US20070222266A1 - Nestable and stackable chair - Google Patents

Nestable and stackable chair Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20070222266A1
US20070222266A1 US11/385,207 US38520706A US2007222266A1 US 20070222266 A1 US20070222266 A1 US 20070222266A1 US 38520706 A US38520706 A US 38520706A US 2007222266 A1 US2007222266 A1 US 2007222266A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
seat
chair
seat bottom
seat back
support frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/385,207
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Roberto Lucci
Paolo Orlandini
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ditto Sales Inc
Original Assignee
Ditto Sales Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ditto Sales Inc filed Critical Ditto Sales Inc
Priority to US11/385,207 priority Critical patent/US20070222266A1/en
Assigned to DITTO SALES, INC. reassignment DITTO SALES, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LUCCI, ROBERTO, ORLANDINI, PAOLO
Priority to PCT/US2007/064468 priority patent/WO2007109699A2/fr
Publication of US20070222266A1 publication Critical patent/US20070222266A1/en
Priority to US29/340,212 priority patent/USD612164S1/en
Priority to US12/831,166 priority patent/US7794016B1/en
Priority to US12/876,828 priority patent/US7850241B1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
    • A47C1/12—Theatre, auditorium, or similar chairs
    • A47C1/121—Theatre, auditorium, or similar chairs having tipping-up seats
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C3/00—Chairs characterised by structural features; Chairs or stools with rotatable or vertically-adjustable seats
    • A47C3/04—Stackable chairs; Nesting chairs
    • A47C3/045—Stackable chairs; Nesting chairs with tipping-up seats

