GB2561703A

GB2561703A - Chair assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2561703A
Application number: GB1803586.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ephgrave Caroline
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-03-14
Filing date: 2018-03-06
Publication date: 2018-10-24
Anticipated expiration: 2038-03-06
Also published as: GB2561703B; GB201803586D0

Abstract

A chair comprising a seat 12, a chair back 14 extending from the seat and a spinal support 18 adjustably mounted on the chair back 14. The support 18 may be vertically adjustable and able to support thoracic or lumbar vertebrae. The support 18 may be an inflatable cushion which is mounted on a shaft 25 which employs a threaded clamping mechanism. The chair back may have first and second upright members with an elongate gap between them. The firmness of the cushion 18 may be adjusted using a pump 46 and release valve. The device may employ a holder in the shape of a dome and a fixing portion with an annular hook. A wedge may angle the cushion upwardly relative to the horizontal. The chair back 14 may be mounted to allow horizontal movement of it.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

(51) INT CL:

A47C7/46 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

WO 2002/000064 A2 US 4981325 A US 20080150337 A1

US 5575534 A US 20160157617 A1

Caroline Ephgrave

Southwood Avenue, London, N6 5RZ, United Kingdom (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA47C

Other: EPODOC and WPI (72) Inventor(s):

Caroline Ephgrave (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Howard Lock Intellectual Property Westthorpe Business Innovation Centre, Westthorpe Fields Business Park, Killamarsh, SHEFFIELD, S21 1TZ, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Chair assembly

Abstract Title: A chair with an adjustable spinal support (57) A chair comprising a seat 12, a chair back 14 extending from the seat and a spinal support 18 adjustably mounted on the chair back 14. The support 18 may be vertically adjustable and able to support thoracic or lumbar vertebrae. The support 18 may be an inflatable cushion which is mounted on a shaft 25 which employs a threaded clamping mechanism. The chair back may have first and second upright members with an elongate gap between them. The firmness of the cushion 18 may be adjusted using a pump 46 and release valve. The device may employ a holder in the shape of a dome and a fixing portion with an annular hook. A wedge may angle the cushion upwardly relative to the horizontal. The chair back 14 may be mounted to allow horizontal movement of it.

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Chair Assembly

This invention relates to chair assemblies. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to chair assemblies comprising spinal supports. This invention also relates to spinal supports.

The spine is a series of linked vertebrae. In the healthy spine, extension and flexion happen at all levels so the load is shared between all the vertebrae along the length of the spine. Problems occur when certain levels become stiff and stuck and then all movement occurs above or below the stuck levels, causing shearing and increased load at said levels.

A physiotherapist will be aware that many people seek treatment for their lower back and/or neck. These problems are common because after sitting in an office in a slumped position all day over several months, the thoracic spine (mid-back) gets stiff and stuck in flexion, and therefore all movement occurs at the lumbar spine (lowerback) and cervical spine (neck) to compensate for the stiffness in-between.

On standing, as the thoracic spine is too stiff to straighten up, compensation occurs as the person will lean backwards into the lumbar spine to straighten up, and throw the head slightly forward, thus exaggerating the curves of the spine. Shearing then occurs at the lumbar and/or cervical discs as all the movement is occurring at one or two levels only, with the others immovable. The overloaded levels suffer wear and tear i.e. arthritic change.

There are currently some strap-on vertebral support devices available that slot on to existing chair backs, some of which are inflatable. The strap-on vertebral support devices are usually non-adjustable and usually ineffective as different chair brands have different curves to the chair back, and everyone's spine curves at slightly different heights/depths depending on their lifestyle. Therefore this “one-size fits-all” approach does not work. In addition, strap-on vertebral support devices can be difficult to fix in position and have a tendency to slip up or down the chair back. Also, the position of strap-on supports for each user cannot be marked.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a chair assembly comprising a seat arrangement, a chair back extending from the seat arrangement, and a spinal support arrangement adjustably mounted on the chair back.

The spinal support arrangement may be movable relative to the chair back. The spinal support arrangement may be substantially vertically movable relative to the chair back to a desired position on the chair back.

The spinal support arrangement may comprise a support arrangement for supporting one or more vertebrae of the user. The spinal support arrangement may comprise a support arrangement for supporting one or more thoracic and/or lumbar vertebrae of the user. The aforesaid lumbar vertebrae may be upper lumbar vertebrae.

The spinal support arrangement may comprise a cushioning arrangement. The cushioning arrangement may be an adjustable cushioning arrangement. In the embodiment described herein, the cushioning arrangement may be an inflatable cushioning arrangement.

The spinal support arrangement may comprise a vertebra support arrangement for supporting one or more vertebrae of the user, such as one or more thoracic and/or lumbar vertebrae of the user.

The spinal support arrangement may comprise a vertebrae support member, which may comprise a thoracic vertebrae support member capable of supporting the thoracic vertebrae of the user. Alternatively, the spinal support arrangement may comprise a lumbar/thoracic vertebrae support member capable of supporting the lumbar/thoracic vertebrae of the user.

The spinal support arrangement may comprise a cushion and a holder for holding the cushion. The cushion may be an inflatable cushion. The holder may comprise a cup defining a recess in which the cushion can be received, thereby holding the cushion. The cushion may be directed upwardly, for example at an angle of between 2° and 10° to the horizontal, preferably about 6° to the horizontal.

The cushion may be secured to the holder by a securing member, which may extend across the cushion. The securing member may have opposite substantially planar surfaces. The securing member may be circular.

The holder may be in the shape of a dome. The holder may have a substantially planar apex face. The apex face may define a central aperture.

The cushion may include a cushioning portion and a fixing portion for fixing the cushioning portion to the securing member. The fixing portion may extend around the cushioning portion. The fixing portion may include an annular hook formation that hooks around the securing member. The cushioning portion may define a recess. The recess constitute an internal space between the cushioning member and the securing member.

The spinal support arrangement may further include a mounting arrangement for mounting the spinal support arrangement on the chair back. The mounting arrangement may allow vertical movement of the cushioning arrangement along the chair back.

The mounting arrangement may comprise a shaft extending through the chair back. The shaft may extend from the holder. The mounting arrangement may further include a fastening arrangement on the shaft. The fastening arrangement may clamp the chair back.

The securing member may define an aperture, which may be a through aperture. The aperture may be defined in the centre of the securing member. The aperture may be threaded. The aperture may have a main axis, which may extend at an angle to the planar surfaces of between 90° and 98°. Desirably, the main axis extends at an angle of substantially 94° to the planar surfaces.

The shaft may extend through the securing member. The shaft may be threaded. The shaft may be screwed into the aperture in the securing member.

The mounting arrangement may include a fixing arrangement on the shaft. The fixing arrangement may comprise first and second gripping members on the shaft. The first gripping member may comprise a head provided on one end of the shaft. The head may be fixed on said end of the shaft. The second gripping member may be threadably mounted on the shaft. The second gripping member may comprise a nut.

The fastening arrangement may comprise a threaded fastener to cooperate with corresponding threads on the shaft to engage the chair back. The fastening arrangement may comprise first and second clamping members arrangeable in engagement with opposite faces of the chair back. The threaded fastener may be screwed onto the shaft to fasten the cushioning arrangement to the chair back.

The chair back may comprise a column which may extend upwardly relative to the seat arrangement. The column may comprise first and second spaced upright members. The chair back may have a scale, which may be marked with gradations to allow the user to note the position on the chair back of the cushioning arrangement. The scale may be provided on the rear of the chair back.

The upright members may be elongate. The upright members may extend parallel to each other. A gap may be defined between the upright members. The gap may extend upwardly relative to the seat arrangement. The gap may be elongate.

The mounting arrangement may extend between the upright members to mount the cushioning arrangement on the chair back. The shaft may extend through the gap between the upright members to mount the cushioning arrangement on the chair back. The mounting arrangement may be movable along the gap to move the spinal support arrangement relative to the chair back.

The first clamping member may be arranged in engagement with the one of the faces of the chair back. The second clamping member may be arranged in engagement with the other face of the chair back.

Each of the first and second clamping members may comprise a main portion and a resilient engaging portion. The engaging portion may engage the chair back when the chair back is clamped by the first and second clamping members. The engaging portion may be formed of a resilient material, such as felt.

The main portion may comprises a clamping portion and an insertion portion for insertion into the gap between the first and second upright members. The threaded through aperture may extend through the main portion of each of the first and second clamping members. The through apertures may enable the first and second clamping members to be screwed onto the threaded shaft.

A wedge may be is provided to angle the cushion upwardly relative to the horizontal. The angle of the cushion may be between 2° and 10° to the horizontal. In one embodiment, the cushion may be angled at about 6° to the horizontal. The wedge may define a through hole, through which the shaft extends.

The wedge may have a generally planar face to engage the second clamping member. The wedge may have a sloping face to engage the holder. The sloping face may engage the apex face of the holder. The sloping face may be arranged at an angle relative to the planar face of between 2° and 10°. In one embodiment, the sloping face may be angled relative to planar face by about 6°.

The seat arrangement may include a seating surface upon which the user may sit. The seat arrangement may comprise a seat portion, which may be padded. The seat portion may have the seating surface.

In one embodiment, the seat arrangement may include a stand on which the seat portion is mounted. A lifting mechanism may be provided on the stand to adjust the position of the seat portion upwardly and downwardly. The stand may be a wheeled stand. The stand may comprise a pillar and a plurality of struts extending outwardly from the pillar.

The upright members of the chair back may merge into each other at a lower merged portion of the chair back. The gap may have a lower end at the merged portion of the chair back. The lower end of the gap may be between 15 cm and 25 cm above the seating surface. In one embodiment, the lower end of the gap may be about 20 cm above the seating surface.

A respective roller, such as a caster, may be provided at the free end of each strut.

Alternatively, the seat arrangement may include a plurality of legs extending downwardly from the seat portion.

The chair back may further include a connecting portion to connect the chair back to the seat arrangement. Conveniently, the connecting portion extends from the spaced members to the seat arrangement. The connecting portion may extend to an underside of the seat portion.

The connecting portion may be adjustably attached to the seating arrangement. The connecting portion may allow horizontal movement of the chair back relative to the seating arrangement.

The chair assembly may further include an adjustment apparatus for adjusting the adjustable cushioning arrangement. The adjustment apparatus may adjust the firmness of the cushioning arrangement. The adjustment arrangement may adjust the horizontal position of the cushioning arrangement.

The adjustment apparatus may comprise an inflation apparatus for inflating the inflatable cushion. The inflation apparatus may comprise a pump and a hose to provide communication between the pump and the cushion.

The inflation apparatus may comprise a bladder attached to the hose. The cushion may define a recess to receive the bladder. The bladder may be received between the planar member and the cushion.

The securing member may be received in the recess of the cushion. The securing member may have a chamfered edge, which may extend circumferentially around the securing member. The cushion may have a chamfered surface to engage the chamfered edge. The chamfered surface may extend around the recess.

A release valve may be provided to allow the cushion to be deflated. The release valve may be provided on the pump. The pump may be a hand operated pump, and may comprise a flexible inflation member that can be squeezed by a user to inflate the cushion.

Embodiments of the invention will now described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a chair assembly, showing a cushioning arrangement;

Figure 2 is a front view of the chair assembly shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side view of a further version of the chair assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a top view of a carrying member, being a component of the chair assembly shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an end view of the carrying member shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a side view of a column, being a component of the chair assembly shown in Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a rear view of the column shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of a further chair assembly;

Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the chair assembly shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a front view of chair assembly shown in Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a side view of the chair assembly shown in Figure 8;

Figure 12 is a rear view of the chair assembly shown in Figure 8 with the cushioning arrangement omitted;

Figure 13 is a sectional side view of a spinal support arrangement;

Figure 14 is an exploded sectional side view of the spinal support arrangement; and

Figure 15 is a close up view of part of the spinal support arrangement..

io The embodiments of present invention described herein provide a movable, inflatable spinal support arrangement that can be positioned at the level of the spine that is prone to collapsing, to support the thoracic spine and stop this falling into a flexed position.

A chair assembly is shown in the drawings, which uses a single, and movable inflatable cushion on a central column that can be moved and adjusted to provide support specific to each individual’s needs when sitting. As a result, the chair will then hold the entire user’s spine including the lumbar in a good upright position (with the shoulders over the hips and the head balanced on the spine) as in upright standing. The weight is then distributed through the center of the spine where the vertebrae and the discs can absorb it correctly.

As everyone's spine curves slightly differently (depending on their habitual activity), this vertebral support needs to be inflated or deflated and moved up/down the midlower back to provide support where the individual needs it.

There is disclosed a spinal support arrangement in a chair assembly, wherein support is provided through an inflatable cushion which can be inflated/deflated to allow adjustability in a horizontal plane. Adjustability in the vertical plane is allowed due to the cushioning arrangement mounted on the chair back.

The spine is a biomechanical chain of bones called vertebrae that are attached to each other by ligaments and muscles. There are three main regions of the mobile spine: the lumbar (lower); thoracic (middle) and cervical (upper). The lumbar spine attaches at the base to the pelvic ring via the fused spine (sacrum). The thoracic vertebrae articulate with the rib cage, and the skull balances on top of the cervical vertebrae.

In upright standing with the hips extended, the leg muscles exert a slight forward pull on the pelvis. The sacrum is angled forward and this sets the gentle S shape of the vertebrae balanced above. The muscles are like ropes that attach to the bones and can pull on them to hold them upright if they are not properly aligned.

Good posture is defined as the least strain on the musculoskeletal system. If the bones are balanced on top of each other, then the muscles around the joints do not need to work as hard to hold the body up against gravity.

When sitting unsupported, as the hips flex the pelvic ring drops backwards and the sacrum tips backwards. The spine is no longer balanced above in an S shape but drops into a flexed, “C” shaped position with gravity. The base of the rib cage drops forward, allowing the shoulders to drop forwards. The head is no longer balanced on top of the cervical spine but is forward of the centre of gravity and requires increased muscle action to hold it upright.

Similar to the curve of the bridge, there is one vertebra that is the fulcrum point or “keystone” that, if held in the correct position, will support the other bones above it and restore the balanced upright position.

It is this vertebra that, in unsupported sitting, has sunk backwards the furthest and allows the collapse of the other vertebrae above it. If this ‘keystone” vertebra is pushed forwards and supported in the correct upright position, then all the vertebrae above and below reassume the balanced, upright position, reducing strain on the muscles and joints. The level of this ‘keystone’ vertebra differs between individuals depending on height and habitual posture.

In most office chairs, the main support is in the lumbar area to try to support the lower back and pelvis in the correct position. However, just supporting the spine at the lumbar level is not sufficient to ensure an upright spine.

If the ‘keystone” vertebra above this level is not supported correctly, the mid/upper back will sink backwards into a flexed position. The head then assumes a forward position and the surrounding muscles have to work hard to hold it up against gravity.

The thoracic spine (mid-back) becomes very stiff over time as it is habitually in this position when working at a desk. When the thoracic spine becomes stiff, the regions above and below do all the movement. Hinging occurs at the lumbar and cervical joints with resultant strain on the discs. Muscles become fatigued as the spine is no longer balanced, and the muscles have to work harder to maintain an upright position against gravity.

All muscles adapt to their habitual resting length. Certain muscles become short, tight and overactive whilst others become longer, weaker and underactive. This imbalance between the muscles groups impacts on all activities as it alters the coordinated action of muscles around the joints and hence the joint movement.

By using a movable inflatable cushion that is adjustable to the individual’s requirements and can be positioned to hold the “keystone” of the spine in the correct position, the collapse of the spine will be prevented.

The inflatable cushion will passively maintain the upright position of the spine, thus reducing strain to the muscles and joints. This “keystone” vertebra is at a slightly different level on each individual depending on height, habitual posture etc. The movable, inflatable cushion allows the support to be adjusted to each individual’s specific dimensions to provide support at the correct level to maintain an upright posture.

Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a chair assembly 10, in the form of an orthopaedic chair assembly. The chair assembly 10 comprises a seat arrangement

12, a chair back 14 extending from the seat arrangement 12, and a spinal support arrangement 16 adjustably mounted on the chair back 14. The chair back 14 has front and rear faces 14A, 14B.

The chair back 14 extends upwardly from the seat arrangement 12. The chair back 14 comprises a column in the form of first and second elongate upright members 38A, 38B. The first and second elongate upright members 38A, 38B are spaced from each other to define an upwardly extending elongate gap 40 therebetween.

The spinal support arrangement 16 is shown in Figures 13 and 14. The spinal support arrangement 16 comprises an inflatably adjustable cushioning arrangement 18. The cushioning arrangement 18 comprises a cushion 20 and a holder 22 for holding the cushion 20. A fabric cover 19 is provided over the cushion 20.

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In the embodiment described herein, the cushioning arrangement 18 is in the form of a vertebra support member configured to support the lower to mid thoracic spine of the user, as applicable. Alternatively, or in addition, the cushioning arrangement 18 may be used to support other vertebrae of the spine, such as the upper lumbar vertebrae, as required.

The holder 22 is in the form of a cup defining a recess 22A across which the cushion 20 extends. The cushion 20 can be secured to the holder 22 by a circular securing member 70 having opposite substantially planar surfaces 70A, 70B. The holder 22 is in the shape of a dome having a substantially planar apex face 21 defining a central aperture 23.

The cushion 20 includes a domed cushioning portion 72 and a fixing portion 74 extending around the cushioning portion 72. The fixing portion 74 includes an annular hook formation 76 that hooks around the planar member 70. The domed cushioning portion defines a recess 73 so that when the cushioning portion 72 is attached to the planar member 70, the recess 73 provides an internal space 75.

The cushioning portion 72 includes a circumferential chamfered internal surface 72A extending around the recess 73. The chamfered surface 72A is provided adjacent the hook formation 76. The securing member 70 has a chamfered edge 71 extending circumferentially around the securing member 70. The chamfered edge 71 engages the chamfered surface 72A when the securing member 70 is received in the recess 73.

The spinal support arrangement 16 further includes a mounting arrangement 24 for mounting the cushioning arrangement 18 on the chair back 14. The mounting arrangement 24 comprises a threaded shaft 25 which extends through the central aperture 23 defined by the apex face 21 of the holder 22. The shaft 25 is received through an attachment aperture 77 defined in the securing member 70.

The shaft 25 has a first gripping member in the form of a radially outwardly extending head 25A at one end thereof. A second gripping member in the form of a nut 79 is io threadably received on the shaft 25 when the shaft 25 is received through the aperture

77. The nut 79 is tightened against the securing member 70, thereby attaching the securing member 70 to the shaft 25 by gripping the securing member 70 between the head 25A and the nut 79. If desired, the aperture 77 may be threaded to allow the shaft 25 to be screwed into the aperture 77.

The through aperture 77 has a main axis X (see Figure 15), which extends at an angle of between 90° and 98° to the planar surfaces 70A, 70B. In the embodiment shown, the through aperture 77 is angled relative to the planar surfaces by about 94°.

The shaft 25 extends through the gap 40 between the first and second upright members 38A, 38B to enable the cushioning arrangement 18 to be secured to the chair back 14.

The mounting arrangement 24 further includes a threaded fastener 26, such as a hand-turnable bolt. The fastener 26 includes a turnable portion 26A by means of which a user can tighten or release the fastener 26. The fastener 26 further includes a projecting threaded portion 26B, the purpose of which is explained below.

First and second clamping members 27, 29 are provided on the shaft 25. Each of the first and second clamping members 27, 29 defines a respective threaded through aperture 86, 82 to allow the first and second clamping members 27, 29 to be screwed onto the shaft 25.

The first clamping member 27 is arranged in engagement with the rear face 14B of the chair back. The second clamping member 29 is arranged in engagement with the front face 14A.

Each of the first and second clamping members 27, 29 comprises a main portion 78 and a resilient engaging portion 80. The main portion 78 is formed of a suitable robust material, such as steel. The engaging portion 80, which engages the chair back 14 when the chair back 14 is clamped by the clamping members 27, 29, is formed of a suitable resilient material, such as felt.

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Each main portion 78 comprises a clamping portion 82 and an insertion portion 84 for insertion into the gap 40 between the first and second upright members 38A, 38B. The threaded through aperture 86 extends through the main portion 78 of each of the first and second clamping members 27, 29. The through apertures 86 enable the first and second clamping members 27, 29 to be screwed onto the threaded shaft 25.

A wedge 88 is provided to angle the holder 22 and the cushion 20 upwardly relative to the horizontal. The angle of the cushion 20 may be, for example, between 2° and 10° to the horizontal. In the embodiment shown, the cushion 20 is angled at about 6° to the horizontal. The wedge 88 defines a through hole 90, through which the shaft 25 extends.

The wedge 88 has a generally planar face 92 to engage the second clamping member

29. The wedge 88 also has a sloping face 94 to engage the apex face 21 of the holder

22. The sloping face 94 is arranged at an angle relative to the planar face 92 of between 2° and 10°. In the embodiment shown, the sloping face 94 is angled relative to planar face 92 by about 6°. Thus, the cushion 20 is angled upwardly relative to the horizontal by between 2° and 10°. In the embodiment shown, the cushion 20 is angled upwardly relative to the horizontal by about 6°.

The seat arrangement 12 comprises a seat portion 28 and a stand 30 on which the seat portion 28 is mounted. The seat portion 28 has a seating surface 29 on which the user can sit. The seat portion 28 may be padded to provide comfort for the user.

In the embodiment shown, the stand 30 is a wheeled stand, comprising a height adjustable pillar 32, a plurality of struts 34 extending radially outwardly from the pillar 32, and a respective caster 36 on the free end of each strut 34. With such a stand 30, the chair assembly 10 is suitable for office use

It will be appreciated that the chair assembly 10 could alternatively include a plurality of legs on which the seat portion 28 is mounted. The provision of such legs would make the chair assembly 10 suitable for use, for example, as a dining chair.

io A connecting portion 41 connects the upright members 38A, 38B of the chair back 14 to the underside of the seat portion 28. A further fastener 42 (shown in broken lines in Figure 1) is provided to fasten the connecting portion 41 to the seat portion 28.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7, the further fastener 42 comprises a bolt which can be screwed into the seat portion 28. The further fastener 42 can be loosened to allow backwards and forward horizontal movement of the chair back 14, as shown by the double headed arrows B in Figures 1 and 11.

The chair assembly 10 further includes an inflation apparatus 44 for adjusting the cushioning arrangement 18. The inflation apparatus 44 can inflate the inflatable cushion 20 to adjust its firmness, and thereby alter horizontal position of the engagement of the cushion 20 with the user’s back.

The inflation apparatus 44 comprise a hand operated pump 46, a hose 49 extending from the pump 46 to the cushion 20, thereby providing communication for air to flow between the pump 46 and the cushion 20.

The inflation apparatus 44 further includes a bladder 96 attached to the hose 49. The bladder 96 is received in the recess 73 defined by the cushion 20. The planar member

70 defines an access aperture 98 to provide access for the hose 49 through the planar member 70 to the bladder 96. The holder defines a further access aperture 99 through which the hose 49 extends. Thus, when the cushion 20 is attached to the planar member 70, the bladder is held in the internal space 75, and the hose 49 extends through the access aperture 98 and the further access aperture 99 to the bladder 75.

The pump 46 comprises a flexible inflation member that can be squeezed by a user to inflate the cushion 20. A release valve 50 is provided on the pump 46 to allow the cushion 20 to be deflated and thereby reduce the firmness of the inflatable cushion

20.

The inflation and deflation of the inflatable cushion 20 allows adjustment in a horizontal plane. The movable mounting of the cushioning arrangement 18 on the chair back 14 allows the cushioning arrangement 18 to be adjusted in the vertical plane.

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In use, the cushion 20 is attached to the planar member 70, with the bladder 96 received in the recess 73, and the hose 49 extending through the access aperture 98 in the planar member 70, and through the further access aperture 99 in the holder 22. The shaft 25 is inserted through the central aperture 23 and is received through the attaching aperture 77 in the planar member 70. The shaft 25 is inserted through the hole 90 in the wedge 88, so that the sloping face 94 engages the apex face 21 of the holder 22.

The second clamping member 29 is screwed onto the shaft 25 to engage the planar face 92 of the wedge. The shaft 25 is inserted through the gap 40 so that the projecting threaded portion 84 of the second clamping member is received in the gap 40, and the engaging portion 80 engages the front face 14A of the chair back 14.

The projecting threaded portion 26B of the threaded fastener 26 is screwed tightly into the threaded aperture 86 of the first clamping member 27. The first clamping member 27 is screwed onto the shaft 25, so that the engaging portion 80 of the first clamping member 27 engages the rear face 14B of the chair back. As a result, the projecting threaded portion 84 of the first clamping member 27 is received in the gap 40. By further tightening the threaded fastener 26, the first clamping member 27 is screwed further onto the shaft 25, thereby tightening the first and second clamping members 27, 29 into clamping engagement with the chair back 40.

Figures 3 to 7 shown an alternative version of the chair assembly 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2. The chair assembly shown in Figures 3 to 7 is generally designated 110 and comprises many of the same features as the chair assembly 10. These features have been designated with the same reference numerals as the corresponding features in Figures 1 and 2.

The chair assembly 110 differs from the chair assembly 10 in that the lower ends of the upright members 38A, 38B are mounted on a receiving member 112, which is in the form of a box section tubular member, having a square end profile. Triangular strengthening members 114 extend from each of the upright members 38A, 38B to the receiving member to secure the upright members 38A, 38B in their upright positions.

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An elongate carrying member 116, having an inverted U shaped end profile, is attached to the underside of the seat portion 28. The carrying member 116 is shown in Figures 4 and 5, and comprises an elongate upper portion 118 and a pair of elongate side portions 120 extending downwardly from respective opposite side edges of the upper portion 118.

The elongate carrying member 116 defines two apertures 122 at one end region of the upper portion 118. The seat portion 28 defines corresponding apertures so that bolts 124 can be inserted through the apertures in the seat portion 28 and through the apertures 122 in the carrying member 116. The bolts 124 can be screwed into nuts 126 to secure the carrying member 116 to the seat portion 28. If desired, the nuts 126 can be attached to the upper portion 118, for example by welding.

The carrying member 116 is received through the receiving member 112 and secured thereto by means of a handle bolt 128 having a handle 130 on a threaded shank 132. The bolt 128 is screwed into a nut 134 attached to the receiving member 112. The shank 132 extends through the receiving member 112 to engage the upper portion 118 of the carrying member 116, thereby securing the upright members 38A, 38B to the seat portion 28.

The position of the upright members 38A, 38B relative to the seat portion 28 can be adjusted by unscrewing the handle bolt 128 and sliding the receiving member 112 relative to the carrying member 116. The handle bolt 128 can then be retightened against the upper portion 118.

The position of the cushioning arrangement 18 on the chair back 14 can be adjusted by loosening the threaded fastener 26. The cushioning arrangement 18 can then be moved vertically along the gap 40 to a desired position in which the cushion 20 can engage the user’s spine at the correct level, thereby providing support thereto. Such movement of the cushioning arrangement is represented in Figures 1,2 and 6 by the double headed arrows A. In some uses of the cushioning arrangement, the cushion 20 can be moved to a position at which it engages the user’s spine at the thoracic region.

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When the cushioning arrangement 18 has been moved to the desired position, the threaded fastener 26 can be re-tightened to secure the cushioning arrangement 18 to the chair back 14 once again.

A further chair assembly, generally designated 210 is shown Figures 8 to 12, which comprises many of the features of the chair assembly 10 shown in Figures 1 to 7. These features have been designated in Figures 8 to 12 with the same reference numerals as the corresponding features in Figures 1 to 7.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

The chair assembly 210 shown in Figures 8 to 12 differs from the chair assembly 10 shown in Figures 1 to 7 in that the upright members 38A, 38B have curved upper edges 52 and merge into each other at lower merged portion 58. The lower merged portion 58 extends to the connecting portion 41. The merged portion 58 provides a lower end 60 of the gap 40. The lower end 60 of the gap 40 is about 20 cm above the seating surface 29.

In addition, the hose 49 extends into the connecting portion 41 at a side edge 54 thereof and exits therefrom at a rear edge 56 thereof.

Figure 12 shows a rear view of the chair assembly 210 with the spinal support arrangement 16 omitted. A scale 212 is shown on the rear of the upright member 38B. The scale 212 allows a user to note the position of the spinal support arrangement 16, so that the spinal support arrangement 16 can be returned to the noted position if it is moved by another user.

There is thus described a chair assembly 10 which comprises a movable cushioning 5 arrangement 18 comprising an inflatable cushion 20 that can be arranged in a desired position on the chair back 14 to provide appropriate support to a the user’s spine in a predetermined region of the user’s spine.

Claims

1. A chair assembly comprising a seat arrangement, a chair back extending from the seat arrangement, and a spinal support arrangement adjustably mounted on the chair back.

2. A chair assembly according to claim 1, wherein the spinal support arrangement is substantially vertically movable relative to the chair back to a desired position on the chair back.

3. A chair assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spinal support arrangement comprises a vertebra support arrangement for supporting one or more thoracic and/or lumbar vertebrae of the user.

4. A chair assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the spinal support arrangement comprises a cushioning arrangement, the cushioning arrangement being an adjustable cushioning arrangement.

5. A chair assembly according to claim 4, wherein the cushioning arrangement is an inflatably adjustable cushioning arrangement.

6. A chair assembly according to claim 5, wherein the spinal support arrangement comprises an inflatable cushion and a holder for holding the cushion.

7. A chair assembly according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the spinal support arrangement further includes a mounting arrangement for mounting the spinal support arrangement on the chair back, the mounting arrangement allowing vertical movement of the cushioning arrangement along the chair back.

8. A chair assembly according to claim 7, wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a shaft extending through the chair back, the mounting arrangement further including a fastening arrangement on the shaft.

9. A chair assembly according to claim 8, wherein the fastening arrangement fastens the cushioning arrangement to the chair back, and wherein the shaft extends from the holder, the fastening arrangement clamping the chair back.

10. A chair assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the chair back comprises first and second upright members defining an elongate gap therebetween, the gap extending upwardly relative to the seat arrangement, wherein the fastening arrangement fastens the holder to the chair back, and wherein the shaft extends from the holder.

11. A chair assembly according to claim 10, wherein the shaft extends through the gap between the upright members to mount the cushioning arrangement on the chair back.

12. A chair assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a threaded fastener to cooperate with corresponding threads on the shaft, and wherein the threaded fastener can be screwed onto the shaft to fasten the cushioning arrangement to the chair back.

13. A chair assembly according to any of claims 10, 11 or 12, further including an adjustment apparatus for adjusting the adjustable cushioning arrangement, the adjustment apparatus being configured to adjust the firmness of the cushioning arrangement, thereby adjusting the horizontal position of the cushioning arrangement.

14. A chair assembly according to claim 13, wherein the adjustment apparatus comprises an inflation apparatus for inflating the inflatable cushion.

15. A chair assembly according to claim 14, wherein the inflation apparatus comprises a pump, and a hose to provide communication between the pump and the cushion.

16. A chair assembly according to claim 15, wherein the inflation apparatus comprises a release valve to allow the cushion to be deflated, the release valve being provided on the pump.

17. A chair assembly according to claim 16, wherein the pump comprises a flexible inflation member that can be squeezed by a user to inflate the cushion.

18. A chair assembly according to any of claims 10 to 17, wherein the holder defines a recess across which the cushion extends thereby holding the cushion.

19. A chair assembly according to claim 18, wherein the cushion is secured to the holder by a securing member which extends across the cushion.

20. A chair assembly according to claim 19, wherein the securing member comprises first and second substantially planar opposite sides.

21. A chair assembly according to claim 20, wherein the mounting arrangement includes first and second clamping members on the shaft to clamp the securing member therebetween.

22. A chair assembly according to claim 21, wherein the first and second clamping members comprise a head on an end of the shaft and a threaded nut screwed onto the shaf

23. A chair assembly according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the holder is in the shape of a dome having a substantially planar apex face, the apex face defining a central aperture through which the shaft extends.

24. A chair assembly according to any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the cushion includes a cushioning portion and a fixing portion for fixing the cushioning portion to the securing member, the fixing portion extending around the cushioning portion to engage the securing member.

25. A chair assembly according to claim 24, wherein the fixing portion includes an annular hook formation that hooks around the securing member.

26. A chair assembly according to claim 25, wherein the cushioning portion defines a recess, the recess constituting an internal space between the cushioning member and the securing member.

27. A chair assembly according to any of claims 23 to 26, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a fastening member and first and second clamping members, the clamping members engaging opposite faces of the chair back.

28. A chair assembly according to claim 27, wherein the chair back comprises a column extending upwardly relative to the seat arrangement.

29. A chair assembly according to claim 28, wherein the column comprises first and second spaced upright members.

30. A chair assembly according to claim 29, wherein an elongate gap is defined between the upright members, the gap extending upwardly relative to the seat arrangement.

31. A chair assembly according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the mounting arrangement extends between the upright members to mount the cushioning arrangement on the chair back, the mounting arrangement being movable along the gap to move the spinal support arrangement relative to the chair back.

32. A chair assembly according to any of claims 27 to 31, wherein each of the first and second clamping members comprises a main portion and a resilient engaging portion, each engaging portion engaging the chair back when the chair back is clamped by the first and second clamping members.

33. A chair assembly according to claim 32, wherein the engaging portion is formed of a resilient material, such as felt.

34. A chair assembly according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the main portion comprises a clamping portion and an insertion portion for insertion into the gap between the first and second upright members.

35. A chair assembly according to claim 34, wherein a threaded through aperture extends through the main portion of each of the first and second clamping members, the through apertures allowing the first and second clamping members to be screwed onto the threaded shaft.

36. A chair assembly according to any of claims 27 to 35, including a wedge to angle the cushion upwardly relative to the horizontal.

37. A chair assembly according to claim 36, wherein the angle of the cushion is between 2° and 10° to the horizontal.

38. A chair assembly according to claim 37, wherein the angle of the cushion is about 6° to the horizontal.

39. A chair assembly according to claim 36, 37 or 38, wherein the wedge defines a through hole, through which the shaft extends.

40. A chair assembly according to any of claims 36 to 39, wherein the wedge has a generally planar face to engage the second clamping member, and wherein the wedge has a sloping face to engage the holder.

41. A chair assembly according to claim 40, wherein the sloping face of the wedge engages the apex face of the holder.

42. A chair assembly according to claim 40 or 41, wherein The sloping face is arranged at an angle relative to the planar face of between 2° and 10°.

43. A chair assembly according to claim 42, wherein the sloping face is angled relative to planar face by about 6°.

44. A chair assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the seat arrangement includes a seat portion and the chair back further includes a connecting portion to connect the chair back to the seat arrangement, the connecting portion extends from the spaced members to the seat arrangement.

45. A chair assembly according to claim 44, wherein the connecting portion extends to an underside of the seat portion.

46. A chair assembly according to claim 44 or 45, wherein the connecting portion is adjustably attached to the seating arrangement, whereby the connecting portion allows horizontal movement of the chair back relative to the seating arrangement.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1803586.5 Examiner: Daniel Cox