FURNITURE FOOT WITH INTEGRATED SLIDE MECHANISM

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to adjustable chairs with a plurality of adjustment points to facilitate enhanced user mobility and increase a user's physical activity through guided exercises and stretches. In one example embodiment, a chair is disclosed including a lifting mechanism to assist a user from a seating to a standing position and facilitates standing stretches through a number of motion and rotation mechanisms.

Description

BACKGROUND

a. Field

The instant disclosure relates to chairs; more specifically, to chairs for home healthcare and healthcare applications (among others).

b. Background Art

This invention generally relates to lift chairs and, more particularly, to reclinable lift chairs often used to assist in the care of invalids, elderly, disabled and/or persons recovering from injuries. Persons with a number of medical conditions often find the movement required to arise from a seated position particularly difficult. Persons who require lift chairs to assist in movement between a sitting and standing position are also often physically incapable of exercising and stretching without assistance. A persistent lack of stretching and exercise over time may further their physical degradation and reliance on aids such as lift chairs, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.

The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate the present field and should not be taken as a disavowal of claim scope.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The instant disclosure relates to adjustable chairs with a plurality of adjustment points to facilitate enhanced user mobility and increase a user's physical activity through guided exercises.

In one example embodiment, an adjustable chair is disclosed including a backrest including a back support structure, a seat including a seat support structure, a base including a base mount, a lifting mechanism and a reclining mechanism. The lifting mechanism couples the base mount and the seat support structure, and adjusts a pitch of the seat support structure. The reclining mechanism couples the seat support structure and the back support structure, and adjusts an attitude of the back support structure relative to the seat support structure.

In some more specific embodiments, an adjustable chair consistent with the present disclosure may include a backrest including a back support structure, a seat including a seat support structure, a base including a base mount; a lifting mechanism, a reclining mechanism, a yaw mechanism, a backrest mount and a roll mechanism. The lifting mechanism couples the base mount and the seat support structure, and adjusts a pitch of the seat support structure. The reclining mechanism couples the seat support structure and the back support structure, and adjusts an attitude of the back support structure relative to the seat support structure. The yaw mechanism is coupled between the base mount and the seat support structure, and adjusts a yaw of the backrest relative to the seat. The backrest mount is coupled to the back support structure via the roll mechanism, and the roll mechanism may roll the backrest mount relative to the back support structure.

Some aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods of operating an adjustable chair. In one example embodiment, the method includes receiving a user input indicative of a desired assisted exercise and/or stretch, and activating one or more of a plurality of mechanisms within the adjustable chair to facilitate the assisted exercise and/or stretch of the user.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various example embodiments may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a right side isometric view of a chair, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a front isometric view of the chair of FIG. 1A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C is a rear isometric view of the chair of FIG. 1A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1D is a right side isometric view of the chair of FIG. 1A in a standing configuration, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1E is a right side isometric view of the chair of FIG. 1A in a reclined configuration, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1F is a right side isometric view of the chair of FIG. 1A in a supine configuration, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1G is an isometric view of the chair of FIG. 1A in a standing configuration with the back-rest rolling with respect to the rest of the chair, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1H is an isometric view of the chair of FIG. 1A in a standing configuration with the back-rest yawing with respect to the rest of the chair, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is an isometric back view of a chair with the outer structure transparent to further illustrate the underlying chair structure, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is an isometric back view of the underlying chair structure of the FIG. 2A chair, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2C is an isometric front view of the underlying chair structure of FIG. 2B, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a close-up isometric right side view of a first embodiment of a lifting mechanism of the underlying chair structure of FIG. 2B, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a close-up isometric front view of a second embodiment of a lifting mechanism of the underlying chair structure of FIG. 2B, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a close-up isometric back view of a first embodiment of a roll mechanism of the underlying chair structure of FIG. 2B, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a close-up isometric back view of a second embodiment of a roll mechanism of the underlying chair structure of FIG. 2B, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a close-up isometric back view of a first embodiment of a yaw mechanism of the underlying chair structure of FIG. 2B, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a close-up isometric front view of a second embodiment of a yaw mechanism of the underlying chair structure of FIG. 2B, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is an isometric front view of a chair including a number of accessories, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is an isometric front view of a chair including a number of accessories, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a retractable foot/slider assembly for use with furniture, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure,

While various embodiments discussed herein are amenable to modifications and alternative forms, aspects thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure including aspects defined in the claims. In addition, the term “example” as used throughout this application is only by way of illustration, and not limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The instant disclosure relates to adjustable chairs with a plurality of motion and rotation mechanisms to facilitate enhanced user mobility and increase a user's physical activity through guided exercises and stretching. For example, a chair consistent with the present disclosure may include a lifting mechanism to assist a user from a seating to a standing position and facilitates standing stretches through the motion and rotation mechanisms of the chair limiting the need for direct caretaker intervention (during such stretches/exercises).

Often times people with and without physical limitations are unable to safely reach their physical fitness needs and goals, especially where their exercise requires intervention by a third-party for safety (e.g., to prevent a fall, or other injury). Additionally, the third-party may be a medical professional with limited availability (further limiting one's ability to regularly exercise). One particular benefit of a chair consistent with the present disclosure is the ability for a user with decreased mobility, for example, to safely stretch and exercise in conjunction with the chair without the need for direct caretaker involvement and greatly reduced risk of falls and other injuries.

Chairs consistent with the present disclosure have a myriad of applications and functionality, as will be clear in view of the drawings and detailed description herein. A few example features and functions are: back-rest (semi-)reclines, leg extension/raise, exercise from sitting and/or standing position, lift chair (sit to stand), facilitate physical exercise of many of the muscle groups of a user, physical therapy movements, mobility enhancement, muscle toning, upper core movements, lower extremity motion, leg raises, arm movements, leg movements, core movements and rotation, shoulder movements, supine flat user positioning, Trendelenburg (head lower) user positioning, full stand, partial stand, side-bending range of motion, up-down bending movements, among many others that will be clear to a skilled artisan in view of Applicant's disclosure herein.

Those having one or more of the following conditions, ailments, situations (among others) may benefit from the chair disclosed herein, including: Parkinson Disease, stroke patient, heart attack patient, Muscular Dystrophy, fatigue, obesity, the elderly, postpartum mothers, chronic migraine sufferers, brain injury, transitional care candidates, car accident patients, pain management, various chronic conditions, pre-surgery, post-surgical, sports-related injuries, genetic disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, work-related injuries, fall risk users; balance compromised users (e.g., dizziness, Vertigo), circulatory system conditions, neurological disorders, limited mobility, paralysis patients, Lymphedema, physical therapy patients, spinal injuries, high blood pressure, Diabetes, Dementia, Edema, Lymphatic system conditions, Multiple Sclerosis, mobility limited (e.g., chair confined users and those bedridden), joint(s) replacement(s) patients, muscle weakness, physical rehabilitation, range of motion, strength building/maintenance, among other various conditions, ailments, applications that will be readily apparent to a skilled artisan in view of Applicant's disclosure herein.

Applications for chairs disclosed herein may include, for example: at home use, nursery, nursing home, transitional care, hospice care, medical facilities, medical clinics, physical therapy/rehabilitation clinics, and fitness facilities.

Chairs consistent with the present disclosure facilitate user exercises and stretches including, for example: reach and grasp, upper core movements, lower extremity movements, neck movements, arm extensions, sit-to-stand, leg lifts, lunge, standing hip abduction, weight shift(s), (mini) squats (one or both legs), sitting trunk rotations, various balance exercises (e.g., stand with eyes open/close), step-ups, shoulder press, shoulder range of motion exercises, chest press, bicep curls, tricep extensions, core exercise, knee to chest, leg kicks, torso twists, modified squats, knee extensions, heel slides, side-to-side movements, calf raises, neck turn, seated backbend, up-down-push movements, stretching exercises, lateral flexion, overhead stretch, side stretch, hop stretch, calf stretches, ankle stretches, foot stretches, knee stretches, strength building/maintenance, among others.

The benefits of a chair consistent with the present disclosure may include, for example: improved user independence, reduced hospital visits, reduced need for at-home care, physical and occupational therapy visits, etc.

Various example embodiments may be more completely understood in view of the following detailed description presented in reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C illustrate a chair 101 consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The chair 101 includes a base 102, a seat 103, a backrest 104, primary armrests 105_A/B, auxiliary armrests 106_A/B, and a leg rest 107. As discussed in more detail below, the chair 101 includes a number of motion and rotation mechanisms that facilitate extension of the leg rest 107, reclining of the backrest 104, and lifting of the seat 103 to a vertical inclination. Rotation mechanisms may also be implemented between the seat 103 and backrest 104 which facilitate yaw and roll of the backrest 104 relative to the rest of the chair 101.

As discussed in more detail below, when the seat 103 is extended into a vertical inclination, auxiliary armrests 106_A/B which are coupled to the backrest 104 may be lowered to provide a user additional support and the ability to carry some of their standing weight through their upper body. In some embodiments, the primary armrests 105_A/B are coupled to a base 102 of the chair and remain static during various chair motions. In yet other embodiments, the primary armrests 105_A/B may be coupled to the backrest 104 and rest on the base 103 of the chair 101 when the chair is in a seated configuration. In such an embodiment, the auxiliary armrests 106_A/B are not necessary as the primary armrests serve both functions.

FIG. 1D is a right side isometric view of the chair 101 of FIG. 1A in a standing configuration, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure. To arrive at the standing configuration from a seating configuration of the chair 101, a first mechanism (lifting mechanism) between base 102 and seat 103 causes the seat to incline relative to the base to (a near) vertical position, while a second mechanism (reclining mechanism) between the seat 103 and the backrest 104 rotates the backrest in the opposite (rotational) direction until both the backrest and seat are (substantially) vertical. The standing configuration facilitates a user entering/exiting the chair 101 by allowing the user to decrease the amount of their weight they must support during the transition between sitting and standing. That is, the user may exert a portion of their weight on the auxiliary armrests 106_A/B throughout the transition period and the seat 103 shortly after motion of the chair 101 has begun.

As shown in FIG. 1D, the auxiliary armrests 106_A/B are lowered/extended so that the user may utilize them for lateral stability and weight transfer onto the chair as they enter/exit. To further reduce the risk of falls during the transition between sitting and standing, various embodiments of the chair 101 include one or more seatbelts/restraints/harnesses 108 which secure the user to the chair. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1D, a seatbelt 108 is coupled to a backrest 104 proximal to a seat portion 103. Accordingly, the seatbelt is positioned in proximity to a user's waist to provide stability at a user's core during the transition between sitting and standing, while also being at a natural bending point of the body (the hips) which makes this location more comfortable during use. In yet other embodiments, a three-point (or five-point harness) may be utilized so that a user may also transfer a portion of their weight through the harness and they rise/descent (or during various exercises and stretches).

FIG. 1E illustrates a reclined configuration of chair 101, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The backrest 104 is reclined relative to the seat 103 by a reclining mechanism (discussed in more detail in reference to FIG. 2A/B). Optionally, the leg rest 107 may be independently extended relative to the backrest reclining by a leg rest mechanism (discussed in more detail in reference to FIG. 2C).

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a user may individually control each mechanism (i.e., a reclining mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a leg rest mechanism, etc.) via a user interface (such as a remote) and/or by selecting a pre-programmed function (e.g., recline, stand, as well as various exercise and stretch programs).

FIG. 1F illustrates the chair 101 of FIG. 1A in a supine configuration, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In a supine configuration, the backrest 104, seat bottom 103, and leg rest 107 are all (substantially) horizontally orientated at approximately the same elevation. To arrive at the supine configuration from the seated configuration, the reclining mechanism and leg rest mechanism must be operated. Using servo motors, for example, each of these particular positions (seating configurations) may be accurately repeated by controller circuitry of the chair 101.

In yet further embodiments, a reclining mechanism may further extend the backrest so to place the user into the Trendelenburg position (where the user's head is lower than the rest of their body). That is, the seat bottom 103 and leg rest 107 are (substantially) horizontally oriented and the backrest 104 is declining relative thereto. In such an embodiment, the reclining mechanism facilitates a rotation between the seating configuration and the Trendelenburg position of approximately 180 degrees.

For clarity, FIGS. 1E/F are illustrated without auxiliary armrests 106_A/B. However, in some embodiments the auxiliary armrests 106_A/B may be removeable as desired. Alternatively, the auxiliary armrests 106_A/B may be rotationally coupled to facilitate swinging the auxiliary armrests 106_A/B out of the way when not in use. In yet other embodiments, auxiliary armrests 106_A/B may be telescoping and extend/retract out of the backrest 104. In yet more specific embodiments, the auxiliary armrests 106_A/B may be stored in a storage compartment of base 102 (as shown in reference to FIG. 6A) while the chair 101 is in a seated configuration (among others).

FIG. 1G illustrates a standing configuration of chair 101 with the backrest 104 rolling 115 back-and-forth with respect to the rest of the chair. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 1D, in the standing configuration the various mechanisms (lifting mechanism, reclining mechanism, and leg rest support) of the chair position the leg rest 107, seat 103 and backrest 104 all into (substantially) vertical alignment. When in the standing configuration, a user utilizing the chair 101 is standing immediately adjacent the seat. The user may be secured to the chair with seatbelt 108 and have their forearms resting on auxiliary armrests 106_A/B. The rolling motion 115 of the backrest allows the user to conduct, for example side-to-side stretching, and/or oblique strengthening exercises in a controlled environment greatly reducing the likelihood of an injury (such as a fall). Particularly, where the user loses their lateral stability, the seatbelt 108 and/or auxiliary armrests 106_A/B may facilitate the user restoring their balance. In addition, where the user is unable to carry their entire weight through their legs, the user may carry a portion of their weight through their forearms via the auxiliary armrests 106_A/B.

It is to be understood that controller circuitry of the chair 101 may facilitate motion of one or more of the mechanisms simultaneously to facilitate fluid multi-axis motions of the chair 101 thereby allowing the user to naturally stretch and exercise in conjunction with the chair. A user interface of the chair, communicatively coupled to the controller circuitry, allows the user to select a single stretch/exercise, pre-programmed exercise/stretch routines, and/or create customized stretch/exercise routines.

FIG. 1H illustrates a standing configuration of chair 101 with the backrest 104 yawing 120 with respect to the rest of the chair. When in the standing configuration, a user utilizing the chair 101 is standing immediately adjacent the seat. The user may be secured to the chair with seatbelt 108 and have their forearms resting on auxiliary armrests 106_A/B. The yawing motion 120 of the backrest 104 allows the user to conduct rotational stretching of their upper-body in a controlled environment greatly reducing the likelihood of an injury (such as a fall). Particularly, where the user loses their lateral stability, the seatbelt 108 and/or auxiliary armrests 106_A/B may facilitate the user restoring their balance. In addition, where the user is unable to carry their entire weight through their legs, the user may carry a portion of their weight through their forearms via the auxiliary armrests 106_A/B.

In one specific embodiment, yaw motion 120 may be implemented simultaneously with a inclining/reclining motion of the chair to allow the user to conduct assisted rotational crunches and/or oblique crunches from a semi-upright or reclined position of the chair 101.

In some specific embodiments, the yaw and roll motions illustrated in FIGS. 1G and 1H (in addition to one or more of the other motions of the chair disclosed herein) may be conducted in series or simultaneously, as may be necessary for various stretching and strength training exercises. These various stretches and exercises may be programmed into controller circuitry for the various mechanisms of the chair to facilitate a user individually selecting a stretch or exercise, or selecting a pre-programmed set of stretches/exercises.

FIG. 2A is an isometric back view of a chair 201 with the outer structure illustrated in transparency to show the underlying chair structure 230, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIG. 2B, the underlying chair structure 230 is shown in a standing configuration. A base plate 231 is coupled to a base mount 232. The base mount 232 is then rotationally coupled to a seat support structure 233 via lifting mechanism 235. The seat support structure 235 is then rotationally coupled to the back support structure 234 via a reclining mechanism 238 and yaw mechanism 236. Finally, the back support structure 234 is coupled to a backrest mount 237 via the roll mechanism 241.

Controller circuitry may simultaneously (or in series) operate one or more of these various mechanisms to facilitate a user desired motion of the chair 201.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the various support structures are ladder frame designs for improved structural rigidity while minimizing overall weight. However, it is to be appreciated that various other support structure designs/shapes may be readily implemented. For example, each support structure may consist of a central spine with lateral splines extending therefrom.

FIG. 2C is an isometric front view of the underlying chair structure 230 in a seating configuration. As more clearly shown in FIG. 2C, the underlying chair structure 230 further includes a leg rest support 239 which is rotationally coupled to the base mount 232 via leg rest mechanism 240. While the leg rest mechanism 240 shares the same hinge axis as the lifting mechanism 235, the leg rest mechanism 240 may operate independently of the lifting mechanism 235.

To achieve the up-right seating configuration (shown in FIG. 2C) from the standing configuration (shown in FIG. 2B), reclining mechanism 238 rotates in a clockwise direction re-positioning the back support structure 234 relative to the seat support structure 233 into an approximately 90 degree angle. Similarly, the lifting mechanism 235 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction repositioning the seat support structure 233 to be (substantially) horizontal.

To achieve the roll rotation illustrated in FIG. 1G, a roll mechanism 241 (shown in FIG. 2B) is activated by controller circuitry. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the roll mechanism may be a servo/motor encoder mounted to the back support structure 234 and directly rotates the backrest mount 237 (to which the backrest 104 is mounted). In an alternative embodiment, the roll mechanism is a rack and pinion design (as discussed in more detail in reference to FIG. 4A).

FIG. 3A is a close-up isometric back view of a first embodiment of a lifting mechanism 335 of the underlying chair structure 330 of FIG. 2B, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Base mount 332 and seat support structure 333 are rotatably coupled together at a first hinge point 345. One or more linear actuators 3481/2 are coupled between the base mount 332 and seat support structure 333 at a mechanically advantageous position. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, two linear actuators 3481/2 are rotationally coupled to the base mount 332 at second hinge point 347 and the seat support structure 333 at third hinge 346. In response to an electrical signal from seat controller circuitry, the linear actuators 3481/2 effect positive/negative linear motion 349. As the base mount 332 is static, the linear motion 349 effects the pitch of the seat support structure 333 (and back support structure 234).

FIG. 3B is a close-up isometric front view of a second embodiment of a lifting mechanism 335′ of the underlying chair structure 330′ of FIG. 2B, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Base mount 332 and seat support structure 333 are rotatably coupled together at a first hinge point 345 (as shown in FIG. 3A). The lifting mechanism 335′ includes a (servo) motor 350 this is statically coupled to the base mount 332 and is rotatably coupled to the seat support structure 333 along an axis of the first hinge point 345. In response to an electrical signal from seat controller circuitry, the (servo) motor 350 effects (counter-)clockwise rotation motion 351. As the base mount 332 is static, the rotation motion 351 effects the pitch of the seat support structure 333 (and back support structure 234).

In one specific embodiment of the lifting mechanism 335′, the motor may be a servo motor with planetary gear reducers to increase torque needed to lift a user of the chair.

FIG. 4A is a close-up isometric back view of a first embodiment of a roll mechanism 441 of the underlying chair structure 430 of FIG. 2B, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The roll mechanism 441 is mounted on a brace 457 of a back support structure 434. In the present embodiment, the roll mechanism 441 is a rack and pinion design. The racks 455_A/B, in response to an electrical signal from controller circuitry, induce a (counter-) clockwise rotation of pinion 456 which is directly coupled to a backrest mount 437 (and backrest 104). The pinion 456 may be rotatably coupled to a shaft which extends through a bearing in the brace 457 and coupled to the backrest mount 437 on the opposite side to reduce the effect of friction on the roll mechanism 441.

FIG. 4B is a close-up isometric back view of a second embodiment of a roll mechanism 441′ of the underlying chair structure 430′ of FIG. 2B, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The roll mechanism 441′ includes a (servo) motor 458 mounted on brace 457 of back support structure 434. The motor 458 may be directly coupled to the backrest mount 437 via a drive shaft of the motor that extends through an aperture in the brace 457. In an alternative embodiment, the roll mechanism 441′ may further include gearing to increase torque.

FIG. 5A is a close-up isometric back view of a first embodiment of a yaw mechanism 536 of the underlying chair structure 530 of FIG. 2B, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The yaw mechanism 536 includes a rotary motor 560 coupled to a back support structure 534 and further utilizes a 4-bar mechanical linkage 561 coupled to the drive shaft of the motor 560 and the seat support structure 533 to affect yaw adjustment between the back support structure 534 and seat support structure 533 in response to a rotation of the motor 560 initiated by an electrical signal transmitted from seat controller circuitry. In some specific embodiments, the yaw mechanism 536 may further include hard stops 563 which limit the total yaw adjustment the yaw mechanism may induce between the back support structure 534 and seat support structure 533.

FIG. 5B is a close-up isometric front view of a second embodiment of a yaw mechanism 536′ of the underlying chair structure 530′ of FIG. 2B, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some specific embodiments, the yaw mechanism 536′ may further include a yaw limiting mechanism 563_1-2 which limits the total yaw adjustment the yaw mechanism may induce between the back support structure 534 and seat support structure 533. As shown in FIG. 5B, the yaw limiting mechanism 563_1-2 includes grooves that extend circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the motor 560 into a surface of the back support structure 534, and complimentary pins that are coupled to the seat support structure 533 extend up through a portion of the grooves. The yaw mechanism's yaw adjustment is mechanically limited when the pins come into contact with ends of the grooves.

It is to be understood that the various mechanisms disclosed herein (e.g., lifting mechanism, roll mechanism, yaw mechanism, and leg rest mechanism) may utilize any one of the various mechanism solutions disclosed in the present application with respect to other portions of the chair.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the motor 560 is coupled to the back support structure 534 via a direct coupling 562. A drive shaft of the motor 560 extends through the direct coupling 562 and an aperture extending through a portion of the back support structure 534, and is coupled to the seat support structure 533. In response to an electrical signal from seat controller circuitry, the motor 560 induces a torque between the back support structure 534 and the seat support structure 533 to effect yaw motion therebetween.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are isometric front views of a chair 601, consistent with the present disclosure, including a number of accessories. The chair 601 may include a headrest 670 which is removeable. Moreover, in some embodiments, the headrest 670 may be adjustable in height relative to the backrest 604 to accommodate users of various heights. The headrest 670 may be compression fit to a top of the backrest 604 or be mechanically coupled thereto.

The chair 601 may further include storage compartments 672 under one or more of the primary armrests 605_A/B. As shown in FIG. 6A, the primary armrests may be hinged on one side to allow for access to the storage compartment thereunder.

The chair 601 may further include a table 671 coupled to a base 602 of the chair via a table support 674. The table support 674 may be telescoping to facilitate various table heights. In some embodiments, the table 671 may be collapsed into the storage compartment 672 of primary armrest 605_A and stored therein.

To facilitate user control of the chair 601, the chair may further include a wired/wireless controller 673 or other user interface (such as a touch-screen tablet) that allows for a user to select various functions of the chair including various stretches and exercises as discussed herein. Controller circuitry of the chair 601 may include wireless communication modules, such as a wireless communication module capable of Bluetooth® communication protocol, to facilitate receiving control inputs from a user's cellphone, tablet, or other electronics device.

FIG. 7 is a retractable foot/slider assembly 780 for use with furniture (among various other applications which will be clear to a skilled artisan in view of Applicant's disclosure herein), consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment of the present disclosure the assembly 780 may be used to extend one or more sliders 781 which facilitate movement of the item supported by the assembly on a hard surface, carpet, etc. In such an embodiment, when the furniture is in use, the sliders 781 are retracted and the furniture interacts with a floor via the base 702 of the assembly. In yet other embodiments, the assembly 780 may be used to level furniture. In such an embodiment, each corner of the furniture may have an assembly 780 and a user may adjust each foot 781 independently to achieve a desired level.

In operation, retractable foot/slider assembly 780 may receive an input torque on drive input 785 (via a user) which turns a primary gear 784 (worm gear) coupled to the same input shaft as the drive input 785. Rotation of the worm gear 784 rotates secondary gear 783 (with a mechanical advantage). The secondary gear 783 is coupled to an output shaft 786. At least a portion of the output shaft 786 is a female threaded rod. The secondary gear 783 (a spur gear) is rotationally coupled to the base 702, and accordingly the female threaded rod of the output shaft 786 rotates in response to an input torque on the drive input 785. A male threaded rod 782 is coupled to a foot/slider 781. In response to the respective rotation of the female threaded rod of the output shaft 786, which is threaded about the male threaded rod 782, the male threaded rod retracts or extends the foot/slider 781 relative to the base 702.

Importantly, due to the horizontal orientation of the drive input 785, a user may access and manipulate the retractable foot/slider assembly 780 single-handed and without requiring that the furniture be lifted to facilitate adjustment of the assembly (as is common with prior art furniture legs).

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the foot/slider 781 may be replaced with a castor wheel. In such an embodiment a piece of furniture, equipment or other object to which occasional movement is desirable, may regularly sit on a base 702 of the assembly 780 for optimal stability; however, when relocation of the item is desirable, castor wheels 781 may be extended from a cavity of the base 702 so that the weight of the item is transferred from the bottom of the base 702 to the castor wheels 781—thereby facilitating easy relocation of the item.

With further respect to FIG. 7, the gearing ratio between the worm gear 784 and secondary gear 783 may be adjusted to improve mechanical advantage for heavier items being supported by the assembly 780 (thereby improving ease of use), or reducing the mechanical advantage to facilitate expedited extension/retraction of the foot/slider/castor wheel 781.

Depending on the application, the drive input 785 may facilitate hand adjustment (via a handle), receive a Philips or flat-head screw driver, or in more industrial applications receive a standard sized socket wrench. In yet more specific embodiments, the drive input may be coupled to a (servo-)motor communicatively coupled with controller circuitry of a chair consistent with the present disclosure. In such an embodiment, a user may initiate extending/retracting of the feet/sliders 781 via a controller to facilitate cleaning under the chair, re-positioning, leveling, etc. When used in conjunction with one or more on-board tilt sensors, controller circuitry of the chair may automatically adjust the respective feet/sliders to achieve a perfect level.

In some specific embodiments of the retractable foot/slider assembly 780, the primary and secondary gears are both bevel gears.

As discussed throughout the present disclosure, chair controller circuitry in response to a user input may implement various mechanisms of the chair to facilitate various exercises and stretches. In addition, the controller circuitry may utilize a speaker and/or display to verbally/visually communicate exercise/stretch instructions or to communicate upcoming actions. In addition, controller circuitry may facilitate voice activation of various functions.

As various applications of a chair in accordance with the present disclosure include users at high-risk for falls. Various safety feature may be implemented to reduce the risk or injury associate with the chair's use. For example, and as discussed in more detail above, a seatbelt (also referred to as a gait belt) may be utilized. In some more specific embodiments, two or more gait belts, a 3-point harness, or a 5-point harness may be utilized to further secure users with enhanced muscle weakness. In some specific embodiments, one or more ends of the belts and/or harnesses may be coupled to the chair structure via a force/pressure sensor. In response to excess force being exerted on the force/pressure sensor when the chair is in a standing configuration during an exercise/stretch (e.g., indicative of a user losing their footing and hanging from the belt/harness), the controller circuitry may automatically return the chair to an up-right seated configuration to allow the user to rest and regain their footing before proceeding.

In addition, the chair may include one or more panic buttons (such as near the base of the chair). When a user is in distress, such as after a fall, a user is more likely to reach a panic button in proximity to the floor.

