an armrest portion and a headrest portion;

means for adjusting the inclination of the seat assembly;

means for adjusting a length of the seat portion;

means for linearly adjusting the armrest portion relative to the back portion;

means for linearly adjusting the headrest portion relative to the back portion; and

means for angularly adjusting the leg portion relative to the seat portion.

24. The adjustable chair station of claim 23, further comprising means for electronically controlling at least one of the:

(A) means for a means for adjusting the inclination of the seat assembly;

(B) means for adjusting the length of the seat portion;

(C) means for linearly adjusting the armrest portion relative to the back portion;

(D) means for linearly adjusting the headrest portion relative to the back portion;

and

(E) means for angularly adjusting the leg portion relative to the seat portion.

25. The adjustable chair station of claim 23, further comprising means for electronically controlling the:

(A) means for a means for adjusting the inclination of the seat assembly;

(B) means for adjusting the length of the seat portion;

(C) means for linearly adjusting the armrest portion relative to the back portion;

(D) means for linearly adjusting the headrest portion relative to the back portion;

and

(E) means for angularly adjusting the leg portion relative to the seat portion.

26. The adjustable chair station of claim 23, further comprising means for supporting an electronic user input device in a position easily accessible by a user.

27. The adjustable chair station of claim 23, further comprising means for supporting a visual interface device in a position easily viewable by a user.

28. The adjustable chair station of claim 27, further comprising means for pivotally adjusting the means for supporting a visual interface device between an open and closed position.

29. The adjustable chair station of claim 23, further comprising recognition means for identifying a user and means for electronically controlling at least one of the (A) means for a means for adjusting the inclination of the seat assembly, (B) means for adjusting the length of the seat portion, (C) means for linearly adjusting the armrest portion relative to the back portion, (D) means for linearly adjusting the headrest portion relative to the back portion, and (E) means for angularly adjusting the leg portion relative to the seat portion, to place the seat assembly into a configuration corresponding to the body proportions of an identified user.

30. The adjustable chair station of claim 23, further comprising means for rotating the seat assembly about a central vertical axis of the seat assembly.