GB2388317A

GB2388317A - Supportive seat element with adjustable support members

Info

Publication number: GB2388317A
Application number: GB0310249A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wayne Edward Killick; Mark Underwood
Original assignee: JCM Seating Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: JCM Seating Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2002-05-03
Filing date: 2003-05-06
Publication date: 2003-11-12
Also published as: GB0210170D0; GB0310249D0

Abstract

A supportive seat element 10 comprises a base 12, a user support surface means 212 at least partially covering the base 12 and at least one support member 14 which is adjustable relative to the base 12. The support member 14 comprises a profiling element 216 for deforming and profiling the support surface means 212 so as to provide improved support to the user. The profiling element 216 may be selectable from a range of profiling elements of different shapes and sizes. The seat element 10 may further include a flexible sheeted member (not shown) wherein the flexibility is provided by grooves or cuts which locally reduce the thickness of the sheeted member. Further foot support members (see figure 3) pivotally arranged relative the base may be provided. The supportive seat element can provide support in either the seat squab region or the backrest. The supportive element may be incorporated in or retro-fitted to wheelchairs or other seats and provide support to disabled persons and others.

Description

SUPPORTIVE SEAT ELEMENT AND SUPPORTIVE SEAT

The present invention relates to a supportive seat element and a supportive seat, particularly but not exclusively to a seat element and a seat adapted for supporting a disabled person so as to improve the 5 development of the personas bone and muscular structure, the persons posture and general physical health.

Conventionally, disabled persons are seated in modified seats which provide some support to the user. These seats are primarily aimed at providing mobility to the user. If 10 additional support is needed to certain body parts, additional bole-on support elements such as straps and knee blocks are provided on the external surfaces of the seat.

This arrangement is not only unaesthetic and obstructive, it also unnecessarily limits the user's freedom of movement in 15 more directions than is necessary for therapeutic reasons.

A further disadvantage of conventional external support elements is that these elements are generally expensive to manufacture. Also, the adjustability of these elements is limited. Although conventional chairs may offer some 20 specific support, the adjustments that can be made to the supports are too limited to provide adequate and continued support to the user. This results in a deterioration of the users posture and health over time.

We have discovered that by providing a disabled person, 25 and indeed any user, with improved support, parts of the body are not only adequately supported but they can also be repositioned. In this way it is possible to gradually improve the posture and physical health of the user. As the condition of the user gradually changes, it is important to 30 provide improved adjustability of the various support elements so that the seat can be frequently and accurately adapted to the user's physical requirements.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved seat

element and an improved seat which addresses the above described problems and/or which offers improvements generally. According to the present invention, there is provided 5 a supportive seat element, a method of providing improved support and a supportive seat as described in any of the accompanying claims.

In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided supportive seat element comprising a seat element base, a 10 user support surface means and a profiling element for deforming and profiling the user support surface means so as to provide improved support at least to a body part of the user. The profiling element may be provided on a support member or on an adjustable member. The adjustable member may 15 be adapted to adjust the user support surface means.

In an embodiment, the profiling elements may be formable in a desired shape. The profiling elements may be locatable on said support members by means of attachment means. The attachment means are preferably in the form of 20 hook and loop arrangement such as Velcro. In this way it is achieved that individual parts of the seat are adjustable to the user's specific requirements. In another embodiment, the support member or adjustable member and the profiling element may be integrally formed. The support member may be 25 interchangeable for another suitable support member or adjustable member.

An important advantage of the arrangement as herein described is that the seat element is at least partially covered by a user support surface means in the form of a 30 protective cover which not only provides the user with improved additional support and comfort but also protects the profiling elements, the base and the support members.

In another embodiment, the seat base may comprise additional padding or support to support the user. The 35 support members and/or profile members may be adjustable in

one or more directions. Preferably, the members are adjustable by means of a sliding action in a lengthwise direction and perpendicular thereto.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the 5 supportive seat element may be provided with means for locating the seat element on a supportive seat frame. The means may comprise a seat element frame. The seat element frame may comprise pins which are locatable into corresponding holes of a supportive seat frame and 10 interlocking members which interlock with the pins in said seat frame thereby locking the supportive seat element onto the frame.

In another embodiment of the invention the seat element may comprise a flexible support element. The flexible 15 support element may comprise a sheet of flexible material comprising one or more substantially parallel linear recesses applied on one side or both sides of the flexible material to improve and adapt the flexing properties of said material. The elastic properties of the material allow it to 20 return to its approximate flat shape. The recesses locally weaken the flexible material so that this material comprises additional flexing properties in addition to the flexing properties which are inherent to the material and related to the material properties. The recesses make the material less 25 resilient and therefore more comfortable to a user. Further, since the constructions of these lateral supports is extremely simple, these supports can be manufactured efficiently and cost effectively. The flexible elements may be removably mounted onto the seat element base. The 30 flexible support elements may be in the form of straps or lateral supports. The flexible elements may comprise a padding material and/or a suitable cover material which is provided over the flexible member so that the flexible support elements are comfortable to the user. Suitable 35 padding material may comprise foam or multiple layers of a

soft material. Further, the sheeted material may be shaped such that the outer perimeter has a shape which is more comfortable to the user. The flexible support elements may be adjustable relative to the seat element base.

5 In a further embodiment of the invention, the supportive seat element may comprise a foot support member, the foot support member being pivotally arranged relative to the seat element base. The supportive seat element preferably comprises a pair of foot supports, the spacing 10 between the foot supports being adjustable by pivoting one or more foot support elements relative to one another and in relation to the seat element base.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for providing improved support to at least 15 the body parts of a user by means of a supportive seat element as herein described. In another embodiment, there is provided a method for providing improved support to at least the body parts of a user by means of a supportive seat element comprising a seat element base, a user support 20 surface means, the support surface means being deformable relative to the seat element base, and an adjustable support member for supporting the user support surface means. The method may comprise the step of providing a profiling element on said support member for causing the user support 25 surface means to deform and to be profiled, the method further comprising the step of adjusting the support member to provide improved support to at least a body part of the user. In another embodiment, the method may comprise the step 30 of adjusting the shape and/or position of the support member and/or the profiling element so as to adapt the user support surface means to support at least a body part of the user.

The profiling element may be selectable from a range of profiling elements of different shapes and sizes.

35 In a further embodiment, there is provided a supportive

seat comprising a supportive seat element as hereinbefore described. The supportive seat element may be sold separately to be retrofitted on existing seats to improve the support to the users of these seats.

5 In another embodiment, there is provided a supportive seat comprising a pair of foot supports, the spacing between the foot supports being adjustable to provide adequate support to a user. The seat may comprise a pivotal arrangement for varying the spacing between the supports.

10 There is thus provided an adjustable seat element, a method for providing improved support to at least a body part of a user and a supportive seat.

In a embodiment of the invention the supportive seat is essentially modular. The seat can be taken apart into a 15 supportive seat frame and various supportive seat elements, whereby the supportive seat frame can be located onto a different seat base to support a supportive seat frame from the ground. The seat base may comprise wheels or may be stationary. The seat structure of the supportive seat, 20 particularly the supportive seat elements are shaped to provide maximum comfort and support to a user. The user is actively supported by the seat elements to enable the user to comfortably sit and improve his/her posture to maintain and improve his/her health.

25 The supportive seat elements can thus be used in a wide range of dim; ferent scat.-, ranging;:ni a stat,:>ery seat to, a mobile seat such as a wheelchair which may be used indoors and/or outdoors. This provides both health benefits and comfort to the user in addition to a significant cost saving 30 as it increases the number of applications of a single supportive seat.

In an embodiment of the invention, the seat element may be adapted to actively support the user thereby improving the posture of the user. The seat element base comprises 35 adjustable elements which are preferably adjustable in two

( directions, the adjustable elements comprise support elements which provide improved support to the user. The supportive seat element as a whole is covered by a protective cover which may include additional padding to 5 further improve comfort and support to the user. The adjustable seat element may be provided on its own and may be connected to any supportive chair so as to improve the comfort of the user.

The supportive seat element may be applied in the back lO of a supportive seat, the bottom or base of the seat, in the form of a neck/head support, or in any other form as a supportive part of the supportive seat. In a preferred embodiment, the seat element may be adapted to support the femurs, thighs, knees and/or combinations of the aforesaid 15 body parts. To that effect, means may be provided for providing lateral support to prevent the person from sliding out of the chair.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the seat may comprise means for providing further support to the user 20 such as a neck support, thoracic support or any other form of a suitable support. '' In an embodiment, the adjustable seat may be applied to; any supportive seat and other existing seating systems. The features of the seat may enable the seat to be adapted to 25 the specific physical requirements of the person to be seated. The seat may comprise a supportive seat element which is manufactured from ABS plastic. The seat may further comprise an adjustable seat element in the form of a 30 flexible member which is made from 3mm ABS plastic.