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the field of seating and in particular to a reclining chair that is stackable and nestable.
  • the above-described chair is generally referred to as a stacking chair, because the leg members of one chair rest directly on the leg members of a lower chair creating a secure leg-on-leg stack. Multiple chairs may be securely stacked on top one another with this design.
  • nesting chairs come in a variety of styles and are distinguished from stacking chairs in that the underside of a seat frame of one chair rests atop the seat cushion of a lower chair when the chairs are nested.
  • An example of such a nesting chair is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,963 to Barile.
  • An advantage with nesting chair designs is that the chair designer may configure the chair legs to be less exposed than with traditional stacking chairs.
  • the present invention contemplates a chair comprising a seat assembly including a seat back and a seat bottom and a support frame including a left leg assembly and right leg assembly connected by a transverse support member, each of the leg assemblies including a seat back support member.
  • the seat back is pivotably connected to each of the seat back support members such that an upper portion of the seat back pivots in relation to the seat back support members between a first seat back position and a second seat back position.
  • the seat bottom is rotatably connected to a lower portion of the seat back such that the seat bottom is rotatable in relation to the seat back between an upright position and a horizontal position.
  • the seat bottom is slidingly engaged with the seat back support members such that pivoting of the upper portion of the seat backward from the first seat back position to the second seat back position causes the lower portion of the seat back to pivot forward thereby causing the seat bottom to slide forward in relation to the seat back support members from a first seat bottom position to a second seat bottom position.
  • the configuration of the support frame and seat assembly allows the chair to be stacked with other chairs having a similar configuration when the seat bottom is in the horizontal position. Moreover, the same configuration allows the chair to be nested with other chairs having a similar configuration when the seat bottom is in the upright position.
  • the left and right leg assemblies may be comprised of a front leg member and a rear leg member connected in a criss-cross configuration. Lower portions of the front leg members and the rear/leg members may be continuously downwardly curved from the crossing point of the front leg member and the rear leg member such that the front leg member and the rear leg member exhibit an arched configuration in profile that provides a sturdy base for supporting and distributing the weight of a person sitting in the chair.
  • the seat back includes a back panel and a left and right upright support member. An upper portion of each upright support member is attached to lateral ends of said back panel. A central portion of the left and right upright support members is pivotably connected to the respective seat back support members.
  • the seat bottom preferably includes left and right laterally extending attachment members for rotatably connecting to a lower portion of said left and right upright support members.
  • the lower portions of the upright support members are preferably located in a pivot guide channel inside the respective seat back support members when the upright support members are pivotably attached to the seat back support members.
  • the seat back support members may each have an opening to the pivot guide channel on an inboard side of each of the respective seat back support members.
  • the lower portions of the upright support members and the left and right attachment members of the seat bottom may be rotatably connected through the respective openings.
  • the opening may act as a slide guide to guide the sliding of the seat bottom between the first seat bottom position and the second seat bottom position.
  • the seat back support members include a biasing element for biasing the lower portions of the upright support members backward thereby pivoting the upper portions of the upright support members back into the first seat back position.
  • an ergonomic chair that includes features that allow a user to easily recline the chair while the seat back maintains support for the user's back. Another object is achieved by features of the invention that allow the chair to not only recline, but also be easily stacked or nested when not in use.
  • FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a chair according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the chair of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the chair shown in FIG. 1 in the upright position.
  • FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the chair shown in FIG. 1 in the reclined position.
  • FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a support frame of the chair of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a support frame of the chair of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a leg member of the chair shown in FIG. 5 , taken along line 7 - 7 as views in the direction of the arrows.
  • FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a seat bottom of the chair shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a seat bottom of the chair shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a seat back of the chair shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of an upright support member of the seat back shown in FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the chair of FIG. 1 with the seat bottom in the upright position.
  • FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a seat back support member of the chair in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a seat back support member of the chair in FIG. 1 in the reclined position.
  • FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional elevational view of a seat back support member of the chair in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional elevational view of a seat back support member of the chair in FIG. 1 in the reclined position.
  • FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a biasing mechanism within the seat back support member depicted in FIGS. 13-16 .
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a cover fin.
  • FIG. 19 is another view of the cover fin of FIG. 18 .
  • FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a seat stop and ramp for a seat bottom.
  • FIG. 21 is another side elevational view of a seat stop and ramp for a seat bottom.
  • FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of two chairs stacked.
  • FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of two chairs nested.
  • the present invention provides a chair with a synchronously moving seat and seat back.
  • the seat slides forward as the seat back tilts rearward to provide a reclined seating position in response to the natural forward movement of the seated user's pelvis along with the user leaning against the seat back.
  • the biasing spring of the seat allows it to return to an upright seating position when the pressure on the seat back is removed.
  • the chair includes a fold-up seat that allows the chair to be stacked vertically or nested horizontally to suit a wide variety of storage needs.
  • FIGS. 1-4 a chair 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 .
  • the chair 10 includes a seat assembly 14 having a seat bottom portion 18 and a seat back portion 20 .
  • the seat bottom 18 and seat back 20 of the seat assembly are supported by a support frame 24 which includes a left leg assembly 28 and right leg assembly 30 connected by a transverse support member 34 .
  • Each of the leg assemblies 28 , 30 includes a seat back support member 38 for enabling the seat back 20 to recline and the seat bottom 18 to slide forward in a synchronous manner as explained in more detail below.
  • the back and bottom 18 and 20 move to their reclined position 18 ′ and 20 ′.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 show an embodiment of the support frame 24 without the seat assembly 14 .
  • the support frame 24 which is preferably made of a metal such as steel or aluminum, has a left leg assembly 28 and a right leg assembly 30 connected by a transverse support member 34 .
  • each leg assembly 28 , 30 includes a front leg member 40 , 44 , respectively, and a rear leg member 50 , 54 , respectively, connected in a criss-cross configuration.
  • Lower portions of the front leg members 40 , 44 and the rear leg members 50 , 54 are preferably downwardly curved from the crossing point of the front leg members and the rear leg members to form an arch-like profile that provides a sturdy base for supporting and distributing the weight of a person sitting in the chair, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
  • the front leg members 40 , 44 and the rear leg members 50 , 54 are formed of a sturdy tubular metal such as aluminum or steel, for example.
  • the tubular legs may have a wall thickness of about 1/16 th inch.
  • portions of the tubular front leg members and rear leg members may be constructed with a “double-d” configuration, as depicted in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 .