The chair may also utilize one or more sensors to detect user presence. For example, a pressure/force sensor may be positioned between a seat support structure and a seat of the chair. When in use, in the up-right seated configuration, a sudden absence of a signal from the pressure/force sensor indicative of the user's presence may indicate a fall and trigger an audible/visual alarm for third-person intervention. In more specific embodiments, chair controller circuitry may be communicatively coupled to emergency services to facilitate alerting medical personality that a fall may have occurred.

Although several embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present teachings. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

Various embodiments are described herein of various apparatuses, systems, and methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments, the scope of which is defined solely by the appended claims.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Various modules or other circuits may be implemented to carry out one or more of the operations and activities described herein and/or shown in the figures. In these contexts, a “module” is a circuit that carries out one or more of these or related operations/activities (e.g., chair controller circuitry). For example, in certain of the above-discussed embodiments, one or more modules are discrete logic circuits or programmable logic circuits configured and arranged for implementing these operations/activities. In certain embodiments, such a programmable circuit is one or more computer circuits programmed to execute a set (or sets) of instructions (and/or configuration data). The instructions (and/or configuration data) can be in the form of firmware or software stored in and accessible from a memory (circuit). As an example, first and second modules include a combination of a CPU hardware-based circuit and a set of instructions in the form of firmware, where the first module includes a first CPU hardware circuit with one set of instructions and the second module includes a second CPU hardware circuit with another set of instructions.

Certain embodiments are directed to a computer program product (e.g., nonvolatile memory device), which includes a machine or computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions which may be executed by a computer (or other electronic device) to perform these operations/activities.

Claims

1. A retractable foot assembly comprising: an input shaft including an input drive mounted configured and arranged to receive an external torque, anda primary gear configured and arranged to receive the external torque applied to the input drive via the input shaft primary geara male threaded rod;a female threaded hollow shaft axially aligned with and circumferentially extending about the male threaded roda secondary gear coupled to the female threaded hollow shaft and circumferentially extending about the male threaded rod, the secondary gear configured and arranged to receive the external torque from the primary gear, thereby rotating the female threaded rod relative to the male threaded rod; andfoot/slider coupled to an end of the vertical output shaft.

2. The retractable foot assembly of claim 1, wherein the gear ratio of the secondary gear to the primary gear results in a mechanical advantage.

3. The retractable foot assembly of claim 1, wherein the input drive is horizontally-oriented and the male threaded rod coupled to the foot/slider is vertically-oriented.

4. The retractable foot assembly of claim 1, wherein the primary gear is a worm gear and the secondary gear is a spur gear.

5. The retractable foot assembly of claim 1, wherein the primary and secondary gears are both bevel gears.

6. The retractable foot assembly of claim 1, wherein the input drive is configured and arranged to receive an external torque from at least one of the following sources: a handle, a socket wrench, and a screw driver.

7. The retractable foot assembly of claim 1, wherein the foot/slider is one of the following: a foot, a slider configured and arranged to allow lateral movement of an object supported by the retractable foot, and a castor wheel.

8. The retractable foot assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly is configured and arranged to be mounted to the bottom of a piece of furniture in conjunction with two or more other retractable foot assemblies.

9. The retractable foot assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly is configured and arranged to raise/lower the foot/slider in response to a direction of the external torque applied to the input drive.

10. The retractable foot assembly of claim 1, further including a base that at least partially houses the input drive, primary and secondary gears, female threaded rod, and the foot/slider; and wherein the foot/slider is a slider and the slider is configured and arranged in response to the external torque applied to the input drive shaft, to extend out of the base and facilitate a reduced frictional coefficient between a piece of furniture mounted to the assembly and a floor, andin response to a second external torque applied to the input drive shaft in an opposite rotational direction to the external torque, to retract into the base whereby the weight of the piece of furniture is transferred to the base.

11. The retractable foot assembly of claim 1, further including a base that at least partially houses the input drive, primary and secondary gears, female threaded rod, and the foot/slider; and wherein the foot/slider is a foot configured and arranged in response to the external torque applied to the input drive shaft to extend out of the base and facilitate leveling a piece of furniture mounted to the assembly relative to a floor.