Abstract:
A lounge chair with ergonomic features. The lounge chair includes frame, a contoured seat section and an adjustable contoured back section that can be angularly biased relative to the seat section. The mechanism that permits the angular positioning between the seat and back sections includes a biasing member (such as a spring) and an actuator that can be operated with one hand, thereby promoting ease of use. A variable-position aperture formed into the back section can accommodate users of different heights. The contouring can be bowed upward to provide additional ventral or dorsal support to a user depending on whether the user lying prone or supine on the chair. In one embodiment, the lounge chair is of predominantly wooden construction, preferably from a dense hardwood.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/454,913, filed Mar. 14, 2003. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a lounge chair where the chair supports the full body length of the user to support the user in the seated or prone position, and more particularly to a chair which provide orthopedic support for the spine while lying prone. 
   Lounge chairs used to support a person while lying prone or seated and which have a back section that is hinged to allow angle adjustment are known. In one configuration, these chairs, which are often used as recreational furniture around homes, pools, beaches or the like, generally include a lightweight hinged frame that is horizontal to the ground supported by legs, where fabric or vinyl strips span the frame. At least one of the hinged sections is generally about one third of the way from the head so that the head section can be angled relative to the seat section. This adjustment allows the user to adjust the seatback from a relatively flat position to a nearly perpendicular seated position. The hinged section typically allows the chair to be folded flat and compact for portability and storage. Actuation and attainment of a preset angle between the seat section and the back section is typically effected by the engagement of a toothed rack with a substantially linear bar or pin. With such mechanism, the user must get out of the chair (or at least sit forward enough to avoid biasing the back section toward a horizontal position) and, while holding the back section in one hand, attempt to secure the rack into the bar or pin at the desired position. Only upon reclining does the user discover whether the back section is at the proper angle, and if not, the user must repeat the process again. Moreover, there is chance of injury, as the user can get fingers caught between the rack and bar or pin. Additional features, such as a fixed face opening to allow the user to lie prone while the head is supported by the opening, and lumbar support, are also known. 
   With an emphasis on lightweight, inexpensive features, the construction of lounge chairs and related furniture is such that it is not compatible with long-term use. In addition, the simplistic construction, which is often geared to low-cost devices, doesn&#39;t readily lend itself to user comfort over extended periods of use, as features commensurate with comfort-enhancement require additional support and functionality, neither of which are in keeping with conventional lounge chairs and related devices. When a user is lying prone on the chair with the head turned to one side (full lateral), the cervical upper thoracic portion of the spine necessarily must curve (torque) to accommodate the head position. This stresses the uncovertebral joints, which can initiate neck pain or aggravate arthritis. Similarly, lumbar and related support is not possible unless cumbersome pads to alter the surface contour are placed on either or both the seat and back sections. Furthermore, even with chairs that do possess user-comfort features, such as a face opening placed in the surface of the back section, the inability to accommodate users of different heights severely limits the chair&#39;s utility. 
   Moreover, discriminating buyers who are striving to maximize the aesthetic features of a pool, patio or related recreational area might think a vinyl-clad, aluminum frame chair inconsistent with these goals, especially after the chair has been exposed for prolonged periods to the sun, rain and other environmental conditions. For this segment of the market, other more robust lounge chair configurations have been created to overcome the shortcomings of the first variant. In this second variant, relatively sturdy wooden construction is in evidence, with emphasis on rigid, relatively stationary pieces that more resemble furniture than their vinyl-clad, aluminum-framed counterparts. As with the first configuration, accommodation of users of differing size and concomitant orthopedic needs are not addressed, where, for example, the relationship between the face opening and the remainder of the chair remain fixed. Similarly, where the angle adjustment mechanism of such upscale chairs requires two-handed operation, no operability improvements are realized over their low-cost counterparts. 
   Accordingly, there exists a need for a lounge chair that can accommodate users of different sizes such that the user can lay prone while minimizing discomfort. There also exists a need for a lounge chair that is easy to operate, retains portability and user convenience features, and maintains its aesthetically pleasing attributes over prolonged exposure to harsh environments. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention satisfies these needs by providing an orthopedic lounge chair which is very rugged and durable in its construction, yet easy to operate. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a lounge chair includes a frame, seat section, back section and hinge section to pivotally couple the back and seat sections. The back and seat sections define upper surfaces for engaging a user, where the seat section defines an orthopedic upper surface. In the present context, a surface is considered orthopedic if it includes contouring or shaping that provides enhanced support to a body portion, such as ventral or dorsal regions in the torso. The hinge section includes an actuator responsive to user input, an angle adjustment mechanism responsive to the actuator, and a biasing member to promote the selective engagement of the angle adjustment member to at least one of the back and frame sections. The biasing member maintains the aforementioned engagement until overcome by deployment of said actuator, which forces disengagement of the cooperative components. During this disengaged period, a plurality of angular positions between the back and seat sections is possible. 
