Modular ergonomic chair
A modular ergonomic chair capable of accommodating a variety of users and uses that includes a) a chair base, b) a support column coupled to the chair base, c) a seat base, including a seat base pivot, with the seat base coupled to the support column, d) a seat, including one or more mounts, with the seat coupled to the seat base pivot, and e) one or more knee support pads coupled to a knee support pivot, with the knee support pivot coupled to any of the preceding chair elements. The modular ergonomic chair is capable of supporting a user in a reclined, upright, or inclined position and may accommodate a number of additional task-specific components.
This invention relates to the field of chairs and other seated, support apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONChairs may be found in nearly every home or office environment where they serve important functions in increasing productivity, relieving stress, decorative aesthetics, and so forth. However, most chairs cannot provide many of these features simultaneously and are purpose-built to favor one function or purpose at the expense of others.
There is thus a need for a chair that can effectively deliver form, function, and adaptability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn order to meet the need for a versatile chair for use in home, office, and other settings, the present application provides a modular chair that can be easily adapted for a wide range of functions while comfortably and ergonomically supporting a diverse range of users and body types.
In one embodiment, the application provides an ergonomic chair with (a) a chair base; (b) a support column coupled to the chair base; (c) a seat base having a seat base pivot, with the seat base coupled to the support column; (d) a seat having at least one mount, the seat being coupled to the seat base pivot; and (e) one or more knee support pads that are coupled to a knee support pivot, with the knee support pivot coupled to one or more of the chair base, the support column, the seat base, and the seat.
In another embodiment, the seat has more than one mount. Preferably, the seat may have a mount in the front and one situated on the back, relative to the facing of a typical user. In an embodiment, such mounts may find use as coupling points for further attachments.
In yet another embodiment, the chair has more than one knee support pad. Preferably, the chair has two knee support pads. In an embodiment having more than one knee support pad, the knee support pads pivot independently on the knee support pivot, to which they are attached.
In an embodiment of the chair, a modular support member, capable of supporting one or more removable attachments, is coupled to a seat mount. Preferably, the coupling between modular support member and the seat mount is non-permanent and made using a locking pin mechanism.
In one embodiment employing a support member, the knee support pivot is coupled to the modular support member. Preferably, the coupling between the knee support pivot and the support member is non-permanent and may be made at a variable position on the support member. Even more preferably, the coupling between the knee support pivot and the support member is made using a securing means, such as a locking pin mechanism, or equivalent coupling means. In another embodiment employing a support member, a thoracic support pad is coupled to the modular support member. Preferably the thoracic support pad is a chest support pad. Preferably, the coupling between the thoracic support pad and the modular support member is non-permanent and made at a variable position on the support member. More preferably, the coupling between the thoracic support pad and the support member is made using a locking pin mechanism.
In yet another embodiment of the chair employing a modular support member, a head support is coupled to the modular support member. Preferably, the coupling between the head support and the modular support member is non-permanent and made at a variable position on the support member. More preferably, the coupling is made using a locking pin mechanism.
In an additional embodiment employing a modular support member, a work surface is coupled to the support member. Preferably, the coupling between the work surface and the modular support member is non-permanent and made at a variable position on the support member. More preferably, the variable coupling is made using a locking pin assembly.
In an additional embodiment employing a modular support member, an armrest is coupled to the support member. Preferably, the coupling between the armrest and the modular support member is non-permanent and made at a variable position on the support member. More preferably, the variable positioning is made using a locking pin assembly.
In an embodiment employing an armrest, a tray is coupled to the armrest. Preferably, the coupling between the tray and the armrest is non-permanent.
In another embodiment, the seat may pivot on the seat base pivot pin to which it is coupled so as to present a declined, a substantially horizontal, or inclined position. In an embodiment, the chair can accommodate a user in a range of seating positions from reclined, to upright, to inclined.
In yet another embodiment, the chair base has a plurality of articulating support legs.
In an embodiment of the chair, the chair base is adapted for permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a floor.
Without limitation, a plurality of independently pivoting knee pads may find use as an improvement for an existing chair.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
In the figures, identical numbering indicates the same structure appearing in different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe present application discloses several elements useful in chair design. These elements may find use individually within a given chair or in combination within a single chair. It is understood that these distinctive elements may be incorporated into existing chair designs or combined, in whole or in part, into new designs.
For clarity, elements of the invention may be easily understood with reference to the following non-limiting examples.
As shown, the chair comprises a chair base 100. As depicted, the chair base comprises wheel-bearing legs 102. In one embodiment, wheel-bearing legs 102 articulate or collapse. Articulation or collapse of legs 102 may allow for a more compact profile and portability, as seen in
Occupants of the chair are thus able to sit in an inclined, upright, or reclined position, based on the position of the seat along its pivot range. As seen in
In the embodiment of the securing means seen in
Seat pad 118 may take any shape suitable for supporting a seated user. Preferably, seat pad 118 is shaped as seen in
The chair of
In one embodiment seen in
The chair of
As seen in
The chair of
As seen in
In an embodiment of the present invention, the chair comprises a head support 138 coupled to support member 122. In an embodiment, head support 138 may be adjustably coupled by securing means 140 or comparable adjustable coupling means. Preferably, securing means 140 is a locking pin mechanism. Head support 138 provides a convenient resting surface for a user's head, when support member 122 is coupled to front mount 114, as seen in
As seen in
In yet another embodiment, and as seen in
One skilled in the art will understand the inventive aspects disclosed in the foregoing. One skilled in the art will further understand that many alternatives and variations exist with regard to the detailed embodiments presented, and that such alternatives and variations are within the scope and contemplation of the invention set forth in the claims that follow.
Claims
1. An ergonomic chair comprising:
- a. a chair base;
- b. a support column coupled to said chair base;
- c. a seat base, comprising a seat base pivot, said seat base coupled to said support column;
- d. a seat, comprising a mount, said seat coupled to said seat base pivot; and
- e. a knee support pad, coupled to a knee support pivot, said knee support pivot coupled to one or more of said chair base, said support column, said seat base, and said seat.
2. The chair of claim 1 comprising a plurality of said mounts.
3. The chair of claim 1 comprising a plurality of knee supports pads.
4. The chair of claim 3 wherein said plurality of knee support pads pivot independently on said knee support pivot.
5. The chair of claim 1 further comprising a modular support member coupled to said mount.
6. The chair of claim 5 wherein the coupling between said modular support member and said mount is non-permanent and can be made at variable positions on said support member.
7. The chair of claim 6 wherein said coupling between said modular support member and said mount position is made using a locking pin mechanism.
8. The chair of claim 5 wherein said knee support pivot is coupled to said modular support member.
9. The chair of claim 8 wherein the coupling between said modular support member and said knee support pivot is non-permanent and may be made at variable positions on said support member.
10. The chair of claim 9 wherein said coupling between said modular support member and said knee support pivot is made using a locking pin mechanism.
11. The chair of claim 5 further comprising a thoracic support pad coupled to said modular support member.
12. The chair of claim 13 wherein the coupling between said modular support member and said thoracic support pad is non-permanent and be made at variable positions on said modular support member.
13. The chair of claim 12 wherein said coupling between said modular support member and said thoracic support pad is made using a locking pin mechanism.
14. The chair of claim 11 wherein said thoracic support pad is a chest support pad.
15. The chair of claim 1 wherein said seat may pivot on said seat base pivot so as to present an inclined, a declined, or a substantially horizontal position.
16. The chair of claim 5 further comprising an armrest coupled to said modular support member.
17. The chair of claim 16 further comprising a tray coupled to said armrest.
18. The chair of claim 5 further comprising a head support coupled to said modular support member.
19. The chair of claim 5 further comprising a work surface coupled to said modular support member.
20. The chair of claim 1 wherein said chair base comprises a plurality of articulating support legs.
21. The chair of claim 1 wherein said chair base is adapted for permanent or semi-permanent attachment to the floor.
22. A chair comprising an improvement wherein the improvement comprises:
- a plurality of independently pivoting knee support pads mounted on a pivot.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 23, 2005
Publication Date: Mar 8, 2007
Inventor: Waheed Ghilzai (Emeryville, CA)
Application Number: 11/210,350
International Classification: A47C 7/50 (20060101);