Chair with adjustable seat height

Abstract

A chair with adjustable chair top height is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the chair has legs of a first height that attach to a chair top. Additionally, a set of leg extenders is provided that is adapted to be positioned between the chair top and the legs in order to position the chair top at a second, greater height relative to the surface on which the chair is positioned. Alternatively, an apron may be employed instead of or in addition to the set of leg extenders.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a chair with an adjustable height seat. More particularly, the present invention relates to an adjustable height seat where the consumer may determine the height of the seat by including or not including one or more components to adjust the height of the seat top past the height of the seat legs.

Tables are in wide use by consumers in a variety of applications and settings, including in private and commercial settings. Consumers may purchase seats of different heights according to their needs and wishes, although most consumers are currently limited by the seat heights offered by manufacturers. The desired height of a seat may vary depending upon a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the space the seat will be used in, the height of the consumers using the seat, the purpose of the seat, the style of seat and/or the style of the environment in which the seat will be used. Because seats are so commonly used, it is frequently the case that a seat may be purchased for one use or setting, but then the consumer may wish to use the same seat for a different use or in a different setting. In changing the purpose or setting of the seat, it is likely that the consumer may wish to change the height of the seat. Additionally, a change in ownership of the seat or a number of other factors, including a change in décor, may cause the consumer to wish to change the seat height.

Typically if a consumer wishes to have a seat of a new height, the consumer must cut an existing seat to a smaller height or must get a new seat of the new desired height. A typical consumer cannot raise the height of a seat his or herself. Furthermore, a typical consumer is unable to easily lower the height of the seat by cutting the seat legs. This is especially true in light of the variety of seat constructions which involve ornamental or complicated bases.

In order to reduce the cost to consumers and to increase flexibility in interior and exterior decorating, it may be desirable to have a seat that allows the consumer to easily adjust the height of the seat, either lower or greater, as they wish.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a chair with an adjustable height seat. The height may be adjusted by the inclusion or exclusion of a set of components that may be fastened to the legs or base of the chair to adjust the height of the chair. The components may be embodied as the leg extenders, an apron, or some other form that fits into the structure of the chair. The components may be easily attached to, or removed from, the chair as the consumer desires in order to adjust the height of the chair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a base of an exemplary adjustable chair according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view and a top view of the adjustable height chair as assembled with the leg extenders installed between the chair top and legs.

FIG. 3 illustrates the complete chair with adjustable seat height.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative adjustable chair base that employs a removable apron.

FIG. 5 illustrates the adjustable height chair as assembled with the apron installed between the chair top and legs.

FIG. 6 illustrates the complete alternative chair with adjustable seat height.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative adjustable height chair according to an embodiment of the invention, where the adjustable height chair employs both leg extenders and a removable apron.

FIG. 8 illustrates three alternative configuration options for the adjustable height chair.

FIG. 9 illustrates the adjustable height chair of FIG. 7 as assembled with the apron installed between the chair top and leg extenders, and the get extenders installed between the apron and legs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a base of an exemplary adjustable chair 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. That is, the base of the chair 100 includes a chair top 110, a set of chair legs 120, a set of leg extenders 130 and a leg support element 140. Further, each chair leg 120 includes a leg insert aperture 125 preferably at the top of the leg 120. Each of the leg extenders 130 includes a leg extender insert element 132 and a leg extender insert aperture 135. The chair top 110 includes a plurality of chair top insert elements 112. Each chair leg 120 includes at least one leg fastener aperture 127. Each of the leg extenders 130 includes at least one leg extender fastener aperture 137.

The chair top 110 includes a lower support element 114, a top support element 116, a support connector 115 and cross-supports 118. The lower support element 114 is connected to the support connectors 115, which in turn are connected to the top support element 116. The cross-supports 118 are preferably connected to the top support element 116.

The chair top insert elements 112 are adapted to fit into both the leg extender insert apertures 135 and the leg insert apertures 125, and may be secured using leg extender fastener aperture 137 or leg fastener aperture 127. The chair top 110 is thus able to be positioned at a vertical height either directly above the chair legs 120 or directly above the leg extenders 130, which are in turn positioned at a vertical height above the chair legs 120.

In operation, in order to position the adjustable height chair with the chair top at a first height or vertical position relative to the surface on which the chair is positioned, the user proceeds as follows. First, the chair top insert elements 112 of the chair top 110 are introduced into the leg insert apertures 125 of each of the legs 120. Next, the chair top insert elements 112 are fastened into the leg insert apertures 125 of the legs 120 using the leg fastener apertures 127.

Alternatively, if the user desires to position the chair top 110 at a second, greater height relative to the surface on which the chair is positioned, the user proceeds as follows. First, the chair top insert elements 112 may be inserted instead into the leg extender insert apertures 135, and the chair top insert elements 112 may be fastened to the leg extenders 130 using the leg extender fastener apertures 137. Next, the leg extender insert elements 132 may in turn be inserted into the leg insert apertures 125. Further, the leg extenders 130 may in turn be fastened to the legs 120 using the leg fastener apertures 127. Consequently, the vertical height of the chair top 110 relative to the supporting surface on which the adjustable height chair is positioned is increased by the height of the leg extenders 130.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view 200 and a top view 250 of the adjustable height chair as assembled with the leg extenders 130 installed between the chair top 110 and legs 120. The leg fastener apertures 127 and leg extender fastener apertures 137 are also shown. More specifically, bolts 210 have been inserted into the leg fastener apertures 127 and leg extender fastener apertures 137 to affix the chair top 110 to the leg extenders 130 and to affix the leg extenders 130 to the legs 120.

Although the exemplary chair in FIGS. 1-2 employs a leg set 120 which includes four legs, a greater or lesser number of legs may be employed, and the leg set 120 may alternatively include a single base leg. Also, although FIG. 1 shows legs that curve near the base, straight legs or legs of other configurations may be employed. Furthermore, while FIGS. 1-2 shows rectangular legs and rectangular leg extenders, the legs and leg extenders may be any shape, including, for example, cylindrical and/or oval. Each of the legs and/or leg extenders may be of different shapes from one another. The legs and/or leg extenders may also include ornamentation. Additionally, the set of several leg extenders may be referred to as a leg extender set.

Additionally, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 shows the chair top insert elements, the leg extender insert elements, the leg extender aperture and the leg aperture to be square or rectangular, they may be any shape, including, for example, round.

Further, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 employs leg extenders that are preferably four inches in height, the height of the leg extenders may vary as desired. In addition, although the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 employs legs that are preferably 17 inches in height and a chair top that is preferably 5 inches in height, the height of the legs and/or the chair top may vary as desired.

Additionally, more that one set of leg extenders may be employed. In a first example, the chair 100 may be shipped with two sets of leg extenders. The first set of legs extenders may have a first length, such as 4 inches for example, and the second set of leg extenders may have a second length such as 6 inches for example. In this embodiment, if the user desires the height of the chair top to be increased upward by 4 inches, the user installs the first set of leg extenders. Conversely, if the user desires the height of the chair top to be increased upward by 6 inches, the user installs the second set of leg extenders.

In a second example of an embodiment that is shipped with two sets of leg extenders, the leg extenders may cooperate to provide a third, even greater height adjustment for the chair top. For example, the first set of leg extenders may have a height of 4 inches and the second set of leg extenders may have a height of 2 inches. If the user desires the height of the chair top to be increased by 2 inches, then the user installs only the second set of leg extenders. However, if the user desires the height of the chair top to be increased by 4 inches, then the user installs only the first set of leg extenders. In addition, if the user desires the height of the chair top to be increased by 6 inches, then the user first installs the first set of leg extenders, and then installs the second set of leg extenders on top of the first set of leg extenders.

Also, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 shows the leg extenders as being positioned at the top of the legs, the leg extenders may alternatively be located anywhere along the vertical height of the legs. For example, especially in an embodiment wherein the legs are straight, the leg extenders may be alternatively located at the bottom of the legs.

In addition, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 shows a chair top insert element 112 which is introduced into either a leg extender insert aperture 135 or a leg insert aperture 125, the insert and aperture may be reversed, meaning the chair top may have a chair top insert aperture rather than a chair top insert element, and the leg extender insert may be introduced into the chair top insert aperture. Furthermore, the chair legs 120 may have a leg insert instead of a leg insert aperture 125, where the leg insert is introduced into the leg extender insert aperture. Any of the embodiments discussed above may also be reversed.

Further, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 shows two leg extender fastener apertures 137 on each leg extender 130, there may be any number of leg extender fasteners, such as one or three, for example. Additionally, there may be any number of leg fasteners on each of the legs, such as one or three, for example. Also, it is not necessary for each leg and/or leg extender to have the same number of fasteners. Also, where the inserts and apertures have been reversed, as described above, the chair top insert aperture may have chair top fasteners.

Alternatively, the leg set and/or the leg extenders may not contain any fasteners. For example, the insert elements may simply be introduced into insert apertures and may remain there under the force or gravity or friction.

Further, although the chair top 110 in the exemplary chair in FIGS. 1-2 includes a bottom support element 114, a top support element 116, a support connector 115 and cross-supports 118, the chair top 110 may include fewer or more elements. For example, the chair top 110 may include only a top support element.

FIG. 3 illustrates the complete chair with adjustable seat height 300. As shown in FIG. 3, the complete chair 300 includes the chair top 110, the set of chair legs 120, and the set of leg extenders 130. Additionally, a seat 310 and chair back 320 are shown, as well as bolt holes 330.

The seat 310 is preferably connected to the chair top 110. For example, the seat 310 may be connected to the top support element 116 or cross-supports 118 of the chair top 110. The chair back 320 is preferably also connected to either the chair top 110 directly or to the seat 310.

In operation, the chair base including the chair top 110, chair legs 120, and leg extenders 130 is assembled as described above. Then, the seat 310 is positioned on top of the cross-supports 118 of the chair top 110 and the seat 310 is bolted to the cross supports 118 by placing bolts through the bolt holes 330 and matching bolt holes on the seat 310. The chair back 320 may then be directly connected to the chair top 110.

Alternatively, the chair back 320 may be connected to the seat 310 prior to connecting the seat 310 to the chair top 110.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative adjustable chair base 400 that employs a removable apron. The apron is a structure, used for design or support, located below the chair top. The chair base 400 includes a chair top 410, a set of legs 420, a removable apron 430, and a leg support element 440. The chair top 410 includes a cross-support 418 and a plurality of chair top fastener apertures on the bottom of the chair top. The legs 420 include leg fastener apertures 422. The removable apron 430 includes a set of apron-leg fastener apertures and a set of apron-table top fastener apertures 432.

In operation, if the user desires to position the chair top at a first vertical height, then the user positions the chair top fastener apertures in proximity to the leg fastener apertures 422 and then passes fasteners through both the chair top fastener apertures and the leg fastener apertures 422 to fasten the chair top 410 to the legs 420.

Alternatively, if the user desires to position the chair top at a second, greater vertical height, the user positions the chair top fastener apertures in proximity to the apron-table top fastener apertures 432 and then passes fasteners through both the chair top fasteners apertures and the apron-table top fastener apertures 432 to fasten the chair top 410 to the apron 430. The user then positions the apron-leg fastener apertures in proximity to the leg fastener apertures 422 and then passes fasteners through both the apron-leg fastener apertures and leg fastener apertures 422 to fasten the apron 430 to the legs 420.

FIG. 5 illustrates the adjustable height chair as assembled 500 with the apron 430 installed between the chair top 410 and legs 420. Also shown are the fasteners 427 installed though both the apron-leg fastener apertures and the leg fastener apertures 422. Additionally, the fasteners 437 installed through both the chair top fastener apertures and the apron-table top fastener apertures 432 are also shown.

Similar to the exemplary embodiment above with regard to the leg extenders, although the exemplary chair in FIGS. 4-5 employs four legs, a greater or lesser number of legs may be employed, such as three legs for example. Also, although FIGS. 4-5 show legs that curve near the base, straight legs or legs of other configurations may be employed.

Further, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4-5 employs an apron that is preferably five inches in height and legs that are preferably 21 inches in height and a chair top that is preferably 14 inches in diameter, the height of the apron and/or legs and/or the diameter of the chair top may vary as desired,. Additionally, more that one apron may be employed.

Also, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4-5 shows the apron as being positioned at the top of the legs, the apron may alternatively be located anywhere along the vertical height of the legs. For example, the apron may be alternatively located at the bottom of the legs.

Further, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4-5 shows apron-table top fastener apertures, apron-leg fastener apertures, any other desired way of securing the chair top to either the apron or legs, and/or securing the apron to the legs may be used, including the use of a chair top insert 112 and an apron insert aperture, an apron insert and a chair top insert aperture, an apron insert aperture and a leg insert, or an apron insert and a leg insert aperture 125.

Additionally, an alternative adjustable chair may employ both leg extenders as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 and an apron as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-5 as further described below.

FIG. 6 illustrates the complete alternative chair with adjustable seat height 300. As shown in FIG. 6, the complete chair 600 includes the chair top 410, the set of chair legs 420, and the set of leg extenders 430. Additionally, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 above, the seat 310 and chair back 320 are shown, as well as bolt holes 330.

The seat 310 is preferably connected to the chair top 410. For example, the seat 310 may be connected to the cross-supports 418 of the chair top 410. The chair back 320 is preferably also connected to either the chair top 410 directly or to the seat 310.

In operation, the chair base including the chair top 410, chair legs 420, and leg extenders 430 is assembled as described above. Then, the seat 310 is positioned on top of the cross-supports 418 of the chair top 410 and the seat 310 is bolted to the cross supports 418 by placing bolts through the bolt holes 330 and matching bolt holes on the seat 310. The chair back 320 may then be directly connected to the chair top 410.

Alternatively, the chair back 320 may be connected to the seat 310 prior to connecting the seat 310 to the chair top 410.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative adjustable height chair 700 according to an embodiment of the invention, where the adjustable height chair 700 employs both leg extenders and a removable apron. FIG. 7 shows a chair top 710, a removable apron 730, leg extenders 750, a set of chair legs 720, and a leg support element 740. The chair top 710 includes an apron insert 732 and a chair top cross-support 734. The removable apron 730 includes an apron cross-support, a top support 716, a bottom support 714, a support connector 715, and a chair top insert 712. The leg extenders 750 include leg extender fasteners 757, a leg extender insert element 732 and a leg extender insert aperture 735. The legs 720 include a leg insert aperture 725 and leg fastener apertures 727.

The chair top 710 is adapted to connect to either 1) the removable apron 730, 2) the leg extenders 750, or 3) the chair legs 720, depending upon the desired height for the seat of the chair. Further, when the chair top 710 is connected to the removable apron, the removable apron 730 may be connected to either the leg extenders or directly to the chair legs, depending upon the desired height. Further configuration options are illustrated below.

As shown in FIG. 7, the use of both the apron 730 and leg extenders 750 increases the height of the chair top 710 relative to the supporting surface on which the adjustable height chair is positioned to a height greater than the height obtained by employing the apron 730 or the leg extender 750 alone. The leg extenders 750 and apron 730 perform similarly to the leg extenders and apron illustrated above.

FIG. 8 illustrates three alternative configuration options for the adjustable height chair. In addition to the embodiment of FIG. 7, which positions the seat at the highest vertical extent, the three embodiments of FIG. 8 may position the seat at a variety of vertical positions. In a first embodiment 801, the chair top 710 is connected directly to the leg extenders, which are then connected directly to the legs 720. In a second embodiment 802, the chair top 710 is directly connected to the apron 730, which is then directly connected to the legs 720. In a third embodiment, the chair top 710 is directly connected to the legs 720.

In any configuration, a set and chair back similar to the seat 310 and chair back 320 of FIG. 3 may be attached to the chair top 710 in order to complete the chair.

FIG. 9 illustrates the adjustable height chair of FIG. 7 as assembled with the apron 730 installed between the chair top 710 and leg extenders 750, and the get extenders 750 installed between the apron 730 and legs 720. Also shown are the fasteners 910 installed though leg fastener apertures 727, the leg extender fastener apertures 757, and the apron fastener apertures 777.

Although an embodiment above have been presented using a chair seat that is fixed to the chair top, the chair seat may alternatively include a swivel mechanism to allow the chair seat and/or chair back to swivel relative to the chair top.

Alternatively, although an embodiment above presented a design with a single apron, multiple aprons may be employed. Similar to the employment of multiple leg extenders, the multiple aprons may be stackable so that more than one is used at the same time and/or may replace one another and be used one at a time.

Also, in certain embodiments the seat, the apron, the legs, and the leg extensions, and/or other elements may be composed of any rigid material such as steel, wood, or plastic.

Alternatively, certain embodiments of the present invention may be implemented on other furniture articles such as tables, chairs, bars, cabinets, or dressers, ottomans, and plant stands.

While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable height chair including: a chair top, wherein said chair top is adapted to connect to one of a leg set and a leg extender; a leg extender set, wherein said leg extender set is adapted to connect to said chair top and said leg set; and a leg set, wherein said leg set is adapted to connect to one of said chair top and said leg extender, wherein said chair top is adapted to be positioned at a first vertical height relative to a supporting surface by connecting said chair top directly to said leg set, wherein said chair top is adapted to be positioned at a second vertical height relative to said supporting surface by connecting said chair to said leg extender set and connecting said leg extender to said leg set.

2. The adjustable height chair of claim 1, wherein said chair top is adapted to directly connect to one of a leg set and a leg extender.

3. The adjustable height chair of claim 1, wherein said leg extender is adapted to directly connect to said chair top and said leg set.

4. The adjustable height chair of claim 1, wherein said leg set is adapted to directly connect to one of said chair top and said leg extender.

5. The adjustable height chair of claim 1, wherein said leg extender is adapted to be positioned between said chair top and said leg set.

6. The adjustable height chair of claim 1, wherein said leg extender is adapted to be positioned between said leg set and said supporting surface.

7. The adjustable height chair of claim 1 further including a second leg extender set, wherein said second leg extender set is adapted to be positioned between either said chair top and said leg extender set or said leg extender set and said leg set.

8. The adjustable height chair of claim 1 further including a second leg extender set, wherein only one of said leg extender set and said second leg extender set is positioned between said chair top and said legs set at any one time.

9. The adjustable height chair of claim 1 further including an apron, wherein said apron is adapted to connect between either said chair top and said leg extender set or between said leg extender set and said leg set.

10. The adjustable height chair of claim 1, wherein said leg extender includes a leg extender fastener aperture.

11. The adjustable height chair of claim 1, wherein said leg set includes a leg fastener aperture.

12. The adjustable height chair of claim 1, wherein said chair top includes an insert element, wherein said leg extender includes an insert aperture, and wherein said chair top insert element is adapted to be introduced into said leg extender insert aperture.

13. An adjustable height chair including: a chair top, wherein said chair top is adapted to connect to one of a leg set and an apron; an apron, wherein said apron is adapted to connect to said chair top and said leg set; and a leg set, wherein said leg set is adapted to connect to one of said chair top and said apron, wherein said chair top is adapted to be positioned at a first vertical height relative to a supporting surface by connecting said chair top directly to said leg set, wherein said chair top is adapted to be positioned at a second vertical height relative to said supporting surface by connecting said chair to said apron and connecting said apron to said leg set.

14. The adjustable height chair of claim 13, wherein said chair top is adapted to directly connect to one of a leg set and an apron.

15. The adjustable height chair of claim 13, wherein said apron is adapted to directly connect to said chair top and said leg set.

16. The adjustable height chair of claim 13, wherein said leg set is adapted to directly connect to one of said chair top and said apron.

17. The adjustable height chair of claim 13, wherein said chair top includes a fastening aperture.

18. The adjustable height chair of claim 13, wherein said apron includes a fastening aperture.

19. The adjustable height chair of claim 13, wherein said leg set includes a fastening aperture.

20. An adjustable height chair including: a chair top, wherein said chair top is adapted to connect to one of a leg set and a height extender; a height extender, wherein said height extender is adapted to connect to said chair top and said leg set; and a leg set, wherein said leg set is adapted to connect to one of said chair top and said height extender, wherein said chair top is adapted to be positioned at a first vertical height relative to a supporting surface by connecting said chair top directly to said leg set, wherein said chair top is adapted to be positioned at a second vertical height relative to said supporting surface by connecting said chair to said height extender and connecting said height extender to said leg set.