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 their 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 optionally provide for forward and backward 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 for enabling the seat position to be used as a computer controller or for collecting user motion data, and an adjustable tilt lock system that allows the forward and backward movement of the seat to be held in a desired position. [Background technology]

[0002] Sitting motionless for extended periods of time can be dangerous to one's health. Studies have shown that prolonged periods of sitting motionless can shorten lifespan 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 that comes with prolonged sitting.

[0003] The human body has a wide range of motion in all axes at many joints, and allowing the body to move through that range while sitting can reduce or mitigate the harmful effects of prolonged sitting.

[0004] To date, designers have attempted to provide ergonomic improvements to chairs with the goal of increasing user movement while seated. For example, chair designers have attempted to tilt or switch chair seats by having users 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 typically be tilted and switched in any direction around a toggle point, requiring the user to actively engage in seated movements, such as using leg and abdominal muscles to balance and hold the seat in the desired position. While this movement provides a form of movement while seated, it usually comes at the cost of limited or no back support. Furthermore, wobbling on balls, ball joints, universal hinges, etc. while seated can be tedious, uncomfortable, and increase fatigue for users sitting for long periods of time.

[0005] Some designers have attempted to improve chair ergonomics 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 typically include a structure that allows the seat to move forward and backward independently of a separate back to allow a user to lean forward or back while seated in the chair. While these types of chairs typically include an adjustment structure that allows the back to be preset to an optimal position for the user when 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 seat comfort while still allowing some degree of bodily movement by requiring users to sit in buckets that rotate back and forth about fixed pivot points within 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 other postures. 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 exercise for the user. However, these types of designs limit movement to only allowing for forward and backward tilting while holding the user in the bucket in all other directions. This restriction of the bucket's allowable 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 rests 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. Furthermore, as with sitting on a ball or other 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 spinal column 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 of their spinal column, especially in reclining positions 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. Patent No. 8,919,881 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 9,211,013 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 8,662,586 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent 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] Therefore, despite known structures for improving chair ergonomics and fit, 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 closely related to the human anatomy while seated in the chair, but that 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 toward a centered, neutral side-to-side position, and biasing structure may be provided to further bias the seat toward this neutral side-to-side position. Additionally, the user's weight, combined with this geometry, helps to naturally bias the seat toward the neutral position, requiring significantly less effort from the user to return to the neutral side-to-side position, unlike other chair structures.

[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 positions 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 maintain 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 on the spine portion, which, once 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 embodiments disclosed, the structure may include an improved back support that supports the user's back without restricting the user's ability to move their shoulder blades, a monolithic alternative resilient biasing structure to simultaneously bias the seat to a neutral position in both front-to-back and side-to-side movement directions, an embedded controller or sensor to allow the position of the seat to be used as a computer controller or to allow movement data to be collected or retrieved when the chair is in use, and an adjustable tilt locking system to allow for fore-and-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 first and second pivot axes, a 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 lower back relative to the human body about a first axis located strictly above the seat structure and located approximately in 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 sensation of "tilting" and / or "wobbling" and / or "balancing" the seat as found in all other designs where the rotation axis is positioned 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, for a better understanding of the advantages and features of novelty, reference may be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings which describe and illustrate various structures and concepts related to the present invention. [Brief explanation 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] 1 is a left-front isometric view of an ergonomic motion chair according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 1, showing possible forward and backward movements defining the chair's rearward position, front-to-back neutral position, and forward position, with a person seated in the chair to indicate orientation. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a cutaway front view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 2 showing possible side-to-side movements that define the right swing position, side-to-side neutral position, and left swing position of the chair, with the chair in the 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. [Figure 5] 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. FIG. [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] 1 with the ergonomic motion chair in the front-to-back neutral position of FIG. 2 and the right swing position of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 with the ergonomic motion chair in the front-to-back neutral position of FIG. 2 and the left swing position of FIG. 3. FIG. [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.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a left side view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 10 cut away along arrow AA of FIGS. 6 and 9 to show interior 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 the neutral left-right position of FIG. 3. FIG. [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 the neutral left-right position of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a left-front exploded view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 1. [Figure 15] 6 and 9 are enlarged cutaway isometric views of a portion of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 1 taken along arrow AA in 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, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 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. 21. [Figure 23] FIG. 22 is an exploded isometric view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 21. [Figure 24] 22 is a front view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 21 showing possible side-to-side movements that define the chair's right swing position, left-to-right neutral position, and left swing position. [Figure 25] 22 is a cutaway left side view of the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 21 illustrating the possible forward and backward movements that define the lean-back, neutral, and forward tilt positions of the ergonomic motion chair, and illustrating the possible actuation of the monolithic biasing structure in the 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 operably secured to the ergonomic motion chair of FIG. 21 and in communication with a computer system. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a left side view of an ergonomic motion chair according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 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. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of the back portion of FIG. 30 relative to the user. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a close-up view of an alternative back portion showing possible orientations relative to the user. [Figure 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 INVENTION

[0018] Ergonomic motion chairs 100 (FIGS. 1-18), 100' (FIGS. 19-20), 100'' (FIGS. 21-27), and 100''' (FIG. 29) are shown in FIGS. 1-33 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. 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. 29. Features of these embodiments are described below. To limit undue repetition, like elements between embodiments have like 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 neutral left-to-right 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-and-aft from a neutral front-to-back position 104 to provide fore-and-aft movement of the seat. Additionally, 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 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 structure Referring to FIG. 1, 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 locking features, may be attached to the base for engaging the floor on which ergonomic motion chair 100 rests. Pole 110 generally defines a longitudinal centerline 44 (FIGS. 2-5) extending upwardly therefrom. Seat portion 5 and back portion 1 are operably engaged to an elongated seat spine frame 13, which in turn is operably engaged to a base mount 112 secured to the base pole.

[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 when not in 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 the lowermost surface of the seat portion 5, as best shown in FIGS.

[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 and 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] 19 and 20, a second possible embodiment of the ergonomic motion chair 100′ may have a seat plate 41 that includes front and rear arcuate cams 18 or the like extending downwardly therefrom, and a swing arc structure 27 that may include both front and rear wheels 17, 42 for operably 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 requiring a physical pivot pin at the side-to-side pivot axis 7. It is understood that the seat plate 41 may be aligned with and operably secured to swing side-to-side by the front and rear wheels 17, 42, which may be operably 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 appreciated that this structure allows the seat portion 5 to pivot or swing about the side-to-side pivot axis 7 in the direction of arrow 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 portion 5 is positioned below the side-to-side pivot axis 7, gravity will bias the seat portion 5 to rebalance back to the side-to-side neutral position 102. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9 and described above for the alternative seat panel 41 (FIGS. 19, 20), a resilient biasing structure 11 extends between the spine frame 13 and the seat panel 4, thereby further biasing the seat portion toward its side-to-side neutral position 102 (FIG. 3) and providing 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 unique resistance characteristics, may be provided to allow the user to adjust the biasing force as desired. Alternate adjustable biasing structures may also be provided.

[0025] 5, there is shown a schematic representation of the side-to-side swing of the seat 8 relative to the side-to-side pivot axis 7. The side-to-side pivot axis is located above the seat 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 approximately 10 degrees or 5-15 degrees in either direction, allowing actuated side-to-side swing of the seat 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 FIGS. 9 and 14 , the spine frame 13 may be formed by two parallel, aligned, curved rails joined together. The edges of the rails extend downward to define an arcuate rail 14, as best shown in FIGS. 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 ( FIGS. 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 will be understood that the location of the wheel and engaging arcuate rail element may be reversed, such that the wheel is 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 appreciated 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 fore-aft pivot axis 6. It can be appreciated that the edge contour or contour of the arcuate rail 14 (Figure 4) can be shaped to provide a precise location for 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 about axis 6 as shown in the direction of arrow 20 (FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 10-13, and 20) and as operatively illustrated with actuated seat surface 9 (FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, and 13). More preferably, arcuate rail 14 of spine frame 13 is shaped to allow and optimize a sliding angle 39 of approximately 18 degrees or 10-25 degrees rearward from the neutral anterior-posterior position and approximately 10 degrees or 5-12 degrees forward from the 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 the arcuate rail in a desired position and engage a structure that holds the arcuate rail in that desired position.

[0028] 15, the fore-aft biasing structure 10 may include a cable 12 extending from the 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 increases the 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 cable can be adjusted or preset as desired to suit the user's weight and preferences, such as by an adjustment structure 36 (Figure 15), such as a screw and nut operably secured between the spring 10 and the cable 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 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 forward and backward, 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; once adjusted to the proper fit and position, the backrest may move forward and backward with the seat to maintain the same position relative to the seat throughout the seat's forward and backward range of motion. Because the position of the seat relative to the backrest remains constant throughout the ergonomic motion chair's forward and backward range of motion, the user may maintain optimal fit, comfort, and back support throughout the ergonomic motion chair 100's range of motion.

[0033] Furthermore, suspending the seat below the front-to-back and side-to-side pivot axes allows the seat position to be infinitely adjusted to any desired position, without 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 toward 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 into the desired position.

[0034] 18, the optimal location for the first axis of rotation may generally be in the region where a human user's spine 32 intersects with the pelvis 30, and shows possible locations for the first axis of rotation 7 relative to the user. In a preferred embodiment, the optimal range 29 of possible locations for 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 body's 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 pressing down on the relative seat surface 8 when using the chair with an alternative hammock style or mesh seat cover design.

[0035] The significant improvements of this design can be more fully appreciated in FIG. 3, in which 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 side-to-side swung position 9, releasing the lumbar angle 34 and lower torso 45. This is appreciated because, because the first axis of rotation 7 is above the seat 8 and generally aligned with and more closely adjacent the human spine in the desired area of ​​mobility and flexibility, the side-to-side swing motion is accomplished quickly with less effort and upper body movement, thereby providing upper body stability and allowing the arms to maintain reduced or no restriction and freedom 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 the synchronized swinging motion in a coordinated 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, more fully aligning 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 locking features, may be attached to the base for engaging the floor on which the ergonomic motion chair 100'' rests. The pole 110 generally defines a longitudinal centerline 44 extending upwardly therefrom. A 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 the 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 face 8 aligned substantially parallel to the generally flat seating surface and positioned along the lowermost surface of the seat 5.

[0040] The seat 5 may be operably secured to a seat plate 41' that 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 that enable the arcuate swing structure 27 to project an axis of rotation above the seat 5. Front roller bearings 204 and rear roller bearings 205 extend from the chair frame 210, such as via mounting structure 50, to align respective bearing slots 203 in the seat plate 41' and enable 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 fore-aft bearing slot 211 that operably engages a fore-aft roller bearing 212 extending from the pole base 230 and sliding in the fore-aft direction about axis 6, as in the first preferred embodiment. Optionally, a fore-aft movement stop mechanism 202 (FIGS. 24, 25, 26) may be provided to allow a user to select and hold a desired fore-aft 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 pin receivers 213 may be provided on 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 resilient member extending from the left-to-right center of the pole mounting portion 230 to the left-to-right center of the seat panel 4. In this orientation, it can be seen that tension on this resilient member biases the seat back to both its left-to-right center neutral position and its front-to-back neutral position. The thickness and resilience of the resilient member can be optimized to adjust the biasing force applied to return the seat back to its neutral position. If desired, multiple resilient members, each with its own reliability characteristics, can be provided, allowing the user to select the resilient member that provides the desired biasing characteristics for that user. It will be understood that an adjustable resilient member, or multiple portions of resilient members attached in approximately the same direction, can be provided to allow 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 the 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 can detect and use simultaneous side-to-side and front-to-back movement 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 to collect data regarding user activity during use of the chair to understand and analyze movement, posture control, or the like, 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 sensors 406 in communication with each other to detect and collect movement and position of the seat 5 and transmit that information to the computer system 402. The sensors 406 may include two-dimensional or three-dimensional tilt sensors, etc. 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 desired. Preferably, information from the controller 400 is transmitted wirelessly 401 to the computer system 402.

[0045] The backrest 300 can be optimized to provide ergonomic engagement with the user's back, as best shown in FIGS. 30-33. Preferably, the backrest 300 has an elongated, narrow upper portion 301 that can be operably secured to the ergonomic motion chair of the present invention, but can also provide benefits when installed in traditional office and other chairs. The backrest 300 preferably has a first predetermined thickness 309 that supports the spine 302 of the user 303 when seated in the chair 100'' with their back resting on the backrest 300, and the first predetermined thickness 309 is optimally less than the distance between the user's left shoulder blade 305 and right shoulder blade 304. The range of the first predetermined thickness 309 is approximately 3 to 7 inches, with a preferred thickness being 3.5 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 user's lower torso, 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 between 12.7 cm and 22.86 cm (approximately 5 inches to 9 inches), with a preferred range of 15.24 cm to 20.32 cm (6 inches to 8 inches). The vertical dimension range 334 of the lower back portion 300 is between 20.32 cm and 33.02 cm (8 inches to 13 inches), with a preferred range of 22.86 cm to 30.48 cm (9 inches to 12 inches).It will be appreciated that multiple sizes of back portion 300 having elongated portion 301 may be provided or customized to accommodate various body types and sizes of users.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 32, the back portion 300 may be an elongated panel having a first predetermined thickness 309 that is substantially uniform along the entire length 344 of the back portion 300 . Referring to FIG. 33 , by providing a backrest portion 300 that supports the user's back without interfering with the scapulae 304, 305 and the user's shoulder region, the user can lean back in the chair 100″ and extend the scapulae 304, 305 and shoulder region backward and arch around the spine 302, as shown in FIG. 33 . This movement allows the user to release the shoulder and scapula region 320 and move it behind the backrest surface 312 to stretch the user's anterior thoracic region 311 while leaning back in 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] While additional features and advantages of the present invention have been fully described, it will be understood that not every disclosed feature need be included in every embodiment. 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 ergonomic chair 100''' is shown. In this embodiment, a left-to-right, side-to-side motion mechanism providing left-to-right, side-to-side pivoting of seat 5 at pivot axis 7 positioned above the seat surface can be operably secured to a conventional seat base 501 providing fore-and-aft pivoting of the seat at pivot axis 500 located below the seat surface.

[0048] Additionally, 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. Accordingly, while the disclosed embodiments are provided to fully disclose and describe the present invention, they should not be construed as limiting the invention beyond the scope of the claims. There is no .

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-to-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 center (22) of the seat (5) moves around the first axis of rotation (7) 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 (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 the user (303), and the second axis of rotation (6) is positioned substantially near the thoracic region of the 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 (1, 300) operably fixed to the frame (210), the frame (210) having an elongated spine frame (13) operably engaged with the base (2); the seat (5) being 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 predetermined width (309); the first predetermined width (309) is smaller than the second predetermined width (310); The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 1, further characterized in that

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

5. The upper part supports the spine in the upper thoracic and cervical regions of the user (303) when the user is seated deeply in the chair without significantly interfering with the 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 (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 specified range of motion about the second axis of rotation (6) of the seat portion (5).

7. A chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') as described in claim 6, further characterized in that it includes 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), and a biasing structure (11) for biasing the seat towards the neutral position.

9. The device 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); 10. The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') of claim 1, further characterized by comprising:

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

12. The seat has a neutral position in the fore-and-aft direction relative to the second axis of rotation (6), further including a second biasing structure for biasing the seat portion toward the neutral position in the front-to-rear direction; 12. 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); 13. The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 11 or 12, further characterized by:

14. including a fore-and-aft swing lock (202) operably fixed to said seat (5) for removably securing said seat (5) to said frame (2, 210) and selectively preventing fore-and-aft pivoting of said seat about said second axis of rotation (6); the swing lock (202) has multiple locking positions that allow the user to select the desired locked position of the 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. the sensor (406) detecting a movement of the seat (5) along at least one of the first axis of rotation (7) and the second axis of rotation (6) and transmitting the detected movement to the computer system (402); 16. The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 15, further characterized by:

17. The computer system (402) uses information collected from the sensor (406) to collect movement data of the user (32) while the user (32) is seated in the chair (100, 100', 100', 100''''); 17. 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 move around the first axis of rotation (7) and the second axis of rotation (6) simultaneously or independently, respectively; The chair (100, 100', 100'', 100''') according to claim 1, further characterized by:

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