MXPA00003882A - Synchrotilt chair with adjustable seat, back and energy mechanism - Google Patents
Synchrotilt chair with adjustable seat, back and energy mechanismInfo
- Publication number
- MXPA00003882A MXPA00003882A MXPA/A/2000/003882A MXPA00003882A MXPA00003882A MX PA00003882 A MXPA00003882 A MX PA00003882A MX PA00003882 A MXPA00003882 A MX PA00003882A MX PA00003882 A MXPA00003882 A MX PA00003882A
- Authority
- MX
- Mexico
- Prior art keywords
- seat
- backrest
- support
- chair
- back frame
- Prior art date
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Abstract
A chair (20) is provided having a base assembly (21) including a base frame, a back frame (30) pivoted to the base frame for movement between upright and reclined positions, and a seat (24) slidably supported on the base frame and pivoted to the back frame so that the seat moves forwardly and its rear moves forwardly and downwardly with the back frame upon recline. A flexible back is connected to the back frame at top and bottom locations and is provided with lumbar adjustment for improved lumbar force/support and shape. A seat is provided with seat depth adjustment and with active and passive thigh flex support. A novel energy mechanism (27) is provided that includes a transverse spring (28), a lever (54), and a moment arm shift adjuster (29) for adjusting the spring tension on the back frame. The moment arm shift adjuster is readily adjustable and includes an overtorque device to prevent damage to components of the energy mechanism.
Description
SYNCHRONIZED INCLINATION CHAIR WITH SEAT, BACKREST AND AJUSTABLE ENERGY MECHANISM
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to chairs that have a reclining backrest, a forward-moving / incunable seat that moves with a synchronous movement as the backrest reclines, and an adjustable energy mechanism to support the backrest during reclining. A synchronized tilt chair is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,050,931; 5,567,012; 4,744,603; and 4,776,633 (for Knoblock et al.), which has a base assembly with a control, a reclining backrest pivoted to the control, and a seat operably mounted to the backrest and a control for synchronized movement as the backrest is reclined. This prior art chair incorporates a semi-rigid flexible cover which, in combination with the chair support structure, provides a highly controlled postural support during bodily movements associated with tasks / work (for example, when the back is a vertical position) and during body movements associated with reclining / relaxing (for example, when the chair is in a reclined position). This prior art chair moves the upper body of the seated user REF .: 33174 away from the user's work surface as the user reclines, so the user is provided with a larger area to stretch. However, we have found that users often want to stay close to their work surface and want to continue working on the work surface, even when reclining and relaxing their bodies and while they have continuous postural support. In order to do this in the synchronized tilt chair of U.S. No. 5,050,931, users should quickly slide their chair forward after they recline so that they can still easily reach their work surface. They should also push away when they move back to a vertical position to avoid being pushed against the work surface. The "quick slide" back and forth once or twice may not be a serious problem, but users, such as people who work in the office using computers, constantly move between the reclined vertical positions, so that the process of rapid sliding repeated back and forth becomes uncomfortable and disconcerting. In fact, the movement around and without being stopped in a unique static position is important for good back health in people who work in jobs that require a prolonged time to be seated.
Another disadvantage of moving the upper body of the user seated significantly backward when reclining is that the user's center of gravity in general moves backward. By providing a more constant center of gravity, it is possible to design a reclining chair that has a greater reclining or height adjustment without sacrificing the overall stability of the chair. In addition, reclining chairs that move the upper body of the user sitting significantly backward have a relatively large footprint, so that these chairs can hit furniture or the wall when used in small offices or in a narrow work area. Another additional disadvantage is that large springs are required in these existing reclining chairs for back support, springs which are difficult to adjust due to the forces generated by the springs. However, the tension of these springs should preferably be adjustable so that heavier or lighter weight users can adjust the chair to provide them with an adequate amount of support. Consequently, seated users wish to be able to easily adjust the tension of the spring to provide support for the backrest during recline. Not only heavier / larger people need a bigger / firmer back support compared to lighter / smaller people, but the amount of support required changes more during recline. Specifically, lighter / smaller people need a lower initial level of support as they begin to recline and need a moderately increased level of support as they continue to rest.; while heavier / larger people need a significantly higher minimum initial level of support as they begin to recline and need a significantly increased level of support as they continue to rest. Stated another way, it is desirable to provide a chair that can be easily adjusted at its initial support level to the backrest during the initial recline and that also automatically adjusts the rate of increase in the support during recline. In addition, it is desirable to provide a mechanism to allow such easy adjustment (1) while sitting; (2) by a relatively weak person; (3) using easily manipulated adjustment controls; and (4) while doing this with a control that is not easily damaged by a relatively strong person who can "exceed the torque" of the control. In addition, a compact array of springs is desired to provide optimum appearance and to minimize material costs and part sizes. Manufacturers are increasingly aware that proper lumbar support is very important to avoid discomfort in the lower back and discomfort in workers who are sitting for prolonged periods. One problem is that the spinal shape and the body shape of the workers vary enormously, so that it is not possible to satisfy all workers with the same form. In addition, the level of firmness or support force in the lumbar area is different for each person and may vary as a seated user performs different tasks and / or reclines in the chair and / or fatigued. In fact, a static lumbar support is undesirable. Instead, it is desirable to provide different lumbar support forms and levels during a work day. Consequently, an adjustable lumbar system is desired that is constructed to vary the shape and strength of the lumbar support. At the same time, the adjustable lumbar system should be simple and easy to operate, it should be easily reached when sitting, mechanically it should be simple and inexpensive, and aesthetically / visually pleasing. Preferably, the adjustment of the shape and / or strength in the lumbar area should not result in wrinkles in the fabric of the chair, or unacceptable loose / loose patches in the fabric. Modern customers and those who purchase chairs demand a wide variety of options and features in the chair, many options and features are often designed in chair seats. However, improvements in the seats are desired so that the weight of the seated user is adequately supported in the chair seat, but simultaneously so that the thigh area of the seated user is comfortable, supported adjustably so as to adequately allow the main differences in the shape and size of the buttocks and thighs of a seated user. Additionally, it is important to incorporate such options and features in the construction of the chair so that the number of parts is minimized and the use of common parts among the different options is maximized, maximizing the manufacturing and assembly efficiencies, maximizing the ease of adjustment and the logical placement of the adjustment controls, and still result in a visually pleasing design. More specifically, with respect to the synchronized tilt chairs where the seat and the backrest pivot with synchronized angular movements, many synchronized tilt chairs have been designed to pivot the seats backward as the user reclines. However, often these known seat constructions pivotal about a seat pivot axis located rearwardly of a front edge of the seat. The result is that the knees of the seated user rise, resulting in unwanted pressure on the thighs of the seated user when reclining. The design of a flexible front lip on the seat does not completely resolve the unwanted pressure in the thighs since the thighs are not only supported on the front lip of the seat, but are supported along at least half of the seat. Placing a substantially flexible zone backward in a seat, eg backward from the hip joint of a seated user, also does not solve the situation since the weight of the upper torso of the seated user tends to cause the seated user to be Slide / slide down and forward out of the seat backrest when the chair backrest reclines. This in turn causes the seated user to slide forward and out of the seat unless the seat includes a rearwardly shaped and oriented portion to hold the seated user against the forward sliding / sliding movement. The problem is compounded by the fact that the hip joint of the different seated users is not always located in the same relative position on the seat of the chair, for example a seat design can work well for a seated user, but not for another sitting user. The reclining chairs have gained wide and enthusiastic support in the chair industry. The reclining chairs often include a backrest frame pivoted by backup pivots on opposite sides of a base or a control housing to define the backrest tilt axis. One problem is that the pivots of the backrest do not always align perfectly with the axis of inclination of the backrest. This misalignment may result in the backrest pivots being slanted at an angle to the backrest's tilt axis, or from the backrest pivots that are parallel to the backrest's tilt axis but not aligned with it, or from the pivots of backrest that change orientation as the person sits in the chair or reclines in the chair. The result in this is that during the recline of the backrest, at least one component of the chair must flex and yield mechanically to avoid bending. Typically, either the control housing or the back frame structure is deformed and / or the bearing is sufficiently slippery to compensate for this misalignment. If the deformation is too large or if the components of the chair are not designed for such bending, one of the components of the chair may break, fail or fracture over time due to cyclic fatigue failure. Another problem is that the bearings of the rear pivots wear out quickly from the large forces generated by this misalignment. This results in loose parts in the backrest, which may be objectionable in some situations. Similar problems can arise in synchronized tilt chairs where a seat has spaced seat pivots that do not accurately align with the tilt axis of the seat. It is noted that the seat pivots must also support a large portion of the weight of the seated user, and therefore add to their level of tension. Another problem with the support pivots known for saddles is that they can be problematic to assemble and / or manually intensive for assembly, as well as costly since the holes must be aligned to receive bolts / pivot shafts and bolts / pivot shafts they must be tightened and secured in an adequate manner, but not excessive. Specifically, during the securing, the pivot bolts / axles can not be subjected to excessive torque or the assembly will be bent, nor can they be subjected to an insufficient torque or the assembly will be unacceptably loose and susceptible to being detach in pieces. Along with the above requirements, any pivot backrest and seat pivot should be integrated into the construction of the chair to provide an acceptable appearance, since they are often located in a highly visible area of the chair. Accordingly, a chair construction is desired which solves the aforementioned problems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, a chair includes a base assembly with a control housing having opposite lateral flanges and a side pivot, a backrest pivoted to the base assembly for movement between the upper and reclined positions, and a supported seat Operationally in the base assembly and connected to the backrest for synchronized movement coordinated with the backrest. An energy mechanism is provided to deflect the backrest to the vertical position. The power mechanism includes an expandable / understandable spring positioned transversely in the control housing with one end supported on one of the side flanges, and further including a lever pivoted to the side pivot, and having a spring engaging portion, which engages a free end of a spring, and that also has a seat diverter portion operably connected to the seat. The side pivot, the spring coupling portion and. the seat diverting portion are separated from each other and arranged so that the spring deflects the lever around a fulcrum generally located on the side pivot to deflect the backrest toward the vertical position. In another aspect of the present invention, a chair has a control housing that includes a pivot member, a reclining backrest operably connected to the control housing for movement between the vertical and reclined positions, and a power source in the control housing . The chair also includes an improved adjustable backrest tension controller for the chair wherein the pivot member is adjustable, and a lever which couples the power source and the pivot member and which is operably connected to the backrest to deflect the backrest to the vertical position. The lever and the pivot member have non-slip mutual engaging surfaces, at least one of which is curvilinear, so that the mutually engaging surfaces engage to define a fulcrum as the lever is rotated during recline of the backrest, and in addition so that the fulcrum changes position as the pivot member is adjusted to change the moment arm on which the power source operates. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a chair includes a base assembly, a component comprising one of a reclining backrest and a movable seat pivoted to the base assembly for movement between the first and second positions, and a spring with an end held on the base assembly and the other end operably connected to the component. The spring has a length and, when the component is moved from the first position to the second position, it is simultaneously compressed longitudinally along the length and also bent laterally in a direction transverse to the length. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a chair includes a base assembly including a control housing, a seat slidably supported on the control housing, a back frame pivoted to the base assembly for movement between the vertical and reclined positions and operably linked to the seat, so that the pivotal movement of the back frame and the sliding movement of the seat are synchronized, and an energy mechanism including a spring having a length and an L-shaped torque member with a first extension that engages one end of the coil spring, and a second extension that extends generally parallel to the length of the spring. The first extension is pivotally coupled to the control housing in a position spaced from the end of the spring. The second extension is operably connected to one of the seat and the back frame so that the spring deflects the torque member in a manner that deflects the back frame to the vertical position. In still another aspect of the present invention, a chair includes a base assembly including a control housing, a seat slidably supported on the control housing, a backrest assembly pivoted to the base frame for movement between the vertical and reclined positions and operably attached to the seat, so that the pivotal movement of the back frame and the sliding movement of the seat are synchronized. The control housing defines a relatively thin, horizontally extending compartment below the seat. An adjustable energy mechanism is operably placed in the compartment. The adjustable power mechanism includes an extendable power source, a lever operably connected between the power source and the seat, and an adjusting member that supports the lever in a pivotally adjustable manner to adjustably control the force transmitted from the power source to the power source. through the lever to the seat. The power source, the lever and the adjustment member can be moved in horizontal directions only so that they operate within the relatively thin, horizontally extending compartment. In still another aspect of the present invention, a chair control includes a control housing, a component operably linked to the control housing for movement between a plurality of positions, an actuator on the control housing operably connected to the component to control movement of the compartment, a handle operable manually to operate the actuator and an excessive torque device that connects the handle to the actuator. The excessive torque device is constructed to limit the force transmitted from the handle to the actuator to a maximum amount to avoid damage to the control of the chair.
