Ergonomic Motion Chair

Abstract

A chair that provides side-to-side movement about a first pivot axis positioned above the seat surface allows a wide dynamic range of motion for the user, but does not require constant or excessive motion on the part of the user to maintain a desired position. The chair includes structure that allows the seat to be easily positioned and adjusted from a neutral position side-to-side along a defined pivot axis above the seat surface. The chair may also provide fore-aft movement of the seat about a second pivot axis positioned above or below the seat surface, an improved backrest that supports the user's back without restricting the user's ability to move their shoulder blades, an improved biasing structure for biasing the seat to a neutral position, an embedded controller or embedded sensor to allow the position of the seat to be used as a computer controller or to allow collection of user motion data, and an adjustable locking system that allows the fore-aft movement of the seat to be held in a desired position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ergonomic motion chair with an assembly that allows a user to easily optimize and adjust the seating position. Specifically, the chair includes a structure that allows the seat to be easily positioned and adjusted side-to-side from a neutral position along a defined pivot axis above the seat surface. The chair can also provide, if desired, fore-aft movement of the seat about a second pivot axis positioned above or below the seat surface, an improved backrest that supports the user's back without restricting the user's ability to move their shoulder blades, an improved biasing structure to bias the seat to a neutral position, an embedded controller or embedded sensor to allow the position of the seat to be used as a computer controller or to allow collection of user motion data, and an adjustable tilt lock system that allows the fore-aft movement of the seat to be held in a desired position. [Background technology]

[0002] Sitting motionless for long periods of time can be dangerous to one's health. Studies have shown that sitting motionless for long periods of time can shorten life expectancy due to health risks such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, and various orthopedic injuries and muscle degeneration. Furthermore, biomechanical damage and musculoskeletal disorders can occur from the restricted movement, long-term joint compression, and poor circulation of sitting for long periods of time.

[0003] The human body is capable of wide angles of motion in all axes at many joints, and allowing the body to move through that range while seated can reduce or mitigate the harmful effects of sitting for extended periods of time.

[0004] To date, designers have made many attempts to provide ergonomic improvements to chairs with the goal of increasing the user's movement while seated. For example, chair designers have attempted to tilt and switch chair seats by having the user sit on a large movable ball or on a seat connected to a base by a ball joint or elastic structure. Examples of these latter designs can be found in U.S. Patent No. 6,866,340 to Robertshaw, U.S. Patent No. 8,919,881 to Bay, and U.S. Patent No. 9,211,013 to Harrison et al. In these types of chairs, the seat can be tilted and switched in any direction, usually around a toggle point, requiring the user to perform active movements while seated, such as using leg and abdominal muscles to balance and hold the seat in the desired position. This movement provides a kind of movement while seated, but usually at the expense of providing limited or no support to the back. Furthermore, wobbling on balls, ball joints, universal hinges, and the like while seated can be tedious and uncomfortable for users sitting for long periods of time, increasing fatigue.

[0005] Some designers have attempted to improve the ergonomics of chairs by allowing the seat to slide relative to the back within the frame. An example of these types of designs can be found in U.S. Patent No. 8,662,586 to Serber. These designs include structures that allow the seat to move, typically forward and backward, independent of a separate back to allow the user to lean forward or back while seated in the chair. Although these types of chairs include adjustment structures that allow the back to be preset, typically, to an optimal position when the user is normally seated in the chair, the sliding movement of the seat relative to the preset position of the back typically changes the user's position relative to the back, thereby compromising the comfort, fit and health benefits of the chair while the user is leaning forward or back while seated in the chair.

[0006] More recently, inventors have attempted to improve seating comfort while still allowing some bodily movement by requiring the user to sit in a bucket that rotates back and forth about a fixed pivot point in the seat frame. Examples of this type of design can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,711,152 to Sirpak et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 10,314,400 to Colonello et al. Pivoting the bucket back and forth requires the user to use their legs and arms to maintain a seated position, thereby reducing slouching and the like. Similar to sitting on a ball, these types of designs require active movement on the part of the user to maintain the desired position, thereby providing a form of motion for the user. However, these types of designs limit movement to only allowing for forward and backward tilt, while still holding the user in the bucket in every other direction. This restriction of the bucket's permissible movement in turn restricts the user's range of motion while seated, thereby compromising and limiting the chair's fit, user comfort, and health benefits.

[0007] Additionally, the inventors have provided a structure that allows the seat to "wobble" or "teeter" side-to-side or back-to-front while the user is seated. An example of this type of structure can be found in U.S. Patent No. 10,010,758 to Osler et al. In this example, the seat is placed on a "half-pipe" or "hemispherical or dome-shaped wobble mechanism" on which the user must balance. Maintaining balance on the seat requires active movement on the user's part, thereby providing the user with some movement. However, this structure provides a limited overall range of motion for the user's body. Moreover, as with sitting on a ball or wobbly structure, maintaining a seated position on this seat can become tiring, unstable, tedious, and uncomfortable for the user over time.

[0008] Furthermore, conventional office chairs have backrests that engage the user's back while the user is seated and leaning back or reclining, and simultaneously engage the spine and the left and right portions of the upper back in the same plane, thereby limiting and restricting the user's ability to extend the scapular region of their back independently relative to their spine, especially in the reclining position where the user can utilize their body weight and arms and gravity to achieve greater extension of their anterior chest and shoulder regions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,866,340 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Pat. No. 8,919,881 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 9,211,013 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Pat. No. 8,662,586 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Pat. No. 3,711,152 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 10,314,400 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 10,010,758 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Thus, despite known structures for improving the ergonomics and fit of a chair, there remains a need for an ergonomic motion chair that provides a user with a wide dynamic range of motion around more axes and more related to the human anatomy while seated in the chair, but does not require constant or excessive movement on the part of the user to maintain a desired position. The present invention, as described herein, meets this and other needs.

[0011] In one disclosed embodiment, the chair has a structure that allows the seat to be easily positioned and adjusted side-to-side from a neutral position along a defined pivot axis positioned above the seat surface. This side-to-side swinging movement of the seat below the defined pivot axis allows the user to dynamically select, adjust, and maintain a desired side-to-side seat position. Furthermore, gravity may bias the seat to balance in a central side-to-side neutral position, and a biasing structure may be provided to further bias the seat back to this neutral side-to-side position. Additionally, the user's weight combined with this geometry helps to naturally bias the seat back to a neutral position, and unlike other chair structures, the user exerts significantly less effort to return to the neutral side-to-side position.

[0012] Additionally and simultaneously, the structure may include a second pivot axis also located above the seat surface and providing fore-aft movement of the seat portion. The seat and back portions may be joined together to a central spine portion that moves about the second pivot axis, thereby maintaining the back and seat portions relative to one another during fore-aft movement of the spine portion along the second pivot axis. A second biasing structure operably secured to the spine portion may hold and maintain the fore-aft position of the seat portion in a desired fore-aft neutral position.

[0013] If desired, the location of this neutral fore-aft position may be statically adjusted as desired by the user, and the second biasing structure may hold this neutral fore-aft position at a desired tension level, thereby allowing the user to select the amount of force required to move the seat portion from this defined neutral fore-aft position. Additionally, an adjustment structure may be provided that allows static adjustment of the position of the backrest portion on the spine portion, which once a position is selected by the user, maintains that position relative to the seat portion as the spine portion moves about the second pivot axis.

[0014] In alternative possible embodiments disclosed, the structure can include an improved backrest portion that supports the user's back without restricting the user's ability to move their shoulder blades, a monolithic alternative possible resilient biasing structure to simultaneously bias the seat to a neutral position in both front-to-back and side-to-side directions of movement, an embedded controller or sensor to allow the position of the seat to be used as a computer controller or to allow motion data to be collected or retrieved when the chair is in use, and an adjustable tilt lock system that allows the fore-aft movement of the seat to be held in a desired position.

[0015] By allowing the seat to rotate, swing and adjust side-to-side and front-to-back simultaneously and in unison about the first and second pivot axes, the user's body can move to an infinite number of positions while seated, more than with any other chair structure. The chair mechanism of the present invention unlocks the swing of the hips relative to the human body about a first axis located strictly above the seat structure and approximately at the center of the pelvis and adjacent areas, allowing the user to rotate or swing side-to-side with full control of the pelvis, without the "tilt" and / or "wobble" and / or "balance" sensation of the seat as found in all other designs where the rotation axis is located below the user's body.

