JP2000166683A - Friction controller for reclining system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a friction controller for reclining system for distributing the weight of a user so that a desired reclining position can improve the comfortability for the user. SOLUTION: This device is provided with a movable base 17 selectively movable by user and a chair member 12 attached through a reclining mechanism to the base 17, and that chair member 12 can be selectively and infinitely reclined over prescribed reclining positions while resisting and braking the inclination at a selected reclining position. The chair member 12 is provided with a seat member 13 and a backrest member 14 to relatively face at an angle within the range of from about 120 deg. to 135 deg. and has the fixed contour of the seat member 13/backrest member 14 of an original form so as to instantaneously and comfortably supporting the back, buttocks and thighs of the user at lowest and highest vertical positions and at all the positions between the lowest and highest positions. Accordingly, since the chair member 12 is prevented from being reclined so as to freely turn over the range of angles smaller than about 30 deg., the user can sit on a chair 11 at the most backward reclining position and can place the feet at least partially on a floor at the most forward reclining position.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a support member for a body to be seated, and more particularly to a chair device in which a chair member can be tilted or moved with respect to the chair support member.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art One of the most difficult tasks in chair design
One is to gain long-term comfort, whether for work or spectator seating. It is known that maintaining a substantially equal distribution of pressure over the entire body surface in contact with the chair is more comfortable, but maintaining the same posture for extended periods of time often makes the body uncomfortable and tired.
It is currently very important that a dynamic posture function is required to maintain long-term comfort, i.e. a function that allows the chair member to be tilted or moveable with respect to the chair support or base. It is clear.

[0003]

Although there are various types of chairs with dynamic posture features, almost all such chairs have practical or economical problems. From an economic point of view, allowing the chair member to move relative to its base naturally requires some form of pivoting mechanism that increases the cost of the chair. This makes it difficult to incorporate the dynamic posture feature into low cost chairs, such as stacking chairs sold to the office supplies and spectator markets.

[0004] If a mechanical movement mechanism is incorporated as a chair function, such a mechanism is typically spring-loaded, constantly trying to return the chair to its upright position.
This function applies pressure on the body surface in contact with the chair unless the chair can be locked in place. It is possible to incorporate a mechanical feature that allows the user to occasionally move the chair to the desired tilt angle, but this not only increases the cost of the chair, but also requires the user to make manual adjustments from time to time.

[0005] The problem is that practical and economical use of a tilting mechanism that allows an infinitely variable tilt over a given range of travel as a result of normal body movement and remains in a position selected by the user. The Applicant has found that it can be solved. The tilting mechanism, in a preferred embodiment, has a self-contained resistance member that operates by friction and that operates based on a substantially inertial condition. The user need only move the body back and forth, and the chair member will follow the movement in a smooth flowing manner similar to high viscous fluid motion. When the desired position is reached, the user need only cease body movement, after which the chair is held in the desired position.

The tilting mechanism is relatively inexpensive and economically and effectively provides a dynamic posture function that maintains substantially equal pressure distribution and body comfort for a relatively long time.

[0007] This broad invention incorporating a unique tilting mechanism that provides a dynamic attitude function,
In particular, it is used as a sitting / standing chair by those who need to be constantly standing during a particular task or task.
One example is a grocery checkout clerk who usually stands within a single constrained location. The cash register operation in a general store may be extremely difficult for the cashier, and sometimes it is necessary to stand for a long time (for example, 4 to 8 hours) under relatively severe physical tension.

[0008] For this reason, attempts have been made to solve the discomfort of the user by incorporating a leaning platform at the cashier counter. However, with such a device, a continuous body that does not cause the user to feel discomfort. Cannot provide support function. In particular, the cradle cannot distribute the upper body weight evenly over the body part in contact with the pedestal, creating a narrow range of pressures that can cause discomfort. In addition, the cradle cannot clearly provide a dynamic posture function, so the cashier must occasionally move to a more comfortable position.

