Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 1 PCT/US2015/011876
CHAIR
BACKGROUND
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of United
States
Patent Application Serial No. 14/598,812, entitled CHAIR, which was filed on
January
16, 2015. The present application also claims priority to and the benefit of
United States
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/929,042, entitled CHAIR, which
was filed
January 18, 2014; which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Field of the Invention
[0002] This application is generally directed towards furniture and, in
particular, to
chairs.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Conventional chairs typically include a chair seat and a backrest.
The chair
seat and backrest can be separate structures or part of a single structure.
Most chairs are
used by one person at a time. Chairs typically include legs to support the
seat and
backrest above a surface such as a floor.
[0004] Chairs may be constructed from a wide variety of materials such as
wood,
metal and molded plastic. Conventional chairs may have a wide variety of
designs
depending on factors such as intended use, ergonomics and appearance. In
addition,
known chairs may have various functional considerations such as size, weight,
durability, portability and desired seating position.
[0005] Chairs may include padding and/or may be constructed from relatively
flexible materials, such as wicker, which may make the chair more comfortable
to use
especially over long periods of time. Additionally, some chairs may include
contoured
chair seats and/or backrests for increased comfort of the user.
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 2 PCT/US2015/011876
[0006] Some known chairs may be stacked together to form an orderly group,
which
may facilitate transportation and storage. Conventional chairs may also be
aligned to
allow the chairs to be more conveniently transported and stored. Chairs that
may be
stacked together with other chairs may be referred to as "stacking chairs" or
"stackable
chairs" and these types of chairs are frequently used in assembly halls,
banquet halls,
convention centers, hotels, schools, churches, and other locations where large
groups of
people meet. When needed for seating, stackable chairs may be positioned in an
assortment of configurations and arrangements. When the stackable chairs are
no longer
needed for seating, they may be stacked for easy transportation and/or
storage.
[0007] Because a considerable number of chairs may be needed for a
gathering, the
space required to store the chairs may be quite large even when the chairs are
stacked
together. This large storage volume may be particularly problematic for
business or
facilities such as hotels, schools, and churches. The large storage volume may
also be
problematic for manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers because a
significant number of chairs may have to be stored, transported, and/or
displayed.
Further, the large amount of required space may also make the chairs difficult
to store in
homes, apartments and other types of residences.
[0008] Folding chairs are also known and most folding chairs are
lightweight,
portable chairs that can be folded into a collapsed position. Folding chairs
are generally
used for seating in areas where permanent seating is not possible or
practical. Folding
chairs may be used during outdoor or indoor events such as performances,
presentations
and sporting event. Folding chairs may also be used in the home when extra
seating is
required for parties, card games and temporary seating for guests.
[0009] Traditional folding chairs include folding chair legs that can pivot
between
folded or collapsed positions and unfolded or open positions.
Disadvantageously, some
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 3 PCT/US2015/011876
known folding chairs are not very sturdy, strong, durable or well-made. In
addition, some
known folding chairs are difficult to use and may be challenging to secure in
the use or
collapsed positions. These problems may be especially difficult for chairs
that are
lightweight and comparatively inexpensive.
[0010] Conventional folding chairs may also not be able to support a large
amount of
weight or force. Further, conventional folding chairs may be rather time-
consuming to
manufacture and assemble. For example, known folding chairs may include a
number of
discrete parts that must be carefully assembled, which can undesirably
increase the time
required to manufacture the chairs.
[0011] Folding chairs are often stored in the collapsed position in a stack
or row.
While traditional folding chairs may save a significant amount of space by
allowing the
collapsed chairs to be placed in a stack or row, these chairs may still
require a
considerable amount of space even in the collapsed position. This may make it
difficult,
inconvenient, or impossible to store a number of chairs in an area of a
particular size.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0012] A need therefore exists for a chair that eliminates the above-
described
disadvantages and problems.
[0013] One aspect is a chair that may include a chair seat and a chair back
or backrest.
A frame may connect the seat and the backrest. The frame may include one or
more legs
that support the seat and backrest at a desired height or distance from a
surface such as a
floor. The legs may be attached to the seat and backrest, if desired. The
frame, seat,
backrest and/or legs may be connected by one or more fasteners. The frame,
seat, backrest
and/or legs may also be connection by a friction, interference or snap fit
connection, or
other suitable means.
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 4 PCT/US2015/011876
[0014] Another aspect is a chair that may be at least partially constructed
from
plastic. For example, the seat and/or backrest may be constructed from
plastic, such as
blow-molded or injection molded plastic. The seat and backrest may be separate
components or integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure.
Significantly,
chairs including one or more components constructed from plastic may be
quickly and
efficiently manufactured. Chairs constructed from plastic may also be formed
into many
different desired shapes and sizes. Advantageously, chairs including one or
more
components constructed from plastic may be durable, lightweight, easily
manufactured,
and strong. It will be appreciated that any suitable portions of the chair may
be
constructed from plastic, and all or a portion of the chair may be constructed
from other
materials with appropriate properties and characteristics.
[0015] Still another aspect is a chair that may be lightweight and easily
portable.
Advantageously, this may allow the chair to be used in a wide variety of
situations and
environments. This may also increase the potential uses of the chair and allow
the chair
to be used for a number of different purposes. In addition, if the chair is
lightweight, the
chair may be rapidly and easily moved from one location to another.
Additionally, the
chair may be more easily moved as part of a group. Further, the lightweight
chair may be
easily stacked and stored.
[0016] Yet another aspect is a chair that may include a frame which
supports the seat
and backrest. The frame may be constructed from a relatively strong material
such as
metal. In particular, the frame may be constructed from steel but other
materials with
suitable characteristics and properties may also be used.