[0016] The advantages and features of novelty which characterize aspects of the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, to provide a better understanding of the advantages and features of novelty, reference can be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings which describe and illustrate various configurations and concepts related to the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a left-front isometric view of an ergonomic motion chair according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 1 with a person seated in the chair to indicate orientation, showing possible fore and aft movements defining the rearward, fore-aft neutral, and forward positions of the chair. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a cutaway front view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 2 showing possible side-to-side movements that define a right swing position, a side-to-side neutral position, and a left swing position of the chair with the chair in the front-to-back neutral position of FIG. 2 and with a person sitting in the ergonomic motion chair to indicate orientation. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cutaway enlarged partial left side view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 1 showing possible front-to-back pivot axes positioned above the seat surface. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the geometry of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 1 showing possible side-to-side pivot axes positioned above the seat surface of FIGS. 3 and 4. [Figure 6] 1 with the ergonomic motion chair in the neutral front-to-back position of FIG. 2 and the neutral left-to-right position of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a cutaway front view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 1 with the ergonomic motion chair in the front-to-back neutral position of FIG. 2 and in the right swing position of FIG. 3. [Figure 8] 4 is a cutaway front view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 1 with the ergonomic motion chair in the front-to-back neutral position of FIG. 2 and the left swing position of FIG. 3. [Figure 9] 1 with the ergonomic motion chair in the neutral front-to-back position of FIG. 2 and the neutral left-to-right position of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 in a neutral front-to-back position in FIG. 2 and a neutral left-to-right position in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a left side view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 10 cut away along arrows AA of FIGS. 6 and 9 to show internal details. [Figure 12]12 is a left side view of a cutaway view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 11 with the ergonomic motion chair in the rear position of FIG. 2 and in the left-right neutral position of FIG. 3. [Figure 13] 12 is a left side view of a cutaway view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 11 with the ergonomic motion chair in the forward position of FIG. 2 and in the left-right neutral position of FIG. 3. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a left-front exploded view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 1. [Figure 15] 1 is an enlarged cutaway isometric view of a portion of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 1 taken along arrow AA of FIGS. 6 and 9 with the ergonomic motion chair in the neutral front-to-back position of FIG. 2 and the neutral left-to-right position of FIG. 3. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a left side view of a cross-sectional view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 12 with a user sitting in the ergonomic motion chair to illustrate possible fits and orientations. [Figure 17] FIG. 14 is a left side view of a cutaway view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 13 with a user sitting in the ergonomic motion chair to illustrate possible fits and orientations. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a left side view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 10 with a cutout of a user shown seated in the chair to illustrate possible fit, orientation, and possible pivot locations relative to the human anatomy. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial left side view, cut away along arrow BB, the same as cut away along arrow AA in FIGS. 6 and 9, of a possible ergonomic motion chair having an alternative structure for providing side-to-side movement about a pivot axis positioned above the seat surface, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a left-front isometric view of an ergonomic motion chair according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22]FIG. 22 is an enlarged left front isometric partial view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. [Diagram 23] FIG. 22 is an exploded isometric view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 22 is a front view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 21 showing possible side-to-side movements that define the right swing position, the left-to-right neutral position, and the left swing position of the chair. [Diagram 25] 22 is a cutaway left side view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 21 showing possible fore and aft movements that define the lean-back, neutral, and forward tilt positions of the ergonomic motion chair, and illustrating possible actuation of the monolithic biasing structure in various positions. [Figure 26] FIG. 22 is a partial enlarged rear view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 21. [Figure 27] FIG. 22 is a partially enlarged left side view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 21. [Figure 28] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a computer controller operatively secured to the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 21 and in communication with a computer system. [Figure 29] FIG. 11 is a left side view of an ergonomic motion chair according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 30] 22 is a rear view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 21 showing possible orientations of the backrest portion relative to the user. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of the backrest portion of FIG. 30 for a user. [Diagram 32] 13A-13C are close-up views of alternative backrest portions showing possible orientations for a user. [Diagram 33] FIG. 22 is a side view of the ergonomic chair of FIG. 21 illustrating the range of motion available to a user engaged with the back portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Ergonomic motion chairs 100 (FIGS. 1-18), 100' (FIGS. 19-20), 100'' (FIGS. 21-27), and 100''' (FIG. 29) that provide a wide dynamic range of motion for a user seated in the chair, but do not require constant or excessive movement on the part of the user to maintain a desired position, are shown in FIGS. 1-33. Four exemplary embodiments of the ergonomic motion chairs are shown. A first possible embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-18, a second possible embodiment is shown in FIGS. 19-20, a third possible embodiment is shown in FIGS. 21-27, and a fourth possible embodiment is shown in FIG. Features of these embodiments are described below. To limit excessive repetition, similar elements between the embodiments have similar element numbers.

[0019] Illustrative Example 1 As best shown in Figure 3, the ergonomic motion chair 100 can include a seat 5 defining a seating surface, the seat 5 being operably secured to a frame having a structure that allows the seat surface 8 to be easily and dynamically positioned and adjusted side-to-side 9 from a side-to-side neutral position 102 along a defined pivot axis 7 positioned above the seat surface 8. Preferably, as best shown in Figures 2 and 4, the ergonomic motion chair 100 can also include a second pivot axis 6, also positioned above the seat surface 8, that allows the seat surface 8 to be easily and dynamically positioned and adjusted fore-aft from a front-to-aft neutral position 104 to provide fore-aft movement of the seat. A side-to-side biasing structure 11 (FIGS. 4, 9, 14) and a front-to-back biasing structure 10 (FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 11-13) may also be provided to control and restrict movement of the seat 5 about the second pivot axis 6. Exemplary structures for providing this controlled, dynamic, restricted, and adjustable range of motion for the ergonomic motion chair 100 are described in more detail below.

[0020] Overall Configuration With reference to FIG. 1, the ergonomic motion chair 100 may include a base 2 supporting an upwardly extending pole 110 or the like. Conventional wheels 3 or casters, with or without a locking structure, may be attached to the base for engaging a floor on which the ergonomic motion chair 100 rests. The pole 110 generally defines a longitudinal centerline 44 (FIGS. 2-5) extending upwardly therefrom. The seat portion 5 and back portion 1 are operatively engaged to an elongated seat spine frame 13, which in turn is operatively engaged to a base mounting portion 112 secured to the pole of the base.

[0021] Left and right swing structure The seat portion 5 is movable relative to the spine frame 13 and back portion 1 and may be padded and / or contoured as desired to comfortably fit a user. The seat portion 5 may have a left side and a right side that define a left-to-right center 22 (FIGS. 5, 6, 15, and 20). When the ergonomic motion chair 100 is in its neutral front-to-back position 104 and neutral left-to-right position 102, during and / or during non-use by a user, the seat portion 5 provides a generally flat seating surface that defines a seating surface 8 aligned substantially parallel to the generally flat seating surface and positioned along a lowermost surface of the seat portion 5, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6.

[0022] In one embodiment, the seat 5 is operably secured to a seat plate 4 that is pivotally secured to a spine frame 13, as best shown in Figures 4 and 6-9. The seat plate 4 is pivotally secured at one end to the spine frame 13, such as by a pin 120 (Figures 14, 15). The opposite end of the seat plate 4 includes a downwardly extending edge 18 that defines an arcuate rail 14 for operably engaging a wheel 17 operably secured to the spine frame, and defines a swing arc structure 27, as best shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0023] Alternatively, as best shown in Figures 19 and 20, a second possible embodiment of the ergonomic motion chair 100' may have a seat plate 41 including front and rear arcuate cams 18 extending downwardly therefrom, and a swing arc structure 27 may include both front and rear wheels 17, 42 for operatively engaging the front and rear cams, thereby allowing the seat plate to pivot side-to-side along the side-to-side pivot axis 7 without the need for a physical pivot pin at the side-to-side pivot axis 7. It is understood that the seat plate 41 may be operatively secured to swing side-to-side by the front and rear wheels 17, 42 in alignment with them, which may be operatively secured to the spine frame 13 via an operable securing structure 43. Of course, the locations of the wheels and mating frame elements may be reversed, such that the wheels are operably fixed to the seat plate and the cams are recessed in the frame.

[0024] It can be seen that this structure allows the seat 5 to pivot or swing about the side-to-side pivot axis 7 in the direction of arrows 24 (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 20) with less structure interfering with the user's ability to sit on the seat. Furthermore, because the side-to-side center 22 of the seat 5 is positioned below the side-to-side pivot axis 7, gravity will bias the seat 5 back to rebalance to the side-to-side neutral position 102. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9 and described above for the alternative seat plate 41 (FIGS. 19, 20), a resilient biasing structure 11 extends between the spine frame 13 and the seat plate 4, thereby further biasing the seat to its side-to-side neutral position 102 (FIG. 3) and providing a selectable and defined resistance to movement away from the side-to-side neutral position 102 (FIG. 3). Alternative resilient members 11, each with their own resistance characteristics, may be provided to allow the user to adjust the biasing force as desired. Alternate adjustable biasing force structures may also be provided.

[0025] 5, there is shown a schematic of the side-to-side swing of the seating surface 8 relative to the side-to-side pivot axis 7. The side-to-side pivot axis is located above the seating surface 8 and above the side-to-side center 22 when in the neutral position, and this configuration preferably allows for a side-to-side pivot angle 40 of about 10 degrees or 5 degrees to 15 degrees in either direction, allowing actuated side-to-side swinging of the seating surface 9 and the movement of the side-to-side center 22 to be achieved as shown.

[0026] Back and forth sliding movement structure As best shown in Figures 9 and 14, the spine frame 13 may be formed by two parallel aligned curved rails joined together. The edges of the rails extend downwardly to define an arcuate rail 14, as best shown in Figures 10, 13, and 15, which is operably engaged with a wheel 15 operably secured to the base mount 112. A guide structure or wheel 16 (Figures 11-13 and 15) or other control structure or assembly may engage a portion of the rail to operably hold the spine frame 13 in place on the base mount 112 while still allowing the spine frame 13 to slide back and forth along the anterior-posterior pivot axis 6. It is understood that the location of the wheels and engaging arcuate rail elements may be reversed, such that the wheels are operably secured to the spine frame and the arcuate rail 14 is secured to the base.

[0027] As best shown in Figure 4, it can be seen that the contoured edge section of the arcuate rail 14 (Figure 4) can be shaped to provide for movement of the spine frame 13 about an imaginary or projected axis of rotation, such as the front-to-back pivot axis 6. It can be seen that the contour of the edge or profile of the arcuate rail 14 (Figure 4) can be shaped to provide a precise location of the imaginary, projected pivot axis 6 above the seat surface 8, depending on the radius of the arcuate rail, etc. This contouring can also be applied to the side-to-side pivot axis 7 provided by the swing arc structure 27 (Figures 7, 8). Preferably, pivot line 6 is aligned with the longitudinal centerline 44 of the frame, allowing seat surface 8 to move as shown in the direction of arrow 20 (FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 10-13, and 20) about axis 6 and as operatively shown with actuated seat surface 9 (FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13). More preferably, arcuate rail 14 of spine frame 13 is shaped to permit and optimize a sliding angle 39 of approximately 18 degrees or 10-25 degrees rearward from neutral anterior-posterior position and approximately 10 degrees or 5-12 degrees forward from neutral anterior-posterior position. The degrees of freedom along arcuate rail 14 can be controlled by stop features or structures such as element 28. For example, a user may alternatively position arcuate rail at a desired position and engage a structure that holds arcuate rail at the desired position.

[0028] 15, the fore-aft biasing structure 10 may include a cable 12 extending from a base mounting portion 112, around rollers or cable pulleys 26 (FIGS. 7, 8, 11-13), and to the spine frame 13. Spaced holes 21 or other fastening structures along the rails of the spine frame allow a user to preselect a desired fore-aft neutral position for the ergonomic motion chair 100 by simply adjusting the attachment point of the cable 12 to another hole or desired location along the spine frame 35. A resilient member such as a spring 10 applies tension to the cable 12, thereby biasing the selected hole or location of the spine frame mounting portion 35 to its lowest point, thereby defining the neutral position.

[0029] It can be seen that this configuration provides increased tension as the seat is moved through its range of motion both forward and rearward from the neutral position, as shown in Figures 2, 11-13, 16, and 17. Furthermore, the tension in the cables can be adjusted or preset as desired to suit the weight and preferences of the user, such as by an adjustment structure 36 (Figure 15), such as a screw and nut operably secured between the spring 10 and the cables 12.

[0030] If desired, the back portion 1 may be pivotally secured to the spine frame as shown in Figure 11. Using an adjustment structure 46, such as a screw extending from the spine frame to the back portion, the seat portion can be moved and held in a preselected desired position 47 (Figures 4 and 11) about its pivot axis, thereby further improving the comfort and fit of the ergonomic motion chair 100. This preselected position of the back portion can remain in place throughout the dynamic range of motion of the ergonomic motion chair 100.

[0031] Fit, Use and Operation With the mechanical aspects of the preferred embodiment of the present invention now fully described, the improved fit and function of the ergonomic motion chair 100 becomes apparent. For example, rather than being constrained in a bucket that pivots only back and forth, a user seated in the seat can swing from side to side about a pivot axis located above the seat surface while still being provided with the ability to move about while seated in the seat.

[0032] Additionally, the position adjustable backrest may provide consistent and predictable back support, and once adjusted to the proper fit and position, the backrest may move in a fore-aft direction with the seat to maintain the same position relative to the seat throughout the entire fore-aft range of motion of the seat. Because the position of the seat relative to the backrest is constant throughout the fore-aft range of motion of the ergonomic motion chair, a user may maintain optimal fit, comfort and back support throughout the entire range of motion of the ergonomic motion chair 100.

[0033] Furthermore, suspending the seat below the front-to-back and side-to-side pivot axes allows the position of the seat to be infinitely adjusted to any desired position, while not forcing the user to balance on the seat to maintain a desired neutral position. Rather, gravity, the user's weight, and the biasing structure bias the seat to its neutral position. In contrast, seats and buckets that rest on balls, universal joints, or other structures that position the pivot axis below the seat require constant action on the part of the user to balance the seat in the desired position.

[0034] 18, the optimal location of the first axis of rotation may generally be in the area where the spine 32 of a human user intersects with the pelvis 30, and the possible locations of the first axis of rotation 7 for a user are shown. In a preferred embodiment, the optimal range 29 of possible locations of the first axis of rotation 7 is between approximately the apex of the pelvis 30 within the human body 37 and the lowest portion 38 of the human torso and hips 45 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 18) when seated, but ideally slightly above the seating surface 8. The axis of rotation may be at or below the lowest portion of the femur 31 and ischial tuberosity 33 when seated, but above the seating surface 8, to account for the muscle and fat of the user's anatomy and still achieve the benefits of the present invention. The user's body may extend below the seat surface 8 as shown, thereby forcing the relative seat surface 8 downward when using a chair with an alternative hammock style or mesh seat cover design.