[0009]

The disclosed chair of the present invention solves these problems through a combination of a friction adjusting and tilting mechanism, a unique chair member and a selectively movable moving base. The chair member has a seat member and a backrest member that are relatively disposed at an opening angle that is significantly greater than conventional chairs, and the seat member is uniquely formed for the straddle-type support member. With the chair in a forward tilted position, the user has significant contact with the seat member and the back member, but the user's feet can remain on the floor in a balanced position. In this way, the chair can support the entire body even when leaned substantially by the user.

[0010] The user can tilt the chair backwards through a range of positions through the use of a friction-adjustable mechanical pivoting mechanism, and progressively greater support is transferred from the user's feet to the chair member. Whatever the desired tilt position, this unique chair is designed for the user's hips, thighs /
It supports the pelvic area and lower back, and distributes weight so as to greatly enhance user comfort.

The rotating mechanism is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (U
HMWP) is uniquely incorporated. Unlike most materials, UHMWP has nearly identical static and dynamic friction coefficients. Utilizing this material between interface components of dissimilar materials (e.g., plated steel or anodized aluminum), when the pressure is applied by the user to tilt the chair member, it will be substantially linear. A certain friction interface occurs (similar to a hydraulic pump). Thus, the chair member is moved from one desired inclined position to another with little effort of the user,
Further, it can be held at an arbitrary inclined position without requiring the user's labor.

The chair member itself is uniquely designed and sized to accommodate the majority of potential users. A publication by Clara A. Ritter, published by the University of Arkansas in 1959, entitled "Basic Design M
"easurements for Sitting)" describes contoured body size contour data that facilitates conventional chair design to accommodate body sizes from 5th percentile women to 95th percentile men. This data has been uniquely converted to data for sitting / standing chairs with open angles to accommodate this wide percentile as well.

The moving base for the chair is intended to be maintained in an immobile position during use, but can be easily moved to a different floor position when not in use. In a preferred embodiment, this is achieved using a large pedestal base, the diameter of which is large enough to resist tilting over the entire range of work. The pedestal base is supported at three locations by cylindrical rollers mounted in fixed positions and relatively opposed to each other. Thus, the sitting / standing chair does not easily rotate to other positions, but simply lifts the chair member at a single point, allowing the chair to be easily moved, primarily supported by a single roller.

[0014] In another embodiment, the chair base comprises:
It has a relatively large circular housing and three spring-loaded casters that are constantly pressed downward into contact with the floor or support surface. When the chair is not in use, the casters lift the chair and the circular housing from the floor so that the chair can be easily moved. No matter how much weight the user puts on the chair, the casters are automatically retracted immediately and the round housing is prevented from moving by contact with the floor.

[0015]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The various structures and functions of the chair of the present invention will become more apparent from the drawings and the following technical description.

First, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG.
An ergonomic tiltable chair intended for use in a standing operation is indicated generally by the reference numeral 11. Chair 1
1 is composed of a chair member 12 roughly formed by a seat member 13 and a backrest member 14. In a preferred embodiment, the seat member 13 and the back member 14
Are connected at a relative position fixed by the connecting member 15. In particular, referring to FIG. 2, the seat member 13 and the backrest member 14 are relatively disposed at an angle θ ranging from about 120 degrees to 135 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, this angle is about 130 degrees.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, the chair 11
Comprises a chair base or support member, generally designated by the reference numeral 16. The chair base 16 is specifically composed of a movable pedestal base 17 and its base 1
From 7 a single pedestal support member 18 protrudes vertically. In a preferred embodiment, support member 18 comprises a conventional telescopic gas cylinder that allows for vertical adjustment of chair member 12 with respect to chair base 16. The gas cylinder is particularly comprised of a sealed cylinder 18a having a predetermined amount of compressible gas and a rod or shaft 18b whose lower end acts as a piston to compress the gas and cylinder 18a. Handle member 19 is operable to activate a locking mechanism that locks members 18a, 18b in a fixed relative position (not shown). Typically, the handle member 19 is spring-biased to a normally locked position so that the user can lift the handle when the adjustment of the chair member 12 is desired and release the handle 19 to release the chair member. Can be automatically locked to the selected position.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the chair member 12
Is connected to the shaft 18b of the vertical support member 18 by a low inertia friction tilting mechanism, generally indicated by the reference numeral 21. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the sheet member 13 is attached to a rectangular base plate 22. Base plate 22
Is then attached to the upper bracket member 23 of the tilting mechanism 21. The upper bracket member 23 is U-shaped, and its connecting portion formed at an oblique angle makes the base plate 2
2 and the sheet member 13 can be attached at a predetermined inclination angle. Opposing legs of the bracket member 23
The legs projecting downward and projecting upwardly of the lower bracket member 24 are staggered, ie, received in an offset state.

