Interactive furniture for dieters

• US 6,425,862 B1
• Filed: 03/05/2001
• Issued: 07/30/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/05/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Norma Brown
• Original Assignee: Norma Brown
• Inventors: Brown, Norma
• Primary Examiner(s): Shaver, Kevin
• Assistant Examiner(s): Astorino, Michael
• Application Number:
  US09/799,458
• Time in Patent Office: 512 Days
• Field of Search: 600/300-301, 600/481-486, 600/500-503, 600/529, 600/532, 600/538, 600/587, 600/590, 600/595, 600/547, 128/903, 128/904, 128/920-925, 128/897-898, 482/142, 482/900-902, 434/127, 434/236, 434/238, 434/262, 434/270, 372/351.4, 361/683, 361/724, 108/50.11, 108/161, 108/25-26, 297/115-117, 297/135, 297/217.2, 297/217.1, 708/131-133, D06/396, 177/25-1-, 177/25.16, 177/25.19, 705/2-4
• US Class Current: 600/300
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2037/005 Tables specially adapted for laboratories
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/00 Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0073 Desk with integrated computer
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 3/00 Chairs characterised by structural features; Chairs or stools with rotatable or vertically-adjustable seats A47C1/00, A47C4/00 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 31/126 for chairs
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/00 Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools attaching to floor A47B91/08
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/72 Adaptations for incorporating lamps, radio sets, bars, telephones, ventilation, heating or cooling arrangements or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/00 Measuring for diagnostic purposes radiation diagnosis A61B6/00; diagnosis by ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves A61B8/00; Identification of persons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/021 Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels A61B5/0205 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/024 Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate A61B5/0205, A61B5/021 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/221 Ergometry, e.g. by using bicycle type apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6887 mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/02 with movable endless bands , e.g. treadmills other training appliances for running on the spot A63B69/0028
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/4146 for controlling caloric intake, e.g. diet control
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/60 relating to nutrition control, e.g. diets
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16Z 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other main groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/904 Telephone telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/921 Diet management

Abstract

The present invention 10 discloses a horseshoe-shaped table 12 having a computer 14 and a dual-purpose chair 16 associated therewith. The chair 16 adjusts to variously sized users 11 by using a piston 78 and piston support mechanism disposed internally of the chair. The chair also serves as a weight scale or sensor 18 which is disposed in the seat thereof and has data input means, including a headset 27 with microphone 28 and chewing sensor 24 disposed thereon. The arm 36 of the chair has a blood pressure sensor 26 disposed thereon. Data gathered from the sensor input devices is transmitted to a computer 14 disposed internally of the table 12 having a monitor 40 and keypad 42 disposed on the tabletop. Also shown are a pair of scales 20, 22 which measure both the individual meal food and the daily food allowance which data is also input into the computer 14. The scales are equipped with segmented platters 90 and non-segmented platters 104, having various food compartments for receiving different types of food. The monitor 42 is disposed on a suspension arm 58 which is adjustable and is provided with a control crank 60 for adjusting the arm 58. The data inputs 48, 52 are disposed near the computer in order to receive input data from the input devices. An alternative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed wherein data is transmitted from the chair 16 via electromagnetic means 111, 116 to the table 12 wherein the chair is electrically operated and the monitor 40, and food scales 20, 22 are mounted internal of the table 12 being covered by panels 112 in the closed position and having a control panel 114 for electrically raising these elements from internal of the tables.

Claims

1. An apparatus for interactive furniture group for use by a dieter, comprising:

a) a table for placement thereupon of various items used with the apparatus;

b) at least one scale for weighing food portions of the dieter;

c) a chair for use by the dieter, said chair being moveable

d) means for a plurality of sensors disposed on said chair, said sensors for gathering data about the dieter;

e) a computer disposed on said table, said computer having a monitor and a keyboard, said computer for receiving and processing data from said means for a plurality of sensors and from said scale;

f) said table is U-shaped for placement of said chair therein said U-shape;

g) said table further comprises a lower access drawer internal thereof, said drawer disposed proximate to said chair, said access drawer for receiving said computer, said table further comprising a rear access panel;

h) said monitor and said keyboard are disposed on top of said table, further comprising a wiring harness for connection to said computer;

i) a movable suspension arm disposed on said table for receiving said monitor and said keyboard;

j) said suspension arm further comprises a plurality of sections, said sections being pivotally joined, said sections being hollow for receiving said wiring harness for joining said computer to said monitor and said keyboard;

k) said suspension arm further comprises means for a gear box whereby said arm is movably adjustable, wherein said means for a gear box further comprises a control handle, said control handle being disposed on said table;

l) said scale further comprises a segmented platter having a plurality of removable food compartments therein, said food compartments for receiving different categories of food for consumption by the dieter; and

m) said means for a plurality of sensors further comprises a weight sensor, a chewing sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a pulse sensor, and a microphone for gathering data from the dieter.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said scale consists of two scales, being a first scale for weighing individual meals and a second scale for weighing the total daily food consumption.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said chair further comprises means for expansion disposed internal said chair whereby the size of said chair can be varied to receive various sizes of dieters.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said means for expansion further comprises a plurality of expandable pistons and lateral piston supports, said pistons being hydraulically operated so as to vary the size of said chair.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said chair is mounted on a base, said base having a plurality of casters disposed thereon to provide movability to said chair.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said weight sensor is disposed internal of the seat of the chair to record data about the weight of the dieter.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a headset, said headset for receiving said chewing sensor and said microphone, said chewing sensor adapted to be disposed contiguous to the jaw of the dieter.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said blood pressure sensor and said pulse sensor are disposed on an arm of said chair proximate to the dieter.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of computer input jacks disposed on said table, said jacks receiving connection means from said means for a plurality of sensors for transmission of data to said computer.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising means for concealing said monitor, said keyboard and said pair of scales internal said table, further comprising a panel for covering said means for concealing so that said panel is flush with the top of said table.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an electrical control panel disposed on said table for controlling the operation of said means for concealing said monitor, said keyboard, and said first and second scale.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising means for transmitting data from said chair to said table, whereby data is transmitted by electromagnetic waves from the chair to the table.