Seating arrangement

Abstract

Seating arrangement, which includes an upwardly extending backrest arrangement capable of moving between an upright position and a reclined position, and a seat arrangement including a first coupling member that extends horizontally and has forward and rearward portions, a second coupling member spaced apart from the first coupling member, a third coupling member coupled to the first and second coupling members and being substantially flexible along most of its length, and a fourth coupling member operatively coupled to the first and second coupling members, the fourth coupling member being substantially rigid along most of its length, wherein the coupling members cooperate to form a linkage device, and wherein when the backrest arrangement moves between the upright position and the reclined position, the seat arrangement moves rearward.

Description

[0001] This patent application is a divisional application; the filing date of its original application is April 12, 2016, the application number is 201680034563.X, and the invention title is "Seating Arrangement". The original application is an international application, its international application number is PCT / US2016 / 027115, the international filing date is April 12, 2016, and the date of entry into the Chinese national phase is December 13, 2017. Technical Field

[0002] Various embodiments relate to a seating arrangement, and more particularly to a seating arrangement that includes various combinations of a pair of flexible and resilient shell members, flexible and resilient support members, and rigid support members that cooperate to form a deformable and flexible and resilient four-bar linkage, and an active backrest arrangement having movement that can be independent of the movement of an associated seat support arrangement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, the seating arrangement includes a backrest arrangement that extends upwardly between an upright position and a reclined position, and a seat arrangement that includes a first coupling member that extends generally horizontally and has a forward portion and a rearward portion and is configured to support a user seated thereon, a second coupling member spaced apart from the first coupling member, a third coupling member operatively coupled to the forward portion of the first coupling member and the second coupling member, the third coupling member being generally flexible along most of its length, and a fourth coupling member operatively coupled to the rearward portion of the first coupling member and the second coupling member, the fourth coupling member being generally rigid along most of its length. The first coupling member, the second coupling member, the third coupling member, and the fourth coupling member cooperate to form a linkage device, and the seat arrangement is configured to move in a rearward direction when the backrest arrangement moves between the upright position and the reclined position.

[0004] In another embodiment, the seat arrangement includes a first housing member having a first portion extending substantially horizontally and a second portion extending substantially upwardly from the first portion, the first portion including a forward portion, a rearward portion, and a central portion located between the forward portion and the rearward portion, the second portion being movable between an upright position and a reclined position, and a second housing member having a first portion extending substantially horizontally and at least partially separated from the first portion of the first housing member, and a second portion extending substantially upwardly from the first portion of the second housing member, the first portion of the second housing member including a forward portion and a rearward portion, the second portion of the second housing member being movable between an upright position and a reclined position. The seat arrangement further includes a first coupling member extending between the first portion of the first housing member and the first portion of the second housing member and operatively coupled to the first portion of the first housing member and the first portion of the second housing member, and a second coupling member extending between the first portion of the first housing member and the first portion of the second housing member, the second coupling member being located behind the first coupling member. The first portion of the first housing member, the first portion of the second housing member, the first coupling member, and the second coupling member cooperate to form a linkage device. The central portion of the first portion of the first housing member flexes more than the rearward portion of the first portion of the first housing member, and the rearward portion of the second housing member flexes more than the forward portion of the second housing member, and when the second portions of the first housing member and the second housing member move from the upright position to the reclined position, the first coupling member flexes along most of the length of the first coupling member while the second coupling member remains substantially rigid along most of the length of the second coupling member.

[0005] In yet another embodiment, the seating arrangement includes a seat portion assembly that includes a first coupling member extending generally horizontally and configured to support a user seated thereon. The first coupling member has a first end and a second end. A second coupling member is at least partially spaced from the first coupling member. The second coupling member has a first end and a second end. A third coupling member is operatively coupled to the first end of the first coupling member and the first end of the second coupling member. A fourth coupling member is operatively coupled to the second end of the first coupling member and the second end of the second coupling member such that the first coupling member, the second coupling member, the third coupling member, and the fourth coupling member cooperate to form a linkage device having an internal space. The seating arrangement further includes a backrest assembly extending generally upwardly from the first coupling member and movable between an upright position and a reclined position. A support member is at least partially located within the internal space of the four-bar linkage. The support member is configured to remain generally stationary relative to the ground as the backrest assembly moves between the upright position and the reclined position. An arm support assembly includes an armrest surface configured to support the arms of the seated user. The arm support assembly is coupled to and supported by the support member such that the armrest surface remains generally stationary relative to the ground as the backrest assembly moves between the upright position and the reclined position.

[0006] In another embodiment, the seating arrangement includes a seat portion arrangement that includes a first coupling member extending generally horizontally and configured to support a user seated thereon. The first coupling member has a first end and a second end. A second coupling member is at least partially spaced from the first coupling member and has a first end and a second end. A third coupling member is operatively coupled to the first end of the first coupling member and the first end of the second coupling member, and a fourth coupling member is operatively coupled to the second end of the first coupling member and the second end of the second coupling member such that the first coupling member, the second coupling member, the third coupling member, and the fourth coupling member cooperate to form a linkage device. The seating arrangement further includes a backrest arrangement that extends generally upwardly from the first coupling member and is movable between an upright position and a reclined position. The backrest assembly is operatively coupled to the seat portion arrangement such that when the backrest arrangement moves between the upright position and the reclined position, the first coupling member moves between a forward position and a rearward position. And a stop arrangement including a stop coupling having a first end and a second end, the first end being operatively coupled to at least one of the first coupling member, the second coupling member, and the fourth coupling member such that when the backrest arrangement moves between the upright position and the reclined position, the first end of the stop coupling moves with at least one of the first coupling member, the second coupling member, and the third coupling member, wherein the travel of the second end is restricted relative to the second coupling member to limit the rearward movement of the backrest assembly to the reclined position, and wherein the stop arrangement further includes an elastically deformable stop member configured to limit the forward movement of the backrest arrangement toward the upright position.

[0007] In another embodiment, the seat arrangement includes a seat portion arrangement that includes a first coupling member extending substantially horizontally and configured to support a user seated thereon. The first coupling member has a first end and a second end. A second coupling member is at least partially spaced from the first coupling member and has a first end and a second end. A third coupling member is operatively coupled to the first end of the first coupling member and the first end of the second coupling member, and a fourth coupling member is operatively coupled to the second end of the first coupling member and the second end of the second coupling member such that the first coupling member, the second coupling member, the third coupling member, and the fourth coupling member cooperate to form a linkage device having an internal space. The seat arrangement further includes a backrest arrangement extending generally upwardly from the first coupling member and movable between an upright position and a reclined position. The backrest arrangement is operatively coupled to the seat portion assembly such that when the backrest arrangement moves between the upright position and the reclined position, the first coupling member moves between a forward position and a rearward position, and a stop arrangement that is at least partially located within the internal space of the four-bar linkage and includes a stop member, wherein a first stop surface and a second stop surface are each fixed relative to at least one of the first coupling member, the third coupling member, and the fourth coupling member, wherein the stop member is configured to abut the first stop surface to limit rearward movement of the backrest assembly as the backrest assembly moves from the upright position toward the reclined position, and wherein the stop member is configured to abut the second stop surface to thereby limit forward movement of the backrest arrangement as the backrest assembly moves from the reclined position toward the upright position.

[0008] In another embodiment, the seat arrangement includes a flexible and resilient first housing member having a horizontally extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, and a flexible and resilient second housing member having a horizontally extending first portion that is at least partially spaced from the first portion of the first housing member, and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion of the second housing member and at least partially spaced from the second portion of the first housing member. The seat arrangement further includes a pair of flexible and resilient support members extending between the second portion of the first housing member and the second portion of the second housing member and supporting the second portion of the first housing member from the second portion of the second housing member such that the first portion of the first housing member, the first portion of the second housing member, and the pair of support members cooperate to form a four-bar linkage such that the first portion of the second housing member can move between a forward position and a rearward position, wherein the first portion of the second housing member is more flexible than the first portion of the first housing member, and wherein the pair of flexible members is more flexible than the first portion of the second housing member.

[0009] In another embodiment, the seat arrangement includes a flexible and resilient first housing member having a horizontally extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, wherein the first housing member includes a polymer, and a flexible and resilient second housing member having a horizontally extending first portion at least partially spaced from the first portion of the first housing member, and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion of the second housing member and at least partially spaced from the second portion of the first housing member, wherein the second housing member includes a polymer. The seat arrangement further includes a pair of flexible and resilient support members extending between the second portion of the first housing member and the second portion of the second housing member and supporting the second portion of the first housing member from the second portion of the second housing member such that the first portion of the first housing member, the first portion of the second housing member, and the pair of flexible members cooperate to form a four-bar linkage such that the first portion of the second housing member can move between a forward position and a rearward position, wherein the pair of support members comprises metal.

[0010] In another embodiment, the seat arrangement includes a flexible and resilient first housing member having a horizontally extending first portion, a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, and an arcuate transition portion between the first portion and the second portion, and a flexible and resilient second housing member having a horizontally extending first portion at least partially spaced from the first portion of the first housing member, a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion of the second housing member and at least partially spaced from the second portion of the first housing member, and an arcuate transition portion between the first portion and the second portion of the second housing member, wherein the second portions of both the first housing member and the second housing member are movable between an upright position and a reclined position. The seat arrangement further includes a spacer member coupled to one of the first housing member and the second housing member and spaced from the other of the first housing member and the second housing member when the second portions of the first housing member and the second housing member are in the upright position, and wherein when the second portions of the first housing member and the second housing member are in the reclined position, the spacer member abuts the transition portion of the other housing member.

[0011] There is another embodiment that includes providing a seating arrangement that includes a flexible and resilient first housing member having a horizontally extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, the second portion being movable between an upright position and a reclined position, and a flexible and resilient second housing member having a horizontally extending first portion that is at least partially spaced apart from the first portion of the first housing member and is movable between a forward position and a rearward position, and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion of the second housing member and at least partially spaced apart from the second portion of the first housing member and being flexible between a first position and a second position. The seating arrangement further includes a coupling member that couples the second housing member to the second portion of the first housing member such that movement of the second portion of the first housing member from the upright position to the reclined position moves the first portion of the second housing member from the forward position to the rearward position, and such that flexure of the second portion of the second housing member does not move the first portion of the second housing between the forward position and the rearward position.

[0012] In another embodiment, the seating arrangement includes a flexible and resilient rear housing member having a horizontally extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, the second portion being movable between an upright position and a reclined position, a backrest support member located in front of the second portion of the rear housing member and configured to support the back of a seated user, the backrest support member having an aperture extending therethrough; and a seat housing member configured to support a seated user and including a forward portion and a rearward portion, coupled to the second portion of the rear housing member by the aperture extending through the backrest support member such that movement of the second portion of the rear housing member between the upright and reclined positions moves the seat housing member between a first position and a second position.

[0013] In another embodiment, the seating arrangement includes a flexible and resilient rear housing member having a horizontally extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, the second portion being movable between an upright position and a reclined position, a flexible and resilient backrest support member located in front of the second portion of the rear housing member and configured to support the back of a seated user, and a seat housing member configured to support a seated user and including a forward portion and a rearward portion coupled to the second portion of the rear housing member such that moving the second portion of the rear housing member between the upright and reclined positions moves the seat housing member from a first position to a second position without flexing the backrest support member.

[0014] In another embodiment, the seat arrangement includes a flexible and resilient rear housing member having a first portion extending horizontally and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, the second portion being movable between an upright position and a reclined position, a flexible and resilient backrest support member located in front of the second portion of the rear housing member and configured to support the back of a seated user; and a seat pan housing member configured to support a seated user, wherein moving the second portion of the rear housing member between the upright and reclined positions moves the seat pan housing member between a forward position and a rearward position. The seat arrangement further includes a pair of support members extending between the second portion of the rear housing member and the seat pan housing member and supporting the seat pan housing member from the second portion of the rear housing member such that the first portion of the first housing member, the first portion of the second housing member, and the support members cooperate to form a four-bar linkage, wherein moving the second portion of the rear housing member between the upright and reclined positions moves the seat pan housing member between the forward and rearward positions without flexing the backrest support member.

[0015] In another embodiment, the seat arrangement includes a flexible and resilient rear housing member having a lower portion extending horizontally, an upper portion extending upwardly from the lower portion, and a transition portion located between the lower portion and the upper portion, wherein the upper portion is movable between an upright position and a reclined position. The lower portion includes a U-shaped aperture having a base portion and a pair of arm portions extending forwardly from the base portion. The aperture is configured such that when the upper portion moves from the upright position to the reclined position, a portion of the rear housing member adjacent to the base portion of the U-shaped aperture moves downward.

[0016] In another embodiment, the seat arrangement includes a flexible and resilient rear housing member supported by a support assembly and having a lower portion extending horizontally, an upper portion extending upwardly from the lower portion, and a transition portion located between the lower portion and the upper portion, the upper portion being movable between an upright position and a reclined position. The seat arrangement further includes at least one biasing member coupled to the lower portion of the rear housing member and the upper portion of the rear housing member and biasing the upper portion of the rear housing member from the reclined position to the upright position, and a first stop member fixed relative to the lower portion of the rear housing member, and wherein the at least one biasing member includes a second stop member that abuts the first stop member when the upper portion of the rear housing member is in the reclined position.

[0017] In another embodiment, the seat arrangement includes a flexible and resilient rear housing member having a horizontally extending lower portion, an upper portion extending upwardly from the lower portion, and a transition portion therebetween, wherein the upper portion is movable between an upright position and a reclined position. The lower portion includes a laterally extending aperture configured such that when the upper portion moves from the upright position to the reclined position, a portion of the rear housing member immediately behind the aperture moves downward relative to a portion of the rear housing member immediately in front of the aperture.

[0018] In another embodiment, the seat arrangement includes a flexible and resilient first housing member having a horizontally extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, the second portion being movable between an upright position and a reclined position, wherein the first portion includes an inner portion and at least one outer portion laterally outward of the inner portion, and wherein when the second portion moves between the upright and reclined positions, the inner portion and the outer portion flex to different degrees. The seat arrangement further includes a flexible and resilient second housing member having a horizontally extending first portion and a second portion, the first portion being at least partially spaced from the first portion of the first housing member and movable between an upright position and a reclined position, the second portion extending upwardly from the first portion of the second housing member and being at least partially spaced from the second portion of the first housing, wherein a downward force on the inner portion of the first portion of the first housing exerts a force on the second portion of the second housing from the reclined position toward the upright position.

[0019] In another embodiment, the seat arrangement includes a flexible and resilient first housing member having a horizontally extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, the first portion being configured to support a seated user and including a flexible tab member configured to flex independently of a majority of the first housing member, and the second portion being configured to move between an upright position and a reclined position. The seat arrangement further includes a second housing member having a horizontally extending first portion at least partially spaced from the first portion of the first housing member, and a first support member extending between the first portion of the first housing member and the first portion of the second housing member and supporting the first portion of the first housing member from the first portion of the second housing member, wherein the support member is attached to the tab member of the first portion of the first housing member, and when the second portion of the first housing member moves from the upright position to the reclined position, the tab flexes more than a majority of the first portion of the first housing member.

[0020] In another embodiment, the seating arrangement includes a flexible and resilient first housing member having a horizontally extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, the second portion of the first housing member being movable between an upright position and a reclined position, and a flexible and resilient second housing member having a horizontally extending first portion at least partially spaced from the first portion of the first housing member, and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion of the second housing member and at least partially spaced from the second portion of the second housing member, wherein the first portion of the second housing member includes a thickness reduction region where the thickness of the first portion of the second housing member is less than the thickness of most of the first portion of the second housing member. The seating arrangement further includes a flexible and resilient first support member extending between the second portion of the first housing member and the second portion of the second housing member and supporting the second portion of the first housing member from the second portion of the second housing member, wherein the first support member includes a thickness reduction region where the thickness of the thickness reduction region of the first support member is less than the thickness of most of the first support member. The seating arrangement further includes a second support member extending between the second portion of the first housing member and the second portion of the second housing member and supporting the second portion of the first housing member from the second portion of the second housing member such that the first portion of the first housing member, the first portion of the second housing member, the first support member, and the second support member cooperate to form a four-bar linkage, wherein when the second portion of the first housing member moves from the upright position to the reclined position, the thickness reduction region of the first portion of the second housing member flexes more than most of the first portion of the second housing member, and the thickness reduction region of the first support member flexes more than most of the first support member.

[0021] In another embodiment, the seating arrangement includes a base, a backrest arrangement configured to support a seated user and movable between an upright position and a reclined position, and a seat arrangement configured to support the seated user. The seating arrangement further includes a control mechanism that supports the seat arrangement and the backrest arrangement on the base and is configured to synchronously move the seat arrangement and the backrest arrangement when the backrest arrangement moves between the upright position and the reclined position, the control mechanism of the chair including a hollow element that includes a pair of walls that cooperate to define a cavity and a control rod, and the control rod being positioned to extend into the cavity of the hollow element and interact with the pair of walls of the hollow element such that when the backrest arrangement is in the upright position, the control rod abuts one of the pair of walls, and when the backrest arrangement is in the reclined position, the control rod abuts the other wall of the pair of walls.

[0022] In another embodiment, the seating arrangement includes a base, a backrest arrangement configured to support a seated user and movable between an upright position and a reclined position, a seat arrangement configured to support a seated user, and a support arrangement supported by the base, the support arrangement including a stop arrangement configured to limit movement of the backrest arrangement between the upright position and the reclined position and including a coupling arrangement configured to couple a chair attachment to the support arrangement.

[0023] In another embodiment, the seating arrangement includes a base, a backrest arrangement, and a seat arrangement supported by the base, wherein the backrest arrangement is movable between an upright position and a reclined position, and a housing is supported on the base and forms at least a part of the seat arrangement, wherein the housing has a substantially uninterrupted peripheral edge and a seat support area, a part of the substantially uninterrupted peripheral edge of the housing defines a front edge portion, and another part of the substantially continuous peripheral edge defines a side edge portion behind the front edge portion and adjacent to the seat support area, and at least two slots are formed at positions spaced apart from the front edge portion and generally adjacent to the side edge portion in the seat support area of the housing. The seating arrangement further includes a force-activated control mechanism attached to the seat support area such that when the chair moves into the reclined position, the height of the seat support area of the housing increases relative to the side edge portion of the housing.

[0024] In yet another embodiment, the seating arrangement includes a support assembly configured to abut a floor surface, an integrated one-piece support housing that defines a backrest portion configured to support a seated user and a seat portion configured to support a seated user, and a control member that includes a plurality of bendable regions and a plurality of support elements, wherein the one-piece support housing is supported in the seat portion by at least one of the plurality of support elements and at least one of the plurality of bendable regions that are both in front of a connection point between the support assembly and the control member, and by at least one of the plurality of support elements and at least one of the plurality of bendable regions that are both behind the connection point.

[0025] In another embodiment, the seating arrangement includes a support housing that includes a seat portion configured to support a seated user and a chair backrest portion configured to support a seated user, the chair seat portion having a front region and a rear region and the chair backrest portion having an upper region and a lower region, wherein the rear region of the seat portion is coupled to the lower region of the chair backrest portion, and a control member that includes a front support and an attachment point for a second support, wherein the front support engages the support housing in the front region of the seat portion, and the control member engages the backrest portion, wherein the control member is an integrated one-piece component that includes a plurality of bending regions configured to allow the support housing to move between an upright and a reclined position.

[0026] In another embodiment, the seating arrangement includes a support shell that includes a backrest portion having an upper edge of a first width and a lumbar region of a second width, a seat portion having a front edge of a third width, and a transition portion having a fourth width located between the chair backrest portion and the chair seat portion, and a cushion cover including similar first, second, third, and fourth widths. The seating arrangement further includes a support assembly and a control member that includes a front support and a rear support and is configured to allow the support shell to move between an upright position and a reclined position. The control member is coupled to the support shell by the front support and the rear support and has a fifth width adjacent to the rear support, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third widths is greater than the fourth width, and the fourth width is greater than the fifth width.

[0027] In another embodiment, the seating arrangement includes a shell member that includes a seat portion configured to support a user, a backrest portion extending generally upward from the seat portion and movable between an upright position and a reclined position, and a transition portion located between the seat portion and the backrest portion, wherein at least a portion of the backrest portion, at least a portion of the seat portion, and at least a first portion of the transition portion include a first thermoplastic polymer having a first flexural modulus, and wherein at least a second portion of the transition portion includes a second thermoplastic polymer having a second flexural modulus greater than the first flexural modulus.

[0028] The various embodiments of the seating arrangement described herein can provide a platform with just the right fit and function for comfortably supporting a seated user and can reduce or transfer costs by reducing the number of associated components, manufacturing costs, and labor costs. The seating arrangement includes a simple, durable, and visually appealing design that is suitable for long-term use and particularly well-suited for the intended application.

[0029] Those skilled in the art will further clarify and understand these and other features, advantages, and purposes of the various embodiments by reference to the following specification, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the seating arrangement;

[0031] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of the seating arrangement shown taken along Figure 1 line II-II;

[0032] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional perspective view of the embodiment of the seating arrangement shown taken along Figure 1 line II-II;

[0033] Figure 4a is Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the seat arrangement shown, with the upright position represented by solid lines and the reclined position represented by dashed lines;

[0034] Figure 4b An enlarged cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the seat arrangement;

[0035] Figure 5 An enlarged perspective view of a first embodiment of the stop arrangement, with the associated seat arrangement in the fully forward position;

[0036] Figure 6 An enlarged perspective view of a first embodiment of the stop arrangement, with the associated seat arrangement in the fully reclined position;

[0037] Figure 7 An enlarged perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stop arrangement, with the associated seat arrangement shown in the fully reclined position;

[0038] Figure 8 An enlarged perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stop arrangement, with the associated seat arrangement shown in the fully forward position;

[0039] Figure 9 A perspective view of another embodiment of the seat arrangement;

[0040] Figure 10 is Figure 9 A cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of the seat arrangement shown along Figure 9 the X-X line of;

[0041] Figure 11 is Figure 9 A cross-sectional perspective view of the embodiment of the seat arrangement shown along Figure 9 the X-X line of;

[0042] Figure 12 A bottom perspective view of another embodiment of the seat arrangement;

[0043] Figure 13 A bottom perspective view of yet another embodiment of the seat arrangement, with the seat arrangement in the upright position;

[0044] Figure 14 is Figure 13 A bottom perspective view of the embodiment of the seat arrangement of, with the seat arrangement in the reclined position;

[0045] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the seat arrangement;

[0046] Figure 16Perspective view of yet another embodiment of a seating arrangement including a plurality of edge members;

[0047] Figure 17 Perspective view of another embodiment of a seating arrangement;

[0048] Figure 18 Is Figure 17 Cross-sectional view taken along the XVIII-XVIII line of the embodiment of the seating arrangement shown; Figure 17 ;

[0049] Figure 19 Figure 17 The embodiment of the chair assembly shown is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the XVIII-XVIII line of; Figure 17 ;

[0050] Figure 20 Cross-sectional side view of yet another embodiment of a chair assembly;

[0051] Figure 21 Is Figure 20 Cross-sectional perspective view of the embodiment of the chair assembly shown;

[0052] Figure 22 Perspective view of another embodiment of a seating arrangement;

[0053] Figure 23 Is Figure 22 Cross-sectional front perspective view taken along the XXIII-XXIII line in the embodiment of the seating arrangement shown; Figure 22 ;

[0054] Figure 24 Is Figure 22 Rear perspective view of the embodiment of the seating arrangement shown;

[0055] Figure 25 Is Figure 22 Side view of the embodiment of the seating arrangement shown, where the backrest is shown in the upright position in solid lines and the reclined position in dashed lines;

[0056] Figure 26 Rear perspective view of another embodiment of a seating arrangement;

[0057] Figure 27 Rear perspective view of yet another embodiment of a seating arrangement;

[0058] Figure 28 Front perspective view of yet another embodiment of a seating arrangement;

[0059] Figure 29 Is Figure 28 Enlarged perspective view of the tilt limiting arrangement of the seating arrangement of;

[0060] Figure 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the seat arrangement;

[0061] Figure 31 is Figure 30 a side view of the embodiment of the seat arrangement shown, with the backrest assembly shown in solid lines in the upright position and in dashed lines in the reclined position;

[0062] Figure 32 is a perspective view of the rear housing member;

[0063] Figure 33 is a perspective view of the rear housing member;

[0064] Figure 34 is Figure 30 a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of the chair shown taken along Figure 30 line XXXIV-XXXIV of;

[0065] Figure 35 is Figure 30 a perspective view of the embodiment of the chair shown with the fabric cover removed;

[0066] Figure 36A is Figure 30 a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of the chair shown taken along line XXXVIA-XXXVIA, showing the backrest assembly in the upright position;

[0067] Figure 36B is Figure 30 a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of the chair shown taken along line XXXVIA-XXXVIA, showing the backrest assembly in the reclined position;

[0068] Figure 37 is Figure 30 a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of the chair shown taken along Figure 35 line XXXVIII-XXXVIII of;

[0069] Figure 38 is a perspective view of the stop member;

[0070] Figure 39 is an exploded perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the seat arrangement;

[0071] Figure 40 is an exploded perspective view of the accessory support arrangement;

[0072] Figure 41 is an exploded perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the seat arrangement; and

[0073] Figure 42 is Figure 41Cross-sectional side view of the seating arrangement. Detailed Description

[0074] For the purposes of the description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof are related to Figure 1 , 9 , and the various seating embodiments shown in FIGS. 17 and 22. However, it should be understood that unless explicitly specified as non-permissible, certain embodiments may adopt various alternative orientations and step sequences. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the concepts defined in the appended claims. Thus, unless the claims explicitly state otherwise, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting. The various embodiments disclosed herein can be used in and incorporated into a variety of seating arrangements, including office chairs, general office seating, vehicle seats, home seats, airplane seats, stadium seats, theater seats, and the like.

[0075] Reference numeral 10 ( Figure 1 ) generally designates an embodiment of the seating arrangement. In the example shown, the seating arrangement 10 is provided in the form of an office chair assembly and includes a caster base or support assembly 12 supported on a ground or floor surface 14, a seat portion arrangement 16 and a backrest arrangement 18, each supported on the base assembly 12, and a pair of arm assemblies 20. The seating arrangement 10 ( Figure 2 and 3 ) includes a front shell member or first shell member 22 covered by a fabric layer 24 ( Figure 1 ), and a rear shell member or second shell member 26. The shell members 22, 26 can be formed integrally as a single piece or include a plurality of individual components. Each of the shell members 22, 26 includes a flexible and resilient polymeric material, such as any thermoplastic material, including, for example, nylon, glass-filled nylon, polypropylene, acetyl, or polycarbonate; any thermosetting material, including, for example, epoxy resin; or any resin-based composite material, including, for example, carbon fiber or fiberglass, thereby allowing each shell member 22, 26 to conform to the forces applied by the user and move therewith. Other suitable materials can also be used, such as metals, including, for example, steel or titanium; plywood; or composite materials, including plastics, resin-based composites, metals, and / or plywood. A variety of other suitable energy storage materials can also be used. In some embodiments, the shell members 22, 26 can include the same material, while in certain embodiments, the shell members 22, 26 can each include a different material.

[0076] The front housing member 24 includes a horizontally extending bottom portion or first portion or first coupling member 28, a vertically extending upper portion or second portion 30 extending upwardly from the first portion 28, and an arcuate-shaped transition portion 32 extending between the first portion 28 and the second portion 30. The first portion 28 includes a forward portion 34, a rearward portion 36, and a central portion 38 located therebetween and extending transversely across the first portion 28. A pair of laterally extending slots or apertures 40 are located within the central portion 38 and separate the forward portion 34 from the rearward portion 36, as further described below. The second portion 30 includes a lower portion 44, an upper portion 46, and a middle portion 48 therebetween that may be arcuate-shaped and forwardly convex to support the lumbar region of a user's back. It is noted that the front housing member 24 may alternatively be referred to herein as a forward housing member, a first housing member, a support member or support housing member, and a top housing or housing member.

[0077] The rear housing member 26 includes a horizontally extending bottom portion or first portion or second coupling member 50, supported at a connection point 12b by an adjustable height pneumatic cylinder 12a, a vertically extending upper portion or second portion 52 extending upwardly from the first portion 50, and an arcuate-shaped transition portion 54 extending between the first portion 50 and the second portion 52. Preferably, the rear housing member 26 includes carbon fiber, however, other materials may also be used as described above. The second portion 52 of the rear housing member 26 includes a lower portion 56, an upper portion 58, and a middle portion 60 therebetween that may be arcuate-shaped and forwardly convex. The upper portion 58 of the second portion 52 of the rear housing member 26 is connected at 62 to the upper portion 46 of the second portion 30 of the front housing member 22, for example, by sonic welding, adhesives, integral molding, mechanical fasteners, etc. It should be noted that the rear housing member 26 may alternatively be referred to herein as a rearward housing member, a second housing member, a bottom housing or housing member or a control arrangement. The front housing member 22 and the rear housing member 26 are configured to define a gap 64 at least in part between the upper portion 46 and the upper portion 58, between the middle portion 48 and the middle portion 60, between the lower portion 44 and the lower portion 56, between the transition portion 32 and the transition portion 54, and / or between the first portion 28 and the first portion 50. In some embodiments, the front housing member 22 and the rear housing member 26 may be connected at their respective second portions 30 and 52 or at the lower or middle portions of their respective transition portions 32 and 54. For example, the front housing member 22 and the rear housing member 26 may be connected at their respective lower portions 44 and 56 such that the seat arrangement 10 substantially has a single-piece housing second portion with a gap 64 therebetween between the first portions 28 and 50.

[0078] The seating arrangement 10 further includes a laterally extending flexible and resilient forward support member 66 and a laterally extending rigid rearward support member 68, each extending between a first portion 28 of the front housing member 22 and a first portion 50 of the rear housing member 26. In the illustrated example, the forward support member 66 is integral and forms a single piece with the first portion 50 of the rear housing member 26, while the rearward support member 68 is formed as and is a separate component from the front housing member 22 and the rear housing member 26. However, one or both of the forward support member 66 and the rearward support member 68 may be integrally formed with the front housing member 22 and / or the rear housing member 26 or as separate components. In the present example, the rearward support member 68 preferably includes rigid, relatively lightweight carbon fiber, however, other materials or combinations of materials may also be used depending on the application, including those listed above with respect to the front and rear housing members 24. The rearward support member 68 includes a body portion 70, at 74a, an upper flange 72 is secured to the bottom surface 74 of the first portion 28, and at 78a, a lower flange 76 is secured to the upper surface 78 of the first portion 50. The upper flange 72 and the lower flange 76 are secured to the first portion 28 and the first portion 50 by means such as sonic welding, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, friction fits, and the like. Both the forward support member 66 and the rearward support member 68 are angled forwardly from bottom to top, and the forward support member 66 includes a V-shaped notch or aperture 80 extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the forward support member 66 may include one or more apertures, grooves or slots of different shapes to facilitate the desired flexibility of the support member. Similarly, in some embodiments, the forward support member 66 may be a solid piece, shaped to facilitate the desired flexibility. The various configurations of the rear housing member described herein, whether as a single, integrated, one-piece unit or as a multi-piece assembly, allow the rear housing member to be used as a control member to control various reclining movements and the support characteristics of the front housing member.

[0079] In operation, the user may move or tilt the backrest arrangement 18 ( Figure 4a) including a second portion 30 of the front housing member 22 and a second portion 52 of the rear housing member 26, and is moved from an upright position A to a reclined position B by flexing the front housing member 22 and the rear housing member 26. The first portion or first coupling member 28, the first portion or second coupling member 50, the forward support member or third coupling member 66, and the rearward support member or fourth coupling member 68 cooperate to form a four-bar linkage such that the movement of the second portion 30 of the first housing member 22 and the second portion 52 of the rear housing member 26 from the upright position A to the reclined position B causes the first portion 28 of the front housing member 22 to move rearward to the reclined position. It is contemplated that the four-bar linkage arrangements used and described herein include linkages that incorporate additional linkage members, such as five-bar linkage arrangements, six-bar linkage arrangements, and the like. FIG. 4 shows in solid lines the orientation C of the first portion 28 of the front housing member 22 as being substantially horizontal when not subjected to an external force (such as a force applied by a seated user). The aperture or slot 40 allows the rearward portion 36 to rotate faster and tilt to a greater angle than the forward portion 34 during the reclining of the backrest arrangement 18. Specifically, the forward portion 34 moves from position C to a rearward and reclined position D, while the rearward portion 36 of the first portion 28 moves from position C to a rearward and more reclined position E. In some embodiments, the aperture 40 may be located in the first portion 28, in one of the central portion 38, the forward portion 34, or the rearward portion 36, to achieve the desired rotation and tilt angles during the reclining of the backrest arrangement 18. It should also be noted that the rearward support member 68 remains rigid or substantially rigid during the entire reclining movement of the seat arrangement 10, while most of the deformation of the front housing member 22 and the rear housing member 26 occurs in the portion 82 of the rear housing member 26, which is just in front of the connection of the rear housing member 26 to the rearward support member 68, in the central portion 38 of the first portion 28 of the first housing member 22, and in the forward support member 26. Additionally, in some cases, the fourth link 68 may include at least a portion of the backrest arrangement 18. In various embodiments, the thickness of one or more couplings can be determined to achieve the desired performance characteristics, including, for example, the flexibility of the couplings. Further, in some embodiments, the thickness of the couplings can vary along the length of the couplings to achieve the desired flexibility or rigidity in the couplings or in local portions of the couplings. For example, the first coupling member 28, the second coupling member 50, and the forward coupling member 66 can all be more flexible than the rear coupling member 68 to achieve the flexibility required for the four-bar linkage. In some embodiments, the various couplings may be more flexible in specific portions or local areas of the couplings such that the couplings are generally flexible in the local areas and generally non-flexible or less flexible in other areas of the couplings. An example of this embodiment is in Figure 4b, where certain portions of the first coupling member 28, the second coupling member 50, and the third coupling member 66 include portions having reduced thickness. Specifically, in the example shown, the first coupling member 28 includes a relatively reduced thickness area or flexure zone or flexure region 29 located in a central portion thereof, the second coupling member 50 includes a reduced thickness area or flexure zone or flexure region 51 located rearward of where the fourth coupling member is attached to the second coupling member 50, and the third coupling member 66 includes a reduced thickness area or flexure zone or flexure region 67. It should be noted that the relative area of ​​the reduced thickness area can extend along a short distance or a majority of the length of the coupling depending on the desired support and bending characteristics.

[0080] The seating arrangement 10 also includes a support member 84 ( FIG. 1 ) located at least partially within an interior space 86 defined by the four-bar linkage. Figures 1-3 ), namely the first coupling member 28, the second coupling member 50, the third coupling member 66 and the fourth coupling member 68. In the example shown, the support member 84 includes an open annular body portion 86, a forward portion of which extends into the interior space 86, and a rearward portion of which is configured to support the arm assembly 20. Figure 2 As shown, each arm assembly 20 includes an arm support member 92 integrally formed with and extending upwardly from a rearward portion of the main body portion 88 of the support member 84. An arm cap 94 is fixed to the upper end of the arm support member 92 and can be adjustably moved relative thereto. As best shown in FIG. 4, it is noted that when the backrest arrangement 18 moves from the upright position A to the reclined position B, the support member 84 and the arm assembly 20 are grounded and remain substantially stationary.

[0081] Reference numeral 10a( Figure 5 ) generally represents another embodiment of a seating arrangement having a stop arrangement 100. Since the seating arrangement 10a is similar to the aforementioned seating arrangement 10, Figure 1 -4, 5 and 6 are indicated by the same, corresponding reference numerals, respectively, except for the latter numerical suffix "a". In the example shown, the stop arrangement 100 includes a bushing assembly 102 located between the main body portion 88a and the rear support member 68a. The bushing assembly 102 includes an elastically deformable bushing member 104, a sleeve member 106 extending around the bushing member 104, and a stop coupling 108, which slidably extends through a centrally disposed aperture 110 of the bushing member 104 and has a first end that is fixedly coupled to the rear support member 68a and a second end 112 that is slidably received within the main body portion 88a of the support member 84a. A stop plate 114 is fixed to the second end 112 of the stop coupling 108.

[0082] In operation, when the backrest is arranged to move from a reclined position in the forward direction to a fully forward upright position, the bushing member 104 is compressed between the main body portion 88a of the support member 84a and the rear support member 68a, thereby restricting the forward movement of the backrest arrangement. As the backrest arrangement moves from the upright position to the reclined position, the stop connector 108 is withdrawn from within the main body portion 88a until the stop plate 114 abuts the inner surface 116 of the main body portion 88a, thereby restricting the movement of the rear support member 68a, and thus the backward movement of the backrest assembly from the upright position to the reclined position.

[0083] Reference numeral 10b( Figure 7 and 8 ) generally represents another embodiment of a seat arrangement having a stop arrangement 100b. Since the seat arrangement 10b is similar to the aforementioned seat arrangement 10a, Figure 5 and Figure 6 as well as Figure 6 and 7 the similar components in are respectively represented by the same corresponding reference numerals, except for the numerical suffix "b" of the latter. In the illustrated example, the stop arrangement 100b includes a stop member 120 located within the internal space 86b. The stop member 120 is fixed to the upper surface 78b of the first portion 50b of the rear housing member 26b and extends upward therefrom into the internal space 86b located between the first coupling member 28b, the second coupling member 50b, the third coupling member 66b, and the fourth coupling member 68b. The stop member 120 includes an upper stop surface or a first stop surface 122 and a forward stop surface or a second stop surface 124. The stop bracket 126 is fixed to the bottom surface 74b of the first portion or the first coupling member 28b, and includes a first portion 128 that extends substantially parallel to the first portion or the first coupling member 28b, and a second portion 130 that extends orthogonally downward from the first portion 128. The elastically deformable abutment pad 132 is attached to the first portion 128 and the second portion 130.

[0084] In operation, the stop member 120 is configured to abut the pad 132 attached to the first portion 128 as the backrest assembly moves from the reclined position toward the fully forward position, thereby restricting the amount of travel of the first portion or the first coupling member 28b and the amount of travel of the backrest assembly 12 in the forward direction. The stop member 120 is further configured such that when the backrest arrangement moves from the upright position to the reclined position, the forward stop surface 124 contacts the pad 132 attached to the second portion 130, thereby restricting the amount of backward travel of the first portion or the first coupling member 28b and the amount of travel of the backrest arrangement in the backward direction.

[0085] Reference numeral 200( Figure 9) Generally represents another embodiment of the seating arrangement. In the illustrated example, the seating arrangement or chair assembly 200 includes a caster base assembly 202 that abuts the floor surface 204, a seat assembly 206 and a backrest assembly 208 are each supported above the base assembly 202, and a pair of arm assemblies 210. In the illustrated example, the chair assembly 200( Figure 10 and 11 ) includes a front housing member or a first housing member 214 and a rear housing member or a second housing member 212. The housing members 212, 214 can be formed as an integral single piece or include a plurality of individual components. Each of the housing members 212, 214 includes a flexible and resilient polymeric material, such as any thermoplastic, including for example nylon, glass-filled nylon, polypropylene, acetal or polycarbonate; any thermosetting material, including for example epoxy resin; or any resin-based composite material, including for example carbon fiber or glass fiber, thereby allowing each of the housing members 212, 214 to move according to the forces applied by the user and in accordance with it. While polymeric materials are preferred, other suitable materials can also be used, such as metals, including for example steel or titanium; plywood; or composite materials including plastics, resin-based composite materials, metals and / or plywood. A variety of other suitable energy storage materials can also be used.

[0086] The rear housing member 212 includes a horizontally extending bottom portion or a first portion 216, a vertically extending upper portion or a second portion 218 that extends upward from the first portion 216, and a curved transition portion 230 that extends between the first portion 216 and the second portion 218. In the illustrated example, the first portion 216 is supported by a support plate 232 that abuts the bottom surface 234 of the first portion 216 and is then supported by a post 236 of the base assembly 202. In the illustrated example, the post 236 includes an air cylinder with adjustable height. The second portion 218 of the rear housing member 212 includes a lower portion 238, an upper portion 240 and a curved forwardly projecting middle portion 242 located therebetween.

[0087] The front housing member 214 includes a horizontally extending bottom portion or first portion 244, a vertically extending upper portion or second portion 246 extending upwardly from the first portion 244, and an arcuate-shaped transition portion 248 extending between the first portion 244 and the second portion 246. The first portion 244 includes a forward portion 250 and a rearward portion 252, while the second portion 246 includes a lower portion 254, an upper portion 256, and an arcuate-shaped forwardly projecting middle portion 258 located therebetween and configured to support the lumbar region of the user's back. The upper portion 256 of the second portion 246 of the front housing member 214 is connected at 260 to the upper portion 240 of the second portion 218 of the rear housing member 212, for example, by sonic welding, adhesives, integral molding, mechanical fasteners, and the like. The second housing member 212 and the first housing member 214 are configured to define a clearance 262 at least in part between the upper portion 256 and the upper portion 240, between the middle portion 258 and the middle portion 242, between the lower portion 254 and the lower portion 238, between the transition portion 248 and the transition portion 230, and between the second portion 246 and the second portion 218.

[0088] The chair assembly 200 also includes a pair of laterally extending, flexible and resilient support members, which include a forward support member and a rearward support member 264, each extending between the second portion 246 of the first housing member 214 and the second portion 218 of the second housing member 212. In the illustrated example, the forward support member 262 and the rearward support member 264 are integrally formed within a single-piece spring member 266. However, the forward support member and the rearward support member 264 may be formed as separate pieces, or formed as an integral part of the second housing member 212 and / or the first housing member 214. In the present example, the spring member 266 includes a single-piece metallic material, which is shaped to include a front support member, a rearward support member 264, a support portion 268 attached to the lower side or bottom surface 270 of the second portion 246 of the first housing member 214, and a pair of connecting portions 272 extending rearwardly from the associated forward support member and rearward support member 264. The connecting portions 272 are fixed to a spring stop member 274, as described below. Alternatively, the connecting portions 272 of the spring member 266 may be directly attached to the upper surface 276 of the second portion 218 of the second housing member 212. In the illustrated example, the connecting portion 272 associated with the rearward support member 264 is attached to the upper surface of the spring stop member 274, while the connecting portion 272 of the forward support member is attached to and spaced from the upper surface of the spring stop member 274 by an isolation member 278 and then connected to the upper surface of the spring stop member 274.

[0089] In operation, a user can move or tilt a second portion 218 of the second housing member 212 and a second portion 246 of the first housing member 214 from an upright position A to a reclined position B by bending the second housing member 212 and the first housing member 214. The tilting of the second portion 218 of the second housing member 212 and the second portion 246 of the first housing member 214 from the upright position A to the reclined position B causes a first portion 244 of the first housing member 214 to move from a first position C to a rearward reclined position D. Specifically, a first portion 216 of the second housing member 212, the first portion 244 of the first housing member 214, a forward support member, and a rearward support member 264 cooperate to form a flexible or deformable four-bar linkage that allows the second portion 246 of the first housing member 214 to move from the first position C to the reclined position D. In some embodiments, the forward support member and the rearward support member 264 are each more flexible than the second portion 246 of the first housing member 214, and the second portion 246 of the first housing member 214 is more flexible than the second portion 218 of the second housing member 212. In other embodiments, the various thicknesses of the members or connectors that include the deformable four-bar linkage can vary to provide the specific support and bending characteristics described above. It should be noted that the deformable four-bar linkage does not include a specific pivot assembly and the components typically associated therewith, thereby reducing the complexity of the overall system. A spring member 266 is configured to return the four-bar linkage to its original position once the external force is removed. In the illustrated example, the forward support member and the rearward support member 264 are substantially the same length, but as described above, the spacer member 278 spaces the connection portion 272 of the forward support member from the spring stop member 274 or the upper surface 276 of the second portion 218 of the second housing member 212, effectively changing the moment arm length of the forward support member. As a result, when the second portion 246 of the first housing member 214 moves from the first position C to the reclined position D, the forward portion 250 of the second portion 246 of the first housing member 214 rises faster than the rearward portion 258 of the second portion 246.

[0090] The spring stop member 274 includes a body portion 280 attached to the upper surface 276 of the second portion 218 of the second housing member 212, a forward stop portion 282 that extends angularly forward and upward from the body portion 280, and a rearward stop portion 284 that extends angularly rearward and upward from the body portion 280. The forward stop portion 282 is configured such that the forward support member contacts the forward stop portion 282, thereby restricting forward movement of the forward support member. In the illustrated example, the forward stop portion 282 is substantially flexible, thereby providing a spring effect or cushioning for the forward movement of the forward support member. However, the forward stop portion 282 may also include a substantially rigid material. The rearward stop portion 284 includes an upper end 286 having an arcuate shape and a middle portion 288 that includes a vertically extending slot 290. In operation, the upper end 286 is configured to abut the transition portion 248 of the first housing member 214, thereby restricting rearward travel of the transition portion 248 relative to the transition portion 230. In the illustrated example, the upper end 286 and the middle portion 288 of the spring stop member 274 are flexible and resilient in order to provide a soft stop or cushioning for the rearward movement of the transition portion 248 toward the transition portion 230.

[0091] The spacer 292 is located between the transition portion 230 of the second housing member 212 and the transition portion 248 of the first housing member 214. In the illustrated example, the spacer 292 includes a body portion 294 having an arcuate shape with a rear-facing arcuate abutment surface 296, where the abutment surface 296 is complementary in shape to the transition portion 230 of the second housing member 212. The spacer 292 also includes an arm portion 298 and a forward abutment portion 300 located at the distal end of the arm portion 298. The forward abutment portion 300 includes a forward-facing arcuate forward abutment surface 302 that abuts and is complementary in shape to the transition portion 248 of the first housing member 214. The forward abutment portion 300 is fixed to the transition portion 248 of the first housing member 214 by a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as bolts 304. In operation, when the second housing member 212 and the first housing member 214 are in the upright position A, the abutment surface 296 is spaced from the transition portion 230 of the second housing member 212. When the second housing member 212 and the first housing member 214 move from the upright position A toward the reclined position B, the abutment surface 296 moves rearward toward the transition portion 230 of the second housing member 212 until the abutment surface 296 abuts the transition portion 230, thereby reducing the total amount of flexure of the second housing member 212 and the first housing member 214 and maintaining the structural shape of the transition portion 230 and the transition portion 248. The spacer 292 also includes a stop member 306 that extends upward from the forward end of the body portion 294 and is received within a slot 290 in the middle portion 288 of the spring stop member 274. The stop member 306 abuts the upper end of the slot 290, thereby providing a limit to the rearward recline of the second housing member 212 and the first housing member 214.

[0092] Alternatively, the chair assembly 200c ( Figure 12 ) may be provided with a pair of reinforcement plates that structurally support and secure the connection portion 272c of the spring member 266c to the second portion 246c of the first housing member 214a. Since the chair assembly 200c is similar to the previously described chair assembly 200, the similar components in Figures 9-11 and Figure 12 are denoted by the same corresponding reference numerals, except for the numerical suffix "c" of the latter. As shown, the chair assembly 200c includes an upper reinforcement or support plate 308 located above the connection portion 272c of the spring member 266c, and a lower support plate or second support plate 310 located below the connection portion 272c of the spring stop member 274c, thereby sandwiching the connection portion 272c therebetween. The plates 308, 310 and the second portion 272c of the spring member 266c are coupled to the first portion 244c of the second housing member 214a by a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as bolts 312. The plate 308 may also be configured to support the arm assembly 210c.

[0093] Figure 13 Another alternative embodiment is shown in which the chair assembly 200d includes an upright stop member 314. Since the chair assembly 200d is similar to the previously described chair assembly 200, Figures 9-11 and Figure 13 the like parts shown are denoted by the same corresponding reference numerals respectively, except for the numerical suffix "d" of the latter. The upright stop member 314 includes a generally rectangular block-shaped body portion 316 having a proximal end 318 with a first portion 216d fixed to the second housing member 212d, and a distal portion 320. The upright stop member 314 further includes a pair of stop members such as pins 322 extending laterally outwardly from the distal portion 320. As Figure 13 is most clearly shown, when the second housing member 212d and the first housing member 214d are in the upright position, the body portion 294d in each spacer 292d is spaced from the associated pin 322. As Figure 14 is most clearly shown, the spacer 292d and the transition portion 248d of the first housing member 214d rotate backward until the upper surface 324 of the body portion 294d of each spacer 292d contacts or abuts against the pin 320, thereby preventing the second housing member 212d and the first housing member 214d from tilting further.

[0094] In another alternative embodiment, the chair assembly 200e ( Figure 15 ) includes an alternative stop arrangement 326. In the example shown, the chair assembly 200e is similar to the chair assembly 200, the most notable exception being the change to the rearward stop arrangement. Since the chair assembly 200e is similar to the chair arrangements 200, 200c, the like original parts appearing in Figure 1 -4 and Figure 7 are denoted by the same corresponding reference numerals, except for the numerical suffix "e" of the latter. The stop arrangement 326 includes a mounting member 328 securely fixed to the first portion 216e and a stop member 330 fixed to the distal end 332 of the mounting member 328. In operation, the rearward support member 264e abuts against the stop member 330, thereby restricting the "rearward tilt" of the chair backward.

[0095] In another alternative embodiment, the chair assembly 200f ( Figure 16 ) includes a plurality of flexible resilient edge members 334. Since the chair assembly 200f is similar to the previously described chair assembly 200, Figures 9-11 and Figure 16Like elements shown are respectively denoted by the same corresponding reference numerals, except for the "f" suffix of the latter numbers. In the example shown, the bottom or first portion 216f of the second housing member 212f provides a slot-like shape and includes side walls 336 and a front wall 338. A plurality of edge members 334 extend between the side walls 336 and / or the front wall 338 and a first portion 244f of the first housing member 214f. Each edge member 334 includes a flexible and resilient polymeric material and is positioned to contact the inner surface of the side walls 336 and / or the front wall 338 and the bottom surface of a second portion 244f of the second housing member 214f, and is fixed thereto by a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as screws 340. In some embodiments, the edge members 334 may be integrally formed with the second housing member 212f and / or the first housing member 214f. The edge members 334 may or may not be provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending slots 342, which may alter the performance of the member. For example, increasing the number and / or size of the slots 342 may increase the flexibility of the member 334. The edge members 334 may additionally provide a surface between the second housing member 212f and the first housing member 214f to support an associated sleeve member (not shown) and to prevent access to the gap 262f between the second housing member 212f and the first housing member 214f.

[0096] Reference numeral 400( Figure 17 ) generally denotes another embodiment of a seating arrangement. In the example shown, the seating arrangement 400 includes a caster base assembly 402 abutting a floor surface 404, a backrest assembly 408 and a seat assembly 406 supported above the base assembly 402, and a pair of arm assemblies 410.

[0097] The chair assembly 10 includes a rear housing member or second housing member 422( Figure 18 and 19 ) and a front housing member or first housing member 424. The housing members 422, 424 may be formed as a single integral piece or include a plurality of individual components. In the example shown, the housing members 422, 424 each include one or more flexible and resilient polymeric materials, such as any thermoplastic, including for example nylon, glass-filled nylon, polypropylene, acetyl or polycarbonate; any thermosetting material, including for example epoxy resin; or any resin-based composite material, including for example carbon fiber or glass fiber, thereby allowing each housing member 422, 424 to move according to the forces applied by a user and in accordance therewith. While polymeric materials are preferred, other suitable materials may also be used, such as metals, including for example steel or titanium; plywood; or composites including plastics, resin-based composites, metals and / or plywood. A variety of other suitable energy storage materials may also be used.

[0098] The rear housing member 422 includes a horizontally extending bottom or first portion 426, a vertically extending upper or second portion 428 that extends upward from the first portion 426, and a transition portion 429 that extends between the first portion 426 and the second portion 428. In the illustrated example, the first portion 426 is supported by a support plate 430 that abuts the bottom surface 432 of the first portion 426 and is then supported by a post 434 of the base assembly 402. The second portion 428 of the rear housing member 422 includes a lower portion 436, an upper portion 438, and a middle portion 440 therebetween. The upper portion 438 of the rear housing member 422 is separated from the middle portion 440 by a gap 442, thereby allowing the upper portion 438 to move independently of the middle portion 440, as described below.

[0099] The front housing member 424 includes a first or seat housing member 444 and a second or backrest support member 446. The seat housing member 444 includes a forward portion 448, a rearward portion 450, an upper surface 452 configured to support a seated user, and a lower surface 454 opposite the upper surface 452. The backrest support member 446 includes a lower portion 456, an upper portion 458, and a middle portion 460 therebetween. The middle portion 440 of the rear housing member 422 and the middle portion 460 of the backrest support member 446 are coupled together by a laterally extending rib 462 that extends forward from the forward surface 464 of the rear housing member 422 and extends backward from the rearward surface 466 of the backrest support member 446. The rearward portion 450 of the seat housing member 444 is coupled to the second portion 428 of the rear housing member 422 by a coupling member 468. In the illustrated example, the coupling member 468 is integrally formed with the rear housing member 422 and the seat housing member 444; however, each of these components can be formed as individual single pieces. The lower end of the lower portion 456 of the backrest support member 446 extends through an aperture or slot 470 formed in the coupling member 468 and is coupled to the lower side 472 of the coupling member 468 after passing through the aperture 470.

[0100] The seating arrangement 400 also includes a pair of laterally extending flexible and resilient support members, which include a forward support member 474 and a rearward support member 476, each of which extends between a second portion of the seat shell member 444 and the rear shell member 422. In the illustrated example, the support members 474, 476 are integrally formed with the seat shell member 444 and the rear shell member 422 and extend from the lower surface 454 of the seat shell member 444 to the upper surface 478 of the first portion 426 of the rear shell member 422, although each of these components may include individual components. The first portion 426 of the rear shell member 422, the seat shell member 444, and the pair of support members 474, 476 cooperate to define a deformable four-bar linkage, thereby allowing movement of the seating arrangement 400, as described below. In the illustrated example, the front support member 474 is slightly longer than the rear support member 476, and its relevance is also described below.

[0101] In operation, the user can move or tilt the second portion 428 of the rear shell member 422 from the upright position A to the reclined position B by flexing the rear shell member 422 and the front shell member 424. The movement of the second portion 428 of the rear shell member 422 from the upright position A to the reclined position B causes the seat shell member 444 to move from the first position C to the rearward and reclined position D. Specifically, when the second portion 428 of the rear shell member 422 moves from the upright position A to the reclined position B, the coupling member 468 withdraws the seat shell member 444 rearwardly with the second portion 428 of the rear shell member 422. As described above, the front support member 474 is slightly longer than the rear support member 476, such that when the seat shell member 444 moves from the first position C to the reclined position D, the forward portion 448 of the seat shell member 444 vertically rises at a slightly faster rate than the rearward portion 450 of the seat shell member 440. It should also be noted that when the rear shell member 422 and the backrest support member 446 move between the upright position A and the reclined position B, the upper portion 438 of the rear shell member 422 and the upper portion 458 of the backrest support member 446 tend to recline about a pivot point located in front of the gap 442 at a slightly greater rate than the middle portion 440 of the rear shell member 422 and the middle portion 440 of the backrest support member 446.

[0102] As Figure 18As best shown, the middle portion 460 of the backrest support member 446 can be compressed or moved separately from the movement of the seat shell member 444. As described above, the lowermost end of the lower portion 456 of the backrest support member 446 extends through the aperture or slot 470 of the coupling member 468. This configuration effectively decouples certain movements of the backrest support member 446 from the movement of the seat shell member 444. For example, a force F can be applied to the middle portion 460 of the backrest support member 446, causing the backrest support member 446 to flex backward. In this case, when the backrest support member 446 is allowed to move within the aperture or slot 470, the position of the seat shell member 444 remains relatively unchanged.

[0103] In another embodiment, the seating arrangement 400g( Figure 20 and 21 ) includes the lowermost end of the lower portion 456g of the backrest support member 446g, which extends through the slot 470g of the coupling member 468g and is attached to the forward surface 482 of the rear shell member 422g. Similar to the above-described embodiment, this arrangement effectively separates the movement or compression of the middle portion 460g of the backrest support member 446g from the movement of the seat shell member 444g, such that the backrest support member 446g can be compressed without moving the seat shell member 444g.

[0104] Reference numeral 500( Figure 22 ) generally denotes another embodiment of the seating arrangement. In the example shown, the seating arrangement or chair assembly 500 includes a caster base assembly 502 that abuts a floor surface 504, a seat arrangement 506 and a backrest arrangement 508, each supported above the base assembly 502, and a pair of arm assemblies 510. In the example shown, the chair assembly 500( Figure 23 ) includes a rear shell member or second shell member 512 and a front shell member or first shell member 514. The shell members 512, 514 can be formed as an integral single piece or include a plurality of individual components. The shell members 512, 514 each include one or more flexible and resilient polymeric materials, such as any thermoplastic, including, for example, nylon, glass-filled nylon, polypropylene, acetal, or polycarbonate; any thermoset material, including, for example, epoxy resin; or any resin-based composite material, including, for example, carbon fiber or fiberglass, thereby allowing the shell members 512, 514 to move in accordance with and in response to the forces applied by the user. While polymeric materials may be preferred, other suitable materials can also be used, such as metals, including, for example, steel or titanium; plywood; or composite materials including plastics, resin-based composites, metals, and / or plywood. A variety of other suitable energy storage materials can also be used.

[0105] The second housing member 512 includes a horizontally extending bottom or first portion 516, a vertically extending upper or second portion 518 extending upwardly from the first portion 516, and an arcuate-shaped transition portion 520 extending between the first portion 516 and the second portion 518. In the illustrated example, the first portion 516 is supported by a post 522 of the base assembly 502.

[0106] The first portion 516 of the second housing member 512 includes a bottom wall 524 having a forward portion 526 and a rearward portion 528, a pair of side walls 530 extending angularly upwardly and laterally from the bottom wall 524, and a front wall 532 extending angularly upwardly and forwardly from the bottom wall 524. The upper or second portion 518 of the second housing member 512 includes a lower portion 534, an upper portion 536, and a middle portion 538 therebetween.

[0107] The rear housing member or second housing member 512 further includes a U-shaped aperture 540 which includes a laterally extending base portion 542 and a pair of forwardly extending arm portions 544. In the illustrated example, the base portion 542 of the aperture 540 is located adjacent the rearward portion 528 of the bottom wall 524 of the first portion 516 and adjacent the transition portion 540, while the arm portions 544 extend forwardly from the base portion 542 and are located adjacent the bottom wall 524 and adjacent the side walls 530. The arm portions 544 are angled outwardly or flare outwardly from the base portion 542 to the distal end 546 of each arm portion 544. The second housing member 512 further includes an aperture 548 which extends from the transition portion 520 into the lower portion 534 of the second portion 518.

[0108] The front housing member 514 includes a horizontally extending bottom portion or first portion 550, a vertically extending upper portion or second portion 552 extending upwardly from the first portion 550, and an arcuate-shaped transition portion 554 extending between the first portion 550 and the second portion 552. The first portion 550 includes a forward portion 556 and a rearward portion 558, while the second portion 552 includes a lower portion 560, an upper portion 562, and an arcuate-shaped forwardly bulging middle portion 564 located therebetween and configured to support the lower area of the user's back. The upper portion 562 of the second portion 552 of the first housing member 514 is connected at 566 to the upper portion 536 of the second portion 518 of the second housing member 512, for example, by sonic welding, adhesives, integral molding, mechanical fasteners, and the like. The second housing member 512 and the first housing member 514 are configured to define a gap 568 at least in part between the upper portion 562 and the upper portion 536, between the middle portion 564 and the middle portion 538, between the lower portion 560 and the lower portion 534, between the transition portion 554 and the transition portion 520, and between the second portion 552 and the second portion 518.

[0109] In operation, the second portion 518 of the second housing member 512 ( Figure 25 ) and the second portion 552 of the first housing member 214 can be moved or tilted from an upright position A to a reclined position B. As the second housing member 212 moves from the upright position A to the reclined position B, the configuration of the U-shaped aperture 540 allows the first housing member 212 to be offset. In the example shown, when the second portion 518 of the second housing member 512 moves from the upright position A to the reclined position B, a portion 570 of the second housing member 512 moves downward, the portion 570 being immediately rearward of the aperture at the base portion 542 adjacent to the aperture 540. Further note that the aperture 548 within the transition portion 520 and the location and configuration of the second portion 518 of the second housing member 512 allow some laterally outward portions of the second housing member 512 located at the aperture 548 to flex more easily when the second portion 218 of the second housing member 512 moves from the upright position A to the reclined position B.

[0110] Reference numeral 500h ( Figure 26 ) generally denotes another embodiment of the seating arrangement. Since the chair assembly 500h is similar to the aforementioned chair assembly 500, Figures 22-25 and Figure 26Similar elements are respectively denoted by the same corresponding reference numerals, except for the numerical suffix "h" of the latter. In the example shown, the chair assembly 500h is similar to the chair assembly 500, with the most notable exception being the replacement of the orifice 548 of the chair assembly 500 with a plurality of orifices 574. The plurality of orifices 574 includes a pair of arcuate-shaped orifices 576 that extend vertically and laterally from a first end 578 located within a lower portion 534h of a second portion 518h of the second housing member 512h, and a second end 580 that is located within a transition portion 520h of the second housing member 512h. As shown, the orifice 574 sweeps downward and outward from the first end 578 to the second end 580. The upwardly concave, arcuate-shaped second orifice 582 extends laterally across the transition portion 520h and includes a first end 584 and a second end 586 that are respectively located near the second end 580 of its corresponding orifice 576. The second orifice 582 also includes a central portion 588 that extends vertically upward from the arcuate portion of the second orifice 582 and along the center of gravity axis of the first housing member 212h. The plurality of orifices 574 cooperate to define a pair of downwardly extending tabs 590. The plurality of orifices 574 are used to increase the flexibility of the lower portion 534h and the transition portion 520h of the second portion 518h of the second housing member 514h when the second housing member 512h moves between an upright position and a reclined position, similar to Figure 25 the upright position A and the reclined position B shown.

[0111] The reference numeral 500i( Figure 27 ) generally denotes another embodiment of the seat arrangement 500. Since the chair assembly 500i is similar to the previously described chair assembly 500, Figures 22-24 and Figure 27Similar elements are denoted by the same corresponding reference numerals, except for the suffix "i" in the numerals of the latter. The chair assembly 500i is similar to the chair assembly 500, with the most notable exception being the components 592 and 594 that include the upper orifice 592 and structural reinforcement and biasing. In the example shown, the upper orifice 592 extends across and includes most of the upper portion 536i of the second portion 518i of the second housing member 512i, and extends downward to the middle portion 538i of the second portion 518i of the second housing member 512i. The structural reinforcement and biasing component 592 includes a flexible resilient rod 596 that extends vertically between the upper portion 536i and the mounting plate 598. In the example shown, the upper end 600 of the rod 596 is attached to the upper portion 536i of the second portion 518i of the second housing member 512i by a mechanical fastener 602, while the second end 604 of the rod 596 is attached to the mounting plate 598, which is located above or below the bottom wall 524i of the first portion 516i of the second housing member 512i. The rod 596 may also be attached to the middle portion 538i of the second portion 518i of the second housing member 512i along the length of the rod 596 by a mechanical fastener 606. In operation, the rod 596 is used to structurally reinforce the second portion 518i of the second housing member 512i and to bias the second portion 518i of the second housing structure 512i from a reclined position to an upright position, similar to the reclined position B and the upright position A in Figure 25 the reclined position B and the upright position A.

[0112] The reference numeral 500j( Figure 28 ) generally denotes another embodiment of the seat arrangement 500. Since the chair assembly 500j is similar to the previously described chair assembly 500, Figures 22-24 and Figure 28Similar elements in the [description] are respectively denoted by the same corresponding reference numerals, except for the numerical suffix "j" of the latter. The chair assembly 500j is similar to the chair assembly 500, with the most notable exception being the assembly 608 including structural reinforcement and biasing. The assembly 608 for structural reinforcement and biasing includes a pair of generally L-shaped, flexible and resilient biasing members 610, each having a first portion 612 extending generally horizontally and a second portion 614 extending generally vertically. Each first portion 612 includes a downwardly turned distal end 616 welded to an attachment plate 618, which attachment plate 618 is fixed to a support plate 620, and the support plate 620 is in turn fixed to a first portion 516j of a second housing member 512j by a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as bolts 622. The distal end 624 of the second portion 614 of each biasing member 610 is attached to a middle portion 538j of a second portion 518j of the second housing member 512j by a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as bolts 626. In operation, the biasing members 610 are used to structurally reinforce the second portion 518j of the second housing member 512j and to bias the second portion 518j of the second housing member 512j from a reclined position to an upright position, similar to Figure 25 the reclined position B and the upright position A shown.

[0113] The structural reinforcement and biasing assembly 608 also includes an inclination limiting arrangement 630 ([ Figure 29 ) that limits the range of rearward tilting of the second portion 518j of the second housing member 512j. Each biasing member 610 also includes an arcuate transition portion 632 located between the first portion 612 and the second portion 614. Each transition portion 632 includes an arcuate, downwardly and forwardly extending abutment member or stop member 634. In operation, when the second portion 518j of the second housing member 512j is in the upright position, the end of the stop member 634 is spaced from a stop plate 636 attached to the support plate 620. During tilting, the end of the stop member 634 contacts or abuts the stop plate 636, thereby limiting the rearward tilting of the second portion 518j of the second housing member 512j.

[0114] The reference numeral 700 ([ Figure 30 ) generally denotes another embodiment of the seat arrangement. In the example shown, the seat arrangement or chair assembly 700 includes a caster base assembly 702 that abuts a floor surface 704, a seat portion assembly 706 and a backrest assembly 708, each of which is supported above the base assembly 702, and a pair of arm assemblies 710. In the example shown, the chair assembly 700 ([ Figure 31) includes a front housing member or first housing member 714 and a rear member or second housing member 712. The housing members 712, 714 can be formed as an integral single piece or include multiple individual components. In the example shown, the first housing member 712 includes an integral single piece, while the second housing member 714 includes a two-piece structure as described below. The housing members 712, 714 each include a flexible and resilient polymeric material, such as any thermoplastic, including for example nylon, glass-filled nylon, polypropylene, acetal or polycarbonate; any thermosetting material, including for example epoxy resin; or any resin-based composite material, including for example carbon fiber or glass fiber, thereby allowing each housing member 712, 714 to move according to the force applied by the user and in accordance with it. Although polymeric materials are preferred, other suitable materials can also be used, such as metals, including for example steel or titanium; plywood; or composite materials including plastics, resin-based composite materials, metals and / or plywood. Various other suitable energy storage materials can also be used.

[0115] The rear housing member 712 includes a horizontally extending bottom portion or first portion 716, a vertically extending upper portion or second portion 718 extending upward from the first portion 716, and an arcuate transition portion 720 extending between the first portion 716 and the second portion 718. In the example shown, the rear housing member 712 includes a two-piece structure having a first portion 722 and a second portion 724, each having a part of the lapped joint 726. Specifically, the lapped joint 726 includes a first portion 728 integrated with the first portion 722 of the rear housing member 712 and a second portion 730 integrated with the second portion 724 of the rear housing member 712, wherein the first portion 722 and the second portion 724 each cantilever and overlap each other to form the lapped joint 726. In assembly, the post 732 of the base assembly 702 ( Figure 31 and 34 ) is received through the aperture 734 of the first portion 722 and the aperture 736 of the second portion, while the first portion 728 and the second portion 730 of the lapped joint 726 are connected by a lower coupling member 738 and an upper coupling member 740 as described below. It should be noted that although Figure 32 the illustrated embodiment shows a two-piece rear housing member 712, alternative embodiments can include more than two pieces, or be an integral one-piece construction.

[0116] The front housing member 714 ( Figure 31 and 35)Comprising a horizontally extending bottom portion or first portion 744, a vertically extending upper portion or second portion 746 extending upward from the first portion 744, and a transition portion 748 of arcuate shape extending between the first portion 744 and the second portion 746. The first portion 744 includes a forward portion 750 and a rearward portion 752, while the second portion 746 includes a lower portion 754, an upper portion 756, and a forwardly convex middle portion 758 of arcuate shape, which is located between the lower portion 754 and the upper portion 756 and is configured to support the lumbar region of the user's back. An intermediate portion 759 of the second portion 746 of the front housing member 714 located between the upper portion 756 and the middle portion 758 is connected to an upper portion 761 of the second portion 718 of the rear housing member 712, for example, by sonic welding, adhesives, integral molding, mechanical fasteners, and other means. The rear housing member 712 and the front housing member 714 are configured to define a gap 762 therebetween.

[0117] The front housing member 714 further includes a pair of laterally spaced slots 764, which extend in the front-rear direction from the middle portion of the second portion 746 towards the intermediate portion 759 of the second portion 746, and the front end of each slot 764 terminates at an orifice 766, thereby dividing the front housing member 714 into an inner portion 768 and an outer portion 770. Separating the inner portion 768 from the outer portion 770 allows the inner portion 768 to flex separately from the outer portion 770 during the tilting of the backrest assembly 708 from the upright position A to the reclined position B. As Figure 36A and 36B best shown, the bending of the front housing member 714 during tilting causes the inner portion 768 to bend less than the outer portion 770, such that the outer portion 770 descends relative to the inner portion 768, thereby allowing the front housing member 714 to have additional flexibility while providing proper support for the seated user through the inner portion 746. The difference in the flexure of the inner portion 768 and the outer portion 770 causes the second portion 746 of the front housing member 714 to move from the reclined position towards the upright position and to give increased pressure to the back of the seated user when the force applied to the inner portion 768 (such as the force applied by the weight of the seated user) increases.

[0118] The front housing member 714( Figure 35 and 37 ) further includes a pair of C-shaped clearance slots or orifices 772, each of which defines a tab 774. Each tab 744 has a laterally extending, relatively thinner flexure region 776, thereby facilitating the flexure of each tab 744 in this region, as described below.

[0119] The chair assembly 700( Figure 30 and 31)Further included are a pair of laterally extending support members or link members, which include a forward support member or link member 778 and a rearward support member or link member 780, each of which extends between a second portion 746 of the forward housing member 714 and a second portion 716 of the rear housing member 712. In the illustrated example, the forward support member 778 is flexible and resilient along its length, while the rear support member 780 is relatively rigid. The forward support member 778 is integrally formed within the backrest housing member 716 and rigidly attached to the forward housing member 714, while the rearward support member 780 is rigidly attached to the rear housing member 716. However, the forward support member 778 and the rearward support member 780 may be formed as separate elements or as integral parts of the rear housing member 712 and / or the forward housing member 714. Additionally, in the illustrated example, the inner portion 768 cooperates with the forward support member 778 and the rearward support member 780 to form a control mechanism that synchronizes the rearward movement of the first portion 744 of the forward housing member 714 with the tilting movement of the second portion 746 of the forward housing member 714, as further described below.

[0120] In this example, the first portion 716 ( Figure 34 , 37) of the rear housing member 712 includes a laterally extending flexure region 782 of relatively reduced thickness located in front of the attachment of the rearward support 780 to the rear housing member 712. The forward support member 778 includes a laterally extending flexure region 784 of relatively reduced thickness at the lower end of the forward support member 778 such that the flexure of the forward support member 778 is concentrated in the flexure region 782, while the remaining portion of the forward support member may be relatively rigid and may remain relatively straight. The forward support member 778 is connected to each tab 774 behind the flexure region 776. Referring Figure 36A and 36B as shown, the rear support member 780 remains rigid during tilting, while the second portion 746, the second portion 716, and the forward support member 778 flex, with the flex zones or flexure regions 776, 782, 784 flexing more than the remaining portions of each associated component. As previously described, the various thicknesses of the members or links including the integral support four-bar linkage can be varied to provide the specific support and bending characteristics previously described. It should also be noted that this construction provides an appropriate amount of flexure for the forward housing member 714 while allowing the outer peripheral edge 785 of the forward housing member to remain continuous and without breaks or slots, thereby providing a continuous and aesthetically pleasing edge while reducing or eliminating the support sleeve assembly 787 ( Figure 30 and 34) wear. In the example shown, the sleeve assembly 787 includes a flexible resilient matrix layer 791 supported by the front housing member 714 and includes a thermoplastic, a foam layer 793 molded to the matrix layer 791, and a fabric sleeve 795 heat-set to the foam layer 793. Alternatively, the fabric sleeve may wrap around the foam layer 793 and be secured to the underside of the matrix layer 791 by separate mechanical fasteners, such as staples (not shown), or integrally secured to the matrix layer 791 by a one-piece fastener (not shown), and / or secured around the foam layer 793 and adjacent to the matrix layer 791 by a strap arrangement (not shown). In the illustrated example, the foam layer 793 and the fabric sleeve 795 are continuous and have no irregularities along their edges, such as orifices, slots, incisions, stitches, pleats, and the like. In an alternative embodiment, the continuous outer peripheral edge 785 of the front housing member 714 may provide an uninterrupted edge around which the fabric sleeve 795 is wrapped. In another alternative arrangement, a separate outermost shell (not shown) including molded thermoplastic may replace the sleeve assembly 787 and provide an outer surface that supports the user without using a fabric-type sleeve.

[0121] The chair assembly 700 also includes a recline stop arrangement 790 ( Figure 34 ). In the example shown, the stop arrangement 790 includes a stop member 792 ( Figure 38 ) having a cylindrical body portion 794 in which the upper end of the post 732 is received; a flange 796 that extends around the body portion 794 and mates with the lower coupler 738 to couple the first portion 722 and the second portion 724 of the lower housing member 712 together such that the stop member 792 serves as the upper coupler 740 as described above; and a stop arm 798 that extends rearwardly from the body portion 794. The stop arm 798 extends through an orifice 802 in the front wall 804 of the rearward support member 780 such that a pair of stops 800 located at the distal end of the stop arm 798 are located within an internal space or cavity 806 of the rearward support member 780 defined between the front wall 804 and the rear wall 808. Alternatively, the orifice 802 and the internal space may be lined with a plastic bushing member 809. The stop arm 798 and the stops 800 cooperate to form a control lever. In operation, the rearward tilt of the backrest assembly 708 from the upright position A toward the reclined position B is limited by the stops 800 abutting against the rear wall 808, while the forward tilt of the chair back 708 from the reclined position B toward the upright position A is limited by the stops 800 abutting against the front wall 804. Note that this construction provides a relatively open chair structure such that the parts of the linkage including the four-bar linkage, the arm support structure, and the tilt limiting arrangement can be seen, while the abutting stop parts are not visible and are hidden within the existing support structure, particularly within the parts of the four-bar linkage. As Figure 30 and 39Most clearly shown, the arm support member 820 is integral with and supported by the sleeve portion 822, which is configured to aesthetically cover the stop arrangement 792. The arm support member 820 and the sleeve portion 822 can be removed from the chair assembly 700 or replaced with a sleeve member 824 to provide an armless embodiment of the chair assembly on the same underlying platform.

[0122] Alternatively, the arm assembly 710, the arm support member 820, and the sleeve portion 822 can be replaced by an accessory support arrangement 830 ( Figure 40 ), where the accessory support 830 includes a support portion 832 configured as a housing to aesthetically cover the stop arrangement 792, and a chair accessory such as an arm assembly, or a foot assembly 836, which is configured to support the chair assembly 700 on a floor surface to replace the support assembly 702. The arm assembly 834 and the foot assembly 936 are provided as examples, and other chair accessories such as tablet supports, work surfaces, beverage holders, and the like can also be considered. In the example shown, the support portion 832 includes a first part 838 of a releasable coupling arrangement, while the accessory includes a second part 840 of a coupling arrangement, allowing multiple accessories to be interchangeably supported by the same underlying support structure.

[0123] Reference numeral 900 ( Figure 41 ) generally denotes another embodiment of the seat arrangement. In the example shown, the seat arrangement or chair assembly 900 is similar to the previously described chair assembly 700, with the most notable exception being the inclusion of a first structural reinforcement member 902, a second structural reinforcement member 904, and a front housing member 914 constructed via a multi-layer overmolding process. In the example shown, the chair assembly 900 includes a front housing member or a first housing member 914 and a rear housing member or a second housing member 912, where the front housing 914 is covered by a matrix layer 905 and a fabric sleeve assembly 907.

[0124] The rear housing member 912 is similar to the rear housing member 714 of the chair assembly 700 and includes a horizontally extending bottom portion or a first part 916 ( Figure 42 ), a vertically extending upper portion or a second part 918 extending upward from the first part 916, and an arcuate transition portion 920 extending between the first part 916 and the second part 918. In the example shown, the rear housing member 912 includes a unitary one-piece structure. In assembly, a pneumatically adjustable height column 932 is received through an aperture 934 in the rear housing member 912.

[0125] The front housing member 914 ( Figure 41 and 42) includes a housing member 922 having a horizontally extending bottom portion or first portion 944, a vertically extending upper portion or second portion 946 extending upward from the first portion 944, and an arcuate-shaped transition portion 948 extending between the first portion 944 and the second portion 946. The first portion 944 includes a forward portion 950 and a rearward portion 952, while the second portion 946 includes a lower portion 954, an upper portion 956, and an arcuate-shaped forwardly convex middle portion 958 located therebetween and configured to support the lumbar region of the user's back. The front housing member 914 also includes a pair of laterally spaced slots 964 extending in the front-rear direction, which are similar to the slots 764 of the chair assembly 700 as described above.

[0126] The front housing member 914 also includes an inner housing portion 924 having a horizontally extending bottom portion or first portion 960, a vertically extending upper portion or second portion 962, and an arcuate-shaped transition portion 948 extending between the first portion 960 and the second portion 962. In the assembly, the inner housing portion 924 is overmolded over the housing member 922 such that the inner housing portion 924 covers or overlaps at least part of the bottom portion 944, the upper portion 946, and the transition portion 948. The inner housing portion 924 is preferably positioned relative to the housing member 922 such that the inner housing portion 924 covers the orifice 964 of the housing member 922. Preferably, the inner housing portion 924 includes a material that is more bendable than the material constituting the housing member 922. More preferably, the inner housing portion 924 and the housing member 922 each comprise a thermoplastic polymer. Most preferably, the housing member 922 includes polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate, while the inner housing portion 924 comprises a thermoplastic olefin.

[0127] The chair assembly 900 also includes a structural reinforcement member 902 located in the transition portion 948 of the front housing member 914. In the illustrated example, the structural reinforcement member 902 is arcuate-shaped to match the arcuate-shaped transition portion 948. The reinforcement member 902 includes a relatively rigid material such as metal and extends through the transition portion 948 such that the reinforcement member 902 prevents the angle between the bottom portion 944 and the upper portion 946 from increasing as the upper portion 946 moves from the upright position to the reclined position, thereby concentrating the forward bending along or in the controlled arrangement of the transition portion 948.

[0128] The chair assembly 900 also includes a structural reinforcement member 904 that extends between tabs 972 similar to the tabs 772 of the chair assembly 700. The reinforcement member 904 overlaps a certain area of the bottom 944 of the shell member 914 to disperse the forces transmitted between the rear housing 912 and the front housing 914 near the tabs 972.

[0129] It should be noted that in each of the above embodiments, the seat arrangement is configured such that after the seat arrangement is manufactured and assembled, some, many, or all of the components can be seen from outside the seat arrangement, such that the visible components form an aesthetically pleasing outer shape of the seat arrangement, or alternatively can be enclosed within the interior of the chair assembly such that the components are not visible to a casual observer. Specifically, components such as the forward support member, the rearward support member, the support member, and the described stop arrangement are at least partially visible from outside the chair and cooperate to form its overall aesthetically pleasing outer shape. Some embodiments may include some, many, or all of the components described herein. For example, an embodiment may include one or more apertures, one or more stop systems, and / or components or materials selected for performance, such as biasing the seat arrangement to an upright position or requirements for material strength. In some embodiments, the selection of a particular component may affect the selection of various other components. For example, the use of a particular aperture may dictate what type of components or materials should be used for performance, and vice versa.

[0130] The various embodiments of the seat arrangement described herein can provide a platform with just the right and functional features for comfortably supporting a seated user, which can also reduce or shift costs, such as by reducing the number of associated components, manufacturing costs, and labor costs. The seat arrangement includes a simple, durable, and visually appealing design that can be used for a long time and is particularly suitable for the proposed use.

[0131] In the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the described embodiments can be modified without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are considered to be included in the appended claims unless those claims expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A seating arrangement, comprising: A flexible and resilient first housing member having a horizontally extending first portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion, the second portion of the first housing member being movable between an upright position and a reclined position; A flexible and resilient second housing member having a horizontally extending first portion at least partially spaced from the first portion of the first housing member, and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion of the second housing member and at least partially spaced from the second portion of the first housing member, wherein the first portion of the second housing member includes a thickness reduction region, and the thickness of the thickness reduction region of the first portion of the second housing member is thinner than the thickness of most of the first portion of the second housing member; A flexible and resilient first support member extending between the first portion of the first housing member and the first portion of the second housing member and supporting the first portion of the first housing member from the first portion of the second housing member, wherein the first support member includes a thickness reduction region, and the thickness of the thickness reduction region of the first support member is thinner than the thickness of most of the first support member; and A second support member extending between the first portion of the first housing member and the first portion of the second housing member and supporting the first portion of the first housing member from the first portion of the second housing member, such that the first portion of the first housing member, the first portion of the second housing member, the first support member and the second support member cooperate to form a linkage device; and l wherein the thickness reduction region of the first portion of the second housing member flexes more than most of the first portion of the second housing member, and when the second portion of the first housing member moves from the upright position to the reclined position, the thickness reduction region of the first support member flexes more than most of the first housing member.

2. The seating arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the thickness reduction region of the first support member is located near the lower end of the first support member.

3. The seating arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the thickness reduction region of the first portion of the second housing member is located in front of the position where the second support member is connected to the second housing member.

4. The seating arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second support member is rigid.

5. The seating arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of the first housing member includes a flexible tab member configured to flex independently of most of the first housing member, the first support member is connected to the tab, and wherein when the second portion of the first housing member moves from the upright position to the reclined position, the tab flexes more than most of the first portion of the first housing member.

6. The seating arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the tab includes a portion having a thickness reduced from that of most of the first portion of the first housing member.

7. The seating arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the thickness reduction portion of the tab is located in front of the position where the first support member is connected to the tab.

8. The seating arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the thickness reduction region of the first part of the second housing member is located in front of the position where the second support member is connected to the second housing.

9. The seating arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the linkage means comprises a four-bar linkage means.

10. The seating arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the seating arrangement comprises an office chair assembly.

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