1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to chairs and seats and, more particularly, to a spring wire retention device for a chair.
2. Description of the Background of the Invention
Certain chair designs include a spring network or similar suspension system that uses spring wire to bridge an opening that defines a seat for supporting a user seated on the chair. A cushion is typically positioned on top of the springs for added comfort. The spring wire spanning the opening must be securely fastened at its opposite ends so that the user and the cushion are adequately supported when resting over the opening. Before the present invention, U-shaped brackets have been used to retain and secure the spring wires. The brackets are typically formed from metal and secured to the frame of the chair by screws, nails, tacks, or other common fasteners.
In addition to becoming loose and failing their intended purpose as time passes, these metal brackets and fasteners oxidize and break. Installing them also requires man hours and delay during manufacture because the spring wire cannot be installed until the fasteners are attached. The step of securing the brackets to the chair also adds to production costs.
There therefore remains a need for a spring wire retention device for a chair, which device does not require the use of brackets or fasteners. The present invention is directed toward meeting this need.
The present invention relates to a spring wire retention device for a chair of the type that includes a spring network with spring wires bridging an opening, which defines a seat for supporting a user seated on the chair. The spring wire retention device includes a retainer body that has an abutment formed therein to prevent movement of a spring wire bridging the opening. A stop member is provided, which includes a portion that is positioned opposite the abutment. There is also at least one resilient member provided for urging the spring wire toward the abutment.
In one aspect of the invention, a cavity may be formed in the body, and the resilient member may include a portion protruding from within the cavity.
In another aspect, the spring wire retention device may include a pair of retainer bodies. The pair of retainer bodies may be carried by the underside of the seat in spaced apart fashion, and the spring wire may extend between the bodies and bridge the opening that defines the seat. The spring wire may be in contact at opposite ends, respectively, with the abutment when the user is seated on the chair.
In still another aspect, the retainer body may define a ring. The ring may carry a plurality of retainer bodies. In another aspect, the ring and the retainer bodies may be integrally cast.
In yet another aspect, the stop member may define the resilient member.
In another aspect, the abutment may include a curved face, and the spring wire may be in contact with the curved face when the user is seated on the chair.
One object of the present invention is to provide an improved spring wire retention device for a chair, which device does not require brackets or fasteners to secure and retain the spring wire. Related objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention and presenting its currently understood best mode of operation, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, with such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
With reference to the figures, a spring wire retention device for a chair 200 is shown as a single retainer body 40 (
The spring wire retention device includes a retainer body 40 that has an abutment 50 bearing the majority of the weight displaced on the seat via springs 100 when in use. The retainer body 40 includes a stop member 60 and a resilient member 80, both of which extend upwardly from the surface of the retainer body 40. In an embodiment, each of the aforementioned members 50, 60 and 80 are integrally cast with the retainer body 40. Brackets and fasteners are unnecessary as a result. In an embodiment, the retainer body 40 is formed from plastic. The inventor has had success using plastic, but such material is not meant to be limiting. Die cast molds, thermo plastics or other means known by skilled artisans can be used to produce the retainer body 40. The physical properties of the retainer body 40 must be such, however, that the retainer body is essentially rigid and the resilient member somewhat pliable to effectively serve the purpose as herein later described.
Referring to
The stop member includes a forward wall 64 opposite the curved face 52 of the abutment 50. The forward wall 64 has a curved portion 65 and a straight portion 63 above and below the curved portion. Sloping rearwardly away from the top back side 61 of the forward wall are obliquely arranged fingers 68, which support and strengthen the stop member 60 upon the retainer body 40.
As illustrated in
In one embodiment, a plurality of retainer bodies 40 may be secured underneath a chair 200 in pairs disposed on opposite sides of the opening 202. In that embodiment, an end 102 of a corresponding spring wire 100 is retained by retainer bodies 40 as described above so as to bridge the opening 202 that defines the seat of the chair 200. In another embodiment, the retainer body 40 defines a ring 10, as shown in
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that the embodiments have been shown and described in the foregoing specification in satisfaction of the best mode and enablement requirements. It is understood that one of ordinary skill in the art could readily make a nearly infinite number of insubstantial changes and modifications to the above-described embodiments and that it would be impractical to attempt to describe all such embodiment variations in the present specification. Accordingly, it is understood that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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3773310 | Crosby | Nov 1973 | A |
D330850 | Roick | Nov 1992 | S |
5505436 | Roick | Apr 1996 | A |
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7036864 | Rehfuss et al. | May 2006 | B2 |