Adaptive Ergonomic Chair with Flexible Support Design

Publication ID: 24-11857083_0006_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Ergonomic Chair with Flexible Support Design,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857083_0006_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857083_0006_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,083.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for a chair having a flexible support member addressed the need for a seating unit with a compact, secure, and visually inconspicuous design. However, the original design had limitations in terms of user comfort and ergonomics. The present invention solves this problem by introducing a flexible support member that can be adjusted to accommodate different user preferences, providing enhanced ergonomic comfort and support.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of the present invention lies in the use of a flexible support member that can be adjusted to accommodate different user preferences, providing enhanced ergonomic comfort and support. This is a non-obvious improvement over the original patent, which did not address user comfort and ergonomics in the same way.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention may include different materials or designs for the flexible support member, such as using shape-memory alloys or incorporating sensors to detect user preferences. Variations of the invention may also include different types of seating units, such as stools or benches, that incorporate the flexible support member.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The ergonomic chair with adaptive support member has significant commercial potential in various industries, including office furniture, healthcare, and education. The invention's ability to enhance user comfort and productivity makes it an attractive solution for businesses and organizations seeking to improve workplace wellness and efficiency.

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Ergonomic seating design and furniture engineering, focusing on chair structural configurations, support mechanisms, and user comfort optimization

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or industrial designer with expertise in furniture design, materials science, and human factors engineering, familiar with ergonomic principles and adaptive seating technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A person of ordinary skill would recognize that enhancing the source patent's support member with flexible materials, ergonomic adaptations, and integrated comfort technologies represents predictable variations within the existing technical framework. The core structural elements of the seating unit remain consistent, with modifications focusing on user experience and material performance. These variations represent incremental improvements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize seating comfort.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Support member extending along seat bottom and backrest

PTD Variation

Implementing flexible material for dynamic support adaptation

Obviousness Reasoning

Known material substitution technique allowing predictable ergonomic enhancement through material selection

Source Patent Element

Structural frame joining seat components

PTD Variation

Integrating built-in lumbar support within support member

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable ergonomic modification using standard biomechanical design principles

Source Patent Element

Backrest with support configuration

PTD Variation

Adding temperature regulation and massage functionality

Obviousness Reasoning

Combining known comfort enhancement technologies with existing seating structure represents standard design evolution

Source Patent Element

Seating unit with modular support structure

PTD Variation

Incorporating sensor-based adaptive support mechanisms

Obviousness Reasoning

Applying contemporary smart materials and sensing technologies to existing mechanical design represents expected technological progression

Source Patent Element

Chair with configurable support member

PTD Variation

Using shape-memory alloys for dynamic structural adaptation

Obviousness Reasoning

Employing advanced materials with known responsive characteristics to enhance existing mechanical design

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857083, the present disclosure demonstrates that the claimed variations in seating unit design represent obvious extensions of prior art, wherein a person having ordinary skill in the art would readily conceive of implementing ergonomic enhancements, material modifications, and integrated comfort technologies without requiring inventive insight beyond the existing technical disclosure.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,083
Title	Chair having a flexible support member
Assignee(s)	Steelcase Inc.