FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a body support structure, and in particular, to a body support structure formed from at least one flexible strip, and to the method for the manufacture and use thereof.
BACKGROUND
Body support structures, such as chairs, are often configured to provide ergonomic support to the user, for example by flexing or adjusting in response to one or more forces applied by the user. Often, such structures employ rigid components coupled together with complex mechanisms that are manipulated in an attempt to provide a desired kinematic movement. Such mechanisms may not be aesthetically pleasing, such that they must be covered or otherwise obscured, which can add to the cost of the structure. In addition, many conventional structures are not made of sustainable, organic materials, but rather must be extensively processed and assembled, with the final product lacking recyclable characteristics. Accordingly, the need remains for a body support structure which is ergonomically flexible, yet is relatively simple, made from sustainable and/or recyclable materials and is aesthetically pleasing.
SUMMARY
The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be considered to be a limitation on those claims. In one aspect, one embodiment of a body support structure includes a backrest having a frame and a plurality of laterally spaced strips. Each of the strips extends in a longitudinal direction, with an upper portion of each of the strips formed in an inverted J-shape having an end portion spaced rearwardly from a back support portion, and a curved portion joining the end portion and the back support portion. The curved portions of the strips define an upper boundary of the backrest, while the end portions are coupled to the frame.
In another aspect, a body support structure includes a frame and a seat segment having a front portion and a rear portion. A back support segment has a bottom portion joined to the rear portion of the seat segment and an upper portion formed in an inverted J-shape. The front portion of the seat segment and the upper portion of said back support segment are directly coupled to the frame, and are the only portions of the seat segment and the back support segment directly joined to the frame.
In yet another aspect, a body support structure includes a plurality of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced strips and at least one laterally extending elastomeric member supporting each of the plurality of strips.
The various aspects provide significant advantages over other body support structures. For example and without limitation, the plurality of strips, and their connection with a frame, provides a flexible and supportive structure, which is aesthetically pleasing. In addition, in certain embodiments, the strips can be made of sustainable materials.
The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The various preferred embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a body support structure without a frame shown and with a force being applied to the seat segment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a body support structure without a frame shown and with a force being applied to the back support segment.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of alternative embodiments of a body support structure without a frame shown and with a torsional force being applied to the back support segment.
FIG. 4A is a partial, exploded, top perspective view of a plurality of strips and an elastomeric support member.
FIG. 4B is a partial, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an elastomeric support member.
FIGS. 4C and 4D are partial bottom views of alternative embodiments of strips with an elastomeric support member.
FIG. 5 is a partial, exploded, bottom perspective view of a plurality of strips and an elastomeric support member.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a plurality of strips and an elastomeric support member.
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the plurality of strips and elastomeric support member shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a side view of one of the plurality of strips.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a body support structure.
FIG. 10 is a side view of the body support structure shown in FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the body support structure shown in FIG. 9.
FIG. 12 is a front view of the body support structure shown in FIG. 9.
FIG. 13 is a top view of the body support structure shown in FIG. 9.
FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a body support structure.
FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the body support structure shown in FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a body support structure.
FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a body support structure.
FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a body support structure.
FIG. 19 is a partial, front perspective view of one embodiment of a body support structure.
FIG. 20 is a partial, front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a body support structure.
FIG. 21 is a partial, front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a body support structure.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a body support structure.
FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a body support structure.
FIG. 24 is a bottom review of the body support structure shown in FIG. 23.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIGS. 1-8, a body support structure includes a plurality of longitudinally extending strips 2 extending in a longitudinal direction 4. The strips are laterally spaced apart in lateral direction, such that the sides of adjacent strips do not overlap. The term “longitudinal” as used herein means running in a lengthwise direction, for example between the front and back of a seat and/or between the top and bottom of a backrest. The term “lateral” as used herein means running in a cross-direction 6, for example from side-to-side of a seat and back. In one embodiment, the sides of the strips are spaced apart so as to form gaps 8 therebetween. In various embodiments, the gaps 8 are between 0 and 12 mm, alternatively between 3 mm and 10 mm, and alternatively between 4 mm and 8 mm. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 5 and 6, each strip has a body facing surface 10, configured as an upper surface on a seat segment 12 and as a forwardly facing surface of a back support segment 14. The strips 2 can have an oval, obround, circular, elliptical or other cross-sectional shape. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the body facing surface 10 of at least some of the strips are curved in cross section taken along a lateral plane (see, e.g., FIG. 6). For example, the body facing surface has a flat portion which transitions to curved sides 18. In other embodiments, the entirely of the body facing surface is convex. Of course, it should be understood that different strips can have different cross-sections and that the same strip can have different cross-sections along its length. In addition, one or more of the strips may have rectangular, triangular, diamond, various polygonal shapes, or any other cross-sectional shape.