   Optionally, the orthopedic upper surface of the seat section chair has a fixed convex (upwardly bowed) arch to provide the enhanced support. For example, additional lumbar support is available to a user lying prone on the chair. In this configuration, the arch support gently pushes upward on the hips of the user, straightening out the natural curvature of the lumbar section of the spine. This position relaxes the lumbar and avoids the uncomfortable hyperextension experienced by conventional lounge chairs. In another option, the chair is constructed predominantly from rigid materials, such as wood, where the wood is preferably hardwood, such as ipe, teak or oak. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other materials, such as high quality plastic resin, stainless steel, or the like could be used. In the present context, construction of a component that is “predominantly” from a particular material does not necessitate that the entirety of the component be made from that material, just that a majority of it be so. In such case, ancillary materials, such as metal or plastic for connectors, fasteners or particular portions of the component, can be used to facilitate proper functioning or assembly of the component. In addition, the rigid nature of the construction enables the orthopedic upper surface to be integrally formed into the seat section. 
   In another option, the head aperture formed into the back section is adjustable to allow different size users to maintain optimum orthopedic positioning. The head aperture eliminates the need of the user to rotate the neck while lying prone, thus eliminating the undue stress to the upper neck and back, and allows the upper cervical spine to maintain alignment, avoiding uncomfortable hyperextension or lateral rotational stress in the upper back and neck. Since the upper surface of the back section is rigid, the aperture (which can be formed by a plurality of discreet slats that are each slidably mounted to longitudinal support members in the back section) can be varied by moving one or more of the slats up or down the back section support members. In one form, the back section support members may define a plurality of rails that can be slotted to engage complementary surfaces in the slats making up the head aperture. In the present context, the longitudinal dimension of the chair is the one along the chair&#39;s generally elongate (i.e., head-to-foot) direction. Moreover, the numerous slats making up the aperture can be coupled together so that they move in unison. 
   In addition, at least the seat section can be tapered across the narrow (side-to-side) dimension to provide rigid support rather than the scoop or concavity experienced in the seat and back sections of conventional lounge chairs. Such a taper would allow the lateral (side) edges of the seat section to be lower than the central portion of the seat section. By being formed of the aforementioned rigid materials (such as wood or the like) and not relying on straps or fabric that stretch further downward under the applied weight of a user, the chair is easy to get into and out of. 
   In another option, the biasing member is a spring-loaded mechanism that allows the user to adjust the seatback to the desired angle without having to reach under the seat to set adjust the member (also referred to as the catch) on the frame or back section that engages the angle adjustment mechanism, which can be in the form of a generally semicircular wheel with splines formed therein. These splines can be made to selectively engage a complementary catch that is rigidly affixed to the frame by operating the actuator. In one form, the actuator is a release handle placed in such a location as to be easily graspable by the user. For example, the actuator is disposed on the back section and is responsive to single-hand input such that the angular position between the seat and back sections can be adjusted while the user is on the lounge chair by having the user grasp the actuator and the back section simultaneously. This allows the user to then lower the back section with one hand while seated, not having to reach under the back section to adjust the angle adjustment mechanism that selectively engages the catch. The tight tolerance between the frame of the chair and the back section minimizes the risk of pinching the user&#39;s hand when the back section is fully reclined to substantially flat position. In the present context, the term “substantially” is utilized to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. As such, it refers to an arrangement of elements or features that, while in theory would be expected to exhibit exact correspondence or behavior, may in practice embody something slightly less than exact. The term also represents the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. The spring-loaded nature of the biasing member assures the catch is fully engaged with the angle adjustment mechanism, thereby promoting safety by preventing a partially engaged angle adjustment member from slipping off the catch and causing collapse of the back section. By being spring-loaded, the user only needs to simply pull up on the seatback to the desired angle and the notched catch will automatically engage. To lower the back section, the user simply squeezes the handle which releases the angle adjustment member from the catch, thereby allowing the user to lower the back section to the desired position. This one-handed operation is possessive of an inherit safety element, where the user is simultaneously grasping the seatback and the release handle, causing the user to hold on to the seatback, not allowing it to inadvertently collapse down onto the frame. 
   Other options include a fold-down magazine rack situated below the head aperture, thus allowing the user to read while lying prone and maintaining optimum orthopedic positioning. One or more additional pull-out trays may be built into the frame for beverages, books and related personal possessions. Wheels can be incorporated into some or all of the legs to allow the user easy means to relocate the chair by simply lifting one end and wheeling the chair to a new location. Attachable cushions with a matching face opening can be strapped over the seat and back sections, and can be tied together or fastened with velcro or the like. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, a lounge chair is disclosed. The lounge chair includes a frame, a seat section defining a substantially rigid orthopedic upper surface, a back section defining a substantially rigid upper surface and a hinge section disposed between the seat and back sections to facilitate pivotal movement between them. The seat and back sections are couple to the frame, while the back section includes an adjustable head aperture integrally formed therein. 
   Optionally, the substantially rigid upper surfaces of the seat and back sections are constructed predominantly of wood. As with the previous aspect, the hinge section comprises an actuator responsive to user input, a biasing member and an angle adjustment mechanism responsive to the actuator, where the angle adjustment mechanism is configured to allow a plurality of angular positions between the back section and the seat section. The biasing member promotes engagement of the angle adjustment mechanism and a corresponding member (such as the aforementioned catch) that is coupled to the back section, frame or both. In addition, the chair further comprises a plurality of longitudinally-spaced slats coupled to the back and seat sections to define the respective upper surfaces. As discussed previously, these slats are preferably made from a rigid material, such as wood. Furthermore, the head aperture is defined by cut-outs in at least a portion of the slats, and wherein at least the slats that define the head aperture are slidably coupled (either individually or together) to the back section to facilitate adjustability of the head aperture. 
   According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of using a lounge chair is disclosed. The method includes configuring the chair according to at least one of the previously described aspects. In addition, the method includes positioning a user on the chair such that at least one of the user&#39;s ventral or dorsal region is supported by the orthopedic upper surface such that the ventral or dorsal region substantially conforms with the orthopedic upper surface. In addition, the user adjusts the position of the head aperture within the back section, and then places a portion of his or her head in the head aperture. Optionally, the method includes configuring the hinge section in a manner similar to that previously described. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of a lounge chair of the present invention in a first, seated position; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a rear perspective view of the lounge chair of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a view of the spring-based bias between the back section and the angle adjustment mechanism of the lounge chair; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a rear perspective view of a portion of the lounge chair in a second, recumbent position, and with an optional cushion placed on the chair&#39;s upper surface; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a side elevation view of the lounge chair in its first, seated position; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a side elevation view of the lounge chair in its second, recumbent position; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a top view of the lounge chair, 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a front end view of the lounge chair; 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates a rear end view of the lounge chair, 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a top view of the face cut-out portion of the back section of the lounge chair; 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a T-slot connection between one of the longitudinal support members and a slat mount; 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the height adjustment device; 
       FIG. 10A  illustrates a top view of a cushion configured to rest on the lounge chair of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 10B  illustrates a cutaway view of the cushion along lines A—A; 
       FIG. 11A  illustrates a person laying on a lounge chair according to the prior art; and 
       FIG. 11B  illustrates a person laying on the lounge chair according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring first to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , a lounge chair  100  according to an aspect of the present invention is disclosed. It includes a frame  115  that supports a seat section  120  and back section  130 . Frame  115  includes legs  110  and various interconnected support members, while both the seat and back sections  120 ,  130  include slats  105  with which to support the user. The lounge chair  100  of the present invention is preferably made of rigid, durable materials that require little or no maintenance. For example, frame  115 , seat section  120  and back section  130  (as well as slats  105 ) are preferably made from hardwood, including, but not limited to ipe (also known as ironwood), oak, teak or the like. Seat section  120  includes an arched upper surface  125  that through such shape achieves improved orthopedic properties. While it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other orthopedic shapes are possible, the arched upper surface  125  is convex, such that it bows in an upward direction to engage a user&#39;s legs or back (when sitting or laying supine) or stomach and chest (when laying prone). For example, when a user is laying prone on chair  100 , the arched upper surface  125  gently pushes upward on the hips of the user, straightening out the natural curvature of the lumbar section of the spine. This position relaxes the lumbar and avoids the uncomfortable hyperextension experienced by conventional lounge chairs. The arched upper surface  125  is rigidly formed into seat section  120  to ensure that its ergonomic features persist, even under the weight of a user. 
   Referring with particularity to  FIGS. 2 and 2A , the back section  130  is coupled to the frame  115  through hinge section  170  so that the back section  130  may be placed in various angular positions relative to the frame  115  and seat section  120 . As can be seen with particularity in  FIG. 2 , at least the lower portion of back section  130  is arched in a manner similar to that of seat section  120  to provide additional lower back support when a user is in a seated position. This is additionally beneficial when the lounge chair  100  is in its recumbent position and a user is lying prone on the lounge chair  100 , as the arched portions of the seat and back sections  120 ,  130  together form a continuous curved upper surface. The back section  130  includes a head aperture (also referred to as a face cut-out)  132  that eliminates the need for the user to rotate the neck while lying prone, thus eliminating the undue stress to the upper neck and back, and allows the upper cervical spine to maintain alignment. Head aperture  132  includes beveled edges  132 B to enhance comfort during prolonged periods of engagement with the user&#39;s head. The nature of the connection between slats  105  and back section  130  that gives rise to the adjustable dimensions of the head aperture  132  are shown, where the slats  105  that define the head aperture  132  are joined together by connector  131  so that the respective slats  105  (shown as a group of three, although greater or few may be used together) move in unison. In addition, the slats  105  joined by connector  131  can be slidably connected to back section  130  along longitudinal support members  134  that are in turn affixed to back section  130 . This construction permits head aperture  132  to be slid up or down to allow users of different height to maintain optimum orthopedic positioning. Longitudinal support members  134  may include an elongate slot  134 A (shown in  FIG. 1 ) that along with a complementary projection from slats  105  can keep the aperture  132  properly aligned. 
   Referring with particularity to  FIG. 9  in conjunction with  FIGS. 2 and 2A , the back section  130 , as previously mentioned, can be placed in various angular positions relative to the frame  115  and seat section  120  through hinge section  170 , where an angle adjustment mechanism  140 , catch  145 , bias member (in the form of a coil spring  146  disposed about a bolt or related pivoting and securing member) and an actuator (in the form of release handle)  147  cooperate in conjunction with the pivot point of hinge section  170 . Release handle  147  is placed on the lower (back) surface of back section  130 , preferably adjacent a lateral edge  133  to allow the user to then lower the spring-loaded back section  130  with one hand while seated. The bias introduced by the spring  146  (which is temporarily overcome by application of force to the actuator  147 ) avoids the need for two-handed operation, where otherwise the user would require one hand to hold the back section portion in place while reach under the back section to adjust a catch-like mechanism. To lower the back section  130 , the user simply squeezes the actuator  147  which pulls cable  148 , thereby pivotally moving angle adjustment mechanism  140  so that splines  140 A are disengaged from catch  145 , thereby allowing the weight of the user to overcome the bias of spring  146  and cause back section  130  to lower to the desired position. By forcing a full, positive engagement of the catch  145  to angle adjustment mechanism  140 , the risk of the catch  145  only partially engaging and collapsing onto the frame  115  is minimized. As shown with particularity in  FIG. 2A , the spring  146  biases the angle adjustment mechanism  140  and the lateral edge  133  of back section  130  in such a way to promote safety by preventing a partially engaged catch  145  from slipping off and causing collapse of the back section  130 . In addition, the positioning of actuator  147  adjacent the lateral edge  133  of back section  130  is such that by gripping the two simultaneously in order to make the adjustment, the user is further prevented from inadvertently collapsing the back section  130  down onto the frame  115  during the period where angle adjustment mechanism  140  is not engaged with catch  145 . The tight tolerance between the frame  115  and the back section  130  leaves very little in the way of gaps, thereby minimizing the risk of pinching the user&#39;s hand when the back section  130  is fully reclined to a substantially flat position. 
   Referring next to  FIGS. 4 through 6  in conjunction with  FIGS. 8 and 8A , the orthopedic upper surface  125  of seat section  120  and the complementary upper surface of the lower portion of back section  130  are shown in both a sitting position ( FIG. 4 ) and recumbent position (FIGS.  5  through  7 B). In particular,  FIG. 4  shows how the spring  146  biases the splines  140 A of the angle adjustment mechanism  140  to engage catch  145  to prevent the collapse of back section  130 , while  FIG. 5  shows how splines  140 A of the angle adjustment mechanism  140  disengage catch  145  during periods where the back section  130  is lowered onto frame  115 .  FIG. 6  shows the placement of slats  105 , and shows how slats  105  that define the head aperture  132  are supported by longitudinal support members  134  and are joined together by connectors  131  to allow longitudinal movement of the slats  105  in unison, while  FIG. 8  shows this connection in more detail. In one preferred embodiment, the slats  105  that extend the substantial entirety of the wide of back section  130  are approximately 25 inches long, and between approximately 2.25 and 2.5 inches wide, with approximately 0.5 inch gaps between adjacent slats.  FIG. 8A  shows a sliding T-slot connection between one of the longitudinal support members  134  and a corresponding slat mount  135 , where the latter may be secured to the slats  105  in a manner similar to that of connectors  131 , using, for example, adhesives, screws or related fasteners. Referring again to  FIG. 4 , a laterally-disposed tray  150 , in its stored position, is held in place between frame  115  and the space defined by the arched upper surface  125  of seat section  120 . When use of tray  150  is desired, the user can grasp it along its outer edge and slide it out to its deployed position, as shown for example in FIG.  1 . While the tray  150  is notionally shown deploying on the right side of chair  100 , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the tray could be deployed from the left side, or that two trays (one for each lateral side) could be included. Similarly, magazine rack  160 , which can be used to support reading material (such as magazines, books or papers) is hingedly coupled to frame  115  so that upon placement of the back section  130  into a substantially horizontal orientation, a user may look through head aperture  132  and onto rack  160 . The robustness inherent in the rigid construction of lounge chair  100  is such that its repositioning is made easier by the inclusion of wheels  180  placed at the lower end of one or more of legs  110 . The wheels  180  can be placed in a substantially flush fit with legs  110 ; by not projecting significantly beyond the footprint of leg  110 , wheels  180  are protected from inadvertent contact that could otherwise cause them damage or misalignment. In addition, the lower portion of legs  110  about wheels  180  can be faceted or tapered so that, even if the wheels  180  do not extend below a plane defined by the lower portion of leg  110 , they do form a slight projection relative to the lower corner of the leg, so that upon tilting chair  100 , the projecting portion of the wheels  180  engages the ground (or other surface upon which chair  100  was resting) to facilitate rolling or related chair repositioning. 
   Referring next to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , seat section  120  can be downwardly tapered  120 T along the lateral (sideways) dimensions such that the height of the upper surface is lower in the region over the legs  110  than it is in the center of seat section  120 . By having a downward taper along the lateral periphery rather than the concavity experienced in the seat and back sections of conventional lounge chairs, the present invention promotes ease of chair ingress and egress. Similarly, by having the body-engaging upper surfaces of the seat and back sections  120 ,  130  be of substantially rigid construction, and not relying on straps or fabric that stretch downward under the applied weight of a user, ease of use is further enhanced. Magazine rack  160  is shown in its retracted position in  FIG. 7B , while wheels  180  are shown embedded into the lower part of legs  110 . Referring with particularity to  FIG. 7A , back section  130  can be downwardly tapered  130 T along the lateral dimensions in a manner similar to that of seat section  120 . 
   Referring with particularity to  FIG. 3  in conjunction with  FIGS. 10A and 10B , a cushion  200  (made from, for example, foam) can be attached to the seat and back sections  120 ,  130  to provide a soft surface upon which the user may rest. The outer corners of cushion  200  can be rounded. In one form, cushion  200  includes numerous segmented seat sections  220  that can flex relative to one another, thereby conforming more closely to the contours of the convex upper surface  125  of the seat section  120 . Similarly, segmented back sections  230  can be placed over corresponding back section  130  of lounge chair  100 . In another configuration (not shown), seat section  220  and back section  230  can each be of one non-segmented piece separated by a hinge section  270 . In either configuration, head aperture  232  is formed into the back section  230  and can be aligned with the corresponding head aperture  132  in back section  130 . In addition, head aperture  232  can be bevelled  232 B along its periphery so provide a more gradual transition and additional user comfort. Ties  210  can be used to secure cushion  200  to chair  100 , and can be made of any suitable securing member (including simple string or rope-like material, or velcro). Hinge  270  incorporated between seat section  220  and back section  230  allows for flexure of the underlying back section  130  of chair  100 . In one form, hinge  270  can be approximately four inches wide and made of a thin connecting portion to minimize flexure-induced stress. 
   Referring next to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , a comparison of a lounge chair  1  without a head aperture to the lounge chair  100  of the present invention reveals differing impacts on a user&#39;s spine  5 . In the scenario depicted in  FIG. 11A , the turning of the head produces contortions in spine  5 , resulting in user discomfort over prolonged use periods. By contrast, with the chair  100  of the present invention, the head aperture  132  (not presently shown) allows user&#39;s head to be oriented straightforward, with a concomitant straightening of spine  5 . Moreover, the adjustable nature of head aperture  132  (as previously discussed) is such that users of various heights may be comfortably accommodated. 
   Having described the invention in detail and by reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present invention are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of the invention.