US20040124679A1 - Shape-changing support, such as for seating - Google Patents

Abstract

A compliant back for a seating unit includes a rigid upright defining a track, and a flexible back shell configured to support a seated user's upper body, including a top pivot pivotally connected to a top section of the back shell and a pivot/slide member slidably connected to the track of the back shell. A biasing device is operably coupled to the pivot/slide member that biases the pivot/slide member toward a position where the flexible back shell protrudes forwardly to a shape chosen to optimally support a seated user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/885,866, filed Jun. 20, 2001, entitled “SHAPE-CHANGING SUPPORT, SUCH AS FOR SEATING”. This application is also related to application Ser. No. 09/885,582, filed Jun. 20, 2001, entitled “COMPLIANT BACK FOR SEATING UNIT”.[0001]
BACKGROUND
• The present invention relates to seating units providing a shape-changing support for a seated user, and more particularly relates to a back having a flexible lumbar region and lumbar adjustment mechanism that constricts to change a shape of the lumbar region. However, the present invention is not believed to be limited to only backs.[0002]
• Many modern chairs often include a lumbar support placed on a front surface of a back support or integrated into a chair back. The lumbar support forms a new shape chosen to provide increased user comfort. Sometimes the lumbar supports are incorporated into the back, and sometimes they are made vertically adjustable. However, many of these constructions result in a back construction that is noticeably thick and heavy in appearance, which is undesirable in many chair designs. Further, it is preferable that the adjusting mechanism not merely be an extra device with multiple pieces assembled onto a back, but instead that it be well integrated into the back. Also, it is preferable that the adjustment device be multi-functional and provide more than just adjustment to the lumbar region of a back, and that it be durable, long-lasting, and low cost. Still further, it is preferable that any adjustable lumbar mechanism be easy to adjust and also intuitive to adjust and use, but that it use few pieces.[0003]
• Most chairs last a long time. It is desirable to provide an adjustable lumbar mechanism that can be sold as an option already installed on a seating unit, or that can be sold and installed after the original sale of the chair (i.e. field-installed), and/or that can be easily removed for cleaning and/or replacement, and yet that is secure and visually blends in well with the aesthetics and appearance of the chair.[0004]
• Accordingly, an apparatus is desired having the aforementioned advantages and solving the aforementioned disadvantages and problems.[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
• In one aspect of the present invention, a back construction for a seating unit comprises a back frame including a rigid upright having top and bottom connections. A flexible back shell is configured to support a seated user's upper body, including a pivot member pivotally connected to one of the top and bottom connections and a pivot/slide member slidably connected to the other of the top and bottom connections. A spring is operably coupled to a pivot/slide member that biases the pivot/slide member back shell toward a position where the flexible back shell protrudes forwardly for optimal lumbar support to a seated user.[0006]
• In another aspect of the present invention, a back construction for a seating unit comprises a back frame including a rigid upright having top and bottom connections. A flexible back shell is configured to support a seated user's upper body, the shell being pivotally attached to the back frame at the top connections and movably attached to the back frame at the bottom connection. An energy mechanism is positioned so as to operably act upon the back shell and cause the flexible back shell to protrude forwardly for lumbar support to a seated user.[0007]
• In yet another aspect of the present invention, a support apparatus comprises a shell having a front surface, and includes relatively stiff top and bottom sections separated by a flexible middle section, the middle section including edge strips connecting the top and bottom sections, the edge strips being made of a longitudinally stiff but bendable plastic. A horizontal cross section through the middle section is forwardly concave so that the front surface on a center area of the middle section is positioned rearward of the edge strips, and a vertical cross section through the middle section being forwardly convex so that the front surface on the center area of the middle section is forward of the top and bottom sections. An energy mechanism is positioned vertically on the front surface and across the center area and has top and bottom ends attached to the top and bottom sections. The energy mechanism is movable to a constricted position where the top and bottom ends are pulled toward each other causing the top, bottom, and center sections to move toward a first vertical shape; the energy mechanism being movable to a relaxed elongated position where the top and bottom ends are allowed to extend from each other causing the top, bottom, and center sections to move toward a different second vertical shape, whereby, by constricting and relaxing the energy mechanism, the shell is flexed between the first and second vertical shapes.[0008]
• These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.[0009]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• FIGS.[0010]1-3 are front, side, and top views of a back construction including a flexible shell and a removable back covering incorporating an air bladder adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism being inflatable to cause a shape change in a lumbar region of the shell;
• FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a bottom portion of the back shell and bladder in the circled area IV in FIG. 2, the back frame being removed for clarity;[0011]
• FIG. 5 is a front view of a back cover assembly including the adjustable lumbar support mechanism shown in FIG. 1;[0012]
• FIG. 5A is a cross section taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 4, the air bladder being inflated and in an energized state;[0013]
• FIG. 5B is a cross section similar to FIG. 4A, but the air bladder being uninflated and in a relaxed state;[0014]
• FIGS. 5C and 5D are enlargements of the circled areas VC and VD in FIGS. 5A and 5B;[0015]
• FIGS. 6 and 6A are front and side views of a modified back construction including a permanently-attached inflated/energized lumbar adjustment mechanism;[0016]
• FIG. 6B is a side view similar to FIG. 6A, but with the bladder deflated;[0017]
• FIGS.[0018]7-8 are perspective and side views of another modified back construction including a permanently-attached inflated/energized lumbar adjustment mechanism.
• FIG. 9 is a side view similar to FIG. 8, but with the bladder deflated;[0019]
• FIG. 9A is a fragmentary perspective view of an inside of the rear upright showing details of the slide mechanism in FIGS.[0020]7-9; and
• FIGS.[0021]10-12 are views of another modified back construction, the views of FIGS.10-12 being similar to FIGS.7-9 above.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• The present illustrated back construction[0022]20 (FIG. 1) is usable in the environment of an office chair having a castored spider-legged base, a seat, and an underseat control for pivoting theback20 and seat with a synchronous motion upon recline of theback20. A more detailed description of one such chair can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,634, issued Nov. 2, 1999, entitled CHAIR INCLUDING NOVEL BACK CONSTRUCTION, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Nonetheless, it should be understood that the present invention is contemplated to be adaptable for any seating unit or other furniture utilizing a flexible support.
• The illustrated[0023]back20 of FIG. 1 includes anarching back frame25, and a sheet-like flexibleplastic back shell26 pivotally attached to theback frame25 at top andbottom locations33 and34 (FIG. 2). The general operation and interaction ofback shell26 andback frame25 are described below in sufficient detail for an understanding of the present invention, but details can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,634, if the reader desires this information.
• The back shell[0024]26 (FIG. 1) has a “potato chip” like shape, with its front surface having a horizontal cross section that is forwardly concave, and a vertical cross section that is forwardly convex. Theback shell26 has a flexiblelumbar region27 connecting stiff thoracic andpelvic regions28 and29. Thelumbar region27 includes a pair ofvertical edge strips30 and31, and a plurality of horizontally extendingstrips32 separated by slots extending between theedge strips30 and31 to define a flexible lumbar area. A belt bracket35 extends along a lower edge of theback shell26, and includes forwardly extendingflanges36 that define thebottom pivots34. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,634, a biasing device is provided on the lower pivot to bias the lumbar region forwardly. In the present construction, a muscle-like air bladder energy mechanism is provided in acover assembly37, as described below, for changing a shape of thelumbar region27 of theback shell26.
• The cover assembly[0025]37 (FIG. 5) includes a sock-liketop section38 sewn of upholstery or fabric to define a downwardly-facingpocket38′ that fits mateably over a top edge of the back shell26 (FIG. 1) and onto thethoracic region28. Acenter section39 of thecover assembly37 extends downwardly over a center area of the lumbar andpelvic regions27 and29. Astiff strip40 is sewn along a bottom edge of thecenter section39, and is shaped to fit mateably into arecess41′ (FIG. 4) in a bottom edge of theback shell26 with a zipper-like motion, where it is frictionally retained. Fasteners can be used for additional retainment, if desired. It is contemplated that other releasable or permanent top and bottom attachment devices can also be used.
• A[0026]constrictable energy mechanism39′ in the form of a pleated bladder is attached to the center section39 (FIG. 5). Theenergy mechanism39′ extends vertically downwardly onto a front panel of thetop section38. Theenergy mechanism39′ comprises a laminate (see FIGS. 5C and 5D) with a non-stretchable firstinner layer41 providing strength and flexibility (such as nylon fiber, woven fabric, or the like), and second andthird layers42 and43 that are air impermeable (or fluid impermeable) (such as rubber or elastomer), and that define abladder45 having horizontal cavities46 (also called “sub-bladders”) for receiving air (or other fluid). (It is noted that instead of horizontal cavities, the cavities can be round, oval, or other shapes.) As illustrated, afourth layer44 similar tolayer41 is provided. It is contemplated that a variety of different materials can be used to form the bladder, and further, that different inflating fluids can be used other than air.
• In the illustrated arrangement, the first and[0027]fourth layers41 and44 are the outermost and innermost layers, respectively, and are nylon sheets that allow flexibility but that provide good strength in directions within the sheets. For example, 200 denier nylon woven sheeting will work for this purpose. The second andthird layers42 and43 are elastomeric film, such as ether-based urethane, having an 85 Durometer. The layers41-44 are bonded together by radio frequency (RF) welding or other bonding technique around their perimeter to define a bladder. The layers41-44 are further bonded together at multiple horizontal pleats47 (FIG. 6) that extend partially horizontally across the bladder area to subdivide the bladder into multiple discrete horizontally-extendingsub-bladders46 between the pleats. The sub-bladders46 are connected at edges by air-communicatingedge passages48. Anair line49 is attached to thebladder45, and ahand pump50 is attached to theair line49. Thepump50 can be located at different locations. As illustrated, the pump50 (FIG. 6A) is located along a side of the seat23, but it could also be located under anarmrest51 of the chair, under the seat23, on the back20 such as at a bottom or at a top in a headrest area, on a base of the chair, or at other locations. Theair pump50 includes a flexiblebulbous member51 that can be repeatedly manually squeezed to pump air through theline49 into thebladder45, and further includes avalve52 that can be opened to release air from the bladder throughline49 to atmosphere. It is contemplated that a powered air pump, such as a battery-powered pump, could be used instead of a manual pump. Further, a flowable fluid other than air could be used, such as a liquid pumped from a container under the seat.
• When deflated or uninflated (see FIGS. 5A and 5C), the illustrated[0028]energy mechanism39′ has a thickness of about 5 mm, and thepleats47 are spaced vertically apart about 15 mm to 20 mm, or more preferably about 19 mm apart. When inflated, each sub-bladder46 expands from its “linear” shape toward a cylindrical horizontal shape (see FIGS. 5B and 5D), such that a gross vertical length of thecover assembly37 shortens. If theback shell26 had a flat horizontal cross section, this shortening of the bladder would cause theback shell26 to bend toward a more planar condition. However, since the edge strips30 and31 of theback shell26 are forward of the sub-bladders46, the illustrated backshell26 actually flexes toward a more curvilinear shape as the sub-bladders46 are inflated. (Compare FIG. 5A, which has a deep concave shape shown by dimension T1, and FIG. 5B, which has a shallower concave shape shown by dimension T2.) Notably, the total surface length of the outer andinner layers41 and44 always stays the same. As a result, when thebladder45 is inflated, it reacts much like a human muscle and shortens. For example, the spacing betweenpleats47 changes from a dimension “X” of about 19 mm (FIG. 5D) to a vertical spacing of about 13 to 15 mm (dimension “Y”, FIG. 5C) (depending on the amount of air pumped into the bladder45).
• To operate the present invention, the chair[0029]21 is originally provided with theair bladder45 not inflated. In this condition, theback shell26 has a predetermined curved shape, as determined by parameters of the chair21. Thecover assembly37 lies generally flat against theback shell26 and provides a small amount of comfort on a front of the back shell to a seated user. As air is pumped into thebladder45, the sub-bladders46 begin to inflate. This causes thebladder45 to shorten in a length direction. In turn, theback shell26 is stressed as thebladder45 shortens and the edge strips30 and31 resist shortening. This causes theback shell26 to change its shape and flex toward a more curved shape. Also, the air provides some additional cushioned support to a seated user. When air is released from thebladder45, the process is reversed, and theback shell26 moves toward a more linear shape (which is closer to its natural unstressed shape). It is noted that theback shell26 can be made with enough internal strength to flex toward the relaxed convex shape as shown in FIG. 5A. Alternatively, a biasing device (such as is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,634, previously incorporated by reference) can be used to assist in biasing the back shell to its forwardly convex shape. It is noted that the illustratedbladder45 acts both to bias theback shell26 to a more concave shape, but also combines with theback shell26 to act like (and produce lumbar support forces similar to) a stiffer back shell (26) (e.g. a back shell made of stiffer material or made with a thicker dimension).
• It is noted that the air in[0030]bladder45 provides both an energizing system, and also a cushioning action for supporting a seated user. This multi-functional use has advantages in terms of comfort to a seated user. If the air is heated, the air bladder has further functional benefits. It is noted that a liquid can be used instead of air, if desired. In such case, the liquid could be stored in a reservoir anywhere on the chair, such as under the seat, in an armrest, in the back, or in the base of the chair.
• By controlling the vertical spacing of the[0031]pleats47, the operation of flexing thelumbar region27 is greatly affected. For example, closer vertical spacing of thepleats47 results in acover assembly37 that does not shorten as much as it is filled with air. In turn, closer spacing of thepleats47 results in a lumbar adjustment mechanism that is not able to make as great of a change to the shape of thelumbar region27. Also, the back shell itself can be given different original concave shapes. Thus, the combined system of the back shell and the cover assembly is important to overall operation. It is contemplated that thebladder45 could also be positioned horizontally, instead of vertically, such that its operation causes a horizontal shape change. Still further, a horizontal bladder and a vertical bladder (and/or an angled bladder) can be overlaid or used together to control the back shape in all directions, or the sub-bladder shapes can be dome-shaped, elongated but nonlinear (e.g. L-shaped or Z-shaped), elongated in multiple directions (e.g. X-shaped or Y-shaped), or any other shape desired.
• A modified back[0032]construction20A is shown in FIGS.6-6B, a second modified backconstruction20B is shown in FIGS.7-9 onchair21B, and a third modified backconstruction20C is shown in FIGS.10-12. In these embodiments, all similar or identical features and components are identified using the same number as used inback construction20, but with the addition of a letter “A”, “B”, or “C”. This is intended to reduce redundant discussion, and not for another purpose. A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that principles discussed in regard to each embodiment will apply to the other embodiments.
• The modified back[0033]construction20A (FIG. 6) includes aback shell26A, a bladder45A permanently attached to theback shell26A, and upholstery (not specifically shown) attached over the bladder45A andback shell26A to aesthetically cover the same. More specifically, the bladder45A includes top and bottomstiff edge sections54A and55A attached withrivets56A and57A. The bladder45A includespleats47A subdividing it into sub-bladders46A. The remaining components and operation are identical to or very similar to theback construction20, and thus the details will not be repeated to avoid unnecessary repetition.
• Another modified back[0034]construction20B (FIG. 8) is shown as part of achair21B having a castored spider-legged base22B, aseat23B, theback construction20B, and anunderseat control24B for pivoting the back20B andseat23B with a synchronous motion upon recline of the back20B. Inchair21B, theback construction20B includes aback frame25B pivoted to thebase22B under theseat23B atpivot location24B′ for reclining movement. A biasing device, such as a torsion spring, is attached at thepivot location24B′. Aflexible back shell26B is pivotally attached to a top of theback frame25B, but is slidably supported at its lower edge by aslide member59B on a lower portion of theback frame25B. When inflated, thebladder45B causes theback shell26B to flex from its semi-linear shape (FIG. 9) toward a more curved shape (FIG. 8), causing theslide member59B to slide upwardly along theback frame25B. The back frame (or upright)25B includes avertical slot60B and afollower61B attached to a bottom edge of theback shell26B is slidably coupled to theslot60B. Top and bottom ends of theslot60B limit flexing of theback shell26B by engaging thefollower61B as theback shell26B is flexed. Aspring72B is attached between thefollower61B and thetop pivot connection73B on a top of theback frame25B. Thespring72B compliments leaf-spring-like edge strips30B and31B to cause theback shell26B to naturally move toward a curved shape.
• [0035]Back construction20B′ (FIG. 9A) replaces theslot60B andfollower61B with a channel/track63B′ formed on an inside of the upright backframe25B′, and anelongated follower64B′ that rides in the channel/track63B′.Straps65B′ hold thefollower64B′ in the channel/track63B′, and also act as upper and lower limits as the shell-attachment brackets66B′ engages them.
• Back[0036]construction20C (FIG. 11) is similar to theback construction20B (FIG. 8), exceptback construction20C has a one-piece member69C with a rigid L-shaped backframe25C coupled to theback shell26C by aliving hinge70C. Also, ahook71C can be provided on the lower leg of the L-shaped backframe25C. Optionally,hook71C is designed to hookingly engage a flat member, such as a bench or bleacher seat in a football stadium.
• It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.[0037]

Claims (6)

We claim:

1. A back construction for a seating unit comprising:

a back frame including a rigid upright having top and bottom connections;

a flexible back shell configured to support a seated user's upper body, including a pivot member pivotally connected to one of the top and bottom connections and a pivot/slide member slidably connected to the other of the top and bottom connections; and

a spring operably coupled to a pivot/slide member that biases the pivot/slide member back shell toward a position where the flexible back shell protrudes forwardly for optimal lumbar support to a seated user.

2. A back construction for a seating unit comprising:

a back frame including a rigid upright having top and bottom connections;

a flexible back shell configured to support a seated user's upper body, the shell being pivotally attached to the back frame at the top connections and movably attached to the back frame at the bottom connection; and

an energy mechanism being positioned so as to operably act upon the back shell and cause the flexible back shell to protrude forwardly for lumbar support to a seated user.

3. The back construction defined inclaim 2, wherein the bottom connection includes a sliding connector.

4. The back construction defined inclaim 2, wherein the energy mechanism includes one of a spring and bladder.

5. A support apparatus comprising:

a shell having a front surface, and including relatively stiff top and bottom sections separated by a flexible middle section, the middle section including edge strips connecting the top and bottom sections, the edge strips being made of a longitudinally stiff but bendable plastic;

a horizontal cross section through the middle section being forwardly concave so that the front surface on a center area of the middle section is positioned rearward of the edge strips, and a vertical cross section through the middle section being forwardly convex so that the front surface on the center area of the middle section is forward of the top and bottom sections;

an energy mechanism positioned vertically on the front surface and across the center area and having top and bottom ends attached to the top and bottom sections; the energy mechanism being movable to a constricted position where the top and bottom ends are pulled toward each other causing the top, bottom, and center sections to move toward a first vertical shape; the energy mechanism being movable to a relaxed elongated position where the top and bottom ends are allowed to extend from each other causing the top, bottom, and center sections to move toward a different second vertical shape;

whereby, by constricting and relaxing the energy mechanism, the shell is flexed between the first and second vertical shapes.

6. The support apparatus defined inclaim 5, wherein the first vertical shape is a more curved vertical shape and the second vertical shape is a more planar vertical shape.

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