Ergonomic Seating Unit

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to an ergonomically designed seating unit which naturally exercises the body by providing active sitting and, more particularly, to such an ergonomically designed seating unit which employs a fluid-filled, substantially egg-shaped seat which promotes continuous movement of the spine, hips and upper body.

2. Background Discussion

Increasingly, the modern worker is required to spend prolonged periods seated at a workstation. As a result, the potential for back, shoulder and neck problems is considerably increased. This is particularly true when seated in a conventional chair having a rigid seat which, with prolonged use, restricts circulation to the legs and does not allow for constant small movements of the spine, hips and arms. These small movements, herein referred to as "active sitting", are especially beneficial in reducing or preventing pains in the upper body.

It is known to provide conventional office chairs with mechanical arrangements for adjusting the seat height, seat position and backrest position. However, such mechanic devices need periodic servicing, are susceptible to breakage and require a good understanding of ergonomics for proper use. While ergonomically correct backrests, when applied to such office chairs, can substantially eliminate back pain, they do not offer a solution to an even more frequent problem caused by tension in the neck and shoulder area.

One proposed solution to address the above-noted problems associated with the conventional rigid-seat chair is the use of a gymnastics ball as a chair. The ball, typically made of plastic, is well suited for exercising, but does not have the required stability for prolonged use as an office chair, nor the proper dimensions essential for office and/or other workstation labor. Users typically complain of the need to constantly balance their body on the ball which, if not properly addressed, can lead to accidents, such as falling off the ball.

Other prior art seating devices include, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,499,682, to Orenstein, which discloses an inflatable chair comprising a plurality of inflatable panels joined together by hinge type connections and mounted to a frame. The arrangement disclosed by Orenstein is not ergonomically suited for office work or other labor requiring prolonged seated periods because the sitting position dictated by the Orenstein chair is not adapted for work at a desk or table. Moreover, horizontal movement of the sitting surface, essential for active sitting, is very limited and insufficient to prevent upper body problems resulting from prolonged sitting. In addition, the panels have to be inflated by air pump or compressor, making the availability of such a device necessary. This invention also does not include the provision of castors, essential for mobility when at work nor can the seat area be detached from the frame and used for other purposes.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,610,689, to Smith, discloses a chair structure, composed of separate inflated members, which are removably secured together. The arrangement is bulky and therefore is not well suited to the work place. Moreover, the upper part of the chair is composed entirely of inflated members, thus lacking the required stability essential for prolonged sitting, especially at the work place where workers perceive instability as being uncomfortable. The seating partition of the Smith invention is made of numerous inflated bags, thereby complicating handling and replacement. Further, these inflatable members must be inflated by a mechanical device, such as an air pump, making the availability of such a device necessary. No castors are available, which limits mobility at work.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,514,010, to Gonzales, discloses an arrangement for the distribution of pressurized fluid to a seat unit. While the areas of the seat unit are pressurized, the movement of the sitting surface is very limited. Only limited vertical movement of the same is possible, horizontal movement, indispensable for active sitting, is not provided for. Moreover, the shape of backrest is not suitable for prolonged use typically encountered at the work place. In addition, no provision is made for application of castors, although these are essential for a working place. Further, the seat area itself cannot be detached from the arrangement and used for other purposes.

British Pat. No. 277,437 issued to Ashmore discloses improvements to chairs, settees and upholstered furniture. This invention expressly restrains horizontal displacement of the sitting surface, a movement indispensable for active sitting. The seat area itself is equipped with springs, therefore, contrary to an inflated seat, does not fit itself exactly to the body shape of the sitting person, so reducing the sensation of ultimate comfort. Moreover, the invention creates a bulky piece of furniture that does not allow for practical usage at the working place. The seat area is connected to the furniture by a guiding device and cannot be used separately.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,779,396, issued to Nail, discloses protective covers for chesterfield chairs, and the like, comprising a central panel and side panels, having slits and adapted to cover the seat, back and arms of a chair, edge portions being united with the central panel. This arrangement does not have the elasticity necessary to cover a balloon seat that changes its size considerably when inflated, or deflated. Should this cover be used for a balloon seat, it would slide over the top of the balloon and the user could slip down from the seat, risking an accident.

Thus, there is a need to provide an improved seating unit that ensures active sitting, optimal sitting position, stability, versatility, variability, mobility and simplicity, yet does not possess the shortcomings of the seating devices presently employed.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved seating unit that ensures active sitting, optimal sitting positions for use at a desk or workstation and imparts a feeling of stability to the user.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved seating unit which is adjustable to offer different sitting positions using an easy and simple arrangement which eliminates the need to utilize mechanical or electrical devices, such as air pumps, compressors, or similar devices.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved seating unit that can be mounted and dismounted easily and quickly and can thus be transported from one location to another.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved seating unit that is versatile such that the seat of the improved seating unit can be used separately for purposes other than sitting, for example, for gymnastics exercises, relaxation and other exercises as well as for sitting and lying purposes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved seating unit has such a light weight that it can easily be carried from place to place or used as a walking aid by the user.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved seating unit that can be equipped with an elastic textile cover which adapts itself to the changing size of the seat, thus improving sitting comfort.

An important advantage of the present invention is that the user experiences continuously slight movements of the spine, the hips and the upper body. In this way pains and tensions caused by a rigid sitting position can be prevented.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the sitting position can be customized and individually tailored for an individual user by inflating the balloon by mouth, or deflating it by hand, or tilting it forwards, backwards, or sideways, quickly and without the need for any mechanical or electrical devices. The balloon is held firmly in place by the surrounding connecting elements as soon as the user sits on it and exerts pressure on the seat.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it grants the user the known advantages of active sitting and at the same time, owing to the rigid frame, the sensation of stability, essential for comfortable, prolonged sitting.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that the very light weight allows also aged or disabled users to carry it from place to place and use it for the dual purpose of a walking aid and a seat.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that by providing a soft seat, which automatically adjusts itself to fit exactly to the body shape of the user, pains connected with lower body distress are reduced. Since the soft seat has no edges, blood circulation in the legs is not hindered by the soft seat.

Still another advantageous feature of the present invention is that the elastic seat cover is fitted tightly to the balloon and, by dividing between the user's body and the seat surface, reduces perspiration under hot conditions.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the seat surface can be taken out of the seat simply and quickly by hand and used for other purposes, like a toy for children, or gymnastics and other exercises. Afterwards it can be placed back easily in the frame serving as a seat again.

Yet still another advantage of the present invention is that it is durable and completely free of maintenance.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that it can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled into its small and flat components. In this way the transport from one location to another is made very easy and convenient.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention are achieved, according to one embodiment thereof, by an ergonomic seating unit comprising a main frame having a rigid side frame, and a stable bottom frame in which a mobile seat is inserted. The mobile seat can be moved significantly in all directions when the chair is occupied, the mobile seat comprising an inflated oval shaped balloon formed of, for example, a rubber or thermoplastic material.

The frame is formed, for example, of steel or other suitable metals or other suitable materials and comprises: 1) an oval upper frame, which can be surrounded by upholstery, and serves as backrest and armrest, 2) a round or star shaped lower frame equipped with traversal tubes and with castors, and 3) slant vertical tubes which connect the upper frame to the lower frame. The whole structure is held together by suitable fasteners, such as, for example, bolts or screws or the like. An additional flexible backrest, possessing a rectangular or oval shape can be attached to the middle vertical connecting tube. This flexible backrest is also adjustable horizontally and vertically.

The foregoing and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will no doubt become more apparent to those skilled in the art after having read the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, which are contained in and illustrated by the various Drawing Figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a complete seat unit constructed in accordance with the mentioned improvements of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view revealing the complete frame of the seat unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an axial, partial cross-section view illustrating the connection between the traversal tubes of the lower frame and the slant vertical tubes as illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view, in partial cross-section, illustrating the connection between the traversal tubes of the lower frame and the slant vertical tubes as illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a complete seat unit constructed in accordance with the mentioned improvements of the present invention and equipped with an additional flexible backrest;

FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of an additional flexible backrest;

FIG. 7 is a schematic, side elevation view of an additional flexible backrest connected to the middle slant vertical tube contained in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic, front view of an elastic seat cover.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, one embodiment of ergonomic seating unit of the present invention, generally indicated at 13, is illustrated. The ergonomic seating unit 13 includes a main frame, at 14, comprising, for example, a metal construction, made of anodized or coated metal tubes. The main frame 14 comprises a circular lower frame 10 equipped with castors 6, an upper frame 4 padded with foam rubber or similar material 9, and substantially vertical connecting tubes 1, 7 and 8 which connect the lower and upper frames 4, 10, respectively to one another. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the substantially vertical connecting tubes 1, 7 and 8 converge towards the lower frame 4 and thereby create a space that is narrower at the bottom than at the top.

The seating unit 13 further includes an oval or substantially egg-shaped inflated rubber or plastic balloon 2. When the user sits on balloon 2, pressure is exerted by his body weight on the balloon 2 which expands sideways, thereby wedging itself firmly within the converging space delineated by the connecting tubes 1, 7 and 8 and the lower frame 10. When the user stands up, pressure is relieved, and the balloon 2 assumes its original egg-shape. As a result, the balloon 2 can be easily removed from the main frame 14 and used also for other purposes, such as, for example, playing or exercising.

Within the circular lower frame 10 are traversal tubes 3 that are welded or bolted to the lower frame 10 and are welded or bolted together at the center of the circle where they meet, as best seen in FIG. 2. The circular lower frame 10 is equipped with, for example, at least five castors 6, providing mobility, the castors 6 being bolted to frame 10 so that the castors 6 can be easily dismounted, allowing for easy replacement or transport of the seating unit 13. The castors 6 may be all equipped with brakes or without brakes or be a mixture of both types, depending on the friction of the floor applied, thus minimizing accident risk, especially when the seat unit 13 as a whole is utilized as a walking aid for aged or handicapped users.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the connecting tubes 1, 7 and 8 are fixed to the traversal tubes 3 and the upper frame 4, respectively by bolts 102. Each of the connecting tubes 1, 7 and 8 has, at the top and the bottom thereof, an insert 101 that is pressed, rolled or welded into the tubes. The relative position between upper frame 4 and lower frame 10, corresponding with the proper ergonomics, results from the correct drilling of the slant holes for the bolts 102 in the traversal tubes 3 and the upper frame 4. The holes are punched at the top of the upper frame 4 and the bottom of the lower frame 10 in order to sink the head of the bolt 102 into the tube 3 and the tube of the upper frame 4.

The seating unit 13 can be fitted optimally to the size and measurements of the user by providing it with different sized balloons 2, and changing the length and the slope of the connecting tubes 1, 7 and 8, thus also changing the relative position between upper frame 4 and lower frame 10. Balloon 2 possesses a simple plug 15 inserted in a hole at its bottom and can be inflated easily by mouth. When inflating, the plug 15 is pulled out of the hole and inserted again, when the desired pressure in the balloon 2 is reached. By inflating the balloon 2 to a desired pressure, the sitting height, as well as the softness of the seat formed by the balloon 2 of the seating unit 13, is adjusted until the optimal position for the user is provided.

Deflating balloon 2 occurs in the opposite way to the description before. The plug 15 is pulled out of the hole, air is let out and the plug 15 is then inserted again, when the desired pressure in the balloon 2 is reached, again in order to reach the optimal sitting position for the user. Balloon 2 can also be inflated analogously by mechanical or electrical devices, like an air pump or compressor, if preferred.

In an unoccupied condition of the seating unit 13, the balloon 2 can be easily tilted forwards, backwards or sideways, thus permitting easy alteration of the sitting position offered by the seating unit 13, until an optimum position is reached for each individual user.

In an occupied state, the top of the balloon 2 adapts itself exactly the body shape of the sitting person, preventing sharp edges, thus providing optimal blood circulation in the legs of the user. Thus the balloon 2 automatically provides, in an occupied condition of the seating unit 13, significant, yet controlled movements in all directions. However, upper frame 4 limits these movements, thus providing the user with the feeling of stability.

Pad 9 of upper frame 4 is made, for example of a hollow tube of foam rubber or similar material which is split along the underside so that it can be easily mounted by pushing it down onto frame 4. The pad 9 can be covered by textile or plastics materials of various qualities and patterns, thus fitting the upper frame 4 to the comfort demands of the user. The pad 9 can also be easily removed, or replaced by another pattern or quality, by simply pulling it away from frame 4.

By removing the six bolts 102, the whole seating unit 13 can be easily and quickly disassemble into flat and light components, thus allowing for easy transportation to other locations.

Referring now to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, an additional flexible backrest, generally seen at 16, is shown which comprises an arched rectangular or oval shaped support 11, connected to arm 112 by one or more elastic dampers 111, the damper 111 being made of rubber or similar material, which allow for horizontal movement in all directions of support 11.

Elastic damper 111 is fixed to support 11 and arm 112 by, for example, a bolt and nut combination. The damper 111 can also be riveted to support 11. As best seen in FIG. 7, the arm 112 is provided with a vertical upper plate 115 equipped with one or more holes utilized to connect arm 112 to damper(s) 111. Arm 112 also possesses a vertical bottom plate 114 that is equipped with a hole, allowing the arm 112 to be connected by bolt 113 to slanted vertical tube 1. The slanted vertical tube 1 has several horizontal holes drilled into it thus allowing for various height adjustment positions of support 11.

As a variance, the height of support 11 can be adjusted by a conventional vertical slide, used with office chairs, the slide connected to arm 112 or to slant vertical tube 1. Support 11 can be manufactured of different materials, such as, for example, wood, plywood, plastic, or metal and can be furnished in an upholstered version.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a cover, generally shown at 17 for covering at least the sitting surface of the oval shaped balloon 2 comprises a round top panel 21 and a round bottom panel 22. The panels 21, 22 are connected to one another and secured by one or more elastic strings 23. Top panel 21 serves as an addition to the sitting surface of balloon 2, separating the rubber or plastic material of balloon 2 from the body of the user, thus reducing perspiration and increasing friction between sitting partition of user and the seat surface.

In this way comfort sitting and perception of security are increased. Bottom panel 22 serves as counterpart to top panel 21, in order to hold top panel 21 firmly in the requested position with the aid of elastic strings 23. Panels 21 and 22 are identical and thus interchangeable. These panels 21, 22 are preferably made of a textile cloth thus allowing for fast evaporation of moisture. Strings 23 are preferably made of rubber or similar elastic material. The strings 23 can be made of one piece and tied together at the end, or made of several pieces, the pieces having, for example, hooks at both ends.

Panels 21 and 22 are equipped, for example, with reinforced holes 24 serving as guides and fastening device for strings 23.

Accordingly, the ergonomic seating unit of the present invention is provided with an entirely mobile seat that promotes active sitting and a stationary frame that promotes stability for the user. The seating unit is designed in such a way that it offers an anatomically correct active sitting position. The seating unit further allows for comfortable and stable sitting and can be adjusted according to the measures of the individual user.

By sitting on a soft sitting surface of the seat of the ergonomic seating unit of the present invention, blood circulation in the legs is optimal. With elbows resting on the armrest and at the same time providing a mobile seat partition, the relaxation of the back, shoulder and neck partition of the user is secured. The seating unit of the present invention is uniquely differentiated from other existing seating units by the fact that it provides a secure and absolutely new sensation of sitting.