CN108741826B

CN108741826B - Rocking chair, modular component for use in rocking chair and part for use in modular component

Info

Publication number: CN108741826B
Application number: CN201810589149.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杰克布斯·弗里德里克·唐纳德; 杰克布斯·马修·大卫; 范德文·迈克尔
Original assignee: Jie KebusiFulidelikeTangnade
Current assignee: Jie KebusiFulidelikeTangnade
Priority date: 2018-06-08
Filing date: 2018-06-08
Publication date: 2021-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-08
Also published as: CN108741826A

Abstract

The present invention provides a swing, as well as modular components for use in the swing and parts for assembly within the modular components. The associated components and chair assembly minimize manufacturing time, maximize material utilization, and reduce associated installation time. The associated swing may provide comfort to the chair occupant and minimize noise during movement of the associated chair components.

Description

Rocking chair, modular component for use in rocking chair and part for use in modular component

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to rocking chairs and rocking chairs having pivoting seats. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to rocking chairs and rocking chairs having pivoting seats, modular components for use within the rocking chair, and parts for use within the modular components, and related methods of manufacture and installation.

Background

Rocking chairs are commonly installed in stadiums, auditoriums, stadiums, theaters, arenas, convention centers, movie theaters, home theaters, religious venues (e.g., churches), educational facilities, classrooms, concert halls, and the like. A swing having a pivoting seat may be preferred over swings that do not include a pivoting seat to reduce space requirements. For example, when a swing with a pivoting seat is unoccupied, the seat automatically pivots upward so that the seat does not extend as far into the relevant area than when the seat is occupied. Thus, more swings with pivoting seats can be installed in a given space than swings without pivoting seats.

Rocking chairs and rocking chairs having pivoting seats typically comprise a plurality of individual parts. The assembly of many corresponding parts from separate parts is complicated. The manufacture of the parts and assembly of the components is time consuming and expensive. Installation of multiple swings or swings with pivoting seats requires a significant amount of time and resources, starting with individual parts on site, and involves a wide variety of errors and the potential for parts loss.

Rocking chairs and rocking chairs having pivoting seats are desirable to minimize part manufacturing time, maximize material utilization, and reduce component assembly time and chair installation time. In addition, rocking chairs and rocking chairs having pivoting seats are desired to minimize the need for skilled workers during installation.

Disclosure of Invention

An assembly for use in a swing may include a spring assembly having a rubber body, a bottom cover secured to a bottom side of the rubber body, the bottom cover including a first fastener hole, a second fastener hole, and a bottom bushing hole. A bottom bushing may extend through the bottom bushing aperture. The spring may also include a first fastener extending through the first fastener hole. The first fastener may include a first enlarged head larger than the first fastener hole, and the first enlarged head may be trapped between the bottom side of the rubber body and the bottom cover. The spring may also include a second fastener extending through the second fastener hole. The second fastener may include a second enlarged head larger than the second fastener hole, and the second enlarged head may be trapped between the bottom side of the rubber body and the bottom cover. The assembly may also include a floor bracket having a substantially flat horizontal surface including a front spring assembly fastener hole, a rear spring assembly fastener hole, and an overtravel bolt opening configured to receive the bottom bushing of the spring assembly such that the substantially flat bottom surface of the spring assembly rests on the substantially flat horizontal surface when the spring assembly is in a position proximate the floor bracket.

In another embodiment, an assembly for use in a swing may include a spring secured to a floor bracket. The spring may include a rubber body including a top side, a bottom side, a first side, a second side, a front end side, a rear end side, a top bushing on the top side, a bottom bushing on the bottom side, a generally cylindrical overtravel bolt passageway extending through the top bushing, through the rubber body from the top side to the bottom side, and through the bottom bushing. The spring may also include a cap secured to the top side of the rubber body, the cap including a first fastener hole, a second fastener hole, and a top bushing hole. The top bushing may extend through the top bushing aperture. The spring may further include a bottom cap secured to the bottom side of the rubber body, the bottom cap including a third fastener hole, a fourth fastener hole, and a bottom bushing hole. The bottom bushing may extend through the bottom bushing aperture. The spring may also include a first fastener extending through the first fastener hole. The first fastener may include a first enlarged head portion that may be larger than the first fastener hole, and the first enlarged head portion may be trapped between the top side of the rubber body and the top cap. The spring may also include a second fastener extending through the second fastener hole. The second fastener may include a second enlarged head portion that may be larger than the second fastener hole, and the second enlarged head portion may be trapped between the top side of the rubber body and the top cap. The spring may also include a third fastener extending through the third fastener hole. The third fastener may include a third enlarged head portion that may be larger than the third fastener hole, and the third enlarged head portion may be trapped between the bottom side of the rubber body and the bottom cover. The spring may also include a fourth fastener extending through the fourth fastener hole. The fourth fastener may include a fourth enlarged head portion that may be larger than the fourth fastener hole, and the fourth enlarged head portion may be trapped between the bottom side of the rubber body and the bottom cover.

In another embodiment, an assembly for use in a swing may include a spring attached to a floor bracket. The floor bracket may include a substantially flat horizontal surface including a front spring assembly fastener hole, a rear spring assembly fastener hole, and an overtravel bolt opening. The overtravel bolt opening may be configured to receive a bottom bushing of a spring assembly such that a substantially flat bottom surface of the spring assembly may rest on the substantially flat horizontal surface when the spring assembly is in a position proximate to the floor bracket. The floor bracket may also include a side surface extending downwardly from the substantially flat horizontal surface at an angle of approximately ninety degrees relative to the substantially flat horizontal surface. The side surface may be configured to attach the floor bracket to a standard.

In another embodiment, a seat bracket for use in a rocking chair may include an overtravel bolt nut receptacle, wherein the overtravel bolt nut receptacle is configured to receive an associated overtravel bolt nut and prevent rotation of the overtravel bolt nut when the overtravel bolt nut is received within the overtravel bolt nut receptacle. The seat bracket may also include a seat assembly fastening aperture and a corresponding seat assembly fastening socket, wherein the seat assembly fastening socket is configured to receive an associated seat assembly fastening head and prevent the seat assembly fastening head from rotating when the seat assembly fastening head is received within the seat assembly fastening head socket.

In another embodiment, a seat bracket for use in a swing includes at least one fastener head receptacle, wherein the at least one fastener head receptacle is configured to receive a fastener head and prevent rotation of the fastener head when received within the fastener head receptacle. The seat bracket can also include a substantially flat bottom surface configured to engage a substantially flat surface of an associated spring assembly.

In another embodiment, a swing is provided. The swing may include a modular left side module including a left side floor bracket, wherein the left side floor bracket is formed from a first floor bracket blank. The swing may also include a modular right standard assembly including a right floor bracket, wherein the right floor bracket is formed from a second floor bracket blank, and wherein the second floor bracket blank is substantially the same shape as the first floor bracket blank and the right floor bracket is substantially a mirror image of the left floor bracket. The swing may also include a modular seat assembly and a modular seat back assembly.

In another embodiment, a method of installing at least one swing at an installation site is provided. The method may include assembling at least two modular building blocks at a first location. The method may also include assembling at least one modular seat assembly at a second location. The method may also include assembling at least one modular seat back assembly at a third location. The method may also include transporting the at least two modular standard assemblies, the at least one modular seat assembly, and the at least one modular seat back assembly to the installation site, wherein the geographic location of the first site, the geographic location of the second site, and the geographic location of the third site are different than the geographic location of the installation site. The method may further include placing the at least one modular seat assembly and the at least one modular seat back assembly proximate the at least two modular standard assemblies in separate final resting positions at the installation site without the use of any hand tools or fasteners to define at least one swing.

In another embodiment, a plurality of swings is provided. The plurality of swings may include at least one modular left side module including a left side floor bracket, wherein the left side floor bracket is formed from a first floor bracket blank. The plurality of rock chairs may further comprise at least one modular central standard assembly comprising a left floor bracket and a right floor bracket, wherein the right floor bracket is formed from a second floor bracket blank, and wherein the second floor bracket blank is substantially the same shape as the first floor bracket blank and the right floor bracket is substantially a mirror image of the left floor bracket. The plurality of swings may also include at least one modular right side module including a right side floor bracket. The plurality of swings may also include at least two modular seat assemblies and at least two modular seat back assemblies.

In further embodiments, at least one component and/or assembly is provided that can be used on the right side of an associated swing or on the left side of an associated swing.

Drawings

The drawings described below depict various aspects of a swing and a swing having a pivoting seat, components for use in the chair, and parts for use in the components disclosed herein. It should be understood that each of the figures depicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed chair, component and/or part, and that each is intended to be consistent with its possible embodiments. Further, where possible, the following description refers to reference numerals included in the following figures, wherein features depicted in the various figures may be designated with consistent reference numerals and/or consistent reference numerals having different alphabetic letters in a series.

FIG. 1A depicts a plan view of an exemplary swing with a pivoting seat mounted;

FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of two exemplary swings with a pivotal seat mounted as shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C depicts a perspective view of two exemplary swings of FIG. 1B with pivoting seats;

FIG. 2A depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary seat back assembly for use in any of the bouncers of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 2B depicts an exploded front perspective view of an exemplary seatback assembly for use in any of the bouncers of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3A depicts a front, bottom perspective view of an exemplary seat assembly for use in any of the bouncer of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3B depicts an exploded front, bottom perspective view of an exemplary seat assembly for use in any of the bouncer of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 4A depicts a front, top perspective view of another exemplary center standard assembly for use in the swing of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 4B depicts a front, top exploded view of the exemplary central module of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C depicts a front, side perspective view of another exemplary center standard assembly for use in the swing of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 4D depicts a front, side perspective view of another exemplary center standard assembly for use in the swing of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 4E depicts a front, side exploded perspective view of the exemplary central module of FIG. 4D;

FIG. 4F depicts a front, side perspective view of another exemplary center standard assembly for use in the swing of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 4G depicts a front, left side perspective view of the exemplary right end module of FIG. 4D;

FIG. 5A depicts an exploded perspective view of an exemplary left side chair assembly;

FIG. 5B depicts a right side perspective view of another exemplary left side chair assembly for use within the swing of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 5C depicts a right side perspective view of another exemplary right side chair assembly for use within the swing of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 6A depicts a front, top perspective view of an exemplary left side bottom bracket and back bracket for use in the swing of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 7A depicts a front, bottom perspective view of a right side bottom bracket for use in the swing of FIG. 1B with the back bracket rotated;

FIG. 8A depicts a front, bottom exploded perspective view of an exemplary left side chair pivot for use in the swing of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 9A depicts a rear, top exploded perspective view of an exemplary spring for use in the swing of FIG. 1B;

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict various views of a portion of an exemplary chair having a seat hinge mechanism;

11A-11C depict various views of an exemplary accessory tray assembly;

FIG. 12 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary accessory tray assembly;

13A-13D depict various views of an exemplary rocker chair assembly;

14A-G depict various views of an exemplary display assembly;

15A-F depict various views of an exemplary display assembly;

16A-H and J depict various views of an exemplary armrest and cup holder assembly;

17A-C depict various views of an exemplary rocker chair assembly;

18A-E depict various views of an exemplary collapsible tray assembly for use within various rocker chair assemblies, beam mounted chair assemblies, and/or powered recliner chair assemblies; and

fig. 19A-G depict various views of an exemplary collapsible tray assembly for use within various rocker chair assemblies, beam mounted chair assemblies, and/or powered recliner chair assemblies.

Detailed Description

The rocking chairs of the present disclosure and rocking chairs having pivoting seats can be installed in stadiums, auditoriums, sports arenas, theaters, arenas, convention centers, movie theaters, religious venues (e.g., churches), educational facilities, classrooms, concert halls, home theaters, and the like. A stand-alone swing or a swing with pivoting seat or related mounting structure may include power and/or data connections for use by a chair occupant.

The swing of the present disclosure and swings with pivoting seats can be assembled in the field starting from a set of modular components. For example, each swing may include a left standard module, a right standard module, a seat module, and a seat back module (i.e., each swing may include four modular components). When two or more swings are mounted in parallel rows, each swing in the row of parallel swings may share a central standard module. In any case, the individual modular components (e.g., the left standard module, the right standard module, the center standard module, the seat module, and the seat back module) may be pre-assembled off-site. Thus, minimizing field installation time, minimizing the need for field craftsmen, minimizing the possibility of missing parts on the field, minimizing field assembly errors, etc.

The swing of the present disclosure and the swing having a pivoting seat, associated components and parts may provide additional comfort to the chair occupant compared to a non-swing. Additionally, the swing of the present disclosure and swings having a pivoting seat may incorporate a seat and/or a seat back as described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application serial No. 61/868,547, filed on 8/21/2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the swing of the present disclosure and swings having pivoting seats, associated components and parts may include noise minimization features.

The terms "right," "left," and "left" are used herein to refer to the position of various components, parts, and assemblies relative to an occupant positioned in the associated swing. In particular, the side of the occupant closest to the associated component, part or assembly will be used to identify the component, part or assembly.

Turning to fig. 1A, a plan view of an exemplary rocker chair mounting 100a is depicted. The mount 100a may include a first section 101a, a second section 102a, and a third section 103 a. The mount 100a may also include a first region 104a between the

sections

101a, 102a and a second region 104a between the

sections

102a, 103 a. Although the installation 100a of FIG. 1A is depicted as including three

sections

101A, 102a, 103a and two areas 104a, any given installation may include more or less sections and/or areas than shown in FIG. 1A. As further depicted in fig. 1A, each

segment

101A, 102a, 103a can include a first row 105a, a second row 106a, a third row 107a, a fourth row 108a, and a fifth row 109 a. Although the installation 100a of FIG. 1A is shown to include five

rows

105a, 106a, 107a, 108a, 109a, any given installation may include more or fewer rows than shown in FIG. 1A. As also depicted in fig. 1A, any given

row

105a, 106a, 107a, 108a, 109a within any given

segment

101A, 102a, 103a may include eight or ten

individual swings

115a, 150 a. Although the installation 100a of fig. 1A is depicted as including eight or ten

individual swings

115a, 150a within any given

row

105a, 106a, 107a, 108a, 109a within any given

section

101A, 102a, 103a, any given installation may include more or fewer

individual swings

115a, 150a within any given row. Details of

individual swing

115a, 150a, associated modular components, and individual parts are described herein.

With further reference to fig. 1A, installation 100a may include a plurality of power and/or data outlets 110a having interconnections 111A. For example, each

swing

115a, 150a may include power and/or data outlets 110a such that each chair occupant has its own power and/or data outlet 110 a. Alternatively, power and/or data outlets 110a may be centrally located proximate to two or

more bouncers

115a, 150a such that two or more chair occupants may share a centrally located power and/or data outlet 110 a.

Turning to fig. 1B, a perspective view of two exemplary swings 115B, 150B with pivoting seats are depicted within the mount 100B. Although the swings 115B, 150B of fig. 1B include pivoting seats, any given swing 115B, 150B may include non-pivoting seats. The mounting 100b may be similar to the mounting 100 a. The mounting 100b may include a second row 109b that is elevated relative to the first row 108 b. Although the mount 100B of FIG. 1B is depicted as including two rows 108B, 109B, the mount 100B may include any number of rows. Further, similar to rows 108B, 109B of fig. 1B,

rows

105a, 106a, 107a, 108a, 109a of fig. 1A may be arranged in elevation relative to one another.

With further reference to fig. 1B, the first swing 115a may include a seat 316B, a backrest 235B, and a right armrest 190B having a cup holder 191B. First swing 115B may be supported by center standard 430B and a right standard (not shown in fig. 1B). The central standard 430b may include a chip cover 197 b. Seat 316b is depicted in a position reflecting an occupant within swing 115 b. The second swing 150b may include a seat 151b, a backrest 270b, and a left armrest 195b having a cup holder 194 b. The seat 151b is depicted in a position that reflects no occupant within the swing 150b (i.e., the seat 151b automatically pivots upward to increase chair access space, as described in detail herein). The second swing 150b may be supported by the center standard 430b and the left standard 460 b. The left standard 460b may include a debris cover 198b and an end cover 199 b. The debris covers 197b, 198b and the end cover 199b may prevent debris from accumulating in and around the associated rocker springs and associated components and limit occupant exposure to the rocker springs and associated components. For example, the right armrest 190b and/or the left armrest 195a may be configured as an armrest box along with a cup holder, display, operator interface, tray, etc., as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application serial No. 15/640,938, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Referring now to fig. 1C, a perspective view of two exemplary swings with a pivoting seat 100C are depicted. Both swing 100c may be similar to swings 115B, 150B of fig. 1B. The first rocker 115c may include a seat 116c, a back 235c, and a right armrest 190c with a cup holder 191 c. First swing 115c may be supported by center standard 430c and right standard 400 c. The right standard 400p may include a debris cover 196c and the central standard 430c may include a debris cover 197c and a mounting foot 431 c. Seat 116c is depicted in a position reflecting an occupant within swing 115 c. The second swing 150c may include a seat 151c, a backrest 270c, and a left armrest 195c having a cup holder 194 c. The seat 151c is depicted in a position that reflects no occupant within the swing 150c (i.e., the seat 151c automatically pivots upward to increase chair access space, as described in detail herein). The second swing 150c may be supported by the center standard 430c and the left standard 460 c. The left standard 460c may include a debris cover 198c, an end cap 199c, a right floor bracket 465c, a horizontal mounting structure 461c, a first mounting leg 462c, and a second mounting leg 463 c.

Turning now to FIG. 2A, a front perspective view of an exemplary modular seat back assembly 235a is depicted. The modular seat back assembly 235a may be similar to either of the seat back assemblies 136C or 170C of figure 1C. In general, the modular seat back assembly 235a may be configured similar to the seat back assembly described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application serial No. 61/868,547, filed 2013 on 8/21, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The modular seat back assembly 235a may include a seat back cushion 236a, a seat back structural member 237a, and a decorative seat back panel 238 a. The decorative seatback panel 238a may be secured to the seatback structural member 237a via a first seatback fastener 239a and a second seatback fastener 240 a. The modular seat back assembly 235a may also include a right back bracket 705a and a left back bracket 605 a. Although the right back bracket 705a is depicted on the right side of the modular back assembly 235a in fig. 2A and the left back bracket 605a is depicted on the left side of the modular back assembly 235a in fig. 2A, the right back bracket 705a and the left back bracket 605a may be left-right indiscriminate (i.e., the right back bracket 705a and the left back bracket 605a may be identical to each other). The modular seat back assembly 235B may include a fabric covering (not shown in figure 2B) that at least substantially encloses the back pad 236a and the seat back structural member 237a and secures the back pad 236a in a desired position relative to the seat back structural member 237 a. The seat back structural member 237a may provide chair rigidity and support for the chair occupant.

Turning to FIG. 2B, an exploded front perspective view of an exemplary seat back assembly 235B is depicted. Modular seat back assembly 235b may be similar to modular seat back assembly 235a of figure 2A. The modular seat back assembly 235b may include a seat back cushion 236b, a seat back structural member 237b, and a seat back decorative panel 238 b. The modular seat back assembly 235b may also include a left back wing 251b, a left back bracket 605b, a right back wing 255b, and a right back bracket 705 b. The left back wing 251B may be secured to the left back bracket 605B via a first fastener (not shown in fig. 2B) extending through the first left back wing aperture 256B and the first left back bracket aperture 606B and a second fastener (not shown in fig. 2B) extending through the second left back wing aperture 257B and the second left back bracket aperture 607B. The left back wing 251B may be secured to the back structural member 237B via a third fastener 242B extending through the first and third left back structural member apertures 248c and 248c (not shown in fig. 2B) and a fourth fastener 240B extending through the second and fourth left back structural member apertures 246B and 246B (not shown in fig. 2B). Right back wing 260B may be secured to right back bracket 705B via a fifth fastener (not shown in fig. 2B) extending through first right back wing aperture 254B and first right back bracket aperture 706B and a sixth fastener (not shown in fig. 2B) extending through second right back wing aperture 255B and second left back bracket aperture 707B. The right back wing 260b may be secured to the back structural member 237b via a seventh fastener 241b extending through the third back structural member aperture 247b and the third right back wing aperture 252b and an eighth fastener 239b extending through the fourth back structural member aperture 245b and the fourth right back wing aperture 253 b. The left back bracket 605b may be placed on either side of the left back wing 251c and/or the right back bracket 705b may be placed on either side of the right back wing 260b to accommodate different overall chair widths without requiring any additional or different parts for the modular chair back assembly 235 b. All of the components and parts depicted in figure 2B may be preassembled at a location remote from the associated rocker installation site and, as shown in figures 2A and 2B, the modular seat back assembly 235B may be transported to the installation site.

Referring to FIG. 3A, a front, bottom perspective view of an exemplary modular seat assembly 316a is depicted. The modular seat assembly 316a can include a seat cushion 317a, a seat bottom decorative panel 318a, a left seat pivot assembly 800a, and a right seat pivot assembly 900 a. The left seat pivot assembly 800a may include a seat mounting hole 812a and the right seat pivot assembly 900a may include a seat mounting hole 912 a. The seat bottom decorative panel 318a may include a first fastener 319a and a second fastener 320a that may secure the seat bottom decorative panel 318a to the seat structure frame (not shown in fig. 3A).

Referring to FIG. 3B, an exploded front, bottom perspective view of an exemplary modular seat assembly 316B is depicted. The modular seat assembly 316b can be similar to the modular seat assembly 316a of fig. 3A. The modular seat assembly 316b can include a seat cushion 317b, a seat structure frame assembly 331b, a seat bottom decorative panel 318b, a left seat pivot assembly 800b, and a right seat pivot assembly 900 b. The seat bottom decorative panel 318B can include a first fastener 319B that mates with the right seat connector hole 338B, a second fastener 320B that mates with the left seat connector hole 339B, a third fastener (not shown in fig. 3B) that mates with the first seat structure frame clamp 336B, and a fourth fastener (not shown in fig. 3B) that mates with the second seat structure frame clamp 337B to secure the seat bottom decorative panel 318B to the seat structure frame assembly 331B. Seat structure frame assembly 331B can include a plurality of seat support springs 327B extending between a plurality of first spring supports (not shown in fig. 3B) and a plurality of second spring supports 325B. The modular seat assembly 316B can include a fabric covering (not shown in fig. 3B) that substantially encloses the seat cushion 317B and the seat structure frame assembly 331B, and can secure the seat cushion 317B adjacent to the seat structure frame assembly 331B. Left seat pivot assembly 800b can include a left seat connector 801b and a seat mounting hole 812 b. Left seat connector 801B may be connected to left seat frame structure connector 330B via a first fastener (not shown in fig. 3B) extending through first left seat connector hole 805B and first left seat frame structure connector 332B and a second fastener (not shown in fig. 3B) extending through second left seat connector hole (not shown in fig. 3B) and second left seat frame structure connector 333B. The left seat frame structure connector 330b can include a bumper aperture 341 b. The right seat frame structure connector 329b may include a bumper aperture 340 b. The right seat pivot assembly 900b can include a right seat connector 901b and a seat mounting hole 912 b. The right seat connector 901B can be connected to the right seat frame structure connector 329B via a third fastener (not shown in fig. 3B) that extends through the first right seat connector hole 905B and the first right seat frame structure connector 334B and a fourth fastener (not shown in fig. 3B) that extends through the second right seat connector hole (not shown in fig. 3B) and the second right seat frame structure connector 335B.

Turning to FIG. 4A, a front, top perspective view of an exemplary central modular module 430a is depicted. Central modular module 430p may include a vertical structural member 434a, a first mounting foot 431a and a second mounting foot 432 a. Central modular module 430a may also include an armrest 192a, a cup holder 193a, a right armrest pivot mount 415a, a left armrest pivot ring 408a, and a left armrest pivot endcap 407 a. Central modular module 430a may also include left floor bracket 405a, right floor bracket (not shown in FIG. 4A), debris cover attachment 433a, left seat bracket 615a, right seat bracket 715a, first spring assembly 1000a, and second spring assembly 1000 a. Central modular standard assembly 430a may also include first and second seat assembly attachment bolts 454A for attaching a respective seat assembly (not shown in FIG. 4A) to central modular standard assembly 430 a. The first spring assembly 1000a may include a fourth fastener 1022a and a nut 440a and a first overtravel bolt 438a with an associated washer 439 a. The second spring assembly 1000a may include a first fastener 1019a with an associated nut 437a and a second fastener 1020a with an associated nut 436 a. Although not shown in FIG. 4A, central modular module 430a may also include a debris cover and a plurality of fasteners for securing the various components and assemblies to one another.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a front, top exploded perspective view of an exemplary central modular module 430B is depicted. Central modular module 430q may be similar to central modular module 430a of figure 4A. Central modular module 430b may include a vertical structural member 434b, a first mounting foot 431b, a second mounting foot 432b, and a debris cover attachment 433 b. Central modular module 430b may also include an armrest 192b, a cup holder 193b, a left armrest pivot end cap 407b, a left armrest pivot ring 408b, a left armrest pivot support 409b, a left armrest pivot plate 410b, a left armrest pivot mount 411b, an armrest attachment 412b, an armrest pivot spacer 413b, an armrest pivot washer 414b, a right armrest pivot mount 415b, a right armrest pivot plate 416b, a right armrest pivot support 417b, a right armrest pivot ring 418b, a right armrest pivot end cap 419b, and an armrest cover 441 b. Armrest lid 441b may be secured to armrest accessory 412b via first fastener 446b extending through first armrest lid aperture 442b and first armrest attachment aperture 450b, second fastener 447b extending through second armrest lid aperture 443b and second armrest attachment aperture 451b, third fastener 448b extending through third armrest lid aperture 444b and third armrest attachment aperture 452b, and fourth fastener 449b extending through fourth armrest lid aperture 445b and fourth armrest attachment aperture 453 b. Central modular standard assembly 430b may also include left floor bracket 405b, right floor bracket 406b, left seat bracket 615b, right seat bracket 715b, first spring assembly 1000b, and second spring assembly 1000 b. First spring assembly 1000B may include a first fastener 1019B and a second fastener 1020B, the first fastener 1019B extending through a first right seat bracket aperture (not separately labeled in FIG. 4B) to first nut 437B, the second fastener 1020B extending through a second right seat bracket aperture (not separately labeled in FIG. 4B) to second nut 436B, and may attach right seat bracket 715B to first spring assembly 1000B. The first spring assembly 1000b can also include a third fastener 1021b that can extend through the first right floor bracket hole 422b to the third nut 435b, and a fourth fastener 1022b that can extend through the second right floor bracket hole 423b to the fourth nut 455b and can attach the first spring assembly 1000b to the left floor bracket 405 b. The first spring assembly 1000b may also include an overtravel bolt 438b, which overtravel bolt 438b may extend through the first spring assembly 1000b through an associated washer 439b to a nut 440b to limit the distance the associated swing may rock rearwardly. The second spring assembly 1000B may include a first fastener 1019B and a second fastener 1020B, the first fastener 1019B extending through a first right seat bracket hole 717B to a first nut 437B, the second fastener 1020B extending through a second right seat bracket hole (not shown in fig. 4B) to a second nut 436B, and may attach the right seat bracket 715B to the second spring assembly 1000B. The second spring assembly 1000b can also include a third fastener 1021b that can extend through the first right floor bracket aperture 420b to the third nut 435b, and a fourth fastener 1022b that can extend through the second right floor bracket aperture 421b to the fourth nut 455b, and can attach the second spring assembly 1000b to the right floor bracket 406 b. The second spring assembly 1000b may also include an overtravel bolt 438b, which over-travel bolt 438b may extend through the second spring assembly 1000b through an associated washer 439b to a nut 440b to limit the distance the associated swing may rock rearward. Central modular module 430B may include a first seat assembly mounting bolt 454B for attaching a first seat assembly (not shown in FIG. 4B) to central modular module 430B and a second seat assembly mounting bolt 454B extending through right seat bracket aperture 714B for attaching a second seat assembly (not shown in FIG. 4B) to central modular module 430B. Although not shown in FIG. 4B, central modular module 430B may also include a debris cover and a plurality of fasteners for securing the various components and assemblies to one another.

Turning to fig. 4C and 4D, a front, right side perspective view and a front, right side exploded perspective view 430C of an exemplary central standard 430C is shown. The reference numerals shown in fig. 4C and 4D are generally similar to those of the previous fig. 4A and 4B, except for the first zip ties 460C, 460D, the second zip ties 461D, the first zip tie holes 630C, 630D, the second zip tie holes 506C, 506D, the third zip tie hole 730D, and the fourth zip tie hole 473D. The

first zip ties

460c, 460d, the first zip tie holes 630c, 630d, and the second zip tie holes 506c, 506d may be configured to act as forward over travel limiters to prevent the associated swing from swinging too far forward. The second zip 461d, the third zip hole 730d and the fourth zip hole 473d may be configured to further act as forward over travel limiters. Thus, the

zippers

460c, 460d, 461c, 461d prevent damage to the

corresponding spring assemblies

1000c, 1000 d.

Turning to fig. 4E and 4F, a front, right side perspective view and a front, right side exploded perspective view 430F of an exemplary central standard 430E is shown. The reference numerals shown in fig. 4E and 4F are generally similar to previous fig. 4A-4D, except for first forward overtravel bolts 460E, 460F, second overtravel bolts 461E, 461F, overtravel bolt holes (not separately identified in fig. 4E or 4F), second overtravel bolt holes (not separately identified in fig. 4E or 4F), third overtravel bolt holes (not separately identified in fig. 4E or 4F), and fourth overtravel bolts (not separately identified in fig. 4E or 4F). The first overtravel bolts 460E, 460F, first overtravel bolt holes (not separately labeled in fig. 4E or 4F), and second overtravel bolt holes (not separately labeled in fig. 4E or 4F) may be configured to act as forward overtravel limiters to prevent the associated swing from rocking too far forward. The second overtravel bolt 461E, 461F, the third overtravel bolt hole (not separately labeled in fig. 4E or 4F), and the fourth overtravel bolt hole (not separately labeled in fig. 4E or 4F) may be configured to further function as forward overtravel limiters. Thus,

overtravel bolts

460e, 460f, 461e, 461f may prevent damage to the

corresponding spring assemblies

1000e, 1000 f.

