Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CHAIR AND CHAIR BACK ASSEMBLIES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a chair construction, and in
particular to an
office chair construction comprising a back assembly allowing differing
amounts of
flexibility along four separate zones, as well as a back assembly and a seat
assembly
each covered by upholstery coverings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a chair back
assembly that
comprises a substantially rigid peripheral frame defining a central opening,
and a
substantially flexible back shell coupled to the peripheral frame and spanning
at least a
portion of the central opening, wherein a first portion of the back shell is
fixed with
respect to the frame at a first position, a second portion of the back shell
is fixed with
respect to the frame at a second position that is different from the first
position, a third
portion of the back shell is constrained with respect to the frame in at least
one
direction of motion at a third position located between the first position and
the second
position, and wherein a fourth position of the back shell is free from
constraint with
respect to the frame at a fourth position located between the third position
and the
second position.
[0003] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a chair
assembly that
comprises a support assembly adapted to contact a floor surface, a seat
assembly
operably coupled to the support assembly and adapted to support a seated user
thereon, and a chair back assembly comprising substantially rigid peripheral
frame
defining a central opening, and a substantially flexible back shell. The back
shell of the
chair back assembly is coupled to the peripheral frame and spans at least a
portion of
the central opening, wherein a first portion of the back shell is fixed with
respect to the
frame at a first position, a second portion of the back shell is fixed with
respect to the
frame at a second position that is different than the first position, a third
portion of the
back shell is constrained with respect to the frame in at least one direction
of motion at
a third position located between the first position and the second position,
and wherein
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a fourth portion of the back shell is free from constraint with respect to the
frame at a
fourth position located between the third position and the second position.
[0004] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a chair
component
assembly that comprises a support component adapted to support a portion of a
seated
user including a shell member having an outer peripheral edge, the support
component
further including at least one coupler having an interior and an opening
facing the outer
peripheral edge of the shell member, and at least one tab member located
substantially
proximate the opening of the at least one coupler, and an upholstery cover
assembly
wrapped about at least a portion of the support component and including an
edge that
is retained within the interior of the at least one coupler by the at least
one tab member.
[0005] Still yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
chair assembly
that comprises a support component adapted to support a portion of a seated
user and
including a shell member having a channel and at least one fastener located
within the
channel, and an upholstery cover assembly wrapped about at least a portion of
the
support component and including a drawstring located within the drawstring
tunnel,
wherein the drawstring is adapted to draw the upholstery cover assembly about
the
support component, and wherein at least one of the drawstring and the
drawstring
tunnel are retained within the channel by the at least one coupler.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a chair
component
assembly that comprises a support component adapted to support a portion of a
seated
user and including a shell member having an aperture, an upholstery cover
assembly
wrapped about at least a portion of the support component and including a
drawstring
located within a drawstring tunnel, wherein the drawstring is adapted to draw
the
upholstery cover assembly about the support component, and wherein the
drawstring
includes at least one free end, and at least one fastener engaging the
aperture of the
shell member and securing at least a portion of the at least one free end of
the
drawstring within the aperture.
[0007] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a chair
assembly that
comprises a support assembly adapted to contact a floor surface, a seat
assembly
operably coupled to the support assembly and adapted to support a seated user
thereon, and a chair back assembly. The chair back assembly comprises a
substantially
rigid peripheral frame defining a central opening and a recess extending about
at least a
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portion of the central opening, and a substantially flexible back shell
coupled to the
peripheral frame and spanning at least a portion of the central opening,
wherein a first
portion of the back shell is fixed with respect to the frame at a first
position, a second
portion of the back shell is fixed with respect to the frame at a second
position that is
different than the first position, the back shell is free from constraint with
respect to the
frame at a third position located between the first position and the second
position, and
wherein the back shell is positioned within the recess of the frame.
[0008] These and other features and advantages of the present invention
will be further
understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the
following
specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a chair assembly embodying the
present
invention;
[0010] Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the chair assembly;
[0011] Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the chair assembly showing a
back assembly
and a seat assembly in upright and reclined positions, and the seat assembly
in retracted
and extended positions;
[0012] Fig. 4 is an exploded top perspective view of a control assembly and
the seat
a sse m bly;
[0013] Fig. 5 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the control
assembly and the
seat assembly;
[0014] Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the area VI, Fig. 4;
[0015] Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional front elevational view of the seat
assembly;
[0016] Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional front elevational view of an
alternative embodiment of
the seat assembly;
[0017] Fig. 8A is a bottom plan view of the seat assembly;
[0018] Fig. 8B is a partial bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment
of the seat
a sse m bly;
[0019] Fig. 8C is a partial bottom plan view of another alternative
embodiment of the
seat assembly;
[0020] Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a clip;
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[0021] Fig. 9B is a perspective view of the clip and seat assembly in an
unassembled
configuration;
[0022] Fig. 9C is a perspective view of the clip and seat assembly in an
assembled
configuration;
[0023] Fig. 10 is an exploded front perspective view of the back assembly;
[0024] Fig. 11A is an exploded back perspective view of the back assembly;
[0025] Fig. 11B is an exploded back perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of
the back assembly;
[0026] Fig. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of
the back
assembly;
[0027] Fig. 11D is an enlarged view of the area XI D, Fig. 11B;
[0028] Fig. 12 is a front perspective view of the back assembly;
[0029] Fig. 13A is a cross-sectional side view across the line XIIIA-
XIIIA, Fig. 12;
[0030] Fig. 13B is a cross-sectional side view across the line XIIIB-
XIIIB, Fig. 12;
[0031] Fig. 13C is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative
embodiment of the back
assembly;
[0032] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional side view across the line XIV-XIV,
Fig. 12;
[0033] Fig. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the area XV, Fig. 11A;
[0034] Fig. 16 is an exploded front perspective view of the lumbar
assembly;
[0035] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of a lumbar assembly;
[0036] Fig. 18A is an enlarged perspective view of an engagement of the
lumbar
assembly with a back frame assembly;
[0037] Fig. 18B is an enlarged perspective, cross-sectional view of a
handle assembly
and housing of the lumbar assembly;
[0038] Fig. 18C is an exploded perspective view of the handle assembly and
housing;
[0039] Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the
back assembly;
[0040] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a structural reinforcement member
of the
alternative back assembly of Fig. 19;
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[0041] Fig. 211s a cross-sectional view of a top portion of the alternative
embodiment
of the back assembly of Fig. 19;
[0042] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the control assembly;
[0043] Fig. 23 is a bottom perspective view of a seat shell and rack
member;
[0044] Fig. 24 is a side perspective view of an armrest;
[0045] Fig. 25 is an exploded view of the armrest;
[0046] Fig. 26 is an exploded side perspective view of an armrest;
[0047] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a post showing a first vertical
surface of the post
including detents;
[0048] Fig. 28 is a front perspective view of a locking member;
[0049] Fig. 29 is a rear perspective view of the locking member of Fig. 28;
[0050] Fig. 30 is a fragmentary view of the post and locking member;
[0051] Fig. 31 is a fragmentary view of the post, locking member and
actuator rod;
[0052] Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest in a locked
position;
[0053] Fig. 32A is an enlarged fragmentary view of the circled area XXIXA
in Fig. 32;
[0054] Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest in Fig. 32 shown in
an unlocked
position;
[0055] Fig. 33A is an enlarged fragmentary view of the circled area XXXA in
Fig. 33;
[0056] Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest in Fig. 32 shown in
an unlocked
position;
[0057] Fig. 34A is an enlarged schematic view of the circled area XXXIA in
Fig. 34;
[0058] Fig. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest in Fig. 32 shown in
a locked
position;
[0059] Fig. 35A is an enlarged schematic view of the circled area XXXIIA in
Fig. 35;
[0060] Fig. 36 is a perspective view of a chair assembly;
[0061] Fig. 37 is a front view of the chair assembly as shown in Fig. 36;
[0062] Fig. 38 is first side view of the chair assembly as shown in Fig.
36;
[0063] Fig. 39 is a second side view of the chair assembly as shown in Fig.
36;
[0064] Fig. 40 is a rear view of the chair assembly as shown in Fig: 36;
[0065] Fig. 41 is a top view of the chair assembly as shown in Fig. 36;
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[0066] Fig. 42 is a bottom view of the chair assembly as shown in Fig. 36;
[0067] Fig. 43 is a perspective view of an upper corner of a back assembly
of a chair;
[0068] Fig. 44 is a front view of the upper corner of the back assembly
shown in Fig. 43;
[0069] Fig. 45 is a side view of the upper corner of the back assembly
shown in Fig. 43;
[0070] Fig. 46 is a rear view of the upper corner of the back assembly
shown in Fig. 43;
[0071] Fig. 47 is a top view of the upper corner of the back assembly shown
in Fig. 43;
[0072] Fig. 48 is a perspective view of a handle apparatus of a lumbar
assembly of a
chair assembly;
[0073] Fig. 49 is a side view of the handle apparatus as shown in Fig. 48;
[0074] Fig. 50 is a rear view of the handle apparatus as shown in Fig. 48;
[0075] Fig. 51 is a top view of the handle apparatus as shown in Fig. 48;
and
[0076] Fig. 52 is a bottom view of the handle apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0077] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower,"
"right," "left,"
"rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall
relate to the
invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may
assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to
the
contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes
illustrated
in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are
simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended
claims.
Hence, specific dimensions and other characteristics relating to the
embodiments
disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims
expressly state
otherwise. Various elements of the embodiments disclosed herein may be
described as
being operably coupled to one another, which includes elements either directly
or
indirectly coupled to one another.
[0078] The reference numeral 10 (Figs. 1 and 2) generally designates a
chair assembly
embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, the chair
assembly 10
includes a castered base assembly 12 abutting and supported by a floor surface
13, a
control or support assembly 14 supported by the castered base assembly 12, a
seat
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assembly 16 and a back assembly 18 each operably coupled with the control
assembly
14, and a pair of arm assemblies 20. The seat assembly 16 (Fig. 3) and the
back
assembly 18 are operably coupled with the control assembly 14 such that the
back
assembly 18 is movable between a fully upright position A and a fully reclined
position
B, and further such that the seat assembly 16 is movable between a fully
upright
position C and a fully reclined position D corresponding to the fully upright
position A
and the fully reclined position B of the back assembly 18, respectively.
[0079] The base assembly 12 includes a plurality of pedestal arms 21
radially extending
and spaced about a hollow central column 22 that houses a pneumatic cylinder
therein
for adjusting the overall vertical height of the control assembly 14, the seat
assembly 16
and the back assembly 18 above the floor surface 13. Each pedestal arm 21 is
supported above the floor surface 13 by an associated caster assembly 24.
Although
the base assembly 12 is illustrated as including a multiple-arm pedestal
assembly, it is
noted that other suitable supporting structures may be utilized, including but
not
limited to fixed columns, multiple leg arrangements, vehicle seat support
assemblies,
and the like.
[0080] The seat assembly 16 (Figs. 4 and 5) includes a seat shell member 30
having a
forward edge 32, a rearward edge 34, and a pair of side edges 36 extending
between
the forward edge 32 and the rearward edge 34, wherein the forward edge 32, the
rearward edge 34 and the side edges 36 cooperate to form an outer periphery of
the
seat shell member 30. In the illustrated example, the seat shell member 30
comprises
an integrally molded plastic unitary member, however, other suitable
structures and
materials may also be utilized. The seat shell member 30 further includes a
downwardly opening channel 38 having a C-shaped cross-sectional configuration
and
extending about the periphery of the seat shell 30. A plurality of couplers 40
(Fig. 6) are
integral with the seat shell 30, and are located within and spaced along the
channel 38.
Each coupler 40 includes a pair of ribs 42 each having a downwardly angled
abutment
surface 44. Each coupler 40 further includes a flexibly resilient engagement
tooth 46
interspaced with the pair of ribs 42. The seat assembly 16 further includes a
foam
cushion member 48 having a forward edge 50, a rearward edge 52, and a pair of
side
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edges 54 extending therebetween, wherein at least the forward edge 50, and the
side
edges 54 of the cushion member 48 cooperate to form a downwardly opening
pocket
56 that receives a portion of the seat shell 30 therein. The seat assembly 16
further
includes an upholstery cover assembly 58. In the illustrated example, the
cover
assembly 58 includes a cover 60 comprising a stretchable fabric and including
an upper
portion 62 and a plurality of side portions 64 extending about the upper
portion 62 and
which cooperate to define an interior space 66 that receives an assembly of
the seat
shell 30 and the cushion member 48 therein. The cover assembly 58 further
includes a
drawstring tunnel 68 extending about a peripheral edge of the side portions 64
and
receiving a drawstring 70 therein, wherein the drawstring 70 includes a pair
of free ends
72 extending from the drawstring tunnel 68.
[0081] In assembly, the seat shell 30 (Fig. 7A) and the cushion member 48
are located
within the interior space 66 of the upholstery cover assembly 58 such that the
drawstring tunnel 68 (Fig. 8A) and the drawstring 70 are located within the
channel 38
and such that the drawstring tunnel 68 and drawstring 70 impinge upon the ribs
42 and
are engaged by the teeth 46, thereby securing the drawstring tunnel 68 and the
drawstring 70 within the channel 38.
[0082] As best illustrated in Fig. 8A, the free ends 72 of the drawstring
70 are secured
to the seat shell 30 by a fastener or clip member 80 (Fig. 9A). In the
illustrated example,
the clip member 80 is a spring clip having U-shaped spring body 82 having
engagement
teeth 84 spaced along the length thereof, and a pair of flanges 86 extending
outwardly
from the sides of the U-shaped spring body 82. In assembly, the clip 80 (Figs.