[0017] A further aspect is a folding chair that may be movable between
folded or
collapsed positions and unfolded or use positions. The folding chair may
include legs
that are pivotally connected. For example, the chair may include front legs
and rear legs,
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 5 PCT/US2015/011876
and the legs may be pivotally connected at least proximate a midpoint of the
legs. In
particular, a right front leg may be pivotally connected to a right rear leg,
and a left front
leg may be pivotally connected to a left rear leg. The front legs may be
connected to the
seat in a fixed position. In particular, the front legs may be pivotally
connected to the
seat in a fixed position. The rear legs may be movable, such as slidable,
relative to the
seat. For instance, the rear legs may be slidable between first and second
positions
relative to the seat. The pivotal connection of the front legs in a fixed
position to the seat,
and the slidable connection of the rear legs to the seat may allow the legs to
be moved
between folded and unfolded positions. If desired, the upper portion of the
rear legs may
be connected to a cross member, such as a cross tube, and the upper portion of
the rear
legs and/or the cross tube may be movable or slidable between first and second
positions.
The movement of the upper portion of the rear legs and/or the cross tube may
be at least
partially controlled by a guide, such as a groove or channel, to facilitate
movement
between the first and second positions. The movement of the upper portion of
the rear
legs and/or the cross tube may be at least partially controlled by one or more
stops,
which may limit the movement of the legs.
[0018] Another further aspect is a folding chair that may include legs that
are
movable between first and second positions. Advantageously, when the legs are
in the
use position, the legs may be disposed in a generally triangular-shaped
configuration,
which may help create a strong and sturdy chair. The chair, for example, may
include
front legs that are attached in a fixed position to the seat and the rear legs
may be
movable or slidable relative to the seat. When the rear legs are disposed in
the use
position, the legs may engage or contact a stop, which may help secure the
rear legs in a
fixed position. In particular, an upper portion of the rear legs, which may
include a cross
member or tube, may engage or contact the stop and that may prevent further
movement
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 6 PCT/US2015/011876
of the legs. The stop, for example, may prevent the cross member from moving
further
towards the front of the chair. The stop may consist of a bracket, portion of
the frame,
portion of the seat, or the like. The stop may be constructed from a durable,
wear
resistant material such as metal, steel, etc. If the legs and stop are
constructed from
metal, this may help create a strong, generally triangular-shaped frame that
can support a
significant load or force. A metal, generally triangular-shaped frame with
metal stops
securing the frame in the use position may also create a chair that is able to
support a
considerable amount of weight.
[0019] Yet another further aspect is a folding chair that may be locked
into position.
For example, the chair may be locked in a use position. In greater detail, the
chair may
include one or more legs, such as a pair of rear legs, and a cross member may
be attached
to an upper portion of the rear legs. The upper portion of the legs and/or
cross member
may be movable or slidable relative to the seat. For instance, the chair may
include a seat
and a bracket may be attached to the seat. The seat and/or bracket may form at
least a
portion of a guide, such as a groove or channel, and the upper portion of the
legs and/or
cross member may be at least partially disposed in or movement may be at least
partially
controlled by the guide. A stop may be used to secure the legs in a fixed
position, such as
when the legs are in the unfolded or use position. In particular, when an
upper portion of
the rear legs and/or cross member contacts or engages the stop, further
movement of the
rear legs may be prevented. Additionally, the upper portion of the rear legs
and/or cross
member may include one or more engaging portions which may be disposed in one
or
more receiving portions to help secure the rear legs in a fixed position. As
an example,
one or both ends of the cross member may be bent or angled to form engaging
portions
and, when the legs are in the desired position, the engaging portions may be
disposed in
the receiving portions. Advantageously, the rear legs may be disposed in a
fixed position
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 7 PCT/US2015/011876
when the upper portion of the rear legs and/or cross member engages the stop
and/or the
engaging portions are disposed in the receiving portions. Beneficially, this
may lock the
rear legs into position and the chair may be disposed in a very sturdy and
stable position.
If desired, the guide may help control movement of the legs between first and
second
positions, such as between folded and unfolded positions. In addition, the
guide may be
disposed at least proximate each side of the seat and the guide may be formed
by the seat
and/or bracket. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand, after
reviewing this
disclosure this disclosure, the guide could be formed by the chair, the
bracket, or other
suitable structure. One of ordinary skill in the art would also understand,
after reviewing
this disclosure, that the guide could have other suitable shapes, sizes,
configurations and
arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the chair.
[0020] A still further aspect is a chair than may include a backrest or
backrest
attached to a frame. The backrest and the frame may include one or more
locking,
engaging and/or receiving portions that may be sized and configured to
contact, abut,
engage and/or interlock with each other to connect the backrest to the frame.
The
locking, engaging and/or receiving portions may be sized and configured to
connect the
backrest to the frame using a friction, interference and/or snap fit.
[0021] Still yet another further aspect is a chair that may include a frame
with one or
more receiving portions that are sized and configured to receive and/or retain
one or
more portions of the backrest. The receiving portions, which may consist of
one or more
slots, channels, grooves and the like, may extend from an open, upper portion
of the
frame and along a length of the frame. In particular, the frame may include an
open,
upper end and the receiving portion may be connected to the open end such that
at least a
portion of the open end and the receiving portion are aligned. The receiving
portion may
include one or more projections, engaging portions, locking cogs, teeth or the
like, which
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 8 PCT/US2015/011876
may be referred to as locking portions of the frame, and the locking portions
of the frame
may be sized and configured to contact and/or engage corresponding portions of
the
backrest. For example, the backrest may include one or more projections,
engaging
portions, locking cogs, teeth or the like, which may be referred to as locking
portions of
the backrest, which may be sized and configured to contact and/or engage the
locking
portions of the frame. Thus, the backrest may include one or more locking
portions that
are sized and configured to at least partially contact and/or engage the one
or more
locking portions of the frame. The locking portions of the frame and/or
backrest may
have angled or curved surfaces that are sized and configured to facilitate
contact and/or
engagement. The locking portions of the frame and/or backrest may be sized and
configured to allow the backrest to be connected to the frame by a snap,
friction and/or
interference fit. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, after
reviewing this
disclosure, that the frame and backrest may be connected in any suitable
manner. One of
ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate, after reviewing this
disclosure, that the
frame and backrest may include other structures that are sized and configured
to contact,
abut and/or engage, which may help securely connect the backrest and frame.
[0022] Another aspect is a chair that may include a backrest that is
secured or locked
into a fixed position when it is attached to the frame. For example, the
backrest may
include one or more locking portions, such as cogs, tabs, ramps, buttons,
projections and
the like. These locking portions of the backrest may be sized and configured
to deform or
deflect when the backrest is attached to the frame. Once the backrest is
attached to the
frame, then the locking portions may resiliently return, at least partially,
to their initial
configuration to help retain the backrest in the desired position. This may
advantageously
allow the backrest to be quickly and easily secured in a desired position
relative to the
frame.
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 9 PCT/US2015/011876
[0023] Still another aspect is a chair that may include a frame with one or
more
locking portions that are sized and configured to allow the backrest to be
securely
attached to the frame without the use of fasteners, adhesives, etc. For
example, the
backrest may include one or more locking portions that are disposed at least
proximate
the sides of the backrest and the frame may include one or more locking
portions that are
disposed proximate the upper portion of the frame. The locking portions of the
frame
and/or backrest may be positioned, angled and/or sized to allow the backrest
to be
securely attached to the frame. For instance, one or more of the locking
portions may
include narrowed or tapered portions to help secure the backrest in a fixed
position. The
locking portions may also include other features, such as inwardly and/or
outwardly
extending protrusions, dovetail portions, teeth and the like, which may help
securely
attach the backrest and the frame.
[0024] Yet another aspect is a chair that may include a frame and backrest
with one
or more locking portions. For example, the frame may include two leg
assemblies and a
receiving portion may be disposed in an upper portion of each of the leg
assemblies. The
receiving portions may include one or more locking portions. The backrest may
also
include one or more locking portions that are sized and configured to at least
partially
contact and/or engage corresponding locking portions of the frame.
Advantageously, the
one or more locking portions may allow the backrest and frame to be securely
connected.
While the one or more locking portions may allow the backrest and frame to be
securely
connected without the use of fasteners, adhesives and the like, it will be
appreciated that
fasteners, adhesives and the like can be used if desired.
[0025] Still yet another aspect is a method of attaching a backrest to a
frame. The
method may include inserting a portion of the backrest, such as an engaging
portion, into
an opening in an end of the frame. The engaging portion may be connected to
the
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 10 PCT/US2015/011876
backrest by a connecting portion and the connecting portion may be disposed in
a
receiving portion extending along a length of the frame. The connecting
portion and
receiving portion may include corresponding locking portions that are sized
and
configured to securely connect the backrest to the frame. The method may
further
include connecting the backrest to the frame by a snap, friction and/or
interference fit. If
the backrest is constructed from plastic, such as blow-molded plastic, the
engaging
portion of the backrest may be integrally formed with the backrest as part of
a unitary,
one-piece structure. Advantageously, the locking portions of the backrest may
also be
integrally formed with the backrest as part of a unitary, one-piece structure.
[0026] A further aspect is a folding chair that may include legs that are
movable
between first and second positions. For example, the folding chair may include
legs and
a cross member or cross tube may be connected to an upper portion of the legs.
The cross
tube may be movable or slidable relative to the seat and one or more stops may
be used
to control movement of the legs. In particular, the cross tube may be slidable
relative to a
seat and a guide may help control movement of the cross tube. The stop may be
used to
prevent further movement of the cross tube relative to the guide. The stop may
be at least
partially formed by one or more flanges. For instance, the stop may include a
first flange
that is sized and configured to contact and/or engage the cross tube and a
second flange
that may provide increased strength, stiffness and rigidity to the stop. The
second flange
may be at least partially disposed in a portion of the seat, such as an
undercut disposed in
a lower portion of the seat. Advantageously, the one or more flanges may help
create a
strong, durable and impact resistant stop. The stop may be formed as part of a
bracket
that is attached to the seat and the bracket may form at least a portion of
the guide. The
stop, however, could be a separate component, attached to other suitable
portions of the
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 11 PCT/US2015/011876
chair or be formed from other portions of the chair. The stop may beneficially
secure the
chair in a fixed position such as the use position.
[0027] Another aspect is a folding chair movable between a folded or
collapsed
position and an unfolded or use position. The folding chair may include a
seat; a
backrest; a frame connected to the seat and the backrest, the frame including
a right front
leg, a left front leg, a right rear leg, and a left rear leg; a first bracket
connected to a first
side of the seat; a second bracket connected to a second side of the seat; a
first guide
disposed at least proximate a lower surface of the seat, at least a portion of
the first guide
formed by the first bracket; a second guide disposed at least proximate the
lower surface
of the seat, at least a portion of the second guide formed by the second
bracket; and a
cross member connected to an upper portion of the right rear leg and an upper
portion of
the left rear leg. The cross member may be slidable relative to a lower
portion of the seat,
the cross member may be slidable within the first guide the second guide, and
the cross
member may be slidable relative to the lower portion of the seat and the first
and second
guides when the chair is moved between the folded and unfolded positions. A
first
engaging member may be disposed at a first end of the cross member and a
second
engaging member may be disposed at a second end of the cross member, the first
engaging member may be at least partially disposed within the first guide, and
the second
engaging member may be at least partially disposed in the second guide. The
cross
member slides between a first position and a second position relative to the
lower portion
of the seat and the first and second guides when the chair is moved between
the folded
and unfolded positions.
[0028] If desired, a first portion of the first guide may be formed by a
portion of the
seat; a second portion of the first guide may be formed by a portion of the
first bracket; a
first portion of the second guide may be formed by a portion of the seat; and
a second
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 12 PCT/US2015/011876
portion of the second guide may be formed by a portion of the second bracket.
Additionally, a portion of the cross member may contact a portion of the lower
portion of
the seat when the chair is moved between the folded and unfolded positions. In
addition,
the right front leg and the right rear leg may be pivotally connected to form
a first leg
assembly; and the left front leg and the left rear leg may be pivotally
connected to form a
second leg assembly. When the chair is in the unfolded position, a lower
portion of the
right front leg and a lower portion of the right rear leg may form two sides
of a generally
equilateral triangle; and, when the chair is in the unfolded position, an
upper portion of
the right front leg and an upper portion of the right rear leg may form two
sides of a
generally equilateral triangle. Further, a lower surface of a first end of the
cross member
may contact a surface of the first guide; a lower surface of a second end of
the cross
member may contact a surface of the second guide; an upper surface of the
first end of
the cross member may contact a lower surface of the seat; and an upper surface
of the
second end of the cross member may contact the lower of the seat.
[0029] Yet another aspect is a folding chair that may include a backrest, a
seat, and a
frame connected to the backrest and the seat. The frame may include a first
leg assembly
with a front leg and a rear leg, and a second leg assembly may include a front
leg and a
rear leg. A cross member may connect the rear leg of the first leg assembly
and the rear
leg of the second leg assembly, and a guide may be connected to the seat. The
guide may
be sized and configured to guide the cross member as the chair is moved
between the
folded and unfolded positions. The chair may further include a groove that is
at least
partially defined by a portion of the guide and a portion of the seat. The
chair may also
include a stop that maintains the chair in the unfolded position when the stop
contacts the
cross member. The stop may be part of the guide and the stop may include a
first flange
that is sized and configured to contact the cross member. If desired, the seat
may form at
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 13 PCT/US2015/011876
least a portion of the guide. Further, a portion of the cross member may be
angled to
form an engaging member, and the engaging member may be disposed in a
receiving
portion of the guide.
[0030] Still another aspect is a folding chair may include a backrest, a
seat, and a
frame sized and configured to support the backrest and the seat. The frame may
include a
first leg assembly with a front leg and a rear leg, and a second leg assembly
with a front
leg and a rear leg. A cross member may connect the rear leg of the first leg
assembly and
the rear leg of the second leg assembly; a guide may be sized and configured
to guide the
cross member as the chair is moved between the folded and unfolded positions;
and a
stop may be sized and configured to contact the cross member when the chair is
in the
unfolded position, the stop preventing the cross member from moving further
towards a
front of the chair. The guide may include a groove and the stop may include a
flange that
is disposed generally perpendicular to a length of the cross member. In
addition, the seat
and a bracket form at least a portion of the guide. Further, a lower surface
of the cross
member may contact a surface of the guide, and an upper surface of the cross
member
may contact a lower surface of the seat.
[0031] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present
invention
will become more fully apparent from the following brief description of the
drawings,
the drawings, the detailed description of preferred embodiments, and appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments to
further
illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages, and features
of the present
invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred
embodiments
of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. Additionally, it
will be
appreciated that while the drawings may illustrate preferred sizes, scales,
relationships,
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 14 PCT/US2015/011876
and configurations of the invention, the drawings are not intended to limit
the scope of
the claimed invention. The invention will be described and explained with
additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0033] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of an exemplary chair,
illustrating the
chair in a use position;
[0034] Figure 2 is a lower perspective view of the chair shown in Figure 1;
[0035] Figure 3 is a front view of the chair shown in Figure 1;
[0036] Figure 4 is a rear view of the chair shown in Figure 1;
[0037] Figure 5 is a left side view of the chair shown in Figure 1;
[0038] Figure 6 is a right side view of the chair shown in Figure 1;
[0039] Figure 7 is a top view of the chair shown in Figure 1;
[0040] Figure 8 is a bottom view of the chair shown in Figure 1;
[0041] Figure 9 is lower perspective view of the chair shown in Figure 1,
illustrating
the legs in a partially closed position;
[0042] Figure 10 is another lower perspective view of the chair shown in
Figure 1,
illustrating the legs in another partially closed position;
[0043] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the portion of the chair shown in
Figure 9
along lines 11-11;
[0044] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of the portion of the chair shown in
Figure 10
along lines 12-12;
[0045] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary cross member;
[0046] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary bracket;
[0047] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the chair
shown in
Figure 1, illustrating the legs and the cross member in one position;
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 15 PCT/US2015/011876
[0048] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the chair
shown in
Figure 15, illustrating the legs and the cross member in another position;
[0049] Figure 17 is a lower perspective view of an exemplary seat;
[0050] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional side view of another exemplary chair,
illustrating a guide and stop;
[0051] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional side view of the chair shown in
Figure 18,
illustrating a cross member and in a guide;
[0052] Figure 20 is a lower perspective view of a portion of the chair
shown in
Figure 18;
[0053] Figure 21 is an upper perspective view of a portion of the chair
shown in
Figure 20;
[0054] Figure 22 is an upper perspective view of a portion of another
exemplary
chair, illustrating a backrest and a frame;
[0055] Figure 23 is an enlarged upper perspective view of a portion of the
chair
shown in Figure 22;
[0056] Figure 24 is another enlarged upper perspective view of a portion of
the chair
shown in Figure 22;
[0057] Figure 25 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the chair shown
in Figure
22;
[0058] Figure 26 is a partial cutaway upper perspective view of a portion
of the chair
22, illustrating the backrest connected to the frame; and
[0059] Figure 27 is an enlarged partial cutaway side view of a portion of
the chair
shown in Figure 22, illustrating the backrest connected to the frame.
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 16 PCT/US2015/011876
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] The present invention is generally directed towards chairs. The
principles of
the present invention, however, are not limited to chairs. It will be
understood that, in light
of the present disclosure, the chairs disclosed herein may have a variety of
shapes, sizes,
configurations, and arrangements. It will also be understood that chairs may
include any
suitable number and combination of features, components, aspects, and the
like. In
addition, while the chairs shown in the accompanying figures are illustrated
as having
particular styles, it will be appreciated the chairs may have any suitable
style or
configuration. Further, the stackable frame structure disclosed herein may be
successfully
used in connection with other types of objects and devices.
[0061] Additionally, to assist in the description of various exemplary
embodiments of
the chairs, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, sides, right, and left are
used to describe
the accompanying figures which may be, but are not necessarily, drawn to
scale. It will
further be appreciated the chairs may be disposed in a variety of desired
positions or
orientations, and used in numerous locations, environments, and arrangements.
A
detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the chairs now follows.
[0062] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary chair 10 in a use position,
according to one
or more embodiments of the invention. As shown in Figure 1, an exemplary
embodiment
of the chair 10 may include a seat 12 with an upper surface or portion and a
lower
surface or portion. The chair 10 may also include a chair back or backrest 14,
which may
have a front surface or portion and a rear surface or portion. A frame 16 may
be used to
support the seat 12 and the backrest 14 in the desired locations. For example,
the frame
16 may include a right side portion and a left side portion that are connected
to the seat
12 and backrest 14. The frame 16 may also include or be attached to one or
more
supports or legs 18, which may be used to support the chair 10 above a surface
such as a
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 17 PCT/US2015/011876
floor or the ground. As shown in Figure 1, exemplary embodiments of the chair
may
include a right front leg 18a, a left front leg 18b, a right rear leg 18c and
a left rear leg
18d. The frame 16 may include two leg assemblies. For example, a first leg
assembly
may include the right front leg 18a and the right rear leg 18c, and a second
leg assembly
may include the left front leg 18b and the left rear leg 18d. After reviewing
this
disclosure, it will be appreciated that the chair 10 may include any suitable
number and
configuration of legs 18 depending, for example, upon the intended use and/or
design of
the chair.
[0063] A bracket 20 may be attached to the seat 12 and one or more of the
legs may
be attached to the bracket. For instance, the front legs 18a, 18b may be
attached to a rear
portion of the bracket 20. In particular, the front legs 18a, 18b may be
pivotally attached
to a rear portion of the bracket 20, which may allow the legs to be pivotally
attached to a
rear portion of the seat 12. As discussed in greater detail below, the bracket
20 may also
facilitate connection of the rear legs 18c, 18d to the seat 12. One of
ordinary skill in the
art, after reviewing this disclosure, will understand that the legs 18a, 18b,
18c, 18d may
also be attached directly to the seat 12 or other suitable portions of the
chair 10
depending, for example, upon the intended use of the chair.
[0064] The chair 10 may be sized and configured for use by a single person,
but the
chair could also be sized and configured to allow two or more persons to sit
on the chair
at one time. It will be understood that the chair 10 could have a variety of
suitable
shapes, sizes and configurations, depending, for example, upon the intended
use of the
chair. For example, the chair 10 could be larger or smaller, and it may have
other suitable
designs depending, for example, upon its intended appearance, aesthetics, and
the like.
[0065] At least a portion of the chair 10 may be constructed from plastic
and, in
particular, from blow-molded plastic. For example, the seat 12 and/or backrest
14 of the
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 18 PCT/US2015/011876
chair 10 may be constructed from blow-molded plastic. One of ordinary skill in
the art,
in view of this disclosure, will appreciate that any suitable portions of the
chair 10 can be
constructed from plastic and, for example, the entire chair may be constructed
from
plastic. In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
the seat 12 and
backrest 14 may be part of a unitary, one-piece structure. Thus, for example,
the seat 12
and backrest 14 may be constructed from blow-molded plastic, and the seat and
backrest
may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure.
[0066] In greater detail, the seat 12 and backrest 14 may be constructed
from plastic
that is blow-molded into the desired shape and configuration. Advantageously,
the blow-
molded plastic seat 12 and backrest 14 may allow a strong, durable and/or
lightweight
chair 10 to be quickly and efficiently manufactured. It will be appreciated
that other
suitable materials and processes may be used to construct the chair 10. For
example, the
seat 12 and/or backrest 14 may also be constructed from wood, metal, etc. In
addition,
the seat 12 and backrest 14 may be formed by other suitable methods or
processes such
as injection molding, extrusion molding, vacuum forming, tumble molding, and
the like.
It will also be appreciated that the seat 12 and backrest 14 are not required
to be
manufactured by the same process. For example, the backrest 14 could be
constructed
from blow-molded plastic and the seat 12 could be formed from vacuum or
injection
molded plastic.
[0067] The legs 18 and the bracket 20 may be constructed, for example, from
a
strong and durable material such as metal and, in particular, steel. If the
legs 18 and
bracket 20, are constructed from steel, that may help create a strong and
sturdy chair 10
that is able to support a significant amount of weight.
[0068] The chair frame 16 is desirably constructed from a relatively strong
and
sturdy material such as metal and, in particular, steel. In particular, the
frame 16 may be
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 19 PCT/US2015/011876
constructed from hollow metal tubes or conduits that are bent or formed into
the desired
shapes and configurations. The frame 16 may have a generally circular, square,
rectangular, oval or other suitable cross-sectional configuration.
Advantageously, the
metal frame 16 may allow a strong, sturdy and/or lightweight chair 10 to be
constructed.
The frame 16 could also be constructed from other materials with appropriate
characteristics and the frame may have other suitable shapes and
configurations. In
particular, the size and shape of the frame 16 could depend, for example, upon
the
intended use of the chair 10. It will be appreciated that the chair 10 could
also be
constructed without a frame 16, if desired.
[0069] As shown in Figure 2, a cross member 22, such as a cross tube or
bar, may be
attached to an upper portion of the legs 18. Specifically, the cross member 22
may, for
example, be attached to the upper portion of the right rear leg 18c and the
upper portion
of the left rear leg 18d. The cross member 22 may also be constructed from a
relatively
strong and sturdy material such as metal and, in particular, steel. The cross
member 22
may be securely connected to the upper portion of the rear legs 18c, 18d in a
fixed
position by welding, fusing, bonding, and the like.
[0070] The legs 18 of the chair 10 may be pivotally connected and the pivot
point
may be disposed at least proximate a midpoint of the rear legs 18c, 18d. In
greater detail,
the chair may include a front pair of legs 18 and a rear pair of legs. The
front pair of legs
18 may include the right front leg 18a and the left front leg 18b. The rear
pair of legs 18
may include the right rear leg 18c and the left rear leg 18d. The front legs
18a, 18b may
be pivotally connected to the rear legs 18c, 18d, respectively, by one or more
fasteners,
pins, and the like. In addition, as described above, the front legs 18 may be
secured in a
fixed position relative to the seat 12. For example, the front legs 18a, 18b
may be
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 20 PCT/US2015/011876
attached to a rear portion of the seat 12 by the bracket 20, and the front
legs may pivot
relative to the seat 12.
[0071] Advantageously, when the chair 10 is in the use position, the legs
18 and seat
12 may have a generally triangular-shaped configuration and that may help
create a
strong and sturdy chair that is able to support a significant amount of
weight. For
example, the front legs 18a, 18b and the rear legs 18c, 18d may have an
approximately
equal distance from a lower portion or ends of the leg to the pivot point
connecting the
front and rear legs, such as about fourteen (14) inches. When the chair 10 is
in the use
position, the distance separating the lower portion or ends of the front leg
18a, 18b and
the lower portion of the rear leg 18c, 18d, respectively, may be approximately
equal to
the distance from the lower portion of the leg to the pivot point, such as
about fourteen
(14) inches. Thus, the lower portion of the legs 18 may be disposed in an at
least
approximately equilateral triangle configuration when the chair 10 is in the
use position.
Similarly, the upper portion of the legs 18 may also be disposed in an at
least
approximately equilateral configuration when the chair 10 is in the use
position. For
instance, a distance from the pivot point to the seat 12 for an upper portion
of the front
legs 18a, 18b and the rear legs 18c, 18d may be approximately the same, such
as about
six (6) inches. The distance separating the upper portion of the front legs
18a, 18b
attached to the bracket 20 or seat 12 and the upper portion of the rear legs
18c, 18d may
be approximately equal to the distance from the pivot point to the upper
portion of the
legs, such as bout six (6) inches. Therefore, the upper portion of the legs 18
may be
disposed in an at least approximately equilateral triangle configuration when
the chair 10
is in the use position.
[0072] Significantly, if the upper portion of the legs 18 and the lower
portion of the
legs are disposed in generally an equilateral triangle configuration, a strong
and sturdy
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 21 PCT/US2015/011876
chair 10 may be created. In particular, the equilateral triangles may help
create a chair 10
that is balanced and can support a generally equal amount of weight on
different portions
of the seat 12. The equilateral triangles may also create an aesthetically
pleasing design
and the upper and lower portions of the legs 18 supporting the seat 12 may be
generally
symmetrical. It will be understood, after reviewing this disclosure, that the
legs 18 may
also have other appropriate shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements,
including
longer or shorter lengths depending, for example, upon the intended use of the
chair 10.
[0073] As seen in Figures 9 and 10, the upper portion of the rear legs 18c,
18d and
the cross member 22 may be movable relative to the seat 12. In particular, the
upper
portion of the rear legs 18c, 18d and the cross member 22 may be slidable
relative to a
lower portion of the seat 12. For example, the upper portion of the rear legs
18c, 18d and
the cross member 22 may be slidable between a first position in which the
chair 10 is
disposed in an open or use position and a second position in which the chair
is disposed
in a closed or collapsed position. As described in more detail below, the
movement of the
upper portion of the rear legs 18c, 18d and the cross member 22 may be
controlled so
that the legs are secured, held and/or locked in position. For instance, the
upper portion
of the rear legs 18c, 18d and the cross member 22 may be secured, held and/or
locked in
position when the chair is in the open and/or closed positions.
[0074] As shown in Figure 11, the ends of the cross member 22 may be
disposed in a
slot or guide 24, such as a groove or channel. The cross member 22 may be
slidable
within a guide 24 and the guide may be formed by at least a portion of the
bracket 20
and/or seat 12. When the chair 10 is folded and unfolded, movement of the
cross member
22 may be at least partially controlled by the guide 24. If desired, one or
both ends of the
cross member 22 may form at least a portion of an engaging member 26 and the
engaging member may be at least partially disposed in the guide 24. For
example, the
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 22 PCT/US2015/011876
ends of the cross member 22 may be generally straight and aligned with a body
of the
cross member. Thus, the engaging members 26 may be formed by the opposing ends
of
the cross member 22. In another exemplary embodiment, the ends of the cross
member
22 may be angled or bent to form the engaging members 26. For instance, the
opposing
ends of the cross member 22 may be disposed at an angle within about 5 , about
10 or
about 15 of perpendicular relative to a body of the cross member. It will be
appreciated
that the engaging members 26 may be disposed at any suitable angle and the
engaging
portions may have other appropriate shapes, sizes, configurations, and
arrangements.
Further, while the chair 10 is illustrated as including two engaging members
26, it will be
appreciated that the chair may include one or more engaging members.
[0075] The bracket 20 may also include one or more stops 28 and the stops
may
control the movement of the legs 18 and/or the cross member 22 relative to the
seat 12.
For example, the one or more stops 28 may engage or contact the cross member
22
and/or the engaging members 26 when the chair 10 is in a particular
configuration. In
particular, the cross member 22 and/or the engaging members 26 may engage or
contact
one or more stops 28 when the chair 10 is in the use position, which may
prevent
movement of the cross member while the chair is being used. The cross member
22
and/or the engaging members 26 may also engage or contact one or more stops 28
when
the chair is in the closed or collapsed positions, which may facilitate
storage and/or
stacking of the chair.
[0076] For example, as shown in Figure 14, the stops 28 may be part of the
bracket
20 and the stops may help control movement of the cross member 22 relative to
the seat
12. The stops 28 may be constructed from one or more flanges 30 or angled
portions of
the bracket 20. In particular, the stops 28 may be formed by a first flange
30a and a
second flange 30b. The first and second flanges 30a, 30b may increase the
stiffness and
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 23 PCT/US2015/011876
rigidity of the stop and/or bracket 20. In further detail, the first flange
30a may be
disposed at a right angle or generally perpendicular to a portion of the
bracket 20. In
particular, the first flange 30a may be disposed at an angle relative to a
lower portion of
the bracket 20, and the lower portion of the bracket may form at least a
portion of the
guide 24. The first flange 30a may also, for example, generally extend along a
length of
the cross member 22. The first flange 30a may also be disposed generally
parallel to a
body of the bracket 20. The stop 28 may include a second flange 30b and the
second
flange may increase the stiffness and rigidity of the stop. The second flange
30b may be
disposed at an angle relative to the first flange 30a, such as a right angle.
The first and
second flanges 30a, 30 b may be integrally constructed as part of a unitary,
one-piece
structure. The first and second flanges 30a, 30b could also be separate
structures, if
desired. The second flange 30b may be at least partially disposed in an
opening or
receiving portion of the seat 12, such as an undercut or other suitable type
of structure.
Advantageously, this may help secure the bracket 20 to the seat 12 and/or help
prevent
the bracket from moving relative to the seat.
[0077] When the chair 10 is in the use position, a portion of the cross
member 22,
such as the engaging portions 26, may contact and/or engage one or more of the
stops 28
to help maintain the chair in a fixed position. For example, the cross member
22 or
engaging portions 26 may contact or engage the first flange 30a and/or the
second flange
30b. Thus, the stops 28 may limit or prevent further movement of the cross
member 22
and this may help secure the chair 10 in the use position because the legs 18
may not be
moveable relative to the chair. In greater detail, the stops 28 may prevent
further
movement of the cross member 22 in a first direction but may allow movement of
the
cross member in a second direction. This may allow the stops 28 to prevent
further
movement of the cross member 22 in the first direction, which may create a
strong and
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 24 PCT/US2015/011876
sturdy chair 10 in the use position, and may allow movement of the cross
member in a
second direction, which may allow the chair to be quickly and efficiently
folded or
closed.
[0078] The bracket 20 may also include other features or structures such as
one or
more flanges that may extend along at least a majority or at least
substantially an entire
length of the bracket. For instance, a first flange 32 may extend along all or
a portion the
bracket 20. The first flange 32 may form a portion of the guide 24, and the
flange may
increase the stiffness and rigidity of the bracket 20 and/or the guide. A
portion of the first
flange 32 may be bent, angled or curved, and a portion of the first flange may
be sized
and configured to allow the cross member 22 and/or the engaging members 26 to
move
relative to the bracket 20 or the flange. In addition, the bracket 20 may
include a second
flange 33 and the second flange may extend along at least a majority or at
least
substantially the entire length of the bracket. The second flange 33 may form
a portion of
the guide 24 and the flange may increase the stiffness and rigidity of the
bracket 20
and/or the guide. A portion of the second flange 33 may be bent, angled or
curved, and a
portion of the second flange may be sized and configured to allow the cross
member 22
and/or the engaging members 26 to move relative to the bracket 20 or the
flange.
[0079] The first and second flanges 32, 33 may be sized and configured to
facilitate
attachment of the bracket 20 of the seat 12. The first and second flanges 32,
33 may also
be sized and configured to define a portion of the guide 24 and/or contact a
portion of the
seat 12. Additionally, the bracket 20 may facilitate attachment of the legs 18
to the seat
12. For example, the bracket 20 may include an opening, hole or aperture that
is sized
and configured to allow the front legs 18 to be secured in a fixed position
relative to the
seat 12 using a screw, bolt, fastener and the like. This may allow the front
legs 18a, 18b
to be pivotally connected to the seat 12 and/or the bracket 20.
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 25 PCT/US2015/011876
[0080] As shown in Figure 18, the guide 24 may be formed by the seat 12
and/or the
bracket 20. Specifically, the lower portion of the bracket 20, such as the
second flange
32, may form at least a portion of the guide 24. The seat 12 may also form a
portion of
the guide 24. For instance, the second flange 32 may form a lower portion of
the guide
24, and a portion of the seat 12 may form an upper portion of the guide. As
shown in the
accompanying figures, the stop 28 may be at least partially constructed by the
first flange
30a and the second flange 30b.
[0081] Figure 19 illustrates a portion of the cross member 22 disposed in
the guide
24. In particular, the engaging member 26, which may be a bent or angled
portion of the
cross member 22, may be disposed in the guide 24. When the engaging member 26
is
disposed within a receiving portion of the guide 24, the movement and
positioning of the
cross member 22 may be controlled. In addition, this may help control movement
of the
legs and, in particular, the movement of the rear legs 18c, 18d. Further, when
the
engaging member 26 is disposed within a receiving portion of the guide, that
may help
secure the legs 18 in a fixed position. Specifically, the rear legs 18c, 18d
may be
disposed in a fixed position when the upper portion of the legs 18 and/or the
cross
member 22 engages the stop 28. When the upper portion of the legs 18, the
cross
member 22 or the engaging members 26 engage the stop 28, the cross member may
be
prevented from moving further towards the front of the chair 10.
[0082] As shown in Figure 20, the stop 28 may be formed from a portion of
the
bracket 20. In addition, the guide 24 may be formed from a portion of the
bracket 20.
Figure 20 also illustrates the cross member 22 may be connected to the upper
portion of
the rear legs 18c, 18d.
[0083] Figures 22-27 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the backrest 14
attached
to the chair 10. In particular, Figures 22-27 illustrate attachment of the
backrest 14 to the
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 26 PCT/US2015/011876
frame 16. It will be understood that the backrest 14 may be attached to the
frame 16 in
one or more suitable manners. For example, as seen in Figures 22 and 23, each
side of
the backrest 14 may include an engaging portion 34 and the engaging portion
may have a
cross-sectional configuration that is generally the same as the cross-
sectional
configuration of an upper portion of the frame 16. For instance, the engaging
portions 34
of the backrest 14 may have a generally circular cross-sectional configuration
and the
upper portions of the frame 16 may have a corresponding generally circular
cross-
sectional configuration, which may allow the engaging portions of the backrest
14 to be
inserted into an open end of the frame 16. This may allow the engaging
portions 34 to be
at least partially disposed within the frame 16. The engaging portion 34 may
be
connected to the backrest 14 by a connecting structure and the engaging
portion 34, the
connection structure, and the backrest 14 may be integrally formed as part of
a unitary,
one-piece structure.
[0084] The upper portion of the frame 16 may include an opening 36 and a
receiving
portion may be connected to the opening. The receiving portion may extend
along a
portion of the frame 16. For example, the receiving portion may extend along a
length of
the frame 16. The receiving portion may include one or more frame locking
portions 38,
such as locking cogs, steps, protrusions, projections, engaging members, and
the like.
The frame locking portions 38 may include one or more angled surfaces and/or
engaging
or contact surfaces. For instance, the frame locking portions 38 may include a
first
surface that is disposed at a first angle relative to the inner surface of the
receiving
portion such as an angle of about 10 , 15 , 20 , 25 , 30 , 35 , 40 or 45 .
The frame
locking portions 38 may also include a second surface that is disposed at a
second angle
relative to the inner surface of the receiving portion 36 such as an angle
between about
60 and about 90 . The second surface of the frame locking portion 38 may be
sized and
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 27 PCT/US2015/011876
configured to contact and/or engage corresponding portions of the backrest 14,
such of a
backrest locking portion 40.
[0085] The backrest locking portions, which are best seen in Figure 25, may
include
one or more locking cogs, receiving portions, steps, indentations, notches,
depressions
and the like. The backrest locking portions 40 may also include one or more
protrusions,
projections, engaging members, and the like. The backrest locking portions 40
may
include one or more angled surfaces and/or engaging or contact surfaces. For
instance,
the backrest locking portions 40 may include a first surface that is disposed
at a first
angle relative to the backrest 14 at an angle of about 10 , 15 , 20 , 25 , 30
, 35 , 40 or
45 . The backrest locking portions 40 may also include a second surface that
is disposed
at a second angle relative to the inner surface of the receiving portion such
as an angle
between about 60 and about 90 . The second surface of the backrest locking
portion 40
may be sized and configured to contact and/or engage a corresponding portion
of the
frame locking portion 38. The frame locking portions 38 and the backrest
locking
portions 40 are preferably sized and configured to allow the backrest 14 to be
securely
attached to the frame 16. In particular, the frame locking portions 38 and the
backrest
locking portions 40 may allow the backrest 14 to be relatively easily
connected to the
chair 10. Specifically, the frame locking portions 38 and the backrest locking
portions 40
may allow the backrest 14 to be easily and quickly connected to the fame 16.
The frame
locking portions 38 and the backrest locking portions 40 may also prevent or
make
removal of the backrest 14 from the frame 16 difficult.
[0086] As shown in Figure 26, when the backrest 14 is attached to the frame
16, the
engaging portions 34 of the backrest may be inserted into the openings in the
upper
portion or ends of the frame. The engaging portions 34 of the backrest 14 may
then be
inserted into the frame 16 so that the connecting portions of the backrest are
disposed in
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 28 PCT/US2015/011876
the receiving portions in the upper portions of the frame. The backrest
locking portions
40 and the frame locking portions 38 may interact to allow the backrest 14 to
be inserted
into the proper position of the frame 16 and the locking portions may prevent
the
backrest from being unintentionally disconnected to the frame.
[0087] In greater detail, as shown in Figure 27, the backrest locking
portions 40 may
include a first surface 42 and the first surface may be disposed at a first
angle relative to
the backrest 14. For example, the first surface 42 may be disposed at an angle
between
about 5 and about 45 , such as about 10 , about 15 , about 20 , about 25 ,
about 30 ,
about 35 , or about 40 . The backrest locking portions 40 of may also include
a second
surface 44 and the second surface may be disposed at a second angle relative
to the inner
surface of the receiving portion. The second surface may be disposed at an
angle
between about 60 and about 90 , such as about 65 , about 70 , about 75 ,
about 80 or
about 85 . The second surface 44 of the backrest locking portion 40 may be
sized and
configured to contact and/or engage a corresponding portion of the frame 16,
such as the
frame locking portion 38. The frame locking portions 38 and the backrest
locking
portions 40 are preferably sized and configured to allow the backrest 14 to be
securely
attached to the frame 16.
[0088] Advantageously, the backrest 14 and frame 16 may be securely and
quickly
interconnected without the use of fasteners, adhesives or the like.
Additionally, the frame
locking portions 38 and the backrest locking portions 40 may allow the
backrest 14 and
frame 16 to be easily, quickly and securely connected. One of ordinary skill
in the art
will understand after reviewing this disclosure that the engaging portions 34,
the
receiving portions, the frame locking portions 38, and the backrest locking
portions 40
may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements
depending, for
example, upon the intended use of the chair 10.
CA 02936109 2016-07-06
WO 2015/109268 29 PCT/US2015/011876
[0089] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate after reviewing
this disclosure
that the chair 10 may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and
arrangements
depending, for example, upon the intended use of the chair. One of ordinary
skill in the
art will also appreciate that different components of the chair 10 may have
various
shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements depending, for example, upon
the
intended use of the chair. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate the chair
may include any suitable number or combination of features or aspects.
[0090] Although this invention has been described in terms of certain
preferred
embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
are also
within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is
intended to
be defined only by the claims which follow.
