TREATMENT CHAIR AND METHODS

Abstract

A chair having a seat cushion with a seating surface. The chair has a frame to support the seat cushion. The chair also has a backrest. The backrest has a backrest with a lower end adjacent to the seat cushion. The lower end of the backrest can also be supported by the frame. The backrest and the seat cushion configured to support the weight of a user. An armrest located adjacent to the seat cushion, the armrest coupled to the frame for pivotal motion relative to the frame, the armrest configured to pivot in a substantially horizontal plane.

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to U.S. provisional application No. 61/013,614, filed Dec. 13, 2007, entitled “Reclining infusion chair with entertainment module”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and from which the priority filing date is claimed.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to systems, apparatuses, and methods for a chair configured with operational and/or comfort features, for example but not limited to, general, medical therapeutic or other treatments, including, but not limited to, drug infusion treatment. Particular embodiments relate to a reclining chair that provides improved access to and from a wheelchair.

Various types of chairs have been used and are known. Complex chairs and sofas, such as electronically reclining chairs with large comfortable armrests are also known. Interconnected chairs having retractable trays, audio connections or arms are used by airlines and theaters. However, most of these chairs have not been designed for various medical environments.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention include a chair with a seat cushion that has a seating surface and a frame configured to support the seat cushion. The chair also has a backrest having a lower end adjacent to the seat cushion. The lower end of the backrest is supported by the frame. The backrest and the seat cushion are configured to support the weight of a user. The chair also has an armrest located laterally adjacent to the seat cushion, and coupled to the frame for pivotal motion relative to the frame. The armrest is configured to pivot in a substantially horizontal plane. The armrest can be configured to pivot away from the front of the seat cushion with a pivot point located near the back of the chair. In further embodiments, the backrest can recline relative to the seat cushion such that the backrest can be lower than the upper surface of the seat cushion.

The armrest can pivot to change the angle between a surface of the armrest and at least one side of the seat cushion such that one side of the seat cushion is opened for improved access. In one embodiment, the angle can be adjusted between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees. In an alternative embodiment, the armrest can be adjustable between about 0 degrees and about 180 degrees. In another embodiment the armrest can be pivotable to a position behind the backrest.

The armrest can include at least one compartment for storage and can include an electrical power socket for providing power to the electronic devices. The compartments located within the armrests can include drawers, cabinets, shelves or other structures suitable for storing objects such as, but not limited to, electronic devices, audio devices, video devices and computer devices. The compartments may include electrical power outlets for providing power to such electronic devices. The chair can have a single power cable electrically coupled to a wall socket to provide power for all of the electronic devices coupled to the chair.

Embodiments of the current invention can include a chair having a seat cushion with a front end and a back end. The chair includes a backrest with a lower end and a higher end, the lower end of the backrest can be located adjacent to the rear end of the seat cushion. An armrest can be coupled to the chair, and can be located adjacent to the seat cushion and the backrest. A front end of the armrest can be configured to horizontally pivot from the front end of the seat cushion to change an angle between the seat cushion and the armrest. In one embodiment, the higher end of the backrest can be configured to recline to be closer to the floor than the seat cushion.

Embodiments of the current invention include a method for making a chair that includes, providing a seat cushion with a front end and a back end, placing a backrest having a lower end and a higher end adjacent to the back end of the seat cushion. The method can further include providing an armrest coupled to the chair, the armrest can be located adjacent to the seat cushion and the backrest. The method may include, configuring a front end of the armrest to be horizontally pivotable away from the front end of the seat cushion such that one side of the seat cushion is opened for improved access.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a generalized representation of a chair, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a generalized representation of a chair with a table top coupled to an armrest in view, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a chair in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1A, with armrest drawers opened and an adjustable table mounted to the armrest in view;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an open drawer located in an armrest of a chair, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates example electronic devices that may be used with a chair in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A illustrates a rear view of the chair of FIG. 1B in a fully reclined position with a table top attached to each armrest, and drawers extended outward, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the chair of FIG. 1B in a fully reclined position with a table top attached to each armrest, and drawers extended outward, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example schematic diagram of a power supply providing power to each electronic device in the chair of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of a chair, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 8 illustrates the chair of FIG. 1B with a side table and a power outlet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the chair of FIG. 1B, with hinged armrests, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of the chair of FIG. 1B with an armrest horizontally pivoted away from a seat cushion and a footrest, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10B illustrates a perspective view of the chair of FIG. 1B with the armrest pivoted further away from the seat cushion relative to FIG. 10A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of the chair of FIG. 1B with the armrest pivoted away from the seat cushion about 90 degrees;

FIG. 10D illustrates a perspective view of the chair of FIG. 1B with a fully pivoted armrest, pivoted about 180 degrees, to a location behind the chair; and

FIG. 11 illustrates an example frame 500 for a chair, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is of the presently contemplated mode of carrying out the embodiments of the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention.

