MXPA00002704A - Variable configuration mounting arrangement for a chair back support member - Google Patents

Abstract

A chair control mechanism for a chair assembly having a seat and a back includes an arrangement for mounting the lower end of a back support member, for positioning the back above the seat. The chair control mechanism includes a variable configuration mounting area so as to enable different back support members to be used with the same basic chair control mechanism structure. In one version, the variable configuration mounting area is provided by engaging one of a series of inserts within a transverse rear wall defined by the chair control mechanism. Each insert defines a passage configured to receive the lower seat mounting section of a back mounting member having a different set of dimensions, and the seat mounting section of the back mounting member extends through the passage and is engaged with the chair control mechanism by means of a fixed fastener-type arrangement or by a hand screw received within a slot for providing adjustability in the position of the back relative to the seat. In another version, the chair control mechanism includes an upper wall and a pair of depending sidewalls, with inwardly for receiving a seat mounting section having a maximum set of dimensions. Inserts are engageable with the protrusions for altering the effective dimensions of the space so as to enable seat mounting sections of different, smaller dimensions to be received between the sidewalls, top wall and protrusions.

Description

ASSEMBLY STRUCTURE OF VARIABLE CONFIGURATION FOR A MEMBER OF SUPPORT SUPPORT OF CHAIR BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to chairs and more particularly to a structure for mounting a chair back support member to the underside of a chair seat. A typical construction of a chair, involves mounting a chair seat and chair back to a control mechanism, which in turn is supported on the floor by a base. The control mechanism of the chair is mounted on a support column associated with the base, which is typically in the form of a pressurized gas cylinder, of adjustable height, to vary the elevation of the seat on the floor. The backrest of the chair is typically mounted on the upper end of the backrest of the chair. The back support of the chair defines a lower end which is mounted in such a way that the back of the chair separates on the seat and locates towards the rear end of the seat. The lower end of the chair backrest support can be mounted to the underside of the seat or mounted to the chair control mechanism. The backrest support of the chair mounted to the seat or the control mechanism of the chair, can be a fixed-type assembly wherein the position of the backrest of the chair with respect to the seat is fixed, or this assembly can include provisions for altering the angle of the backrest with respect to the seat. The chair back supports are commonly in the form of a J-bar, which defines an upper end to which the back of the chair is mounted, and a lower end adapted to mount either to the underside of the seat or to the mechanism of the chair. control of the chair. J bars are commonly formed of bent bar material, and the width and thickness of the J bar typically vary with the design of the chair and the different requirements of the manufacturer or user. These variations in the width and thickness of the J-bar present difficulties when the J-bar is to be mounted on the chair control mechanism. In the past, it has been known to provide chair control mechanisms with a different J-bar mounting area for each available J-bar width and thickness. This requires separate tools for each bar assembly area J and different numbers of parts for each version of the same chair control mechanism that has a bar assembly area J configured differently. An object of the present invention is to provide a mounting structure for a chair back support member that is capable of accepting chair back supports of varying dimensions.

Another object of the invention is to provide said mounting structure which is well suited for use in mounting saddle back supports configured differently to a chair control mechanism. Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a mounting structure that encompasses relatively minor alterations in the configuration of a mounting area associated with a chair control mechanism while accepting chair-shaped backrest support members configured differently. Still another object of the invention is to provide such a mounting system which is relatively simple in its configuration and components and which is easily adapted for use with chair backrest support members of different configurations. The invention generally contemplates a mounting system for a chair back support member, for mounting a chair back support member to a chair seat or on a chair control mechanism. The mounting system of the invention is capable of mounting back supports of chairs of varying widths and thicknesses. In a preferred form, the mounting system is interconnected with the chair control mechanism, such that the chair control mechanism and the assembly system as a whole are fastened to the underside of the seat.

