Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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MOBILE CHAIR, METHOD OF OPERATION ASSOCIATED THERETO, AND KIT
FOR ASSEMBLING THE SAME
Field of the invention:
The present disclosure relates to mobile chairs, such as rocking chairs, for
example. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a mobile chair
with an
improved motion assembly, a method of operation associated thereto, and a kit
for
assembling the mobile chair.
Background of the invention:
Mobile chairs, such as rocking chairs, are known in the art. The typical
rocking
chair or rocker is a chair which allows a user to rock back and forth while
remaining
seated.
The classical design of two curved bands attached to the bottom legs of the
chair is well known, but rocking chairs on the market today can take many
different
configurations. Some rocking chairs can also use different mechanisms for
rocking
back and forth, and for stopping the rocking action of the chair when desired.
In some rocking chairs, such a mechanism for stopping the rocking action is
located or functional in the seat backing, and may thus be difficult to
operate for those
users which cannot apply force with their back (e.g. the elderly, the infirm,
the very
young, etc.). Further disadvantageously, the location of these mechanisms in
the seat
backing places them away from the location of the rocking motion, which
typically
occurs in or around the seat base. These mechanisms may thus require
relatively
complex mechanical connections to transfer the force applied by the user so as
to
stop the rocking motion. Such complex mechanical connections can be more
costly
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and time-consuming to repair and maintain, thus reducing the usefulness of the
rocking chair for its user.
Some rocking chairs use a lever or other similar device mounted to the side of
the rocking chair to stop the rocking motion. As with the back-driven
mechanism
described above, levers are not suitable for certain users of the rocking
chair, such as
the elderly, infirm, very young, the short, or amputees, which cannot easily
access the
user.
The Applicant is aware of US 6,406,095 B1 belonging to LPA Medical Inc. Tis
document relates to a self-locking system comprising a state selector for
detecting the
intent of an occupant to rise from a chair and then automatically causing a
lock to
block the mobility functions of the chair. The state detector is responsive to
movement
of an upper portion of the body of the occupant while the occupant is still
supported in
a normal seated position on the seat of the chair, thereby advantageously
allowing
the locking of the mobility functions of the chair to occur before the
occupant starts to
lift his weight from the seat of the chair.
The Applicant has also obtained Canadian patent CA 2,559,858, as well as US
patent US 7,322,650 B2.
Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for a device which, by
virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at least
minimize
some of the aforementioned prior art problems.
Summary:
One object of the present invention is to provide a mobile chair, which by
virtue
of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs.
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According to one aspect, there is provided a mobile chair for a user
comprising:
a base;
a seat assembly for seating the user thereon, the seat assembly being
moveable about the base; and
a motion assembly for preventing and allowing movement of the seat assembly
about the base, the motion assembly being operatively connectable between the
base and the seat assembly, and being operable between a movement
configuration
wherein the motion assembly allows the seat assembly to move about the base
upon
the user sitting on the seat assembly, and an arrested configuration wherein
the
motion assembly prevents the seat assembly from moving about the base upon the
user raising themself from the seat assembly.
In some embodiments, the base has two legs disposed opposite from one
another. Optionally, each leg may have an arresting member attached to the
leg. The
arresting member can have a plurality of slots for receiving the motion
assembly
therein, thereby preventing movement of the seat assembly. Further optionally,
the
arresting member, or some part thereof, can be inclined relative to the
horizontal so
as to accommodate the desired seating position of different users. Further
optionally,
the base can be a pivoting base so as to allow the user to pivot about the
ground
surface.
In some embodiments, the seat assembly has two armrests disposed opposite
from one another. The armrests can include motion arms which are rotatably
mounted to the legs of the base, thereby allowing the motion arms (and the
armrests)
to move the seat assembly about the base.
In some embodiments, the seat assembly has a seat fixedly mounted to the
armrests. The seat can include a seat base and a seat backing, each of which
can be
structurally reinforced with lateral supports. Further optionally, the seat
base and/or
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seat backing can be upholstered, decorated, or otherwise made more comfortable
or
appealing to the user.
According to another aspect, there is provided a method for allowing and
preventing movement of a mobile chair having a base and a seat assembly
moveable
about the base, the method comprising the steps of:
a) moving the seat assembly about the base upon a user sitting on the seat
assembly; and
b) preventing movement of the seat assembly about the base upon the user
raising themself from the seat assembly.
In some embodiments, step a) includes applying a downward force to the seat
assembly. Step a) can also include decoupling the seat assembly from the base,
thereby allowing movement of the seat assembly about the base.
In some embodiments, step b) includes coupling the seat assembly to the
base, thereby preventing movement of the seat assembly about the base
In some embodiments, the movement of the seat assembly about the base is a
rocking motion.
According to yet another aspect, there is also provided a mobile chair kit
equipped with a mobile chair, such as the one described above, and upholstery.
According to yet another aspect, there is also provided a method of
manufacturing and/or assembling the above-mentioned mobile chair.
According to yet another aspect, there is also provided a set of components
for
interchanging with components of the above-mentioned kit.
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According to yet another aspect, there is also provided a method of assembling
components of the above-mentioned kit and/or set.
According to yet another aspect, there is also provided a method of doing
5 business with the above-mentioned mobile chair, kit, set and/or methods.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will
become more apparent upon reading the following non-restrictive description of
certain of its optional configurations, given for the purpose of
exemplification only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief description of the drawings:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a mobile chair, according to an
optional
embodiment.
Figure 2 is schematic view of an arresting member, according to another
optional embodiment.
Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of components and features of a motion
assembly, according to an optional embodiment.
Figure 4 is another partial perspective view of components and features of a
motion assembly, according to another optional embodiment.
Figure 5 is yet another partial perspective view of components and features of
a motion assembly, according to yet another optional embodiment.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of an upholstered mobile chair, according to
another optional embodiment.
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Figure 7 is a view of a listing of various components and features of a mobile
chair, as well as optional dimensions for these, according to an optional
embodiment.
Figure 8 is a view of another listing of various components and features of a
mobile chair, according to another optional embodiment.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the disclosure:
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar
elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to
not
unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures
contain
references to all the components and features, and references to some
components
and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of
the
present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily
inferred
therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned
and/or
dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for
exemplification
purposes only.
Furthermore, although the present invention may be used for mobile chairs,
such as rocking chairs or rockers, for example, and as a result, is sometimes
described in the context of its use by rocking, pivoting, and other similar
motions, it is
understood that it may be used with other chairs, and to perform other motions
and/or
activities. For this reason, expressions such as "rocking", "pivoting",
"rolling", "glider",
"moving", "chair", etc. as used herein should not be taken as to limit the
scope of the
present invention to rocking chairs in particular. These expressions encompass
all
other kinds of materials, objects and/or purposes with which the present
invention
could be used and may be useful.
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In addition, although the optional configurations as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings comprises various components and although the optional
configurations of the mobile chair as shown may consist of certain geometrical
configurations and dimensions as explained and illustrated herein, not all of
these
components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not
be
taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the
scope of the
present invention. It is to be understood that other suitable components and
cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical
configurations
may be used for the mobile chair and corresponding parts, as briefly explained
and as
can be easily inferred herefrom, without departing from the scope of the
invention.
Broadly described, the mobile chair is an article which is intended to
facilitate
the movement of a person seated therein, and to aid the person to arrest or
stop the
movement of the mobile chair when desired. This improved functionality can
allow the
person to avail themself of the benefits of mobile chairs, while being able to
better
control its position and orientation.
An example of a mobile chair 20 (or simply "chair 20") is provided in Figure
1.
The term "mobile" refers to the ability of the chair 20 to move, or be moved,
with
respect to itself, or with respect to the ground surface upon which it rests.
For
example, the chair 20 can be move in a rocking motion, whereby it pivots back
and
forth along an arc line. In another example, the chair 20 can be stationary
with
respect to the ground surface, but capable of being displaced parallel thereto
in
frontward, rearward and/or lateral directions. In still yet another example,
the chair 20
can be moved with respect to the ground surface. It can thus be appreciated
that the
mobility of the chair 20 is not limited to a particular direction,
orientation, or relative
plane. However, for the sole purpose of facilitating the description of the
chair 20 and
its components and features, the chair 20 will be described herein as a
"rocking" chair
20, this description being understood as not limiting the scope of the present
disclosure to rocking chairs.
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The chair 20 has a base 30, an example of which is provided in Figure 1. The
base 30 provides stationary, or mobile, support to the chair 20 and the user
sitting
therein. As such, the base 30 can take many different forms and
configurations. In
one possible embodiment, the base 30 can pivot and/or rock with respect to the
ground surface, thereby advantageously allowing the user to rotate or pivot
with
respect to the ground surface. In other embodiments, such as those shown in
the
figures, the base 30 is stationary.
In some embodiments, the base 30 may have legs 6 which contact the ground
and provide the support required of the chair 20. Although shown as having an
inversed-"U" configuration, it will be appreciated that the legs 6 can have a
different
shape if required.
Optionally, each leg 6 can have one or more arresting members 5 attached
thereto. Each arresting member 5 assists in stopping or arresting the movement
of
the seat assembly about the base 30, as further described below, and also
stabilizes
the position of the seat assembly. The position of the arresting member 5 on
each leg
6 can vary as required, and according to the following non-exhaustive list of
factors:
the nature and/or orientation of the seat assembly, the desired stationary
positions of
the seat assembly, the configuration of the motion assembly, etc. Figure 2
provides
an example of a possible arresting member 5. The arresting member 5 can have a
plurality of teeth 5a projecting from a base 5b, and defining slots 5c into
which the
motion assembly, or components thereof, can be received. The number of teeth
5a,
and thus the number of slots 5c, can vary as required. The arresting member 5
and/or
the base 5b can be inclined relative to the horizontal. The angle of
inclination can vary
depending on numerous factors. The inclination of the arresting member 5
allows the
chair 20 to be secured in many different positions, thus allowing many
differently
sized users to use the chair 20. For example, taller users or users with
longer legs
may make use of the rear, non-inclined portion of the base 5b and the slots 5c
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located there. Similarly, shorter users or users with shorter legs may make
use of the
front, inclined portion of the base 5b and the slots 5c located there.
The chair 20 can also have a seat assembly 40, an example of which is shown
in Figure 1. The seat assembly 40 allows the user of the chair 20 to be
seated, and
helps to support the user's weight. As will be further explained below, the
seat
assembly 40 is moveable about the base 30. The term "moveable" as used to
explain
the relationship of the seat assembly 40 with the base 30 refers to the
ability of the
seat assembly 40 to be displaced with respect to the base 30. In most
embodiments,
but not necessarily all, this displacement is a rocking or pivoting motion. In
most
embodiments, the displacement of the seat assembly 40 is caused by the user.
For
example, the user may impart a rocking motion to the seat assembly 40 through
her/his legs or arms, or by using some other device mounted to the chair 20.
It can
thus be appreciated that the seat assembly 40 can take many different forms
and
configurations in order to achieve such functionality.
One of these possible configurations is shown in Figure 1. The seat assembly
40 can include two armrests 7, mounted on opposite sides of the seat assembly
40,
so as to support the weight of the user's arms, and so as to help impart
motion to the
seat assembly 40. The armrests 7 can take any suitable form or configuration,
such
as the inversed-"U" shape shown in Figure 1. The armrests 7 can each be made
of a
hollow metallic tube, and may have a diameter of about 1.25", although other
materials and dimensions are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The armrests 7 may impart motion to the seat assembly 40 through motion
arms 9,15. The motion arms 9,15 form a link between the seat assembly 40 (via
the
armrests 7, for example) and the base 30, thereby allowing for relative motion
between both. There can be two motion arms 9,15 on each side of the seat
assembly
40, and each motion arm 9,15 can have opposed ends. One end of each motion arm
9,15 can be pivotally mounted to a corresponding armrest 7 so as to allow for
relative
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motion (e.g. rotation) between the motion arm 9,15 and the armrest 7. The
other end
of the same motion arm 9,15 can be pivotally mounted to a corresponding leg 6
of the
base 30 so as to allow for relative motion (e.g. rotation) between the motion
arm 9,15
and the leg 6. Both motion arms 9,15 can be linked together by a support rod
10, if
5 required.
This optional configuration of motion arms 9,15, armrests 7, and legs 6 allows
the seat assembly 40 to rock back and forth about the base 30 in the following
possible manner. As the user pushes forward or backward on the armrests 7 with
10 her/his arms or legs, the armrests 7 will be able to rock forward or
backward about
the point at which the motion arms 9,15 are pivotally mounted to the legs 6 of
the
arm. This causes the seat of the seat assembly 40, which is attached to the
armrests
7, to pivot as well, thereby advantageously allowing the chair 20 to rock back
and
forth.
As previously mentioned, the seat assembly 40 can have a seat 42, an
example of which is also provided in Figure 1. The seat 42 receives the user
and
provides a comfortable space for her/his to remain seated. The seat 42 can be
fixedly
connected to the armrests 7, thereby advantageously allowing the seat 42 to
move
along with the armrests 7. The seat 42 may have a seat backing 11 which
supports
the back of the user, as well as a seat base 8, which supports the user's
bottom.
Either one, or both, of the seat backing 11 and the seat base 8 can be
reinforced with
lateral supports 12, and either one or both can be upholstered, decorated, or
otherwise made more comfortable or appealing for the user, as exemplified in
Figure
6.
The chair 20 can also have a motion assembly 50, an example of which is also
shown in Figure 1. The motion assembly 50 controls the motion of the seat
assembly
40 about the base 30 depending on the user's position on the chair 20. In so
doing,
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the motion assembly 50 is able to allow the movement of the seat assembly 40
about
the base 30, and also prevent it.
The motion assembly 50 is operatively connectable to both of the base 30 and
the seat assembly 40. The expression "operatively connectable" refers to the
functional link formed by the motion assembly 50 between the base 30 and the
seat
assembly 40, which permits the motion assembly 50 to control a movement of the
seat assembly 40 through its connection with the base 30, as will be further
explained
below. The motion assembly 50 can be operated between the following two
configurations: a movement configuration, and an arrested configuration. In
the
movement configuration, the motion assembly 50 allows the seat assembly 40 to
move about the base 30 when the user sits on the seat assembly 40. This
movement
can be a rocking motion, for example. The movement configuration thus allows
the
user to "unlock" the seat assembly 40, and rock back and forth in the chair
20. In the
arrested configuration, the motion assembly 50 prevents the seat assembly 40
from
moving about the base 30 when the user begins to raise themself, or is raised,
off of
the seat assembly 40. The arrested configuration thus allows the user to
"lock", or
secure, the chair 20 in its last rocking position, advantageously securing the
chair 20
in place. It can thus be appreciated that the motion assembly 50 can take many
suitable forms and configurations to achieve such functionality.
In one possible embodiment, an example of which is provided in Figures 3-5,
the motion assembly 50 can have an application plate 1, a biasing mechanism 4,
linking rods 1B,3A, and a locking rod 3.
Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the application plate 1 engages, directly or
indirectly, the bottom of the user sitting on the seat assembly 40. In some
embodiments, the application plate 1 extends across the width of the seat 42,
although it can have other configurations. Further optionally, the application
plate 1
can have a curvature so as to better conform to the profile of the bottom of
the user,
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and so as to better transmit the user's weight, among other possible reasons.
In use,
the application plate 1 receives a pressure generated by the user as she/he
sits on
the seat 42, and transmits said pressure to the biasing mechanism 4 and
linking rods
16,3A.
The biasing mechanism 4, which can be a spring, links the application plate 1
to the base 20 (such as at a cross support 2). The biasing mechanism 4 acts to
return
the application plate 1 to its default position. In most embodiments, the
application
plate 1 is in the default position when the user is not seated on the seat 42.
In such a
default position, the biasing mechanism 4 applies a biasing force against the
application plate 1, thereby pushing it away from the base 20 or cross support
2 and
placing the motion assembly 50 in the arrested configuration. In some
embodiments,
the biasing mechanism 4 is mounted at one of its ends to a first projecting
support 1A
on the application plate 1, and is mounted at the other end to a second
projecting
support 2A on the cross support 2. As the biasing mechanism 4 is compressed,
projecting support 1A can be placed over the smaller-diameter projecting
support 2A.
This optional configuration advantageously allows the biasing mechanism 4 to
apply
its biasing force against the application plate 1.
The linking rods 16,3A link the application plate 1 to the locking rod 3.
Linking
rod 1B can be fixedly connected at one of its ends to the application plate 1,
and
pivotally connected at its other end to a corresponding end of linking rod 3A.
The
connection of linking rod 16 to linking rod 3A can be provided with some play
or
leeway, to accommodate irregular motions or eccentricities in the rotational
movement of the linking rods 1B,3A relative to each other. Similarly, linking
rod 3A
can be fixedly connected at its other end to the locking rod 3. In addition,
linking rod
3A can be pivotally mounted to side bracket 52. This advantageously allows
linking
rod 3A to rotate relative to side bracket 52, while still remaining in place.
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The locking rod 3 can extend the entire width of the seat 42, and can fit at
both
its ends between the teeth 5a and within the slots 5c of the arresting member
5. Also
at each of its ends, the locking rod 3 can be fixedly attached to
corresponding ends of
the linking rod 3A such that movements of the linking rods 3A on both sides of
the
seat 42 can be transmitted to the locking rod 3.
Having described some of the optional components and features of the base
30, seat assembly 40, and motion assembly 50, an example of their cooperation
together will now be described to further facilitate understanding of the
invention.
In the movement configuration, which can occur when the user sits on the seat
42 of the seat assembly 40, a downward pressure is applied to the application
plate 1.
This downward pressure on the application plate 1 causes it to move
downwardly,
which subsequently causes linking rod 1B to move downwardly. The movement of
linking rod 1B downwardly causes the junction of linking rod 1B and linking
rod 3A to
also move downwardly, which causes linking rod 3A to rotate about the side
bracket
52. The rotation of one extremity of linking rod 3A downwardly causes the
other
extremity of linking rod 3A to rotate upwardly. As this other extremity of
linking rod 3A
rotates upwardly, it also rotates locking rod 3 out of corresponding slots 5c
of the
arresting members 5, thereby "unlocking" the motion of the seat assembly 40
about
the base, and allowing the user to move the seat assembly 40 in a rocking or
other
desired motion.
In the arrested configuration, which can occur when a user is not sitting on
the
seat 42 of the seat assembly 40 or raises themself from the seat 42, no
pressure is
applied to the application plate 1. Therefore, the biasing mechanism 4 applies
the
biasing force against application plate 1, pushing it into its default
position of
extending away from the cross support 2. This causes linking rod 1B to be
pushed
away from the cross support 2, which subsequently causes linking rod 3A and
locking
rod 3 to pivot downward such that the extremities of linking rod 3 are placed
within the
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slots 5c of the arresting members 5. The placement of the linking rod 3 within
the
slots 5c prevents the seat assembly 40 from moving with respect to the base
30,
thereby arresting the motion of the seat assembly 40.
In light of the preceding, it can be appreciated that the present invention
may
be an improvement over the prior art in that, by virtue of its design and
components,
the mobile chair 20 can reduce the effort required to perform a rocking
motion, and to
fix the chair 20 in place as desired. Such ease of use may be particularly
useful for
users who do not have the strength to apply a force, either by hand or with
their body,
against the chair 20. Indeed, it can be appreciated that the present invention
allows
for the operation of the chair 20 by simply sitting upon it, and raising
oneself from it.
Furthermore, the cooperation together of the base 30, seat assembly 40, and
motion assembly 50 allow for a relatively smooth and reliable operation of the
chair
20. The relative simplicity and durability of the components used may help to
ensure
long time use and low maintenance requirements.
In addition, the chair 20 can be used by many different types of users,
whether
they be old or young, tall or short, strong or infirm. This versatility
advantageously
improves the appeal of the chair 20 and its possible attraction in the
marketplace.
Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described
configurations without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
