BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a seating assembly, and in particular to a seating assembly that includes a laminated support surface, wherein the surface can be configured to enhance mechanical properties of a supporting cover material, as well as to control the geometrical configuration or shape of the overall supporting surface.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is a seating arrangement that includes a first seating support arrangement that comprises a frame arrangement, a flexible cover member supported by the frame arrangement and configured to support a seated user, and a control arrangement operably coupled to the cover member such that deformation of the control arrangement deforms the cover member. The seating arrangement further includes a second seating support arrangement that comprises a frame arrangement, a flexible cover member supported by the frame arrangement and configured to support a seated user, and a control arrangement operably coupled to the cover member such that deformation of the control arrangement deforms the cover member. The seating arrangement further includes a coupling assembly operably coupling the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement with the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement such that deflection of the supporting surface of the second seating support arrangement causes a deflection of the cover member of the first seating arrangement while the frame arrangement of the first seating support arrangement and the frame arrangement of the second seating support arrangement each remain substantially motionless.
Another aspect of the present invention is a seating arrangement that includes a first seating support arrangement that comprises a first frame arrangement defining a first interior space, a first flexible cover supported by the first frame arrangement and located within the first interior space, the first flexible cover configured to support a seated user, and a second seating support arrangement that comprises a second frame arrangement defining a second interior space, and a second flexible cover supported by the second frame arrangement and located within the second interior space, the second flexible cover configured to support a seated user. The seating arrangement further includes a coupling assembly operably coupling the second cover of the second seating support arrangement with the first cover of the first seating support arrangement such that deflection of the second cover of the second seating support arrangement causes a deflection of the first cover member of the first seating arrangement while the first frame arrangement of the first seating support arrangement and the second frame arrangement the second seating support arrangement each remain substantially motionless.
Still yet another aspect of the present invention is a seating arrangement that includes a first seating support arrangement that comprises a seating frame arrangement, a flexible cover member supported by the seating frame arrangement and configured to support a seated user, and a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member and including a first surface facing the cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover member interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member. The first seating support arrangement further comprises an elastically resilient control supported by the seating frame arrangement and positioned between the cover member and one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, wherein elastic deformation of the control arrangement changes the geometrical configuration of the cover member. The seating arrangement further includes a second seating support arrangement including a supporting surface adapted to support a user, and a coupling assembly operably coupling the support surface of the second seating support arrangement with the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement such that deflection of the supporting surface of the second seating support arrangement causes a deflection of the cover member of the first seating arrangement.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seating arrangement embodying the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the seating arrangement of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a cover member and a surface layer taken along the line IIIA-IIIA, FIG. 1;
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the cover member and the surface layer;
FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a second alternative embodiment of the cover member and the surface layer;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a method for constructing a seating support arrangement in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an alternative method for constructing a seating support arrangement;
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a second alternative method for constructing a seating support arrangement;
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a seating arrangement, wherein a seating assembly and a back assembly are cut-away to show a control assembly; and
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a seating arrangement, wherein a seating assembly and a back assembly are cut-away to show a control assembly
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
The reference numeral 10 (FIG. 1) generally designates a seating arrangement embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, the seating arrangement 10 comprises an office chair assembly, however, it is noted that the present invention may be incorporated into various seating arrangements, including but not limited to, office seating, vehicle seating, home seating, stadium seating, theater seating, and the like. The seating arrangement 10 includes a castered base assembly 12 abutting a supporting floor surface 13, a control or support assembly 14 supported by the castered base assembly 12, a seat assembly 16 and a back assembly 18 each operably coupled with the control assembly 14, and a pair of arm assemblies 20.
The seat assembly or seating support arrangement 16 (FIGS. 2 and 3A) includes a seating frame arrangement 22 including a recess 24 defined therein. The seat assembly 16 further includes a flexible cover member 26 that is supported by the seating frame 22 as described below. In the illustrated example, the flexible cover member 26 includes a first surface 25 and a second surface 27 opposite the first surface 25, and comprises a woven fabric, however various materials may also be utilized, including non-woven fabrics, polymeric materials, leather, and the like. The seat assembly 16 further includes a surface layer 28 attached to the cover member 26. As shown, the surface layer 28 comprises a sheet of polymeric film material such as a polyester, however other suitable materials may also be utilized depending upon the particular application and the mechanical properties and/or shape control required. In the illustrated example, the surface layer 28 includes a first surface 29 and a second surface 31 opposite the first surface 29. The surface layer 28 further includes laterally extending first portions 30 attached to the cover member 26 and a plurality of laterally extending second portions 32 interspaced with the first portions 30 and which are not attached to cover member 26, thereby creating a plurality of laterally extending tunnels 4, as described below.
