Patent Publication Number: US-9844271-B2

Title: Standing comfort support

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/567,583, filed on Dec. 11, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/915,763, filed Dec. 13, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein as fully set forth. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This application is generally related to a device for supporting an individual and more particularly related to supporting a standing individual. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many individuals suffer from back pain, which is usually either chronic or injury related. Back pain can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, i.e. strain, herniated discs, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. Back pain can be particularly severe when an individual is sitting in a traditional chair with a flat sitting surface. The flat sitting surface can cause back pain or discomfort. 
     Recent studies have indicated that sitting for prolonged periods of time, particularly at a desk, can have adverse health effects. Further, other studies have indicated that standing can increase work productivity and efficiency. 
     Known solutions for addressing lower back pain caused by sitting include exercise ball chairs, lumbar supports, standing desks, kneeling chairs, and reclining chairs. None of these known devices provide both alleviation of pressure on the lower back and a restful support. 
     SUMMARY 
     It would be desirable to provide a support device that alleviates lower back pain and is comfortable. 
     An adjustable support apparatus including a base with horizontal support members is provided. The adjustable support apparatus includes a first upright support member of a first predetermined height that is supported at one end thereof on one of the horizontal support members, and an other end of the first upright support member has a first support that is generally parallel to the one of the horizontal support members. A second upright support member is supported at one end thereof on a second one of the horizontal support members, and an other end of the second upright support member has a second support that is generally parallel to the second one of the horizontal support members. 
     Preferred arrangements with one or more features of the invention are described below and in the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing Summary as well as the following Detailed Description will be best understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is side view of an adjustable support device according the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the adjustable support device. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the adjustable support device. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustable support device. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the adjustable support device of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the adjustable support device of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of an adjustable support device according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an adjustable support device according to another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Generally, an adjustable support device is provided that includes a first support member that is generally disposed horizontally, has at least two opposed portions, and is dimensioned to form a base for the adjustable support device. A second support member is attached to one of the two opposed portions at one end and has a free end that it is generally vertically disposed with respect to the first support member. A third support member is attached to at least one of the two opposed portions of the first support member at one end thereof and is configured to support an occupant of the support device at a free end thereof. An adjustment member adjusts the position of the second and third support members relative to each other. 
       FIGS. 1-3  show a first embodiment of adjustable support device  1  adapted to rest on a ground surface  2 . The adjustable support device  1  includes a first frame member  3  including a first portion  4  having a first pad  5  at a first end. The first pad  5  has a support surface  6  arranged substantially perpendicular to the ground surface  2 . The first pad  5  is preferably a high density foam. The first pad  5  can be covered by polyester, nylon, or cotton material. The first pad  5  is preferably 18 inches wide and 12 inches long. The first pad  5  is preferably adjustably positioned approximately four feet above the ground surface  2 . However, depending on the application, the first pad  5  can be higher or lower with respect to the ground surface  2 . The first pad  5  is preferably a half round pad. 
     A second portion  7  of the first frame member  3  extends from a second end of the first portion  4  and is offset at an acute angle from the first portion, which is preferably approximately 55°. The second portion  7  includes a first ground support  8  with a support surface parallel to the ground surface  2 . The first ground support  8  is preferably approximately 22 inches wide and 26 inches long. One of ordinary skill in the art recognizes the dimensions of the ground supports can be changed depending on the particular user. 
     The first portion  4  includes a first adjustment mechanism  9  for adjusting the first pad  6 . The first portion  4  can include a plurality of holes on a surface opposite from the surface  6  that supports the first pad  6 . The first adjustment mechanism  9  can include a pin  10  that extends through one of the plurality of holes and that is releasably secured in a receiving hole on the first pad  6  or a mounting member  11 . The mounting member  11  can be attached to the first pad  6  and is located between the first portion  4  and the first pad  6 . The pin  10  can be removed from the receiving hole of the first pad  6  or the mounting member  11  to adjust the vertical position of the first pad  6 . The pin  10  can include a widened end for gripping. The plurality of holes in the first portion  4  are preferably spaced 3 inches apart from each other. The first adjustment mechanism  9  can include any suitable releasable securing mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the first pad  6 , such as a spring loaded pin that can be pulled out of engagement with the receiving hole and one of the plurality of holes. 
     A second frame member  12  extends through an aperture in the second portion  7  of the first frame member  3 . A first end of the second frame member  12  includes a second ground support  16 . A second end of the second frame member  12  includes a second pad  13  arranged generally perpendicular to the second portion  7  of the first frame member  3 . The second pad  13  is arranged between approximately 80-100° to the second portion  7  of the first frame member  3 . The second pad  13  is preferably a circular pad. 
     A second adjustment mechanism  14  is connected between the first frame member  3  and the second frame member  12 . The adjustment mechanism  14  preferably includes an adjustable shaft  15  with a strut having a first end pivotally connected to the first frame member  3  and a second end pivotally connected to the second frame member  12 . Those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize any adjustable mechanism capable of being lengthened and shortened could be used. The second adjustment mechanism  14  adjusts an angle θ between the second portion  7  of the first frame member  3  and the second frame member  12 . The angle θ is preferably in the range of 55-70°. 
     A second embodiment of the adjustable support device  1 ′ is shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . The adjustable support device  1 ′ includes a first frame member  3 ′ including a first end portion  4 ′ with a first adjustment mechanism  9 ′, and a second end portion  7 ′ pivotally fixed to a first ground support  8 ′. The first adjustment mechanism  9 ′ includes a first pad  5 ′ that has a support surface arranged substantially perpendicular to the ground surface  2 ′. The first pad  5 ′ is adjustable in a vertical direction and is configured to pivot. A second frame member  12 ′ includes a first portion  17 ′ fixed to the first ground support  8 ′ and a second portion  18 ′ including a second adjustment mechanism  14 ′ including a second pad  13 ′ that is slidably adjustable. The second portion  18 ′ is attached to a third frame member  19 ′ extending from a second ground support  20 ′. In one embodiment, the first ground support member  8 ′ and the second ground support member  20 ′ are integrally formed. A third adjustment mechanism  21 ′ is connected between the first frame member  3 ′ and the second frame member  12 ′ that adjusts an angle θ′ between the first frame member  3 ′ and the second frame member  12 ′. The first pad  5 ′ can preferably slide 24 inches along the first adjustment mechanism  9 ′. The second pad  13 ′ can preferably slide 24 inches along the second adjustment mechanism  14 ′. The angle between the first frame member  3 ′ and the second frame member  12 ′ can preferably be adjusted between 40-60°. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , in another embodiment, an adjustable support apparatus  100  is provided. The adjustable support apparatus  100  includes a base  102  that includes spaced apart horizontal support members  104 ,  106  that are spaced apart at a predetermined distance (d) by a third horizontal support member  108 . The third horizontal support member  108  is preferably 24-36 inches long, and more preferably is 30 inches long. As shown in  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment, a portion of the third horizontal support member  108  at either end extends beyond the spaced apart horizontal support members  104 ,  106 . In one preferred embodiment, either end of the third horizontal support member  108  extends 2-4 inches beyond each of the spaced apart horizontal support members  104 ,  106 . In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the spaced apart horizontal support members  104 ,  106  are spaced outside of the third horizontal support member  108 . A foot plate  110  is connected to the third horizontal support member  108  and disposed between the spaced apart support members  104 ,  106 . In one embodiment, the foot plate  110  includes a bubbled surface, such as an anti-fatigue mat, for distributing and absorbing pressure from a user&#39;s feet while standing. In one embodiment, the foot plate  110  extends entirely between the support member  104 ,  106 , and extends the entire length of the third horizontal support member  108 . This feature ensures the user&#39;s feet do not get caught underneath or tripped on any portion of the foot plate  110 . During use, a user places each of their feet on either side of the third horizontal support member  108  and directly onto the foot plate  110 . The foot plate  110  is preferably 30 inches long. At least one of the horizontal support members  104 ,  106  preferably includes wheels  178 . In one embodiment, the other one of the at least one of the horizontal support members  104 ,  106  includes feet support members  180  with rubber ends. In one embodiment, the horizontal support members  104 ,  106 ,  108  are formed from square steel tubes. The length and width of the square steel tubes are preferably 1.25 inches each. 
     A first upright support member  112  of a first predetermined height (h 1 ) that is supported at one end  114  thereof on one of the horizontal support members  104 . An other end  116  of the first upright support member  112  has a first support  118  that is generally parallel to the one of the horizontal support members  104 . The first support  118  is preferably configured to support a posterior side of a user, such as the back of a user. The first support  118  is preferably formed from foam. In one embodiment, the first support  118  is between 15-20 inches wide and 5-8 inches long. In one preferred embodiment, the first support  118  is 16.5 inches wide and 6.5 inches long. A second upright support member  120  of a second predetermined height (h 2 ) that is less than the first predetermined height (h 1 ), and is supported at one end  122  thereof on a second one of the horizontal support members  106 . An other end  124  of the second upright support member  120  has a second support  126  that is generally parallel to the second one of the horizontal support members  106 . In one embodiment, the first support  118  and the second support  126  are arranged facing each other. The second support  126  is preferably configured to support a lower extremity of a user, such as the shins of a user. The second support  126  is preferably formed from foam. In one embodiment, the second support  126  is between 15-20 inches wide and 2-5 inches long. In one preferred embodiment, the second support  126  is 16.5 inches wide and 3.5 inches long. 
     The first upright support member  112  includes a first opening  128  in which a first end  132  of a first post  130  is slidably supported, a second end  134  of the first post  130  is pivotally connected to the first support  118 , and a first height (h fp ) of the first post  130  is adjustable via a first adjustment mechanism  136  with respect to the first upright support member  112 . The pivoting connections described herein can include a U-shaped mounting bracket and a pivot pin extending through the U-shaped mounting bracket. The first upright support member  112  is pivotally connected to the one of the horizontal support members  104 . The first adjustment mechanism  136  includes a first spring-loaded pin  138 , the first upright support member  112  includes a first plurality of holes  140 , and the first post  130  includes a first plurality of guide holes  142 . In one embodiment, a user pulls the first spring-loaded pin  138  away from the first upright support member  112  and manually moves the first post  130  within the first opening  128 . The first upright support member  112  is preferably 50-70 inches tall and the first post  130  is preferably 40-60 inches tall. In one preferred embodiment, the first upright support member  112  is 60 inches tall and the first post  130  is 48 inches tall. In one preferred embodiment, the minimum height of the first upright support member  112  and the first post  130  in its lowest position is approximately 40-60 inches, and is more preferably 60 inches. 
