US20140077540A1 - Chair Assembly - Google Patents
Chair Assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140077540A1 US20140077540A1 US13/835,980 US201313835980A US2014077540A1 US 20140077540 A1 US20140077540 A1 US 20140077540A1 US 201313835980 A US201313835980 A US 201313835980A US 2014077540 A1 US2014077540 A1 US 2014077540A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- frame portions
- seating unit
- pair
- frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
- A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
- A47C7/38—Support for the head or the back for the head
- A47C7/386—Detachable covers for headrests
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
- A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
- A47C7/38—Support for the head or the back for the head
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C31/00—Details or accessories for chairs, beds, or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. upholstery fasteners, mattress protectors, stretching devices for mattress nets
- A47C31/02—Upholstery attaching means
- A47C31/023—Upholstery attaching means connecting upholstery to frames, e.g. by hooks, clips, snap fasteners, clamping means or the like
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a chair assembly, and in particular to an office chair assembly comprising a vertically adjustable, articulating headrest assembly.
- One aspect of the present invention is to provide a seating unit comprising a seat assembly adapted to support a seated user thereon, a back assembly extending upwardly from the seat assembly and adapted to support a seated user, and a headrest assembly adapted to support a head of a seated user.
- the headrest assembly comprises a frame assembly including a pair of vertically spaced frame portions and a pair of horizontally spaced frame portions, wherein the frame portions cooperate to form an open space therebetween, and wherein at least one of the frame portions includes a plurality of first alignment features, and a thermoplastic elastomeric cover member stretched between at least one of the pair of vertically spaced frame portions and the pair of horizontally spaced frame portions, wherein the cover member includes a plurality of second alignment features that cooperate with the first alignment features to align a cover member with the frame assembly.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a chair assembly embodying the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the chair assembly
- FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the chair assembly showing the chair assembly in a lowered position and in a raised position in dashed line, and a seat assembly in a retracted position and an extended position in dashed line;
- FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the chair assembly showing the chair assembly in an upright position and in a reclined position in dashed line;
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the seat assembly
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the chair assembly with a portion of the seat assembly removed to illustrate a spring support assembly
- FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a back assembly
- FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the back assembly
- FIG. 9 a is an exploded front perspective view of the back assembly
- FIG. 9 b is an exploded rear perspective view of the back assembly
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of an area 10 , FIG. 9 a;
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of an area 11 , FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an upper back pivot assembly taken along the line XII-XII, FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 13 a is an exploded rear perspective view of the upper back pivot assembly
- FIG. 13 b is an exploded front perspective view of the upper back pivot assembly
- FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the area 14 , FIG. 9 b;
- FIG. 15 a is an enlarged perspective view of a comfort member and a lumbar assembly
- FIG. 15 b is a rear perspective view of the comfort member and the lumbar assembly
- FIG. 16 a is a front perspective view of a pawl member
- FIG. 16 b is a rear perspective view of the pawl member
- FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view along the line XVIII-XVIII, FIG. 15 b;
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the chair assembly including a headrest assembly
- FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly, showing the headrest at lowered and raised positions;
- FIG. 20 is a side elevational view showing the headrest at a forward and a rearward articulated position
- FIG. 21 is an exploded front perspective view of the back assembly
- FIG. 22 is an exploded rear perspective view of the back assembly
- FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the headrest assembly
- FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the headrest assembly taken along the line XXIV-XXIV, FIG. 21 ;
- FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the headrest assembly taken along the line XXV-XXV, FIG. 21 ;
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly
- FIG. 27 is a front elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly.
- FIG. 28 is a first side elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly
- FIG. 29 is a second side elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly.
- FIG. 30 is a rear elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly.
- FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly.
- FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly.
- 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 .
- the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary.
- 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 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) generally designates a chair assembly embodying the present invention.
- the chair assembly 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 back assembly 18 each operably coupled with the control assembly 14 , and a pair of arm assemblies 20 .
- the control assembly 14 ( FIG. 3 ) is operably coupled to the base assembly 12 such that the seat assembly 16 , the back assembly 18 and the arm assemblies 20 may be vertically adjusted between a fully lowered position A and a fully raised position B, and pivotable about a vertical axis 21 in a direction 22 .
- the seat assembly 16 is operably coupled to the control assembly 14 such that the seat assembly 16 is longitudinally adjustable with respect to the control assembly 14 between a fully retracted position C and a fully extended position D.
- the seat assembly 16 and the back assembly 18 are operably coupled with the control assembly 14 and with one another such that the back assembly 18 is movable between a fully upright position E and a fully reclined position F, and further such that the seat assembly 16 is movable between a fully upright position G and a fully reclined position H corresponding to the fully upright position E and the fully reclined position F of the back assembly 18 .
- the base assembly 12 includes a plurality of pedestal arms radially extending and spaced about a hollow central column 26 that receives a pneumatic cylinder 28 therein. Each pedestal arm 24 is supported above the floor surface 13 by an associated caster assembly 30 . Although the base assembly 12 is illustrated as including a multiple-arm pedestal assembly, it is noted that other suitable supporting structures maybe utilized, including but not limited to fixed columns, multiple leg arrangements, vehicle seat support assemblies, and the like.
- the seat assembly 16 ( FIG. 5 ) includes a relatively rigid seat support plate 32 having a forward edge 34 , a rearward edge 36 , and a pair of C-shaped guide rails 38 defining the side edges of the seat support plate 32 and extending between the forward edge 34 and the rearward edge 36 .
- the seat assembly 16 further includes a flexibly resilient outer seat shell 40 having a pair of upwardly turned side portions 42 and an upwardly turned rear portion 44 that cooperate to form an upwardly disposed generally concave shape.
- the seat shell 40 is comprised of a relatively flexible material such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
- the outer seat shell 40 is secured and sandwiched between the seat support plate 32 and a plastic, flexibly resilient seat pan 46 which is secured to the seat support plate 32 by a plurality of mechanical fasteners.
- the seat pan 46 includes a forward edge 48 , a rearward edge 50 , side edges 52 extending between the forward edge 48 and the rearward edge 50 , a top surface 54 and a bottom surface 56 that cooperate to form an upwardly disposed generally concave shape.
- the seat pan 46 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending slots 58 extending forwardly from the rearward edge 50 .
- the slots 58 cooperate to define a plurality of fingers 60 therebetween, each finger 60 being individually flexibly resilient.
- the seat pan 46 further includes a plurality of laterally oriented, elongated apertures 62 located proximate the forward edge 48 .
- the apertures 62 cooperate to increase the overall flexibility of the seat pan 46 in the area thereof, and specifically allow a forward portion 64 of the seat pan 46 to flex in a vertical direction 66 with respect to a rearward portion 68 of the seat pan 46 , as discussed further below.
- the seat assembly 16 further includes a foam cushion member 70 that rests upon the top surface 54 of the seat pan 46 and is cradled within the outer seat shell 40 , and a fabric seat cover 72 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and an upper surface 76 of the cushion members 70 .
- the seat assembly 16 further includes a spring support assembly 78 ( FIGS.
- the spring support assembly 78 includes a support housing 80 comprising a foam and having side portions 82 defining an upwardly concave arcuate shape.
- the spring support assembly 78 further includes a relatively rigid attachment member 84 that extends laterally between the side portions 82 of the support housing 80 and is located between the support housing 80 and the forward portion 64 of the seat pan 46 .
- a plurality of mechanical fasteners 86 secure the support housing 80 and the attachment member 84 to the forward portion 64 of the seat pan 46 .
- the spring support assembly 78 further includes a pair of cantilever springs 88 each having a distal end 90 received through a corresponding aperture 92 of the attachment member 84 , and a proximate end 94 secured to the seat support plate 32 such that the distal end 90 of each cantilever spring 88 may flex in the vertical direction 66 .
- a pair of linear bearings 96 are fixedly attached to the attachment member 84 and aligned with the apertures 92 thereof, such that the linear bearing 96 slidably receives the distal ends 90 of a corresponding cantilever springs 88 .
- the cantilever springs 88 cooperate to allow the forward portion 64 of the seat pan 46 , and more generally the entire forward portion of seat assembly 16 to flex in the vertical direction 66 when a seated user rotates forward on the seat assembly 16 and exerts a downward force on the forward edge thereof.
- the back assembly 18 ( FIGS. 7-9B ) includes a back frame assembly 98 and a back support assembly 99 supported thereby.
- the back frame assembly 98 is generally comprised of a substantially rigid material such as metal, and includes a laterally extending top frame portion 100 , a laterally extending bottom frame portion 102 , and a pair of curved side frame portion 104 extending between the top frame portion 100 and the bottom frame portion 102 and cooperating therewith to define an opening 106 having a relatively large upward dimension 108 and a relatively narrow lower dimension 110 .
- the back assembly 18 further includes a flexibly resilient, plastic back shell 112 having an upper portion 114 , a lower portion 116 , a pair of side edges 118 extending between the upper portion 114 and a lower portion 116 , a forwardly facing surface 120 and a rearwardly facing surface 122 , wherein the width of the upper portion 114 is generally greater than the width of the lower portion 116 , and the lower portion 116 is downwardly tapered to generally follow the rear elevational configuration of the frame assembly 98 .
- a lower reinforcement member 115 attaches to hooks 117 ( FIG. 9A ) of lower portion 116 of back shell 112 .
- Reinforcement member 115 includes a plurality of protrusions 113 that engage reinforcement ribs 134 to prevent side-to-side movement of lower reinforcement member 115 relative to back shell 112 . As discussed below, reinforcement member 115 pivotably interconnects back control link 342 ( FIG. 26 ) to lower portion 116 of back shell 112 at pivot points or axis 346 .
- the back shell 112 also includes a plurality of integrally molded, forwardly and upwardly extending hooks 124 ( FIG. 10 ) spaced about the periphery of the upper portion 114 thereof.
- An intermediate or lumbar portion 126 is located vertically between the upper portion 114 and the lower portion 116 of the back shell 112 , and includes a plurality of laterally extending slots 128 that cooperate to form a plurality of laterally extending ribs 130 located therebetween.
- the slots 128 cooperate to provide additional flexure to the back shell 112 in the location thereof. Pairings of lateral ribs 130 are coupled by vertically extending ribs 132 integrally formed therewith and located at an approximate lateral midpoint thereof.
- the vertical ribs 132 function to tie the lateral ribs 130 together and reduce vertical spreading therebetween as the back shell 112 is flexed at the intermediate portion 126 thereof when the back assembly 18 is moved from the upright position E to the reclined position F, as described below.
- the back shell 112 further includes a plurality of laterally-spaced reinforcement ribs 134 extending longitudinally along the vertical length of the back shell 112 between the lower portion 116 and the intermediate portion 126 . It is noted that the depth of each of the ribs increases the further along each of the ribs 134 from the intermediate portion 126 , such that the overall rigidity of the back shell 112 increases along the length of the ribs from the intermediate portion 126 towards the lower portion 116 .
- the back shell 112 further includes a pair of rearwardly extending, integrally molded pivot bosses 138 forming part an upper back pivot assembly 140 .
- the back pivot assembly 140 ( FIGS. 11-13 b ) includes the pivot bosses 138 of the back shell 112 , a pair of shroud members 142 that encompass respective pivot bosses 138 , a race member 144 , and a mechanical fastening assembly 146 .
- Each pivot boss 138 includes a pair of side walls 148 and a rearwardly-facing concave seating surface 150 having a vertically elongated pivot slot 152 extending therethrough.
- Each shroud member 142 is shaped so as to closely house the corresponding pivot boss 138 , and includes a plurality of side walls 154 corresponding to side walls 148 , and a rearwardly-facing concave bearing surface 156 that includes a vertically elongated slot pivot slot 143 extending therethrough, and which is adapted to align with the slot 152 of a corresponding pivot boss 138 .
- the race member 144 includes a center portion 158 extending laterally along and abutting the top frame portion 100 of the back frame assembly 98 , and a pair of arcuately-shaped bearing surfaces 160 located at the ends thereof.
- the center portion 158 includes a first portion 162 , and a second portion 164 , wherein the first portion 162 abuts a front surface of the top frame portion 100 and second portion 164 abuts a top surface of the top frame portion 100 .
- Each bearing surface 160 includes an aperture 166 extending therethrough and which aligns with a corresponding boss member 168 integral with the back frame assembly 98 .
- the shroud members 142 are positioned about the corresponding pivot bosses 138 of the back shell 112 and operably positioned between the back shell 112 and race member 144 such that the bearing surface 156 is sandwiched between the seating surface 150 of a corresponding pivot boss 138 and a bearing surface 160 .
- the mechanical fastening assemblies 146 each include a bolt 172 that secures a rounded abutment surface 174 of the bearing washer 176 in sliding engagement with an inner surface 178 of the corresponding pivot boss 138 , and threadably engages the corresponding boss member 168 of the back shell 112 .
- the upper back pivot assembly 140 allows the back support assembly 99 to pivot with respect to the back frame assembly in a direction 180 ( FIG. 8 ) about a pivot axis 182 ( FIG. 7 ).
- the back support assembly 99 further includes a flexibly resilient comfort member 184 attached to the back shell 112 and slidably supporting a lumbar assembly 186 .
- the comfort member 184 includes an upper portion 188 , a lower portion 190 , a pair of side portions 192 , a forward surface 193 and a rearward surface 195 , wherein the upper portion 188 , the lower portion 190 and the side portions cooperate to form an aperture 194 that receives the lumbar assembly 186 therein.
- the comfort member 184 includes a plurality of box-shaped couplers 196 spaced about the periphery of the upper portion 188 and extending rearwardly from the rearward surface 195 .
- Each box-shaped coupler 196 includes a pair of side walls 198 and a top wall 200 that cooperate to form an interior space 202 .
- a bar 204 extends between the side walls 198 and is spaced from the rearward surface 195 .
- the comfort member 184 is secured to the back shell 112 by aligning and vertically inserting the hooks 124 of the back shell 112 into the interior space 202 of the box-shaped couplers 196 until the hooks 124 engage a corresponding bar 204 .
- forward surface 120 of the back shell 112 and the rearward surface 195 of the comfort member 184 are free from holes or apertures proximate the hooks 124 and box-shaped couplers 196 , thereby providing a smooth forward surface 193 and increasing the comfort to a seated user.
- the comfort member 184 ( FIGS. 15 a and 15 b ) includes an integrally molded, longitudinally extending sleeve 206 extending rearwardly from the rearward surface 195 and having a rectangularly-shaped cross-sectional configuration.
- the lumbar assembly 186 includes a forwardly laterally concave and forwardly vertically convex, flexibly resilient body portion 208 , and an integral support portion 210 extending upwardly from the body portion 208 .
- the body portion 208 is shaped such that the body portion vertically tapers along the height thereof so as to generally follow the contours and shape of the aperture 194 of the comfort member 184 .
- the support portion 210 is slidably received within the sleeve 206 of the comfort member 184 such that the lumbar assembly 186 is vertically adjustable with respect to the remainder of the back support assembly 99 between a fully lowered position I and a fully raised position J.
- a pawl member 212 selectively engages a plurality of apertures 214 spaced along the length of support portion 210 , thereby releasably securing the lumbar assembly 186 at selected vertical positions between the fully lowered position I and the fully raised position J.
- the pawl member 212 ( FIGS. 16 a and 16 b ) includes a housing portion 216 having engagement tabs 218 located at the ends thereof and rearwardly offset from an outer surface 220 of the housing portion 216 .
- a flexibly resilient finger 222 is centrally disposed within the housing portion 216 and includes a rearwardly-extending pawl 224 .
- the pawl member 212 ( FIG. 17 ) is positioned within an aperture 226 located within the upper portion 188 of the comfort member 184 such that the outer surface 220 of the housing portion 216 of the pawl member 212 is coplanar with the forward surface 193 of the comfort member 184 , and such that the engagement tabs 218 of the housing portion 216 abut the rearward surface 195 of the comfort member 184 .
- the support portion 210 of the lumbar assembly 186 is then positioned within the sleeve 206 of the comfort member 184 such that the sleeve 206 is slidable therein and the pawl 224 is selectively engageable with the apertures 214 , thereby allowing the user to optimize the position of the lumbar assembly 186 with respect to the overall back support assembly 99 .
- the body portion 208 of the lumbar assembly 186 includes a pair of outwardly extending integral handle portions each having a C-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a channel 253 therein that wraps about and guides along the respective side edge 192 of the back shell 112 .
- a user adjusts the relative vertical position of the lumbar assembly 186 with respect to the back shell 112 by grasping one or both of the handle portions 251 and sliding the handle assembly 251 along the back shell 184 in a vertical direction.
- a stop tab 228 is integrally formed within a distal end 230 and is offset therefrom so as to engage an end wall of the sleeve 206 of the comfort member 184 , thereby limiting the vertical downward travel of the support portion 210 of the lumbar assembly 186 with respect to the sleeve 206 of the comfort member 184 .
- the back assembly 99 further includes a cushion member 252 having an upper portion 254 and a lower portion 256 , wherein the lower portion 256 tapers along the vertical length thereof to correspond to the overall shape and taper of the back shell 112 and the comfort member 184 .
- the reference numeral 10 a ( FIG. 18 ) generally designates another embodiment of the chair assembly. Since the chair assembly 10 a is similar to the previously described chair assembly 10 , similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-17 and FIGS. 18-25 respectively are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “a” in the numerals of the latter.
- the chair assembly 10 a is similar to the previously described chair assembly 10 , with the most notable exception being the inclusion of a headrest assembly 300 and the reconfiguration of the back assembly 18 a to accommodate the same.
- the headrest assembly is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis 302 between a rearwardly articulated position K and a forwardly articulated position L, and vertically adjustable between a lowered position M and a raised position N.
- the back assembly 18 a includes a back frame assembly 98 a and a back support assembly 99 a .
- the back support assembly 99 a is constructed in a similar manner to the back support assembly 99 , as previously described.
- the back frame assembly includes a back frame member 304 and a back frame housing 306 .
- the back frame member 304 includes a blade-shaped, laterally extending top frame portion 100 a , a laterally extending bottom frame portion 102 a , and a pair of curved side frame portions 104 a extending between the top frame portion 100 a and the bottom frame portion 102 a and cooperating therewith to define an opening 106 a .
- the back frame housing 306 is coupled to the back frame member 304 via a plurality of mechanical fasteners (not shown) and is configured so as to define a gap 310 therebetween that telescopingly receives the headrest assembly 300 therein.
- the headrest assembly 300 includes a blade portion 314 that is telescopingly received within the gap 310 and includes a pair of elastically resilient, forwardly-extending tab members 316 that engage corresponding, rearwardly-extending ramp members 318 of the back frame housing 306 , thereby securing the blade portion 314 of the headrest assembly 300 within the gap 310 and preventing removal of the headrest assembly 300 from the overall chair assembly 10 a .
- a pair of outwardly-opening channels 320 extend along the edges of the blade portion 314 and track along corresponding track members 322 secured to the back frame member 304 during vertical adjustment of the headrest assembly 300 .
- the blade portion 314 of the headrest assembly 300 further includes a vertically-extending, forwardly-opening channel 324 that includes a plurality of vertically-spaced detents 326 that are engaged by pawls 328 of an engagement member 330 attached to a rear surface of the back frame housing 306 .
- the pawls 328 selectively engage the detents 326 , thereby allowing the headrest assembly 300 to be selectively vertically positioned between the lowered position M and the raised position N.
- the headrest assembly 300 further includes a headrest frame 332 covered by a headrest cover 334 held in connection with the headrest frame 332 by a pair of stays 336 and covered by an end cover 338 .
- the headrest frame 332 includes a laterally-extending top portion 340 , a laterally-extending bottom portion 342 vertically spaced from the top portion 340 , and a pair of forwardly, arcuately-shaped side portions 344 horizontally spaced from one another, extending between the top portion 340 and the bottom portion 342 and cooperating therewith to define an open space 346 therebetween.
- the headrest cover 334 comprises an elastomeric material and is placed over the open space 346 of the headrest frame 332 such that the headrest cover 334 is stretched in the lateral direction 348 .
- the outer lateral edges 350 ( FIG. 24 ) of the headrest cover 334 are sewn to the stays 336 or alternatively secured by an adhesive or other suitable means.
- the stays 336 are positioned within outwardly-opening channels 352 extending along the side portions 344 of the headrest cover 334 , and secured within the channels 352 by the elastic tension exerted by the headrest cover 334 , although other alternative securing means may be utilized.
- An outer edge 354 ( FIG.
- the headrest cover 334 includes a plurality of laterally-spaced apertures 356 that receive hook-shaped tabs 356 of the bottom portion 342 of the headrest frame assembly 332 therein, thereby properly aligning the headrest cover 334 with the headrest frame 332 .
- the end cover 338 is positioned over the bottom portion 342 of the headrest frame 332 , thereby concealing the outer edge 354 of the headrest cover 334 .
- the end cover 338 is flexibly resilient and includes a plurality of tabs 360 that engage the tabs 358 , thereby securing the end cover 338 to the headrest frame 332 .
- the top portion 340 of the headrest frame 332 and the hinge cap 362 are configured similarly to the bottom portion 342 of the headrest frame 332 and the end cover 338 , respectively, so as to align, secure and conceal an inner edge 364 of the headrest cover 334 .
- a friction-locking hinge member 370 is located within the hinge cap 362 and engages the hinge cap 362 and a pair of upwardly extending arms 372 integral with the blade portion 314 , thereby allowing the headrest assembly 300 to be adjusted between the retracted position K and the extended position L.
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- Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)
Abstract
A seating unit includes a seat assembly adapted to support a seated user thereon, a back assembly extending upwardly from the seat assembly and adapted to support a seated user, and a headrest assembly adapted to support a head of a seated user. The headrest assembly includes a frame assembly having a pair of vertically spaced frame portions and a pair of horizontally spaced frame portions, wherein the frame portions cooperate to form an open space therebetween, and wherein at least one of the frame portions includes a plurality of first alignment features, and a thermoplastic elastomeric cover member stretched between at least one of the pair of vertically spaced frame portions and the pair of horizontally spaced frame portions, wherein the cover member includes a plurality of second alignment features that cooperate with the first alignment features to align the cover member with the frame assembly.
Description
- The present invention relates to a chair assembly, and in particular to an office chair assembly comprising a vertically adjustable, articulating headrest assembly.
- One aspect of the present invention is to provide a seating unit comprising a seat assembly adapted to support a seated user thereon, a back assembly extending upwardly from the seat assembly and adapted to support a seated user, and a headrest assembly adapted to support a head of a seated user. The headrest assembly comprises a frame assembly including a pair of vertically spaced frame portions and a pair of horizontally spaced frame portions, wherein the frame portions cooperate to form an open space therebetween, and wherein at least one of the frame portions includes a plurality of first alignment features, and a thermoplastic elastomeric cover member stretched between at least one of the pair of vertically spaced frame portions and the pair of horizontally spaced frame portions, wherein the cover member includes a plurality of second alignment features that cooperate with the first alignment features to align a cover member with the frame assembly.
- These and other features and advantages 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.
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a chair assembly embodying the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the chair assembly; -
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the chair assembly showing the chair assembly in a lowered position and in a raised position in dashed line, and a seat assembly in a retracted position and an extended position in dashed line; -
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the chair assembly showing the chair assembly in an upright position and in a reclined position in dashed line; -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the seat assembly; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the chair assembly with a portion of the seat assembly removed to illustrate a spring support assembly; -
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a back assembly; -
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the back assembly; -
FIG. 9 a is an exploded front perspective view of the back assembly; -
FIG. 9 b is an exploded rear perspective view of the back assembly; -
FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of anarea 10,FIG. 9 a; -
FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of an area 11,FIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an upper back pivot assembly taken along the line XII-XII,FIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 13 a is an exploded rear perspective view of the upper back pivot assembly; -
FIG. 13 b is an exploded front perspective view of the upper back pivot assembly; -
FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of thearea 14,FIG. 9 b; -
FIG. 15 a is an enlarged perspective view of a comfort member and a lumbar assembly; -
FIG. 15 b is a rear perspective view of the comfort member and the lumbar assembly; -
FIG. 16 a is a front perspective view of a pawl member; -
FIG. 16 b is a rear perspective view of the pawl member; -
FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view along the line XVIII-XVIII,FIG. 15 b; -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the chair assembly including a headrest assembly; -
FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly, showing the headrest at lowered and raised positions; -
FIG. 20 is a side elevational view showing the headrest at a forward and a rearward articulated position; -
FIG. 21 is an exploded front perspective view of the back assembly; -
FIG. 22 is an exploded rear perspective view of the back assembly; -
FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the headrest assembly; -
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the headrest assembly taken along the line XXIV-XXIV,FIG. 21 ; -
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the headrest assembly taken along the line XXV-XXV,FIG. 21 ; -
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly; -
FIG. 27 is a front elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly; -
FIG. 28 is a first side elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly; -
FIG. 29 is a second side elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly; -
FIG. 30 is a rear elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly; -
FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly; and -
FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view of the alternative embodiment of the chair assembly. - 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 (
FIGS. 1 and 2 ) generally designates a chair assembly embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, thechair assembly 10 includes a casteredbase assembly 12 abutting a supportingfloor surface 13, a control orsupport assembly 14 supported by thecastered base assembly 12, aseat assembly 16 andback assembly 18 each operably coupled with thecontrol assembly 14, and a pair ofarm assemblies 20. The control assembly 14 (FIG. 3 ) is operably coupled to thebase assembly 12 such that theseat assembly 16, theback assembly 18 and thearm assemblies 20 may be vertically adjusted between a fully lowered position A and a fully raised position B, and pivotable about avertical axis 21 in adirection 22. Theseat assembly 16 is operably coupled to thecontrol assembly 14 such that theseat assembly 16 is longitudinally adjustable with respect to thecontrol assembly 14 between a fully retracted position C and a fully extended position D. Theseat assembly 16 and theback assembly 18 are operably coupled with thecontrol assembly 14 and with one another such that theback assembly 18 is movable between a fully upright position E and a fully reclined position F, and further such that theseat assembly 16 is movable between a fully upright position G and a fully reclined position H corresponding to the fully upright position E and the fully reclined position F of theback assembly 18. - The
base assembly 12 includes a plurality of pedestal arms radially extending and spaced about a hollowcentral column 26 that receives apneumatic cylinder 28 therein. Eachpedestal arm 24 is supported above thefloor surface 13 by an associatedcaster assembly 30. Although thebase assembly 12 is illustrated as including a multiple-arm pedestal assembly, it is noted that other suitable supporting structures maybe utilized, including but not limited to fixed columns, multiple leg arrangements, vehicle seat support assemblies, and the like. - The seat assembly 16 (
FIG. 5 ) includes a relatively rigidseat support plate 32 having aforward edge 34, arearward edge 36, and a pair of C-shaped guide rails 38 defining the side edges of theseat support plate 32 and extending between theforward edge 34 and therearward edge 36. Theseat assembly 16 further includes a flexibly resilientouter seat shell 40 having a pair of upwardly turnedside portions 42 and an upwardly turnedrear portion 44 that cooperate to form an upwardly disposed generally concave shape. Theseat shell 40 is comprised of a relatively flexible material such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In assembly, theouter seat shell 40 is secured and sandwiched between theseat support plate 32 and a plastic, flexiblyresilient seat pan 46 which is secured to theseat support plate 32 by a plurality of mechanical fasteners. Theseat pan 46 includes aforward edge 48, arearward edge 50,side edges 52 extending between theforward edge 48 and therearward edge 50, atop surface 54 and abottom surface 56 that cooperate to form an upwardly disposed generally concave shape. In the illustrated example, theseat pan 46 includes a plurality of longitudinally extendingslots 58 extending forwardly from therearward edge 50. Theslots 58 cooperate to define a plurality offingers 60 therebetween, eachfinger 60 being individually flexibly resilient. Theseat pan 46 further includes a plurality of laterally oriented,elongated apertures 62 located proximate theforward edge 48. Theapertures 62 cooperate to increase the overall flexibility of theseat pan 46 in the area thereof, and specifically allow a forward portion 64 of theseat pan 46 to flex in avertical direction 66 with respect to arearward portion 68 of theseat pan 46, as discussed further below. Theseat assembly 16 further includes afoam cushion member 70 that rests upon thetop surface 54 of theseat pan 46 and is cradled within theouter seat shell 40, and a fabric seat cover 72 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and anupper surface 76 of thecushion members 70. Theseat assembly 16 further includes a spring support assembly 78 (FIGS. 5 and 6 ) adapted to flexibly support the forward portion 64 of theseat pan 46 for flexure in thevertical direction 66. In the illustrated example, thespring support assembly 78 includes asupport housing 80 comprising a foam and havingside portions 82 defining an upwardly concave arcuate shape. Thespring support assembly 78 further includes a relativelyrigid attachment member 84 that extends laterally between theside portions 82 of thesupport housing 80 and is located between thesupport housing 80 and the forward portion 64 of theseat pan 46. A plurality ofmechanical fasteners 86 secure thesupport housing 80 and theattachment member 84 to the forward portion 64 of theseat pan 46. Thespring support assembly 78 further includes a pair of cantilever springs 88 each having adistal end 90 received through a correspondingaperture 92 of theattachment member 84, and aproximate end 94 secured to theseat support plate 32 such that thedistal end 90 of eachcantilever spring 88 may flex in thevertical direction 66. A pair oflinear bearings 96 are fixedly attached to theattachment member 84 and aligned with theapertures 92 thereof, such that thelinear bearing 96 slidably receives the distal ends 90 of a corresponding cantilever springs 88. In operation, the cantilever springs 88 cooperate to allow the forward portion 64 of theseat pan 46, and more generally the entire forward portion ofseat assembly 16 to flex in thevertical direction 66 when a seated user rotates forward on theseat assembly 16 and exerts a downward force on the forward edge thereof. - The back assembly 18 (
FIGS. 7-9B ) includes aback frame assembly 98 and aback support assembly 99 supported thereby. Theback frame assembly 98 is generally comprised of a substantially rigid material such as metal, and includes a laterally extendingtop frame portion 100, a laterally extendingbottom frame portion 102, and a pair of curvedside frame portion 104 extending between thetop frame portion 100 and thebottom frame portion 102 and cooperating therewith to define anopening 106 having a relatively largeupward dimension 108 and a relatively narrowlower dimension 110. - The
back assembly 18 further includes a flexibly resilient,plastic back shell 112 having anupper portion 114, alower portion 116, a pair of side edges 118 extending between theupper portion 114 and alower portion 116, a forwardly facingsurface 120 and a rearwardly facingsurface 122, wherein the width of theupper portion 114 is generally greater than the width of thelower portion 116, and thelower portion 116 is downwardly tapered to generally follow the rear elevational configuration of theframe assembly 98. Alower reinforcement member 115 attaches to hooks 117 (FIG. 9A ) oflower portion 116 ofback shell 112.Reinforcement member 115 includes a plurality ofprotrusions 113 that engagereinforcement ribs 134 to prevent side-to-side movement oflower reinforcement member 115 relative to backshell 112. As discussed below,reinforcement member 115 pivotably interconnects back control link 342 (FIG. 26 ) tolower portion 116 ofback shell 112 at pivot points oraxis 346. - The
back shell 112 also includes a plurality of integrally molded, forwardly and upwardly extending hooks 124 (FIG. 10 ) spaced about the periphery of theupper portion 114 thereof. An intermediate orlumbar portion 126 is located vertically between theupper portion 114 and thelower portion 116 of theback shell 112, and includes a plurality of laterally extendingslots 128 that cooperate to form a plurality of laterally extendingribs 130 located therebetween. Theslots 128 cooperate to provide additional flexure to theback shell 112 in the location thereof. Pairings oflateral ribs 130 are coupled by vertically extendingribs 132 integrally formed therewith and located at an approximate lateral midpoint thereof. Thevertical ribs 132 function to tie thelateral ribs 130 together and reduce vertical spreading therebetween as theback shell 112 is flexed at theintermediate portion 126 thereof when theback assembly 18 is moved from the upright position E to the reclined position F, as described below. Theback shell 112 further includes a plurality of laterally-spacedreinforcement ribs 134 extending longitudinally along the vertical length of theback shell 112 between thelower portion 116 and theintermediate portion 126. It is noted that the depth of each of the ribs increases the further along each of theribs 134 from theintermediate portion 126, such that the overall rigidity of theback shell 112 increases along the length of the ribs from theintermediate portion 126 towards thelower portion 116. - The
back shell 112 further includes a pair of rearwardly extending, integrally moldedpivot bosses 138 forming part an upperback pivot assembly 140. The back pivot assembly 140 (FIGS. 11-13 b) includes thepivot bosses 138 of theback shell 112, a pair ofshroud members 142 that encompassrespective pivot bosses 138, arace member 144, and amechanical fastening assembly 146. Eachpivot boss 138 includes a pair ofside walls 148 and a rearwardly-facingconcave seating surface 150 having a vertically elongatedpivot slot 152 extending therethrough. Eachshroud member 142 is shaped so as to closely house thecorresponding pivot boss 138, and includes a plurality ofside walls 154 corresponding toside walls 148, and a rearwardly-facingconcave bearing surface 156 that includes a vertically elongatedslot pivot slot 143 extending therethrough, and which is adapted to align with theslot 152 of acorresponding pivot boss 138. Therace member 144 includes acenter portion 158 extending laterally along and abutting thetop frame portion 100 of theback frame assembly 98, and a pair of arcuately-shaped bearing surfaces 160 located at the ends thereof. Specifically, thecenter portion 158 includes afirst portion 162, and asecond portion 164, wherein thefirst portion 162 abuts a front surface of thetop frame portion 100 andsecond portion 164 abuts a top surface of thetop frame portion 100. Each bearingsurface 160 includes anaperture 166 extending therethrough and which aligns with acorresponding boss member 168 integral with theback frame assembly 98. - In assembly, the
shroud members 142 are positioned about thecorresponding pivot bosses 138 of theback shell 112 and operably positioned between theback shell 112 andrace member 144 such that the bearingsurface 156 is sandwiched between theseating surface 150 of acorresponding pivot boss 138 and abearing surface 160. Themechanical fastening assemblies 146 each include abolt 172 that secures arounded abutment surface 174 of the bearingwasher 176 in sliding engagement with aninner surface 178 of thecorresponding pivot boss 138, and threadably engages thecorresponding boss member 168 of theback shell 112. In operation, the upperback pivot assembly 140 allows theback support assembly 99 to pivot with respect to the back frame assembly in a direction 180 (FIG. 8 ) about a pivot axis 182 (FIG. 7 ). - The
back support assembly 99 further includes a flexiblyresilient comfort member 184 attached to theback shell 112 and slidably supporting alumbar assembly 186. Thecomfort member 184 includes anupper portion 188, alower portion 190, a pair ofside portions 192, aforward surface 193 and arearward surface 195, wherein theupper portion 188, thelower portion 190 and the side portions cooperate to form anaperture 194 that receives thelumbar assembly 186 therein. As best illustrated inFIGS. 9 b and 14, thecomfort member 184 includes a plurality of box-shapedcouplers 196 spaced about the periphery of theupper portion 188 and extending rearwardly from therearward surface 195. Each box-shapedcoupler 196 includes a pair ofside walls 198 and atop wall 200 that cooperate to form aninterior space 202. Abar 204 extends between theside walls 198 and is spaced from therearward surface 195. In assembly, and as best illustrated inFIG. 12 , thecomfort member 184 is secured to theback shell 112 by aligning and vertically inserting thehooks 124 of theback shell 112 into theinterior space 202 of the box-shapedcouplers 196 until thehooks 124 engage acorresponding bar 204. It is noted that theforward surface 120 of theback shell 112 and therearward surface 195 of thecomfort member 184 are free from holes or apertures proximate thehooks 124 and box-shapedcouplers 196, thereby providing a smoothforward surface 193 and increasing the comfort to a seated user. - The comfort member 184 (
FIGS. 15 a and 15 b) includes an integrally molded, longitudinally extendingsleeve 206 extending rearwardly from therearward surface 195 and having a rectangularly-shaped cross-sectional configuration. Thelumbar assembly 186 includes a forwardly laterally concave and forwardly vertically convex, flexiblyresilient body portion 208, and anintegral support portion 210 extending upwardly from thebody portion 208. In the illustrated example, thebody portion 208 is shaped such that the body portion vertically tapers along the height thereof so as to generally follow the contours and shape of theaperture 194 of thecomfort member 184. Thesupport portion 210 is slidably received within thesleeve 206 of thecomfort member 184 such that thelumbar assembly 186 is vertically adjustable with respect to the remainder of theback support assembly 99 between a fully lowered position I and a fully raised position J.A pawl member 212 selectively engages a plurality ofapertures 214 spaced along the length ofsupport portion 210, thereby releasably securing thelumbar assembly 186 at selected vertical positions between the fully lowered position I and the fully raised position J. The pawl member 212 (FIGS. 16 a and 16 b) includes ahousing portion 216 havingengagement tabs 218 located at the ends thereof and rearwardly offset from anouter surface 220 of thehousing portion 216. A flexiblyresilient finger 222 is centrally disposed within thehousing portion 216 and includes a rearwardly-extendingpawl 224. - In assembly, the pawl member 212 (
FIG. 17 ) is positioned within anaperture 226 located within theupper portion 188 of thecomfort member 184 such that theouter surface 220 of thehousing portion 216 of thepawl member 212 is coplanar with theforward surface 193 of thecomfort member 184, and such that theengagement tabs 218 of thehousing portion 216 abut therearward surface 195 of thecomfort member 184. Thesupport portion 210 of thelumbar assembly 186 is then positioned within thesleeve 206 of thecomfort member 184 such that thesleeve 206 is slidable therein and thepawl 224 is selectively engageable with theapertures 214, thereby allowing the user to optimize the position of thelumbar assembly 186 with respect to the overallback support assembly 99. Specifically, thebody portion 208 of thelumbar assembly 186 includes a pair of outwardly extending integral handle portions each having a C-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a channel 253 therein that wraps about and guides along therespective side edge 192 of theback shell 112. - In operation, a user adjusts the relative vertical position of the
lumbar assembly 186 with respect to theback shell 112 by grasping one or both of the handle portions 251 and sliding the handle assembly 251 along theback shell 184 in a vertical direction. Astop tab 228 is integrally formed within adistal end 230 and is offset therefrom so as to engage an end wall of thesleeve 206 of thecomfort member 184, thereby limiting the vertical downward travel of thesupport portion 210 of thelumbar assembly 186 with respect to thesleeve 206 of thecomfort member 184. - The
back assembly 99 further includes acushion member 252 having anupper portion 254 and alower portion 256, wherein thelower portion 256 tapers along the vertical length thereof to correspond to the overall shape and taper of theback shell 112 and thecomfort member 184. - The
reference numeral 10 a (FIG. 18 ) generally designates another embodiment of the chair assembly. Since thechair assembly 10 a is similar to the previously describedchair assembly 10, similar parts appearing inFIGS. 1-17 andFIGS. 18-25 respectively are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “a” in the numerals of the latter. Thechair assembly 10 a is similar to the previously describedchair assembly 10, with the most notable exception being the inclusion of aheadrest assembly 300 and the reconfiguration of theback assembly 18 a to accommodate the same. As best illustrated inFIGS. 18-20 , the headrest assembly is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis 302 between a rearwardly articulated position K and a forwardly articulated position L, and vertically adjustable between a lowered position M and a raised position N. - In the illustrated example, the
back assembly 18 a includes aback frame assembly 98 a and aback support assembly 99 a. Theback support assembly 99 a is constructed in a similar manner to theback support assembly 99, as previously described. The back frame assembly includes aback frame member 304 and aback frame housing 306. Theback frame member 304 includes a blade-shaped, laterally extendingtop frame portion 100 a, a laterally extendingbottom frame portion 102 a, and a pair of curvedside frame portions 104 a extending between thetop frame portion 100 a and thebottom frame portion 102 a and cooperating therewith to define anopening 106 a. Theback frame housing 306 is coupled to theback frame member 304 via a plurality of mechanical fasteners (not shown) and is configured so as to define agap 310 therebetween that telescopingly receives theheadrest assembly 300 therein. - The
headrest assembly 300 includes ablade portion 314 that is telescopingly received within thegap 310 and includes a pair of elastically resilient, forwardly-extendingtab members 316 that engage corresponding, rearwardly-extendingramp members 318 of theback frame housing 306, thereby securing theblade portion 314 of theheadrest assembly 300 within thegap 310 and preventing removal of theheadrest assembly 300 from theoverall chair assembly 10 a. A pair of outwardly-openingchannels 320 extend along the edges of theblade portion 314 and track along correspondingtrack members 322 secured to theback frame member 304 during vertical adjustment of theheadrest assembly 300. Theblade portion 314 of theheadrest assembly 300 further includes a vertically-extending, forwardly-openingchannel 324 that includes a plurality of vertically-spaceddetents 326 that are engaged bypawls 328 of anengagement member 330 attached to a rear surface of theback frame housing 306. Thepawls 328 selectively engage thedetents 326, thereby allowing theheadrest assembly 300 to be selectively vertically positioned between the lowered position M and the raised position N. - As best illustrated in
FIG. 23 , theheadrest assembly 300 further includes aheadrest frame 332 covered by aheadrest cover 334 held in connection with theheadrest frame 332 by a pair ofstays 336 and covered by anend cover 338. In the illustrated example, theheadrest frame 332 includes a laterally-extendingtop portion 340, a laterally-extendingbottom portion 342 vertically spaced from thetop portion 340, and a pair of forwardly, arcuately-shapedside portions 344 horizontally spaced from one another, extending between thetop portion 340 and thebottom portion 342 and cooperating therewith to define anopen space 346 therebetween. Theheadrest cover 334 comprises an elastomeric material and is placed over theopen space 346 of theheadrest frame 332 such that theheadrest cover 334 is stretched in thelateral direction 348. The outer lateral edges 350 (FIG. 24 ) of theheadrest cover 334 are sewn to thestays 336 or alternatively secured by an adhesive or other suitable means. The stays 336 are positioned within outwardly-openingchannels 352 extending along theside portions 344 of theheadrest cover 334, and secured within thechannels 352 by the elastic tension exerted by theheadrest cover 334, although other alternative securing means may be utilized. An outer edge 354 (FIG. 25 ) of theheadrest cover 334 includes a plurality of laterally-spacedapertures 356 that receive hook-shapedtabs 356 of thebottom portion 342 of theheadrest frame assembly 332 therein, thereby properly aligning theheadrest cover 334 with theheadrest frame 332. Theend cover 338 is positioned over thebottom portion 342 of theheadrest frame 332, thereby concealing theouter edge 354 of theheadrest cover 334. Theend cover 338 is flexibly resilient and includes a plurality oftabs 360 that engage the tabs 358, thereby securing theend cover 338 to theheadrest frame 332. Thetop portion 340 of theheadrest frame 332 and thehinge cap 362 are configured similarly to thebottom portion 342 of theheadrest frame 332 and theend cover 338, respectively, so as to align, secure and conceal aninner edge 364 of theheadrest cover 334. A friction-lockinghinge member 370 is located within thehinge cap 362 and engages thehinge cap 362 and a pair of upwardly extendingarms 372 integral with theblade portion 314, thereby allowing theheadrest assembly 300 to be adjusted between the retracted position K and the extended position L. - 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 when the concept is disclosed. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims (19)
1. A seating unit, comprising:
a seat assembly adapted to support a seated user thereon;
a back assembly extending upwardly from the seat assembly and adapted to support a seated user;
a headrest assembly adapted to support a head of a seated user, the headrest assembly comprising:
a frame assembly including a pair of vertically spaced frame portions and a pair of horizontally spaced frame portions, wherein the frame portions cooperate to form an open space therebetween, and wherein at least one of the frame portions includes a plurality of first alignment features; and
a thermoplastic elastomeric cover member stretched between at least one of the pair of vertically spaced frame portions and the pair of horizontally spaced frame portions, wherein the cover member includes a plurality of second alignment features that cooperate with the first alignment features to align the cover member with the frame assembly.
2. The seating unit of claim 1 , wherein the cover member is stretched between the pair of horizontally spaced frame portions.
3. The seating unit of claim 2 , wherein the pair of vertically spaced frame portions includes the first alignment features.
4. The seating unit of claim 3 , wherein the first alignment features include at least one of a plurality of spaced recesses and a plurality of spaced tabs, and wherein the second alignment feature includes the other of the plurality of spaced recesses and the plurality of spaced tabs.
5. The seating unit of claim 4 , wherein the first alignment features include the plurality of apertures.
6. The seating unit of claim 5 , wherein the horizontally spaced frame portions of the headrest each include a longitudinally extending recess, and wherein the cover member is secured within the recesses of the frame portions by stays received within the recesses.
7. The seating unit of claim 6 , further including:
a support assembly adapted to support a floor surface.
8. The seating unit of claim 7 , wherein the support assembly includes a pedestal assembly and a plurality of castors.
9. The seating unit of claim 8 , further comprising:
a first cap member secured to the frame assembly such that a portion of the cover member is positioned between the first cap member and one of the frame portions.
10. The seating unit of claim 9 , further comprising:
a second cap member secured to the frame assembly opposite the first cap member such that a portion of the cover member is positioned between the second cap member and one of the frame portions.
11. The seating unit of claim 1 , wherein the pair of vertically spaced frame portions includes the first alignment features.
12. The seating unit of claim 1 , wherein the first alignment features include at least one of a plurality of spaced recesses and a plurality of spaced tabs, and wherein the second alignment feature includes the other of the plurality of spaced recesses and the plurality of spaced tabs.
13. The seating unit of claim 12 , wherein the first alignment features include the plurality of apertures.
14. The seating unit of claim 1 , wherein the horizontally spaced frame portions of the headrest each include a longitudinally extending recess, and wherein the cover member is secured within the recesses of the frame portions by stays received within the recesses.
15. The seating unit of claim 1 , further including:
a support assembly adapted to support a floor surface.
16. The seating unit of claim 15 , wherein the support assembly includes a pedestal assembly and a plurality of castors.
17. The seating unit of claim 1 , further comprising:
a first cap member secured to the frame assembly such that a portion of the cover member is positioned between the first cap member and one of the frame portions.
18. The seating unit of claim 17 , further comprising:
a second cap member secured to the frame assembly opposite the first cap member such that a portion of the cover member is positioned between the second cap member and one of the frame portions.
19. The seat unit of claim 1 , wherein the headrest assembly is vertically adjustable with respect to the back assembly.
Priority Applications (6)
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US13/835,980 US20140077540A1 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2013-03-15 | Chair Assembly |
PCT/US2013/060607 WO2014047279A1 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2013-09-19 | Chair assembly |
US14/733,492 US9526339B2 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2015-06-08 | Control assembly for chair |
US15/017,033 US10238215B2 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2016-02-05 | Seating arrangement with headrest assembly |
US16/233,272 US10765212B2 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2018-12-27 | Chair assembly with upholstery covering |
US16/934,635 US11304528B2 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2020-07-21 | Chair assembly with upholstery covering |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201261703677P | 2012-09-20 | 2012-09-20 | |
US29/432,777 USD697730S1 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2012-09-20 | Chair |
US13/835,980 US20140077540A1 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2013-03-15 | Chair Assembly |
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US29/432,777 Continuation-In-Part USD697730S1 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2012-09-20 | Chair |
US14/624,850 Continuation US9408467B2 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2015-02-18 | Chair assembly with upholstery covering |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/029,224 Continuation US9049935B2 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2013-09-17 | Control assembly for chair |
US15/017,033 Continuation-In-Part US10238215B2 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2016-02-05 | Seating arrangement with headrest assembly |
Publications (1)
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US20140077540A1 true US20140077540A1 (en) | 2014-03-20 |
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Family Applications (1)
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US13/835,980 Abandoned US20140077540A1 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2013-03-15 | Chair Assembly |
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US (1) | US20140077540A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014047279A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
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US20140084660A1 (en) * | 2012-09-21 | 2014-03-27 | Steelcase Inc. | Chair Construction |
US20150108809A1 (en) * | 2010-06-10 | 2015-04-23 | Office Master | Chair with seat depth adjustment and back support |
WO2016127066A1 (en) * | 2015-02-06 | 2016-08-11 | Steelcase Inc. | Seating arrangement with headrest assembly |
US10238215B2 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2019-03-26 | Steelcase Inc. | Seating arrangement with headrest assembly |
CN110638244A (en) * | 2019-11-06 | 2020-01-03 | 广州铧世家具制造有限公司 | Head pillow |
US10820703B2 (en) * | 2018-09-17 | 2020-11-03 | Sedus Stoll Ag | Chair, particularly conference or office chair, and method for manufacturing a chair |
US11266244B2 (en) | 2018-02-16 | 2022-03-08 | Barrett Studios, Inc. | Chair assembly |
US11730648B2 (en) * | 2018-03-12 | 2023-08-22 | R82 A/S | Connection joint |
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JP2002209665A (en) * | 2001-01-17 | 2002-07-30 | Johnson Controls Automotive Systems Corp | Headrest of vehicle seat |
US7165811B2 (en) * | 2002-09-12 | 2007-01-23 | Steelcase Development Corporation | Control mechanism for seating unit |
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- 2013-03-15 US US13/835,980 patent/US20140077540A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-09-19 WO PCT/US2013/060607 patent/WO2014047279A1/en active Application Filing
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US5242004A (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1993-09-07 | Johann Stilling | Awning structures |
US5560677A (en) * | 1994-03-18 | 1996-10-01 | Bemis Manufacturing Company | Seat welting |
US5769500A (en) * | 1996-02-01 | 1998-06-23 | Tropitone Furniture Co., Inc. | Furniture and method of assembly |
US6070942A (en) * | 1998-05-12 | 2000-06-06 | Mccord Winn Textron Inc. | Seating assembly and method of making same |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150108809A1 (en) * | 2010-06-10 | 2015-04-23 | Office Master | Chair with seat depth adjustment and back support |
US9521907B2 (en) * | 2010-06-10 | 2016-12-20 | Office Master Inc. | Chair with seat depth adjustment and back support |
US10238215B2 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2019-03-26 | Steelcase Inc. | Seating arrangement with headrest assembly |
US20140084660A1 (en) * | 2012-09-21 | 2014-03-27 | Steelcase Inc. | Chair Construction |
US9913540B2 (en) * | 2012-09-21 | 2018-03-13 | Steelcase Inc. | Chair construction |
WO2016127066A1 (en) * | 2015-02-06 | 2016-08-11 | Steelcase Inc. | Seating arrangement with headrest assembly |
US11266244B2 (en) | 2018-02-16 | 2022-03-08 | Barrett Studios, Inc. | Chair assembly |
US11730648B2 (en) * | 2018-03-12 | 2023-08-22 | R82 A/S | Connection joint |
US10820703B2 (en) * | 2018-09-17 | 2020-11-03 | Sedus Stoll Ag | Chair, particularly conference or office chair, and method for manufacturing a chair |
US11134780B2 (en) * | 2018-09-17 | 2021-10-05 | Sedus Stoll Ag | Chair, particularly conference or office chair, and method for manufacturing a chair |
CN110638244A (en) * | 2019-11-06 | 2020-01-03 | 广州铧世家具制造有限公司 | Head pillow |
US11134784B2 (en) * | 2019-11-06 | 2021-10-05 | Guangzhou Huashi Furniture Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Head restraint |
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WO2014047279A1 (en) | 2014-03-27 |
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Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |