Patent Application
20210298476
This invention relates to the field of chairs and specifically, configurable, high quality gaming chairs. It relates to gaming chairs that are aesthetically pleasing, geometrically configured to comfortably fit a large range of users, are easily configurable so that a user can have a variety of orientations and configurations and to gaming chairs that have a multitude of accessories, such as shelving systems, cup holders, game controller holders, drawers, power outlets, USB outlets, stereo speakers, bass seat thrusters, and lights just to mention a few.
This invention is for a gaming chair and or a gaming chair system. This chair ideally has a solid base with high end casters and wheels; a solid core structure; a base seat that has unusually high seat sides, wings, or bolsters so as to hug a user; extremely adjustable and beautifully detailed arm rests; a self-adjusting internally constructed S-Shaped lumbar support; an over-sized, built in head rest; and a wide range of adjustability, all manufactured from exquisite, high end materials so that the chair is commercial grade with extreme attention to detail, style, comfort and durability.
One of the problems associated with existing gaming chairs and other chair systems currently in the market is that they typically follow a standard racing car seat configuration. Another problem is that they are manufactured using sub-par materials. Another is that there is little attention to detail and style. There is little quality control and the chairs are not aesthetically pleasing. The existing gaming chairs do not comfortably fit a large range of users, at least in the lower end chairs, and they do not allow a user to rearrange different components or accessories, reorient the accessories or change out different platforms. In other words, the known chairs have limited accessories and are generally fixed in a set position and the user is unable to change out the accessories to make different configurations and thus there is no way to adjust or change the original orientation of the chair. The user is stuck with the original chair configuration and is unable to adjust, modify, or change the original chair orientation. The user is also unable to add or change the chair configuration. There are limited accessories for different uses and different purposes. Because of this limited adjustability the user is forced to purchase or obtain different chairs for different uses instead of being able to purchase one chair and then have a variety of accessories to add to and to modify the chair. Also, because of the current chair configurations it is typically required to have different chair sizes, such as small, medium and large, thus forcing the manufacturer to produce larger inventories and a larger array of chairs, rather than having one chair that will comfortably fit a wider range of users. Having to manufacture multiple chair sizes is costly, is inconvenient and is environmentally unfriendly.
The present invention solves these and other problems by providing a chair and chair system that is rugged, commercial grade, and reliable. It is also configurable, adjustable and changeable depending upon the user's needs and desires. It has a built in S-Shaped spine along with a built-in lumbar support and a built-in headrest. Thus, the disclosed systems of the present invention are much more useable, comfortable, solid, adaptable, configurable, changeable, utilitarian, functional, practical and even expandable.
The present invention provides a chair that is designed to fit a wide range of users. Typically, chairs are manufactured and fit a limited number of users and the manufacturer is forced to create several different sizes to fit a variety of users. This is due to the chair configuration, design and layout. The present invention uses unique design attributes that allow a single chair configuration to fit an almost unlimited user size range. This is extremely important as it is more environmentally friendly, is easier for resellers as they only have to carry one chair size, and it allows many different sized individuals in a single household to comfortably use the same chair.
In addition, the chair can also have a configurable accessory system that includes a variety of accessory accepting members combined with a variety of accessories. The system typically has a base with wheels, an adjustable cylinder to support a seat, and then a variety of accessory accepting units configured about the chair that can receive a variety of accessories. These accessories can be any of a variety of accessories.
The present invention also can accept other accessories configured about the chair. It also may be powered so that the accessory accepting units are powered. A more detailed explanation is provided in the following specification.
Presently, conventional gaming chairs and gaming chair systems are typically simple and singularly utilitarian, they are typically made of sub-par materials and are not very aesthetically pleasing. In addition, the headrests are often smaller in size, the lumbar supports are not very supportive, and both the headrests and lumbar supports are often sold as add-ons that you simply place behind your neck and back, rather than being a built-in, more solid, substantial supports. Overall, current chairs in the market seem to have pillows for lumbar support and head rest and these are typically not constructed of quality materials, thus resulting in inferior end products that lack durability. Also, current chairs tend to not fit a wide range of users. In an effort to solve this problem the present invention features an internal S Curve that is built into the back. This internal frame member better accommodates a wider range of user sizes. This S curve is designed to better accommodate the spine, it works with a wide range of users and has excellent usability and longevity. Also, a user can purchase a chair for one use and it generally can only be used for that one specific use. For example, if a user desires a chair for gaming the chair typically has limited configurability. One embodiment of the present invention provides for a configurable chair system that has a variety of accessories and that is virtually limitless in its applications.
CHAIR. The FIGS. show a first embodiment of the inventive subject matter.
This is the typical configuration for the first embodiment of this invention. This configuration is different from what currently exists in the chair industry for a variety of reasons. First, the chair features the raised side bolsters 111. These bolsters run along both sides of the seat and along both sides of the back. They provide additional support and comfort for the user. These are unique in that they are quite high in configuration, thus holding the user in place in the chair. Typically, the chair seating surface is flat, or slightly contoured to match a user's buttocks, or is designed from a foam membrane that will conform to the contours of the user's buttocks. The present invention uses a similar compressible internal core membrane 110 that is at least one membrane thick, but also uses the raised side bolsters 111 on opposing sides of the chair seat and along the opposing sides of the back. These wings 111 wrap and hug the user into place while seated, thus providing a more comfortable, secure seat feeling. In addition, they also help displace some of the user's weight from the seat to the sides so that the buttocks does not easily become tired or strained from extended sitting. These first bolsters are between 2 and 12 inches high, and in the preferred embodiment they are approximately 3 to 6 inches high. Another pair of bolsters also run up the back of the chair. These bolsters perform the same general function, to wrap and hug the user in the chair, and to provide additional body support for the user. These bolsters are between 2 and 12 inches high and in the preferred embodiment they are approximately 3 to 6 inches high.
Next, the chair features adjustable arm rests 117, 118, as shown in
The chair also features a built in, internal lumbar support 120 as shown in
This first embodiment also has an extra-long, oversized, built-in headrest 121, as shown in
The chair also features an internal, S-Shaped spine, shown in
The S-Shaped spine, combined with the internal headrest and lumbar support also allows the chair to conform to an exceptionally large number of users. In other words, users of differing heights, widths and weights. In fact, the chair has been tested to comfortably fit users from 4′11″ to 6′2″. Statistically speaking, there is less than 5% of the adult population in the United states that is less than 4′11″ tall. Conversely, there is also less than 5% of the population that is greater than 6′2″ tall. Thus, the chair will comfortably fit the vast majority of potential users.
Also, in order to accommodate the larger number of users and larger differences in users, the chair is built to commercial grade standards. Although not specifically designed as a bariatric chair, the chair will support users over 350 pounds. 350 pounds is the recommended maximum load, but realistically speaking, the design and materials actually can withstand weights much greater. This chair has passed Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association, or “BIFMA” testing. This is an extremely rigid product conformance requirement standards used for commercial grade furniture. This standard is extremely difficult to meet and the tests are extremely difficult to pass. However, the present chair meets and exceeds these requirements, all while providing a chair at a reasonable price to the consumer.
A final unique aspect of the present embodiment is ability to recline to a full 185 degrees. Ideally the chair would be limited to 155 degrees in order to meet certain safety and tilt conditions set by BIFMA but the chair can recline a full 185 degrees in certain configurations. This extreme degree of reclineability provides exceptionally diverse configurability and provides exceptional stress relief to an extremely wide range of users.
In addition to the unique features and attributes outline herein, the chair features many of the common mechanisms and features found in other chairs, including steel frame construction, deluxe PU leather, multi-tilt seat, tilt lock, tilt angle lock, nylon wheel base and detailed accent stitching.
Accessory Chair
In a second embodiment, shown in
There are many gaming chairs in the industry but most, if any, have no way to affix accessories to the chair. This second embodiment has several ways to allow for the attachment and/or storage of gaming accessories or other accessories or items. First, this embodiment has the accessory holder 201 integrated into the chair design. Ideally this accessory holder 201 is a basket shaped unit that is hidden beneath the chair when not in use. The accessory holder can be used to store game controllers, extra video game cartridges, other gaming devices or anything else that the user may want to secure out of sight. This accessory holder 201 has a means to hide and reveal the holder from beneath the seat. In one embodiment, the system has two rails 203 affixed to the seat bottom 108. The accessory holder 201 has mating accessory holder rails 204 that are slidably connected to the first two rails 203 so that the accessory holder 201 can be slid back into a hidden position beneath the chair or pulled out to a revealed position so that the user can insert or remove devices such as game controllers from the accessory holder 201.
Next, this embodiment features the same raised bolsters 111 as in the first embodiment and the description thereof will not be included here.
This embodiment also features padded and patterned arm rests 122, as shown in
Next, as shown in
The accessory receiver 202 can be constructed as an add on to the arm rest so that it is on a lower portion of the arm rest. However, in a preferred embodiment it is discreetly built into at least one of the arms and can be built into both arms if a larger number of accessories is desired. In a most preferred embodiment the accessory receiver 202 is virtually invisible such that an outside observer would not immediately notice its presence within the arm member. The idea is to camouflage the receiver so as to retain the aesthetic look and feel of the chair.
The examples given herein are not limiting and can be any of a wide variety of embodiments. It is to be expressly understood that other embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims.
The chair can also have a footrest. The footrest can be of the type that simply folds down and is then basically vertical to the floor, or it can actually fold all the way down and then up and under the chair. Alternatively, the footrest can be mounted to sliders that slide out from the bottom of the chair and whereafter the footrest flips over the top and out, or flips down and up and then locks into position. There are a number of ways for the footrest securement, concealment and release and any one of these can be incorporated into the chair design.
POWERED CHAIR. A final embodiment is the gaming chair of the first two embodiments, shown in
This system is unique in that it is a powered chair. There are multiple ways to provide power to this system. The first embodiment features a chair that has a centrally located power supply 300 that controls the power output to a variety of powered connectors 301 that then provide power to a variety of powered accessories. This power supply 300 controls the output voltage to these power connectors 301. The power supply 300 has a cable 306 that is internally configured and concealed within the chair itself so that it is not exposed. This cable 306 is run through the chair, preferably in a concealed compartment down the center of the chair, and out from the chair so that it can then be connected to an external power outlet. The power outlet provides power to the chair through cable 306 and then to the power supply 300 that then provides power to the variety of power connectors 301. These power connectors 301 can be any of a variety of powered connectors 301, including onboard outlets 302, USB connectors 303, wireless charging devices 304, or any other type of powered connector 301.
Another embodiment is similar to the first powered embodiment except for the fact that the onboard power supply 300 is an onboard battery 305. This system may also include the onboard power supply in order to regulate and control the voltage of power disseminated to the accessory power connectors 301. This battery 305 is ideally a rechargeable battery that can either be removed from the chair and recharged remotely or it can have a means to recharge while it is still affixed to the chair. This could be a connectable cable 307 that can be attached to the battery 305 and to an external power source. Once the battery 305 is recharged the charging cable 307 can be disconnected so as to allow the chair to move around freely without being tethered to the cable 307. After the battery 305 is depleted the chair can be plugged in again so as to recharge the battery 305. The time to recharge will depend entirely on the size and age of the internal battery. This battery is also interchangeable so that if the original battery fails or becomes unusable due to age it may be replaced.
In any embodiment that features the powered system, whether it be directly connected to the external power source or if being driven by the onboard battery, the system is designed to have a wide variety of accessories. The number of powered accessories is unrestricted and should not be limited by the claim language included herein.
One set of accessories is a speaker system, as shown in
Another set of accessories is lights and lighting. For example, the chair could have lighting accessories that are incorporated into the back, seat or base of the chair. There could be reading lights built into the chair or there could be any number of ambient mood lights incorporated into the structure. These lights could be on all the time or they could respond to the game or music. They can be around the perimeter of the chair back or seat or can be placed virtually anywhere, such as in patterns across the back that maybe spell out a name or can be programmed to spell out different words or phrases. These lights, wherever and however located are preferably LED lights so as to limit power consumption but they of course can be any type of light.
Another accessory that can be built into the chair is a massage system. There are many chairs that currently exist that have massage components incorporated into the design, but none that are designed like a gaming chair. Ideally the system would be a more sleek and stylish design than what currently exists. Also, it could be built into a system that features the onboard battery 305 and so the chair would not have to be stationary, but could be moveable. Alternatively, the chair could be plugged in using the recharging/power cable 307. This would provide unlimited power to the chair.
Next there could be a variety of charging systems built in. For example, there could be a variety of USB ports available for charging phones, laptops, tablets, game controllers, etc. There could be Qi wireless charging platforms or holders built in, such as directly into the arm rests or as an accessory that slides out from the side arms. There could be powered drink warmers or drink coolers. There could also be built in computers or onboard screen displays built into the chair that can be pulled from recessed or hidden compartments. Finally, there could be standard electrical outlets onboard that allow a user to plug in devices for charging. These could be 110 or 220 depending on the region and location of the user. Overall, the number, type and variety of electrical charging ports is unlimited as long as the chair has a way to provide power, such as through the onboard battery 305 or directly through remote power provided to the chair via the recharging/power cable 306.
It is to be expressly understood that other embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Moreover, component configurations and combinations of embodiments may diverge from the embodiments shown and described. Thus, the scope of the present invention includes various substitutions and assemblies among the versatile and configurable gaming chair systems beyond the particular embodiments illustrated and specified herein.
It is therefore contemplated that other embodiments not illustrated in the drawings or described herein are considered to be within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, configurations and combinations of the components of the chair system shown and described not specifically shown may diverge from those specified herein. The scope of the present invention thus includes any equivalent configuration or combination of the embodiments described and elements claimed.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62957591 | Jan 2020 | US |
