CHAIRS

Abstract

A chair having a backrest coupled to a seat. The backrest has at least one spinal support plate for supporting a user's spine, in use, and the seat has at least one support pad for supporting a user's buttocks, A motive means is coupled to the at least one spinal support plate for selectively moving the spinal support plate toward or away from a user's thorax, to increase or decrease the pressure exerted. A pressure monitor monitors pressure exerted on the user's thorax when using the chair, and a control system receives data representative of the pressure exerted on the user's thorax, compares it with a pressure threshold or range, and, if the monitored pressure falls outside of the pressure threshold or range, generates control data and transmits it to the motive means, to cause movement of a spinal support plate toward or away from the user's thorax.

Claims

1. A chair comprising a backrest portion coupled to a seat portion, the backrest portion comprising at least one spinal support plate configured to support a user's spine, in use, and the seat portion comprising at least one support pad configured to support a user's buttocks, in use, the chair further comprising first motive means coupled to the at least one spinal support plate and configured to selectively move the spinal support plate toward or away from a user's thorax in response to respective control data, in use, to respectively increase or decrease the pressure exerted thereon, means for monitoring pressure exerted on the user's thorax when using said chair, and a computer-implemented control system configured to receive data representative of said pressure exerted on the user's thorax, compare it with one or more predetermined pressure thresholds or ranges, and, if said monitored pressure falls outside of said one or more predetermined pressure thresholds or ranges, generate control data and transmit said control data to said motive means, said control data being configured to cause said first motive means to move said at least one spinal support plate toward or away from the user's thorax so as to increase or decrease the pressure exerted thereon, and thereby to bring said pressure within the bounds of said one or more predetermined thresholds or ranges.

2. A chair according to claim 1, further comprising second motive means coupled to said at least one support pad and configured to selectively move said support pad toward or away from a user's buttocks in response to respective control data, in use.

3. A chair according to claim 2, wherein said control data is configured to cause said at least one support pad to move so as to respectively increase or decrease the pressure exerted thereon, and means for monitoring pressure exerted on an user's buttocks when using said chair, wherein said computer-implemented control system is further configured to receive data representative of said pressure exerted on the user's buttocks, compare it with one or more predetermined pressure thresholds or ranges, generate control data and transmit said control data to said motive means, said control data being configured to cause said second motive means to move said at least one support pad toward or away from the user's buttocks so as to increase or decrease the pressure exerted thereon, and thereby to bring said pressure within the bounds of said one or more predetermined thresholds or ranges.

4. A chair according to claim 1, comprising at least two, generally central spinal support plates for supporting a user's spine at two respective locations, in use, the spinal support plates being longitudinally spaced apart along the length of the backrest portion, each spinal support plate having first motive means for independently moving the respective spinal support plate toward or away from a user's spine in response to respective control data, in use, to respectively increase or decrease the pressure exerted thereon, and means for monitoring pressure exerted at said two locations on said user's spine when using said chair, wherein the computer-implemented control system is further configured to receive data representative of said pressure exerted at each of said at least two locations on the user's spine, compare each monitored pressure with a respective one or more predetermined pressure thresholds or ranges, and, if one or more of said monitored pressures fall outside of a respective one or more predetermined pressure thresholds or ranges, generate control data and transmit said control data to said first motive means, said control data being configured to cause said first motive means to move one or more of said at least two spinal support plates independently toward or away from the user's spine so as to increase or decrease the pressure exerted thereon, and thereby to bring said monitored pressures within the bounds of said one or more predetermined thresholds or ranges.

5. A chair according to claim 4, comprising at least three, generally central spinal support plates for supporting a user's spine at three respective locations, in use, the spinal support plates being longitudinally spaced apart along the length of the backrest portion, each spinal support plate having first motive means for independently moving the respective spinal support plate toward or away from a user's spine in response to respective control data, in use, to respectively increase or decrease the pressure exerted thereon, and means for monitoring pressure exerted at said three locations on said user's spine when using said chair, wherein the computer-implemented control system is further configured to receive data representative of said pressure exerted at each of said at least three locations on the user's spine, compare each monitored pressure with a respective one or more predetermined pressure thresholds or ranges, and, if one or more of said monitored pressures fall outside of a respective one or more predetermined pressure thresholds or ranges, generate control data and transmit said control data to said first motive means, said control data being configured to cause said first motive means to move one or more of said at least three spinal support plates independently toward or away from the user's spine so as to increase or decrease the pressure exerted thereon, and thereby to bring said monitored pressures within the bounds of said one or more predetermined thresholds or ranges.

6. A chair according to claim 1, further comprising at least one backrest support cushion mounted one either side of the at least one spinal support plate, and mechanically coupled thereto for movement therewith.

7. A chair according to claim 6, further comprising two pairs of backrest cushions, each backrest cushion of a pair being mounted on one side of a respective spinal support plate, and each other backrest cushion of a pair being mounted on the other side of a respective spinal support plate, each pair of backrest cushions being mechanically coupled to a respective spinal support plate for movement therewith.

8. A chair according to claim 7, further comprising three pairs of backrest cushions, each backrest cushion of a pair being mounted on one side of a respective spinal support plate, and each other backrest cushion of a pair being mounted on the other side of a respective spinal support plate, each pair of backrest cushions being mechanically coupled to a respective spinal support plate for movement therewith.

9. A chair according to claim 1, wherein the seat portion comprises two support pads, a first support pad located and configured to support a user's buttocks, in use, and a second support pad located and configured to support a user's thighs, in use.

10. A chair according to claim 9, wherein each of said support pads is coupled to a second motive means configured to move a respective support pad toward or away from a user's body in response to control data received from said computer-implemented control system.

11. A chair according to claim 1, wherein said computer-implemented control system is configured to receive setting data, via a user interface, said setting data being configured, in use, to generate control data for transmission to said first and/or second motive means, to cause movement of said one or more spinal support plates and/or support pad(s) into a pre-set configuration.

12. A chair according to claim 1, wherein said backrest portion is pivotally coupled to said seat portion such that said backrest portion can be selectively tilted relative to said seat portion between two or more posture configurations.

13. A chair according to claim 12, further comprising second motive means coupled to said at least one support pad and configured to selectively move said support pad toward or away from a user's buttocks in response to respective control data, in use, wherein said second motive means is configured to selectively move said at least one support pad toward or away from a user's buttocks when said backrest portion is tilted to a new posture configuration, and in response to respective control data, in use, to align the user's back with said backrest portion in said new posture configuration.

14. A chair according to claim 1, wherein said first motive means is configured to repeatedly move said spinal support plate alternately toward and away from said user's spine to provide a massage effect.

15. A computer-implemented method, performed in a control system, for controlling a chair according to claim 1, the method comprising: receiving data representative of a pressure map indicative of pressures exerted on a plurality of regions of a user's body when using said chair; comparing pressure data from each of said plurality of regions of the user's body with respective pressure thresholds or ranges; if said pressure data at a region of the user's body falls outside of said respective pressure threshold or range, generate control data configured to cause motive means to move a respective spinal support plate or support pad toward or away from the user's body, thereby to increase or decrease the pressure exerted at said region; and transmit said control data to the respective motive means.

16. A computer-implemented control system for a chair according to claim 1, the control system comprising a processor and a memory, and being configured, under control of the processor, to execute instructions stored in the memory to perform the method of claim 15.

17. A computer implementable program product which, when loaded and run on programmable apparatus, causes said programmable apparatus to perform the method of claim 15.

18. A chair comprising a backrest portion coupled to a seat portion, the backrest portion comprising at least one spinal support plate configured to support a user's spine, in use, and the seat portion comprising at least one support pad configured to support a user's buttocks, in use, the chair further comprising first motive means coupled to the at least one spinal support plate and configured to selectively move the spinal support plate toward or away from a user's thorax in response to respective control data, in use, to respectively increase or decrease the pressure exerted thereon, means for monitoring pressure exerted on the user's thorax when using said chair, and a computer-implemented control system configured to receive data representative of said pressure exerted on the user's thorax, compare it with one or more predetermined pressure thresholds or ranges, and, if said monitored pressure falls outside of said one or more predetermined pressure thresholds or ranges, generate control data and transmit said control data to said motive means, said control data being configured to cause said first motive means to move said at least one spinal support plate toward or away from the user's thorax so as to increase or decrease the pressure exerted thereon, and thereby to bring said pressure within the bounds of said one or more predetermined thresholds or ranges; the chair further comprising a tilt mechanism configured to allow the chair to be selectively tilted about a horizontal axis, said tilting mechanism including a tilt tension means, the chair further comprising a tilt motive device coupled to said tilt tension means and communicably coupled to a control module, wherein said control module is configured to receive control data configured to cause said motive means to alternately increase and decrease tension in said tilt mechanism, via said tilt tension means, so as to cause the chair to rock back and forth.

19. A chair comprising a backrest portion coupled to a seat portion, the backrest portion comprising at least one spinal support plate configured to support a user's spine, in use, and the seat portion comprising at least one support pad configured to support a user's buttocks, in use, the chair further comprising a tilt motive device coupled to said tilt tension means and communicably coupled to a control module, wherein said control module is configured to receive control data configured to cause said motive means to alternately increase and decrease tension in said tilt mechanism, via said tilt tension means, so as to cause the chair to rock back and forth.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 is a front schematic view of an office chair according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the office chair of FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the backrest portion of an office chair according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 4A is a schematic partial side view of an office chair according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 4B is a schematic partial side view of an office chair according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0038] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the office chair of FIGS. 1 and 2 in three specified configurations, namely Concentrate, Casual and Relax;

[0039] FIG. 6A is a schematic illustration of some the control elements of an office chair according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 6B is a schematic hardware system level diagram illustrating some of the hardware elements of a chair according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

[0041] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a control method for an office chair according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, an office chair according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a seat portion 10 and a backrest portion 12.

[0043] Referring additionally to FIG. 3 of the drawings, the backrest portion 12 comprises a frame composed of a central actuator column 14, which is substantially vertical when the office chair is oriented for normal use, a head rest support bar 16, and a pair of link members 18 for coupling the backrest portion 12 to the seat portion 10. At the front of the actuator column 14 (i.e. nearest the occupant's back when they are seated in the office chair, in use) there are three resiliently deformable, spinal support plates or cushions 15, that are generally rectangular and arranged longitudinally spaced apart along the length of the actuator column 14. The spinal support cushions 15 could, for example, be flat or even slightly curved, and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard. The spinal support plates 15 may be removable and interchangeable so that the user can select a shape and configuration thereof to suit their own comfort needs and preferences.

[0044] Three sets of backrest pads or cushions 20, 22, 24 are mounted such that the pads or cushions of each pair thereof are located on laterally opposing sides of the central actuator column 14, and laterally spaced apart from, and mechanically coupled to, respective spinal support plates 15. The first pair of pads 20 at the top of the backrest portion 12 (when the chair is oriented for use) are substantially identical, and the largest of the three pairs of pads. Each first backrest pad 20 has an inner side edge that extends generally parallel to the respective spinal support plate 15 and a lower side edge nearest the adjacent second backrest pad 22. The inner and lower side edges of each first backrest pad 20, together, form a generally rounded L shaped profile. However, the outer edge of each first pad, between the ends of the inner and lower side edges, is rounded to generally mimic a human shoulder shape. The first pair of backrest pads 20 is designed to support a user's upper thorax, in use.

[0045] The second pair of backrest pads 22 are, again, substantially identical, and have a surface area smaller than that of the first backrest pads 20. Each second backrest pad 22 is of a generally quadrilateral shape, with rounded corners. The length of the outer edge of each of the second backrest pads 22 is slightly less than that of the respective inner edge. The second pair of backrest pads 22 is designed to support the user's lower thorax, in use.

[0046] The third pair of backrest pads 24, located at the bottom of the backrest portion 12 (when the office chair is oriented for use), are, once again, substantially identical and of a generally square shape (with rounded corners). Each third backrest pad 24 is of a slightly smaller surface area than the second backrest pads 22. The third pair of backrest pads 24 is designed to support the user's pelvis, in use.

[0047] The pairs of backrest pads 20, 22, 24 are longitudinally spaced apart along the length of the backrest portion 12.

[0048] Referring additionally to FIG. 4A of the drawings, the central actuator column 14 supports three motive drives 26a, b, c, with one motive drive 26a, b, c being associated with a respective one of the spinal support plates 15. The motive drives 26a, b, c could, for example, comprise DC motors but other suitable motive drives will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard. The motor associated with each pair of backrest pads is mounted on the actuator column 14 between those backrest pads, behind the respective spinal support plate 15, and an actuator arm 28 couples the shaft of each motor to a respective associated spinal support plate 15. A mechanical arrangement is actuated by a respective motive drive to selectively move a respective spinal support plate/cushion 15 linearly, in either direction along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the backrest portion 12 (toward or away from a user's thorax), when the office chair is in use, thereby to move the respective spinal support plate and connected backrest pads toward or away from the user's thorax/pelvis to increase or decrease pressure thereon.

[0049] Thus, in an embodiment, the backrest comprises a total of six static backrest cushions 20, 22, 24 (each of which could be configured to independently measure pressure by means of respective pressure sensors), three independent actuated spinal support plates 15 which can measure pressure (e.g. during motion by monitoring current of the respective motor during operation to determine a corresponding force on the respective support plate). Each static cushion 20, 22, 24 could be removable and interchangeable, and these (as well as, optionally, the support plates 15) could be shaped and customised to suit the user's body shape. In an alternative embodiment, the three sets of backrest cushions 20, 22, 24 could be independently actuatable (in addition, or alternatively, to the support plates).

[0050] A headrest cushion 30 is coupled to the headrest support bar 16, and is adjustable relative thereto by means of a pivotal coupling mechanism 32 that allows the headrest cushion assembly 30 to be pivoted about an axis substantially parallel to the headrest support bar 16, in a manner similar to that offered by conventional office chairs.

[0051] The headrest 30 in an example chair may be configured to be adjusted in both a vertical and horizontal direction, and to be tilted, as required, to meet a user's particular preference.

[0052] The link member 18 is configured to allow the backrest portion 12 of the office chair to be tilted relative to the seat portion 10, as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 4A of the drawings, the seat portion 10 of the office chair comprises a support frame 34 on which is mounted a pair of motive drives 36, 38. A first seat pad or cushion 40 is mounted, via an actuator coupled to the shaft of the respective motive drive 38, to the rear of the support frame 34 nearest the backrest portion 12), and a second seat pad or cushion 44 is mounted, via an actuator 46 coupled to the shaft of the respective motive drive 36, to the front of the support frame 34. The rear seat pad 40 is designed to support a user's buttocks, when the office chair is in use, and the front seat pad 44 is designed to support the user's thighs, in use. The actuators 42, 46 are configured to selectively move the respective seat pads 40, 44 vertically (up or down), toward or away from the user's thighs/buttocks, when the office chair is oriented for use.

[0054] Thus, the seat portion of an example chair comprises two independently actuatable seat pads 40, 44 which include means for measuring pressure (e.g. during motion, by measuring the current of the motor during operation and thereby determining a force on the respective seat pad). The seat pads 40, 44 may be removable and interchangeable, and can be shaped and customised to suit the occupant's body shape. The actuated seat pans allow the occupant to adjust the chair to correctly align their body with the backrest. It also provides the occupant with the versatility to adjust the seat pans depending on the status of their body. For example, if a user is recovering from knee surgery, say, they can lower the front seat pad 44 to aid recovery and allow them to continue desk based work. It also allows them to get up from the chair more easily by raising the rear seat pad 40.

[0055] Each link member 18 is pivotally connected to a bar 60 extending vertically upwardly from a respective side edge of the seat support frame 34. An arm rest 48 is mechanically coupled to each bar 60, and configured so that the height of the arm rests 48 can be mechanically adjusted to suit a user's preference, in a manner similar to that of conventional office chairs. The arm rests 48 can, therefore, move with the backrest portion 12.

[0056] The link member 18 is also mechanically coupled to the seat support frame 34 via three links 52, 54, 56. A first link arm 52 is mechanically coupled between each link member 18 and a second link arm 54. Each second link arm 54 is mechanically coupled between the end of a respective first link arm 52 and a third link arm 56, the other end of which is coupled to the seat support frame 34. When the backrest portion 12 is tilted backward, the link mechanism 18 pivots about its pivotal connection to the bar 60 and causes the distal end of the first link arm 52 to move linearly, in a direction toward the front of the seat portion 10, The connection between the first link arm 52 and the second link arm 54 is a rigid mechanical coupling. Thus, when the first link arm 52 moves linearly toward the front of the seat portion 10, the second link arm 54 does the same. Each third link arm 56 is generally J shaped, with one end pivotally connected to a respective second link arm 54 and the other end connected to respective side edge of the seat support frame 34. When the second link arm 54 moves linearly toward the front of the seat portion 10, the third link arm 56 is caused to pivot (clockwise in the view shown in FIG. 4A) relative to the second link arm 54, thereby causing the seat support frame 34 to tilt backward.

[0057] When the backrest portion 12 is tilted forward, the link member 18 pivots in the opposite direction, causing linear movement of the first and second link arm pairs 52, 54 in a direction toward the rear of the seat portion 10. As a result, the third link arms 56 pivot (anti-clockwise in the view illustrated in FIG. 4A), causing the seat support frame 34 to move back toward a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 4B of the drawings, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, the backrest portion 12 is pivotally coupled at its lower end (when the chair is oriented for normal use) to the rear end of the link 54 mounted adjacent to the gas lift device 100 located between the chair assembly and a support member 102 mounted on wheels 104. The link 54 is, once again, located below the support frame 34, and vertically spaced apart therefrom. The support frame 34 is coupled, at its rear edge, to a pair of support rails 13 defining the backrest portion 12. The link member 18 is pivotally coupled, via a link 52, to the front end of the link 54. In use, as the backrest portion 12 is tilted rearwardly (e.g. to a relaxed configuration), the seat portion 10 moves with it and the link 54 rotates in an anti-clockwise direction (based on the specific view provided in FIG. 4B).

[0059] The link mechanism (of FIGS. 4A and 4B) is intended to ensure that displacement of the user's back (i.e. the backrest portion 12) and buttocks (i.e. the seat portion 10) during a relax event (i.e. tilting the backrest portion 12 rearwardly) is as close to zero as possible, thereby optimising the comfort level without the need to adjust the seat pan.

[0060] The tilt mechanism itself is located underneath the seat portion of the chair, and a lever (not shown) may be provided to allow a user to manually adjust the tilt position of the chair to a new configuration. The lever may, beneficially, be placed to one side of one of the arm rests (within easy reach of the user without having to bend over) and coupled to the tilt mechanism by, for example, a Bowden cable.

[0061] A small motor may be attached to the tension part of the tilt mechanism to adjust the tension of the chair via an app on a smartphone, PC or tablet computing device (as described in more detail hereinafter). A motor controller may be configured to be able to cause a rocking motion by decreasing and increasing the tension of the tilt mechanism continuously, thus eliminating the need for the user to exert pressure on the floor with their legs in order to rock in the chair.

[0062] A battery (108FIG. 6B) may also be located beneath the seat portion of the chair, and coupled to the hardware components of the chair, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, to be described hereinafter.

[0063] Thus, the office chair can be adjusted between at least three distinct configurations, referred to herein as Concentrate, Casual and Relax, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 5 of the drawings. The adjustment between the various configurations or postures could be achieved by another motive drive (not shown), or may be achieved mechanically (by a manual release mechanism, not shown, and body weight manipulation), and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard. Thus, in some embodiments at least, the user can tilt the backrest portion 12 manually by leaning themselves backward. Alternatively, or in addition, a lever or motorised mechanism (optionally adjustable via an app or the like, as described in more detail hereinafter) may be provided that allows the user to adjust a maximum desired tilt angle. The control system described in more detail below can be configured to adjust the cushions 20, 22, 24 into the correct alignment according to the posture configuration of the chair and the tilt angle of the backrest portion 12. This control system can also be used to selectively move the chair between posture configurations, as required.

[0064] The office chair assembly, comprising the seat portion 10 and the backrest portion 12 is mounted, via a gas lift adjustment system 100 to a set of castors or wheels 104 in a manner similar to that of conventional office chairs, and a manual release system may be provided for raising and lowering the chair height, using the gas lift system and/or body weight manipulation, as in conventional office chairs.

[0065] It will be appreciated that, depending on whether the office chair is configured for the concentrate, casual or relax posture illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings (or, in some exemplary embodiment, somewhere in between), the load distribution created by an occupant on the spinal support plates, backrest and seat pads will vary. In the concentrate posture, wherein the backrest portion 12 is tilted slightly forward, the greatest load will be created at the user's buttocks (i.e. rear seat pad 40) and then thighs (i.e. front seat pad 44), with a smaller load being created across the thorax (i.e. backrest pads 20, 22) and an almost negligible load at the pelvis (i.e. backrest pad 24). In the casual posture, with the backrest portion 12 substantially vertical, the load is once again predominantly concentrated at the buttocks and thighs, with smaller loads created across the thorax and pelvis, although the latter loads are expected to be slightly higher than those in the concentrate posture. In the relax posture, with the backrest portion 12 tilted back (and the seat portion 10 tilted accordingly), the thorax and buttocks create most of the load (at backrest pads 20, 22 and rear seat pad 40), with much smaller loads at the pelvis and thighs. Thus, using this load distribution data for optimum posture in each of the three configurations, pressure threshold and/or ranges can be determined and set that represent a maximum and minimum pressure at each of the thorax, pelvis, buttock and thigh regions of an occupant's body for optimum posture, and/or an optimum pressure range indicative of optimum posture, respectively.

[0066] The office chair may be controlled via a computer-implemented console provided on the chair itself, or it may be controlled by a computer-implemented (dedicated) remote control unit. However, in a preferred exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method of controlling the office chair is provided in the form of a mobile app that can be downloaded, accessed and programmed by means of a portable computing device such as a mobile phone or tablet device.

[0067] Each pair of backrest pads 20, 22, 24 and the seat pads 40, 44 and/or the spinal support plates 15 may have a respective pressure sensor (not shown) embedded therein, for sensing the pressure exerted thereon by a respective region of an occupant's upper body. Such pressure data can be periodically transmitted to the computer-implemented controller or app. In an alternative embodiment, the force exerted on each of the spinal support plates/backrest pads and seat pads can be determined using the respective motor coupled thereto. Each of the motive drives includes a motor controller for manipulating the position, speed and/or torque of the respective motor. As motor torque and speed are directly related to the back electromotive force (EMF) acting on the motor armature, such motor controllers can be used to determine force, and therefore pressure, acting on the actuator coupled thereto (via the respective cushion or pad). Force data from the individual motor controllers may be periodically transmitted to the computer-implemented controller or app such that the respective pressures can be periodically calculated and stored. In order to utilise the motor controllers to determine force data, it is necessary to periodically trigger the motor for a very short period of time (e.g. 100 ms) to cause a slight movement thereof (unnoticeable to the occupant) to determine the back EMF.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6A of the drawings, each motor includes a motor controller 70 communicably coupled to a central microcontroller 71 that, in turn, is communicably coupled, via a wireless communications network 72 or protocol (e.g. Bluetooth) to the microprocessor 74 of the device (e.g. smartphone, tablet, PC, etc.) utilized to implement the controller or app. Data received from the central microcontroller 71 may also be stored in a storage module 76 on the device or in the cloud.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 6B of the drawings, a hardware system diagram in respect of an example chair of the invention is illustrated schematically. It can be seen that the hardware comprises a plurality of linear actuator modules (28, 42, 46 and one (not shown) for the tilt mechanism described above, and a plurality of pressure sensors 110, each associated with a respective one of the spinal support plates 15, the seat pads 40, 44 and the tilt mechanism (not shown). The hardware further comprises a tilt angle sensor 114, a USB port 106, a cooling fan 116, and a battery 108 coupled to the hardware elements referenced above. Each of the hardware elements is coupled to a main printed circuit board 112, which is also coupled to the battery 108 and incorporates the central microprocessor 71, the motor controllers 70 and other auxiliary control functionality, including a Bluetooth (or other wireless communications, e.g. Wi-Fi or NFC) module for communication with an app on, for example, a smartphone, tablet or PC computing device 118. The purpose of the Bluetooth module may include: [0070] Allowing the occupant to control the onboard electronics on the chair and adjust the settings to suit their needs; [0071] Updating the chair firmware when a new software iteration is released; [0072] Upload occupant data to the cloud server to understand and develop better techniques to reduce musculoskeletal discomfort. The data could also be made available to physicians to assist a patient by, for example, adding additional modes to reduce discomfort and/or pain from an injury. [0073] Allowing the chair to automatically and wirelessly detect and recognise the available occupants in the vicinity of the chair to then cause the chair settings to be adjusted when a particular user sits in the chair.

[0074] The USB port 106 may primarily be to allow the occupant to charge their mobile computing device (e.g. smartphone), but it could also be utilised for wired diagnostics if required.

[0075] An app may be downloaded onto a computing device 118, such as a PC, tablet or smartphone, and may have a number of pages to allow a user to control the chair. Data can be received from, and transmitted to, the main PCB 112 by the app via a Bluetooth (or other wireless communications protocol). Data stored on the chair and uploaded to the computing device 118 can be uploaded to the cloud for further analysis.

[0076] The app may, for example, comprise a monitoring page, a limits page, a massage page and a settings page.

[0077] The monitoring page may be configured to display all available readings including one or more of: [0078] (a) Occupant name so that the occupant knows it is their settings currently on the chair. [0079] (b) All 6 static backrest cushions. [0080] (c) All 3 actuated spinal backrest supports. [0081] (d) All 2 actuated seat pans. [0082] (e) Tension adjustment reading. [0083] (f) Tilt angle reading. [0084] (g) Current fan speed and fan ON/OFF status. [0085] (h) Battery level.

[0086] The limits page may be configured to allow the occupant to set the limits and neutral positions of the three actuated spinal supports, the two actuated seat pans and the tension adjustment; and may be designed to ensure that the occupant's personal comfort is not adversely affected by the movable pads when the chair is attempting to correct their posture or when put into one of a number of modes, such as a massage mode. Thus, in each case, the user will be able to set maximum limits, about a neutral position, to limit movement of the respective part of the chair in each direction (irrespective of the configuration to which the chair is set).

[0087] The massage page may be configured to allow an occupant to enter massage settings when the chair is in a massage mode. The user could commence (or stop) a massaging event from this page, and even switch to the monitoring page to view each parameter in real time. Personal massage settings, such as pulse speed, firmness, massage time, rocking (on/off), and rock angle (max/min) could be set via the massage page, as required.

[0088] The settings page may be configured to allow the user to adjust actuator settings of the chair and the measurement system to suit their personal needs and preferences. Thus, in respect of each spinal support actuator and tension adjustment, a user could set the acceleration, deceleration and speed.

[0089] In addition, the app may provide a page configured to allow a user to enter details of their body so that the control algorithm can better understand and predict actuated support/seat pan motions. Parameters such as weight, height, torso length, age and sex could all be entered here for greater personalisation.

[0090] Referring now to FIG. 7 of the drawings, in a computer-implemented method for controlling an office chair of the type described above, and for each of the spinal support plates 15/backrest cushion pairs 20, 22, 24 and the seat pads 40, 44, the controller receives pressure data indicative of the instantaneous pressure exerted on the respective plate(s)/cushion(s) or pad(s) at step 700. At step 702, it compares the received pressure data with a first predetermined threshold to determine of the instantaneous pressure is greater than that threshold indicating that the occupant's posture is less than optimal. There will, of course, be different first pressure thresholds for each of the support plates/cushions and pads and also for each of the different posture configurations such as those illustrated in FIG. 5. If the instantaneous pressure is greater than the first pressure threshold, the method moves to step 704, and generates control data configured to cause movement of the respective motor to move its associated actuator arm(s) in a direction away from the occupant, thereby to alleviate or reduce the pressure, and transmits the control data to the respective motor controller for action. The method then moves to step 708 until a predetermined monitoring period has elapsed (e.g. 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc), and then returns to step 700 to repeat the pressure monitoring process.

[0091] If the instantaneous pressure is not greater than the first threshold, the method moves to step 706, and compares the instantaneous pressure with a second (lower) threshold. If the instantaneous pressure is less than the second threshold, the method moves to step 704, and generates control data configured to cause movement of the respective motor to move its associated actuator arm(s) in a direction toward the occupant, thereby to increase the pressure, and transmits the control data to the respective motor controller for action. The method then moves to step 708 until the predetermined monitoring period has elapsed, and then returns to step 700 to repeat the pressure monitoring process. If the instantaneous pressure is not less than the second threshold, the process simply passes to step 708 until the predetermined monitoring period has elapsed, and then returns to step 700 to repeat the pressure monitoring process. The monitoring period (i.e. time period between pressure monitoring and adjustment events) can be set by the user within the app or may, additionally or alternatively, be pre-set as a default. Equally, the first and second pressure thresholds (and/or acceptable pressure ranges) for each of the cushions/pads in each of the posture configurations may be pre-programmed and/or they may be programmable according to preference by a user from within the control app.

[0092] In one embodiment of the method, the distance by which a motor controller is caused to move its respective actuator arm(s) by control data received from the app at step 704, in order to reduce or increase pressure at a specific region of the occupant's body, may be calculated according to the difference between the instantaneous pressure and one or other of the first and second thresholds, such that the pressure is adjusted very precisely back within the acceptable range each time a pressure monitoring event occurs. However, in an alternative embodiment, this distance may be some pre-set increment, which may be repeated in subsequent pressure monitoring events until the measured pressure is within an acceptable range.

[0093] The initial positions of all of the spinal support plates and backrest and seat pads/cushions, in each posture configuration, can be pre-set (as defaults and/or by a user according to preference) via the computer-implemented controller or app.

[0094] The motors may be powered by a rechargeable power supply (e.g. battery, not shown), that may be recharged via a port provided in or on the chair at, for example, the armrests. Alternatively, the power supply could be wirelessly rechargeable, via coils located in or on, for example, the armrests. It will be appreciated, however, that the motors could be powered by a mains power supply, and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard.

[0095] In a specific exemplary embodiment, an office chair is intended to be used for the Concentrate, Casual and Relax postures illustrated schematically in FIG. 5 of the drawings. In order to achieve these three postures, the backrest can be tilted forward a little (from vertical), e.g. 4-10 degrees for Concentrate, substantially vertical for Casual (12 degrees from vertical) and tilted backward by 40-45 degrees (from vertical) for Relax.

[0096] There are three backrest cushions 20, 22, 24 on either side of three central spinal support plates 15. The backrest cushions 20, 22, 24 and/or the spinal support plates 15 may include pressure sensors, or other force/pressure monitoring means, to continually monitor the occupant's pressure map during usage. There are three spinal backrest motors which are placed along the centre of the backrest structure, each motor behind a respective spinal support plate. The spinal support plates 15 serve to support the occupant's spine during Concentrate, Casual and Relax positions. However, there is the ability to incorporate a massage feature during the three posture modes. These could simply move inwards and outwards at an intensity that can be controlled via a software control algorithm (in the app or other computer-implemented controller) so as to prevent excessive pressure in these areas. The headrest and armrests can have the normal adjustments as found on standard office chairs.

[0097] The backrest and seat cushions are sectioned to promote airflow and increase blood circulation, and a mesh or similar material for promoting air flow could be used to cover the cushions if required. However, a single cushion on either side of the central actuator column 14 may suffice for some exemplary embodiments. With the sectioned backrest cushion arrangement, the firmness of each pair of cushions can be different, to cater for different load distributions, as described above. For example, the pelvis area is more sensitive to pressure than the thorax area so the firmness/softness of the bottom pair of backrest cushions 24 can be adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, the thorax area exerts more force than the pelvis area therefore the top backrest cushions 20 can be made firmer than the middle cushions 22, and then softer again in the lower backrest cushions 24. The cushions would be interchangeable and customisable depending on the occupant's preference at the time of purchase should they want to deviate from a recommended cushion hardness.

[0098] All the motorised sections of the chair i.e. the three spinal support plates and associated backrest cushions and also the two seat pads can use the motor controller to monitor the pressure, which acts to simplify the overall design. The motor controller can only monitor the pressure when in operation and not when the seat pans are stationary. However, to solve this problem, the motor controller can be triggered for (say) 100 ms to cause a very slight movement (unnoticeable to the occupant) to enable the force to be measured. However, embedded pressure sensors can, alternatively, be used.

[0099] Along with the motorised sections of the chair, a motor may also be provided to adjust the recline tension level. This allows the occupant to adjust how easy it is to rock backwards.

[0100] In the embodiment described above, the user can install an app on their smartphone, PC or tablet to program the chair's settings. The same settings can be reprogrammed to another chair anywhere in the world.

[0101] An office chair according to an aspect of the invention could have any one or more of the following features: [0102] Electronic tension adjustment. The tension adjustment could be adjusted dynamically so that the occupant can rock without using their body to do so. This would place the occupant in a more relaxed state thereby accentuating their comfort level. [0103] Cushion pressure monitoring. [0104] A massage feature can be incorporated by moving the spinal backrest support plates inwards and outwards. The seat pads could also move (upwards and downwards). These movements could potentially stimulate blood circulation. [0105] All the cushions can incorporate a heating or cooling function depending on the user's preference. [0106] All the cushions and spinal backrest supports may be interchangeable to cater for different shape/size bodies and personal preferences. [0107] The motorised sections of the chair can be activated to alert the occupant if they're found to be in a bad posture. [0108] All motorised sections of the chair can be programmed to adjust the maximum desired force exerted onto the occupant's body by these mechanisms. [0109] All motorised sections could have the ability to monitor the position settings and store these in memory in the electronic hardware. The positions can be programmed to change automatically when the control algorithm determines the occupant is in a prolonged poor posture. [0110] During the Relax posture, all motorised sections of the chair can automatically adjust the position based on a tilt angle sensor and a control algorithm in the software. The positions can of course be manually set or overridden by the occupant during the Relax posture. [0111] A vibrating mechanism can be incorporated into the cushions to further stimulate the occupant's muscles thereby relieving tension. [0112] The rear seat pad 40 could elevate while the front seat pad 44 could lower to help aid the occupant off the chair, especially the elderly and people recovering from injuries. Similar adjustments can be programmed for other scenarios.

[0113] The control software can incorporate AI that would enable the controller to evolve as an understanding is gained of how an occupant uses it. Office chairs in use could send data back to a central hub for further enhancements and improvements.

[0114] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, from the foregoing description, that modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the chair need not necessarily be an office chair but could instead be a gaming chair, wherein the spinal support plates could also be caused to move to simulate events in a computer game. Alternatively, the chair could, for example, be a vehicle seat that is configured to be moved between two or more driving posture configurations.

[0115] Any or all of the backrest cushions and/or seat pads can have additional features incorporated into them to provide the occupant with ultimate climate control and comfort. For example, a warming function may be provided to help keep the occupant warm during the winter or even encourage healing of muscle soreness. A cooling function may be incorporated into the cushions and/or pads to provide air circulation to the whole body (especially during warmer months) and prevent pressure sores. This may be in addition, or an alternative, to the cooling fan 106 that may be provided externally. A vibration function could be provided to stimulate muscles and promote blood circulation. Moisture and/or temperature sensors may be built into the cushions/pads to determine what areas of the occupant may be generating moisture/heat, and means may be provided to adjust the actuators and/or the warming/cooling/vibration functions described above.

[0116] Whilst an embodiment of the invention has been described above in relation to an office or similar desk chair, aspects of the invention may be applied to other applications; for example, an automotive chair, wherein the sensors are configured to monitor an occupant's journey to ascertain their seating pattern and adjust accordingly backrest cushions and seat pans accordingly. Additional seat pans and backrest actuated cushions can be added to provide ultimate support and comfort in, for example, high performing vehicles where the occupant needs to be secured to prevent body movement during sports driving scenarios. Incorporating actuated adjustable cushions to the sides of the seat pan and backrest would allow the occupant to sit firmly yet comfortably in their seat.

[0117] Another advantage of such an arrangement is to avoid so-called submarining which is when a person slides from under their seatbelt. This can occur during a collision because there is nothing holding the occupant in place or protecting them thereby leading to serious injuries. The most common injuries include internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries, abdominal injuries, and bone fractures. These injuries can be prevented using aspects of the invention by (1) shaping the cushions in such a way to reduce the likelihood of submarining while at the same time provide ultimate comfort, and (2) adjusting the relevant cushions at the moment of impact thereby reducing the probability of submarining.

[0118] The sectional arrangement of the cushions also easily allows room for cut outs in the seat to accurately position such items as seat belts, which is not otherwise possible with conventional fully upholstered seats. The sectional arrangement of the cushions allows for optimal seat belt mount positioning without disrupting the aesthetics or functionality of the chair.

[0119] Another use of various aspects of the invention includes digital data monitoring. Data parameters stored on the memory of the chair can be uploaded digitally to the cloud server thereby allowing a physician the ability to monitor this information in real time. This allows not only the physician to monitor the occupant in real time, but allows the physician to scroll through seconds to months of past data to determine the root cause of the discomfort experienced by the occupant. It can also monitor periods when the occupant is agitated or restless, whereby the physician can add a mode in the chairs program to control any form of restlessness.

[0120] An extension of this can be used in the aerospace industry. For example, on long haul flights, passengers may become agitated and the cabin crew can detect this via reading the parameters transmitted by the chair's diagnostic messages. The chairs can then be reconfigured or reprogrammed to control this agitation or the air hostess can physically address the occupant to determine if intervention is required. This can also be applied to other applications which require long journeys such as rail or bus.

Damping

[0121] During journeys in the automotive, rail and aerospace sectors, information such as bumps and turbulence events can be transmitted to the chair. This information can be processed by the chair to electronically dampen such events. This allows for a smoother ride that would otherwise be absorbed by the occupant's body.

Gaming Applications

[0122] The chair can be adapted for gaming applications to synchronise events in the game with actuated movements in the chair. For example, if the occupant is playing a war type game and their opponent shoots them in the back, the chair can simulate this by pulsing the spinal backrest supports erratically. Or if the occupant decides to change the environment in the game from a windy setting to a hot setting, then the chairs cooling feature or cushion warmers can be activated respectively. Additionally, speakers can be added to the chairs structure (say backrest area) to enhance the user's experience.

[0123] A microphone may be provided, which can be used to enable voice communication to enable or commence various chair functions. It would enable the occupant to implicitly command the chair, via voice, to perform various functions without having to use a smartphone, PC or tablet.

[0124] Other extensions, advantages, uses and applications may be apparent to a person skilled in the art.