Abstract:
An ergonomic rocking chair that maximizes circulation and relaxation while minimizing spinal pressure and other physical discomforts. The ergonomic rocking chair facilitates quick and easy assembly and disassembly, and may be selectively stabilized and/or adapted to perform ancillary functions.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates to chairs, and particularly to ergonomic rocking chairs that maximize circulation and relaxation while minimizing spinal pressure.  
         [0003]     2. Background  
         [0004]     Conventional rocking chair designs require that a user sit substantially upright, supported by a horizontal seat portion attached to a vertical back rest portion. A user may then actuate the rocking chair by actively opposing the chair&#39;s natural upright position, or position of repose. While functionally effective, such conventional rocking chair designs fail to provide ergonomic support for a user, and thus tend to cause and/or aggravate back discomfort, inadequate circulation and other physical stresses over time.  
         [0005]     In addition, conventional rocking chairs require strength, coordination and certain physical characteristics to actively effectuate and/or maintain a rocking motion or reclined position. A child, for example, may be too small to actuate a conventional rocking chair while seated. Similarly, an elderly or otherwise incapacitated person may be unable to actively oppose the chair&#39;s natural position of repose as needed to cause the chair to rock or recline and/or to maintain the chair in a reclined position.  
         [0006]     Conventional rocking chairs typically require numerous parts and fasteners for proper assembly and use. The complexity of the assembly process limits the chair&#39;s usefulness as it is both difficult to transport and store the chair in its fully assembled state. Further, typical rocking chair construction limits the chair&#39;s inherent functionality. A traditional rocking chair, for example, is ill equipped to support any accessory or food or drink. In addition, traditional rocking chair construction fails to allow selective stabilization of the chair.  
         [0007]     Accordingly, what is needed is an ergonomic rocking chair capable of effectively supporting a user to minimize physical stress over time. Also what is needed is an ergonomic rocking chair capable of use by users having various physical capabilities and characteristics. Further what is needed is an ergonomic rocking chair capable of quick and easy assembly and disassembly. What is also needed is an adaptable ergonomic rocking chair capable of performing various ancillary functions. Finally what is needed is an ergonomic rocking chair capable of selective stabilization.  
         [0008]     Such devices are disclosed and claimed herein.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0009]     The present invention is an ergonomic rocking chair that maximizes circulation and relaxation while minimizing spinal pressure. The ergonomic rocking chair of the present invention is further capable of quick and easy assembly and disassembly, and may be selectively stabilized and/or adapted to perform ancillary functions.  
         [0010]     In accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention features a rocking chair comprising one or more support components, such as a seat, a back support, and arm rests, and further comprises a rocking element configured to urge a user into a substantially horizontal position of repose. The support components and rocking element are removably coupled to one another to facilitate quick and easy assembly and disassembly.  
         [0011]     The support components have a length and shape to effectively reduce stress on a user&#39;s joints and muscles while increasing circulation and relaxation. The support components may further incorporate a protective covering that may be cushioned or otherwise enhanced to increase a user&#39;s comfort and enjoyment. In certain embodiments, the protective covering may further incorporate advertising information for revenue generating purposes.  
         [0012]     The rocking element may incorporate a pair of supporting arcs having a contact surface that graduate from a partially inverted configuration to a flat configuration at a point corresponding to and extending beyond the position of repose. In this manner, the supporting arcs facilitate accelerated graduation to the position of repose while preventing unintentional over-rotation. Similarly, the supporting arcs may be situated to extend from the lateral edges of the seat portion inwardly toward the back rest portion. This configuration provides effective support for a user in a fully reclined position while maintaining proper balance of the chair with respect to the ground.  
         [0013]     The chair also incorporates means to support a variety of accessory items and to selectively stabilize the chair.  
         [0014]     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, 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 limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a rocking chair in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a three-quarters perspective view of the rocking chair of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a back view of a rocking chair in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a rocking chair in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is a front view of a rocking chair in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is a front view of a rocking chair that incorporates a protective covering in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the rocking chair of  FIG. 6  illustrating advertising that may be implemented in connection with a protective covering; and  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of a connecting element implemented between two rocking chairs in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0024]     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.  
         [0025]     The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.  
         [0026]     As used in this specification, the term “ergonomic” refers to a safe, comfortable and efficient relationship between a person and an object, such as between a user and the rocker of the present invention. The term “position of repose” or “point of repose” refers to a position naturally assumed by an object, such as a rocker, absent any application of force.  
         [0027]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an ergonomic rocker  2  in accordance with the present invention may comprise a support portion  4  for supporting the weight of a user, and a rocking element  40 , wherein the rocker  2  comprises a substantially horizontal position of repose. In this manner, a center of gravity of a user situated in the rocker  2  is shifted rearwardly such that, when the rocker  2  is at equilibrium, the user assumes a reclined position that maximizes circulation and relaxation while minimizing spinal pressure.  
         [0028]     The support portion  4  may comprise plastic, wood, composite, metal or any other material known to those in the art having a modulus of elasticity sufficient to support the weight of a user. A proximal end  6  of the support portion  4  may function to support a user&#39;s lower body, while a distal end  8  thereof may support the user&#39;s upper body and head. The support portion  4  may further comprise a back surface  10  and a supporting surface  12 , wherein the back surface  10  may incorporate structural features to further support and stabilize the support portion  4 , and the supporting surface  12  may incorporate contours  14  to support and cradle a user&#39;s back and appendages.  
         [0029]     The support portion  4  may further comprise a seat portion  20  removably coupled to a backrest portion  30 . The seat portion  20  may comprise a length longer than the seat of a traditional rocking chair, preferably between two and three feet. The lower body of a user may thus be fully supported thereby. The backrest portion  30  may comprise a length sufficient to accommodate a user&#39;s head and upper body. The backrest portion  30  may be adjustable relative to the seat portion  20  to customize a dimensional as well as angular relationship between the portions  20  and  30 , depending on the physical characteristics and individual preferences of the user. Preferably, an angle between the seat portion  20  and the backrest portion  30  comprises between 110 and 150 degrees.  
         [0030]     A rocking element  40  in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention may comprise a receiving portion  46  and at least one supporting arc  42 . A receiving portion  46  may be configured to directly receive and engage the support portion  4 . In addition, a receiving portion  46  may be configured to substantially mirror the profile of the support portion  4  such that the support portion  4  is effectively supported and cradled thereby.  
         [0031]     The length of a supporting arc  42  may substantially correspond to the length of a receiving portion  46 , wherein the receiving portion  46  is maintained in an elevated position relative to the supporting arc  42  by at least one buttressing portion  44  substantially vertically imposed between the receiving portion  46  and supporting arc  42 . A buttressing element  44  may function to reinforce and stabilize the rocking element  40  relative to the weight of a user.  
         [0032]     According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the length of a supporting arc  42  may exceed the length of the receiving portion  46  such that the supporting arc  42  may structurally support the rocker  2  while preventing inadvertent over-rotation thereof.  
         [0033]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a back surface  10  of a support portion  4  may incorporate engaging means  26  to couple the support portion  4  to the rocking element  40 . According to certain embodiments of the present invention, engaging means  26  may extend laterally from a proximal end  6  of the support portion  4  inwardly toward a distal end  8  thereof. Specifically, in certain embodiments, engaging means  26  are incorporated into the sides  24  of the seat portion and graduate inwardly to a back surface  10  of the backrest portion  30 . In this manner, the engaging means  26  direct the rocking element  40 , and specifically the supporting arcs  40 , inwardly toward a point of repose, thus providing concentrated support at a user&#39;s center of gravity. Engaging means  26  may comprise a locking recess capable of retaining a complementary member, or any other removable fastener or fastening means known to those in the art.  
         [0034]     A back surface  10  of a support portion  4  may further incorporate a handle element  36  integral with or attached to the support portion  4 . A handle element  36  comprises dimensions sufficient to accommodate the hand of a user. A handle element  36  may comprise a recess, a finger pull, a cross bar, or any other means known to those in the art by which to facilitate leverage and transport of the rocker  2 . A handle element  36  is preferably located near a distal end  8  of the support portion  4  to facilitate easy access to the handle element  36 , as well as to facilitate leverage and transport of the rocker  2 . According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a handle element  36  is attached to or integrated with the back surface  10  of a head support element  32 .  
         [0035]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a rocking element  40  may twist inwardly along at least a portion thereof to facilitate acceleration to a position of repose. Specifically, a contact surface  48  of a supporting arc  42  may comprise a substantially narrow surface area anterior  62  to a point of repose  60 , then graduating to a wider surface area, preferably the entire width of the supporting arc  42 , at a position corresponding to and posterior to  64  such point of repose  60 . The twisted configuration of the rocking element  40  thus urges the rocker  2  to a position of repose quickly and effectively while causing the rocker  2  to immediately slow once the position of repose is reached. In this manner, the rocking element  40  inhibits a tendency of the rocker to over-rotate, without comprising its accelerated graduation to a position of repose.  
         [0036]     A supporting arc  42  may further comprise a traction element  50  interiorly laterally disposed along the anterior portion  62  of the supporting arc  42  to effectively grip an unstable surface, such as sand or gravel, on which the rocker  2  is placed. The traction element  50  may be disposed along the supporting arc  42  such that the traction element  50  does not interfere with the contact surface  48 , and associated acceleration to a position of repose, under normal stable circumstances.  
         [0037]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a supporting surface  12  of a support portion  4  may comprise contours  14  substantially corresponding to a user&#39;s body to promote circulation and relaxation. Specifically, a supporting surface  12  may incorporate a head support element  32  at a distal end  8  thereof and at least one flared side element  34  to support a user&#39;s upper body and shoulders. Contours  14  may also be incorporated into a proximal end  6  of the support portion  4  to promote circulation and relaxation in a user&#39;s lower limbs.  
         [0038]     A seat portion  20  may be removably connected to a backrest portion  30  to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the rocker  2 . For example, a distal end of the seat portion  20  may include at least one fastening element  38  to releasably engage the backrest portion  30 . A fastening element  38  may comprise a screw, a pin, a tongue and groove, or any other means known to those in the art by which to releasably secure a seat portion  20  to a backrest portion  30 . Alternatively, a distal end of the seat portion  20  may be configured to complement a proximal end of the backrest portion  30  without actually engaging such backrest portion  30 . According to this embodiment, each of the seat portion  20  and the backrest portion  30  may include at least one fastening element  38  on a side portion  24  thereof, such that each portion  20  may be directly connected to the rocking element  40 . When each of the seat and backrest portions  20  and  30  are thus engaged with the rocking element  40 , no gap remains between the portions  20  and  30 . Alternatively, certain embodiments of the present invention provide an aperture  18  between the seat and backrest portions  20  and  30  to facilitate ventilation and drainage, as may be required by a user from time to time.  
         [0039]     Additionally, as mentioned above with reference to  FIG. 1 , an adjusting element  28  may be implemented between the seat portion  20  and the backrest portion  30  to enable customization of a dimensional and/or angular relationship therebetween. Preferably, an angle between such seat portion  20  and backrest portion  30  ranges between about 110 and 150 degrees.  
         [0040]     Further, a support portion  4  may incorporate at least one opening  16  to facilitate implementation of a protective covering  70 , as discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 .  
         [0041]     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a support portion  4  in accordance with the present invention may incorporate a protective covering  70  removably attached thereto. A protective covering  70  may comprise any organic, inorganic or composite material known to those in the art by which to protect a chair in accordance with the present invention. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a protective covering  70  may incorporate an aperture substantially corresponding to an aperture  18  between a seat portion  20  and backrest portion  30  to maximize ventilation and comfort of a user. In addition, a protective covering  70  may be cushioned or otherwise enhanced to increase a user&#39;s comfort and enjoyment.  
         [0042]     A protective covering  70  may further comprise attachment means  72  capable of releasably securing the protective covering  70  to a support portion  4 . Specifically, a protective covering  70  may incorporate at least one pocket substantially corresponding to and capable of attaching to a specific chair  2  component, such as, for example, a head support element  32 , a flared side element  34 , and a side  24  of the seat portion  20 . In addition, a protective covering  70  may incorporate at least one strap or other attachment means  72  capable of being threaded through an opening  16  in the support portion  4  to enable and effectively conceal attachment on a back surface thereof. Attachment means  72  may comprise a clasp, clip, buckle, snap, hook and loop material, or any other means of attachment known to those in the art capable of releasably securing a protective covering  70  to a support portion  4 .  
         [0043]     According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a protective covering  70  may comprise advertising means  74  integral therewith or attached thereto. Specifically, advertising means  74  may comprise a logo, trademark, or any other means known to those in the art capable of conveying identifying information to a user. Alternatively, an audio or video recording or other electronic advertising means may be incorporated into a portion of the support portion  4  or rocking element  40  to selectively or automatically convey advertising information to a user upon use.  
         [0044]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a chair  2  in accordance with the present invention may provide a coupling element  80  to releasably couple the chair  2  to a second chair  82  or stationary object. In this manner, the chair  2  may operate in unison with a second chair  82 , or may be stabilized relative to a stationary object. A coupling element  88  may permit a distance between the chair  2  and the chair or object to which it is coupled, or may couple the chair  2  and the item directly such that any space between the two is minimized. Preferably, a coupling element  80  comprises a platform, bar or other element capable of providing a surface capable of supporting an accessory item  86 . An accessory item  86  may comprise, for example, a baby seat, a cooler, a stereo, or any other accessory item known to those in the art.  
         [0045]     Additionally, a chair  2  in accordance with the present invention may incorporate an independent supporting element  90  capable of supporting an accessory item  86  independent of a second chair  82  or stationary object. An independent supporting element  90  may comprise, for example, a cup holder, a tray, a desktop, or any other means capable of supporting an accessory item  86  known to those in the art.  
         [0046]     A coupling element  80  may be attached to a chair  2 , or between more than one chair  2 , by way of securing means  88 . Similarly, an independent supporting element  90  may also be attached to a chair by securing means  88 . Securing means  88  may comprise a recess, a screw, a pin, or any other means known to those in the art capable of securing and supporting a coupling element  80  or independent supporting element  90  with respect to a chair  2  as described herein.  
         [0047]     What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is: