Apparatus for supporting the human body and associated table

Abstract

An apparatus that allows a user to remain in a comfortable and stable standing position whereby there is less strain on the muscles and joints. Strain is reduced because body weight is ergonomically redistributed throughout the body. Improved blood flow provides rest and relaxation to individual muscles and joints while the user maintains proper posture in a standing, upright position. The apparatus is aesthetically pleasing and may be used in the home or office to allow the user to stand in a comfortable, supported position.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus to support the human body in a generally standing position, comprising: 
 an elongated body support member;    a generally flat base located below the body support member; and    a support column having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is attached to the base and the proximal end is attached to the body support member such that the elongated body support member is generally inclined with respect to the base.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body support member is contoured.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body support member has a top end, a bottom end, and is generally rectangular with a centrally located generally convex curve and a generally concave curve at the top end and the bottom end.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the top end is configured to support an upper spine.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the top end is configured to form a head support member.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the top end is coupled to a head support member.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body support member is movable relative to the support column.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the base includes a textured foot plate to prevent the user from skidding or slipping.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the base includes a top portion, which lies at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including a lumbar support member movably attached to the body support member, wherein the lumbar support member is configured to be moved longitudinally along the elongated body support member to a selected position.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the lumbar support member further includes a grip member.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the grip member further includes a locking spring system, wherein the user can pull the grip member outward to release the locking spring system and slide the lumbar support member along the elongated body support member, and the user can release the grip member to engage the locking spring system in any of a plurality of locking holes to position the lumbar support member in the selected position.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the lumbar support member is configured to be rotatable by a user.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including arm members coupled to the body support member and extending so as to support a user's arms in a generally outward position.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including arm members coupled to the support column.  
     
     
         16 . An apparatus to support a human body in a generally vertical position comprising: 
 an elongated body support member configured to support a user's body;    a pair of independent arm members coupled to the body support member;    a generally flat base having a top portion, wherein the top portion of the base is inclined relative to a horizontal plane;    a support column coupled to both the base and the body support member, wherein the support column maintains the body support member in a generally inclined position; and    a lumbar support member movably coupled to the body support member, wherein the lumbar support member can rotate along a horizontal axis and can be positioned longitudinally along the body support member to allow for micro-adjustment by the user to provide comfort and support.    
     
     
         17 . An apparatus to facilitate working in a generally standing position, the apparatus comprising: 
 a standing chair portion including: 
 an elongated body support member  
 a generally flat base located below the body support member and  
 a support column having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is attached to the base and the proximal end is attached to the body support member such that the elongated body support member is generally inclined with respect to the base; and  
   a table having a tabletop, the tabletop located at an ergonomically comfortable height for a user of the standing chair.    
     
     
         18 . The apparatus as in  claim 17 , wherein the table includes a sliding portion.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus as in  claim 18 , wherein the sliding portion is configured to placed at an angle by a user.