Chair that adapts to multiple sitting positions

Abstract

An adaptable chair with multiple adjustable components that may be configured by the user for various seating positions, particularly to change between conventional and cross-legged seating position. The adaptable chair's seating surface is comprised of a set of separate surface components for each of the user's right and left thighs. In a conventional seating configuration, the seating surface components are in a closed or joined position and the footrest in an unobtrusive position. To configure the chair for cross-legged seating, the seat components for each thigh may be moved apart to allow a user cross-legged seating position and rest the feet and lower legs upon the footrest. The disclosure describes various means of adjustment to the thigh supports and footrest, and mechanisms for actuating the various configurations to maximize comfort and ease of use.

1 . A chair with multiple adjustable components that may be configured for various seating positions comprising:
 a seating surface which is divided into multiple seating surface components including a buttocks seating surface component of limited depth to support only the buttocks, a left thigh seating surface component and right thigh seating surface component which extend forward from the front edge of the buttocks seating surface component, and   an integrated footrest,   wherein said left and right thigh seating surface components may be moved or pivoted outward apart from each other creating a void to accommodate placement of feet and legs in alternative sitting postures, and wherein said footrest may be positioned in the void created by moving said right and left leg seating surface components.   
     
     
         2 . The chair in  claim 1  wherein said left and right seating surface components may be adjusted vertically while in the separated position, in order to support the knees when sitting in cross-legged position. 
     
     
         3 . The chair in  claim 1  wherein the footrest may be adjusted vertically. 
     
     
         4 . An alternative configuration to the chair in  claim 1  whereby the seating surface is comprised of exactly two components, the right thigh seating surface components and left thigh seating surface component, and omitting a separate seating surface component for the buttocks.