Tablet arm for nesting chair

Abstract

According to various embodiments of the present invention, a tablet arm for a nesting chair including a first rigid support member affixed to a nesting chair, a second rigid support member swivelably coupled to the first rigid support member, a tablet rotatably and slidably coupled to the second rigid support member by a collar, a first stop coupled with the second rigid support member and configured to abut one end of the collar in the tablet's forward operable position, and a second stop coupled with the second rigid support member and configured to abut another end of the collar in the tablet's rearward operable position. According to some embodiments, a plurality of nesting chairs having swiveling rotatable tablets movable from an operable position to a nested position, the tablets positioned over seatbacks of the chairs in the nested position and configured to slide horizontally in the operable position.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field[0002]Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to office furniture, and more particularly to swiveling, rotating tablet arms for nesting chairs.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Current chairs featuring tablet arms are often unable to be nested or stacked together to efficiently save space, because the tablet arms are often immovable. Some current nesting chairs featuring movable tablet arms often require complex mechanical joints to permit rotation of tablet arm components about a series of closely-connected axes. Tablet rotation with such closely-spaced and complex joints detracts from the durability of the tablet rotation mechanism and increases manufacturing costs. In addition, current tablet arms for nesting chairs are unable to permit horizontal translation of the tablet in the tablet arm's operable position. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a tablet arm for a nesting chair which swivels in a horizontal plane, slides in a ho...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first stop and the second stop may be formed by a U-shaped bracket attached to the second rigid support member in a manner such as welding, and the tablet may be configured to rest against the U-shaped bracket in an operable position. According to some embodiments, the U-shaped bracket includes a crossbar piece substantially parallel to the second rigid support member, such that the top of the crossbar piece and the top of the collar form a substantially horizontal pl...

Problems solved by technology

Current chairs featuring tablet arms are often unable to be nested or stacked together to efficiently save space, because the tablet arms are often immovable.

Some current nesting chairs featuring movable tablet arms often require complex mechanical joints to permit rotation of tablet arm components about a series of closely-connected axes.

Tablet rotation with such closely-spaced and complex joints detracts from the durability of the tablet rotation mechanism and increases manufacturing costs.

In addition, current tablet arms for nesting chairs are unable to permit horizontal translation of the tablet in the tablet arm's operable position.

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