Adjustable chair for accommodating multiple body positions and methods of use thereof

Abstract

Provided is a configuration for imparting at least partial body support to a user in multiple positions. The seating apparatus has a support structure holding a body supporting assembly that includes one member defining a seating surface and another member that can be configured to form an auxiliary body support surface essentially parallel to and at a different level than the seating surface. The different level can include at least one level that is below that of the seating surface.

1 - 58 . (canceled) 
     
     
         59 . A seating apparatus for providing at least partial body support to a user in multiple positions, comprising:
 a seat in a substantially horizontal orientation with front and rear ends; and   at least one adjustable back support element comprising two or more support members, movable one versus the other in various angular configurations.   
     
     
         60 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 59 , wherein the seat comprises at least two seat elements, each adapted to assume a general horizontal orientation and being configured to be selectively movable between a plurality of positions vertically displaced from one another, wherein in each of the positions at least one of the at least two seat elements can assume a general horizontal orientations. 
     
     
         61 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 59 , wherein at least one support member is configured to assume a general horizontal orientation and being configured and operative to be selectively movable between a plurality of positions vertically displaced from one another, wherein in each of the positions the at least one support member can assume a general horizontal orientation. 
     
     
         62 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 59 , wherein the back support element is movable into different angular positions. 
     
     
         63 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 59 , further comprising an upper mechanical means for selectively moving the at least one back support member to each of the plurality of positions or orientations. 
     
     
         64 . A seating apparatus for providing at least partial body support to a user in multiple positions, comprising:
 a seat in a substantially horizontal orientation with a front and rear ends; and   at least one adjustable back support element,   wherein the back support element is a multi-segmented backrest support structure comprising a substantially flexible spinal support structure configured to receive various anatomical shapes.   
     
     
         65 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 64 , wherein the back support element further comprises multiple lateral ribs configured to receive various anatomical shapes. 
     
     
         66 . A seating apparatus, comprising:
 a seat in a substantially horizontal orientation fitted to a base at an upper end of a vertical support element; and   a frontal support element supported by and vertically displaceable along said vertical support element and which can revolve about or be horizontally displaced with respect to said vertical support so as to assume a position in which it is at least partially below the seat.   
     
     
         67 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 66 , wherein the frontal support element can be tilted about a horizontal axis. 
     
     
         68 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 66 , wherein the frontal support element is fitted to a sleeve mounted on the vertical support element. 
     
     
         69 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 68 , wherein said sleeve is either fixed to the vertical support element or to said base. 
     
     
         70 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 69 , wherein the vertical displacement of the frontal support element is through adjusting the vertical position of a fastening annulus on said sleeve. 
     
     
         71 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 66 , wherein the frontal support element may be vertically displaced so that the top face of the frontal support element is level with the top face of the seat such that both top faces jointly define an essentially planar seating surface. 
     
     
         72 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 66 , further comprising at least one back support element. 
     
     
         73 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 72 , wherein the at least one back support element is configured and operative to be selectively movable between a plurality of different positions or orientations and wherein the at least one back support element comprises two or more support members movable one versus the other. 
     
     
         74 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 72 , wherein at least one of the back support members is adjustable, having or being able to assume a general vertical orientation and being configured and operative to be selectively movable between a plurality of positions horizontally displaced from one another, wherein in each of the positions the at least one of the two or more support members can assume a general vertical orientation. 
     
     
         75 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 72 , wherein at least one of the back support members is adjustable, being able to assume a general horizontal orientation and being configured and operative to be selectively movable between a plurality of positions vertically displaced from one another, wherein in each of the positions the at least one back support member can assume a general horizontal orientation. 
     
     
         76 . A system comprising a seating apparatus according to  claim 66 , further comprising at least one set of instructions for performing exercises using the seating apparatus, by adjusting the position or orientation of at least one element of the seating apparatus. 
     
     
         77 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 76 , wherein the exercise is a posture or yoga exercise. 
     
     
         78 . A seating apparatus for providing at least partial body support to a user, comprising:
 a seat in a substantially horizontal orientation fitted with a base at an upper end of a vertical support element, the seat having a front and a rear segment;   the front segment having (i) a first regular seating position, wherein the front segment is level with the rear segment so that the front segment forms an integral part of the seat, and (ii) a second seating position in which the front segment is essentially parallel to and at a lower level than the rear segment; and   the front segment being vertically displaceable along a sleeve mounted on the vertical support element.   
     
     
         79 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 78 , wherein said sleeve is either fixed to the vertical support element or to said base. 
     
     
         80 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 79 , wherein the vertical displacement of the front segment is through adjusting the vertical position of a fastening annulus on said sleeve. 
     
     
         81 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 78 , further comprising at least one back support element. 
     
     
         82 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 81 , wherein the at least one back support element is adjustable to assume various angular configurations with respect to the seat. 
     
     
         83 . The seating apparatus according to  claim 81 , wherein the at least one back support element comprises two or more support members, movable one versus the other in various angular configurations.