  • the interior portion 54 b of the tubing of the leg member is bent towards the exterior portion 54 a of the tubing such that the exterior portion and the interior portion exhibit a D-shaped cross-sectional profile.
  • This construction forms a channel 54 c that merges at location 54 d into a purely tubular portion 54 e , as seen in FIGS. 1 and 7 .
  • This construction provides significant bending strength to the lower portion of the leg members.
  • this double-D construction allows the use of an elegantly contoured or curved tubular leg. This essentially creates a double walled-thickness for the leg at the most heavily loaded part of the leg.
  • the uppermost part of the leg 54 namely the portion 54 e , does not require the double-D construction because it is essentially above the curved, load-bearing part of the leg.
  • a similar construction is preferably employed in the front legs 44 so that the legs include a channel 44 c at the double-D section, a merging portion 44 d and a purely tubular portion 44 e .
  • This double-D configuration for the legs significantly strengthens the legs while retaining an aesthetically appealing appearance.
  • the seat back support members 38 of the leg assemblies are integral with the front leg members 40 , 44 as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
  • the front leg member may be constructed separately from the seat back support member and attached to the seat back support member using any suitable method, such as by, for example, bolting, welding, or riveting.
  • the rear leg members 50 , 54 may include an arm portion 58 , 60 in some embodiments.
  • an arm rest 64 , 68 is attached at an upper end of the arm portion 58 , 60 and has a free end that extends in a rearward direction from the upper end of the arm portion 58 , 60 of the leg members 50 , 54 .
  • the arm rest 64 , 68 is not attached to any portion of the seat assembly so it will remain stationary with respect to movement of the seat assembly as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . This allows the seat back 20 to tilt and the seat bottom 18 to slide forward without having to move the arm rest 64 , 68 , thus, simplifying construction.
  • the arm portions may be attached to the seat back support member or the front leg member or to any suitable portion of the respective support portion of the support frame.
  • the rear leg members 50 , 54 are positioned slightly laterally farther apart than the front leg members 40 , 44 (as shown in FIG. 6 ) to facilitate stacking and nesting (explained in more detail below).
  • leg members are not critical and any suitable design is contemplated.
  • Other suitable configurations include, but are not limited to, sled, cantilever and caster-based styles (See, e.g., FIG. 23 ).
  • the seat bottom portion 18 may comprise a seating surface 70 secured to a seat frame 74 in a conventional manner, such as using several screws 75 ( FIG. 12 ).
  • the seating surface 70 can be of many varieties, including padded or molded shell.
  • the seat frame 74 may extend generally around the perimeter of the seating surface 70 , or along the sides, front and back of the seat 70 .
  • the seating surface 70 is sized to span the distance between the left and right leg assemblies 28 , 30 of the support frame 24 .
  • the seat frame includes left and right attachment members 78 , 80 extending laterally from the sides of the seat bottom proximate the rear of the seat bottom for rotatable connection to seat back 20 and sliding engagement with the seat back support member 38 , explained in more detail below.
  • the frame 74 is formed of cast aluminum, or from a molded tubular plastic frame, with the attachment members 78 , 80 being metal pins pressed or molded into the frame.
  • other suitable frame constructions may be used.
  • seat back portion 20 includes a back panel 84 secured to a pair of upright support members 88 .
  • the back panel 84 may be of many varieties, including padded or molded shell.
  • the upright support members 88 have an upper portion 90 for connecting to the side edges 85 ( FIG. 12 ) of the back panel.
  • the upright support members 88 may be attached to the back panel 84 using any suitable method.
  • the upright support members 88 each define a groove 98 for receiving a side edge 85 ( FIG. 12 ) of the back panel.
  • the side edges 85 of the back panel 84 are inserted into the groove 98 in the upright support members 88 along with a backing plate 86 .
  • the side edges 85 and backing plate 86 are attached to the upright support members 88 in any suitable manner, such as by pins pressed through aligned openings in the components.
  • the backing plates 86 distribute the load along the side edges 85 , which allows the back panel 84 to be formed of a non-metal, such as plastic or a multi-ply wood.
  • a lower portion 94 of the upright support member 88 includes an opening 100 therethrough for receiving the laterally extending members 78 , 80 of the seat bottom 18 .
  • the laterally extending members 78 , 80 may translate and rotate within the opening 100 so that the seat bottom 18 may be rotated into an upright position (as shown in FIG. 23 ).
  • a central portion 104 of the upright support member 88 defines a pivot axis 105 or fulcrum about which the seat back portion 20 can pivot or rotate relative to the support frame 24 to and from a reclined seating position.
  • the upright support members 88 may be formed of any material sturdy enough to support the back panel against the weight of a person sitting in the chair.
  • the upright support members are formed of a metal, such as cast aluminum or steel.
  • the lower portion 94 may further define an opening 106 to receive a bearing pin (not shown) that bears against support member 38 to facilitate movement of the portion 94 within that member.
  • the back panel 84 and seating surface 70 may be curved to adapt to a user's body for comfort.
  • the back panel and seating surface may be formed of any suitable material and may be cushioned or padded for additional comfort.
  • the comfort and durability of the chair may be further enhanced by providing a back panel and seating surface that are formed of a relatively flexible material that flexes, bends, or deflects slightly in response to, and proportional to, a user's weight such as, for example, molded plastic or a multiple ply wood.
  • the walls of the back panel and seating surface may be of generally uniform thickness, but may have increased thickness where required for strength. Stiffening ribs or flanges may also be added as required.
  • the seat back support member 38 is operable to allow the seat back portion of the chair 10 to pivot, or tilt, rearwardly while the seat bottom slides forward. Details of the member 38 are best understood with reference to FIGS. 13-16 .
  • the seat back support member 38 includes a generally upright upper portion 108 and a generally forward extending lower portion 110 .
  • the upright portion 108 includes a pivot guide channel 114 ( FIG. 15 ) sized to receive the lower portion 94 of the upright support members 88 .
  • the central portion 104 , or pivot point 105 FIG.
  • the upright support members 88 of the seat back is pivotably attached at the upper end of the pivot guide channel 114 so that the upper portion 90 of the upright support member 88 extends generally upward from the seat back support member 38 and is pivotable from an upright position ( FIGS. 13 and 15 ) to a reclined position ( FIGS. 14 and 16 ).
  • the pivot pin 118 may be fixed to the pivot guide channel 114 in any suitable method.
  • the pin includes a keyed cap screw and bushing assembly depicted in FIG. 12 .
  • the pivot guide channel 114 defines a space in which the lower portion 94 of the upright support members may move in response to the pivoting of the upper portion 90 of the upright support members.
  • the seat back support member 38 further includes a slide guide opening 120 ( FIG. 13 ) on an inboard side of each of the respective seat back support members 38 .
  • the lower portions 94 of the upright support members and the attachment members 78 , 80 of the seat bottom are rotatably connected within the pivot guide channel 114 through the respective slide guide openings 120 .
  • the attachment members 78 , 80 fit through a respective slotted opening.
  • the slotted opening 100 of the lower portion 94 of each upright support member is moved in a forward arc A within the pivot guide channel 114 .
  • the slotted opening 100 is displaced vertically and horizontally while moving from the upright position ( FIG. 15 ) to the reclined position ( FIG. 16 ).
  • the slot 100 in the lower portion 94 of the upright support member is preferably elongated in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 11 so that the lower portion never exerts an upward force on the attachment members 78 , 80 .
  • the interface between the attachment members 78 , 80 and the slotted openings 100 couple the seat bottom 18 and seat back 20 to move in synchronization.
  • Backward tilting of the seat back causes forward movement of the seat bottom.
  • Backward movement of the seat bottom causes forward tilting of the seat back.
  • this coupling of seat bottom and seat back movement does not compromise the ability to rotate the seat bottom to its nesting position, as illustrated in FIG. 22 .
  • the attachment members 78 , 80 act as a pivot axis for the seat bottom.
  • the slotted openings 100 do not restrict that relative rotation.
  • the present invention provides a nestable chair that permits synchronous movement between seat bottom and seat back.
  • the seat back support member 38 preferably further includes a biasing element 124 for biasing the seat back portion into the upright position ( FIG. 3 ).
  • seat back support member 38 may include a guide chamber 128 in the lower portion 110 of the seat back support member.
  • the guide chamber 128 is open at one end to the pivot guide channel 114 .
  • a biasing spring 130 is positioned within the guide channel 114 to bear against the base of the chamber and against the lower portion 94 of the upright support member 88 adjacent the slotted opening 100 .
  • the biasing spring 130 applies a rearward biasing force in direction F on the lower portion 94 of the upright support member thereby biasing the lower portion 94 rearward and pivoting the upper portion 90 into the upright position ( FIGS. 3, 13 and 15 ).
  • the interface between the spring 130 and the lower portion 94 is facilitated by a yoke element 134 , as illustrated in FIG. 17 .
  • the yoke element includes a post 134 a that extends into the spring 130 .
  • the body of the element further includes arms 134 b that are separated to form a channel 134 c to receive the end of the lower portion 94 with the slotted opening 100 within the channel.
  • the arms define slots 134 d that align with the opening 100 and receive the attachment member 78 therethrough.
  • the attachment member 78 , lower portion 94 and yoke element 134 all move together as the seat back is tilted.
  • the springs 130 compress and allow the lower portion 94 of the upright support member to pivot forward and the upper portion 90 to pivot backward into the reclined position ( FIGS. 4, 14 and 16 ).
  • the forward and rearward limits are established by engagement between the laterally extending members 78 , 80 of the seat bottom and the slide guide opening 120 of the seat back support member 38 .
  • the springs 130 restore the seat back 20 to the upright position ( FIGS. 3, 13 and 15 ).
  • a sheath 136 is provided that fits over the spring 130 .
  • the sheath provides an interface between the spring and the guide chamber 128 to decrease noise as the spring compresses.
  • the sheath 136 is a plastic or nylon mesh.
  • a further backward limit may be established by a tang 94 a ( FIGS. 15 and 17 ) projecting from the lower portion 94 to contact rib 110 a of the seat back support member 110 .
  • the chair preferably includes seat stop 135 mounted to each front leg member 44 forward of the transverse support member 34 .
  • the seat stops 135 prevent the seat bottom 18 from rotating downward past the horizontal position.
  • seat stops 135 are positioned to engage the bottom portion of the lateral sides of the seat bottom support frame 74 at least midway along the sides of the seat bottom from the back of the seat bottom. This positioning places the force of a sitting person substantially onto the stops 135 and not onto the forward unsupported portion of the seat bottom.
  • the seat stops 135 may be any suitable member or device that is capable of supporting the seat bottom 18 when a person is seated on the chair.
  • the seat stop 135 includes a busing 135 a that projects inwardly from each of the left and right support portions 44 of the support frame.
  • the bushings 135 a may be formed of any hard, durable material, such as, for example, a hard plastic.
  • the bushings 135 a are preferably attached to the inboard side of the respective support portion of the support frame in a way that allows the bushings to pivot to act as a roller as the seat bottom 18 moves back and forth.
  • One suitable attachment is by a carriage bolt 135 b passing through the bushing and threaded into the frame.
  • the chair preferably includes a cover fin 138 for covering the open portion of the slide guide opening 120 when the seat bottom 18 is in the upright position ( FIG. 23 ).
  • a cover fin 138 for covering the slide guide opening 120 is shown in FIG. 18 .
  • the cover fin 138 comprises a flexible plate member attached to the seat bottom support frame 74 below the laterally extending attachment members 78 .
  • the cover fin 138 extends forward from the seat bottom 18 to cover the forward portion of the slide guide opening, as shown in FIG. 19 .
  • the cover fin 138 includes a first detent 140 configured to prevent the seat bottom 18 from freely falling from the upright position to the horizontal position.
  • the first detent 140 may comprise a protrusion on the outboard side of the cover fin 138 .
  • the cover fin 138 slides along the edge of the slide guide opening 120 .
  • the first detent slides into a position just inside the rim of the slide guide opening 120 as shown in FIG. 19 .
  • a leading portion 140 a of the first detent 140 is ramped so that the first detent may easily slide past the rim of the slide guide opening 120 when the seat bottom is rotated upward.
  • the trailing portion 140 b of the first detent is configured to abut against the rim of the opening to prevent the seat bottom from coming down.
  • the trailing portion 140 b is preferably generally blunt. It is contemplated that the fin 138 is formed of a slightly bendable material so that the fin flexes as the detent 140 passes across the rim of the guide opening 120 . This flex or resilience also holds the detent within the opening until the seat bottom is tilted down.
  • the cover fin 138 may further include a second detent 144 configured to prevent rotation of the seat bottom 18 upward past the upright position.
  • the detent 144 projects laterally outward from the cover fin.
  • This feature comprises a ramp 148 affixed to the bottom portion of the support frames 74 where the seat bottom support frames contact a corresponding seat stop 135 .
  • the ramp 148 has a generally flat rear portion 150 that is spaced a distance D from the bottom portion of the seat frame 74 .
  • the front portion 154 of the ramp is rounded or curved. As the seat back 20 is tilted back into the reclined position, the seat bottom 18 slides forward causing the ramp 148 to slide atop the seat stop 135 . As shown in FIG.
  • the seat stop 135 when the seat back is in the upright position, the seat stop 135 is positioned at or near the front curved portion 154 of the ramp 148 . As the seat bottom slides forward, the seat stop 135 bears against the curved portion 154 of the ramp causing the front of the seat bottom to be raised slightly relative to the rear portion of the seat bottom. When the seat back reaches the reclined position, the seat stop 135 is engaging the flat rear portion 150 of the ramp thus keeping the front portion of the seat bottom 18 angled slightly upward. Angling the front portion of the seat bottom upward when in the reclined position prevents a person from slipping forward in the seat as they are reclining and more closely follows a comfortable body position for the person.
  • the positioning of the leg members and the rotatability of the seat bottom allows the chair 10 to be stacked and nested with other similar chairs to facilitate storage. This capability is shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 .
  • the front leg members are positioned closer together than the rear leg members as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 , 5 and 6 .
  • the front leg members 40 of a stacked chair rest above the front leg members of the chair below it and rear leg members 50 are above the rear leg members of the chair below it in a “leg-on-leg” configuration.
  • the arm portion of the rear leg members may be flared outward so that the arm portion does not block, or otherwise interfere, with the stacking of the chairs.
  • the seat bottoms 18 of the chairs to be nested are rotated into an upright position. This allows a first chair to be pressed horizontally against a second chair without interference or blocking caused by the seat bottom 20 .
  • the seat back portion of the seat assembly of a nested chair fits between the arm portion of the chair behind it while the rear leg members of the chair to be nested fits outside the front leg members of the chair behind it.
  • the chair preferably includes stack/nest bumpers 158 positioned on the chair to minimize contact between stacked or nested chairs.
  • the stack/nest bumpers 158 may be formed of a hard, durable material such as a hard plastic.
  • the stack/nest bumpers 158 minimize contact and rubbing of chair parts thereby improving the durability and extending the life of the chair.
  • a bumper 158 may be placed in any position where contact between stacked or nested chairs is likely. For example, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 21, 22 and 23 , a bumper 158 is placed on a bottom inboard portion of each seat back support member 38 where there is contact between the leg members and seat back support members of stacked or nested chairs.
  • a bumper guard 160 may be positioned on the rear bottom portion of the arm rests 64 as shown in FIG. 23 to minimize contact between the nested arm rests of the chairs. Moreover, the guard 160 can be sized to prevent a user's sleeve from sliding over the cantilevered arm 64 .

