[go: up one dir, main page]

WO1994019992A1 - Siege de support pour le dos - Google Patents

Siege de support pour le dos Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1994019992A1
WO1994019992A1 PCT/GB1994/000401 GB9400401W WO9419992A1 WO 1994019992 A1 WO1994019992 A1 WO 1994019992A1 GB 9400401 W GB9400401 W GB 9400401W WO 9419992 A1 WO9419992 A1 WO 9419992A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
seat
slats
strap
pockets
connector
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB1994/000401
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Thomas Joseph Kelly
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB939304405A external-priority patent/GB9304405D0/en
Priority claimed from GB939314771A external-priority patent/GB9314771D0/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU61456/94A priority Critical patent/AU6145694A/en
Priority to GB9422149A priority patent/GB2281203B/en
Publication of WO1994019992A1 publication Critical patent/WO1994019992A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
    • A47C1/14—Beach chairs ; Chairs for outdoor use, e.g. chairs for relaxation or sun-tanning
    • A47C1/146—Beach chairs ; Chairs for outdoor use, e.g. chairs for relaxation or sun-tanning of legless type
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/02—Seat parts
    • A47C7/024—Seat parts with double seats
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/36—Supports for the head or the back
    • A47C7/40—Supports for the head or the back for the back
    • A47C7/405—Supports for the head or the back for the back with double backrests

