Adjustable chair

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustable chair (10) comprising: a seat base (12) defining a seating surface portion (14) for receiving a user thereon in use, the seat base (12) comprising an integral seat back engagement portion (20) for engaging with a portion of a seat back (16), a seat front portion (40) opposing the seat back engagement portion (20), a first seat side portion and a second seat side portion opposing the first seat side portion, each of the first and second seat side portions located between the seat back engagement portion (20) and the seat front portion (40) and extending substantially transverse to the seat surface portion (14); and a seat back (16) having a seat base engagement portion (18) dimensioned to slidably engage with the seat back engagement portion (20) to form a seat back adjustment mechanism, wherein the seat back adjustment mechanism is located adjacent at least one of the first and second seat side portions and wherein the seat back adjustment mechanism is movable between a first locked configuration in which the seat back (16) and seat base (12) are fixed relative to one another and the seating surface portion (14) has a fixed surface area, and a second released configuration in which the seat back (16) is slidable relative to the seat base (12) to vary the surface area of the seating surface portion (14). Also provided is such a chair with an adjustable footrest (22) to vary the distance between the seat base (12) and the footplate (54) and / or to vary the angle between the seat base (12) and the footrest (22).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Conventional chairs are designed to fit and support a user's body. Some are adjustable with respect to arm rest height or the incline of the back support. Some include adjustable lumbar supports for optimal support of the user's spine.[0002]However, these adjustability options are not sufficient for a chair for use by users of multiple heights and body shapes. For example, a school chair may be used by a schoolchild over many months, during which time the schoolchild will be growing in height and weight. Gradually, they will outgrow the chair which leads to discomfort, poor posture and potentially back pain. Alternatively, a school chair may be used by more than one child of differing heights and body shapes on a regular basis. However, without sufficient adjustability the chair will not be suitable for all.[0003]As children grow, their leg length increases. Thus, an increase in their lower leg length will require a chair of increasing height to ensu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is for a new chair design that has a seat back that is attached to the seat base. This design has several advantages: it is simpler and cheaper to make, it is stronger, and it adjusts to the user's size so that everyone in the classroom is at the same height. This allows for more efficient use of desks and tables.

Problems solved by technology

However, these adjustability options are not sufficient for a chair for use by users of multiple heights and body shapes.

Gradually, they will outgrow the chair which leads to discomfort, poor posture and potentially back pain.

However, without sufficient adjustability the chair will not be suitable for all.

To keep measuring children throughout their time at school and provide a new chair of suitable dimensions to accommodate their growth on a regular basis is time-consuming and expensive.

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