Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a divisional application claiming priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/961,472, filed Dec. 6, 2010, titled Dynamic Furniture, which is a divisional application claiming priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/879,144, filed Jul. 16, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,850,238, titled Dynamic Furniture, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Disclosure 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to the field of human supports and more specifically to the field of adjustable, therapeutic furniture commonly known as recliners. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    Furniture possesses many uses. Without delving deeply into the history of furniture, there have evolved two primary classes of furniture dedicated to supporting a human in repose: beds and chairs. Beds are designed to accommodate a human lying generally flat, and chairs are adapted to accommodate a more contorted, seated human body arrangement. Although recliners exist that allow multiple positions, such recliners have inherent drawbacks: for example, a user is either in one of the preset reclining positions, or is in an unstable in-between state; and often a user cannot flex his back beyond an angle of 180 degrees. 
         [0006]    There is a need for a single article of furniture that can adjust to the many positions of human repose, rather than limited specific preset positions. Of particular interest, are medical patients having mobility issues. It is often the case that a patient has an issue standing, lying down, or even moving from one article of furniture to another. The problem becomes further complicated when moving a patient into or from one article of furniture to another becomes inherently destructive to the patient&#39;s health. Current furniture is either functionally insufficient, or overly complicated and specialized. 
         [0007]    Although simple furniture suitable to accommodate a human in various states of repose is a rare find, other devices with highly adjustable body members suitable to greatly alter the configuration of a human do exist. Such devices tend to include exercise equipment. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,611 there is disclosed an exercise device having two body supports which move in similar rotation and inverse elevation to one another to change from a chair configuration, where one support is higher than the other, to a spine tensioning apparatus, where the supports are near equal in elevation. Preferably body supports are spaced apart from one another such that the only interconnecting human link between the two supports, when in a near equal elevation configuration, is the human spine. The spine, in this configuration is then subjected to similar forces as a simple beam supported by two separate forces, tension, compression, shear and moment. The spine is aided by and through tension and contraction and increased blood flow and afforded the ability for spinal muscle, nerve and soft tissue development and maintenance. The supports, independent of each other, comprise an upper body support and a lower body support and allow an individual&#39;s body to practice spine enhancement, development, &amp; or traction, lying or any combination thereof, or alternately, face up, face down, or on either left or right side. The apparatus is also applicable to retrofitting existing chairs. 
         [0008]    Although this exercise device includes two rotatable platforms which allow a significant degree of freedom of motion to the user, its primary purpose is to tension a spine rather than to support a human in various states of repose. Adapted to provide spinal tension rather than body support, this exercise device&#39;s body support platforms are purposefully static internally and limited to circularly-rotating platforms. The body supports are not dynamically motionable to allow changing into different positions of repose while the user remains within the furniture. 
         [0009]    Therefore there is a need for a single article of furniture designed to allow a user to occupy multiple states of repose and to easily reach those states of repose without having to leave and reenter the furniture. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0010]    The dynamic furniture of the present invention is designed to cooperate with the user to facilitate achieving countless seating positions—including the standing, lying, and inverted body positions. A user, which can be either the individual occupying the device or an attendant acting externally, can easily transition between the many positions the body can achieve. It solves many of the problems associated with previous articles of furniture, including: difficult or unsafe entrance into and out of a chair; difficult or unsafe entrance to or from bed; difficult transition between lying, sitting, and standing; and the ability of the user to easily change body position and angle of repose in order to minimize the ill effects of remaining in a relatively fixed position within the furniture for any length of time. The present invention will help a person transition from standing, to sitting, to reclining, to lying flat and more; and the user can experience the therapeutic motions between positions. The addition of locking controls allows a user enhanced manipulation with respect to position maintenance. Significantly, the user can flex his or her back in many angles of repose. 
         [0011]    The present invention is directed to dynamic furniture for supporting a seated, standing, or reclining user in a home, office, medical facility, mass transport vehicle, mobile platform, or other location where the aspects of the present invention would be advantageous. The furniture includes a base, an actuator, a seat platform, and a back platform. The base acts to support the present invention and includes a portion adapted to contact a stable surface such as a floor, wall, ceiling, or mobile platform. The preferred base is a substantially flat plate with space to attach two rotatable connectors, though the base can be a curved plate or other shape as needed for other specific purposes—such as rocking or tilting. One or more path joint assemblies connect the base to an actuator in such a manner as to permit the actuator assembly to move along a specific path relative to the base. The actuator in turn holds dynamic seat platform and dynamic back platform with separate, independent path joint assemblies. 
         [0012]    For reference purposes, it is helpful to discuss the actuator assembly in terms of a proximate portion and a distal portion. The proximate portion of the actuator assembly normally holds the seat platform and the distal portion of the actuator holds the back platform, as though one were facing the seat portion of a chair. The terms “seat” and “back” when used in conjunction with a platform correspond to the seat and back portions of the body of a user. The back platform normally contacts an upper portion of a human body, and the seat platform normally contacts a lower portion of a human body—though they can be reversed or used otherwise. In other embodiments of the present invention there are also leg rests, head rest, and other platforms connected. 
         [0013]    The seat platform is attached to the actuator assembly in a manner that allows the seat platform to travel along a specific path relative to the actuator assembly. The back platform is attached to the actuator assembly in a manner that allows the back platform to move along a specific path relative to the actuator assembly. Preferred platforms are essentially panels, which may be flat or from slightly to moderately curved, sized to accept the various parts of the body for which the panel would be used. 
         [0014]    The paths, as allowed by the path joints of the present invention, between components of the furniture include circular orbits and eccentric orbits. A circular orbit occurs between two components when a path joint assembly restricts the motion of a first component to include only a uniform, substantially-circular motion relative to the second component. An eccentric orbit occurs between two components when a path joint assembly allows the motion of a first component to include a non-uniform motion relative to the second component such that a non-circular path is allowed. By “orbit” it is meant that a component moves in relation to a second component due to one or more axes of restrained connection. The paths of the present invention need not be confined to two-dimensional motion, but may further include motion within a third-dimension. 
         [0015]    It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a comfortable article of furniture that is relatively simple to enter and exit. 
         [0016]    It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide an article of furniture that is relatively simple to manufacture, operate, and maintain. 
         [0017]    It is also a further aspect of the present invention to provide an article of furniture that dynamically moves with the body of a user into the many desired states of repose, and can be moved by the user or an attendant to reposition the body of a seated user. 
         [0018]    It is a still further aspect of the present invention to provide an article of furniture capable of achieving angles beyond  180  degrees. 
         [0019]    These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive. Furthermore, some features may apply to certain versions of the invention, but not others. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings, by way of non-limiting examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, in which like characters represent like elements throughout the several views of the drawings. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dynamic furniture. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dynamic furniture. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dynamic furniture. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4   a  is a sectional motion diagram of a path joint assembly dynamically connecting a base to an actuator. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4   b  is a sectional motion diagram of a path joint assembly dynamically connecting a base to an actuator. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4   c  is a sectional motion diagram of a path joint assembly dynamically connecting a base to an actuator. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4   d  is a sectional motion diagram of a path joint assembly dynamically connecting a base to an actuator. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4   e  is a sectional motion diagram of a path joint assembly dynamically connecting a base to an actuator. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5   a  is a sectional motion diagram of a path joint assembly dynamically connecting platforms to an actuator. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5   b  is a sectional motion diagram of a path joint assembly dynamically connecting platforms to an actuator. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6   a  is a sectional motion diagram of a path joint assembly dynamically connecting platforms to an actuator. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6   b  is a sectional motion diagram of a path joint assembly dynamically connecting platforms to an actuator. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7   a  is a sectional motion diagram of a path joint assembly dynamically connecting platforms to an actuator. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7   b  is a sectional motion diagram of a path joint assembly dynamically connecting platforms to an actuator. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dynamic furniture. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view of components of an embodiment of the dynamic furniture. 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view of components of an embodiment of the dynamic furniture. 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view of components of an embodiment of the dynamic furniture. 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  is a sectional view of components of an embodiment of the dynamic furniture. 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view of an embodiment of components of the dynamic furniture. 
           [0041]      FIG. 14  is a sectional view of an embodiment of the dynamic furniture. 
           [0042]      FIG. 15  is a sectional view of an embodiment of the dynamic furniture. 
           [0043]      FIG. 16   a  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dynamic furniture. 
           [0044]      FIG. 16   b  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dynamic furniture. 
           [0045]      FIG. 16   c  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dynamic furniture. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0046]    Referring first to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the dynamic furniture  100  is shown. The dynamic furniture  100  includes a base  102  which is located in a position to support the dynamic furniture  100 . There is no preferred shape or construction for such a purpose and the base  102  shown in  FIG. 1  illustrates a configuration readily amenable to home and office use having a rectangular floor contact. As the base  102  must support the weight of a human being, often in motion within the present invention, the base  102  should be constructed of sturdy material. Examples of materials sufficient with the present invention include wood, metals, plastics, and composites having sufficient strength to accept component wear. Other base configurations will suit the present invention; however, the dynamic furniture  100  of  FIG. 1  shows the preferred base  102  adapted to sit on the floor in a stable manner. 
         [0047]    It is necessary for base  102  to support the actuator  104  while the actuator  104  is permitted to move only along a specific path with respect to the base  102 . For the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the actuator  104  is a curved plate and its path of movement is determined by the path joint assembly which connects actuator assembly  104  to base  102 . The preferred embodiment of path joint assembly for the curved actuator assembly  104 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , incorporates the base  102  to the actuator assembly by means of a double-member eccentric path joint assembly. The path joint assembly includes front boom  170 , and a rear boom  172  that, in conjunction with the four rotatable connectors  152 , join the base  102  to the actuator assembly  104 . The front boom  170  has one of its sides circularly rotatably connected to a proximate portion of the actuator assembly  104 ; and also the front boom  170  has its opposite side circularly rotatably connected to a proximate portion of the base  102 . A rear boom  172  similarly has one of its sides circularly rotatably connected to a distal portion of the actuator assembly  104 , and the rear boom  172  has its opposite side circularly rotatably connected to the other end of the base  102 . The path joint assembly depicted in  FIG. 1  permits the actuator assembly  104  to tilt back and forth into various positions along an eccentric path relative to the base  102 . The actuator assembly  104  need not be shaped like the curved plate shown in  FIG. 1 , and can include one or more curved bars, one or more straight bars, or other shapes and configurations capable of dynamically holding motionable platforms. A back platform  108  contacts an upper portion of a human body, and the seat platform  106  contacts a lower portion of a human body—though they can be reversed or used otherwise. 
         [0048]      FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  disclose two positions of an embodiment of the dynamic furniture  100  with the seat platform  106  sized and shaped to accept a user&#39;s butt and legs, and the back platform  108  sized and shaped to accept the user&#39;s back and head.  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  each also show the dynamic furniture  100  with curved actuators  104 , and with two each of the double-member eccentric path joint assemblies forming a two-sided path joint assembly. This preferred two-sided path joint assembly includes front booms  170 , rear booms  172 , and multiple rotatable connectors  152 . Such a two-sided path joint assembly operates in the same manner as the one-sided path joint assembly previously disclosed, and any description of actuator assemblies or path joint assemblies herein disclosed can be constructed in a one-sided or two-sided configuration. A path joint assembly of the present invention is any joining mechanism, or one or more path joints that allows one component of the present invention to move, either circularly, eccentrically, or otherwise, about another component of the present invention. A path joint assembly may include two or more path-joints, that work together to enable one or more components to move about, or in relation to, another component of the present invention. A path joint assembly may also be tensioned to further enhance balance or stability. 
         [0049]      FIG. 3  illustrates the dynamic furniture  100  positioned for a user lying down with legs up and back flexed; and  FIG. 2  illustrates the dynamic furniture  100  in a position suitable for lounging or sitting. By “flexed” it is meant that the platforms of the dynamic furniture achieve a position greater than one-hundred-eighty degrees, such that if occupied, a user within would occupy a position that curves the body toward the spine. Due to the path joint assemblies of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention are additionally capable of forming both upright and reclining positions. By “upright,” it is meant that a user within the furniture would occupy a seated position that curves the body toward the stomach. A “reclining position” of the present invention is a position that places the body in a substantially one-hundred-eighty degree position. The present invention is capable of achieving positions in the upright, reclining, and flexed states. 
         [0050]    By using eccentric path joint assemblies, such as those shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the actuator assembly  104  is joined to base  102  in a manner that permits the actuator assembly to travel along an eccentric orbit relative to the base  102 . By eccentric orbit, it is meant that an edge of a portion of the actuator forges a path that when continued for a noticeable distance traces out an eccentric shape with respect to the base. The path derived from an eccentric path joint assembly is advantageous because it is conducive to sustaining balance, for the user, while the user is remaining static or dynamically changing body positions within the furniture. 
         [0051]      FIG. 4   a  illustrates the motion of a straight bar actuator assembly  104  that is movably joined to base  102  with a double-boom eccentric path joint assembly. The β arrows in  FIG. 4   a  illustrate the dynamic motion of the actuator assembly  104 , in relation to base  102 , which is permitted by the front boom  170  and rear boom  172  of the double-boom eccentric path joint assembly. When the path joint assembly includes double booms as in  FIG. 4   a,  rather than the boom depicted in  FIG. 1 , then the double booms can also cross each other. A floor-mounted embodiment, for example, works best when the double booms routinely cross each other. 
         [0052]    An alternate embodiment of an eccentric path joint assembly is illustrated in  FIG. 4   b.  In  FIG. 4   b,  the actuator assembly  104  includes a straight bar, and base  102  includes a fixed base post  118  portion extending upward. A geared eccentric path joint assembly  144  connects the actuator  104  to the base post  118  portion of the base  102 . The 0 arrows in  FIG. 4   b  illustrate the motioning of the actuator assembly  104  that is permitted by this embodiment of the geared eccentric path joint assembly.  FIG. 11  shows the geared eccentric path joint assembly  144  in greater detail. 
         [0053]    The embodiment of the geared eccentric path joint assembly  144  shown in  FIG. 11  comprises a double-hole bar  164  connecting the actuator gear-and-peg  192  to the base gear-and-peg  190 . The gear portion of the actuator gear-and-peg  192  is fixably attached to the actuator assembly  104 . The gear portion of the base gear-and-peg  190  is fixably attached to the base post  118 . The double-hole bar  164  is rotatably connected separately to each of the two pegs and keeps the two gears in mechanical communication so that the path swept out by the actuator assembly  104  is eccentric relative to the base post  118 . Embodiments of the base post  118  may be directly secured to the floor, ceiling, wall, or a mobile platform. 
         [0054]    The geared eccentric path joint  144  assembly depicted in  FIG. 11  is preferably controlled by a dynamic joint controller capable of selective lock and adjust control of the movement of the actuator relative to the base.  FIG. 11  also depicts an eccentric dynamic-joint controller  134  of the present invention. This actuator control allows a user or attendant to halt the motion of the actuator relative to base post  118 . It also allows a user or attendant to adjust the focus of the eccentric path of the actuator assembly  104  with respect to base post  118 . Such a dynamic joint controller is shown in  FIG. 11  comprising control knob  124  in selective connection to the actuator gear-and-peg  192 , and a track  182  located within the base post  118 . The actuator gear-and-peg  192  is affixed to the actuator assembly  104 , the base gear-and-peg  190  is affixed to the base post  118 , and the double-hole bar  164  dynamically holds the mating gears together. Further, engaging control knob  124  locks the actuator assembly  104  to the base post  118 . Disengaging the control knob  124  then permits the actuator assembly to again achieve motion in relation to the base post  118 . Additionally, when the control knob is disengaged, a screwdriver or other such instrument may be inserted into the slot  193  within the peg portion of the base gear-and-peg  190  in order to adjust the normally fixed position of the base gear-and-peg  190  and reaffix it to base post  118 . This adjustment changes the focus of the eccentric path of the actuator assembly  104 , relative to base post  118 , and thus changes the balance and stabilization realized by a seated user for his particular body type. 
         [0055]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , the preferred actuator assembly  104  is shown. The actuator assembly  104  dynamically supports both the rotatably attached seat platform  106  and, similarly, the rotatably attached back platform  108 . The preferred embodiment of actuator  104  includes an interior, open space; and the preferred structure for achieving this interior, open space is the illustrated curved plate actuator. The curved plate actuator  104  allows the back platform  108  and the seat platform  106  to achieve angles between each other ranging from less than eight-five degrees to more than one hundred ninety degrees—and those in between. This enables the dynamic furniture  100  to conform to the sitting and lying postures of a user situated there within, as well as other postures in-between and beyond—such as standing up or flexing one&#39;s back. This actuator assembly  104  configuration is preferred since it allows a user to easily enter and exit the chair from the front or either side, and it allows a disabled user to enter into the seated position of the dynamic furniture  100  by sliding over from another chair or from a lying position into a bed. Materials suitable for the actuator, as well as other components of the dynamic furniture, include wood, metals, plastics, and composites having sufficient strength to accept component wear, and to hold the weight of an individual in dynamic motion. 
         [0056]    Turning to  FIGS. 4   c  and  4   d,  the actuator assembly  104  includes a straight bar, and the eccentric path joint assembly includes a base track  182  and double contacts  122 . The base track  182  is attached to the base post  118  portion of the base  102 . The double contacts  122  are affixed to actuator  104 , and these double contacts are permitted only to slide within base track  182 . The β arrows in  FIG. 4   c  and  FIG. 4   d  illustrate the movements of the actuators  104  permitted by their respective eccentric path joint assemblies. The base track can be any shape sufficient to promote orbital motion of the actuator relative to the base  102 , such as that shown in  FIG. 4   d  in which both circular orbital and eccentric orbital motions are allowed by the shape of the base track  182 . 
         [0057]    Alternatively, other orbital path joint assemblies may include any other mechanical attachment means suited to enable an orbital path of travel for the actuator  104  relative to base  102 . 
         [0058]    Examples of embodiments of specific dynamics for seat platforms and back platforms relative to the actuator  104  are as diagramed in  FIG. 5   a,    FIG. 5   b,    FIG. 6   a,    FIG. 6   b,    FIG. 7   a,  and  FIG. 7   b.    FIG. 5   a  shows that the straight bar actuator assembly  104  holds the back platform  108  in orbital circular connection with circular path joint assembly  150 ; and straight bar actuator assembly  104  also holds seat platform  106  in orbital circular connection with a circular path joint assembly  150 . The motions of these platforms are illustrated by the a arrows in  FIG. 5   a.    
         [0059]      FIG. 5   b  shows a roller  154  rotatably connected to actuator  104 .  FIG. 5   b  also shows the seat platform  106  joined to actuator assembly  104  by frictional contact with roller  154 ; and it shows the back platform  108  connected to the straight bar actuator  104  by the circular path joint assembly  150 . The embodiment of the flex joint  128  shown in  FIG. 5   b  is a one-pivot two-bar structure comprising a rear bar  176  attached to the edge of the back platform  108 , a front bar  174  attached to the edge of the seat platform  106 , and a rotatable connector  152  that rotatably connects the rear bar  176  to the front bar  174 . The flex joint  128  of the present invention is a joining mechanism between the seat platform  106  and the back platform  108  that ties the motion of the seat platform  106  to that of the back platform  108 , and vice versa. When gravity causes seat platform  106  to remain in frictional connection with roller  154 , seat platform  106  is constrained to movement along the roller  154 . The combination of joints illustrated in  FIG. 5   b  then allows seat platform  106  to move along an eccentric path β while back platform  108  moves along a circular path a. 
         [0060]      FIG. 6   a  shows the straight bar actuator assembly  104 , the back platform  108 , the seat platform  106 , an embodiment of the flex joint  128 therebetween, and an extended path joint assembly  130 . The flex joint  128  of  FIG. 6   a  includes a two-pivot one-bar structure having two rotatable connectors  152  and double-hole bar  164 . One rotatable connector  152  rotatably connects one end of double-hole bar  164  to the edge of the back platform  108 , and the other rotatable connector  152  rotatably connects the other end of double-hole bar  164  to the edge of the seat platform  106 . The extended path joint assembly  130  includes a double-hole bar  164  adapted to project the path of motion for the seat platform  106  either above or below the extended path joint assembly  130 . With the circular path joint assembly  150  joining the back platform  108  to the actuator  104 , the combination of joints illustrated in  FIG. 6   a  allows the seat platform  106  to move along the eccentric path β while back platform  108  moves along circular path a. 
         [0061]      FIG. 6   b  shows the back platform  108  attached to the actuator  104  using a geared eccentric path joint assembly  144 , and the seat platform  106  attached to the actuator assembly  104  by another geared eccentric path joint assembly  144 . These path joint assemblies enable the seat platform  106  to move along an eccentric path β relative to the actuator assembly  104 , and back platform  108  to travel along an eccentric path relative to actuator assembly  104 . In  FIG. 6   b,  the flex joint  128 , which joins the seat and back platforms together, is comprised of a three-pivot two-bar structure. This preferred embodiment of flex joint  128  is comprised of two double-hole bars  164  and three rotatable connectors  152 : wherein one rotatable connector rotatably connects the two double-hole bars, another rotatable connector rotatably connects the seat platform  106  to the flex joint  128 , and the final rotatable connector rotatably connects the back platform  108  to the flex-joint  128 . This arrangement provides a significant amount of stability and flexibility for the user. 
         [0062]      FIG. 9  shows an enlargement of the path joint assembly  144  that is shown in  FIG. 6   b  as connecting actuator  104  with seat platform  106 . The seat platform  106  is joined to actuator assembly  104  by the geared eccentric path joint assembly  144  comprising a double-hole bar  164 , actuator gear-and-peg  192 , and platform gear-and-peg  194 . The actuator gear-and-peg  192  is fixably attached to the actuator  104  with the peg protruding, the platform gear-and-peg  194  is fixably attached to the seat platform  106 , and the double-hole bar  164  is rotatably attached to each of the two pegs, thus keeping the two gears mechanically engaged. This geared eccentric path joint assembly  144  is capable of maintaining multiple, variable seat platform positions relative to the actuator  104  that can be altered by a user merely by repositioning his or her body position. Since the seat platform  106  is permitted to move only in an eccentric path relative to actuator  104 , the platform is said to be in eccentric connection with the actuator  104 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 7   a  shows the actuator assembly  104  with a seat platform  106  in eccentric connection. It also shows the actuator  104  in eccentric connection with the back platform  108 . The seat platform  106  is joined to the actuator assembly  104  by a deformable path-joint assembly  140 ; and the back platform  108  is joined to the actuator  104  by a deformable path joint assembly  140 . The deformable path joint assembly  140  may be comprised of a resilient, flexible material that has a natural state of relaxation, can be deformed into various curved positions by the application of force, and will tend to spring back to its natural state of equilibrium. The preferred deformable path joint assembly is a spring. The flex joint  128  is a rotatable connector. The combination of joints illustrated in  FIG. 7   a  enables seat platform  106  and back platform  108  to move along eccentric paths β and β, respectively. 
         [0064]      FIG. 7   b  shows the back platform  108  rotatably connected to actuator assembly  104 , the seat platform  106  joined to the actuator  104  by the path joint assembly, and the seat platform  106  joined to the back platform  108  by an embodiment of the flex joint  128  capable of deformation. The deformable flex joint  128  includes a deformable material that has a natural state of relaxation that can be deformed into one or more positions by the application of force. Preferred deformable flex joints include a strip of fabric or elastic that is then attached between the back platform  108  and seat platform  106 . The path joint assembly, in  FIG. 7   b,  includes a rotatable connector  152 , rotatably attached to the seat platform  106 , capable of sliding within track  182 . The combination of joints illustrated in  FIG. 7   b  allows the seat platform  106  to move along an eccentric path β—while the back platform  108 moves along a fixed circular path a. 
         [0065]    Turning to  FIG. 8 , an embodiment of the dynamic furniture  100  is shown. This embodiment of the dynamic furniture  100  shows: the base  102  with a rectangular floor contact member; the base post  118  stemming upward from the floor via a telescoping assembly  178 , and an armrest  186  attached to the base post  118 . The flex joint  128  joins the back platform  108  and the seat platform  106 , and the back platform  108  is rotatably attached to the straight actuator assembly  104  via circular path joint assembly  150 . The seat platform  106  rests on the roller  154 , and the circular path joint assembly  150  connects the actuator assembly  104  to the base post  118  portion of the base  102 . The circular path-joint assembly  150  shown between the actuator assembly  104  and the base post  118  is a rotatable connector that allows actuator  104  to tilt back and forth into various positions along a fixed circular path relative to the base post  118 . More specifically, the circular path joint assembly  150  allows the actuator  104  to rotate vertically with respect to the base  102 . The motion enabled by the circular path joint assembly is illustrated by the a arrows in  FIG. 4   e;  and the motions of the seat and back platforms are as diagramed in  FIG. 5   b.    FIG. 4   e  shows the base  102 , the base post  118  portion of base  102 , the actuator assembly  104 , circular path joint assembly  150 , and the circular orbital motion that a circular path-joint assembly allows—as shown by the a arrows. 
         [0066]    Alternative circular path joint assemblies, and rotatable connectors, may include a peg turning within a hole, a rod turning within a sleeve, double contacts sliding within a circular track, or any other mechanical attachment means suited to allow a circular path of travel. By circular path of travel, it is meant that an edge of a portion of the actuator assembly  104  forges a path of travel that traces out a circular arc shape with respect to the base  102 . 
         [0067]    Path joint assemblies may alternatively include compound path joints comprising two or more path joint assemblies configured in series, such as the many types of universal joints which enable curvilinear paths which are not necessarily planar, and may also include spherical path joint assemblies such as the many types of ball-and-socket or ball-in-socket joints. 
         [0068]    The path joint assembly need not join the base post  118  portion of base  102  to a center portion of the actuator assembly  104 , as shown in  FIG. 4   e;  the path joint assembly need only be affixed to the base  102  in such a manner as to allow a substantial portion of the actuator assembly  104  to protrude and dynamically achieve its function of supporting other moving components of the dynamic furniture  100  such as back, seat, and leg rest platforms. 
         [0069]    Returning to  FIG. 8 , the present invention includes an upper portion  110  that includes back platform  108  with a head rest platform  116  connected by a rotatable connector  152 ; and the seat platform  106  has a leg rest platform  112  connected by a rotatable connector  152 . Other embodiments of the dynamic furniture  100  may, however, include a fixably attached head rest or leg rest platform. Between the back platform  108  and the seat platform  106  is the flex joint  128 , in  FIG. 8 ; and the leg rest platform  112  shown therein may include one or more portions that are independently adjustable to accommodate leg injuries. As the dynamic furniture  100  includes the aspects of both a chair and a cot, the preferred dimensions for the head rest platform  116 , the back platform  108 , the seat platform  106 , the leg rest platform  112 , and other platforms are simply that of a panel. Any dimensions for the platforms sculpted or padded to provide further comfort with a user may be applied to the present invention. 
         [0070]      FIG. 10  shows a dynamic joint controller  132 . As the present controller is applicable to many components of the present invention, the controller shall be discussed as connecting a generic first component  176  to a generic second component  174 . The first component may include the head rest platform  116 , back rest platform  108 , seat platform  106 , or leg rest platform  112 . The second component may include the head rest platform  116 , back rest platform  108 , seat platform  106 , or leg rest platform  112 —though the first component will differ from the second component. The first component  176  is rotatably connected to the second component  174 . The first component  176  and the second component  174  can be put in selective rotational connection by equipping either of the two components with additional parts. Thus equipped, a user can control the angle between the two components or any other furniture components attached thereto.  FIG. 10  shows the two components equipped with the additional parts that make it capable of selective lock and adjust control of the angle between them. This preferred embodiment of the dynamic-joint controller includes a slave gear-and-peg  200 , control gear-and-peg  196 , and control knob  124 ; and the first component  176  rotatably connected to the second component  174  such that the two gears can be engaged. The gear portion of slave gear-and-peg  200  is affixed to the first component  176 , and the control gear-and-peg  196  is rotatably connected to the second component  174 . Engaging and then turning the control knob  124  will rotate the first component  176 relative to the second component  174 . When the control knob  124  is engaged it can also be used to lock the first and second components together in the then-current position. When the slave and control gears are not engaged, the first and second components bars are free to rotate, relative to each other. The controller shown in  FIG. 10  can be adapted for use on flex-joints and other path joint assemblies, or rotatable connectors. 
         [0071]    For example,  FIG. 12  illustrates a circular dynamic joint controller  136  capable of selective lock and adjust control of the movement of actuator assembly  104  in relation to the base post  118  of the present invention. In  FIG. 12 , the circular dynamic joint controller  136  includes the control gear-and-peg  196 , which at one side is rotatably connected to base post  118  and at its other side is affixed to control knob  124 ; and it shows that circular dynamic joint controller  136  includes slave gear-and-peg  200 : the gear portion of which is affixed to the actuator  104 , and the peg portion of which is rotatably attached to the base post  118 . 
         [0072]    The slave gear-and-peg  200  may also include stops  180  to limit dynamic motioning of the actuator assembly  104 , when needed, to an acceptable range for a specific user. In the preferred embodiment of the circular dynamic joint controller  136 , as depicted in  FIG. 12 , the control knob  124  can be pushed in to engage the gear portion of control gear-and-peg  196  with the gear portion of slave gear-and-peg  200 . When engaged, turning the control gear-and-peg  196  via the control knob  124  will rotate the actuator assembly  104  relative to the base post  118 . When the control knob  124  is engaged it can be used to lock the actuator  104  relative to the base post  118 . When engaged or disengaged, movement of actuator  104  is limited by stops  180 . 
         [0073]    The flex joint  128  of the embodiment in  FIG. 13  includes a dynamic joint controller capable of selective lock and adjust control, of the movement of the two platforms relative to each other, via rotation of control knob  124 . A preferred embodiment of this controller is shown in more detail in  FIG. 10 . Other dynamic joint controllers available to the trade, and capable of fulfilling the advantages of the present invention, are also acceptable. Turning to  FIG. 14 , the dynamic furniture  100  includes the actuator assembly  104  attached to the base post  118  portion of base  102 ; and the dynamic furniture also includes the seat platform  106  and the back platform  108 , each rotatably connected to the actuator  104  by one or more circular path joint assemblies  150 . The seat platform  106  is rotatably connected to the actuator assembly  104  in a proximate position; and the back platform  108  is rotatably connected to the actuator  104  in a distal position. The terms ‘proximate position’ and ‘distal position’ as they relate to the actuator assembly  104  are purely for the purpose of explaining the attachment locations of the back platform  108  and seat platform  106 . If the actuator  104  is divided into two portions separated by an imaginary middle point, then proximate is meant merely to refer to one portion of the actuator assembly  104 , and distal is merely meant to refer to the other portion of the actuator assembly  104 . 
         [0074]    In the dynamic furniture  100  embodiment in  FIG. 14 , the flex joint  128  joins the back platform  108  to the seat platform  106 . As  FIG. 14  also shows, embodiments of the present invention might further include a leg rest platform guide  126 . The preferred leg rest platform guide  126  of the present invention includes a roller  154  attached to actuator assembly  104  that serves to restrict the rotation of the leg rest platform  112  in relation to seat platform  106 . The purpose of the leg rest platform guide  126  is to hold the leg rest platform  112  in a position that comfortably supports a user&#39;s legs in various positions of repose and throughout the range of motions involved in changing from lying flat to other positions. The preferred structure of the leg rest platform guide  126  includes roller  154  rotatably connected to actuator  104 . Gravity ensures the leg rest platform  112  remains in contact with the roller  154  during use; and because this preferred leg rest platform guide  126  is connected to the actuator  104 , the leg rest platform  112  will effectively adjust to the user as the user moves between positions, such as between a lying and a sitting position. For example, the leg rest platform guide  126  ensures that in a lying position, embodiments possessing the leg rest platform guide  126  have a leg rest platform  112  that contacts the legs of the user in a manner substantially planar with the seat platform  106 ; and while progressing to a sitting position, the leg rest platform guide  126 ensures that the users legs will be supported while they progressively bend to ninety degrees or less. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 14  also includes arm rest  186 , to facilitate moving one&#39;s body while within the dynamic furniture. 
         [0075]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , an embodiment of the dynamic furniture  100  might further include a butt platform  160  positioned between the seat platform  106  and the back platform  108 . The preferred version of the butt platform  160  is a curved panel rotatably connected at two ends of its periphery. At one end it is rotatably connected to the seat platform  106 ; and at its opposite end it is rotatably connected to the back platform  108 . In this preferred embodiment, portions of the butt platform  160  are capable of rotation to positions both above and below the platforms to which it is connected. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 15  also includes: arm rest  186 ; head rest platform  116  with handle  162 ; and rotatably attached leg rest platform guide  126 , as well as the leg rest platform  112  equipped with foot rest platforms  166  and foot rest adjusters  168  to further support a seated patient. 
         [0076]    As shown in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 , platforms connected to the actuator need not be connected to the extreme ends of the actuator; and a portion of the actuator can be extended to provide guidance and support for additional platforms attached thereto. 
         [0077]    The flexibility of the dynamic furniture  100  allows it to be utilized for many, various purposes related to transportation, relaxation, repose, and examination. Turning to  FIGS. 16   a,    16   b,  and  16   c,  an embodiment of the dynamic furniture  100  is shown to include additions and features that allow the present invention to include aspects of a chair, bed, lift chair, and body repositioning device in a single apparatus.  FIG. 16   a  shows the actuator  104  connected to base post  118  by the circular path joint assembly  150  which includes circular dynamic joint controller  136 . The seat platform  106  is connected to the actuator  104  by the rotatable connector  152 ; and seat platform  106  is connected to the leg rest platform  112  by the rotatable connector  152  which includes a dynamic joint controller  132 .  FIG. 16   a  also shows the back platform  108  connected to the actuator assembly  104  by the rotatable connector  152 , and the back platform  108  is connected to the head rest platform  116  by the rotatable connector  152  which includes the dynamic joint controller  132 . The seat and back platforms are connected together by two of the flex-joints  128 , of which one includes the dynamic joint controller  132 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 16   a  shows the furniture  100  configured to assist the user in standing up.  FIG. 16   b  shows the furniture  100  configured for sleeping.  FIG. 16   c  shows the furniture flexed beyond horizontal. 
         [0079]    The dynamic furniture  100  embodiment depicted herein may include a wheel assembly having multiple wheels affixed to the base  102 . Features which are further advantageous to the present invention include the telescoping assembly  178  pictured in  FIG. 16   a.  The telescoping assembly  178  provides the capability of the dynamic furniture to be raised and lowered. Other means within the trade for accomplishing the elevation adjustment are acceptable. Conjunctively, the base  202  further includes swivel  156  comprising a rotatable member that allows one portion of the base to rotate upon another portion of the base. The illustrated embodiment further includes armrests  186  affixed to the base posts  118 . Any convenience feature common in the furniture art, particularly padding, or power-assisted mobility and adjustability, may be included in the present invention, as important aspects of the present invention include comfort and service.

Technology Category: 1