NECK CHAIR WITH ARM RESTS

Abstract

A system is provided for anatomically accommodating a user during the use of a reclinable chair. Structurally, the system includes a static frame, and a back frame pivotably mounted to the static frame. The back frame has a periphery formed by two side portions interconnected by a head portion. Further, the periphery of the back frame includes a cutout in the head portion. A head support slidingly engages the cutout to comfortably hold the user's head. Importantly, the system includes arm rests that may be oriented and positioned relative to the chair to anatomically accommodate the user. Specifically, the arm rests are mounted to the legs of the static frame through adjustable cantilevers and extension arms. As a result of this construction, the arm rests are positioned by selectively pivoting the cantilevers about the legs, and the extension arms about the cantilevers.

Description

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/671,217, filed Feb. 5, 2007, which is currently pending. The contents of application Ser. No. 11/671,217 are incorporated herein by reference. Application Ser. No. 11/671,217 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/765,784, filed Feb. 7, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to systems and methods for supporting a person on an article of furniture. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a system for accommodating a person lying facedown on a reclined chair. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a system for providing proper anatomical support to a person lying facedown on a reclined chair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Adjustable chairs for supporting people in a variety of poses are well known. Specifically, chairs commonly used around pools are adjustable between orientations designed to support people whether seated, or partially or fully reclined. Often, people choose to lie in a prone position on such chairs. However, these chairs are typically uncomfortable for people when lying facedown. Specifically, these chairs require a prone user to turn his/her head to a side. Further, these chairs often flex toward the center of the person, causing uncomfortable pressure on the person.

Moreover, a person lying prone on a reclined chair typically cannot perform activities such as reading or writing since his/her arms are constrained to his/her side. To turn a page in a book or to use a writing instrument, the person must slide his/her shoulder to the edge of the chair and hang his/her arm below himself/herself to perform the task. While this may be acceptable for an infrequent action, it typically makes reading or writing while in a comfortable prone position impossible. Further, it causes stress on the person's head and spine.

In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system for anatomically accommodating a person lying prone on a reclined chair. It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for supporting the arms of a prone person. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system for supporting the head of a prone person. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system that allows selection of the position and orientation of arm rests and a head support for a prone person. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for providing anatomical support to a person which is easy to use, relatively simple to implement, and comparatively cost effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a system for anatomically accommodating a person while lying facedown on a reclined chair. More specifically, the system is designed to accommodate the position of the person's face and to provide support to the person's arms to give proper anatomical support to the person when resting on the surface of the chair.

Structurally, the system includes two arm rests that can be placed at a desired spatial relationship to the chair. Specifically, each arm rest is provided with an adjustable mount. For purposes of the present invention, the adjustable mount includes a support member that is fixed to the chair. Further, the mount includes a base clamp that engages the support member, and defines a base axis. Connected to the base clamp is a cantilever that extends to an intermediate clamp that defines an intermediate axis. This intermediate axis is preferably parallel to the base axis. In addition to the support member, base clamp, cantilever and intermediate clamp, the mount includes an extension arm that is fixed to the intermediate clamp. The extension arm terminates at a pivot, such as a ball and socket joint, that defines a pivot point. Moreover, the mount includes a bracket that is connected to the pivot and connects to an arm rest.

In addition to the arm support, the system also provides for proper anatomical support for the person's head. Specifically, the system includes a collar that is connected to and suspended from the surface of the chair. In order to allow the person to lie facedown on the surface of the chair, the collar provides a void in the surface to accommodate the person's face. Structurally, the collar includes a pair of parallel tracks that are interconnected by cross bars. Further, the system includes a head support that slidingly connects to the tracks to allow the position of the void to be adjusted to the person's anatomy.

In operation, the person may lie facedown on the reclined chair and slide the head support to a desired position. Thereafter, the person may slide the base clamp along the base axis to a desired height. Further, for each arm rest, the person may rotate the intermediate axis about the base axis, and the pivot point about the intermediate axis to position the pivot point at a desired radially distance and angle from the support member. Also, the person may rotate the arm rest about the pivot point to attain a desired orientation of each arm rest. In this manner, the system provides for proper anatomical support of the person.

In certain embodiments of the present system, the chair includes a static frame formed from two parallel U-shaped side members. At the open end of each side member, a leg is provided to support the chair. Further, the chair includes a back frame having a periphery formed by two side portions interconnected by a head portion. Structurally, each side portion is pivotably mounted to a respective side member of the static frame. Also, the head portion of the back frame forms a cutout for accommodating the user's head. At the cutout, a head support is slidingly engaged to the periphery of the back frame.

To provide support for the user's arms, these embodiments include a cantilever rotatably mounted to each leg. Specifically, the first end of each cantilever forms a cuff that circumscribes the leg. An extension arm is rotatably mounted to the second end of each cantilever. Specifically, the arm and cantilever are engaged through a pin and pivotable receiver connection. Further, an arm rest is mounted to each extension arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for anatomically accommodating a user during the use of a reclinable chair in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable mount of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an overhead view of the back portion of the chair showing the details of the collar shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a side view of the chair of FIG. 1 shown in the seated orientation with the tray of the present invention in its stored configuration;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the chair of FIG. 4A shown in the fully reclined orientation with the tray of the present invention in its in-use orientation;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate system for anatomically accommodating a user during the use of a reclinable chair in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an overhead plan view of the chair shown in FIG. 5, with the arm rests removed for clarity;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the chair shown in FIG. 5, with the tray removed for clarity;

FIG. 8A is a cross sectional view of the locking mechanism of the system of FIG. 5, taken along line 8-8; and

FIG. 8B is a cross section view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 8A, shown with the handle lifted to allow adjustment of the position of the head support.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a system for anatomically accommodating a user in accordance with the present invention is shown and generally designated 10. As shown, the system 10 is for use with a typical reclinable chair 12. Structurally, the chair 12 includes a substantially planar seat portion 14 comprised of a rectangular frame 16. Further, the chair 12 includes a substantially planar back portion 18 that is pivotably mounted to the seat portion 14 to pivot about a reclining axis 20. Similar to the seat portion 14, the back portion 18 is comprised of a rectangular frame 22. As shown, a covering 24 formed by flexible straps 24′ is stretched across the frames 16, 22 of the seat portion 14 and the back portion 18 to provide a surface 26 for supporting a seated or reclining person.

In FIG. 1, the system 10 is shown to include arm rests 28 that can be fixed at a desired spatial relationship to the chair 12 to provide support for a user's arms. For purposes of the present invention, adjustable mounts 30 are provided to connect the arm rests 28 to the chair 12. Specifically, each adjustable mount 30 is mounted directly to a support member 32 that is fixed to the chair 12. In certain embodiments, the support member 32 may serve as a leg for the chair 12. Cross referencing FIG. 1 with FIG. 2, the components of the adjustable mount 30 can be understood. As shown in FIG. 2, the adjustable mount 30 includes a base clamp 34 that engages the support member 32. Specifically, the base clamp 34 forms an opening 36 that defines a base axis 38 and receives the support member 32. For purposes of the present invention, the base clamp 34 provides for translational movement along, and pivotable movement about, the axis 38. As shown, the base clamp 34 includes a handle 40 for tightening and loosening the base clamp 34 about the support member 32.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the adjustable mount 30 includes a cantilever 42 that extends from an end 44 to an end 46. As shown, the end 44 is fixed to the base clamp 34. At the end 46 of the cantilever 42, the adjustable mount 30 provides an intermediate clamp 48. For purposes of the present invention, the intermediate clamp 48 defines an intermediate axis 50 that is substantially parallel to the base axis 38. As shown, the intermediate clamp 48 includes a handle 52 for tightening and loosening the intermediate clamp 48 to prevent or allow pivoting of the clamp 48. Further, the adjustable mount 30 comprises an extension arm 54 that is connected to the intermediate clamp 48. As shown, the extension arm 54 has an end 56 and an end 58. Structurally, the end 56 of the extension arm 54 is fixed to the intermediate clamp 48. At the end 56 of the extension arm 54, the adjustable mount 30 is provided with a pivot 60. As shown, the pivot 60 is a universal joint, such as a ball and socket, which allows for rotation about a pivot point 62 at the center of the pivot 60. As with the clamps 34, 48, the pivot 60 is provided with a handle 64 for tightening and loosening the pivot 60 to prevent or allow rotation of the pivot 60 about the pivot point 62. As shown in FIG. 2, a bracket 66 is connected to the pivot 60. Referring to FIG. 1, it can be seen that an arm rest 28, such as a cushioned pad, can be connected to the bracket 66. In order to clean or replace the arm rest 28, it is preferred that it be removably connected to the bracket 66, such as with a hook and loop fastener.

Referring now to FIG. 3, further components of the system 10 are illustrated. As shown, the system 10 includes a collar 68 connected to the covering 24. Cross-referencing FIG. 1 with FIG. 3, the structure of the collar 68 can be explained. As shown, the collar 68 comprises a framework 70 that is attached to the frame 22 of the back portion 18 of the chair 12 only via the covering 24, i.e., the framework 70 is not rigidly attached to the frame 22. In this manner, the framework 70 is suspended by the covering 24 and may move relative to the frame 22 in a direction perpendicular to the back portion 18. As shown, the attachment between the flexible straps 24′ of the covering 24 and the framework 70 is accomplished by passing the straps 24′ through openings 72 in the framework 70.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, it can be seen that the collar 68 includes two substantially parallel tracks 74, 76. Further, the tracks 74, 76 are interconnected by cross bars 78, 80. The tracks 74, 76 bound a void 82 created by the collar 68 in the back portion 18 of the chair 12. Further, the collar 68 includes a head support 84 that engages the tracks 74, 76 to allow the head support 84 to be selectively moved along the tracks 74, 76 in the direction of arrows 86. In this manner, the position of the void 82 can be adjusted. Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, it can be seen that the cross bar 80 is U-shaped to allow the flexible strap 24′ that overlies it to flex without contacting the cross bar 80.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, further features of the system 10 are illustrated. As shown, the chair 12 includes a prop arm 88 that is pivotably connected to the back portion 18 of the chair 12 at a prop axis 90. Further, the prop arm 88 includes sockets 92 that are provided to allow engagement with the frame 16 of the seat portion 14. Specifically, a specific socket 92 is selected to engage the frame 16 of the seat portion 14 to hold the back portion 18 at a desired angle 94 relative to the seat portion 14. In this manner, the prop arm 88 provides for the seated orientation 96 shown in FIG. 4A. Referring now to FIG. 4B, the chair 12 is shown in a fully reclined orientation 98. In the fully reclined orientation 98, the seat portion 14 and back portion 18 are substantially parallel and provide a substantially planar surface 26 for a person/user 100 to lie facedown, as shown.

In FIG. 4B, it can be seen that the prop arm 88 is disengaged from the seat portion 14 of the chair 12 and rests on the ground 102. Further, it can be seen that the system 10 includes a tray 104 that is pivotably connected to the prop arm 88 at tray axis 106. As shown in its in-use orientation 108 in FIG. 4B, the tray 104 includes a leg 110 that rests on the ground 102 so that the tray 104 is substantially parallel to the ground 102. Further, the tray 104 is positioned substantially directly below the void 82 in the back portion 18 of the chair 12. Referring back to FIG. 4A, the tray 104 is shown in its stored orientation 112 in which the tray 104 is frictionally engaged, and substantially coplanar, with the prop arm 88. In FIG. 4A, the tray 104 is also shown (in phantom) in an additional orientation in which the tray 104 is substantially parallel to the surface 26. For this orientation, the system includes a mechanism for holding the tray 104 in position. When held in position, the tray 104 may be used in lieu of a chair-side table. As further shown in FIG. 4B, the system 10 includes a cushion or cushioned pad 114 that can be attached to the head support 84 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3) to receive and support the person's face 116. It is preferred that the cushion 114 be removable from the head support 84 to facilitate cleaning and replacement.

In operation, the system 10 facilitates proper anatomical support of a user 100. Initially, the chair 12 may be in the seated orientation 96 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A. In order to allow the user 100 to lie face down on the chair 12, the prop arm 88 is disengaged from the frame 16 of the seat portion 14 and is pivoted about the prop axis 90 away from the frame 16. Thereafter, the back portion 18 of the chair 12 is pivoted about the reclining axis 20 until it is substantially coplanar with the seat portion 14 of the chair 12 and the chair 12 is in the fully reclined orientation 98 shown in FIG. 4B. At that time, the prop arm 88 is allowed to contact the ground 102 as shown in FIG. 4B. When the chair 12 is in the fully reclined orientation 98, the tray 104 may be disengaged from the prop arm 88 and pivoted about the tray axis 106 from the stored orientation 112 (shown in FIG. 4A) to the in-use orientation 108 (shown in FIG. 4B) with the leg 110 of the tray 104 resting on the ground 102.

After the chair 12 is in the fully reclined orientation 98 and the tray 104 is in the in-use orientation 108, as shown in FIG. 4B, the user 100 may lie facedown on the surface 26 of the chair 12. As the user 100 lies down, the head support 84 can be moved along the tracks 74, 76 of the collar 68 to allow the person's face 116 to be properly received within the void 82 in the back portion 18 of the chair 12.

When the user 100 is lying facedown on the chair 12, each arm rest 28 may be positioned as desired to provide proper anatomical support to the user 100. Specifically, for each arm rest 28, the base clamp 34 may be loosened and raised or lowered along the base axis 38 in the direction of arrows 118. Further, the base clamp 34 may be rotated about the base axis 38 in the direction of arrows 120. After the base clamp 34 is positioned as desired, it may be tightened and locked in place. Thereafter, the intermediate clamp 48 may be loosened and pivoted about the intermediate axis 50 to position the pivot 60 at a predetermined spatial relationship to the void 82 or user's face 116, i.e., at a predetermined distance from, and angle to, a component of the chair 12, and a user 100 on the chair. In this manner, a radial distance and angle, designated by line 122, between the base axis 38 and the pivot point 62 is established, and the pivot point 62 is located at a selected axial relationship to the void 82 or person's face 116. When the desired spatial relationship is attained, the intermediate clamp 48 is tightened and locked. Finally, the orientation of the arm rest 28 is modified to the user's preference by loosening the pivot 60 and rotating the pivot 60 about the pivot point 62. After the desired orientation of the arm rest 28 is found, the pivot 60 is tightened and locked. The process may then be repeated for the other arm rest 28 so that the user 100 is given proper anatomical support while lying facedown on the chair 12.

Referring now to FIG. 5, another system 10 for anatomically accommodating a user in accordance with the present invention is shown. As shown, the system 10 is for use with a typical reclinable lounge chair 12. Structurally, the chair 12 includes a static frame 124 that is formed from two parallel substantially U-shaped side members 126. As shown, each side member 126 includes a leg 128. Further, the side members 126 are rigidly connected to one another by two cross members 130. Also, a covering 24, such as a fabric, extends taut between the side members 126 to provide a surface 26 for supporting a user.

As shown in FIG. 5, the chair 12 further includes a back frame 132 formed with a periphery 134. Similar to the static frame 124, the back frame 132 includes a taut covering 24 forming a surface 26 for supporting a user. In order to adjust between upright and reclined positions, the back frame 132 is pivotably connected to the static frame 124. Importantly, the periphery 134 of the back frame 132 defines a cutout 136 for receiving a user's face. In FIG. 5, a head support 84 is connected to the back frame 132 at the cutout 136 to hold the user's face.

In FIG. 5, the system 10 is shown to include arm rests 28 that can be fixed at a desired spatial relationship to the chair 12 to provide support for a user's arms. For purposes of the present invention, adjustable mounts 30 are provided to connect the arm rests 28 to the chair 12. Specifically, each adjustable mount 30 is mounted directly to a leg 128 mounted to the side members 126. As shown, each mount 30 includes a cantilever 42 rotatably mounted to the leg 128, and an extension arm 54 rotatably mounted to the cantilever 42. Further, each arm rest 28 is mounted to the respective extension arm 54.