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chairs Characterized By Structure (AREA)
US11/385,207 2006-03-21 2006-03-21 Nestable and stackable chair Abandoned US20070222266A1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/385,207 US20070222266A1 (en) 2006-03-21 2006-03-21 Nestable and stackable chair
PCT/US2007/064468 WO2007109699A2 (fr) 2006-03-21 2007-03-21 siège emboîtable et empilable
US29/340,212 USD612164S1 (en) 2006-03-21 2009-07-15 Nestable and stackable chair
US12/831,166 US7794016B1 (en) 2006-03-21 2010-07-06 Nestable and stackable chair
US12/876,828 US7850241B1 (en) 2006-03-21 2010-09-07 Nestable and stackable chair

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/385,207 US20070222266A1 (en) 2006-03-21 2006-03-21 Nestable and stackable chair

Related Child Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US29/340,212 Division USD612164S1 (en) 2006-03-21 2009-07-15 Nestable and stackable chair
US12/831,166 Continuation US7794016B1 (en) 2006-03-21 2010-07-06 Nestable and stackable chair
US12/876,828 Continuation US7850241B1 (en) 2006-03-21 2010-09-07 Nestable and stackable chair

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20070222266A1 true US20070222266A1 (en) 2007-09-27

Family

ID=38523272

Family Applications (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/385,207 Abandoned US20070222266A1 (en) 2006-03-21 2006-03-21 Nestable and stackable chair
US29/340,212 Expired - Lifetime USD612164S1 (en) 2006-03-21 2009-07-15 Nestable and stackable chair
US12/831,166 Active US7794016B1 (en) 2006-03-21 2010-07-06 Nestable and stackable chair
US12/876,828 Active US7850241B1 (en) 2006-03-21 2010-09-07 Nestable and stackable chair

Family Applications After (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US29/340,212 Expired - Lifetime USD612164S1 (en) 2006-03-21 2009-07-15 Nestable and stackable chair
US12/831,166 Active US7794016B1 (en) 2006-03-21 2010-07-06 Nestable and stackable chair
US12/876,828 Active US7850241B1 (en) 2006-03-21 2010-09-07 Nestable and stackable chair

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (4) US20070222266A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2007109699A2 (fr)

Cited By (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090079235A1 (en) * 2007-09-21 2009-03-26 Tsung-Chieh Huang Structure of chair capable of being stacked vertically and horizontally
US20100156151A1 (en) * 2008-12-24 2010-06-24 Smith Richard D Folding mesh chair with nesting hoops
US20110175412A1 (en) * 2010-01-21 2011-07-21 Pro-Cord S.P.A. Nestable chair with seat rotation and stop arrangement
USD648554S1 (en) 2009-11-04 2011-11-15 Mity-Lite, Inc. Mesh stacking chair
USD660612S1 (en) 2010-11-16 2012-05-29 Mity-Lite, Inc. Mesh banquet chair
US8317269B2 (en) 2008-12-24 2012-11-27 Mity-Lite, Inc. Mesh stacking chair
US8322787B2 (en) 2008-12-24 2012-12-04 Mity-Lite, Inc. Clamping joint for a chair
US8454093B2 (en) 2008-12-24 2013-06-04 Mity-Lite, Inc. Mesh chair with open-end hoop
US8544951B2 (en) 2009-02-02 2013-10-01 Hni Technologies Inc. Stacking and nesting chair
JP2014004323A (ja) * 2012-05-31 2014-01-16 Itoki Corp ロッキング椅子
USD743180S1 (en) 2014-10-15 2015-11-17 Hni Technologies Inc. Chair
US9504331B2 (en) 2007-03-13 2016-11-29 Hni Technologies Inc. Dynamic chair back lumbar support system
USD779222S1 (en) 2015-11-03 2017-02-21 Mity-Lite, Inc. Stacking chair
USD779221S1 (en) 2015-11-03 2017-02-21 Mity-Lite, Inc. Stacking chair
USD784038S1 (en) 2015-11-03 2017-04-18 Mity-Lite, Inc. Stacking chair
US9801470B2 (en) 2014-10-15 2017-10-31 Hni Technologies Inc. Molded chair with integrated support and method of making same
US10010178B2 (en) 2015-11-05 2018-07-03 Mity-Lite, Inc. Stacking chair
US10172465B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-01-08 Hni Technologies Inc. Chair with activated back flex
US10314400B2 (en) * 2015-06-23 2019-06-11 Simtec, Llc Rotatable seat cradle
US10370106B2 (en) * 2016-04-04 2019-08-06 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Contoured class divider
US10676194B2 (en) * 2016-04-04 2020-06-09 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Contoured class divider
US10843799B2 (en) * 2016-04-04 2020-11-24 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Contoured class divider
US10919631B2 (en) * 2018-10-29 2021-02-16 Safran Cabin Inc. Aircraft with multiple doors and multiple zones
US11034452B2 (en) * 2018-10-29 2021-06-15 Safran Cabin Inc. Aircraft with staggered seating arrangement
US11066171B2 (en) * 2016-04-04 2021-07-20 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Contoured class divider
US11166554B1 (en) 2020-05-29 2021-11-09 Office Master Inc. Nesting chair with flip seat and movement
US11486431B2 (en) * 2019-07-19 2022-11-01 Duoback Co., LTD Assembly-type chair
US11510495B1 (en) 2021-05-14 2022-11-29 Steelcase Inc. Chair having an accessory hook
US11725382B2 (en) 2010-05-05 2023-08-15 Allsteel Inc. Modular wall system
USD1009536S1 (en) 2021-05-17 2024-01-02 Steelcase Inc. Chair
USD1028551S1 (en) * 2021-02-15 2024-05-28 Daniel Kendall Harden Stackable chair

Families Citing this family (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NZ597812A (en) 2006-10-04 2013-04-26 Formway Furniture Ltd Back portion for a chair including upper section which folds rearwardly to reduce height of back portion and provide arm rest
ITMI20061967A1 (it) * 2006-10-13 2008-04-14 La Metaltecnica S R L Sedile in particolare per stadi ed impianti sportivi
TWI419664B (zh) * 2011-03-18 2013-12-21 Oasyschair Co Ltd 座椅組成
US9126507B2 (en) * 2012-03-15 2015-09-08 Johnson Controls Technology Company Longitudinal seat adjuster for a vehicle seat having easy entry functionality and folding functionality
KR200471955Y1 (ko) 2012-05-17 2014-03-25 박정현 의자
USD736007S1 (en) * 2014-02-17 2015-08-11 Dongguan Boyi Furniture Limited Chair
JP6549371B2 (ja) * 2014-04-03 2019-07-24 愛知株式会社 イス
WO2015161281A1 (fr) 2014-04-17 2015-10-22 Hni Technologies Inc. Chaise et ensembles, systèmes et procédés de commande de chaise
USD814205S1 (en) * 2016-04-04 2018-04-03 Kartell S.P.A. Chair
USD878125S1 (en) * 2017-12-20 2020-03-17 Shu O Su Chair frame structure
USD878124S1 (en) * 2017-12-20 2020-03-17 Shu O Su Chair frame structure
CA3091345C (fr) * 2018-02-16 2022-10-18 Barrett Studios, Inc. Ensemble chaise
WO2020255195A1 (fr) * 2019-06-17 2020-12-24 株式会社クオリ Chaise inclinable
USD973382S1 (en) * 2020-01-15 2022-12-27 Chih-Cheng Su Chair
USD976601S1 (en) 2021-01-27 2023-01-31 Shelterlogic Corp. Chair

Citations (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US145229A (en) * 1873-12-02 Improvement in car-seats
US155452A (en) * 1874-09-29 Improvement in opera-chairs
US562606A (en) * 1896-06-23 Car-seat
US1213920A (en) * 1915-01-12 1917-01-30 Anton Szymkowiak Theater-chair.
US2098623A (en) * 1935-07-24 1937-11-09 Merrill W Hard Theater chair
US2266897A (en) * 1938-06-20 1941-12-23 American Seating Co Chair
US3203731A (en) * 1963-09-09 1965-08-31 Krueger Metal Products Multiple seating including stackable chairs with folding backs
US3602537A (en) * 1968-02-01 1971-08-31 Gerdi Kerstholt Seat system with a backrest
US4046422A (en) * 1976-09-07 1977-09-06 Center For Design Research And Development N.V. Chair
US4068888A (en) * 1976-01-07 1978-01-17 Homecrest Industries, Inc. Recliner chair
US4270797A (en) * 1978-10-20 1981-06-02 Protoned B.V. Ergonomic chair
US4522444A (en) * 1982-09-15 1985-06-11 Charles Pollock Stacking chair
US4732424A (en) * 1984-08-08 1988-03-22 Uredat Neuhoff Angela Sitting furniture, in particular swivel chair
US4758045A (en) * 1986-03-15 1988-07-19 Drabert Sohne Gmbh & Co. Seat furniture
USD346281S (en) * 1992-07-13 1994-04-26 Salvador Vidal Bar chair
US5354120A (en) * 1991-10-31 1994-10-11 Voelkle Rolf Reclining chair
US6030037A (en) * 1998-05-15 2000-02-29 Steelcase Inc. Horizontally nestable chair
US6481789B1 (en) * 1999-06-18 2002-11-19 Center For Design Research And Development N.V. Stackable chair
US6536841B1 (en) * 1999-05-27 2003-03-25 Steelcase Development Corporation Synchrotilt chair
US20030090140A1 (en) * 2001-01-09 2003-05-15 Edi Belic Metal frame for chairs with tubular elements
US6709058B1 (en) * 1999-04-09 2004-03-23 Humanscale Corp. Ergonomic chair
US6742839B2 (en) * 2001-10-04 2004-06-01 Pro-Cord Spa Stackable chair
US6817667B2 (en) * 2000-09-28 2004-11-16 Formway Furniture Limited Reclinable chair
US6969116B2 (en) * 2003-12-30 2005-11-29 Hni Technologies Inc. Chair with backward and forward passive tilt capabilities
US6991291B2 (en) * 1997-10-24 2006-01-31 Steelcase Development Corporation Back construction for seating unit having spring bias
US7147286B2 (en) * 2004-05-28 2006-12-12 Hni Technologies Inc. Versatile chair