The seat assembly 16 further includes an elastically resilient control arrangement 50 that is supported by the seating frame 22 above the recess 24, and is positioned between the cover member 26 and the surface layer 28. In the illustrated example, the control arrangement 50 includes a pair of flexibly resilient flexing members 52 attached to the sides 54 of the seating frame 22 by mechanical fasteners 56. The control arrangement 50 further includes a plurality of support members 58 coupled to and extending laterally between the flexing members 52. In the illustrated example, the support members 58 comprise a plurality of flexibly resilient, tensioned wire members each having a circular cross-sectional configuration. However, it is noted that variously configured support members comprising various materials may be utilized.
As best illustrated in FIG. 3A, the seat assembly 16 is constructed such that the elongated support members 58 extend laterally through the tunnels 34, and are allowed to freely move with respect to the cover member 26 and the surface layer 28. Specifically, the seat assembly 16 is constructed by aligning the control arrangement 50 with the cover member 26 and the surface layer 28 such that the support members 58 of the control arrangement 50 are positioned between the cover member 26 and the surface layer 28. The first portions 30 of the surface layer 28 are then attached to the second surface 27 of the cover member 26, thereby creating the tunnels 34 within which the support members 58 extend and are allowed to freely move with respect to the cover member 26 and the surface layer 28. In the illustrated example, the first surface 29 of the surface layer 28 is preferably bonded to the second surface 27 of the cover member 26 via thermal bonding, sonic welding, laser welding, and the like, however other attachment methods may be utilized, such as adhesion, stitching, and the like. As an overview, FIG. 4 outlines the method for constructing the seating support arrangement 16 includes providing the frame arrangement 100, providing the cover member 102, providing the surface layer 104, positioning the control arrangement between the cover member and the surface layer 106, covering at least a portion of the cover member with the surface layer 108, attaching the first portions of the surface layer with the cover member 100, and coupling the cover member with the frame arrangement 112. Of course, alternative step sequences may also be utilized, such as attaching the surface layer with cover member 110 prior to positioning the control arrangement with respect to the cover member and the surface layer 106.
It is noted that the first surface 29 of the surface layer 28 in the areas aligned with the second portions 32 of the surface layer 28 may be pre-treated so as to prevent bonding of the second portions 32 of the surface layer 28 with the second surface 27 of the cover member 26. Alternatively, a boundary layer 33 (FIG. 3B) may be positioned between the second portions 32 of the surface layer 28 and the second surface 27 of the cover member 26 such that the cover member 26 is prevented from bonding to the first surface 29 of the surface layer 28 at the second portions 32 thereof.
It is further noted that while FIGS. 3A and 3B show the cover member 26 and the surface layer 28 being arranged with respect to one another such that the first surface 25 of the cover member 26 forms the outer aesthetic surface of the seating support arrangement 16, the cover member 26 and the surface layer 28 may be arranged such that the surface layer 28 provides the outer aesthetic surface for the seating support arrangement 16, such as that illustrated in FIG. 3C. In this arrangement, the surface layer 28 may be provided in a pattern onto the cover member 26 or have a pattern created thereon or therein to provide the outer aesthetic appearance of the seating support structure 16 either individually or in cooperation with the cover member 26. Moreover, it is noted that the surface layer 28 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque, or combinations thereof.
Moreover, the surface layer 28 may be configured and/or patterned in a manner so as to cooperate with the cover member 26 to provide to or alter the mechanical properties of the cover member 26. For example, the surface layer 28 may be attached to the cover member 26 such that the elastic modulus of the combination of the cover member 26 and the surface layer 28 together is different from the elastic modulus of the cover member alone, thereby allowing for localized areas of increased support provided to a user. An example of a method that may be utilized to construct a seating support arrangement with a varying elastic modulus includes providing a seating frame arrangement 200 (FIG. 5), providing a cover member having a first elastic modulus 202, attaching a polymer film surface layer to a support area of the cover member such that the cover member and surface layer cooperate to provide a second elastic modulus in the support area that is greater than the first elastic modulus 204, and supporting the cover member and the surface layer from the seating frame arrangement 206.
In the illustrated example, the flexing members 52 are coupled to the seating frame 22 such that the flexing members 52 are flexed and biased in an upward direction 60. As best illustrated in FIG. 7, a control assembly 70 includes a control input arrangement such as a control knob 72 configured to receive an input from a user and operably coupled to at least one of the pair of flexing members 52 via a Bowden cable 74. In operation, a user may reconfigure the supporting surface 76 of the cover member 26 by flexing the flexible members 52 via the control knob 72 and the Bowden cable 74 between a first position A and a second position B. It is noted that while in the illustrated example, the control arrangement 50 is configured to adjust the shape of all or at least the majority of the support surface 76, the control arrangement 50 and the surface layer 28 may be configured to affect, reconfigure or shape only a portion of the support surface 76.
For example, the back assembly or seating support arrangement 18 is constructed in a similar manner to that of the previously described seat assembly 16, but wherein the associated surface layer and/or control assembly do not extend over the entire supporting surface of the back assembly. In the illustrated example, the back assembly 18 includes a back frame 80 that includes a recess 82, a cover member 84 and a surface layer 86. The surface layer 86 includes a plurality of first portions 88 and second portions 90 that are coupled with the cover member 84 in a similar manner to that described above with respect to the surface layer 28 and the cover member 26, thereby creating a plurality of laterally extending tunnels. A back control arrangement 92 is constructed similar to the control arrangement 50 of the seat assembly 16 and includes a pair of flexing members 94 operably coupled to the back frame 80 via a plurality of mechanical fasteners 96, and a plurality of support members 98 extending through the tunnels located between the cover member 84 and the surface layer 86. In the illustrated example, the surface layer 86 is aligned with a lower portion or lumbar region 83 of the cover member 84 and may or may not be aligned with and attached to an upper portion 85 of the cover member 84. The back control arrangement 92 is aligned with only the lower portion 83 of the cover member 84. In operation, a user may reconfigure a supporting surface 87 of the lower portion 83 of the cover member 84 in a similar manner to that described above with respect to the seat assembly 16, or specifically by flexing the flexing member 94 via a control knob 89 and a Bowden cable 91 between a first position C and a second position D.
Alternatively, the present invention may be used to couple multiple support surfaces together, such that a force input exerted onto one support surface changes the shape of or reconfigures another support surface. For example, the chair 10a (FIG. 8) may be configured such that an input force F exerted onto the seat assembly 16a results in a change of shape to the support surface 87a of the back assembly via a control assembly 93. Since the chair 10a is similar to the previously described chair 10, similar parts appearing in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are represented by the same reference numeral, except for the suffix “a” in the numerals of the latter. In the illustrated example, a Bowden cable 95a directly couples the flexing members 94a of the control arrangement 92a of the back assembly 18a with the flexing members 52a of the control arrangement 50a of the seat assembly 16a, such that the downwardly directed force F results in a downward deflection of the support surface 76a of the seat assembly 16a from the position E to the position F, thereby causing the support surface 87a of the back assembly 18a to deflect from the position G to the position H. While the present example illustrates the automatic adjustment of a lumbar area of a seating back assembly due to a force exerted on a seating assembly by a seated user, it is noted that the concept of reconfiguring and/or reshaping various supporting surfaces as a result of forces exerted on the support surfaces of other supporting arrangements may be used between a wide variety of supporting surfaces and seating components including but not limited to seat assemblies, back assemblies, head rest assemblies, arm assemblies, and the like.
Similarly, the surface layer 28 may be configured and/or patterned in a manner so as to cooperate with the cover member 26 to alter the rigidity of the material of the cover member 26 alone, thereby allowing the cover member 26 to be pre-shaped prior to assembly with the remainder of the seating support arrangement 16. For example, the surface layer 28 may be attached and molded with the cover member 16 so as to form three dimensional shapes with the cover member for increased structural integrity, improved aesthetics, improving ease of manufacturing and/or assembly, and the like. An example of a method that may be utilized to construct a seating support arrangement with a varying rigidity includes providing a seating support arrangement 300 (FIG. 6) providing a cover member having a first rigidity and a shaped area that is less than the total area 302, attaching the polymer film surface layer to the shaped area such that the shaped area has a rigidity greater than the first rigidity 304, shaping the shaped area into a three dimensional shape 306, and attaching the cover member and the surface layer to the seating frame arrangement while the shaped area substantially retains the three dimensional shape 308.
1. A seating support arrangement, comprising:
- a seating frame arrangement;
- a flexible cover member supported by the frame arrangement and configured to support a seated user;
- a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member and including a first surface facing the cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover member interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member; and
- an elastically resilient control arrangement supported by the frame arrangement and positioned between the cover member and one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, wherein elastic deformation of the control arrangement changes the geometrical configuration of the cover member.
2. The seating support arrangement of claim 1, wherein the seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly.
3. The seating support arrangement of claim 1, wherein the seating support arrangement comprises a seat support assembly.
4. The seating support arrangement of claim 1, wherein the cover member comprises a fabric material.
5. The seating support arrangement of claim 1, wherein the second portions of the surface layer cooperate with the cover member to form a plurality of elongated tunnels, and wherein the control arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels.
6. The seating support arrangement of claim 5, wherein the tunnels extend lateral across the cover member.
7. The seating support arrangement of claim 5, wherein the plurality of control members includes a plurality of elongate wires.
8. The seating support arrangement of claim 1, wherein the control arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between the cover member and one of the second portions of the surface layer.
9. The seating support arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first portions of the surface layer are attached to the cover member by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
10. The seating support arrangement of claim 1, further comprising:
- at least one boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the surface layer and the cover member.
11. The seating support arrangement of claim 10, wherein the at least one boundary layer is attached to the second portions of the surface layer.
12. The seating arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first portions of the surface layer are attached to the cover member by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
13. A seating arrangement, comprising:
- a first seating support arrangement, comprising:
- a seating frame arrangement;
- a flexible cover member supported by the seating frame arrangement and configured to support a seated user;
- a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member and including a first surface facing the cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover member interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member; and
- an elastically resilient control supported by the seating frame arrangement and positioned between the cover member and one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, wherein elastic deformation of the control arrangement changes the geometrical configuration of the cover member;
- a second seating support arrangement including a supporting surface adapted to support a user; and
- a coupling assembly operably coupling the support surface of the second seating support arrangement with the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement such that deflection of the supporting surface of the second seating support arrangement causes a deflection of the cover member of the first seating arrangement.
14. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the first seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly, and the second seating support arrangement comprises a seat support assembly.
15. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the second seating support arrangement further comprises:
- a seating frame arrangement;
- a flexible cover member supported by the seating frame arrangement and that includes the supporting surface;
- a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member and including a first surface facing the cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover member interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member; and
- an elastically resilient control arrangement supported by the seating frame arrangement and positioned between the cover member and at least one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, wherein the control arrangement is operably coupled with the coupling assembly, and wherein changes to the geometrical configuration of the cover member elastically deforms the control arrangement.
16. The seating arrangement of claim 15, wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating support arrangement to form a plurality of elongated tunnels, and the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels, and wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the second seating support arrangement to form a plurality of elongate tunnels, and the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels of the second seating support arrangement.
17. The seating arrangement of claim 16, wherein the tunnels of the first seating support arrangement extend lateral across the cover member of the first seating support arrangement, and wherein the tunnels of the second seating support arrangement extend lateral across the cover member of the second seating support arrangement.
18. The seating arrangement of claim 16, wherein the plurality of control members of the first seating support arrangement includes a plurality of elongate wires, and wherein the plurality of control members of the second seating support arrangement includes a plurality of elongated wires.
19. The seating arrangement of claim 16, wherein the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between the cover member of the first seating support arrangement and one of the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement, and wherein the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and one of the second portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement.
20. The seating arrangement of claim 16, wherein the first portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement are attached to the cover member of the first seating support arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding, and wherein the first portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement are attached to the cover member of the second seating support arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
21. The seating arrangement of claim 16, wherein the first seating support arrangement further comprises at least one boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement and the cover member of the first seating support arrangement, and the at least one boundary layer of the first seating support arrangement is attached to the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement, and wherein the second seating support arrangement further comprises at least one boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement and the cover member of the second seating support arrangement, and the at least one boundary layer of the second seating support arrangement is adhered to the second portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement.
22. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the cover member comprises a fabric material.
23. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating support arrangement to form a plurality of tunnels, and wherein the control arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels.
24. The seating arrangement of claim 23, wherein the tunnels extend lateral across the cover member of the first seating support arrangement.
25. The seating arrangement of claim 23, wherein the plurality of control members includes a plurality of elongate wires.
26. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the control arrangement includes an elongate wire position between the cover member and one of the second portions of the surface layer.
27. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the first portions of the surface layer are attached to the cover member by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
28. The seating arrangement of claim 13, further comprising at least one boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the surface layer and the cover member, wherein the at least one boundary layer is attached to the second portions of the surface layer.
29. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the coupling assembly comprises a Bowden cable.
30. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the seating arrangement comprises an office chair assembly.
31. A method for constructing a seating arrangement, comprising:
- providing a first seating support arrangement, comprising:
- providing a frame arrangement;
- providing a flexible cover member;
- covering at least a portion of the cover member with a surface layer, wherein the cover member includes a first surface facing the cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface;
- attaching first portions of the first surface to the cover member that are interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member; positioning an elastically resilient control arrangement between the cover member and at least one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, and such that elastic deformation of the control arrangement changes a geometrical configuration of the cover member; and
- coupling the cover member with the frame arrangement such that the cover member is configured to support a seated user;
- providing a second seating support arrangement including a supporting surface adapted to support a user; and
- coupling the support surface of the second seating support arrangement to the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement with a coupling assembly such that deflection of the supporting surface of the second seating support arrangement causes a deflection of the cover member of the first seating arrangement.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein providing the first seating support arrangement includes providing a back support assembly, and wherein providing the second seating support arrangement includes providing a seat support assembly.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein providing the second seating support arrangement comprises:
- providing a frame arrangement;
- providing a flexible cover member;
- covering at least a portion of the cover member with a surface layer, wherein the cover member includes a first surface facing the cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface, and wherein the first surface of the surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover member interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover layer; and
- positioning an elastically resilient control arrangement between the cover member and at least one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, and such that elastic deformation of the control arrangement changes a geometrical configuration of the cover member, and
- coupling the cover member with the frame arrangement such that at least one of the cover member and the surface layer is configured to support a seated user.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating support arrangement to form a plurality of elongated tunnels, and the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels, and wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the second seating support arrangement to form a plurality of elongate tunnels, and the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels of the second seating support arrangement.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the tunnels of the first seating support arrangement extend lateral across the cover member of the first seating support arrangement, and wherein the tunnels of the second seating support arrangement extend lateral across the cover member of the second seating support arrangement.
36. The method of claim 34, wherein the plurality of control members of the first seating support arrangement includes a plurality of elongate wires, and wherein the plurality of control members of the second seating support arrangement includes a plurality of elongated wires.
37. The method of claim 34, wherein the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between the cover member of the first seating support arrangement and one of the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement, and wherein the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and one of the second portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement.
38. The method of claim 33, wherein the first portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement are attached to the cover member of the first seating support arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding, and wherein the first portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement are attached to the cover member of the second seating support arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
39. The method of claim 33, wherein the first seating support arrangement further comprises at least one boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement and the cover member of the first seating support arrangement, and the at least one boundary layer of the first seating support arrangement is attached to the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement, and wherein the second seating support arrangement further comprises at least one boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement and the cover member of the second seating support arrangement, and the at least one boundary layer of the second seating support arrangement is attached to the second portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement.
40. The method of claim 31, wherein the cover member comprises a fabric material.
41. The method of claim 31, wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating support arrangement to form a plurality of tunnels, and wherein the control arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein the tunnels extend lateral across the cover member of the first seating support arrangement.
43. The method of claim 41, wherein the plurality of control members includes a plurality of elongate wires.
44. The method of claim 31, wherein the control arrangement includes an elongate wire position between the cover member and one of the second portions of the surface layer.
45. The method of claim 31, wherein the first portions of the surface layer are attached to the cover member by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
46. The method of claim 31, wherein the coupling assembly comprises a Bowden cable.
47. The method of claim 31, wherein the seating arrangement comprises an office chair assembly.
48. The method of claim 31, wherein positioning the control arrangement is completed one of prior to and concurrent with attaching the first portions of the first surface to the cover.
49. A method for constructing a seating support arrangement, comprising:
- providing a frame arrangement;
- providing a flexible cover member;
- covering at least a portion of the cover member with a surface layer, wherein the cover member includes a first surface facing the cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface;
- attaching first portions of the first surface to the cover member that are interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member;
- positioning an elastically resilient control arrangement between the cover member and at least one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, and such that elastic deformation of the control arrangement changes a geometrical configuration of the cover member; and
- coupling the cover member with the frame arrangement such that the cover member is configured to support a seated user.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein providing the first seating support arrangement includes providing a back support assembly.
51. The method of claim 49, wherein providing the second seating support arrangement includes providing a seat support assembly.
52. The method of claim 49, wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the seating support arrangement to form a plurality of elongated tunnels, and the control arrangement of the seating support arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein the tunnels of the seating support arrangement extend lateral across the cover member of the seating support arrangement.
54. The method of claim 53, wherein the plurality of control members of the first seating support arrangement includes a plurality of elongate wires.
55. The method of claim 49, wherein the control arrangement of the seating support arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between the cover member of the seating support arrangement and one of the second portions of the surface layer of the seating support arrangement.
56. The method of claim 49, wherein the first portions of the surface layer of the seating support arrangement are attached to the cover member of the seating support arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
57. The method of claim 49 further comprises:
- at least one boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the surface layer of the seating support arrangement and the cover member of the seating support arrangement, and wherein the at least one boundary layer of the seating support arrangement is attached to the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement.
58. The method of claim 49, wherein the cover member comprises a fabric material.
59. The method of claim 49, wherein positioning the control arrangement is completed one of prior to and concurrent with attaching the first portions of the surface to the cover.
60. A seating arrangement, comprising:
- a first seating support arrangement, comprising:
- a frame arrangement;
- a flexible cover member supported by the frame arrangement and configured to support a seated user; and
- a control arrangement operably coupled to the cover member such that deformation of the control arrangement deforms the cover member;
- a second seating support arrangement, comprising:
- a frame arrangement;
- a flexible cover member supported by the frame arrangement and configured to support a seated user; and
- a control arrangement operably coupled to the cover member such that deformation of the control arrangement deforms the cover member; and
- a coupling assembly operably coupling the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement with the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement such that deflection of the supporting surface of the second seating support arrangement causes a deflection of the cover member of the first seating arrangement while the frame arrangement of the first seating support arrangement and the frame arrangement of the second seating support arrangement each remain substantially motionless.
61. The seating arrangement of claim 60, wherein the first seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly, and the second seating support arrangement comprises a seat support assembly.
62. The seating arrangement of claim 60, wherein the first seating support arrangement further comprises a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member and including a first surface facing the cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover member interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member, wherein the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement is elastically resilient and extends between the pair of frame members and is positioned between the cover member and one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, and wherein elastic deformation of the control arrangement deforms the cover member.
63. The seating arrangement of claim 62, wherein the second seating support arrangement further comprises a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and including a first surface facing the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement includes first portions attached to the cover member of the second seating support arrangement interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member of the second seating support arrangement, wherein the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement is elastically resilient and extends between the pair of frame members of the second seating support arrangement and is positioned between the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and one of the second portions such that the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement, and wherein elastic deformation of the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement deforms the cover member of the second seating support arrangement.
64. The seating arrangement of claim 63, wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating support arrangement to form a plurality of elongated tunnels, and the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels, and wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the second seating support arrangement to form a plurality of elongate tunnels, and the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels of the second seating support arrangement.
65. The seating arrangement of claim 64, wherein the tunnels of the first seating support arrangement extend lateral across the cover member of the first seating support arrangement, and wherein the tunnels of the second seating support arrangement extend lateral across the cover member of the second seating support arrangement.
66. The seating arrangement of claim 63, wherein the plurality of control members of the first seating support arrangement includes a plurality of elongate wires, and wherein the plurality of control members of the second seating support arrangement includes a plurality of elongated wires.
67. The seating arrangement of claim 63, wherein the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between the cover member of the first seating support arrangement and one of the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement, and wherein the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and one of the second portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement.
68. The seating arrangement of claim 63, wherein the first portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement are attached to the cover member of the first seating support arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding, and wherein the first portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement are attached to the cover member of the second seating support arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
69. The seating arrangement of claim 63, wherein the first seating support arrangement further comprises at least one boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement and the cover member of the first seating support arrangement, and the at least one boundary layer of the first seating support arrangement is attached to the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement.
70. The seating arrangement of claim 62, wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating support arrangement to form a plurality of tunnels, and wherein the control arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels.
71. The seating arrangement of claim 70, wherein the tunnels extend lateral across the cover member of the first seating support arrangement.
72. The seating arrangement of claim 70, wherein the plurality of control members includes a plurality of elongate wires.
73. The seating arrangement of claim 62, wherein the control arrangement includes an elongate wire position between the cover member and one of the second portions of the surface layer.
74. The seating arrangement of claim 62, wherein the first portions of the surface layer are attached to the cover member by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
75. The seating arrangement of claim 62, further comprising at least one boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the surface layer and the cover member, wherein the at least one boundary layer is attached to the second portions of the surface layer.
76. The seating arrangement of claim 60, wherein the coupling assembly comprises a Bowden cable.
77. The seating arrangement of claim 60, wherein the cover member of the first seating support arrangement comprises a fabric material.
78. The seating arrangement of claim 60, wherein the seating arrangement comprises an office chair assembly.
79. A seating arrangement, comprising:
- a first seating support arrangement, comprising:
- a first frame arrangement defining a first interior space;
- a first flexible cover supported by the first frame arrangement and located within the first interior space, the first flexible cover configured to support a seated user; and
- a second seating support arrangement, comprising:
- a second frame arrangement defining a second interior space;
- a second flexible cover supported by the second frame arrangement and located within the second interior space, the second flexible cover configured to support a seated user; and
- a coupling assembly operably coupling the second cover of the second seating support arrangement with the first cover of the first seating support arrangement such that deflection of the second cover of the second seating support arrangement causes a deflection of the first cover member of the first seating arrangement while the first frame arrangement of the first seating support arrangement and the second frame arrangement the second seating support arrangement each remain substantially motionless.
80. The seating arrangement of claim 79, wherein the first seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly, and the second seating support arrangement comprises a seat support assembly.
81. The seating arrangement of claim 79, wherein the first seating support arrangement further comprises a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member and including a first surface facing the cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover member interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member, and wherein first seating support arrangement further comprises an elastically resilient control arrangement located within the interior space and positioned between the cover member and one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, and wherein elastic deformation of the control arrangement deforms the cover member.
82. The seating arrangement of claim 81, wherein the second seating support arrangement further comprises a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and including a first surface facing the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement includes first portions attached to the cover member of the second seating support arrangement interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member of the second seating support arrangement, wherein the second support arrangement further comprises and elastically resilient control arrangement that extends between the pair of frame members of the second seating support arrangement and is positioned between the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and one of the second portions such that the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement, and wherein elastic deformation of the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement deforms the cover member of the second seating support arrangement.
83. The seating arrangement of claim 82, wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating support arrangement to form a plurality of elongated tunnels, and the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels, and wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the second seating support arrangement to form a plurality of elongate tunnels, and the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels of the second seating support arrangement.
84. The seating arrangement of claim 83, wherein the tunnels of the first seating support arrangement extend lateral across the cover member of the first seating support arrangement, and wherein the tunnels of the second seating support arrangement extend lateral across the cover member of the second seating support arrangement.
85. The seating arrangement of claim 83, wherein the plurality of control members of the first seating support arrangement includes a plurality of elongate wires, and wherein the plurality of control members of the second seating support arrangement includes a plurality of elongated wires.
86. The seating arrangement of claim 83, wherein the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between the cover member of the first seating support arrangement and one of the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement, and wherein the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and one of the second portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement.
87. The seating arrangement of claim 83, wherein the first portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement are attached to the cover member of the first seating support arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding, and wherein the first portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement are attached to the cover member of the second seating support arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
88. The seating arrangement of claim 81, wherein the first seating support arrangement further comprises at least one boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement and the cover member of the first seating support arrangement, and the at least one boundary layer of the first seating support arrangement is attached to the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement.
89. The seating arrangement of claim 81, wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating support arrangement to form a plurality of tunnels, and wherein the control arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels.
90. The seating arrangement of claim 89, wherein the tunnels extend lateral across the cover member of the first seating support arrangement.
91. The seating arrangement of claim 81, wherein the first portions of the surface layer are attached to the cover member by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
92. The seating arrangement of claim 81, further comprising at least one boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the surface layer and the cover member, wherein the at least one boundary layer is attached to the second portions of the surface layer.
93. The seating arrangement of claim 79, wherein the coupling assembly comprises a Bowden cable.
94. The seating arrangement of claim 79, wherein the seating arrangement comprises an office chair assembly.
95. A seating support arrangement, comprising:
- a seating frame arrangement;
- a cover member supported by the frame arrangement, the cover member having a first elastic modulus in a first direction, the cover member having an outer surface area and a support area that is less than the outer surface area and is configured to support a user; and
- a polymer film surface layer attached to the support area of the cover member such that the combination of the cover member in the support area and the surface layer has a second elastic modulus in the first direction that is greater than the first elastic modulus.
96. The seating support arrangement of claim 95, wherein the surface layer is substantially transparent.
97. The seating support arrangement of claim 95, wherein the surface layer is attached to the cover member by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
98. The seating support arrangement of claim 95, wherein the surface layer is attached to an outer surface of the cover member.
99. The seating support arrangement of claim 98, wherein the surface layer comprises an aesthetic pattern.
100. The seating support arrangement of claim 95, wherein the seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly.
101. The seating support arrangement of claim 100, wherein the support area is positioned to support the lumbar area of a seated user.
102. The seating support arrangement of claim 95, wherein the polymer film surface layer comprises a polyester.
103. The seating support arrangement of claim 100, wherein the cover member comprises a fabric.
104. A method for constructing a seating support arrangement, comprising:
- providing a seating frame arrangement;
- providing a cover member having a first elastic modulus in a first direction, the cover member having an outer surface area and a support area that is less than the outer surface area and is configured to support a user;
- attaching a polymer film surface layer to the support area of the cover member such that the combination of the cover member in the support area and the surface layer has a second elastic modulus in the first direction that is greater than the first elastic modulus; and
- supporting the cover and the surface layer by frame arrangement.
105. The method of constructing the seat supporting arrangement of claim 104, wherein the surface layer is substantially transparent.
106. The method of constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 104, wherein the surface layer is attached to the cover member by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
107. The method of constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 104, wherein the surface layer is attached to an outer surface of the cover member.
108. The method of constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 107, wherein the surface layer comprises an aesthetic pattern.
109. The method of constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 104, wherein the seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly.
110. The method of constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 109, wherein the support area is positioned to support the lumbar area of a seated user.
111. The method of constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 104, wherein the polymer film surface layer comprises a polyester.
112. The method of constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 104, wherein the cover member comprises a fabric.
113. A seating support arrangement, comprising:
- a cover member having a first rigidity, the cover member having an outer surface area and a shaped area that is less than the outer surface area, wherein the cover member is configured to support a seated user; and
- a polymer film surface layer attached to the shaped area of the cover that is less than the outer surface area of the cover such that the combination of the cover member in the shaped area and the surface layer has a second rigidity that is greater than the first rigidity.
114. The seating support arrangement of claim 113, wherein the surface layer is substantially transparent.
115. The seating support arrangement of claim 113, wherein the surface layer is attached to the cover member by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
116. The seating support arrangement of claim 113, wherein the surface layer is attached to an outer surface of the cover member.
117. The seating support arrangement of claim 116, wherein the surface layer comprises an aesthetic pattern.
118. The seating support arrangement of claim 113, further comprising: a frame arrangement that supports the cover member.
119. The seating support arrangement of claim 118, wherein the seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly.
120. The seating support arrangement of claim 119, wherein the support area is positioned to support the lumbar area of a seated user.
121. The seating support arrangement of claim 113, wherein the polymer film surface layer comprises a polyester.
122. The seat support arrangement of claim 113, wherein the cover member has a first elastic modulus in a first direction, the cover member having an outer surface area and a support area that is less than the outer surface area and is configured to support a user, and wherein the surface layer attached to the support area of the cover member such that the combination of the cover member in the support area and the surface layer has a second elastic modulus in the first direction that is greater than the first elastic modulus.
123. The seating support arrangement of claim 122, wherein the shaped area and the support area are at least partially collocated.
124. The seating support arrangement of claim 113, wherein the cover member comprises a fabric.
125. A method for constructing a seating support arrangement, comprising:
- providing a seating frame arrangement;
- providing a cover member having a first rigidity, the cover member having an outer surface area and a shaped area that is less than the outer surface area;
- attaching a polymer film surface layer to the shaped area of the cover member such that the combination of the cover member in the support area and the surface layer has a second rigidity that is greater than the first rigidity;
- shaping the shaped area into a three dimensional shape; and
- attaching the cover member and the surface layer to the frame arrangement while the shaped area substantially retains the three dimensional shape.
126. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 125, wherein the surface layer is substantially transparent.
127. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 125, wherein the surface layer is attached to the cover member by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
128. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 125, wherein the surface layer is attached to an outer surface of the cover member.
129. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 128, wherein the surface layer comprises an aesthetic pattern.
130. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 125, further comprising:
- a frame arrangement that supports the cover member.
131. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 130, wherein the seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly.
132. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 131, wherein the support area is positioned to support the lumbar area of a seated user.
133. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 125, wherein the polymer film surface layer comprises a polyester.
134. The method for constructing the seat support arrangement of claim 125, wherein the cover member has a first elastic modulus in a first direction, the cover member having an outer surface area and a support area that is less than the outer surface area and is configured to support a user, and wherein the surface layer attached to the support area of the cover member such that the combination of the cover member in the support area and the surface layer has a second elastic modulus in the first direction that is greater than the first elastic modulus.
135. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 134, wherein the shaped area and the support area are at least partially collocated.
136. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement of claim 130, wherein the cover member comprises a fabric
In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention 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.
Patent Application
20160296025
