Apparatus and method for adjustable stool

Abstract

An adjustable stool can include a seat cushion slidably coupled to a seat frame by a sliding assembly. The adjustable stool can include a stool frame rotatably coupled to a base frame. The stool frame and sliding assembly can be operably coupled by a drive mechanism. The seat cushion can be driven toward a first end of a stool cushion coupled to the stool frame when the stool frame is adjusted relative to the base frame such that a first angle between a longitudinal axis of the stool frame and a longitudinal axis of the seat frame increases. The seat cushion can be driven away from the first end of the stool cushion when the stool frame is adjusted relative to the base frame such that the first angle between the longitudinal axis of the stool frame and the longitudinal axis of the seat frame decreases.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 728,618, filed December 5, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to the field of exercise devices and methods, and more specifically to the field of adjustable stools. Background Technology

[0004] Adjustable stools known in the art involve a well-known problem: misalignment of the seat and bench pads when the seat and associated frame are adjusted relative to the stool's base frame. The primary issue with this misalignment is separation between the seat and bench pads. This separation can cause discomfort and instability for the user, disrupt proper posture during exercise, and potentially increase the risk of injury. Over time, repeated adjustments and the weight-bearing nature of the stool exacerbate wear and stress at the connection points, further aggravating the problem. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The foregoing is an overview and therefore necessarily limited in detail. The above-mentioned aspects, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention, are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and various embodiments.

[0006] Figure 1 A perspective side view of an embodiment of an adjustable stool with a drive mechanism for maintaining a minimum gap between the stool pad and the seat cushion is shown.

[0007] Figure 2 A partial side view of an embodiment of an adjustable stool with a stool frame in an inclined position is shown.

[0008] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the adjustable stool is shown.

[0009] Figure 4 A perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable stool with an adjustable upper pad frame is shown.

[0010] Figure 5 A partial side view of an embodiment of an adjustable stool with an adjustable seat cushion is shown.

[0011] The embodiments shown are merely examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. The schematic diagrams are for illustrating features and concepts, and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The foregoing is an overview and therefore necessarily limited in detail. The above-mentioned aspects, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention, will now be described in conjunction with various embodiments. The inclusion of the following embodiments is not intended to limit this disclosure to these embodiments, but rather, to allow those skilled in the art to make and use the claimed subject matter. Other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. The aspects of this disclosure described and illustrated herein can be arranged, combined, modified, and designed in a variety of different conceptual forms, all of which are expressly contemplated and form part of this disclosure.

[0013] The adjustable stool described herein includes a base frame and a stool frame rotatably connected to the base frame. The stool frame may be fixedly attached to a stool cushion or designed to be removably connected to the stool cushion. The adjustable stool may further include a seat frame connected to the base frame. The adjustable stool may further include a sliding assembly fixedly attached to the seat cushion or designed to be removably connected to the seat cushion. The sliding assembly may be rotatably connected to the seat cushion. The adjustable stool may further include a drive mechanism operatively connected to the sliding assembly and the stool frame. When the stool frame is angularly adjusted relative to the base frame, the drive mechanism drives the seat cushion toward and away from a first end of the stool cushion. For example, when the stool frame is adjusted relative to the base frame such that a first angle between the longitudinal axis of the stool frame and the longitudinal axis of the seat frame increases, the seat cushion may be driven toward a first end of the stool cushion. When the stool frame is adjusted relative to the base frame such that a first angle between the longitudinal axis of the stool frame and the longitudinal axis of the seat frame decreases, the seat cushion may be driven away from a first end of the stool cushion. The adjustable stool described herein may include a first adjustment mechanism for adjusting and maintaining the angular adjustment of the stool frame relative to the base frame. The first adjustment mechanism may include a hinge. The first adjustment mechanism may include a swing element. The first adjustment mechanism may include a connecting feature. The adjustable stool described herein may include a second adjustment mechanism for adjusting and maintaining the angular adjustment of the seat cushion relative to a sliding assembly. The adjustable stool described herein may include an upper cushion frame, which is fixedly attached to or designed to be removably coupled to the upper cushion. The upper cushion frame may be rotatably coupled to the stool frame and may include a third adjustment mechanism for adjusting and maintaining the angular adjustment of the upper cushion frame relative to the stool frame. The second adjustment mechanism may include a hinge. The second adjustment mechanism may include a rack. The second adjustment mechanism may include a pin. The third adjustment mechanism may include a hinge. The third adjustment mechanism may include a plurality of defined holes. The third adjustment mechanism may include a pin.

[0014] Figure 1-4 An embodiment of an adjustable stool with adjustable features is shown. The stool frame 120 can be adjusted via hinge 150 of a first adjustment mechanism 116 (e.g., in...). Figure 3(As shown in the image) It is rotatably connected to the base frame 102. The stool frame 120 can be angled about the hinge 150 in a counterclockwise direction 160 or a clockwise direction 162 to change a first angle 134. For example, the stool frame 120 can be angled in a counterclockwise direction 160 to decrease the angle 134 (i.e., the angle 134 is between the longitudinal axis 136 of the stool frame 120 and the longitudinal axis 138 of the seat frame 122, such as...). Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). The stool frame 120 can be angularly adjusted in a clockwise direction 162 to increase the angle 134. These angular adjustments are maintained by a swing bracket 118 of the first adjustment mechanism 116, which is connected by a hinge 170 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 3 (As shown) rotatably connected to the stool frame 120. The swing bracket 118 can engage with the rack 114 of the first adjustment mechanism 116, which is coupled to or integrally formed in the base frame 102. The rack 114 may include a coupling feature that engages with the swing bracket 118 to support the stool frame 120 at multiple angle 134 positions. Although only a subset of angle or tilt positions are shown for the adjustable stool, those skilled in the art will understand that any number of positions, from a fully tilted position to a fully downward tilted position to any number of intermediate tilt positions, can be contemplated here. For example, the coupling feature of the rack 114 may be a unidirectional sawtooth pattern that locks the swing bracket 118 into one or more positions. For example, rack 114 can fasten swing bracket 118 to one to ten positions, one to five positions, five to ten positions, ten to twenty positions, ten to fifteen positions, fifteen to twenty positions, two positions, three positions, four positions, five positions, six positions, seven positions, eight positions, nine positions, ten positions, etc.

[0015] Although the swing bracket adjustment mechanism, rack and pin adjustment mechanism, and pin hole adjustment mechanism are shown in the figure, those skilled in the art should understand that these adjustment mechanisms can be completely or partially replaced by other adjustment mechanisms known in the art.

[0016] In conventional adjustable stools, the gap between the first and second seat pads changes based on changes in the angular position of the seat pads and / or when one pad remains stationary on the stool. The adjustable stool described herein overcomes this technical problem of conventional stools using a technical solution. When the stool frame 120 rotates counterclockwise 160° (i.e., decreasing the angle 134°), the first end 172 of the seat pad 108 moves substantially in direction 176. Conversely, when the stool frame 120 rotates clockwise 162° (i.e., increasing the angle 134°), the first end 172 of the seat pad 108 moves substantially in direction 174. Thus, various embodiments of the adjustable stool described herein include a sliding seat pad (e.g., seat pad 106) and a drive mechanism. The various embodiments of the adjustable stool described herein provide a solution by mechanically actuating the sliding seat pad to follow the seat pad and move away from the seat pad as the stool frame undergoes angular adjustment. The drive mechanism operatively connects the seat cushion 106 to the stool frame 120 such that when the stool frame 120 is angularly adjusted in a counterclockwise direction 160 (e.g., away from the base frame 102), the seat cushion 106 can be driven in a direction 176 (i.e., away from the first end 172 of the seat cushion 108). Alternatively, when the stool frame 120 is angularly adjusted in a clockwise direction 162 (e.g., toward the base frame 102), the drive mechanism can drive the seat cushion 106 in a direction 174 (i.e., toward the first end 172 of the seat cushion 108).

[0017] Figure 3 An embodiment of a drive mechanism for an adjustable stool is shown. Stool frame 120 includes an arcuate member 180 (e.g., a ring portion, gear portion, etc.) coupled to stool frame 120. Base frame 102 may include a toothed gear 190 (e.g., a gear, pinion, friction roller, wheel, etc.) rotatably coupled to base frame 102. Seat cushion 106 is slidably coupled to seat frame 122 via sliding assembly 182 (e.g., rails and rollers, telescopic assembly, etc.). Sliding assembly 182 allows seat cushion 106 to slide along longitudinal axis 138 of seat frame 122 in direction 176 (i.e., away from the first end 172 of seat cushion 108) or in direction 174 (i.e., toward the first end 172 of seat cushion 108). Sliding assembly 182 may include drive rail 192. The bow-shaped member 180 is operably connected to the toothed gear 190 such that when the stool frame 120 is angularly adjusted relative to the base frame 102, the bow-shaped member 180 drives the toothed gear 190 to rotate. The drive track 192 is operably connected to the toothed gear 190 such that when the toothed gear 190 rotates, the toothed gear 190 can drive the drive track 192 in direction 174 (i.e., toward the first end 172 of the stool pad 108) or in direction 176 (i.e., away from the first end 172 of the stool pad 108). For example, such as... Figure 3As shown, the bow-shaped member 180 may include a gear tooth pattern for operably engaging with the insert tooth 190 (e.g., a gear), and the drive track 192 may include a gear tooth pattern for operably engaging with the insert tooth 190 (e.g., a gear). Figure 3 As shown, the bow-shaped member 180 and the drive track 192 can engage with the toothed gear 190 on opposite sides, such that the movements of the bow-shaped member 180 and the drive track 192 are opposite to each other. When the stool frame 120 rotates counterclockwise 160, the bow-shaped member 180 drives the toothed gear 190 to rotate clockwise 162, thereby driving the drive track 192 in the direction 176 (i.e., away from the first end 172 of the seat cushion 108) and thus driving the seat cushion 106. When the stool frame 120 rotates clockwise 162, the bow-shaped member 180 can drive the toothed gear 190 to rotate counterclockwise 160, thereby driving the drive track 192 in the direction 174 (i.e., toward the first end 172 of the seat cushion 108) and thus driving the seat cushion 106. When the stool frame 120 increases the angle 134 between the longitudinal axis 136 of the stool frame 120 and the longitudinal axis 138 of the seat frame 122 (in Figure 2 When the stool is rotated in the direction shown (i.e., clockwise 162), the described drive mechanism embodiment of the adjustable stool can maintain a minimum gap 154 ​​by sliding the seat cushion 106 in the direction 174 (i.e., toward the first end 172 of the seat cushion 108). Furthermore, when the stool frame 120 reduces the angle 134 between the longitudinal axis 136 of the stool frame 120 and the longitudinal axis 138 of the seat frame 122 (in... Figure 2 When rotated in the direction shown (i.e., counterclockwise 160), the drive mechanism of the adjustable stool described herein can maintain a minimum gap 154 ​​by sliding the seat pad 106 in the direction 176 (i.e., away from the first end 172 of the seat pad 108). The adjustable stool embodiment described herein can maintain the following minimum gaps 154: about 0 cm to about 10 cm, about 5 cm to about 10 cm, about 4 cm to about 8 cm; about 3 cm to about 6 cm; about 0 cm to about 4 cm; about 1 cm to about 2 cm; etc. The minimum gap 154 ​​can be no greater than about 50 mm, no greater than about 25 mm, no greater than about 75 mm, no greater than about 100 mm, between about 10 mm and about 100 mm, between about 50 mm and about 100 mm, between about 25 mm and about 50 mm, between about 10 mm and about 50 mm, between about 0 mm and about 100 mm, etc.

[0018] Although this article illustrates toothed and bow-shaped components, those skilled in the art will understand that toothed and bow-shaped components can be replaced by linkage mechanisms, pushrod mechanisms, cam mechanisms, or any other suitable mechanism known in the art (e.g., any mechanism that converts rotation into linear force).

[0019] like Figure 5As shown, some embodiments may include a seat cushion 106 rotatably coupled to a sliding assembly 182 for angular adjustment of the longitudinal axis 146 of the seat cushion 106 relative to the longitudinal axis 138 of the seat frame 122. The seat cushion 106, which may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid structure (i.e., a plate or other frame), may be operably coupled to the sliding assembly 182 via a second adjustment mechanism 112. The second adjustment mechanism 112 may include a hinge 412, a rack 212, and a pin 312. The seat cushion 106 may be coupled to the sliding assembly 182 via the hinge 412. Angle adjustment of the angle 144 between the longitudinal axis 146 of the seat cushion 106 and the longitudinal axis 138 of the seat frame 122 may be performed via the rack 212 and the engaging pin 312. For example, the rack 212 may include a connecting feature such as a one-way serrated pattern engagement, and the pin 312 may be a load spring pin biased to engage with the one-way serrated pattern engagement of the rack 212. When the seat cushion 106 is tilted to increase the angle 144, the pin 312 can follow a one-way serrated pattern, and once the seat cushion 106 is allowed to remain stationary or be compressed in the direction of decreasing angle 144, the pin 312 can engage with the one-way serrated pattern, thereby supporting the seat cushion 106 at the associated angular position. To adjust the seat cushion 106 to a lower angle 144, the pin 312 (e.g., a load spring pin) can be pulled from its engagement with the one-way serrated pattern, and the seat cushion 106 can be adjusted to decrease the angle 144. The angle 144 can be adjusted within the following ranges: approximately 0 degrees (i.e., the longitudinal axis 146 of the seat cushion 106 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 138 of the seat frame 122) to approximately 60 degrees; approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees; approximately 0 degrees to approximately 30 degrees; approximately 0 degrees to approximately 25 degrees; approximately 0 degrees to approximately 20 degrees; etc.

[0020] Although hinges, racks, and pins are shown, those skilled in the art should understand that hinges, racks, and pins can be replaced by any suitable adjusting mechanism known in the art.

[0021] like Figure 3 As shown, some embodiments may include an upper pad frame 111, which may be fixedly attached to the upper pad 110 or designed to be removably attached to the upper pad 110. The upper pad frame 111 may be rotatably attached to the stool frame 120 such that the longitudinal axis 140 of the upper pad frame 111 can be adjusted from approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 136 of the stool frame 120 to a plurality of angular positions represented by angle 142. For example, as... Figure 4As shown, the angle 142 between the longitudinal axis 140 of the upper pad frame 111 and the longitudinal axis 136 of the stool frame 120 can be adjusted within a range of degrees, such as approximately 200 degrees to approximately 45 degrees; approximately 190 degrees to approximately 60 degrees; approximately 180 degrees (i.e., the longitudinal axis 140 of the upper pad frame 111 and the longitudinal axis 136 of the stool frame 120 are parallel) to approximately 90 degrees; approximately 170 degrees to approximately 80 degrees; approximately 160 degrees to approximately 70 degrees; etc. Figure 3 A third adjustment mechanism 130 for the upper pad frame 111 is shown. The third adjustment mechanism 130 includes a hinge 250, a plurality of defined pin holes 252, and pins 152 (e.g., pins for load springs), the hinge connecting the upper pad frame 111 to the bench frame 120. The upper pad frame 111 is allowed to rotate relative to the bench frame 120 when the pins 152 disengage from any of the pin holes 252. When a desired angular position (i.e., angle 142) of the upper pad frame 111 is achieved, the pins 152 can engage with corresponding pin holes in the plurality of pin holes 252 to lock or secure the angular position of the upper pad frame 111. For alternative exercises, such as biceps exercises known as incline curls, angular adjustment of the upper pad frame 111 can be advantageous. Although the pin and corresponding hole mechanism is shown, those skilled in the art will understand that the pin and hole adjustment mechanism can be replaced by any suitable adjustment mechanism known in the art.

[0022] As used herein, "connection feature" may include, but is not limited to, a unidirectional sawtooth pattern, an extruded column, a defined orifice, a unidirectional geometric joint, one or more telescopic tubes, or a combination of the foregoing.

[0023] As used herein, “connector” may include, but is not limited to: brackets and shafts, hinges, pivots, joints, swivel joints, or pivots.

[0024] This article uses terms such as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, etc., but these terms are not used to indicate a certain order or sequence, but rather to distinguish similar features or similar parts from one another.

[0025] As used in the specification and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include both singular and plural referents. For example, the term “pad” can include multiple pads, and is intended to include multiple pads. Sometimes, the claims and disclosure may contain terms such as “a plurality,” “one or more,” or “at least one”; however, the absence of such terms does not mean and should not be construed as meaning that multiples are not considered.

[0026] When the terms “about” or “approximately” (e.g., to define length or pressure) are used before numerical designations or ranges, these terms indicate an approximate value that may vary by (+) or (-) 5%, 1%, or 0.1%. All numerical ranges provided herein include the stated start and end values. The term “substantially” indicates the majority (i.e., greater than 50%) or substantially all of the apparatus, substance, or composition.

[0027] As used herein, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" are intended to mean that an apparatus, system, or method comprises the listed elements and may additionally include any other elements. "Substantially constitutes" means that an apparatus, system, or method comprises the listed elements and excludes other elements that are materially significant to the stated purpose. Therefore, a system or method substantially composed of the elements defined herein will not exclude other materials, features, or steps that do not materially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed disclosure. "Comprising" means that an apparatus, system, or method comprises the listed elements and excludes anything other than trivial or insignificant elements or steps. Embodiments defined by each of these transitional terms are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0028] The examples and illustrations contained herein are shown by way of example and do not limit the specific embodiments in which the subject matter can be practiced. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, allowing for structural and logical substitutions and changes without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to individually or collectively by the term "inventive" merely for convenience, and if more than one invention or inventive concept is disclosed, it is not intended to intentionally limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept. Thus, although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, any arrangement intended to achieve the same purpose may replace the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. Looking back at the above description, combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising: The seat cushion, which is slidably connected to the seat frame via a sliding component, The stool frame is rotatably connected to the base frame and to the stool pad. The stool frame and sliding assembly are operably connected via a drive mechanism. Specifically, when the stool frame is adjusted relative to the base frame such that the first angle between the longitudinal axis of the stool frame and the longitudinal axis of the seat frame increases, the seat cushion is driven toward the first end of the stool cushion, and When the stool frame is adjusted relative to the base frame such that the first angle between the longitudinal axis of the stool frame and the longitudinal axis of the seat frame decreases, the seat cushion is driven away from the first end of the stool cushion.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the seat cushion is rotatably coupled to the sliding assembly such that a second angle between the longitudinal axis of the seat cushion and the longitudinal axis of the seat frame can be adjusted using a second adjustment mechanism.

3. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising an upper pad frame rotatably coupled to the bench frame, wherein the upper pad frame further comprises an upper pad or is configured to be coupled to the upper pad, and wherein the upper pad frame further comprises a third adjustment mechanism.

4. An exercise device comprising: A base frame, comprising teeth rotatably connected to the base frame; A stool frame rotatably connected to the base frame via a first adjustment mechanism, wherein the stool frame includes an arcuate member operably connected to the toothed teeth; A seat frame, which is connected to the base frame; as well as A seat cushion slidably coupled to the seat frame via a sliding assembly for sliding the seat cushion relative to the seat frame along the longitudinal axis of the seat frame, wherein the sliding assembly includes a track operably coupled to the teeth.

5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the seat cushion is rotatably coupled to the sliding assembly such that a second angle between the longitudinal axis of the seat cushion and the longitudinal axis of the seat frame can be adjusted using a second adjustment mechanism.

6. The exercise device of claim 4, further comprising an upper pad frame rotatably coupled to the bench frame, wherein the upper pad frame further comprises an upper pad or is configured to be coupled to the upper pad, and wherein the upper pad frame further comprises a third adjustment mechanism.

7. An exercise device comprising: A base frame, comprising teeth rotatably connected to the base frame; A stool frame rotatably connected to the base frame via a first adjustment mechanism, wherein the stool frame includes a stool pad or is configured to be connected to the stool pad, and wherein the stool frame includes an arcuate member operably connected to the toothed teeth. A seat frame, which is connected to the base frame; as well as A seat cushion slidably coupled to the seat frame via a sliding assembly for sliding the seat cushion relative to the seat frame along the longitudinal axis of the seat frame, wherein the sliding assembly includes a track operably coupled to the teeth. When the stool frame is adjusted relative to the base frame such that the first angle between the longitudinal axis of the stool frame and the longitudinal axis of the seat frame increases, the seat cushion is driven toward the first end of the stool cushion, and When the stool frame is adjusted relative to the base frame such that the first angle between the longitudinal axis of the stool frame and the longitudinal axis of the seat frame decreases, the seat cushion is driven away from the first end of the stool cushion.

8. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein the seat cushion is rotatably coupled to the sliding assembly such that a second angle between the longitudinal axis of the seat cushion and the longitudinal axis of the seat frame can be adjusted using a second adjustment mechanism.

9. The exercise device of claim 7, further comprising an upper pad frame rotatably coupled to the bench frame, wherein the upper pad frame further comprises an upper pad or is configured to be coupled to the upper pad, and wherein the upper pad frame further comprises a third adjustment mechanism.

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