Turning to FIG. 4G, exemplary standard cells 430v, 430w, 430x, 430y are depicted. The example standard assembly 430g may include a single piece standard 401g, which may be constructed of metal castings, aluminum castings, iron castings, molded plastics, blow-molded plastics, composites, and the like. In any case, the standard assembly 430g may include mounting feet 431g, armrests 190g, decorative end plate 196g, left seat mounting hole 405g, and right seat mounting hole 406 g.

Although the standard assembly 430g is described herein as part of a swing, the standard assembly 430g may be used in conjunction with a non-swing. Key aspects of the standard cell 430g are: 1) the seat back may be held in place on standard 401g by

features

261g, 262g, 263g, 264g on wings 260g and standard 418g, which features 261g, 262g, 263g, 264g and standard 418g cooperate to allow the associated seat back to be held in a position that facilitates unaided installation, thereby reducing installation labor, materials, time and costs, while allowing for seat back angle adjustment. The features that cooperate to achieve the standard cell 430g are: a)

slots

261g, 262g, 263g on wing 260g that engage posts 419g on casting 401g that limit seat back movement, and b) wing 260g offset piece 264g that engages rib 418g on standard 401g that limits seat back movement.

Although standard assembly 430g is shown with cast standards and stampings 401g, one skilled in the art may design mating features in components manufactured with other materials or processes. For example, consider a standard 401g made of sheet metal, the standard 401g having features that cooperate to limit the movement of the seat back. Although the standard assembly 430g is shown with wings 260g that may engage the standard 401g at the bottom of the wings 264g, one skilled in the art may design mating features at other relative positions between mating components. The end plate 196G may be held in place by interlocking features 197G, 409G, 198G, 417G, 199G, 405G and a limited number of fasteners (not shown in fig. 4G). Although the standard package 430g is shown with a cast standard 401g and an end plate 196g, one skilled in the art may design mating features in components manufactured with other materials or processes.

Turning to fig. 5A, an exploded perspective view of an exemplary left side assembly 500b is depicted for illustrative purposes as including a spring assembly 1000a adjacent to a left seat bracket 615A and a left floor bracket 505A. Left assembly 500a may also include a seat assembly attachment bolt 518a that may extend through left seat bracket hole 614 a. Left seat bracket 615a may include alignment tab 612 a. Spring assembly 1000a may include a first fastener 1019a and a second fastener 1020a, the first fastener 1019a may extend through a first left seat bracket hole 617a to a first nut 516a, and the second fastener 1020a may extend through a second left seat bracket hole 616a to a second nut 517a to secure left seat bracket 615a to spring assembly 1000 a. The left side assembly 500a may also include an overtravel bolt 519a that extends through the washer 520a and through a channel 1011a in the spring assembly bushing 1010a to a nut 521 a. The nut 521a can be captured within the left seat bracket aperture 618 a. The spring assembly 1000a may also include a third fastener 1021a that may extend through the first left floor bracket hole 512a to the third nut 514a, and a fourth fastener 1022a that may extend through the second left floor bracket hole 513a to the fourth nut 515a to secure the spring assembly 1000a to the left floor bracket 505 a. The left floor bracket 505a may include a horizontal surface 510a that extends at a substantially 90 degree angle relative to a vertical surface 511 a. The left floor bracket 505a may also include a third aperture 508a and a recess 509 a. Before spring assembly 1000a is secured to left floor bracket 505a, recess 509a can receive overtravel bolt 519a, which is placed within spring assembly 1000a and left seat bracket 615 a.

Turning to FIG. 5B, left swing assembly 500B may include left landing bracket 505B, spring assembly 1000B, and left seat bracket 615B. The left swing assembly 500b may also include a zip tie 560b looped through a first zip tie hole 506b in the left floor bracket 505b and a second zip tie hole 630b in the left seat bracket 615b, the zip tie 560b being configured to limit forward swing motion of the associated swing. Left swing assembly 500b may also include a seat assembly mounting bolt 518 b. As described with respect to fig. 5A, left rocker assembly 500b may also include features such as rearward over travel bolt 519 a.

Turning to fig. 5C, right swing assembly 500C may include right floor bracket 505C, spring assembly 1000C, and right seat bracket 715C. The right swing assembly 500c may also include a forward over travel limit bolt 560c that extends through a first bolt hole 541c in the right floor bracket 505c and a second bolt hole 730c in the right seat bracket 715c that is configured to limit forward swing motion of the associated swing. Right side rocking assembly 500c may also include a seat assembly mounting bolt 518 c. As described with respect to fig. 5A and 5B, right swing assembly 500c may also include features such as rearward overtravel bolt 519 c.

Turning to FIG. 6A, a front, top perspective view of an exemplary left seat bracket 615a is depicted adjacent to left back bracket 605 a. For example, left seat bracket 615a and left back bracket 605a can be used in the swing of fig. 1B. Although the term "left" is used herein with respect to the left back bracket 605a, the left back bracket 605a may be used as a "right" back bracket (e.g., the right back bracket 705a of fig. 7A). Left seat bracket 615a and/or left back bracket 605a may be made of cast iron, cast aluminum, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, composite materials, fiberglass, metal, steel, forged iron, and the like. The left back bracket 605a may include a first fastener hole 606A and a second fastener hole 607a that may cooperate with corresponding fasteners (not shown in fig. 6A) to secure the left back wing (not shown in fig. 6A) to the left back bracket 605 a. Left side back wing portions (not shown in fig. 6A) may be secured to either the first side 624a or the second side 625a of the left back bracket 605a to change the overall width of the corresponding swing (e.g., swings 115B, 150B of fig. 1B). The left back bracket 605a may also include a left seat bracket engagement portion 608 a. Left seat frame engagement portion 608a may include a left seat frame lip socket 609a and a third fastener hole 610 a. The seat bracket height 622a can be less than or greater than the seat bracket height shown in fig. 6A to create a space between the bottom of an associated back (e.g., the backs 235B, 270B of fig. 1B) and the top of a seat (e.g., the seats 116B, 151B of fig. 1B).

With further reference to fig. 6A, left seat bracket 615a can include seat attachment bolt holes 614a, first spring assembly fastener holes 616A, second spring assembly fastener holes 617a, and over travel bolt holes 618 a. Left seat bracket 615a may also include a securing slot 613a between alignment tab 612a and lip 611 a. Although the term "left" is used herein with respect to left seat bracket 615a, left seat bracket 615a may be configured as a "right" seat bracket (e.g., right back bracket 715a of fig. 7A) by repositioning securing slot 613a, alignment tab 612a, and lip 611 a. For example, securing slot 613a, alignment tab 612a, and lip 611a, along with seat attachment bolt hole 614a, first spring assembly fastener hole 616a, second spring assembly fastener hole 617a, and overtravel bolt hole 618a, can be concentrically positioned relative to main body portion 626a to "facilitate two-handed operation (ambidextrous)" of the seat bracket.

Referring to fig. 7A, a front, bottom perspective view of the right seat bracket 715a is depicted. The right side seat bracket 715a may include a seat attachment bolt hole 714a, a first spring assembly fastener hole 716a, a second spring assembly fastener hole 717a, and an over travel bolt hole 718 a. The right seat bracket 715a may also include a securing slot 713a between the alignment tab 712a and the lip 711 a. The right seat bracket 715a may also include a seat assembly attachment bolt head socket 720a for capturing the head 722a of the seat assembly attachment bolt 721a when the threads 723a are inserted through the seat attachment bolt hole 714 a. The right seat bracket 715a may also include an overtravel bolt nut receptacle 719a for capturing an overtravel bolt nut (not shown in fig. 7A). The term "entrapping" as used herein refers to the fact that: the associated bolt head or nut is prevented from rotating and from moving linearly when the associated seat bracket (e.g., the right seat bracket 615a of fig. 6A or the left seat bracket in fig. 7A) is secured proximate to a corresponding spring assembly (e.g., spring assembly 1000A of fig. 10A).

Turning to FIG. 8A, a front, bottom exploded perspective view of an exemplary left seat pivot assembly 800a is depicted. Left seat pivot assembly 800a can include left seat connector 801a, fixed post 811a, first pivot bearing 818a, biasing spring 820a, first bushing 824a, second bushing 826a, second pivot bearing 829a, left pivot arm 837a, fastener 841a, and bumper 845 a. Left seat connector 801a may be connected to a left seat frame structure connector (not shown in fig. 8A) via a first fastener (not shown in fig. 8A) extending through first left seat connector hole 805a and a second fastener (not shown in fig. 8A) extending through second left seat connector hole 846 a. Left-side bench connector 801a may include first side 802a, second side 803a, bumper engagement hole 806a, alignment hole 807a, bottom arm 810 a. The fixation post 811a may be made of cast iron, cast aluminum, steel, iron, metal, fiberglass, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, composite materials, etc., and may include a seat mount aperture 812a in the seat engagement portion 844a, a distal end 813a, and a spring-biased arm 814a having a first surface 835a and a second surface 836 a. First pivot bearing 818a may include a passage 816a, a first thinned portion 817a, and a second thinned portion 819 a. Second pivot bearing 829a may include a passage 830a, a first thinned portion 832a, and a second thinned portion 831 a. The left pivot arm 837a may include a hole 834a extending through the pivot plate 840a at a substantially right angle relative to the arm 833a, the first side 838a, and the second side 839 a. The bushing 824a can include a passage 825a that can be friction fit onto the first spring end 822a, and the second bushing 826a can include a passage 827a that can be friction fit onto the second spring end 823 a. The fastener 841a may include a plurality of fingers 843a surrounding a bore 842a that may be friction fit to the distal end 813a of the fixation post 811 a.

Referring to fig. 9A, a rear, top exploded perspective view of an exemplary spring assembly 900a is depicted. Spring assembly 900a may include a molded rubber member 905 a. The molded rubber member 905a may include a plurality of front end fins 912a with intervening front end slots 913a, a plurality of generally dumbbell-shaped channels 914a, a plurality of generally cylindrical channels 916a, and a plurality of rear end fins 917a with intervening rear end slots 918 a. The spring assembly 900a may also include a top cover 923a and a bottom cover 928 a. First cap side 933a can be aligned with first rubber member edge 934 a. The first bottom cover side 936a may be aligned with the second rubber member edge 907a and the second bottom cover side 937a may be aligned with the third rubber member edge 938 a. The top cover 923a and the bottom cover 928a may be made of metal and may be co-molded with the molded rubber member 905 a. A layer of tackifying material (not shown in figure 9A) can be applied to bottom surface 927a of top cover 923a and top surface 929A of bottom cover 928a proximate to molded rubber member 905a prior to top cover 923a and bottom cover 928a being co-molded with molded rubber member 905 a. Spring assembly 900a may also include a top rubber bushing 910a and a bottom rubber bushing 915a having a top opening 911 a. When the top cover 923a and the bottom cover 928a are co-molded with the molded rubber member 905a, the top rubber bushing 905a may protrude through the top cover bore 925a and the bottom rubber bushing 915a may protrude through the bottom cover bore 931 a. The spring assembly 900a can also include a first fastener 919A extending through the first top cover aperture 926a and a second fastener 920a extending through the second top cover aperture 924a for attaching the spring assembly 900a to a seat bracket (not shown in fig. 9A). The spring assembly 900a may also include a third fastener 921a extending through the first bottom cover aperture 930a and a fourth fastener 922a extending through the second bottom cover aperture 932a for attaching the spring assembly 900a to a floor bracket (not shown in fig. 9A). The enlarged head end of each fastener 919a-920a can be co-molded with a molded rubber member 905a, which molded rubber member 905a can form respective dimples (cub)909a, 908a and similar dimples corresponding to

fasteners

921a, 922 a.

Referring to fig. 10A and 10B, the chair assemblies 1000A, B may include chair backs 1035a, B and seat hinge mechanisms 1015a, B, 1025a, B supported by the chair standards 1005a, B. The seat hinge mechanisms 1015a, b, 1025a, b may include a seat hinge seat pivot 1026b receptacle 1027b that rotatably engages a seat hinge standard bracket post 1019 b. Alternatively, the seat hinge seat brackets 1015a, b can include posts and the seat hinge standard brackets 1025a, b can include mating receptacles. The seat hinge standard brackets 1015a, b may be secured to the chair standards 1005a, b via: seat hinge standard bracket lips 1016a, b proximate the chair standard tabs 1006a, b; seat hinge standard carrier tabs 1017a, b secured to the chair standard lips 1007a, b; and a seat hinge standard bracket pivot point 1018b proximate the chair standard hinge bracket socket 1008 b. The features of the seat hinge bracket and the chair standard socket may be reversed. Similarly, the seat hinge standard carrier tabs 1017a, b can be disposed toward the rear of the seat hinge standard carrier pivot point 1018b, and the seat hinge standard carrier lips 1016a, b toward the front. When the seat hinge standard carrier tabs 1017a, b can be disposed toward the rear of the seat hinge standard carrier pivot point 1018b and the seat hinge standard carrier lips 1016a, b toward the front, the chair standard hinge carrier socket 1008b features will also be reversed.

As an alternative to the seat hinge mechanisms 1015a, b, 1025a, b, the seat hinge standard brackets 1025a, b may have portions that face toward the backrest of the associated chair so that the occupant's weight is distributed substantially evenly in front of and behind the seat hinge mechanisms 1015a, b. Other seat hinge mechanisms 1015a, b, 1025a, b options may be provided to center the occupant's weight more forward or more rearward, as desired.

The seat hinge mechanism may include a floor bracket for attaching other chair components (e.g., row endplates, a galley tray arm, a tablet arm, a row plate, a lighting module, or any other device as described in the commonly assigned patent applications incorporated by reference herein). Alternatively or additionally, the chair standard may include a floor bracket above the associated chair standard receptacle for attaching other chair components (e.g., row end plates, snack tray arms, tablet arms, number plates, lighting modules, or any other device as described in the commonly assigned patent applications incorporated by reference herein).

Although a single seat hinge mechanism 1015a, b is shown in fig. 1A on the left side of the chair assembly 1000a, b and supported by the chair standard 1005a, b, a second seat hinge mechanism may be supported by the chair standard 1005a, b and the second seat hinge mechanism may be configured as a mirror image of the seat hinge mechanism 1015a, b to define a right seat pivot axis. Alternatively, rows of end plates, snack tray arms, tablet arms, number plates, lighting modules, or any other device as described in the commonly assigned patent applications incorporated herein by reference may be mounted next to the seat hinge mechanisms 1015a, b in the chair standard hinge bracket receptacle 1008 b. The chair standard hinge bracket socket 1008b may include features that prevent disengagement of the seat hinge mechanisms 1015a, b from the chair standard hinge bracket socket 1008b while allowing the associated seat hinge mechanisms 1015a, b to allow for misalignment of the chair standard.

Chair standard 1005a, b may include first mounting feet 1002a, b, second mounting feet 1003a, b, chair arms 1010a, b, first back bracket 1011a, b, second back bracket 1012a, b, third back bracket 1013a, b, and fourth back bracket 1014a, b. Alternatively, the chair standards 1005a, b may only include the first and second seat back

brackets

1011a, 1011 b, 1012a, b when, for example, the chair standards 1005a, b are to be mounted at the ends of a row of chairs. The seat backs 1035a, b may include first seat back fastener receptacles 1036a, b, second seat back fastener receptacles 1037a, b, third seat back fastener receptacles 1038a, b, and fourth seat back fastener receptacles 1039a, b.

Turning to fig. 11A-11C,

accessory tray assemblies

1100a, 1100b, 1100C can include

trays

1115a, 1115b, 1115C secured to tray supports 1125b, 1125C via, for example, fasteners 1129C (e.g., screws, bolts, adhesive, co-molding, etc.). The tray supports 1125b, 1125c can be castings (e.g., steel castings, iron castings, aluminum castings, composite castings, etc.). Alternatively, tray supports 1125b, 1125c may be stamped parts (e.g., metal stamped parts), molded plastic parts, or may be composite structures.

Accessory tray assemblies

1100a, 1100b, 1100c can include

tray bases

1135b, 1135c and locking

dogs

1136b, 1136 c.

Turning to fig. 12, the accessory tray assembly 1200 can include a tray 1215 having a cup holder receptacle 1220 secured to a tray support 1225 via a tray fastener 1229, the tray support 1225 having a first support extension 1226, a second support extension 1227, and a third support extension 1228. The tray support 1225 may be rotatably secured to a center post 1244 of the tray base 1235 via a tray support fastener 1240 and an associated washer 1242. The accessory tray assembly 1200 may include an inner bearing 1250 and an outer bearing 1255, the inner bearing 1250 and the outer bearing 1255 being juxtaposed between the tray support 1225 and the tray base 1235, the tray base 1235 being configured to carry loads and reduce tray movement. The accessory tray assembly 1200 may include at least one biasing spring 1245 or other device to automatically return the tray 1215 to a storage position (e.g., non-use position) or an open position (e.g., use position). The accessory tray assembly 1200 may include a plug 1241 for concealing (or hiding) the tray support fastener 1240. The tray support 1225 and/or tray base 1235 can include access holes (not shown in fig. 12) that align with the locking chuck screws 1242 so that, for example, the locking chuck 1236 can be aligned with a corresponding chair accessory (e.g., chair accessory 191a of fig. 4A). The accessory tray assembly 1200 may include at least one stop 1243 to limit movement of the tray 1215 in at least one of the following positions: a closed position, an open position, an intermediate position, any subcombination thereof, or a combination thereof.

Turning to fig. 13A, the rocker chair assembly 1300a may include a back frame 1337a, the back frame 1337a being attached to a seat frame 1335a via first and second back/seat brackets 1334 a. The rocker assembly 1300a can be similar to, for example, any of the rockers of fig. 1A-C, except that the seat frame 1335a is fixed (non-rotatable) relative to the back frame 1337 a. The first and second back/seat brackets 1334a may be configured such that the back frame 1337a can be removed from the seat frame 1335a without any tools. Thus, the back frame 1337a and the seat frame 1335a can be transported to the installation site with the back frame 1337a lying flat against the seat frame 1335 a.

The rocker chair assembly 1300a may include first and second seat brackets 1332a connected to respective chair seat bracket adapters. The seat brackets 1332a can include a plurality of bolt holes configured to facilitate attachment to a respective seat frame 1335 a. The seat bracket 1332a can include a plurality of slots configured to facilitate attachment to a respective seat bracket adapter without the use of tools. Thus, during installation, the seat frame 1334a may be placed in place on the corresponding standard without the use of tools.

The seat bracket adapter may be similar to, for example, left seat bracket 615a of fig. 6A or right seat bracket 715a of fig. 7A, but does not include

slots

613a, 713a,

alignment tabs

612a, 712a or

lips

611a, 711 a. The first and second seat bracket adapters are connected to respective springs 1000 a. The rocker assembly 1300a can include first and second seat brackets 1332a coupled to respective springs 1000 a. The springs 1000a may be attached to a corresponding adapter plate 1306 a. The adapter plate 1306a may be connected to a corresponding floor bracket 1333 a. Alternatively, the springs 1000a may be directly connected to the respective floor brackets 1333 a. When the springs 1000a are directly connected to the respective floor brackets 1333a, the rocker assembly 1300a can be wider with the standard 1361a and mounting feet 1362a in respective positions associated with the rocker assembly 1300a incorporating the adapter plate 1306 a.

Alternatively, the adapter plate 1306a may be included on only one side of the respective rocker chair assembly 1300 a. Thus, the width of the rocker assembly 1300a may be between the width of a rocker assembly 1300a that includes two adapter plates 1306a and the width of a rocker assembly 1300a that does not include any adapter plates 1306 a. A wider or narrower adapter plate 1306a may be incorporated into the rocker chair assembly 1300a to vary the width of the chair and/or the spacing of the standards 1361 a.

Referring to fig. 13B, the rocker chair assembly 1300B may be similar to, for example, any of the rocker chair assemblies disclosed herein, except that the rocker chair assembly 1300B may include a chair roller assembly 1362B in place of the fixedly mounted legs. With the exception of the chair roller assembly 1362B, the reference numbers of fig. 13B may refer to like-numbered components (B not serially connected to a given number) as those shown in fig. 13A. The chair roller assembly 1362b may include, for example, retractable wheels 1363b, which retractable wheels 1363b are operable between an extended orientation and a retracted orientation via the lowering/raising mechanism 1364 b. The chair roller assembly 1362b may be configured to enable, for example, a venue operator to reposition the associated rocker assembly 1300 b. Once oriented in a given orientation, the lowering/raising mechanism 1364b can be lockable 1365b in the respective extended and retracted orientations.

A set of rocker chair assemblies 1300b may be incorporated into a beam mounted chair assembly (e.g., as disclosed in U.S. patent application S/N: 15/640,938, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Thus, the chair roller assembly 1362b may be configured to enable, for example, a meeting place operator to reposition the set of beam-mounted rocker chair assemblies 1300 b. The set of rocker chair assemblies 1300b incorporated into a beam mounted chair assembly may include power and/or data wiring extending through and/or near the associated beam and/or associated outlet wires. Similarly, the chair roller assembly 1362b may be configured to enable, for example, a venue operator to reposition a powered recliner or a set of powered recliners (e.g., powered recliners as in commonly assigned U.S. patent application S/N: 15/675,865, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference).

Chair roller assembly 1362b may include a connecting plate 1366b, a plurality of base plates 1370b, and a wheel mounting bracket 1369b hingedly attached to wheel housing 1367b via hinges 1368 b. An operator may, for example, press down on lowering/raising mechanism 1364b and associated wheel 1363b will articulate downward such that associated plurality of base plates 1370b are raised from the associated floor surface. Once the operator presses down on the lowering/raising mechanism 1364b to lift the plurality of substrates 1370b from the associated floor surface, the operator may rotate the lowering/raising mechanism 1364b into the lock 1365 b. The operator can reverse the process to raise wheel 1363 c.

Turning to fig. 13C, the rocker assembly 1300C can be similar to, for example, any of the rocker assemblies disclosed herein, except that the rocker assembly 1300b can include a manual mechanism 1340 b. The reference numbers of fig. 13C may refer only to similarly numbered components (a-B not concatenated to the given number) as those shown in fig. 13A-B. The manual mechanism 1340c may include a chair tilt locking feature 1341c, a footrest reorientation mechanism 1342c, and/or a chair lowering/raising feature 1343 c. The manual mechanism 1340c may be configured with, for example, a thumb button for releasing/locking the manual mechanism 1340c and/or may include a ratchet-type mechanism (e.g., a serrated gear/lock) for multiple position orientations.

The chair tilt locking feature 1341C may comprise a mechanical lock (e.g., a C-clip, pin, etc.) configured to lock an associated rocker assembly 1300C in a desired orientation once the associated rocker assembly 1300C is manually locked into the desired orientation, for example. Alternatively or in addition, the locking feature 1341c may be configured to enable a user to, for example, tilt the seat back (e.g., the seat back frame 1337c) into a desired orientation and then lock the seat back into the desired orientation. The footrest reorientation mechanism 1342c can enable the chair footrest to be manually oriented and/or locked into a desired orientation.

The chair lowering/raising features 1343c may enable the associated rocker assembly 1300c and/or the associated seat frame 1335c to be oriented into a desired height orientation. For example, standard 1361c may be a telescoping structure, for example, with spring-loaded extensions. Thus, the associated rocker chair assembly 1300c and/or the associated seat frame 1335c may be lowered, for example, by: releasing the chair lowering/raising feature 1343c and applying a downward force to the associated rocker assembly 1300c and/or the associated seat frame 1335c, and locking the chair lowering/raising feature 1343c when the associated rocker assembly 1300c and/or the associated seat frame 1335c is at a desired height. The rocker chair assembly 1300c and/or associated seat frame 1335c may be raised, for example, by: releasing the chair lowering/raising feature 1343c and removing any downward force on the associated rocker assembly 1300c and/or associated seat frame 1335c, and locking the chair lowering/raising feature 1343c when the associated rocker assembly 4300 and/or associated seat frame 1335c is raised to a desired height (e.g., via a spring-supported upward force).

Referring to fig. 13D, the rocker chair assembly 1300D may be similar to, for example, any of the rocker chair assemblies disclosed herein, except that the rocker chair assembly 1300D may include a chair roller assembly 1362D in place of the fixedly mounted legs. With the exception of the chair roller assembly 1362D, the reference numbers of fig. 13D may refer to like-numbered components (a-C not serially connected to a given number) as those shown in fig. 13A-C. The chair roller assembly 1362d may include, for example, retractable wheels 1363d, which retractable wheels 1363d may be operable between an extended orientation and a retracted orientation via the lowering/raising mechanism 1364 d. The chair roller assembly 1362d may be configured to enable, for example, a meeting place operator to reposition the associated rocker chair assembly 1300 a. Once oriented in a given orientation, lowering/raising mechanism 1364c may be lockable 1365c in the respective extended and retracted orientations.

A set of rocker chair assemblies 1300a may be incorporated into a beam mounted chair assembly (e.g., as disclosed in U.S. patent application S/N: 15/640,938, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Thus, the chair roller assembly 1362d may be configured to enable, for example, a meeting place operator to reposition the set of beam-mounted rocker chair assemblies 1300 a. The set of rocker chair assemblies 1300a incorporated into a beam mounted chair assembly may include power and/or data wiring extending through and/or near the associated beam and/or associated outlet wires. Similarly, the chair roller assembly 1362a may be configured to, for example, enable a venue operator to reposition a powered recliner or a set of powered recliners (e.g., powered recliners as in commonly assigned U.S. patent application S/N: 15/675,865, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference).

Chair roller assembly 1362d may include a connecting plate 1366d, a plurality of base plates 1370d, and a wheel mounting bracket 1369d hingedly attached to wheel housing 1367d via hinge 1368 d. An operator may, for example, press down on lowering/raising mechanism 1364d and associated wheel 1363d will articulate downward such that associated plurality of base plates 1370d are raised from the associated floor surface. Once the operator presses down on the lowering/raising mechanism 1364d to lift the plurality of substrates 1370d from the associated floor surface, the operator may rotate the lowering/raising mechanism 1364d into the lock 1365 d. The operator can reverse the process to raise wheel 1363 d.

Turning to fig. 14A-F, the display assemblies 1400a-F can include, for example, message boards (or labels) 1415a, c, e, g removably secured within receptacles 1406b, d of an associated chair assembly (e.g., chair bottom 1405a) such that the message boards are visible (e.g., oriented as shown in fig. 14A), for example, when the associated seat is in an unoccupied orientation (i.e., tilted upward). The chair bottom 1405a may be secured to an associated chair via fasteners 1407a, d, 1408a, d. Any given fastener 1407a, d, 1408a, d can be hidden from view behind the message board 1407a, d, 1408a, d.

The information plates 1415a, c, e, g can be placed in the receptacles 1406b, d by, for example: the message panels 1415a, c, e, g are flexed and tabs 1417c, g, 1418c, g are inserted into the respective apertures 1411b, f, 1412b, f, and then the message panels 1415a, c, e, g are released such that the message panels 1415a, c, e, g catch behind the retention features 1409b, 1410 b. Thus, no tools are required to mount the information panels 1415a, c, e, g. The message panels 1415a, c, e, g may be removed by, for example, inserting pins (or the like) into one or both of the residence removal holes 1413f, 1414 f. Alternatively or additionally, message boards 1415a, c, e, g may be removed from receptacles 1406b, d by prying message boards 1415a, c, e, g away from the front side.

The message panels 1415a, c, e, g may include, for example, a chair number 1416c and/or a row number. Alternatively or additionally, the message panels 1415a, c, e, g may contain any other information, such as a chair manufacturer brand, a place name or brand, promotional information, information regarding whether the associated chair has been ticketed, chair "owner" information, sponsor information, advertising information, and the like. Information panels 1415a, c, e, g/receptacles 1406b, d may be configured to define a display. The information panels 1415a, c, e, g/receptacles 1406b, d may also include at least one sensor component (e.g., an occupancy sensor, an occupant pinch point sensor, a chair position sensor, etc.). The message panels 1415a, c, e, g can be etched plastic with paint in the etched portions, color surface laser etched plastic, etched partially painted thin metal, color surface laser etched thin metal, etc.

The receptacles 1406b, d may be formed in an associated chair component (e.g., chair bottom 1405a) via an associated mold. Alternatively or additionally, the receptacles 1406b, d may be formed within an associated chair component (e.g., the chair bottom 1405a) via a machining process (e.g., drilling, gouging, etc.).

Referring to fig. 15A-F, the display assemblies 1500a-F can include message boards 1515b, d, F removably secured within receptacles of associated chair assemblies (e.g., attached to a chair bottom pivot assembly 1530a, such as a chair standard 1535A) such that the message boards are visible (e.g., oriented as shown in fig. 15A), for example, when the associated seat is in an unoccupied orientation (i.e., tilted upward).

Information boards 1515b, d, f may be placed in receptacles 1506b, d by, for example: the information panels 1515b, d, f are flexed and tabs 1517c, g, 1518c, g are inserted into the respective holes 1511b, f, 1512b, f, and then the information panels 1515b, d, f are released such that the information panels 1515b, d, f are captured behind the retention features 1509b, 1510 b. Thus, no tools are required to install the message boards 1515b, d, f. The information plates 1515b, d, f may be removed by, for example, inserting a pin (or the like) into one or both of the residence removal holes 1513e, f, 1514e, f. Alternatively or additionally, the message boards 1515b, d, f may be removed from the receptacle by prying the message boards 1515b, d, f from the front side.

The message boards 1515b, d, f may include, for example, a chair number 1516c and/or a row number. Alternatively or additionally, the message panels 1515b, d, f may contain any other information, such as a chair manufacturer brand, a place name or brand, promotional information, information regarding whether the associated chair has purchased a ticket, chair "owner" information, sponsor information, advertising information, and the like. Message boards 1515b, d, f/jacks 1506b, d may be configured to define a display. The information panels 115a, c, e, g/jacks 106b, d may also include at least one sensor component (e.g., an occupancy sensor, an occupant pinch point sensor, a chair position sensor, etc.). The message panels 1515b, d, f can be etched plastic with paint in the etched portion, color surface laser etched plastic, thin metal with the etched portion painted, thin metal with color surface laser etched, etc.

The receptacles 1506b, d may be formed in an associated chair assembly (e.g., seat pivot assembly 1530a) via an associated mold. Alternatively or additionally, the receptacles 1506b, d may be formed within an associated chair assembly (e.g., seat pivot assembly 1530a) via a machining process (e.g., drilling, gouging, etc.).

The thickness of the display circuit board may comprise, for example, a mylar graphic having a thickness of at most 4 mm. Alternatively, the polyester film pattern is 3mm thick or 1-2mm thick. The display may comprise an injection molded lamp housing comprising, for example, 11mm or as short as 6mm in length, such as 9 mm. The associated display printed circuit board may have a thickness of about 2mm, with the connection pins and components on the back side having a total thickness of, for example, 3 mm. The connecting pin may be positioned away from critical areas (such as the bottom edge) so that the connecting pin does not interfere with the associated structure.

The displays 1400a-f, 1500a-f can be configured with an ambient light sensor to control the output light of the displays. For example, a cinema light may be turned on so that the seat number may automatically increase in brightness before or during the non-movie time. This may reduce the need for programmed light control over, for example, an associated control network. Thus, the seat number can be bright when needed and dim when dimming during the showing process. Notably, during the bright segments of the presentation, it may be desirable for the seat lights to be bright. Displays 1400a-f, 1500a-f may be configured as "side displays" oriented toward the associated chair. The side displays may be located, for example, on both sides of a common central armrest.

Occupant sensors may be incorporated within the associated display to detect whether the chair is occupied. A sensor may be included in the display to indicate when the associated powered recliner chair is reclined and/or extended. For example, symbols may be included within the display to indicate whether the associated chair is oriented in a reclined and/or non-reclined orientation. The display may comprise for example tilted

preset positions

1, 2, 3 and 4. The display may include an auto-off button, a command call button, an emergency call button.

The chair may include features such as massage features, vibration features, volume control of internal speakers, USB or power ports, communication ports, and the like. A side display may be included and may be oriented toward a wall, aisle, or another chair with its own controls. The displays 1400a-f, 1500a-f may include aisle lights, row numbers/letters, an Adult Disabled (ADA) indication, an indicator when the associated chair is in a floor cleaning mode, a call light indicator that a customer/chair in the row needs service, and the like.

Turning to fig. 16A-H and J, the chair assemblies 1600a-H, J may include an armrest bracket 1609a, which armrest bracket 1609a is attached to the chair standard 1634a via, for example,

pivot assemblies

1607a, 1608a, 1610a, 1618a-e, 1619a, c, e. The chair assemblies 1600a-h, j may also include armrests 1692a-e attached to the armrest bracket 1609a via, for example,

fasteners

1646a, 1647a, 1648a, 1649 a. The armrests 1692a, d, e can include cup holders 1693a, d, e.

Instead of or in addition to the armrests a-e, the chair assembly 1600a-h, j may include cup holders 1693f-h, j attached to the chair standard 1634a, e.g., via cup holder brackets 1698f-h, j and cup holder fasteners 1619f, h. The cup holders 1693f-h, j may extend behind the associated chair standard 1634a, as compared to the armrest bracket 1609 a. The cup holder 1693f-h, j can include cup holder support arms 1694f-h, j configured to, for example, prevent pivoting of the cup holder 1693f-h, j about the cup holder bracket 1698f-h, j and the cup holder fasteners 1619f, h.

Referring to fig. 17A-C, the rocker assembly 1700a, b can include a back frame bracket 1736a, b that is attached to a seat frame 1735a, b via first and second back/seat frame bracket fasteners. The rocker assemblies 1700a, B can be similar to, for example, either of the rocker assemblies 1300a, B of fig. 13A-B, or the rockers of fig. 1A-C, except that the seat frames 1735a, B are fixed (non-rotatable) relative to the back frames 1737a, B. The first and second back/seat brackets 1734a, b may be configured such that the back frames 1737a, b may be removed from the seat frames 1735a, b without any tools. Thus, the back frames 1737a, b and seat frames 1735a, b may be transported to the installation site with the back frames 1737a, b flat against the seat frames 1735a, b.

The rocker chair assemblies 1700a, b may include first and second seat brackets connected to respective chair seat bracket adapters. The seat brackets may include a plurality of bolt holes configured to facilitate attachment to the respective seat frames 1735a, b. The seat bracket may include a plurality of slotted holes configured to facilitate attachment to a respective seat bracket adapter without the use of tools. Thus, during installation, the seat frames 1735a, b may be placed in position on the respective standards without the use of tools.

The seat bracket adapter can be similar to, for example, the left seat bracket 1715C of fig. 17C or the right seat bracket 715a of fig. 7A. The first and second seat bracket adapters are connected to respective springs 1000 a. The rocker assembly 1700a, b may include first and second seat brackets connected to respective springs 1000 a. The springs 1000a may be connected to respective adapter plates. The adapter plates may be connected to the respective floor brackets 1733a, b. Alternatively, the springs 1000a may be directly connected to the respective floor brackets 1733a, b. When the springs 1000a are directly connected to the respective floor brackets 1733a, b, the rocker assembly 1700a may be wider with the standard 1761a, b and mounting feet 1762a, b in respective positions associated with the rocker assembly 1700a, b incorporating the adapter plate.

Alternatively, the adapter plate may be included on only one side of the respective rocker chair assembly 1700a, b. Thus, the width of the rocker chair assemblies 1700a, b may be between the width of the rocker chair assembly 1700a including two adapter plates and the width of the rocker chair assemblies 1700a, b that do not include any adapter plates. Wider or narrower adapter plates may be incorporated into the rocker chair assembly 1700a, b to vary the width of the chair and/or the spacing of the standards 1761a, b.

With further reference to fig. 17A and B, the rocker chair assemblies 1700a, B may be similar to, for example, any of the rocker chair assemblies disclosed herein, except that the rocker chair assemblies 1700a, B may include chair roller assemblies instead of fixedly mounted feet. Reference numerals of fig. 17B may refer to similarly numbered components (B not connected in series to a given number) as those shown in fig. 17A.

A set of rocker chair assemblies 1700a, b may be incorporated into a beam mounted chair assembly (e.g., as disclosed in U.S. patent application S/N: 15/640,938, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Thus, the chair roller assemblies 1762a, b may be configured to enable, for example, a meeting place operator to reposition the set of beam-mounted rocker chair assemblies 1700a, b. The set of rocker chair assemblies 1700a, b incorporated into a beam mounted chair assembly may include power and/or data wiring and/or associated outlet wires extending through and/or proximate to an associated beam. Similarly, the chair roller assembly may be configured, for example, to enable a venue operator to reposition a powered recliner chair or powered recliner chair in a group 15/675,865 of powered recliner chairs, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference).

With further reference to fig. 17C, the left seat bracket 1715C can include first and second seat frame fastener holes 1716C, 1717C. Left seat bracket 1715c may also include a securing slot 1713c between alignment tab 1712c and lip 1711 c. Although the term "left" is used herein with respect to left seat bracket 1715c, left seat bracket 1715c may be configured as a "right" seat bracket (e.g., right back bracket 715a of fig. 7A) by repositioning fixing slot 1713c, alignment tab 1712c, and lip 1711 c. For example, securing slot 1713c, alignment tab 1712c, and lip 1711c, along with seat attachment bolt hole 1714c, first spring assembly fastener hole 1716c, and second spring assembly fastener hole 1717c, may be concentrically positioned relative to body portion 1726c to "facilitate two-handed operation" of the seat bracket.

Turning to fig. 18A-E, chair assemblies 1800a-E may include chair standards 1805a-d with mounting feet 1807a-E and folding tray assembly attachment plate brackets 1806 a-d. The chair assemblies 1800a-e may also include folding tray assembly attachment plates 1810a-e having standard connection brackets 1811a-e and attachment holes 1812a-e configured to attach the folding tray assembly attachment plates 1810a-e to the chair standards 1805 a-e. The chair assemblies 1800a-e may also include foldable trays 1815a-e pivotally attached to tray swivels 1820a-e via tray pivots 1825 a-e. Foldable trays 1815a-e may, for example, be configured to pivot between a use orientation (e.g., the use orientation shown in fig. 18A) and an intermediate orientation (e.g., the intermediate orientation shown in fig. 19A). Tray swivels 1820a-e are rotatably coupled to folding tray assembly attachment plates 1810 a-e. Collapsible trays 1815a-e may, for example, be configured to rotate between an intermediate orientation (e.g., the intermediate orientation shown in fig. 19A) and a stowed orientation (e.g., the stowed orientation in which collapsible trays 1815a-e are seated along standards 1905a-e and/or along folding tray assembly attachment plates 1910 a-e).

With further reference to fig. 18C-18E, foldable trays 1815C-E may be attached to tray carriers 1816C-E. Tray carriers 1816c-e can be pivotally connected to tray swivels 1820c-e via pivot pins 1822d, e and pivot 1817d, e/1824e, e. Tray pivot biasing springs 1823d, e may be included to bias the trays 1815a-e into the neutral orientation when the trays are manually oriented into the neutral orientation. The chair assembly 1800a-e may also include tray swivel pistons 1840c-e/1841c-e coupled to tray swivels 1820c-e via retainers 1821d, e. Tray swivel pistons 1840c-e/1841c-e may be configured to absorb energy (e.g., via springs 1840 c-e) as foldable trays 1815a-e begin to reorient from a neutral orientation toward a stowed orientation, and to bias foldable trays 1815a-e into the stowed orientation once foldable trays 1815a-e are nearly in the stowed orientation. As shown in fig. 18C, first end 1844C of rod 1841C may travel within groove 1843C of tray swivels 1820a-e as tray swivels 1820a-e are reoriented from the neutral orientation toward the stowed orientation and bias collapsible trays 1815a-e into the stowed orientation once collapsible trays 1815a-e are nearly in the stowed orientation. Likewise, second end 1842c of rod 1841c travels within spring 1840c as tray swivels 1820a-e are reoriented from the neutral orientation toward the stowed orientation (loading the spring) and releases spring 1840c to bias collapsible trays 1815a-e into the stowed orientation once collapsible trays 1815a-e are nearly in the stowed orientation.

Chair assemblies 1800a-e may include arm rests 1835a-e coupled to standards 1805a-e via arm brackets 1830 a-e. Although the top surface of the collapsible tray 1815a is shown in fig. 18A to form a planar relationship with the top surfaces of the arm rests 1835a-e when the collapsible tray 1815a-e is in the use orientation, the top surface of the collapsible tray 1815a-e can be located above or below the top surfaces of the arm rests 1835a-d by changing the size of the arm rests 1835a-e, arm brackets 1830a-e, and/or changing the shape of the tray swivels 1820 a-e. For example, foldable trays 1815a-e may be raised to provide more space for a chair occupant below foldable trays 1815 a-e.

The collapsible trays 1815a-e, tray pivots 1825a-e, tray swivels 1820a-e, and/or the folding tray assembly mounting plates 1810a-e may be transported separately from the associated chair standard 1805a-e to the chair assembly 1800a-e mount. Accordingly, the associated shipping container size may be reduced when compared to shipping the associated shipping container of the completed chair assembly 1800 a-e.

Referring to FIGS. 19A-G, chair assemblies 1900a-G may include chair standards 1905a-G with mounting feet 1907a-G and structural reinforcement plate brackets 1906 a-G. The chair assemblies 1900a-g may also include structural reinforcement plates 1910a-g having standard attachment brackets 1911a-g and attachment holes 1912a-g configured to attach the structural reinforcement plates 1910a-g to the chair standards 1905 a-g. The chair assemblies 1900a-g may also include collapsible trays 1915a-g that are pivotally attached to tray swivels 1920a-g via tray pivots 1925 a-g. The collapsible trays 1915a-e can, for example, be configured to pivot between a use orientation (e.g., the use orientation shown in fig. 18A) and an intermediate orientation (e.g., the intermediate orientation shown in fig. 19A). Tray swivels 1920a-g may be rotatably connected to folding tray attachment brackets 1930 a-g. For example, the foldable trays 1915a-g can be configured to rotate between an intermediate orientation (e.g., the intermediate orientation shown in fig. 19A) and a stowed orientation (e.g., the stowed orientation in which the foldable trays 1915a-d are seated along the standards 1905a-d and/or along the foldable tray assembly attachment plates 1910a-e, or within a console box, such as when the foldable tray assembly is incorporated into a chair having the console box (e.g., a power recliner).

With further reference to fig. 19E-19G, foldable trays 1915E-G can be attached to tray carriers 1916E-G. Tray brackets 1916f, g may be pivotally connected to tray swivels 1920e-g via pivot pins 1922f, g and pivots 1917f, g/1924f, g. Tray pivot biasing springs 1923f, g may be included to bias the trays 1915a-g into the neutral orientation when the trays are manually oriented into the neutral orientation. The chair assemblies 1900a-g may also include tray swivel pistons 1940f, g/1941f, g connected to tray swivels 1920f, g via retainers 1921f, g. Tray swivel pistons 1940f, g/1941f, g may be configured to absorb energy when collapsible trays 1915a-g begin to reorient from the neutral orientation toward the stowed orientation and to bias collapsible trays 1915a-g into the stowed orientation once collapsible trays 1915a-g are nearly in the stowed orientation. As shown in fig. 19F, first end 1944F of rod 1941F may travel (spring-load) within groove 1943F of tray swivels 1920a-g as tray swivels 1920a-g reorient from the neutral orientation toward the stowed orientation, and once foldable trays 1915a-g are nearly in the stowed orientation, release spring 1940F to bias foldable trays 1915a-g into the stowed orientation. Likewise, second ends 1942f of rods 1941f travel within springs 1940f as tray swivels 1920a-g reorient from the neutral orientation toward the stowed orientation and bias collapsible trays 1915a-g into the stowed orientation once collapsible trays 1915a-g are nearly in the stowed orientation.

The collapsible trays 1915a-g, tray pivots 1925a-g, and/or tray swivels 1920a-g may be separately transported from the associated chair standard 1905a-g to the chair assembly 1900a-g mount. Accordingly, the associated shipping container size may be reduced when compared to shipping the associated shipping container of the completed chair assembly 1900 a-g.

The chair assemblies 1900a-g may include adjustment features 1917f, g, 1918f, g, and 1919f, g configured to enable adjustment to compensate for manufacturing dimensional changes and/or component wear.

The chair assemblies 1900a-g may include armrests 1935a-g connected to standards 1905a-g via arm brackets 1930 a-g. Although the top surfaces of the collapsible trays 1915a-g form a planar relationship with the top surfaces of the arm rests 1935a-g (similar to the top surfaces of the collapsible tray 1815a and the arm rest 1835a shown in fig. 18A) when the collapsible trays 1915a-g are in the use orientation, the top surfaces of the collapsible trays 1915a-g can be located above or below the top surfaces of the arm rests 1935a-g by changing the size of the arm rests 1935a-g, arm brackets 1930a-g, and/or changing the shape of the tray swivels 1920 a-g. For example, collapsible trays 1915a-g may be raised to provide more space for a chair occupant below collapsible trays 1915 a-g.

The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Many alternative embodiments may be implemented using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this application.

Claims

1. A spring assembly for a swing having a seat fixed relative to a seatback, the spring assembly comprising:

a rubber body including a top side, a bottom side, a first side, a second side, a front end side, a rear end side, a top bushing on the top side, a bottom bushing on the bottom side, a generally cylindrical overtravel bolt passageway extending through the top bushing, through the rubber body from the top side to the bottom side, and through the bottom bushing;

a top cap secured to the top side of the rubber body, the top cap including a first fastener hole, a second fastener hole, and a top bushing hole, wherein the top bushing extends through the top bushing hole;

a bottom cap secured to the bottom side of the rubber body, the bottom cap including a third fastener hole, a fourth fastener hole, and a bottom bushing hole, wherein the bottom bushing extends through the bottom bushing hole;

a first fastener extending through the first fastener hole, wherein the first fastener includes a first enlarged head that is larger than the first fastener hole, and wherein the first enlarged head is captured between the top side of the rubber body and the top cap;

a second fastener extending through the second fastener hole, wherein the second fastener includes a second enlarged head that is larger than the second fastener hole, and wherein the second enlarged head is captured between the top side of the rubber body and the top cap;

a third fastener extending through the third fastener hole, wherein the third fastener includes a third enlarged head that is larger than the third fastener hole, and wherein the third enlarged head is captured between the bottom side of the rubber body and the bottom cover; and

a fourth fastener extending through the fourth fastener hole, wherein the fourth fastener includes a fourth enlarged head that is larger than the fourth fastener hole, and wherein the fourth enlarged head is captured between the bottom side of the rubber body and the bottom cap;

the assembly also includes a floor bracket having a substantially flat horizontal surface including a front spring assembly fastener hole, a rear spring assembly fastener hole, and an overtravel bolt opening configured to receive the bottom bushing of the spring assembly such that a substantially flat bottom surface of the spring assembly rests on the substantially flat horizontal surface when the spring assembly is in a position proximate to the floor bracket.

2. The spring assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of dumbbell-shaped passages extending through the rubber body from the first side to the second side.

3. The spring assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of generally cylindrical passages extending through the rubber body from the first side to the second side.

4. The spring assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of front end fins.

5. The spring assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of trailing end fins.

6. The spring assembly of claim 1, wherein the top cap, the bottom cap, the first fastener, the second fastener, the third fastener, and the fourth fastener are co-molded with the rubber body.

7. The spring assembly of claim 6, further comprising a first layer of tackifying material between the top side of the rubber body and the top cover and a second layer of tackifying material between the bottom side of the rubber body and the bottom cover.

8. A method of manufacturing a spring assembly for use in a swing having a seat fixed relative to a seat back, the method comprising:

providing a mold having a first side and a second side;

providing a top cap having a first fastener hole, a second fastener hole, and a top bushing hole;

inserting a first fastener through the first fastener hole and a second fastener through the second fastener hole;

inserting the cap, the first fastener, and the second fastener into the first side of the mold;

providing a bottom cover having a third fastener hole, a fourth fastener hole, and a bottom bushing hole;

inserting a third fastener through the third fastener hole and a fourth fastener through the fourth fastener hole;

inserting the bottom cover, the first fastener, and the second fastener into the first side of the mold;

engaging the first side of the mold with the second side of the mold;

injecting rubber into the mold;

separating the first side of the mold from the second side of the mold; and

removing the spring assembly from the mold.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first side of the mold or the second side of the mold comprises a plurality of posts extending into a mold cavity, and wherein each post has a generally dumbbell-shaped cross-section.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first side of the mold or the second side of the mold comprises a plurality of posts extending into a mold cavity, and wherein each post has a substantially circular cross-section.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of: applying a first layer of tackifying material to a bottom surface of the top cover prior to inserting the top cover into the first side of the mold, and applying a second layer of tackifying material to a bottom surface of the bottom cover prior to inserting the bottom cover into the first side of the mold.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first side of the mold or the second side of the mold comprises a leading end fin extending into a mold cavity.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first side of the mold or the second side of the mold comprises a back end fin extending into a mold cavity.

14. A spring assembly for a swing having a seat fixed relative to a seatback, the spring assembly comprising:

a rubber body comprising a top side, a bottom side, a first side, a second side, a front end side, a rear end side, a top bushing on the top side, a bottom bushing on the bottom side, a generally cylindrical overtravel bolt passageway extending through the top bushing, through the rubber body from the top side to the bottom side and through the bottom bushing, a plurality of passageways extending through the rubber body from the first side to the second side, wherein the plurality of passageways extending through the rubber body are configured to change at least one of: a compressive strength or a tensile strength of the rubber main body from the front end side to the rear end side;

15. The spring assembly of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of passages extending through the rubber body from the first side to the second side, wherein each passage comprises a dumbbell-shaped cross-section, and wherein the passages are closer to the leading end side than to the trailing end side.

16. The spring assembly of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of generally cylindrical passages extending through the rubber body from the first side to the second side, and wherein the passages are closer to the rear end side than to the front end side.

17. The spring assembly of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of front end fins configured to limit pinch points when the front end of the rubber body compresses.

18. The spring assembly of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of rear end fins configured to limit pinch points when the rear end of the rubber body compresses.

19. The spring assembly of claim 14, wherein the top cap, the bottom cap, the first fastener, the second fastener, the third fastener, and the fourth fastener are co-molded with the rubber body, and a top end of the top bushing is larger than the top bushing hole and a bottom end of the bottom bushing is larger than the bottom bushing hole.

20. The spring assembly of claim 19, further comprising a first layer of tackifying material between the top side of the rubber body and the top cover configured to secure the top cover to the rubber body, and a second layer of tackifying material between the bottom side of the rubber body and the bottom cover configured to secure the bottom cover to the rubber body.