Patent Grant
7213880
The present invention relates generally to tiltable chairs, and in particular, to a tilt chair having a flexible back, adjustable armrests, and an adjustable seat depth, and methods for using and/or adjusting the chair, including one or more of the seat, backrest and armrests.
Chairs of the type typically used in offices and the like are usually configured to allow tilting of the seat and backrest as a unit, or to permit tilting of the backrest relative to the seat. In chairs having a backrest pivotally attached to a seat in a conventional manner, the movement of the backrest relative to the seat can create shear forces which act on the legs and back of the user, and which can also create an uncomfortable pulling of the user's shirt, commonly called “shirt-pull.”
To enhance the user's comfort and to promote ergonomically healthy seating, synchro-tilt chairs provide for the seat and backrest to tilt simultaneously, but at different rates, preferably with the back tilting at a greater rate than the seat. In general, synchro-tilt chairs are usually configured as a four-bar linkage or as a three-bar, slide linkage. In a three-bar, slide configuration, the sliding path is typically linear. Such chairs often have a multiplicity of components and parts that can be difficult and time consuming to assemble and which require multiple fasteners or joints to connect the components.
In addition, synchro-tilt chairs normally employ compression and/or tension springs, torsion springs and/or torsion bars, or leaf springs to bias the seat and back upwardly and to counterbalance the rearward tilting of the user. Chairs using these types of springs can have various limitations associated with the type of spring used therein as explained in U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,715, entitled Chair, and assigned to Herman Miller, Inc., the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the mechanisms used to adjust the load on the spring(s), or the load capability of the spring(s), typically are complicated, and/or require multiple, excessive rotations of a knob or other grippable member to obtain the desired setting.
It is also desirable to provide a chair that can be adjusted to accommodate the various needs and sizes of the user. For example, it is often desirable to provide a chair having adjustable armrests and an adjustable seat depth. For example, armrests can be provided with vertical adjustment capabilities, lateral adjustment capabilities and pivotable adjustment capabilities about a vertical axis. Often, however, armrests fail to provide such capabilities in combination, and/or employ complex, moving parts and assemblies that can be expensive to manufacture and assemble and difficult to use. Moreover, armrests having vertical adjustment capabilities often employ a support member that extends vertically down along the side of the chair, where the armrest or support member can interfere with the user's legs and other objects as the user moves about in the chair. In addition, the range of adjustment is typically limited to the length of the support member. However, the longer the support member, or the further it extends below the seating surface, the more likely it is to increase the foot print of the chair and interfere with the mobility of the chair.
Chairs with adjustable seat depths often employ devices and mechanisms to shift the entire seat in a forward and rearward direction relative to the backrest. Therefore, such chairs must provide for structure to allow the seat to move relative to the backrest while at the same time bearing the load of the seat and user. Moreover, such chairs typically must employ an extra support member which allows the seat to move thereon, for example, when the seat or support member are integrated into the linkage assembly.
Typically, backrests having a resilient and/or flexible material, whether a fabric, elastic membrane or plastic mat, are often supported by a peripheral frame, which surrounds the material. Such construction, however, does not ordinarily permit flexing of the material at the periphery of the backrest, or allow for torsional movement of the backrest. In addition, even in those chairs that employ a resilient material, the material often has uniform mechanical and physical properties across the entire portion of the material.
Finally, as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,634 to Heidmann et al., it is known to connect different seating arrangements to a control housing. However, Heidmann discloses connecting different seating arrangements to a tilt control housing and back support at common connection points. Accordingly, the overall kinematics of the chair cannot be altered or varied, but rather are predetermined by the common connection points. In such a device, only localized adjustments within each seating arrangement can be varied between the different seating arrangements.
The present inventions are defined by the claims, and nothing in this section should be read as a limitation on those claims. Rather, by way of general introduction and briefly stated, various preferred embodiments are described that relate to a tiltable chair having a flexible back, adjustable armrests, an adjustable seat depth, various control mechanisms and linkage assemblies, and methods for the use of the various preferred aspects.
For example and without limitation, in one aspect, the preferred embodiments relate to an adjustable armrest, and the method for the use thereof. In one preferred embodiment, an armrest assembly for a seating structure includes a support member comprising an upwardly extending curved spine portion having a first defined curvature and a stem slidably disposed on the support member and comprising a curved portion having a second defined curvature corresponding to and mating with the first curvature of the spine portion. An armrest is preferably supported by the stem. A latch mechanism is moveable between at least an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the latch mechanism engages at least one of the stem and the support member to prevent movement therebetween when in the engaged position. The stem is moveable relative to the support member when the latch mechanism is in the disengaged position.
In another aspect, one preferred embodiment of the armrest assembly includes a support member, a stem slidably disposed on the support member, an armrest supported by the stem, a latch mechanism and an index member. The latch mechanism is moveable between at least an engaged position and a disengaged position. The latch mechanism engages at least one of the stem and the support member to prevent movement therebetween when in the engaged position. The stem is moveable relative to the support member when the latch mechanism is in the disengaged position. The index member selectively engages at least one of the support member and the stem when the latch mechanism is in the disengaged position as the stem is moved relative to the support member.
In yet another aspect, in one preferred embodiment, an armrest assembly comprises a platform and an armrest support moveably supported on the platform. The armrest support is moveable between at least a first position and a second position. A linear gear is disposed on one of the platform and the armrest support and extends in a substantially horizontal direction. A pinion gear is rotatably mounted on the other of the platform and the armrest support about a substantially vertical rotation axis. The pinion gear meshes with the linear gear as the armrest support is moved relative to the platform between at least the first and second positions.
In one preferred embodiment, the armrest assembly includes a pair of pinion gears meshing with each other and a pair of linear gears. Also in one preferred embodiment, one of the platform and the armrest support includes a guide member that moves in a track formed in the other thereof as the armrest support is moved relative to the platform. In one preferred embodiment, first and second guide members move in first and second tracks.
Various methods of using the various preferred embodiments of the armrest assemblies are also provided.
In another aspect, one preferred embodiment of a seating structure includes a primary seat support having a rear portion and a front portion and an auxiliary seat support having a rear portion and a front portion. The rear portion of the auxiliary seat support is connected to the front portion of the primary seat support. At least a portion of the auxiliary seat support is flexible, wherein the front portion of the auxiliary seat support is moveable between at least a first and second position relative to the rear portion of the auxiliary seat support as the flexible portion of the auxiliary seat support is flexed.
In one preferred embodiment, the seating structure includes a linkage assembly connecting the front portion of the auxiliary seat support and one of a housing, which supports the primary seat support, and the primary seat support. In one preferred embodiment, the linkage assembly includes first and second links.
In one preferred embodiment, the seating structure further includes a lock device releasably connected between the auxiliary seat support and one of the housing and primary seat support.
In one preferred embodiment, the seating structure comprises a seat support comprising a forward portion, a rear portion and opposite, laterally spaced sides. At least the forward portion is bendable about a substantially horizontal and laterally extending axis between at least a first and second position, wherein the forward portion has a greater curvature when in the second position compared with the first position. A lock device is moveable between at least an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the lock device maintains the seat support in at least one of the first and second positions when in the engaged position, and wherein the seat support is bendable between at least the first and second positions when the lock device is in the disengaged position.
Various methods for adjusting the depth of the seat, or the curvature of the front portion thereof, are also provided.
In another aspect, one preferred embodiment of a backrest for a seat structure comprises a frame member and a compliant, resilient back member having a top, a bottom and opposite sides. The back member is mounted to the frame member. The back member includes a lumbar region, a thoracic region disposed above the lumbar region, and a lower region disposed below the lumbar region. The lumbar region comprises a first array of openings formed therethrough, with the first array comprising a first plurality of staggered, elongated openings that are elongated in a direction from the top to the bottom of the back member. The thoracic region comprises a second array of openings formed therethrough, with the second array comprising a second plurality of staggered, elongated openings, which are elongated in a direction from the top to the bottom of the back member. The first plurality of openings has a greater elongation on average than the second plurality of openings.
In another preferred embodiment, a backrest for a seat structure includes a frame member comprising an upper support member and a lower support member spaced from the upper support member, with the upper support member having opposite shoulder portions. A fabric member having a front, body-supporting surface and a rear surface comprises at least one pocket that is received on the opposite shoulder portions. The fabric member is connected to the lower support member and extends in tension between the upper and lower support members. The fabric member comprises a central thoracic region that is free of contact on the rear surface thereof.
In another aspect, one preferred embodiment of a chair comprises a housing comprising a track having a curvilinear support surface formed within a vertical plane. A back support is pivotally connected to the housing about a first horizontal axis, and a seat support is pivotally connected to the back support about a second horizontal axis and is moveably supported on the support surface of the track.
In yet another aspect, the chair comprises a housing, a seat support supported by the housing, and at least one leaf spring comprising a first end supported by the housing and a second end biasing the seat support in an upward direction, wherein the at least one leaf spring flexes within a substantially vertical first plane. A fulcrum member is moveably supported by the housing and has a support surface engaging the at least one leaf spring between the first and second ends. The support surface is preferably not symmetrical about any laterally extending second vertical plane oriented substantially perpendicular to the first plane.
In yet another aspect, one preferred embodiment of a chair includes a fulcrum member having a curvilinear support surface engaging at least one leaf spring between a first and second end. Preferably, a tangent of any point along the support surface of the fulcrum slopes rearwardly and downwardly.
In yet another aspect, one preferred embodiment of a seating structure includes a linkage assembly comprising a first and second link pivotally connected to a housing about a first pivot axis. The first link is pivotally and slidably connected to a fulcrum at a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis and the second link is pivotally and slidably connected to the fulcrum at a third pivot axis spaced from the first and second pivot axes. In one preferred embodiment, an actuator member pivotally engages the first and second links at pivot axes spaced from the first, second and third pivot axes. In various preferred embodiments, various tracks are formed in one of the links and the fulcrum member, the actuator member and various brackets. Guide members are formed on the other of the links and the fulcrum member, the actuator member and various brackets. In one preferred embodiment, certain of the tracks, preferably formed in the brackets, are curved.
In yet another aspect, one preferred embodiment of a seating structure includes a housing and a support member pivotally mounted to the housing. A tilt limiter member is moveably mounted to one of the housing and the support member, and a stop member is connected to the other of the support member and the housing. An actuator mechanism is coupled to one of the housing and the support member and includes a spring having a first and second arm, a drive link and a follower link. The drive link is pivotally mounted to one of the housing and the support member about a first axis and engages the first arm of the spring at a first location spaced from the first axis. The follower link is pivotally mounted to one of the housing and the support member about a second axis spaced from the first axis and engages the second arm of the spring at a second location spaced from the second axis. The follower link is pivotally coupled to the tilt limiter member.
In one preferred embodiment, the stop member has a downwardly facing stop surface and the tilt limiter has an upwardly facing bearing surface engaging the stop surface. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the stop member has at least one upwardly facing stop surface and the tilt limiter has a downwardly facing bearing surface engaging the at least one stop surface. In yet another preferred embodiment, the tilt limiter member comprises a first and second tilt limiter member moveably mounted to one of the housing and the support member, and the stop member comprises a first and second stop member connected to the other of the support member and the housing. The actuator mechanism comprises first and second springs each having a first and second arm, spaced apart first and second drive links each pivotally mounted to one of the housing and the support member about the first axis, and first and second follower links.
In another aspect, in one preferred embodiment, a kit for assembling a seating structure includes a tilt housing having a plurality of connector arrangements comprising at least a first and second connector arrangement, a first seating arrangement having a first mounting arrangement configured to be connected to the first connector arrangement, and a second seating arrangement having a second mounting arrangement configured to be connected to the second connector arrangement. In another aspect, a method of assembling a seating structure includes providing a tilt housing having a plurality of connector arrangements comprising at least a first and second connector arrangement, selecting one of a first and second seating arrangements, wherein the first seating arrangement includes a first mounting arrangement configured to be connected to the first connector arrangement, and wherein the second seating arrangement includes a second mounting arrangement configured to be connected to the second connector arrangement, and connecting the selected one of the first and second seating arrangements to the tilt housing.
In yet another aspect, the seating structure includes a tilt housing, a seating structure pivotally connected to the tilt housing and a biasing member applying a biasing force to the seating structure as the seating structure is pivoted relative to the tilt housing. An adjustment mechanism is operably connected to the biasing member and is operable to adjust the biasing force applied by the biasing member. The adjustment mechanism includes a gear housing removably disposed in the tilt housing. The gear housing is rotatably connected to the tilt housing about an axis. The gear housing includes first and second locator portions abutting the tilt housing. The first locator portion prevents the gear housing from moving relative to the tilt housing in a first direction. The second locator portion prevents the gear housing from rotating relative to the tilt housing about the axis.
In another aspect, a support member for a seating structure component includes a first support member having a first plurality of spaced apart fins and a second support member having a second plurality of spaced apart fins. The first support member is secured to the second support member with the first plurality of fins nested between the second plurality of fins. In one preferred embodiment, a back member is connected to at least one of the first and second support members.
In yet another aspect, a control device for an adjustable seating structure includes a first adjustment control positioned in an orientation approximating a seating member. The first adjustment control is moveable about a horizontal axis. A second adjustment control is positioned adjacent the first adjustment control in an orientation approximating a backrest member. The second adjustment control is moveable about the horizontal axis. The first adjustment control and the second adjustment control, in combination, generally resemble a seating structure. In one preferred embodiment, the first adjustment control and the second adjustment control are coupled to a forward tilt limiter and a rear tilt limiter respectively.
Various methods of assembling a tilt chair, and of using and adjusting a tilt chair having an adjustable fulcrum member and various tilt limiters also are provided. For example, various preferred embodiments of the seating structure include inserting an insert member into a pivot tube to deform or expand the tube so as to fixedly secure the tube to a wall or other structure. In addition, other preferred embodiments include inserting a pivot member having a key surface through a mouth of a bearing member and rotating the pivot member so as to locate the pivot member in the bearing member. In yet another preferred embodiment, a plurality of tilt housing components are disposed on an annular bushing and an end of the bushing is deformed to capture the components on the bushing.
The various preferred embodiments provide significant advantages over other tilt chairs and seating structures, including chairs and seating structures having adjustable armrests, backrests, seats and tilt controls. For example, in one preferred embodiment, an improved tilt control mechanism is provided. The resistive force of the leaf springs is easily and simply adjusted by moving the fulcrum member longitudinally within the housing. In one embodiment, a removable gear housing can be quickly easily installed without fasteners and the like for adjusting the fulcrum member. In another preferred embodiment, the configuration of the linkage assembly allows the user to quickly move the fulcrum over a wide range of longitudinal positions with minimal turns of the drive shaft. In addition, the unique shape of the support surface on the fulcrum provides a variable balancing spring rate, which results from an increasing amount of contact between the support surface and the spring as the user tilts rearwardly.
The three bar slide mechanism also provides several advantages. For example, the linkage provides for a synchrotilt chair wherein the back tilts at a greater rate than the seat, but avoids the use of a fourth bar, which can add to the complexity and manufacturing costs of the chair. Indeed, the overall design is greatly simplified by forming “bars” out of the housing, seat support and back support. Additionally, the use of a slide member allows for the assembly to be made in a more compact and aesthetically pleasing form.
The modular tilt housing also provides significant advantages. In particular, different seating arrangements can be mounted or connected to a single tilt housing with different connection configurations, thereby providing seating structures with different kinematics and appearances. At the same time, a single modular tilt housing provides significant savings and reductions in inventories. Indeed, completely different chairs operating on completely different kinematic principles can be assembled from a single tilt housing. The modular tilt housing can also be configured to support different actuation mechanisms at various mounting locations. The back support can also be configured as a modular member, wherein it is adapted to support and be coupled with different seat configurations at different connector locations, thereby providing additional flexibility in assembling different seating structures with different kinematics and appearances.
The preferred embodiments of the armrests also provide advantages. For example, the curved spine and stem provide maximum vertical adjustment, while maintaining a relatively open area beneath the seat. In addition, the height of the armrests can be adjusted quickly and easily, with the indexing member providing an audible signal to the user about the various available positions. Moreover the armrests can be laterally and pivotally adjusted quickly and easily, while the mechanism, with the interaction of gears, maintains a firm, robust feel to the user.
The preferred embodiments of the adjustable seat also provide advantages. For example, the depth of the seat can be adjusted without having to move the entire seat, or in other words, while maintaining a rear portion of the seat in the same position. Such construction avoids the need for additional support members. In addition, the adjustment mechanism can be easily grasped and manipulated the user to adjust the depth of the seat. Moreover the front portion of the seat, when bent downwardly, provides transitional support for the user's legs when sitting down or standing up from the chair.
The preferred embodiments of the tilt limiter controls also provide advantages. For example, in one embodiment, both of the forward and rearward tilt limiters are spring loaded, such that the position of each can be adjusted at any time, but with the limiter being moved only when the load is relieved from the chair. In another embodiment, the rear tilt limiter is supported by the tilt housing, which carries the load applied by the back support against the tilt limiter, which increases the overall robustness of the limiter without having to unnecessarily fortify the pivot connections of the tilt limiter. Moreover, an indexing feature provides the user with a distinct indication that an available setting has been achieved.
In addition, the orientation and/or shape of the adjustment controls provides indicia to the user about the functionality of the device or mechanism coupled to the control. For example, a first and second adjustment control can be oriented to generally resemble a seating structure, with each of the adjust controls being coupled to device or mechanism that controls the adjustment of the corresponding seating structure member, for example the seat or backrest.
The support member for a seating structure component having a first support member with a first plurality of spaced apart fins and a second support member with a second plurality of spaced apart fins also provides significant advantages. In particular, the first and second support members in combination provide substantial bending strength, yet provide torsional flexibility by way of the fins moving relative to each other. In this way, the support member, when used for example as a backrest spine, provides resistance to bending, but allows the backrest to flex torsionally about a longitudinal axis. In addition, the first and second support members can be configured to provide for the coupling of various back members and adjustment devices. For example, the first and second support members can be configured to define a gap therebetween to allow for an engagement member to be inserted therethrough wherein it can engage one of the first and second support members. In addition, the support members can be easily and cheaply manufactured by various molding processes.
The present invention, together with further objects and advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
General:
The terms “longitudinal” and “lateral” as used herein are intended to indicate the direction of the chair from front to back and from side to side, respectively. Similarly, the terms “front”, “side”, “back”, “forwardly”, “rearwardly”, “upwardly” and “downwardly” as used herein are intended to indicate the various directions and portions of the chair as normally understood when viewed from the perspective of a user sitting in the chair.
Referring to the drawings,
It should be understood that the terms “mounted,” “connected”, “coupled,” “supported by,” and variations thereof, refer to two or more members or components that are joined, engaged or abutted, whether directly or indirectly, for example, by way of another component or member, and further that the two or more members, or intervening member(s) can be joined by being integrally formed, or by way of various fastening devices, including for example and without limitation, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, press fit, bent-over tab members, etc.
In operation, the housing 10, seat 200 and back support 304, with the armrests 400, form a three-bar linkage with a slide. It should be understood that the term “slide,” as used herein, refers to two members that translate relative to each other, whether by direct sliding or by rolling. Preferably, the pivot axis formed between the seat 200 and housing 10 is positioned forwardly of the pivot axis formed between the back support 304 and housing 10, which axis is positioned forwardly of the pivot axis formed between the back support 304 and the seat 200, such that the backrest 300 and back support 304 tilt rearwardly at a greater rate and angle than does the seat 200. Preferably, the back tilts relative to the seat at about a preferred 2:1 ratio, such that the shirt-tail pull effect is avoided. Of course, other synchrotilt ratios are contemplated and suitable. In addition, the configuration of the back support, the seat and the various positions of the pivot axes, allow the seat to pivot about the ankles of a user seated in the chair, preferably without the front edge of the seat rising as the user tilts rearwardly. The three-bar linkage provides a simple and compact mechanism that avoids the use of additional links. Additionally, by forming the linkage assembly from the seat, back support and housing, complex and expensive links and load bearing parts are avoided.
An adjustable support column 12, preferably pneumatic and shown in
Referring to the embodiment of the adjust mechanism for the support column shown in
Referring to
With the chair being generally described, the various features of the armrests, the seat, the backrest and the tilt control assembly, along with various controls therefore, will be described in more detail below.
Armrest Assembly:
Referring to
As shown in
As best shown in FIGS. 13 and 58–60, the ends of the lower horizontal portions 406 extend through openings 306 in opposite sides of a back support 304 and are secured, preferably fixedly (for example by welding), one to the other and/or to the back support member. Alternatively, the lower portions can be moveably secured to and supported by the back support, so as to allow them to move inwardly and outwardly in the lateral direction. In either embodiment, the lower portions 402 of the armrests form part of the back support 304. The lower portions of the armrests can be configured in any number of shapes, and provide different mounting pivot locations for the seat. For example, the shape and size of the armrest can be varied to provide different mounting arrangements and locations for the seat. Alternatively, a single modular armrest can be configured with a plurality (meaning two or more) mounting arrangements on the same member. In the preferred embodiment, the spine portion of the back support 304 can be made as a modular element, with the overall configuration of the back support being quickly and easily reconfigured simply by providing a different lower portion of the armrest.
Referring to the embodiments shown in
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Referring to
In one preferred embodiment, the radius of the inner surface of the lower curved portion 410 and of the inner wall of the sleeve members 414 is approximately 13.78 inches, while the radius of the outer surface of the lower curved portion 410 and of the outer wall of the sleeve member is approximately 14.68 inches. Of course, it should be understood that other radii would also work, and that preferred radius is between about 12 and about 16 inches.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Preferably, the lever 470, sleeve members 414 and stem 454 are made of a SG95 or SG200 Urethane, 79–80D Durameter. Alternatively, those components can be made from various plastics, metals, elastomers, composites, fiberglass, etc.
Referring to the embodiment of
It should be understood that the racks could be formed on the stem, and with the lever and/or indexing members pivotally mounted to the spine.
Referring to
Referring to
In the embodiment of
In operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 6–10, the platform 498 is moved or pivoted about the pivot axis 504 relative to the mounting platform 492, with the protuberance 496 indexing with one of the plurality of recesses 502 so as to locate the platform 498 relative to the mounting platform 492 in a plurality of pivot positions corresponding to the plurality of recesses. In the operation of the embodiment shown in
It should be understood that the location of the recesses (or openings) and protuberance can be reversed, with the protuberance extending downwardly form the platform and with the array of recesses or openings formed in the mounting platform on the top of the stem. Likewise, it should be understood that an array of protuberances could be provided on one or the other of the platforms and which mate with a recess.
Referring to
In a first embodiment of the platform 506, shown in
In a second embodiment, shown in
In either embodiment, as shown in
It should be understood that the various guide members and tracks could be formed in either the platform or armrest support. Likewise, the channel and linear gear(s) could be formed in the armrest support, with the pinion gear(s) secured to the platform. Also, it should be understood that the upper and lower platforms 498, 506 can be made as a single, one-piece member, with the recesses or protuberances formed on one side thereof, and with the channel and linear gear(s) formed on the other side thereof.
Referring to
A push button 554 includes a flange portion 556 that is slideably mounted in a pair of tabs that form a track 558. The button has an arm extending from the flange that includes a post 560 received in the opening 546 of the pawl. A spring 562 is mounted to the armrest support and biases the end portion 544 of the pawl into engagement with at least one of the teeth on at least one of the pinion gears 524. Alternatively, or in combination therewith, a pair of springs 549 bias the push button away from the platform as they engage a pair of backstops 551.
In the embodiment of
In the operation of either embodiment, the user pushes the push button 554 inwardly as it slides within the track 558 so as to move the post member 560 laterally inward. The post member 560 rotates the pawl 538 against the force of the spring 562, 549 about the pivot axis 540 and moves the end portion 544 thereof away from the teeth of the pinion gear(s) 524 to a disengaged position. When the desired lateral location of the armrest support is reached, the user releases the button 554, thereby allowing the spring 562, 549 to bias the pawl 538 to an engaged position with at least one of the pinion gear(s) 524. In the engaged position, the pawl 538 prevents the pinion gear(s) 524 from rotating about the axis, so as to prevent the armrest support 526 from being moved in the lateral direction.
It should be understood that a lever or actuator other than the push button can be employed to move the pawl from the engaged to disengaged position. Likewise, it should be understood that the pawl can be moved along a linear, rather than a rotational, path between the engaged and disengaged positions.
Referring to
Backrest:
Referring to
As best shown in
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As shown in
The spine 324 extends upwardly and has a pair of arms 330 that extend upwardly and outwardly from an upper end thereof. The ends of the arms each have a pad 332 that is secured to the back member 302 with a fastener. In particular, as shown in
Referring to
Referring to
The back member has a lumbar region 344, a thoracic region 346 and a lower region 348. The lower region includes a cut-out 350 shaped to be received on the lower end 326 of the spine, with a pair of bosses 352 positioned to mate with holes formed in the landings 328. The lower region also includes a sacral support 329, formed by a forwardly extending portion at the center of the lower region, as shown in
As with the lumbar region 344, the thoracic region 346 also includes an array of staggered elongated openings 354. Preferably, the elongated openings formed in the thoracic region are not as elongated, on average, as the openings in the lumbar region. This means, of course, that an occasional opening, or plurality of openings, in the thoracic region can have a greater elongation than an opening or plurality of openings in the lumbar region.
Likewise, the lower region 348 has an array of staggered elongated openings 354 formed therein, again, with an average elongation less than that of the lumbar region.
Referring to
The elongated openings in the lumbar region and the adjacent transition areas of the thoracic and lower regions are preferably obround 356. The shapes of the openings then transition from the obround shape to a peanut-shaped opening 358 as the location thereof moves upwardly and downwardly from the lumbar region, and then eventually the peanut-shaped openings are closed at a middle thereof to form substantially circular openings 360 adjacent the top and bottom of the back member. In addition, smaller circular openings 362 are formed along the opposite sides of the back member, including at the lumbar region, and around the entire peripheral portion of the back member. In the embodiment of
The back member 302, especially in the lumbar region, also preferably has a first thickness along the center line 364 thereof, and a second thickness at the peripheral sides 366 thereof, with the second thickness being greater than the first thickness, as shown for example in
Referring to
In the embodiment shown in
Referring to
The lumbar frame member and strap are preferably made of nylon, but can be made of other materials, such as metal, wood, composites, fiberglass, plastics and the like. The strap preferably includes a plurality of staggered, elongated openings 354 formed therethrough. One or more lumbar pads can be attached to the strap, or disposed between the strap and the back member.
Referring to
As best shown in
The base arm 1314 has an upper end 1320 disposed between the base of the first support member and the lumbar insert member. A fastener secures the first support member 1300 and the second support member 1302 to the insert member 820. The arms 1314, 1316 of the second support member, once installed, function as a cantilevered spring, which is supported at ends 1302 and 1318 and has free end 1328. The base arm 1314 has a plurality of longitudinally extending and rearwardly facing grooves 1322, 1324, which define a plurality of ridges. The base arm 1314 also has a step 1326 formed at the bottom thereof, which is connected to the curved portion 1328 that transitions to the support arm 1316 and provides additional flexibility between the arms 1314 and 1316. In this way, the overall support member 1302, including both arms acting in concert, functions as a cantilevered spring, while the individual arms 1314, 1316 act as individual springs that provide additional independent flexibility.
Referring to
It should be understood that in an alternative embodiment, one or all of the sacral support member, the lumbar support member and the fulcrum member can be connected to the back member and engage the frame.
In operation, the user grips one or both of the fulcrum handles 1336 and moves the fulcrum in the vertical direction to a desired position. As the fulcrum is lowered, it shortens the cantilevered length of the support member 1302, i.e., the distance between the fulcrum and the bottom curved portion 1328, and the arms 1314, 1316 in particular, and provides a firmer, more rigid support for the lower region 348 of the back member as it engages the rear surface thereof. The user can raise the fulcrum 1330 so as to provide a greater cantilevered length, which in turn provides more flexibility of the support member and a corresponding less rigid support of the back member in the lower region.
Referring to
The configuration of the spine 324 and back member 302 provides many advantages. For example, the compliant back member 302, with its larger, or longer, openings in the lumbar region, and its lesser thickness along the center portion, allow that region to be more flexible, such that it can be formed and supported by the lumbar support and/or sacral support. In addition, the entire back is allowed to conform to the back of the user, and in particular at the edge portions thereof, and can flex about the center spine in torsion, which is made more flexible by way of the two-piece construction with nested fins, and also about the bowed lumbar region. In essence, the intelligence of the backrest is shared by the spine 324 and the back member 302. In this way, the backrest provides greater comfort than a backrest formed with a peripheral, and relatively stiff or non-compliant, frame. In addition, by securing the back member 302 to the arms of the spine at a location spaced below the top of the back 336, including at about 14 inches in one embodiment, and preferably between about 2 inches and about 12 inches, and more preferably between about 4 inches and about 8 inches, the top peripheral portion can flex in response to movement from the user's shoulder and neck and further avoids a “hammock” effect between the top and bottom of the backrest.
In addition, the spine member is in essence modular, or provides a mounting configuration, which allows the manufacturer to install various support configurations on the same spine. In this way, for example, different back supports can be configured to mount on the same spine to provide an adjustable lumbar support, or a lumbar support with an adjustable sacral support. Of course, other adjustment configurations would be suitable.
Referring to
Referring to
The shoulder portions 386 of the frame member are received in the upper pocket 396, the periphery of which is shaped to mate with and conforms to outer periphery of the shoulder portions. A lower frame member 389 is disposed in the lower pocket 397 and is attached to the lower end of the spine 324. As the lower frame member is secured to the spine, the fabric member 390, and in particular the front web 392, is put in tension and is stretched tight between the lower frame member 389, the shoulder portions 386 of the upper frame member and the lumbar support 368. Because of the unique shape of the shoulder portions 386 and spine 324, the fabric member 390, and in particular the front web 392, is suspended in front of the cavity 388 and is free of contact on the rear side thereof along substantially the entire thoracic region, thereby providing the user with a unique suspension feel. In addition, the fabric is inexpensive to manufacture, and can be easily changed if damaged, or if a different aesthetic is desired. Moreover, the spine acts as a torsion spring, and the shoulder portions as springs, to provide a resilient feel to the user. The lumbar support 368 engages the rear side of the front web 392 and provides support for the user's lower back.
Seat:
Referring to
In a preferred embodiment, shown in
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to the embodiments of
Referring to
A linkage assembly 272 is pivotally mounted to a forward portion 262 of the auxiliary seat support. The linkage assembly includes a first link 274 having a first end 275 pivotally mounted to the auxiliary seat support with a pivot axle 276 at a first pivot axis. A second end of the first link is pivotally mounted to a second pivot link 278 at a second pivot axis. In turn, the second link 278 is pivotally mounted to the seat support on the pivot member 236, 237 at the main pivot axis. In the embodiment of
In operation, the user grips or grasps the front edge 262 of the auxiliary seat support and bends or flexes the auxiliary seat support as the first link 274 moves relative to the guide 252 and as the first link 274 pivots the second link 278 about the pivot member 236. The curvature of the track 280 preferably corresponds to the distance between the pivot axes on the second link such that the linkage assembly does not bind up. The relative curvatures allow for the first link 274 to maintain relatively the same orientation throughout the range of motion of the front portion of the seat. In addition, the first and second links 274, 278, with the guide member 252 engaging the first link, act as a beam to carry the load from the front edge of the auxiliary seat support to the primary seat support. In one embodiment, shown in
The seat also includes a lock device connected between the auxiliary seat support and the primary seat support. Of course, it should be understood that in certain embodiments, for example where the seat is not slideably moveable relative to the housing, but rather only pivotally moveable relative thereto, the lock device and the linkage assembly could be engaged with the housing, rather than the seat support.
Referring to
Referring to the embodiment of
In operation, the user lifts the handle 286 towards the front edge 262 of the auxiliary seat support and rotates the handle relative to the bracket 287 as he/she grips the front edge of the auxiliary seat support and thereby pivots the lock arm 284 against the force of the spring 294 to a disengaged position wherein the notches 288 are disengaged from the latch member 252. The user then moves the front edge 262 or portion of the auxiliary seat support to a desired position relative to the rear portion thereof by bending or flexing the auxiliary seat support, and in particular the rim portion 232 thereof. In one embodiment, the spring 277 indexes along the notches 279. When the desired position is reached, the user releases the handle 286, such that the spring 294 biases the lock arm 284 into an engaged position, with one of the notches 288 engaging the latch member 252. It should be understood that the latch member can be formed on the lock arm, with the notches or rack formed on the primary seat support or housing. The rack defines four to five positions, although it should be understood that the seat can be bent or flexed between at least a first and second position, or to a plurality of such positions other than four or five. Preferably, the curvature of the upper surface of the forward portion of the seat support is greater and increases as it is bent or flexed downwardly about a substantially horizontal axis, e.g., the pivot axis. Preferably, the seat supports are made of a resilient material, such as various polymeric or plastic, or elastomeric materials. In one preferred embodiment, the seat supports are made of nylon.
It should be understood that the primary and auxiliary seat supports can be integrally formed as a single one-piece unit, with a forward portion of the seat support being bendable or flexible, or relatively rigid, for example where no seat depth is intended. Likewise, it should be understood that the seat support can be formed as a single one-piece web or sheet material, without an additional membrane, wherein the one-piece web is made of a flexible material such as plastic and wherein the web forms the seating surface for the user. Of course, the same linkage and lock mechanism can be used to control the flexing and positioning of the forward portion of the seat support.
Referring to
Referring to
The carrier member 237 has an insert portion 239 disposed in the channel 233 and a cover portion 241 forming one or more recesses 243 shaped to correspond to and mate with the hook members 235 of the rim portion. The insert portion 239 of the carrier member is disposed in the channel 233 as the cover portion snaps over and engages the hook portions 235 so as to secure the membrane to the seat supports. Various methods of attaching a carrier member to a membrane, and for securing the carrier member to the seat support, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,368, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/666,624, entitled Carrier and Attachment Method for Load Bearing Fabric, filed Sep. 20, 2000, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
An information card (not shown) providing indicia for using the various chair mechanisms can be slidably mounted to the seat support, or alternatively, to the armrests or backrest. Preferably, the card or the support structure therefore are provided with travel limiting members to prevent the card from being removed from the chair where it can be then be lost.
Tilt Assembly:
As shown in
An annular bushing 50 has a first and second end 52, 54, with an annular flange 56 extending radially outward from the first end. The annular bushing 50 is inserted through the opening 40 in the platform 38, as the lower surface thereof abuts and is supported by the flange 56. The bushing is mounted on the upper end of the support column 12.
The back support arms 310 are preferably secured to the pivot bracket 32 at the first openings 946 with a pair of insert pivot members 317 as described above. In addition, a pair of assist springs 58 are mounted on the pivot members 317. Each spring 58 includes a first leg engaging the pivot bracket 32 and a second leg engaging the back support arm 310, wherein the spring biases the seat support in an upward direction. The springs 58 are preferably coil springs, although it should be understood that torsion springs, tension springs and compression springs also could be used to assist in the biasing of the back support member.
Referring to
The lower housing member 34 has a bottom wall 60, having a horizontal portion 62 and an upwardly and forwardly extending portion 64, a pair of opposite side walls 66 and a front wall 68. The lower housing member further includes a mounting podium 70 extending upwardly from a rear portion of the bottom wall. The podium 70 forms a cavity that receives the stop block 602 and includes an opening 72 that receives the bushing 50. At least one of the side walls 66 includes a slot 74 formed therein through which various pivot members can extend. The front wall 68 includes a pair of horizontally extending slots 76, which are shaped to receive an end of the leaf springs 30.
Referring to
As shown in
When the three-bar linkage formed by the back support, seat and housing is combined with a pair of leaf springs 30, the resultant chair can be designed in a compact and aesthetically pleasing form. It should be understood that the three-bar linkage could be formed by pivotally connecting the seat support and back support to the housing and by pivotally and slideably connecting the seat support to the back support, or by pivotally connecting the seat support to the housing and to the back support and then pivotally and slideably connecting the back support to the housing.
In one preferred embodiment, shown in
In this embodiment, the annular bushing 50 is disposed through openings 940, 972 in spaced apart portions of the inner and outer housing members, with the bushing capturing those members. The bushing is mounted on the upper end of the support column 12. Referring to
Yet other openings 1006 are positioned to be connected to a backrest support, seat or other linkage assembly supporting a seating structure in a different seating arrangement, or to support various actuator controls. In this way, the tilt housing is provided with a plurality of connector arrangements. For example, in one arrangement, the backrest support arms 402 and seat 200, which define a mounting arrangement, are configured to be pivotally connected to the pivot brackets 932 at the opening 946 and pivotally and translatably supported on the tracks 240 of the pivot bracket 932, with the opening 946 and track 240 defining a first connector arrangement. In another seating arrangement, one or both of the seat 200 and the back support 304, which define a mounting arrangement, which may be the same as or different from the first mounting arrangement, is configured to be connected to the upper and lower housing members at various openings, for example openings 1006, which define a second connector arrangement. In other seating arrangements, the seat and backrest are connected to the upper and lower housing, or a pivot bracket (which may vary from the disclosed pivot bracket) with a linkage assembly, which defines yet another mounting arrangement. Indeed, various openings in the housing members, including one or more of the inner and outer housing members and pivot bracket, can be formed to define different connection points that support the particular seating structure that is being mounted thereon. The connector and mounting arrangements can be sliding or fixed pivots as required by the chair kinematics. The dies used to form the various housing members are preferably constructed so that additional connector openings can be added later if another pivot point is desired. In addition, if the pivot point falls outside the side surface of the upper or lower housing members 934, 936, the location can simply be provided by adding the side pivot brackets 932, as shown herein.
As explained above, the seat to back support pivot connection is not defined by the tilt housing, and this connection, whether direct or by way of a link or linkage, can be made independent of the configuration of the tilt housing so as to further add to the flexibility of altering the kinematics of the seating structure. Moreover, a single back support can be used to support a variety of different configurations, simply by altering the shape and configuration of the armrests, which are connected to the seat as explained above.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Although the above-described three-bar mechanism is preferred, it should be understood that the leaf springs can also be incorporated into synchro-tilt chairs using linkage mechanisms such as four-bar linkages and the like. With a four-bar linkage, links can be provided to pivotally connect the seat support and/or back support to the housing and/or to each other about various horizontal axes.
As best shown in
The fulcrum member 90 includes a central portion 92, opposite side support portions 94, each having a support surface 96, and a bottom surface 97. Preferably, the support surfaces 96 are not symmetrical with respect to any laterally extending vertical plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal vertical plane in which the leaf springs 30 flex. Preferably, the support surface 96 is curvilinear and slopes rearwardly and downwardly, such that a tangent of any point therealong slopes rearwardly and downwardly. Preferably, at least a portion, and preferably the entirety, of the support surface 96 forms an arc. In a preferred embodiment, the arc has a radius between about 5 and 7 inches, and more preferably about 6 inches. In operation, the spring follows the support surface, which provides more contact therebetween as the user tilts rearwardly in the chair. In particular, as the spring bends in an arc, it naturally contacts the curved support surface of the fulcrum at a laterally extending tangent line. As the user reclines further rearwardly, the tangent contact moves rearwardly, thereby shortening the cantilevered length of the spring 30 at the end thereof engaging the support member 320 or spring link 1022. In turn, this change in the length of the spring varies the stiffness of the spring as the user tilts rearwardly.
Referring to
Other embodiments of the fulcrum member and adjustment mechanism for adjusting the longitudinal position thereof, are illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,715, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. It should be understood that the fulcrum member can alternatively be fixed within the housing at a specific location, such that the resistive force of the chair can not be adjusted.
Referring to FIGS. 43 and 48–50, in one preferred embodiment, an adjustment mechanism, including a linkage assembly 700 and an actuation mechanism 702, is connected to the fulcrum member 90. The linkage assembly 700 includes a cover bracket 704 mounted to a bottom wall 78 of the upper housing member 36. The cover bracket 704 includes a pair of opposite arcuate tracks 706 centered around a opening 708 defining a pivot axis. Preferably, the tracks, formed as slots in the bracket, are generally oriented in the lateral direction. The cover bracket 704 further includes a pair of opposite side walls 710, to which a screw member 712 is rotatably mounted. The bottom wall 78 of the upper housing member also includes a pair of opposite arcuate tracks 714 centered around a pivot member 716, which extends downwardly from the bottom wall and defines a pivot axis. Preferably, the tracks 714, which are formed as slots in the bracket, are generally oriented in the longitudinal direction, or in a direction opposite the tracks 706 formed in the cover bracket.
The linkage assembly includes a first and second link 718, 720 pivotally mounted to the cover bracket at the pivot axis. The first link 718 has a first guide member 722 extending upwardly and vertically therefrom and which is disposed in one of the tracks 714 in the upper housing member. The first link 718 further includes a second guide member 724 extending downwardly and vertically therefrom, and which is disposed in one of the tracks 706 in the lower housing member. The second link 720 has a first guide member 726 extending upwardly and vertically therefrom and which is disposed in the other track 714 in the upper housing member opposite the first track. The second link 720 further includes a second guide member 728 extending downwardly and vertically therefrom, and which is disposed in the other track 706 in the lower housing member. The first guide members 722, 726 of the links are further inserted or disposed in the slots 98 formed in the bottom of the fulcrum member. The second guide members 724, 728 are disposed or inserted in a pair of longitudinally extending tracks 730 formed in an actuator member, which is threadably engaged with the actuation screw 712, which is preferably, but not necessarily, double threaded. The various guide members 722, 724, 726, 728 define pivot axes between the links 718, 720 and the fulcrum member 90 and the actuator member 732.
In operation, the user rotates a knob 734, or grippable member, secured to the end of the screw 712. Preferably, the knob is visible to the user sitting in the chair and is located at approximately the handfall position of the user's right hand when seated in the chair. The knob is preferably circular and is shaped and dimensioned to be gripped in the palm of the user. In addition, the knob includes flexible fin regions spaced around the circumference thereof that can be gripped by the user's fingers. Preferably, the knob is rotated clockwise to increase the biasing force of the springs, and counterclockwise to decrease the force. Preferably, as the screw 712 is rotated, it threadably engages the actuator member 732 and moves it in a lateral direction. As the actuator member 732 is moved laterally, it moves the guide members 724, 728 in the arcuate tracks 706, as the guide members also move in the tracks 730 formed in the actuator member. Movement of the guide members 724, 728 causes the first and second links 718, 720 to pivot about the pivot axis 716, and thereby causes the guide members 722, 726 to move within the arcuate tracks 714 formed in the upper housing member. As the guide members 722, 726 move in the tracks 714, they engage the fulcrum member 90 and thereby move the fulcrum member in the longitudinal direction as the guide members 722, 724 move in the tracks 98 formed in the fulcrum member. Preferably, the torque required to adjust the position of the fulcrum member is less than about 5 lbf. In addition, preferably the fulcrum can be moved from its maximum to minimum biasing position with a maximum of 6 full revolutions of the knob. It should be understood that the various interfacing tracks and guide members can be formed or mounted on the opposite members as described herein without departing from the scope of this invention.
In alternative embodiment of the actuation mechanism, shown in
In operation, the user rotates the knob 734, which rotates the shaft 1058 and the bevel gear 810. The bevel gear 810 meshes with and rotates the bevel gear 1052 and thereby rotates the drive shaft 1042, which in turn moves the lead nut 1040 and fulcrum 90.
As best shown in
In an alternative embodiment, the drive shaft can simply extend through the front wall of the housing, to which it is rotatably mounted. An adjustment knob can be secured to the drive shaft. In operation, rotation of the drive shaft threadably engages and moves the fulcrum member.
The slotted openings 74, 86, 986 formed in the front walls 68, 82, 982 of the housing members 34, 36, 936 defined cross members 83, 85. The pair of leaf springs 30 are installed in the chair by inserting an end 31 of each spring through one of the openings 74, 86, 986 such that a top surface of the spring 30 engages the cross member 83, 85. A tab member 87, 987 or protuberance extends downwardly from the cross member and is disposed in an opening 33 formed in the end of the spring to locate and restrain the movement of the spring in the longitudinal direction. Instead of a cross member formed integrally into the housing, a separate horizontal rod can be installed laterally in a forward portion of the housing so as to engage the top surface of the forward end of the spring.
The leaf springs 30 are constrained laterally within the housing by the sides of the center portion 92 of the fulcrum. The leaf springs 30 extend rearwardly within the housing 10 such that a bottom surface of the springs engages the support surface 96 of the fulcrum member 90. An end of the spring is inserted beneath the support member 320 or the edge of the spring link hook portion 1024 such that top surface engages support member 320, which preferably includes a bearing member 321, or spring link 1022. Although each spring 30 is shown as a single leaf, it should also be understood that multi-leaf springs could also be employed. The leaf springs are preferably made of a composite material, such as a fiberglass and epoxy matrix, although it should be understood that other resilient materials such as steel would also work. The composite material can be a fibrous composite, a laminated composite or a particulate composite. A suitable composite spring is commercially available from Gordon Plastics, Inc. of Montrose, Colo. under the specification designation of GP68-UD Unidirectional Fiber Reinforced Bar Stock, and sold under the tradename POWER-TUFF. The fiberglass/epoxy matrix bar preferably is unidirectional with a glass content of about 68% and a laminate density of 0.068 lbs./in.3. The bar preferably has a flexstrength of about 135,000 psi, a flex modulus of about 5,000,000 psi, and an ultimate strain of about 2.4%. The use of a composite material bar can help eliminate the problems associated with creep. Another suitable spring is uni-directional fiberglass 70±2% by weight 30% vinyl esther hi-performance resin. The shape, size (width, thickness, length) and material of the springs can be varied to provide various spring characteristics. In addition, the spring can be compression molded in various curved shapes to provide unique tilt balance and ride options.
In operation, the end 84 of the leaf spring 30 biases the support member 320, the back support 304 and the seat support 202, via the back support and armrests, in an upward direction so as to thereby support a user sitting in the chair. The opposite end of the spring engages the cross member 83, 85 or rod mounted in the housing, while an intermediate portion of the spring is supported by the fulcrum member 90. In this way, the spring 30 acts as a simply supported beam with a load imparted intermediate the supported ends thereof. To adjust the force applied to the back support, the user simply actuates the linkage assembly which moves the fulcrum member in a linear, longitudinal direction within the housing. It should be understood that the spring biases the seat support by way of the back support, and that in alternative embodiments, the spring can bias the back support and seat support through a common element, such as with a pivot member that pivotally connects those members, or can directly bias the seat support and also the back support. In any of these embodiments, it should be understood that the springs are biasing each of the seat support and back support, individually and in combination.
As the fulcrum member 90 is moved rearwardly in the housing 10, the distance between the point of support at the front of the housing and the support member is decreased, so as to correspondingly increase the force applied by the rear end of the spring. Conversely, the fulcrum member 90 can be moved forwardly in the housing 10 to decrease the amount of resistive force applied to the seat support and back support by increasing the beam length, or the distance between the fulcrum 90 and the support member 320 or spring link 1022. Since the leaf spring 30 is simply supported at each end, rather being clamped to the housing, the pivot rod (or spring link) or both, bending moments are not introduced at the ends of the spring. When clamped, the properties of the spring, and the amount of the clamping, can effect the loading and associated stresses. Moreover, by providing a simply supported spring, tolerances can be relaxed and the curvature of the spring is allowed to undulate as the beam length changes.
Because the leaf springs 30 are disposed in the housing 10 in a side-by-side arrangement, and are preferably formed as flat bars, the housing can be made more compact at lower cost in an aesthetically pleasing way. This advantage is even more apparent when the leaf spring arrangement is combined with the three bar mechanism. Moreover, the resistive force of the spring can be adjusted easily and simply by slideably moving the fulcrum 90 within the housing 10. Since the resistive force is determined by the beam length, rather than by prestressing the spring, the adjustment does not require a progressively larger actuation force as is typically associated with torsion springs and bars and compression springs.
Tilt Limiter:
Referring to
In a preferred embodiment, the tilt limiter mechanism includes a U-shaped bracket 622 having a rear wall 624, a pair of side walls 626 and a pair of mounting flanges 628 secured to the back support. It should be understood that the bracket could be formed integrally with the back support. The tilt limiter includes an upper and lower tilt limiter member 630, 632 slideably mounted to the back support on a guide member 634 that extends through a slot 636 formed in the back support and has an upper and lower guide portion 638, 640 extending upwardly and downwardly from the support member respectively. In particular, each tilt limiter member includes a track 642, 644 disposed on one of the guide portions.
The upper tilt limiter member 630 includes a upwardly facing stop surface 646, which is provided with a curved contour to mate with the lower surface 620 of the stop member 614 when the upper tilt limiter member is moved forwardly under the stop member 614. In this way, the upper tilt limiter member 630 limits the forward tilt of the back support and attached seat as it engages the stop member 614. In operation, the tilt limiter member 630 is slid rearwardly such that the back support 304 can pivot forwardly until a curved lip 648 formed on a leading edge of a back support cross member that extends between the arm portions 310 engages the stop member 614 to define a forward tilt position, as shown in
The backrest, and chair, can also be locked in a neutral, or upright position, as shown in
Each tilt limiter member 630, 632 is moved in the longitudinal direction using an actuator mechanism. The actuator mechanism includes a pair of drive links 654 mounted to a first and second coaxially mounted pivot members 658, 660, each having a grippable portion, or paddle mounted to an end thereof. The shape of the paddles are configured to resemble the shape of the overall chair, as shown in
A pair of follower links 656 each have a first end are pivotally mounted to the bracket 624 at a first and second pivot axis 666, 668, which are spaced from the horizontal axis of rotation, and which are preferably, but not necessarily coaxial. A second end of the follower links 656 are each pivotally mounted to a coupling link 672, which is further pivotally mounted to the tilt limiter members 630, 632. It should be understood that the follower links can be directly coupled to the tilt limiter members without an intervening or intermediate coupling link.
A pair of springs 674 are mounted on the pivot member about the axis. Each spring includes a first arm 676 engaging a lug on one of the drive links 654 and a second arm 678 engaging a lug on one of the follower links 656. A pair of indexing members 680, formed as cantilever springs are mounted to the rear wall 624 of the bracket 622 and selectively engage racks 682 formed on the drive members 654.
In operation, the user rotates one of the levers 662, 664 to a desired tilt limiter position determined by the indexing member 680, which in turn pivots a corresponding drive link 654 and an associated arm 676 of the spring 674. If there is no load on the seat and backrest creating a frictional force between the tilt limiter member 630, 632 and the stop member 602, 614, the other arm of the spring 678 moves the follower link 656, coupling link 672 and the connected tilt limiter member 630, 632 to the desired position. However, if a load is applied to create a friction force between the tilt limiter member 630, 632 and the stop member 614, 606, the spring 674 will simply load up, but will not move the tilt limiter member until the user removes the load, wherein the spring 674 moves the tilt limiter to the selected position. In this way, the user is provided with pressure release mechanisms for both the forward and rear tilt limiters. The various drive and follower links can be made of metal or plastic, or other suitable materials know to those of skill in the art.
In an alternative preferred embodiment, best shown in FIGS. 60 and 63–65, tilt limiter members 1080, 1082 are pivotally mounted to the tilt housing, and in particular the outer housing 934, and releasably engage the back support member 308. In particular, a forward tilt limiter member 1080 includes a base portion 1084 pivotally mounted about a substantially horizontal axis between a pair of rearwardly facing lugs 1086 formed on the upper housing member 936. The tilt limiter member 1080 is mounted on a pivot axle 1088 about a pivot axis 1098, although it should be understood that such an axle could be formed integrally with the tilt limiter member. The tilt limiter member includes 1080 a stop arm 1090 extending outwardly, radially from the base portion 1084. The tilt limiter member 1080 further includes a pair of limiter arm members 1092 extending from the base portion and defining a space 1094 therebetween. The tilt limiter member 1080 further includes a pivot axis opening 1098 spaced apart from the axis in a substantially parallel relationship therewith. Finally, the tilt limiter member includes a notch 1100 or groove formed on one of the tilt limiter arms 1092 opposite the other of the arms.
In operation, the tilt limiter member 1080 is rotated between a forward tilt position, wherein the stop arm 1090 is pivoted such that it extends over the central portion 1016 of the back support web edge 1014 and engages the top surface of the web 1010, and a normal operating position, wherein the stop arm 1090 is pivoted downwardly such that the central portion 1016 of the back support engages the base portion 1084 of the tilt limiter member 1080. The rearwardly facing edge 1102 of the upper housing member 936 is disposed in the space 1094 between the tilt limiting arms 1092, which define and limit the rotation of the tilt limiter member between the normal and forward tilt positions. In addition, an over-center spring 1104 is mounted to the upper housing member and engages the notch 1100, and biases the tilt limiter member to one or the other of the normal and forward tilt positions.
Referring to
Each stop member 1106 has a stepped profile or contour defining a plurality of steps 1126 and corresponding stop surfaces. In addition, the bottom surface 1128 of the stop member is curved and engages the bottom wall 960 of the housing member 934, which is shaped to support the bottom surface. In this way, the loads applied to the stop members 1106 by the back support 308 are carried by the housing member 934, rather than the pivot members 1112.
In operation, the tilt limiter member 1082 is pivoted between a plurality of tilt limiter positions, wherein the back support side portions 1018 engage one of the steps 1126 of the tilt limiter. In one embodiment, the tilt limiter member has four positions, although other pluralities of steps and positions are suitable.
Referring to FIGS. 60 and 63–65, each tilt limiter member is rotated about a respective pivot axis using an actuator mechanism similar to that described above. The actuator mechanism includes a pair of drive links 1654 matingly engaged with and mounted to a first and second coaxially mounted pivot members 1658, 1660, each having a grippable portion, or paddle mounted to an end thereof, with the paddles arranged and configured as described above. The drive links 1654 preferably each include a tubular pivot portion 1662 and an arm 1664 extending laterally therefrom. The arm 1664 includes an opening 1666 formed in an end portion thereof. The first drive link 1654 is inserted through and pivotally engaged with the opening 1006 in one of the side walls 966 of the housing member 934, with the arm 1666 positioned inside the housing. The drive link 1654 includes an annular flange 1668 that engages the outer surface of the housing side wall 966 and prevents the drive link from being pulled through the opening 1006. In one embodiment, wherein the seating structure is configured without a tilt limiter, the drive link 1654 is disabled simply by inserting a fastener through an opening 1670 formed in the annular flange and securing the drive link to the housing in a non-rotatable relationship. A drive shaft 1672 connected to a paddle is inserted into the drive link 1654. The drive shaft 1672 includes a circumferential groove 1674 that engages the drive link 1654 with a snap fit. On the opposite side of the housing, a second drive link 1654 is inserted through the opening 1006, with an annular flange engaging the outer surface of the side wall 966 and with the arm 1664 disposed inside the housing. The drive shaft 1672 extends through the pivot member 1658 and the near drive link 1654 and captures the near drive link 1654 and pivot member 1658 and secures them to the housing as the drive shaft 1672 is snap fitted with the drive link 1654 on the opposite side.
The pivot members 1658, 1660 are rotatably mounted to the housing about a horizontal axis of rotation. It should be understood that the drive links 1654 and pivot members 1658, 1660 can be mounted about spaced apart, and even non-parallel, axes of rotation.
A first follower link 1700 has a first end pivotally mounted to the drive link 1654 at a first pivot axis. A second end of the follower link is pivotally mounted to the forward tilt limiter member 1080 at the opening 1096. A second follower link 1702 has a first end pivotally mounted to the drive link 1654 at a first pivot axis. A second end of the follower link 1702 is pivotally mounted to the rear tilt limiter member at the opening 1120.
In operation, the user rotates the rearward or forward pivot member 1658, 1660, for example by gripping a paddle member 1802, 1804. As the pivot member 1658, 1660 is rotated, the drive link 1654 is pivoted, which in turn moves the follower link 1700, 1702 and the corresponding tilt limiter member 1080, 1082 to the desired position. A pair of triangular shaped arm members 1083 formed on the tilt limiter member 1082 hold the ends of the follower links in engagement therewith.
As shown in
Various aspects of the seating structure are also disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/356,478, filed Feb. 13, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/418,483, filed Oct. 15, 2002, the same day as the present application and entitled “Backrest For A Seating Structure With An Adjustable Sacral Support,” both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/365,682, filed Feb. 12, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/418,578, filed Oct. 15, 2002 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/356,478, filed Feb. 13, 2002, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5810439 | Roslund, Jr. | Sep 1998 | A |
| 6250715 | Caruso et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
| 6361110 | Roslund et al. | Mar 2002 | B2 |
| 6367876 | Caruso et al. | Apr 2002 | B2 |
| 6588843 | Ebenstein | Jul 2003 | B1 |
| 6644741 | Nelson et al. | Nov 2003 | B2 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 0 937 426 | Aug 1999 | EP |
| 2 413 954 | Nov 2005 | GB |
| WO 9534233 | Dec 1995 | WO |
| WO 0171527 | Sep 2001 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20060091714 A1 | May 2006 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60418578 | Oct 2002 | US | |
| 60356478 | Feb 2002 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10365682 | Feb 2003 | US |
| Child | 11296118 | US |