In one aspect, the present invention includes a chair having a base assembly that includes opposing side arms, a back frame having end sections configured pivoted to the side arms on the backrest pivots for rotation about a tilt axis of backrest, and a seat pivoted to the end sections configured in the seat pivots for rotation about a seat tilt axis. At least one of the backup pivots and the seat pivots includes a rotatable bearing element and a support element that flexibly supports the bearing element for rotational movement misaligned with the tilt axis for rotational movement misaligned with the shaft of inclination associated with at least one axis so that the bearing element rotates about the stud without being joined even when the stud is misaligned with one of the associated backrest tilt axes and the tilt axis of the seat. In a narrower aspect, the support element is made of a resilient rubber. In another aspect of the present invention, a chair has a base assembly that includes side arms and a back frame having end sections configured pivoted to the side arms on the backrest pivots for rotation about a rear slant axis. The back frame is flexible enough to allow the configured ends to flex apart during assembly. The end sections configured and the side arms have adjacent faces, one of which has a recess therein. A bearing arrangement is located on each backrest pivot for pivotally connecting the side arms to the respective shaped end sections. The bearing arrangement includes a stud extending into the recess, and a bearing that rotatably engages the stud, the bearing is movable from the recess but held therein, in part by the proximity of the adjacent faces. In another aspect, the present invention includes a method for assembling a chair, comprising the steps of providing a chair component with opposite oriented, laterally extending projections, and providing a support frame with the end sections configured that have rebates. The method further includes flexing and separating the configured end sections of the back frame and simultaneously placing the recesses of the end sections configured on the projections, and releasing the back frame so that the back frame resiliently returns to an original shape. which keeps the back frame in place and pivotally connects the back frame to the chair component.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a control includes a control housing, a single stored energy source placed in the control housing that provides a compressive force and a lever operably interconnected with the single source of energy for movement between positions vertical and reclined. The single source of stored energy exerts both pre-tension to deflect the lever to the vertical position and also provides resistance to tilting the lever when reclined. The control further includes a controller for regulating the pre-tension of the stored energy source and the lean ratio of the lever, with the control configured for adjustment without an operator having to overcome a comprehensive force of the single source of stored energy. In still another aspect of the present invention, a chair includes a base assembly that includes a control housing, a single source of stored energy, placed in the control housing that provides a compressive force, and a back support operably interconnected with the unique source of energy for movement between the vertical and reclined positions. The single source of stored energy exerts a pre-tension to deflect the backing support towards the vertical position and provides resistance to the inclination of the backrest support when reclined. The control also includes a controller to regulate the pre-tension of the stored energy source and the tilt ratio of the backup support, the controller includes a lever that defines an adjustable fulcrum point that can be adjusted without overcoming the comprehensive force of the single source of stored energy. In still another aspect of the present invention, a control includes a control housing, a stored energy source placed in the control housing, and a first backup support lever operably interconnected with the power source for movement between the vertical and horizontal positions. reclined The stored energy source exerts so much pre-tension to divert the first lever to the vertical position and at the same time provides resistance for tilting the first lever when reclined. The control further includes a controller for regulating the pre-tension of the stored energy source of the first lever. The controller includes a crankshaft arm within the control housing. The crankshaft has one end that engages the stored energy source, and the other end operably interconnected with the first lever. The crankshaft has portions between the two ends forming a fulcrum, so that the energy source deflects the crankshaft arm around the fulcrum to deflect the first lever to the vertical position. In still another aspect of the present invention, a control includes a control housing, a stored energy source placed in the control housing and a first lever operably interconnected with the power source for movement between the vertical and reclined positions. The stored energy source exerts pre-tension to deflect the first lever to the vertical position and provides resistance for tilting the first lever when reclined. The control further includes an adjustable controller for adjusting the pre-tension of the stored energy source. The controller includes a manually operable handle for regulating the pre-tension of the stored energy source and an excessive torque device configured to limit the physical force transmitted from the handle to the controller. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art with reference to the following specification, claims and accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figures 1-3 are front, back and side perspective views of a reclining chair constituting the present invention; Figures 4A and 4B are exploded perspective views of the upper and lower portions of the chair shown in Figure 1; Figures 5 and 6 are side views of the chair shown in Figure 1, Figure 5 shows the flexibility and adjustability of the chair when it is in the upright position, and Figure 6 shows the movements and the backrest and seat during the recline; Figure 7 is a front view of the chair shown in Figure 1, with an aesthetic cover below the removed seat; Figure 8 is a top view of the control including the primary power mechanism, the moment arm displacement adjustment mechanism and the back stop mechanism, the primary power mechanism is adjusted to a relatively torque position low and oriented as if it were when the backrest is in the vertical position so that the seat is in its back rest position, the backrest stop mechanism is in an intermediate position to limit the backrest to allow maximum recline; Figure 8A is a perspective view of the base frame and the chair control shown in Figure 8, part of the seat structure and back support is shown in broken lines and part of the controls in the control is show in solid lines to show the relative positions of the same; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the control and the primary power mechanism shown in Figure 8, the primary power mechanism is adjusted to a low torque position and shown as if the backrest were in a position vertical so that the seat moves backwards; Figure 9A is a perspective view of the primary power control and mechanism shown in Figure 9, the primary power mechanism is adjusted to the low torque position but is shown as if the backrest were in a reclined position. so that the seat moves forward and the spring is compressed; Figure 9B is a perspective view of the control and the primary power mechanism shown in Figure 9, the primary power mechanism is set to a high torque position and shown as if the backrest were in a vertical position of way the seat moves backwards; Figure 9C is a perspective view of the control and primary power mechanism shown in Figure 9, the primary power mechanism is adjusted to the high torque position, but shown as if the backrest were in a reclined position so that the seat moves forward and the spring is compressed; Figure 9D is a graph showing the torsional force versus the angular deflection curves for the primary energy mechanism of Figures 9-9C, the curves include a top curve showing the forces resulting from a high torque (a prolonged coupling of moment arm of the main spring) and a lower curve showing the forces resulting from a low torque (short arm coupling of moment of the main spring); Figure 10 is an enlarged top view of the primary power and control mechanism shown in Figure 8, including controls for operating the back stop mechanism, the back stop mechanism shown in an inactivated position; Figure 11 is an exploded view of the mechanism for adjusting the primary power mechanism, which includes the excessive torque moment release mechanism therefor; Figure HA is a plan view of a modified backstop control and related joints; Figure 11B is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly in cross section, of the area with circles in Figure HA; and Figure 11C is a cross-sectional view taken along the XIC-XIC line in Figure HA; Fig. 12 is a side view of the backrest assembly shown in Fig. 1 including the back frame and the flexible back cover and including the skeleton and part of the seated user's body, the back cover is shown with a shape convex forward in continuous lines and shown in different shapes flexed into dashed and dotted lines; Figure 12A is an enlarged perspective view of the back frame shown in Figure 4A, the back frame being shown as if the molded polymeric outer shell was transparent so that the reinforcement can be easily seen; Figures 12B and 12C with cross sections taken along lines XXIIB-XXIIB and XXIIC-XXIIC in Figure 12A;
Figures 12D-12I are views showing additional embodiments of the flexible backshell constructions adapted to move in accordance with the back of the seated user; Figure 12J is an exploded perspective view of the torsionally adjustable lumbar support spring mechanism shown in Figure 4A, and Figure 12JJ is an exploded view of the hub and spring connection of Figure 12J taken from an opposite side of the hub; Figure 12K is an exploded perspective view of a torsionally adjustable, lumbar support spring mechanism, modified; Figures 12L and 12LL are side views of the mechanism shown in Figure 12K set to a low torque position, and Figures 12M and 12MM are side views of the mechanism adjusted to a position with high torque, the figures 12L and 12M highlight the spring driver, and figures 12LL and 12MM highlight the lever; Figure 12N is a fragmentary cross-sectional side view of the back construction shown in Figure 12; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional side view taken along lines XIII-XIII showing the pivots interconnecting the base frame with the back frame and interconnecting the back frame with the seat frame; Figure 13A is a cross-sectional side view of modified pivots similar to those of Figure 13, but showing an alternative construction; Figures 14A and 14B are perspective and front views of the upper connector that connects the back cover with the back frame; Figure 15 is a rear view of the backing cover shown in Figure 4A; Figure 16 is a perspective view of the backrest including the vertically adjustable lumbar support mechanism, shown in Figure 4A; Figures 17 and 18 are front and top views of the vertically adjustable lumbar support mechanism shown in Figure 16; Fig. 19 is a front view of the slidable frame of the vertically adjustable lumbar support mechanism, shown in Fig. 18; Figure 20 is a top view, partly in cross section, of the laterally extending handle of the vertically adjustable lumbar support mechanism shown in Figure 17 and its attachment to the slidable member of the lumbar support mechanism;
Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the adjustable depth seat shown in Fig. 4B including the seat carrier and the lower carriage frame / support slidably mounted on the seat carrier, the lower seat carriage / frame Support is partially cut to show the bearings in the seat carrier, the seat cushion is removed to reveal the parts below it; Fig. 22 is a top view of the seat carrier shown in Fig. 21, the lower seat carriage / rear frame is removed, but the seat frame slide bearings and the depth adjuster stop device are shown. carrier shown; Fig. 23 is a top perspective view of the lower seat / rear frame carriage and the seat carrier shown in Fig. 21, including a depth adjuster control handle, a hinge and a latch to maintain a position of selected depth of the seat; Figures 24 and 25 are side views of the adjustable depth seat shown in Figure 21, Figure 24 shows the seat adjusted to a maximized seat depth, and Figure 25 shows the seat adjusted to a minimized seat depth; Figures 24 and 25 also show a manually adjustable "active" thigh support system that includes a gas spring to adjust the front portion of a seat cover to provide optimal support for the thighs; Fig. 26 is a top view of the seat support structure shown in Figs. 24 and 25 including a seat carrier (shown mainly in dashed lines), the lower seat carriage / rear frame, the support system active thigh with a gas spring and a stiffening plate to adjustably support the front portion of the seat, and portions of the depth adjustment mechanism that include a stop to limit the maximum depth adjustment back and forth of the seat and the depth adjustment bolt; Figure 26A is a cross section taken along line XXVIA-XXVIA in Figure 26, showing the stop for the depth adjusting mechanism; Figures 27 and 28 are top and bottom perspective views of the seat support structure shown in Figure 26; Figures 29 and 30 are top and bottom perspective views of a seat similar to that shown in Figure 26, but where the manually adjustable thigh support system is replaced with a passive thigh support system that includes a leaf spring to hold a front portion of the seat; and Figure 31 is a bottom perspective view of the clamps and guide for the supporting ends of the leaf spring, as shown in Figure 30, but with the front portion holding the thighs of the seat flexed downward, which causes the leaf spring to flex into a flat compressed condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES
For purposes of the description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "forward", "vertical" and "horizontal", and derivatives thereof are relate to the invention as directed in Figure 1 with a person sitting on the chair. However, it should be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified otherwise. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the appended drawings and described in the following specification are only exemplary embodiments of the inventive contacts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, the specific dimensions and the other physical characteristics in relation to the modalities described herein should not be considered as limiting unnecessarily, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. A chair construction 20 (Figures 1 and 2) forming the present invention includes a base assembly 21 with idler wheels and a reclining backrest assembly 22 pivoted to the base 21 for movement about a stationary backrest inclination axis 23. between the vertical and reclined positions. A seat assembly 24 is pivoted
(figure 6) in its rear part to the backrest 22 for movement around a seat inclination axis 25. The seat tilt axis 25 is biased back and down the backrest tilt axis 23 and the seat 24 is slidably supported on its front part on the base 21 by linear bearings, so that the seat 24 slides forward and its rear portion rotates downward and forward with a synchronized tilt movement as the backrest 22 reclines (see Figure 6). The synchronized movement initially moves the back of the seat to an angular synchronized ratio of approximately 2.5: 1, and when it is near the fully reclined position, the backrest moves to the housing in an angular synchronization ratio of approximately 5: 1. The movement of the seat 24 and the backrest 22 during recline provides an exceptionally comfortable movement and makes the seated user feel very stable and secure. This is partly due to the fact that the movement keeps the center of gravity of the user sitting relatively constant and keeps the user sitting in a relatively balanced position on the chair base. In addition, the forward / synchronized slide movement keeps the user sitting close to his work during reclining rather than in the constructions of previous chairs of synchronized tilt, so that the problem of fast forward movement constant after reclining and then displacement Fast backward when moving to a vertical position, greatly reduced, if not eliminated. Another advantage is that the chair construction 20 can be used close to a wall behind the chair or in a small office. With fewer problems that result from interference with office furniture during reclining. Furthermore, we have found that the spring 28 for deflecting the backrest 22 to a vertical position can potentially be reduced in size due to the reduced rearward displacement of the weight of the users seated in the present chair. The base includes a control housing 26. A primary power mechanism 27 (Figure 8) is operably positioned in the control housing 26 to bias the seat 24 backward. Due to the interconnection of the backrest 22 and the seat 24, the backward movement of the seat 24 in turn deflects the backrest 22 to a vertical position. The primary energy mechanism 27 (Figure 8) includes a main spring 28 placed transversely in the housing 26 of control so as to operably engage a torque or lever member 54. The tension and torque provided by the main spring 28 is adjustable by means of an adjustable moment arm (MAS) system 29. also substantially positioned in the control housing 26. A visual cover 26 '(FIG. 1) covers the area between the control housing 26 and the underside of the seat 24. The backup assembly 22 includes a backup support or back frame 30 (FIG. 4A) with a defining structure. the pivots / axes 23 and 25. A flexible / compliant backrest cover construction 31 is pivoted to the backrest frame 30 at the upper connections 32 and the lower connections 33 so as to provide an exceptionally comfortable and consistent backrest support. A torsionally adjustable lumbar support spring mechanism 34 is provided to bias the backrest cover 31 forward in a curvilinearly convex forward shape optimally to provide good lumbar pressure. A vertically adjustable lumbar support 35
(Figure 16) is operatively mounted on the back cover 31 for vertical movement in order to provide an optimal shape and pressure position to the front support surface on the backrest 22. The seat 24 is provided with several options to provide functions of the chair, such as a back stop mechanism 36 (FIG. 8), which adjusts adjustably to the seat 24 to limit reclining of the backrest 22. In addition, the seat 24 may include support options for active and passive thighs (see Figures 24 and 30, respectively), a seat depth adjustment (see Figures 28 and 25) and other seating options, as described below.
Base Mounting
The base assembly 21 (figure 1) includes a support
39 of floor coupling having a central hub 40 and extensions 41 with idle wheels, radially extending, attached to the central hub 40 in a star-like configuration. A central pole 42 is telescopically extendable in the central hub 40 and includes a gas spring that is operable to extend the pole 42 telescopically to reach the height of the chair. The control housing 26 of the base assembly 21 is shaped like a container
(Figure 11) and includes lower panels and reinforced side walls that form an upwardly open structural member. A notch 43 is formed in a sidewall of the housing 26 to receive a portion of the adjustable control for the MAS system 29. A front portion of the housing 26 is formed within a U-shaped transverse rib 44, oriented upward, to receive a transverse structural tube 45 (Figure 8A) and an orifice 46 (Figure 11) is generally formed adjacent the flange 44. The cross tube 45 is welded to the flange 44 and extends substantially horizontally. A reinforcement channel 47 is welded into the housing 26 immediately at the front of the transverse structural tube. A truncated cone-shaped tube section 48 is welded vertically to the reinforcement 47 above the orifice 46, tube section 48 which is shaped to engage coincidently and securely with the upper end of the extending center post 42. A pair of side arms 49 extending upward, rigid (sometimes also referred to as "struts" or "bits") are welded to opposite ends of the cross tube. Each of the side arms 49 includes a rigid plate 50 on its inner surface. The plates 50 include welded nuts 51 which are aligned to define the backup inclination axis 23. The housing 26, the transverse tube 45 and the side arms 49 form a base frame that is rigid and strong. The side walls of the housing 26 include a lip or flange extending along its upper edge to reinforce the side walls. A cover 52 is joined to the lips to form a stationary part of a linear bearing to slideably support the front part of the seat.
Primary Energy Mechanism and Operation
It is noted that the housing 26 shown in Figures 9-9C and 10 is slightly larger and with different proportions than the housing of Figures 8, 8A and 11, but the operating principles are the same. The primary power mechanism 27 (FIG. 8) is placed in the housing 26. The primary power mechanism 27 includes a spring 28, which is operably connected to the seat 24 by an L-shaped torque member or bent lever. 54, a joint 55 and a clamp 56 attached to the seat. The spring 28 is a helical spring positioned transversely in the housing 26, with one end supported against one side of the housing 26 by a disc-shaped anchor 57. The anchor 57 includes a washer to hold the end of the spring 28 to prevent noise and further includes a projection extending at a center of the end of the spring 28 to securely hold the spring 28, but which allows the spring 28 to be compressed and tilt / flex to one side while the torque member or the bell lever 54 are pivoted. The L-shaped torque member or elbow lever 54 includes a short extension or lever 58 and a long extension 59. The short extension 58 has a free end that engages an end of the spring 28 generally close to the left side of the body. housing 26 with a washer and a projection similar to the anchor 57. The short extension 58 is accurately shaped and includes an outer surface facing the adjacent side wall of the housing 26 which defines a series of teeth 60. Strips of steel 61 are joined to The upper and lower sides of the short extension 58 and have an outer arched surface that provides a uniform rotating bearing surface on the extension 58, as described below. The arcuate surface of the strips 61 is generally located around the apex or the pitch diameter of the gear teeth 60. The short projection 58 generally extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the spring 28 and the long extension 59 extends generally parallel to the length of the spring 28, but it is separated from the spring 28. The joint 55 (figure 8) is pivoted to one end of the long extension 59 and is also provided to the bracket 56 attached to the seat. A crescent pivoting member 63 (Figure 11) includes an arcuate rotatable bearing surface that rotatably engages the curved surface of the steel strips 61 on the short extension 58 to define a fulcrum point of movement. The pivot member 63 also includes a toothed rack 64 configured to matingly engage the teeth 60 on the short extension 58 to prevent any slippage between the mutually engaging rotatable bearing surfaces of the end 58 and the pivot member 63. The pivot member 63 is attached to one side of the housing 26 in the groove 43. When the seat 24 is in its rearward position (ie, the backrest is in a vertical position) (Figure 9), the long end 59 is locates generally parallel and close to the spring 28 and the short end 58 is pivoted such that the spring 28 has a relatively low amount of compression. In this position, the compression of the spring 28 is sufficient to properly deflect the seat 24 backwards and in turn divert the back frame 30 to a vertical position for optimal yet comfortable support for a seated user. As the seated user reclines, the seat 24 moves forward (Figure 9A). This causes the L-shaped torque member or bent lever 54 to rotate on the pivot member 63 at the fulcrum point in a manner that compresses the spring 28. As a result, the spring 28 provides one force each time greater resists reclining, increasing strength which is necessary to adequately support a person as he reclines. Notably, the short extension 58"walks" along the pivot member 63 increasingly a short distance during recline, so that the actual position of the pivot changes slightly during recline. The generous curvilinear shapes of the short extension 58 and the pivot member 63 prevent any abrupt change in the backrest support during recline, but it is noted that the curvilinear shapes of these two components affect spring compression in two ways. The "walking" of the short extension 58 on the pivot member 63 affects the length of the movement arm to the current pivot point (i.e., the position where the teeth 60 and 64 actually engage at any specific point in the weather) . In addition, the "walking" can cause the spring 28 to compress longitudinally as the "walking" occurs. Nevertheless, in a preferred form, we have designed the system so that the spring 28 is not compressed substantially during the adjustment of the pivot member 63, which is why we seek to make the adjustment easily carried out. If the adjustment causes the spring 28 to be compressed, the adjustment may require additional effort to perform the adjustment, which we do not prefer in this chair design. As discussed below, the pivot member 63 is adjustable to change the torque arm on which the spring 28 operates. Figure 9B shows the primary power mechanism 27 set to a position with a high torque with the seat 24 which is in a backward position (and the backrest frame 30 is in a vertical position). Figure 9C shows the primary energy mechanism 27 still set to the high torque condition, but in the condition compressed with the seat 24 in a forward position (and the back frame 30 is in a vertical position). Notably, in Figures 9B and 9C, the pivot member 63 has been adjusted to provide a longer torque arm on the lever 58 on which the spring 28 acts. Figure 9D is a graph illustrating the backup torque generated by the spring 28 as a function of the recline angle. As is evident from the graph, the initial support strength can vary by adjustment (as described below). In addition, the rate of torsional force change (ie, the tilt) varies automatically as the initial torsional force is adjusted to a higher force, so that the lower initial spring force results in a flatter tilt, while a Higher initial spring force results in a steeper inclination. This is advantageous since lighter / smaller people not only require less support in their vertical chair position, but also require less support during recline. In contrast, heavier / larger people require more support when they are in the vertical and reclined positions. Notably, the desired inclination of the high and low torsional force / displacement curves can be designed in the saddle by varying the shape of the short extension 58 and the pivot member 63. The pivot member 63 in Increasing shape (Figure 11) is supported pivotally on the housing 26 by a clamp 65. The clamp 65 includes a section 66 of tube and a shaped end 67, with a joint between them configured to matingly engage the notch 43 in the housing side 26. The configured end 67 includes a pair of flanges 68 with openings defining an axis of rotation 69 for the pivot member 63. The pivot member 63 is pivoted to the flanges 68 by a pivot bolt and is rotatable about the shaft 69. By rotating the pivot member 63, the engagement of the teeth 60 and 64 and the related mutual coupling surfaces change from so as to cause the current pivot point along the short extension 58 of the L-shaped torque member or toggle lever 54 to change. (Compare figures 9 and 9B). As a result, the distance from the end of the spring 28 to the current pivot point changes. This results in a shortening (or lengthening) in the torque arm on which the spring 28 operates, which in turn results in a substantial change in the force / displacement curve (compare the upper and lower curves in the figure 9D). The change in the moment arm is carried out relatively simply because the spring 28 is not substantially compressed during the adjustment, since the mutual engaging surface on the pivot 63 defines a constant radius about its axis of rotation . Therefore, the adjustment is not adversely affected by the force of the spring 28. However, the adjustment greatly affects the curve of the spring due to the resulting change in the length of the moment arm on which the spring 28 operates. The pivoting of the pivot member 63 is carried out by the use of a pair of perforated flanges 70 (Figure 11) on the pivot member 63 that are spaced apart from the shaft 69. An adjustment rod 71 extends through the tube section 66 at the configured end 67 and is pivoted to the perforated flanges 70. The rod 71 includes a threaded opposite end 72. An elongated nut 73 is threaded onto the rod end 72. The nut 73 includes a washer 73 'which is rotatably engaged at one end of the tube section 66 and further includes a shaped end 74 having ribs or grooves shaped to matingly match matching ribs 75 on a drive ring 76. A handle 77 is rotatably mounted on the tube section 66 and is operably connected to the driving ring 76 by an excessive torque torque clutch ring 78. The clutch ring 78 includes resilient fingers 79 which operably engage the ring of the friction teeth 80 in the drive ring 76. The fingers 79 are shaped to frictionally slide on the teeth 80 to a predetermined torsional load to avoid damage to the components of the chair 20. The retainer 81 includes resilient extensions 81 'which are press-fitted to the end 74 of the nut 73 to retain the driving ring 76 and the clutch ring 78 together with a predetermined amount of force. A spacer / washer 82 is mounted on one end of the nut 73 to provide a bearing surface to better support the clutch ring 78 for rotation. An end cap 83 visually covers one end of the assembly. The end cap 83 includes a central projection 84 which is pressed into the retainer 81 to forcefully maintain the resilient extensions of the retainer 81 engaged in the end of the nut 73. In use, the adjustment is completed by rotating the handle 77 in section 66 of tube, which causes nut 73 to rotate by means of clutch ring 78 and drive ring 76 (unless the force required for rotation of nut 73 is so great that ring 78 of clutch to slide on the drive ring 76 to avoid damage to the components). As the nut 73 rotates, the rod 71 is pulled out (or pressed in) from the housing 26, causing the pivot member 63 to rotate. The pivoting of the pivot member 63 changes the coupling point (i.e., the fulcrum point) of the pivot member 63 and the short extension 58 of the L-shaped torque member or angled lever 54, thereby changing the moment arm on which the spring acts 28.
Backup Detention Mechanism
The backup stop mechanism 36 (FIG. 8) includes a cam 86 pivoted to the housing 26 in the position 87. The cam 86 includes abutment surfaces or rungs 88, retainer depressions 89 corresponding to the surfaces 88, and teeth 90. The rungs 88 are configured to mate with the clamp 56 attached to the seat to limit the backward rotation of the back frame 30 by limiting backward movement of the seat 24. This allows a seated user to limit the amount of recline to a desired maximum point, a leaf spring 91
(figure 10) is attached to the housing 26 by the use of a finger
92 in the form of a U that slides through the first hole and engages in the second hole in the housing 26. The opposite end of the leaf spring includes a U-shaped band 93 shaped to engage slidably and coincident with the detent depressions 89. The depressions 89 correspond to the rungs 88 so that, when a particular rung 88 is selected, a corresponding depression 89 is engaged by the spring 91 to maintain the cam 86 in the selected angular position. Notably, the rungs 88 (and depressions 89) are located angularly close in the area corresponding to the positions of the chair close to the vertical position of the back frame 30 and are located angularly further away, spaced apart in the area that corresponds to the most reclining chair positions. This is done so that seated users can select from a large number of backup stop positions when they are close to the upright position. It is noted that seated users are likely to desire multiple backrest stopping positions that are close when they are close to a vertical position, and that they are less likely to select a backrest stopping position that is close to the chair position. completely reclined. The cam 86 is rotated by the use of a control including a pivoting lever 94, a link 95 and a rotatable handle 96. The pivoting lever 94 is generally pivoted in its middle part to the housing 26 in the position 97. One end of the pivoting lever 94 includes teeth 98 which engage the teeth 90 of the cam 86. The other end of the lever 94 is pivoted to joint 95 rigid at position 97 '. The handle 96 includes a body 101 which is rotatably mounted on the tube section 66 of the pivot clamp 65 MAS, and which further includes a leg 99 which provides an easy grip for the seated user. A projection 100 extends from the body and joins pivotally to the joint 95. To adjust the back stop mechanism 36, the handle 96 is rotated, which rotates the cam 86 by the operation of the hinge 95 and the lever 94. The cam 86 is rotated to the desired angular position so that the selected rung 87 engages the clamp 56 attached to the seat to prevent any further reclining beyond the defined backing stop point. Since the seat 24 is attached to the back frame 30, this limits the recline of the backrest 22. A modified control for operating the back stop cam 86 is shown in Figure HA. The modified control includes a pivoting lever 94A and a rotatable handle 96A connected to the handle 96A by a rotatable pivot / pivot joint 380. The lever 94A includes teeth 381 which engage the cam 86 and which is pivoted to the housing 26 in the pivot 97, both of which are similar to the lever 94. However, in the modified control, the joint 95 is removed and the replaced with a unique 380 joint. The joint 380 includes a sphere 381 (FIG. 11B) extending from the lever 94A. A "carriage" or pressure bearing 382 includes a receptacle 383 for pivotally coupling the ball 381 to define a ball-and-socket joint. The bearing 382 includes outer surfaces 384 that slidably engage a slot 385 in an arm 386 extending radially over the handle 96A (FIG. 11C). The joint 380 operably connects the handle 96A to the lever 94A, despite the complex movement resulting from the rotation of the handle 96A around a first axis, and the rotation of the lever 94A around a second axis that is oblique in relation to the first axis. Advantageously, the modified control provides an interconnection operable with few parts, and with parts that are partially within the control housing 26, so that the parts are substantially hidden from view for a person standing behind the chair.
Construction of the Backup
The back frame 30 and the back cover 31 (FIG. 12) form a docile backrest support for a seated user that is particularly comfortable and commensurate with the movements of the seated user's back, particularly in the lumbar area of the backrest 22. Mounting adjustment features provide additional comfort and allow the seated user to adapt the chair to meet their particular needs and preferences in the vertical to reclined positions. The back frame 30 (Figure 12A) is curvilinearly shaped and forms an arc through the backrest area of the chair 20. Various constructions are contemplated for the back frame 30 and accordingly, the present invention should not be limited inappropriately to only one in particular. For example, the back frame 30 may be all metal, plastic or a combination thereof. In addition, the rigid internal reinforcement 102 described below can be tubular, of an iron angle or stamped. The illustrated backing frame 30 includes a bond of an arc-shaped internal metallic reinforcement 102 and an outer molded polymeric cover, or cover 103. (For illustrative purposes, the cover 103 is shown as being transparent (Figure 12), so that the reinforcement 102 can be easily observed). The metal reinforcement 102 includes an intermediate loop section 104 (only half of which is shown in FIG. 12A) having a circular cross section. The reinforcement 102 further includes ends / clamps 105 configured, welded onto the ends of the intermediate section 104. One or two of the T-shaped upper pivot connectors 107 are attached to the intermediate section 104 near the upper portion thereof. Notably, when used, the single upper connector 107 allows for greater side-to-side flexibility than with two upper connectors, which may be desired in a chair where the user is expected to frequently turn his torso and tilt to the side in the chair. A pair of separate upper connectors 107 provide a more rigid arrangement. Each connector 107 (FIG. 12B) includes a pin 108 welded to the intermediate section 104 and includes a cross-section of the rod 109 extending through the pin 108. The rod section 109 is located outwardly of the cover or cover 103 and is adapted for frictional and pivotal coupling by pressing a matching recess in the back cover 31 for rotation about a horizontal axis, as described below. It is contemplated that the present invention includes different backing frame shapes. For example, the inverted U-shaped intermediate section 104 of the back frame 30 can be replaced with an inverted T-shaped intermediate section having a bottom transverse member that is generally proximal and parallel to the band clamp 132, and a vertical member that extends upwards from it. In a preferred form, each back frame of the present chair defines separate lower connections or openings 103 that define pivot points and a top connection or connections 107 that form an array similar to the triangular type. This arrangement is combined with the cover 31 of resiliently flexible semi-rigid backing to flexibly support posturally and allow the torsional flexing of the torso of the user seated when in the chair. In an alternative form, lower connections 113 can be produced in the seat instead of in the back of the chair. The configured ends 105 include an inner surface 105 '(Figure 13) which may or may not be covered by the outer cover 103. In the back frame 30 illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 4A, the backing 102 is substantially covered by the cover 103, but a bag is formed on an interior surface at the ends 105 configured in the openings 111-113. The configured ends 105 include extruded ridges forming openings 111-113 which in turn define the backrest inclination axis 23, the seat tilt axis 25 and a lower pivotal connection for the back cover 31, respectively. The openings 111 and 112 (FIG. 13) include truncated cone-shaped flanges 116 that define pockets for receiving multi-piece bearings 114 and 115, respectively. The bearing 114 includes an outer rubber hub 117 that engages the flanges 116 and an inner lubricated bearing member 118. A pivot stud 119 includes a second lubricated bearing member 120 that slidably engages matched with the first bearing member 118. The stud 119 extends through the bearing 114 in an outwardly threaded direction within the nut 51 welded on the side arms 49 of the base frames 26, 45 and 49. The bearing member 119 has its bottom part outside the nut 51 to prevent excessive pinning of the stud 119. The stud head 119 is shaped to slide through the opening 111 to facilitate assembly by allowing the stud to be threaded into the nut 51 from the inner side of the stud. 49 lateral arm. It is noted that the head of the stud 119 can be enlarged to positively retain the end 105 configured to the side arm 49, if desired. The present arrangement includes rubber bushings 117 which allow the pivot 23 to bend and compensate for the rotation that does not align perfectly with the shaft 23, which reduces the stresses in the bearings and reduces stresses in the components of the chair in the as the backrest frame 30 and the side arms 49 when the stud 119 is misaligned with the shaft. The lower backrest seat frame bearing 115 is similar to the bearing 114 and further the bearing 115 includes a rubber bushing 121 and a lubricated bearing element 122, although it is noted that the truncated cone-shaped surface is oriented inwardly. . A welded stud 123 extends from the seat carrier 124 and includes a lubricated bearing element 125 for rotatable and slidable engagement of the bearing element 122. It is noted that in the illustrated arrangement, the shaped end 105 is trapped between the side arms 49 of the base frames 26, 45 and 49 and the seat carrier 124 so that the bearings 114 and 115 do not need to be positively retained. end 105 configured. However, a positive bearing arrangement can easily be constructed on the pivot 112 by enlarging the head of the stud 119 and using a stud with a similar head in place of the welded stud 123. In Figure 13A a second configuration of the configured end of the back frame 30 is shown. Similar components are identified by identical numbers and the modified components are identified with the same numbers and with the addition of the letter "A". At the modified shaped end 105A, the truncated cone-shaped surfaces of the pins 111A and 112A are oriented in opposite directions from the pins 111 and 112. The pin 112A (which includes the welded stud 123A pivotally supporting the seat carrier 124 in the back frame 30) includes an axial bore threaded at its outer end. The retainer screw 300 extends into the threaded hole to positively retain the pivot assembly together. Specifically, a washer 301 on the screw 300 positively engages and retains the bearing sleeve 125 which is mounted on the inner bearing element 122 on the pivot stud 123A. The taper in the bag and in the outer bearing sleeve 121 positively maintains the bearing 115A together. The upper pivot lllA pivotally supporting the back frame 30 on the side arms 50 of the base frame is generally identical to the lower pin 112, except that the pivot lllA is oriented in an opposite inner direction. Specifically, the upper pivot lllA, a stud 119A is welded onto the lateral arm 50. The bearing is operably mounted on the stud 119A in the bearing bag defined in the base frame 30 and held in place by another screw 300 with washer. For assembly, the back frame 30 is flexed to separate it to engage with the bearing 115, and the configured ends 105A are twisted and resiliently flexed, and subsequently released so that the spring is returned to its rest position. This arrangement provides a quick assembly procedure that has no fasteners, is safe and can be carried out easily. The present back cover system shown in Figures 12, 15 and 16 (and the backing systems of Figures 12D-12I) meet and are designed to work very much in accordance with the human back. The word "docile", as used herein, is intended to refer to the flexibility of the present back support in the lumbar area (see Figures 12 and 12F-12I) or to a back-up structure that provides the equivalent of flexibility ( see Figures 12D and 12E), and it is intended that the word "chord" means that the backrest moves in close harmony with the back of the seated user and posturally supports the back of the seated user as the back 22 of the chair reclines and when a seated user flexes his lower back. The back cover 31 has three specific regions, as does the human back, and these are the thoracic region, the lumbar region and the pelvic region. The thoracic or "rib" region of the human back is relatively rigid. For this reason, a relatively stiff top cover portion (FIG. 12) is provided that supports the relatively rigid thoracic (rib) region 252 of a seated user. It supports the weight of the user's torso. The upper pivot shaft is strategically located directly behind the center of gravity of the user's upper body by balancing its back weight for good pressure distribution. The 251 lumbar region of the human back is more flexible. For this reason, the lumbar region of cover of the back cover 31 includes two hinges 126 articulated vertical and curved at their side edges (Figure 15) connected with several horizontal "cross strips" 125".
These strips 125"are separated by grooves 125 'in width, which allows the strips to move independently The grooves 125' may have rounded ends or teardrop-shaped ends to reduce the concentration of tension. The cover is configured to comfortably and posturally support the human lumbar region, both side strips 125"are flexible and are capable of substantially changing the radius of curvature from one side to the other. This cover region automatically changes curvature as the user changes position, although it maintains a relatively consistent level of support. This allows the user to consciously (or unconsciously) flex their back during work, by temporarily moving to eliminate tension in tired muscles or portions of spinal discs in different positions. This frequent movement also "pumps" nutrients through the spine, keeping it nourished and healthier. When a specific user leans against the cover 31, it exerts relative pressures unique to the various "transverse strips". This causes the articulated hinges to flex in a unique manner, urging the cover to adapt to the unique shape of the user's back. This provides more even support over a larger area of the back, improving comfort and decreasing "high pressure points". The transverse strips also flex to better match the user's side-by-side shape. The neutral axis of the human spinal column is located inside the back. Correspondingly, the "lateral strips" are located forward of the central portion of the lumbar region (closer to the neutral axis of the spinal column), helping the flexure of the cover imitate the flexion of the human back. The pelvic region 250 is rather inflexible in humans. Accordingly, the lowermost portion of the cover 31 is also inflexible so that it supports the inflexible human pelvis in a postural / coincidental manner. When a user flexes his spine backwards, the user's pelvis automatically rotates around the hip joints and the skin of his back is stretched. The pivot point of the lower cover / back frame is strategically located close to but slightly back from the human hip joint. Its closeness allows the pelvic region of the cover to rotate according to the user's pelvis. However, being a little backwards, the lumbar region of the cover is stretched (the grooves are extended) a little less than the skin of the user's back, enough for a good chord flex, but not too much so that they stretch or stack the clothes. Specifically, the present back cover construction 31 (FIG. 4A) comprises a resiliently flexible molded sheet made of polymeric material such as polypropylene, with upper and lower mattresses placed thereon (see FIG. 4A). The back cover 31 (FIG. 16) includes a plurality of horizontal slots 125 'in its lower half which are generally located in the lumbar area of the chair 20. The slots 125' extend substantially through the back cover 131, but they end up in separate positions on the sides so that resilient vertical bands of material 126 are formed along each edge. The side material strips 126 are designed to form a convex shape naturally forward, but are flexible so as to provide optimal lumbar support and a shape for the seated user. The bands 126 allow the back cover to change shape to conform to the shape of the user's back in a consistent manner, side by side and vertically. A projection 127 extends along the perimeter of the cover 31. A pair of separate recesses 128 are generally formed in the upper thoracic area of the back cover 31 on its backward surface. The recesses 128 (Figs. 14A and 14B) each include a T-shaped inlet with the narrow portion 129 of the recesses 128 having a height to receive the shank 108 of the upper connector 32 on the backing frame 30 and with the wider portion 130 of the recess 128 having a width shaped to receive the cross-sectional section 109 of the upper connector 32. Each of the recesses 128 extends upwardly into the backing cover 31 so that opposite flanges 131 formed adjacent the narrow portion 129 pivotally capture the rod section 109 of the upper tee connector 107 as the pin 108 slides. within the narrow portion 129. The projections 132 in the recess 128 positively retain the upper connectors 107 and secure the back cover 31 to the back frame 30, although they also allow the back cover 31 to rotate about a horizontal axis. This allows the back cover 31 to flex for optimal lumbar support without unwanted restriction. A band clamp 132 (Figure 16) includes an elongated central strip or strip 133 that matches the shape of the bottom edge of the back cover 31 and which is molded at the bottom edge of the back cover 31. The tape 133 may also be an integral part of the back cover or may be attached to the back cover 31 with screws, fasteners, adhesive, friction tabs, insert molding techniques or some other manner of attachment known in the art. . The belt 133 includes lateral arms / shoulders 134 extending forwardly from the ends of the belt 133 and including the openings 135. The lumbar mechanism 34 of torsional fit engages the flanges 134 and joins pivotally with the cover 31 of backrest to the backrest frame in position 113 (figure 4A). The torsionally adjustable lumbar spring mechanism 34 is adjustable and deflects the back cover 31 to a convex forward shape to provide optimal lumbar support for the seated user. The torsionally adjustable lumbar spring mechanism 34 cooperates with the resilient flexibility of the back cover 31 and with the shape-changing ability of a vertically adjustable lumbar support 35 to provide a highly adjustable and comfortable backrest support for a seated user. The pivot position 113 is optimally chosen to be at the rear of an iliac bone and slightly above the seat 24. (See Figure 12). Optimally, the forward / backward distance of the pivot positions 113 to the belt 133 is approximately equal to the distance of the hip joint / axis from the seated user to its lower spine / coccus bone region so that the lower back 250 moves in a very similar manner and according to the way in which the lower back of a seated user moves during the pressure around the hip joint of the seated user. The position 113 in combination with a length of the lateral flanges 133 extending forward cause the back cover 31 to flex in the following manner accordingly. The pelvic support area 250 of the back cover construction 31 moves accordingly back and down along a selected path to coincide with the person's spine and body movement as the seated user flexes his back and presses the lower part of the back against the construction 31 of the back cover. The lumbar support area 251 simultaneously flexes from a concave forward shape to a flatter shape. The thoracic support area 252 rotates around the upper connector 107, but a substantial amount is not flexed. The total angular rotation of the pelvic and thoracic support areas 250 and 252 are much greater than the synchronized tilt chairs of the prior art, which provides substantially increased support. Notably, the back cover construction 31 also flexes in a horizontal plane to provide good postural support for a seated user who rotates his torso to reach an object. Notably, the back frame 30 is oriented approximately 5o at a backward angle to the vertical when it is in the upright position, and rotates at an angle of approximately 30 ° backward from the vertical when it is in the fully upright position. reclined Concurrently, the seat tilt axis 25 is rearwardly and at an angle of approximately 60 ° below the horizontal of the backrest tilt axis 23 when the back frame 30 is in the upright position, and rotates almost vertically below the backrest inclination axis 23 when the backrest frame 30 is in the fully reclined position. Back construction 31A-31F (figures 12D-12I, respectively) are additional constructions adapted to provide a matching backing support, similar in many aspects to the back cover construction 31. Like the back construction 31, the present invention contemplates including backing constructions 31A-31F for attachment to a seat or the base frame in the lower connections. Specifically, the illustrated constructions 31A-31F are used in combination with the back frame 30 to provide specific support suitable for the thoracic, lumbar and pelvic regions of the seated user. Each of the back constructions 31A-31F is pivoted in the upper and lower pivot connections 107 and 113, and each includes lateral arms 134 to flex around a particularly located lever pivot axis 113. However, the backing constructions 31A-31F achieve their backing support accordingly in slightly different ways. The back construction 31A (FIG. 12D) includes a cushioned upper backrest support 255 pivoted in the upper pivot connection 107, and further includes a cushioned lower backrest support 256 pivoted in the lower position 113 by the band clamp 132 including the side rims 134. The lower backrest supports 255 and 256 are joined by a pivot / slip member connection 257. The pivot / slidable member connection 257 comprises a lower bag formed by a pair of flanges 258, and an upper flange 259 on which it slides and pivots in the bag. A torsional lumbar support spring mechanism 34 is attached in the lower pivot position 113, and, if desired, also a connection 107 for biasing the upper and lower backrest supports 255 and 256 forward. The combination provides a matching backing support that moves with the back of the selected user to match virtually any user back shape, similar to the back cover construction 31 described above. The back construction 31B (figure "12E) includes a top backrest support 261 pivoted in the top link 107, a bottom back support 262 pivoted in the bottom link 113 on the band shoulder side rim 134, and a support 262 of intermediate backrest support operably positioned therebetween.The intermediate backing support 262 is pivoted to the lower backrest support 262 on the pivot 263 and is slidably pivoted to the upper backing support 261 at the pivot / slip joint 264. The joint 264 of pivot / slide is formed by the upper flanges 265 defining a bag, and another flange 266 with one end pivoting and sliding in the bag.The springs are placed in one or more joints 107, 113 and 264 to deflect the backing construction 260 toward a concave forward shape The backup construction 31C (Figure 12F) is similar to the back cover 31 construction in that it includes a flexible sheet-like cover with transverse lumbar grooves. The cover is pivoted in the upper and lower connections 107 and 113 to the back frame 30. The cover of the back construction 31C is biased towards a convexly forward shape by a torsion spring mechanism 34 on the lower pivot 113 and the upper pivot 107, by a curvilinear leaf spring 271 in the lumbar area of the cover , by a spring 272 that presses the cover forwardly out of the intermediate section of the back frame 30 and / or by a vertical spring 273 extending from the top connection 107 to the rear pivot in the side rim 134 of the band clamp. The back construction 3ID (Fig. 12G) includes a transverse leaf spring 276 that spans from opposite sides of the back frame 30 and that biases the lumbar area of its back support cover 277 in a manner very similar to the spring 272 in the backup 270 construction. The back construction 31E (FIG. 12H) includes vertical leaf springs 279 embedded in the back cover 280 that deflect the lumbar area of the back support cover 280., in a manner very similar to the springs 271 in the backup construction 270. Notably, the backup construction 278 includes only a single top pivot connection 107. The back construction 31F (Fig. 121) includes a vertical spring 282 connected to the upper part of the back frame 30 and to the band clamp 132, at the bottom of its back cover 283. Since the back cover 283 is convexly forward, the spring 282 deflects the cover 283 to an even more convex shape, thereby providing additional lumbar support. (Compare spring 273 in backup construction 31C, Figure 12F). It is contemplated that the torsional lumbar support spring mechanism 34 (FIG. 121) may be designed of many different constructions, but that it includes at least one spring operably connected between the back frame 30 and the back cover 31. Optionally, the arrangement includes a tension adjustment device having a handle and a friction lock to provide tension adjustment. The spring biases the band clamp 132 rotationally forward so that the back cover 31 defines an appropriately forward convex shape optimally for lumbar support for a seated user. By rotating the handle to different bolt positions, the spring tension is adjusted to provide optimal forward lumbar strength. As the seated user presses against the lumbar area of the back cover 31, the back cover 31 is flexed "in accordance" with a movement that mimics the wearer's spine and the flesh portion of the body. The force of the webs of material 126 on the cover 31 provide a relatively constant force towards their natural curvilinear shape, but when combined with the torsional lumbar support spring mechanism 34, they provide a highly adjustable deflection force for lumbar support as user leans against the lumbar area. It is noted that a fixed non-adjustable spring deflects the backrest band or the flex zone of the backrest cover directly which can be used, or that an adjustable spring only adjustable during installation can be used. However, the present adjustable device allows a greater adjustment to satisfy the diverse needs of seated users. Therefore, a user can assume various well-supported work positions. In the current torsional lumbar support spring mechanism 34 (Fig. 121), a band clamp 132 pivoted to the back frame 30 is provided by a stud 290 extending inwardly from the back frame 30 through a hole 291. on the side flange 134 of band clamp. A bushing 292 engages the stud 290 to provide uniform rotation and a retainer 293 holds the stud 290 of the hole 291. A base 294 is screwed by the screws 294 'or welded to the backing frame 30, and includes a projection 295 having a main gear 296 and a pointer 297 projecting at one end. A hub 298 includes a plate 299 with a sleeve-like protrusion 300 for receiving the projection 295. The protrusion 300 has a slot 301 for receiving an inner end 302 of a spiral spring 303. The spring body 303 wraps around the projection 295 and terminates at an outer end 304 with a hook. The hub 298 has a pair of studs 305 of shafts extending from the plate 299 in a direction opposite the protrusion 300. A pair of planetary gears 306 in the form of a pie are pivoted on the stud bolts 305 in the holes 307 of pivot. A plurality of teeth 308 are located in an arc around the pivot holes 307 in the planetary gears 306 and an impeller bolt 309 is located at one end of the arc. A handle 310 in the form of a container is shaped to cover the gears 306, the hub 298, the spring 303 and the base 294. The handle 310 includes a flat end panel 311 having a hole 312 centered to rotatably couple the nose 297 projecting from the base 294. A pair of recesses or channels 313 in shape Spiral compounds are formed in end panel 311. The recesses 313 include an inner end 314, an outer end 315 and an elongated portion having a plurality of detents or recesses 316 formed between the ends 314 and 315. The recesses 313 receive the driving bolts 309 in a matching manner. The hooked outer end 304 engages the fingers 317 in the band clamp 132, fingers 317 which extend through the arched slot 318 at the configured end 105 of the back frame 30. The handle 310 is rotated to operate the mechanism
34 torsional lumbar support spring. This causes the recess 313 to engage the thrust pins 309 on the planetary gears 306. The planetary gears 306 engage the main gear 296, so that the planet gears 306 rotate about the main gear 296 as the impeller bolts 309 are driven inwardly (or outwardly) and the planet gears 306 without being forced to rotate in their respective pivots / axes 305. In turn, as the planetary gears 306 rotate, they force the hub 298 to rotate. Due to the connection of the spiral spring 303 with the hub 298, the spiral spring 313 is wound more tightly (or unrolled), whereby the tension of the spring 303 can be changed in an adjustable manner on the band clamp 132. The detents 316 couple the bolts 309 impellers with sufficient frictional resistance to maintain the spring 303 in a desired tensioned condition. Due to the arrangement, the angular winding of the spiral spring 303 is greater than the angular rotation of the handle 310. In a modified torsional lumbar support spring mechanism 34A (FIG. 12K), a base clamp 244A is attached to the configured end 105A of the 30 backrest frame. A lever 306A and the driver 298A are operably mounted to the base clamp 244A to wind a spiral spring 303A as the handle 310A is rotated. Specifically, the base clamp 244A includes a pivot pin 290 which pivotally couples to the hole 291 of the band clamp 132. A second bolt 317 extends through the arched groove 318 at the configured end 105A, groove 318 which extends around the pivot bolt 290 at a constant radius. Two bolts 360 and 361 extend from the base bracket 244A opposite the pivot bolt 290. The impeller 298A includes a pierced end 362 with a hole 363 for rotatably coupling the central pin 360. The end 362 includes an outer surface 364 with a groove thereon for coupling an inner end 365 of the coil spring 303A. The outer end 365 is hook-shaped to securely attach the pin 317 on the band clamp 132. A finger-like stud 366 extends laterally from the outer end 367 of the impeller 298A.
The lever 306A includes a body with a hole 368 for pivotally coupling the bolt 361, and a slot 369 extending arcuately around the hole 368. A bolt 370 extends from the lever 306A to engage a spiral cam groove 313A an interior surface of handle 310A in the form of a container. A tooth 371 on the lever 306A is positioned to engage the stud 366 on the impeller 298A. The hole 372 in the handle 310A is rotatably coupled with the pivot pin 360 on the base bracket 244A. The handle 310A is rotatable between a low voltage position (figures 12L and 12LL) and a high voltage position
(Figures 12M and 12MM). Specifically, as the handle 310A is rotated, the pin 370 is mounted along the slot 313A causing the lever 306A to rotate about the hole 368 and the pin 361 pivot. As the lever 306A rotates, the teeth 371 mesh with the bolt 366 to rotate the impeller 298A around the bolt 360. The rotation of the impeller 298A causes the inner end 365 of the spring 303A to rotate, whereby it is wound (or unrolled). ) the spring 303A. The arrangement of the impeller 298A, the lever 360A and the handle 310A provides a mechanical advantage of approximately 4.1, so that the spiral spring 303A is adjustably wrapped in the desired amount of adjustment force in the handle 310A. In the illustration, a rotation of approximately 330 ° of the handle 310A produces a spring tension adjustment winding of approximately 80 °. Optionally, for maximum adjustment capacity, an adjustable lumbar system 35 is provided vertical (figure 16) including a sliding frame 150 (figure 19) which is generally flat and includes several tongues 151 with hooks on its front surface. A concave lumbar support sheet 152 (FIG. 16) of flexible material such as spring steel includes a plurality of vertical slots forming fingers 153 similar to resilient leaf springs along the upper and lower edges of the sheet 152. 152 blade height adjustable back support
(optional) basically has a curved blade spring that can, with normal backup support pressures, bend until it takes the shape of the backing cover behind it. By doing this, it provides a band of greater strength through the backrest. This provides the user with an adjustable back support that is adjustable in height, regardless of the flexural shape of the user's back. Therefore, it provides the benefits of a traditional lumbar height adjustment without forcing the user to a particular rigid back posture. In addition, the fabric or upholstery in the backrest always has some cushioning, so that wrinkles are eliminated. The stretched fabric can also be used to eliminate wrinkles.
The user can also use this device for a second reason, and this reason is to adapt more completely the shape of the backrest cover to the own and unique shape of his back. Especially in the lower lumbar / pelvic region, humans vary markedly in the shape of the back. Users with more extreme shapes will benefit by sliding the device to regions where its back does not have a solid contact with the cover. The device can effectively change its shape to "fill the gap" exactly and provide good support in this area. No other known lumbar height adjustment does this in the manner described below. Four prongs 154 on the fingers 153 form the retaining tabs which are particularly adapted to securely engage the tabs 151 with hooks to retain the sheet 152 to the sliding frame 150. The remaining tips 155 on the fingers 153 are slidably coupled to the slide frame 150 and hold the central portion 156 of the concave sheet forward and away from the slide frame 150. The sliding frame 150 is vertically adjustable on the back cover 31 (Figure 16) and is placed on the back cover 31 between the back cover 31 and the back cushion. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the sliding frame 150 can be located between the backrest cushion and under the upholstery covering the backrest 22, or even on the front face of the backrest 22 outside the upholstery sheet covering the backrest 22. Al shaking the vertically slidable member, this arrangement allows a seated user to adjust the shape of the lumbar area on the back cover 31, thereby providing a high degree of comfort. A laterally extending guide 157 (FIG. 19) is formed at each end of the sliding frame 150. The guides 157 include opposing flanges 158 that form inwardly oriented grooves. Each of the molded handles 159 (FIG. 20) includes an extension 160 shaped to matingly telescope the guides 157 (FIGS. 17 and 18). The handles 159 further include a C-shaped lip 160 shaped to press fit and slide along the edge projection 127, along the edge of the backing cover 31. It is contemplated that other means may be provided to guide the vertical movement of the sliding frame 150 on the backing cover 31, for example a rope, a track molded lengthwise but inwardly of the edge of the backing cover, and the like. An elongated flat end portion 161 of the handle 159 extends laterally outwardly from the molded handle 159. Notably, the end portion 161 is relatively thin in a position 161 'immediately outwardly of the lip 160, so that the handle 159 can extend through a relatively thin slot along the side edge of the backrest 22 when the cushion and the upholstery sheet are attached to the back cover 31. The illustrated backrest 22 of Figure 12 includes a novel construction incorporating a stretchable fabric 400 sewn in position 401 to the lower edge of the upholstery sheet 402 to cover the front portion of the backrest 22. The stretchable fabric 400 is further sewn within a notch 402 in a structural plastic extrusion 403, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. The extrusion 403 is attached to the lower portion 404 of the backing cover 31 by a secure means, such as pressure bonding, hook binding, rivets, screws or other mechanical fasteners, or other means for securing the joint. The foam mattress 405 of the backrest 22 and the vertically adjustable lumbar support device 35 are positioned between the sheet 402 and the back cover 31. It is contemplated that the stretchable fabric will have a stretch rate of at least 100%, with a recovery of at least 90% when released. The stretchable fabric 400 and the sheet 402 are sewn onto the back 22 in a stressed condition, so that the sheet 402 does not wrinkle or pile up despite the great flexion of the lumbar region 251 toward a flat condition. The stretchable fabric 400 is now in a low visibility position, but can be dyed to the color of the chair, if desired. It is noted that the cover 402 can be extended to cover the back part of the backrest 22 as well as its front part.
Primary Seat Movement, Lower Seat Carriage / Support Frame and Bearing Arrangement
The seat 24 (Figure 4B) is supported by a lower carriage that includes a front seat sliding member 162 and a seat carrier 124. When it is desired to adjust the seat depth, a manual depth adjustable seat frame 163 is slidably mounted on the seat carrier 124 (as shown in Figures 4B and 21-30). When the depth adjustment of the seat is not desired, the characteristics of the seat frame 163 and the rear seat carrier 124 can be incorporated in a single component, such as that illustrated in FIG. 29 by the frame member 163 '. A seat cover 164 (Figure 4B) includes a rear breech support section 165 that is placed over the seat carrier 124. The rear breech support section 165 supports most of the weight of the seated user and acts in a manner similar to a hanger, in this respect. The seat cover 164 further includes a front support section 166 of thighs extending forward of the seat frame 163. The front section 166 is connected to the rear section 165 by a resilient section 167 strategically located generally low and slightly forward of the user's hip joint. The resilient section 167 has a plurality of transverse grooves 168 therein. The slots 168 are relatively short and are dispersed through the seat cover 164, but are spaced apart from the edges of the seat cover 164, so that the web of material 169 at the edges of the seat cover 164 remains intact and without interruption. The bands 169 securely connect the front and back sections 166 and 165 together, and generally deflect them to a flat condition. A seat cushion 160 is placed on the seat frame 163 and held in place by a sheet of upholstery and / or by an adhesive or the like. The slidable member 162 - (Figure 4B) includes an upper panel 171 with C-shaped side rims 172 extending downwardly and inwardly. A linear lubricated lid 173 is attached above each side wall of the housing 26 and a matching bearing 174 is joined within the C-shaped side rims 172 to slidably engage the lubricated lid 173. In this manner, the sliding member 162 is retained in the housing 26 for forward and backward sliding movement. The clamp 156 attached to the seat is attached below the upper panel 171 and located to operate with a back stop mechanism 36. A shaft 174 'is attached above the upper panel 171 and includes ends 175 extending laterally from the sliding member 162. The seating carrier 124 (Figure 4B) is T-shaped in a plan view. The seat carrier 124 is stamped from a metal foil in a "T" shape and includes a relatively wide rear section 176 and a narrower front section 177. Reliefs such as the elongated reliefs 178, 179 and 180 are formed in sections 176 and 177 together with the downward side shoulders 181 and the upward side shoulders 182 to rigidify the component. Two stop tabs 183 separated by a series of latch opening 184 are formed in the front section 177 for reasons discussed below. The stud bolts 123 are joined to side flanges 182 and extend laterally. As discussed above, the studs 123 define the seat tilt axis 25 in this position. The seat frame 163 (Figure 4B) is T-shaped, very similar to the seat carrier 124, but the seat frame 163 is shaped in a manner very similar to a container and is generally larger than the carrier 124 seat so that it is better suited for holding the seat cover 164 and the seat cushion 170. The seat frame 163 includes a front portion 185 and a rear portion 186. The front portion 185 includes an upper panel 187 with flanges 188 facing down on its sides. The holes 189 in the front of the flanges 188 downward form a pivot axis for the active thigh flexing device 190 described below. Another rearwardly spaced orifices 191 of the holes 189 support a laterally extending shaft and hold a multi-function control 192 to control the seat depth adjustment and to control the active device for thigh flexion. The center of the front portion 185 is raised and defines a side wall 193 (FIG. 23) having three openings 194-196 cooperating and pivotally and operably holding a bolt 197 in depth. A depression 198 is formed in the center of the front portion 185 and a slot 200 is cut out in the center of the depression 198. A T-shaped stop limiter 199 (FIG. 26) is placed in the depression 198 and is joined by screws to it, with the rod 201 of the limiter 199 extending down through the slot 200 (FIGS. 26 and 26A). An inverted U-shaped clamp 203 is attached to the wide rear section 176. The U-clamp 203 (Figure 28) includes openings for pivotally supporting one end of the gas spring 204 used in the active thigh-bending support device 190 described below. The back section 176 (FIG. 23) includes a U-shaped channel section 205 extending around its perimeter and an outermost perimeter flange 206, both of which serve to render the rear section 176 rigid. The flat areas 205 'are formed on opposite sides of the rear section 176 for sliding engagement with the upper part of the rear bearings 209.
Adjustment of Seat Depth
A pair of parallel elongated clamps 207 (FIG. 4B) are attached below the outer sides extending forward of the U-shaped channel section 205 to slidably support the seat frame 163 on the seat carrier 124. The elongated Z 207 clamps form inwardly oriented C guides or tracks
(figure 21) extending from front to back below the seat frame 163. A bearing member is attached within the guides of the clamp 207 to provide smooth operation, if desired. The two separate front bearings 208 (FIG. 4B) and the two separate rear bearings 209 are joined above the seat carrier 124, the front bearings 208 are attached to the front section 177, and the rear bearings 209 are attached to the section 176. back The rear bearings 209 are configured to slidably engage the guides in the clamps 207, and further include a tab 210 extending inwardly, within the C-shaped portion of the C-shaped guides. The tab 210 captures the seat frame 163 so that the seat frame 163 can not be pulled upwardly away from the seat carrier 124. The front bearings 208 are slidably coupled to the underside of the front section 187 in separate positions. The front bearings 208 can also be manufactured to retain the front portion of the seat frame 163; however, this does not seem necessary because the thigh flexing device provides this function. The depth adjustment of the seat 24 is provided by manually sliding the seat frame 163 over the bearings 208 and 209 in the seat carrier 124 between a rear position for minimum seat depth (see Figure 24) and a front position, for Maximum seat depth (see figure 25). The pin 201 (FIG. 26A) of the limiter 199 engages the stop tabs 183 in a seat carrier 124 to prevent the seat 24 from being adjusted too far forward or too far backward. The depth lock 197 (FIG. 23) is T-shaped and includes pivot tabs 212 and 212 'on one of its arms that pivotally engages the openings 194 and 195 in the seat frame 163. The depth lock 197 further includes an immobilization tooth 213 extending downwardly on the other arm extending through the opening 195 in the seat frame 163 within one of the selected series of slots 214 (FIG. 26) in the seat carrier 124. A "tang" of the bolt 197 of depth (FIG. 23) extends laterally outward and includes a pull tab 215. The multi-function control 192 includes an interior tree 217 that supports the main components of the multi-function control. One of these components is an inner sleeve 218 rotatably mounted on the shaft 217. The handle 219 is connected to an outer end of the inner sleeve 218 and a projection 220 is connected to the inner end of the inner sleeve 218. The projection 220 is connected to the actuating tab 215, so that the rotation of the handle 219 moves the projection 220 and rotates the bolt 197 about the bolt pivots 194 and 195 in an up and down disconnection. The result is that the locking tooth 213 is released from the series of slots 214, so that the seat 24 can be adjusted to a new desired depth. A spring in the inner sleeve 218 biases the bolt 197 to a normally engaged position. It is contemplated that a variety of different spring arrangements may be used, for example those that include an internal spring operably connected to the inner sleeve 218 or the bolt 197.
Thigh Angle Adjustment Active Seat (with Infinitely Adjustable Gas Spring)
A front reinforcing plate 222 (FIG. 28) is attached to the underside of the front section 166 that supports the thighs of the seat cover 164. A Z-shaped clamp 221 is attached to the plate 222 and a bushing 223 is fixed between the clamp 221 and the plate 222. A shaft 224 bent in the bushing 223 is rotatably supported and includes end sections 225 and 226 that they extend through and which are supported pivotally in the openings 190 of the descending flanges 189 of the seat frame 163. The end section 226 includes a flat side, and a U-shaped clamp 227 which is non-rotatably attached to the end section 226 for holding the end of a gas spring 204. The U-shaped clamp 227 is oriented at an angle to a portion of the bent rod tree 224 extending towards the bushing 223, so that the U-shaped clamp 227 acts as a crank to raise and lower the portion. 166 front of the thigh support of the seat cover 164 when extending or retracting the gas spring 204. Specifically, the gas spring 204 is operably mounted between the clamps 227 and 203, so that when extended, the front thigh support section 166 of the seat cover 164 moves upward to provide additional support to the thighs. Notably, the support section 166 for the thighs provides some flexion even when the gas spring 204 is immobilized to a fixed extent, so that a person's thighs are held comfortably at all times. However, the infinite adjustment capacity of this active thigh support system provides an improved adjustment capability that is very useful, particularly for people with shorter legs. The gas spring 204 (FIG. 28) is immobilized by itself and includes a release button 233 at its rear end that attaches to the clamp 203 to release the gas spring 204 so that its extendable rod can be extended or retracted . Such gas springs 204 are well known in the art. The 192 multi-function control
(Figure 3) includes an actuator to operate the release button 233. Specifically, the multi-function control 192 includes a rotatable outer sleeve 229 (FIG. 23) operably positioned on the inner sleeve 218 and a handle 230 for rotating the outer sleeve 229. A connector 231 extends radially from the inner end of the outer sleeve 229. A cable 232 extends from the connector 231 on the sleeve 229 outside the release button 233 (FIG. 28). The cable 232 has a length that is chosen so that when the outer sleeve 229 is rotated, the cable 232 pulls on the release button 233 which causes the internal locking of the gas spring 204 to be released. The release button 233 is deflected by spring to a normal immobilization position. A seated user adjusts the active thigh-bending support system by operating the handle 230 to release the gas spring 204. The seated user then presses (or elevates his legs away from) the front thigh support portion 166 of the seat cover 164, which causes the gas spring 230 to operate the bent stem tree 217 to re-adjust the portion. 166 front of thigh support. Notably, the active thigh support system 190 provides infinite adjustment within a given range of adjustment. Also shown in control 192 (FIG. 10) is a second rotatable handle 234, operably connected to a pneumatic vertical height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the chair by a 233 Bowden cable, sleeve 235 'and a clamp 235". The details of the height adjustment mechanisms of the chair are well known, so that they do not need to be discussed here The seat cover 164 and its supporting structure
(Figure 4B) are configured to flexibly support the thighs of a seated user. For this reason, the seat cushion 170 includes an indentation 170A located slightly forward of the hip joint of the seated user (Figure 12). The upholstery covering the seat cushion 170B includes a crease or fold in the indentation 170A to allow the material to expand or stretch during flexing down the support region of the thighs as this results in a stretch or expansion of the thigh support region. the indentation due to the fact that the upper surface of the upholstery is separated above the articulation axis of the flexure of the seat cover 164. Alternatively, a stretch fabric or separate from the front and rear upholstery cushions may be used.
Thigh Support Passive / Flexible Seat (without Gas Spring)
A passive flexion device 237 for the thighs
(Figure 30) includes a reinforcing plate 238 attached to the underside of the front support portion 166 of the thighs of the seat cover 164 (Figure 4B). A pair of L-shaped stop tabs 239 (FIG. 29) are folded down from the body of the plate 238. The L-shaped tabs 239 include horizontal fingers 240 extending back to a position where the fingers 240 overlap the front edge 241 of the seat frame 163. The bushings 242 are positioned within the L-shaped tabs 239 and include a notch 243 that engages the leading edge 241. A leaf spring 244 is placed curvilinearly transversely beneath the reinforcing plate 238 with the ends 245 of the leaf spring 244 engaging in the recesses in the upper part of the bushings 242. The leaf spring 244 has a curvilinear shape of way that is in understanding when the passive flexing device 237 for the thighs is present. When the seated user presses down on the front support portion 166 of the thighs with his thighs, the leaf spring 244 bends in the middle part which causes the backing plate 238 to move towards the front edge 241 of the frame. 163 seat. When this occurs, each of the fingers 240 moves away from their respective hubs 242 (FIG. 31). When the seated user releases the downward pressure on the front portion 166 of the thigh support, the spring 244 flexes to its natural bent form which causes the bushings 242 to move backward in engagement with the fingers 240 (FIG. ). Notably, this passive bending device 237 for the thighs allows the user to flex the lateral sides of the front support portion 166 for the thighs of the seat cover 164 independently or simultaneously. The degree of flexion of the passive flexion device 237 for the thighs is limited by the distance in which the hubs 242 can move in the L-shaped tabs 239. In the above description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that Modifications to the invention can be made without departing from the concepts described therein. Such modifications are considered included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language, expressly state otherwise. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers.
Claims (166)
1. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly including a control housing having opposite lateral flanges and a lateral pivot located near one of the lateral flanges; a backrest pivoted to the base assembly for movement between the vertical and reclined positions; a seat operably supported on the base assembly and connected to the backrest for synchronous movement coordinated with the backrest; an energy mechanism for deflecting the backrest towards the upright position, the power mechanism includes an expandable / understandable spring positioned transversely in the control housing with one end supported on one of the side flanges, and further including, a pivoted lever in the side pivot, the lever has a coupling portion with the spring which engages a free end of the spring and which also has a seat deflection portion operably connected to the seat; and the side pivot, the spring engaging portion and the seat deflection portion are spaced from one another and arranged so that the spring deflects the lever approximately one fulcrum generally located at the side pivot to deflect the backrest toward the vertical position, wherein the side pivot includes an adjustable pivot member constructed to change the position of the fulcrum on the lever, when the pivot member is adjusted.
2. The chair according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivot member and the lever include mutually engaging surfaces, at least one of the mutually engaging surfaces is curvilinear.
3. The chair according to claim 2, characterized in that the mutually engaging surfaces include intermeshed teeth.
4. The chair according to claim 3, characterized in that the lever comprises an angled lever in the shape of an L, and the fulcrum is generally located along an intermediate portion of an extension of the angled lever in the form of an L.
5. The chair according to claim 1, characterized in that the lever and the pivot member are pivoted about the vertical axes and can move in a common horizontal plane that provides a compact placement within the control housing.
6. The chair according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring is supported by the control housing and is engaged by the lever in a configuration that causes the free end of the spring to move simultaneously towards a supported end and also move to along a forward / backward direction, during the recline of the backrest.
7. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly including a control housing having opposite lateral flanges and a lateral pivot located near one of the lateral flanges; a backrest pivoted to the base assembly for movement between the vertical and reclined positions; a seat operably supported on the base assembly and connected to the backrest for synchronous movement coordinated with the backrest; an energy mechanism for deflecting the backrest towards the upright position, the power mechanism includes an expandable / understandable spring positioned transversely in the control housing with one end supported on one of the side flanges, and further including, a pivoted lever in the side pivot, the lever has a coupling portion with the spring which engages a free end of the spring and which also has a seat deflection portion operably connected to the seat; the side pivot, the spring coupling portion and the seat deflection portion are spaced from one another and positioned such that the spring deflects the lever around a fulcrum generally located at the side pivot to deflect the backrest toward the vertical position; the spring is supported by the control housing and engaged by the lever in a configuration that causes the free end of the spring to move simultaneously to a supported end and also move along a forward / backward direction during recline of the backup; and the lever compresses the spring longitudinally and also causes the spring to bend laterally in a non-linear manner during the reclining of the backrest.
8. An improved, adjustable backrest tension control in a chair having a control housing that includes a pivot member, a reclining backrest operably connected to the control housing for movement between the vertical and reclined positions, and a power source in the control housing for deflecting the backrest towards the vertical position, the control is characterized in that it comprises: the pivot member which is adjustable; and a lever that couples the power source and the pivot member, the lever is operably connected to the backrest to deflect the backrest to the vertical position, the lever and the pivot member have mutually engaging surfaces that do not slip, so less one of which is curvilinear, so that the mutually engaging surfaces engage to define a fulcrum of displacement as the lever is rotated during reclining of the backrest, and further so that the fulcrum changes position as the pivot member to change an arm moment on which the power source operates.
9. The chair according to claim 8, characterized in that the lever comprises an elbow lever having an extension that is pivotally coupled in an intermediate position by the pivot member to define the fulcrum.
10. The chair according to claim 9, characterized in that the lever pivots in a horizontal plane about a generally vertical axis to provide a compact placement in the control housing.
11. The chair according to claim 10, characterized in that it includes a hinge and a coupling clamp of the seat operably connected to the lever by the hinge so that the lever deflects the coupling clamp from the seat and the seat in a backward direction.
12. The chair according to claim 9, characterized in that the pivot member is pivoted to the control housing to a pivot position separated from the mutually engaging surface of the pivot member, the inter-coupling surface of the pivot member is shaped in a manner arched and defines a constant radius from the pivot position.
13. The chair according to claim 12, characterized in that the mutually engaging surfaces have teeth that engage.
14. The chair according to claim 13, characterized in that the mutual coupling surface of the lever also has a curvilinear shape.
15. The chair according to claim 8, characterized in that it includes an adjustment mechanism for angularly adjusting the pivot member to change a length of the moment arm.
16. The chair according to claim 15, characterized in that the adjustment mechanism includes an excessive torque device to prevent excess torque from a user when adjusting the pivot member.
17. The chair according to claim 8, characterized in that the chair includes a seat operably placed on the control housing and interconnected between the lever and the backrest.
18. The chair according to claim 8, characterized in that the mutually engaging surfaces have teeth that engage.
19. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly; a component comprising one of a tiltable backrest and a movable seat pivoted to the base assembly for movement between the first and second positions; and a spring with one end supported on the base assembly and another end operably connected to the component, the spring has a length and, when the component moves from the first position to the second position, it is simultaneously compressed longitudinally along the length of the length, and is also bent laterally in a direction transverse to the length.
20. The chair according to claim 19, characterized in that it includes a lever having a first end that makes contact with the other end of the spring, and a second end joined to the component.
21. The chair according to claim 20, characterized in that the lever is pivoted to the base assembly.
22. The chair according to claim 21, characterized in that the component comprises the movable seat.
23. The chair according to claim 22, characterized in that it includes a backrest frame operably connected to the seat for simultaneous movement therewith.
24. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly, including a control housing; a seat slidably supported on the control housing; a back frame pivoted to the base assembly for movement between the upright positions reclined and operably attached to the seat so that the pivotal movement of the back frame and the slidable movement of the seat are synchronized; and an energy mechanism that includes a spring having a length and an L-shaped torque member with a first extension that engages an end of the spring, and a second extension which extends generally parallel to the length of the spring, the first extension is pivotally coupled to the control housing in a position spaced from the end of the spring, and the second extension is operably connected to one of the seat and back frame, so that the spring deflects the moment member from the spring. twisting in a way that deflects the back frame to the vertical position.
25. The chair according to claim 24, characterized in that the first extension includes a curvilinear surface that is coupled in a coiled and pivotal manner to the structure on the control housing as the back frame moves between the reclined vertical positions.
26. The chair according to claim 25, characterized in that the structure in the control housing includes a pivot member with a mutually engaging surface that couples the curvilinear surface of the first extension, the surfaces are configured to positively engage and prevent slippage not wanted.
27. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly that includes a control housing; a seat slidably supported on the control housing; a back frame pivoted to the base assembly for movement between the vertical and reclined positions and operably linked to the seat so that the pivotal movement of the back frame and the sliding movement of the seat are synchronized; the control housing defines a relatively thin compartment, which extends horizontally below the seat; and an adjustable energy mechanism operably positioned in the compartment, the adjustable power mechanism includes a power source that can be extended, a lever operably connected between the power source and the seat, and an adjustment member that pivotally supports adjustable lever to control adjustably the force transmitted from the power source through the lever to the seat, the power source, the lever and the adjusting member can be moved in horizontal directions only so that they operate within the relatively slim compartment which extends horizontally.
28. The chair according to claim 27, characterized in that the adjustment member includes a pivot member operably attached to the control housing to deflect the lever to adjust a fulcrum of the lever.
29. The chair according to claim 1, characterized in that the base assembly includes a base frame that incorporates the housing.
30. The chair according to claim 19, characterized in that the base assembly includes a base frame that incorporates the housing.
31. The chair according to claim 24, characterized in that the base assembly includes a base frame that incorporates the housing.
32. The chair according to claim 27, characterized in that the base assembly includes a base frame that incorporates the housing.
33. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly that includes a control housing; a single stored energy source, placed in the control housing that provides a comprehensive force; a backup support operably interconnected with the single energy source for movement between the vertical and reclined positions, the single stored energy source exerts pre-tension to deflect the backrest support to the vertical position and provide resistance to the inclination of the backrest support when it reclines; and a controller for regulating the pre-tension of the stored energy source and the tilt ratio of the backup support, the controller includes a lever that defines an adjustable fulcrum point that can be adjusted without overcoming the comprehensive force of the power source stored only
34. The chair according to claim 33, characterized in that it includes a seat that engages and interconnects the backup support to the energy source.
35. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly; a seat supported on the base assembly; a back frame pivoted to the base assembly for movement between the vertical and reclined working positions; a docile backrest connected to the back frame in at least one upper connection and to the chair in lower vertically separated connections of at least one upper connection, the lower connections are located close to the back of the seat and in the front part of the bottom of the docile backrest so that the lower connections define an axis that is adapted to be generally aligned with an area associated with the iliac bone of the seated user and the lower spine, the compliant backrest is flexible so that the docile backrest undergoes controlled flexion between the upper and lower connections to the bending of the back of a seated adult user; and the seat has a front portion slidably supported on the base assembly and a rear portion pivotally connected to the back frame so that the seat moves forward in a synchronized movement with the back frame during reclining of the back frame.
36. The chair according to claim 35, characterized in that the compliant backrest includes upper and lower sections operably connected for counter-rotational movement, the upper section is pivoted to the back frame in the upper connection and the lower section includes flanges extending towards forwardly pivoted to the back frame in the lower connections, a distance backward from the lower connections to a lower front surface of the lower section is approximately equal to a predetermined distance calculated from the hip joint of an average seated adult user to the bones of the back / lower spine of an average seated adult user, so that the docile backrest is adapted to bend and simultaneously provide comfortable postural support to the flexing of the lower back of the seated adult user.
37. The chair according to claim 35, characterized in that the compliant backrest includes a backrest cover having upper and lower rigid sections connected by a flexible zone generally located in a lumbar area of a seated adult user.
38. The chair according to claim 37, characterized in that the flexible zone includes a plurality of horizontal slots that extend generally through the docile backrest, but that end to leave an uninterrupted web of material at opposite lateral edges of the lumbar area.
39. The chair according to claim 38, characterized in that it includes a torsional lumbar support mechanism operably linked to the back cover, the torsional lumbar support mechanism deflects the cover towards a convex shape projecting forward for optimum lumbar support.
40. The chair according to claim 39, characterized in that it includes a vertically adjustable lumbar support attached to the docile backrest for vertical adjustment to change a shape of the front surface of the docile backrest in the lumbar area of the seated user.
41. The chair according to claim 40, characterized in that the vertically adjustable lumbar support includes laterally extending handles constructed to engage and follow the perimeter edge of the docile backrest and constructed to slidably engage the vertically adjustable lumbar support to allow the Handles fit inside and out to follow the edge of the perimeter.
42. The chair according to claim 35, characterized in that it includes a torsional lumbar support mechanism attached to one of the inner connections to deflect the compliant backrest into a convex shape projecting forward.
43. The chair according to claim 35, characterized in that it includes a vertically adjustable lumbar support operably attached to a front surface of a docile backrest, the vertically adjustable lumbar support is configured to change a support force on the front surface of the docile backrest in a lumbar area of a seated user.
44. The chair according to claim 43, characterized in that it includes at least one handle that slidably engages the vertically adjustable lumbar support in a generally horizontal direction, the handle is configured to follow along the perimeter edge of the docile backrest to adjust Vertically vertically adjustable lumbar support.
45. The chair according to claim 35, characterized in that the upper connection includes a top pivot connection.
46. The chair according to claim 45, characterized in that the upper pivot connection includes a protruding T-shaped connector on the back frame and a matching recess in the docile backrest, the recess is configured to frictionally receive and engage the protruding connector T-shaped to attach the docile backrest to the back frame.
47. The chair according to claim 35, characterized in that the compliant backrest includes a band clamp attached along the lower edge of the compliant backrest, the band clamp includes ridges defining a portion of the lower connectors.
48. The chair according to claim 47, characterized in that it includes an adjustable torsional lumbar support mechanism attached to one of the lower connectors.
49. The chair according to claim 35, characterized in that the back frame defines an inverted curvilinear arch.
50. The chair according to claim 35, characterized in that the back frame includes an internal metal reinforcement and an outer polymeric covering covering all sides of an intermediate section of the internal metallic reinforcement.
51. The chair according to claim 35, characterized in that the back frame includes shaped ends placed on opposite sides of the back portion of the seat, the configured ends define first pivots for pivotal connection to the back frame, and second pivots for pivotal connection to the back frame. seat.
52. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly; a back frame pivoted to the base assembly for movement between the vertical and reclined working positions; and a docile backrest operably linked to the back frame in a top connection and operably linked to the chair in the lower connections, the compliant backrest includes a forwardly extending flange located generally along its lower edge forming an axis of rotation in the lower connections, the axis being located close to a rear section of the seat and in the front of the backrest docile, the compliant backrest includes a thoracic portion, a pelvic portion and a flexible lumbar portion constructed so that when the seated user bends his lower back backward, a pelvic portion of the docile backrest pivots down and back around the axis. , the lumbar portion of the docile backrest moves flexibly generally backward to form a flatter arrangement with the pelvic portion, and the thoracic portion of the backrest pivots or rotates around the upper connection, making the backrest compliant, in combination with the Backrest frame and base mount, are adapted to provide postural support for the back of a seated user who is flexed and move the torso and spine of the seated user.
53. The chair according to claim 52, characterized in that it includes an adjustable torsional lumbar support spring mechanism for torsionally deflecting the docile backrest to a convex protruding forward shape for optimal lumbar support for the seated user.
54. The chair according to claim 53, characterized in that the compliant backrest includes a molded cover having a resilient lumbar section.
55. The chair according to claim 54, characterized in that it includes a band clamp attached to the lower edge of the molded cover.
56. The chair according to claim 55, characterized in that it includes a vertically adjustable lumbar support operably linked to a front part of the docile backrest.
57. The chair according to claim 51, characterized in that the upper connection includes a projection on the base frame and a matching recess on the docile backrest, the recess is configured to receive and frictionally engage the projection.
58. The chair according to claim 51, characterized in that it includes a vertically adjustable lumbar support attached to the docile backrest in a lumbar area of the seated user, to change the shape of the front surface of the docile backrest in the lumbar area.
59. The chair according to claim 58, characterized in that it includes handles that are operably coupled to the vertically adjustable lumbar support and configured to follow a perimeter edge of the docile backrest during vertical adjustment of the vertically adjustable lumbar support.
60. The chair according to claim 52, characterized in that the back frame has shaped ends placed on opposite sides of the docile backrest, the configured ends define a backrest tilt axis, a seat tilt axis and a bottom tilt axis of Backrest cover which are located backward of the backrest tilt axis and the seat tilt axis, the bottom tilt axis of the backrest cover is generally located in the adjustable torsional lumbar support spring mechanism.
61. The chair according to claim 52, characterized in that the compliant backrest includes a cover sheet, at least a stretchable portion of which is made of stretchable material to keep the cover sheet in tension on the backrest compliant during the flexing of the backrest docile.
62. The chair according to claim 61, characterized in that the stretchable portion includes a stretch fabric strip stitched at the lower edge of the cover sheet.
63. The chair according to claim 62, characterized in that the compliant backrest includes a back cover, and includes an extrusion attached to the stretch fabric strip, the extrusion being secured to the bottom edge of the back cover.
64. The chair according to claim 63, characterized in that the extrusion includes a notch for receiving an edge of the stretch fabric strip, and that the stretch fabric strip is sewn along the notch.
65. An improved chair having a base, a seat, a back frame rotatably attached to the base, and a first power mechanism for deflecting the back frame to a vertical position, the improvement is characterized in that it comprises: a docile backrest which is flexibly bent to define different curvilinear shapes to support the back of a seated user, and a band clamp with forwardly extending shoulders that pivotally connect the docile backrest to the back frame in a first connection, the backrest compliant includes a second connection that pivotally connects the docile backrest to the back frame in a second position vertically spaced from the first connection, so that the compliant backrest is prevented from moving over a range limited by the first and second connections; and a second power mechanism that includes a force generating mechanism generally located in one of the first and second connections, and constructed to deflect the clamp and in this manner to deflect the lumbar portion of a docile backrest forward with respect to the chair.
66. The chair according to claim 65, characterized in that the band clamp includes lateral flanges that place the first connection generally in the rear part of the chair seat in a position where the first connection is adapted to be generally aligned with the bone The pelvis of a typical seated adult user so that, when the seated adult user flexes his or her lower back backwards, a pelvic portion of the backrest moves downward and backward, a lumbar portion of the backrest generally moves flexibly backward to forming a flatter arrangement with the pelvic portion, and a thoracic portion of the backrest pivots or rotates around the second connection, the pelvic portion and the thoracic portion are flexibly interconnected by the lumbar portion and are adapted to move in a manner highly consistent with the movements of the back of the sitting adult user.
67. A chair construction, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly; A seat; a back frame pivoted to the base assembly for movement between the vertical and reclined positions; and a compliant backrest pivoted to the back frame in a fixed upper connection and including forwardly extending ribs pivoted to one of the back frame, the seat and the base assembly in the lower connections, the lower connections are laterally separated from each other. the lower front center surface of the docile backrest so that, before the flexion of the spine and lower back of a seated adult user, the docile backrest adapts to flex accordingly and follow the flexion of the back and spine of the Sitting adult user.
68. The chair construction, according to claim 67, characterized in that the lower connections connect the flanges of the docile backrest with the back frame.
69. The saddle construction, according to claim 68, characterized in that the compliant backrest comprises relatively rigid upper and lower sections interconnected by a flexible section.
70. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly; A seat; an inverted U-shaped back frame having an intermediate upper section and a pair of configured end sections, pivoted to the base assembly, a T-shaped upper connector protruding from the upper section, and a pair of lower connectors in the configured end sections; a docile backrest that includes a top recess configured to frictionally receive and engage the upper connector, and further includes a band clamp along the lower edge with opposite flanges extending forward a distance for connection to the lower connectors; and a connecting mechanism that pivotally connects the ridges opposite the lower connectors in a position close to the rear of the seat.
71. The chair according to claim 70, characterized in that the compliant backrest includes a flexible lumbar section, and wherein the distance the rims extend forward is a few inches, so that the distance is calculated to be approximately equal to the distance of the hip joint of an adult user seated towards the bone of the lower spine of an average seated adult user, so that the docile backrest, when folded, flexes in a manner that provides continuous and comfortable support of the spine of the adult user sitting.
72. A back construction, for a chair, characterized in that it comprises: a backrest frame; a highly compliant backrest having a lumbar support section protruding forward which is characteristically very flexible and bendable, so that the compliant backrest can be flexed to a plurality of different convex shapes; upper and lower connections that pivotally connect the docile backrest to the back frame; and an adjustable force generating mechanism operably linked to at least one of the compliant backrest and the back frame, the force generating mechanism is constructed to provide an adjustable deflecting force that adjustably biases the lumbar support section forward for optimal lumbar support for the back of a seated adult user, but the force-generating mechanism typically provides the deflecting force without forcing the shape change in the docile backrest.
73. A back construction for a chair, characterized in that it comprises: a back frame; a highly compliant backrest having a lumbar support section protruding forward which is flexibly movable to a plurality of different convex shapes, with each shape adapted to provide postural and comfortable support to the back of a seated adult user; upper and lower connections that pivotally connect the docile backrest to the back frame; and an adjustable torsional force generating mechanism operably linked to one or both of the docile support and the support frame to deflect the lumbar section forward for optimal lumbar support for the back of a seated user, the torsional force generating mechanism is operably mounted in the lower connection to the backrest frame and the docile backrest.
74. The back construction, according to claim 73, characterized in that the compliant backrest includes a relatively rigid chest support section and a relatively rigid pelvic support section which are interconnected by the lumbar support section.
75. The back construction, according to claim 74, characterized in that the lumbar support section comprises a sheet of flexible material.
76. The back construction, according to claim 73, characterized in that the torsional force generating mechanism includes a spring and a handle, the handle is rotatable to wind and unwind to adjust the tension of the spring, the spring is operably connected between the backrest docile and the back frame to deflect the lumbar support section from the docile backrest to a convex forward shape.
77. The backup construction, according to claim 76, characterized in that the torsional force generating mechanism includes a lever to provide mechanical advantage when the spring tension is adjusted.
78. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly including a control housing having a power source therein; a seat in the base assembly; a backup support operably interconnected to a power source for movement between the vertical position and a reclined position, the backrest includes a back frame and a back cover, the back cover comprises a flexible polymer sheet resiliently shaped and adapted to support the back of a seated adult user, with a semi-rigid lower area generally placed in a pelvic area on the chair, a flexible central area positioned above the lower area and generally in a lumbar area on the chair, and an area upper semi-rigid placed above the central area in a thoracic area on the chair; the back frame has a first connection which couples the upper area of the back cover to the back frame, and a plurality of second pivot joints for pivotally coupling the bottom area of the back cover to the back frame, the second joints prevent the movement of the lower area to force the flexion to occur in a controlled chord fashion in the lumbar area in order to adapt the back support to ensure a continuous and comfortable support of the spine of an adult user sitting in the lumbar area during flexing of the spine of the seated adult user while seated, the central area of the back cover comprises a plurality of vertically spaced channels in the sheet that extend generally horizontally through a portion of the center area in the support backing, the channels end before the perimeter edge of the sheet so the channels define a a plurality of elongated horizontal resilient strips in the central area, each of the strips is dimensioned and adapted to provide its resilient poise for the seated adult user when sitting on the chair; and the lower area of the back cover includes a stiffener having forwardly extending flanges pivotally coupled to the second joints of the back frame, the stiffener and the pivotal joint are adapted to provide a firm support movable by at least a portion of the pelvic area of the seated user.
79. The chair according to claim 78, characterized in that the back frame includes a first pivot and the back frame is pivotally attached to the base assembly for movement of the back support between the vertical and reclined positions, with the first pivot coinciding approximately with an axis located in the rear part of the seat so that the shaft is adapted to locate generally in the hip joint of the seated adult user.
80. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly including a control housing having a power source therein; a seat in the base assembly; a backup support operably interconnected to the power source for movement between a vertical position and a reclined position, the backrest includes a back frame and a back cover, the back cover comprises a resiliently flexible polymer sheet shaped and adapted to support the back of a seated adult user, with a semi-rigid lower area generally positioned in a pelvic area in the chair, a flexible central area positioned above the lower area and generally in a lumbar area in the chair, and an area upper semi-rigid placed above the central area in the thoracic area in the chair; and the back frame has a first link coupling the upper area of the back cover to the back frame, and a plurality of second pivot links for pivotally coupling the bottom area of the back cover to the back frame, the second links prevent the movement of the lower area to force a flexion to occur in a controlled chord manner in the lumbar area, in order to adapt the backrest support to ensure a continuous and comfortable support to the spine of an adult user sitting on the back. lumbar area during flexion of the adult user's spine seated while seated, the second pivotal joints for pivotally coupling the lower area of the backrest cover to the backrest frame includes a deflection device that deflects the central area of the backrest cover in a forward direction.
81. The chair according to claim 80, characterized in that the lower area of the back cover includes forwardly extending flanges pivotally coupled to the second joints of the back frame and the deflection device includes a torsion spring that operably interconnects the flanges that extend forward.
82. The chair according to claim 81, characterized in that the deflection device includes a means for adjusting the pre-tension on the torsion spring.
83. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly including a control housing having a power source therein; a seat on the base assembly; a backup support operably interconnected to the power source for movement between a vertical position and a reclined position, the backrest includes a back frame and a back cover, the back cover comprises a resiliently flexible polymer sheet shaped and adapted to support the back of a seated adult user, with a semi-rigid lower area generally positioned in a pelvic area in the chair, a flexible central area positioned above the lower area and generally in a lumbar area in the chair, and an area upper semi-rigid placed above the central area and in the thoracic area in the chair; and the back frame has a first link coupling the upper area of the back cover to the back frame, and a plurality of second pivot links for pivotally coupling the bottom area of the back cover to the back frame, the second links they prevent the movement of the lower area to force flexion to occur in a controlled chord fashion in the lumbar area in order to adapt the back support to ensure a continuous and comfortable support of the spine of an adult user sitting in the area lumbar during flexion of the spine of the adult user sitting while sitting, the lower area of the back cover includes forwardly extending ribs forming an axis of rotation in the second pivotal joints of the back frame, the axis of rotation being located in or towards the rear of the seat back so that that the axis is generally adapted for placement proximal to the pelvic bone of a seated adult user so that when the seated adult user flexes his lower back backward, the lower portion of the back cover moves downward and backward, and the The central portion of the back cover is usually flexed back to form a flatter arrangement with a lower portion.
84. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly including a control housing having a power source therein; a seat on the base assembly; a backup support operably interconnected to the power source for movement between a vertical position and a reclined position, the backrest includes a back frame and a back cover, the back cover comprises a resiliently flexible polymer sheet shaped and adapted to support the back of a seated adult user, with a semi-rigid lower area generally positioned in a pelvic area in the chair, a flexible central area positioned above the lower area and generally in a lumbar area in the chair, and an area upper semi-rigid placed above the central area and generally in a thoracic area in the chair; and the back frame has a first link coupling the upper area of the back cover to the back frame, and a plurality of second links for pivotally coupling the bottom area of the back cover to the back frame, the second links prevent the movement of the lower area to force the flexion to occur in a controlled chord fashion in the lumbar area in order to adapt the backrest support to ensure a continuous and comfortable support of the spine of an adult user sitting in the lumbar area During flexion of the adult user's spine sitting while seated, the back frame defines a curvilinear arch.
85. The chair according to claim 78, characterized in that the back frame comprises an internal metallic reinforcement reversed in a resilient polymeric cover.
86. The chair according to claim 78, characterized in that it includes a seat operably mounted on the base assembly, the seat forms a joint that interconnects the backup support to the power source.
87. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly including a control housing having a power source therein; and a backrest assembly movably supported on the backrest assembly and including a backrest support operably interconnected to the power source, the backrest support includes a backrest frame and a backrest cover connected to the backrest frame by the minus one connection, the back cover comprises a resiliently flexible polymeric sheet adapted to support the back of a sitting adult user, the sheet includes a lower area generally positioned in a pelvic area on a chair, a central area positioned above the lower area and generally in a lumbar area in the chair, and a superior area placed above the central area and generally in a thoracic area in a chair; a mattress on the front face of the back cover; and a vertically adjustable lumbar support located at the front of the backrest cover, the lumbar support is movably supported on the backrest support and is configured for vertical adjustment to change the shape of the front backrest surface in the lumbar area, the vertically adjustable lumbar support includes laterally extending handles constructed to engage and follow the non-parallel opposite perimeter edges configured of the back cover and constructed to slidely engage the vertically adjustable lumbar support to allow the handles to be adjusted laterally in and out to follow the edges of the perimeter.
88. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly including a control housing having opposite flanges with upper edges and slippery covers attached to the upper edges of the control housing, the slippery covers include upper surfaces defining tracks for slidably engaging a Sliding member; a back frame pivoted to the base assembly on a backrest pivot for movement between the vertical and reclined positions; and a seat support structure operably supported on the base assembly and the back frame including a sliding member slidably engaging the control housing for generally horizontal sliding movement and including a seat carrier pivoted on the sliding member in the front seat pivot and which also pivots to the rear frame on the rear seat pivot.
89. The chair according to claim 88, characterized in that it includes a seat cover attached to a seat support structure, the seat cover includes a rear section configured to comfortably support the thighs of a typical sitting adult user, a front section configured to hold the buttocks of a seated adult user and to comfortably hold most of the weight of the seated adult user, and a flexible zone that connects the back section in the front section.
90. The chair according to claim 89, characterized in that it includes a gas spring that extends between the support structure of the seat and the front section, the gas spring is a device of releasable self-immobilization type.
91. The chair according to claim 90, characterized in that it includes a bent rod tree pivoted to the seat support structure and the front section, and operably connected to the gas spring.
92. The chair according to claim 89, characterized in that it includes a leaf spring that operably supports the front section of the seat support structure.
93. The chair according to claim 88, characterized in that it includes a spring mechanism placed in the control housing, the spring mechanism is operably connected to the slidable member.
94. The chair according to claim 93, characterized in that the support mechanism includes a spring positioned transversely in the control housing, and that further includes a lever operably pivoted to the control housing, the lever has an end that operably couples to the spring, and another end that operably couples the seat support structure.
95. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly that includes a control housing; a back frame pivoted to the base assembly on the backrest pivot for movement between the vertical and reclined positions; the seat support structure operably supports the base assembly and the back frame includes a slidable member slidably engaging the control housing for generally horizontal sliding movement and including a seat carrier pivoted to the sliding member on the seat pivot front and also pivoted to the rear frame on the rear seat pivot; a spring mechanism placed in the control housing, the spring mechanism is operably connected to the slidable member and includes a spring positioned transversely in the control housing, and which further includes a lever operably pivoted to the control housing, the lever has a end that is operably coupled to the spring and another end that is operably coupled to the seat support structure; and a pivot member, pivot member and lever have mutually engaging surfaces, at least one of which is curvilinear so that the array operates in a manner similar to a rack and pinion, the pivot element is adjustable to vary the fulcrum point on the lever to adjust a length of the movement arm on which the spring acts.
96. The chair according to claim 95, characterized in that it includes a backrest stop placed in the control housing, the backrest stop is configured to couple the support structure of the seat to limit the recline of the backrest frame.
97. The chair according to claim 96, characterized in that the rear stop includes a cam pivoted to the control housing for rotation about a vertical axis, the cam includes a plurality of rungs that can be selectively positioned to engage the seat support structure .
98. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly that includes a control housing; a back frame pivoted to the base assembly on the backrest pivot for movement between the vertical and reclined positions; a support structure operably supported on the base assembly and the back frame includes a slidable member slidably engaging the control housing for generally horizontal sliding movement and including a seat carrier pivoted to the slidable member on the front seat pivot and also pivoted to the back frame on the rear seat pivot; and a seat cover slidably supported on the seat support structure for selective depth adjustment, whereby the depth of the seat cover can be selectively adjusted relative to the back frame.
99. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly including a control housing with side walls defining a track; a seat having a front portion with bearings that slidably engage the track and having a rear portion, the seat includes a seat cover having a front portion flexibly supported; a backrest pivoted to the base assembly and pivoted separately to the seat for movement between a vertical position and a reclined position, the rear portion of the seat is pivoted to the backrest so that the seat moves forward and the rear portion of the seat moves towards forward and downward with a synchronous movement as the backrest reclines; a spring mechanism placed in the central housing and operably connected to the seat for backward seat deflection, the spring mechanism includes an expandable / understandable resorbe placed in the control housing and a lever pivoted to the control housing and defining an arm at the moment with the spring to transmit energy from the spring to the seat to deflect the backrest to the vertical position; and a gas spring operably connected between the front portion of the cover and a remaining portion of the seat adapted to support the weight of a typical seated adult user, the gas spring is operable to adjust a position of the forward portion relative to the remaining portion of the seat.
100. The chair according to claim 99, characterized in that the gas spring is self-immobilisable and releasable.
101. The chair according to claim 100, characterized in that it includes a control connected to the seat and includes a joint operably connected to the gas spring to release the gas spring for adjustment.
102. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly including a control housing with side walls defining a track; a seat having a front portion with bearings that slidably engage the track and having a rear portion, the seat includes a seat cover having a front portion supported flexibly; a backrest pivoted to the base assembly and pivoted separately to the seat for movement between a vertical position and a reclined position, the rear portion of the seat is pivoted to the backrest so that the seat moves forward and the rear portion of the seat moves toward forward and downward with a synchronized movement as the backrest reclines; a spring mechanism placed in the central housing and operably connected to the seat to deflect the seat backwards, the spring mechanism includes an expandable / understandable spring placed in the control housing and a lever pivoted to the control housing and defining an arm at the moment with the spring to transmit energy from the spring to the seat to deflect the backrest to the vertical position; and a leaf spring positioned between, and resiliently supporting, the front section and the remaining portion of the seat.
103. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly including a control housing with side walls defining a track; a seat having a front portion with bearings that slidably engage the track and having a rear portion, the seat includes a seat cover and a depth adjustment structure for adjusting the depth of the seat cover relative to the backrest; a backrest pivoted to the base assembly and pivoted separately to the seat for movement between a vertical position and a reclined position, the rear portion of the seat is pivoted to the backrest so that the seat moves forward and the rear portion of the seat moves toward forward and downward with a synchronized movement as the backrest reclines; and a spring mechanism positioned in the central housing and operably connected to the seat to deflect the seat backwards, the spring mechanism includes an expandable / understandable spring placed in the control housing and a lever pivoted to the control housing and defining a Moment arm with the spring to transmit power from the spring to the seat to deflect the backrest to the vertical position.
104. The chair according to claim 103, characterized in that the seat includes a seat carrier for supporting the seat cover and linear bearings for sliding engagement of the cover on the seat carrier.
105. The chair according to claim 104, characterized in that it includes a latch that extends operably between the seat carrier and the cover to retain the cover in a selected depth position.
106. The chair according to claim 105, characterized in that it includes a control connected to the seat to operate the bolt.
107. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly that includes a control housing; a reclining back frame pivoted to the base assembly for movement between the vertical and fully reclined positions; a seat slidably supported on the control housing and supported pivotally on the back frame; and a variable back stop mechanism operably supported on the base mount for seat coupling to stop the seat and concurrently stopping the recline of the backrest at selected positions before reaching the fully reclined position, the variable back stop mechanism includes a seat coupling member and actuating lever for adjustably moving the seat coupling member, the seat coupling member and the lever include meshing teeth to provide a slip-free coupling.
108. The chair according to claim 107, characterized in that the seat coupling member includes a movable cam with shaped rungs for selectively coupling the seat.
109. The chair according to claim 108, characterized in that the variable backrest stop mechanism includes a spring retainer to hold the cam in a selected stop position when one of the particular rungs is positioned to engage the seat.
110. The chair according to claim 109, characterized in that it includes an actuator connected to the cam to rotate the cam to select a particular rung.
111. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly that includes a control housing; a reclining back frame pivoted to the base assembly for movement between the vertical and fully reclined positions; a seat slidably supported on the control housing and supported pivotally in the back frame; a variable backrest stop mechanism operably supported on the base assembly for seat engagement to stop the seat and concurrently stopping the backrest recline at selected positions before reaching the fully reclined position; the variable backrest stop mechanism includes a movable cam with shaped rungs for selectively coupling the seat, and further including a spring retainer to hold the cam in a selected stopping position when one of the particular rungs is placed to engage the seat; and an actuator connected to the cam for rotating the cam to select a particular rung, the actuator includes a lever pivoted to the control housing, the lever and the cam include intermeshed teeth.
112. The chair according to claim 111, characterized in that the actuator includes a rotatable handle operably connected to the lever.
113. The chair according to claim 112, characterized in that the actuator includes a rod that connects the handle to the lever.
114. The chair according to claim 112, characterized in that the handle includes a radially extending projection, and is connected to the lever by a pivot / slidable joint that allows the handle to rotate about a first axis and allows the lever turn around a second axis that is oblique and not parallel to the first axis, with the handle driving the rotation of the lever without joining.
115. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly that includes a control housing; a reclining back frame pivoted to the base assembly for movement between the vertical and fully reclined positions; a seat slidably supported in the control housing and pivotally supported in the back frame; and a variable backrest stop mechanism operably supported in the base assembly for seat engagement to stop the seat and concurrently stopping the backrest recline at selected positions before reaching the fully reclined position, the variable backrest stop mechanism includes a movable cam with shaped rungs for selectively coupling the seat, the cam further includes a corrugated surface adapted to engage a retainer to selectively hold the rungs in position to engage the seat, and which further include teeth adapted to engage matching teeth of a actuator to operate the cam.
116. A seat construction for a chair, characterized in that it comprises: a resiliently flexible seat cover that includes a front section configured to comfortably support the thighs of a typical seated adult user, a rear section configured to comfortably support the buttocks of an adult seated user and to comfortably support most of the weight of the seated adult user, and a flexible intermediate section connecting the front and rear sections, the front section is located around mid-point or forwardly on the seat cover and generally forward of the expected position of the hip joint of a seated adult user, such that the weight of the seated adult user is substantially supported by the back section for the majority of adult users; a seat cushion supported on the seat cover; a container-shaped seat carrier supporting the rear section of the cover, the seat carrier includes a forward-extending section, which extends below the flexible intermediate section and which is characteristically separate below and not connected to the flexible intermediate section; and a flexible and adjustable thigh support mechanism, which operably supports the front section of the seat cover in the forwardly extending section of the seat carrier, so that the front section is adjustable relative to the rear section to provide optimal pressure for the thighs and support the seated adult user, the adjustable flexible thigh support mechanism includes a pre-stressed transverse leaf spring.
117. A seat construction for a chair, characterized in that it comprises: a resiliently flexible seat cover that includes a front section configured to comfortably support the thighs of a typical seated adult user, a rear section configured to comfortably support the buttocks of an adult seated user and to comfortably support most of the weight of the seated adult user, and a flexible intermediate section connecting the front and rear sections, the front section is located around the middle or forward portion thereof on the seat cover and generally forward of the expected position of the articulation of the hips of a seated adult user, so that the weight of the seated adult user is substantially supported by the back section for most of the adult users; a seat cushion supported on the seat cover; a container-shaped seat carrier supporting the rear section of the cover, the seat carrier includes a forwardly extending section, which extends under the flexible intermediate section and which is characteristically separate below and not connected to the flexible intermediate section; and a flexible, adjustable thigh support mechanism that operably supports the front section of the seat cover in the forwardly extending section of the seat carrier, so that the front section is adjustable relative to the rear section to provide optimal pressure for the thighs and support a seated adult user, the adjustable flexible thigh support mechanism includes a bent rod tree and a gas spring immovable and releasable to rotate the bent rod tree and subsequently keep the rod tree folded in a selected orientation.
118. A seat construction, characterized in that it comprises: a flexible seat cover including a front section configured to support the thighs of a typical seated adult user, a rear section configured to comfortably hold the thighs of a sitting adult user and to comfortably hold the greater part of the weight of the seated adult user, and a flexible intermediate section; a T-shaped seat support container having a lower panel defining a full width rear section and a partial width front section having a width less than the full width rear section and extending forwardly from a center of the rear section, the full width rear section is configured to support the rear section of the cover with the partial width front section extending below and separated at the bottom of the front section; and an adjustable thigh support mechanism that adjustably connects and holds the front section in the partial width front section.
119. The seat construction, according to claim 118, characterized in that the adjustable thigh support mechanism includes a previously tensioned transverse leaf spring.
120. The seat construction, according to claim 119, characterized in that the adjustable thigh support mechanism includes a bent rod shaft and a gas spring immovable and releasable to rotate the bent rod tree and subsequently hold the rod shaft. folded in a selected orientation.
121. An improved chair, having a reclining backrest and a movable seat operably supported for synchronous movement with the backrest, the improvement is characterized in that it comprises: a seat carrier having a T-shaped body including front and rear sections and including a linear bearing placed on each side of the front section and each side of the rear section; the seat carrier includes pivots adapted to pivotally mount the seat carrier to a support to movably support the movable seat relative to the reclining backrest; a container-shaped seat frame constructed to support a seat cushion and a seated user, the seat frame includes a bottom panel with flat surfaces that slidably engage the associated linear bearings, so that the seat frame is adjustable as for depth on the seat carrier.
122. The chair according to claim 121, characterized in that one of the seat carrier and the seat frame includes a series of notches extending in the front / rear direction, and the other of the seat carrier and the seat frame includes a bolt for selectively coupling the notches.
123. The chair according to claim 122, characterized in that the seat carrier includes stop tabs formed upwards, and includes a stop limiter mounted on the upper part, attached to the seat frame, the stop limiter has a projection that is extends downwardly through the seat frame and is shaped to engage the stop tabs so as to define a position of maximum depth and minimum depth position of the seat frame on the seat carrier.
124. The chair according to claim 121, characterized in that the seat frame includes ridges that require at least two of the bearings to prevent the seat frame from rising vertically out of the seat carrier.
125. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly including a control housing having at least one upper flange and at least one slippery bearing supported above each upper flange; a back frame pivoted to the base assembly on a backrest pivot for movement between the vertical and reclined positions; and a seat support structure operably supported on the base assembly and the back frame including a slide member slidably engaging the slippery bearing of each top flange for generally horizontal sliding movement and including a seat carrier pivoted to the member Sliding on a front seat pivot and also pivoted to the back frame on the rear seat pivot.
126. The chair according to claim 125, characterized in that at least one upper flange includes two parallel lateral flanges in the control housing.
127. The chair according to claim 126, characterized in that the slippery bearings each include polymeric members attached to the upper edge of the side flanges.
128. The chair according to claim 125, characterized in that the base assembly includes a base frame that includes the housing, and that further includes side arms that support the back frame on the backrest pivot.
129. The chair according to claim 88, characterized in that a base frame including the housing is included in the base assembly, and that it also includes the side arms that support the back frame on the backrest pivot.
130. The chair according to claim 95, characterized in that the base assembly includes a base frame that includes the housing, and that further includes side arms that support the back frame on the backrest pivot.
131. The chair according to claim 98, characterized in that the base assembly includes a base frame that includes the housing, and that further includes side arms that support the back frame on the backrest pivot.
132. A method for assembling a chair, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing a chair component with opposite oriented, laterally extending projections; providing a back frame with end sections having recesses therein; folding the end sections of the back frame and simultaneously placing the recesses of the end sections on the projections; and releasing the back frame so that the back frame resiliently returns to an original shape which keeps the back frame in place and pivotally connects the back frame to the chair component.
133. The method according to claim 132, characterized in that the saddle component comprises a seat, and includes providing a base assembly with side arms, and further includes bending the end sections to place the end sections between the side portions of the seat and the side arms of the base assembly.
134. The method according to claim 133, characterized in that the lateral arms include the opposite orientation of the second projections, and wherein the end sections include second recesses, and that include placing the second recesses on the second projections.
135. The method according to claim 134, characterized in that the first mentioned projections and the second projections on each respective side of the chair are oriented in opposite directions.
136. The method according to claim 133, characterized in that the base assembly includes a base frame comprising a housing, with the opposite side arms extending laterally and upwardly from the housing, and including the placement of the configured end sections. within the upper end of the lateral arms but generally outside and above the housing.
137. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly for holding the chair on a floor surface while a seated user performs tasks; a back frame pivoted to the base assembly on the backrest pivot for movement between a plurality of working positions including the vertical and reclined working positions; a seat pivoted to the back frame on the seat pivot spaced rearwardly and below the backrest pivot, the seat is slidably supported on the front portion of the base assembly for horizontal movement, the backrest pivot and the seat pivot are interconnected and arranged to move the seat generally forward and also to promote a rear portion of the seat downward with a pivotal movement synchronized as the backrest is reclined, so that a user sitting is supported comfortably in the vertical and reclined working positions, and where the seated user is able to continue working while moving between the vertical and reclined work positions without having to move and constantly adjust the base assembly backwards and upwards forward in relation to a stationary work surface; the base assembly includes a control housing with an energy mechanism positioned thereon operably coupling one of the back frame and the seat to deflect the back frame to the vertical position; and the seat includes a sliding seat member that slidably engages with the control housing, and further includes a seat support carrier that pivotally couples the sliding seat to the first pivots and pivotally engages the back frame in the seconds pivots.
138. The chair according to claim 137, characterized in that the base assembly includes lateral arms extending upwards generally adjacent to the seat for supporting the back frame and a portion of the seat.
139. The chair according to claim 138, characterized in that the back frame is pivoted to the side arms.
140. The chair according to claim 139, characterized in that the seat is pivoted to the back frame in a position generally close to the side arms.
141. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly for holding the chair on a floor surface while a seated user performs tasks; a back frame pivoted to the base assembly on the backrest pivot for movement between a plurality of working positions including vertical and reclined working positions; a seat pivoted to the back frame in the seat pivot spaced rearwardly and below the backrest pivot, the seat is slidably supported in the front portion of the base mount for horizontal movement, the backrest pivot and the seat pivot are interconnected and arranged to move the seat generally forward and also move a rear portion of the seat down with a pivoting movement synchronized as the backrest is reclined, so that the seated user is comfortably held in the vertical and reclined working positions , and so the seated user is able to continue working while moving between the vertical and reclined work positions, without having to constantly move and adjust the base assembly back and forth relative to the stationary work surface; the base assembly includes a control housing with an energy mechanism positioned thereon operably coupling one of the back frame and the seat to deflect the back frame to the vertical position; the base assembly includes • lateral arms extending upwards generally adjacent to the seat to support the back frame and a portion of the seat; the back frame is pivoted on the side arms; the seat is pivoted to the back frame in a position generally close to the side arms; and the power mechanism includes a spring positioned transversely in the control housing, and including a lever that operably connects the spring to one of the seat and the back frame.
142. The chair according to claim 141, characterized in that it includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the lever to vary the deflection force transmitted from the spring to the seat, the adjustment mechanism includes a lever and defines an adjustable moment arm on the lever to deflect the backrest frame to the vertical position.
143. The chair according to claim 137, characterized in that the power mechanism includes a spring positioned transversely within the control housing, and further includes a lever that operably connects the spring to one of the seat and the back frame.
144. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly for holding the chair on a floor surface while a seated user performs tasks; a back frame pivoted to the base assembly on the backrest pivot for movement between a plurality of working positions including vertical and reclined working positions; a seat pivoted to the back frame in the seat pivot spaced rearwardly and below the backrest pivot, the seat is slidably supported in the front portion of the base mount for horizontal movement, the backrest pivot and the seat pivot are interconnected and arranged to move the seat generally forward and also move a rear portion of the seat down with a synchronized pivoting movement as the backrest frame is reclined, so that the seated user is comfortably supported in the vertical and reclined work positions, and where the seated user is able to continue working while moving between the vertical and reclined work positions, without having to move and constantly adjust the base assembly back and forth in relation to the stationary work surface; the base assembly includes a control housing with an energy mechanism positioned thereon operably coupling one of the back frame and the seat to deflect the back frame to the vertical position; wherein the power mechanism includes a spring positioned transversely within the control housing; and a lever that operably connects the spring to one of the seat and the back frame, the lever is pivotable about a vertical axis with a first end engaging the spring, and a second end operably connected to the seat to deflect the seat backwards and turn to divert the back frame to the vertical position.
145. The chair according to claim 137, characterized in that the control housing includes opposite side flanges, and the seat includes bearings that slidably engage the side flanges.
146. The chair according to claim 137, characterized in that the chair includes a flexible seat cover having a rear section adapted to support the buttocks of a seated adult user, and which further includes a front section adapted to support the thighs of the adult user seated and flexibly connected to the rear section, the rear section is transported and supported by the seat support carrier.
147. The chair according to claim 137, characterized in that the seat includes a seat support carrier slidably connected to the base assembly and pivotally connected to the back frame, and that further includes a seat cover slidably supported on the support carrier of the seat. Seat for manually adjustable depth adjustment.
148. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly for holding the chair on a floor surface while a seated user performs tasks; a back frame pivoted to the base assembly on the backrest pivot for movement between a plurality of working positions including vertical and reclined working positions; a seat pivoted to the back frame in the seat pivot spaced rearwardly and below the backrest pivot, the seat is slidably supported in the front portion of the base mount for horizontal movement, the backrest pivot and the seat pivot are interconnected and arranged to move the seat generally forward and also move a rear portion of the seat down with a pivoting movement synchronized as the backrest is reclined, so that the seated user is comfortably supported in the vertical and reclined working positions , and where the seated user is able to continue working while moving between the vertical and reclined work positions, without having to constantly move and adjust the base assembly back and forth relative to the stationary work surface; the base assembly includes a control housing with an energy mechanism positioned thereon operably coupling one of the back frame and the seat to deflect the back frame to the vertical position; and a backup stop mechanism attached to the control housing and configured to selectively couple the seat to limit forward movement of the seat and consequently, selectively limit the recline of the backrest frame.
149. The chair according to claim 137, characterized in that it includes a docile backrest assembly attached to the back frame in at least two vertically spaced positions, the docile backrest assembly is constructed to be bent between at least two vertically spaced positions to provide an optimal lumbar support.
150. The chair according to claim 149, characterized in that the compliant backrest assembly includes a resiliently flexible one-piece cover.
151. The chair according to claim 149, characterized in that the compliant backrest assembly includes an assembly of multiple pieces of components, each having a surface to support a portion of the human backrest.
152. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a movable base assembly that includes a control housing; a backrest pivoted to the base assembly for movement between the vertical and reclined positions; a seat operably supported on the base assembly and connected to the backrest for movement between a substantially rearward working position and a forward working position; the seat includes a front portion that is slidably connected to the base assembly to move horizontally forward before reclining the backrest so that the legs of the seated user do not rise undesirably from the floor surface during reclining; the seat further includes a rear portion flexibly connected to the front portion and which is operably connected to the backrest to move downward and forward before recline so that the seated user is supported comfortably and posturally during recline with an angular synchronous movement of the seat and backrest, and so that the maximum forward movement of the seat and the maximum angular movement of the backrest are limited to strokes that keep the user's hands sitting relatively constant during recline, so the seated user can continue to work easily and comfortably in all sitting positions; a spring mechanism positioned transversely in the control housing, and further including a lever pivotally engaging the spring mechanism and operably connected to the seat to deflect the seat to the working position backwards and simultaneously deflect the backrest to the vertical position; and the control housing includes side arms, and wherein the seat includes bearings that slidably engage the side arms.
153. The chair according to claim 152, characterized in that the lateral arms pivotally support the backrest in a position at the rear of the seat where the shaft is adapted to be generally aligned with a hip joint of the seated user.
154. The chair according to claim 152, characterized in that the spring mechanism includes a spring that resiliently supports the front section of the seat for flexural movement to provide increased comfort for the seated user.
155. The chair according to claim 154, characterized in that the seat further includes a releasable, immobilizable gas spring that operably adjusts the front section for adjustable movement to provide adjustable comfort to the seated user.
156. The chair according to claim 153, characterized in that the rear portion is configured and adapted to support the buttocks of an adult seated user and most of the weight of the adult seated user, and the front portion is configured and adapted to support flexible and comfortably the thighs of an adult seated user without raising the legs of the adult seated user during the recline of the backrest.
157. The chair according to claim 153, characterized in that the seat includes a seat support carrier slidably supported on the base assembly and pivotally engaging the backrest, and that further includes a seat cover that is manually adjustable in depth on the seat support carrier.
158. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly that includes side arms; a backrest frame pivoted to the base assembly on the backrest pivots for movement between a plurality of working positions including the vertical and reclined working positions; and a seat pivoted to the back frame in the seat pivots and slidably supported in the front portion of the base assembly, the back frame includes end sections configured left and right positioned on opposite sides of the seat and between the sides of the seat and the associated side arms, the end sections configured support first pivot bearings in the seat pivots, and second pivot bearings in the backrest pivots, so that the seated user is able to continue working while moving between vertical and reclined work positions.
159. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a movable base assembly with star-shaped legs, which includes a control housing and lateral arms that extend upwards; an inverted U-shaped back frame having end sections configured adjacently associated with one of the side arms and pivoted thereto in the backrest pivots, the backrest pivots each comprising a first stud and a first rotatable bearing which engages the first stud; a seat slidably supported on the control housing, the seat includes a seat carrier pivoted to the end sections configured as seating pivots, the seat pivots each comprise a second stud and a second pivotable bearing engaging the second stud, the seat pivots and the support pivots are separated; and an adjustable energy mechanism including a transverse spring, a lever that operably couples to the spring and seat to deflect the seat to a rear position and in turn deflect the back frame to a vertical position, and an adjusting pivot member which adjustably couples the lever to define a fulcrum that moves during resting and that is manually changeable and adjustable to relocate the fulcrum to adjustably control the force of the spring on the seat.
160. The chair according to claim 146, characterized in that the seat further includes a spring that resiliently supports the right and left sides of the front section for independent flexural movement to provide increased comfort for the seated user.
161. The chair according to claim 146, characterized in that the seat further includes an immobilizable and releasable gas spring, which adjustably supports the front section for adjustable movement to provide adjustable comfort to the seated user.
162. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly that includes a control housing; a source of energy located within the control housing; a seat operably supported on the base assembly for generally horizontal movement between the front and rear positions, with the seat operably interconnected to the power source; a backrest support including a back cover and a back frame supporting the back cover, wherein the back frame includes a first pivot wherein the back frame is pivotally coupled to the base mount for movement of the back support backing between the vertical and reclined positions, and a second pivot wherein the back frame is pivotally coupled to the seat; wherein the energy source deflects the backrest support to a vertical position by pushing the seat backward, backward movement of the seat causes the backrest to rotate to a generally vertical position at the first pivot; and a variable backrest stop mechanism supported in the base assembly and operably coupled to the seat, the variable backrest stop mechanism is configured to concurrently stop the seat and stop the recline of the backrest in a plurality of selectable positions. between the vertical and reclined position.
163. The chair according to claim 162, characterized in that the first pivot axis is located at the rear of the seat where the first pivot axis is adapted to be generally aligned with the hip joint of a seated adult user.
164. The chair according to claim 162, characterized in that the seat comprises a front sliding part of the seat adapted to slide back and forth on the control housing, a seat carrier pivotally interconnected to the control housing and the front sliding member, a seat frame in slidable engagement with the seat carrier, and a seat cover adapted to support the buttocks and thighs of a seated adult user.
165. The chair according to claim 164, characterized in that the seat cover includes a rear section configured to support the buttocks of a seated adult user and to support the greater part of the weight of the seated adult user, and that also includes a front section adapted to support the thighs of a seated adult user, and which further includes a flexible zone connecting the rear section and the front section, and which includes an adjustment device connected to the front section and configured to angularly adjust the front section of the cover of the seat in relation to the rear section, wherein the adjustment device is attached to the underside of the front section of the seat cover.
166. A chair, characterized in that it comprises: a base assembly that includes a control housing; a source of energy located within the control housing; a seat operably supported on the base assembly for generally horizontal movement between the front and rear positions, with the seat operably interconnected to the power source, the seat includes a seat cover having a rear section adapted to support the buttocks of a seated adult user and a front section adapted to support the thighs of a seated adult user; and a backup support including a back cover and a back frame supporting the back cover, the back frame includes a first pivot where the back frame is pivotally coupled to the base assembly, and a second back pivot where the back frame is pivotally coupled to the seat. ADJUSTABLE ENERGY MECHANISM SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A chair (20) is provided having a base assembly (21) including a base frame, a back frame (30) pivoted to the base frame for movement between the vertical and reclined positions, and a seat (24) slidably supported on the base frame and pivoted to the back frame so that the seat moves forward and backward, moving forward and backward with the support frame when reclined. A flexible backrest is connected to the back frame in the upper and lower positions, and is provided with lumbar adjustment for improved lumbar support / strength and shaping. A seat is provided with a seat depth adjustment and with an active and passive flexible support for the thighs. A novel energy mechanism (27) is provided which includes a transverse spring (28), a lever (54) and a moment arm displacement adjuster 29 for adjusting the tension of the spring on the backrest frame. The moment arm adjuster adjusts easily and includes an excessive torque device to prevent damage to the components of the power mechanism.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/957,604 | 1997-10-24 | ||
| US08957473 | 1997-10-24 | ||
| US08957506 | 1997-10-24 | ||
| US08957548 | 1997-10-24 | ||
| US08957561 | 1997-10-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| MXPA00003882A true MXPA00003882A (en) | 2002-02-26 |
Family
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