     The second upright support member  120  includes a second opening  144  in which a first end  148  of a second post  146  is slidably supported, a second end  150  of the second post  146  is pivotally connected to the second support  126 , and a second height (h sp ) of the second post  146  is adjustable via a second adjustment mechanism  152  with respect to the second upright support member  120 . The second adjustment mechanism  152  preferably includes a second spring-loaded pin  139 , similar to the first spring-loaded pin  138 . The second upright support member  120  is preferably 15-25 inches long and the second post  146  is preferably 10-18 inches long. The second upright support member  120  is preferably 20 inches long and the second post  146  is preferably 13 inches long. In one preferred embodiment, the minimum height of the second upright support member  120  and the second post  146  in its lowest position is approximately 10-30 inches, and is more preferably 15-25 inches. 
     The second upright support member  120  and the second post  146  include a plurality of holes similar to the plurality of holes  140 ,  142  and similar to the configuration of the first upright support member  112  and the first post  130 . In one embodiment, the plurality of holes  140 ,  142  are spaced one inch apart from each other and each of the plurality of holes  140 ,  142  includes between 20-40 holes. 
     The first upright support member  112  includes a first mounting portion  154  and the third horizontal support member  108  includes a base mounting portion  156 . A third adjustment mechanism  158  includes at least one adjustment shaft  160  having a first end  162  pivotally connected to the first mounting portion  154 , and a second end  164  pivotally connected to the base mounting portion  156 , such that a length (L s ) of the at least one adjustment shaft  160  is adjustable between the first mounting portion  154  and the base mounting portion  156 . The length (L s ) adjustments results in the angle between the first upright support member  112  and the third horizontal support member  108 . In one embodiment, similar to the one shown in  FIG. 1 , the at least one adjustment shaft  160  includes a single shaft. In another embodiment, the third adjustment mechanism  158  includes two adjustment shafts  160   a ,  160   b . In one embodiment, the third adjustment mechanism  158  includes a turnbuckle. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , a third upright support member  166  is preferably positioned adjacent to the second upright support member  120 . The third upright support member  166  includes a third opening  168  in which a first end  172  of a third post  170  is slidably supported, and a second end  174  of the third post  170  includes a pivoting connection to a support surface  176 . The second end  174  of the third post  170  is shown in phantom lines in  FIG. 8 . The support surface  176  is preferably 36 inches wide and 24 inches long. The support surface  176  is configured to serve as a standing desk support surface for a user for items such as a computer, textbooks, etc. The third upright support member  166  preferably has a height (h 3 ) that is less than the height (h 1 ) of the first upright support member  112  and is greater than the height (h 2 ) of the second upright support member  120 . The third post  170  has an adjustable height (h tp ) with respect to the third upright support member  166 . In one embodiment, the total minimum height of the support surface  176  is 40 inches. This height is shown in  FIG. 8  as the combined height of h 3  and h tp  and consists of the height of the third upright support member  166  and the third post  170  in its lowest position within the third upright support member  166 . 
     Although the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  include manual adjustment mechanisms, in one embodiment, the adjustment mechanisms are automatic or motorized, and include a central control panel for adjusting the height of the various posts within the upright support members. The adjustment mechanism can include an actuator, such as a hydraulic actuator. In another embodiment, a central control panel includes height settings, such as five-feet, six inches, which allows a user to program in their height, and allows the height of the components of the adjustable support device to automatically adjust based on the user&#39;s height. The settings can also adjust the degree of offset between the first upright support member  112  and the support member  108  via the adjustment mechanism  158 . 
     All of the pivoting connections between the components described above allow the components to fold into one another, allowing the entire adjustable support device to be folded compactly in place. 
     Although the materials for specific components have been described above, one of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that the material for all of the components can alternate. In one embodiment, the components for the base  102  can be formed from steel, wood, or plastic. In one embodiment, the components for the upright members  112 ,  120 , and  170  can also be formed from steel, wood, or plastic. 
     In use, the user places their feet on the foot plate  110  and rests their back against first support  118 . The user raises the first post  130  within the first opening  128  of the first upright support member  112  and uses the first adjustment mechanism  136  to adjust the height of the first post  130  within the first upright support member  112 . The user can adjust the angle of the first upright support member  112  with respect to the base  102  via the third adjustment mechanism  158 . The user rests their shins against the second support  126 . The user performs a similar adjustment of the second post  146  within the second upright support member  120  as described above with respect to the first adjustment mechanism  136 . 
     Having thus described various embodiments of the present adjustable support device in detail, it will be appreciated and apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description above, could be made in the adjustable support device according to the invention without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore to be embraced therein.