GB2565309A

GB2565309A - A multidirectional rocker seat

Info

Publication number: GB2565309A
Application number: GB1712729.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Webb Andrew
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-08-08
Filing date: 2017-08-08
Publication date: 2019-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2037-08-08
Also published as: GB2565309B; GB201712729D0

Abstract

A multidirectional rocker seat 1 comprises a seating means 2, a base 4 and a support 3 extending between the seating means and the base to support the seating means at a sitting height. The lower surface 6 of the base curved to allow the seat to freely tilt from side to side, or backwards and forwards, or any combination thereof, when resting on a surface. The radius of the curve of the lower surface greater towards the outside of the base. The support may comprise a gas support. Also disclosed is a multidirectional rocker seat pad 5 that is angled forwards.

Description

A multidirectional rocker seat

FIELD

The present invention relates to a multidirectional rocker seat. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multidirectional rocker seat having a rounded base. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a multidirectional rocker seat having a rounded base with a varying radius.

BACKGROUND

Rocking chairs or rocking stools are well known. GB2,291,342 describes and shows a rocking stool that is intended for backwards and forwards rocking movement. Stools with rounded bases to allow a multidirectional rocking movement are also known. The ONGO Classic, as shown in figure 1, is a stool with a rounded base that allows a multidimensional rocking action. The seat on this stool is aligned flat or horizontal (that is, generally parallel to the floor), and the rounded base has a curve or radius that decreases from the centre to the edge. Other, similar stools are known, such as for example the Korestool, as shown in US registered design US283,856. The Korestool uses a downwardly projecting bulge around the circumference of the base portion to provide secondary stability. This can cause the rocking action to end abruptly.

In general, people are more likely to slouch and strain their backs on a horizontal seat than a forward sloping seat. A horizontal seat at the right height for standard height desks will be too high, for some people, which can put uncomfortable pressure on the backs of the legs of a user.

Furthermore, some stools with rounded bases have a tendency to become less stable as they approach their tipping point, as a result of the decreasing radius.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide a multidirectional rocker seat which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

The term “comprising” as used in this specification and indicative independent claims means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Accordingly, in an aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in a multidirectional rocker seat, comprising: a seating means configured to be sat upon by a user; a base; a support, extending between the seating means and the base to support the seating means at a sitting height; the lower surface of the base curved to allow the seat to freely tilt from side to side, or backwards and forwards, or any combination thereof, when resting on a surface; the radius of the curve of the lower surface greater towards the outside of the base. The rounded base, with an increasing radius, gives a lively mobile feel when the seat is close to upright, but gives the sitter gentle feedback when they are approaching the limits of stability, and this feedback, in the form of gradually increasing force required to rock further off balance, gives the sitter confidence to relax while using the ability to rock and move about safely, knowing they will have plenty of warning before reaching the point of instability.

In an embodiment, the curve of the lower surface comprises an inner curve and an outer curve, the inner and outer curves each arc-shaped in cross-section, the radius of the outer curve greater than that of the inner curve. This shape is the best known shape to achieve the advantage outlined above.

In an embodiment, the inner curve has a radius of substantially 690mm, and the outer curve has a radius of substantially 790mm. These have been found to be optimal dimensions to achieve the best form of the advantage outlined above.

In an embodiment, the inner curve has a floor length of substantially 220mm. This has been found to be an optimal dimensions to achieve the best form of the advantage outlined above.

In an embodiment, each of the outer curves has a floor length of substantially 40mm. This has been found to be an optimal dimension to achieve the best form of the advantage outlined above.

In an embodiment, the curve of the lower surface further comprises a transitional curve of smoothly increasing radius extending between the inner and outer curves. This helps to keep the rocking action smooth between the inner part and the outer part of the curved underside.

In an embodiment, the transitional curve has a floor length of substantially 50mm. This has been found to be an optimal dimension to achieve the best form of the advantage outlined above.

In an embodiment, the base is substantially circular in plan view and has a diameter of substantially 400mm. This has been found to be an optimal dimensions to achieve the best form of the advantage outlined above.

In an embodiment, the support comprises a gas support. This is a readily-available, inexpensive and reliable form of support.

In an embodiment, the gas support is a non-rotational gas support. This helps to prevent rotation of the base on the supporting surface.

In an embodiment, the seating means comprises a seat pad, generally pentagonal in plan view. This allows a user to comfortably use the seat.

In an embodiment, the seat pad comprises a substantially rigid base with a cushioned top portion. This allows a user to comfortably use the seat.

In an embodiment, the seat pad is angled forwards. The forwards angle of the seat helps to prevent slouching and prevent undue pressure on the backs of the user's legs.

In an embodiment, the seat pad comprises a substantially pointed front corner. The pointed front of the seat pad makes it quicker and easier to identify the lowest part of the seat to enable sitting down with the seat sloping exactly forwards, and also encourages a user to sit with feet slightly apart for stability and more natural relaxed leg position.

In an embodiment, the forwards angle of the seat is substantially fixed at six degrees. This has been found to be an optimal angle.

In an embodiment, the angle of the seat pad is adjustable. This allows a user to adjust the angle as required for their personal preferences.

In an embodiment, the pentagonally-shaped seat pad has regular sides, and will just fit within a circle having a radius of substantially 400mm. This has been found to provide a good level of support for a user and a good shape for sitting.

In a second aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a multidirectional rocker seat, comprising: a seat pad configured to be sat upon by a user; a base; a support, extending between the seating means and the base to support the seating means at a sitting height; the lower surface of the base curved to allow the seat to freely tilt from side to side, or backwards and forwards, or any combination thereof, when resting on a surface; the seat pad angled forwards. The curved seat allows a user to rock the seat as required, and the angled front of seat helps to prevent slouching and prevent undue pressure on the backs of the user's legs.

In an embodiment, the seat pad comprises a pointed front corner. The pointed front of the seat makes it quicker and easier to identify the lowest part of the seat to enable sitting down with the seat sloping exactly forwards, and also encourages a user to sit with feet slightly apart for stability and more natural relaxed leg position.

In an embodiment, the seat pad is substantially pentagonally shaped. This has been found to provide a good level of support for a user and a good shape for sitting.

In an embodiment, the pentagonally-shaped seat pad has regular sides, and will just fit within a circle having a radius of substantially 400mm. This size of seat has been found to provide an optimal size for sitting.

In an embodiment, the radius of the curve of the lower surface is greater towards the outside of the base. The rounded base, with an increasing radius, gives a lively mobile feel when the seat is close to upright, but gives the sitter gentle feedback when they are approaching the limits of stability, and this feedback, in the form of gradually increasing force required to rock further off balance, gives the sitter confidence to relax while using the ability to rock and move about safely, knowing they will have plenty of warning before reaching the point of instability.

In an embodiment, each of the outer curves has a floor length of substantially 40mm. This has been found to be an optimal dimensions to achieve the best form of the advantage outlined above.

In an embodiment, the transitional curve has a floor length of substantially 50mm. This has been found to be an optimal dimensions to achieve the best form of the advantage outlined above.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings which show an embodiment of the device by way of example, and in which:

Figure 1 shows a prior art rounded base stool known as the ONGO Classic, which as a rounded base that allows a multidimensional rocking action.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view from one side and slightly above of an embodiment of the multidirectional rocker seat of the present invention, the seat having a seat pad that a user sits on in use, a gas lift support extending generally vertically between the seat pad and a seat base that rests on the floor to support the rocker seat, the lower surface of the base curved to allow the rocker seat to freely roll and pitch or any combination thereof when resting on a surface.

Figure 3 shows a view from the front, to one side and slightly above of the rocker seat of figure 2.

Figure 4 shows a side view of the rocker seat of figures 2 and 3 resting on one side, showing detail of the profile of the curved base.

Figure 5 shows a top view of the rocker seat of figures 2 to 4, showing detail of the plan view shape of the seat pad.

Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of the dimensions of the rocker seat and in particular the profile of the base, the figure illustrating the change in curvature or profile across the cross section of the base, from the inside to the outside of the base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the multidirectional rocker seat of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures. A rocker seat 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in figures 2 to 5. The rocker seat 1 has three main parts or elements: a seat pad 2 that acts as a seating means for a user in this embodiment, and which a user sits on in use; a support 3, which in this embodiment is a gas lift cylinder similar to those used on office-type chairs and bar stools, and; a base 4.

The elements are connected so that in use the seat pad 2 will be located at the top of the rocker seat 1, so that a user can sit on the rocker seat 1 in a similar manner to any other stool. The support 3 extends between the base 4 and seat pad 2, and is generally vertically aligned in use (although the rocker seat will tilt - roll and pitch - in use, so the support 3 will not remain vertical at all times: it will tilt to angle away from the vertical).

As outlined above, the support 3 is in this embodiment a gas lift cylinder. The seat pad 2 is roughly pentagonally-shaped in plan view, as best seen in figure 5, with very rounded corners. The seat pad 2 comprises a rigid planar lower section, covered with a cushion material such as foam, and finished with a covering fabric. One point 5 of the pentagon is forward-facing, so that this extends between the legs of a user sitting on the rocker seat 1. The front corner of the seat pad (between a user's legs in use) is less curved/more pointed than the other corners of the pad. The pointed front of the seat makes it quicker and easier to identify the lowest part of the seat to enable sitting down with the seat sloping exactly forwards, and also encourages a user to sit with feet slightly apart for stability and more natural relaxed leg position.

In use, as shown in figure 2, the seat pad 2 is slightly angled downward - the forward point 5 is lower than the reminder of the seat pad 2. The support 3 and the seat pad 2 meet around two-thirds of the way to the back of the seat pad 2 from the front point 5.

The base 4 is a solid item, formed from wood in the preferred embodiment, although this could also be formed from plastic or metal or any other suitable material. The base 4 has a flat upper side 7, and a lower side or surface 6 that is curved or rounded. The base 4 is formed so that the curved underside 6 and the flat upper surface 7 are slightly separated, a generally cylindrically-shaped section 8 separating the two surfaces. The curved/rounded lower surface 6 allows the rocker seat 1 to freely roll and pitch or any combination thereof when resting on a surface - that is, to freely rock backwards and forwards, or freely rock from side to side, or any combination of backwards/forwards and side/side movement, up to the edge or perimeter 9 of the curved surface 6, where the circular (in plan view) perimeter 9 meets the lower edge of the cylindrical section 8. If the rocker seat 1 is tilted beyond this point, it will stand on, and pivot around that part of the edge or perimeter 9 in contact with the ground, and tip over as the centre of gravity moves over this point. It should be noted that this will not normally happen in use.

In plan view, the base 4 appears circular or round, with a diameter of 400mm.

In profile or cross section, the curve of the curved underside 6 increases in radius towards the perimeter 9 and away from the centre point 10 (in the centre of the curved underside 6) as outlined below, and with particular reference to figures 4 and 6.

As best seen in figure 6, in a cross-section in the vertical plane taken at any angle across the centre of the base 4 (that is, at any angle around 360 degrees when viewed in plan or vertically downwards, the base appears curved. When viewed from the side - i.e. horizontally - the curved line of the underside or curved surface 6 can be divided up into sections as follows, and as shown in figure 6.

The curve of the central part (the inner curve), each side of the central dividing line -section A-A - is part of a circle - an arc - having a radius of 690mm and a centre 10 located along a vertical line or axis from the point of contact with the floor when the rocker seat 1 is fully or directly upright (690mm up from the point of contact). The horizontal distance or floor length (along the floor or other surface under the curved surface 6) between the two points A-A is 220mm, or 110mm each side of the central vertical line.

The curve of the outer parts of the cross-section curve (the outer curve) - sections B-C - the outer part of the curved underside 6, to the perimeter 9, are also arcs, each section B-C part of a circle having a radius of 790mm and a centre 11 located along a vertical line or axis from the point of contact with the floor when the rocker seat 1 is fully or directly upright (790mm up from the point of contact). The horizontal distance or floor length (along the floor or other surface under the curved surface 6) between the two points B-C on each side is 40mm (the horizontal distance B to C along the floor is 40mm on one side, and 40mm on the other side also).

The transitional curve A-B, joining the two circular curves A-A and B-C on each side, is a curve with a gradually and smoothly increasing radius, from 690mm at it's inner end to 790mm at it's outer end, to smoothly link the points A and B.

The rocker seat 1 is suitable for any ‘active sitting’ activity, where the user wants to be upright, alert, attentive, able to move around easily, or any combination of these. These activities include any desk work, mealtimes, painting and art, craft work, jewellery making, embroidery, playing an instrument, therapies such as massage and reflexology, teaching Alexander Technique. Although it is intended mainly to be used at normal work chair height (i.e. using the dimensions outlined above for the preferred embodiment), with the seat having an overall height of 400-560mm, these can be altered, for example to make a seat suitable for use by children. The dimensions could also be altered to make a taller stool (e.g. similar to those used by architects or other draughtsmen). The gas lift that forms the support 3 can be either non-swivelling or swivelling. Non-swivelling is preferred for most uses, as this helps to prevent rotational movement of the base across the floor when the stool is tilted. A spring or springs, or other means of height adjustment, could be used instead of or complementary to the gas lift. Alternatively, a fixed or non-adjustable support could be used.

As noted above, the base 4 is turned from solid wood in the preferred embodiment.

In variations, this could be formed from laminated wood, moulded glass composite, moulded plastic, or pressed steel, or any similar suitable material. The top surface of the base could be a shape other than flat - for example domed or rounded.

The seat pad 2 may be formed from fibre board, plywood, composite or moulded plastic, and if required can be upholstered with foam and fabric, although a non-upholstered seat could also be used. In the preferred form, the seat pad 2 is angled forwards at a six degree angle (that is, the front end points downwards at a six degree angle from the horizontal when the rocker seat is viewed from the side), but in variations, this can be a different angle, or an adjustment mechanism such as a bracket or similar could be used to allow adjustment through a range of angles. The seat pad 2 in the preferred form is approximately 400mm diameter (i.e. a circle having a perimeter/circumference touching all the points of the pentagon).

The seat and base sockets are currently cast in alloy. A rocker seat according to the invention helps to avoid sitting in a manner that exerts a turning moment on the pelvis, turning it into a lever to distort the lumbar spine. The forward sloping seat exerts less pressure on back of legs, ensuring most support is directly below the spine, making it easier to sit upright with a healthy posture. The seat provides a comfortable area of support whenever sitting low enough to be able to use the entire seat. The seat allows a larger height range, still with feet on the floor, to suit different tasks or different height work surfaces. A seat according to the invention can help to reduce or eliminate pressure on an injured coccyx.

Rocking when seated helps a user to activate and use balancing reflexes, and keeps the user's mind and body more active, alert and attentive. Movement helps to keep joints and muscles moving, which assists with reducing stiffening, and improves circulation and spinal disc health. The movement allows a user to get close for detailed work, and then to sit back for an overview. The seat of the present invention extends the user’s reach, and makes stretching or reaching a smoother more relaxing movement, with less back strain. The seat of the present invention helps to reduce impact when sitting down heavily. A circular rocker seat according to the invention also allows rocking in circular movements, avoiding any requirement for an abrupt change of direction. Even with a non-swivelling gas lift, the seat can be rotated or swivelled.

When the rocking seat is combined with a forward sloping seat, as in the preferred form, this can make standing up slightly easier, and encourages the user to do this more often. A seat according to the present invention gives good stability and range of movement while leaving unimpeded space to allow different foot positions, including allowing a user to bring them close under themselves to assist standing, without chair feet catching the user’s heels.

The pointed front of the seat makes it quicker and easier to identify the lowest part of the seat to enable sitting down with the seat sloping exactly forwards. The angled front of seat encourages user to sit with feet slightly apart for stability and more natural relaxed leg position.

The rounded base, with an increasing radius, gives a lively mobile feel when the seat is close to upright, but gives the sitter gentle feedback when they are approaching the limits of stability. This feedback, in the form of gradually increasing force required to rock further off balance, gives the sitter confidence to relax while using the ability to rock and move about safely, knowing they will have plenty of warning before reaching the point of instability.

Claims

1. A multidirectional rocker seat, comprising: a seating means configured to be sat upon by a user; a base; a support, extending between the seating means and the base to support the seating means at a sitting height; the lower surface of the base curved to allow the seat to freely tilt from side to side, or backwards and forwards, or any combination thereof, when resting on a surface; the radius of the curve of the lower surface greater towards the outside of the base.

2. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 1 wherein the curve of the lower surface comprises an inner curve and an outer curve, the inner and outer curves each arc-shaped in cross-section, the radius of the outer curve greater than that of the inner curve.

3. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 2 wherein the inner curve has a radius of substantially 690mm, and the outer curve has a radius of substantially 790mm.

4. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the inner curve has a floor length of substantially 220mm.

5. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein each of the outer curves has a floor length of substantially 40mm.

6. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the curve of the lower surface further comprises a transitional curve of smoothly increasing radius extending between the inner and outer curves.

7. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 6 wherein the transitional curve has a floor length of substantially 50mm.

8. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the base is substantially circular in plan view and has a diameter of substantially 400mm.

9. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the support comprises a gas support.

10. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 9 wherein the gas support is a non-rotational gas support.

11. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the seating means comprises a seat pad, generally pentagonal in plan view.

12. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 11 wherein the seat pad comprises a substantially rigid base with a cushioned top portion.

13. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the seat pad is angled forwards.

14. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the seat pad comprises a substantially pointed front corner.

15. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the forwards angle of the seat is substantially fixed at six degrees.

16. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the angle of the seat pad is adjustable.

17. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16 wherein the pentagonally-shaped seat pad has regular sides, and will just fit within a circle having a radius of substantially 400mm.

18. A multidirectional rocker seat, comprising: a seat pad configured to be sat upon by a user; a base; a support, extending between the seating means and the base to support the seating means at a sitting height; the lower surface of the base curved to allow the seat to freely tilt from side to side, or backwards and forwards, or any combination thereof, when resting on a surface; the seat pad angled forwards.

19. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 18 wherein the forwards angle of the seat is substantially fixed at six degrees.

20. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 18 wherein the angle of the seat pad is adjustable.

21. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein the seat pad comprises a pointed front corner.

22. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21 wherein the seat pad is substantially pentagonally shaped.

23. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 22 wherein the pentagonally-shaped seat pad has regular sides, and will just fit within a circle having a radius of substantially 400mm.

24. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 23 wherein the support comprises a gas support.

25. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 24 wherein the gas support is a non-rotational gas support.

26. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 25 wherein the radius of the curve of the lower surface is greater towards the outside of the base.

27. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 26 wherein the curve of the lower surface comprises an inner curve and an outer curve, the inner and outer curves each arc-shaped in cross-section, the radius of the outer curve greater than that of the inner curve.

28. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 27 wherein the inner curve has a radius of substantially 690mm, and the outer curve has a radius of substantially 790mm.

29. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28 wherein the inner curve has a floor length of substantially 220mm.

30. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29 wherein each of the outer curves has a floor length of substantially 40mm.

31. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 30 wherein the curve of the lower surface further comprises a transitional curve of smoothly increasing radius extending between the inner and outer curves.

32. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in claim 31 wherein the transitional curve has a floor length of substantially 50mm.

33. A multidirectional rocker seat as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 32 wherein the base is substantially circular in plan view and has a diameter of substantially 400mm.

34. A seat substantially as herein described with reference to figures 2 to 6.