Abstract:
A rollable stool designed to assist individuals with musculoskeletal conditions is disclosed. The stool supports a user in a standing or sitting position such that a user may move about freely and confidently, using the stool for support in variety of positions. An ergonomically designed seat is connected to a base by supporting members. The seat of the stool is designed to comfortably fit between a user&#39;s legs. The base includes a plurality of extensions having a plurality of casters, or multidirectional rollers, which contribute to the rollable nature of the stool. The stool includes a stabilizing member that prevents the seat from wobbling or swiveling, but does not hinder the user or any height adjustment mechanism(s). The stool increases a user&#39;s mobility such that he/she may actively perform tasks without strain of constantly sitting or standing, or the user may maintain a constantly supported, semi-standing position if desired.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The disclosure herein relates to stools used to support an individual in a standing or semi-standing position. More particularly, this document discloses a rollable stool having an ergonomic seat that allows a user to move about freely and comfortably while using the stool for support in a variety of positions.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The need to stand in one place for an extended period of time to perform some task, to watch an event, or to conduct some other activity can create a great deal of stress and strain on a person&#39;s lower back and legs. The stress and strain placed on the person&#39;s lower back and legs while standing can be painful to most people and it can be particularly painful for people with musculoskeletal conditions. The pain caused by such stress and strain reduces the amount of time the person can spend watching the event or performing the activity and may prevent some individuals, with physical impairments such as lower back and leg problems, from participating in any activity that requires prolonged periods of standing.  
         [0003]     Portable stools have been made in the past in an attempt to resolve the above and other problems. Examples of such attempts are disclosed in the following patents. U.S. Pat. No. 226,252, issued Apr. 6, 1880 discloses an adjustable stool that is strapped to the operator. U.S. Pat. No. 406,328, issued Jul. 2, 1889, discloses an apparatus to facilitate walking and running that includes a separate saddle “A” secured to each buttock; a separate support standard “C” for each buttock; and a shoe “E” for each standard that attaches the apparatus to the person&#39;s lower extremities.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 466,618, issued Jan. 5, 1892, discloses a combined horseshoer&#39;s stool and clincher. U.S. Pat. No. 533,604, issued Feb. 5, 1895, discloses a farrier&#39;s shoe stand. U.S. Pat. No. 671,638, issued Apr. 9, 1901, discloses a stool and cane that is strapped to the user. U.S. Pat. No. 699,932, issued May 13, 1902, discloses a portable seat that is strapped to the user.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 759,809, issued May 10, 1904 discloses a cotton, berry or vegetable picking or dairy stool, which is strapped to the user. U.S. Pat. No. 1,709,200, issued Apr. 16, 1929, discloses a sanitary milking rest, which is strapped to the user and has a pointed lower end that engages the floor or ground to keep the rest from moving. U.S. Pat. No. 2,099,345, issued Nov. 16, 1937, discloses a body support or stool that is strapped to the user.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,896, issued Nov. 11, 1980, discloses a portable and collapsible seat that can be secured to the waist of a person. U.S. Pat. No. 4,641,882, issued Feb. 10, 1987, discloses an orthopedic appliance with a seat that can be clipped to a person&#39;s ankle. While the stools and other devices disclosed in the above patents are useful, none of the stools or other devices disclosed provide: a) a means for maintaining the lower end of the support leg of a stool properly positioned beneath the user and in contact with the ground to provide support for the user in the event the user is raised up or moved e.g. by the recoil of a shotgun, by a horse or other animal, by being jostled, or raises up of his/her own accord to reach for something or for some other reason; and b) a means for permitting the seat of the stool to move downward in the event the user is forced down, e.g. by contact with an animal be groomed or shoed or contact with another person.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,469,372, to Long, shows the use of a tripodal, rollable stool provided with low friction casters, and has a bicycle seat at its upper end. But, while the seat may be adjusted, there is no provision for providing the cushioning effect, nor to allow for its swiveling during its application and usage.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The various elements of the present invention have been developed in response to the state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs to the are that have not yet been fully solved by currently available devices used to support an individual in a generally standing or semi-standing position. Accordingly, the present invention provides a rollable stool that supports a user in both a standing and sitting position. Thus, a user may move about freely and confidently, using the stool for support in variety of positions.  
         [0009]     The invention comprises an ergonomically designed seat that is connected to a base by supporting members. The base preferably comprises a plurality of extensions that are connected to a plurality of casters, or multidirectional rollers, which contribute to the rollable nature of the invention. To stabilize the stool and the seat of the stool, the invention preferably comprises a stabilizing member that prevents the seat from wobbling or swiveling, but does not hinder the user or any height adjustment mechanism(s).  
         [0010]     The present invention has been engineered specifically to assist individuals with musculoskeletal conditions, although the scope of the invention is not limited to this use. A user may use the rollable stool for support in a professional work environment, at home, or any place where either sitting or standing for a length of time may be detrimental to the well being of the user. The stool preferably moves concurrently with an individual as he/she walks about or changes positions. Therefore, the present invention provides increased mobility to a user such that he/she may actively perform tasks without strain of constantly sitting or standing, or the stress of alternating between the two positions. The user may maintain a constantly supported, semi-standing position if desired.  
         [0011]     Accordingly, the seat of the stool is preferably designed to comfortably fit between the legs of the user. The seat may be hourglass shaped or otherwise indented on the sides to cup around the thighs of a user and to comfortably adhere the stool to the user&#39;s legs. Hence, the stool may be “omnipresent” to support the weight of the user when needed, even when the user is changing from one position to another. Preferably, the stool can be adjusted to be high enough to support the user in a standing position. Furthermore, the seat may be ergonomically designed to minimize stress on a user&#39;s body.  
         [0012]     Additionally, the base of the stool is preferably configured to allow a user to walk without being thwarted by obstructions, such as stool legs, base extensions, wheels, bars, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the base comprises three extensions. One extension preferably extends horizontally outward from the front of the stool. The other two extensions preferably extend horizontally from the back of the stool at an obtuse angle from the first extension, thereby creating an open area for the user&#39;s feet to contact the ground. Consequently, the user&#39;s legs can support some of the user&#39;s weight while sitting, which releases some pressure in the lower back caused from sitting in a standard position. In a preferred embodiment, the base may be designed to appear relatively inconspicuous.  
         [0013]     Moreover, the present invention includes a stabilizing member to stabilize the seat of the rollable stool. The stabilizing member preferably prevents the seat from rotating or swiveling. In certain embodiments, the stabilizing member may also be configured to provide greater support to the seat. As a result, the rollable stool of the present invention is considerably more stable than the prior are because the stool resists tipping over when in use. Also, the user has more control over the device because it does not spin.  
         [0014]     In at least one embodiment, the invention may include wheels or casters that are larger than the standard size to allow the stool to roll on a variety of surfaces, thus increasing mobility. The stool preferably has a low center of gravity to help the stool move easily along the ground.  
         [0015]     The various element and aspects of the present invention support a user in both a generally standing and generally sitting position without putting undue strain on the user&#39;s body. The apparatus is preferably adjustable and easy to use. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following descriptions and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     In order that the manner in which the advantages of the invention are obtained will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limited of it scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rollable stool in accordance with present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a top view of one embodiment of a rollable stool in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is an end view of one embodiment of a rollable stool in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a side view of one embodiment of a rollable stool in accordance of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a top view of one embodiment of a rollable stool in accordance of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a top view of another embodiment of a rollable stool in accordance of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a top view of another embodiment of a rollable stool in accordance of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a user with one embodiment of a rollable stool of the present invention; and  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a rollable stool in accordance of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]     Turning now to the drawings, the invention will be described in a preferred embodiment by reference to the numerals of the drawings wherein like numbers indicate like parts.  
         [0027]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a rollable stool  10 . The base  12 , which is preferably positioned close to the ground, supports the seat  14  and the support member  16 . The support member  16  is connected at a first end  18  to the seat  14  and a second end  20  to the base  12 . The base  12  comprises a plurality of extensions  22  that are preferably connected to casters  24 , or multidirectional rollers. The casters  24  allow the stool to roll in multiple directions on a variety of surfaces, thereby providing mobility to the stool  10 . In one preferred embodiment, the casters  24  may have a diameter of between about four and about five inches.  
         [0028]     The stabilizing member  26  stabilizes the seat  14  of the stool  10 . In one embodiment, the stabilizing member  26  extends from the base  12  to the seat  14  as shown. However, the stabilizing member  26  may be represented in a variety of forms. For example, in one embodiment, the stabilizing member  26  may be integrated into the support member  16  and may extend upward to connect to the seat  14 . In an alternative embodiment, the stool  10  may comprise a plurality of stabilizing members  26  to stabilize the seat  14  and provide additional support to the structure of the stool  10 .  
         [0029]     In a preferred embodiment, a pneumatic lift or other type of height control mechanism may be integrated into the support member  16  of the stool  10  to adjust the height of the seat  14 . In such a case, the stabilizing member  26  may comprise a cylinder  26  similar to the cylinder  30  of the lift mechanism. The height of the stabilizing member  26  preferably adjusts simultaneously with the height of the support member  16 . As a result, the stabilizing member  26  may continue to stabilize the seatl 4  at a variety of heights.  
         [0030]     In certain embodiments, the stool  10  may comprise a connecting member  29  that connects the cylinder  28  of the stabilizing member  26  to the cylinder  30  of support member  16 . A handle  31  may also be attached to the stool  10  to manually control the height of the seat  14 .  
         [0031]     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , there is seen in  FIG. 2 a  top view of one embodiment of a rollable stool  10 . As disclosed above, the stool  10  is designed to fit between the legs of the user. Consequently, the seat  14  preferably has an indentation 32  on each side. The stool is designed to occupy a small area around the feet of the user. As illustrated from the top view, the casters  24  only extend to a point that is just beyond the length of the seat  14 . As a result, a user may move around freely without being hindered by a cumbersome device or without the apparatus catching on other objects.  
         [0032]      FIG. 3  similarly illustrates an end view of one embodiment of a rollable stool  10 . The extensions  22  are preferably arranged to provide room for walking. In the depicted embodiment, the extensions  22  are arranged such that one extension  22   a  extends outward between the legs of a user. Extensions  22   b  and  22   c  preferably extend from the base  12  behind the feet of a user. Thus, a user may move about freely in the space provided between extensions  22   a  and  22   b  and between the extensions  22   a  and  22   c . In certain embodiments, the extensions  22  may be separate from the base  12  and may be adjustable. In at least one preferred embodiment, the extension  22  may be comprised in the base  12 .  
         [0033]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown another preferred embodiment of the stool disclosed herein. The stool  10  comprises a support member  16  and a stabilizing member  26 . In one embodiment, the support member  16  is disposed with a lift mechanism. Accordingly, a rod  34  of the support member  16  connects to the seat  14  to raise the height of the seat  14 , as is known in the art. A handle  31  may be available for a user to control the height of the seat  14 . In one embodiment, the support member  16  can share a cylinder  30  with the stabilizing member  26 .  
         [0034]     In certain embodiments, the stabilizing member  26  may be configured with a pneumatic lift mechanism. However, in an alternative embodiment, the stabilizing member  26  may comprise a mock air spring cylinder that simply moves concurrent with the true pneumatic lift. Notwithstanding, the functional purpose of the stabilizing member  26  is to stop the swivel movement of the seat  14 . In addition, the stabilizing member  26  may provide structural support to the stool  10 . In one preferred embodiment, additional support may be central in providing a sturdy stool  10  to support the weight of heavy or obese individuals.  
         [0035]      FIG. 5  is a top view of one embodiment of a rollable stool  10  illustrating an alternative arrangement of a base  12  and extensions  22 . The base  12  and extensions  22  form a T shape, which allows the user to have plenty of space for walking. The shape also provides stability. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , an ergonomically designed seat  14  is shaped to fit comfortably around a user&#39;s body without impeding natural movement or causing strain on the body.  
         [0036]      FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a seat  14  of a rollable stool  10 . The seat includes internal hollowed-out portions  36  that may be covered with foam or other appropriate filling or covering to absorb the impact of a user&#39;s body contacting the seat  14 . The hollowed-out portions  36  are preferably placed where the user is most likely to have contact with the seat  14 . The hollowed out portions can increase the comfort of the stool for some users, and in some cases, they can provide for additional air circulation. In at least one embodiment, the seat  14  and the hollowed-out portions  36  may be individually sized and designed to fit various sizes of individuals.  
         [0037]      FIG. 7  illustrates one embodiment of a seat  14  with jointed member  38 . The jointed member  38 , in one embodiment, may be spring loaded such that the sides of the seat press against the user&#39;s thighs to keep the stool  10  with the user. Yet, when the user exerts force against the sides of the seat  14 , the jointed member  38  preferably give, or rotate inward, to provide comfort to the user. The jointed member  38  may include coverings for comfort. In certain embodiments, the stool  10  may be equipped with straps, fasteners, or other devices that assist the user in keeping the stool  10  in a useable position.  
         [0038]      FIG. 8  illustrates a user  100  positioned over a rollable stool  10 . As depicted, the stool  10  is providing support to the user  100  in a standing position. As the user  100  changes position, the stool  10  preferably stays with the user to continually provide support to the user  100 . As has been previously disclosed, the stool  10  provides support to the user  100  in both a sitting and standing position. Consequently, the height of the stool  10  may be adjustable with a range that provides a greater height than standard stools.  
         [0039]     Because the range of motion to change from a sitting position to a standing position is minimal, the stool  10  reduces strain on the user&#39;s body. Additionally, the legs support some of the user&#39;s weight, so pressure is diverted from any one area of the body, though the stool  10  does release pressure on the legs.  
         [0040]     Under certain conditions, the stool  10  may comprise a medical aide to assist persons who suffer from musculoskeletal conditions or who are recovering from surgery. The stool  10  may provide needed support while a user  100  is recovering and may help the user  100  return his/her daily activities quicker.  
         [0041]      FIG. 9  shows yet another embodiment of the stool disclosed herein. The stool  110  is disposed on a walker frame  112  of the type known in the art. The walker frame is modified to include support member  111  upon which the stool support member  118  is attached. Cylinder  128  can be included if the stool has a lift mechanism as described above. The seat  114  is attached to the support member  118 .  
         [0042]     Disclosed herein is a stool with an ergonomically designed seat that can be used to support a user in either a standing or sitting position. To use the stool of the current invention, a user simply places his or her legs in the cutout portions on the sides of the seat. The height of the seat is adjusted based on the height and needs of the user.  
         [0043]     The user can then move about comfortably and freely while being partially or wholly supported by the stool. If the user desires that the seat be raised or lowered, the stool can be easily adjusted.  
         [0044]     In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to video game controllers. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific means or features shown or described, since the means and features shown or described comprise preferred ways of putting the invention into effect. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be adapted to other uses as well. Therefore the invention should not be construed as being limited to video game applications. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims, appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.  
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY  
       [0045]     The current invention discloses a stool for use while standing or sitting. More particularly, the invention discloses a stool that can be adjusted to support a user who is in a generally standing position or a generally sitting position. The height of the stool can be easily adjusted, and the stool includes a stabilizing member to prevent the seat from spinning the seat of the stool is ergonomically designed for user comfort, and the stool includes a base having extensions with rollers or casters so the stool can move. The stool disclosed herein has applicability in any field requiring people to spend large portions of time standing. The invention would be particularly applicable for barbers, beauticians, hair stylists, and the like.