As shown in FIG. 5, the system 10 includes a tray 104 that is pivotably connected to the back frame 132. In its in-use orientation 108, the tray 104 rests on the ground 102 so that the tray 104 is substantially parallel to the ground 102. Further, the tray 104 is positioned substantially directly below the cutout 136 in the back frame 132. For purposes of the present invention, the tray 104 in FIG. 5 operates in the same manner as disclosed in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the structure of the back frame 132 may be more easily understood. As shown, the back frame 132 includes substantially parallel two side portions 138 that terminate at respective ends 139. Further, the side portions 138 are mounted to the static frame 124 to rotate about the reclining axis 20 for adjusting the chair 12 between upright and reclined positions. As shown in FIG. 6, the side portions 138 of the back frame 132 are interconnected by a head portion 140. As shown, the head portion 140 defines the cutout 136. Specifically, the head portion 140 includes two side segments 142 that are substantially parallel to the side portions 138 of the back frame 132. Further, the side segments 142 are interconnected by an intermediate segment 144. As shown, the periphery 134 of the back frame 132 is formed by the side portions 138, the head portion 140, the side segments 142 and the intermediate segment 144. As a result, the cutout 136 is outside of the periphery 134 of the back frame 132.

In FIG. 6, the head support 84 is shown in phantom at a desired position 84′. For purposes of the present invention, the head support 84 is held at the desired position 84′ by a locking mechanism 146. As can be seen, the locking mechanism 146 includes tracks 147 formed along the side segments 142 of the cutout 136. For purposes of the present invention, the head support 84 is connected to the back frame 132 through the tracks 147.

Referring now to FIG. 7, adjustment of the arm rests 28 may be understood. As shown, each leg 128 defines a leg axis 148. Further, each cantilever 42 has a first end 44 and a second end 46. In order to rotatably connect the cantilever 42 to the leg 128, the first end 44 of the cantilever 42 includes a cuff 150 that encircles the leg 128 and rotates about the leg axis 148. Further, the second end 46 of the cantilever 42 defines a cantilever axis 152. As shown, the extension arm 54 includes a first end 56 and a second end 58. The first end 56 of the extension arm 54 is pivotably connected to the second end 46 of the cantilever 42. As a result, the extension arm 54 may rotate about the cantilever axis 152. Also, the extension arm 54 defines an arm axis 154. As shown in FIG. 7, the arm rest 28 is mounted to the extension arm 54. In certain embodiments, the arm rests 28 may be selectively rotated about the respective arm axis 154 for comfort of the user. Further, the cantilevers 42 and the extension arms 54 may be rotated about the respective axes 148, 152 to establish the arm rests 28 in a comfortable position for the user's arms.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the locking mechanism 146 is more clearly illustrated. As shown, in FIG. 8A, the head support 84 includes a base 156 that is positioned to ride in the track 147. Further, an adjustment bar 158 is pivotably connected to the base 156 at a pivot 160. As shown, the adjustment bar 158 includes a first end 162 and a second end 164. A biasing member 166, such as a contraction spring, is connected to the first end 162 of the adjustment bar 158 and urges the first end 162 toward the base 156. At the second end 164 of the adjustment bar 158, a handle 168 is provided to manually rotate the adjustment bar 158 about the pivot 160 against the force of the spring 166. Further, a locking bolt 170 is positioned on the adjustment bar 158 between the second end 164 and the pivot 160.

As can be seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a series of notches 172 are formed on an extension member 174 connected to the track 147. As shown in FIG. 8A, the locking bolt 170 is received in a notch 172 to lock the head support 84 in a desired position 84′. In order to adjust the position of the head support 84, the handle 168 is lifted, causing the locking bolt 170 to disengage from the notch 172. Thereafter, the head support 84 may be moved in the direction of arrow 176 along the track 147. When a desired position 84′ is reached, the handle 168 is released and the spring 166 causes the adjustment bar 158 to rotate about the pivot 160 and engage the locking bolt 170 with the nearest notch 172. In this manner, the head support 84 may be placed at a desired position 84′ and locked in place.

While the particular Neck Chair With Arm Rests as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lounge chair for anatomically accommodating a user, said chair comprising:

a static frame having two parallel side members and at least one leg for elevating each side member, with the leg defining a leg axis;

a back frame having a periphery formed by two side portions interconnected by a head portion, wherein each side portion is pivotably mounted to a respective side member of the static frame, and wherein the periphery of the back frame includes a cutout in the head portion for accommodating the user's head;

a head support slidingly engaged to the cutout in the periphery of the back frame for supporting the user's head;

a cantilever mounted to the leg for rotation about the leg axis, with the cantilever having a first end mounted to the leg and a second end defining a cantilever axis parallel to the leg axis;

an extension arm mounted to the second end of the cantilever for rotation about the cantilever axis, with the extension arm having a first end mounted to the cantilever and a second end; and

an arm rest mounted to the second end of the extension arm, wherein the arm rest is rotatable about the cantilever axis and the cantilever axis is rotatable about the leg axis to establish a position and orientation for the arm rest relative to the chair to anatomically accommodate the user.

2. A chair as recited in claim 1 wherein the cantilever is movable along the leg axis.

3. A chair as recited in claim 1 wherein a covering extends between the side members of the static frame and a covering extends between the side portions and head portion of the back frame to support the user.

4. A chair as recited in claim 1 wherein the extension arm forms an arm axis substantially perpendicular to the cantilever axis, and wherein the arm rest is rotatable about the arm axis.

5. A chair as recited in claim 1 wherein the cutout is formed by two parallel side segments substantially parallel to the side portions of the back frame, with said side segment being interconnected by an intermediate segment.

6. A chair as recited in claim 5 wherein the side segments form a track, and wherein the head support includes a base for sliding engagement with the track to adjust the head support to accommodate the user.

7. A chair as recited in claim 6 further comprising a locking mechanism to hold the head support in a desired position during use by the user.

8. A chair as recited in claim 7 wherein the locking mechanism includes a series of notches in the track of the side segments and a locking bolt pivotably connected to the base of the head support for engagement with a selected notch.

9. A chair as recited in claim 8 wherein the locking mechanism further includes a spring biasing the locking bolt into engagement with the selected notch and a handle for disengaging the locking bolt from the selected notch.

10. A chair as recited in claim 1 further comprising a tray connected to the back frame for use by the user when lying facedown on the surface, with said tray being positionable substantially directly below the cutout in the back frame.

11. A system for anatomically accommodating a user during the use of a chair having a surface with a periphery for supporting the user, said system comprising:

a means for providing a cutout in the periphery of the surface of the chair to receive the user's face when the user lies facedown on the surface of the chair;

a means for locking a head support at a selected position on the cutout to hold the user's face when the user lies facedown on the surface of the chair;

a means for positioning an extension arm at a predetermined distance from, and angle to, the cutout, with said positioning means being mounted to the chair; and

an arm rest mounted to the extension arm to establish an orientation for the arm rest relative to the cutout to anatomically accommodate the user.

12. A system as recited in claim 11 wherein the chair includes a back frame and a covering extended across the back frame to serve as the surface, and wherein the frame defines the periphery and the cutout in the periphery.

13. A system as recited in claim 12 wherein the back frame is formed by two side portions interconnected by a head portion, wherein the cutout is formed in the head portion for accommodating the user's head, and wherein the head support is slidingly engaged to the cutout in the periphery of the back frame for supporting the user's face.

14. A system as recited in claim 13 wherein the cutout is formed by two parallel side segments substantially parallel to the side portions of the back frame, with each side segment being interconnected by an intermediate segment.

15. A system as recited in claim 14 wherein the side segments form a track, and wherein the head support includes a base for sliding engagement with the track to adjust the head support to accommodate the user.

16. A system as recited in claim 15 wherein the locking means includes a series of notches in the track of the side segments and a locking bolt pivotably connected to the base of the head support for engagement with a selected notch.

17. A system as recited in claim 16 wherein the locking means further includes a spring biasing the locking bolt into engagement with the selected notch and a handle for disengaging the locking bolt from the selected notch.

18. A system as recited in claim 12 further comprising a tray connected to the back frame for use by the user when lying facedown on the surface, with said tray being positionable substantially directly below the cutout.

19. A system as recited in claim 12 further comprising a static frame having legs for elevating the chair, with said back frame being pivotably mounted to the static frame, and with said positioning means mounted to a leg of the static frame defining a leg axis.

20. A system as recited in claim 19 wherein the positioning means includes a cantilever mounted to the leg for rotation about the leg axis, with the cantilever having a first end mounted to the leg and a second end defining a cantilever axis parallel to the leg axis, wherein the extension arm is mounted to the second end of the cantilever for rotation about the cantilever axis, with the extension arm having a first end mounted to the cantilever and a second end, and wherein the arm rest is mounted to the second end of the extension arm.