Saturday, 22 December 2007
History of the office chair
History
With the advent of railroad in the mid-1800s, businesses began to expand beyond the traditional model of a family business with little emphasis on administration. Additional administrative staff was required to keep up with orders, bookkeeping, and correspondence as businesses expanded their service areas. While office work was expanding, an awareness of office environments, technology, and equipment became part of the cultural focus on increasing productivity. This awareness gave rise to chairs designed specifically for these new administrative employees: office chairs.
The office chair was strategically designed to increase the productivity of clerical employees by making it possible for them to remain sitting at their desks for long periods of time. A swiveling chair with caster wheels allowed employees to remain sitting and yet reach a number of locations within their work area, eliminating the time and energy expended in standing. The wooden saddle seat was designed to fit and support the body of a sitting employee, and the slatted back and armrests provided additional support to increase the employee’s comfort. Like our modern chairs, many of these models were somewhat adjustable to provide the maximum comfort and thus the maximum working time.
The culture of the office also demanded that a distinct difference exist between the chairs that the employees used and that of the chief executive. When swivel chairs were widely used, the executive sat in a straight-backed chair with no mobility to demonstrate his status. As design of the office chair eliminated the arms and added cushioned seats, the executive chair became a large, upholstered chair with closed arms and wide, luxurious seats. Even today, the size (both height of the back and width of the seat) of an office chair demonstrates the status of the user.
Ergonomics
In the 1970s, ergonomics became an important design consideration. Today, office chairs often have adjustable seats, armrests, backs, back supports, and heights to prevent repetitive stress injuries and back pain associated with sitting for long periods. Ergonomic chairs should fit an individual's needs and provide support where the individual needs it. For this reason, one type of ergonomic chair is not the best for every body type and chairs should be tested before purchasing.
There are also alternatives to office chairs, such as use of an exercise ball or kneeling chair, that require "active sitting", or use of one's core body muscles, to stay upright. No matter which type of chair one prefers, a static posture is hard on the body — and especially the back — and it is best to stretch and move every 20 to 30 minutes.
Popular but unconventional activities that office chairs are used for include spinning around on them, chair races, chair soccer and their use as a stepstool.
Extracted from Wikipedia
925 Furniture
With the advent of railroad in the mid-1800s, businesses began to expand beyond the traditional model of a family business with little emphasis on administration. Additional administrative staff was required to keep up with orders, bookkeeping, and correspondence as businesses expanded their service areas. While office work was expanding, an awareness of office environments, technology, and equipment became part of the cultural focus on increasing productivity. This awareness gave rise to chairs designed specifically for these new administrative employees: office chairs.
The office chair was strategically designed to increase the productivity of clerical employees by making it possible for them to remain sitting at their desks for long periods of time. A swiveling chair with caster wheels allowed employees to remain sitting and yet reach a number of locations within their work area, eliminating the time and energy expended in standing. The wooden saddle seat was designed to fit and support the body of a sitting employee, and the slatted back and armrests provided additional support to increase the employee’s comfort. Like our modern chairs, many of these models were somewhat adjustable to provide the maximum comfort and thus the maximum working time.
The culture of the office also demanded that a distinct difference exist between the chairs that the employees used and that of the chief executive. When swivel chairs were widely used, the executive sat in a straight-backed chair with no mobility to demonstrate his status. As design of the office chair eliminated the arms and added cushioned seats, the executive chair became a large, upholstered chair with closed arms and wide, luxurious seats. Even today, the size (both height of the back and width of the seat) of an office chair demonstrates the status of the user.
Ergonomics
In the 1970s, ergonomics became an important design consideration. Today, office chairs often have adjustable seats, armrests, backs, back supports, and heights to prevent repetitive stress injuries and back pain associated with sitting for long periods. Ergonomic chairs should fit an individual's needs and provide support where the individual needs it. For this reason, one type of ergonomic chair is not the best for every body type and chairs should be tested before purchasing.
There are also alternatives to office chairs, such as use of an exercise ball or kneeling chair, that require "active sitting", or use of one's core body muscles, to stay upright. No matter which type of chair one prefers, a static posture is hard on the body — and especially the back — and it is best to stretch and move every 20 to 30 minutes.
Popular but unconventional activities that office chairs are used for include spinning around on them, chair races, chair soccer and their use as a stepstool.
Extracted from Wikipedia
925 Furniture
Friday, 21 December 2007
Choosing the Right Chair
The Problems
If you are sitting for more than 2 hours a day you are legally considered a dedicated computer user and are twice as likely to suffer increased back and neck pain. By sitting in a static 90 angle you increase spinal disc pressure your body fights gravity all day, you feel more tired and your productivity decreases.
Short Term Solutions
Adapt your existing office chair by using a good quality seat wedge or other device to promote active sitting to increase the strength and flexibility of your spine whilst you work. If you are sitting for short periods (2-3 hours) and suffer mild back pain or stiffness you could consider our range of posture stools (kneeling chairs).
Long Term Solutions
A chair is not just an item of furniture it is a functional work tool permitting flexible working, supporting the body and positioning the spine correctly. Work your best with your body at rest - The Health & Safety standard BS EN ISO 9241-5 states that "office chairs should encourage dynamic sitting" and EN 1335-1 states that "some supposedly ergonomic chair designs do not meet the requirement of the standard".
A
Seat Height Adjustment
The chair should be able to be adjusted so that your hips are higher than you knees with you feet firmly on the floor or footrest.
B
Seat Depth Adjustment
Needed to accommodate thigh length and enable you to sit back into the chair to gain support from the backrest. This will avoid pressure at the back of the knee preventing restriction of circulation.
C
Seat Tilt
Rotates the pelvis forward which puts the lumbar spine into its natural curve reducing stress on muscles and discs.
D
Backrest Height Adjustment
The height of the lumbar curve differs from person to person, so the adjustment accommodates individual body shape.
E
Free Float Mechanism (adjustable to body weight)
A free float mechanism activates the vein pumps in the calf and stimulates venous drainage to promote reduction of oedema, pain and numbness of the lower limbs and feet.
F
Reclining Feature
By taking the opportunity to recline in your chair (talking on phone, meetings, reading), you reduce back strain and allow the body to rest.
G
Backrest Angle Adjustment
By increasing the angle between the trunk and thigh reduces stress on the discs and muscles. By adjusting the back seat angle to 110º rather than an upright 90º it reduces disc pressure on L3/4 by 50%.
H
Height Adjustable Armrests
Armrest should be adjusted in height to support the arms (up to 10% of body weight is placed through the arms). The armrests on the chairs in this brochure are all set back so they do not interfere with desk access.
I
Headrest
Takes the weight of your head off your spine (12lbs approx), relaxes the neck and shoulders, increases blood flow and reduces fatigue. Most are height and depth adjustable to accommodate different shaped cervical curves.
Extracted from www.back2.co.uk
925 Furniture
If you are sitting for more than 2 hours a day you are legally considered a dedicated computer user and are twice as likely to suffer increased back and neck pain. By sitting in a static 90 angle you increase spinal disc pressure your body fights gravity all day, you feel more tired and your productivity decreases.
Short Term Solutions
Adapt your existing office chair by using a good quality seat wedge or other device to promote active sitting to increase the strength and flexibility of your spine whilst you work. If you are sitting for short periods (2-3 hours) and suffer mild back pain or stiffness you could consider our range of posture stools (kneeling chairs).
Long Term Solutions
A chair is not just an item of furniture it is a functional work tool permitting flexible working, supporting the body and positioning the spine correctly. Work your best with your body at rest - The Health & Safety standard BS EN ISO 9241-5 states that "office chairs should encourage dynamic sitting" and EN 1335-1 states that "some supposedly ergonomic chair designs do not meet the requirement of the standard".
A
Seat Height Adjustment
The chair should be able to be adjusted so that your hips are higher than you knees with you feet firmly on the floor or footrest.
B
Seat Depth Adjustment
Needed to accommodate thigh length and enable you to sit back into the chair to gain support from the backrest. This will avoid pressure at the back of the knee preventing restriction of circulation.
C
Seat Tilt
Rotates the pelvis forward which puts the lumbar spine into its natural curve reducing stress on muscles and discs.
D
Backrest Height Adjustment
The height of the lumbar curve differs from person to person, so the adjustment accommodates individual body shape.
E
Free Float Mechanism (adjustable to body weight)
A free float mechanism activates the vein pumps in the calf and stimulates venous drainage to promote reduction of oedema, pain and numbness of the lower limbs and feet.
F
Reclining Feature
By taking the opportunity to recline in your chair (talking on phone, meetings, reading), you reduce back strain and allow the body to rest.
G
Backrest Angle Adjustment
By increasing the angle between the trunk and thigh reduces stress on the discs and muscles. By adjusting the back seat angle to 110º rather than an upright 90º it reduces disc pressure on L3/4 by 50%.
H
Height Adjustable Armrests
Armrest should be adjusted in height to support the arms (up to 10% of body weight is placed through the arms). The armrests on the chairs in this brochure are all set back so they do not interfere with desk access.
I
Headrest
Takes the weight of your head off your spine (12lbs approx), relaxes the neck and shoulders, increases blood flow and reduces fatigue. Most are height and depth adjustable to accommodate different shaped cervical curves.
Extracted from www.back2.co.uk
925 Furniture
Concept High Back operators chair
Dear All at 925furniture.
Thanks for 3 concept office chairs you supplied to me last week. I must say I found the whole process, from the website order & payment through to delivery easy and very quick. Amazing, and at such a good price too!
Sharon - Marlborough
925 Furniture
Thanks for 3 concept office chairs you supplied to me last week. I must say I found the whole process, from the website order & payment through to delivery easy and very quick. Amazing, and at such a good price too!
Sharon - Marlborough
925 Furniture
Concept High Back Operator - CH0802
Concept is a great quality seating range at very reasonable prices. The range comprises from medium back operator chairs all the way up to a large high back synchro chair which we often put into managerial positions. A very tough and versatile product suitable for computer and workstation use.
A high back operator with deep foam seat and back with adjustable fixed or floating back tilt mechanism
A high back chair featuring an Adjustable fixed or floating back tilt with Paddle lever controls, 3-D shaped back, Integral lumbar support, Deep seat foam and Gas height adjustment.
A deluxe high back operator.
* FIRA certificated to BS EN 1335
* Integral lumber support
* Upholstered in tough wearing fabric
* Available with a selection of optional arms
* Deep foam cushioning on seat and back for maximum comfort
Seat Dimensions
seat D:470 W:465 back H:510 W:445
seat height Min:465 Max:600
Colours
charcoal
claret
royal blue
Material
Pyra
Request a Swatch
Other
Usage: 8 hours
Fire Retardancy : Med
Guarantee: 5 years
Mechanism: Asynchro
Mechanism: Permanent contact
BUY HERE
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