The present invention relates generally to systems, apparatuses, and methods for a chair configured with operational and/or comfort features, for example, medical therapeutic or other treatments, including but not limited to, drug infusion treatment. Particular embodiments relate to a reclining chair that provides improved access to and from a wheelchair.

FIG. 1A illustrates a generalized representation of a chair 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The chair 100 can be a large comfortable chair for use by a user who needs to sit in one place for extended periods of time, such as when engaged in dialysis, chemotherapy, phlebotomy, apheresis, or the like. The chair 100 may have padding along the surface area of the chair 100 to further increase the comfort of the user. The chair 100 and the padding 105 may be covered by upholstery 105, such as but not limited to, cloth, vinyl, or leather. The upholstery 105 can be conditioned or covered to be spill resistant or spill proof to various fluids or materials, such as but not limited to, blood, urine, vomit, bodily fluids, normal saline, and the like. The upholstery 105 of the padding may be shaped using stitching, ridges, and curved surfaces to generally conform to a person's body.

The chair 100 may have a fully reclining backrest 110, a seat cushion 112, a headrest 115 and a retractable footrest 120. In one embodiment, the backrest 110 can be reclined using a remote control 124 (See., FIG. 4). The remote control 124 can be electrically coupled to an adjustment mechanism that can include a controller, a motor and/or a lever that can be mounted on the frame and using appropriate mechanical linkage (arm, lever, fulcrum or the like) coupled to the interior of the backrest 110. The controller can be configured to send control signals to the motor. The motor can be mechanically coupled to the interior of the backrest 110 through the linkage to allow the backrest to incline or decline, in accordance with control signals from the remote control 124. In another embodiment, a similar controllable adjustment mechanism can be attached to each of the seat cushion 112, footrest 120 and headrest 115 to allow angular adjustments, discussed in greater detail below. In other embodiments, known methods of reclining and adjusting a seat can be used. The backrest 110, the seat cushion 112, the headrest 115 and the footrest 120 may be covered by the padding and upholstery 105 for the user's comfort. In another embodiment, similar controllable adjustment mechanism can be attached to the seat cushion 112 to raise or lower the seat cushion 112.

The seat cushion 112 provides an upper surface on which a user may sit. The seat cushion 112 may be supported by, or attached to, the frame of the chair 100. The seat cushion 112 may be configured to support the majority of the user's weight while the backrest 110 can be in an upright position. In one embodiment, the seat cushion 112 may be in a generally rectangular cube shape. In other embodiments, the seat cushion 112 can be in a generally circular shape or other suitable shape. The inclination of the seat cushion 112 may be adjustable either independent of, or dependent on, the adjustments of the backrest 110, headrest 115 and/or footrest 120. The remote control 124 may be used to adjust the seat cushion 112. In other embodiments of the present invention, the seat cushion 112 may be adjusted electronically by use of, but not limited to, a wireless remote control, a console or buttons attached at a suitable accessible location on the chair 100. For example, for certain users who may benefit from changing their position in a timely manner, the seat cushion 112 can be lowered or raised from side to side, or front to back, according to a schedule set by a medical care personnel. The schedule for the seat cushion 112 adjustment can be programmed into the chair 100 using, for example, the remote control 124. The schedule can be stored in an electronic storage device that can be accessed by a controller in a timely manner. The controller can be electronically coupled to the seat cushion 112 by one or more adjustment mechanisms. The controller can send appropriate signals to one or more motors in each adjustment mechanism to adjust the position and/or inclination of the seat cushion 112 according to the schedule provided by the medical care personnel.

In another embodiment, the user can adjust the seat cushion 112, according to the user's preference. The seat cushion 112 may be removably attached to the chair 100 by any suitable attachment mechanism including, but not limited to, one or more magnet structures (as discussed below), snaps, zippers, buttons or the like. For example, the seat cushion 112 can be coupled to the chair using magnetic assemblies, including magnets placed at the bottom of the seat cushion and/or magnets placed on the frame of the chair 100 and further magnets or metal structures or pads (of magnetically attracted material) placed on the other side of the seat cushion and chair frame opposing each respective magnet when the seat cushion 112 is in a proper position on the chair 100.

