ORTHOPEDIC LOUNGE CHAIR
20230000252 · 2023-01-05
Inventors
Cpc classification
A47C4/34
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A47C7/383
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A61G15/002
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A47C4/28
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A47C4/44
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A47C1/14
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A47C1/026
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A47C7/46
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A47C7/0213
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A47C7/425
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
A47C1/14
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A47C1/026
HUMAN NECESSITIES
Abstract
An orthopedic lounge chair includes a substantially flat support surface that has a length, a width, a front side, and a back side and defines a back support section, a seat section foldably joined to the back support section at a first fold junction, and a leg support section foldably joined to the seat section at a second fold junction, a first bolster support coupled to and rising away from the front side of the back support section, the first bolster support extending longitudinally at least a majority of the width of the support surface, a second bolster support coupled to and rising away from the front side of the seat support section, the second bolster support extending longitudinally at least a majority of the width of the support surface, and a third bolster support coupled to and rising away from the front side of the leg support section, the third bolster support extending longitudinally a majority of the width of the support surface, wherein the first bolster, the second bolster, and the third bolster are not located on the first fold junction or the second fold junction of the lounge chair.
Claims
1. An orthopedic lounge chair comprising: a substantially flat support surface having a length, a width, a front side, and a back side and defining: a back support section; a seat section foldably joined to the back support section at a first fold junction; and a leg support section foldably joined to the seat section at a second fold junction; a first bolster support coupled to and rising away from the front side of the back support section, the first bolster support extending longitudinally at least a majority of the width of the support surface; a second bolster support coupled to and rising away from the front side of the seat support section, the second bolster support extending longitudinally at least a majority of the width of the support surface; and a third bolster support coupled to and rising away from the front side of the leg support section, the third bolster support extending longitudinally a majority of the width of the support surface, wherein the first bolster support, the second bolster support, and the third bolster support are not located on the first fold junction or the second fold junction of the lounge chair.
2. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 1, wherein: the first bolster support, the second bolster support, and the third bolster support rise above the substantially flat support surface at least 2.5 inches.
3. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 1, wherein: the first bolster support is located on the support surface in the area of a user's neck; the second bolster support is located on the support surface in the area of a user's knee; and the third bolster support is located on the support surface in the area of a user's ankle.
4. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one bolster storage pocket located on the back side of the substantially flat support surface, the at least one bolster storage pocket being accessible from the front side of the substantially flat support surface, through an aperture in the substantially flat support surface.
5. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 1, wherein: the first bolster support, the second bolster support, and the third bolster support each have a firmness that prevents a compression of more than 50% when a human body is supported on the support surface.
6. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 1, further comprising: a towel spool disposed on the back side of the support surface.
7. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 6, further comprising: a first towel disposed on the towel spool, the first towel being retractable and extendable on the towel spool and long enough to cover at least a majority of the length of the front side of the support surface.
8. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 6, further comprising: a second towel disposed on the towel spool, the second towel being retractable and extendable on the towel spool and of sufficient size to serve as a bolster when rolled onto itself.
9. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 1, further comprising: a frame defining and supporting the back support section, seat section, and leg support section, the frame having at least two fold portions, where a first portion of the frame folds onto a second portion of the frame.
10. An orthopedic lounge chair comprising: a support frame defining: a back support section having an upper surface and a lower surface; a seat section having an upper surface and a lower surface; and a leg support section having an upper surface and a lower surface; a first bolster support disposed on the upper surface of the back support section; a second bolster support disposed on the upper surface of the seat section; and a third bolster support disposed on the upper surface of the leg support.
11. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 10, wherein: the seat section is foldably joined to the back support section and the leg support section.
12. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 10, wherein: the support frame supports a support surface sized and shaped to support a human body; the first bolster and the support the support surface provide an upward support force in the area of a user's neck when the user is laying on the support surface; the second bolster and the support the support surface provide an upward support force in the area of the user's knee when the user is laying on the support surface; and the third bolster support and the support the support surface provide an upward support force in the area of the user's ankle when the user is laying on the support surface.
13. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 10, further comprising: a towel spool disposed on a backside of the support frame.
14. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 13, further comprising: a first towel disposed on the towel spool, the first towel being retractable and extendable on the towel spool and long enough to cover at least a majority of a length of a top side of the support frame.
15. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 13, further comprising: a second towel disposed on the towel spool, the second towel being retractable and extendable on the towel spool and of sufficient size to serve as a bolster when rolled onto itself.
16. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 10, wherein: at least two support legs are foldably coupled to the frame.
17. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 10, wherein: the first bolster support rises above the upper surface of the back support section at least 2.5 inches; the second bolster support rises above the upper surface of the seat section at least 2.5 inches; and the third bolster support rises above the upper surface of the leg support section at least 2.5 inches.
18. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 10, further comprising: a bolster storage pocket located on the lower surface of the back support section, the bolster storage pocket being accessible from the front side of the back support section, through an aperture in the back support section.
19. An orthopedic lounge chair comprising: a substantially flat support surface defining: a back support section with a front side and a back side; a seat section with a front side and a back side and foldably joined to the back support section at a first fold junction; and a leg support section with a front side and a back side and foldably joined to the seat section at a second fold junction; a first bolster support coupled to the front side of the back support section and positioned to provide an upward support force to a user laying on the support surface in the area of the user's lumbar; a second bolster support coupled to the front side of the leg support section and positioned to provide an upward support force to a user laying on the support surface in the area of the user's knee; and a third bolster support coupled to the front side of the leg support section and positioned to provide an upward support force to a user laying on the support surface in the area of the user's ankle.
20. The orthopedic lounge chair according to claim 19, further comprising: a first bolster storage pocket located on the back side of the back support section, the first bolster storage pocket being accessible from the front side of the back support section, through an aperture in the back support section; and a second bolster storage pocket located on the back side of the seat section, the second bolster storage pocket being accessible from the front side of the seat section, through an aperture in the seat section.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.
[0036] The present invention provides a novel and efficient orthopedic lounge chair. Embodiments of the invention provide a chair with specifically located support members aligned with parts of the user's body that are intended to result in comfort and orthopedic support. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide a chair with a towel holder and features that make the chair easy to transport.
[0037] Referring now to
[0038] Each support leg 131, 138 of the orthopedic lounge chair 100 can fold in as well to secure a compact design. Support leg 131 will fold against the underside of the back of the seat section 124. Support leg 138 can also fold either against the seat section 124 or against the leg support section 122. Typical embodiments only allow the support legs 131, 138 to fold in one direction, but the invention is not so limited. Each fold allows for a compact and functional design. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the chair 100 has an overall length of about 84.5 inches and a width of about 25 inches. These exemplary dimensions are slightly larger than common industry-used frames, but are still within limits of standard dimensions (and were tested with similarly constructed prototype for comfort and ease of transport with those of varying age, size and strength), however, other dimensions can be used as well. Selected measurements have been assessed for overall impact on chair construction and function with the conclusion that small adjustments for frame material size will not impact quality, ease of use, comfort, or functionality of chair attributes. Support legs 131, 138, in one embodiment, have a height of 18.5 inches. The 18.5-inch height on the leg support section 122 allows the user to adjust hinge 137b to a 90° angle and form a standard upright chair position.
[0039]
[0040] The term “bolster support,” as used herein, is typically an elongated article, such as a tubular pillow, for example, that is filled with material such as cotton, down, fiber, or the like, for support to render it with a select amount of firmness. The bolster supports 204, 206, and 208 provide extra support to selected areas of the body of the user. The bolster supports 204, 206, and 208 may include machine-washable covers made of a soft fabric. The bolster supports 204, 206, and 208 are relatively firm, with reference to how much (the distance) one of the bolster supports 204, 206, and 208 will compress whenever a given weight is applied to it.
[0041] Standard commercially available sized, e.g., 18 inches×5.5 inches×3.5 inches, half-moon shaped bolsters can be used as the bolster supports 204, 206, and 208 for comfort and medically supported therapeutic benefit. The invention, however, is in no way limited to these exemplary dimensions. Bolsters are commercially available in varying sizes and shapes, so that consumer preference or individual therapeutic benefit may be a viable option for bolster selection. The material for the bolster supports can include a polyester fiber or other types of fill with a suitable outside material (e.g., outer covering of pillow). For example, a water and mildew resistant polyester canvas and polyurethane backed material). Another example is a material marketed as SUNBRELLA or TEXTILENE. SUNBRELLA is an all-weather woven acrylic fabric-selected for its comfort, durability, stain resistance, UV protection, water repellence and fade resistance capability and TEXTILINE is made from polyester yarns that are individually coated with PVC, woven and heat set. Other suitable materials may be used as well.
[0042] Optionally the bolster supports can comprise an inflatable or “pump” action bolster, crank and gear raising bolster, automated rising bolsters, or other bolsters that can be manually moved into position. Such bolster supports can be similar to the lumbar support found in some motor vehicles.
[0043] The material for the outer frame 108 can be, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, recycled plastic, all-weather steel, or heavy-duty aluminum. Material variance may be considered for size, strength, durability and (marketed) environment for use. The support surface 109 can be Vinyl-coated PHIFERTEX or PVC-coated TESLIN, materials both commonly used with PVC outdoor furniture for their sustainability in diverse outdoor conditions, for stretching across the width of the orthopedic lounge chair 100 from one side of the outer frame 108 to an opposite side of the outer frame 108. Other suitable materials may also be used.
[0044] As shown in
[0045] The bolster pockets 800 can be attached on the underside of the support surface 109 generally according to standard, industry-measured, areas for back (lumbar), knee and ankle of similar trifold chaise lounge chairs. Regarding example positioning, the bolster pockets can be positioned, from the top-most part of the chair 100: approximately 12 inches (neck-if using a bolster and not the towel option), approximately 29 inches (lumbar), approximately 60 inches (knee), and approximately 78 inches (ankle). Measurements for locating the bolster pockets can be obtained from a commercially sold chaise lounge chair with an end-to-end length of approximately 84.5 inches.
[0046] Also shown in
[0047] Bolster supports generally do not span the entire width of the orthopedic lounge chair, generally being approximately 7 inches less than the width of the chair 100. This difference in width is to accommodate the legs of the chair when the chair is in its folded, storage and transport, position. Bolster supports 204, 206, and 208 can be equivalent to most standard commercial-size, D-shape bolsters with indicated body placement and of similar use. Bolster supports 204, 206, and 208 can be easily interchanged with similar commercially sold bolsters. Additionally, a slightly shorter bolster support provides easy release and return of bolster supports to their corresponding pouch.
[0048] The bolster supports 204, 206, and 208 being “moveable” gives the user the option to adjust the placement of the bolster to provide an extra level of comfort. The ability of the bolster supports to be “removeable” enables the user the option to interchange any of the other bolster supports that are provided with the orthopedic lounge chair, or exchange/replace any of the bolster supports for another commercially purchased bolster if desired.
[0049] The towel 210 may be approximately 86 inches in length. Two straps (e.g., 25 inches in length) can be attached underside of the orthopedic lounge chair 100 (and under the spool 212 holding the towels 210, 211) oriented to run parallel to each other, such as spaced 5½ inches from the opposing sides of the orthopedic lounge chair and each being about 1½ inches in width to come up and around the towel 210 once rolled and attach to a top bar of the orthopedic lounge chair 100 to secure for storage or ease of transport. In a preferred embodiment, the straps come around the towels 210, 211 and pass through a hinged opening 12 inches from the top of the lounge chair 100 and attach securely to a fastener, e.g., VELCRO.
[0050] When ready to use, the user can simply detach the straps holding the towels 210, 211 on the spool 212 and then pull one of the towels 210, 211 over the top of the orthopedic lounge chair 100 (and bolster supports 204, 206, and 208, if desired). The spool 212 enables the towel 210 to roll out easily over the orthopedic lounge chair 100 to a desired length. The user can easily roll the towel 210 back up to the spool 212 and attach it with the straps when done using it. The other end of the towel 210 can be attached to the spool 212 on the inside with clips, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like for easy removal. The user can use one of the towels 210, 211 to wrap around their body, lay on the sand, wash, or replace. The other one of the towels 210, 211 can function as an additional bolster for the neck. In other words, one of the towels 210, 211 is an elongated towel sized sufficiently to allow the user to cover the orthopedic lounge chair 100 and the user can roll or fold the other of the towels 210, 211, which can be provided in a varied size (thickness) and shape (rolled or flat folded pillow) for personalized neck support.
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[0056] As shown in
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[0058] As noted above, the towel 210 and the neck support bolster can be separate. The towels 210, 211 and spool 212 function can be as described above and can be secured by straps or other retainment structures to the underside of the lounge chair 100
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[0061] Disclosed chiropractic lounge chairs 100 can have the option of serving as a standard lounge chair, so that the chiropractic lounge chair can be measured to be constructed with a tall enough base to accommodate the “calf” part of the chair to position vertical (perpendicular to the rest of the chair). This feature allows the owner to extend its use and reap the benefits from a regular seated position. The elevated chiropractic lounge chair has the added benefit for those with back or other orthopedic discomfort of less challenge or discomfort when raising or lowering themselves.
[0062] Disclosed orthopedic lounge chairs provide to the user the ability despite a significant chiropractic problem to return to the comfort of relaxing by the pool, at the beach, or in the peace and tranquility of their own backyard. Disclosed bolster supports provide at least the following features: [0063] 1. Positioning a user's entire body in a full supported and neutral position. [0064] 2. Positioning for comfort, relaxation, and proper spine alignment (reduced pressure on the spine) for the user. [0065] 3. Providing beneficial positioning for good posture. [0066] 4. Lengthening, stretching, and strengthening muscles in the back of the user. [0067] 5. Support the neck of the user in both supine and prone positions. Supine position-laying with a towel as a pillow/bolster under the user's neck puts their shoulders in a neutral position. Prone position-pillow under the chest keeps neck raised avoids a severe neck twist. [0068] 6. Disclosed bolster supports can be used for addressing the needs of larger breast women helping to alleviate direct pressure on breasts in prone position and lumbar offers the back support in the supine position. [0069] 7. Encouraging natural spine curvature (without spine accentuation) [0070] 8. Relieving pain from disc pressure associated with degenerative spine problems. [0071] 9. Reducing the pressure on the spaces between discs when support is placed under the abdomen in prone position. [0072] 10. Helping to avoid vertebra slips by creating an angle between thigh and trunk of body. [0073] 11. Taking the pressure off calves and knees. [0074] 12. Addressing issues related to Plantar Fasciitis when using the ankle bolster. [0075] 13. Allowing pregnant women more options for comfortable, doctor-approved reclining positions. [0076] 14. Benefiting other general health conditions such as asthma, cancer, emphysema, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, even everyday sinus and heartburn problems.
[0077] While various disclosed embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the subject matter disclosed herein can be made in accordance with this disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. In addition, while a particular feature may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.
[0078] The claims appended hereto are meant to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the present invention.