GB2474018A

GB2474018A - Low seat with inclined seating portion

Info

Publication number: GB2474018A
Application number: GB0917099A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lorna Taylor
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-09-30
Filing date: 2009-09-30
Publication date: 2011-04-06
Also published as: GB0917099D0

Abstract

A seat 10 for an adult person comprises a back rest 14 for supporting a back of a person; a seat portion 12 for supporting a rear of the person and being configured to slope downwardly from a rear part of the seat portion 12 to a front part of the seat portion 12; and one or more legs 16 coupled to the seat portion 12 and configured to provide the seat portion 12 with a height of less than forty six centimeters.

Description

TITLE

A Seat

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to seats. In particular, they relate to seats for use by adult persons.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Teaching and healthcare professionals usually experience back pain during their lifetimes due to the requirement of working at relatively low levels. For example, teachers may have to bend or kneel to place themselves at the level of pupils. Additionally, healthcare professionals may have to bend to place themselves on a similar level to their patients.

In such professions, it is usual for the professional to spend at least a portion of their time seated on a seat next to their pupil or patient. However, in order to communicate with and assist the pupil or patient, the professional may have to assume a posture that may lead to back pain or other injury associated with poor posture.

It would therefore be desirable to provide an alternative seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a seat for an adult person comprising: a back rest for supporting a back of a person; a seat portion for supporting a rear of the person and being configured to slope downwardly from a rear part of the seat portion to a front part of the seat portion; and one or more legs coupled to the seat portion and configured to provide the seat portion with a height of less than forty six centimeters.

The slope of the seat portion may have any angle relative to horizontal in the range of A to B. A may have any value in the range of one degree to twenty degrees. B may be greater than A and may have any value in the range of one degree to twenty degrees.

The seat portion may include a substantially horizontal base and a wedge shaped cushion.

The height of the seat portion may have any height in the range of C to D. C may have any value in the range of, greater than or equal to twenty five centimeters, to less than forty six centimeters. D may be greater than C and may have any value in the range of, greater than or equal to twenty five centimeters to less than forty six centimeters.

The width of the seat portion may have any width in the range of E to F. E may have any value in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters. F may be greater than E and may have any value in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters.

The depth of the seat portion may have any depth in the range of G to H. C may have any value in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters. H may be greater than C and may have any value in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters.

The height of the back rest may have any height in the range of I to J. I may have any value in the range of fifteen centimeters to forty centimeters. J may be greater than I and may have any value in the range of fifteen centimeters to forty centimeters. Back rest measurements may be taken from the rear top of the seat cushion.

The seat may further comprise one or more wheels coupled to the one or more legs for facilitating movement of the seat on a surface. The one or more wheels may be one or more lockable casters or gliders.

The back rest may include a handle for facilitating movement of the seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a diagram of a side view of a seat according to various embodiments of the invention; Fig. 2 illustrates a diagram of a front view of the seat illustrated in fig. 1; and Fig. 3 illustrates a diagram of a perspective view of another seat according to various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE

INVENTION

In the following description, the wording connect' and couple' and their derivatives mean operationally connected/coupled. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components).

Figs. I and 2 illustrate a seat 10 according to various embodiments of the invention. The seat inc'udes a seat portion 12, a back rest 14 and a plurality of legs 16. The seat 10 is suitable for use by an adult person (hereinafter referred to as the user') and may be placed on a floor 18. The seat 10 may prevent the user from obtaining an injury when working with children and/or patients for example.

The seat portion 12 is arranged to support the rear of a person and may comprise any suitable material(s) (e.g. metals, plastics, fabrics, leather etc).

The seat portion 12 is wedge shaped and includes a top surface 20 for supporting the rear of a person. The top surface 20 slopes downwardly from a rear part 22 of the seat portion 12 to a front part 24 of the seat portion 12.

The slope of the seat portion 12 may have any angle () relative to horizontal in the range of A to B. A may have any value in the range of one degree to twenty degrees. B is greater than A and may have any value in the range of one degree to twenty degrees. For example, the angle may have any value in the range of one degree to twenty degrees, or any value in the range of five degrees to ten degrees or may have a value of eight degrees.

It should be appreciated that the seat portion 12 may have a variety of shapes. For example, the downward slope of the top surface 20 may not have a constant gradient. The negative gradient of the top surface may increase in value from the rear part 22 of the seat portion 12 to the front part 24 of the seat portion 12. For example, the negative gradient of the top surface 20 may increase in value from one degree at the rear part 22 to ten degrees at the front part 24. Furthermore, the seat 10 may include additional seat portions (not illustrated in the figures) that may have any gradient(s). For example, the seat 10 may include a further seat portion positioned between the seat portion 12 and the back rest 14 which may be substantially horizontal (i.e. a gradient of zero degrees).

The seat portion 12 has a width 26 that allows an adult person to use the seat 10. The width of the seat portion may have any width in the range of E to F. E may have any value in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters. F is greater than E and may have any value in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters. For example, the width of the seat portion may be any width in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters or may have any width in the range of thirty centimeters to thirty four centimeters.

The seat portion 12 has a depth 28 that allows an adult person to use the seat 10. The depth of the seat portion may have any depth in the range of C to H. C may have any value in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters. H is greater than C and may have any value in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters. For example, the depth may have any value in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters or the depth may have a value in the range of thirty centimeters to thirty two centimeters.

The back rest 14 is connected to the rear part 22 of the seat portion 12 and is arranged to support the back of the user. The back rest 14 may have any suitable shape and may comprise any suitable materials (e.g. metals, plastics, fabrics, leather etc). The height 30 of the back rest 14 may have any value in the range of I to J. I may have any value in the range of fifteen centimeters to forty centimeters. J is greater than I and may have any value in the range of fifteen centimeters to forty centimeters. For example, the back rest 14 may have a height 30 in the range of twenty centimeters to thirty eight centimeters or may have a height 30 in the range of twenty five centimeters to thirty two centimeters. In this example, the height of the back rest 14 is measured from the adjacent top surface 20 of the seat portion 12 to the top edge of the back rest 14.

The width 32 of the back rest 14 may have any value in the range of K to L. K may have any value in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters. L is greater than K and may have any value in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters. For example, the back rest 14 may have a width 32 in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters or may have a width 32 in the range of thirty centimeters to thirty four centimeters.

The plurality of legs 16 are connected to the seat portion 12 and are arranged to support the seat portion 12 on the floor 18. Each leg 16 may comprise a substantially elongate body that extends from the seat portion 12 for engaging the floor 18 and may comprise any suitable material (e.g. metal). The plurality of legs 16 have lengths that provide the seat portion 12 with a height 34 (measured from the floor 18 to the top surface 20 at the front part 24) of less than forty six centimeters. The height 34 of the seat portion 12 may have any height in the range of C to D. C may have any value in the range of, greater than or equal to twenty five centimeters, to less than forty six centimeters. D is greater than C and may have any value in the range of, greater than or equal to twenty five centimeters to less than forty six centimeters. For 1 5 example, the height 34 may have any value in the range of twenty five centimeters to forty five centimeters or may have any value in the range of thirty five centimeters to forty centimeters.

Embodiments of the present invention provide several advantages. One such advantage is that the relatively low height of the seat portion 12 may enable a user to place their legs under a relatively low table (e.g. a children's/pupil's table) which may prevent the user from bending or reaching over when communicating with a child, for example. Furthermore, the relatively low height of the seat portion 12 may enable the user to place their feet flat on the floor 18 which may promote natural spine posture.

Another advantage is that the width and the depth of the seat portion 12 may enable the user to sit more comfortably with support provided by the relatively wide seat portion 12. Additionally, the width and depth of the seat portion 12 results in the seat 10 being relatively compact which may enable the user close access to a pupil and/or a patient in a relatively limited space (e.g. a class room).

A further advantage is that the downward slope of the seat portion 12 may increase a user's sense of wellbeing through improved postural alignment and body function. In particular, the downward slope of seat portion 12 may improve the posture of a user due to the increased angle between their body and their thighs. This may help to reduce a potentially damaging load on the lower spine caused by incorrect flexed sitting. The downward slope may enable a user to maintain a relatively straight spine which may allow improved respiratory function and ensure less abdominal compression (allows better breathing and digestion). The downward slope of the seat portion may reduce pressure on a user's thighs and allow increased blood flow to and from the user's legs. The downward slope of the seat portion 12 also provides an increased height of seat but may still enable a user to place their legs under a relatively low table.

Another advantage is that the back rest 14 may enable a user to sit more comfortably and maintain a natural spinal alignment. This may once again result in an increased sense of wellbeing for the user.

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view diagram of another seat 10 according to various embodiments of the present invention. The seat 10 illustrated in fig. 3 is similar to the seat illustrated in figs. 1 and 2 and where the features are similar, the same reference numerals are used. The seat 10 illustrated in fig. 3 may have the same dimensions as the seat illustrated in figs. I and 2.

In these embodiments, the seat portion 12 includes a base 36 and a wedge shaped cushion 38. The back rest 14, the plurality of legs 16 and the cushion 38 are connected I fastened to the base 36. The cushion 38 comprises fire retardant foam covered with a durable and water-proof/water-resistant material. This may advantageously increase a user's comfort and enable the seat portion 12 to be cleaned relatively easily.

The back rest 14 includes two elongate supports 40 that extend from the rear part 22 of the base 36. The back rest 14 also includes a back support portion 42 that is connected to the two elongate supports 40. The back support portion 42 may comprise fire retardant foam covered with a durable and water-proof I water-resistant material. Furthermore, the back support portion 42 defines an aperture 44 that may function as a handle and advantageously facilitate the movement of the seat 10 by the user. In this example, the height of the back rest 14 is measured from the adjacent top surface 20 of the seat portion 12 to the top of the back support portion/cushion 42.

Each leg of the plurality of legs 16 includes a wheel 46 for facilitating movement of the seat 10 on the floor 18. In various embodiments, the wheels 46 may be casters or gliders. Casters are well known in the art of furniture design/manufacture and will not be discussed in detail here. At least one of the casters 46 is lockable to prevent movement of the seat 18 on the floor 18.

In this embodiment, the two rear casters include a lever 48 for enabling a user to lock the casters. Since the casters 46 permit movement of the seat 10 on the floor 18, they may advantageously prevent twisting and over-stretching of the user's spine. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the seat 10 may include front lockable casters or any other combination of lockable casters.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the seat may include one or more legs for supporting the seat portion 12 and the back rest 14. For example, the seat 10 may include a single leg that extends from the centre of the seat portion 12 and includes a series of horizontal spokes that each end with a caster (similar to an office chair for example).

The back rest 14 may include a body that may be gripped by a user and used as a handle to enable the user to move the seat 10.

The height of the seat portion 12 may be adjusted according to the user's preference. For example, the one or more legs may include extendable telescopic sections or may include a gas lift system.

The legs 16 of the seat 10 may be arranged so that a plurality of seats 10 may be placed one on top of the other and stacked. In other embodiments, the seat 10 may not be stackable.

In some embodiments, the seat portion 12 may be substantially planar and the downward slope of the top surface 20 of the seat portion 12 may be provided by the legs 16 at the front of seat 10 being shorter than the legs 16 at the rear of the seat 10.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A seat for an adult person comprising: a back rest for supporting a back of a person; a seat portion for supporting a rear of the person and being configured to slope downwardly from a rear part of the seat portion to a front part of the seat portion; and one or more legs coupled to the seat portion and configured to provide the seat portion with a height of less than forty six centimeters.
2. A seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slope of the seat portion has any angle relative to horizontal in the range of A to B, wherein A has any value in the range of one degree to twenty degrees, and B is greater than A and has any value in the range of one degree to twenty degrees.
3. A seat as claimed in claim I or 2, wherein the seat portion includes a substantially horizontal base and a wedge shaped cushion.
4. A seat as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the seat portion has any height in the range of C to D, wherein C has any value in the range of, greater than or equal to twenty five centimeters, to less than forty six centimeters, and D is greater than C and has any value in the range of, greater than or equal to twenty five centimeters to less than forty six centimeters.
5. A seat as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the seat portion has any width in the range of E to F, wherein E has any value in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters, and F is greater than E and has any value in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters.
6. A seat as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the depth of the seat portion has any depth in the range of G to H, wherein G has any value in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters, and H is greater than G and has any value in the range of twenty eight centimeters to thirty eight centimeters.
7. A seat as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the back rest has any height in the range of I to J, wherein I has any value in the range of fifteen centimeters to forty centimeters, and J is greater than I and has any value in the range of fifteen centimeters to forty centimeters.
8. A seat as claimed in claim 7, wherein back rest measurements are taken from the rear top of the seat cushion.

1 5
9. A seat as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the seat further comprises one or more wheels coupled to the one or more legs for facilitating movement of the seat on a surface.
10. A seat as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more wheels are one or more lockable casters or gliders.
11. A seat as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the back rest includes a handle for facilitating movement of the seat.