Body support structure

Abstract

A body support structure includes a backrest having a frame and a plurality of laterally spaced strips. Each of the strips extends in a longitudinal direction, with an upper end portion of each of the strips formed in an inverted J-shape. In another aspect, a body support structure includes a frame and a seat segment having a front portion and a rear portion. A back support segment is joined to the seat segment and has an upper portion formed in an inverted J-shape. A front portion of the seat segment and the upper portion of the back support segment are the only portions directly joined to the frame. In another aspect, a body support structure includes a plurality of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced strips and at least one laterally extending elastomeric member connecting each of said plurality of strips.

1 . A body support structure comprising:
 a backrest comprising a frame and a plurality of laterally spaced strips, each of said plurality of strips extending in a longitudinal direction and defining a back support segment, wherein an upper portion of each of said plurality of strips is formed in an inverted J-shape with an end portion of said upper portion spaced rearwardly from a back support portion, and a curved portion joining said end portion and said back support portion, wherein said curved portions of said plurality of strips define an upper boundary of said backrest, and wherein said end portion is coupled to a frame.   
   
   
       2 . The body support structure of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of strips are made of bamboo. 
   
   
       3 . The body support structure of  claim 1  wherein each of said plurality of strips have a body facing surface, wherein at least a portion of at least some of said body facing surfaces are curved in cross section within a laterally extending plane. 
   
   
       4 . The body support structure of  claim 1  wherein a first subset of said plurality of strips arranged along a center of said backrest are shorter than a second subset of said plurality of strips arranged laterally outboard of said first subset. 
   
   
       5 . The body support structure of  claim 1  wherein each of said plurality of said strips further comprises a seat segment extending forwardly from said back support segment, wherein a forward portion of said seat segment is coupled to said frame. 
   
   
       6 . The body support structure of  claim 5  wherein said back support portion of each of said strips is free of any connection to said frame. 
   
   
       7 . The body support structure of  claim 6  wherein each of said back support portions are joined only to corresponding ones of said curved portions and said seat segments. 
   
   
       8 . The body support structure of  claim 5  further comprising at least one laterally extending elastomeric member connecting said seat segment of each of said plurality of strips. 
   
   
       9 . The body support structure of  claim 8  wherein each of said strips comprises a groove shaped to receive a mounting portion of said elastomeric member. 
   
   
       10 . A body support structure comprising:
 a frame;   a seat segment having a front portion and a rear portion; and   a back support segment having a bottom portion joined to said rear portion of said seat segment and an upper portion formed in an inverted J-shape;   wherein said front portion of said seat segment and said upper portion of said back support segment are directly coupled to said frame, and wherein said front portion of said seat segment and said upper portion of said back support segment are the only portions of said seat segment and said back support segment directly joined to said frame.   
   
   
       11 . A body support structure comprising:
 a plurality of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced strips; and   at least one laterally extending elastomeric member connecting each of said plurality of strips.   
   
   
       12 . The body support structure of  claim 11  wherein said strips are made of wood. 
   
   
       13 . The body support structure of  claim 12  wherein said strips are made of bamboo. 
   
   
       14 . The body support structure of  claim 11  wherein each of said plurality of strips has a body facing surface, wherein at least a portion of at least some of said body facing surfaces are curved in cross section within a laterally extending plane. 
   
   
       15 . The body support structure of  claim 11  wherein each of said strips comprises a groove, and wherein said at least one elastomeric member comprises a mounting portion received in said groove. 
   
   
       16 . The body support structure of  claim 11  wherein said at least one elastomeric member comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced elastomeric members.