Abstract:
An ergonomic seating assembly for comfortably supporting an individual during prolonged periods of time sitting in one position thereby alleviating back and neck strain and increasing productivity.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to chair devices and more specifically it relates to an ergonomic seating assembly for comfortably supporting an individual during prolonged periods of time sitting in one position thereby alleviating back and neck strain and increasing productivity. 
   Chronic back pain is a common occurrence in today&#39;s society. With the utilization of computer and other time intensive jobs where the user must sit for hours, it is estimated that billions of dollars are lost each year because of missed work days caused by chronic back pain and other symptoms caused by an uncomfortable or incorrect chair. Hence, there is a significant need for a chair that will reduce the fatigue a user endures while sitting stationary for significant periods of time thereby increasing productivity and reducing lost productivity. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   The prior art chairs are typically comprised of a seat, a backrest attached to the seat and a plurality of legs secured to the seat. For short period of utilization, the prior art conventional chair is satisfactory. However, for an individual who must sit for an extended period of time, the prior art conventional chair will cause the individual to lose proper posture thereby increasing strain upon the individual&#39;s back and shoulders. 
   Examples of solutions to the convention chair include U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,882 to Opsvik; U.S. Pat. No. 3,754,787 to Garber; U.S. Pat. No. 3,669,493 to Vowles; U.S. Pat. No. 4,650,249 to Serber; U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,407 to Serber; U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,991 to Mengshoel et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,614,378 to Picou; U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,361 to Patterson; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,167 to Palmer et al are all illustrative of such prior art. 
   While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for comfortably supporting an individual during prolonged periods of time sitting in one position thereby alleviating back and neck strain and increasing productivity. 
   In these respects, the ergonomic seating assembly according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of comfortably supporting an individual during prolonged periods of time sitting in one position thereby alleviating back and neck strain and increasing productivity. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of chairs now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new ergonomic seating assembly construction wherein the same can be utilized for comfortably supporting an individual during prolonged periods of time sitting in one position thereby alleviating back and neck strain and increasing productivity. 
   The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new ergonomic seating assembly that has many of the advantages of the chairs mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new ergonomic seating assembly which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art chairs, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
   To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a seat pan supported upon a helical lift, a base, an adjustable post extending from the base to the helical lift, a back/chest support adjustably attached to the seat pan by an elbow member, and a pivotal arm rest attached to the back/chest support. The base is substantially flattened for allowing the base to pass under common objects such as beds or desks without interference. The helical lift is comprised of a single piece that has a sloping track that slides upon a ball for tilting the seat pan quickly and smoothly. The pivotal arm rest is attached to the elbow member along with the back/chest support. The elbow member is attached to the helical lift wherein when the user rotates the elbow member the helical lift elevates the seat pan 15 degrees so as to enable the back/chest support to support the chest of the user. When the elbow member is rotated to its original position, the seat pan is returned to 0 degrees and the back/chest support engages the back of the user so as to act as a conventional chair. 
   There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
   In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
   A primary object of the present invention is to provide an ergonomic seating assembly that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an ergonomic seating assembly that alleviates back and neck strain during prolonged periods of sitting. 
   An additional object of the present invention is to provide an ergonomic seating assembly that focuses support upon the cervical and upper trapezius area of the seated individual&#39;s body. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide an ergonomic seating assembly that reduces carpal tunnel syndrome. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an ergonomic seating assembly that provides comfort to an individual sitting for an extended periods of time. 
   An additional object of the present invention is to provide an ergonomic seating assembly that makes a user more productive. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an ergonomic seating assembly that increases the number of contact points between the body and the chair. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide an ergonomic seating assembly that provides for six primary contact points: the buttock on the seat pan, both feet upon the floor, the chest upon the thoracic chest rest, and the elbow/forearms upon the pivotal arm rests. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide an ergonomic seating assembly that can be utilized by surgeons, computer software engineers, graphic artists, engineers, writers, goldsmiths and other professionals where sitting for prolonged periods of time is required. 
   Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. 
   To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of the principal embodiments of the present invention with the seat pan at 0 degrees; 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the principal embodiments of the present invention with the seat pan at 15 degrees; 
       FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the chair support extension, adjustment mechanism and handle. 
       FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the chair support extension, adjustment mechanism, cylindrical opening, cylindrical housing and roller ball. 
       FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of the chair support extension, adjustment mechanism, cylindrical opening, cylindrical housing and roller ball. 
       FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the seat pan support and longitudinal extensions. 
       FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of the seat pan and the seat pan support. 
       FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of the helical lift and elbow. 
       FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of the helical lift and elbow. 
       FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of the helical lift, elbow and seat pan support. 
       FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the chair support extension, helical lift and seat pan support. 
       FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of the chair support extension, roller ball, cylindrical housing, helical lift, elbow, seat pan support and hinge. 
       FIG. 13  is a side perspective view of the chair support extension, roller ball, cylindrical housing, helical lift, seat pan support and hinge. 
       FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of the principal embodiments of the present invention 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, illustrate an ergonomic seating assembly  20 , which comprises a set pan  22  supported upon a helical lift  24 , a base  26 , an adjustable post extending from the base  28  to the helical lift  24 , a back/chest support  30  adjustably attached to the seat pan  22  by an elbow member  32 , and a pivotal arm rest attached to the chest support  34 . The base  26  is substantially flattened for allowing the base  26  to pass under common objects such as beds or desks without interference. 
   The helical lift  24  is comprised of a single piece that has a sloping track that slides upon a roller ball  36  for tilting the seat pan  22  quickly and smoothly. The pivotal arm rest  34  is attached to the elbow member  32  and the back/chest support  30 . The elbow member  32  is attached to the helical lift  24 . 
   When the user rotates the elbow member  32 , the helical lift  24  elevates the seat pan  22  up to 15 degrees. As the user rotates the elbow member  32 , the attached arm rest  34  and back/chest support  30  are also rotated resulting in the back/chest support  30  to be positioned so that it supports the user&#39;s chest. When the elbow member  32 , along with the attached arm rest  34  and back/chest support  30  are rotated again, the seat pan  22  is returned to the 0 degree position and the back/chest support  30  engages the back of the user acting as a conventional chair. 
   As shown in the attached figures, the base  26  is comprised of a plurality of support arms  38  that extend radially from one another. The plurality of support arms  38  is preferable comprised of at least five support arms  38  for providing the desirable support and stability by the base  26 . The support arms  38  taper in width from the center toward the distal ends. The base  26  is preferable molded into a single piece construction. The base  26  also preferably has a low profile for allowing passing under objects such as beds, cabinets and desks. 
   At the distal ends of the support arms  38  are a corresponding plurality of wheels  40  that are preferably hidden in a rounded cast portion of the support arms  38  for reducing interference with surrounding furniture and equipment. The plurality of wheels  40  are either caster wheels  24  or another type of wheel that allows 360 degree rotation. 
   As shown in the attached figures, an adjustable post  28  is secured orthogonally to the center of the base  26 . The adjustable post  28  allows the user to adjust the desired height of the seat pan  22  depending upon the height of the user. The adjustable post  28  utilizes pneumatics for adjusting the height of the seat pan  22  or it may utilize other means for raising and lowering the seat pan  22 . In either case, the adjustable post  28  has a locking knob  42  to lock the adjustable post  28  at the desired height. Attached to the top end of the adjustable post  28  is a chair support extension  44 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5 , the chair support extension  44  is triangular shaped and has a first end, a second end, a top side and a bottom side. The first end of the chair support extension  44  is attached to the adjustable post  28  by a press fit or in another suitable manner. Contained within the first end of the chair support extension  44  is an adjustment mechanism  32  for raising or lowering the adjustable post  28 . Attached to and extending outward from the adjustment mechanism  32  and the chair support extension  44  is a cylindrical rod  60  with a handle  62  attached to end of the cylindrical rod  60  for the user of the seating assembly  20  to easily utilize the adjustment mechanism  32 . 
   The second end of the chair support extension  44  contains a pair of horizontal cylindrical openings  52  which cylindrical openings  52  are spaced apart so as to create a breach between the cylindrical openings  52 . Fixedly attached to the top side of the chair support extension  44  is a cylindrical housing  48  for housing a roller ball  36 . The roller ball  36  engages with the helical lift  24  and allows the helical lift  24 , seat pan  22  and back/chest support  30  to be easily rotated. 
   The seat pan  22  is covered with a soft material formed to the shape of the user&#39;s buttocks for increased comfort and support. The seat pan  22  is designed with a pubic arch support to ensure comfort and support in the forward position. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , fixedly attached to the bottom side of the seat pan  22  is a seat pan support  50 . The seat pan support  50  is semi-circular with longitudinal extensions  54  extending from each side of the seat pan support  50 . The ends of each longitudinal extension  54  have cylindrical openings  64 . The cylindrical openings  64  of the longitudinal extensions  54  abut with the cylindrical openings  52  of the chair support extension  44  with a hinge  46  or other connection device passing through the cylindrical openings of the longitudinal extensions  54  and chair support extension  44 . The hinge  46  allows the seat pan  22  to move up or down as the helical lift  24  is rotated. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 , the helical lift  24  is rotatably attached to the bottom side of the seat pan support  50 . The helical lift  24  includes a track that slidably receives the roller ball  36  within the chair support extension  44 . The track is C-shaped and has a low end and a high end. The track increases in height from the low end to the high end. When the user rotates the helical lift  24  so that the roller ball  36  goes from engaging the low end to the high end of the track, the helical lift  24  and the seat pan  22  are elevated approximately 15 degrees. When the roller ball  36  is in engagement with the low end of the track, the seat pan  22  is substantially parallel for use as a conventional chair. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 , an elbow member  56  is fixedly attached to the helical lift  24 . The elbow member  56  extends from the helical lift  24  and then is angled upwardly at an angle for supporting the back/chest support  30  and the arm rest  34 . The angled vertical portion of the elbow member  56  is preferably pivotal whereby a spring assembly  58  is attached to the elbow member  56  so as to maintain the position of the elbow member  56  during utilization. The elbow member  56  is also adjustable in length for elevating or lowering the arm rests  34  and back/chest support  30 . 
   The arm rests  34  are supported upon a platform that is attached to the distal end of the elbow member  56 . The arm rests  34  are preferably pivotally adjustable for allowing adjustments into the desired position. 
   As further shown in the attached figures, a back/chest support  30  is attached to the distal end of the elbow member  56  for supporting the user&#39;s upper body when in the forward position. The back/chest support  30  engages the user&#39;s back when in the rearward position thereby acting as a conventional chair. The back/chest support  30  includes a bladder system that allows the user to control the contours for proper fit. 
   In use, the user may utilize the invention as a conventional chair with the roller ball  36  engaging the low end of the helical lift  24  whereby the seat pan  22  is substantially parallel and the back/chest support  30  is engaging the user&#39;s back. The arm rests  34  are pivoted forwardly to support the user&#39;s arms as with a conventional chair. If the user desires to utilize the invention in the forward position, the user simply rotates the elbow member  56  180 degrees so that the back/chest support  30  is in engagement with the user&#39;s upper body. When the user rotates the elbow member  56 , the helical lift  24  is simultaneously rotated so that the roller ball  36  goes from the low end to the high end of the track thereby elevating the seat pan  22  forwardly. This is desirable for surgeons and other professionals who must be close to the object they are working upon. 
   As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
   With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
   Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.