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a back-supporting seat.
  • a collapsible and portable back-supporting seat comprising a slatted seat portion and a slatted back portion interconnected by a hinge between the back of the seat portion and the bottom of the back portion and also by straps extending from near the top of each side edge of the back portion to near the front of the corresponding side edge of the seat portion.
  • the device In use, assuming the device is placed on a support such as a car seat or an arm chair, then when the user sits on the seat portion it tends to curve, drawing the back portion into a curve in which it conforms to the back and sides of the user to give firm and comfortable back support.
  • a support such as a car seat or an arm chair
  • the back-supporting seat as thus far described, is referred to hereinafter as a back-supporting seat of the kind described.
  • the seat and back portions both comprise double layer strips of a flexible material such as canvas stitched to define pockets in which the ends of the slats are received.
  • the strips of material at the back of the seat portion and the bottom of the back portion are integrally formed to define the hinge. Stapling or rivetting of the back layer of material to each slat has been the usual method of ensuring that the ends of the slats are retained in the pockets.
  • a back-supporting seat of the kind described in which double layer strips of flexible material are stitched to define pockets in which the ends of the slats are received, the strips being sufficiently wide in the direction of the lengths of the slats that pockets of sufficient depth are formed to retain the slats during use without the use of staples, and at least all the slats intermediate the side edge slats are freely retained so that the ends thereof are able to move to a limited extent within the pockets in the longitudinal direction of the slats.
  • a back-supporting seat of the kind described in which double layer pieces of flexible material are stitched to define pockets in which the slats are wholly accommodated to retain the slats during use without the use of staples, and the slats are freely retained within the pockets so that the ends thereof are able to move to a limited extent within the pockets in the longitudinal direction of the slats.
  • the seat according to the invention has the advantages of avoiding the use of staple-type fixings, which tend to become loose with use, but also of enabling the seat portion and more importantly the back portion better to curve to a limited extent in the direction of the length of the body of the user, thus achieving improved comfort and support.
  • the outside corners of the side edge slats may be cut away, at least at the ends of the slats adjacent the hinge, thereby to facilitate the deformities which take place in this region when the device is in use. Cutting away the corners at the outer ends of the side edge slats takes away the sharp corners which would otherwise constitute a minor hazard.
  • the ends of the side edge slats may be glued into the pockets by a suitable adhesive. This automatically ensures that movement of the ends of inter ⁇ mediate slats within the pockets is appropriately limited. Flush fitting miniature plastics nuts and bolts may be used instead of adhesive.
  • the strap ends may be stitched to the pocket-forming strips.
  • the double layer strips are made of folded flexible plastics sheet.
  • the slats may be made of wood or lightweight plastics material.
  • the side straps may be made of suitable non-stretch webbing and are preferably sufficiently wide to exert pressure on the side edge slats over a length of the slats extending up to a point close to the middle thereof, thereby to ensure conformity of the device to the body of the user by turning the edge slats from the middle rather than the ends.
  • a preferred strap for at least one side of the seat but preferably both sides, incorporates a connector whereby two portions of the strap on opposite sides of the connector can be released from one another and re ⁇ ecured back together.
  • a back-supporting seat of the kind described wherein, at least on one side but preferably both sides of the seat, the strap interconnecting the seat and back portions incorporates a connector whereby two portions of strap on opposite sides of the connector, one fastened to the seat portion and one to the back portion, can be released from one another and resecured together.
  • This aspect of the invention is of particular advantage, for example, when the back-supporting seat is used in a motor vehicle, as the user can release the connector in the nearside strap before getting into the vehicle, and then resecure the connector to render the strap operative after getting into the seat.
  • the ability to "break" the straps is also advantageous in other circumstances, particularly when the seat is used by infirm persons or invalids or persons suffering from back weaknesses.
  • a preferred connector has a first part incorporating a bar to which one portion of strap is secured and a pronged portion projecting in the direction of the length of the strap, and a second part incorporating a bar to which the other portion of the strap is secured and a socket open in the direction of the length of the strap to receive the pronged portion of the first part of the connector as a push-in snap fit.
  • the socket incorporated in the second part of the connector has side openings enabling the prongs to be squeezed towards one another to break the connection in the strap.
  • the strap on each side of the seat is preferably also adjustable in length. It is possible to employ a form of connector which simultaneously provides for adjustment in the length of the strap, for example in the manner of a watch strap.
  • the means of length adjustment is separate from the connector, and may be provided even if a connector is not incorporated.
  • a preferred means of length adjustment at least when a connector is incorporated, is a simple three bar buckle having the end of one strap portion secured to the central bar and from there extending to one part of the connector to pass around the bar incorporated in said part and thence back to and through the buckle.
  • back-supporting seat in accordance with the invention will commonly be personal to one user, so that the means of strap length adjustment will rarely be used.
  • the device of the invention has use not only for back pain sufferers, but finds application as a seat for children sitting on the floor, as a back support for assisting floor exercises, and as a picnic or beach chair. It is believed that three sizes of device, especially with respect to the height of the back portion, will be sufficient to cover the range of heights of potential users.
  • a cover in combination with a back-supporting seat comprising a generally rectangular piece of flexible sheet material, preferably canvas or textile material, approximately of the same width as the back and seat portions of the seat and of a greater length than the combined depth of the back and seat portions, which sheet material is folded and secured at its ends, as by stitching, to form pockets for close fitting over the upper edge region of the back portion and the front edge region of the seat portion in order to secure the cover to the seat.
  • a cover in combination with a back-supporting seat according to the invention, comprising a generally rectangular piece (or pieces) of flexible sheet material, preferably canvas or textile material, approximately of twice the combined area of the back and seat portions of the seat, which sheet material is folded and secured as by stitching to form an envelope having an end opening or openings for insertion of the seat and slits at its edges for passage of the seat straps.
  • the seat according to the invention in addition to being an aid to back pain sufferers, is especially useful to assist children and other persons sitting on the floor playing computer games or viewing television and the like, and to enable people to sit comfortably at outdoor events such as concerts.
  • the cover in accordance with the invention enables, in the first instance for example, computer or television characters to be printed on the cover, more particularly to be displayed on the back of the back portion, and 'in the second instance for example, pictures or other marking symbolic of the event taking place to be similarly displayed, for example as an aid to advertising but also possibly simply to make the seat aesthetically more attractive to use.
  • the cover can be made reversible according to either aspect of the invention, which means that four differing markings can be displayed on the back of the back portion, by reversing the cover end to end or turning it inside out.
  • slits for passage of the seat straps are generally not required unless the pockets are made of relatively substantial depth, as the straps preferably connect to the seat and back portions a substantial distance inwards from the end edges of said portions.
  • the cover according to the fourth aspect of the invention it is a prerequisite that the straps of the seat are releasable by means of buckles or the like, so as to enable the straps to be inserted through the slits in the cover.
  • the cover at least according to the fourth aspect of the invention may also serve as a carrier for the seat, e.g. when the seat is to be carried to a beach or the like.
  • the cover preferably made of canvas, has zip-type closures at both ends, and has one or more handles attached.
  • Figure 2 shows a strap incorporating a connector and means of length adjustment
  • Figure 3 shows a lumbar support which may be used in association with the seat
  • Figure 4 again shows the seat in perspective view, but with connectors incorporated in the straps
  • FIGS 5 and 6 show two possible embodiments of seat cover.
  • the illustrated seat comprises a seat portion generally referenced 10 and a back portion generally referenced 12.
  • the seat portion and the back portion each comprise a series of slats 14, of wood or lightweight plastics material, held in slightly spaced parallel relationship by two double layer strips 16 of plastics sheet material which are stitched, as for example indicated at 18, to define pockets 20 in which the ends of the slats 14 are received.
  • the strips 16A, 16B, at the back of the seat portion 10 and the bottom of the back portion 12, are integrally formed of a single long piece of material stitched along its longitudinal centre line and folded back on itself at the centre of its length, whereby the stitched centre line forms a hinge between the seat and back portions.
  • the corners of the side edge slats 14 are cut away, as indicated at 22, and the ends of these side edge slats may be glued into their pockets, as indicated at 24.
  • Webbing straps 26 interconnect the upper end regions of the side edge slats 14 of the back portion 12 with the front end regions of the side edge slats of the seat portion 10. The ends of the straps are wrapped at an angle around the slats and glued in position.
  • the straps 26 pull the back portion 12 into a curved shape in which it conforms to the back and sides of the user to provide firm and comfortable back support.
  • the strips 16 are of a sufficient width, and the pockets 20 therefor of a sufficient depth, that although the seat and back portions can deform and curve both across the length and the width of said portions, the ends of the slats 14 are securely retained within the pockets, even though there is no fastening at the ends of the slats intermediate the side edge slats. In fact, unless accidental or deliberate abuse is considered likely, gluing of the side edge slats in the pockets is not essential.
  • the width of the straps 26 is also important. This is made sufficient to ensure that the sides of the back and seat portions are strongly pulled when the seat is used, over a length sufficient to ensure conformity of these portions to the * body of the user.
  • the straps 26 on each side of the seat incorporate a releasable connector, whereby two portions of strap can be opened apart, and also a length adjustment means.
  • Figure 2 shows one arrangement in which a strap 26 has portions 26A, 26B securable together by a connector 28, whilst length adjustment is provided by a buckle 30.
  • the connector 28 comprises a first part having a pronged portion 32 which snap fits into a socket 34 on a second part of the connector, this socket having side openings 36 enabling the outer prongs 38 to be squeezed towards one another to release the connector.
  • the means of length adjustment 30 is a simple three bar buckle.
  • One portion 26A of the strap is at one end secured to the centre bar of the buckle 30 and from there extends round a bar of the first part of the connector, as indicated at 40, and thence back through the buckle at 42 to the back portion or possibly more preferably the seat portion of the seat.
  • the other portion 26B of the strap is secured to a bar of the second part of the connector, as indicated at 44, and extends directly to the seat portion or back portion of the seat.
  • Figure 3 shows an inflatable lumbar support for use with the seat.
  • This comprises an elongate plastics envelope 33 having tails 35, 37 at its ends.
  • the envelope fixes as a band around the intermediate slats of the back portion 12 of the seat, the tails 35, 37 having a press button fastener 39 which enables the band to be secured.
  • the envelope 33 is inflatable through a sealable port 41 which projects backwardly between two adjacent slats.
  • the band can be slid up or down on the slats to enable the inflated envelope to be positioned at a level of greatest comfort to the user.
  • FIG. 4 again shows the seat in accordance with the invention, but with connectors 28 incorporated in the straps 26.
  • FIG 5 shows one embodiment of cover for use with the seat.
  • This cover comprises a rectangular piece of canvas, textile or other flexible sheet material approximately of the width of the seat and somewhat longer than the combined depth of the back portion 10 and seat portion 12 of the seat (see Figures 1 and 4), folded and stitched at its ends to form pockets 46 which may be fitted over the end regions of the back and seat portions.
  • the straps 26 of the seat may be released at buckles 28 and the seat laid flat to receive the cover, stretched around the bottom surface of the seat portion and back surface of the back portion. The cover readily folds with the seat when the straps 26 are resecured.
  • the exposed surface of the cover may carry decorative, promotional or advertising printing thereon.
  • cover shown in Figure 6 is a complete envelope made from a single piece of canvas, textile, or other suitable material, having approximately twice the combined area of the back and seat portions 10, 12 of the seat.
  • the envelope slides over the seat (after release of the straps 26) and has side slits 48 through which the straps may be passed to enable said straps to be resecured.
  • the envelope preferably secures at its open end by means of a zip-type fastener 50.
  • the cover may carry decorative or informative printing, more especially for display at the back of the back portion.
  • the cover of Figure 6 has handles, e.g. straps, so as to serve as a seat carrier.
  • the cover preferably has zip-type fastenings at both ends.
  • strips 52 of Velcro may be secured to the inside of the cover and the edge slats of the seat better to hold the fitted cover in position.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)

Abstract

Siège de support pour le dos comprenant des parties (10, 12) de siège et de dossier à lamelles, les extrémités de ces lamelles (14) étant retenues dans des poches (20) formées dans des bandes repliées (16) de matériau souple. Hormis les lamelles terminales qui peuvent être collées dans les poches, les poches sont suffisamment profondes pour que les lamelles puissent se déplacer longitudinalement les unes par rapport aux autres, afin que le siège s'adapte mieux à la forme du corps de l'utilisateur.
PCT/GB1994/000401 1993-03-04 1994-03-02 Siege de support pour le dos Ceased WO1994019992A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU61456/94A AU6145694A (en) 1993-03-04 1994-03-02 Back-supporting seat
GB9422149A GB2281203B (en) 1993-03-04 1994-03-02 Back-supporting seat

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB939304405A GB9304405D0 (en) 1993-03-04 1993-03-04 Back-supporting seat
GB9304405.5 1993-03-04
GB939310393A GB9310393D0 (en) 1993-03-04 1993-05-20 Back-supporting seat
GB9310393.5 1993-05-20
GB9314771.8 1993-07-16
GB939314771A GB9314771D0 (en) 1993-07-16 1993-07-16 Back-supporting seat and cover therefor

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1994019992A1 true WO1994019992A1 (fr) 1994-09-15

Family

ID=27266602

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1994/000401 Ceased WO1994019992A1 (fr) 1993-03-04 1994-03-02 Siege de support pour le dos

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU6145694A (fr)
GB (1) GB2281203B (fr)
WO (1) WO1994019992A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999053806A1 (fr) * 1998-04-22 1999-10-28 Christina Mary Reeves Chaise pliante perfectionnee
EP0928581A3 (fr) * 1997-05-21 2000-03-15 Giorgio Gola Siège orthopédique portable et pliable, avec des caractéristiques de réglage du siège et du dossier, supportant physiologiquement la région lombaire

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1436459A (en) * 1921-03-14 1922-11-21 Evr Klean Seat Pad Co Seat cover
US2001252A (en) * 1935-01-19 1935-05-14 Johnson Clarence Elmo Foldable chair
US2457978A (en) * 1946-09-25 1949-01-04 Frank J Curran Self-opening collapsible chair
US2946374A (en) * 1957-09-30 1960-07-26 Curtiss Wright Corp Seat construction and the like
US3746392A (en) * 1971-11-17 1973-07-17 L German Cycle saddle
US4471993A (en) * 1981-11-13 1984-09-18 Watson Steven R Personalized low back support device
US4862536A (en) * 1988-03-07 1989-09-05 Pruit J Douglas Back support device
US5100203A (en) * 1990-06-20 1992-03-31 Howdadesignz, Inc. Collapsible portable slat seat
US5190350A (en) * 1989-09-13 1993-03-02 Goodway Corporation Seating arrangement

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3746459A (en) * 1971-03-24 1973-07-17 Overmyer Mould Co Apparatus for drilling escape and vent holes in die molds
FR2196971B1 (fr) * 1972-08-24 1975-08-22 Dewavrin Fils & Cie

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1436459A (en) * 1921-03-14 1922-11-21 Evr Klean Seat Pad Co Seat cover
US2001252A (en) * 1935-01-19 1935-05-14 Johnson Clarence Elmo Foldable chair
US2457978A (en) * 1946-09-25 1949-01-04 Frank J Curran Self-opening collapsible chair
US2946374A (en) * 1957-09-30 1960-07-26 Curtiss Wright Corp Seat construction and the like
US3746392A (en) * 1971-11-17 1973-07-17 L German Cycle saddle
US4471993A (en) * 1981-11-13 1984-09-18 Watson Steven R Personalized low back support device
US4862536A (en) * 1988-03-07 1989-09-05 Pruit J Douglas Back support device
US5190350A (en) * 1989-09-13 1993-03-02 Goodway Corporation Seating arrangement
US5100203A (en) * 1990-06-20 1992-03-31 Howdadesignz, Inc. Collapsible portable slat seat

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0928581A3 (fr) * 1997-05-21 2000-03-15 Giorgio Gola Siège orthopédique portable et pliable, avec des caractéristiques de réglage du siège et du dossier, supportant physiologiquement la région lombaire
WO1999053806A1 (fr) * 1998-04-22 1999-10-28 Christina Mary Reeves Chaise pliante perfectionnee

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2281203A (en) 1995-03-01
GB2281203B (en) 1996-11-06
AU6145694A (en) 1994-09-26
GB9422149D0 (en) 1995-01-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6309017B1 (en) Removable seat cover
US4815154A (en) Beach pillow
US4905990A (en) Exercise mat
US4363141A (en) Quilt for use in wheelchairs
US4925241A (en) Cushion for sporting events
US5503456A (en) Headrest
US6030034A (en) Lounge chair accessory
US6082816A (en) Chair storage unit
US5829829A (en) Removable/adjustable head support
US5957528A (en) Seat cover
US6547110B2 (en) Universal back pack and lounge seat combination
US5785219A (en) Combination knapsack
US6360387B1 (en) Fertility pillow
US5035013A (en) Foldable infant's play mat with removable sideguard
US20100001565A1 (en) Lounge chair cushion cover and method
US6129418A (en) Shopping cart cushion
US20080281701A1 (en) Combination beach towel chair cover
US5765245A (en) Pillow book construction
US5911472A (en) Armrest construction for sofas
US20050044633A1 (en) Arm pillow for holding a child
US6485100B1 (en) Outdoor chair cover
US4864668A (en) Portable back support
US9102127B2 (en) Waterproof laminated mat
US4930165A (en) Folding commode seat
US5809582A (en) Lumbar support article

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT AU BB BG BR CA CH DE DK ES FI GB HU JP KP KR LK LU MG MN MW NL NO PL RO RU SD SE US

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: CA

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase