CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a PCT International Application of U.S. Application No. _/ , which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

61/281 ,831 , filed November 23, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/399,745, filed July 16, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to lift chairs which are used to aid in going from a seated position to a standing position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are several lift chair products that are currently in use in the marketplace. Typically, these lift chairs have a single flat seat which is lifted and rotated for the purpose of allowing the user to exit the chair with minimal effort. While the seat angle of current designs allows the occupant's back to be tilted forward, the configuration of the seat used to transfer a person from a seated position to a standing position does not allow for the proper transfer of the user's center of gravity between a seated position and a standing position. More specifically, the hips remain significantly behind the lower leg, which limits the person's ability to safely exit from the chair. Additionally, the tilting forward of the single flat seat often gives the user the feeling of falling forward as the chair is moved toward a raised position, which is considered undesirable. This can present an even greater problem particularly with the elderly whose muscles and coordination have diminished with age.

Accordingly there exists a need for an improved lift chair which allows the user to safely enter and exit the chair, and go from a seated position to a standing position, or vice versa.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a lift chair which allows the seated occupant to be positioned at a significantly more accommodating angle when transferring between a seated position and a standing position, thereby reducing the possibility of accidentally falling forward or ineffectively managing the weight transfer to a metal walker. Among other needs, the present invention specifically addresses the areas of hip or knee related mobility problems, especially among the elderly, who may be living alone or want a degree of independence that does not require assistance from other individuals. Additionally, the present invention also includes an optional leg rest assembly incorporated within the chair. The leg rest assembly is operated by a separate switch, and provides for leg rest capability as well as leg or foot circulatory relief, if desired.

The present invention is a chair having a first seat portion operably associated with a second seat portion, with the first seat portion disposed in the same plane as the second seat portion when the chair is in a lowered position, and an actuator for moving the first seat portion relative to the second seat portion. When the actuator is actuated, the first seat portion pivots relative to the second seat portion such that the first seat portion is located in a different plane compared to the second seat portion. When in the raised position, the first seat portion is substantially parallel to the ground, which allows the occupant of the chair to easily transfer the occupant's center of gravity from being supported by the chair to being supported by the occupant's feet and knees.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a first perspective view of a lift chair, according to the present invention; Figure 1A is a perspective view of the lift chair of Figure 1 with the backrest removed, according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged front perspective view of a lift chair, according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a side view of a lift chair in a lowered position, according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a first side view of a lift chair in transition between a lowered position and a raised position, according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a second side view of a lift chair in transition between a lowered position and a raised position, according to the present invention;

Figure 6 is a third side view of a lift chair in transition between a lowered position and a raised position, according to the present invention;

Figure 7 is a fourth side view of a lift chair in transition between a lowered position and a raised position, according to the present invention;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a lift chair in a second position, according to the present invention;

Figure 9 is a side view of a lift chair in a second position, according to the present invention;

Figure 10 is an enlarged side view of a first front support member and a first inner support member used in a lift chair, according to the present invention;

Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a lift motor mechanism used in a lift chair, according to the present invention;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a lift chair at an angled position with the leg rest in an extended position, according to the present invention;

Figure 13 is first perspective view of a lift chair having cushioning, according to the present invention;

Figure 14 is a side view of a lift chair having cushioning in a raised position, according to the present invention;

Figure 15 is second perspective view of a lift chair having cushioning, according to the present invention;

Figure 16 is a side view of a lift chair having cushioning with the leg rest assembly in an extended position, according to the present invention; Figure 17 is a side view of a lift chair having cushioning in a lowered position, according to the present invention;

Figure 18 is a second side view of a lift chair having cushioning in a raised position, according to the present invention;

Figure 19 is a rear view of a lift chair having cushioning in a lowered position, according to the present invention; and

Figure 20 is a rear view of a lift chair having cushioning in a raised position, according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

Referring to the Figures generally, a stand-up chair according to the present invention is shown generally at 10. In Figures 1-11 , the cushions and covering has been removed so the frame of the chair 10 is exposed. The chair 10 includes a first seat portion 12 and a second seat portion 14, and each of the seat portions 12,14 are rectangular in shape. The first seat portion 12 is connected to the second seat portion 14 with a first hinge 16, and in this embodiment the first hinge 16 is a piano hinge. Also connected to the first seat portion 12 is a backrest 18; the backrest 18 is selectively connected to the first seat portion 12, and does not move relative to the first seat portion 12. The chair 10 is movable between a first, or lowered position, and a second, or raised position.

Connected to the first seat portion 12 is at least one armrest 20 for supporting the arm of a user when sitting in the chair 10. The armrest 20 is also used for support when getting out of the chair 10 to stand up.

Connected to the second seat portion 14 is a front support beam 22; the second seat portion 14 is connected to the front support beam 22 through the use of a second hinge 24, which in this embodiment is also a piano hinge. The front support beam 22 is connected to a first front support member 26 and a second front support member 28, both of which are curved in shape. The first front support member 26 is connected to a first upper side beam 30, and the second front support member 28 is connected to a second upper side beam 32. The first upper side beam 30 is connected to a first rear support member 34, and the second upper side beam 32 is connected to a second rear support member 36. Both of the rear support members 34,36 are substantially vertical. The first front support member 26 and first rear support member 34 are both connected to a first lower support beam 38. Similarly, the second front support member 28 and the second rear support member 36 are connected to a second lower side beam 40. The first upper side beam 30 is substantially parallel to the first lower side beam 38, and the second upper side beam 32 is substantially parallel to the second lower side beam 40. When in the lowered position, the seat portions 12,14 are located on and supported by the upper side beams 30,32.

Connected to side beams 30,38 is a first inner support member 42, and connected to the other side beams 32,40 is a second inner support member 44. Pivotally connected to the first inner support member 42 is a first pivot support member, which in this embodiment is a first pivot support bracket 46. The first pivot support bracket 46 is connected to the first inner support member 42 through a nut and bolt connection, shown generally at 88, having a bolt 90 extending through an aperture formed as part of the first pivot support bracket 46, a washer (not shown), an aperture formed as part of a first flange 94, and a nut (not shown).

Pivotally connected to the second inner support member 44 is a second pivot support member, or second pivot support bracket 48. The second pivot support bracket 48 is connected to the second inner support member 44 through the use of a nut and bolt connection, shown generally at 98, having a bolt 100 extending through an aperture formed as part of the second pivot support bracket 48, a washer, and an aperture formed as part of a second flange 104, and a nut 106.

Each of the pivot support brackets 46,48 are pivotally connected to a first cross member 50. The first cross member 50 is part of the first seat portion 12, and connects to a first seat support beam 142 and a second seat support beam 144. More specifically, there is a nut and bolt connection, shown generally at 108, having a bolt 110 extending through an aperture formed as part of the first pivot support bracket 46, a washer 112, an aperture formed as part of a third flange 114, and a nut 116; the third flange 114 is connected to the first cross member 50. There is another nut and bolt connection, generally shown at 118, having a bolt 120 extending through an aperture formed as part of the second pivot support bracket 48, a washer 122, and an aperture formed as part of a fourth flange 124, and a nut 126; the fourth flange 124 is connected to the first cross member 50.

There is also a second cross member 52 which is part of the first seat portion 12, and is connected to the seat support beams 142,144. However, the second cross member 52 is curved such that the center 54 of the second cross member 52 is closer to the ground/floor in relation to the rest of first seat portion 12. Pivotally connected to the center 54 of the second cross member 52 is an actuator in the form of a lift motor mechanism, shown generally at 56, which is operable for changing the chair 10 between the lowered and raised positions. The lift motor mechanism 56 includes an electric motor 58, a first telescoping member 60, and a second telescoping member 62 concentrically disposed within the first telescoping member 60 and mechanically connected to the electric motor 58. The electric motor 58 has a bracket 128, and the bracket 128 is positioned between two upper flanges 130 connected to the center 54 of the second cross member 52. A bolt 132 extends through the upper flanges 130 and the bracket 128 as shown in Figures 1-4 and 6-9, and has a threaded connection with a nut 134.

The second telescoping member 62 is also pivotally connected to a front lower cross member 64, and the front lower cross member 64 is connected to each of the lower side beams 38,40. The front lower cross member 64 has two lower flanges 136, and the end of the second telescoping member 62 is located between the lower flanges 136. A bolt 138 extends through the lower flanges 36 and the second telescoping member 62 into a nut 140, and connects the second telescoping member 62 to the flanges 136.

There are also two other lower cross members, a middle lower cross member 66, and a rear lower cross member 68. The cross members 66,68 are substantially parallel to the front lower cross member 64; the middle lower cross member 66 is connected to the lower side beams 38,40, and the rear lower cross member 68 is connected to the rear support members 34,36.

As mentioned above, the armrest 20 is connected to the first seat portion 12. In this embodiment, there are two armrests, a first armrest 20, and a second armrest 70. Each armrest 20,70 includes two vertical beams 72, and each of the vertical beams 72 is connected to the first seat portion 12 through an extension 74. More specifically, there is a rear transverse seat support beam 146 and a front transverse seat support beam 148, and the extensions 74 are formed as part of the respective beams 146,148. Furthermore, the front transverse seat support beam 148 is pivotally connected to a transverse seat support beam 150 through the use of the first hinge 16. The transverse seat support beam 150 is formed as part of the second seat portion 14; the second seat portion 14 also includes a third seat support beam 152 and a fourth seat support beam 154, both of which are connected to the transverse seat support beam 150, and another transverse seat support beam 156 connected to the front support beam 22 by the second hinge 24.

Connected to each of the armrests 20,70 is a switch. There is a switch 76 connected to the first armrest 20, and a second switch 78 connected to the second armrest 70. The switch 78 connected to the second armrest 70 is used for controlling the lift motor mechanism 56. The switch 76 connected to the first armrest 20 is used for controlling a second lift motor mechanism 166 (best seen in Figure 12) which is similar to the other lift motor mechanism 56 shown in the Figures. The second lift motor mechanism 166 is pivotally connected to the middle lower cross member 66, and a cross beam 80 of a leg rest assembly, generally shown at 82, and is operable for moving the leg rest assembly 82 between an extended and a retracted position, or any position therebetween.

Referring to Figure 1A, the backrest 18 is detachable from the first seat portion 12, which allows for other types of backrests to be used with the first seat portion 12, depending upon the desire of the occupant of the chair 10. Also, the backrest 18 includes several ribbed portions 84, which are curved to accommodate the occupant of the chair 10. The backrest 18 also includes two post portions 160, each of which includes a reduced portion 162 operable for being received into corresponding post portions 164 extending upwardly from the first seat portion 12. Various types of backrests having different shapes may have post portions similar to the post portions 160 operable for connection with the post portions 164 of the first seat portion 12.

While the frame of the chair 10 is shown in several of the Figures for demonstrating the movement of the various components, the chair 10 may also have various types of cushioning attached to the backrest 18, seat portions 12,14, armrests 20,70, and leg rest assembly 82 for providing comfort. An example of the lift chair 10 of the present invention having cushioning is shown in Figures 13-20. Various coverings may be used to cover the cushioning, such as upholstery, leather, or the like. Covering may also be applied to the vertical beams 72 of the armrests 20,70 to cover the components of the chair 10, substantially reducing or eliminating the chance of injury from a limb being caught in between the components of the chair 0.

In operation, when the chair 10 is in the lowered position, as shown in Figures 1-3, 13, 15, 17, and 19, and it is desired to move the chair 10 to the raised position, as shown in Figures 8-12, 14, 18, and 20, the user of the chair 10 simply operates the switch 78 connected to the second armrest 70 to activate the lift motor mechanism 56. When the lift motor mechanism 56 is activated, the electric motor 58 applies a force to the second telescoping member 62, which in turn applies a force to the front lower cross member 64. This force generated by the electric motor 58 is also applied to the second cross member 52, which in turn causes the seat portions 12,14 to lift off of the side beams 30,32. The first telescoping member 60 is connected to the first seat portion 12 near the second cross member 52. The pivot support brackets 46,48 are connected at their lower ends to the forward frame of the chair 10 or inner support members 42,44, and at their upper ends near the rear of the first seat portion 12. As pressure is put on the second cross member 52, which is also near the center of the seat portion 12, the pivot brackets 46,48 begin their movement along an arc forward, pivoting at the point of connection at the inner support members 42,44. This causes the seat portion 12 to lift off of the side beams 30,32 initially at a rearward angle of about ten degrees. The pivot support brackets 46,48 pivot relative to the inner support members 42,44 and to the first seat portion 12.

The initial movement of the seat portions 12,14 lifting off of the side beams 30,32 is shown in Figure 4, and provides an angle positioning feature of the first seat portion 12. As the seat portions 12,14 lift off of the side beams 30,32, the first seat portion 12 is angled rearwardly such that a person sitting in the chair 10 is moved toward an angled position. Essentially, the front transverse seat support beam 148 of the first seat portion 12 is higher compared to the rear transverse seat support beam 146 of the first seat portion 12, this angle 157 is best shown in Figures 5-7. The connection between the first seat portion 12, the second seat portion 14, the front support beam 22, and the pivot support brackets 46,48 is such that the first seat portion 12 is operable to be positioned at an angle 157 greater than zero, is also operable to be positioned generally between zero and fifteen degrees, and is positioned preferably at an angle of about ten degrees from horizontal when the switch 78 used to operate the lift motor mechanism 56. An example of the chair 10 in an angled position is shown in Figure 4, and the chair 10 is shown in other angled positions in Figures 5-7 as the chair 10 is changed to the raised position. The ability to angle the first seat portion 12 not only provides the chair 10 with the angle positioning feature, but also more securely positions an occupant of the chair 10 as the chair 10 is transitioning between the lowered and raised positions. This angle positioning feature also removes some of the load from the occupant's spine, this improves the comfort of the chair 10 when the occupant 10 is sitting in the chair 10 for extended periods of time. The occupant's stability is improved when moving towards the second position and mobility is improved at the end of actuation when entering and exiting the chair 10. The first seat portion 12 is angled until the chair 10 has moved to the fully raised position, as shown in Figures 8-12, 14, 18, and 20.

As force is continually applied to the lower cross beam 64 and the second cross member 52 by the lift motor mechanism 56, which drives the second telescoping member 62 out of the first telescoping member 60, the seat portions 12,14 continue to pivot relative to one another, the second seat portion 14 pivots relative to the front support beam 22, and the pivot support brackets 46,48 pivot relative to the first cross member 50 and the inner support members 42,44, respectively. The various components continue to pivot relative to one another as shown in Figures 4-7, until the chair 10 is in the fully raised position, as shown in Figures 8-12, 14, 18, and 20.

When in the raised position, the telescoping members 60,62 of the lift motor mechanism 56 are substantially vertical. This helps to ensure that the stress applied to the telescoping members 60,62 is mostly plane or compressive stress, and any bending stress or shear stress applied to the telescoping members 60,62 is minimized when the chair 10 is in the fully raised position.

The first seat portion 12 and the armrests 20,70 are substantially parallel to the ground/floor when the chair 10 is in the raised position. The purpose of the first seat portion 12 moving to a position parallel to the ground when the chair 10 is in the fully raised position is to prevent shift the occupant's center of gravity forward prematurely (i.e., essentially, preventing the shifting of the occupant's center of gravity forward until the occupant is ready to leave the chair). The first seat portion 12 is able to be parallel to the ground in both the first position and the second position by defining the combined length of the telescoping members 60,62 (in the second position) being equal to the combined height of one of the upper side beams 30,32 from the ground and the depth of the second seat portion 14 (i.e. one of the seat support beams 152,154). In this embodiment, the lift motor mechanism 56 has a retracted length of about 15.25 inches, and a length of about 23.25 inches when the chair 10 is in the raised position. The length is defined as the distance between the portion of the bracket 130 of the electric motor 58 that connects to the upper flanges 130 and the portion of the telescoping member 62 that connects to the lower flanges 136. However, it is with the scope of the invention that the lift motor mechanism, pivot brackets 46,48 and the seat portions 12,14 may be varied in size, as long as the first seat portion 12 is parallel to the ground in both the lowered position and the raised position. When the chair 10 is in the raised position, and a user simply sits on the first seat portion 12, essentially shifting the center of gravity from the user's feet and knees to the first seat portion 12, the user then actuates the switch 78 to operate the lift motor mechanism 56 to transition the chair 10 back to the lowered position.

As mentioned above, there is a leg rest assembly 82 connected to the inner support members 42,44, and that the switch 76 connected to the first armrest 20 is used to operate the lift motor mechanism 166 connected to the cross beam 80 and the middle lower cross member 66. When the chair 10 is in the lowered position or at an angled position, the user may operate the switch 76 to move the leg rest assembly 82 toward the extended position (shown in Figures 12 and 16), allowing the occupant of the chair 10 to use the leg rest assembly 82. If desired, the chair 10 may be changed to the angled position (shown in Figures 5-7) as described above while using the leg rest assembly 82 as well. The occupant may position the leg rest assembly 82 any position in between the extended and retracted positions. As shown in Figures 1-3, 13, and 15, the leg rest assembly 82 is disposed substantially underneath the second seat portion 14 when the leg rest assembly 82 is in the retracted position. This prevents interference from the leg rest assembly 82 when the chair 10 is changing between the raised and lowered positions. This also allows for thicker cushioning to be used for the leg rest assembly 82 for providing additional comfort to the lower legs, or for purposes of improving the circulation of blood flow through the legs.

The lift chair 10 as described presents several advantages over other lift chairs. The ability for the first seat portion 12 to be angled up to ten degrees as described above improves the comfort of the occupant, and prevents the feeling of falling forward as the seat portions 12,14 are lifted off of the side beams 30,32. This also facilitates a smoother shift of the occupant's center of gravity from being supported by the seat portions 12,14 (when the chair 10 is in the lowered position) to being supported by the first seat portion 12 (when the chair 10 is in the raised position), allowing the occupant to comfortably shift the occupant's center of gravity to a position above the occupant's knees and feet. Also, when in the lowered position, the seat portions 12,14 are approximately six-teen inches off of the floor/ground, which facilitates use of the chair 10 by an occupant who is shorter in height, while still providing suitable lift for a taller occupant. It is also within the scope of the invention that the chair 10 may be manufactured such that the seat portions 12,14 may be of a greater or lower height, if desired. Additionally, the width of the seat portions 12,14 may be varied as well. For some uses, a width of twenty inches is sufficient. However, for bariatric purposes, the width of the seat portions 12,14 can be manufactured to be twenty-four inches or more, if desired.

Additionally, the front support members 26,28 having a curved shape provides greater stability of the chair 10 when the chair 10 is in the raised position, allowing the occupant to lean on the chair 10 as desired to facilitate the shift of the occupant's center of gravity to the occupant's feet and knees when the occupant is exiting the chair 10. The occupant's feet remain in proximity to the support members 26,28, providing greater stability, and the shift in the occupant's weight is controlled by the chair 10. The occupant's torso is also more stabilized by the chair 10, and is limited from shifting awkwardly when exiting the chair 10.

Another feature of the present invention is that the rear support members 34,36 are substantially straight (as opposed to being curved like the front support members 26,28). This better facilitates the use of an optional shroud 158 (shown in Figures 14, 18, and 19-20) for covering the area surrounded by the rear support members 34,36, the backrest 18, and the ground when the chair 10 is in either the raised or lowered positions. The shroud 158 may be connected to the back of the first seat portion 12, or the backrest 18.

To further provide for increased stability of the occupant, the first seat portion 12 is larger when compared to the second seat portion 14. More specifically, the first seat support beam 142 and second seat support beam 144 are longer than the third seat support beam 152 and fourth seat support beam 154. The larger first seat portion 12 allows many different occupants of different heights and weights to use the chair 10 effectively. The armrests 20,70 are connected to the first seat portion 14 by the vertical beams 72 and the extensions 74, which causes the armrests 20,70 to move in unison with the first seat portion 14. The armrests 20,70 are longer when compared to the first seat support beam 142 and second seat support beam 144 of the first seat portion 12 to provide greater control when exiting the chair 10. Furthermore, the armrests 20,70 are approximately three inches wide, which provide for better hand grasp when the occupant is exiting the chair 10. However, it is within the scope of the invention that the armrests 20,70 may be of other widths, depending upon the width desired. These features further help keep the occupant stable as the chair 10 changes between the raised and lowered positions.

While it has been shown that the switch 78 connected to the second armrest 70 is used for operating the lift motor mechanism 56, and the switch 76 connected to the first armrest 20 is used for operating the second lift motor mechanism 166 connected to the cross member 66 and cross beam 80, it is within the scope of the invention that either of the switches 76,78 may be configured to operate either of the lift motor mechanisms, or in an alternate embodiment, there may be a single switch used for operating both of the lift motor mechanisms. Furthermore, the switches 76,78 are toggle switches connected to the respective armrests 20,70, which simplifies the use of the chair 10, as opposed to having a separate controller, such as a wand. There are also kill switches 86 used for disconnecting the switches 76,78, which is useful for preventing the unintentional operation of the switches 76,78 (i.e., preventing children from operating the chair 10).

In this embodiment, the seat portions 12,14, back rest 18, armrests 20,70, front support beam 22, front support members 26,28, upper side beams 30,32, rear support members 34,36, lower side beams 38,40, inner support members 42,44, cross members 50,52, lower cross members 64,66,68, vertical beams 72, extensions 74, ribbed portions 84, are all made of steel, and have a hollow, square-shaped cross-section. However, it is within the scope of the invention that other types of cross-sections may be used, if desired. Also, other types of materials, such as aluminum, may be used instead of steel to build the chair 10. It should be noted that the invention described above is similar in operation to the invention described in co-pending U.S. Application No.

, titled "Lift Chair," to William Lipford, filed contemporaneously herewith on November 23, 2010, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.