Conventionally, such flexible adjustable members are fitted on the back of the supportive seat using a substantial amount of metal work to enable the flexible member to be adequately adjustable and enabling it to be properly fitted.

35 In an embodiment of the invention, the flexible member

may be attached to the supportive seat element whereby the flexible member is movable in both X and Y directions. The flexible member is releasable mountable to the supportive seat element by releasable attachment means such as bolts 5 and/or clamp members which may be located under the seat.

The flexible members are made from an integral sheet of ABS plastic wherein grooves are provided. The grooves locally reduce the thickness of the ABS sheeted material so as to reduce the stiffness of the material. This improves the 10 flexing properties. The flexible members are further covered by suitable padding wherein further pads may be provided to provide additional support to the user.

Side panels may be provided in the plane of the supportive seat element. These side panels are adapted to 15 maintain the users legs in a suitable position and are independently moveable from side to side to allow for the support of users with discrepancies in the leg and postural control. The panels slide underneath the seat cushion and work with the natural taper which is built into the foam and 20 the protective cover. The panels are offered with different thickness and tapers of foam to accommodate the user.

A further adjustable seat element in the form of a pommel is provided at the front of the supportive seat structure The pommel is used to keep the knees apart and to 25 assist the correct positioning of the pelvis. Conventionally pommels are separate from the seat and are fitted using a metal bracket. This arrangement however actually fits to the seat base and is adjustable with the seat base. The pommel may comprise further padding means of various shapes and 30 sizes to accommodate the various users requirements. Again the pommel is provided underneath the protective seat cover.

The supportive seat element and a supportive seat comprising such a supportive seat element have the particular advantage that they enable correct positioning of 35 the pelvis and legs which are essential to the development

of the body of disabled children and which assist in a general improvement of posture and health of the child. The seat element is covered with foam. The foam is protected by a removable cover which is connected to the bottom of the 5 seat by means of a hook and loop arrangement such as Velcro.

The application will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 presents a diagrammatic perspective view of a 10 seat element according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 presents a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a supportive seat element, and Figure 3 presents a diagrammatic perspective view of a seat element according to another embodiment of the 15 invention.

The adjustable seat element 10 comprises a seat element base 12 and support members 14 that are moveable relative to the seat element base 12. The adjustable seat element 10 further comprises a protective cover (not shown) and 20 profiling elements (not shown) for shaping or profiling the protective cover. The profiling elements are removably located on the support members 14. The protective cover is located over the seat element base 12, the support members 14 and the profiling elements. The support members 14 are 25 each individually movable in one or more directions relative to the seat element base 12. This is achieved by the various slots 16 that are provided in the seat element base 12. The various support members 14 are removably mounted in place by means of releasable clamping means in the form of clamp 30 members such as washers engaging with the seat element base 12 and Alan key bolts engaging with the support member 14.

The support members 14 comprise positioning members in the form of shaped foam pads which enable the child to be located in a desired position and to form the base of the 35 seat to provide improved support. The support members 14 as

shown here consist of a pommel support 18, a femur support 20 and a lateral support or strap support 22. The lateral support 22 is flexible so that it is bent around the hips and/or thighs of the user to provide lateral support.

5 In use, the adjustable seat is adapted to the physical requirements of the user by selecting profiling elements of a desired shape and providing these elements onto the support members 14. The support members 14 are then positioned to form the protective cover in the desired 10 shape. The various elements are then fixedly located in place by means of the clamp members. In this way improved support is provided to the user.

Fig. 2 shows a supportive seat element 200 comprising a seat element base 210, a cover 212 which partially 15 encloses the seat element base 210, the cover 212 being releasable connected to the bottom of the base 210 (not shown). The cover 2L2 is deformable relative to the seat element base. The seat element 200 further comprises a profiling element 216 for deforming and profiling the cover 20 212 so as to provide improved support to at least a body part of the user. The profiling element 216 is adjustable relative to the seat element base 210 by means of a support member (not shown) which is integrally formed with the profiling element 216.

2S The profiling element 216 is adjusted to change the shape or profile of the cover 212 so as to adapt the support surface 218 to the users requirements. In this way the shape or profile of the supportive cover 212 is adjustable as shown in Figs. 2 arc.

30 The adjustable seat element 300 as shown in Figure 3 is very similar to the adjustable seat element 10 of the Figure 1. The adjustable seat element 300 also comprises a protective cover (not shown) and profiling elements (not shown) for shaping or profiling the protective cover. One 35 profiling element is removably located over the slot 302 to

form a pommel; whereas the other profiling elements are in the form of adjustable pads which are fitted by means of a hook and loop-type material fastening means to the base 304 of the seat element 300 below the protective cover on the 5 places 306 indicated.

The support further comprises lateral support or strap supports 308 which are again similar to the lateral supports as shown in Figure 1. The supportive seat further comprises a pair of foot supports, the spacing between the foot 10 supports 310 being adjustable. The foot supports 310 are pivotally arranged around pivot points 312 and slots 314 are provided for receiving an extension member in the form of a projection (not shown) which is slidably arranged in the slot 314 to limit pivotal movement of the foot supports.

15 Clamping means (not shown) may further be provided to fix the foot supports 310 in place in a desired position.

In use, the supportive seat as shown in Figure 3 is adapted to the user's support requirements in a similar fashion as described in Figure 1. The foot supports are 20 rotated around their pivot points 312 so as to vary the spacing between the foot supports to adapt this to the user Is physical requirements. The various elements including the foot supports are then fixedly located in place by means of clamp members.

25 In this way, the supportive seat element as herein before described is suitable for adequately supporting the user. The seat element, lateral supports and foot supports are each individually adjustable to suit the user's needs.

Preferably' the supportive seat element as herein before 30 described is part of a supportive seat such as a therapeutic seat or a wheelchair.

Claims

1. A supportive seat element comprising: a seat element base, 5 a user support surface means, the support surface means at least partially covering the seat element base and the support surface means furthermore being deformable relative to the seat element base, and a support member for supporting the user support 10 surface means wherein the support member is adjustable relative to the seat element base and the support member comprises a profiling element for deforming and profiling the user 15 support surface means so as to provide improved support to at least a body part of the user.

2. A supportive seat element comprising a seat element base, a user support surface means and a profiling 20 element for deforming and profiling the user support surface means so as to provide improved support at least to a body part of the user.

3. A supportive seat element according to claim 2, wherein 25 the profiling element is provided on a support member.

4. A supportive seat element according to claim 1, 3 or 4, wherein the profiling element is removably mountable onto the support member.

5. A supportive seat element according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the profiling element is selectable from a range of profiling elements of different shapes and sizes.

6. A supportive seat element according to any of the preceding claims comprising an adjustable body support comprising a flexible sheeted member, the flexing properties of the sheeted member being adaptable by 5 means of one or more grooves or cuts which locally reduce the thickness of the flexible sheeted member.

7. A supportive seat element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the supportive seat element 10 comprises a pair of foot supports, the spacing between the foot supports being adjustable.

A supportive seat element according to claim 7, wherein the foot support member is pivotally arranged relative 15 to the seat element base.

9. A supportive seat element as shown in any of the accompanying drawings.

20

10. A method for providing improved support to at least the body parts of a user by means of a supportive seat element according to any of the preceding claims.

11. A method for providing improved support to at least a 25 body part of a user by means of a supportive seat element comprising a seat element base, a user support surface means, the support surface partially covering the seat element base and the support surface means being deformable relative to the seat element base, and 30 an adjustable support member for supporting the user support surface means, wherein said method comprises the step of providing a profiling element on said support member for causing the user support surface means to deform and to be 35 profiled, the method further comprising the step of

adjusting the support member to provide improved support to at least a body part of the user.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein said method 5 comprises The step of adjusting the shape and/or position of the support member and/or the profiling element so as to adapt the user support surface means to support at least a body part of the user.

10

13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the profiling element is selectable from a range of profiling elements of different shapes and sizes.

14. A supportive seat comprising a supportive seat element 15 according to any of claims 1 to 9.

15. A supportive seat comprising a pair of foot supports, the spacing between the foot supports being adjustable to provide adequate support to a user.

16. A supportive seat according to claim 15, wherein the seat comprises a pivotal arrangement for varying the spacing between the supports.