US20160353888A1 - Suspension chair, modular furniture arrangement and modular furniture kit - Google Patents
Suspension chair, modular furniture arrangement and modular furniture kit Download PDFInfo
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- US20160353888A1 US20160353888A1 US15/238,160 US201615238160A US2016353888A1 US 20160353888 A1 US20160353888 A1 US 20160353888A1 US 201615238160 A US201615238160 A US 201615238160A US 2016353888 A1 US2016353888 A1 US 2016353888A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- back support
- worksurface
- rear edge
- support portion
- furniture arrangement
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B83/00—Combinations comprising two or more pieces of furniture of different kinds
- A47B83/02—Tables combined with seats
- A47B83/021—Tables combined with seats with seats stowable beneath table top
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B83/00—Combinations comprising two or more pieces of furniture of different kinds
- A47B83/02—Tables combined with seats
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B83/00—Combinations comprising two or more pieces of furniture of different kinds
- A47B83/04—Tables combined with other pieces of furniture
- A47B83/045—Tables combined with cabinets
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C13/00—Convertible chairs, stools or benches
- A47C13/005—Modular seating
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C15/00—Other seating furniture
- A47C15/002—Corner seating furniture, e.g. corner sofas
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C17/00—Sofas; Couches; Beds
- A47C17/02—Sofas, couches, settees, or the like, without movable parts
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
- A47C7/02—Seat parts
- A47C7/28—Seat parts with tensioned springs, e.g. of flat type
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
- A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
- A47C7/40—Support for the head or the back for the back
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
- A47C7/54—Supports for the arms
Definitions
- the present application is directed to a suspension chair and, separately, to modular furniture arrangements incorporating a chair, together with methods for the arrangement and assembly thereof.
- suspension seating arrangements are well known. Typically, such arrangements provide a flexible suspension member that it tensioned between two or more support members.
- the suspension member may directly support the body of the user, or may be covered by a fabric layer. Due to the linear nature of the tension vectors applied in such suspension members, such arrangements are generally not suitable for seating systems providing orthogonal back supports, and do not provide any transitional support between such supports.
- the support members typically provide a “hard” point at the side edge of the seating arrangement.
- any configuration wherein such seating arrangements are positioned adjacent one another provides intermittent hard points that limit the comfort and use of the configuration.
- office “side” chairs are typically configured with a pair of armrests, or no armrests.
- the office chair if associated with a worksurface, such as a desk, must either be moved by the user to gain proximity to the worksurface, wherein the user may be trapped by the armrests, or in the absence of such arms fails to provide any support for the user's arms when situated by a worksurface.
- the upper surfaces of armrests when so configured, typically do not mate with or transition to the worksurface, thereby leading to pinch points, uneven surfaces and/or other obstacles.
- office chairs may also not be suitable for modular use, for example to provide various community seating configurations.
- one embodiment of a suspension chair includes a first back support portion having a first linear support surface extending along a first direction and a second back support portion having a second linear support surface extending along a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
- a third back support portion includes an outwardly facing concave surface transitioning between the first and second back support portions.
- the first and second back support portions include first and second suspension elements extending in the first and second directions respectively. The first and second suspension elements are tensioned so as to provide first and second normal biasing forces to the first and second body support portions.
- one embodiment of a suspension chair in another aspect, includes a base, a fixed support supported by the base and defining an upper portion of a back, and a side support supported by the base and pivotable about a horizontal axis.
- the side support has a front surface and an upper portion moveable toward and away from the upper portion of the fixed support.
- a fabric layer covers at least a portion of the fixed support and a front surface of the side support.
- one embodiment of a furniture arrangement includes a first chair having a first side surface lying in a first substantially vertical plane.
- the first side surface is defined in part by a first fixed support defining an upper portion of a first back and a first side support pivotable about a horizontal axis.
- the first side support has an upper portion moveable toward and away from the upper portion of the first fixed support.
- a second chair has a second side surface lying in a second substantially vertical plane, wherein the second side surface is defined in part by a second fixed support defining an upper portion of a second back and a second side support pivotable about the horizontal axis.
- the second side support has an upper portion moveable toward and away from the upper portion of the second fixed support.
- the first and second chairs are positioned such that the first and second sides are adjacent.
- one embodiment of a furniture arrangement includes a worksurface having a side edge and opposite front and rear edges.
- the worksurface is vertically spaced so as to define leg space beneath each of the front and rear edges.
- a chair is positioned adjacent the rear edge and includes a backrest defined by first and second back support portions extending in first and second directions, wherein the first and second back support portions are substantially perpendicular.
- the first back support portion has an end positioned adjacent the rear edge such that the second back support portion is spaced from the rear edge and defines an ingress/egress opening between the second back support portion and the rear edge.
- the first and second back support portions and the rear edge define a U-shaped occupancy space in plan view.
- a modular furniture kit includes at least four chairs each having a backrest defined by first and second back support portions extending in first and second directions, wherein said first and second directions are substantially perpendicular, wherein a rear surface of each of the first and second back supports are substantially linear in the first and second directions.
- An upper surface of each of the first and second back supports includes a planar armrest surface.
- the chairs are capable of being arranged in each of at least a first and second configuration.
- the first configuration includes a pair of the chairs arranged with the rear surfaces lying adjacent such that the planar armrests define a T-shape in plan view.
- the second configuration includes four of the chairs arranged with the rear surfaces lying adjacent such that the planar armrests define a X-shape in plan view.
- the chair is configured with a unique suspension back that provides a biasing force in orthogonal directions.
- a chair may be arranged relative to a worksurface to provide a supportive and integrated interface that avoids the need to move the chair.
- the various chairs may be easily reconfigured to provide different seating configurations suitable for the desired environment.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an office environment.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an office environment.
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of the office environment shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a desk and chair arrangement.
- FIG. 5 is a right side perspective view of one embodiment of a desk.
- FIG. 6 is a left side perspective view of the desk shown in FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 7 is a front view of a furniture configuration having four chairs and a worksurface.
- FIG. 8 is a plan view of the furniture configuration shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 is a front view of a furniture configuration including a chair and a pair of desks.
- FIG. 10 is a plan view of the furniture configuration shown in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a chair.
- FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the chair shown in FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 13 is a exploded perspective view of the chair shown in FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the backrest of the chair shown in FIG. 11 .
- FIGS. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views of a fabric attachment device including a spline.
- FIGS. 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views of a fabric attachment device including a J-hook.
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of left side support.
- FIG. 18 is a front view of the side support shown in FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 19 is a side view of the side support shown in FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the side support taken along line 20 - 20 of FIG. 19 .
- FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a fabric attachment member taken along line 21 of FIG. 19 .
- FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a chair frame.
- FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of a chair showing first and second suspension elements connected to the frame.
- FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of a chair showing a third suspension element with the first and second suspension elements being omitted for the purpose of clarity.
- FIG. 25 is a partial view of one embodiment of a suspension element connected to a side support.
- FIG. 26 is an enlarged partial view of the suspension element and side support shown in FIG. 25 .
- FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of one embodiment a chair frame.
- FIG. 28 is a side perspective view of the chair frame shown in FIG. 27 .
- FIG. 29 is a side view of the chair frame shown in FIG. 27 .
- FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the chair shown in FIG. 27 .
- FIG. 31 is a partial, exploded perspective view of a chair and a screen.
- FIG. 32 is a partial side view of the chair shown in FIG. 32 with the screen secured thereto.
- FIG. 33 is a plan view of a system showing different configurations of chairs and tables.
- FIG. 34 is a partial side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a chair.
- FIG. 35 is a partial perspective view of the seat, including a cushion.
- FIG. 36 shows an alternative embodiment of a chair with a seat cushion.
- FIG. 37 shows the chair of FIG. 36 with the seat cushion removed.
- FIG. 38 shows an embodiment of a backrest frame.
- FIG. 39 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a chair.
- top means two or more.
- coupled means connected to or engaged with, whether directly or indirectly, for example with an intervening member, and does not require the engagement to be fixed or permanent, although it may be fixed or permanent.
- transverse means extending across an axis, including without limitation substantially perpendicular to an axis.
- first, second, third, etc. does not refer to any particular sequence or order of components; for example “first” and “second” portions may refer to any sequence of such portions, and is not limited to the first and second portions of a particular configuration unless otherwise specified.
- a suspension chair 2 has a seat portion 4 and a backrest portion 6 .
- the chair 2 includes a frame 8 having a base 10 and a fixed support 12 extending upwardly from the base, with the fixed support 12 defining part of the backrest portion and the base defining part of the seat portion.
- the term “fixed” means not moveable, such that the support 12 is not moveable relative to the base 10 , but rather remains stationary.
- the base 10 and seat portion 4 have a substantially square footprint in plan view, with the front corner 14 , 114 thereof being either curved or squared off. For example, as shown in FIG.
- the front corner 14 , 114 may be curved in arrangements where a user may need to slide their legs from one side 16 of the chair to the other side 18 , for example when situating themselves with their legs under a desk 200 .
- the front corner may be squared off and form a right angle in plan view in situations where the chair is part of a modular arrangement with other seating surfaces being positioned adjacent the chair such that the arrangement provides a continuous, linear edge along the adjacent edges.
- the fixed support 12 includes a pair of side members 22 , 24 fixedly connected to the base and extending upwardly therefrom.
- the side members may be angled rearwardly relative to a vertical axis at an angle .alpha., or may be oriented within a vertical plane.
- the angle .alpha. of inclination is in range of 9-14 degrees.
- An intermediate or center support 26 may also be angled along a diagonal direction extending from a front to a rear corner of the base, or may be vertically oriented.
- An upper portion 28 is connected to the side members 22 and center support 26 .
- the upper portion 28 is configured as a horizontal platform in one embodiment, with linear rear edges 30 , 32 forming a right angle and linear front edges 34 , 36 lying perpendicular to one another, with a curved transition portion 38 extending therebetween.
- the upper portion surface includes side edges 40 , 42 lying perpendicular to one another, and connecting the rear and front edges 30 , 34 , 32 , 36 .
- the upper portion platform 28 defines an armrest and has a width War suitable for supporting an arm of a user, or otherwise providing a planar support surface.
- the platform 28 may be made of a fabricated steel frame.
- the platform is covered by a fabric layer, as further explained below, but may also include a cushion layer 33 , such as foam, and/or an additional translucent spacer layer.
- the base 10 defines a second platform 46 , or shelf, vertically spaced from and directly underlying the upper portion, or armrest, with linear rear edges 48 , 50 forming a right angle and directly underlying the rear edges 30 , 32 of the upper portion in one embodiment.
- the platform, or perimeter block may be made of expanded polypropylene foam (EPP) in one embodiment, or a sheetmetal frame, and supports the cushion and/or suspension, and connects to the frame.
- EPP expanded polypropylene foam
- the platform 46 includes a front perimeter portion 47 that may support the suspension member, or the cushion directly, for example with retainer straps 51 .
- the platform is supported by a perimeter frame 49 .
- the rear edges may be offset from the upper edges, or may be curved or have other profiles.
- the base further defines the footprint of the seat portion 4 , which may include a seat frame 52 defining an opening 54 in front of the second platform 46 and one or more flexible suspension members 56 put in tension across the opening of the frame.
- the suspension member, of the seat and backrest may be formed from a plurality of elastomeric straps 58 , as disclosed in U.S. Publication Nos. 2005/0279591, entitled “Load Bearing Surface,” and U.S. Publication No. 2012/0237719, entitled “Load Bearing Support Surface,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- the straps 58 include opposite end portions 60 , 62 secured to the frame.
- the seat may further include foam or other cushion member 64 supported by the suspension member.
- the cushion may be supported by a frame without a suspension member.
- the cushion material has a rear beveled portion as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36 , such that the cushion mates with the bottom of the backrest support surface, which transitions rearwardly.
- the cushion may be made of a soft urethane foam.
- a fabric layer 66 may extend over the cushion and be secured to an edge defined by the frame 52 with an engagement member 68 , for example and without limitation by J-hooks as shown in FIG. 16A .
- the base is supported by a plurality of legs 70 , shown as four, at the four corners thereof.
- a first back support portion 72 has a first linear support surface 78 extending along a first direction 84 .
- a second back support portion 74 has a second linear support surface 80 extending along a second direction 86 , with the second direction 86 being substantially perpendicular to the first direction 84 .
- a third back support portion 76 has an outwardly facing concave support surface 82 transitioning between the first and second back support portions.
- the first, second and third back support portions 72 , 74 , 76 extend between the seat 4 and the upper portion 28 of the fixed support.
- the first and second back support portions 72 , 74 include first and second suspension elements 88 , 90 extending in the first and second directions 84 , 86 respectively.
- the first and second suspension elements 88 , 90 are tensioned so as to provide first and second normal biasing forces 92 , 94 to the first and second body support portions 72 , 74 .
- the first and second suspension elements are tensioned in the first and second directions 84 , 86 respectively.
- the suspension elements 88 , 90 are configured as elastomeric nets, having a plurality of diamond shaped openings, with first and second end portions 96 , 98 .
- loops 100 on the suspension elements 88 , 90 are coupled to hooks 102 extending from side support elements 104 , 106 .
- the center support may also have hooks 102 to engage the suspension elements 88 , 90 as shown in FIG.
- the suspension elements may alternatively have hook portions that engage openings 35 formed in the side support elements 104 , 106 .
- the suspension elements may be configured as straps, made for example of a thermoplastic polyester elastomer.
- a third suspension element 92 is coupled to the first and second suspension elements 88 , 90 and underlies the curved back support portion 76 .
- the third suspension element applies tension forces to the first and second suspension elements when biased by a user.
- the first and second side support elements 104 , 106 are positioned adjacent to define a side edge 108 , 110 of respective ones of the first and second body support portions, which are coplanar with and define sides 16 and 18 of the chair and side edges 40 , 42 of the upper platform 28 .
- the suspension elements including back and seat elements, in some Figures are shown in an exploded configuration without attachment, and they are therefore are not elongated due to a lack of tension being applied thereto.
- the side support elements 104 , 106 support one end 96 or edge of the suspension elements as just discussed. Opposite ends 98 of the suspension elements are connected to the center support 26 .
- two or more of the suspension elements 88 , 90 , 92 may be integrally formed, with opposite ends 96 thereof coupled to the side support elements 104 , 106 and with a middle region wrapped around the center support 26 , with tension vectors being applied in perpendicular directions 84 , 86 between the center support 26 and the first and second side support elements 104 , 106 .
- first and second side support elements may be omitted altogether, with the suspension elements coupled to the side members 522 , which are disposed adjacent the sides 16 , 18 of the chair in this embodiment.
- the side members in this embodiments may have a different shape, for example approximating the combined shape of the side members and side support elements of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 .
- the rear surface 524 of the backrest, including the bottom of the shelf 28 may be covered with a fabric 526 , with the overall thickness of the backrest, including the side members and front and rear fabric layers, having a thickness (e.g., 1 . 5 inches) and inclination similar to a wall 222 of an adjoining desk 200 .
- first and second side support elements 104 , 106 are pivotable about first and second axes extending in the first and second directions 84 , 86 respectively.
- the term pivotable refers to the support elements being directly pivotable about an axis, such as pin, or pivotable about a virtual axis, for example by way of the support elements bending or flexing, with the bottom end thereof being fixedly attached to the base.
- First and second brace members 108 , 110 have a first end 124 connected to and bracing the first and second side support elements 104 , 106 in the first and second directions 84 , 86 against tension forces applied by the first and second suspension elements 88 , 90 .
- the brace members 108 , 110 have opposite end portions 126 connected to the center support 26 , and/or to the fixed upper portion 28 .
- the connection of the end portion allows for rotation of the brace member as the opposite end thereof moves with the side supports.
- the ends 126 of the brace members may be pivotally connected to the fixed upper portion with pivot pads 120 .
- the upper portion 130 of the side support elements 104 , 106 are curved and define a curved transition or shoulder region between the linear support surfaces 72 , 74 and the horizontal platform 28 .
- the side support elements may include a curved flange 133 that mates with a brace member and is secured thereto with fasteners 135 .
- the platform 28 may also have a front curved lip 132 .
- the side members 22 , 24 and the side support elements 104 , 106 may be aligned, with a gap 134 formed therebetween, such that the side support elements 104 , 106 may be pivoted (e.g., by bending) rearwardly toward the side supports 22 , 24 .
- the brace members 108 , 110 have end portions with a corresponding curved portion 124 to mate with the upper portion of the side support elements, with the brace members being secured to the side supports with a plurality of fasteners. It should be understood that the members may be joined by welding, tabs, or other known and suitable connection devices.
- the back portion includes a bottom frame member 136 , and three straps or stanchions, which are connected to the base frame 52 .
- a fabric layer 140 such as a knit fabric, covers and is supported by the first and second suspension elements 88 , 90 and also covers the fixed support platform 28 so as to provide a uniform and continuous appearance to the back support.
- the fabric layer 140 may be in direct contact with said first and second suspension elements, or may have a cushion, such as foam or clear spacer material, interposed therebetween.
- the fabric 140 overlies and wraps around the side support elements 104 , 106 and has an edge portion 144 disposed in a groove 146 facing outwardly from a side surface of the side support element 104 , 106 .
- a spline 142 is attached to the fabric edge 144 and is inserted into the groove to securely hold the fabric.
- a bracket 148 is secured along a rear edge 30 , 32 of the platform 28 , and defines a groove 150 .
- a spline 152 attached to the fabric edge portion 144 is inserted into the groove 150 to securely hold the fabric along the rear edge 30 , 32 .
- a bottom edge 144 of the fabric includes an engagement member 154 , such as a J-hook, that engages a catch portion 156 extending from the frame. In this way, the fabric is secured along all edges 144 thereof.
- the bottom of the side support elements 104 , 106 may also include a hook or catch portion 158 , as shown in FIG. 21 , that engages the engagement member 154 , such as a J-hook, secured to the fabric.
- a user may be seated in the chair 1 and lean against the first and second back support portions 72 , 74 , with the suspension elements 88 , 90 biasing the user in a direction normal thereto.
- the side support elements 104 , 106 flex or bend, i.e., pivot about a virtual axis, such that the upper portion 130 of the side support moves toward and away from the fixed support 28 .
- the upper portion moves about 1 inch, although in various embodiments the upper portion may move between 0.25 inches and 2.00 inches.
- a chair, or bench may be made with a linear back, each side of which has a flexible side support element 104 , 106 .
- the adjacent flexible side support elements 104 , 106 give way and avoid applying a hard point to the user. This may be important in the situation where a pair of modular chairs are arranged side by side as shown in FIG. 3 , or have a bench unit interposed therebetween, as further explained below.
- a screen 160 may be secured to one or both of the rear sides of the chair.
- the screen has a bottom edge 162 supported by a pair of brackets 166 secured to the frame of the chair.
- the brackets have a lip 168 that wraps around and engages a rear surface of the screen.
- a pin 170 is inserted through an opening 164 in the middle of the screen and is releasably coupled to a bracket 172 secured to the platform 28 , for example, with a push pin detent mechanism. The pin 170 may actuated and removed such that the screen 160 may be lifted off of the brackets.
- a pair of screens may be mounted to the rear sides of the chair.
- a desk 200 is shown as including a worksurface 202 having a side edge 204 and opposite front and rear edges 206 , 208 .
- the worksurface 200 is vertically spaced so as to define leg space 210 beneath each of the front and rear edges.
- the worksurface is supported on opposite ends by first and second support structures 212 , 214 .
- the first support structure includes a storage cabinet 216 supporting the worksurface and a pair of legs 218 supporting the storage cabinet in a vertically spaced relationship to the floor.
- the storage 216 may be part of a central spine assembly 219 , with one or more worksurfaces 202 being supported thereby and extending orthogonal to the spine as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the second support 214 includes a wall 220 that is oriented at an angle .alpha. relative to a vertical plane, with the orientation lying substantially co-planar to the inclination of the seat back supports 72 , 74 .
- the second support further includes a first shelf 222 underlying the worksurface and extending outwardly from the wall 220 .
- the shelf 222 has an edge 224 underlying and aligned with the edge 204 of the worksurface.
- the shelf 222 has a thickness T and depth D substantially the same as the thickness of the platform 46 of the chair.
- the shelves 222 , 46 may have different thicknesses, heights and depths, and may have edges that are linear, curved, or combinations thereof.
- a chair 2 is positioned adjacent the rear edge 208 of the worksurface as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the chair includes a back support element 74 having a side 18 positioned adjacent the rear edge 208 such that the back support portion 72 is spaced from the rear edge 208 in a substantially parallel relationship and defines an ingress and egress opening 230 between the back support portion 72 and the rear edge 208 .
- the side edge 204 of the worksurface 202 and the rear edge 32 of the platform 28 or armrest are substantially aligned and coplanar in one embodiment.
- the upper surface of the shelf 46 defined by the base of the chair lies substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the shelf 222 of the worksurface. In one embodiment, the shelves 46 , 222 have substantially the same depth and thickness.
- the outer surface of the wall 220 is substantially co-planar with the rear surface of the back support portion 74 .
- the upper surface of the armrest platform 28 is substantially coplanar with the upper surface 200 of the worksurface.
- one or more tables 300 may be positioned adjacent one or more chairs 2 , with the tables having an upper worksurface 302 lying substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the planar armrest platform 28 of one of the chairs 2 as further explained below.
- the tables 300 may be square or rectangular, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 , or have any other shape.
- the tables may have a shelf 310 underlying the worksurface that is co-planar with the shelf 46 of the chair.
- a modular furniture kit includes a plurality of chairs 2 .
- a pair of chairs 2 is arranged with rear surfaces 30 , 48 , 32 , 50 lying adjacent such that the planar armrest platform 28 define a T-shape in plan view.
- four chairs 2 are arranged with rear surfaces 30 , 48 , 32 , 50 lying adjacent such that the planar armrest platforms 28 define a X-shape in plan view.
- At least one table 300 having an upper worksurface 302 lying substantially coplanar with the upper surfaces of the planar armrest platforms 28 is positioned between pairs of chairs arranged in either the T-shaped configuration or the U-shaped configuration.
- a pair of chairs 2 are arranged with the rear surfaces 30 , 48 , 32 , 50 lying adjacent such that the planar armrests define a Z-shape in plan view.
- the tables 400 are positioned adjacent the rear surfaces 30 , 48 , 32 , 50 of each of the first and second back supports such that one of the chairs and the pair of tables define a V-shape in plan view.
- one table 400 is positioned adjacent a rear surface 30 , 48 of a first back support, and another table 400 is positioned adjacent a side 16 , 18 of a seat of the chair, wherein the chair and the pair of tables define a V-shape in plan view.
- FIG. 33 other combinations of chairs 2 and tables 300 are shown.
- various screens 160 may be secured to the chairs in the different arrangements.
Abstract
A furniture arrangement includes a worksurface having a side edge and opposite front and rear edges, where the worksurface is vertically spaced so as to define leg space beneath each of the front and rear edges. A chair is positioned adjacent the rear edge and has a backrest defined by first and second back support portions extending in first and second directions. The first and second back support portions are substantially perpendicular. The first back support portion has an end positioned adjacent the rear edge such that the second back support portion is spaced from the rear edge and defines an ingress and egress opening between the second back support portion and the rear edge. The first and second back support portions and the rear edge define a U-shaped occupancy space in plan view.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/213,425, filed Mar. 14, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,414,673, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/791,874, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- The present application is directed to a suspension chair and, separately, to modular furniture arrangements incorporating a chair, together with methods for the arrangement and assembly thereof.
- Various types of suspension seating arrangements are well known. Typically, such arrangements provide a flexible suspension member that it tensioned between two or more support members. The suspension member may directly support the body of the user, or may be covered by a fabric layer. Due to the linear nature of the tension vectors applied in such suspension members, such arrangements are generally not suitable for seating systems providing orthogonal back supports, and do not provide any transitional support between such supports.
- In addition, the support members typically provide a “hard” point at the side edge of the seating arrangement. As such, any configuration wherein such seating arrangements are positioned adjacent one another provides intermittent hard points that limit the comfort and use of the configuration.
- In another aspect, office “side” chairs are typically configured with a pair of armrests, or no armrests. In either case, the office chair, if associated with a worksurface, such as a desk, must either be moved by the user to gain proximity to the worksurface, wherein the user may be trapped by the armrests, or in the absence of such arms fails to provide any support for the user's arms when situated by a worksurface. Moreover, the upper surfaces of armrests, when so configured, typically do not mate with or transition to the worksurface, thereby leading to pinch points, uneven surfaces and/or other obstacles.
- Besides not being suitable for use with a worksurface, such office chairs may also not be suitable for modular use, for example to provide various community seating configurations.
- Briefly stated, in one aspect, one embodiment of a suspension chair includes a first back support portion having a first linear support surface extending along a first direction and a second back support portion having a second linear support surface extending along a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A third back support portion includes an outwardly facing concave surface transitioning between the first and second back support portions. The first and second back support portions include first and second suspension elements extending in the first and second directions respectively. The first and second suspension elements are tensioned so as to provide first and second normal biasing forces to the first and second body support portions.
- In another aspect, one embodiment of a suspension chair includes a base, a fixed support supported by the base and defining an upper portion of a back, and a side support supported by the base and pivotable about a horizontal axis. The side support has a front surface and an upper portion moveable toward and away from the upper portion of the fixed support. A fabric layer covers at least a portion of the fixed support and a front surface of the side support.
- In another aspect, one embodiment of a furniture arrangement includes a first chair having a first side surface lying in a first substantially vertical plane. The first side surface is defined in part by a first fixed support defining an upper portion of a first back and a first side support pivotable about a horizontal axis. The first side support has an upper portion moveable toward and away from the upper portion of the first fixed support. A second chair has a second side surface lying in a second substantially vertical plane, wherein the second side surface is defined in part by a second fixed support defining an upper portion of a second back and a second side support pivotable about the horizontal axis. The second side support has an upper portion moveable toward and away from the upper portion of the second fixed support. The first and second chairs are positioned such that the first and second sides are adjacent.
- In yet another aspect, one embodiment of a furniture arrangement includes a worksurface having a side edge and opposite front and rear edges. The worksurface is vertically spaced so as to define leg space beneath each of the front and rear edges. A chair is positioned adjacent the rear edge and includes a backrest defined by first and second back support portions extending in first and second directions, wherein the first and second back support portions are substantially perpendicular. The first back support portion has an end positioned adjacent the rear edge such that the second back support portion is spaced from the rear edge and defines an ingress/egress opening between the second back support portion and the rear edge. The first and second back support portions and the rear edge define a U-shaped occupancy space in plan view.
- In yet another aspect, a modular furniture kit includes at least four chairs each having a backrest defined by first and second back support portions extending in first and second directions, wherein said first and second directions are substantially perpendicular, wherein a rear surface of each of the first and second back supports are substantially linear in the first and second directions. An upper surface of each of the first and second back supports includes a planar armrest surface. The chairs are capable of being arranged in each of at least a first and second configuration. The first configuration includes a pair of the chairs arranged with the rear surfaces lying adjacent such that the planar armrests define a T-shape in plan view. The second configuration includes four of the chairs arranged with the rear surfaces lying adjacent such that the planar armrests define a X-shape in plan view.
- The various aspects and embodiments provide significant advantages over other chair, furniture arrangements and modular furniture kits. For example and without limitation, in one embodiment, the chair is configured with a unique suspension back that provides a biasing force in orthogonal directions. In addition, in one embodiment, a chair may be arranged relative to a worksurface to provide a supportive and integrated interface that avoids the need to move the chair. In addition, the various chairs may be easily reconfigured to provide different seating configurations suitable for the desired environment.
- The present embodiments of the invention, together with further objects and advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an office environment. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an office environment. -
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the office environment shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a desk and chair arrangement. -
FIG. 5 is a right side perspective view of one embodiment of a desk. -
FIG. 6 is a left side perspective view of the desk shown inFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 7 is a front view of a furniture configuration having four chairs and a worksurface. -
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the furniture configuration shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is a front view of a furniture configuration including a chair and a pair of desks. -
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the furniture configuration shown inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a chair. -
FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the chair shown inFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 13 is a exploded perspective view of the chair shown inFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the backrest of the chair shown inFIG. 11 . -
FIGS. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views of a fabric attachment device including a spline. -
FIGS. 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views of a fabric attachment device including a J-hook. -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of left side support. -
FIG. 18 is a front view of the side support shown inFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 19 is a side view of the side support shown inFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the side support taken along line 20-20 ofFIG. 19 . -
FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a fabric attachment member taken along line 21 ofFIG. 19 . -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a chair frame. -
FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of a chair showing first and second suspension elements connected to the frame. -
FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of a chair showing a third suspension element with the first and second suspension elements being omitted for the purpose of clarity. -
FIG. 25 is a partial view of one embodiment of a suspension element connected to a side support. -
FIG. 26 is an enlarged partial view of the suspension element and side support shown inFIG. 25 . -
FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of one embodiment a chair frame. -
FIG. 28 is a side perspective view of the chair frame shown inFIG. 27 . -
FIG. 29 is a side view of the chair frame shown inFIG. 27 . -
FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the chair shown inFIG. 27 . -
FIG. 31 is a partial, exploded perspective view of a chair and a screen. -
FIG. 32 is a partial side view of the chair shown inFIG. 32 with the screen secured thereto. -
FIG. 33 is a plan view of a system showing different configurations of chairs and tables. -
FIG. 34 is a partial side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a chair. -
FIG. 35 is a partial perspective view of the seat, including a cushion. -
FIG. 36 shows an alternative embodiment of a chair with a seat cushion. -
FIG. 37 shows the chair ofFIG. 36 with the seat cushion removed. -
FIG. 38 shows an embodiment of a backrest frame. -
FIG. 39 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a chair. - The terms “top,” “upper,” “bottom” and “lower” are intended to indicate directions when viewing a chair or desk when positioned for use. It should be understood that the term “plurality,” as used herein, means two or more. The term “coupled” means connected to or engaged with, whether directly or indirectly, for example with an intervening member, and does not require the engagement to be fixed or permanent, although it may be fixed or permanent. The term “transverse” means extending across an axis, including without limitation substantially perpendicular to an axis. It should be understood that the use of numerical terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., as used herein does not refer to any particular sequence or order of components; for example “first” and “second” portions may refer to any sequence of such portions, and is not limited to the first and second portions of a particular configuration unless otherwise specified.
- Referring to
FIGS. 11-30 , asuspension chair 2 has a seat portion 4 and abackrest portion 6. Thechair 2 includes aframe 8 having a base 10 and a fixedsupport 12 extending upwardly from the base, with the fixedsupport 12 defining part of the backrest portion and the base defining part of the seat portion. The term “fixed” means not moveable, such that thesupport 12 is not moveable relative to thebase 10, but rather remains stationary. Thebase 10 and seat portion 4 have a substantially square footprint in plan view, with thefront corner FIG. 2 , thefront corner side 16 of the chair to theother side 18, for example when situating themselves with their legs under adesk 200. The front corner may be squared off and form a right angle in plan view in situations where the chair is part of a modular arrangement with other seating surfaces being positioned adjacent the chair such that the arrangement provides a continuous, linear edge along the adjacent edges. - The fixed
support 12 includes a pair ofside members center support 26 may also be angled along a diagonal direction extending from a front to a rear corner of the base, or may be vertically oriented. Anupper portion 28 is connected to theside members 22 andcenter support 26. Theupper portion 28 is configured as a horizontal platform in one embodiment, with linearrear edges curved transition portion 38 extending therebetween. The upper portion surface includes side edges 40, 42 lying perpendicular to one another, and connecting the rear andfront edges upper portion platform 28 defines an armrest and has a width War suitable for supporting an arm of a user, or otherwise providing a planar support surface. Theplatform 28 may be made of a fabricated steel frame. The platform is covered by a fabric layer, as further explained below, but may also include acushion layer 33, such as foam, and/or an additional translucent spacer layer. - The
base 10 defines asecond platform 46, or shelf, vertically spaced from and directly underlying the upper portion, or armrest, with linearrear edges rear edges FIGS. 36, 37 and 49 , theplatform 46 includes afront perimeter portion 47 that may support the suspension member, or the cushion directly, for example with retainer straps 51. The platform is supported by aperimeter frame 49. In other embodiments, the rear edges may be offset from the upper edges, or may be curved or have other profiles. The base further defines the footprint of the seat portion 4, which may include aseat frame 52 defining anopening 54 in front of thesecond platform 46 and one or moreflexible suspension members 56 put in tension across the opening of the frame. The suspension member, of the seat and backrest, may be formed from a plurality ofelastomeric straps 58, as disclosed in U.S. Publication Nos. 2005/0279591, entitled “Load Bearing Surface,” and U.S. Publication No. 2012/0237719, entitled “Load Bearing Support Surface,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Thestraps 58 includeopposite end portions other cushion member 64 supported by the suspension member. Alternatively, the cushion may be supported by a frame without a suspension member. The cushion material has a rear beveled portion as shown inFIGS. 35 and 36 , such that the cushion mates with the bottom of the backrest support surface, which transitions rearwardly. In one embodiment, the cushion may be made of a soft urethane foam. Afabric layer 66 may extend over the cushion and be secured to an edge defined by theframe 52 with anengagement member 68, for example and without limitation by J-hooks as shown inFIG. 16A . The base is supported by a plurality oflegs 70, shown as four, at the four corners thereof. - A first
back support portion 72 has a first linear support surface 78 extending along afirst direction 84. A secondback support portion 74 has a secondlinear support surface 80 extending along asecond direction 86, with thesecond direction 86 being substantially perpendicular to thefirst direction 84. A thirdback support portion 76 has an outwardly facingconcave support surface 82 transitioning between the first and second back support portions. The first, second and thirdback support portions upper portion 28 of the fixed support. As shown inFIG. 23 , the first and secondback support portions second suspension elements second directions second suspension elements normal biasing forces body support portions second directions suspension elements second end portions FIG. 25 ,loops 100 on thesuspension elements hooks 102 extending fromside support elements hooks 102 to engage thesuspension elements FIG. 38 . The suspension elements may alternatively have hook portions that engageopenings 35 formed in theside support elements FIG. 24 , athird suspension element 92 is coupled to the first andsecond suspension elements back support portion 76. The third suspension element applies tension forces to the first and second suspension elements when biased by a user. - The first and second
side support elements side edge sides upper platform 28. In this regard, it should be understood that the suspension elements, including back and seat elements, in some Figures are shown in an exploded configuration without attachment, and they are therefore are not elongated due to a lack of tension being applied thereto. Theside support elements end 96 or edge of the suspension elements as just discussed. Opposite ends 98 of the suspension elements are connected to thecenter support 26. Alternatively, two or more of thesuspension elements side support elements center support 26, with tension vectors being applied inperpendicular directions center support 26 and the first and secondside support elements - Referring to
FIG. 34 , it should be understood in one embodiment that the first and second side support elements may be omitted altogether, with the suspension elements coupled to the side members 522, which are disposed adjacent thesides FIG. 13 . In addition, therear surface 524 of the backrest, including the bottom of theshelf 28 may be covered with afabric 526, with the overall thickness of the backrest, including the side members and front and rear fabric layers, having a thickness (e.g., 1.5 inches) and inclination similar to awall 222 of an adjoiningdesk 200. - In one embodiment, the first and second
side support elements second directions second brace members first end 124 connected to and bracing the first and secondside support elements second directions second suspension elements brace members opposite end portions 126 connected to thecenter support 26, and/or to the fixedupper portion 28. In one embodiment, the connection of the end portion allows for rotation of the brace member as the opposite end thereof moves with the side supports. For example theends 126 of the brace members may be pivotally connected to the fixed upper portion withpivot pads 120. In one embodiment, theupper portion 130 of theside support elements horizontal platform 28. The side support elements may include acurved flange 133 that mates with a brace member and is secured thereto withfasteners 135. Theplatform 28 may also have a frontcurved lip 132. Theside members side support elements gap 134 formed therebetween, such that theside support elements brace members curved portion 124 to mate with the upper portion of the side support elements, with the brace members being secured to the side supports with a plurality of fasteners. It should be understood that the members may be joined by welding, tabs, or other known and suitable connection devices. The back portion includes abottom frame member 136, and three straps or stanchions, which are connected to thebase frame 52. - A
fabric layer 140, such as a knit fabric, covers and is supported by the first andsecond suspension elements support platform 28 so as to provide a uniform and continuous appearance to the back support. In various embodiments, thefabric layer 140 may be in direct contact with said first and second suspension elements, or may have a cushion, such as foam or clear spacer material, interposed therebetween. As shown inFIG. 15A , thefabric 140 overlies and wraps around theside support elements edge portion 144 disposed in agroove 146 facing outwardly from a side surface of theside support element spline 142 is attached to thefabric edge 144 and is inserted into the groove to securely hold the fabric. Referring toFIG. 15B , abracket 148 is secured along arear edge platform 28, and defines agroove 150. Aspline 152 attached to thefabric edge portion 144 is inserted into thegroove 150 to securely hold the fabric along therear edge FIG. 16 b, abottom edge 144 of the fabric includes anengagement member 154, such as a J-hook, that engages acatch portion 156 extending from the frame. In this way, the fabric is secured along alledges 144 thereof. The bottom of theside support elements catch portion 158, as shown inFIG. 21 , that engages theengagement member 154, such as a J-hook, secured to the fabric. - In operation, a user may be seated in the chair 1 and lean against the first and second
back support portions suspension elements side support elements upper portion 130 of the side support moves toward and away from the fixedsupport 28. For example, in one embodiment, the upper portion moves about 1 inch, although in various embodiments the upper portion may move between 0.25 inches and 2.00 inches. - In various embodiments, a chair, or bench, may be made with a linear back, each side of which has a flexible
side support element side support elements FIG. 3 , or have a bench unit interposed therebetween, as further explained below. - Referring to
FIGS. 2, 3, 31 and 32 , ascreen 160 may be secured to one or both of the rear sides of the chair. The screen has abottom edge 162 supported by a pair ofbrackets 166 secured to the frame of the chair. The brackets have alip 168 that wraps around and engages a rear surface of the screen. Apin 170 is inserted through anopening 164 in the middle of the screen and is releasably coupled to abracket 172 secured to theplatform 28, for example, with a push pin detent mechanism. Thepin 170 may actuated and removed such that thescreen 160 may be lifted off of the brackets. A pair of screens may be mounted to the rear sides of the chair. - Referring to
FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-10 , adesk 200 is shown as including aworksurface 202 having aside edge 204 and opposite front andrear edges worksurface 200 is vertically spaced so as to defineleg space 210 beneath each of the front and rear edges. The worksurface is supported on opposite ends by first andsecond support structures storage cabinet 216 supporting the worksurface and a pair oflegs 218 supporting the storage cabinet in a vertically spaced relationship to the floor. Thestorage 216 may be part of acentral spine assembly 219, with one ormore worksurfaces 202 being supported thereby and extending orthogonal to the spine as shown inFIG. 4 .Additional storage 217 may be situated above theworksurface 202. Thesecond support 214 includes awall 220 that is oriented at an angle .alpha. relative to a vertical plane, with the orientation lying substantially co-planar to the inclination of the seat back supports 72, 74. The second support further includes afirst shelf 222 underlying the worksurface and extending outwardly from thewall 220. Theshelf 222 has an edge 224 underlying and aligned with theedge 204 of the worksurface. In one embodiment, theshelf 222 has a thickness T and depth D substantially the same as the thickness of theplatform 46 of the chair. In other embodiments, theshelves - In operation, a
chair 2 is positioned adjacent therear edge 208 of the worksurface as shown inFIG. 4 . The chair includes aback support element 74 having aside 18 positioned adjacent therear edge 208 such that theback support portion 72 is spaced from therear edge 208 in a substantially parallel relationship and defines an ingress andegress opening 230 between theback support portion 72 and therear edge 208. Theside edge 204 of theworksurface 202 and therear edge 32 of theplatform 28 or armrest are substantially aligned and coplanar in one embodiment. The upper surface of theshelf 46 defined by the base of the chair lies substantially coplanar with the upper surface of theshelf 222 of the worksurface. In one embodiment, theshelves wall 220 is substantially co-planar with the rear surface of theback support portion 74. The upper surface of thearmrest platform 28 is substantially coplanar with theupper surface 200 of the worksurface. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , one or more tables 300 may be positioned adjacent one ormore chairs 2, with the tables having anupper worksurface 302 lying substantially coplanar with the upper surface of theplanar armrest platform 28 of one of thechairs 2 as further explained below. The tables 300 may be square or rectangular, as shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 7 , or have any other shape. The tables may have ashelf 310 underlying the worksurface that is co-planar with theshelf 46 of the chair. - Referring to
FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 33 , a modular furniture kit includes a plurality ofchairs 2. In one configuration, a pair ofchairs 2 is arranged withrear surfaces planar armrest platform 28 define a T-shape in plan view. In another configuration, fourchairs 2 are arranged withrear surfaces planar armrest platforms 28 define a X-shape in plan view. In another configuration, a pair ofchairs 2 having L-shaped armrests alone, or in combination with a third chair, orbench 400, having a back support portion with a linear rear edge 404 andupper surface 402 defining a planar armrest surface, are arranged with the rear surfaces being aligned such that the planar armrests define a U-shape in plan view. - In another embodiment, at least one table 300 having an
upper worksurface 302 lying substantially coplanar with the upper surfaces of theplanar armrest platforms 28 is positioned between pairs of chairs arranged in either the T-shaped configuration or the U-shaped configuration. - In another embodiment, a pair of
chairs 2 are arranged with therear surfaces rear surfaces rear surface side - As shown in
FIG. 33 , other combinations ofchairs 2 and tables 300 are shown. In addition,various screens 160 may be secured to the chairs in the different arrangements. - Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.
Claims (18)
1. A furniture arrangement comprising:
a worksurface having a side edge and opposite front and rear edges, the worksurface vertically spaced so as to define leg space beneath each of the front and rear edges; and
a chair positioned adjacent the rear edge of the worksurface, the chair having a backrest defined by first and second back support portions extending in first and second directions, wherein the first and second back support portions are substantially perpendicular, and wherein the first back support portion has an end positioned adjacent the rear edge of the worksurface such that the second back support portion is spaced from the rear edge of the worksurface and defines an ingress and egress opening between the second back support portion and the rear edge of the worksurface, and wherein the first and second back support portions and the rear edge of the worksurface define a U-shaped occupancy space in plan view.
2. The furniture arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the side edge and the rear edge of the worksurface are substantially linear, wherein a rear edge of each of the first and second back support portions is substantially linear, and wherein the rear edge of the first back support portion is substantially aligned with the side edge of the worksurface, and the rear edge of the second back support portion is substantially parallel to the rear edge of the worksurface.
3. The furniture arrangement of claim 2 , wherein an upper surface of the first and second back support portions is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of the worksurface.
4. The furniture arrangement of claim 3 , wherein the upper surface of the first and second back support portions comprises a planar armrest surface.
5. The furniture arrangement of claim 4 , further comprising a first shelf underlying and coupled to the worksurface, wherein the chair further includes a second shelf underlying the armrest surface of the first back support portion, and wherein the first and second shelves are substantially coplanar.
6. The furniture arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the backrest further comprises a curved back support portion extending between the first and second back support portions.
7. The furniture arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the worksurface is supported by first and second support structures, and wherein at least one of the first and second support structures includes a shelf.
8. The furniture arrangement of claim 7 , wherein the other of the first and second support structures includes a storage cabinet.
9. The furniture arrangement of claim 7 , wherein the shelf extends outwardly from a wall, and wherein the wall is oriented substantially co-planar to a support surface of the first back support portion.
10. A furniture arrangement comprising:
a worksurface having a side edge and opposite front and rear edges, the worksurface vertically spaced so as to define leg space beneath each of the front and rear edges; and
a chair including a backrest defined by first and second back support portions, the first and second back support portions extending substantially perpendicular, wherein the first back support portion extends parallel to the side edge of the worksurface and the second back support portion extends parallel to the rear edge of the work surface, and wherein the first back support portion is in contact with the rear edge of the worksurface.
11. The furniture arrangement of claim 10 , wherein the first and second back support portions and the rear edge of the worksurface define a U-shaped occupancy space in plan view.
12. The furniture arrangement of claim 10 , wherein the first back support portion includes an upper surface that is substantially co-planar with an upper surface of the work surface.
13. The furniture arrangement of claim 12 , where the second back support portion includes an upper surface that is substantially co-planar with the upper surface of the first back support portion, and wherein the upper surfaces of the first and second back support portions comprises a planar armrest surface.
14. The furniture arrangement of claim 10 , further comprising a first shelf underlying and coupled to the worksurface, and wherein the chair further includes a second shelf underlying the first and second back support portions.
15. The furniture arrangement of claim 14 , wherein the first shelf and the second shelf are co-planar.
16. The furniture arrangement of claim 10 , wherein a wall extends below the worksurface, and wherein the wall is oriented substantially co-planar to a support surface of the first back support portion.
17. The furniture arrangement of claim 10 , wherein the side edge and the rear edge of the worksurface are substantially linear, wherein a rear edge of each of the first and second back support portions is substantially linear, and wherein the rear edge of the first back support portion is substantially aligned with the side edge of the worksurface, and the rear edge of the second back support portion is substantially parallel to the rear edge of the worksurface.
18. The furniture arrangement of claim 10 , wherein the backrest further comprises a curved back support portion extending between the first and second back support portions.
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-
2014
- 2014-03-14 AU AU2014228093A patent/AU2014228093B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2014-03-14 MX MX2015012649A patent/MX2015012649A/en unknown
- 2014-03-14 WO PCT/US2014/028029 patent/WO2014143873A2/en active Application Filing
- 2014-03-14 CN CN201480027754.4A patent/CN105263365A/en active Pending
- 2014-03-14 US US14/213,425 patent/US9414673B2/en active Active
- 2014-03-14 JP JP2016502689A patent/JP2016518163A/en active Pending
- 2014-03-14 CA CA2906090A patent/CA2906090A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-03-14 BR BR112015023327A patent/BR112015023327A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2014-03-14 EP EP14763707.8A patent/EP2967215A4/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2016
- 2016-07-20 HK HK16108606.1A patent/HK1220593A1/en unknown
- 2016-08-16 US US15/238,160 patent/US20160353888A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MX2015012649A (en) | 2016-06-21 |
WO2014143873A2 (en) | 2014-09-18 |
JP2016518163A (en) | 2016-06-23 |
CN105263365A (en) | 2016-01-20 |
US20140312661A1 (en) | 2014-10-23 |
EP2967215A2 (en) | 2016-01-20 |
US9414673B2 (en) | 2016-08-16 |
BR112015023327A2 (en) | 2017-07-18 |
CA2906090A1 (en) | 2014-09-18 |
AU2014228093B2 (en) | 2018-07-19 |
WO2014143873A3 (en) | 2014-12-04 |
EP2967215A4 (en) | 2016-11-16 |
HK1220593A1 (en) | 2017-05-12 |
AU2014228093A1 (en) | 2015-10-08 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |