US20200037763A1

US20200037763A1 - Adjustable home/office balance ball chair

Info

Publication number: US20200037763A1
Application number: US16/055,085
Authority: US
Inventors: Chad Elliss
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-08-04
Filing date: 2018-08-04
Publication date: 2020-02-06

Abstract

A novel form of active sitting assembly which provides ergonomic support for a stronger healthier back. The assembly provides sitting on the ball, which is in the form of fit ball which keeps the body actively engaged and improves the posture and spinal alignment while getting a powerful core-strengthening workout. The assembly consist of a spherical cushion with metal base plate that the stool screws into. The assembly edges are covered with PVC to avoid air leakages and long term durability of the JellyFish chair.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a chair which is suitable for general use, but particularly helpful for relieving the back stress and pain.

Description of the Related Art

Sitting in an office chair for prolonged periods of time can definitely cause low back pain or worsen an existing back problem. The main reason behind this is that sitting, in an office chair or in general, is a static posture that increases stress in the back, shoulders, arms, and legs, and in particular, can add large amounts of pressure to the back muscles and spinal discs.
When sitting in an office chair for a long period, the natural tendency for most people is to slouch over or slouch down in the chair, and this posture can overstretch the spinal ligaments and strain the discs and surrounding structures in the spine. Over time, incorrect sitting posture can damage spinal structures and contribute to or worsen back pain. There are multiple inventions that have been enlisted in prior art that are focused on reduction of back pain in an individual. For instance, a U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,963A issued to Jason Inc is an adjustable office chair (10) comprises a base assembly (12), a seat assembly (14) and a backrest assembly (16). The seat assembly (14) is horizontally rotatable on the base assembly (12) and is raised and lowered thereon by a manually controlled pneumatic actuator (24) connected between the base and seat assemblies (12, 14). The seat assembly (14) comprises a lower seat frame (50) which is mounted on the piston rod (28) of the pneumatic actuator (24) for horizontal rotation and an upper seat frame (52) which is mounted for vertical pivotal movement on the lower seat frame (50). A seat pan (54) is movably mounted on the upper seat frame (52) and is manually movable to selected attitudes wherein it is automatically releasably latched by a mechanism (56). The backrest assembly (16) comprises a lower backrest frame (120) and an upper backrest frame (122) which can be adjustably tilted relative to the lower backrest frame (120) and locked in a selected tilt position by a manually operable tilt lock mechanism (56). The backrest assembly (16) can be forced to a reclining position against spring bias of biasing springs (76) as the chair occupant leans backward and such backrest reclining motion is accompanied by proportional rearward and downward sloping motion of the upper seat frame (52) of the seat assembly (14). A manually adjustable linkage (94, 95, 100) adjusts the amount of spring biasing force acting on the upper seat frame (52) and on the backrest assembly (16) during such reclining motion. A manually controlled lockout mechanism (171, 172) selectively prevents or permits such reclining motion.
An office chair and adjustable lumbar support therefor bearing U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,011A is issued to U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,011A. The patent discloses an inflatable lumbar support system that includes a plurality of thermoplastic layers sealed together to form at least two laterally spaced bladders. A resiliently flexible face panel is disposed between the back of the user and the inflatable chambers. The panel is composed of form stable outer portions overlying the laterally spaced bladders and a medial portion therebetween of substantially greater yieldability than the outer portions of the panel. The inflatable lumbar support system is incorporated within a chair having a one-piece shell with a backrest that is cantilevered from the top of the backrest. The lumbar support system is carried by a mounting plate that includes a pair of mounting hooks that attach to and can slide vertically along the side edge of the cantilevered portion of the backrest. The lumbar support system can be slid vertically along the cantilevered backrest and can be inflated and deflated by a person setting in the chair.
A U.S. Pat. No. 6,955,402B2 issued to Herman Miller Inc is a fabric seat for a chair and a method and machine for manufacturing the fabric seat. The fabric seat comprises a seat frame that supports the outer circumference of a fabric material. The seat frame comprises grasping members that secure the fabric to the seat frame and retain the desired stretch in the fabric. The grasping members can be teeth. A cover is also provided, which is snapped onto the circumference of the seat frame, to trap the fabric and protect the user from the grasping members.
A sitting furniture, in particular swivel chair bearing U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,424A issued to Uredat Neuhoff Angela is a swivel-chair (10) has a frame (15) on which a seat (24) is movably mounted. A back (22) is connected with the seat (24), and this back (22) may be turned around a connecting point (19) at the frame (15). At this connecting point (19) a rotary spring (40) is provided, which tends to turn the back (22) into its working position, and the seat (24) is supported and guided at a seat-guide (31) at its forward area, that is where the thighs of the user are resting. This seat-guide (31) is preferably made such, that it will keep the inclination of the seat (24) on movement thereof, thus the so-called seat-slope, at an ergonomically advantageous value. A movement into the rest position goes against the rotary spring (40) and if required also the seat-guide (31) Optionally a blocking-device (45) for the seat (24) may also be provided in order to be able to block the seat (24) in any desired position in accordance with the wishes of the user.
An upright active-sitting seat bearing US Patent 2,013,030,6831A1 is an upright active-sitting seat provides a connection of a seating leg to a base through an articulating joint that allows the user to move a seat front to back and side to side, allowing a more active sitting that encourages blood circulation. The chair includes a seat supported by a post that is connected to a mount via a ball joint rod by a transverse rod that is routed through the ball joint rod end. By way of a coil spring that engages with the mount and the post, the post is spring biased to a home position relative to the mount. When using the chair, a person may move the seat from the home position to a comfortable seating position. When the person stands from the chair after using it, the chair returns to its spring biased home position.
An office chair having U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,690B2 issued to JSJ Seating Co Texas LP is a chair having an adjustable resilient back recliner mechanism, a pair of adjustable armrests, modular upper back portions and an adjustable lumbar support. The chair includes a tension control that adjusts the tension in the recliner mechanism. The tension control is cam-operated to permit adjustment throughout the entire range of adjustability with only limited rotational movement of a control knob. The chair includes a recline limit control that adjusts the limit of rearward movement in the recliner mechanism. The limit control includes a cable operated stop that interact with a stepped trackway on the seat. The chair further includes a height control for adjusting the seat height including a push-button located in the tension control knob. The armrests include height and angle adjustment mechanisms. The lumbar support includes a lumbar cam that is rotatably mounted to a lumbar pad. The lumbar cam includes a plurality of lobes that vary in radius so that rotation of the cam causes variation in the contour of the lumbar region. The chair back includes a fabric carrier with an upper back portion mounting platform that permits attachment of any of a variety of modular upper back portions.
An office chair with occasional exercising capability issued to Rice Bryan A bearing U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,633A is provided that functions well as an ordinary office chair, and which can be used to perform exercises. The chair includes all the attributes of a comfortable office chair, including a padded seat with a seat bottom and seat back, and a pedestal with casters that rollably support the seat on a chair pad lying behind an office desk. The seat back (18, FIG. 1) has an upper part (32) with extendable handles (34, 36) that can be grasped to raise and lower it while a mechanism resists vertical movement to provide exercise. The seat has armrests (100, 102) that each have a moveable portion with extendable handles (114) and a resistance mechanism (115) to provide exercise in raising and lowering the armrests. The chair also has an extendable mechanism (140) mounted under the seat bottom and having a pair of foot handles (150, 152) that allow the seated person to move the handles forward and back for further exercise. All exercise mechanisms of the chair can be deployed, used, and stowed while the person remains seated, so the person is encouraged to conduct exercises during brief appropriate periods such as when the person is talking on a speaker phone.
A Ball chair with a retaining device bearing U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,558B2 issued to Famosa Corp is a ball chair with a retaining device has a seat (10), a spherical cushion (20) and two retaining pieces. The spherical cushion (20) rests on the seat (10). The two retaining pieces are selective retaining rods or retaining walls and are respectively attached to a rear end and a front end of the seat (10). Thus, the spherical cushion (20) is held between the two retaining pieces and firmly secured on the seat (10) to keep the spherical cushion (20) from falling off the ball chair.
Another ball chair invention bearing U.S. Pat. No. 6,832,817B1 is a ball chair with a securing device has a seat (10) with a backrest (14), a ball-shaped cushion (20), a guard rod (30) holding the ball-shaped cushion (20) with the backrest (14), multiple strengthening blocks (40) attached under the seat (10), and multiple legs attached to the seat (10) by the multiple strengthening blocks (40). Each strengthening block (40) is non-hollow to provide an anti-crack efficiency to joints connected to the legs. Additionally, a cone-shaped post is clamped between one strengthening block (40) and one corresponding leg to adjust a total height of the ball chair.
A Pneumatic, ball-shaped chair bearing U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,070B1 is a chair or stool having a substantially spherical seat component. The spherical seat component is supported upon identical base support units that are designed to stack or nest within each other. Addition or subtraction of the base support units raises and lowers the chair or stool, so that the chair or stool can comfortably fit most people of different size or height. A novel mounting mechanism firmly attaches the spherical seat to the base support unit or units.
It has to be noted that the current invention proposes an advancement in sitting assembly which develops the core by providing movement and positive instability. The process of balancing on a ball-shaped surface becomes a reminder to engage the Score that not only helps the individual to sit comfortably, but also helps to concentrate and support better posture and balance. The Jellyfish Chair activates numerous core and leg muscles that would otherwise be dormant when seated.
None of the previous inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Hence, the inventor of the present invention proposes to resolve and surmount existent technical difficulties to eliminate the aforementioned shortcomings of prior art.

SUMMARY

In light of the disadvantages of the prior art, the following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.
The primary desirable object of the present invention is to provide a simple seating assembly which depicts a fit ball with the style and practicality of an office chair.
Another object of the invention is to provide a seating assembly which combine all the core benefits of sitting on a fit ball while keeping the body actively engaged.
Another object of the invention is to provide a seating assembly which helps to concentrate and supports better posture and balance.
Another object of the invention is to provide a seating assembly which improves the posture and spinal alignment while getting a powerful core-strengthening workout.
Another object of the invention is to provide a seating assembly which activates numerous core and leg muscles that would otherwise be dormant when seated.
Another object of the invention is to provide a seating assembly which provides ergonomic support for a stronger healthier back.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a light seating assembly that is a compact, self-contained unit that is easy to position and use.
Another object of the present invention to provide a Jellyfish Chair that is lightweight, compact, easily transported and highly portable.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a simplicity of design.
The invention has a further object to provide user with aesthetic satisfaction by showcasing a beautiful and smart elegant design which can settle with any internal office decor.
This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
The current assembly in its preferred embodiment provides the seating assembly which is a ball chair comprising a spherical seat component. The spherical seat component is supported upon a Chrome legs. The seat ball assembly provides an inflatable assembly which is made of high quality plastic and has a PVC lining to avoid air leakage and long-term durability.
The assembly in its further embodiment consist of a 45 cm anti-burst plastic BOSU ball. The anti-burst technology is achieved with the PVC technology that provides a strong and reliable anti leakage support and resistant lining to avoid any damage to the seating assembly. The assembly further includes an air pump which promotes easy and quick filling.
The assembly in its additional embodiment provides chrome legs which are sturdy and can accommodate weight up to 130 kgs. The adjustable seat heights from 500 mm to 750 mm when fully inflated.
While a specific embodiment has been shown and described, many variations are possible. With time, additional features may be employed. The particular shape or configuration of the platform or the interior configuration may be changed to suit the system or equipment with which it is used.
Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiment illustrated and described. Rather, it is intended that the scope of this invention be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

I: A ball chair comprising:
a seat having
a spherical periphery;

a seat plate with a top face and a bottom face;

a spherical periphery designed with a 45 cm anti-burst plastic BOSU ball;

a rod which is attached to the bottom face of the seat plate to support the seat plate;

a ball-shaped cushion made of high quality material and PVC lining to avoid air leakage and long-term durability;

the chrome legs and sturdy castors to accommodate up to 130 kg;

the assembly which provides the adjustable seat heights from 500 mm to 750 mm when fully inflated.