8B and
8C) is vertically aligned with a respective free end 72 of the drawstring 70,
and is then
inserted into a portion of the channel 38 of the seat shell 30, thereby
holding the free
end 72 of the drawstring 70 within the channel 38. Alternatively, the clip
member 80
(Fig. 8A) can engage a separate aperture 88 within the seat shell member 30,
thereby
securing at least a portion of the free end 72 of the drawstring 70 within the
aperture
88. Alternatively, multiple clip members 80 (Fig. 8B) may be used to secure
one of the
free ends 72 of the drawstring 70 within the channel 38. As best illustrated
in Fig. 8C,
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another alternative embodiment includes the securement of two free ends 72 of
a
drawstring 70 by a single clip 80.
[0083] The reference numeral 16a (Fig. 7B) generally designates another
embodiment
of the seat assembly. Since the seat assembly 16a is similar to the previously
described
seat assembly 16, similar parts appearing in Fig. 7B and Fig. 7A,
respectively, are
represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the
suffix "a" in
the numerals of the latter. In the illustrated example, the seat assembly 16a
includes
the seat shell 30a and the cushion member 48a located within the interior
space 66a of
the upholstery cover assembly 58a such that a stile or extrusion 73a is
located within
the channel 38a, thereby securing the cover assembly 58a to the seat shell
30a. As
illustrated, the elastically deformable extrusion 73a has a 1-shaped cross-
sectional
configuration, including a hook portion 75a that snappingly engages the teeth
46 upon
insertion of the extrusion 73a into the channel 38a. The cover 60a is
preferably sewn to
the extrusion 73a, however, other suitable connection methods may also be
utilized.
[0084] The back assembly 18 (Figs. 10 and 11) includes a substantially
rigid peripheral
frame 90 that includes a laterally extending top portion 92, a laterally
extending bottom
portion 94, and a pair of vertically extending side portions 96, wherein the
top portion
92, the bottom portion 94 and the side portions 96 cooperate to form a central
opening
98. The back assembly 18 further includes a lumbar support assembly 100
adapted to
support a lumbar area of a seated user and received within slots 102 extending
vertically along each of the side portions 96 of the peripheral frame 90. A
pair of side
extensions 104 extend vertically along and are received within pockets 106 of
the side
portions 96 and are secured thereto by a plurality of mechanical fasteners
107.
[0085] The back assembly 18 further includes a substantially flexible back
shell 108
including a top portion 110, a bottom portion 112, and a pair of side portions
114 that
align with the top portion 92, the bottom portion 94 and the side portions 96
of the
peripheral frame 90, respectively and as described below. The back shell 108
further
includes a plurality of vertically spaced slats 116 extending between the side
portions
114 and defining a plurality of slots 118 therebetween. In assembly, the back
shell 108
(Fig. 12) is attached to the peripheral frame 90 in such a manner so as to
define
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vertically spaced zones or regions of differing flexibility for the back shell
108.
Specifically, the back shell 108 is attached to the peripheral frame 90 such
that a top
region 120 and a bottom region 122 of the back shell 108 are fixed with
respect to the
peripheral frame 90, a third region 124 of the back shell 108 is constrained
with respect
to the peripheral frame 90 in a forward direction, and a fourth region 126 of
the back
shell 108 is free to separate from the peripheral frame 90 in a forward
direction,
wherein the flexed state of the back shell 108 is shown in dashed line. More
specifically, and as best illustrated in Figs. 13A and 13B, the top portion 92
of the
peripheral frame 90 includes a plurality of upwardly-extending hooks 130
integral with
and spaced across the top portion 92, while the top portion 110 of the back
shell 108
includes a plurality of downwardly-extending flexibly resilient loops 132
integral with
the top portion 110, wherein the hooks 130 engage the loops 132, thereby
flexing the
loops 132 in a direction 133 during engagement and fixedly securing the top
portion
110 of the back shell 108 to the top portion 92 of the peripheral frame 90. As
best
illustrated in Fig. 12, the back shell 108 includes a pair of integral tab
members 134
located at the intersection of the side portions 114 and the bottom portion
112,
wherein the tab members 134 are secured to peripheral frame 90 by mechanical
fasteners such as bolts 136, thereby fixedly securing the bottom portion 112
of the back
shell 108 to the bottom portion 94 of the peripheral frame 90. As best
illustrated in Fig.
14, the third region 124 of the back shell 108 includes rearwardly and
downwardly
extending hooks 140 located along the length and integral with the side
portions 114 of
the back shell 108. Each hook 140 is received within a pocket 142 formed
between the
side extensions 104 and the side portions 96, such that the back shell 108 is
pivotable
about a pair of axis 144 extending vertically through the corresponding hooks
140. The
pockets 142 located within the third region 124 are also sized so as to allow
lateral
displacement of the hooks 140 within the pockets 142 in a direction 146 so as
to allow
the side portions 114 of the back shell 108 to flex inwardly with respect to
the side
portions 96 of the peripheral frame 90 thereby in turn, allowing increased
flexibility and
compliance of the back shell 108 in a rearward direction 148 with respect to
the
peripheral frame 90. The side portions 114 of the back shell 108 located
within the
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fourth region 126 are not secured to the side portions 96 of the peripheral
frame 90,
thereby allowing maximum compliance and flexibility of the back shell 108 with
respect
to the peripheral frame 90 in both the lateral direction 146 and in the
rearward
direction 148. As a result, the first and second regions 120, 122 of the back
shell 108
are constrained from movement with respect to the peripheral frame 90, the
third
region 124 allows limited compliance of the back shell 108 with respect to the
frame 90,
while the fourth region 126 allows for maximum flexure of the back shell 108
with
respect to the frame 90.
[0086] The reference numeral 18b (Fig. 11B) generally designates another
embodiment
of the back assembly. Since the back assembly 18b is similar to the previously
described back assembly 18, similar parts appearing in Fig. 11B and 11A,
respectively,
are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the
suffix
"b" in the numerals of the latter. In the illustrated example, the upholstery
cover
assembly 150b includes a drawstring 160b and a plurality of stiles or
extrusions 151b
attached to and extending along the side portions 154b of the cover assembly
150b. As
best illustrated in Fig. 11C, each extrusion 151b has a J-shaped cross-
sectional
configuration that is secured to the cover assembly 150b via a stitch 153b,
and that
includes a hook portion 155b that engages the teeth 168b of the couplers 162b
of the
back shell 108b. The drawstring 160b is located within a drawstring tunnel
158b that is
secured to the associated side portion 154b via a stitch 157b and is drawn
about the
back shell 108b subsequent to the extrusions 151b being secured to the back
shell
108b. The free ends 163b of the drawstring 160b are secured to one another via
a
ferrule 165b. In the illustrated example, the drawstring 160b is relatively
incompressible and is comprised of a single strand polypropylene material,
although
materials such as nylon as well as multistrand constructions may also be
utilized.
[0087] The back assembly 18 further includes a back upholstery cover
assembly 150
having a front portion 152 and a plurality of side portions 154 that cooperate
to form an
interior space 156 that receives the back shell 108 therein. The upholstery
assembly
150 is comprised of a stretchable fabric material and includes a drawstring
tunnel 158
that extends about an inner periphery of the side portions 154 and houses a
drawstring
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160 therein. As best illustrated in Fig. 13A, the upholstery assembly 150
receives a
portion of the back shell 108. Alternatively, the upholstery assembly 150'
(Fig. 13C)
extends about a portion of the back shell 108', a foam cushion member 155',
and an
inner fabric layer 157' which separates the cushion member 155' from the back
shell
108'.
[0088] As best illustrated in Figs. 13A and 15, the back shell 108 includes
a plurality of
couplers 162 spaced about the periphery of the back shell 108. In the
illustrated
example, each coupler 162 includes a pair of outwardly-extending fingers 164
that are
formed so as to define an opening facing an outer peripheral edge 166 of the
back shell
108. A plurality of flexibly resilient teeth 168 are interdigitated with the
fingers 164 of
the coupler 162. In assembly, the upholstery assembly 150 wraps about the
edges of
the back shell 108 such that the drawstring tunnel 158 and the drawstring 160
are
received within the couplers 162 and engaged by the teeth 168, thereby
retaining the
drawstring tunnel 158 and the drawstring 160 within the associated couplers
162.
[0089] The lumbar assembly 100 (Figs. 10, 11A and 16) includes a body shell
200
housing a laterally extending decorative plate 202, a pair of lateral
extending leaf
springs 203, a pair of sliding connection assemblies 204, and a pair of
adjustment
handles 205 configured for grasping by a user to move the lumbar assembly 100
between a lowered position E (Fig. 2) and a raised position F. The molded body
shell
200 includes a front portion 206 and a back portion 208 arcuately shaped and
vibrationally welded to one another in a back-to-back relationship to form a
pocket 210
(Fig. 17) which receives the decorative plate 202 therein. Alternatively,
other methods
of coupling the front and back portions 206, 208 may be utilized, including
mechanical
fasteners such as screws, snaps, ultra sonic welding, adhesives, and the like.
The leaf
springs 203 extend along the length of the body shell 200 and are located
within
respective pockets 212 juxtaposed from one another across the pocket 210. The
leaf
springs 203 are adapted to provide a forward biasing force against a rearward
force
exerted by a lumbar area of a seated user's back. The sliding connection
assemblies
204 are attached to the ends of the lumbar assembly 100 and are slidably
received with
an elongated relief 218 (Fig. 18A) formed between the receptive side portion
96 of the
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peripheral frame 90 and the side extensions 104, such that the lumbar assembly
100 is
vertically movable between the lowered and raised positions E, F.
Specifically, the body
shell 200 includes a pair of vertically extending ribs 219 that guide along
the respective
side extensions 104, thereby centering the lumbar assembly 100 with respect to
the
frame 90. It is noted that the relative width of peripheral frame 90 changes
along the
path the lumbar assembly 100 travels when vertically adjusted, thereby
requiring a
sliding connection between the sliding connection assemblies 204 and the body
shell
200. As best illustrated in Fig. 18B, each end of the front portion 206 of the
body shell
200 includes a pair of barrel-headed tabs 220 slidably received within a pair
of
corresponding slots 222 which allows for sliding adjustment between the
connection
assemblies 204 and the body shell 200 while preventing the body shell 200 from
disengaging the connection assemblies 204. In assembly, and as best
illustrated in Figs.
12A and 18C, each handle 205 includes a blade portion 207 that is slidably
received
within a corresponding pocket 209 of the connection assembly 204 and is held
therein
by a flexibly resilient tab 211 that engages an aperture 213 of the blade
portion 207,
thereby slidably securing the lumbar assembly 100 within the slots 102. Each
connection assembly 204 further includes a flexibly resilient bar 217 with a
pawl
member 219 that selectively engages a plurality of detents 221 (Fig. 10)
vertically
spaced along the side portion 102 of the frame 90, thereby holding the lumbar
assembly 100 in a selected vertical position with respect to the frame 90.
[0090] As best illustrated in Fig. 3, the seat assembly 16 is movable
between a retracted
position G and an extended position H, thereby providing depth adjustment for
the
chair assembly 10. The seat assembly 16 (Figs. 4 and 5) is slidably supported
on the
control assembly 14. The control assembly 14 (Fig. 22) includes support plates
251, 252
disposed on opposite sides of the overall control assembly 14. The control
assembly 14
further includes an actuator bar 253 which is generally U-shaped and includes
a handle
portion 254 disposed under a front portion of the seat assembly 16 and adapted
to be
grasped by a user, and a pair of arm portions 255 extending rearwardly from
the handle
portion 254. Upon actuating the actuator bar 253, the handle portion 254 is
lifted
upward in a direction 256, wherein the actuator bar 253 pivots in the seat
shell 30 at
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pivot point 257 which causes the distal ends 258 of the arm portions 255 to
move
downward in a direction 259 to engage corresponding rockers 260 which are
pivotably
connected to the seat shell 30 about pivot axis 261. The actuation of the
actuator bar
253 moves the rockers 260 from an engaged position to a disengaged position,
thereby
allowing movement of the seat assembly 16 between the retracted and extended
positions G, H. Specifically, the rockers 260 selectively engage a plurality
of reliefs 262
of corresponding racks 263, thereby allowing the seat assembly 16 to be
selectively
locked at positions between the retracted and extended positions.
[0091] As shown in Figs. 7A and 23, the bottom surface 265 of the seat
shell 30 includes
a downwardly opening integral linear guide bearing channel 266 extending front-
to-
back of the seat shell 30. As best illustrated in Fig. 20, the support plate
252 includes a
pair of upwardly-extending guide portions 270 that slidably track within the
linear
bearing 266 of the seat shell 30, thereby linearly guiding the seat shell 30
with respect
to the support plate 252 and the overall control assembly 14. The support
plate 252
includes an L-shaped guide portion 290 (Fig. 22) housed in a bearing member
291,
which is received within a corresponding inwardly-opening slot 292, such that
the guide
portion 290 of the support plate 252 guides within the slot 292 as the seat
assembly is
moved between the retracted and extended positions G, H.
[0092] Alternatively, a removable stop member 293 may be secured to an
underside of
the seat shell 30 at a position such that the stop member abuts a portion 295
of the
support plate 251, thereby limiting the amount of travel of the seat assembly
16 from
the extended position to the retracted position and preventing the seat
assembly 16
from moving to the rearward-most position. In the illustrated example, the
stop
member 293 is secured to the seat shell 30 via a screw 297, thereby requiring
the use of
a tool for installation and removal.
[0093] Each armrest assembly 20 (Figs. 3, 24 and 25) is vertically
adjustable between a
raised position I and a lowered position J and includes a tubular support 300
constructed for attachment to a chair 10, an armrest assembly 302
telescopingly
positioned in the tubular support, and a height adjustment mechanism 304
slidably
received in the armrest assembly. A plate 306 is attached to the top of the
armrest
15
assembly 302 and an arm cap 308 is attached to the plate 306. In an
alternative
embodiment, a pivot/slide member 309 may be attached to the plate and the arm
cap
308 attached to the pivot/slide member. The pivot/slide member is similar to
that
disclosed in co-assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,971,484, filed December 3, 1997,
entitled
"ADJUSTABLE ARMREST FOR CHAIRS."
[0094] Referring to Figs. 25 and 26, the tubular support 300 includes an L-
shaped
structural member having a horizontal first arm section 310 adapted for
connection to
the fixed side support structures, and a vertically extending second arm
section 312. The
second arm section 312 includes an upper opening 314 for telescopingly
receiving the
armrest assembly 302, a lower opening 316, and a groove 318 including a
fastening
aperture 319, along one vertical side. When the armrest assembly 302 is
inserted into
the second arm section 312, the lower portion of a sleeve 320 extends through
the lower
opening 316 and is visible. As the armrest assembly is vertically adjusted
upward, the
sleeve becomes less visible. The groove 318 and the lower opening 316 are on
opposite
sides of the second arm section 312.
[0095] The armrest assembly 302 is telescopingly received in the tubular
support 300
and includes a sleeve 320, a post 321, and may also include a bearing 322. The
sleeve
320 includes a first side 324 and a second side 326. The first side 324 may
include an
aperture 328 near the lower end of the first side. Near the top of the first
side 324 is an
opening 330 which is adapted to receive an operative member 370 of an actuator
rod
334. The sleeve 320 flares out at the top to provide an armrest support 336.
The second
side 326 of the sleeve 320 includes a rectangular aperture 338 at the lower
end of the
second side. On either side of the aperture 338 are vertical ribs 340 and a
secondary
vertical rib 343. aligned with one of the vertical ribs 340 thereby increasing
the overall
effective length of the aligned and cooperating ribs 340, 341, and preferably
provides a
length Ito width w ratio of at least 3:1, and is preferably at least 10:1,
thereby reducing
the fore-to-aft shifting of the armrest assembly 302 within the tubular
support 300.
Referring to Figs. 25 and 26, the post 321 is rectangular with a lip 342 on
its top end and
a tab 344 on the bottom end. The post also includes a first vertical
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surface 346 and a second vertical surface 348. The first vertical surface 346
includes a
series of positional detents 350 and a fastening aperture 352 (Fig. 27). The
fastening
aperture 352 extends completely through the post 321 to the second vertical
surface
348. On either side of the positional detents 350 are vertical grooves 354,
wherein one
of the grooves 354 extends through the bottom of the post 321, and wherein the
grooves 354 mateably receive the vertical ribs 340, 341 on the sleeve 320 to
prevent
complete removal of the armrest assembly 302 from the tubular support 300.
Specifically, in the illustrated example, one of the channels in 354 includes
an endwall
356 that is abutted by a corresponding rib 340, thereby preventing removal of
the arm
rest assembly 302 from the tubular support 300. The remaining groove 354
extends
through the end of the post 321 to allow passage of the secondary vertical rib
341. The
second vertical surface 348 includes ridges 358. The bearing 322 provides a
bearing
surface and includes two collars 360 which are connected to a vertical strip
362 at their
midpoints. Although Figs. 25 and 26 show the collars 360 as angled relative to
each
other, in an alternative embodiment, the collars are parallel relative to each
other. The
ends 364 of the collars 360 flare outwardly to define a space 366.
[0096] The post 321 is mateably received in the groove 318 of the
second arm section
312, with the second vertical surface 348 abutting the second arm section 312.
A
fastening means is inserted through fastening aperture 319 and into fastening
aperture
352 to secure the post 321 in the groove 318. Alternatively, it is
contemplated that the
post 321 is not a separate piece fastened in the groove 318, but rather molded
into the
second arm section 312. When the sleeve 320 is inserted into the second arm
section
312, the first vertical surface 346 of the post 321 abuts the second side 326
of the
sleeve. Also, the detents 350 on the first vertical surface 346 of the post
321 cover the
aperture 338 on the second side 326 of the sleeve 320. The vertical ribs 340,
341 on
the second side 326 of the sleeve 320 mate with the vertical grooves 354 of
the post
321 so that the positional detents 350 remain positioned over the aperture 338
when
the sleeve is adjusted vertically. The bearing 322 is positioned on the sleeve
320 with
the vertical strip 362 abutting the first side 324 of the sleeve 320, allowing
the collars
360 to wrap around the sleeve 320. The post 321 fits between the collar ends
364 in
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the space 366. The bearing 322 is stationary within the second arm section 312
and
functions to limit horizontal movement of the sleeve within the tubular
support.
[0097] The height adjustable mechanism 304 comprises the actuator rod 368
that
includes the operative member 370, a locking member 372, and a spring 374. In
the
illustrated example, the operative member 370 is located at the top of the
actuator rod
368 and is generally perpendicular to an elongated portion 378 of the actuator
rod 368.
As shown, the operative member 370 is a lever, however, it is contemplated
that a
button or tab could be used. Attached to the operative member 370 is a flange
380.
On the other side of the flange 380 is a ledge 382 having a protrusion 384.
When the
height adjustable mechanism 304 is slidably engaged with the armrest assembly
302,
the actuator rod 368 is positioned inside the sleeve 320 with the operative
member 370
positioned through aperture 330. One end of the spring 374 is placed over the
protrusion 384, with the opposite end of the spring 374 placed over a
protrusion 386 on
the underside of the plate 306. Located at the bottom of the actuator rod 334
(Fig. 33)
are two angled ramps 388 which resemble hooks. The angled ramps 388 prevent
the
locking member 372 from falling to the bottom of the sleeve 320. Above each
angled
ramp 388 is at least one angled surface, and preferably a pair of angled
surfaces 390.
Between the pair of angled surfaces 390 is an inclined wedge 392.
[0098] As best seen in Figs. 28-30, the locking member 372 includes teeth
394 that
selectively mateably engage the detents 390 on the post 321. The locking
member 372
also includes an inclined surface 396 that mates with the inclined wedge 392.
The
locking member 372 also includes at least one pair, and preferably two pairs
of lateral
followers 398 which releasably mateably engage the two pairs of angled
surfaces 390.
[0099] The height adjustable mechanism 304 is slidably engaged within the
sleeve 320.
When in a locked position, the locking member 372 of the height adjustable
mechanism
304 is positioned such that the teeth 394 of the locking member extend through
aperture 338 of the sleeve 320 and selectively mate with the detents 350 of
the post
321. The actuator rod 368 is positioned over the locking member 372 with the
inclined
wedge 392 mateably engaged with the inclined surface 396 and the angled
surfaces 390
releasably mateably engaged with the lateral followers 398 (Figs. 31, 32 and
32A).
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[00100] To vertically adjust the height of the armrest, the operative
member 370 is lifted
upward, which in turn, compresses the spring 374. When the spring compresses,
the
angled surfaces 390 of the actuator rod 368 lift upward and push on the
lateral
followers 398, which causes the teeth 394 to withdraw into the sleeve 320,
thereby
removing the locking member 372 from locking engagement with the detents 350
(Figs.
33 and 33A). Once the locking member 372 is disengaged from the detents 350,
the
armrest can be vertically adjusted upward or downward to a desired height.
[00101] To reengage the locking member 372 and relock the armrest in a
selected
position, the operative member 370 is released, thereby decompressing the
spring 374
at the top of the actuator rod 368. Decompression of the spring causes the
inclined
wedge 392 to slide into mateable engagement with the inclined surface 396.
(Figs. 34,
34A, 35 and 35A). As the inclined wedge 392 and inclined surface 396 are
mateably
engaged, the teeth 394 of the locking member again extend through the aperture
338
and selectively mate with the detents 350 of the post 321.
[00102] A chair assembly is illustrated in a variety of views, including a
perspective view
(Fig. 36), a front elevational view (Fig. 37), a first side elevational view
(Fig. 38), a
second side elevational view (Fig. 39), a rear elevational view (Fig. 40), a
top plan view
(Fig. 41), and a bottom plan view (Fig. 42). A portion of a back assembly is
illustrated in
a variety of views, including a perspective view (Fig. 43), a front
elevational view (Fig.
44), a side elevational view (Fig. 45), a rear elevational view (Fig. 46), and
a top plan
view (Fig. 47). An embodiment of an adjustment handle is illustrated in a
variety of
views, including a perspective view (Fig. 48), a side elevational view (Fig.
49), a front
elevational view (Fig. 50), a top view (Fig. 51), and a bottom view (Fig. 52).
[00103] In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by
those skilled in the
art that alternative combinations of the various components and elements of
the
invention and modifications to the invention may be made without departing
from the
concepts as disclosed. Such modifications are to be considered as included in
the
following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state
otherwise.
