US20080174157A1 - Seat subportion adjustable in relative height and/or angle and backrest adjustable in shape based on user contact pressure - Google Patents
Seat subportion adjustable in relative height and/or angle and backrest adjustable in shape based on user contact pressure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080174157A1 US20080174157A1 US11/969,744 US96974408A US2008174157A1 US 20080174157 A1 US20080174157 A1 US 20080174157A1 US 96974408 A US96974408 A US 96974408A US 2008174157 A1 US2008174157 A1 US 2008174157A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- backrest
- seat
- subportion
- user
- bearing media
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C17/00—Sofas; Couches; Beds
- A47C17/04—Seating furniture, e.g. sofas, couches, settees, or the like, with movable parts changeable to beds; Chair beds
- A47C17/16—Seating furniture changeable to beds by tilting or pivoting the back-rest
- A47C17/163—Seating furniture changeable to beds by tilting or pivoting the back-rest and a foot-rest
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
- B60N2/22—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/64—Back-rests or cushions
- B60N2/66—Lumbar supports
- B60N2/665—Lumbar supports using inflatable bladders
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
- A61G2203/30—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means
- A61G2203/34—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means for pressure
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G5/1043—Cushions specially adapted for wheelchairs
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/90—Details or parts not otherwise provided for
- B60N2/919—Positioning and locking mechanisms
- B60N2002/948—Positioning and locking mechanisms the actuation of the positioning or locking mechanism for one seat part being dependent on the position of another seat part, e.g. the seats floor lock being unlocked when the back-rest is inclined or the backrest can be tilted only when the seat is in its rear position
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to one-or more computer-readable signal bearing media providing means for adjusting seats and backrests.
- Sitting related pressure sores are primarily caused by concentrated pressure on a posterior area of a hip bone, for example, ischial tuberosities or coccyx, of a person who sits extensively. This concentration of pressure can cause ischial or coccyx pressure sores over time. Adjustment of the seating position of the user to redistribute contact pressure of the user promotes an increase in blood circulation, a reduction in risk of pressure sores, and a promoted healing process of established pressure sores.
- the invention in one implementation encompasses an apparatus.
- the apparatus comprises a seat and a backrest.
- the seat comprises a front subportion and a rear subportion that is adjustable in height and/or angle relative to the front subportion.
- the backrest is adjustable in shape. Based on a user contact pressure against one or more portions of the seat and/or one or more portions of the backrest, the rear subportion of the seat and the backrest are adjustable between: a first height and/or angle of the rear subportion of the seat and a first shape of the backrest; and a second height and/or angle of the rear subportion of the seat and a second shape of the backrest.
- a backrest is adjusted between a first shape and a second shape based on a user contact pressure against one or more portions of the backrest and/or one or more portions of a seat.
- a rear subportion of the seat is adjusted between a first height and/or angle and a second height and/or angle relative to a front subportion of the seat based on the user contact pressure against the one or more portions of the backrest and/or the one or more portions of the seat.
- a further implementation of the invention encompasses an article.
- the article comprises one or more computer-readable signal-bearing media.
- the article includes means in the one or more media for adjusting a backrest between a first shape and a second shape based on a user contact pressure against one or more portions of the backrest and/or one or more portions of a seat.
- the article includes means in the one or more media for adjusting a rear subportion of the seat between a first height and/or angle and a second height and/or angle relative to a front subportion of the seat based on the user contact pressure against the one or more portions of the backrest and/or the one or more portions of the seat.
- FIG. 1 is a representation of one implementation of an apparatus that comprises a seat, a backrest, a leg support, and a control component.
- FIG. 2 is a representation of another implementation of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , illustrating a rear subportion of the seat in an angled position.
- FIG. 3 is a representation of yet another implementation of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , illustrating the rear subportion of the seat in a lowered position.
- FIG. 4 is a representation of a further implementation of the apparatus of FIG. 1 where the rear subportion of the seat comprises an air bladder, illustrating a state in which the air bladder is inflated.
- FIG. 5 is a representation of the implementation of the apparatus of FIG. 4 , further illustrating a state in which the air bladder is deflated.
- FIG. 6 is a top representation of the backrest of FIG. 1 where the backrest comprises one or more side bolsters with one or more air bladders, illustrating the air bladders in an inflated state.
- FIG. 7 is a top representation of the implementation of the apparatus of FIG. 6 , illustrating the air bladders of the backrest in a deflated state.
- FIG. 8 is a representation of a still further implementation of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , illustrating suspension components of the backrest.
- FIG. 9 is a representation of another implementation of the apparatus of FIG. 1 where the rear subportion of the seat comprises an air bladder, illustrating a state in which the air bladder is inflated.
- FIG. 10 is a representation of the implementation of the apparatus of FIG. 9 , further illustrating a state in which the air bladder is deflated.
- an apparatus 100 in one example comprises one or more of a seat 102 , a backrest 104 , a leg support 106 , and/or one or more control components 108 .
- the seat 102 comprises a rear subportion 110 and a front subportion 112 .
- the rear subportion 110 provides ischial support to a user (not shown).
- the rear subportion 110 provides support to a posterior area of the user's buttocks.
- the rear subportion 110 in one example is adjustable in angle relative to the front subportion 112 .
- the rear subportion 110 can be tilted upward and/or downward about an axis 202 ( FIG. 2 ) across an angle 204 ( FIG. 2 ).
- the rear subportion 110 in another example is adjustable in height relative to the front subportion 112 .
- the rear subportion 110 can be raised or lowered along a direction 302 ( FIG. 3 ).
- the rear subportion 110 both raises and lowers along the direction 302 and tilts about the axis 202 .
- the rear subportion 110 in one example comprises one or more input components 120 , as described herein.
- the seat 102 , backrest 104 , and leg support 106 in one example comprise a portion of a chair, wheelchair, and/or car seat.
- the front subportion 112 provides thigh support to the user.
- the front subportion 112 in one example is adjustable across the angle 204 and/or an angle 118 relative to the rear subportion 110 and/or the leg support 106 .
- the front subportion 112 in one example comprises one or more input components 120 , as described herein.
- the leg support 106 in one example comprises a foot support 117 .
- the leg support 106 and/or the foot support 117 provide support for the legs and/or feet of the user.
- the leg support 106 in one example is adjustable in height and/or angle relative to the seat 102 .
- the leg support 106 in one example pivots about an axis 210 to change the knee angle 118 of the user, for example, between approximately ninety degrees and twenty degrees.
- a change in the knee angle 118 of the user promotes a change in distribution of weight of the user against the seat 102 . For example, reducing the knee angle 118 (i.e. raising the feet of the user) reduces a peak contact pressure of the user against the seat 102 , as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- One or more of the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 in one example comprise one or more input components 120 , for example, contact pressure sensors, air pressure sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers, and/or clocks inputs.
- the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and the leg support 106 comprise one or more contact pressure sensors.
- the contact pressure sensors provide a contact pressure against the seat 102 and/or backrest 104 , for example, a contact pressure due to the user.
- Contact pressure sensors may also be located on a surface of an air bladder 205 ( FIG. 2 ).
- the seat 102 and/or the backrest 104 comprise air pressure sensors for the air bladder 205 .
- the air pressure sensors measure the pressure within the air bladder 205 .
- the seat 102 and the backrest 104 comprise one or more temperature sensors.
- the temperature sensors measure a dermal temperature of the user.
- the seat 102 and/or the backrest 104 in one example comprise accelerometers for measuring a vibration of the seat 102 and/or the backrest 104 .
- the control component 108 in one example is communicatively coupled with one or more of the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 .
- the control component 108 signals one or more of the seat 102 and/or the backrest 104 to cause an adjustment of the seat 102 and/or the backrest 104 .
- the control component 108 in one example is communicatively coupled with one or more of the input components 120 .
- the control component 108 causes an adjustment of one or more of the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 based on a user contact pressure against the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 .
- control component 108 causes the adjustment to change an amount of ischial support provided to the user and/or change a distribution of contact pressure of the user, as described herein.
- control component 108 causes the adjustment of the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 based on one or more inputs from the input components 120 .
- Exemplary inputs comprise the contact pressure of the user against one or more portions of the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 , the dermal temperature of the user, the vibration of the seat 102 and/or the backrest 104 , and a clock input.
- the control component 108 in one example comprises an instance of a recordable data storage medium 122 , as described herein.
- the control component 108 in one example comprises a user interface screen for receiving manual inputs for adjustments from the user to position the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 .
- the control component 108 in one example adjusts the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 .
- the control component 108 adjusts the rear subportion 110 and/or the front subportion 112 to cause a change in a distribution of contact pressure between the user and the seat 102 and/or the backrest 104 .
- the control component 108 changes the distribution of contact pressure to promote a reduction in pressure sores to the user, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- the rear subportion 110 in one example pivots about the axis 202 to adjust the angle 204 of the rear subportion 110 relative to the front subportion 112 .
- the rear subportion 110 in one example comprises a hinge about the axis 202 .
- the rear subportion 110 in one example comprises one or more of a lever arm, an electric motor, worm gear, jack, and/or a hydraulic system that cause the rear subportion 110 to pivot about the axis 202 .
- the rear subportion 110 pivots about the axis 202 , for example, between a position 114 and a position 206 .
- the position 114 comprises a height of the rear subportion 110 along the direction 302 that is substantially the same as a height of the front subportion 112 along the direction 302 .
- the position 114 comprises an angle 204 of the rear subportion 110 that is substantially the same as an angle 204 of the front subportion 112 .
- the angle 204 of the rear subportion 110 is approximately between ten to seventy degrees. The position 206 provides less ischial support to the user than the position 114 , as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- the rear subportion 110 in one example raises and/or lowers the height of the rear subportion 110 along the direction 302 from the position 114 to a position 304 .
- the rear subportion 110 lowers approximately three to ten centimeters along the direction 302 .
- the rear subportion 110 in one example comprises one or more of a lever arm, an electric motor, worm gear, jack and/or a hydraulic system that cause the rear subportion 110 to raise and/or lower along the direction 302 .
- the position 304 provides less ischial support to the user than the position 114 , as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- the rear subportion 110 in one example comprises one or more air bladders 205 .
- the control component 108 in one example signals an air compressor to inflate and/or deflate the air bladders 205 .
- the air bladder 205 of FIG. 4 is inflated such that the rear subportion 110 is in the position 114 .
- the air bladder 205 of FIG. 5 is deflated such that the rear subportion 110 is in a position 502 .
- the position 502 in one example comprises a height of the rear subportion 110 along the direction 302 approximately three to ten centimeters lower than the height of the front subportion 112 along the direction 302 .
- the position 502 provides less ischial support to the user than the position 114 , as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- the backrest 104 is adjustable in shape.
- the backrest 104 comprises a shape 116 that provides support for the user sitting on the seat 102 with the backrest 104 in an upright position.
- the backrest 104 comprises a shape 208 that provides increased lumbar support and stabilization of the pelvis for the user.
- the backrest 104 expands to the shape 208 that is larger than the shape 116 to provide the increased lumbar support and stabilization of the pelvis.
- the backrest 104 in one example comprises one or more air bladders 205 .
- the air bladder 205 inflates to expand the backrest 104 from the shape 116 to the shape 208 .
- the air bladder 205 deflates to change the backrest 104 from the shape 208 to the shape 116 .
- the backrest 104 comprises one or more of a lever arm, an electric motor, worm gear, jack, and/or a hydraulic system that cause the backrest 104 to expand and/or contract between the shapes 116 and 208 .
- the backrest 104 in one example comprises one or more side bolsters 602 .
- the side bolsters 602 provide lateral and/or trunk support to the user.
- the seat 102 and/or the leg support 106 comprise side bolsters 602 analogous to the backrest 104 .
- the side bolsters 602 in one example comprise one or more air bladders 205 .
- the air bladders 205 inflate to provide additional lateral support to the user ( FIG. 6 ), or deflate to reduce and/or remove lateral support ( FIG. 7 ), as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- the backrest 104 in one example comprises one or more suspension components 802 .
- the seat 102 and/or the leg support 106 in one example comprise suspension components 802 analogous to the backrest 104 .
- Exemplary suspension components 802 comprise springs or elastic, compressible, and/or flexible material.
- the suspension components 802 in one example suspend one or more portions of the backrest 104 , for example, the air bladder 205 , within an aperture 804 of the backrest 104 to allow the air bladder 205 of the backrest 104 to oscillate in one or more directions.
- the suspension components 802 allow the air bladder 205 to move with the spine of the user when the seat 102 and/or backrest 104 are jolted by an external force, such as a car seat when moving down a bumpy road or a wheelchair over a cracked sidewalk. Oscillation of the air bladder 205 increases mobility of the user's spine.
- the suspension components 802 reduce whole-body vibration of the user, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- FIGS. 9-10 another implementation of the rear subportion 110 in one example comprises one or more air bladders 205 .
- the control component 108 in one example signals an air compressor to inflate and/or deflate the air bladders 205 .
- the air bladder 205 of FIG. 9 is inflated such that the rear subportion 110 is in the position 114 .
- the air bladder 205 of FIG. 10 is deflated such that the rear subportion 110 is in a position 1002 .
- the angle 204 of the rear subportion 110 is approximately between ten to seventy degrees.
- the position 1002 provides less ischial support to the user than the position 114 , as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 in one example comprise viscoelastic foam.
- the foam comprises a soft upper layer on top of a firm lower layer to promote a damping of vibration of the user.
- the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 in one example comprise a fabric cover that promotes a reduction in shear forces between the user and the fabric cover, such as Rubatex® neoprene (RBX Industries, Inc., Roanoke, Va.).
- the rear subportion 110 is in the position 114 .
- the backrest 104 is in the first shape 116 to provide support to the user.
- the position 114 and the first shape 116 comprise a first configuration. The user sits on the seat 102 and against the backrest 104 .
- the control component 108 in one example receives inputs from the input components 120 and causes one or more adjustments to one or more of the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 based on the inputs.
- the control component 108 in one example causes the adjustments to achieve a comfortable configuration and/or seating position for the user.
- the configuration promotes an even distribution of a contact pressure of the user against the seat 102 and the backrest 104 .
- the configuration promotes a reduction in a peak contact pressure of the user against the seat 102 and the backrest 104 .
- the configuration promotes a pre-determined ratio of contact pressures of the user.
- the control component 108 adjusts one or more of the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 to a second configuration.
- the second configuration in one example comprises one or more of the positions 206 , 304 , 502 , and/or 1002 of the rear subportion 110 and the shape 208 of the backrest 104 .
- the front subportion 112 tilts upward approximately zero to five degrees in the second configuration.
- the second configuration promotes a reduction in contact pressure of the ischial region of the user relative to the first configuration, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- the control component 108 makes a determination of when to adjust between the first configuration and the second configuration.
- the control component 108 makes the determination based on one or more of the dermal temperature of the user against the seat 102 and/or backrest 104 , the contact pressure of the user against the seat 102 and/or backrest 104 , an end of a pre-determined time interval, acceleration of the seat 102 and/or backrest 104 , and/or an input from the user.
- the control component 108 employs the input components 120 to monitor the dermal temperature of the user.
- the input components 120 measure one or more of a peak dermal temperature and/or an average dermal temperature of the user. After a period of time sitting against the seat 102 and/or backrest 104 , the dermal temperature of the user increases. Once the dermal temperature of the user reaches a pre-determined level, the control component 108 adjusts the seat 102 and/or the backrest 104 between the first and second configuration, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- the control component 108 employs the input components 120 to monitor the contact pressure of the user.
- the input components 120 measure one or more of a peak pressure and/or an average pressure of the user. After a period of time sitting against the seat 102 and/or backrest 104 , the user may become restless and fidget, causing changes in the contact pressure on the seat 102 and/or the backrest 104 .
- the control component 108 monitors changes in pressure and adjusts the seat 102 and/or the backrest 104 between the first and second configuration when the user fidgets. For example, if the user makes several adjustments in seating position in a short time period, indicating discomfort, the control component 108 adjusts between the first and second configuration, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- control component 108 employ the input components 120 to determine an end of a pre-determined time interval.
- the control component 108 employs a clock input to adjust between the first and second configuration every T minutes, where T is between five and twenty minutes.
- the control component 108 employs one or more manual inputs from the user to adjust between the first and second configurations. For example, the user presses a button or switch (not shown) to cause the adjustment between the first and second configurations. The user may also adjust individual components of the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 through employment of the button or switch.
- the control component 108 in one example adjusts the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 in a pre-determined sequence. In one example for an adjustment from the first configuration to the second configuration, the control component 108 first adjusts the backrest from the shape 116 to the shape 208 . The control component 108 then adjusts the rear subportion 110 from the position 114 to one or more of the positions 206 , 304 , 502 , and/or 1002 . In another example for an adjustment from the second configuration to the first configuration, the control component 108 first adjusts the rear subportion 110 from one or more of the positions 206 , 304 , 502 , and/or 1002 to the position 114 . The control component 108 then adjusts the backrest 104 from the shape 208 to the shape 116 .
- Adjustments of the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 in one example occur over a pre-determined time interval.
- the control component 108 gradually adjusts the backrest 104 from the shape 116 to the shape 208 over a time interval of ten seconds.
- the control component 108 in one example causes adjustments of the seat 102 , the backrest 104 , and/or the leg support 106 concurrently.
- the control component 108 starts an adjustment of the backrest 104 and, before completion of the adjustment of the backrest 104 , starts an adjustment of the leg support 106 , as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- the apparatus 100 in one example comprises a plurality of components such as one or more of electronic components, hardware components, and computer software components. A number of such components can be combined or divided in the apparatus 100 .
- An exemplary component of the apparatus 100 employs and/or comprises a set and/or series of computer instructions written in or implemented with any of a number of programming languages, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- the apparatus 100 in one example comprises any (e.g., horizontal, oblique, or vertical) orientation, with the description and figures herein illustrating one exemplary orientation of the apparatus 100 , for explanatory purposes.
- the apparatus 100 in one example employs one or more computer-readable signal-bearing media.
- the computer-readable signal-bearing media store software, firmware and/or assembly language for performing one or more portions of one or more embodiments of the invention.
- An exemplary computer-readable signal-bearing medium for the apparatus 100 comprises the recordable data storage medium 122 of the control component 108 .
- the computer-readable signal-bearing medium for the apparatus 100 in one example comprise one or more of a magnetic, electrical, optical, biological, and atomic data storage medium.
- the computer-readable signal-bearing medium comprise floppy disks, magnetic tapes, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard disk drives, and electronic memory.
- the computer-readable signal-bearing medium comprises a modulated carrier signal transmitted over a network comprising or coupled with the apparatus 100 , for instance, one or more of a telephone network, a direct connection via serial or parallel cable, a local area network (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), the Internet, and a wireless network.
- a modulated carrier signal transmitted over a network comprising or coupled with the apparatus 100 , for instance, one or more of a telephone network, a direct connection via serial or parallel cable, a local area network (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), the Internet, and a wireless network.
Abstract
A seat of an apparatus in one example comprises a front subportion and a rear subportion that is adjustable in height and/or angle relative to the front subportion. A backrest of the apparatus in one example is adjustable in shape. Based on a user contact pressure against one or more portions of the seat and/or one or more portions of the backrest, the rear subportion of the seat and the backrest are adjustable between: a first height and/or angle of the rear subportion of the seat and a first shape of the backrest; and a second height and/or angle of the rear subportion of the seat and a second shape of the backrest.
Description
- The instant application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/856,612, filed on May 28, 2004, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,322,651.
- The invention relates generally to one-or more computer-readable signal bearing media providing means for adjusting seats and backrests.
- People with occupations that require long periods of sitting and people who use wheelchairs are often affected by low back pain, poor blood circulation of the lower body, and pressure sores. Low back pain associated with extended sitting is likely caused by poor sitting posture which flattens the natural curvature of the spine and increases the stress on back muscles. Sitting related pressure sores are primarily caused by concentrated pressure on a posterior area of a hip bone, for example, ischial tuberosities or coccyx, of a person who sits extensively. This concentration of pressure can cause ischial or coccyx pressure sores over time. Adjustment of the seating position of the user to redistribute contact pressure of the user promotes an increase in blood circulation, a reduction in risk of pressure sores, and a promoted healing process of established pressure sores.
- Users are advised that during extended sitting they should occasionally perform “push-ups” in their chair to adjust their seating position and reduce contact pressure that may otherwise cause pressure sores. Users of wheelchairs may have a disability or lack strength that prevents them from performing the push-up or adjusting their seating position themselves. They may also be unable to notice when poor circulation and sustained elevated pressures give rise to pressure sores.
- Thus, a need exists for a seat and backrest that promote an increase in circulation. A further need exists for the seat and backrest to promote a reduction in contact pressure build-up for a user. A still further need exists for the seat and backrest to promote a restoration of the natural curvature of the spine for the user. Another need exists for the seat and backrest to promote a reduction in stress of the back muscles of the user. Yet another need exists for the seat and backrest to promote comfort for the user over extended periods of sitting.
- The invention in one implementation encompasses an apparatus. The apparatus comprises a seat and a backrest. The seat comprises a front subportion and a rear subportion that is adjustable in height and/or angle relative to the front subportion. The backrest is adjustable in shape. Based on a user contact pressure against one or more portions of the seat and/or one or more portions of the backrest, the rear subportion of the seat and the backrest are adjustable between: a first height and/or angle of the rear subportion of the seat and a first shape of the backrest; and a second height and/or angle of the rear subportion of the seat and a second shape of the backrest.
- Another implementation of the invention encompasses a method. A backrest is adjusted between a first shape and a second shape based on a user contact pressure against one or more portions of the backrest and/or one or more portions of a seat. A rear subportion of the seat is adjusted between a first height and/or angle and a second height and/or angle relative to a front subportion of the seat based on the user contact pressure against the one or more portions of the backrest and/or the one or more portions of the seat.
- A further implementation of the invention encompasses an article. The article comprises one or more computer-readable signal-bearing media. The article includes means in the one or more media for adjusting a backrest between a first shape and a second shape based on a user contact pressure against one or more portions of the backrest and/or one or more portions of a seat. The article includes means in the one or more media for adjusting a rear subportion of the seat between a first height and/or angle and a second height and/or angle relative to a front subportion of the seat based on the user contact pressure against the one or more portions of the backrest and/or the one or more portions of the seat.
- Features of exemplary implementations of the invention will become apparent from the description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings in which:
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FIG. 1 is a representation of one implementation of an apparatus that comprises a seat, a backrest, a leg support, and a control component. -
FIG. 2 is a representation of another implementation of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 , illustrating a rear subportion of the seat in an angled position. -
FIG. 3 is a representation of yet another implementation of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 , illustrating the rear subportion of the seat in a lowered position. -
FIG. 4 is a representation of a further implementation of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 where the rear subportion of the seat comprises an air bladder, illustrating a state in which the air bladder is inflated. -
FIG. 5 is a representation of the implementation of the apparatus ofFIG. 4 , further illustrating a state in which the air bladder is deflated. -
FIG. 6 is a top representation of the backrest ofFIG. 1 where the backrest comprises one or more side bolsters with one or more air bladders, illustrating the air bladders in an inflated state. -
FIG. 7 is a top representation of the implementation of the apparatus ofFIG. 6 , illustrating the air bladders of the backrest in a deflated state. -
FIG. 8 is a representation of a still further implementation of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 , illustrating suspension components of the backrest. -
FIG. 9 is a representation of another implementation of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 where the rear subportion of the seat comprises an air bladder, illustrating a state in which the air bladder is inflated. -
FIG. 10 is a representation of the implementation of the apparatus ofFIG. 9 , further illustrating a state in which the air bladder is deflated. - Turning to
FIG. 1 , anapparatus 100 in one example comprises one or more of aseat 102, abackrest 104, aleg support 106, and/or one ormore control components 108. Theseat 102 comprises arear subportion 110 and afront subportion 112. Therear subportion 110 provides ischial support to a user (not shown). For example, therear subportion 110 provides support to a posterior area of the user's buttocks. Therear subportion 110 in one example is adjustable in angle relative to thefront subportion 112. For example, therear subportion 110 can be tilted upward and/or downward about an axis 202 (FIG. 2 ) across an angle 204 (FIG. 2 ). Therear subportion 110 in another example is adjustable in height relative to thefront subportion 112. For example, therear subportion 110 can be raised or lowered along a direction 302 (FIG. 3 ). In a further example, therear subportion 110 both raises and lowers along thedirection 302 and tilts about theaxis 202. Therear subportion 110 in one example comprises one ormore input components 120, as described herein. Theseat 102,backrest 104, andleg support 106 in one example comprise a portion of a chair, wheelchair, and/or car seat. - The
front subportion 112 provides thigh support to the user. Thefront subportion 112 in one example is adjustable across theangle 204 and/or anangle 118 relative to therear subportion 110 and/or theleg support 106. Thefront subportion 112 in one example comprises one ormore input components 120, as described herein. - The
leg support 106 in one example comprises afoot support 117. The leg support 106 and/or thefoot support 117 provide support for the legs and/or feet of the user. Theleg support 106 in one example is adjustable in height and/or angle relative to theseat 102. The leg support 106 in one example pivots about anaxis 210 to change theknee angle 118 of the user, for example, between approximately ninety degrees and twenty degrees. A change in theknee angle 118 of the user promotes a change in distribution of weight of the user against theseat 102. For example, reducing the knee angle 118 (i.e. raising the feet of the user) reduces a peak contact pressure of the user against theseat 102, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. - One or more of the
seat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106 in one example comprise one ormore input components 120, for example, contact pressure sensors, air pressure sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers, and/or clocks inputs. In one example, theseat 102, thebackrest 104, and theleg support 106 comprise one or more contact pressure sensors. The contact pressure sensors provide a contact pressure against theseat 102 and/orbackrest 104, for example, a contact pressure due to the user. Contact pressure sensors may also be located on a surface of an air bladder 205 (FIG. 2 ). In another example, theseat 102 and/or thebackrest 104 comprise air pressure sensors for theair bladder 205. For example, the air pressure sensors measure the pressure within theair bladder 205. In yet another example, theseat 102 and thebackrest 104 comprise one or more temperature sensors. The temperature sensors measure a dermal temperature of the user. Theseat 102 and/or thebackrest 104 in one example comprise accelerometers for measuring a vibration of theseat 102 and/or thebackrest 104. - The
control component 108 in one example is communicatively coupled with one or more of theseat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106. For example, thecontrol component 108 signals one or more of theseat 102 and/or thebackrest 104 to cause an adjustment of theseat 102 and/or thebackrest 104. Thecontrol component 108 in one example is communicatively coupled with one or more of theinput components 120. In one example, thecontrol component 108 causes an adjustment of one or more of theseat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106 based on a user contact pressure against theseat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106. For example, thecontrol component 108 causes the adjustment to change an amount of ischial support provided to the user and/or change a distribution of contact pressure of the user, as described herein. In a further example, thecontrol component 108 causes the adjustment of theseat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106 based on one or more inputs from theinput components 120. Exemplary inputs comprise the contact pressure of the user against one or more portions of theseat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106, the dermal temperature of the user, the vibration of theseat 102 and/or thebackrest 104, and a clock input. Thecontrol component 108 in one example comprises an instance of a recordabledata storage medium 122, as described herein. Thecontrol component 108 in one example comprises a user interface screen for receiving manual inputs for adjustments from the user to position theseat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106. - To change the amount of ischial support provided to the user, the
control component 108 in one example adjusts theseat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106. For example, thecontrol component 108 adjusts therear subportion 110 and/or thefront subportion 112 to cause a change in a distribution of contact pressure between the user and theseat 102 and/or thebackrest 104. Thecontrol component 108 changes the distribution of contact pressure to promote a reduction in pressure sores to the user, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. - Turning to
FIG. 2 , therear subportion 110 in one example pivots about theaxis 202 to adjust theangle 204 of therear subportion 110 relative to thefront subportion 112. Therear subportion 110 in one example comprises a hinge about theaxis 202. Therear subportion 110 in one example comprises one or more of a lever arm, an electric motor, worm gear, jack, and/or a hydraulic system that cause therear subportion 110 to pivot about theaxis 202. Therear subportion 110 pivots about theaxis 202, for example, between aposition 114 and aposition 206. In one example, theposition 114 comprises a height of therear subportion 110 along thedirection 302 that is substantially the same as a height of thefront subportion 112 along thedirection 302. In a further example, theposition 114 comprises anangle 204 of therear subportion 110 that is substantially the same as anangle 204 of thefront subportion 112. In theposition 206, theangle 204 of therear subportion 110 is approximately between ten to seventy degrees. Theposition 206 provides less ischial support to the user than theposition 114, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. - Turning to
FIG. 3 , therear subportion 110 in one example raises and/or lowers the height of therear subportion 110 along thedirection 302 from theposition 114 to aposition 304. For example, therear subportion 110 lowers approximately three to ten centimeters along thedirection 302. Therear subportion 110 in one example comprises one or more of a lever arm, an electric motor, worm gear, jack and/or a hydraulic system that cause therear subportion 110 to raise and/or lower along thedirection 302. Theposition 304 provides less ischial support to the user than theposition 114, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. - Turning to
FIGS. 4-5 , therear subportion 110 in one example comprises one ormore air bladders 205. Thecontrol component 108 in one example signals an air compressor to inflate and/or deflate theair bladders 205. Theair bladder 205 ofFIG. 4 is inflated such that therear subportion 110 is in theposition 114. Theair bladder 205 ofFIG. 5 is deflated such that therear subportion 110 is in aposition 502. Theposition 502 in one example comprises a height of therear subportion 110 along thedirection 302 approximately three to ten centimeters lower than the height of thefront subportion 112 along thedirection 302. Theposition 502 provides less ischial support to the user than theposition 114, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. - Referring to
FIGS. 1-2 , thebackrest 104 is adjustable in shape. In one example, thebackrest 104 comprises ashape 116 that provides support for the user sitting on theseat 102 with thebackrest 104 in an upright position. In another example, thebackrest 104 comprises ashape 208 that provides increased lumbar support and stabilization of the pelvis for the user. For example, thebackrest 104 expands to theshape 208 that is larger than theshape 116 to provide the increased lumbar support and stabilization of the pelvis. Thebackrest 104 in one example comprises one ormore air bladders 205. For example, theair bladder 205 inflates to expand thebackrest 104 from theshape 116 to theshape 208. Theair bladder 205 deflates to change thebackrest 104 from theshape 208 to theshape 116. In another example, thebackrest 104 comprises one or more of a lever arm, an electric motor, worm gear, jack, and/or a hydraulic system that cause thebackrest 104 to expand and/or contract between theshapes - Turning to
FIGS. 6-7 , thebackrest 104 in one example comprises one or more side bolsters 602. The side bolsters 602 provide lateral and/or trunk support to the user. In a further example, theseat 102 and/or theleg support 106 comprise side bolsters 602 analogous to thebackrest 104. The side bolsters 602 in one example comprise one ormore air bladders 205. For example, theair bladders 205 inflate to provide additional lateral support to the user (FIG. 6 ), or deflate to reduce and/or remove lateral support (FIG. 7 ), as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. - Turning to
FIG. 8 , thebackrest 104 in one example comprises one ormore suspension components 802. Theseat 102 and/or theleg support 106 in one example comprisesuspension components 802 analogous to thebackrest 104.Exemplary suspension components 802 comprise springs or elastic, compressible, and/or flexible material. Thesuspension components 802 in one example suspend one or more portions of thebackrest 104, for example, theair bladder 205, within anaperture 804 of thebackrest 104 to allow theair bladder 205 of thebackrest 104 to oscillate in one or more directions. For example, thesuspension components 802 allow theair bladder 205 to move with the spine of the user when theseat 102 and/orbackrest 104 are jolted by an external force, such as a car seat when moving down a bumpy road or a wheelchair over a cracked sidewalk. Oscillation of theair bladder 205 increases mobility of the user's spine. For example, thesuspension components 802 reduce whole-body vibration of the user, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. - Turning to
FIGS. 9-10 , another implementation of therear subportion 110 in one example comprises one ormore air bladders 205. Thecontrol component 108 in one example signals an air compressor to inflate and/or deflate theair bladders 205. Theair bladder 205 ofFIG. 9 is inflated such that therear subportion 110 is in theposition 114. Theair bladder 205 ofFIG. 10 is deflated such that therear subportion 110 is in aposition 1002. In theposition 1002, theangle 204 of therear subportion 110 is approximately between ten to seventy degrees. Theposition 1002 provides less ischial support to the user than theposition 114, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. - The
seat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106 in one example comprise viscoelastic foam. The foam comprises a soft upper layer on top of a firm lower layer to promote a damping of vibration of the user. Theseat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106 in one example comprise a fabric cover that promotes a reduction in shear forces between the user and the fabric cover, such as Rubatex® neoprene (RBX Industries, Inc., Roanoke, Va.). - An illustrative description of exemplary operation of the
apparatus 100 is presented, for explanatory purposes. Referring toFIG. 1 , therear subportion 110 is in theposition 114. Thebackrest 104 is in thefirst shape 116 to provide support to the user. Theposition 114 and thefirst shape 116 comprise a first configuration. The user sits on theseat 102 and against thebackrest 104. - Once the user is seated, the
control component 108 in one example receives inputs from theinput components 120 and causes one or more adjustments to one or more of theseat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106 based on the inputs. Thecontrol component 108 in one example causes the adjustments to achieve a comfortable configuration and/or seating position for the user. In one example, the configuration promotes an even distribution of a contact pressure of the user against theseat 102 and thebackrest 104. In another example, the configuration promotes a reduction in a peak contact pressure of the user against theseat 102 and thebackrest 104. In yet another example, the configuration promotes a pre-determined ratio of contact pressures of the user. - The
control component 108 adjusts one or more of theseat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106 to a second configuration. The second configuration in one example comprises one or more of thepositions rear subportion 110 and theshape 208 of thebackrest 104. In a further example, thefront subportion 112 tilts upward approximately zero to five degrees in the second configuration. The second configuration promotes a reduction in contact pressure of the ischial region of the user relative to the first configuration, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. - The
control component 108 makes a determination of when to adjust between the first configuration and the second configuration. Thecontrol component 108 makes the determination based on one or more of the dermal temperature of the user against theseat 102 and/orbackrest 104, the contact pressure of the user against theseat 102 and/orbackrest 104, an end of a pre-determined time interval, acceleration of theseat 102 and/orbackrest 104, and/or an input from the user. - In one example, the
control component 108 employs theinput components 120 to monitor the dermal temperature of the user. Theinput components 120 measure one or more of a peak dermal temperature and/or an average dermal temperature of the user. After a period of time sitting against theseat 102 and/orbackrest 104, the dermal temperature of the user increases. Once the dermal temperature of the user reaches a pre-determined level, thecontrol component 108 adjusts theseat 102 and/or thebackrest 104 between the first and second configuration, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. - In another example, the
control component 108 employs theinput components 120 to monitor the contact pressure of the user. Theinput components 120 measure one or more of a peak pressure and/or an average pressure of the user. After a period of time sitting against theseat 102 and/orbackrest 104, the user may become restless and fidget, causing changes in the contact pressure on theseat 102 and/or thebackrest 104. Thecontrol component 108 monitors changes in pressure and adjusts theseat 102 and/or thebackrest 104 between the first and second configuration when the user fidgets. For example, if the user makes several adjustments in seating position in a short time period, indicating discomfort, thecontrol component 108 adjusts between the first and second configuration, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. - In yet another example, the
control component 108 employ theinput components 120 to determine an end of a pre-determined time interval. For example, thecontrol component 108 employs a clock input to adjust between the first and second configuration every T minutes, where T is between five and twenty minutes. In a further example, thecontrol component 108 employs one or more manual inputs from the user to adjust between the first and second configurations. For example, the user presses a button or switch (not shown) to cause the adjustment between the first and second configurations. The user may also adjust individual components of theseat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106 through employment of the button or switch. - The
control component 108 in one example adjusts theseat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106 in a pre-determined sequence. In one example for an adjustment from the first configuration to the second configuration, thecontrol component 108 first adjusts the backrest from theshape 116 to theshape 208. Thecontrol component 108 then adjusts therear subportion 110 from theposition 114 to one or more of thepositions control component 108 first adjusts therear subportion 110 from one or more of thepositions position 114. Thecontrol component 108 then adjusts thebackrest 104 from theshape 208 to theshape 116. - Adjustments of the
seat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106 in one example occur over a pre-determined time interval. For example, thecontrol component 108 gradually adjusts thebackrest 104 from theshape 116 to theshape 208 over a time interval of ten seconds. Thecontrol component 108 in one example causes adjustments of theseat 102, thebackrest 104, and/or theleg support 106 concurrently. For example, thecontrol component 108 starts an adjustment of thebackrest 104 and, before completion of the adjustment of thebackrest 104, starts an adjustment of theleg support 106, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. - The
apparatus 100 in one example comprises a plurality of components such as one or more of electronic components, hardware components, and computer software components. A number of such components can be combined or divided in theapparatus 100. An exemplary component of theapparatus 100 employs and/or comprises a set and/or series of computer instructions written in or implemented with any of a number of programming languages, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Theapparatus 100 in one example comprises any (e.g., horizontal, oblique, or vertical) orientation, with the description and figures herein illustrating one exemplary orientation of theapparatus 100, for explanatory purposes. - The
apparatus 100 in one example employs one or more computer-readable signal-bearing media. The computer-readable signal-bearing media store software, firmware and/or assembly language for performing one or more portions of one or more embodiments of the invention. An exemplary computer-readable signal-bearing medium for theapparatus 100 comprises the recordabledata storage medium 122 of thecontrol component 108. The computer-readable signal-bearing medium for theapparatus 100 in one example comprise one or more of a magnetic, electrical, optical, biological, and atomic data storage medium. For example, the computer-readable signal-bearing medium comprise floppy disks, magnetic tapes, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard disk drives, and electronic memory. In another example, the computer-readable signal-bearing medium comprises a modulated carrier signal transmitted over a network comprising or coupled with theapparatus 100, for instance, one or more of a telephone network, a direct connection via serial or parallel cable, a local area network (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), the Internet, and a wireless network. - The steps or operations described herein are just exemplary. There may be many variations to these steps or operations without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the steps may be performed in a differing order, or steps may be added, deleted, or modified.
- Although exemplary implementations of the invention have been depicted and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and these are therefore considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Claims (8)
1-19. (canceled)
20. An article, comprising:
one or more computer-readable signal-bearing media;
means in the one or more media for a controller coupled with an apparatus to actively adjust a backrest between a first shape and a second shape based on a user contact pressure against one or more portions of the backrest and/or one or more portions of a seat; and
means in the one or more media for the controller to actively adjust a rear subportion of the seat between a first height and/or angle and a second height and/or angle relative to a front subportion of the seat based on the user contact pressure against the one or more portions of the backrest and/or the one or more portions of the seat.
21. The computer-readable signal-bearing media of claim 20 wherein the signal-bearing media is an electronic storage device selected from the group consisting of magnetic, electrical, optical, biological, and atomic data storage mediums.
22. The computer-readable signal-bearing media of claim 21 wherein the signal-bearing media is a read-only device.
23. The computer-readable signal-bearing media of claim 21 wherein the signal-bearing media is a device capable of read and write operations.
24. The computer-readable signal-bearing media of claim 20 wherein the signal-bearing media is a modulated carrier signal transmitted over a network.
25. The computer-readable signal-bearing media of claim 24 wherein the signal-bearing media is a wireless connection.
26. The computer-readable signal-bearing media of claim 24 wherein the signal-bearing media is a wire-line connection.
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US12/389,931 US20090152916A1 (en) | 2004-05-28 | 2009-02-20 | Seat subportion adjustable in relative height and/or angle and backrest adjustable in shape |
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US11/969,744 US20080174157A1 (en) | 2004-05-28 | 2008-01-04 | Seat subportion adjustable in relative height and/or angle and backrest adjustable in shape based on user contact pressure |
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US11/969,744 Abandoned US20080174157A1 (en) | 2004-05-28 | 2008-01-04 | Seat subportion adjustable in relative height and/or angle and backrest adjustable in shape based on user contact pressure |
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US20100276973A1 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2010-11-04 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Method and Device for Adjusting a Seat |
US8616654B2 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2013-12-31 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Method and device for adjusting a seat |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20050264069A1 (en) | 2005-12-01 |
US7322651B2 (en) | 2008-01-29 |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |