WO2010122550A2

WO2010122550A2 - A multi-positional tilting chair

Info

Publication number: WO2010122550A2
Application number: PCT/IL2010/000311
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oded Shainfeld
Original assignee: Oded Shainfeld
Priority date: 2009-04-23
Filing date: 2010-04-21
Publication date: 2010-10-28
Also published as: WO2010122550A3

Abstract

An orthopedic chair having a pair of support frames, at least one pair of struts, one end of each of the pair of struts coupled to one of each of the pair of support frames and a chair frame coupled to the other end of each of the pair of struts about the chair frame's axis of rotation, thereby allowing the angle of inclination of the chair to be manually altered from a first position to a second position. In one embodiment, the chair includes a gripable device coupled to one end of the pair of struts, to allow the chair frame to be tiltable about the support frame and to be locked in position.

Description

A MULTI-POSITIONAL TILTING CHAIR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to orthopedic chairs in general and to an adjustable, tiltable orthopedic chair, in particular. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Orthopedic chairs are well known, including chairs which may be adjusted from a sitting to a lying or reclining position. These chairs generally include tilting or bending portions, which can be angularly adjusted to provide varying positions allowing a person to sit and/or recline comfortably. Some chairs comprise leg, back and/or neck supports for the patient when in a reclining position.

Most conventional chairs employ complex mechanisms which are configured to enable the user, who may be physically weak to adjust the chair. Such chairs tend to be relatively expensive and over-engineered, which makes them less acceptable for normal hospital use, where the patient generally needs to be assisted by hospital staff.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an orthopedic chair, which may be manually adjusted so that a patient may be moved from a first position to a second position without discomfort. It is a further object of the invention to provide a chair which is pivotable about the chair's axis of rotation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tiltable orthopedic chair suitable for use by hospital staff. The chair, which does not require a complex mechanism, may be easily adjusted from sitting position to a tilted position. The chair may be multi-positional and in one embodiment is adjustable from a sitting position to a tilted or more tilted position.

There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, an orthopedic chair including a pair of support frames, at least one pair of struts, one end of each of the pair of struts coupled to one of each of the pair of support frames and a chair frame coupled to the other end of each of the pair of struts coupled about the chair frame's axis of rotation.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the chair frame includes a back portion, a seat portion coupled to the back portion and a foot portion coupled to the seat portion. The seat portion is tiltable coupled to the other end of each of the pair of struts.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention the chair further includes a gripable washer device coupled to one end of the pair of struts, the gripable washer device being configured to allow the chair frame to be tiltable about the support frame. Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, one of the pair of struts is a first channel strut and the chair further includes a second channel strut attached to the frame supporting the seat portion and a locking device. The locking device includes a hinge device, the hinge device, which includes first and second first and second plurality of brake leaves coupled to each other and inserted within the first and second channel struts respectively. The hinge device is configured to allow the chair frame to be tiltable about the support frame and the locking device further includes a handle to allow the chair frame to be locked.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the orthopedic chair further includes a first horizontal strut connecting each of the pair of support frames, the first horizontal strut being configured to prevent the seat portion from tilting beyond a pre-determined forward position. Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the orthopedic chair further includes a second horizontal strut connecting each of the pair of support frames, the second horizontal strut being configured to prevent the back portion from tilting backwards beyond a pre-determined rearward position. Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the locking device further includes a first bearing indentation plate having a plurality of indentations in a circular formation formed therein and a second bearing indentation plate having a plurality of clockwise and anti-clockwise sloped races having a non-return indentation. The second bearing indentation plate is configured to allow three ball bearings to travel along the corresponding indentation. The first and second bearing indentation plates are attached to one end of the first and second pairs of interlocking pressure plates, respectively. The first and second bearing indentation plates are configured to lock the system by rotating the first bearing indentation plate against the sloped races causing pressure on the interlocking pressure plates.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the chair further includes a second pair of elements pivotally connected to the chair body and configured to slidably extend and retract within the at least one pair of struts; and a lever mechanism pivotally connected at one end of the second pair of elements. The lever mechanism is configured to move from a first rearward position to a second forwards position, thereby altering the angle of inclination of the chair.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the lever mechanism includes a third pair of elements pivotally connected at one end to the second pair of elements and to the chair body, a fourth pair of elements insertable within the third pair of elements and a handle connected to the fourth pair of elements.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the chair may be moved from first rearward position which is a semi-reclining seating position and to an upright seating position. The same lever mechanism allows the chair to be moved from a semi-reclining seating position to a full reclining position with the foot portion being raised above the head portion. In addition, there is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a locking device, which includes a hinge device and a locking handle attached to the hinge device. The hinge device includes first and second first plurality of brake leaves coupled to each other, a first bearing indentation plate having a plurality of indentations in a circular formation formed therein and a second bearing indentation plate, which includes a plurality of clockwise and anticlockwise sloped races having a non-return indentation. The second bearing indentation plate is configured to allow three ball bearings to travel along the corresponding indentation. The first and second bearing indentation plates are attached to one end of the first and second pairs of interlocking pressure plates, respectively. The first and second bearing indentation plates are configured to lock the system by rotating the first bearing indentation plate against the sloped races causing pressure on the interlocking pressure plates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which: Figs. 1 and 2 are schematic illustrations of a tiltable orthopedic chair, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, disposed in a sitting position;

Figs. 3 and 4 are schematic illustrations of the chair of Figs. 1 and 2, disposed in a tilted (reclining) position; Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a tiltable orthopedic chair, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, disposed in a semi-reclining position;

Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of a tiltable orthopedic chair, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, disposed in a reclining position;

Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of the chair of Figs. 1 and 2, fitted with a locking device;

Fig. 8 is a close-up view of the locking device of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a detailed view of the locking device of Fig. 7; Fig. 10 is a detailed view the hinge device used with the locking device of Fig. 7;

Fig. 11 is a detail view of the bearing indentation plates used with the locking device of Fig. 7;

Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of a tiltable orthopedic chair, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, disposed in a sitting position;

Fig.13 is a schematic illustration of the chair of Fig. 12, disposed in an upright seated position;

Fig.14 is a schematic illustration of the chair of Fig. 12, disposed in a semi-reclining position; Fig.15 is a schematic illustration of the chair of Fig. 14, disposed in a full reclining position; and

Fig.16 is a schematic illustration of the chair of Fig. 12, disposed in a sitting position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tiltable orthopedic chair suitable for use by hospital staff. The chair, which does not require a complex mechanism, may be easily adjusted from one position to another. The chair may be multi- positional and in some embodiments is adjustable from a sitting position to a reclining position or from a reclining position to a Trendleberg position.

Reference is now made to Figs 1-4. Figs. 1 and 2 illustrations of a tiltable orthopedic chair, generally designated 10, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, disposed in a sitting position. Figs. 3 and 4 are illustrations of the chair 10, disposed in a tilted (or reclining) position. The chair 10 is adapted for use by hospital and ancillary staff for moving patients, who may be incapacitated and incapable of adjusting the chair themselves.

The chair 10 comprises an upholstered seat 12, backrest 14 and footrest 16 fitted to the chair body 18. The chair 10 may also comprise a head rest 17 and a leg support 19. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the orthopedic chair 10 has a slightly angled sitting position. The chair body 18 is attached to a frame 20 about the chair's center of gravity by a pair of vertical elements 22. One end of the vertical elements 22 is connected to the chair body 18 by means of 'starlock' fasteners 32, or any other suitable gripable washer device. The other end of vertical elements 22 is suitably connected to the frame 20.

The frame 20 comprises a pair of generally rectangular members 24a, 24b attached to rear and forward connecting members 26a and 26b respectively, as shown. The chair 10 may also have armrests 28 fitted to the frame 20. The frame 20 may be fitted with four wheels 30 for mobility. Preferably the wheels 30 are configured to comprise a braking device to prevent the chair from being inadvertently moved.

The connecting members 26a, 26b may also act as "stoppers" (or brakes) to restrict the tilting movement of the chair. Thus, connecting member 26a may act to restrict the rearward movement of the chair in the sitting position as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, while connecting member 26b may act to restrict the forward movement of the chair in the reclining position as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The chair 10 may also have additional strengthening members, such as member 27 shown fitted to the rear frame 24a.

The applicant has realized that if the chair body 18 is connected to the chair frame 20 about the chair's axis of rotation, indicated by the 'starlock' fastener 32, the chair maybe easily moved from a seating position (Figs. 1 and 2) to a tilted position (Figs. 3 and 4), even when supporting a person's body weight. The person's body weight is always balanced equally about the axis of rotation, so that effectively, the person's center of gravity is moved from the sitting position to the tilted position as the chair's position is changed. In other words, when seated, the person's center of gravity moved towards the front, while when the chair is tilted he person's center of gravity is moved backwards. Thus, in any position, the chair is balanced about a person's center of gravity.

Thus, the chair is tiltable about its axis of rotation and its movement is restricted by the position of the stops, placed at the rear 26a or front 26b. It will be appreciated by person knowledgeable in the art that the angle of tilt may be varied, by adjusting the position of the connecting members (26a, 26b), for example. Thus, the connecting members (26a, 26b) may be configured to be adjustable along the vertical members of the frame 20 so as to allow for the angle of inclination of the chair to be varied.

Reference is now made to Figs 5 and 6, which illustrate a further embodiment of the tiltable orthopedic chair 10 of the present invention disposed in a semi-reclining position and fully reclining position, respectively..

The embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6 are similar to the embodiment of the chair of Figs. 1-4 with the addition of an adjustable "stopper" (or braking) device, generally designated 70. In this embodiment a stopper element 72 is welded to connecting member 24a. The "stopper" device 70 comprises a plate having a screw or bolt (not shown) attached to one end, and a handle 74 attached at the plate's other end, as shown. The "stopper" device 70 is inserted through an aperture drilled in connecting member 24a. The aperture is configured to have a larger diameter than the screw to allow the "stopper" device 70 to freely rotate within the aperture. The device 70 may be retained by means of a fixing device, such as a nut 76 attachable to the screw/bolt.

To place the chair in a semi-reclining position, the "stopper" device 70 is rotated until it is held in place by the stopper element 72, as shown in Fig. 5. To return the chair to the full reclining position, the "stopper" device 70 is rotated clockwise so that is hangs vertically, as shown in Fig. 6.

It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited by the embodiment illustrated in Figs 1-6, where the chair is adapted for use by hospital staff, but is also applicable to use by the patient himself. For example, the chair may be fitted with controls allowing a handicapped patient, for example, to adjust the chair himself from one position to another.

The chair may also be fitted with other devices such as a locking device, which enables the chair to be locked in any required position, as is illustrated in the embodiment of Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 7 is a photographic illustration of the chair 10 fitted with a locking device, generally designated 36. Fig. 8 is a close-up view of the locking device 36. The chair 10 is shown locked in a position midway between the sitting and tilted positions of Figs 1 and 4 respectively, that is the chair frame 20 is not in contact with either the rear or front stops 26a and 26b respectively. In the embodiment of the invention having a locking device 36 (Figs. 7-

8), one of the vertical struts 22 (for example, the left hand side of the chair shown in the embodiment of Figs 1-4) is replaced by a channel strut 38,having an aperture formed at one end thereof. A second channel strut 40 is suitably attached to the chair body 18, about the chair's center of gravity (pivot point) 62. The locking device 36 is configured to be attached the chair body 18 about the chair's pivot point 62.

Reference is now made to Figs. 9-11 which illustrate the components and operation of the locking device 36. The locking device 36 comprises a handle 42 attached to a hinge device 44 (best seen in Fig. 10). The hinge device 44 comprises first and second plurality of braking leaves 46a, 46b hingedly connected together. For purposes of clarity, Figs 9 and 10 only show a few braking leaves, but it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto. The first and second pluralities of leaves 46a, 46b are connected to first and second bearing indentation pressure plates 48, 50, respectively. Fig. 10 illustrates the hinge device 44 without the locking handle 42 for clarity. Fig. 11 illustrates first and second bearing indentation pressure plates 48, 50 used with the locking device 36.

The first and second bearing indentation pressure plates 48, 50 of the hinge device 44 are configured to fit the struts 38 and 40, respectively. As shown in Fig. 8, one end of the first pair of interlocking pressure plates 46a is insertable within the channel strut 38. In a similar manner, the second pair of interlocking pressure plates 46b is insertable within the channel strut 40 (not shown).

The locking handle 42 is suitably attached to the first and second bearing indentation pressure plates 48, 50, which are attached to one end of the first and second pairs of braking leaves 46a, 46b, respectively to form the locking device 36. In the non-limiting example of an embodiment of the invention, first bearing indentation pressure plate 48 comprises nine indentations 52 in a circular formation. Second bearing indentation pressure plate 50 comprises three clockwise and anti-clockwise sloped races 54 with an indentation 56, which are configured to allow three ball bearings 58 to travel along the corresponding indentation 56. The indentations 52 and the sloped races 54 are configured go match the diameter of the ball bearings 58.

The locking handle 42 is welded (or otherwise suitably attached) to the first bearing indentation plate 48 (see Fig. 9). The second bearing indentation pressure plate 50 is suitably attached to second pairs of interlocking pressure plates 46b, such as by screws 60. The handle 42 and first bearing indentation plate 48 are fitted together with the second bearing indentation pressure plate 50 (which is connected to the braking leaves 46b) and the combination of elements are suitably connected together at pivot point 62 by a suitable arrangement such as a bolt and nut arrangement, for example. Thus, in operation, when the handle is turned to lock the chair 10, the first and second bearing indentation pressure plates 48, 50 cause the system to lock by rotating the bearing indentation pressure plate 50 against the sloped races 54 causing pressure on the locking hinged leaves 46a, 46b , thereby preventing the chair frame from moving. It should be noted that the non-return indentation pressure plate 50 may be configured to lock in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. It will be appreciated that the locking device of the present invention is not limited to the adjustable, tiltable orthopedic chair of the present invention, but may be adapted to be used with any furniture including type of chair and bed.

Reference is now made to Figs. 12-16, which illustrate a further embodiment of the tiltable orthopedic chair 10 of the present invention. The embodiment of figs. 12-16 utilizes similar components to the embodiments of Figs. 1-6, which are similarly designated.

Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of a tiltable orthopedic chair, generally designated 100, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, disposed in a sitting position. Fig.13 is a schematic illustration of chair 100, disposed in an upright seated position. Fig.14 is a schematic illustration of the chair 100, disposed in a semi-reclining position. Fig.15 is a schematic illustration of the chair 100, disposed in a full reclining position and Fig.16 is a schematic illustration of the chair 100, disposed in a sitting position. The chair 100 comprises an upholstered seat 12, backrest 14 and footrest 16 fitted to the chair body 18. A pair of vertical elements 112 is suitably connected to the frame 20. A second pair of elements 114, which are pivotally connected to the chair body 18, are configured to slidably extend and retract within elements 112. A lever mechanism, generally designated 110 (best seen in Fig. 15), which comprises a third pair of elements 116 pivotally connected at one end to second pair of elements 114, is also suitably connected to the chair body 18. A fourth pair of elements 119 are configured to be insertable within third pair of elements 116. The fourth pair of elements 119 are suitably connected at its other end by means of a rod 118. At one end, the rod 118 extends beyond element 119 and is connectable to a handle 120. The lever mechanism 110 is configured to move from a first rear position (seen in Figs 12, 14 and 16) to a second forwards position (seen in Figs. 13 and 15). As shown in the figures and described hereinbelow, the change in angle of inclination of the chair will vary depending on the initial position of the chair. Reference is now made to Figs. 12, 13 and 16. As seen in Fig. 12, the chair 100 is shown in a standard seating position with the footrest 16 tucked away beneath the seat 12. Handle 120 is facing rearwards. By moving handle 120 to its forward position, elements 119 are raised upwards within elements 116 causing the seat to tilt forward and the backrest move to an upright position, as shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 16 illustrates chair 100 a standard seating position with the footrest 16 extended in a generally horizontal position.

Reference is now made to Figs. 14 and 15, As seen in Fig. 14, the chair 100 is shown in a semi-reclining position with the footrest 16 extended upward. Handle 120 is facing rearwards. By moving handle 120 to its forward position, elements 119 are raised upwards within elements 116 causing the backrest 14 to move to a fuller reclining position, as shown in Fig. 15. In the latter case, the footrest 16 is higher than the headrest 17, so that the chair is in the Trendleberg position. As best seen in Fig 15, chair 100 may be fitted with locking devices 122 and 124, which are similar to locking device 36, described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 9-11. Locking device 122 is configured to lock the footrest 16 to the leg rest 19 while locking device 124 is configured to lock the leg rest 19 to the seat 12. It will also be appreciated that the present invention is not limited by what has been described hereinabove and that numerous modifications, all of which fall within the scope of the present invention, exist. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which follow:

Claims

1. An orthopedic chair comprising: a pair of support frames; at least one pair of struts, one end of each of said at least one pair of struts coupled to one of each of said pair of support frames; and a chair frame coupled to the other end of each of said at least one pair of struts about the chair frame's axis of rotation, thereby allowing the angle of inclination of the chair to be manually altered from a first rearward position to a second forwards position.

2. The orthopedic chair according to claim 1 , wherein the chair frame comprises a back portion, a seat portion coupled to said back portion and a foot portion coupled to said seat portion; and wherein the seat portion is tiltable coupled to said other end of each of said at least one pair of struts.

3. The orthopedic chair according to claim 2, wherein said chair further comprises a gripable washer device coupled to one end of said at least one pair of struts, said gripable washer device configured to allow the chair frame to be tiltable about the support frame.

4. The orthopedic chair according to claim 2, wherein said at least one pair of struts is a first channel strut and said chair further comprises: a second channel strut attached to the frame supporting said seat portion; and a locking device comprising a hinge device, said hinge device comprising first and second first and second plurality of brake leaves coupled to each other and inserted within said first and second channel struts respectively, wherein said hinge device is configured to allow the chair frame to be tiltable about the support frame; and wherein said locking device further comprises a handle to allow the chair frame to be locked.

5. The orthopedic chair according to claim 1 , further comprising a first horizontal strut connecting each of said pair of support frames, said first horizontal strut configured to prevent the seat portion from tilting beyond a predetermined forward position.

6. The orthopedic chair according to claim 1 , further comprising a second horizontal strut connecting each of said pair of support frames, said second horizontal strut configured to prevent the back portion from tilting backwards beyond a pre-determined rearward position.

7. The orthopedic chair according to claim 4, wherein said locking device further comprises: a first bearing indentation plate having a plurality of indentations in a circular formation formed therein; and a second bearing indentation plate comprising a plurality of clockwise and anti-clockwise sloped races having a non-return indentation, said second bearing indentation plate being configured to allow three ball bearings to travel along the corresponding indentation; wherein said first and second bearing indentation plates are attached to one end of the first and second pairs of interlocking pressure plates, respectively; and wherein said first and second bearing indentation plates are configured to lock the system by rotating the first bearing indentation plate against the sloped races causing pressure on the interlocking pressure plates.

8. A locking device comprising: a hinge device; a locking handle attached to the hinge device; said hinge device comprising: first and second first and second plurality of brake leaves coupled to each other; a first bearing indentation plate having a plurality of indentations in a circular formation formed therein; and a second bearing indentation plate comprising a plurality of clockwise and anti-clockwise sloped races having a non-return indentation, said second bearing indentation plate being configured to allow three ball bearings to travel along the corresponding indentation; wherein said first and second bearing indentation plates are attached to one end of the first and second pairs of interlocking pressure plates, respectively; and wherein said first and second bearing indentation plates are configured to lock the system by rotating the first bearing indentation plate against the sloped races causing pressure on the interlocking pressure plates.

9. The orthopedic chair according to claim 2, wherein said chair further comprises: a second pair of elements pivotally connected to the chair body and configured to slidably extend and retract within said at least one pair of struts; and a lever mechanism pivotally connected at one end of said second pair of elements; wherein said lever mechanism is configured to move from a first rearward position to a second forwards position, thereby altering the angle of inclination of the chair, the change in angle of inclination of the chair varying depending on the initial position of the chair.

10. The orthopedic chair according to claim 9, wherein said lever mechanism comprises: a third pair of elements pivotally connected at one end to said second pair of elements and to the chair body; a fourth pair of elements insertable within said third pair of elements; and a handle connected to said fourth pair of elements.

11. The orthopedic chair according to claim 9, wherein said first rearward position is a semi-reclining seating position and wherein said second forwards position is an upright seating position.

12. The orthopedic chair according to claim 9, wherein said first rearward position is a semi-reclining seating position and wherein said second forwards position is a full reclining position with the foot portion being raised above the head portion.