Chair with snap-fit assembly

Abstract

A chair designed for quick, intuitive, and tool-free assembly includes a seat cushion, a seat plate supporting the seat cushion, and a seat back frame. The seat plate is equipped with multiple seat plate fasteners configured to engage with corresponding back frame fasteners located on the seat back frame. At least one pair of corresponding fasteners utilizes a snap-fit mechanism that generates audible feedback to clearly indicate secure engagement. Additionally, pivotal connections between certain fastener pairs allow the seat plate to rotate relative to the seat back frame, facilitating convenient assembly. The chair also incorporates a magnetic engagement assembly designed to magnetically hold the seat plate securely in a rotated position, allowing for stable yet easily detachable assembly. The chair components are preferably plastic and formed via injection molding, providing an efficient, tool-free, user-friendly assembly process suitable for DIY or retail assembly upon product arrival.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a chair, and more particularly, to a tool-free chair having snap-on fasteners that provide audible feedback during secure assembly, and combined with pivot connections and magnetic components to provide convenient operation and transport functionality. Prior Technology

[0002] Chairs that can be assembled by the end user are becoming increasingly popular in various markets, especially in the home and office furniture sectors. Traditional chair designs typically require screws, bolts, and tools (such as screwdrivers or Allen wrenches) to ensure the components can be safely assembled. While this type of design offers reliability, it also has several drawbacks, including long assembly times, cumbersome steps, and the possibility that incorrect assembly can affect the chair's functionality. These issues are particularly pronounced in markets where DIY (self-assembly) furniture is prevalent, as consumers prefer products that can be assembled quickly and intuitively.

[0003] In addition, traditional assembly methods using screws and other hardware result in higher production costs, including labor-intensive manufacturing processes, additional costs for packaging multiple components, and increased transportation costs due to the larger packaging volume required when transporting chairs in their fully assembled state.

[0004] Therefore, there is a clear market demand for improved chair designs that should have reliable tool-free assembly mechanisms, intuitive assembly confirmation mechanisms, easy repositioning or storage methods, and robust structures suitable for repeated use without significant wear or deformation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an improved chair that overcomes the shortcomings of traditional chairs. The chair allows for quick and intuitive tool-free assembly and disassembly, and employs specially designed snap-fit ​​fasteners and magnetic coupling elements to enhance ease of use and assembly efficiency.

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention provides a chair comprising a seat cushion, a seat board, and a backrest frame. The seat board is configured to support the seat cushion and includes a plurality of seat board fasteners, while the backrest frame includes corresponding backrest frame fasteners. The seat board and the backrest frame can be assembled without tools through a snap-fit ​​mechanism, thereby greatly simplifying and speeding up the assembly process.

[0007] On the other hand, the invention includes a audible snap-fit ​​mechanism. At least one set of fasteners includes an inverted U-shaped fastener disposed on the seat plate, which engages with a corresponding fastener disposed on the backrest frame, the corresponding fastener having vertical and horizontal protrusions. During assembly, the inverted U-shaped fastener temporarily deforms upon interfering with the vertical protrusion, then springs back downwards after passing the vertical protrusion and strikes the horizontal protrusion, producing a clear audible feedback to confirm secure locking.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a pivot connection mechanism disposed on the side of the seat plate and the backrest frame, which enables the seat plate to rotate relative to the backrest frame, thereby providing controlled rotation and accurate alignment during assembly.

[0009] The present invention also provides a magnetic locking mechanism configured to maintain the seat plate in an upwardly rotatable position relative to the backrest frame. This magnetic locking mechanism securely fixes the seat plate while still allowing the user to easily unlock it manually, significantly improving convenience and functionality, and is particularly suitable for the transportation and storage of the chair.

[0010] In another embodiment, the seat and backrest frame can be manufactured by injection molding to form plastic parts, providing the material flexibility required for snap-fit ​​fasteners while ensuring structural durability and lightweight design, making them more suitable for transportation and handling.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention provides a user-friendly, reliable and efficient chair assembly solution that significantly improves ease of use and reduces the difficulties and problems commonly encountered in the assembly process of traditional chairs.

[0012] To make the above-mentioned features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the following description, explain the principles and features of the invention. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a chair according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A is a perspective view of the bottom of the seat of the chair. Figure 2B is an enlarged partial perspective view of the fastener at the bottom of the seat plate shown in Figure 2A. Figure 2C is a perspective view of the upper surface of the seat plate, showing the side in contact with the seat cushion. Figure 2D is an enlarged partial perspective view of the seat plate portion shown in Figure 2C. Figure 3A is a perspective view of the chair back frame of this embodiment, showing the configuration of the corresponding fasteners. Figure 3B is an enlarged partial perspective view of the chair back frame shown in Figure 3A, clearly showing the protrusion set on the central fastener. Figure 4 is a side view showing the pivotal connection and magnetic engagement mechanism between the seat plate and the backrest frame when the seat plate rotates relative to the backrest frame. Implementation

[0014] The following detailed description provides a clear and complete illustration of various embodiments and features of the present invention, supplemented by the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent corresponding components.

[0015] Please refer to Figure 1, which shows a chair according to an embodiment of the present invention. The chair 100 generally includes a seat cushion 105, a seat plate 110, and a backrest frame 120. The seat plate 110 is configured to support the seat cushion 105, while the backrest frame 120 provides back support. The seat cushion 105 is typically made of a soft or semi-soft material (e.g., foam) and covered with fabric, leather, or other suitable materials to provide comfort and aesthetics.

[0016] Referring to Figures 2A to 2D, the seat plate 110 has an upper surface 116 (as shown in Figure 2C) and a lower surface 115 (as shown in Figure 2A). The upper surface 116 faces and directly supports the seat cushion 105, while the lower surface 115 faces away from the seat cushion 105 and includes structural features for assembly with the backrest frame 120. In this embodiment, the seat plate 110 is made of plastic material and manufactured by injection molding to ensure its durability, lightweight design, and provide appropriate flexibility to facilitate the operation of the snap-fit ​​mechanism described later.

[0017] Please refer to Figures 3A and 3B. The backrest frame 120 provides back support for the user when seated and is typically made of a sturdy plastic material, and in this embodiment, it is also manufactured by injection molding. The backrest frame 120 includes multiple fasteners (described in detail later) designed to directly engage with corresponding fasteners (described in detail later) on the seat plate 110, thereby achieving a tool-free assembly process.

[0018] The above description of the structure lays the foundation for the subsequent explanation of the unique fastening mechanism and assembly method of the present invention. Its design and operating principle will be further explained in detail below.

[0019] Please refer specifically to Figures 2A-2D and 3A-3B. The chair 100 of this embodiment features an innovative tool-free assembly mechanism that enables rapid assembly without tools through specially designed snap-fit ​​fasteners. As shown in the figures, the seat 110 has multiple seat fasteners that are strategically configured to cooperate with corresponding backrest frame fasteners on the backrest frame 120.

[0020] In this embodiment, the seat fasteners provided on the seat plate 110 include at least three different types of fasteners, including two side seat plate fasteners 111 and 113 and a central seat plate fastener 112. Correspondingly, the backrest frame 120 includes corresponding side backrest frame fasteners 121 and 123 and a central backrest frame fastener 122. The two side fasteners 111 and 113 on the seat plate 110 are identical to each other, and correspondingly, the two side fasteners 121 and 123 on the backrest frame 120 are also identical to each other.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2B and 3B, the central seat plate fastener 112 has an inverted U-shaped structure, which serves as an elastic clamp and cooperates with the central backrest frame fastener 122. In this embodiment, the central backrest frame fastener 122 includes two protrusions: a first protrusion 1221 extending vertically and a second protrusion 1222 extending horizontally.

[0022] During assembly, the inverted U-shaped central seat fastener 112 initially contacts the vertical first protrusion 1221. This initial contact causes the fastener 112 to elastically deform due to interference, bending upwards. After passing the vertical protrusion 1221, the fastener 112 suddenly springs back downwards and impacts the horizontal protrusion 1222. This snapping action produces a clear audible feedback to indicate to the assembler that the seat 110 and the backrest frame 120 have been successfully and securely assembled.

[0023] This intuitive snap-fit ​​design significantly reduces assembly complexity and time compared to traditional screw-based furniture assembly methods, and can be completed without the use of any tools. Furthermore, a audible snap-fit ​​mechanism further enhances ease of use and ensures user confidence in the assembly's sturdiness and stability.

[0024] Referring specifically to Figures 1 and 4, another important feature of the present invention relates to the pivotal connection and magnetic engagement mechanism between the seat plate 110 and the backrest frame 120. The side seat plate fasteners 111 and 113 and their corresponding side backrest frame fasteners 121 and 123 are designed for pivotal connection. This pivotal connection allows the seat plate 110 to rotate relative to the backrest frame 120, facilitating the operation, storage, and transportation of the chair 100. In this embodiment, the side seat plate fasteners 111 and 113 and the side backrest frame fasteners 121 and 123 for pivotal connection are symmetrically arranged on the sides of the seat plate 110 and the backrest frame 120, respectively, to provide stable rotation and precise alignment during assembly and disassembly.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the present invention includes a magnetic engagement mechanism, which includes a magnetic element 114. In this embodiment, the magnetic element 114 is disposed on the seat plate 110 and engages with a corresponding magnetic element 124 disposed on the backrest frame 120. When the seat plate 110 rotates upward relative to the backrest frame 120, the magnetic element 114 engages magnetically with the corresponding magnetic element 124, thereby stably maintaining the seat plate 110 in the upward rotation position. In other embodiments, the magnetic element 114 may also be disposed on the backrest frame 120, and the corresponding magnetic element 124 may also be replaced with a metal element that can be attracted by a magnet.

[0026] Furthermore, the magnetic engagement mechanism is specially designed to apply sufficient magnetic force to ensure that the seat plate 110 can be firmly held in the desired position, while allowing the user to easily and manually release the seat plate 110 when needed. This feature significantly improves convenience, allowing the user to easily rotate the seat plate to a suitable sitting position or fold it upwards for efficient storage or transportation.

[0027] The combination of the pivot connection and magnetic engagement mechanism ensures the reliability and flexibility of the chair, further enhancing its ease of use and practicality.

[0028] In summary, the chair in the above embodiment significantly improves the convenience and efficiency of assembly through its innovative snap-fit ​​fasteners. These fasteners provide intuitive and audible feedback to confirm that the assembly is secure. Furthermore, the combination of a pivot connection and a magnetic engagement mechanism further enhances user convenience, allowing the chair to be easily adjusted, folded, stored, and transported.

[0029] By omitting traditional screws and bolts, this invention significantly simplifies the assembly process, making it particularly suitable for consumer self-assembly (DIY) or as a cost-effective assembly method for retailers after product delivery. This innovative assembly method not only enhances the user experience but also effectively reduces related transportation and storage costs due to its compact and partially assembled state.

[0030] Furthermore, the chairs in the above embodiments are made of resilient materials, such as injection-molded plastic, to ensure that the chairs have good structural strength, durability, and flexibility, and can withstand multiple assembly and disassembly without significant wear or deformation. The adaptability of this design also allows for further customization and modification to meet the needs of different users and market requirements.

[0031] Therefore, the chair described above represents a significant technological breakthrough in the field of furniture design, providing practical advantages for manufacturers, retailers, and end users, and successfully meeting the industry's long-standing need for user-friendly, durable, and affordable seating solutions.

[0032] In addition to the embodiments described above, the present invention also considers various alternative structures, modifications and variations, all of which should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] For example, the specific geometry and dimensions of the fasteners, protrusions, and magnetic elements described above can be adjusted according to manufacturing requirements, desired assembly force, or aesthetic considerations. Furthermore, while the present invention preferably uses plastic injection molding as the manufacturing method to achieve excellent flexibility, lightweight, and cost-effectiveness, other materials and processes, such as die casting, extrusion molding, or 3D printing, can also be used as alternatives or auxiliary manufacturing methods to achieve different functional requirements or design goals.

[0034] Furthermore, although the present invention primarily describes the use of permanent magnets as the magnetic engagement mechanism, other magnetic systems, such as electromagnets or combinations thereof, may also be used to provide adjustable magnetic attraction force according to user needs or operating conditions.

[0035] The invention also covers other possible variations, such as integrating additional ergonomic or aesthetic designs into the cushion, seat plate, or backrest frame, such as, but not limited to, lumbar support structures, cushioning elements of different densities or hardness, and surface treatments or coatings that enhance appearance or comfort.

[0036] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

[0037] 100:Chair 105: Seat Cushion 110: Seat board 111: Side seat plate fastener 112: Central seat plate fastener 113: Side seat plate fastener 115: Lower surface 116: Upper surface 120: Chair back frame 121: Side chair back frame fasteners 122: Central chair back frame fastener 1221: First protrusion 1222: Second protrusion 123: Side chair back frame fasteners 114: Magnetic components 124: Corresponding magnetic element

Claims

1. A chair comprising: a seat cushion; a seat panel configured to support the seat cushion, and including a pair of side seat panel fasteners and a central seat panel fastener; and a backrest frame including a pair of side backrest frame fasteners respectively capable of engaging with the side seat panel fasteners, and a central backrest frame fastener capable of engaging with the central seat panel fastener; wherein, The side seat plate fastener and the side backrest frame fastener together form a pivot connection, allowing the seat plate to rotate relative to the backrest frame during assembly. The central seat plate fastener is an inverted U-shaped fastener configured to elastically deform upwards as it passes over a first protrusion extending vertically through the central backrest frame fastener, and then rebounds after passing the first protrusion to strike a second protrusion extending horizontally through the central backrest frame fastener, providing audible audible feedback to indicate that the fastener has been locked. This allows the seat plate to be detachably assembled to the backrest frame via rotation and a snap-fit ​​engagement.

2. The chair as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a magnetic element disposed in at least one of the seat plate or the backrest frame; and a corresponding magnetic element or a metal element configured to magnetically engage with the magnetic element and disposed on the other of the seat plate or the backrest frame; wherein, The magnetic element attracts the corresponding magnetic element or the metal element to maintain the seat plate in an rotatable position relative to the backrest frame.

3. The chair as claimed in claim 2, wherein the magnetic element provides sufficient magnetic force to securely hold the seat in the rotatable position while allowing the user to easily disengage manually.

4. The chair as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat and the backrest frame are plastic parts manufactured by injection molding.

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