[0035] The advanced refinement of this design can be more fully appreciated in FIG. 3, where the user maintains the upper body and upper spine 32 in a generally upright position about the longitudinal centerline 44 while moving the seat 8 to a left / right swung position 9, releasing the lumbar angle 34 and lower torso 45. This is appreciated because the first axis of rotation 7 is above the seat 8 and generally aligned and more closely adjacent to the human spine in the desired area of ​​mobility and flexibility, so that the left / right swing motion is accomplished quickly with less effort and upper body movement, thereby providing upper body stability and allowing the arms to maintain freedom with reduced or no restriction to simultaneously perform other efforts, such as typing, during the movement.

[0036] It can be fully understood and interpreted that by combining the pivoting of the first and second axes of movement with a synchronous swinging motion in an interlocking manner together, an infinite number of angles about the two axes can be achieved simultaneously, and a wide range of angles can be achieved with minimal effort by the user, which is more fully aligned with the natural and intuitive movements of the human body.

[0037] Further embodiments and features Having fully described some of the essential features and advantages of the present invention, it can be appreciated that these concepts can be further optimized.

[0038] For example, with reference to FIGS. 21-27, a third possible exemplary ergonomic motion chair 100'' may include a base 2 supporting an upwardly extending pole 110 or the like. Conventional wheels 3 or casters, with or without a locking structure, may be attached to the base for engaging a floor on which the ergonomic motion chair 100'' is placed. The pole 110 generally defines a longitudinal centerline 44 extending upwardly therefrom. The back portion 300 operably engages an elongated seat spine frame 13, which in turn operably engages a chair frame 210 operably secured to the base pole 110 by a pole attachment 230.

[0039] The seat 5 is movable relative to the spine frame 13 and backrest 300 and may be padded and / or contoured as desired to comfortably fit a user. The seat 5 may have a left side and a right side that define a left-right center 22 (FIGS. 24 and 26). When the ergonomic motion chair 100'' is in its neutral front-to-back position 104 (FIG. 25) and neutral left-to-right position 102 (FIG. 24) during and / or when not in use by a user, the seat 5 provides a generally flat seating surface that defines a seating surface 8 aligned substantially parallel to the generally flat seating surface and positioned along a lowermost surface of the seat 5.

[0040] The seat 5 may be operably secured to a seat plate 41' which is pivotally secured to a chair frame 210 as best shown in Figures 22, 23 and 24. The seat plate 41' may include front and rear arcuate cams 18 or the like extending downwardly therefrom, and a swing arc structure 27 may include front and rear arcuate bearing slots 203 or the like by which the arcuate swing structure 27 may project an axis of rotation above the seat 5. Front roller bearings 204 and rear roller bearings 205 extend from the chair frame 210 via mounting structure 50 or the like and align respective bearing slots 203 in the seat plate 41' to permit the seat plate to pivot side to side in the direction of arrow 24 about the projected axis 7.

[0041] As best shown in FIG. 22, the chair frame 210 may include a front-to-rear bearing slot 211 that operably engages a front-to-rear roller bearing 212 extending from the pole base 230 and sliding in the front-to-rear direction about axis 6, as in the first preferred embodiment. If desired, a front-to-rear movement stop mechanism 202 (FIGS. 24, 25, 26) may be provided to allow a user to select and hold a desired front-to-rear position, thereby temporarily stopping the chair frame 210. The stop mechanism 202 may include a locking pin 206 (FIG. 26) that operably engages a mating pin receiver 213. A plurality of spaced apart pin receivers 213 may be provided in the pole base 230 (FIG. 25) to allow various positions of the chair frame 210 to be selected and held.

[0042] 23, 25, and 26, an alternative preferred biasing structure 208 is shown. The biasing structure 208 is preferably a monolithic elastic member extending from the left-right center of the pole attachment 230 to the left-right center of the seat plate 4. In this orientation, it can be seen that tension on this elastic member biases the seat back to both its left-right center neutral position and its front-to-back neutral position. The thickness and elasticity of the elastic member can be optimized to adjust the biasing force applied to return the seat to its neutral position. If desired, multiple elastic members can be provided, each with its own reliability characteristics, allowing the user to select the elastic member that provides the desired biasing characteristics for that user. It is understood that adjustable elastic members or multiple portions of elastic members, but attached in approximately the same direction, can be provided for the user to select the desired biasing tension characteristics.

[0043] 22 and 23, the spine frame 13 may include an upper spine frame 207 that is removably secured by bolts or the like to a chair frame 210. A back portion 300 is operably secured to the upper spine frame 207, thereby allowing the back portion to be replaced as needed without having to purchase an entirely new chair, and / or allowing the back portion to be separated and easily reinstalled for easier storage and transport.

[0044] The ergonomic motion chair may include a controller inclinometer 400 (FIGS. 27 and 28) in communication with a computer system 402 (FIG. 28). The controller inclinometer 400 may detect and use simultaneous side-to-side and front-to-back movements of the seat 5 to control the computer system 402, such as by moving a cursor on a computer screen, or by commanding functions or computer programs, or may collect data regarding user activity when using the chair, to understand and analyze motion, posture control, or related, and to inform the user of recommended movements for improved health and physical performance. Referring to FIG. 28, in one possible controller 400 embodiment, the controller includes a power source 403, a processor 404, a transmitter 405, and a sensor 406 in communication with each other to detect and collect the motion and position of the seat 5 and transmit the information to the computer system 402. The sensor 406 may include a two-dimensional or three-dimensional tilt sensor, or the like. The power source 403 may be an internal battery or from a wired auxiliary power source. Similarly, the transmitter 405 may be wired or wireless as appropriate. Preferably, information from the controller 400 is transmitted wirelessly 401 to the computer system 402.

[0045] The backrest portion 300 can be optimized to provide ergonomic engagement with the user's back, as best shown in Figures 30-33. Preferably, the backrest portion 300 has an elongated narrow upper portion 301 that can be operatively secured to the ergonomic motion chair of the present invention, but can also provide benefits when installed in conventional office chairs and other chairs. The backrest portion 300 preferably has a first prescribed thickness 309 that supports the spine 302 of the user 303 when seated in the chair 100'' with the user's back against the backrest portion 300, the first prescribed thickness 309 being optimally less than the distance between the user's left scapula 305 and right scapula 304. The first prescribed thickness 309 ranges from about 3 inches to 7 inches, with a preferred thickness being 3.5 inches to 5 inches. The surface geometry and contours between the first prescribed thickness 309 may include an arc or dome of material between the endpoints of the first prescribed thickness 309 that projects forward toward the spine 302 of the user 303, so that initial engagement with the spine 302 as the user leans back is initially centered and aligned on the spine to maximize support in that area. The back portion 300 may have a second, wider prescribed thickness 310 to support the lower torso of the user, the second prescribed thickness varying from the first prescribed thickness 309 toward the distal lower end 334 of the back portion 300 toward the seat portion 5 within the distal lower end 334 as shown in FIG. 31. The thickness 310 may range from 16 inches to 23 inches, with a preferred range being 18 inches to 22 inches. The vertical dimension range 333 of the elongated upper back portion 301 is approximately 5 inches to 9 inches, with a preferred range of 6 inches to 8 inches. The vertical dimension range 334 of the lower back portion 300 is approximately 8 inches to 13 inches, with a preferred range of 9 inches to 12 inches.It will be appreciated that multiple sizes of the back portion 300 having the elongated portion 301 may be provided or customized to accommodate different body types and sizes of users.

[0046] With reference to FIG. 32, the back portion 300 may be an elongated panel having a first defined thickness 309 that is substantially uniform along an overall length 344 of the back portion 300 . 33, by providing a backrest portion 300 that supports the user's back without interfering with the scapulae 304, 305 and shoulder region of the user, the user can lean back into the chair 100'' and extend the scapulae 304, 305 and shoulder region backwards behind the spine 302 and arch around the spine 302 as shown in FIG. 33. This motion allows the user to release the shoulder and scapular region 320 to move behind the backrest surface 312 to stretch the user's anterior thoracic region 311 while still leaning back into the chair 100''. The user can lean back and utilize gravity and the unrestricted space in the scapulae and shoulder region to maximize the stretch of the anterior thoracic region, either simultaneously or independently.

[0047] Although additional features and advantages of the present invention have been fully described, it can be understood that each disclosed feature need not be included in all embodiments. Moreover, many of these features can be used to improve existing chair designs. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, a fourth possible embodiment of an ergonomic chair 100''' is shown. In this embodiment, a left-to-right, side-to-side motion structure providing left-to-right, side-to-side pivoting of the seat 5 at a pivot axis 7 positioned above the seat surface can be operably fixed to a conventional seat base 501 providing fore-aft pivoting of the seat at a pivot axis 500 located below the seat surface.

[0048] In addition, the backrest portion 300 of the third exemplary embodiment 100'' can be installed on the first exemplary embodiment 100, the second exemplary embodiment 100', the fourth exemplary embodiment 100''', or added to any other existing chair design. Thus, while the embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to fully disclose and describe the present invention, they should not be considered as limiting the invention beyond the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A frame (2, 210); a seat (5) defining a seat surface (8) operably fixed to said frame (210), a seat (5) having a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a left-right center (22), and a front-to-back center, the seat being pivotable substantially left-right about a first axis of rotation (7); A chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') having the first axis of rotation (7) is positioned above the seat surface (8) and the lateral centre (22) of the seat (5) is adapted to move around and below the first axis of rotation (7); the seat (5) is substantially pivotable back and forth about a second axis of rotation (6), the front-to-back centre of the seat (5) being adapted to move forward and backward about and below the second axis of rotation (6); The second axis of rotation (6) is positioned above the first axis of rotation (7). The seat portion (5) having a defined range of motion about said first axis of rotation (7) and said second axis of rotation (6); movable about said first axis of rotation (7) and said second axis of rotation (6); infinitely positionable within said range of motion about said first axis of rotation (7) and said second axis of rotation (6); A chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''').

2. The first axis of rotation (7) is positioned substantially near the sacral and lumbar regions of the spine (302) of a user (303); and the second axis of rotation (6) is positioned substantially near a thoracic region of a spine (302) of the user (303) when the user (303) is seated in the chair (100, 100', 100', 100'''); The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 1, further characterized in that

3. A seatback portion (1, 300) operably fixed to the frame (210), The frame (210) has an elongated spine frame (13) operably engaged with a base (2); The seat (5) is operably fixed to the elongated spine frame (13); the backrest portion (1, 300) having a lower portion positioned toward the seat portion and having a second predetermined width (310) and an opposite upper portion extending from the lower portion; the upper portion having a first defined width (309); the first defined width (309) is smaller than the second defined width (310); The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 1, further characterized in that

4. the first prescribed width (309) is between 3 inches and 7 inches; said second prescribed width (310) being between 16 inches and 23 inches; The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 3, further characterized by:

5. The upper portion supports the spine in the upper thoracic and cervical regions of the user (303) when seated deeply in the chair without significantly interfering with movement of the left and right shoulder blades of the user (303). The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 3, further characterized by:

6. A seatback portion (1, 300) operably fixed to the frame (210), 2. The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') of claim 1, wherein the backrest portion (300) remains in a fixed position relative to the seat portion (5) throughout the defined range of motion of the seat portion (5) about the second axis of rotation (6).

7. A chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') as described in claim 6, further characterized by including an adjustment structure (36) for adjusting the position of the backrest portion (300) on the frame (210).

8. The seat (5) has a neutral position relative to the frame (210), The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 1, further characterized in that it further comprises a biasing structure (11) for biasing said seat towards said neutral position.

9. The method further comprises an elongated spine frame (13) attached to said frame (210), whereby either said elongated spine frame (13) or said frame (210) has a curved portion that allows the height of said second axis of rotation (6) to be set; the other of the elongated spine frame (13) and the frame (210) operatively engages the curved portion to enable the seat (5) to be substantially pivotable for forward movement about the second axis of rotation (6); A chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 3.

10. one of the frame (2, 210) and the seat (5) has a curved portion that allows the height of the first axis of rotation (7) to be set, the other of the frame (2, 210) and the seat (5) operatively engages the curved portion to enable the seat (5) to be substantially pivotable for forward movement about the first axis of rotation (7); The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') of claim 1, further comprising:

11. The seat portion (5) has a left-right neutral position, Further comprising a biasing structure (10) for biasing the seat portion to the neutral position in the left-right direction; The chair (100, 100', 100", 100''') of claim 1, further characterized by:

12. The seat has a neutral position in the fore-aft direction relative to the second axis of rotation (6), Further comprising a second biasing structure for biasing the seat portion to the neutral position in the front-rear direction; The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 11, further characterized by:

13. At least the first or second biasing structure (208) is selected from the group consisting of a resilient structure and a cable (12) having at least one spring (10). The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 11 or 12, further characterized by: a fore-aft swing lock (202) operably secured to said seat (5) for removably securing said seat (5) to said frame (2, 210) and selectively preventing fore-aft pivoting of said seat about said second axis of rotation (6); said swing lock (202) having multiple locking positions allowing a user to select a desired locked position of said seat (5); The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 1, further characterized by:

15. a sensor (406) operably secured to said chair (100, 100', 100'', 100'''); the sensor (406) being in communication with a computer system (402); The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 1, further characterized by:

16. said sensor (406) detecting a movement of said seat (5) along at least one of said first axis of rotation (7) and said second axis of rotation (6) and transmitting said detected movement to said computer system (402); The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 15, further characterized by: said computer system (402) using information collected from said sensor (406) to collect movement data of said user (32) while said user (32) is seated in said chair (100, 100', 100', 100'''); The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 16, further characterized by:

18. the defined range of motion of the seat (5) around the first axis of rotation (7) and the second axis of rotation (6) is such that the seat (5) can be moved around the first axis of rotation (7) and the second axis of rotation (6) simultaneously or independently, The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 1, further characterized by:

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