The backrest 110 may be adjustably attached to the chair 100 such that the back side of the seat cushion 112 can be adjacent to the lower end of the backrest 110. In one embodiment of the present invention, the backrest 110 may recline far enough to be generally flat or level with respect to the upper surface of the seat cushion 112, and beyond, to a Trendelenburg position, with the head of the user lower than the pelvis of the user (such as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B). The reclining angle of the backrest 110 may be adjusted electronically by controls, as discussed above, including but not limited to a remote control 124 connected to the chair 100. (See., FIG. 4). As discussed above, the remote control 124 can be electrically coupled to an adjustment mechanism that can include a controller, a motor and mechanical linkage attached to the backrest 110. The controller can be configured to send a signal to the motor that is mechanically coupled to the backrest 110 through the mechanical linkage. The backrest 110 can be configured to move to change the angle of inclination between the backrest and the upper surface of the seat cushion 112. In another embodiment, a similar adjustment mechanism can be attached to the seat cushion 112, footrest 120 and headrest 115. In other embodiments, known structures and methods of reclining and adjusting a seat can be used, such as the ones used.

In an alternative embodiment, the backrest 110 may be adjusted to provide further lumbar support for adjusting (such as by expanding and compressing) the lower portion of the backrest 110 using an electronic motor. In other embodiments of the present invention, the backrest 120 may be adjusted electronically by use of, but not limited to, a wireless remote control, a console, or buttons as described above. In further embodiments of the present invention, the backrest 110 may be adjusted manually by use of, but not limited to, a rotatable crank or the like. The crank may be located out of the comfortable reach of the user while seated in the chair 100 such that only a technician or therapist can adjust the backrest. In another embodiment the crank can be located within the reach of the user while seated on the chair 100.

The headrest 115 may be formed in a rectangular cube shape, and may be covered by padding and upholstery 105. The headrest 115 may be connected to the backrest 110 and may be adjustable to adjust the angle of a person's head electronically, through the remote control 124. In other embodiments, the headrest may be adjusted electronically by use of, but not limited to, a wireless remote control or a console, or buttons attached at a suitable accessible location on the chair 100. In one embodiment, the headrest 115 may be adjustable, independent of the backrest 110 and other parts of the chair 100. In another embodiment, the backrest 110 and the headrest 115 may be configured as one unitary backrest and headrest. The headrest 115 can be angularly adjusted in relation to the backrest 110, according to a user's preferences. As described above, angular adjustments can occur by using the remote control 124 that can be electrically coupled to an adjustment mechanism that can include a controller, a motor and a mechanical linkage attached to the headrest 115. The controller can be configured to send a signal to the motor that can be mechanically coupled to the mechanical linkage to move the headrest 110 such that the headrest can be angularly adjusted relative to the backrest. In other embodiments, known methods of adjusting a headrest can be used such as the ones used in for example, car seats, airline seats, and movie theater seats.

The chair 100 may have a retractable footrest 120, which may have a protective covering (not shown). The footrest 120 can be located below the front side of the seat cushion 112. The footrest 120 can be configured to be pulled out in an extended position to support the user's legs and feet. The footrest 120 may be connected to the frame of the chair 100 using a suitable mechanical linkage for pivotal motion, such as but not limited to, hinges, or the like. Known structures for supporting a footrest for movement between a retracted and extended position may be employed. The footrest 120 may be adjusted electronically by use of a remote control 124 connected to the chair 100. In other embodiments of the present invention, the footrest 120 may be adjusted electronically by use of controls as described above including, but not limited to, a wireless remote control, a console, or buttons. In further embodiments of the present invention, the footrest 110 may be adjusted manually by use of, but not limited to, a crank or the like. In other embodiments, the backrest 110 and the footrest 120 may be adjust independently of one another or adjust dependent on the relative position of the other. For example, the footrest 120 may be retracted or extended when the backrest 110 is upright or reclined, respectively.

As shown FIG. 1A, the chair 100 can further include two armrests 130 (a right armrest and left armrest). These armrests 130 can be located on either side of the backrest 110, seat cushion 112 and the footrest 120. In one embodiment, the armrests 130 can be coupled to the frame of the chair 100, in a manner as discussed in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C.

FIG. 1B shows another embodiment of a chair 100. In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the backrest 110 is wider than the backrest in the embodiment of FIG. 1A, to provide further comfort to the user. The chair 100 of FIG. 1B includes a pivotable table top 160 that can be removably attached to the armrests 130. A bracket 134 can be attached to the armrests 130 and is configured to receive a shaft. The bracket 134 can include a general cylindrical tube member shaped to receive the shaft. The shaft can be attached to at least one or more support rails to which the table top 160 is mounted. The table top 160 can be pivotably mounted on the one or more support rails. The table top 160 can also be configured to pivot about a pivot axis located near an end of the one or more support rails. In an alternative embodiment, the table top 160 can slide along the longitudinal length of the one or more support rails. In one embodiment, the table top 160 can include a cup holder 162. The cup holder 162 can be formed by forming a hole in the table top 160 and inserting a generally cylindrical sleeve configured to receive and hold. However, other well known structures of forming a cup holder on a table top can be employed in other embodiments. In further embodiments, the table top 160 can pivot towards and away from the seat cushion 112. In further embodiments, the table top 160 is configured to slide inward and outward to allow ingress and egress to a user. Features described in relation to either embodiment of FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B, may be provided in any combination and are not mutually exclusive.

Referring to FIG. 2, the chair 100 may include various features and accessories including one or more electronic entertainment devices 150 mounted or otherwise supported within one or more compartments 140 located in one or both armrests 130 of the chair 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, compartments 140 include a drawer, but in other embodiment, the compartments 140 can be cabinets, open slots, or other suitable structure for supported items and objects. The compartments 140 may be configured and supported to be pulled out from the front end of the armrests 130. The compartments 140 may be mounted with suitable hardware such as, but not limited to roller-rail drawer hardware for allowing the compartments 140 to be pulled out of returned. This allows the user to receive treatment while the electronic devices 150 stored in the compartments 140 may be moved to a position for access, viewing or the like, by the user. Pull-out compartments, such as pull-out shelves or drawers can help simplify the cleaning and sanitation of the chair 100. The user may pull out the compartments 140 by pulling on handles 142 attached to the compartments 140. The user may close the compartments 140 by pushing in on the handles 142 or on a front surface of the compartments 140. In some embodiments, one or more of the compartments 140 may have a lock and key mechanism to lock the compartments in a closed position. The space in one or more of the compartments 140 can be empty for a user to store a user's personal items such as but not limited to, a purse, car keys, cellular phone, wallet or the like. In further embodiments, the compartments 140 may be locked, unlocked and/or opened electronically, such as with a controller as described above including but not limited to with the remote control 124, that may also be configured to adjust the backrest 110, the headrest 115, the seat cushion 112, and the footrest 120. Such embodiments are provided with suitable electronic locks and/or openers, controlled by a controller as described below. In further embodiments, the compartments 140 can coupled to appropriate mechanical and/or electrical linkages to open and/or close the compartments 140, using the remote control 124.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an open compartment 140 located in an armrest 130 of the chair 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The compartment 140 may be configured to mount or support electronics for pivotal motion between a storage position and an operational position. The user may pull out one or more of the compartments 140 and rotate or pivot one or more electronic devices 150 into a usable position 146 (See, FIG. 4) relative to the position of the user, such that the user may use the electronic devices 150 when the user is sitting on the seat cushion 112 and, in some embodiments, when the backrest 115 is reclined. In one embodiment, one end of a rail or hinge may be attached to an interior region of the compartment. The other end of the rail or hinge may be attached to the outer surface of the armrests 130. The rails or hinge can operate in a well known manner to allow the compartments 140 to slide out or swing out. In other embodiments, similar attachment and moving mechanisms can be use such, as but not limited, to brackets, ball bearing and the like. The compartments 140, for example, may include suitable structure that slide out, or roll out of the armrests 130 on rails 144, swing out of the armrests 130, swivel out of the armrests 130, or combinations thereof or otherwise move out from the armrests 130 of the chair 100 from a storage position within the armrest 130 to an operational position at least partially outside of the armrest.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate examples of some of the electronic devices 150 that may be accessible to the user by pulling open the compartments 140 out of the armrests 130 of the chair 100. Some of the electronic devices 150 may include, but are not limited to, iPods 152 or other MP3 players, speakers 154, headphones 158 and headphone jacks, DVD/Blu-Ray/HD DVD players, laptop computers 156, televisions, display terminals, TV tuners, CD players, radios, videogame systems, such as PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, handheld videogames, such as Nintendo DS and Gameboy, and the like. In other embodiments, electronic devices 150 may include medical or other therapeutic devices, such as, but not limited to drug infusion pumps, or the like. In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the remote control 124 may be stored in and be accessible through a drawer 140.

Once a compartment 140 is opened, the user can use the electronic devices 150 within the compartment 140, or the user may remove one or more of the electronic devices 150, such as an iPod 452 and use the electronic device 150 accordingly. In some embodiments of the present invention, additional electronic devices (not shown), such as speakers 154 or headphone jacks 158, may be located on and within the structure of the chair 100, such as in a headrest 115 of the chair 100. The speakers 154 may be connected with electrical wires that may be run through the frame of the chair 100. In other embodiments of the present invention, additional electronic devices (not shown), such as surround sound speakers or a projection screen, may be located external to the chair 100, but within the same area in which the chair 100 is located. The chair 100 may include suitable electronics configured to communicate electronically with the additional electronic devices, either wirelessly or through connected wires.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the compartments 140 may be configured to store, mount or otherwise support a control console 155 to manage and control the electronic devices 150. In other embodiments of the present invention, the control console 155 may be located in another location on the chair 100. In further embodiments of the present invention, the control console 155 may be located external to and away from the chair 100, for use by a doctor, nurse, or other third party. In yet further embodiments of the present invention, the electronic devices 150 may be controlled by use of a wireless remote control 126. In other embodiments, the electronic devices 150 may be controlled by, but not limited to, a remote control connected to the chair 100, a console, or buttons as discussed above. The controls for operating the electronic devices 150 may be the same remote control 124 that electronically adjusts the backrest 110 and the footrest 120. In other embodiments, the chair 100 has separate control devices for operating the electronic devices 150 and electronically adjusting the backrest 110 and the footrest 120.

FIG. 5A illustrates a rear view of a chair 100 in a fully reclined position. Each armrest 130 of the chair in FIG. 5A supports a table top in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The chair 100 can be reclined using the remote control 124 or using a manual control 122. The backrest 110 may pivot relative to the frame or the seat cushion 112. The angle between the backrest 110 and the seat cushion 112 can be adjusted to be greater than about 110 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle between the backrest 110 and the seat cushion 112 can be adjusted to be about 180 degrees or greater. Embodiments of the present invention can allow a user to lay in various positions suitable for various types of treatments, including, but not limited to, a Trendelenburg position, with the head of the user lower than the pelvis of the user. To achieve the Trendelenburg position the footrest 120 can be raised and the backrest 110 can be reclined to a position below the top surface of the seat cushion 112.

The chair 100 may include one or more electric power connectors such as but not limited to a standard AC socket 170 and/or data sockets, such as a cable jack, headphone jack, Ethernet jack, telephone jack, or the like, on suitable locations, such as, but not limited to the sides of the chair 100. The AC socket 170 can be connected to a common power supply (not shown) located in the chair 100. In one embodiment, a single power cable can be electrically connected to a common power supply and may have a standard AC plug for connection to a standard AC wall outlet. In such an embodiment, a single (no more than one) cable may be used to electrically connect the common power supply in the chair to an external power source, for providing power to some or all electronics supported on the chair as well as electronic adjustment devices in the chair, in common. In some embodiments, a socket 170 may be located in the rear or outside of armrests 130 at a location accessible to a user while the user is sitting on the seat cushion 112 and, in some embodiments, while the user is in a fully reclined position.

FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of a chair in a fully reclined position with a table top attached to each armrest 130, and the compartments 140 extended in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The compartments 140 or electronic devices 150 may also be raised when the chair 100 is in a fully reclined position, to allow the user to view electronic entertainment devices 150. Embodiments may be configured such that each function described herein can be controlled by a control device as described above, such as, but not limited to, a remote control 124 which can communicate with an electric computerized controller system (shown in FIG. 6) of the chair 100. Embodiments may be configured such that the compartments 140 can be moved between retracted and extended positions while the chair 100 is in a reclined position.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example schematic diagram of an electrical system for controlling and providing power to electronic components in the chair of FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown in FIG. 6, the chair 100 can have one power cord that can be electrically coupled to the wall AC outlet 200. While a single power cord can be advantageous in environments in which it is beneficial to minimize the number of electrical cords running from the chair to external power sources, other embodiments of the chair 100 may include multiple power cords. The power cable 175 may be a high grade electrical power cable capable of handling both 110 volts and 220 volts of alternating current (AC) electricity.

The power cord can provide power to the power supply 400. The power supply can be mounted on a frame 500 (See, FIG. 11) of the chair 100. In an alternative embodiment, the power supply 400 can be mounted outside of the chair 100 or at the rear of the chair 100. The power supply 100 can provide power to various electronic devices that may be housed in or mounted on the chair 100, such as, but not limited to, AC sockets 170, adjusters 415, 417, and 420, controller or processor and memory 410, receiver 424 and remote control 124. In alternative embodiments, the remote control 124 can wirelessly communicate with the chair 100 and can be self-powered using a stored power source such as a battery. With regard to the embodiments of the present invention, the remote control 124 can include user input operators, such as buttons, knobs, touch pads or the like to input commands relating to adjusting the inclination and/or position of the armrests 130, footrest 120, backrest 110, and headrest 115. A signal relating to such adjustments can be transmitted from the remote control 124 to the receiver 425, and from the receiver 425 to a controller, processor and memory 410. Upon receiving such a signal, the controller, processor and memory 410 can interpret the signal and determine which adjuster to activate.

The adjusters 415, 417, and 420 can comprise among other mechanisms, motion devices, such as but not limited to, a motor, pneumatic arm, lever, pulley and the like, that may be electronically coupled to the controller, processor and memory 410. These motion devices can be mechanically coupled, using appropriate linkage, to the adjustable part of the chair 100, such as but not limited to, a footrest 120, seat cushion 112, backrest 110, armrests 130, headrest 115 and compartments 140. The system shown in FIG. 6 allows the remote control 124 to electronically adjust each adjustable part of the chair 100.

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of the chair 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows various aspects of the chair 100, such as, a single power cable 175 electrically coupled to a wall socket, a crank 122 for manually controlling one or more adjustable features of the chair, a bracket 134 for mounting a table top 160 and the back of the backrest 110. The crank 122 shown at the side of an armrest 130 can be used to recline the chair manually. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, a crank 122 may be located at the side or the back of one or both of the armrests 130.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the chair 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The chair 100 may include one or more electrical outlets 170 and/or data sockets, such as a cable jack, headphone jack, Ethernet jack, telephone jack, or the like, in suitable locations on the chair, including but not limited to the sides of the armrests of the chair 100. The one or more sockets may be located within reach of the user when the user is sitting on the seat cushion 112 so that the user (or medical care personnel) can plug in additional electronic devices (not shown), such as a laptop computer and the like, directly into the chair 100. The chair 100 may also include one or more other electrical or data sockets (not shown) on a rear side of the chair 100 so that medical care personnel can plug in various electronic or medical devices (not shown). As a result, a single power cord 175 can extend from the chair 100 to an external wall socket 200 to provide power to the chair and devices connected to the chair. This avoids the need for multiple power cords to extend from the chair 100 to external wall sockets.

A foldable side table 300 is shown in FIG. 8. The table 300 can be used by medical care personnel or the user for example, to support medicines or other medical supplies during a treatment. The foldable side table 300 may be mounted on one or both of the armrests 130 using a support frame such as, but not limited to the support frame shown in FIG. 8. In one embodiment, the support frame can include one or more first railings attached to the armrest and a bracket slidingly connected to each first railing. Each bracket can be slidingly connected to a second railing that can be attached to the bottom side of the table 300. The first and second railings may be coupled together at a pivot point to allow pivotal movement of the second railing relative to the first railing, to allow the table to pivot between the folded position and a deployed position (shown in FIG. 8). The bracket can be configured to slide along the railings and create a brace when the foldable side table 300 is in a deployed position. In the deployed position, the side table 300 provides a table top surface in a horizontal orientation, such that contents placed on the table may be supported. The bracket can be further configured to be released, to allow the table top to fold and remain in a vertical position, parallel to the armrest. Other suitable supporting member configurations can be used to support the foldable table such as but not limited to, hinges, levers and the like. In another embodiment, a foldable side table 300 can be located at the rear of the backrest 112. In various further embodiments of the present invention, one or more tables may be mounted to and positioned at locations, such as on the sides or the back of the chair 100, for use by medical care personnel as utility tables while treating the user. In various embodiments of the present invention, the side tables 160 or the rear tables may be removed and stored in the back of the chair 100, such as in, but not limited to, a pouch (not shown) or the like.

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of a chair in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the crank 122 is located at the back of an armrest 130. Also in this embodiment, an electric AC outlet socket 170 is shown in the back of the armrest 130. The electric outlet socket 170 can provide power to an electric device that can be plugged into the electric outlet socket 170. The electric outlet socket 170 may be connected through the chair 100, to receive power from a wall outlet socket through a power cable 175 or a battery source (not shown). In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, hinges 190 can be used to couple at least one of the armrests 130 to the frame of the chair. The armrests 130, connected by one or more hinges 190, can pivot horizontally outward to open one side of the seat cushion 112 for improved access to the chair (discussed in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 10A through 10D).

FIGS. 10A through 10D illustrate a chair 100 with an armrest 130 pivoting outward in a generally horizontal plane from the front of a seat cushion 112 and/or the footrest 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. By pivoting the armrests 130 outward with a generally vertical pivot axis A in FIG. 10D located at or near the back of the chair 100, the armrest can move generally horizontal to a position behind the chair 100, to open one side of the seat cushion 112 (See, FIG. 10D). Once the armrest is located behind the chair 100, a wheelchair may be moved close to the open side of the seat cushion 112 to allow the user to move from the wheelchair to the seat cushion 112 with relative ease.

As shown in FIGS. 1A through 11, the armrests 130 of the chair 100 can be configured to have a size suitable to allow the storage of various electronic and/or medical devices. In some embodiments, the armrests 130 may also support a table top 160. In an example embodiment, the weight of one or both of the armrests 130 can be fully supported by the hinges 190 (cantilevered support) creating armrests that can be pivoted or swung generally horizontally, open and closed. In other embodiments, one or more casters or wheels 210 may be coupled to the bottom of the one or both swinging armrests to roll on the ground during pivoting motion of the armrest. In further embodiments the outward pivot of the armrests 130 can be driven by a motor in the chair 100 and controlled electronically using remote control 124 or other controls described herein.

FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of a swinging armrest 130 in an unlocked position and partially pivoted outwards and away from the front of the seat cushion 112. FIG. 10B also shows a front view of the armrest 130 partially pivoted outward. A locking mechanism 192 may be used to lock the swinging armrest 130 to the frame of chair 100 to inhibit pivotal motion when the armrest 130 is in the unpivoted position, adjacent and generally parallel to one side of the seat cushion 112 (as shown in FIG. 1B). The locking mechanism 192 can be any suitable structure for selectively holding and releasing the armrest latch mechanism, pivotal catch mechanism, cylindrical lock, tumbler lock, lever tumbler lock or the like.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism 192 may be locked and unlocked manually using manual controls located at the back of the armrest. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism 192 can also be locked and unlocked electronically using the control device as described above, including, but not limited to, the remote control 124. FIG. 10B shows the armrest 130 pivoted at an angle of about 30 degrees from its unpivoted position.

FIG. 10C illustrates an armrest 130 pivotally rotated using hinges 190 at an angle of about 90 degrees from its unpivoted position. As recited above, the pivot motion may be facilitated via remote control 124 and a motor located under the seat cushion 112. For example, the remote control 124 can be electronically coupled to a receiver 425 in the chair 100. The remote control 124 can transmit signals to the receiver 425, for processing by the controller or processor to control a motor mechanically coupled to the armrest 130 to pivot the armrest about the hinges 190. Next, FIG. 10D shows the armrest 130 rotated about 180 degrees from its initial position. In some embodiments of the present invention, the armrests 130 can be rotated more than 180 degree to a location behind the rear of the chair 100. Although FIGS. 10A through 10D show one armrest being rotated outward, embodiments of the present invention can be configured to allow both armrests to rotate outward as described with reference to FIGS. 10A through 10D. Embodiments of the chair 100, as shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, can be configured to allow a user or medical staff to place a wheel chair next to one lateral side of the seat cushion 112, to ease the transfer of the user into the seat cushion 112 of the chair 100. In addition, the horizontal pivotal motion of the armrests 130 allows the armrests 130 to hold electronics, equipment, medical supplies, and the like within the compartments 140 and/or on the table top coupled to the armrest 130.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example frame 500 that can be configured to support the chair 100. Other suitable support frames may also be utilized. The support frame 500 may include a first side panel 510, a second side panel 520, and at least one cross member 530. A plurality of casters 210 or wheels may be coupled directly or indirectly to the frame 500, for supporting the frame 500 and chair 100 on a flat surface, such as a floor (See, FIGS. 10A, 10C and 10D). The plurality of casters or wheels 210 may facilitate the movement of the chair 100. The first and second side panels (510 and 520) may be arranged adjacent to the right and left side armrests, and can provide a structure to which the hinges 190 may connect, and to which the backrest 110 may pivotally connect. At least one cross member 530 may be attached to the side panels to separate the side panels. Each of the side panels and the cross member can be made of rigid material having suitable strength such as, but not limited to, steel, other metals and alloys, plastic or composite materials. The frame 500 can be configured to support motors, belts, pulleys, levers and the like, to allow the adjustment of various parts of the chair 100. The frame 500 can also include the power supply, processor, memory and wiring for various electronic devices described herein. The frame 500 may be configured to be weight balanced such that when a user is reclined into the Trendelberg position the chair does not tip backward. Various adjusters and motors described herein can be mounted closer to the footrest 120 side (front side) of the frame 500 than the backrest side (back side of the frame), to aid the weight balancing. In further embodiments, a plurality of weights can be attached to the front portion of the frame to add weight for inhibiting tipping rearward.

In another embodiment, the frame 500 of the chair 100 may be coupled to a plurality of retractable support feet that can extend beyond the length of the casters 210 to raise the chair 100 off the casters 210, when the support feet are extended. The support feet can be attached to the frame using a suitable linkage structure such as, but not limited to, a lever mechanism configured to extend the support feet toward the floor when a crank 122 is rotated. In other embodiments, an electronic extending mechanism can be activated using the remote control 124, or other controls described herein, to activate appropriate motors and linkage to move the support feet from a retracted to an extended position. The support feet can be formed out of any suitable material having sufficient rigidity and strength to support the weight of the chair and a user such as, but not limited to, similar material as the frame 500. In other embodiments, the casters 210 may be selectively locked and inhibited from rolling by operation of the crank 122, or other controls described herein, for example, that cause a stop, brake or other structure to engage one or more wheels of the casters 210 to inhibit the wheel from rolling.

Various aspects of the multiple embodiments described above may be employed independently or in combinations thereof. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments shown or described, and that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A chair comprising:

a seat cushion having a seating surface;

a frame configured to support the seat cushion;

a backrest having a lower end adjacent to the seat cushion, the lower end of the backrest supported by the frame, the backrest and the seat cushion configured to support the weight of a user; and

an armrest located adjacent to the seat cushion, the armrest coupled to the frame for pivotal motion relative to the frame, the armrest configured to pivot in a substantially horizontal plane.

2. The chair according to claim 1, the armrest is configured to pivot away from a front of the seat cushion with a pivot point located near the back of the chair.

3. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the backrest can recline relative to the seat cushion such that the backrest is lower than the seat cushion.

4. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the armrest includes at least one compartment for storage.

5. The chair according to claim 1, further comprising a remote control device that electronically adjusts an angle between the armrest and the seat cushion.

6. The chair according to claim 5, wherein the angle between the armrest and the seat cushion is adjustable between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees.

7. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the angle between the armrest and the seat cushion is adjustable between about 0 degrees and about 180 degrees.

8. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the armrest is supported for pivotal motion by hinges.

9. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the armrest is pivotable to a position located behind the backrest.

10. The chair according to claim 4, wherein at least one compartment in the armrest is a drawer.

11. The chair according to claim 1, further comprising at least one wall AC outlet socket supported on the chair to provide power for electronic devices.

12. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the armrest is pivotable to a position located behind the backrest.

13. A chair configured to be supported on a floor, the chair comprising,

a seat cushion with a front end and a rear end;

a backrest with a lower end and a higher end, the lower end of the backrest located adjacent to the rear end of the seat cushion;

an armrest coupled to the chair, the armrest located adjacent to the seat cushion and the backrest;

a front end of the armrest configured to horizontally pivot from the front end of the seat cushion to change an angle between the seat cushion and the armrest;

wherein the backrest is supported for reclining motion to move the higher end of the backrest toward the floor.

14. The chair according to claim 13, further comprising at least one wall AC outlet socket supported on the chair to provide power for electronic devices.

15. The chair according to claim 13, wherein the angle between the armrest and the seat cushion is adjustable between about 0 degrees and about 180 degrees.

16. The chair according to claim 13, wherein the armrest is pivotable using hinges to be moved to the behind the backrest.

17. A method comprising:

providing a seat cushion with a front end and a rear end;

placing a backrest having a lower end and a higher end, adjacent to the rear end of the seat cushion;

providing an armrest coupled to the chair, the armrest located adjacent to the seat cushion and the backrest; and

configuring a front end of the armrest to be horizontally pivotable away from the front end of the seat cushion such that an angle between the seat cushion and the armrest can be adjusted.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the backrest is supported for reclining motion to move the higher end of the backrest toward the floor.