Referring to FIGS. 4A-7, the surface 12 of each strip facing opposite the body facing surface, e.g., the bottom of the seat segments 12 or the back of the back support segments 14, is configured with an elongated slot or groove 20 running longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of the strip 2, and in one embodiment along the entirety of the length of the strip. In one embodiment, the groove 20 has a rectangular profile taken in cross-section along a laterally extending plane, although it can be formed as a T-shaped recess, or with an oval, circular, obround, or triangular profile, or any other suitable profile shaped to receive a mounting or guide portion.
In one embodiment, the strips 2 are made of wood, or other organic materials, including for example bamboo. In various embodiments, the strips can be formed from solid or laminate bamboo. The strips are bent into a desired shape. The strips can also be made of other materials, including various metals and plastics. To form the strips, for example from bamboo, a laminate veneer is formed into a defined profile. Then, the oval cross-sectional shape and groove are then formed, for example by extrusion. The strip 2 is then bent and formed in the desired profile shape using heat and pressure. The frame structure coupled to the strips also can be formed from bamboo, for example laminated bamboo, or from other materials including wood, plastic and metal.
As shown in FIG. 1, the body support structure is formed from a plurality of strips. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the body support structure is formed from a single strip 102 that extends laterally to define the entirety of the body support structure. As shown in FIGS. 19-21, the widths of the individual strips, and the gaps between adjacent strips, can be varied along the lengths thereof such that the overall body support surface varies. For example, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the body support surface 30 is wider at top of the backrest and at the front of the seat, with the strips converging at the junction therebetween. The strips 2 in FIG. 20 are spaced closer together than the strips in FIG. 19. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 21, the body support surface is widened at the junction between the seat and backrest, and narrowed at the top of the back and at the front of the seat.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 18, the strips 2 or strip each have a seat segment 12 and a back support segment 14. The seat segment 12 has a front curved portion 32 and a rear portion 34. The back support segment has a bottom portion 36 joined to the rear portion of the seat segment, preferably by the strips being integrally formed at a curved junction 48. The back support segment further includes an upper portion 38 formed in an inverted J-shape. The upper portion 38 includes an end portion 40 spaced rearwardly from a back support portion 42, and a curved portion 44 joining the end portion 40 and the back support portion 42. The curved portions 44 of the plurality of strips, in combination, define an upper boundary of the backrest, which can be linear, curved or some combination thereof. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a first subset 50 of strips 2, arranged along a center of the backrest, are shorter than a second subset 52 of strips, arranged laterally outboard of the first subset 50, such that the backrest is taller along shoulder supporting portions thereof. The term “subset” refers to one or more strips. Of course, the relative length can be varied such that the center portion is the tallest, such that the height is the same across the width of the backrest, or in any other suitable and desired configuration. The strips can also be shaped and positioned such that the body facing support surface 30 across the middle of the back is not flat, but rather is curved inwardly (concave) so as to conform to the back of the user. Likewise, the strips can be shaped and positioned such that the body facing support surface across the seat is not flat, but rather is curved downwardly so as to conform to the legs and buttock of the user.
As shown in FIGS. 9-18, the strip 102 or strips 2 are coupled to a frame 60. In particular, the frame includes at least a laterally extending front (seat) cross member 62 and a laterally extending rear, upper (backrest) cross member 64. The front, curved portion 32 of the seat segments are fixedly and directly joined to the front cross member, and the end portion 40 of each upper portion is fixedly and directly joined to the rear cross member 64. The connection to the cross members 62, 64 is the only direct and fixed connection between the strips 2 and the frame 60. The terms “fixed” and “fixedly” as used herein mean securely placed or coupled such that there is no relative movement therebetween. The term “direct” means without an intervening component. In one embodiment, the connections to the cross members is the only connection, direct or indirect, between the strips 2, 102 and frame 6. The frame can be made of wood, metal, plastic or any other sufficiently rigid structural material, including without limitation bamboo. The frame can also be configured with a base providing height adjustment, rotation about a vertical axis, and/or a rocking motion about a horizontal axis.
As shown in the various embodiments, the cross members 62, 64 are joined to form the frame. It should be understood that the frame may include one or more receptacles configured to be connected to the end portions 32, 40 of the strips, and that such receptacles, even if made as separate components from the cross bar 62, 64 or other frame component, are considered part of frame, with the strips therefore being joined directly to the frame 60.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9-18, the rear cross member 64 can be joined to side members 66 that extend forwardly in the longitudinal direction to define armrests. The rear cross member and side members are integrally formed in one embodiment, for example in a U-shape when viewed from above. The side members can then be joined to legs, which are connected to the front cross members. The frame can further include a sled base 68 (see FIGS. 14 and 15), a plurality of legs 70 (FIG. 17), or a combination thereof (FIG. 16). The term “plurality” as used herein means two or more. As shown in FIGS. 9-13, an upper portion 66 of the side members is angled forwardly and downwardly from the rear cross member to form the armrest, with a lower portion 72 then angled downwardly and rearwardly to form a pair of rear legs. Another U-shaped frame component 74 is connected to the lower portions 72 and surrounds the rear portion of the seat/back segments without being attached thereto. The frame component has a pair of side frame members 76 extending forwardly and then downwardly so as to define a pair of front legs 78. The front cross member 62 spans the distance between and is connected to the front legs 78.
As shown in FIGS. 18 and 22, the body support structure is sufficiently wide so as to accommodate more than one user. In this configuration the structure forms a bench. The structure can also be made without a back (FIG. 22), with the strips 102 defining the seat segment simply being curved downwardly at both ends 232 and secured to a pair of cross-members 260, which are supported by legs 262.
Referring to FIGS. 4A-7, in one embodiment, the strips are further indirectly connected to the frame with a plurality of resilient, flexible elastomeric members 80 or strips that extend laterally between and are coupled to the side frame members 76. The elastomeric strips 80 include a plurality of guide portions 82 that are received in respective grooves 20 of adjacent strips 2, preferably with a press fit. The guide portions 82 can be further secured to the strips 2 with adhesives, fasteners and other securing devices. The guide portions 82 help maintain the spacing of the strips 2 and also ensure that the strips 2 are engaged and supported by the elastomeric members 80. The elastomeric members 80 can extend laterally across beneath and support the seat segment 12 of one or more strips 2, and/or extend across and support the back support segment 14 of one or more strips. The number and locations of the strips 80 can be varied to provide variable performance and support to the seat and back. For example and without limitation, as shown in one embodiment of FIGS. 23 and 24, two strips 80 are positioned under the seat segment 12, and three strips 80 are positioned behind the back support segment 14. The two elastomeric members supporting the seat segments are positioned respectively under the front portion of the seat segment to support the thighs of the user and under the rear portion of the seat segment to support the buttock of the user. The ends of the elastomeric members supporting the seat segments are secured to the laterally spaced apart frames. In other embodiments, the elastomeric members are connected to the strips 2, but not the frames. The elastomeric members supporting the back support segments are positioned in the upper thoracic region, the lumbar region and the lower sacral region. In this embodiment, the strips 80 supporting the back support segments interconnect the strips 2, but are not connected to the frame. In other embodiments, the ends of the strips are connected to and supported by the frame. Of course, it should be understood that a single strip can be used, or more than two/three strips. In another embodiment, a membrane of elastomeric material is coupled between the side frame members, or between front and back laterally extending cross members, or between longitudinally spaced members and laterally spaced members.
As shown in FIGS. 4B-4D, openings or holes 86 (circular, obround, diamond and/or other shapes) can be formed in the elastomeric strips 80 between the guide portions 82. The elastomeric strips 80 can be made of various thermoplastic polyether ester elastomer block copolymers, including for example Hytrel® elastomeric materials available from DuPont. A variety of other elastomers are also suitable.
In one embodiment, the strips or elastomeric members can be oriented, for example by increasing the alignment of the crystalline structure on a molecular level so that the load bearing characteristics are altered. One suitable method for orienting the strips is by stretching, for example to at least 1.5 times, and alternatively at least two times, an original dimension. In one embodiment, the strips are oriented cyclically by stretching and relaxing the member. Various materials and methods of orientation are disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. US 2006/0267258 A1, entitled “Load Bearing Surface,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
In operation, the user sits in the body support structure. The strips 2 bend individually to conform to the weight and position of the user. In particular, the backrest segments 14 of the strips 2 can independently flex forwardly and rearwardly, while the seat segments 12 of the strips 2 independently move up and down, with the connection between the seat and back segments 14, 12 providing for an integrated, ergonomic support. The strips 2 having backrest segments 14, and their connection to the seat segments 12, also provide for a twisting of the backrest, so as to promote flexibility of the shoulder blades and accommodate torsional movement of the backrest.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.
Patent Application
20090140568