The respective legs of the upper and lower bracket members 23, 24 are frictionally interconnected, as shown in FIG. The holes 23a, 24a are
3 and 24 are formed on opposing legs, respectively, and bolts 25 pass through aligned holes and lock nuts 26
Is held at a predetermined position. A conical spring washer 27, a conventional steel washer 28 and an oilite thrust washer 29 are disposed between the head of the bolt 25 and the outer surface of the bracket leg 23. A friction disk 30 formed of a material such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWP) is disposed between the opposing surfaces of the bracket legs 23,24.

The coefficient of static friction and the coefficient of kinetic friction of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene are almost the same, and the friction interface between the disc 30 and the corresponding surfaces of the legs 23, 24 of the bracket is pressurized to tilt the chair member. Is substantially linear when added by the user. As mentioned above, moving the chair member 12 from one tilted position to another requires very little effort for the user, and the tilting mechanism 21 automatically moves the chair member 12 to the desired position. As such, no effort is required by the user to maintain the chair member 12 in the desired tilted position.

It can be seen in FIG. 4 that, based on the staggering of the bracket members 23, 24, the connecting components 25 to 30 are aligned in the same direction, thereby improving the uniformity in the low inertia friction function of the mechanism 21. Let's do it.

The lower bracket member 24 includes a shaft 18
b and is fixed to a mounting bracket 31 that also houses the handle 19.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a semi-circular housing 32 (not shown in FIG. 4) is mounted over tilt mechanism 21 for aesthetic purposes.

As described above, since the tilting mechanism 21 has the dynamic posture function, the chair member 12 can be tilted in a substantially inertial manner. In other words, the user can selectively position the chair member 12 at a desired tilt position, and based on the frictional resistance of the mechanism 21, the chair member 12 applies pressure or force by the mechanism itself. And stay in the desired position. Dynamic posture transitions occur automatically when the user moves his or her upper body back and forth to the desired working posture, but unlike conventional mechanisms, the tilting mechanism 21 provides or generates any return force. Never. The resulting sensation for the user is the movement of a highly viscous fluid that flows smoothly at low speed. When the desired tilt position is reached, the user need only stop the upper body movement and the position of the chair is held by the mechanism 21.

Referring to FIG. 3, chair member 12 is tilted over a range of angles φ which is less than or equal to about 30 degrees in a preferred embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the moving base 17 comprises a shallow conical housing 40, preferably circular in shape, which is mounted at three equally spaced apart around its periphery. A cylindrical roller 33 is provided. The moving base 17 is preferably supported at three points. This means that such support can be applied to the chair 11 through the range of the tilting position of the chair member 12 and the sitting / standing position of the user.
This is because it provides excellent stability against To provide optimal stability, the moving base 17 must have a minimum diameter of about 17 inches, thereby avoiding the possibility of the chair 11 tipping over in the event of an inadvertent impact.

It will be appreciated that each cylindrical roller 33 is mounted on a horizontal axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the radius of the circular base 17. Therefore, each roller 33 rotates and moves in a direction substantially opposite to the other two rollers, thereby preventing the chair 11 from moving during normal use. If the user wants to move the chair 11, he only needs to tilt it slightly on one roller, after which the chair 11 moves easily.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show another embodiment of the moving base indicated by reference numeral 34. The base 34 is
It comprises a shallow, generally conical housing 35 similar to that of the base 17, with three large equiangularly spaced openings 36 formed substantially at its peripheral edge. The housing 35 is carried at the lower end of the cylinder 18 by a member such as a spider support member 37 disposed concentrically. The spider support member 37 comprises three radially extending support arms 3 each carrying a vertically arranged cylindrical socket member 39 at its outer end.
8 is provided. Each of the socket members 39 houses a compression spring 41. The cart with wheels 42 is the socket member 39
, Each caster 42,
It has a stub shaft 43 which is received in the socket 39 and pressed against the spring 41 and projects upward. When the user does not sit on the chair member 12, the spring 41
The chair 11 is selected for its weight so that the casters 42 engage the floor and the entire chair is raised to the position shown in FIG. Therefore, the user can more easily move the chair 11 to any desired position. When the user sits or leans on the chair 11, the weight of the user is greater than the force generated by the spring 41, so that the casters 42 are drawn into the housing 35. While the casters 42 remain in contact with the floor, the lower circular edge of the housing 35 provides a load bearing line for the chair 11 so that the chair 11 can no longer move.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and FIGS. 10-11, the particular shape of the chair member 12 greatly facilitates use of the sitting / standing chair 11 and allows the user to sit through the range of sitting / standing positions. Comfort is ensured. The shape of the seat member 13 is particularly unique and important because the user does not sit in a conventional manner. For this purpose, the chair member 13 comprises a pelvic ridge member 44 centrally arranged along the lower or front edge of the chair member 13.
As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, the pelvic ridge member 44 projects upwardly and forwardly from the front edge of the chair member 13. The upwardly projecting or rising portion curves to comfortably support the user's torso, while at the same time preventing the user's torso from slipping forward and downward when the tilting mechanism 21 is in its forward position. . Thus, the pelvic ridge member 44
Supports the user's pelvic region and, at the same time, spreads over the user's foot to ensure optimal balance.

With particular reference to FIG. 10, the pelvic ridge 4
4 is a laterally curved and adjacent thigh support region 4
5 has a side portion 44a that smoothly contacts the thigh support region 4.
Each of 5 is a shallow recess in the front edge of the chair member 13 for comfortably receiving the underside of the user's thigh. Although generally concave, the foremost edge of the chair member 13 in the thigh support region 45 rises slightly so that when the chair member 13 is in the forward tilted position, the user slides forward and the chair member It will be appreciated in FIG. 11 that sliding down from 13 is also prevented.

The pelvic ridge member 44 projects forward to be straddled by the user, and in particular, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the member 44 curves laterally and rearwardly to provide a thigh support area. It was found above that it merged with each of the 45 leading edges.

As best shown in FIGS. 3, 10 and 11, the center line of the pelvic ridge member 44 curves downward and backward toward the buttocks support region 46, the buttocks support region 46 comprising a chair member. 13 are concave depressions partitioned by the respective rising side portions 47. As shown in FIG. 10, the sides 47 extend from the rear to the front of the chair member 13 and serve to form an outer lateral boundary of the thigh support area 45. As best shown in FIG. 1, the chair member side 47 has a corresponding thigh support region 45.
And smoothly to the buttocks support area 46.

Referring to FIG. 11, the buttocks support area 46
Rises rearwardly toward the posterior edge of the chair member 13, as indicated by reference numeral 46a, thereby pivoting the user's pelvis forward, thus moving the user's spine to move between the sacrum and the lumbar spine. Curve improves comfort and reduces fatigue.

The human pelvis has an ischial tubercle (ischial tube)
There are downwardly projecting protrusions known as rosities, which are the load bearing points of the torso in the sitting position. The location where the ischial tubercle is supported within the buttocks support region is labeled 46a. The distance between this point and the front edge or front portion of the thigh support region 45 is:
Much shorter than traditional chairs due to having a dynamic sitting / standing position feature. A distance of about 6 inches has been found to provide adequate support while allowing the user's feet to move comfortably throughout the range of sitting / standing positions.

With the above arrangement, the chair member 13 relieves the pressure that is concentrated when the user is sitting or standing on the chair 11 and releases such pressure to the thigh support region 45 and the buttocks. It serves to spread to the support area 46. Chair member 13 is preferably padded or cushioned to facilitate this function.

In particular, FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 10 to 11
Referring to FIG. 5, the backrest members 14 each have side ridges 48 that curve into a central recessed area 49. As best shown in FIG. 11, the lower part of the central recessed area 49 rises from this recess and
a is formed. As indicated by reference numeral 49b, there is a similar rising portion above the central region 49.

As described above, the angle between the seat member 13 and the backrest member 14 is set to
Due to the standing position function, it is much larger than the angle in a conventional chair. Further, to accommodate the maximum number of users for the chair 11, the contour data of the seated body size from the above-mentioned survey at the University of Arkansas has been independently converted to contour data for a sitting / standing chair. As a result, the chair member 12 corresponds to an adult size in a standing posture from a 5th percentile female to a 95th percentile male.

The chair 11 is particularly useful for a user who must stand at a single place for a long time, such as a general store cashier. For such individuals, the chair 11 provides a dynamic function comfortably and easily, i.e. tilts over the entire range of sitting / standing positions at the user's option. This is facilitated by a tilting mechanism 21 that allows the user to instantly select the desired tilting position simply by moving the body back and forth, and the chair member 12 is selected last time until the user desires another position. Held in position.

At the time of use, the user first operates the handle 1
9 is used to position the chair member 12 at the appropriate height. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the chair member 12 in the forward tilted position, the user can straddle the pelvic ridge member 44 in a substantially upright position, and the seat member 13 and the backrest. It is supported by both the member 14. The chair 11 has the size of the moving base 17 and the rollers 33.
Does not fall because it is in the opposite position. In this position, the user's foot contacts the floor, but is spread by the pelvic ridges 44 for optimal balance. In order to maintain proper balance, the chair portion 12 must be positioned above the tilt mechanism 21 such that the vertical support members 18 are generally on a line extending through the center of the user's body.

When the user wants to change the position, he only needs to start the backward movement of the body, thereby overcoming the friction of the tilting mechanism 21 and tilting the chair member 12 smoothly to the desired position. When the chair member 12 reaches the desired position, the user need only stop the backward movement of the body,
The chair member 12 is held at that position by the tilt mechanism 21. The forward tilting movement is achieved in the same way as the backward movement by the forward movement of the body.

When the user is in the most rearwardly inclined position as shown in FIG. 3, the user's feet are lifted off the floor, so that the chair member 12 fully supports the user's body, In addition, the weight is evenly distributed over the seat member 13 and the backrest member 14.

The chair 11 distributes the weight of the upper body of the user over the foot, the thigh / pelvis area, the buttocks and the back area over the entire range of the tilt position and the vertical adjustment, thus providing the comfort of the user. Improve and at the same time greatly reduce fatigue.

[0043]

According to the friction control device for a tilt system according to the present invention, the following effects and advantages can be obtained.

That is, regardless of the desired tilt position, the user's buttocks, thighs / pelvis, and lower back are supported, and the weight of the user is distributed, so that comfort is greatly improved. Can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ergonomic tiltable chair intended for use in sitting / standing tasks.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the tiltable chair in a position tilted forward.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a state where the tiltable chair of FIG. 2 is in a rearward tilt position.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of a rear view of the tilting mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view in which the tilt mechanism is further enlarged.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a moving base for a chair.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view of the moving base.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a moving base according to another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view of the moving base of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a seat member and a backrest member of the chair.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along lines XI-XI in FIG. 10;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Inclinable chair 12 ... Chair member 13 ... Seat member 14 ... Back member 15 ... Connection member 16 ... Chair base 17 ... Moving pedestal base 18 ... Pedestal support member 18a ... Cylinder 18b ... Rod or shaft 19 ... Handle member 21 ... Low Inertia friction tilting mechanism 22 ... Square base plate 23 ... Upper bracket member 23a, 24a ... Hole 24 ... Lower bracket member 25 ... Bolt 26 ... Locking nut 27 ... Spring washer 28 ... Steel washer 29 ... Oilite thrust washer 30 ... Friction disc 31 Mounting bracket 32 Semicircular housing 33 Cylindrical roller 34 Moving base 35 Housing 36 Opening 37 Spider support member 38 Support arm 39 Cylindrical socket member 40 Conical housing 41 Compression spring 42… wheeled cart Caster) 43 stub shaft 44 pelvic ridge member 44a side 45 thigh support region 46, 46a buttocks support region 47 rising side 48 side ridge 49 central dent region 49a waist support region 49b … Rising part

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A method according to claim 1, A member; b. A support means for said member supported by a support surface; c. (1) the member is a tiltable mounting means for tiltably mounting the member, which is configured and arranged to be tiltable selectively and infinitely over a predetermined range of a tilt position, to the support means; (2) a second friction surface disposed on the support means substantially opposite the first friction surface; and (3) a first friction surface disposed on the support means. A friction braking means disposed between said first and second friction surfaces, said friction braking means having opposing side surfaces each of which frictionally engages a second friction surface, wherein a static friction coefficient and a dynamic friction coefficient are substantially equal. (4) the first and second friction braking means so that the friction braking means can be tiltably moved between the member and the support means.
Tiltable mounting means comprising means for rotatably fixing the friction surface in a face-to-face state, d. The tiltable mounting means is configured and arranged such that tilting of the member to various desired tilt positions within the predetermined range can be performed only by moving the user back and forth of the member, The tiltable mounting means enables tilting movement to be initiated by movement by the user, and upon completion of the movement, resistably restrains the member at a desired tilting position. Friction control device for system. 2. a. A member; b. A support means for said member supported by a support surface; c. Tiltable mounting means for tiltably mounting the member to the support means so that the member can be rotatably tilted over a predetermined range of the tilt position; (1) disposed on the member; (2) a second friction surface disposed on the support means substantially opposite the first friction surface; and (3) a first and second friction surface. Frictional braking means disposed between said first and second frictional surfaces, each having opposing side surfaces engaging with friction, wherein the ultrahigh molecular weights have substantially equal static and dynamic friction coefficients. (4) the first and second friction braking means so that the friction braking means can be tiltably moved between the member and the support means;
Means for pivotally fixing the friction surface in a face-to-face manner, and d. The tiltable mounting means is constructed and arranged such that tilting of the member to various desired tilt positions within the range of the angle can be performed only by a user's forward and backward movement of the member, The tiltable mounting means enables the tilting movement to be started by the tilting movement by the user, and, when the tilting movement is completed, resistably restrains the member at a desired tilting position. Control device for tilting system. 3. A method according to claim 1, A member; b. A support means for said member supported by a support surface; c. (1) tiltable attachment means configured and arranged so that the member can be selectively and infinitely tilted over a predetermined range of a tilt position, the tiltably attaching the member to the support means; A first friction surface disposed on the member; (2) a second friction surface disposed on the support means substantially opposite to the first friction surface; and (3) the first friction surface. Frictional braking means disposed between said first and second frictional surfaces having opposing sides respectively frictionally engaged with said first and second frictional surfaces, said coefficient of static friction and dynamic frictional coefficient being provided. A friction braking means formed of an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material, which is substantially equivalent to: Second
Means for pivotally fixing the friction surface in a face-to-face manner, and d. The tiltable mounting means is configured and arranged such that tilting of the member to various desired tilt positions within the predetermined range can be performed only by forward and backward movement of the user in the member. A tilting system characterized in that the tiltable mounting means enables a tilting movement to be initiated by the movement of the user and also resistively restrains the member in a desired tilting position when the movement stops. For friction control device.