Abstract:
A modular ergonomic chair capable of accommodating a variety of users and uses that includes a) a chair base, b) a support column coupled to the chair base, c) a seat base, including a seat base pivot, with the seat base coupled to the support column, d) a seat, including one or more mounts, with the seat coupled to the seat base pivot, and e) one or more knee support pads coupled to a knee support pivot, with the knee support pivot coupled to any of the preceding chair elements. The modular ergonomic chair is capable of supporting a user in a reclined, upright, or inclined position and may accommodate a number of additional task-specific components.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/210,350, filed on Aug. 23, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to the field of chairs and other seated, support apparatus. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Chairs may be found in nearly every home or office environment where they serve important functions in increasing productivity, relieving stress, decorative aesthetics, and so forth. However, most chairs cannot provide many of these features simultaneously and are purpose-built to favor one function or purpose at the expense of others. 
         [0004]    There is thus a need for a chair that can effectively deliver form, function, and adaptability. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In order to meet the need for a versatile chair for use in home, office, and other settings, the present application provides a modular chair that can be easily adapted for a wide range of functions while comfortably and ergonomically supporting a diverse range of users and body types. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, the application provides an ergonomic chair with (a) a chair base; (b) a support column coupled to the chair base; (c) a seat base having a seat base pivot, with the seat base coupled to the support column; (d) a seat having at least one mount, the seat being coupled to the seat base pivot; and (e) one or more knee support pads that are coupled to a knee support pivot, with the knee support pivot coupled to one or more of the chair base, the support column, the seat base, and the seat. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, the seat has more than one mount. Preferably, the seat may have a mount in the front and one situated on the back, relative to the facing of a typical user. In an embodiment, such mounts may find use as coupling points for further attachments. 
         [0008]    In yet another embodiment, the chair has more than one knee support pad. Preferably, the chair has two knee support pads. In an embodiment having more than one knee support pad, the knee support pads pivot independently on the knee support pivot, to which they are attached. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment of the chair, a modular support member, capable of supporting one or more removable attachments, is coupled to a seat mount. Preferably, the coupling between modular support member and the seat mount is non-permanent and made using a locking pin mechanism. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment employing a support member, the knee support pivot is coupled to the modular support member. Preferably, the coupling between the knee support pivot and the support member is non-permanent and may be made at a variable position on the support member. Even more preferably, the coupling between the knee support pivot and the support member is made using a securing means, such as a locking pin mechanism, or equivalent coupling means. In another embodiment employing a support member, a thoracic support pad is coupled to the modular support member. Preferably the thoracic support pad is a chest support pad. Preferably, the coupling between the thoracic support pad and the modular support member is non-permanent and made at a variable position on the support member. More preferably, the coupling between the thoracic support pad and the support member is made using a locking pin mechanism. 
         [0011]    In yet another embodiment of the chair employing a modular support member, a head support is coupled to the modular support member. Preferably, the coupling between the head support and the modular support member is non-permanent and made at a variable position on the support member. More preferably, the coupling is made using a locking pin mechanism. 
         [0012]    In an additional embodiment employing a modular support member, a work surface is coupled to the support member. Preferably, the coupling between the work surface and the modular support member is non-permanent and made at a variable position on the support member. More preferably, the variable coupling is made using a locking pin assembly. 
         [0013]    In an additional embodiment employing a modular support member, an armrest is coupled to the support member. Preferably, the coupling between the armrest and the modular support member is non-permanent and made at a variable position on the support member. More preferably, the variable positioning is made using a locking pin assembly. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment employing an armrest, a tray is coupled to the armrest. Preferably, the coupling between the tray and the armrest is non-permanent. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, the seat may pivot on the seat base pivot pin to which it is coupled so as to present a declined, a substantially horizontal, or inclined position. In an embodiment, the chair can accommodate a user in a range of seating positions from reclined, to upright, to inclined. 
         [0016]    In yet another embodiment, the chair base has a plurality of articulating support legs. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment of the chair, the chair base is adapted for permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a floor. 
         [0018]    Without limitation, a plurality of independently pivoting knee pads may find use as an improvement for an existing chair. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation of a chair incorporating elements of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation of a modular a chair incorporating elements of the present invention with collapsed legs. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a chair incorporating elements of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4A  is an isometric view of a modular support member of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4B  is a side view of a modular support member of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is an isometric front-side view of a chair incorporating elements of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5A  is an isometric view of a knee support assembly of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a chair incorporating elements of the present invention showing a seated, inclined user. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a chair incorporating elements of the present invention showing a seated, reclined user. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a work surface for use with a chair of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a side view of a chair incorporating elements of the present invention, including a tray for use with a chair of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0030]    In the figures, identical numbering indicates the same structure appearing in different figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    The present application discloses several elements useful in chair design. These elements may find use individually within a given chair or in combination within a single chair. It is understood that these distinctive elements may be incorporated into existing chair designs or combined, in whole or in part, into new designs. 
         [0032]    For clarity, elements of the invention may be easily understood with reference to the following non-limiting examples. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  depicts a chair embodying aspects of the invention. 
         [0034]    As shown, the chair comprises a chair base  100 . As depicted, the chair base comprises wheel-bearing legs  102 . In one embodiment, wheel-bearing legs  102  articulate or collapse. Articulation or collapse of legs  102  may allow for a more compact profile and portability, as seen in  FIG. 2 . In an alternate embodiment, the chair base is adapted for permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a floor. In such an alternate embodiment, the chair base does not comprise wheel-bearing legs but instead comprises a substantially horizontal flange, wherein are formed a hole or holes to receive screws or bolts for permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a floor. Comparable means for attaching the chair base to a floor may be substituted for the flange. In yet another embodiment, the floor to which the chair base is permanently or semi-permanently attached is the floor of a bus, aircraft, train, or other form of mass transit. Mounted on chair base  100 , is a support column  104 . Preferably, the support column comprises a mechanism  106  for adjusting the length of the support column, such as a pneumatic cylinder, and ultimately the height of the user when seated. A seat base  108  is mounted on the support column. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the seat base comprises a pivot  110  to which seat  112  of the chair is coupled, and a semicircular guide  111  that allows for control of the degree of seat pivoting by means of insertion points arranged along the outer edge of guide  111 . Coupling via the pivot allows seat  112  to pivot along an arc so as to present an inclined, substantially horizontal, or declined position. In the present embodiment, seat  112  comprises a spring-loaded pin  109 , a seat support  113 , a seat pad  118 , a front mount  114 , and a rear mount  116 . In alternative embodiments the seat may comprise fewer components or additional components. Pin  109  of seat  112  engages with the insertion points of semicircular guide  111  of seat base  108  to determine the position of seat  112 . In alternate embodiments, other comparable means of securing seat  112  along its arc of movement may be employed. 
         [0035]    Occupants of the chair are thus able to sit in an inclined, upright, or reclined position, based on the position of the seat along its pivot range. As seen in  FIG. 1 , seat  112  comprises two mounts: a front mount  114  and a rear mount  116 . In alternate embodiments, any number of mounts may be used. The mounts of alternate embodiments may be located at positions other than the front or rear, such as a along the side of seat  112 . Mounts  114  and  116  each comprise a securing means. The securing means may be constructed as securing means  406  shown in  FIG. 4A . As used in this application, a securing means is any means or mechanism capable of establishing a permanent or non-permanent coupling with another structure. In one embodiment, mounts  114  and  116  comprise locking pin mechanisms, as seen in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0036]    In the embodiment of the securing means seen in  FIG. 4A , securing means  406  is a locking pin mechanism comprising a rectangular guide bracket  408  and a spring-loaded, locking pin  410 . In the embodiment, the rectangular guide bracket  408  finds use as a receiver for a member comprising one or more insertion points that engage with the matching, spring-loaded locking pin  410  to establish a coupling. An example of such a member is central beam  400 , described in more detail below, having holes as its insertion points. The spring of spring-loaded pin  410  provides tension to engage pin  410  with the insertion points of the member received by guide bracket  408 . It is generally understood that any comparable means or mechanism for securing may be substituted for any of the locking pin mechanisms found in the chair of the invention. By way of example, securing may alternatively be achieved by using a threaded screw, for use with matched, threaded insertion points, rather than a locking pin mechanism. 
         [0037]    Seat pad  118  may take any shape suitable for supporting a seated user. Preferably, seat pad  118  is shaped as seen in  FIG. 3 . As seen in  FIG. 3 , seat pad  118  is substantially symmetrical when bisected by a longitudinal axis, with the width being greater at the back, as referenced by the preferred user seating orientation, than at the front. 
         [0038]    The chair of  FIG. 1 , also comprises a modular support member  122 . In  FIG. 1 , the modular support member is non-permanently and adjustably coupled to securing means of front mount  114 . The modular support member may be readily coupled to securing means of rear mount  116 , as well. In alternative embodiments, the modular support member is coupled to other components of the chair, such as the seat base or the support column. Preferably, securing means of mounts  114  and  116  are locking pin mechanisms as previously described. Modular support member  122  may support a variety of additional chair components. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment seen in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 4B , modular support member  122  comprises a substantially linear central beam  400  dividing into two parallel arms  402  and  404 . Arm  402  angles so as to extend below the plane of central beam  400  before angling to extend parallel with central beam  400  while arm  404  angles so as to extend above the plane of central beam  400  before angling to extend parallel with central beam  400 . Central beam  400  and arms  402  and  404  comprise attachment or insertion points for securing means, such as securing means of front mount  114  or rear mount  116  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0040]    The chair of  FIG. 1  comprises a knee support assembly  124 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the knee support assembly is coupled to modular support member  122 . However, it is understood that knee support assembly  124  may be coupled to other elements of the chair in alternate embodiments. 
         [0041]    As seen in  FIGS. 5 and 5A , knee support assembly  124  ( FIG. 5A ) comprises two independent knee support pads  500  and  502 . Assembly  124  further comprises a securing means  504 . Preferably, securing means  504  is a locking pin mechanism of comparable structure and function to other locking pin mechanisms described herein. Assembly  124  further comprises pivot stops  506  and  508  for use in limiting the arc of rotation of knee support pads  502  and  500 , respectively. Support member  122  is depicted in  FIG. 5A  to provide a point of reference, but does not comprise an element of knee support assembly  124 . In certain embodiments not shown, the chair may comprise a single knee support pad or more than two knee support pads. Each knee support pad is adjustably coupled to knee support pivot  126 . In this embodiment, pivot  126  is a substantially linear and horizontal rod that allows a coupled knee support pad to pivot along an arc centered on pivot  126 , as seen in  FIG. 5A . In the present embodiment, knee support pads  500  and  502  are mounted distally along the pivot  126  as seen in  FIG. 5A . In an alternate embodiment, the knee support pads are mounted proximally along the pivot. In yet another embodiment, the knee support pads are mounted adjustably along the pivot such as by use of a threaded, drilled, slotted, or otherwise configured pivot that accommodates movement of the knee support pads along the length of the pivot and preferably accommodates securing of each knee support pad at a selected position such as by means of a locking pin mechanism as disclosed elsewhere, herein. When more than one knee support pad is in use, each knee support pad pivots independently of any other knee support pad, along an arc centered on pivot  126 , as evident in  FIG. 5 . Independent pivoting of knee support pads allows a chair of the invention to accommodate a wide range of user body type, seating positions, and leg positions. Further, independent pivoting offers users greater freedom of movement. As with other elements of the present application, knee support assembly  124  may find use as an improvement to currently existing chairs. 
         [0042]    The chair of  FIG. 1  also comprises a thoracic support pad  130  coupled to support member  122 . The support function of thoracic support pad  130  is determined by the mount to which support member  122  is currently coupled. When support member  122  is engaged with front mount  114 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 , thoracic support pad  130  provides a chest support pad for the user, as can be seen in  FIG. 6 . When support member  122  is engaged with rear mount  116 , thoracic support pad  130  provides a back support pad for the user, as seen in  FIG. 7 . In  FIG. 1 , thoracic support pad  130  is non-permanently and adjustably coupled to support member  122  by securing means  132 . In other embodiments, alternate coupling means are used. Preferably, securing means  132  is a locking pin mechanism as previously described. 
         [0043]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , the chair comprises an armrest  134  coupled to support member  122 . In this embodiment, armrest  134  is adjustably coupled by securing means  136 . As shown, securing means  136  is a locking pin mechanism as previously described. Armrest  134  provides a convenient resting surface for a user&#39;s forearms, when support member  122  is coupled to front mount  114  as seen in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0044]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the chair comprises a head support  138  coupled to support member  122 . In an embodiment, head support  138  may be adjustably coupled by securing means  140  or comparable adjustable coupling means. Preferably, securing means  140  is a locking pin mechanism. Head support  138  provides a convenient resting surface for a user&#39;s head, when support member  122  is coupled to front mount  114 , as seen in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0045]    As seen in  FIG. 8 , the chair comprises a work surface  800  coupled to support member  122 . In this embodiment, work surface  800  is adjustably coupled by securing means  802 . Preferably securing means  802  is a locking pin mechanism as previously described. Work surface  800  may support any number of objects for manipulation, examination, or interaction with or by the user. For example, work surface  800  may support tool holder  804 . It is understood that work surface  800  may take any of a number of forms capable of supporting any number of objects for manipulation, examination, or interaction with or by the user. In  FIG. 8 , work surface  800  is formed with hooks  806  to support tools and implements. In alternative embodiments, the work surface holds tools and implements, such as scissors, combs, brushes, and hairdryers, of use to a hair stylist. 
         [0046]    In yet another embodiment, and as seen in  FIG. 9 , the chair comprises a tray  900  coupled to armrest  134 . Tray  900  is permanently or adjustably coupled to armrest  134  by securing means  902 . Tray  900  may support any number of objects for manipulation, examination, or interaction with or by the user. It is understood that tray  900  may take variable forms capable of supporting any number of objects for manipulation, examination, or interaction with or by the user. In this specific embodiment, tray  900  supports a keyboard  904  as shown. Alternatively, the tray may support a book, or documentation, for use by an occupant. 
         [0047]    One skilled in the art will understand the inventive aspects disclosed in the foregoing. One skilled in the art will further understand that many alternatives and variations exist with regard to the detailed embodiments presented, and that such alternatives and variations are within the scope and contemplation of the invention set forth in the claims that follow.