Novel enhanced fundiform seating processes and products

• US 20060125304A1
• Filed: 10/31/2005
• Published: 06/15/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Nubax Limited
• Original Assignee: Nubax Limited
• Inventors: Jackson, Donna K.
• Application Number:
  US11/263,415
• Publication Number:
  US 20060125304A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 297/452.210
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/643 shape of the back-rests B60N2/66 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/646 shape of the cushion
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/66 Lumbar supports

Abstract

An automatically corrected seating element set optionally incorporates weight adjustment capacity in a substantially fundiform type of seating apparatus. Process for disposing a user and posture—ameliorating products are likewise taught.

Claims

1. A process for improving the fit of a user into a seat, comprising, in combination, the steps of:

providing a sling-seat assembly which tilts a user'"'"'s pelvis forward;

aligning the user'"'"'s spinal process whereby it contacts an upwardly extending/back upper portion of the seat;

by,

transferring the user'"'"'s weight to the user'"'"'s ischial tuberosities;

while improving venous outflow from the lower extremities by decreasing venous obstruction at the femoral vein level.

2. The process of claim 1, wherein the sling-seat assembly further comprises a support apparatus for a bottom cushion, disposed about a planar axis which defines a chevron-like pattern in the shape of a ray originating at a back portion of the bottom cushion where it joins with a back upper portion.

3. The process of claim 1, wherein the providing step further comprises taking a weight measurement of a user and using it to define an optimized dimension set.

4. The process of claim 3, the weight measurement is at least of garnered from a pre-existing data set, and calculated based upon other user-related data points.

5. The process of claim 4, wherein the optimized dimension set is based upon values averaged, or otherwise statistically sampled for manufacturing purposes.

6. The process of claim 5, wherein the optimized dimension set is further customized to a particular user, by adjusting from a predetermined set of values based upon statistical or sampled data using software.

7. A novel enhanced fundiform seating apparatus, comprising, in combination:

a sling-seat assembly which tilts a user'"'"'s pelvis forward integrated with a support apparatus for a bottom cushion, which cushion is disposed about a planar axis which defines a chevron-like pattern in the shape of a ray originating at a back portion of the bottom cushion where it joins with a back upper portion of the seating apparatus.

8. The novel enhanced fundiform seating apparatus of claim 7,

further comprising a sling element extending from an area at the back portion of the cushion upward into the back upper portion of the seating apparatus and across the bottom cushion area to receive the ischial tuberosities of a user.

9. The novel enhanced fundiform seating apparatus of claim 8, said sling element having an overall length of between at least about 750 mm and 955 mm.

10. The novel enhanced fundiform seating apparatus of claim 9, said sling element having a width of between at least about 1 and 30 inches.

11. The novel enhanced fundiform seating apparatus of claim 10, wherein an angle between the chevrons/lower extension members ranges from at least about 1 to 50 degrees.

12. The novel enhanced fundiform seating apparatus of claim 10, wherein the depth of the involved sling element ranges from at least about ¼

of an inch to about 10 inches.

13. The novel enhanced fundiform seating apparatus of claim 8, said sling element having an overall length of between at least about 750 mm and 830 mm.

14. The novel enhanced fundiform seating apparatus of claim 8, wherein an angle between the chevrons/lower extension members ranges from at least about 17 to 38 degrees.

15. The novel enhanced fundiform seating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the depth of the involved sling element ranges from at least about ¼

of an inch to about 2 inches.

16. The novel enhanced fundiform seating apparatus of claim 8, each of the dimensions of the sling element determined by calculation derived from a weight measurement of a user and using it to define an optimized dimension set.

17. A sling-seat element for supporting the ischial tuberosities of a user, which comprises, in combination:

a first elongated lower extension member, defined by an acute angle extending between it and a second elongated lower extension member, forming a chevron-like shape;

an upper extension member emerging from the nexus of the two lower extension members and continuing longitudinally at least as far as the lower extension members extend in an opposite direction;

whereby when disposed within a frame for a seating apparatus the first elongated lower extension member and the second elongated lower extension member each receive a respective ishcial tuberosity of a user, and the upper extension member bracingly engages the upper buttocks and lower back of a user to achieve an improved posture, while the overall orientation of the element tilts a user'"'"'s pelvis forward.

18. A sling seat element for supporting the ischial tuberosities of a user according to claim 17, wherein the element is incorporated into a seat for an automobile.

19. A sling seat element for supporting the ischial tuberosities of a user according to claim 17, wherein the element is incorporated into a seat for an airplane, boat, train, or article of heavy equipment.

20. A sling seat element for supporting the ischial tuberosities of a user according to claim 17, wherein the element is incorporated into a seat for a child.