US20240090673A1

US20240090673A1 - Chair with upper frontal support

Info

Publication number: US20240090673A1
Application number: US18/367,232
Authority: US
Inventors: Craig Stuart Anderson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-09-13
Filing date: 2023-09-12
Publication date: 2024-03-21

Abstract

A seating system includes a base extending from a lower end to an upper end, a lower body support coupled to the base proximate the upper end of the base, a mount extending from a lower end to an upper end, and an upper body support rotatably mounted to the mount proximate the upper end of the mount. The upper body support is shaped to receive an upper body of the user and has at least three profiles. The upper body support is rotatable between a plurality of positions, each position in the plurality of positions corresponding to one of the at least three profiles of the upper body support.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/405,928 filed on Sep. 13, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to the field of seating systems, in particular, chairs with upper body supports.

INTRODUCTION

Ergonomics, or human engineering, is the science of designing and arranging objects, such as seats, used by people, to optimize the efficiency and safety of human interaction with those objects. With respect to seating systems, ergonomics may be concerned with strain on the user's body and, in particular, on the user's back, shoulders, arms, and legs. Often, seats are designed with adjustable features that accommodate the unique support needs of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a seating system, the seating system comprising:

- a base extending from a lower end to an upper end;
- a lower body support coupled to the base proximate the upper end of the base, the lower body support for supporting a lower body of a user;
- a mount extending from a lower end to an upper end, the lower end being coupled to the base proximate the upper end of the base; and
- an upper body support rotatably mounted to the mount proximate the upper end of the mount, the upper body support being shaped to receive an upper body of the user and having at least three profiles;
- wherein the upper body support is rotatable between a plurality of positions, each position in the plurality of positions corresponding to one of the at least three profiles of the upper body support.

In any embodiment, the upper body support may be rotatable about an axis extending from the mount.
In any embodiment, each profile in the at least three profiles may be different.
In any embodiment, the upper body support may further comprise at least a fourth profile and each position in the plurality of positions may correspond to one of the at least four profiles.
In any embodiment, each position in the plurality of positions may be rotationally about 90-degrees from an adjacent position.
In any embodiment, the mount may further comprise a rotational system coupling the upper body support to the mount, the rotational system having an inner race, an outer race, and at least one bearing between the inner race and the outer race such that the inner race and the outer race are rotatable relative to each other, wherein one of the inner race and the outer race may be coupled to the mount proximate the upper end of the mount; and wherein the other of the inner race and the outer race may be coupled to the upper body support such that the upper body support is rotatable relative to the mount.
In any embodiment, the system may further comprise a retention mechanism mounted to the mount proximate the rotational system, the retention mechanism movable between an inhibited position in which the upper body support is resisted from rotation and an uninhibited position in which the upper body support is rotatable.
In any embodiment, the retention mechanism may comprise a first engagement member and the outer race may comprise a plurality of second engagement members for engaging with the first engagement member;

- wherein each second engagement member in the plurality of second engagement members may correspond to one position in the plurality of positions of the upper body support; and
- wherein when the first engagement member is engaged with one of the second engagement members the retention mechanism may be in the inhibited position.

In any embodiment, the first engagement member may have a pin and each second engagement member in the plurality of second engagement members may be a notch in the outer race shaped to receive the pin of the first engagement member.
In any embodiment, the mount may comprise a mount sleeve moveably coupled to the mount, the mount sleeve being movable along a longitudinal axis of the mount, wherein the upper body support may be mounted to the mount sleeve such that the upper body support is movable with the mount sleeve.
In accordance with one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a seating system, the seating system comprising:

- a base extending from a lower end to an upper end;
- a lower body support coupled to the base proximate the upper end of the base, the lower body support for supporting a lower body of a user;
- a mount extending from a lower end to an upper end, the lower end being coupled to the base proximate the upper end of the base, the mount having a plurality of first mounting members; and
- an upper body support having a user side being shaped to receive an upper body of the user and a mounting side, the mounting side of the upper body support being removably coupled to the mount proximate the upper end of the mount,
- wherein the mount has a plurality of first mounting members, the mounting side of the upper body support has a plurality of second mounting members, and the upper body support is removably couplable to the mount by coupling the first mounting members and the second mounting members.

In any embodiment, one of the plurality of first mounting members and the plurality of second mounting members may comprise locating pins and the other of the plurality of first mounting members and the plurality of second mounting members may comprise bores correspondingly shaped to receive the plurality of locating pins.
In any embodiment, the plurality of first mounting members and the plurality of second mounting members may be magnetically couplable.
In any embodiment, the upper body support may be a first upper body support and the seating system further may comprise a second upper body support, the first upper body support being replaceable with the second upper body support.
In any embodiment, the first upper body support and the second upper body support may be different.
In any embodiment, the first upper body support may have a first shape and the second upper body support may have a second shape, the first shape for supporting a front of the upper body of the user and the second shape for supporting a back of the upper body of the user.
In any embodiment, the mount may comprise a mount sleeve moveably coupled to the mount, the mount sleeve being movable along a longitudinal axis of the mount, wherein the mount sleeve may have the plurality of first mounting members; and wherein the upper body support may be removably coupled to the mount sleeve such that the upper body support is movable with the mount sleeve.
In any embodiment, the system may further comprise a mounting plate coupled to the upper end of the mount, the mounting plate having the plurality of first mounting members, wherein the upper body support may be removably coupled to the mounting plate.
In any embodiment, the mounting side of the upper body support may further comprise a plurality of latching members for securing the upper body support to the mounting plate, each latching member in the plurality of latching members may be movable between a latched position in which the upper body support is fixed to the first mounting members on the mounting plate and an unlatched position in which the upper body support is removable from the mounting plate.
In accordance with one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a seating system, the seating system comprising:

- a base extending from a lower end to an upper end;
- a lower body support coupled to the base proximate the upper end of the base, the lower body support for supporting a lower body of a user;
- a mount extending from a lower end to an upper end, the lower end being coupled to the base proximate the upper end of the base; and
- an upper body support removably rotatably coupled to the mount proximate the upper end of the mount, the upper body support having a user side being shaped to receive an upper body of the user and having a plurality of profiles, and a mounting side removably couplable to the mount;
- wherein when mounted to the mount the upper body support is rotatable between a plurality of positions, each position in the plurality of positions corresponding to one of the plurality of profiles of the upper body support.

In any embodiment, the upper body support may be rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the mount.
In any embodiment, each profile in the plurality of profiles may be sized and shaped differently.
In any embodiment, the upper body support may further comprise at least four profiles and each position in the plurality of positions may correspond to one of the at least four profiles.
In any embodiment, each position in the plurality of positions may be rotationally about 90-degrees from an adjacent position.
In any embodiment, the mount may further comprise a rotational system coupling the upper body support to the mount, the rotational system having an inner race, an outer race, and at least one bearing between the inner race and the outer race such that the inner race and the outer race may be rotatable relative to each other, wherein one of the inner race and the outer race may be coupled to the mount proximate the upper end of the mount; and wherein the other of the inner race and the outer race may be coupled to the upper body support such that the upper body support is rotatable relative to the mount.
In any embodiment, the system may further comprise a retention mechanism mounted to the mount proximate the rotational system, the retention mechanism may be movable between an inhibited position in which the upper body support is resisted from rotation and an uninhibited position in which the upper body support is rotatable.
In any embodiment, the retention mechanism may comprise a first engagement member and the outer race may comprise a plurality of second engagement members for engaging with the first engagement member; wherein each second engagement member in the plurality of second engagement members may correspond to one position in the plurality of positions of the upper body support; and wherein when the first engagement member may be engaged with one of the second engagement members the retention mechanism is in the inhibited position.
In any embodiment, the first engagement member may have a pin and each second engagement member in the plurality of second engagement members may be a plurality of notches in the outer race shaped to receive the pin of the first engagement member.
In any embodiment, one of the inner race and the outer race may have a plurality of first mounting members and the mounting side of the upper body support may have a plurality of second mounting members for coupling with the first mounting members, wherein the upper body support may be removably couplable to the rotational system by coupling the first mounting members and the second mounting members.
In any embodiment, one of the plurality of first mounting members and the plurality of second mounting members may be locating pins and the other of the plurality of first mounting members and the plurality of second mounting members may be bores correspondingly shaped to receive the plurality of locating pins.
In any embodiment, the plurality of first mounting members and the plurality of second mounting members may be magnetically couplable.
In any embodiment, the rotational system may further comprise a mounting plate coupled to one of the inner race and the outer race, the mounting plate having the plurality of first mounting members.
In any embodiment, the mounting side of the upper body support may further comprise a plurality of latching members for securing the upper body support to the mounting plate, each latching member in the plurality of latching members may be movable between a latched position in which the upper body support is fixed to the mounting plate and an unlatched position in which the upper body support is removable from the mounting plate.
In any embodiment, the upper body support may be a first upper body support and the seating system may further comprise a second upper body support, the first upper body support being replaceable with the second upper body support.
In any embodiment, the first upper body support and the second upper body support may be differently shaped for supporting a differently sized user.
In any embodiment, the first upper body support may have a first shape and the second upper body support may have a second shape, the first shape for supporting a front of the upper body of the user and the second shape for supporting a back of the upper body of the user.
In any embodiment, the mount may comprise a mount sleeve moveably coupled to the mount, the mount sleeve may be movable along a longitudinal axis of the mount, wherein the upper body support may be removably coupled to the mount sleeve such that the upper body support is movable with the mount sleeve.
In accordance with one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided: a kit for a seating system, the kit comprising:

- a base;
- a lower body support couplable to the base;
- a mount couplable to the base; and
- an upper body support couplable to the mount.

In any embodiment, the upper body support may be a first upper body support and the kit may further comprise at least a second upper body support couplable to the mount, the first upper body support may be replaceable with the second upper body support.
In any embodiment, the first upper body support may be rotatably couplable to the mount.
In any embodiment, the first upper body support and the second upper body support may be differently shaped.
In any embodiment, the first upper body support may have a first shape and the second upper body support may have a second shape, the first shape for supporting a front of the upper body of the user and the second shape for supporting a back of the upper body of the user.
In any embodiment, the kit may further comprise at least one wall mount for removably mounting one of the first upper body support and the second upper body support when not in use.
These and other aspects and features of various embodiments will be described in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a seating system with a rotatably mounted upper body support that is an upper frontal support;

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the seating system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a rear view of the seating system of FIG. 1A with a different upper frontal support;

FIG. 2B is a rear view of the seating system of FIG. 2A with the upper frontal support in a different orientation;

FIG. 3A is a front view of an upper frontal support;

FIG. 3B is a front view of another upper frontal support;

FIG. 3C is a front view of another upper frontal support;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a rotational system and retention mechanism of a seating system;

FIG. 5A is a front view of the rotational system and retention mechanism of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 5B is a close-up front view of the rotational system and retention mechanism of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6A is a rear partially exploded view of a mount sleeve;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the mount sleeve of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of another seating system with a removably couplable upper frontal support;

FIG. 7B is a rear view of an upper frontal support removably couplable to the seating system of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of an upper frontal support with latch members;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the seating system of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of another seating system with a removably couplable and rotatable upper frontal support;

FIG. 10B is a rear view of an upper frontal support removably couplable to the seating system of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a close-up perspective view of the seating system of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11B is a side view of a mounting plate and rotational system of the seating system of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of a seating system;

FIG. 12B is a rear view of a lower body support of the seating system of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A is a front perspective view of a seating system with three upper frontal supports and two wall mounts;

FIG. 13B is a front perspective view of the wall mount of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14A is a rear perspective view of another seating system;

FIG. 14B is a rear perspective view of the seating system of FIG. 14A with an upper frontal support mounted;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the seating system of FIG. 14A with a mounting plate attached;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the seating system of FIG. 14A with the mounting plate removed;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a mount sleeve of the seating system of FIG. 14A.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate an upper frontal support; and

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate a transitional element that may be used to modify the shape of the upper body support of FIGS. 18A and 18B.

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Various apparatuses, methods and compositions are described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses, methods and compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus, method or composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses, methods or compositions described below. It is possible that an apparatus, method or composition described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, method or composition described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.
The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “the embodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “some embodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specified otherwise.
The terms “including,” “comprising” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.
As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, or “fastened” where the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “directly coupled”, “directly connected”, “directly attached”, or “directly fastened” where the parts are connected in physical contact with each other. None of the terms “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, and “fastened” distinguish the manner in which two or more parts are joined together.
Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.
As used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive -or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.
As used herein and in the claims, two elements are said to be “parallel” where those elements are parallel and spaced apart, or where those elements are collinear.
Traditional chairs, such as office chairs, may incorporate height adjustment of the seat relative to the floor and the arms relative to the seat, as well as positional adjustment of the lumbar support within the backrest. However, these adjustable features are incorporated into the fixed structure of the chair such that there is a limited range of adjustability. Accordingly, traditional chairs are not well suited to accommodating the range of potential users of different shapes and sizes and will provide sub-optimal ergonomics for users whose needs fall outside the range of adjustability. Further, the fixed structures of traditional chairs are directed at a particular contemplated use and are therefore unlikely to accommodate more than one application while maintaining optimal efficiency and safety of the user. For example, an office chair is for use by a user seated at a desk and is therefore not well suited to use by a medical professional while working on a patient.
Seating System with Rotatably Adjustable Upper Body Support
Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, shown therein is a seating system 100 according to an aspect of this disclosure. The seating system 100 has a base 110 extending from a lower end 112 to an upper end 114 and a lower body support 120 coupled to the base 110 proximate the upper end 114. The lower body support 120 is for supporting a lower body of a user, such as the user's buttocks or knees.
The seating system 100 includes a mount 130 extending from a lower end 132 to an upper end 134, with the lower end 132 being coupled to the base 110 proximate the upper end 114 of the base. The mount 130 may vary in size and/or shape depending on the system 100. For example, the mount 130 may be generally vertical as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In some embodiments, the mount 130 may be curved or may extend in a plurality of directions. The seating system 100 has an upper body support 140 mounted to the mount 130 proximate the upper end 134 of the mount.
For ease of understanding, like elements have been numbered with like reference numbers with an incremented difference. Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, shown therein is an upper body support 540. The upper body support 540 is shaped to receive an upper body of the user. The upper body support may be designed to support the front, back, or both the front and the back of a user. For example, an upper body support for supporting the back of a user may be shaped to receive the spine of the user while an upper body support for the front of a user may be shaped to receive the chest or sternum of the user. An example upper back support may be curved to match the curvature of the spine of the user while an example upper frontal support may be convexly shaped to match the shape of the user's sternum. An example upper body support that can be used for both the front and back of a user may be relatively planar such that the support can be used interchangeably for supporting the front and back of the user.
As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, for example, the upper body support 540 may support a chest or sternum of a user and may be referred to as upper frontal support 540. The upper frontal support 540 may have a profile 541 that assists with receiving the upper body of the user. The upper frontal support 540 may have any number of profiles 541, including, but not limited to, two, three, four, or more than four profiles 541. As shown in FIGS. 2A-3A, the upper frontal support 540 has four profiles 541 a, 541 b, 541 c, and 541 d. A profile may be understood to be an outline of a portion of the upper frontal support 540 for accommodating one or more body parts of the user. Each profile 541 may enable the user to rest their upper body, such as their sternum, against the upper frontal support 540 for performing a particular task. For example, in some embodiments, the profile 541 may be relatively narrow to allow a user to more easily pass their arms around the upper frontal support 540 so that they can perform a task. In some embodiments, the upper frontal support 540 may be designed to support one or both arms of the user such that the user can rest their arms against the upper frontal support 540 while performing their task.
The upper frontal support may include a variety of profiles. For example, FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C depict three upper frontal supports 540, 140, and 640, respectively, with different shapes, profiles, and materials. The upper frontal support is generally described herein with reference to the upper frontal support 540 of FIG. 3A. It may be understood that the general description may be applied to any other upper frontal support, such as upper frontal support 140 of FIG. 3B and upper frontal support 640 of FIG. 3C, for example.
In some embodiments, the upper frontal support 540 may be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The upper frontal support 540 may have three or more profiles and be rotatable between multiple positions, each position corresponding to one of the profiles of the upper frontal support 540. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the upper frontal support 540 has four profiles 541 a, 541 b, 541 c, and 541 d and is rotatable between four positions: 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees about the axis of rotation of the upper frontal support. The number of profiles and number of rotatable positions of the upper frontal support 540 may vary depending on the use of the system 100.
As described, the upper frontal support 540 may be shaped such that it may accommodate users of different sizes and/or comforts. For example, the upper frontal support 540 may have profiles suited to tall users, short users, thin users, plus-sized users, any height and/or any size. Each rotatable position may allow for a different profile of usability, thereby enabling each individual user to locate the position that is most comfortable to them, while providing sufficient support to the user during their task. In other words, the upper frontal support 540 may be rotated to accommodate different users. Each profile may vary in shape and/or size in multiple dimensions. For example, in a cartesian system, the shape and/or size of each profile may vary in each of the x, y, and z directions. In some embodiments, one or more profiles may share one or more surface features of an adjacent profile. For example, referring to FIG. 3A, as shown, the center portion of the upper frontal support 540 has a larger protrusion in the z-direction than the profiles 541 a, 541 b, 541 c, 541 d. The profiles 541 a, 541 b, 541 c, 541 d may share some of the increased dimension of the center portion such that the center portion is used in each of the profiles 541 a, 541 b, 541 c, 541 d. In some embodiments, two of the profiles may share a surface feature while the other profiles do not.
The number of rotatable positions may vary with the design of the upper frontal support 140. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the upper frontal support 140 may be rotated between four positions, each position being rotationally about 90-degrees from an adjacent position. Each position may be equally spaced or irregularly spaced from an adjacent position. For example, a first profile may be located at angle 0 degrees and a second profile may located at angle 45 degrees. The user may move between the first and second profile depending on the type of work they are doing. For example, if the user is a dental hygienist and is working on the upper jaw of a user, the first position may be the most comfortable (e.g., profile 141 a in the 0 degree position). In contrast, if the user is working on the lower jaw of a user, the second position may be more comfortable (e.g., profile 141 a in the 90 degree position. Accordingly, the user may rotate between the profiles depending on their needs.
Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, shown therein is a seating system 500 with the upper frontal support 540. The upper frontal support 540 is shaped differently from the upper frontal support 140 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown in FIG. 3A, the first and third profiles 541 a and 541 c are wider than the second and fourth profiles 541 b and 541 d. Accordingly, the user may rotate the upper frontal support 540 to accommodate their desired need. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the user may rotate the upper frontal support 540 so that the wider profiles of 541 a and 541 c extend vertically to provide more room to maneuver the user's arms. Alternately, for example as shown in FIG. 2B, the user may rotate the upper frontal support 540 so that the narrower profiles of 541 b and 541 d extend vertically to provide additional lateral support. The user may rotate the upper frontal support 540 to the position that is more comfortable for the task at hand.
In some embodiments, the upper frontal support 140 may be pivotably coupled proximate the upper end 134 of the mount 130 to allow the user to reposition with more versatility. The upper frontal support 140 may pivot between multiple positions within any angular range that enables the user to perform their desired task.
Referring now to FIG. 4 , shown therein is a rotational system 160 coupled to the upper end 134 of the mount 130 for rotationally coupling the upper frontal support 140 to the mount 130. As shown, the rotational system 160 has an inner race 162, and an outer race 164. While not shown, one or more bearings are positioned between the inner race 162 and the outer race 164. The bearings between the inner race 162 and the outer race 164 enable the relative rotation between each race. One of the inner race 162 and the outer race 164 may be coupled to the mount 130 proximate the upper end 134 of the mount, while the other of the inner race 162 and the outer race 164 may be coupled to the upper frontal support 140 such that the upper frontal support 140 is rotatable relative to the mount. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the inner race 162 is coupled to the mount 130 and the outer race 164 is coupled to the upper frontal support 140. In some embodiments, the outer race 164 may be coupled to the mount 130 and the inner race 162 may be coupled to the upper frontal support 140. The rotational system may be coupled to the seating system 100 by any means.
The seating system 100 may have a retention mechanism 170. The retention mechanism 170 may provide resistance to motion of the upper frontal support or may prevent the upper frontal support from moving. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the retention mechanism 170 is a locking mechanism coupled to the mount 130 proximate the rotational system 160. The retention mechanism 170 may be movable between an inhibited configuration in which the upper frontal support 140 experiences resistance to rotation and an uninhibited configuration in which the upper frontal support 140 is rotatable. As shown in FIG. 4 , the inhibited position is a locked configuration and the uninhibited position is an unlocked configuration. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5A the retention mechanism 170 may have a first engagement member 172 and the outer race 164 may have two or more second engagement members 166 for engaging with the first engagement member 172. Each second engagement member 166 may correspond to a rotatable position of the upper frontal support 140 such that, when the first engagement member 172 is engaged with one of the second engagement members 166, the retention mechanism 160 is in the locked position with the upper frontal support 140 locked in the corresponding profile position.
The retention mechanism 170 may be any retention mechanism capable of allowing the upper frontal support to move between a state where the upper frontal support is resisted from moving and a state where the upper frontal support is rotatable. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B, the first engagement member 172 of the retention mechanism 170 is a pin that is receivable in a plurality of notches 166 (second engagement members). In some embodiments, the mount 130 may include a plurality of detents and the retention mechanism 170 may include spring loaded ball bearings that provide a resistive force to motion of the upper frontal support 140 when the ball bearings are positioned in the detents, but that may be overcome with sufficient force to allow the upper frontal support 140 to rotate.
As shown in FIG. 5A, for example, the pin of the retention mechanism 170 is pulled by the release 174 to the unlocked position in which the outer race 164, and thereby the upper frontal support 140, is freely rotatable. FIG. 5B shows the pin of the retention mechanism 170 engaging the outer race 164 in the locked position such that the outer race 164 and the upper frontal support 140 are not freely rotatable. The first engagement member 172, the pin, is shown engaging one of the second engagement members 166 of the outer race 164. As shown, the second engagement members 166 are notches in the outer race 164 sized and shaped to receive the pin. The notches may be positioned anywhere around the circumference of the outer race 164 such that each notch corresponds to a position of a profile of the upper frontal support 140. As shown in FIG. 5A, the notches are equally spaced about the circumference of the outer race 164 such that the four positions are approximately 90-degrees apart from each other, rotationally. Any number of notches separated by any angle(s) may be used to define any number of positions, with each position corresponding to a profile of the upper frontal support 140.
In some embodiments, the retention mechanism 170 may include a biasing member. For example, the pin of the retention mechanism may be biased toward the locked position, unlockable via a release 174. Referring to FIG. 5B, the release 174 is in a neutral, biased state. In other words, there is insufficient force to overcome a biasing member (not shown) such that the biasing member urges the pin of the retention mechanism 170 into engagement with the outer race 164. Any other retention mechanism 170 known in the art suitable for selectively rotationally fixing a race of the rotational system 160 may be used. To separate the pin from the notch in the outer race 164, a user may pull on the release 174 such that the biasing force is overcome, thereby removing the pin from the notch and moving the retention mechanism 170 to the unlocked configuration.
In some embodiments, the upper frontal support 140 may be vertically adjustable. The upper frontal support 140 may be moveable along length of the mount 130 by any means. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a mount sleeve 136 is movably mounted to the mount 130 and moveable along the longitudinal axis thereof. Accordingly, a user may slide the mount sleeve 136 up and down the mount 130, changing the vertical position of the upper frontal support 140.
In some embodiments, a rotational system and a retention mechanism may be mounted to the mount sleeve 136 such that the upper frontal support 140 may be rotatable and rotationally lockable when mounted upon the mount sleeve 136. For example, the rotational system 160 is coupled to the mount sleeve 136 by one of the inner race 162 and outer race 164. The upper frontal support 140 can be mounted to the other of the inner race 162 and outer race 164 such that the upper frontal support 140 is both adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the mount 130 and rotatable about an axis relative to the mount 130.
Seating System with Replaceable Upper Body Support
Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, shown therein is a seating system 200 according to one aspect of this disclosure. For ease of understanding, like elements have been numbered with like reference numbers with an incremented difference. The seating system 200 has a mount 230 having two or more first mounting members 238. The seating system 200 may also include an upper frontal support 240 removably coupled to the mount 230 proximate the upper end 234 of the mount, the upper frontal support 240 having a user side (not shown) shaped to receive an upper body of the user and a mounting side 246 having two or more second mounting members 248 for coupling with the first mounting members 238. In the embodiment shown, the upper frontal support 240 of seating system 200 is removably couplable to the mount 230 by coupling the first mounting members 238 and the second mounting members 248.
Any coupling suitable for removably attaching the upper frontal support 240 and the mount 230 may be used. For example, in some embodiments, one of the first mounting members 238 or the second mounting members 248 may be locating pins and the other may be bores correspondingly shaped to receive the locating pins. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, for example, the first mounting members 238 of the mount 230 are locating pins and the second mounting members 248 of the upper frontal support 240 are bores. In the example shown, there are four of each of the first mounting members 238 and the second mounting members 248. Using two or more of each of the first mounting members 238 and the second mounting members 148 may assist with aligning the upper frontal support 240 on the mount 230 and may reduce the likelihood of the upper frontal support 240 shifting or rotating out of alignment while in use.
In some embodiments, the first mounting members 238 and the second mounting members 248 may be magnetically couplable. In some examples, the first mounting members 238 and the second mounting members 248 may be removably coupled by friction fit. Using a plurality of each of the first mounting members 238 and the second mounting members 248 may improve the coupling strength between the upper frontal support 240 and the mount 230.
In some embodiments, the upper frontal support 240 is a first upper frontal support and the seating system 200 may further have a second upper frontal support, the first upper frontal support being replaceable with the second upper frontal support. The first upper frontal support and the second upper frontal support may have at least one differing profile for supporting different users and/or for satisfying the need for a different support for the same user.
Any replaceable upper body support of any shape and/or size may be used with seating system 200. For example, any of upper frontal supports 540, 140, and 640 shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, respectively, may be used. Each upper frontal support may have a user side shaped to receive an upper body of the user and a mounting side having two or more second mounting members for coupling with the first mounting members. Accordingly, any upper frontal support may be removably coupled to the mount 230 such that the upper frontal support may be used interchangeably, including, but not limited to, replace a worn-out upper frontal support, accommodate a user of a different size than a previous user, and/or facilitate a different use of the seating system 200.
In some embodiments, the mount 230 may be vertically variable such that the height of the upper frontal support 240 may be adjusted by adjusting the mount 230. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the mount 230 may have a mount sleeve 236 moveably coupled to the mount 230. The mount sleeve 236 may be movable along the length of the mount 230. In such embodiments, the first mounting members 238 may be on the mount sleeve 236 such that the upper frontal support 240 may be removably coupled to the mount sleeve 236 and the upper frontal support 240 may thereby be movable along the length of the mount 230.
Referring still to FIG. 7A, in some embodiments, the mount 230 may have a mounting plate 250 coupled to the upper end 234 of the mount. The mounting plate 250 may have first mounting members 238 such that the upper frontal support 240 is removably couplable to the mounting plate 250. In the embodiment shown, the mounting plate 250 is coupled to the mount sleeve 236 such that the mounting plate 250, and thereby the upper frontal support 240 removably coupled thereto, are concurrently movable along the length of the mount 230. In some embodiments, the mounting plate 250 may be coupled directly to the mount 230.
In some embodiments, when a mounting plate 250 is used, the mounting side 246 of the upper frontal support 240 may have a retention mechanism for securing the upper frontal support 240 to the mounting plate 250. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the mounting side 246 has a plurality of latching members 252 for securing the upper frontal support 240 to the mounting plate 250. Each latching member 252 may be moveable between a latched position in which the upper frontal support 240 is fixed to the mounting plate 250 and an unlatched position in which the upper frontal support 240 is removeable from the mounting plate 250.
The latching members 252 may any suitable mechanism for selectively fixing the upper frontal support 240 to the mounting plate 250 and subsequently releasing the upper frontal support 240 from the mounting plate 250. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the latching member 252 may be a cam latch. The cam latches are movable between the unlatched position shown in FIG. 8 , wherein the mounting plate 250 is receivable between the latching members 252, and the latched position shown in FIG. 9 , wherein each cam latch has been rotated such that the cam extends over a portion of the mounting plate 250, and the latching members 252 thereby prevent the upper frontal support 240 from being pulled or removed from the mounting plate 250.
Seating System with Replaceable and Rotatably Adjustable Upper Body Support
Referring to FIGS. 10A-11B, shown therein is a seating system 300 according to one aspect of this disclosure. For ease of understanding, like elements have been numbered with like reference numbers with an incremented difference. The seating system 300 provides an upper frontal support 340 that is both rotatable and replaceable. The seating system 300 has an upper frontal support 340 removably coupled to the mount 330 proximate the upper end 334 of the mount, the upper frontal support 340 having a user side shaped to receive an upper body of the user and having two or more profiles, and a mounting side 346 removably couplable to the mount 330. In the embodiment shown, when coupled to the mount 330, the upper frontal support 340 may be rotatable between two or more positions, each position in the two or more positions corresponding to one of the two or more profiles of the upper frontal support 340.
As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the seating system 300 may include a rotational system 360 for coupling the upper frontal support 340 to the upper end 334 of the mount 330. Accordingly, the upper frontal support 340 of the seating system 300 may be removable, replaceable, swappable, rotatable, pivotable, vertically adjustable, or any combination thereof, to accommodate a range of user sizes and a range of potential uses of the seating system 300. An advantage of this design is that the system 300 may be customizable for each user, allowing for improved comfort and flexibility for the user or multiple users. These functions, alone or in combination, can for example permit the use of the same seating system by the same user for different purposes; use of the same seating system by different users, with different requirements, for the same purpose; and use of the same seating system by different users for different purposes.
Referring to FIGS. 14A-17 , shown therein is a seating system 400 according to one aspect of this disclosure. For ease of understanding, like elements have been numbered with like reference numbers with an incremented difference. The seating system 400 facilitates the use of an upper frontal support 440 that is both rotatable and replaceable.
As shown, the mount sleeve 436 is made of a 3D printed material. The mount sleeve 436 may be made of any material capable of supporting the upper frontal support 440 when mounted to the mount 430. An advantage of this design is that the number of parts may be reduced, thereby reducing cost and simplifying manufacturing. Additionally, the accuracy and fit of the components may be improved, while also simplifying assembly of the seating system.
Referring to FIG. 15 , the seating system 400 includes the release 474. In some embodiments, the release 474 may be operable between several states to facilitate the rotation of the upper frontal support 440, when mounted to the mounting plate 450. For example, the release 474 may be operable in a first position, as described previously, where the release 474 is locked in position, thereby inhibiting the rotation of the rotational system 460.
The release 474 may be moved to a second position, whereby the release 474 is disengaged from the rotational system 460 and the rotational system 460 can rotate. For example, pulling the release 474 may move the release to the second position. Once rotation has begun, the pull force acting on the release 474 may be removed, and the rotational system 460 may rotate to the next position. A biasing member (not shown) may continue to bias the release 474, such that when the rotational system 460 reaches the next position, the release 474 is biased back into the locked position, thereby inhibiting rotation of the rotational system 460.
The release 474 may be operable in a third position, whereby the release 474 is fully disengaged from the rotational system 460, thereby allowing for free rotation of the rotational system 460. In some embodiments, the release 474 may have an engagement member (not shown) that is operable to engage with the bottom of the sleeve 436 such that the biasing member is unable to return the release 474 back to the locked position. Accordingly, when the engagement member is engaged with the sleeve 436, the rotational system 460 may continue to rotate freely. In other words, when the release 474 is in the third position and the engagement member is engaged, the release 474 may be locked out of the rotational system 460.
Referring to FIG. 17 , the sleeve 436 may include a plurality of slots 438 for receiving the mount 430 and/or the mounting plate 450. The slots 438 may act as a stop for holding the sleeve 436 in position on the mount 430. For example, the slots 438 may control the positional height of the sleeve 436 on the mount 430. An advantage of this design is that the number of components of the system 400 may be reduced, simplifying manufacturing and assembly. For example, the slots 438 may enable a user to slide the sleeve 436 and the rotational system 460 onto the mount 430 in a single assembly step. The user may then horizontally secure the sleeve 436 to the mount 430, pinching the sleeve 436 in position. In other words, vertical securement means are not needed to hold the sleeve 436 in position, since the slots 438 act as a vertical stop.
In some embodiments, the slots 438 may maintain a clearance between the front and the back of the mount 430. This clearance may reduce and/or eliminate differential flex between the front and back of the mount 430, the mounting plate 450, and/or the rotational system 460 when the system 400 experiences loading and/or motion from a user. In embodiments with a vertical adjustment system, this clearance may assist with the movement of the adjustment system.

Additional Features of the Seating System

The following features may be used in any of the seating systems described herein. For simplicity, 100 series reference characters will be used. In some embodiments the upper frontal support 140 may be pivotably coupled proximate the upper end 134 of the mount 130 to the mount 130, the mount sleeve 136, the rotational system 160, and/or the mounting plate 150, such that the upper frontal support 140 may pivot between a plurality of positions. For example, the upper frontal support 140 may be pivotably coupled such that it is pivotable from the length of the mount 130 by, for example, 45-90-degrees, 60-90-degrees, 75-90-degrees and/or about 90-degrees.
In some embodiments the mount 130 may be fixedly coupled at the lower end 132 to the base 110 proximate the upper end 114 of the base such that the length of the mount 130 is fixed at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the base 110. The angle may be any angle that facilitates different uses of the system 100.
In some embodiments, the mount 130 may be pivotably coupled at the lower end 132 to the base 110 proximate the upper end 114 of the base. For example, the mount 130 may be mounted such that it is reclinable between a position wherein the length of the mount 130 is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the base 110. The mount 130 may be pivotably coupled at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the base 110 in the range of, including, but not limited to, about 90-degrees, about 75-degrees, about 60-degrees, about 45-degrees, and/or any other angle that can facilitate use of the system 100. In some examples, the mount 130 may be pivotable between multiple positions.
Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the lower body support 120 may be removably and/or rotatably coupled to the base 110 by similar or different means than those described above with respect to the upper frontal support 140. For example, the base 110 may have two or more first lower mounting members (not shown) at the upper end 114, and the lower body support 120 may have a user side 126 a shaped to receive a lower body of the user and a mounting side 126 b having two or more second lower mounting members 128 for coupling with the first lower mounting members. The lower body support 120 may be removably coupled to the base 110 by coupling the first lower mounting members and the second lower mounting members 128. The lower body support 120 may thereby be replaceable or swappable. For example, a user may replace the lower body support 120 with a similar lower body support when the first lower body support is worn-out, with a different lower body support for accommodating a user of a different size and/or a lower body support facilitating a different use.
Different lower body supports with different profiles may be used. For example, a saddle seat may be used such that the user may sit with the back support supporting their back, or may rotate the lower body support about 180-degrees to another position wherein the upper frontal support 140 supports their chest. The lower body support may be sized and shaped to receive the lower legs of the user, the upper legs of the user, and/or the seat of the user, such that the user may use the seating system 100 in the kneeling, seated, partially standing, and/or “perched” positions.
The seating system 100 may include a rotational system for rotatably coupling the lower body support 120 to the upper end 114 of the base 110. Where a rotational system is used, the first lower mounting members may be on one of the inner race and the outer race, such that the lower body support 120 may be removably couplable to the rotational system. Where a mounting plate is used, the first lower mounting members may be on the mounting plate, such that the lower body support 120 may be removably couplable to the mounting plate. The mounting side 126 b of the lower body support 120 may include two or more latching members, for example, similar to the latching members 252 of the upper frontal support 240, for securing the lower body support 120 to the mounting plate. Accordingly, the lower body support 120 may be removable, replaceable, swappable, or rotatable, or any combination thereof, to accommodate a range of user sizes and/or a range of potential uses.
In some embodiments the base 110 may be a solid structure. For example, the lower end 112 may contact the ground to support the system 100. In some embodiments, the base 110 may have a first cross-sectional area from the upper end 114 to the lower end 112 and a platform coupled to the lower end 112 with having a second cross-sectional area. The second cross-sectional area may be greater than the first cross-sectional area to prevent overturning of the seating system 100. In some embodiments, the base 110 may have four or more legs extending from the lower end 112 toward the ground for supporting the seating system 100 at a distance above the ground.
In some embodiments, the base 110 may have at least four legs 116 extending from the lower end 112. The legs 116 may extend along the ground surface at an acute angle to the ground surface. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, each leg 116 has a castor 116 a rotatably coupled at a distal end for rolling the seating system 100 along the ground surface.
The seating system may have any number of legs 116. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, there are five legs 116, which may provide stability of the seating system 100 and prevent overturning of the system 100. Each of the legs 116 is shaped to come into close proximity with the ground surface, thereby lowering the center of gravity of the seating system 100, which may further improve stability and prevent overturning of the system 100. This may be advantageous, for example, when the mount 130 is pivotably coupled to the base 110 and the upper end 114 such that the user may recline the mount 130. The weight of the user may generate a tipping force when applied to the upper frontal support 140 at a distance from the center of gravity. By stabilizing the seating system 100 with the legs 116, the likelihood of tipping may be reduced.
The distance between the lower end 112 and upper end 114 of the base 110 may be adjustable such that the distance of the lower body support 120 from the ground may be adjustable. For example, the base 110 may include, but is not limited to, a pneumatic, hydraulic, and/or motorized lifting mechanism. Adjusting the height of the lower body support 120 above the ground may facilitate an ergonomic position and may allow for transitioning between kneeling, seated, and/or perched positions.
In some embodiments, the base 110 may be rotatably coupled to the legs 116. In such embodiments, the base, 110 and lower body support 120 may each be jointly or independently rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the base 110. Where the legs are similar to the legs 116 with castors 116 a of FIG. 1B, the legs 116 may also be rotatable independently from the base 110 and the lower body support 120.

Transitional Element

Referring to FIGS. 18A-19B shown therein is a seating system 800 according to one aspect of this disclosure. For ease of understanding, like elements have been numbered with like reference numbers with an incremented difference.
As shown in FIG. 18A, the upper frontal support 840 has four profiles 841 forming an x-shape. Referring to FIG. 18B, the profiles 841 are curved away from the centre of the upper frontal support 840. The curved profiles may provide resilience for when a user leans against the upper frontal support 840, thereby absorbing some of the force of the user and at least partially conforming to their upper body. Providing a resilient upper frontal support 840 may improve the comfort of the user.
As shown in FIGS. 18A-19B, a transitional element 890 may be used to modify the shape of the upper body support 840 for mounting to the mount. For example, the curved upper frontal support 840 may make it difficult to securely couple the upper frontal support 840 to the mount due to the geometrically differing shapes. Accordingly, the transitional element 890 may be positioned between the upper frontal support 840 and the mount to level the mounting surface of the upper frontal support 840, thereby increasing the stability of the upper frontal support 840.
The shape and/or size of the transitional element 890 may vary depending on the shape and/or size of the upper frontal support. For example, as shown in FIGS. 19A and 18B, the transitional element 890 is approximately x-shaped to match the shape of the upper frontal support 840. As shown, the transitional element 890 may have an absence of material in some regions to level the surface of the upper frontal support 840. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19B, additional transitional elements 892 and 894 may be used to provide additional stability to the upper frontal support 840 when mounting to the mount. As shown, the transitional elements 892 and 894 are roughly shaped and sized to correspond to the mounting plate of the mount.

Kit for a Seating System

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a kit for a seating system is provided. The kit may include any of the elements of one or more seating systems described herein.
For example, the kit may include a base, a lower body support couplable to the base, a mount couplable to the base, and an upper body support removably couplable to the mount. In some embodiments, the upper body support may also be rotatably couplable to the mount.
In some embodiments, the upper body support may be a first upper body support, and the kit may further include a second upper body support removably couplable to the mount, the first upper body support being replaceable with the second upper body support. In some embodiments, the first and second upper body supports may be differently shaped for supporting a differently sized user. In some embodiments, the first upper body support has a first shape and the second upper body support has a second shape, the first shape for supporting a front of the upper body of the user and the second shape for supporting a back of the upper body of the user.
In some embodiments, kit may further include one or more wall mounts 180 for removably mounting one or more of the first upper body support and the second upper body support when not in use. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, there are three different upper frontal supports 540, 140, and 640. The upper frontal support 640 is removably coupled to the mount 130. The upper frontal support 540 is removably mounted to a wall by a wall mount (hidden by the upper frontal support 540). The upper frontal support 140 is shown being held by the user and may be removably mounted to the wall mount 180 for storage by the user.
Referring to FIG. 13B, the wall mount 180 may have a standoff plate 182 to separate the upper body support from the wall. This standoff plate 182 may prevent a part of the upper body support, such as latching members as discussed herein, from contacting and damaging the wall. The wall mount 180 may further include two or more third mounting members 188. The third mounting members 188 may be similar to or different from the first mounting members, as described previously.
The upper body support may be removably mounted to the wall mount 180 by coupling the second mounting members of the upper body support and the third mounting members 188. As described, one of the second mounting members and the third mounting members 188 may be locating pins and the other may be bores correspondingly shaped to receive the locating pins. The bores and locating pins may be coupled by any means, such as by magnetically couplings. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13B, the third mounting members 188 are magnets for magnetically holding the upper body support at the second mount members.
In some embodiments, the lower body support 120 may be a first lower body support 120 and the kit may include one or more additional lower body supports. The lower body supports may be removably couplable to the base 110. Each lower body support 120 may be differently sized and/or shaped to accommodate different needs of the user. For example, the first lower body support 120 may be designed to support the user in a kneeling position while the second lower body support may be designed to support the user in a seated position.
While the above description describes features of example embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, the various characteristics which are described by means of the represented embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. A seating system, the seating system comprising:

a base extending from a lower end to an upper end;

a lower body support coupled to the base proximate the upper end of the base, the lower body support for supporting a lower body of a user;

a mount extending from a lower end to an upper end, the lower end being coupled to the base proximate the upper end of the base; and

an upper body support rotatably mounted to the mount proximate the upper end of the mount, the upper body support being shaped to receive an upper body of the user and having at least three profiles;

wherein the upper body support is rotatable between a plurality of positions, each position in the plurality of positions corresponding to one of the at least three profiles of the upper body support.

2. The seating system of claim 1, wherein the upper body support is rotatable about an axis extending from the mount.

3. The seating system of claim 1, wherein each profile in the at least three profiles is different.

4. The seating system of claim 1, wherein the upper body support further comprises at least a fourth profile and each position in the plurality of positions corresponds to one of the at least four profiles.

5. The seating system of claim 4, wherein each position in the plurality of positions is rotationally about 90-degrees from an adjacent position.

6. The seating system of claim 1, wherein the mount further comprises a rotational system coupling the upper body support to the mount, the rotational system having an inner race, an outer race, and at least one bearing between the inner race and the outer race such that the inner race and the outer race are rotatable relative to each other,

wherein one of the inner race and the outer race is coupled to the mount proximate the upper end of the mount; and

wherein the other of the inner race and the outer race is coupled to the upper body support such that the upper body support is rotatable relative to the mount.

7. The seating system of claim 6, further comprising a retention mechanism mounted to the mount proximate the rotational system, the retention mechanism movable between an inhibited position in which the upper body support is resisted from rotation and an uninhibited position in which the upper body support is rotatable.

8. The seating system of claim 7, wherein the retention mechanism comprises a first engagement member and the outer race comprises a plurality of second engagement members for engaging with the first engagement member;

wherein each second engagement member in the plurality of second engagement members corresponds to one position in the plurality of positions of the upper body support; and

wherein when the first engagement member is engaged with one of the second engagement members the retention mechanism is in the inhibited position.

9. The seating system of claim 8, wherein the first engagement member has a pin and each second engagement member in the plurality of second engagement members is a notch in the outer race shaped to receive the pin of the first engagement member.

10. The seating system of claim 1, wherein the mount comprises a mount sleeve moveably coupled to the mount, the mount sleeve being movable along a longitudinal axis of the mount,

wherein the upper body support is mounted to the mount sleeve such that the upper body support is movable with the mount sleeve.

11. A seating system, the seating system comprising:

a base extending from a lower end to an upper end;

a mount extending from a lower end to an upper end, the lower end being coupled to the base proximate the upper end of the base, the mount having a plurality of first mounting members; and

an upper body support having a user side being shaped to receive an upper body of the user and a mounting side, the mounting side of the upper body support being removably coupled to the mount proximate the upper end of the mount,

wherein the mount has a plurality of first mounting members, the mounting side of the upper body support has a plurality of second mounting members, and the upper body support is removably couplable to the mount by coupling the first mounting members and the second mounting members.

12. The seating system of claim 11, wherein one of the plurality of first mounting members and the plurality of second mounting members comprises locating pins and the other of the plurality of first mounting members and the plurality of second mounting members comprises bores correspondingly shaped to receive the plurality of locating pins.

13. The seating system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of first mounting members and the plurality of second mounting members are magnetically couplable.

14. The seating system of claim 11, wherein the upper body support is a first upper body support and the seating system further comprises a second upper body support, the first upper body support being replaceable with the second upper body support.

15. The seating system of claim 14, wherein the first upper body support and the second upper body support are different.

16. The seating system of claim 14, wherein the first upper body support has a first shape and the second upper body support has a second shape, the first shape for supporting a front of the upper body of the user and the second shape for supporting a back of the upper body of the user.

17. The seating system of claim 11, wherein the mount comprises a mount sleeve moveably coupled to the mount, the mount sleeve being movable along a longitudinal axis of the mount,

wherein the mount sleeve has the plurality of first mounting members; and

wherein the upper body support is removably coupled to the mount sleeve such that the upper body support is movable with the mount sleeve.

18. The seating system of claim 11, further comprising a mounting plate coupled to the upper end of the mount, the mounting plate having the plurality of first mounting members,

wherein the upper body support is removably coupled to the mounting plate.

19. The seating system of claim 18 wherein the mounting side of the upper body support further comprises a plurality of latching members for securing the upper body support to the mounting plate, each latching member in the plurality of latching members is movable between a latched position in which the upper body support is fixed to the first mounting members on the mounting plate and an unlatched position in which the upper body support is removable from the mounting plate.

20.-43. (canceled)