In one form of the invention, the mounting system is provided in a receiver that is secured to a seat support structure associated with the chair control mechanism. The receiver includes an opening through which the chair backrest mounting member and a coupling structure located inwardly of the opening extend to couple the chair backrest support member with the receiver. The coupling structure can already be a fixed type assembly where the position of the chair backrest is not adjustable with respect to the seat, or an adjustable mounting where the position of the chair backrest relative to the seat can be adjusted. The invention contemplates placing one of a series of inserts within the opening in the receiver and each insert defining a passage configured to receive a chair back mounting member having a specific configuration. The passage in each insert is configured according to the specific dimensions of a type of chair back mounting member, such that each insert has a passage configured differently, according to the number of different mounting members of the chair. chair backrest, which can be used in connection with the chair control mechanism. In this way, the same chair and receiver control mechanism is used for each available chair backrest mounting member, and it is only necessary to locate the desired insert within the opening in the receiver according to the configuration of the chair member. chair backrest mount for use in a particular chair. In another form, the invention contemplates a mounting area for a chair back support member that includes a pair of spaced apart side walls, in conjunction with a mating wall extending between each pair of spaced side walls. Projections that are directed inward are provided in each of the side walls. The side walls, coupling wall and projections are configured to define an assembly area adapted to receive the lower end of a chair back support member having maximum width and thickness. When a chair back support member having a smaller width and / or thickness is to be used with the chair control mechanism, a set of inserts engage within the projections to alter the configuration of the mounting area to accept the smaller thickness and / or width of the chair back support member. Each set of inserts is specifically configured for a particular width and thickness of the chair back support member that is adapted to be used in combination with the chair control mechanism. With this structure, the same basic structure of the chair control mechanism is employed, and the inserts are used as required, according to the configuration of the chair backrest mounting member for use in a particular chair. The new mounting area includes a coupling structure for securing the chair back mounting member to the chair control mechanism, which may already be an adjustable or fixed position coupling structure. Various other features, objectives and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings illustrate the best mode currently contemplated for carrying out the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a partial side elevational view of a chair incorporating a first embodiment of the chair backrest mounting system of the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded isometric view showing the components of the chair backrest mounting system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partial bottom plan view of the chair backrest mounting system of Figure 1, with reference to line 3-3 of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a partial sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a second embodiment of the chair backrest mounting system of the invention; Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the chair backrest mounting system of Figure 5, with reference to line 6-6 of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a partial sectional view taken on line 7-7 of Figure 6, showing the mounting area for coupling a chair back support member having a first configuration; Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7, showing inserts for altering the configuration of the mounting area according to a different configuration of the chair back mounting member; and Figure 9 is a partial exploded isometric view showing the manner in which inserts are used to alter the configuration of the mounting area as in Figure 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates a chair 10 having a seat 12 and a backrest 14. A chair control mechanism 16 is mounted on the underside of the seat 12. The chair control mechanism 16 is mounted on the upper end of a support column 18, which may be in the form of a pressurized gas cylinder, which forms a part of a conventional chair base to support the seat 12 on a support surface such as the floor. The basic components and construction of the chair control mechanism 16 are known to those skilled in the art and a chair control mechanism 16 can be such as that described in US Pat. No. 5,280,998 of Miotto et al., Granted on January 25, 1994, the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The chair backrest 14 is mounted on a back support member 20 defining a vertical backrest mounting section 22, to which the backrest 14 is fastened, and a lower seat mounting section 24. The backrest support member backrest 20 is generally referred to as bar J, which is commonly used to mount a chair backrest such as 14 to the underside of seat 12 or to a chair control mechanism such as 16. Chair control mechanism 16 generally includes a pair of mounting arms 26 attached to the underside of the seat 12, and a rigid support section 28 secured at its rear end to the upper end of the support column 18. The mounting arms 26 are pivotally mounted at the front end of the section of support 28 by means of a pivot pin 30. The longitudinal axis of the pivot pin 30 defines a pivot axis with respect to which the seat 12 is pivotable with respect to the support section 28, to provide movement for rearward of the seat 12 relative to the support column 18. A spring 32 bypasses the mounting arms 26 away from the support section 28 to move the seat 12 to a vertical position as illustrated in Figure 1. A receiver 32 it is mounted on the rear ends of the mounting arms 26, for securing the seat mounting section 24 of the rear support member 20 to the chair control mechanism 16. The receiver 32 includes a pair of spaced side mounting sections 34, each of which is mounted on one of the mounting arms 26 by a pair of bolts or other threaded fasteners 36. A rear end section 38 extends between the mounting sections 34. The rear end section 38 defines a wall end 40, which extends between a pair of side walls 42 defined by the mounting sections 34. The rear end section 38 defines an upper wall 44, and a mounting area 46 is ampa or die in the upper wall 44. The mounting area 46 is adapted for use in coupling the seat mounting section 24 of the back support member 20 in a way that will be explained. The mounting area 46 defines a coupling surface 48 having a series of threaded openings 50. An opening 52 is formed in the end wall 40 of the rear end section 38. The opening 52 is rectangular in shape and is in alignment with the engaging surface 48 of the mounting area 46 in a front-rear direction relative to the seat 12. The opening 52 has a width greater than that of the mounting area 46 and one of a series of inserts 54a54b, 54c is adapted to be positioned within the opening 52. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the insert 54a engaged within the opening 52. The inserts 54a, 54b and 54c are similar in general configuration, since each is adapted to mounting a receiver 32 for coupling within the opening 52 as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 with respect to the insert 54. The inserts 54a, 54b and 54c differ in that each includes a passage configured differently 56a, 56b and 56c respectively, to receive a lower seat mounting section 24a, 24b, 24c of backrest support members with different dimensions 20. In a form to be explained, the seat mounting sections 24a, 24b and 24c differ from each other in width and / or thickness. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the insert 54a mounted within the opening 52 and extending that the following description equally applies to the engagement of the inserts 54b, 54c within the opening 52. As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the insert 54a includes a rear face section 58 and a mounting section 60 extending forwardly from the rear face section 58. The mounting section 60 defines an external configuration corresponding to that of the opening 52. As illustrated, the the mounting section 60 has a rectangular shape and defines walls in immediate proximity with the edges of the opening 52, when the mounting section 60 is received within the opening 52. As illustrated in Figure 4, the mounting section 60 includes upper and lower walls 62 and 64, respectively and end walls extend between and interconnect the upper and lower walls 62, 64. A series of mounting tabs 66, 68 are formed in the upper and lower walls 62, 64, respectively. The mounting tabs 66, 68 diverge in a front-to-back direction, provide quick-action engagement of the insert 54a within the opening 52 upon application of a forward thrust force by which the insert 54a moves in the opening 52 A space is defined between the rear ends of the mounting tabs 66, 68 and the front surface of the rear front section 58 to securely engage the insert 54a within the recess 52. When the insert 54a is mounted within the opening 52 of this way, the surface facing downwardly of the upper wall 62 illustrated at 70, is substantially coplanar with the mating surface 48 of the mounting area 46. The passage 56a in the insert 54a, is configured such that the height of the passage 56a closely corresponds to the thickness of the seat mounting section 24, shown at X in Figure 2, and the width of the passage 56a engages or corresponds closely with the width of the seat mounting section 24a shown in Y. After engagement of the insert 54a within the opening 52, the seat mounting section 24a is inserted into and through the passage 56a, such that the openings in the seat mounting section 24a, shown at 72a, are in alignment with the openings 50 in the mounting area 46, and a central slot 74a in the seat mounting section 24a, is in alignment with the center of the openings 50. in the mounting area 46. Threaded fasteners 76 (Figure 4) then engage with the opening 50 through the openings 72a, as illustrated in Figure 4, to securely attach the rear support member 20 to the receiver 32. In alternatively, a manual adjustment screw 78 may be employed in place of fasteners 76 for engagement with the central of the openings 50 through the slot 74a, to provide adjustable mounting of the backrest support member 20 to the receiver r 32. Either in a fixed mount or adjustable mount, the insert 54a functions to fix the seat mounting section 24a in position relative to the receiver 32 due to the close tolerances between the edges of the passage 56a and the front surfaces of the Seat mounting section 24a. The seat mounting section 24b has a height X 'which is greater than the height X of the seat mounting section 24a, and has a width Y similar to that of the seat mounting section 24a. The seat mounting section 24c has a height X 'and a width Y', which is less than the width Y of the seat mounting sections 24a, 24b. The passage 56b of the insert 54b has a configuration closely corresponding to that of the seat mounting section 24b, and the passage 56c of the insert 54c has a configuration that closely corresponds to that of the seat mounting section 24c. When a back support member 20 having a seat mounting section 24b or 24c is employed, the appropriate insert 54b or 54c engages within the opening 52 in the same manner as described above with respect to the insert 54a. The inserts 54b and 54c function to fix the position of the seat mounting sections 24b, 24c respectively, relative to the receiver 32, and to direct the movement in and out of the seat mounting sections 24b, 24c, respect to the receiver 32. This assembly allows a manufacturer to provide a single structure for the receiver 32, which can be used with a backup support member 20 having a lower seat mounting section 24 of varying configurations such as 24a, 24b, 24c simply by coupling the appropriate insert such as 54a-54c into the opening 52 formed in the wall of the rear end 40 of the receiver 32. The manufacturer only needs to ensure that the opening 52 is sized to accept the maximum thickness and width of each section of seat assembly 24 to be used, and inserts such as 54a-54c are molded to accept said mounting within opening 52 and define a passage having the appropriate configuration for each seat mounting section. In addition, this system allows a user to change the inserts 54a-54c as required if it is desired to replace an existing backup support member 20 with another that has a different seat mounting section configuration. Figures 5-9 illustrate a chair control mechanism 80 of a different type than the chair control mechanism 16 shown in Figures 1-4. The chair control mechanism 80 is positioned similarly to the chair control mechanism 16 with respect to the general components of the chair 10, since the chair control mechanism 80 is mounted to the underside of the seat 12 and is attached to the end of the support column 18. The general construction and operation of the chair control mechanism 80 are described in the co-pending application of the US patent. Serial No. 09 / 197,039 filed on November 20, 1998, the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In general, the chair control mechanism 80 includes a seat mounting section 82 mounted on the bottom side of the seat 12, a support section 84 mounted on the lower end of the support column 18 and an intermediate member 86 interconnected with both the seat mounting section 82 as the support section 84. The lower mounting section 24 of the back support member 20 is fastened to the intermediate member 86 for mounting the backrest 14 relative to the seat 12. The chair control mechanism 80 it is a mechanism of synchronous type since the backrest angle 14 with respect to the seat 12 changes, as the seat 12 is pivoted back and forth with respect to the support column 18. The aforementioned application describes the lower seat mounting section 24 of the back support member 20 fixed to the intermediate member 86. In accordance with the present invention, the trailing end of the intermediate member 86 is provided with n a mounting structure to allow the seat mounting sections 24 with varying dimensions to be fastened to the intermediate member 86. With reference to Figures 6-9, the intermediate member 86 includes a pair of side walls 88 and an upper wall. 90 extending between and interconnecting the upper ends of the side walls 88. Inwardly extending perforated projections 92, are formed in the side walls 88 at a spaced site below the bottom surface of the top wall 90. Each projection formed in the side walls 88 is an inwardly drilled member formed of the material of the side wall 88. The projections 92 they are located such that a front projection 92 and a rear projection 92 are formed on each side wall 88. The front and rear projections 92 on each side wall 88 are located opposite the front and rear projections on the other side wall 88. Each projection 92 is arcuate in shape and spaced from the bottom surface of the top wall 90 a predetermined distance corresponding to the maximum thickness of the seat mounting section 24 of each back support member 20, in connection with which the chair control mechanism 80 is going to be used. In addition, the side walls 88 of the intermediate member 86 are spaced a distance such that the facing surfaces of the side walls 88 are adapted to receive between them the maximum width of the lower seat mounting section 24 for each rear support member. 20, in connection with the chair control mechanism 80 to be used. In this way, the side walls 88 in combination with the lower surface of the upper wall 90 and the surfaces of the projections 92 facing the upper wall 90, cooperate to define a mounting area, to receive the inner end of a section of seat assembly 24a having a maximum width and a maximum height. As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the seat mounting section 24a having a maximum thickness X and a width corresponding to the spacing between the side walls 88, is received within the area defined by the side walls 88, top wall 90 and projections 92. Threaded lands 94 are formed in the top wall 90 and adapted to receive the threads of a set of fasteners 96 extending through openings in the seat mounting section 24a in alignment with landmarks 94 for fixed mounting from the inner end of the seat mounting section 24a, to the intermediate member 86. Alternatively, a manual operation screw 98, may be employed in place of fasteners 96 for engagement with a center of the embossments 94 through a slot 100 formed in the seat mounting section 24a, for mounting the backrest support member 20 to the intermediate member 86 in order to provide adjustability in the forward and rearward position; Figure 14 of the backrest 14 with respect to the seat 12. With reference to Figures 8 and 9, a seat mounting section differently sized 24a can be coupled with the intermediate member 86 by the use of a set of insert members 102, each one of which is adapted for engagement with one of the projections 92. Each insert member 102 includes a rod 104 that is configured to be received within the space 108 defined between the inner surface of each side wall 88 and the arcuate inner surface of each projection 92, and a head 106 located at the upper end of the rod 104. The head 106 is dimensioned such that when the rod 104 is received within the space 108, the head 104 rests on the upper surface of each projection 92. In this way, the mounting height for receiving the seat mounting section 24b, located between each projection 92 and the facing lower surface of the top wall 90, is reduced. e by the thickness of the head 100. In this manner, a mounting section 24b (Figure 8) having a thickness X 'smaller than the thickness X of the seat mounting section 24a (Figure 7), is received within the assembly area defined by the side walls 88, the top wall 90 and projections 92. In this way, it can be seen that the insert members 102 in the embodiment of Figures 5 to 9 operate similarly to the inserts 54a-54c to alter the configuration of the area within which the seat mounting section 24 of the back support 20 is received, to accept the seat mounting sections 24 of varying dimensions. While the drawings illustrate a version of an insert member 102 that can be used to alter the configuration of the receiving area, it will be understood that other configurations may be employed to further alter the height of the receiving area and / or the width of the receiving area. reception. By For example, an extension-type rod 104 may be formed on the head 108 to reduce the width of the receiving area. In this case, an opening is formed in the upper wall 90, in order to allow the stem 104 of this insert to be inserted in an up-down direction in the space 108. Various alternatives and modalities are contemplated within the scope of the following claims, particularly pointing out and claiming in a distinctive manner the present material considered as the invention.

Claims (17)

1. CLAIMS 1.- In a chair that includes a seat, a backrest and a backrest mounting member, for interconnecting the backrest with the seat, wherein the backrest mounting member includes a seat mounting section adapted to interconnect with the backrest. seat, the improvement characterized in that it comprises a variable configuration mounting area associated with the seat for receiving and coupling the seat mounting sections of varying dimensions associated with different backrest mounting members.
2. 2. The improvement according to claim 1, characterized in that the assembly area of variable configuration is associated with a chair control mechanism, adapted to mount to the underside of the seat and for coupling with a support member, to hold the seat on a support surface.
3. 3. The improvement according to claim 2, characterized in that the chair control mechanism defines a downwardly directed coupling surface adapted to engage an upwardly directed surface defined by the seat mounting section of the backrest mounting member. .
4. 4. The improvement according to claim 2, characterized in that the chair control mechanism further includes a pair of dependent walls extending downward from the coupling surface, wherein the seat mounting section is adapted to be received. between the pair of dependent walls 5 and engaging with the downwardly directed mating surface, wherein the pair of spaced walls includes inwardly extending projections, each of which defines an upwardly directed surface spaced below the surface from 10 coupling directed downwards, and wherein the mounting area of variable configuration is provided by coupling an insert with each projection between the engaging surface directed downwards and the surface directed upwards of each projection for 15 altering the reception area defined between the pair of dependent walls, in combination with the mating surface directed downwards and the surfaces directed upwards of the projection.
5. 5.- The improvement in accordance with the 20 claim 4, characterized in that each projection comprises a perforated member that is formed of the material of one of the side walls and extends inwardly from an interior surface defined by each side wall to form a space, and wherein each member of ^^^^^^^^^^^^ - ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ g ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ i ^ i ^ graft is adapted to be received within one of the spaces.
6. 6. The improvement according to claim 2, characterized in that the chair control mechanism includes a dependent end wall defining an opening, a coupling structure located forward of the end wall, wherein the mounting section of the rear mounting member extends through the opening and in engagement with the coupling structure.
7. 7. The improvement according to claim 6, characterized in that the mounting area of variable configuration is provided by coupling a select of a series of insert members within the opening in the end wall, wherein each insert member defines a passage having a configuration corresponding to the cross section of one of a number of predetermined configurations of seat mounting sections.
8. 8. - The improvement according to claim 7, characterized in that each insert member includes a mounting structure for mounting the insert member between the opening and the end wall.
9. 9. The improvement according to claim 8, characterized in that the structure of The assembly includes a plurality of tongue members configured to engage a surface of the end wall upon application of a thrust force that moves the insert member into the opening., and a retainer structure spaced apart from the tongue members to engage a surface of the end wall adjacent to the opening opposite the tongue members.
10. 10. The improvement according to claim 6, characterized in that the end wall is formed in a receiver adapted for coupling with the seat mounting structure associated with the chair control mechanism.
11. 11. A method for mounting a seatback member with a chair structure including a support structure and seat for spacing the seat on a support surface, wherein the seat is mounted on a chair control mechanism, comprising the steps of: providing a mounting area in the chair control mechanism, for mounting a seat mounting section of the backrest mounting member, wherein the mounting area is configured to receive a seat mounting section that has a first set of maximum dimensions; and varying the configuration of the mounting area in order to receive a seat mounting section of a backup mounting member having a jtóg or more dimensions less than one or more of the maximum dimensions.
12. 12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the step of varying the configuration of the mounting area is carried out by forming an opening in an end wall associated with the chair control mechanism and coupling a select a plurality of insert members within the opening, wherein each insert member defines a passage configured to receive a seat mounting section having a different set of dimensions.
13. 13. - The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the mounting area is defined by a pair of side walls and an upper wall of the chair control mechanism, in combination with at least one associated inwardly extending projection with each side wall and coupling an insert member with each projection, wherein the insert members are operated to alter the configuration of the mounting area within which the seat mounting section of the backup mounting member is received.
14. 14.- In a chair control mechanism adapted to be coupled with a seat and with a support for spacing the seat on a support surface such as a floor, and for coupling a seat mounting section of a seat. * * - * jMt * .ml **. **. , .. «L» XiA ** - ^ ¡?. A support assembly member interconnected by a backrest and configured to space the backrest on the seat, wherein the chair control mechanism includes a coupling area, the improvement characterized in that it comprises a mounting area of variable configuration. associated with the chair control mechanism and located adjacent to the coupling area for receiving and mounting the seat mounting sections of the backrest mounting members having different dimensions.
15. 15. The improvement according to claim 14, characterized in that the chair control mechanism defines a downwardly directed coupling surface with which an upwardly directed coupling surface of each seat mounting section engages.
16. 16. The improvement according to claim 15, characterized in that the coupling surface is located adjacent to an opening formed in a transverse wall associated with the chair control mechanism and wherein the mounting area of variable configuration is provided by coupling one of a series of inserts into an opening, wherein each insert defines a passage located rearwardly of the coupling area and configured to receive the section of ^ * * Seat assembly of one of a plurality of backrest mounting members having different dimensions.
17. 17. The improvement according to claim 15, characterized in that the chair control mechanism also includes a pair of dependent side walls each of which includes at least one inwardly extending projection, wherein the coupling surface , the side walls and the projections cooperate to define a space within which the seat mounting section of the backrest mounting member is received and wherein the variable configuration mounting area is provided by coupling an insert with each projection in wherein each insert member functions to alter the space to receive the seat mounting section of one of a plurality of backup mounting members.