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2474409A1 (fr) * 1980-01-28 1981-07-31 Sable Freres Int Siege de vehicule a assise et dossier mobiles

Patent Citations (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US145229A (en) * 1873-12-02 Improvement in car-seats
US155452A (en) * 1874-09-29 Improvement in opera-chairs
US562606A (en) * 1896-06-23 Car-seat
US1213920A (en) * 1915-01-12 1917-01-30 Anton Szymkowiak Theater-chair.
US2098623A (en) * 1935-07-24 1937-11-09 Merrill W Hard Theater chair
US2266897A (en) * 1938-06-20 1941-12-23 American Seating Co Chair
US3203731A (en) * 1963-09-09 1965-08-31 Krueger Metal Products Multiple seating including stackable chairs with folding backs
US3602537A (en) * 1968-02-01 1971-08-31 Gerdi Kerstholt Seat system with a backrest
US4068888A (en) * 1976-01-07 1978-01-17 Homecrest Industries, Inc. Recliner chair
US4046422A (en) * 1976-09-07 1977-09-06 Center For Design Research And Development N.V. Chair
US4270797A (en) * 1978-10-20 1981-06-02 Protoned B.V. Ergonomic chair
US4522444A (en) * 1982-09-15 1985-06-11 Charles Pollock Stacking chair
US4732424A (en) * 1984-08-08 1988-03-22 Uredat Neuhoff Angela Sitting furniture, in particular swivel chair
US4758045A (en) * 1986-03-15 1988-07-19 Drabert Sohne Gmbh & Co. Seat furniture
US5354120A (en) * 1991-10-31 1994-10-11 Voelkle Rolf Reclining chair
USD346281S (en) * 1992-07-13 1994-04-26 Salvador Vidal Bar chair
US6991291B2 (en) * 1997-10-24 2006-01-31 Steelcase Development Corporation Back construction for seating unit having spring bias
US6030037A (en) * 1998-05-15 2000-02-29 Steelcase Inc. Horizontally nestable chair
US6709058B1 (en) * 1999-04-09 2004-03-23 Humanscale Corp. Ergonomic chair
US6959965B2 (en) * 1999-04-09 2005-11-01 Humanscale Corporation Ergonomic chair
US6536841B1 (en) * 1999-05-27 2003-03-25 Steelcase Development Corporation Synchrotilt chair
US6481789B1 (en) * 1999-06-18 2002-11-19 Center For Design Research And Development N.V. Stackable chair
US6817667B2 (en) * 2000-09-28 2004-11-16 Formway Furniture Limited Reclinable chair
US20030090140A1 (en) * 2001-01-09 2003-05-15 Edi Belic Metal frame for chairs with tubular elements
US6742839B2 (en) * 2001-10-04 2004-06-01 Pro-Cord Spa Stackable chair
US6969116B2 (en) * 2003-12-30 2005-11-29 Hni Technologies Inc. Chair with backward and forward passive tilt capabilities
US7147286B2 (en) * 2004-05-28 2006-12-12 Hni Technologies Inc. Versatile chair

Cited By (48)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9504331B2 (en) 2007-03-13 2016-11-29 Hni Technologies Inc. Dynamic chair back lumbar support system
US7717511B2 (en) * 2007-09-21 2010-05-18 Tsung-Chieh Huang Structure of chair capable of being stacked vertically and horizontally
US20090079235A1 (en) * 2007-09-21 2009-03-26 Tsung-Chieh Huang Structure of chair capable of being stacked vertically and horizontally
US8038221B2 (en) 2008-12-24 2011-10-18 Mity-Lite, Inc. Folding mesh chair with nesting hoops
US8317269B2 (en) 2008-12-24 2012-11-27 Mity-Lite, Inc. Mesh stacking chair
US8033598B2 (en) 2008-12-24 2011-10-11 Mity-Lite, Inc. Mesh folding chair
US8033612B2 (en) 2008-12-24 2011-10-11 Mity-Lite, Inc. Comfortable mesh folding chair
US20100156151A1 (en) * 2008-12-24 2010-06-24 Smith Richard D Folding mesh chair with nesting hoops
US9492014B1 (en) 2008-12-24 2016-11-15 Mity-Lite, Inc. Mesh folding chair
US8029059B2 (en) 2008-12-24 2011-10-04 Mity-Lite, Inc. Folding and stacking mesh chair system
US8454093B2 (en) 2008-12-24 2013-06-04 Mity-Lite, Inc. Mesh chair with open-end hoop
US8322787B2 (en) 2008-12-24 2012-12-04 Mity-Lite, Inc. Clamping joint for a chair
US8967714B2 (en) 2009-02-02 2015-03-03 Hni Technologies Inc. Stacking and nesting chair
US8544951B2 (en) 2009-02-02 2013-10-01 Hni Technologies Inc. Stacking and nesting chair
USD648554S1 (en) 2009-11-04 2011-11-15 Mity-Lite, Inc. Mesh stacking chair
US8540315B2 (en) * 2010-01-21 2013-09-24 Pro-Cord S.P.A. Nestable chair with seat rotation and stop arrangement
US20110175412A1 (en) * 2010-01-21 2011-07-21 Pro-Cord S.P.A. Nestable chair with seat rotation and stop arrangement
US11725382B2 (en) 2010-05-05 2023-08-15 Allsteel Inc. Modular wall system
USD660612S1 (en) 2010-11-16 2012-05-29 Mity-Lite, Inc. Mesh banquet chair
JP2014004322A (ja) * 2012-05-31 2014-01-16 Itoki Corp ロッキング椅子
JP2014004323A (ja) * 2012-05-31 2014-01-16 Itoki Corp ロッキング椅子
US10893752B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-01-19 Hni Technologies Inc. Chair with activated back flex
US10172465B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-01-08 Hni Technologies Inc. Chair with activated back flex
USD743180S1 (en) 2014-10-15 2015-11-17 Hni Technologies Inc. Chair
USD759414S1 (en) 2014-10-15 2016-06-21 Hni Technologies Inc. Chair
USD796883S1 (en) 2014-10-15 2017-09-12 Hni Technologies Inc. Chair
US9801470B2 (en) 2014-10-15 2017-10-31 Hni Technologies Inc. Molded chair with integrated support and method of making same
USD833193S1 (en) 2014-10-15 2018-11-13 Artco-Bell Corporation Chair
US11089874B2 (en) 2015-06-23 2021-08-17 Simtec, Inc. Rotatable seat cradle
US10314400B2 (en) * 2015-06-23 2019-06-11 Simtec, Llc Rotatable seat cradle
USD784038S1 (en) 2015-11-03 2017-04-18 Mity-Lite, Inc. Stacking chair
USD779221S1 (en) 2015-11-03 2017-02-21 Mity-Lite, Inc. Stacking chair
USD779222S1 (en) 2015-11-03 2017-02-21 Mity-Lite, Inc. Stacking chair
US10010178B2 (en) 2015-11-05 2018-07-03 Mity-Lite, Inc. Stacking chair
US20210347485A1 (en) * 2016-04-04 2021-11-11 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Contour class divider
US10676194B2 (en) * 2016-04-04 2020-06-09 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Contoured class divider
US10843799B2 (en) * 2016-04-04 2020-11-24 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Contoured class divider
US10370106B2 (en) * 2016-04-04 2019-08-06 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Contoured class divider
US11787544B2 (en) * 2016-04-04 2023-10-17 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Contour class divider
US11066171B2 (en) * 2016-04-04 2021-07-20 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Contoured class divider
US10919631B2 (en) * 2018-10-29 2021-02-16 Safran Cabin Inc. Aircraft with multiple doors and multiple zones
US11034452B2 (en) * 2018-10-29 2021-06-15 Safran Cabin Inc. Aircraft with staggered seating arrangement
US11486431B2 (en) * 2019-07-19 2022-11-01 Duoback Co., LTD Assembly-type chair
US11166554B1 (en) 2020-05-29 2021-11-09 Office Master Inc. Nesting chair with flip seat and movement
USD1028551S1 (en) * 2021-02-15 2024-05-28 Daniel Kendall Harden Stackable chair
US11510495B1 (en) 2021-05-14 2022-11-29 Steelcase Inc. Chair having an accessory hook
US11857083B2 (en) 2021-05-14 2024-01-02 Steelcase Inc. Chair having a flexible support member
USD1009536S1 (en) 2021-05-17 2024-01-02 Steelcase Inc. Chair

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2007109699A2 (fr) 2007-09-27
WO2007109699A3 (fr) 2008-12-04
US20100327643A1 (en) 2010-12-30
US7850241B1 (en) 2010-12-14
USD612164S1 (en) 2010-03-23
US7794016B1 (en) 2010-09-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7850241B1 (en) Nestable and stackable chair
CA2345603C (fr) Chaise a siege et dossier mobiles synchronises
USRE36335E (en) Flexible chair
US5383712A (en) Flexible chair
US7048335B2 (en) Seating unit with crossbar seat support
US20130169017A1 (en) Chair
FI98882C (fi) Modulimainen sohvakokoonpano ja kokoamislaite modulisohvakokoonpanon muodostamiseksi
US7073860B2 (en) Reclinable chair mechanism
US7827921B2 (en) Tilting nestable table and chair set
US20150282623A1 (en) Multi-posture chair
US20080111414A1 (en) Casual control tilt lockout
US20080100119A1 (en) Seating Furniture, In Particular Office Chairs
US7497516B2 (en) Mobile joint with several stable positions, suitable for use in furniture
US10159347B2 (en) Tilt mechanism for a weight-responsive seating furniture
NO319640B1 (no) Bevegelig ledd med fjaermotstand til en sitteinnretning
JP5567402B2 (ja) 椅子
JP6204652B2 (ja) ロッキング椅子
JPH0450841Y2 (fr)
JP5616134B2 (ja) 椅子
JP5576186B2 (ja) 椅子
JP5630810B2 (ja) 圧縮ばね及びそれを備える椅子
JP5475327B2 (ja) 椅子
JP5475326B2 (ja) 椅子

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: DITTO SALES, INC., INDIANA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LUCCI, ROBERTO;ORLANDINI, PAOLO;REEL/FRAME:017839/0259

Effective date: 20060410

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION