Patent Grant
11096497
Various embodiments relate to a seating arrangement, and in particular to a seating arrangement that includes various combinations of a pair of flexibly resilient shell members, a flexibly resilient support member and a rigid support member that cooperate to form a deformable and flexibly resilient four-bar linkage, and an active back arrangement having a movement that may be separated from movement of an associated seat support arrangement.
In one embodiment, a seating arrangement includes an upwardly extending back arrangement movable between an upright position and a reclined position, and a seat arrangement that includes a first link member extending substantially horizontally, the first link member having a forward portion and a rearward portion and configured to support a seated user thereon, a second link member spaced from the first link member, a third link member operably coupled to the forward portion of the first link member and to the second link member, the third link member being substantially flexible along a majority of a length thereof, and a fourth link member operably coupled to the rearward portion of the first link member and to the second link member, the fourth link member being substantially rigid along a majority of a length thereof. The first link member, the second link member, the third link member and the fourth link member cooperate to form a linkage arrangement, and the seat arrangement is configured to move in a rearward direction as the back arrangement is moved between the upright position and the reclined position.
In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a first shell member having a substantially horizontally-extending first portion and a second portion extending substantially upwardly from the first portion, the first portion including a forward portion, a rearward portion and a central portion located between the forward portion and the rearward portion, the second portion movable between an upright position and reclined positioned, and a second shell member having a substantially horizontally-extending first portion at least partially spaced from the first portion of the first shell member, and a second portion extending substantially upwardly from the first portion of the second shell member, the first portion of the second shell member including a forward portion and a rearward portion, the second portion of the second shell member movable between the upright position and the reclined position. The seating arrangement also includes a first link member extending between and operably coupled to the first portion of the of the first shell member and the first portion of the second shell member, and a second link member extending between the first portion of the first shell member and the first portion of the second shell member, the second link member being located rearwardly of the first link member. The first portion of the first shell member, the first portion of the second shell member, the first link member and the second link member cooperate to form a linkage arrangement. The central portion of the first portion of the first shell member flexes a greater amount than the rearward portion of the first portion of the first shell member, the rearward portion of the second shell member flexes a greater amount than the forward portion of the second shell member, the first link member flexes along a majority of a length of the first link member and the second link member remains substantially rigid along a majority of a length of the second link member as the second portion of the first shell member and the second portion of the second shell member are moved from the upright position to the reclined position.
In yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a seat assembly that includes a substantially horizontally-extending first link member configured to support a seated user thereon, the first link member having a first end and second end, a second link member at least partially spaced from the first link member, the second link member having a first end and a second end, a third link member operably coupled to the first end of the first link member and the first end of the second link member, and a fourth link member operably coupled to the second end of the first link member and the second end of the second link member, such that the first link member, the second link member, the third link member and the fourth link member cooperate to form a linkage arrangement having an interior space. The seating arrangement further includes a back assembly extending substantially upward from the first link member and movable between an upright position and a reclined position, a support member positioned at least partially within the interior space of the four-bar linkage, the support member configured to remain substantially stationary with respect to a ground surface as the back assembly is moved between the upright position and the reclined position, and an arm support assembly that includes an armrest surface configured to support the arm of a seated user, the arm support assembly coupled to and supported by the support member such that the armrest surface remains substantially stationary with respect to a ground surface as the back assembly is moved between the upright position and the reclined position.
In still yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a seat arrangement that includes a substantially horizontally-extending first link member configured to support a seated user thereon, the first link member having a first end and second end, a second link member at least partially spaced from the first link member, the second link member having a first end and a second end, a third link member operably coupled to the first end of the first link member and the first end of the second link member, and a fourth link member operably coupled to the second end of the first link member and the second end of the second link member, such that the first link member, the second link member, the third link member and the fourth link member cooperate to form a linkage arrangement. The seating arrangement further includes a back arrangement extending substantially upward from the first link member and movable between an upright position and a reclined position, the back assembly operably coupled to the seat arrangement such that the first link member moves between a forward position and a rearward position as the back arrangement is moved between the upright position and the reclined position, and a stop arrangement including a stop link having a first end and a second end, the first end operably coupled to at least one of the first link member, the second link and the fourth link member such that the first end of the stop link moves with the at least one of the first link member, the second link member and the third link member as the back arrangement moves between the upright position and the reclined position, wherein a travel of the second end is limited with respect to the second link member thereby limiting a rearward movement of the back assembly toward the reclined position, and wherein the stop arrangement further includes an elastically deformable stop member that is configured to limit a forward movement of the back arrangement toward the upright position.
In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a seat arrangement that includes a substantially horizontally-extending first link member configured to support a seated user thereon, the first link member having a first end and second end, a second link member at least partially spaced from the first link member, the second link member having a first end and a second end, a third link member operably coupled to the first end of the first link member and the first end of the second link member, and a fourth link member operably coupled to the second end of the first link member and the second end of the second link member, such that the first link member, the second link member, the third link member and the fourth link member cooperate to form a linkage arrangement having an interior space. The seating arrangement also includes a back arrangement extending substantially upward from the first link member and movable between an upright position and a reclined position, the back arrangement operably coupled to the seat assembly such that the first link member moves between a forward position and a rearward position as the back arrangement is moved between the upright position and the reclined position, and a stop arrangement positioned at least partially within the interior space of the four-bar linkage and including a stop member, and a first stop surface and a second stop surface each fixed with respect to at least one of the first link member, the third link member and the fourth link member, wherein the stop member is configured to abut the first stop surface thereby limiting a rearward movement of the back assembly as the back assembly is moved from the upright position toward the reclined position, and wherein the stop member is configured to abut the second stop surface thereby limiting a forward movement of the back arrangement as the back assembly is moved from the reclined position toward the upright position.
In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a flexibly resilient first shell member having a horizontally-extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, and a flexibly resilient second shell member having a horizontally-extending first portion at least partially spaced from the first portion of the first shell member, and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion of the second shell member and at least partially spaced from the second portion of the second shell member. The seating arrangement further includes a pair of flexibly resilient support members extending between and supporting the second portion of the first shell member from the second portion of the second shell member such that the first portion of the first shell member, the first portion of the second shell member and the pair of support members cooperate to form a four-bar linkage such that the first portion of the second shell member is movable between a forward position and a rearward position, wherein the first portion of the second shell member is more flexible than the first portion of the first shell member, and wherein the pair of flexible members are each more flexible than the first portion of the second shell member.
In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a flexibly resilient first shell member having a horizontally-extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, wherein the first shell member comprises a polymer, and a flexibly resilient second shell member having a horizontally-extending first portion at least partially spaced from the first portion of the first shell member, and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion of the second shell member and at least partially spaced from the second portion of the second shell member, wherein the second shell member comprises a polymer. The seating arrangement further includes a pair of flexibly resilient support members extending between and supporting the second portion of the first shell member from the second portion of the second shell member such that the first portion of the first shell member, the first portion of the second shell member and the pair of flexible members cooperate to form a four-bar linkage such that the first portion of the second shell member is movable between a forward position and a rearward position, wherein the pair of support members comprise a metal.
In yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a flexibly resilient first shell member having a horizontally-extending first portion, a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, and an arcuately-shaped transition portion located between the first portion and the second portion, and a flexibly resilient second shell member having a horizontally-extending first portion at least partially spaced from the first portion of the first shell member, a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion of the second shell member and at least partially spaced from the second portion of the second shell member, and an arcuately-shaped transition portion located between the first and second portions of the second shell member, wherein the second portion of the first shell member and the second portion of the second shell member are each movable between an upright position and a reclined position. The seating arrangement further includes a spacer member coupled to one of the first shell member and the second shell member and spaced from the other of the first shell member and second shell member when the second portion of the first shell member and the second portion of the second shell member are in the upright position, and wherein the spacer member abuts the transition portion of the other shell member when the second portion of the first shell member and the second portion of the second shell member are in the reclined position.
Still yet another embodiment includes providing a seating arrangement that includes a flexibly resilient first shell member having a horizontally-extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, the second portion movable between an upright position and a reclined position, and a flexibly resilient second shell member having a horizontally-extending first portion at least partially spaced from the first portion of the first shell portion and movable between a forward position and a rearward position, and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion of the second shell member and at least partially spaced from the second portion of the second shell and flexible between a first position and a second position. The seating arrangement further includes a link member coupling the second shell member to the second portion of the first shell member such that movement of the second portion of the first shell member from the upright position to the reclined position moves the first portion of the second shell member from the forward position to the rearward position, and such that flexing of the second portion of the second shell member does not move the first portion of the second shell between the forward position and the rearward position.
In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a flexibly resilient rear shell member having a horizontally-extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, the second portion movable between an upright position and a reclined position, a back support member position forwardly of the second portion of the rear shell member and configured to support the back of a seated user, the back support member having an aperture extending therethrough, and a seat shell member configured to support a seated user and including a forward portion and a rearward portion extending though the aperture of the back support member and coupled to the second portion of the rear shell member such that moving the second portion of the rear shell member between the upright and reclined positions moves the seat shell member between a first position and a second position.
In yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a flexibly resilient rear shell member having a horizontally-extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, the second portion movable between an upright position and a reclined position, a flexibly resilient back support member positioned forwardly of the second portion of the rear shell member and configured to support the back of a seated user, and a seat shell member configured to support a seated user and including a forward portion and a rearward portion coupled to the second portion of the rear shell member such that moving the second portion of the rear shell member between the upright and reclined positions moves the seat shell member from a first position to a second position without flexing the back support member.
In still yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a flexibly resilient rear shell member having a horizontally-extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, the second portion movable between an upright position and a reclined position, a flexibly resilient back support member positioned forwardly of the second portion of the rear shell member and configured to support the back of a seated user, and a seat shell member configured to support a seated user, wherein moving the second portion of the rear shell member between the upright and reclined positions moves the seat shell member between a forward location and a rearward location. The seat arrangement further includes a pair of support members extending between and supporting the seat shell member from the second portion of the rear shell member, such that the first portion of the first shell member, the first section of the second shell member and the support members cooperate to form a four-bar linkage, wherein moving the second portion of the rear shell member between the upright and reclined positions moves the seat shell member between the forward and rearward positions without flexing the back support member.
In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a flexibly resilient rear shell member having a horizontally-extending lower portion, an upper portion extending upwardly from the lower portion, and a transition portion located between the lower portion and the upper portion, wherein the upper portion is movable between an upright position and a reclined position. The lower portion includes a U-shaped aperture having a base portion and a pair of arm portions extending forwardly from the base portion. The aperture is configured such that a portion of the rear shell member immediately adjacent to the base portion of the U-shaped aperture travels downwardly as the upper portion is moved from the upright position to the reclined position.
In yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a flexibly resilient rear shell member supported by the support assembly and having a horizontally-extending lower portion, an upper portion extending upwardly from the lower portion, and a transition portion located between the lower portion and the upper portion, the upper portion movable between an upright position and a reclined position. The seating arrangement further includes at least one biasing member coupled to the lower portion of the rear shell member and the upper portion of the rear shell member and biasing the upper portion of the rear shell member from the reclined position to the upright position, and a first stop member that is fixed with respect to the lower portion of the rear shell member, and wherein the at least one biasing member includes a second stop member that abuts the first stop member when the upper portion of the rear shell member is in the reclined position.
In still yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a flexibly resilient rear shell member having a horizontally-extending lower portion, an upper portion extending upwardly from the lower portion, and a transition portion located between the lower portion and the upper portion, wherein the upper portion is movable between an upright position and a reclined position. The lower portion includes a laterally-extending aperture that is configured such that a portion of the rear shell member immediately rearward to the aperture travels downwardly with respect to a portion of the rear shell member immediately forward of the aperture as the upper portion is moved from the upright position to the reclined position.
In still yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a flexibly resilient first shell member having a horizontally-extending first position and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, the second portion movable between an upright position and a reclined position, where the first portion includes an inner portion and at least one outer portion located laterally outward of the inner portion, and where the inner portion flexes a different amount than the outer portion as the second portion is moved between the upright and reclined positions. The seating arrangement further includes a flexible resilient second shell member having a horizontally-extending first portion at least partially spaced from the first portion of the first shell member and movable between the upright position and the reclined position, and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion of the second shell member and at least partially spaced from the second portion of the second shell, wherein a downward force on the inner portion of the first portion of the first shell member exerts a force on the second portion of the second shell from the recline position toward the upright position.
In still yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a flexibly resilient first shell member having a horizontally-extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, the first portion configured to support a seated user and including a flexible tab member configured to flex independently from a majority of the first shell member, and the second portion configured to move between an upright position and a reclined position. The seating arrangement further includes a second shell member having a horizontally extending first portion at least partially spaced from the first portion of the first shell member, and a first support member extending between and supporting the first portion of the first shell member from the first portion of the second shell member, wherein the support member is attached to the tab member of the first portion of the first shell member, and where the tab flexes a greater amount than the majority of the first portion of the first shell member as the second portion of the first shell member is moved from the upright position to the reclined position.
In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a flexibly resilient first shell member having a horizontally-extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, the second portion of the first shell member movable between an upright position and a reclined position, and a flexibly resilient second shell member having a horizontally extending first portion at least partially spaced from the first portion of the first shell member, and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion of the second shell member and at least partially spaced from the second portion of the second shell member, wherein the first portion of the second shell member includes a reduced thickness region where the thickness of the first portion of the second shell member is less than a thickness of the a majority of the first portion of the second shell member. The seating arrangement also includes a flexibly resilient first support member extending between and supporting the second portion of the first shell member from the second portion of the second shell member, where the first support member includes a reduced thickness region where the thickness of the first support member is less than a thickness of a majority of the first support member. The seating arrangement further includes a second support member extending between and supporting the second portion of the first shell member from the second portion of the second shell member such that the first portion of the first shell member, the first portion of the second shell member, first support member, and the second support member cooperate to form a four-bar linkage, and wherein the reduced thickness region of the first portion of the second shell member flexes more than the majority of the first portion of the second shell member and the reduced thickness region of the first support member flexes more than the majority of the first support member as the second portion of the first shell member moves from the upright to the reclined positions.
In yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a base, a back arrangement configured to support a seated user and moveable between an upright position and a reclined position, and a seat arrangement configured to support a seated user. The seating arrangement further includes a control mechanism that supports the seat arrangement and back arrangement on the base and is configured to synchronously move the seat arrangement and the back arrangement as the back arrangement moves between the upright and recline positions, the chair control mechanism including a hollow element that includes a pair of walls that cooperate to define a cavity and a control rod, and the control rod being positioned to project into the cavity of the hollow element and interact with the pair of walls of the hollow element such that the control rod abuts one of the walls of the pair of walls when the back arrangement is in the upright position and the other wall of the pair of walls when the back arrangement is in the reclined position.
In still yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a base, a back arrangement configured to support a seated user and moveable between an upright position and a reclined position, a seat arrangement configured to support a seated user, and a support arrangement that includes supported by the base including a stop arrangement configured to limit a movement of the back arrangement between the upright position and the reclined position, and that includes a coupling arrangement configured to couple a chair accessory to the support arrangement.
In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a base, a back arrangement and a seat arrangement supported by the base, where the back arrangement is movable between an upright position and a reclined position, and a shell supported on the base and forming at least a portion of the seat arrangement, where the shell has a substantially uninterrupted perimeter edge and a seating support region, a portion of the substantially uninterrupted perimeter edge of the shell defining a front edge section and another portion of the substantially continuous perimeter edge defining side edge sections rearward of the front edge section and adjacent the seating support region, and at least two slots are formed in the seating support region of the shell at a position spaced from the front edge section and generally adjacent to the side edge sections. The seating arrangement further includes a force activated control mechanism attached to the seating support region such that, upon movement of the chair into the recline position, the seating support region of the shell increases in height relative to the side edge sections of the shell.
In yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a support assembly configured to abut a floor surface, an integral, one-piece support shell defining a back portion configured to support a seated user and seat portion configured to support a seated user, and a control member including a plurality of flexing regions and a plurality of support elements, where the one-piece support shell is supported in the seat portion by at least one of the plurality of support elements and at least one of the plurality of flexing regions both positioned forwardly of a connection point between the support assembly and the control member, and by at least one of the plurality of support elements and at least one of the plurality of flexing regions both positioned rearwardly of the connection point.
In still yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a support shell including a seat portion configured to support a seated user and a chair back portion configured to support a seated user, the chair seat portion having a front region and a rear region and the chair back portion having an upper region and a lower region, where the rear region of the seat portion is coupled to the lower region of the chair back portion, and a control member including a front support and an attachment point for a second support, where the front support engages the support shell in the front region of the seat portion and the control member engages the back portion, wherein the control member is an integral, one-piece component including multiple flex regions configured to allow the support shell to move between an upright and reclined position.
In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a support shell that includes a back portion with an upper edge of a first width and a lumbar region of a second width, a seat portion with a front edge of a third width, and a transition portion, positioned between the chair back and chair seat portions, of a fourth width, and an upholstered cover comprising a similar first width, second width, third width, and fourth width. The seating arrangement further includes a support assembly, and a control member comprising a front support and a rear support and configured to allow the support shell to move between an upright and a reclined position, the control member coupled to the support shell through the front and rear supports and having a fifth width adjacent the rear support, wherein at least one of the first width, the second width, and the third width is greater than the fourth width, and the fourth width is greater than the fifth width.
In yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a shell member that includes a seat portion configured to support a user, a back portion extending generally upward from the seat portion and movable between an upright position and a reclined position, and a transition portion located between the seat portion and the back portion, wherein at least a portion of the back portion, at least a portion of the seat portion and at least a first portion of the transition portion comprises a first thermoplastic polymer having a first flexibility, and wherein at least a second portion of the transition portion comprises a second thermoplastic polymer have a second flexibility that is greater than the first flexibility.
In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a first portion of a seating component, a second portion of the seating component movable with respect to the first portion between a first position and a second position, and a transition portion of the seating component positioned between and integral with the first and second portions and configured to deform as the second portion is moved between the first and second position, the transition portion including a side in tension as the transition portion is deformed, a side under compression as the transition portion is deformed and a plurality of longitudinally-aligned strands where a majority of the plurality of strands of the transition portion are positioned in the side in tension, wherein the plurality of strands bias the second portion from the second position toward the first position.
In yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a first portion of a seating component, a second portion of the seating component movable with respect to the first portion between a first position and a second position and a transition portion of the seating component positioned between and integral with the first and second portions and configured to deform as the second portion is moved between the first and second position, the transition portion including a first side, a second side located opposite the first side, a first material have a first modulus of elasticity, and second material having a second modulus elasticity that is greater than the first modulus of elasticity, wherein a majority of the second material is located in the first side of the transition portion, and wherein the second material biases the second portion from the second portion toward the first position.
In still yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a first portion of a seating component, a second portion of the seating component movable with respect to the first portion between a first position and a second position, and a transition portion of the seating component positioned between the first and second portions and configured to deform as the second portion is moved between the first and second position, the transition portion including a first material and second material that is different than the first material, the first material comprising a thermoplastic, wherein the transition portion has a modulus of elasticity of within the range of from about 700,000 psi to about 5,000,000 psi, and wherein the second material biases the second portion from the second position toward the first position.
In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a seating surface configured to support a seated user, a back member extending upward substantially upward from the seating surface and movable between an upright position and a reclined position, and a supporting arrangement. The supporting arrangement includes a first portion, a second portion movable with respect to the first portion between a first position and a second position and a third portion between the first portion and the second portion and that is configured to deform as the second portion is moved between the first and second positions, the third portion including a side in tension as the third portion is deformed and a side under compression as the third portion is deformed, wherein the third portion of the supporting arrangement includes a first material having a first modulus of elasticity and second material having a second modulus of elasticity that is greater than the first modulus of elasticity, a majority of second material being positioned in the side in tension of the third portion.
In yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement subassembly for use in making a chair component includes first and second sections each including a plurality of longitudinally-aligned strands, and a tape carrier molded to the first and second sections, wherein at least portions of the first and second sections are exposed from the tape carrier and the exposed portions are spaced in different planes.
In yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a base member, and an integrally formed support member coupled to the base member and supporting a seat moveable from an upright position to a reclined position, wherein a first portion of the support member positioned rearwardly of the base member is bendable such that an upper layer of the first portion is put in tension, and wherein a second portion of the support member positioned forwardly of the base member is bendable such that a lower layer of the second portion is put in tension, wherein the upper layer of the first portion and the lower layer of the second portion are reinforced with at least one tensile substrate.
In still yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the second and third portions movable with respect to the first portion between respective first and second positions, and a first transition portion positioned between the first and second portions and a second transition portion positioned between the first and third portions, the first, second, third, first transition and second transition portions being an integral, single piece, the first and second transition portions configured to deform as the second and third portions are moved between the first and second positions, respectively, the transition portions each including a side in tension as the respective transition portion is deformed, a side under compression as the respective transition portion is deformed and a plurality of longitudinally-aligned strands where a majority of the plurality of strands of each transition portion are positioned in the side in tension of that transition portion, wherein the plurality of strands bias the second and third portions from the second position toward the first position thereof, wherein the first, second, third, first transition and second transition portions cooperate to form a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side, and wherein the side in tension of the first transition portion is located in the first side and the side in tension of the second transition portion is located in the second side.
In still yet another embodiment, a chair shell arrangement includes a seating portion, a curved transition portion and a backrest portion, wherein a pair of laterally spaced longitudinal slots are formed in portions of the seating portion and the transition portion thereby defining a central region and laterally spaced side regions, wherein the central region is moveable relative to the side regions during recline of the chair, and an over molded layer covering the pair of slots.
In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a first portion of a seating component, a second portion of a seating component moveable with respect to the first portion between a first position and second position, a transition portion of a seating component positioned between the first portion and the second portion, where the transition portion is configured to deform as the second portion is moved from the first position to the second position, the transition portion including a surface in tension as the transition portion is deformed and a surface under compression as the transition portion is deformed, and a stranded material attached to the surface in tension of the transition area.
In yet another embodiment, a flexible hinge arrangement includes a first portion, a second portion movable with respect to the first portion between a first position and a second position, and a transition portion positioned between the first and second portions and configured to deform as the second portion is moved between the first and second position, the transition portion including a side in tension as the transition portion is deformed, a side under compression as the transition portion is deformed and a plurality of longitudinally-aligned strands where a majority of the plurality strands of the transition portion are positioned in the side in tension, wherein the first, second and transition portions are a single, integral piece, and wherein the plurality of strands bias the second portion from the second position toward the first position.
In still yet another embodiment, a flexible hinge arrangement includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the second and third portions movable with respect to the first portion between respective first and second positions, and a first transition portion positioned between the first and second portions and a second transition portion positioned between the first and third portions, the first, second, third, first transition and second transition portions being an integral, single piece, the first and second transition portions configured to deform as the second and third portions are moved between the first and second positions, respectively, the transition portions each including a side in tension as the respective transition portion is deformed, a side under compression as the respective transition portion is deformed and a plurality of longitudinally-aligned strands where a majority of the plurality of strands of each transition portion are positioned in the side in tension of the transition portion, wherein the plurality of strands bias the second and third portions from the second position toward the first position thereof, wherein the first, second, third, first transition and second transition portion cooperate to form a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side, and wherein the side in tension of the first transition portion is located in the first side and the side in tension of the second transition portion is located in the second side.
Another embodiment includes a method of making a reinforced chair component that includes positioning a tape carrier having exposed first and second sections of glass fiber tape in a mold in a manner such that the first and second sections of tape are spaced apart in different planes within the mold, and molding a shell over the tape carrier and first and second sections of tape, wherein the first section of tape is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the shell and the second section of tape is positioned adjacent a lower surface of the shell relative to the chair component.
Yet another embodiment includes a method of constructing a seating arrangement including providing a first material comprising a plurality of strands extending lengthwise with respect to one another, placing the first material in a mold, and molding a second material to the first material to form a seating component having a first portion, a second portion, and a deformable transition portion positioned between the first and second portions, a side in tension as the transition portion is deformed and a side under compression as the transition portion is deformed, wherein a majority of the strands are positioned in the side in tension.
Still yet another embodiment includes a method of constructing a seating arrangement including providing a first material comprising a plurality of strands, placing the first material in a mold, and molding a second material to the first material to form a seating component a tensile side and a compression side, wherein a majority of the strands are positioned in the tensile side.
Still yet another embodiment includes a method of constructing a seating arrangement including providing an insert member that includes as first material and a plurality of strands extending lengthwise with respect to one another, the insert member having a first modulus of elasticity, placing the insert member in a mold, and molding an outer body about at least a portion of the insert member such that at least of majority of the insert is positioned in a tensile side of the outer body than a compression side of the outer body, the outer body comprising a second material having a second modulus of elasticity that is less than the first modulus of elasticity.
Another embodiment includes a method of making a reinforced chair component including positioning a first section of glass fiber tape on a first side of a mold, positioning a second section of glass fiber tape on a second side of the mold such that the two sections of tape are at least partially spaced apart from one another within the mold, and injecting a polymeric material into the mold over the first and second sections of tape to mold the component, wherein the first section of tape is positioned adjacent a first surface of the component and the second section of tape is positioned adjacent a separate surface of the component at least partially spaced apart from one another in the molded component.
Yet another embodiment includes a method of making a chair component including molding a shell having a seating portion, a curved transition portion and a backrest portion, molding a pair of laterally spaced longitudinal slots in portions of the seating portion and the transition portion thereby defining a central region and laterally spaced side regions in the shell, and overmolding a material on the seating portion and transition portion and covering the slots.
Yet another embodiment includes a method of constructing a seating arrangement including providing a first material comprising a plurality of strands extending lengthwise with respect to one another, providing a second material comprising a plurality of strands extending lengthwise with respect to one another, placing the first and second materials in a mold such that the first and second materials are at least partially offset from one another, and molding a third material to the first material to form a seating component having a first side and a second side, wherein a majority of the plurality of strands of the first material are positioned in the first side of the seating component and a majority of the plurality of strands of the second material are position in the second side of the seating component, and such that the first and second material are at least partially offset from one another.
In yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a seat portion configured to support a seated user, a back portion extending substantially upward from the seat portion and movable with respect to the portion between an upright position and a reclined position, and a biasing member that is separate from the seat portion and the back portion and that includes a stranded material and a side in tension and a side in compression as the back portion is moved from the upright position toward the reclined position, wherein the stranded material includes a plurality of longitudinally-extending strands, wherein a majority of the plurality of strands are located within the first side, and wherein the biasing member biases the back portion from the reclined position to the upright position.
Various embodiments of the seating arrangements described here may provide a platform with the proper fit and function for comfortably supporting a seated user and may reduce or shift costs by reducing associated part counts, manufacturing costs, and labor costs. The seating arrangement includes an uncomplicated, durable, and visually appealing design capable of a long operating life, and particularly well adapted for the proposed use.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of various embodiments will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the various seating embodiments as oriented in
The reference numeral 10 (
The front shell member 24 includes a horizontally-extending bottom or first portion or first link member 28, a vertically-extending upper or second portion 30 extending upwardly from the first portion 28, and an arcuately-shaped transition portion 32 extending between the first portion 28 and the second portion 30. The first portion 28 includes a forward portion 34, a rearward portion 36 and a central portion 38 located therebetween and extending laterally across the first portion 28. A pair of laterally-extending reliefs or apertures 40 are located within the central portion 38 and divide the forward portion 34 from the rearward portion 36 as further described below. The second portion 30 includes a lower portion 44, an upper portion 46 and a mid-portion 48 located therebetween that may be arcuately-shaped and forwardly convex so as to support the lumbar region of a user's back. It is noted that the front shell member 24 may alternatively be referred to herein as the forward shell member, the first shell member, the support member or support shell member, and the top shell or shell member.
The rear shell member 26 includes a horizontally-extending bottom or first portion or second link member 50 supported by a height adjustable pneumatic cylinder 12a at a connection point 12b, a vertically-extending upper or second portion 52 extending upwardly from the first portion 50, and an arcuately-shaped transition portion 54 extending between the first portion 50 and the second portion 52. Preferably, the rear shell member 26 comprises carbon fiber, however, other materials may also be utilized as described above. The second portion 52 of the rear shell member 26 includes a lower portion 56, an upper portion 58 and a mid-portion 60 located therebetween that may be arcuately-shaped and forwardly convex. The upper portion 58 of the second portion 52 of the rear shell member 26 is connected to the upper portion 46 of the second portion 30 of the front shell member 22 at a location 62, such as by sonic welding, an adhesive, integral molding, mechanical fasteners, and the like. It is noted that the rear shell member 26 may alternatively be referred to herein as the rearward shell member, the second shell member, the bottom shell or shell member, or the control arrangement. The front shell member 22 and the rear shell member 26 are configured so as to define a gap 64 between at least a portion of the upper portion 30 and upper portion 52, between the mid-portion 48 and the mid-portion 60, between the lower portion 44 and the lower portion 56, between the transition portion 32 and the transition portion 54, and/or between the first portion 28 and first portion 50. In certain embodiments, the front shell member 22 and the rear shell member 26 may be connected at the lower portions or mid-portions of their respective second portions 30 and 52 or at their respective transition portions 21 and 54. For example, the front shell member 22 and the rear shell member 26 may be connected at their respective lower portions 44 and 56 such that seating arrangement 10 essentially has a single shell second portion with a gap 64 between the first portions 28 and 50.
The seating arrangement 10 further includes a laterally-extending, flexibly resilient forward support member 66, and a laterally-extending, rigid rearward support member 68, each extending between the first portion 28 of the front shell member 22 and the first portion 50 of the rear shell member 26. In the illustrated example, the forward support member 66 is integral and forms a single-piece with the first portion 50 of the rear shell member 26, while the rearward support member 68 is formed as and is a separate piece from the front shell member 22 and the rear shell member 26. However, either or both the forward support member 66 and the rearward support member 68 may be formed integrally with or as a separate piece from the front shell member 22 and/or the rear shell member 26. In the present example, the rearward support member 68 preferably comprises a rigid, relatively lightweight carbon fiber, however, other material or materials may also be utilized depending on the application, including those listed above with respect to the front and rear shell members 24. The rearward support member 68 includes a body portion 70, an upper flange 72 secured to a bottom surface 74 of the first portion 28 at a location 74a, and a lower flange 76 secured to an upper surface 78 of the first portion 50 at a location 78a. The upper flange 72 and the lower flange 76 are secured to the first portion 28 and the first portion 50 by sonic welding, an adhesive, mechanical fasteners, friction fit and the like. Both the forward support member 66 and the rearward support member 68 angle forwardly from bottom to top, while the forward support member 66 includes a V-shaped notch or aperture 80 extending therethrough. In certain embodiments, the forward support member 66 may include one or more apertures, notches, or slots of varying shapes in order to promote a desired flexibility of the support member. Similarly, in some embodiments, the forward support member 66 may be a solid member shaped to promote a desired flexibility. The various configurations of the rear shell member as described herein, whether provided as a single, integral, one-piece unit or as a multiple-piece assembly allows the rear shell member to act as a control member to control various recline movements and support characteristics of the front shell member.
In operation, a user can move or recline the back arrangement 18 (
The seating arrangement 10 further includes a support member 84 (
The reference numeral 10a (
In operation, the bushing member 104 is compressed between the body portion 88a of the support member 84a and the rearward support member 68a as the back arrangement is moved in a forward direction from the reclined position to a fully forward upright position, thereby limiting the forward movement of the back arrangement. As the back arrangement is moved from the upright position to the reclined position, the stop link 108 is drawn from within an interior of the body portion 88a until the stop plate 114 abuts an inner surface 116 of the body portion 88a, thereby limiting movement of the rearward support member 68a and thus the rearward movement of the back assembly from the upright position toward the reclined position.
The reference numeral 10b (
In operation, the stop member 120 is configured to abut the pad 132 attached to the first portion 128 as the back assembly is moved from the reclined position toward a fully forward position, thereby limiting the amount of forward travel of the first portion or first link member 28b and the back assembly 12 in the forward direction. The stop member 120 is further configured such that the forward stop surface 124 contacts the pad 132 attached to the second portion 130 when the back arrangement is moved from the upright position to the reclined position, thereby limiting the amount of rearward travel of the first portion or first link member 28b and the back arrangement in the rearward direction.
The reference numeral 200 (
The rear shell member 212 includes a horizontally-extending bottom or first portion 216, a vertically-extending upper or second portion 218 extending upwardly from the first portion 216, and an arcuately-shaped transition portion 230 extending between the first portion 216 and the second portion 218. In the illustrated example, the first portion 216 is supported by a support plate 232 that abuts a bottom surface 234 of the first portion 216, and which is in turn supported by a column 236 of the pedestal assembly 202. In the illustrated example, the column 236 comprises a pneumatic height adjustment cylinder. The second portion 218 of the rear shell member 212 includes a lower portion 238, an upper portion 240 and an arcuately-shaped, forwardly convex mid-portion 242 located therebetween.
The front shell member 214 includes a horizontally-extending bottom or first portion 244, a vertically-extending upper or second portion 246 extending upwardly from the first portion 244, and an arcuately-shaped transition portion 248 extending between the first portion 244 and the second portion 246. The first portion 244 includes a forward portion 250 and a rearward portion 252, while the second portion 246 includes a lower portion 254, an upper portion 256 and an arcuately-shaped, forwardly convex mid-portion 258 located therebetween and configured to support the lumbar region of a user's back. The upper portion 256 of the second portion 246 of the front shell member 214 is connected to the upper portion 240 of the second portion 218 of the rear shell member 212 at a location 260, such as by sonic welding, an adhesive, integral molding, mechanical fasteners, and the like. The second shell member 212 and the first shell member 214 are configured so as to define a gap 262 between at least a portion of the upper portion 256 and the upper portion 240, between the mid-portion 258 and the mid-portion 242, between the lower portion 254 and the lower portion 238, between the transition portion 248 and the transition portion 230, and between the second portion 246 and the second portion 218.
The chair assembly 200 further includes a pair of laterally-extending, flexibly resilient support members, including a forward support member 262 and a rearward support member 264, each extending between the second portion 246 of the first shell member 214 and the second portion 218 of the second shell member 212. In the illustrated example, the forward support member 262 and the rearward support member 264 are integrally formed within a single spring member 266, however, the forward support member 262 and the rearward support member 264 may be formed as separate pieces, or as integral portions of the second shell member 212 and/or the first shell member 214. In the present example, the spring member 266 comprises a single sheet of metal material shaped to include the forward support member 262, the rearward support member 264, a support portion 268 attached to an underside or bottom surface 270 of the second portion 246 of the first shell member 214, and a pair of connection portions 272 extending rearwardly from the associated forward support member 262 and rearward support member 264. The connection portions 272 are secured to a spring stop member 274 which is described below. Alternatively, the connection portions 272 of the spring member 266 may be attached directly to an upper surface 276 of the second portion 218 of the second shell member 212. In the illustrated example, the connection portion 272 associated with the rearward support member 264 is attached to an upper surface of the spring stop member 274, while the connection portion 272 of the forward support member 262 is attached to and spaced from the upper surface of the spring stop member 274 by a spacer member 278 that is in turn attached to the upper surface of the spring stop member 274.
In operation, a user can move or recline the second portion 218 of the second shell member 212 and the second portion 246 of the first shell member 214 from an upright position A to a reclined position B by flexing the second shell member 212 and the first shell member 214. Movement of the second portion 218 of the second shell member 212 and the second portion 246 of the first shell member 214 from the upright position A to the reclined position B causes the first portion 244 of the first shell member 214 to move from a first position C to a rearward and reclined position D. Specifically, the first portion 216 of the second shell member 212, the first portion 244 of the first shell member 214, the forward support member 262 and the rearward support member 264 cooperate to form a flexible or deformable four-bar linkage allowing movement of the second portion 246 of the first shell member 214 to the first position C to the reclined position D. In some embodiments, the forward support member 262 and the rearward support member 264 are each more flexible than the second portion 246 of the first shell member 214, and the second portion 246 of the first shell member 214 is more flexible than the second portion 218 of the second shell member 212. In other embodiments, the various thicknesses of the links or members comprising the deformable four-bar linkage may vary so as to provide specific support and bending characteristics as previously described. It is noted that the deformable four-bar linkage does not include specific pivot assemblies and the components typically associated therewith, thereby reducing the complexity of the overall system. The spring member 266 is configured to return the four-bar linkage to the original position once the external force is removed. In the illustrated example, the forward support member 262 and the rearward support member 264 are substantially the same length, however as noted above, the connection portion 272 of the forward support member 262 is spaced from the spring stop member 274 or the upper surface 276 of the second portion 218 of the second shell member 212 by the spacer member 278, thereby effectively changing the moment arm length of the forward support member 262. As a result, the forward portion 250 of the second portion 246 of the first shell member 214 rises at a greater rate than the rearward portion 258 of the second portion 246 as the second portion 246 of the first shell member 214 is moved from the first position C to the reclined position D.
The spring stop member 274 includes a body portion 280 attached to the upper surface 276 of the second portion 218 of the second shell member 212, a forward stop portion 282 extending angularly forward and upward from the body portion 280, and a rearward stop portion 284 extending angularly rearward and upward from the body portion 280. The forward stop portion 282 is configured such that the forward support member 262 contacts the forward stop portion 282 thereby limiting the forward movement of the forward support member 262. In the illustrated example, the forward stop portion 282 is substantially flexible, thereby providing a spring effect or cushioning to the forward movement of the forward support member 262. However, the forward stop portion 282 may also comprise a substantially rigid material. The rearward stop portion 284 includes an arcuately-shaped upper end 286, and a mid-portion 288 that includes a vertically-extending slot 290. In operation, the upper end 286 is configured to abut the transition portion 248 of the first shell member 214, thereby limiting the rearward travel of the transition portion 248 with respect to the transition portion 230. In the illustrated example, the upper end 286 and the mid-portion 288 of the spring stop member 274 are flexibly resilient, so as to provide a soft-stop or cushioning to the rearward motion of the transition portion 248 to the transition portion 230.
A spacer 292 is positioned between the transition portion 230 of the second shell member 212 and the transition portion 248 of the first shell member 214. In the illustrated example, the spacer 292 includes an arcuately-shaped body portion 294 having a rearwardly-facing arcuately-shaped abutment surface 296, wherein the abutment surface 296 is complementary to the shape of the transition portion 230 of the second shell member 212. The spacer 292 further includes an arm portion 298 and a forward abutment portion 300 located at a distal end of the arm portion 298. The forward abutment portion 300 includes a forwardly-facing arcuately-shaped forward abutment surface 302 that abuts and is complementary to the shape of the transition portion 248 of the first shell member 214. The forward abutment portion 300 is secured to the transition portion 248 of the first shell member 214 by a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as bolts 304. In operation, the abutment surface 296 is spaced from the transition portion 230 of the second shell member 212 when the second shell member 212 and the first shell member 214 are in the upright position A. The abutment surface 296 moves rearwardly toward the transition portion 230 of the second shell member 212 as the second shell member 212 and the first shell member 214 are moved from the upright position A toward the reclined position B, until the abutment surface 296 abuts the transition portion 230, thereby reducing the total amount of flexure possible of the second shell member 212 and the first shell member 214 and maintaining a structural shape to the transition portion 230 and the transition portion 248. The spacer 292 further includes a stop member 306 extending upwardly from a forward end of the body portion 294 and received within the slot 290 of the mid-portion 288 of the spring stop member 274. The stop member 306 abuts an upper end of the slot 290, thereby providing a limit to the rearward recline of the second shell member 212 and the first shell member 214.
Alternatively, a chair assembly 200c (
Another alternative embodiment is illustrated in
In another alternative embodiment, a chair assembly 200e (
In still another alternative embodiment, a chair assembly 200f (
The reference numeral 400 (
The chair assembly 10 includes a rear or second shell member 422 (
The rear shell member 422 includes a horizontally-extending bottom or first portion 426, a vertically-extending upper or second portion 428 extending upwardly from the first portion 426, and a transition portion 429 extending between the first portion 426 and the second portion 428. In the illustrated example, the first portion 426 is supported by a support plate 430 that abuts a bottom surface 432 of the first portion 426, and which is in turn supported by a column 434 of the pedestal assembly 402. The second portion 428 of the rear shell member 422 includes a lower portion 436, an upper portion 438 and a mid-portion 440 located therebetween. The upper portion 438 of the rear shell member 422 is separated from the mid-portion 440 by a gap 442, thereby allowing the upper portion 438 to move independently from the mid-portion 440, as described below.
The front shell member 424 includes a first portion or seat shell member 444 and a second portion or back support member 446. The seat shell member 444 includes a forward portion 448, a rearward portion 450, an upper surface 452 configured to support a seated user, and a lower surface 454 opposite the upper surface 452. The back support member 446 includes a lower portion 456, an upper portion 458 and a mid-portion 460 located therebetween. The mid-portion 440 of the rear shell member 422 and the mid-portion 460 of the back support member 446 are coupled together by a laterally-extending rib 462 that extends forwardly from a forward surface 464 of the rear shell member 422 and rearwardly from a rearward surface 466 of the back support member 446. The rearward portion 450 of the seat shell member 444 is coupled to the second portion 428 of the rear shell member 422 by a link member 468. In the illustrated example, the link member 468 is integrally formed with both the rear shell member 422 and the seat shell member 444, however, each of these components may be formed as individual, single pieces. A lower end of the lower portion 456 of the back support member 446 extends through an aperture or slot 470 formed within the link member 468 and couples to an underside 472 of the link member 468 after passing through the aperture 470.
The seating arrangement 400 further includes a pair of laterally-extending, flexibly resilient support members including a forward support member 474 and a rearward support member 476 each extending between the seat shell member 444 and the second portion of the rear shell member 422. In the illustrated example, the support members 474, 476 are integrally formed with the seat shell member 444 and the rear shell member 422, and extend from the lower surface 454 of the seat shell member 444 to an upper surface 478 of the first portion 426 of the rear shell member 422, however each of these components may comprise individual pieces. The first portion 426 of the rear shell member 422, the seat shell member 444 and the pair of support members 474, 476 cooperate to define a deformable four-bar linkage allowing movement of the seating arrangement 400 as described below. In the illustrated example, the front support member 474 is slightly longer than the rear support member 476, the relevance of which is also described below.
In operation, a user can move or recline the second portion 428 of the rear shell member 422 from an upright position A to a reclined position B by flexing the rear shell member 422 and the front shell member 424. Movement of the second portion 428 of the rear shell member 422 from the upright position A to the reclined position B causes the seat shell member 444 to move from a first position C to a rearward and reclined position D. Specifically, the link member 468 draws the seat shell member 444 rearwardly with the second portion 428 of the rear shell member 422 as the second portion 428 of the rear shell member 422 is moved from the upright position A to the reclined position B. As noted above, the front support member 474 is slightly longer than the rear support member 476, thereby causing the forward portion 448 of the seat shell member 444 to vertically raise at a rate slightly faster than the rearward portion 450 of the seat shell member 440 as the seat shell member 444 is moved from the first position C to the reclined position D. It is also noted that the upper portion 438 of the rear shell member 422 and the upper portion 458 of the back support member 446 tend to recline about a pivot point located forwardly of the gap 442 at a slightly greater rate than the rate of recline of the mid-portion 440 of the rear shell member 422 and the mid-portion 460 of the back support member 446 as the rear shell member 422 and the back support member 446 are moved between the upright position A and the reclined position B.
As best illustrated in
In yet another embodiment, a seating arrangement 400g (
The reference numeral 500 (
The second shell member 512 includes a horizontally-extending bottom or first portion 516, a vertically-extending upper or second portion 518 extending upwardly from the first portion 516, and an arcuately-shaped transition portion 520 extending between the first portion 516 and the second portion 518. In the illustrated example, the first portion 516 is supported by a column 522 of the pedestal assembly 502.
The first portion 516 of the second shell member 512 includes a bottom wall 524 having a forward portion 526 and a rearward portion 528, a pair of sidewalls 530 extending angularly upward and laterally from the bottom wall 524, and a front wall 532 extending angularly upward and forwardly from the bottom wall 524. The upper or second portion 518 of the second shell member 512 includes a lower portion 534, an upper portion 536 and a mid-portion 538 located therebetween.
The rear or second shell member 512 further includes a U-shaped aperture 540 that includes a laterally-extending base portion 542 and a pair of forwardly-extending arm portions 544. In the illustrated example, the base portion 542 of the aperture 540 is positioned proximate the rearward portion 528 of the bottom wall 524 of the first portion 516 and proximate the transition portion 540, while the arm portions 544 extend forwardly from the base portion 542 and are located proximate the bottom wall 524 and proximate the sidewalls 530. The arm portions 544 angle or flair outwardly from one another from the base portion 542 to a distal end 546 of each of the arm portions 544. The second shell member 512 further includes an aperture 548 that extends from the transition portion 520 into the lower portion 534 of the second portion 518.
The front shell member 514 includes a horizontally-extending bottom or first portion 550, a vertically-extending upper or second portion 552 extending upwardly from the first portion 550, and an arcuately-shaped transition portion 554 extending between the first portion 550 and the second portion 552. The first portion 550 includes a forward portion 556 and a rearward portion 558, while the second portion 552 includes a lower portion 560, an upper portion 562, and an arcuately-shaped, forwardly convex mid-portion 564 located therebetween and configured to support the lower area of a user's back. The upper portion 562 of the second portion 552 of the first shell member 514 is connected to the upper portion 536 of the second portion 518 of the second shell member 512 at a location 566, such as by sonic welding, an adhesive, integral molding, mechanical fasteners, and the like. The second shell member 512 and the first shell member 514 are configured so as to define a gap 568 between at least a portion of the upper portion 562 and the upper portion 536, between the mid-portion 564 and the mid-portion 538, between the lower portion 560 and the lower portion 534, between the transition portion 554 and the transition portion 520, and between the second portion 552 and the second portion 518.
In operation, the second portion 518 (
The reference numeral 500h (
The reference numeral 500i (
The reference numeral 500j (
The structural reinforcement and biasing assembly 608 further includes a tilt limiting arrangement 630 (
The reference numeral 700 (
The rear shell member 712 includes a horizontally-extending bottom or first portion 716, a vertically-extending upper or second portion 718 extending upwardly from the first portion 716, and an arcuately-shaped transition portion 720 extending between the first portion 716 and the second portion 718. In the illustrated example, the rear shell member 712 comprises a two-part construction having a first portion 722 and a second portion 724 each having one portion of a lap joint 726. Specifically, the lap joint 726 includes a first portion 728 integral with the first portion 722 of the rear shell member 712 and a second portion 730 integral with the second portion 724 of the rear shell member 712, where the first portion 722 and the second portion 724 each cantilever and overlap with one another to form the lap joint 726. In assembly, a column 732 (
The front shell member 714 (
The front shell member 714 further includes a pair of laterally-spaced slots 764 extending in a fore-to-aft direction from a mid-portion of the second portion 746 to the intermediate portion 759 of the second portion 746, with the fore end of each slot 764 ending in an aperture 766, thereby dividing the front shell member 714 into an inner portion 768 and outer portion 770. The division of the inner portion 768 from the outer portions 770 allows the inner portion 768 to flex separately from the outer portions 770 during recline of the back assembly 708 from an upright position A to a recline position B. As best illustrated in the
The front shell member 714 (
The chair assembly 700 (
In the present example, the first portion 716 (
The chair assembly 700 further includes a recline stop arrangement 790 (
Alternatively, the arm assemblies 710, the arm support members 820 and the cover portion 822 may be replaced by an accessory supporting arrangement 830 (
The reference numeral 910 (
The front shell member 922 (
In the illustrated example, the front shell member 922 further includes a pair of laterally-spaced slots 944 extending in a fore-to-aft direction from a mid-portion 939 of the second portion 928 to the intermediate portion 942 of the second portion 928, thereby dividing the front shell member 922 into an inner portion 48 and a pair of outer portions 950. The division of the inner portion 948 from the outer portions 950 allows the inner portion 948 to flex separately from the outer portions 950 during recline of the back assembly 918 from an upright position A to a recline position B. As best illustrated in the
The front shell member 922 (
The rear shell member 924 includes a horizontally-extending bottom or first portion 958, a vertically-extending upper or second portion 960 extending upwardly from the first portion 958, and an arcuately-shaped transition portion 962 extending between the first portion 958 and the second portion 960, and as described in greater detail below.
In assembly, an intermediate portion 942 of the second portion 928 of the front shell member 922 located between the upper portion 938 and the mid-portion 939 is connected to an upper portion 964 of the second portion 960 of the rear shell member 924, such as by sonic welding, an adhesive, integral molding, mechanical fasteners, and the like. The front shell member 922 and the rear shell member 924 may be configured so as to define a gap 966 therebetween.
The chair assembly 910 (
In the present example, the first portion 958 (
In one embodiment, and as noted above, the forward support members 968 and the rearward support member 970 are integrally formed with the rear shell member 924. In the present embodiment, the rear shell member 924 (
In a first molding process (
The embodiment of the chair assembly 910 as described above provides a cost effective, reclinable seating arrangement with highly repeatable bending properties and support characteristics. Preferably, the forward support members 968 provide a bend stiffness of between about
and about
more preferably of between about
and about
and most preferably of between about
and about
The forward, flexible support members 68 further have a maximum thickness along a majority of the length of the forward support members 968 of less than equal to about 0.5 inches, more preferably of less than or equal to about 0.25 inches, and most preferably of between about 0.150 inches and about 0.040 inches. The resiliently flexible reinforcement members 956, 972 and 974 each have a modulus of elasticity or elastic modulus of preferably between about 700,000 psi and about 5,000,000 psi, more preferably of between about 700,000 psi and about 3,000,000 psi, even more preferably of between about 1,000,000 psi and about 2,000,000 psi, and most preferably of about 1,600,000 psi. The composite material of the resiliently flexible reinforcement members 956, 972, 974 is configured to store a significant amount of energy during deformation while simultaneously resisting fatigue failures. In addition, the composite material and configuration of the members 956, 972, 974 resists deformation in unwanted modes thereby preserving intended movement when subjected to disruptive forces.
The chair assembly 910 further includes a recline stop arrangement 1020 (
The present inventive flexible reinforcement arrangement and methods for employing the same may be utilized within various seating configurations and for various applications, seating assemblies, seating structures and seating elements. For example, the reinforcement arrangement may be utilized within weight activated seating arrangements, such as that shown in
The reference numeral 1300 (
The front shell member 1306 includes an outer shell member 1314 having a horizontally-extending bottom or first portion 1316, a vertically-extending upper or second portion 1318 extending upwardly from the first portion 1316, and an arcuately-shaped transition portion 1320 extending between the first portion 1316 and the second portion 1318. The first portion 1316 includes a forward portion 1322 and a rearward portion 1324, while the second portion 1318 includes a lower portion 1326, an upper portion 1328 and an arcuately-shaped, forwardly convex mid-portion 1330 located therebetween and configured to support the lumbar region of a user's back. The front shell member 1306 further includes a pair of laterally-spaced slots 1332 extending in a fore-to-aft direction similar to the slots 944 of the chair assembly 910 as previously described with respect to seating arrangement 910.
The front shell member 1306 further includes an inner shell portion 1334 having a horizontally-extending bottom or first portion 1336, a vertically-extending upper or second portion 1338, and an arcuately-shaped transition portion 1340 extending between the first portion 1336 and the second portion 1338. In assembly, the inner shell portion 1334 is over-molded over the outer shell member 1314 such that the inner shell portion 1334 covers or overlaps with at least a portion of the bottom portion 1316, the upper portion 1318 and transition portion 1320 at least in the area of the outer shell member 1314 surrounding the slots 1332. Preferably, the inner shell portion 1334 comprises a material that is more flexible than the material from which the outer shell member 1314 is constructed, more preferably the inner shell portion 1334 and outer shell member 1314 each comprise a thermoplastic polymer, and most preferably, the outer shell member 1314 comprises polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate, and the inner shell portion 1334 comprises a thermoplastic polyolefin.
The chair assembly 1300 further includes the reinforcement member 1302 located in the transition portion 1320 of the front shell member 1306, where the reinforcement member 1302 may be substantially rigid or flexible resilient as describe below. The reinforcement member 1302 is arcuately-shaped to match the arcuate shape of the transition portion 1320. In the illustrated example, the reinforcement member 1302 may comprise a relatively stiff material, such as metal, and extend along the transition portion 1320, such that the reinforcement member 1302 prevents the angle between the bottom portion 1316 and the upper portion 1318 from increasing as the upper portion 1318 is moved from the upright position to the reclined position, thereby concentrating compliance or bending in the control arrangement forward of the transition portion 1320.
The chair assembly 1300 further includes the structural reinforcement member 1304 extending between the tabs 1344 that are similar to the tabs 954 of the chair assembly 910 as described above. The reinforcement member 1304 overlaps with an area of the bottom portion 1316 of the shell member 1306 so as to disperse forces transmitted between the rear shell 1308 and the front shell 1306 in the vicinity of the tabs 1344. In assembly, the reinforcement members 1302, 1304 are positioned within corresponding reliefs 1345, 1347 of the substrate layer 1310, respectively.
In the illustrated example, various components and elements may be constructed similar to the rear shell member 924 as previously described, and specifically may comprise a resiliently flexible reinforcement members 1350, 1352, 1354, 1356 overmolded on an outer body. Preferably, one or more structural reinforcement members comprise a substrate material such as nylon molded about a stranded material such as fiberglass or carbon fibers, however other suitable materials may be used, while the associated outer body may comprise a flexibly resilient polymer material such as any thermoplastic, including, for example, nylon, glass-filled nylon, polypropylene, acetyl, or polycarbonate; any thermo set material, including for example, epoxies; or any resin-based composites, including, for example, carbon fiber or fiberglass.
The reference numeral 1300k (
In assembly, the rearward portion of the resiliently flexible reinforcement member 1360 is attached to the rear shell member 1308k by a plurality of mechanical fasteners (not shown) that are received through corresponding apertures 1380 of the resiliently flexible reinforcement member 1360, apertures 1382 of the front shell member 1306k, and into bosses 1384 (
In another embodiment, an arm arrangement 1500 (
In the illustrated example, the vertical adjustment of each arm assembly 1502 between the raised and lowered positions K, L is controlled by a control arrangement 1514. The control arrangement 1514 includes a lead nut 1516 threadably receiving a lead screw 1518. The lead nut 1516 is fixed to the arm base 1508 by a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as screws 1520 at a first end 1522, and includes a threaded interior surface 1524 and a second end 1526. The lead screw 1518 includes a threaded shaft 1528 having a first end 1530 threadably received within and engaging the threaded interior surface 1524 of the lead nut 1516, and a second end 1532 rotatably coupled to the arm support housing 1510 such that the lead screw 1518 is rotatable about a longitudinal axis 1534 of the lead screws 1518. The control or locking arrangement 1514 also includes an actuator 1536 (
A pair of biased bearing arrangements 1552, 1554 are configured to fill any gap 1556 that may exist or develop between the arm stalk 1506 and the arm base 1508. For example, a downward force P exerted by a user on a relatively forward portion of the arm cap 1512 may cause the arm stalk 1506 to rotate forwardly within the arm base 1508 such that the arm stalk 1506 contacts the arm base 1508 at a forward upper location 1556 and a rearward lower location 1558, while gaps 1556 may form at a forward lower portion 1562 and a rearward upper portion 1564. Each biased bearing arrangement 1552, 1554 includes a bearing member 1566 having a U-shaped cross-sectional configuration and preferably comprising a bearing material such as polyoxymethylene. In the illustrated example, each bearing arrangement 1552, 1554 includes a spring 1568, e.g., a single layer leaf spring, having a first end 1570 received within a first channel 1572 of the arm stalk 1506 and a second end 1574 received within a second channel 1576 of the arm stalk 1506, such that the spring 1568 biases the associated bearing member 1566 away from the arm stalk 1506 and into engagement with the arm base 1508 thereby providing a sliding bearing surface between the arm stalk 1506 and the arm base 1508 and simultaneously filling the gap(s) 1556 and reducing any excessive wiggle or looseness between the arm stalk 1506 and the arm base 1508 providing the arm assembly 1502 with a more firm feel to the user. It is noted that in the illustrated example, one bearing arrangement 1552 is positioned at a front edge of the arm stalk 1506 and is configured to fill the gap 1556 created between a lower edge of the arm stalk 1506 and the arm base 1508, while the other bearing arrangement 1554 is positioned at a rearward edge of the arm stalk 1506 and is configured to fill the gap 1556 created between the arm stalk 1506 and the arm base 1508 located at a different vertical location than the other gap 1556 near the forward edge, and in the instant example, at a location vertically higher than the other gap 1556 near the forward edge.
In another alternative embodiment, the seating arrangement 910 (
In the illustrated example, the controller 1602 (
The cable 1606 is slidably housed within a sheath 1648 (
The recline stop assembly 1604 (
The recline stop assembly 1604 also includes a back lock post 1668 pivotably coupled to the housing 1654 via a pivot pin 1670, and a torsion spring 1672 received on the pivot pin 1670 and configured to bias the back lock post 1668 from an engaged to a disengaged position as described below.
The back recline stop arrangement 1600 is configured to operate between four modes of operation, including: a handle disengaged, back stop disengaged mode as illustrated in
In the handle disengaged, back stop disengaged position (
The resiliently flexible reinforcement arrangements as described herein may also be utilized in other components or assemblies, such as, for example, other furniture components. For example, a resiliently flexible arrangement may be utilized within a table assembly 1400 (
In yet another embodiment, the resiliently flexible arrangement is utilized within a door arrangement 1440 positioned within the work surface 1402 and configured to allow access through the work surface 1402 and into an interior 1442 (
A chair assembly embodiment is illustrated in a variety of views, including a top perspective view (
Another chair assembly embodiment is illustrated in a variety of views, including a top perspective view (
It is noted that in each of the aforedescribed embodiments, the seating arrangement is configured such that some, many, or all of the components may be visible from an exterior of the seating arrangements subsequent to the seating arrangements being completely manufactured and assembled, such that the visible components form an outer aesthetic appearance of the seating arrangement, or alternatively may be enclosed within an interior of the chair assembly such that the components are not visible to the casual observer. Specifically, components such as the forward support member, the rearward support member, the support member, as well as the stop arrangements as described are at least partially visible from an exterior of the chair, and cooperate to form an overall outer aesthetic thereof. Certain embodiments may include some, many, or all of the components described herein. For example, an embodiment may include one or more apertures, one or more of the stop systems, and/or components or materials selected for performance purposes, e.g., to bias the seat arrangement to an upright position or for material strength requirements. In some embodiments, a selection of a particular component may influence the selection of various other components. For example, using a particular aperture or apertures may dictate what type of components or materials should be used for performance purposes and vice versa.
Various embodiments of the seating arrangements described herein may provide a platform with the proper fit and function for comfortably supporting a seated user that may also reduce or shift costs, for example by reducing associated part counts, manufacturing costs, and labor costs. Certain aspects of the seating arrangements may include an uncomplicated, durable, and visually appealing design capable of a long operating life, and particularly well adapted for the proposed use.
In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/726,855, filed on Oct. 6, 2017, entitled “SEATING ARRANGEMENT,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/096,809, filed on Apr. 12, 2016, entitled “SEATING ARRANGEMENT,” which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/146,666, filed on Apr. 13, 2015, entitled “COMPLIANT SEATING ARRANGEMENT WITH CUT-OUTS,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/146,672, filed on Apr. 13, 2015, entitled “COMPLIANT SEATING ARRANGEMENT WITH ACTIVE BACK,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/146,678, filed on Apr. 13, 2015, entitled “SEATING WITH COMPLIANT FOUR-BAR ARRANGEMENT AND ACTIVE BACK,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/153,266, filed on Apr. 27, 2015, entitled “SEATING ARRANGEMENT,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/232,784, filed on Sep. 25, 2015, entitled “SEATING ARRANGEMENT,” a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Pat. application No. 29/560,969, filed on Apr. 12, 2016, entitled “CHAIR,” now U.S. Design Pat. No. D802951, a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Pat. application No. 29/560,968, filed on Apr. 12, 2016, entitled “CHAIR,” now U.S. Design Pat. No. D804841, a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Pat. application No. 29/560,966, filed on Apr. 12, 2016, entitled “CHAIR,” now U.S. Design Pat. No. D804876, a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Pat. application No. 29/560,964, filed on Apr. 12, 2016, entitled “CHAIR,” now U.S. Design Pat. No. D804840, a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Pat. application No. 29/560,962, filed on Apr. 12, 2016, entitled “CHAIR,” now U.S. Design Pat. No. D804875, a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Pat. application No. 29/560,954, filed on Apr. 12, 2016, entitled “SEATING SHELL,” now U.S. Design Pat. No. D808187, a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Pat. application No. 29/560,960, filed on Apr. 12, 2016, entitled “SEATING SHELL,” now U.S. Design Pat. No. D821793, a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Pat. application No. 29/560,957, filed on Apr. 12, 2016, entitled “CHAIR,” now U.S. Design Pat. No. D804839, a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Pat. application No. 29/560,955, filed on Apr. 12, 2016, entitled “CHAIR,” now U.S. Design Pat. No. D804209, a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Pat. application No. 29/560,987, filed on Apr. 12, 2016, entitled “CHAIR,” now U.S. Design Pat. No. D802952, and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/679,357, filed on Jun. 1, 2018, entitled “SEATING ARRANGEMENT,” the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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