Reconfigurable workplaces

Abstract

A chair includes a seating assembly including a seat and a support column upon a base, a repositionable seatback assembly adjustably connecting a seatback to the seating assembly, and a convertible footrest assembly. The repositionable seatback assembly includes a carriage connected to the seatback. The seatback is movable via the carriage between a rearward position and a forward position relative to the seat. The convertible footrest assembly includes a foot platform movably connected to the seating assembly, the foot platform including a first footing surface and a second footing surface. The foot platform is movable between a first position in which the first footing surface is oriented toward the seat and a second position in which the second footing surface is oriented toward the seat.

Description

RECONFIGURABLE WORKPLACES

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 478,760, filed on January 6, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 604,183, filed on November 29, 2023, which are both hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of furniture, e.g., workplace systems, chairs, and other furniture for sitting, standing, and / or perching.BACKGROUND

[0003] Standing desks, i.e., desks that have a worktop positioned at a height suitable for access by a person in a standing position or adjustable to such a height, are becoming increasingly common as people look for flexibility to adjust their body position while working at the desk for long periods of time, particularly when using a computer. Such desks are typically provided with a worktop having an adjustable height to allow the user to raise the worktop to a suitable height when working in a standing position. When the user desires to work from a sitting position, the user may lower the worktop to a height suitable for access from a sitting position in a typical office chair.

[0004] Such adjustable standing desks present limitations to the typical user. The worktop of the standing desk may be heavy and difficult to adjust, particularly if a computer hard drive, monitor, and other peripherals must all be positioned on the adjustable worktop. Adjustment of the height of the worktop may also be overly time consuming and require actuation of a complicated mechanism.

[0005] Further, when the user is in the standing position, the typical office chair does not provide any physical support or assistance to the user to maintain a comfortable standing position for extended periods of time while working at the desk. As such, the user is prone to lose focus on their posture and positioning and begin to slouch forward and fidget looking for a comfortable and stable standing position.

[0006] Known furniture generally does not include reconfigurable chairs or furniture systems that enable access to the raised worktop of a standing desk from a sitting position and provide support to the user in a standing position at the standing desk or allow for reconfiguring between various sitting, standing, and perching configurations.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 10,405,666 to Reus, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, provides an example of a chair system representing a significant advancement over known chairs and furniture. Nevertheless, there is a need for further improvements to chair systems, e.g., which can be used for ergonomically reconfiguring between sitting, standing, leaning, and perching configurations.SUMMARY

[0008] Non-limiting examples of the present invention will now be described in the following numbered clauses:

[0009] Clause 1 : A chair, comprising: a seating assembly comprising a seat and a support column upon a base; a repositionable seatback assembly adjustably connecting a seatback to the seating assembly, comprising: a carriage connected to the seatback, wherein the seatback is movable via the carriage between a rearward position and a forward position relative to the seat; and a convertible footrest assembly comprising: a foot platform movably connected to the seating assembly, the foot platform comprising a first footing surface and a second footing surface, wherein the foot platform is movable between a first position in which the first footing surface is oriented toward the seat and a second position in which the second footing surface is oriented toward the seat.

[0010] Clause 2: The chair of clause 1, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly comprises a repositioning mechanism adjustably connecting the carriage to the seating assembly.

[0011] Clause 3 : The chair of clause 2, wherein the repositioning mechanism is connected to the seat.

[0012] Clause 4: The chair of clause 2 or clause 3, wherein the repositioning mechanism is connected to a seating platform.

[0013] Clause 5: The chair of clause 4, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly comprises the seating platform.

[0014] Clause 6: The chair of clause 4, wherein the seating assembly comprises the seating platform.

[0015] Clause 7: The chair of any one of clauses 4-6, wherein the repositioning mechanism comprises a linear translation mechanism connecting the carriage to the seating platform such that the carriage is linearly adjustable with respect to the seat.

[0016] Clause 8: The chair of clause 7, wherein the linear translation mechanism comprises a rail extending from a first end region of the seat to a second end region of the seat, and wherein the carriage is slidably disposed on the rail and movable along a length of the rail from the first end region to the second end region.

[0017] Clause 9: The chair of clause 8, wherein the carriage is securable to any position along the length of the rail between the first end region and the second end region.

[0018] Clause 10: The chair of clause 8 or clause 9, wherein the linear translation mechanism further comprises a brake mechanism configured to selectively engage the rail.

[0019] Clause 11 : The chair of any one of clauses 1-10, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises an upper bracket connecting the seatback to the carriage.

[0020] Clause 12: The chair of clause 11, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises a pivoting armrest connected to the upper bracket.

[0021] Clause 13 : The chair of any one of clauses 1-12, wherein the convertible footrest assembly further comprises: a platform bracket connected to the seating assembly; and a rotational joint pivotably connecting the foot platform to the platform bracket.

[0022] Clause 14: The chair of clause 13, wherein the platform bracket comprises a bracket footer facing away from the rotational joint.

[0023] Clause 15: The chair of clause 13 or clause 14, wherein the rotational joint comprises a dampening hinge.

[0024] Clause 16: The chair of any one of clauses 13-15, further comprising a rotational stop connected to the seating assembly, the rotational stop being configured to limit rotational movement of the foot platform past the first position.

[0025] Clause 17: The chair of any one of clauses 1-16, wherein the foot platform comprises a tread plate.

[0026] Clause 18: The chair of clause 17, wherein the first footing surface and the second footing surface comprise opposing side surfaces of the tread plate.

[0027] Clause 19: The chair of clause 17 or clause 18, wherein the foot platform comprises at least one foot pad disposed on the tread plate.

[0028] Clause 20: The chair of any one of clauses 1-19, wherein the foot platform comprises a platform footer configured to limit movement of the base when the foot platform is in the second position.

[0029] Clause 21 : The chair of any one of clauses 1-20, further comprising a platform alignment assembly aligning the foot platform and the seat.

[0030] Clause 22: The chair of clause 21, wherein the platform alignment assembly comprises a leaf spring connected to the seating assembly and the convertible footrest assembly.

[0031] Clause 23 : The chair of clause 22, wherein the leaf spring comprises a rear leaf spring portion extending between the seating assembly and the convertible footrest assembly and a front leaf spring portion extending between the convertible footrest assembly and the support column, the front leaf spring portion being configured to support the foot platform in the first position.

[0032] Clause 24: The chair of any one of clauses 1-23, wherein each of the first footing surface and the second footing surface is a load bearing surface.

[0033] Clause 25: The chair of any one of clauses 1-24, wherein the chair is configurable between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration, wherein in the sitting configuration, the seatback is in the rearward position and the foot platform is in the first position such that the first footing surface is oriented toward the seat, and wherein in the standing configuration, the seatback is in the forward position and the foot platform is in the second position such that the second footing surface is oriented toward the seat.

[0034] Clause 26: The chair of clause 25, wherein in the standing configuration, the seatback is configured to be leaned against.

[0035] Clause 27: The chair of clause 25 or clause 26, wherein the chair is further configurable to an intermediate upright configuration, wherein in the intermediate upright configuration, the seatback is an intermediate position between the rearward position and the forward position and the foot platform is in the second position such that the second footing surface is oriented toward the seat.

[0036] Clause 28: A chair, comprising: a seating assembly comprising a seat and a support column upon a base, the seat having a front side and an opposing rear side; and a repositionable seatback assembly comprising a carriage connecting a seatback to a linear translation mechanism, wherein the carriage is adjustable along the linear translation mechanism with respect to the seat so that the seatback is movable between a rearward position adjacent to the rear side of the seat and a forward position adjacent to the front side of the seat.

[0037] Clause 29: The chair of clause 28, wherein the linear translation mechanism is connected to a seating platform.

[0038] Clause 30: The chair of clause 29, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly comprises the seating platform.

[0039] Clause 31 : The chair of clause 29, wherein the seating assembly comprises the seating platform.

[0040] Clause 32: The chair of any one of clauses 28-31, wherein the linear translation mechanism is connected to the seat.

[0041] Clause 33 : The chair of any one of clauses 28-32, wherein the linear translation mechanism comprises a rail connected to the seating assembly, and wherein the carriage is slidably disposed on the rail.

[0042] Clause 34: The chair of clause 33, wherein the carriage is securable at any position along a length of the rail.

[0043] Clause 35 : The chair of clause 33 or clause 34, wherein the linear translation mechanism further comprises a brake mechanism configured to selectively engage the rail.

[0044] Clause 36: The chair of any one of clauses 28-35, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises an upper bracket connecting the seatback to the carriage.

[0045] Clause 37: The chair of clause 36, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises a pivoting armrest connected to the upper bracket.

[0046] Clause 38: The chair of any one of clauses 28-37, wherein the carriage is a first carriage and the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises a second carriage, the seatback being supported on the first carriage and the second carriage, wherein the linear translation mechanism comprises a first rail and a second rail, each of the first rail and the second rail being connected to the seating assembly, and wherein the first carriage is slidably disposed on the first rail and the second carriage is slidably disposed on the second rail.

[0047] Clause 39: The chair of clause 38, wherein the linear translation mechanism further comprises a first brake mechanism configured to selectively engage the first rail and a second brake mechanism configured to selectively engage the second rail.

[0048] Clause 40: The chair of clause 38 or clause 39, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises: an upper bracket connecting the seatback to the first carriage and the second carriage; and a first pivoting armrest connected to the upper bracket and a second pivoting armrest connected to the upper bracket.

[0049] Clause 41 : A chair, comprising: a seating assembly comprising a seat and a support column upon a base, the seat having a front side and an opposing rear side; a convertible footrest assembly comprising: a foot platform movably connected to the seating assembly, the foot platform comprising a first footing surface and a second footing surface, wherein the foot platform is movable between a first position in which the first footing surface is oriented toward the seat and a second position in which the second footing surface is oriented toward the seat.

[0050] Clause 42: The chair of clause 41, wherein the convertible footrest assembly further comprises: a platform bracket connected to the seating assembly; and a rotational joint pivotably connecting the foot platform to the platform bracket.

[0051] Clause 43 : The chair of clause 42, wherein the platform bracket comprises a bracket footer facing away from the rotational joint.

[0052] Clause 44: The chair of clause 42 or clause 43, wherein the rotational joint comprises a dampening hinge.

[0053] Clause 45: The chair of any one of clauses 42-44, further comprising a rotational stop connected to the base, the rotational stop being configured to limit movement of the foot platform about the rotational joint past the first position.

[0054] Clause 46: The chair of any one of clauses 42-45, further comprising at least one footer facing away from the platform bracket or a footer bracket.

[0055] Clause 47: The chair of any one of clauses 41-46, wherein the foot platform comprises a tread plate.

[0056] Clause 48: The chair of clause 47, wherein the first footing surface and the second footing surface comprise opposing surfaces of the tread plate.

[0057] Clause 49: The chair of any one of clauses 41-48, wherein the foot platform comprises a platform footer configured to limit movement of the base when the foot platform is in the second position.

[0058] Clause 50: The chair of any one of clauses 41-49, wherein each of the first footing surface and the second footing surface is a load bearing surface.

[0059] Clause 51 : The chair of any one of clauses 41-50, further comprising a platform alignment assembly aligning the seat and the convertible footrest assembly.

[0060] Clause 52: The chair of clause 51, wherein the platform alignment assembly comprises a leaf spring connected to the seating assembly and the convertible footrest assembly.

[0061] Clause 53 : The chair of clause 52, wherein the leaf spring comprises a rear leaf spring portion extending between the seating assembly and the convertible footrest assembly and a front leaf spring portion extending from the convertible footrest assembly, the front leaf spring portion being configured to support the foot platform in the first position.

[0062] Clause 54: A chair, comprising: a seating assembly comprising a seat and a support column upon a base, the seat having a front side and an opposing rear side; a convertible footrest assembly comprising: a foot platform movably connected to the seating assembly, the foot platform comprising a first footing surface and a second footing surface, wherein the foot platform is movable between a first position in which the first footing surface is oriented toward the seat and a second position in which the second footing surface is oriented toward the seat; and a platform alignment assembly connected to the seating assembly and the convertible footrest assembly, the platform alignment assembly aligning the foot platform and the front side of the seat.

[0063] Clause 55: The chair of clause 54, wherein the platform alignment assembly comprises a spring assembly.

[0064] Clause 56: The chair of clause 55, wherein the spring assembly comprises a rear leaf spring portion extending between the seating assembly and the convertible footrest assembly and a front leaf spring portion extending from the convertible footrest assembly, the front leaf spring portion being configured to support the foot platform in the first position.

[0065] Clause 57: The chair of clause 55 or clause 56, wherein the spring assembly is a leaf spring.

[0066] Clause 58: The chair of any one of clauses 55-57, wherein the spring assembly is configured to flex to according to an adjustable height of the support column.

[0067] Clause 59: The chair of any one of clauses 54-58, wherein the seating assembly comprises a repositionable seatback assembly, and wherein the platform alignment assembly is connected to the repositionable seatback assembly.

[0068] Clause 60: A repositionable seatback assembly, comprising: a linear translation mechanism connectable to a seating assembly; a carriage slidably disposed on the linear translation mechanism; a seatback supported on the carriage; and a brake mechanism configured to selectively engage the linear translation mechanism to retain the carriage in a selected position on the linear translation mechanism.

[0069] Clause 61 : The repositionable seatback assembly of clause 60, wherein the brake mechanism is configured to secure the carriage in any position along the linear translation mechanism.

[0070] Clause 62: The repositionable seatback assembly of clause 60 or clause 61, wherein the brake mechanism is configured to limit movement of the carriage in a direction toward a first end of the linear translation mechanism and in an opposing direction toward a second end of the linear translation mechanism.

[0071] Clause 63 : The repositionable seatback assembly of any one of clauses 60-62, further comprising an upper bracket connecting the seatback to the carriage.

[0072] Clause 64: The repositionable seatback assembly of clause 63, further comprising a pivoting armrest connected to the upper bracket.

[0073] Clause 65: The repositionable seatback assembly of clause 64, wherein the pivoting armrest comprises an arm pad.

[0074] Clause 66: The repositionable seatback assembly of any one of clauses 60-65, wherein the linear translation mechanism further comprises a seating platform connecting a rail to the seating assembly.

[0075] Clause 67: The repositionable seatback assembly of any one of clauses 60-66, further comprising the seating assembly.

[0076] Clause 68: The repositionable seatback assembly of any one of clauses 60-67, wherein the carriage is a first carriage and the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises a second carriage, the seatback being supported on the first carriage and the second carriage, wherein the linear translation mechanism comprises a first rail and a second rail, and wherein the first carriage is slidably disposed on the first rail and the second carriage is slidably disposed on the second rail.

[0077] Clause 69: The repositionable seatback assembly of clause 68, wherein the brake mechanism is a first brake mechanism configured to selectively engage the first rail, and the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises a second brake mechanism configured to selectively engage the second rail.

[0078] Clause 70: The repositionable seatback assembly of clause 68 or clause 69, further comprising: an upper bracket connecting the seatback to the first carriage and the secondcarriage; and a first pivoting armrest connected to the upper bracket and a second pivoting armrest connected to the upper bracket.

[0079] Clause 71 : A convertible footrest assembly for a chair, comprising: a platform bracket; a footer extending away from the platform bracket; and a foot platform movably connected to at least one of the platform bracket or the footer, the foot platform comprising a tread plate having a first footing surface and an opposing second footing surface, wherein the foot platform is movable between a first position in which the platform bracket is disposed between the tread plate and the footer and a second position in which the tread plate and the footer are on a same side of the platform bracket.

[0080] Clause 72: The convertible footrest assembly of clause 71, further comprising a rotational joint pivotably connecting the foot platform to the platform bracket.

[0081] Clause 73 : The convertible footrest assembly of clause 72, wherein the rotational joint comprises a dampening hinge.

[0082] Clause 74: The convertible footrest assembly of any one of clauses 71-73, wherein the footer is a bracket footer suspended from the platform bracket.

[0083] Clause 75: The convertible footrest assembly of any one of clauses 71-74, wherein the footer is a first footer, wherein the foot platform comprises a second footer, wherein in the second position, the first footer and the second footer face a common direction.

[0084] Clause 76: The convertible footrest assembly of any one of clauses 71-75, wherein the foot platform comprises at least one foot pad disposed on the tread plate.

[0085] Clause 77: The convertible footrest assembly of any one of clauses 71 -76, wherein the foot platform comprises a platform footer configured to limit movement of the chair when the foot platform is in the second position.

[0086] Clause 78: The convertible footrest assembly of any one of clauses 71-77, wherein each of the first footing surface and the second footing surface is a load bearing surface.

[0087] Clause 79: A workplace system, comprising: a desk comprising a worktop; and a chair, comprising: a seating assembly comprising a seat, a support column, and a base; a repositionable seatback assembly comprising a carriage adjustably connecting a seatback to the seating assembly; and a convertible footrest assembly comprising a tread plate movably connected to the seating assembly, wherein the tread plate comprises a first footing surface and a second footing surface, wherein the workplace system is configurable between a sitting configuration in whichthe first footing surface faces the worktop and a standing configuration in which the second footing surface faces the worktop, wherein a first dimension between the seat and the worktop is constant between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration, wherein a second dimension between the worktop and the tread plate is greater in the standing configuration than the sitting configuration.

[0088] Clause 80: The workplace system of clause 79, wherein a height of the worktop is constant between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration.

[0089] Clause 81 : The workplace system of clause 79 or clause 80, wherein the worktop of the desk has an adjustable height.

[0090] Clause 82: The workplace system of any one of clauses 79-81, wherein the desk further comprises a storage surface disposed below the worktop.

[0091] Clause 83 : The workplace system of clause 82, wherein a third dimension between the seat and the storage surface is constant between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration.

[0092] Clause 84: The workplace system of clause 83, wherein a fourth dimension between the worktop and the storage surface is constant between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration.

[0093] Clause 85: The workplace system of any one of clauses 82-84, wherein the storage surface comprises part of a storage cabinet.

[0094] Clause 86: The workplace system of any one of clauses 82-85, wherein the storage surface is attached to the worktop.

[0095] Clause 87: The workplace system of clause 86, wherein the storage surface comprises a shelf depending from the worktop.

[0096] Clause 88: A method of configuring a chair between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration, the method comprising: configuring the chair to the sitting configuration by translating a seatback into a rearward position relative to a front side of a seat and rotating a foot platform up into a first position in which a first footing surface is oriented toward the seat; and configuring the chair to the standing configuration by translating the seatback into a forward position relative to the front side of the seat and rotating the foot platform down into a second position in which a second footing surface is oriented toward the seat.

[0097] Clause 89: The method of clause 88, wherein configuring the chair between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration comprises not adjusting a height of the seat between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration.

[0098] Clause 90: The method of clause 88 or clause 89, further comprising converting the chair to an intermediate upright configuration in which the seatback is in an intermediate position between the rearward position and the forward position and the foot platform is in the second position.

[0099] Clause 91 : A method of configuring a workplace between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration, the workplace having a desk with a worktop, and a chair having a seatback, a seat, and a foot platform, the method comprising: configuring the workplace to the sitting configuration by translating the seatback into a rearward position relative to a front side of the seat, rotating the foot platform into a first position in which a first footing surface of the foot platform is oriented toward the seat, setting a height of the seat, and setting a height of the worktop; and configuring the workplace to the standing configuration by translating the seatback into a forward position relative to the front side of the seat and rotating the foot platform into a second position in which a second footing surface is oriented toward the seat, without adjusting the height of the seat or the height of the worktop.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0100] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

[0101] FIG. 1 illustrates an upper right perspective view of a chair system according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0102] FIG. 2 illustrates a left side elevation view of the chair system of FIG. 1.

[0103] FIG. 3A illustrates an upper right perspective view of a repositionable seatback assembly of the chair system of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0104] FIG. 3B illustrates a right side elevation view of the repositionable seatback assembly of FIG. 3 A.

[0105] FIG. 3C illustrates a right side elevation view of the repositionable seatback assembly of FIG. 3 A in a first position corresponding to a sitting configuration of the chair system.

[0106] FIG. 3D illustrates a right side elevation view of the repositionable seatback assembly of FIG. 3 A in a second position corresponding to an upright configuration of the chair system.

[0107] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a convertible footrest assembly of the chair system of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0108] FIG. 4B illustrates a right side elevation view of the convertible footrest assembly of FIG. 4A.

[0109] FIG. 4C illustrates a right side elevation view of the convertible footrest assembly of FIG. 4A in a first position corresponding to a sitting configuration of the chair system.

[0110] FIG. 4D illustrates a right side elevation view of the convertible footrest assembly of FIG. 4A in a second position corresponding to an upright configuration of the chair system.[OHl] FIG. 4E illustrates a schematic of the swing area of a foot platform of the convertible footrest assembly of FIG. 4 A.

[0112] FIG. 5 illustrates a right side elevation view of a platform alignment assembly of the chair system of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0113] FIG. 6A illustrates a right side elevation view of the chair system of FIG. 1 in a sitting configuration.

[0114] FIG. 6B illustrates a right side elevation view of the chair system of FIG. 1 in a first upright configuration.

[0115] FIG. 6C illustrates a right side elevation view of the chair system of FIG. 1 in a second upright configuration.

[0116] FIG. 7A illustrates a right side elevation view of a workplace system in a sitting configuration, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0117] FIG. 7B illustrates a right side elevation view of the workplace system of FIG. 7A in a standing configuration.

[0118] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for a method according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0119] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for a method according to an example of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0120] The present disclosure provides numerous innovations that improve the modern workplace, include reconfigurable chair systems, repositionable seatback assemblies, convertible footrest assemblies, platform alignment assemblies, and workplace systems including a desk and any of the foregoing innovations.

[0121] With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a reconfigurable chair system 100, hereinafter referred to as a chair 100 for brevity, is shown in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. The chair 100 is configurable between at least a sitting configuration, shown in FIG. 6A, and a number of upright configurations, examples of which are shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C, which enable a single user to ergonomically and comfortably rest in multiple positions (e.g., sitting, standing, leaning, and perching positions).

[0122] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the chair 100 includes a seating assembly 101 having a seat 108 having a front side 1 10 and an opposing rear side 1 12, a base 102 configured to support the chair 100 on a floor surface, and a support column 104. According to an example, the base 102 is a roller-type base having a number of arms extending outwardly from a central hub. Casters or wheels are provided at the ends of the arms to facilitate movement of the chair 100 along the floor surface. It is to be appreciated that the base 102 may be of any suitable configuration for supporting the chair 100 on a floor surface.

[0123] The support column 104 supports the seat 108 (directly or indirectly) on the base 102. The support column 104 may have an adjustable height to allow for adjustment of the vertical height of the seat 108 with respect to the base 102. According to an example, the support column 104 includes a height adjustable gas piston coupled to the base 102. The chair 100 may include a height adjustment lever 106a that actuates the gas piston of the support column 104 through linkages to change the height of the seat 108. As shown in FIG. 1 - FIG. 3A, the chair 100 includes two height adjustment levers 106a, 106b disposed on opposing sides of the seat 108 (i.e., left and right hand levers) configured to independently actuate the gas piston of the support column 104 in order facilitate ambidextrous use of the height adjustment features of the chair 100. It is to be appreciated that a single height adjustment lever 106a may be provided for actuating the gas piston or that a different mechanism for actuating the gas piston or for changing the height of the seat 108 may be provided.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, according to an example, the seat 108 includes a seating platform 116 and a seat rest 114 disposed on the seating platform 116. In some examples, the seating platform 116 is integrally formed with at least part of the seat rest 114, such as a platformintegrally molded with a seating surface. In other examples, the seat rest 114 and seating platform 116 are coupled together. In other examples, the seating platform 116 is omitted or forms part of a repositionable seatback assembly 1 18, as will be discussed in further detail below. It is to be appreciated that, in the example where the seating platform 116 forms part of the repositionable seatback assembly 118, the repositionable seatback assembly 118 may be interposed between support column 104 and the seat 108 of the seating assembly 101, and thus the components of the seating assembly 101 are not necessarily directly connected or coupled in all examples of the present disclosure.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the seat 108is positioned on and coupled to the support column 104 via the seating platform 116. In particular, the seating platform 116 may include an aperture that receives an upper end of the support column 104 that allows the seat 108 to swivel or rotate in place on the support column 104. The seat rest 114 is connected to the top or upper side of the seating platform 116 and is configured to provide an appropriately comfortable and cushioned area for the user to sit on (as shown in FIG. 6A) or perch on (as shown in FIG. 6B). In other examples, the support column 104 may be directly connected to the seat rest 114 and / or to a frame or other support structure forming part of the seat 108 that structurally supports the seat rest 114. According to such examples, the support column 104 may extend through the seating platform 116 to the seat rest 114 or the seating platform 116 may be omitted.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the chair 100 may further include a repositionable seatback assembly, e.g., a repositionable seatback assembly 118, a convertible footrest assembly 140, and / or a platform alignment assembly 166, as will be discussed in further detail below. The repositionable seatback assembly 118 enables adjustment of the seatback location. This feature, together with the convertible footrest assembly 140 and continuous height adjustment of the seat, enable the chair 100 to comfortably accommodate a wide range of users in all configurable positions. Thus, the chair 100 represents a significant advance over known chair systems. Additional advantages of the chair 100 incorporating one or more of these assemblies will also be discussed in detail below. For clarity, chairs and workplace systems of the present disclosure may include any one or more of a repositionable seatback assembly, a convertible footrest assembly, and / or a platform alignment assembly, including: repositionable seatback assembly only; a convertible footrest assembly only; a platform alignment assembly; a repositionable seatback assembly and a convertible footrest assembly; a repositionable seatback assembly and a platform alignment assembly; a convertible footrest assembly and a platform alignmentassembly; and a repositionable seatback assembly, a convertible footrest assembly, and a platform alignment assembly.

[0127] With reference to FIG. 1 - FIG. 3D, according to an example of the present disclosure, a repositionable seatback assembly 118 adjustably connects the seatback 124 to the seating assembly 101. The repositionable seatback assembly 118 includes a carriage 120a, a repositioning mechanism connected to the seating assembly 101 (here the seating platform 116) that adjustably connects the carriage 120a to the seat 108, and the seatback 124 connected to and supported on the carriage 120a. The carriage 120a is adjustable with respect to the seat 108 so that the seatback 124 is movable via the carriage 120a between a rearward position (shown in FIG. 3C) adjacent to the rear side 112 (e.g., a rear end or edge) of the seat 108 and a forward position (shown in FIG. 3D) adjacent to the front side 110 (e.g., a front end or edge) of the seat 108.

[0128] According to the example of FIG. 1 - FIG. 3D, the repositionable seatback assembly 118 is a translating seatback assembly and the repositioning mechanism includes a linear translation mechanism 122. The linear translation mechanism 122 connects the carriage 120a to the seating assembly 101, particularly the seating platform 116 of the seat 108, such that the carriage 120a is linearly adjustable with respect to the seat 108. It is to be appreciated that the linear translation mechanism 122 may be connected to different components of the seating assembly 101 than the seating platform 116. For instance, according to an example, the linear translation mechanism 122 may instead be connected to the support column 104 or directly to the seat rest 114 and / or the structural frame of the seat 108 that supports the seat rest 114.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3B, the repositionable seatback assembly 1 18 provides a linkage between the seatback 124 and the seating assembly 101 to allow for movement of the seatback 124 between the rearward and forward positions, as discussed above. The repositionable seatback assembly 118 includes the carriage 120a and the linear translation mechanism 122. According to an example, the linear translation mechanism 122 includes at least one track (in this example, a rail 126a) connected to the seating assembly 101, particularly the seating platform 116 below the seat rest 114. The rail 126a extends from a first end associated with a first end region 128 of the seat 108 adjacent to the rear side 112 of the seat 108 to a second end associated with a second end region 130 of the seat 108 adjacent to a front side 110 of the seat 108. The carriage 120a engages the rail 126a (e.g., rides along, surrounds or partially surrounds the rail 126a) and is translatably disposed on the rail 126a and movable along a length of the rail 126afrom the first end or first end region 128 of the seat 108 to the second end or second end region 130 of the seat 108. The carriage 120a may include one or more bearings to facilitate translational movement along the rail 126a.

[0130] According to an example, the carriage 120a is movable with respect to the rail 126a to any position along the length of the rail between the first end or the first end region 128 of the seat 108 and the second end or the second end region 130 of the seat 108. As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the linear translation mechanism 122 also includes a brake mechanism 132a that selectively engages the rail 126a to retain and / or secure the carriage 120a in a selected position along the length of the rail 126a. According to the example, the selected position may be any position along the length of the rail 126a. The brake mechanism 132a may be disposed on the first carriage 120a and selectively actuated by the user to engage the rail 126a, thereby fixing a position of the carriage 120a along the rail 126a. According to an example, the brake mechanism 132a includes a lever to unlock or lock the brake mechanism 132a.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3B, the repositionable seatback assembly 118 may further include an upper bracket 134 that connects the seatback 124 to the carriage 120a and supports the seatback 124 on the carriage 120a. The repositionable seatback assembly 118 may also include one or more pivoting armrests 136a, 136b that are pivotably connected to the upper bracket 134. As shown, the upper bracket 134 extends upward from the carriage 120a to the seatback 124 and around a side of the seatback 124 opposite to the seat 108.

[0132] The repositionable seatback assembly 118 includes two pivoting armrests 136a, 136b disposed on opposing sides of the seat 108. The pivoting armrests 136a, 136b may each incorporate one or more polymer arm pads 138a, 138b made from a suitably cushioned material (e.g., EVA or ethylene-vinyl acetate foam). The arm pads 138a, 138b may be modular or removable from the pivoting armrests 136a, 136b, such as by snaps or other mechanical fasteners. In this manner, the arm pads 138a, 138b can be conveniently washed, replaced, and / or interchanged, for example with licensed or branded pads. According to the example, the pivoting armrests 136a, 136b are connected to the upper bracket 134 by a simple pivoting joint. It is to be appreciated that pivoting armrests 136a, 136b may be connected to the upper bracket 134 by various ratcheting type joints or mechanisms to provide for more adjustability in the positions of the pivoting armrests 136a, 136b.

[0133] With reference to FIG. 2 - FIG. 3B, according to an example, the carriage 120a is a first carriage 120a and the repositionable seatback assembly 118 also includes a second carriage 120b.The seatback 124 is supported on the first carriage 120a and the second carriage 120b by the upper bracket 134, which is connected to both of the first carriage 120a and the second carriage 120b. The linear translation mechanism 122 includes the rail 126a, which is a first rail 126a, and a second rail 126b. Each of the first rail 126a and the second rail 126b is connected to the seating platform 116 of the seat 108 and extends from a first end associated with the first end region 128 of the seat 108 positioned adjacent to the rear side 112 of the seat 108 to a second end associated with the second end region 130 of the seat 108 positioned adjacent to the front side 110 of the seat 108.

[0134] The first carriage 120a is slidably disposed on the first rail 126a and the second carriage 120b is slidably disposed on the second rail 126b, as discussed above, and the first carriage 120a and the second carriage 120b are movable along the length of the respective first rail 126a and second rail 126b from the first end region 128 of the seat 108 to the second end region 130 of the seat 108.

[0135] According to the example, the linear translation mechanism 122 includes the brake mechanism 132a, which is a first brake mechanism 132a, and a second brake mechanism 132b. The first brake mechanism 132a selectively engages the first rail 126a to retain the first carriage 120a in the selected position along the length of the first rail 126a, as discussed above, and the second brake mechanism 132b selectively engages the second rail 126b to retain the second carriage 120b in a selected position along the length of the second rail 126b.

[0136] As discussed above, according to an example, the repositionable seatback assembly 118 may further include the seating platform 116, which as shown in FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3B, connects the at least one track or rail 126a to the seating assembly 101. According to such an example, the seating platform 116 may not form part of the seating assembly 101 and thus the repositionable seatback assembly 118 is interposed between the support column 104 and the seat 108 of the seating assembly 101 . The seating platform 116 may still be directly connected or coupled to the support column 104.

[0137] According to other examples of the present disclosure, the support column 104 may extend through the seating platform 116 to engage the seat 108 directly, as discussed above. According to another example, the seating platform 116 may be omitted and the repositionable seatback assembly 118 may include a frame or bracket(s) connected to the seating assembly 101, for instance to an underside of the seat 108, which connect and support the repositioning mechanism to the seating assembly 101 (e.g., connect and support the track(s) or rail(s) 126a,126b of the linear translation mechanism 122 to the seating assembly 101). According to a particular example, the support structure or frame of the seat 108 is integrally formed or molded with brackets or similar structural components defined therein provided to interconnect the repositioning mechanism to the seat 108.

[0138] According to still additional examples of the present disclosure, a seating assembly may include a repositionable seatback assembly (as described above) connected to a seat. In such embodiments, the seating assembly may be a modular assembly attachable to a support column or other structure.

[0139] Advantageously, the repositionable seatback assembly 118 enables the seatback 124 to be fixed at an infinite number of points along the first rail 126a and the second rail 126b while the seat rest 114 remains stationary. For example, in the sitting configuration shown in FIG. 3C and FIG. 6A, the seatback 124 may be positioned at the first end region 128 of the seat 108 adjacent to the rear side 112 of the seat 108. By comparison, when the chair 100 is in an upright configuration, such as shown in FIG. 3D and FIG. 6C, the seatback 124 may be positioned at the second end region 130 of the seat 108 adjacent to the front side 110 of the seat 108.

[0140] The infinite adjustment of the rail-based repositionable seatback assembly 118 is a significant improvement over known seatback adjustment mechanisms because it makes the chair100 accessible to a wider range of users and enables each user to adjust the chair 100 with greater granularity.

[0141] Another advantage of the repositionable seatback assembly 118 is that it is free of pinch points, and therefore is a safer seatback adjustment system than known systems.

[0142] It is to be appreciated that the repositionable seatback assembly 118 may be provided in different configurations than the example shown and described above. For instance, the rail 126a may comprise a track configured to receive rollers extending from the carriage 120a to enable the carriage 120a to travel along the length of the rail 126a from the first end region 128 of the seat 108 to the second end region 130 of the seat 108. Further, the repositionable seatback assembly 118 may be connected to a different component or components of the seating assembly101 than the seating platform 116. For instance, the repositionable seatback assembly 118 may instead be directly connected to the seat rest 114 or to the support column 104 or base 102 or any suitable combination of the above-described components of the seating assembly 101.

[0143] Additionally, a repositionable seatback assembly may be provided that does not rely upon linear translation of the seatback 124 between the rearward position and the forwardposition. For instance, the repositionable seatback assembly may incorporate one or more linkage assemblies of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 10,405,666, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, which allow for the seatback 124 to be moved along an arc between the rearward position and the forward position.

[0144] According to an example, the chair 100 comprises a means for repositioning the seatback 124 relative to the seat 108. The means may comprise any of the above-described assemblies and mechanisms and equivalents thereof. In particular, the means may comprise the above-described repositionable seatback assembly 118, the above-described repositionable seatback assembly incorporating tracks in the rail(s) 126a and wheels extending from the carriage(s) 120a, and / or a linkage mechanism as described in U.S. Patent No. 10,405,666.

[0145] With reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 4A - FIG. 4D, according to an example of the present disclosure, the convertible footrest assembly 140 includes a foot platform 142 movably connected to the seating assembly 101 of the chair 100. The foot platform 142 includes a first footing surface 144 and a second footing surface 146. The foot platform 142 is movable between a first position (shown in FIG. 4C) in which the first footing surface 144 is oriented toward the seat 108, and a second position (shown in FIG. 4D) in which the second footing surface 146 is oriented toward the seat 108.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the convertible footrest assembly 140 may also include a platform bracket 150 connected to the seating assembly 101 of the chair 100 and one or more rotational joints 148a, 148b that pivotably connect the foot platform 142 to the platform bracket 150. As shown, the platform bracket 150 is affixed to the support column 104 above the base 102 to ensure that the convertible footrest assembly 140 swivels or rotates about the support column 104 as the seat 108 rotates or swivels with the aid of a platform alignment assembly 166, which will be described in detail below. According to an example, one or both of the rotational joints 148a, 148b comprises a dampening hinge.

[0147] The foot platform 142 includes a tread plate 154 that defines the first footing surface 144 and the second footing surface 146. According to the example, the first footing surface 144 and the second footing surface 146 are opposing side surfaces of the tread plate 154. The first footing surface 144 faces away from the platform bracket 150 and the second footing surface 146 faces toward the platform bracket 150. Accordingly, in the first position the first footing surface 144 is oriented upwardly with respect to the platform bracket 150, i.e., in the direction of the platform bracket 150 extending away from the base 102 when the platform bracket 150 isconnected to the base 102, and in the second position the second footing surface 146 is oriented upwardly with respect to the platform bracket 150. The tread plate 154 is coupled to the rotational joints 148a, 148b by arms 156a, 156b extending from opposing lateral sides of the tread plate 154 at the proximal end of the tread plate 154, i.e., the end of the tread plate 154 oriented toward the rotational joints 148a, 148b.

[0148] According to an example, both the first footing surface 144 and the second footing surface 146 are load bearing surfaces configured to provide comfortable and stable support for a foot of a user engaging the foot platform 142 and to hold at least part of the body weight of the user thereon depending on the configuration of the chair, as will be discussed in further detail below. Accordingly, the tread plate 154 may include one or more polymer foot pads 160a, 160b disposed on the first footing surface 144 and the second footing surface 146, respectively. The foot pads 160a, 160b may be made from a EVA foam. The foot pads 160a, 160b are configured to provide comfort and support for the user's feet and joints in the sitting, perching, and leaning positions. The foot pads 160a, 160b may be modular or removable, for example by snaps or other mechanical fastener(s). This way, the foot pads 160a, 160b can be conveniently washed, replaced, and / or interchanged, for example with licensed or branded foot pads 160a, 160b.

[0149] It is to be appreciated that the foot platform 142 may be provided in different configurations. For instance, foot platform 142 may be L-shaped with the tread plate 154 defining only the second footing surface 146 while the first footing surface 144 is formed by a secondary plate extending perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the tread plate 154. According to such an example, the first footing surface 144 would still always face away from the platform bracket 150 while the second footing surface 146 faces in a different direction, i.e., in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first footing surface 144.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the foot platform 142 may include a platform footer 158 that extends away from a distal end of the tread plate 154, i.e., the end of the tread plate 154 oriented away from the rotational joints 148a, 148b, on the same side of the tread plate 154 as the first footing surface 144. The platform footer 158 is configured to limit movement of the base 102, and thus the chair 100, when the foot platform 142 is in the second position.

[0151] In particular, when the foot platform 142 is in the second position, the platform footer 158 is oriented downwardly to engage the floor surface beneath the chair 100. A frictional engagement between the platform footer 158 and the floor surface will limit or prevent movement of the chair 100, particularly when a user steps on the second footing surface 146 to use the chair100 in an upright configuration to cause the platform footer 158 to bear against the floor surface, as shown in FIG. 4D, FIG. 6B, and FIG. 6C. The platform footer 158 may be provided with a foam pad or similar device to protect the floor surface.

[0152] As also shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the platform bracket 150 may include a footer bracket 164 that is also pivotably connected to the rotational joints 148a, 148b such that the footer bracket 164 hangs directly below the rotational joints 148a, 148b. A bracket footer 162 extends away from the distal end of the footer bracket 164, i.e., faces away from the rotational joints 148a, 148b. The footer bracket 164 hangs or is suspended from the rotational joints 148a, 148b such that the bracket footer 162 can be disposed directly below the rotational joints 148a, 148b both when the foot platform 142 is in the first position and in the second position.

[0153] Advantageously, the bracket footer 162 adds strength to the arms 156a, 156b of the foot platform 142 so that the platform bracket 150 does not bend after repeated use. Also, when the user steps on the foot platform 142 and / or the platform bracket 150 (e.g., when mounting the chair 100 to sit or to stand, lean, or perch on the chair 100), the user's body weight will bear against the bracket footer 162 to cause the bracket footer 162 to engage the floor surface beneath the chair 100 to limit movement of the base 102 and the chair 100. According to an example, the user's body weight bearing on the bracket footer 162 in any configuration of the chair 100 will anchor the chair 100 and prevent unwanted movement. The bracket footer 162 may be provided with a pad to protect the floor surface.

[0154] The foregoing structure enables the foot platform 142 to be pivoted between an upper configuration (e.g., a sitting configuration shown in FIG. 6A) and a lower configuration (e.g., an upright configuration such as a standing configuration or leaning configuration shown in FIG. 6C or an intermediate upright configuration or perching configuration shown in FIG. 6B). FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D show the convertible footrest assembly 140 in a sitting configuration and an upright configuration, respectively.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 4C, in the sitting configuration, the tread plate 154 is disposed between the platform bracket 150 and the seat 108 such that the first footing surface 144 of the tread plate 154 faces the seat 108. In this configuration, the first footing surface 144 of the tread plate 154 is the user's footrest. As shown in FIG. 6A, the foot platform 142 supports the user’s feet in the sitting position with an ergonomically correct approximately ninety degree knee bend.

[0156] As also shown in FIG. 4C, the chair 100 may also include a rotational stop 152 connected to the support column 104 and / or the base 102. The rotational stop 152 extends from the supportcolumn 104 to limit or stop rotational movement of the foot platform 142 about the rotational joints 148a, 148b past the first position supporting the user's feet in the ergonomically correct position.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 4D, in the upright configuration, the platform bracket 150 is disposed between the tread plate 154 and the seat 108 such that the second footing surface 146 of the tread plate 154 faces the seat 108, forming the user's footrest.

[0158] Thus, in either configuration, the foot platform 142 functions as a footrest for the user, representing an improvement over previous designs in which the footrest was inoperative in a sitting configuration, thereby requiring a foot ring to support the user's feet in the sitting configuration.

[0159] Comparing FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D, it is evident that the bracket footer 162 is disposed directly below the rotational joint 148a in both the sitting configuration and the upright configuration. Thus, the bracket footer 162 is configured to drive into the ground and anchor the chair 100 whenever the user places their body weight upon the platform bracket 150 and / or the foot platform 142.

[0160] With reference to FIG. 4E, another advantage of the convertible footrest assembly 140 is its larger size as compared to previous designs. This gives the user more room to maneuver when using the chair 100 in in upright configurations, while also providing more surface area for the user’s feet in the sitting configuration. The improved, larger design ensures users of a large range of body heights and sizes can use the chair 100 in all configurations.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 4E, the seat 108 has a seat height Z measured from the top of the seat rest 114 to the first footing surface 144 when the foot platform 142 is in the first position and the first footing surface 144 is oriented toward the seat 108. According to an example, the support column 104 is configured to set a minimum seat height Z that enables a person having a height of approximately 5 feet, 2 inches (1.6 m) to comfortably sit in the seat 108 while their feet engage and are supported by the foot platform 142. According to the example, the minimum seat height Z of the chair 100 is approximately 21 inches (53 cm).

[0162] According to the example, the foot platform 142 has a platform depth X that is sufficiently large to allow the user to comfortably rest their feet on the foot platform 142 in the sitting, standing, leaning, and perching positions. A greater platform depth X provides more surface area for the user's feet in all positions. In the sitting position, it is beneficial for the platform depth X to be large enough so that the user's knees can bend at a 90° angle and the usercan still have their feet supported on the foot platform 142, regardless of the height of the user within a typical range, e.g., approximately 5 feet 2 inches (1.6 m) to 6 feet 2 inches (1.9 m). Taller people may require more surface area, so the platform depth X can be selected to be large enough to accommodate taller people, e.g., persons having a height up to 6 feet 2 inches (1.9 m).

[0163] However, a larger platform depth X also results in a larger platform swing area clearance C required for the foot platform to pivot about the pivot axis A, which is defined by the rotational joints 148a, 148b, between the first position and the second position. As such, if the platform depth X is too large, the foot platform 142 may strike against the bottom of the seat 108 when the seat 108 is set to the minimum seat height Z or make it difficult or impossible for the seat 108 to be lowered enough to accommodate a person having a shorter height, e.g., persons having a height as low as 5 feet 2 inches (1.6 m).

[0164] According to an example, the platform depth X should be selected so as to provide a surface area sufficient to accommodate taller people, but sufficiently small to allow for the foot platform 142 to swing under the seat 108 when the seat 108 is at the minimum seat height Z. According to an example, the platform depth X is in a range of approximately 12 inches to approximately 21 inches (30 cm - 51 cm), preferably in a range of approximately 15 inches to approximately 20 inches (38 cm - 51 cm), more preferably in a range of approximately 17 inches to approximately 19 inches (43 cm - 48 cm). More particularly, the platform depth X may be approximately 18 inches (46 cm).

[0165] The pivot axis A of the foot platform 142 is positioned at a height that is half the height Y of the convertible footrest assembly 140 when the foot platform 142 is in the first position. Accordingly, the greater the height Y of the convertible footrest assembly 140, the higher the position of the foot platform 142 in the first position, and thus the higher the clearance required between the foot platform 142 and the seat 108. If the pivot axis A is positioned too high, the foot platform 142 will hit the bottom of the seat 108 when being moved between the first position and the second position. If the pivot axis A is too low, the foot platform 142 will be positioned too low for shorter people have their feet rest on the foot platform 142 in a beneficial manner when in the sitting position on the chair 100.

[0166] According to an example, the height Y of the convertible footrest assembly 140 is selected to accommodate persons within an approximate height range of 5 feet 2 inches (1.6 m) to 6 feet 2 inches (1.9 m). According to the example, the height Y of the convertible footrest assembly 140 is in a range of approximately 12 inches to approximately 28 inches (30 cm - 71cm), preferably in a range of approximately 18 inches to approximately 24 inches (46 cm - 61 cm), more preferably in a range of approximately 21 inches to approximately 23 inches (53 cm - 58 cm). More particularly, the height Y may be approximately 22 inches (56 cm).

[0167] It is to be appreciated that the chair 100 may be specifically configured to accommodate especially tall people, e.g., people having a height greater than 6 feet 2 inches (1.9 m), or especially short people, e.g., people having a height less than 5 feet 2 inches (1.6 m). According to such configurations, the platform depth X and the height Y of the convertible footrest assembly 140 may be suitably adjusted from the parameters described above.

[0168] It is to be appreciated that the convertible footrest assembly 140 may be provided in different configurations than the example shown and described above. For instance, the foot platform 142 need not be pivotably connected to seating assembly 101. The foot platform 142 may be connected to the platform bracket 150 by one or more linkage assemblies that allow the foot platform 142 to move between a raised position between the platform bracket 150 and the seat 108 when the chair 100 is in the sitting configuration and a lowered position below the platform bracket 150 when the chair 100 is in an upright configuration. Also, the foot platform 142 and / or the platform bracket 150 may be connected or coupled to any of the above-described components of the seating assembly 101, rather than just the support column 104. For instance, the platform bracket 150 may be connected to both the support column 104 and the base 102. According to another example, the platform bracket 150 may be omitted and the foot platform 142 may be directly connected to the seating assembly 101 at the support column 104 and / or the base 102.

[0169] Alternatively, the foot platform may instead be configured to slide or extend outward from the base depending on the configuration of the chair 100. The foot platform may include a number of articulated panels configured to fold or collapse together to facilitate the extension of the foot platform from the platform bracket or the base.

[0170] According to an example, the chair 100 comprises a means for converting a footrest between a sitting configuration in which the footrest is disposed between a seat 108 and a base 102 of the chair 100 and an upright configuration in which the footrest is disposed level with or below the base 102. The means may comprise any of the above-described assemblies and equivalents thereof. In particular, the means may comprise the above-described convertible footrest assembly 140.

[0171] With reference to FIG. 5, according to an example of the present disclosure, the chair 100 also includes a footrest alignment assembly or a platform alignment assembly 166 connected to the seating assembly 101 or the repositionable seatback assembly 1 18, e.g., the seat 108, seating platform 116, and / or the support column 104, and the convertible footrest assembly 140. The platform alignment assembly 166 maintains an alignment between a footrest (such as the foot platform 142) and the front side 110 of the seat 108 such that the foot platform 142 is maintained below front side 110 of the seat 108 as the seat 108 is swiveled or rotated with respect to the support column 104 and the base 102.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 5, the platform alignment assembly 166 may include an alignment element (here, a leaf spring 168) connected to the seating assembly 101 and the convertible footrest assembly 140. The leaf spring 168 includes a rear leaf spring portion 170 having an upper end coupled to the seat 108, e.g., the seating platform 116, and a lower end coupled to the platform bracket 150. Accordingly, the rear leaf spring portion 170 fixes the relative orientation of the convertible footrest assembly 140 and the seat 108 (and thus also the seat rest 114 and the repositionable seatback assembly 118). Thus, the rear leaf spring portion 170 ensures that the foot platform 142 always faces in the same direction as the front side 110 of the seat 108. As shown, the leaf spring 168 may have a curved shape. The leaf spring 168 may also be configured so as to flex or bend according to a height of the support column 104.

[0173] According to the example, the leaf spring 168 also includes a front leaf spring portion 172 extending between the convertible footrest assembly 140 and the support column 104 on an opposite side of the support column 104 from the rear leaf spring portion 170. A lower end of the front leaf spring portion 172 projects forward toward the foot platform 142 and upward toward the seating platform 116, where an upper end couples to the support column 104. The upper surface of the front leaf spring portion 172 defines the rotational stop 152 that supports the foot platform 142 to arrest rotation of the foot platform 142 from the first position and retain the foot platform 142 in the first position, as discussed above. This ensures that the first footing surface 144 of the foot platform 142 is approximately parallel with the floor surface when the chair 100 is in the sitting configuration.

[0174] It is to be appreciated that the platform alignment assembly 166 may be provided in different configurations than the example shown and described above. For instance, the leaf spring 168 may be provided in any number of different shapes and structural configurations with different curvatures, flexing capabilities and attachment points to the seating assembly 101,particularly to the seating platform 116 and / or the support column 104, and to the platform bracket 150 and / or the base 102.

[0175] Alternatively, the platform alignment assembly 166 may include a non-leaf spring alignment member connecting the seating assembly 101 and the convertible footrest assembly 140. In some embodiments, the alignment member is a telescoping arm (e.g., a gas shock) connected to the support column 104 (e.g., by a flange) and to the seating assembly (e.g., the platform bracket 150). The telescoping arm would expand and collapse based on the adjusted height of the support column 104. The platform alignment assembly 166 may instead include a non-circular shaped (e.g., triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.) column that forms the support column 104 or surrounds the support column 104 and is fixedly connected to the seat 108 to rotate or swivel with the seat 108. The non-circular column passes through a correspondingly shaped and sized aperture in the platform bracket 150 such that the platform bracket 150 is driven to swivel or rotate with respect to the base 102 as the seat 108 does.

[0176] According to an example, the chair 100 comprises a means for aligning a footrest with a seat. The means may comprise any of the above-described assemblies and equivalents thereof. In particular, the means may comprise the above-described platform alignment assembly 166.

[0177] It is to be appreciated that the rotational stop 152 may be of any suitable structure or configuration. For instance, the rotational stop 152 may be defined by an upward extension of the base 102 extending around the support column 104 or by a flanged member affixed around or to the support column 104. Alternatively, the foot platform 142 may be pivoted to rest against an upper extension of the platform bracket 150 or directly on the top surface of the platform bracket 150, such that the platform bracket 150 defines the rotational stop 152. In such instances where the rotational stop 152 is not defined by the front leaf spring portion 172, the leaf spring 168 may only extend from the seating platform 116 to the platform bracket 150 and not include the front leaf spring portion 172.

[0178] Advantageously, as a result of the aforementioned systems, the chair 100 is configurable between a sitting configuration and numerous upright configurations, including a standing configuration or leaning configuration and an intermediate upright configuration or perching configuration. FIG. 6A - FIG. 6C illustrate the chair 100 in several representative configurations.

[0179] FIG. 6A illustrates the chair 100 in the sitting configuration, according to an example of the present disclosure. In the sitting configuration, the repositionable seatback assembly 1 18 is arranged so that the first carriage 120a and the second carriage 120b are positioned at the firstend region 128 of the seat 108 such that the seatback 124 is in the rearward position adjacent to the rear side 112 of the seat 108. The foot platform 142 is in the first position such that the tread plate 154 is disposed between the platform bracket 150 and the seating platform 1 16 and the first footing surface 144 is oriented toward the seat 108. The pivoting armrests 136a, 136b are lowered to a horizontal orientation to be in position to support the person's arms 1006.

[0180] As shown in FIG. 6A, when the chair 100 is in the sitting configuration, a person 1000 may sit in the chair 100 with their posterior 1010, hips, and upper legs 1008 supported on the seat rest 114 of the seat 108 and their back 1004 engaged with the seatback 124. At least one foot 1016 is engaged with the first footing surface 144 of the foot platform 142. The person's arms 1006 may be supported on the pivoting armrests 136a, 136b of the chair 100, as described above. According to an example, the first footing surface 144 is positioned with respect to the seat 108 such that the person's knee 1012 is bent at an ergonomically correct and comfortable 90° angle.

[0181] FIG. 6B illustrates the chair 100 in an intermediate upright configuration or perching configuration, according to an example of the present disclosure. In the intermediate upright configuration, the repositionable seatback assembly 118 is arranged so that the first carriage 120a and the second carriage 120b are positioned approximately between the first end region 128 and the second end region 130 of the seat 108 such that the seatback is in an intermediate position between the rearward position and the forward position. As shown, the seatback 124 is closer to the forward position adjacent to the front side 110 of the seat 108 leaving a small portion of the seat rest 114 exposed in front of the seatback 124. The foot platform 142 is in the second position such that the platform bracket 150 is disposed between the tread plate 154 and the seating platform 116 and the second footing surface 146 is oriented toward the seat 108.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 6B, when the chair 100 is in the intermediate upright configuration, the person 1000 may perch on the chair 100 with their posterior 1010 and hips at least partially supported on the seat rest 114 of the seat 108 and their upper legs 1008 at least partially depending from the seat rest 114. The person's back 1004 is engaged with the seatback 124 and at least one foot 1016 is engaged with the second footing surface 146 of the foot platform 142.

[0183] It is to be appreciated that because the first carriage 120a and the second carriage 120b may be adjusted to and retained at any selected position along the lengths of the first rail 126a and the second rail 126b, as discussed above. Accordingly, the chair 100 may be adjusted to an infinite or nearly infinite number of intermediate upright configurations that differ from the configuration shown in FIG. 6B with respect to the position of the seatback 124 relative to theseat 108, thereby adjusting the portion of the seat rest 114 available to support the person's posterior 1010 and upper legs 1008 in front of the seatback 124.

[0184] The perching position assumed by the person 1000 may involve more of a sitting or halfsitting posture than the deep leaning posture of the person 1000 shown in FIG. 6B. The exact position of the seatback 124 with respect to the seat rest 114 in the intermediate upright configuration, or any other configuration of the chair 100, is determined solely according to the preference of the person 1000 using the chair 100. The person 1000 may also actuate the support column 104, as discussed above, to adjust the height of the seat 108 for even greater flexibility in setting the preferred perching position for the person 1000.

[0185] FIG. 6C illustrates the chair 100 in another upright configuration, which is a standing configuration or leaning configuration. In the standing configuration, the repositionable seatback assembly 1 18 is arranged so that the first carriage 120a and the second carriage 120b are positioned at the second end region 130 of the seat 108 such that the seatback 124 is in the forward position adjacent to the front side 110 of the seat 108. The foot platform 142 is in the second position such that the platform bracket 150 is disposed between the tread plate 154 and the seating platform 116 and the second footing surface 146 is oriented toward the seat 108.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 6C, when the chair 100 is in the standing configuration, the person 1000 may stand on the chair 100 such that at least one of the person's feet 1016 is engaged with the second footing surface 146 and the person's back 1004 is engaged with the seatback 124. According to an example, the standing configuration of the chair 100 may be a leaning configuration with the seatback 124 positioned such that the person 1000 can lean against the seatback 124 with their back 1004 resting against the seatback 124 and their feet 1016 positioned on the second footing surface 146 of the foot platform 142.

[0187] According to the example, when in the forward position, the seatback 124 is positioned sufficiently forward with respect to the seat rest 114 such that seat rest 114 does not interfere with the person's back 1004. The person 1000 may comfortably lean against the seatback 124 with their upper legs 1008 and / or torso 1002 positioned at an angle of 5°-7° with respect to the vertical and with their feet 1016 positioned at a natural 90° angle with respect to their lower legs 1014, which provides for a natural feeling position that is more comfortable and less stressful on the person's body than a fully upright standing position.

[0188] As discussed above, the second footing surface 146 may be provided with a foot pad 160b that cushions feet 1016 of the person 1000 in the leaning position for additional comfortand less stress on the person's knees 1012 and back 1004. Additionally, using the leaning position encourages the user to recline backwards into the seatback 124, which forces the person's shoulders back and straightens the back 1004 to improve posture and counteract the tendency to slump forward over time.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C, the pivoting armrests 136a, 136b may be raised to a vertical or nearly vertically orientation when the chair 100 in an upright configuration so that the pivoting armrests 136a, 136b do not interfere with the person 1000 leaning against the seatback 124. It is to be appreciated that the pivoting armrests 136a, 136b may be lowered to the horizontal orientation according to the user's preference.

[0190] In use, the chair system 100 is infinitely configurable along a continuum ranging from the sitting configuration of FIG. 5 A, on the one end, and the leaning configuration of FIG. 5C, on the other end.

[0191] Thus, the present disclosure provides chairs 100 and reconfigurable chair systems, repositionable seatback assemblies, and convertible footrest assemblies 140, which represent a significant advancement over known chair systems. For example, the continuously-adjustable repositionable seatback assembly 1 18 enables the chair 100 of the present disclosure to comfortably accommodate a wide range of users. And, the repositionable seatback assembly 118 eliminates pinch points.

[0192] Further, the continuously-adjustable repositionable seatback assembly 118 and the continuously adjustable support column 104 enable the chair 100 to achieve a very wide range of resting positions. For example, the seatback 124 can translate all the way forward while the support column 104 raises the seat rest 114 all the way up, giving the user a full lean that approaches a standing position. Or, the seatback 124 can translate halfway back while the support column lowers support column 104 the seat rest 114 all the way down, giving the user a deep perch approaching a sitting position. The chairs 100 are further configurable into an infinite number of intermediate positions between the full sitting configuration and the leaning configuration.

[0193] Further, as discussed above, the bracket footer 162 of the convertible footrest assembly 140 securely anchors the chair 100 to the ground in both the sitting configuration and upright configurations. And because the convertible footrest assembly 140 supports the user's feet 1016 in the sitting configuration and upright configurations, the chair 100 may omit a foot ring.

[0194] The chairs of the present disclosure may form part of workplace systems that are reconfigurable between a sitting configuration, a standing configuration, and intermediate positions (e g., perching configurations). This improves user comfort and increases engagement. Also, because the desk worktop is elevated even in the sitting configuration, the workplace systems described herein facilitate interaction between colleagues. For example, a first colleague sitting at the workplace system is at approximately a same height as a second colleague standing nearby. This mitigates social power dynamics created in conventional workplaces when one person, seated at a desk, converses with another person standing nearby. Accordingly, the reconfigurable workplace systems increase workplace equity.

[0195] With reference to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, a workplace system 700 is shown in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. As shown, the workplace system 700 includes a desk, (here, a standing desk 774) having a worktop 776 and a chair 100 configured to support a person 1000 accessing the worktop 776 of the standing desk 774. According to the example, the chair 100 is any chair as described above with reference to FIG. 1 - FIG. 6C. The chair 100 includes the seating assembly 101, a repositionable seatback assembly, such as the repositionable seatback assembly 118 described above, and a convertible footrest assembly 140, as described above.

[0196] According to the example, the standing desk 774 includes one or more legs 778 that support the worktop 776 above the floor surface. The legs 778 may be adjustable, such that the worktop 776 has an adjustable height. Alternatively, the legs 778 may have a fixed length, such that the worktop 776 has a fixed height. In any event, the legs 778 have a sufficient length such that the worktop 776 is positioned and maintained at a suitable height for access by a person in a standing position with or without the use of the chair 100.

[0197] According to the example, the seat 108 of the chair 100 remains elevated whether the chair is in the sitting configuration (as shown in FIG. 6A) or in an upright configuration (as shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C). Therefore, the user does not need to raise or lower the worktop 776 of the standing desk 774 when changing the configuration of the chair 100 in order to maintain comfortable access to the worktop 776. The worktop 776 can be retained at the appropriate standing height. This saves the user time and inconvenience, because it is faster and more efficient to change the configuration of the chair 100 between the sitting configuration and the upright configurations than to raise or lower the worktop 776 of the standing desk 774.

[0198] Relatedly, because the worktop 776 of the standing desk 774 can always be maintained at the standing height and the user does not need to lower the worktop 776, an additional benefitis created in that the area under the worktop 776 is made available for storage. According to an example, the standing desk 774 includes one or more storage surfaces 780 disposed below the worktop 776.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 7A, according to an example, the workplace system 700 is configurable between a sitting configuration (shown in FIG. 7A) in which the first footing surface 144 faces the worktop 776 and a standing configuration (shown in FIG. 7B) in which the second footing surface 146 faces the worktop 776. A first dimension DI between a vertical height of the worktop 776 (as shown in the views of FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B) and a vertical height of the seat 108 is constant or can be maintained constant between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration of the chair 100. A second dimension D2 between the vertical height of the worktop 776 and the tread plate 154 is greater in the standing configuration (as shown in the views of FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B) than the sitting configuration.

[0200] As shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, a storage surface 780 may include part of a storage cabinet 782 positioned under the worktop 776 of the standing desk 774. The storage cabinet 782 may be built into the standing desk 774 or may be a separate component and may take any number of different forms (e.g., open shelves, closed shelves, drawers, compartments, etc.) and shape configurations (e.g., shorter stands, taller stands, wider stands, etc.). Advantageously, because the worktop is elevated even in the sitting configuration, the workplace system 700 can accommodate a larger storage cabinet 782 than traditional workplaces. According to an example, a third dimension D3 between a vertical height of the seat 108 and a vertical height of the storage surface 780 is constant or can be maintained constant between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration of the chair 100. A fourth dimension D4 between a vertical height of the worktop 776 and a vertical height of the storage surface 780 is also constant or can be maintained constant between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration of the chair 100.

[0201] In other words, according to the example, the workplace system 700 is configured so that the height of the worktop 776 and the seat 108 relative to each other (first dimension DI) can be set according to the user's preference and maintained regardless of the configuration of the chairs 100 or workplace system 700. The height or position of the tread plate 154 relative to the worktop 776 (second dimension D2) and the seat 108 is changed by rotating the foot platform 142 about the rotational joints 148a, 148b in order to change the chair 100 from the sitting configuration to the standing configuration, as discussed above. Because reconfiguration of the workplace system 700 does not require adjustment in the height of the worktop 776, the storagesurface 780 can be maintained under the worktop 776 at a constant level relative to the seat 108 (third dimension D3) and the worktop 776 (fourth dimension D4).

[0202] According to another example shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, a storage surface 780 may also be attached to the worktop 776. For instance, the storage surface 780 may include a shelf 784 attached to and depending from the worktop 776 by one or more hanger brackets 786.

[0203] According to the example, the standing desk 774 can be provided in a smaller, and less expensive configuration. The worktop 776 of the standing desk 774 need only be sufficiently large to accommodate a keyboard 788 and monitor 790 of a computer system, and possibly any notes / written materials and personal effects the user may desire to place on the worktop 776. Larger items that would normally require storage on top of the standing desk 774 to maintain connection with the keyboard 788 and monitor 790, such as a computer hard drive 792, external GPUs, or other peripherals commonly found in a professional environment can be placed underneath the worktop 776, such as on the storage surface 780 formed by the shelf 784, as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B.

[0204] With reference to FIG. 8, a flow chart describing a method 800 of configuring a chair, such as the chair 100 described above with reference to FIG. 1 - FIG. 6C, between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration, is shown in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 8, the method 800 includes a step 802 of configuring the chair 100 to the sitting configuration by translating a seatback into a rearward position relative to a front side of a seat and rotating a foot platform up into a first position in a first footing surface is oriented toward the seat (see FIG. 6A). The method 800 also includes the step 804 of configuring the chair to a standing configuration by translating the seatback into a forward position relative to the front side of the seat and rotating the foot platform down into a second position in which a second footing surface is oriented toward the seat (see FIG. 6C).

[0206] Optionally, a height of the seat is kept substantially constant between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration. The method may also include the optional step 806 of converting the chair 100 to an intermediate upright configuration in which the seatback is in an intermediate position between the rearward position and the forward position and the foot platform is in the second position.

[0207] The foregoing steps may be performed in the reverse order, i.e., first configuring the chair to a standing configuration, and then configuring the chair to a sitting configuration.

[0208] With reference to FIG. 9, a flow chart describing a method 900 of configuring a workplace, such as the workplace system 700 described above with reference to FIG. 1 - FIG. 7B, between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration, is shown in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. The workplace has a desk with a worktop, and a chair having a seatback, a seat, and a foot platform.

[0209] As shown in FIG. 9, the method 900 includes the step 902 of configuring the workplace to the sitting configuration by translating the seatback into a rearward position relative to a front side of the seat, rotating the foot platform into a first position in which a first footing surface of the foot platform is oriented toward the seat, setting a height of the seat, and setting a height of the worktop (see FIG. 7A). The method 900 also includes the step 904 of configuring the workplace to the standing configuration by translating the seatback into a forward position relative to the front side of the seat and rotating the foot platform into a second position in which a second footing surface is oriented toward the seat, optionally without adjusting the height of the seat and / or the height of the worktop (see FIG. 7B).

[0210] As discussed above with reference to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the step 902 of configuring the workplace to the sitting configuration and the step 904 of configuring the workplace to the standing configuration may include maintaining a first dimension D I between the worktop of the desk and a seat of the chair at a constant or substantially constant height while reconfiguring the workplace between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration. The step 902 may also include decreasing a second dimension D2 between the foot platform of the chair and the worktop of the desk while reconfiguring the workplace to the sitting configuration. The step 904 may also include increasing the second dimension D2 between the foot platform of the chair and the worktop of the desk while reconfiguring the workplace to the standing configuration.

[0211] The foregoing steps may be performed in the reverse order, i.e., first configuring the workplace system to a standing configuration, and then configuring the workplace system to a sitting configuration.

[0212] As used herein, the singular forms of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly states otherwise.

[0213] As used herein, the terms "right", "left", "top", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Also, it is to be understood that the invention can assume variousalternative variations and stage sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are examples. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be intermediate elements.

[0214] Also, in this regard, the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms “about,” “approximately,” “near,” etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” or similar expressions referencing two or more elements includes: (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all further possible permutations when greater than three elements are listed.

[0215] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, dimensions, physical characteristics, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about," which means plus or minus 5% unless otherwise apparent from the disclosure. Unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention.

[0216] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0217] Also, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of " 1 to 10" is intended to include any and all sub-ranges between and including the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10. That is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and ending with a maximum value equal to or less than 10, and all subranges in between, e g., 1 to 6.3, or 5.5 to 10, or 2.7 to 6.1.

[0218] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field of the present disclosure. The terminology used in the description of the present disclosure herein is only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0219] The preceding examples and embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to various examples. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the foregoing examples. Accordingly, the foregoing examples are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A chair, comprising: a seating assembly comprising a seat and a support column upon a base; a repositionable seatback assembly adjustably connecting a seatback to the seating assembly, comprising: a carriage connected to the seatback, wherein the seatback is movable via the carriage between a rearward position and a forward position relative to the seat; and a convertible footrest assembly comprising: a foot platform movably connected to the seating assembly, the foot platform comprising a first footing surface and a second footing surface, wherein the foot platform is movable between a first position in which the first footing surface is oriented toward the seat and a second position in which the second footing surface is oriented toward the seat.

2. The chair of claim 1, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly comprises a repositioning mechanism adjustably connecting the carriage to the seating assembly.

3. The chair of claim 2, wherein the repositioning mechanism is connected to the seat.

4. The chair of claim 2, wherein the repositioning mechanism is connected to a seating platform.

5. The chair of claim 4, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly comprises the seating platform.

6. The chair of claim 4, wherein the seating assembly comprises the seating platform.

7. The chair of claim 4, wherein the repositioning mechanism comprises a linear translation mechanism connecting the carriage to the seating platform such that the carriage is linearly adjustable with respect to the seat.

8. The chair of claim 7, wherein the linear translation mechanism comprises a rail extending from a first end region of the seat to a second end region of the seat, andwherein the carriage is slidably disposed on the rail and movable along a length of the rail from the first end region to the second end region.

9. The chair of claim 8, wherein the carriage is securable to any position along the length of the rail between the first end region and the second end region.

10. The chair of claim 8, wherein the linear translation mechanism further comprises a brake mechanism configured to selectively engage the rail.

11. The chair of claim 1, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises an upper bracket connecting the seatback to the carriage.

12. The chair of claim 11, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises a pivoting armrest connected to the upper bracket.

13. The chair of claim 1, wherein the convertible footrest assembly further comprises: a platform bracket connected to the seating assembly; and a rotational joint pivotably connecting the foot platform to the platform bracket.

14. The chair of claim 13, wherein the platform bracket comprises a bracket footer facing away from the rotational joint.

15. The chair of claim 13, wherein the rotational joint comprises a dampening hinge.

16. The chair of claim 13, further comprising a rotational stop connected to the seating assembly, the rotational stop being configured to limit rotational movement of the foot platform past the first position.

17. The chair of claim 1, wherein the foot platform comprises a tread plate.

18. The chair of claim 17, wherein the first footing surface and the second footing surface comprise opposing side surfaces of the tread plate.

19. The chair of claim 17, wherein the foot platform comprises at least one foot pad disposed on the tread plate.

20. The chair of claim 1, wherein the foot platform comprises a platform footer configured to limit movement of the base when the foot platform is in the second position.

21. The chair of claim 1, further comprising a platform alignment assembly aligning the foot platform and the seat.

22. The chair of claim 21, wherein the platform alignment assembly comprises a leaf spring connected to the seating assembly and the convertible footrest assembly.

23. The chair of claim 22, wherein the leaf spring comprises a rear leaf spring portion extending between the seating assembly and the convertible footrest assembly and a front leaf spring portion extending between the convertible footrest assembly and the support column, the front leaf spring portion being configured to support the foot platform in the first position.

24. The chair of claim 1, wherein each of the first footing surface and the second footing surface is a load bearing surface.

25. The chair of claim 1, wherein the chair is configurable between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration, wherein in the sitting configuration, the seatback is in the rearward position and the foot platform is in the first position such that the first footing surface is oriented toward the seat, and wherein in the standing configuration, the seatback is in the forward position and the foot platform is in the second position such that the second footing surface is oriented toward the seat.

26. The chair of claim 25, wherein in the standing configuration, the seatback is configured to be leaned against.

27. The chair of claim 25, wherein the chair is further configurable to an intermediate upright configuration, wherein in the intermediate upright configuration, the seatback is an intermediate position between the rearward position and the forward position and the foot platform is in the second position such that the second footing surface is oriented toward the seat.

28. A chair, comprising: a seating assembly comprising a seat and a support column upon a base, the seat having a front side and an opposing rear side; and a repositionable seatback assembly comprising a carriage connecting a seatback to a linear translation mechanism,wherein the carriage is adjustable along the linear translation mechanism with respect to the seat so that the seatback is movable between a rearward position adjacent to the rear side of the seat and a forward position adjacent to the front side of the seat.

29. The chair of claim 28, wherein the linear translation mechanism is connected to a seating platform.

30. The chair of claim 29, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly comprises the seating platform.

31. The chair of claim 29, wherein the seating assembly comprises the seating platform.

32. The chair of claim 28, wherein the linear translation mechanism is connected to the seat.

33. The chair of claim 28, wherein the linear translation mechanism comprises a rail connected to the seating assembly, and wherein the carriage is slidably disposed on the rail.

34. The chair of claim 33, wherein the carriage is securable at any position along a length of the rail.

35. The chair of claim 33, wherein the linear translation mechanism further comprises a brake mechanism configured to selectively engage the rail.

36. The chair of claim 28, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises an upper bracket connecting the seatback to the carriage.

37. The chair of claim 36, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises a pivoting armrest connected to the upper bracket.

38. The chair of claim 28, wherein the carriage is a first carriage and the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises a second carriage, the seatback being supported on the first carriage and the second carriage, wherein the linear translation mechanism comprises a first rail and a second rail, each of the first rail and the second rail being connected to the seating assembly, and wherein the first carriage is slidably disposed on the first rail and the second carriage is slidably disposed on the second rail.

39. The chair of claim 38, wherein the linear translation mechanism further comprises a first brake mechanism configured to selectively engage the first rail and a second brake mechanism configured to selectively engage the second rail.

40. The chair of claim 38, wherein the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises: an upper bracket connecting the seatback to the first carriage and the second carriage; and a first pivoting armrest connected to the upper bracket and a second pivoting armrest connected to the upper bracket.

41. A chair, comprising: a seating assembly comprising a seat and a support column upon a base, the seat having a front side and an opposing rear side; a convertible footrest assembly comprising: a foot platform movably connected to the seating assembly, the foot platform comprising a first footing surface and a second footing surface, wherein the foot platform is movable between a first position in which the first footing surface is oriented toward the seat and a second position in which the second footing surface is oriented toward the seat.

42. The chair of claim 41, wherein the convertible footrest assembly further comprises: a platform bracket connected to the seating assembly; and a rotational joint pivotably connecting the foot platform to the platform bracket.

43. The chair of claim 42, wherein the platform bracket comprises a bracket footer facing away from the rotational joint.

44. The chair of claim 42, wherein the rotational joint comprises a dampening hinge.

45. The chair of claim 42, further comprising a rotational stop connected to the base, the rotational stop being configured to limit movement of the foot platform about the rotational joint past the first position.

46. The chair of claim 42, further comprising at least one footer facing away from the platform bracket or a footer bracket.

47. The chair of claim 41, wherein the foot platform comprises a tread plate.

48. The chair of claim 47, wherein the first footing surface and the second footing surface comprise opposing surfaces of the tread plate.

49. The chair of claim 41, wherein the foot platform comprises a platform footer configured to limit movement of the base when the foot platform is in the second position.

50. The chair of claim 41, wherein each of the first footing surface and the second footing surface is a load bearing surface.

51. The chair of claim 41, further comprising a platform alignment assembly aligning the seat and the convertible footrest assembly.

52. The chair of claim 51, wherein the platform alignment assembly comprises a leaf spring connected to the seating assembly and the convertible footrest assembly.

53. The chair of claim 52, wherein the leaf spring comprises a rear leaf spring portion extending between the seating assembly and the convertible footrest assembly and a front leaf spring portion extending from the convertible footrest assembly, the front leaf spring portion being configured to support the foot platform in the first position.

54. A chair, comprising: a seating assembly comprising a seat and a support column upon a base, the seat having a front side and an opposing rear side; a convertible footrest assembly comprising: a foot platform movably connected to the seating assembly, the foot platform comprising a first footing surface and a second footing surface, wherein the foot platform is movable between a first position in which the first footing surface is oriented toward the seat and a second position in which the second footing surface is oriented toward the seat; and a platform alignment assembly connected to the seating assembly and the convertible footrest assembly, the platform alignment assembly aligning the foot platform and the front side of the seat.

55. The chair of claim 54, wherein the platform alignment assembly comprises a spring assembly.

56. The chair of claim 55, wherein the spring assembly comprises a rear leaf spring portion extending between the seating assembly and the convertible footrest assembly and a front leaf spring portion extending from the convertible footrest assembly, the front leaf spring portion being configured to support the foot platform in the first position.

57. The chair of claim 55, wherein the spring assembly is a leaf spring.

58. The chair of claim 55, wherein the spring assembly is configured to flex to according to an adjustable height of the support column.

59. The chair of claim 54, wherein the seating assembly comprises a repositionable seatback assembly, and wherein the platform alignment assembly is connected to the repositionable seatback assembly.

60. A repositionable seatback assembly, comprising: a linear translation mechanism connectable to a seating assembly; a carriage slidably disposed on the linear translation mechanism; a seatback supported on the carriage; and a brake mechanism configured to selectively engage the linear translation mechanism to retain the carriage in a selected position on the linear translation mechanism.

61. The repositionable seatback assembly of claim 60, wherein the brake mechanism is configured to secure the carriage in any position along the linear translation mechanism.

62. The repositionable seatback assembly of claim 60, wherein the brake mechanism is configured to limit movement of the carriage in a direction toward a first end of the linear translation mechanism and in an opposing direction toward a second end of the linear translation mechanism.

63. The repositionable seatback assembly of claim 60, further comprising an upper bracket connecting the seatback to the carriage.

64. The repositionable seatback assembly of claim 63, further comprising a pivoting armrest connected to the upper bracket.

65. The repositionable seatback assembly of claim 64, wherein the pivoting armrest comprises an arm pad.

66. The repositionable seatback assembly of claim 60, wherein the linear translation mechanism further comprises a seating platform connecting a rail to the seating assembly.

67. The repositionable seatback assembly of claim 60, further comprising the seating assembly.

68. The repositionable seatback assembly of claim 60, wherein the carriage is a first carriage and the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises a second carriage, the seatback being supported on the first carriage and the second carriage, wherein the linear translation mechanism comprises a first rail and a second rail, and wherein the first carriage is slidably disposed on the first rail and the second carriage is slidably disposed on the second rail.

69. The repositionable seatback assembly of claim 68, wherein the brake mechanism is a first brake mechanism configured to selectively engage the first rail, and the repositionable seatback assembly further comprises a second brake mechanism configured to selectively engage the second rail.

70. The repositionable seatback assembly of claim 68, further comprising: an upper bracket connecting the seatback to the first carriage and the second carriage; and a first pivoting armrest connected to the upper bracket and a second pivoting armrest connected to the upper bracket.

71. A convertible footrest assembly for a chair, comprising: a platform bracket; a footer extending away from the platform bracket; and a foot platform movably connected to at least one of the platform bracket or the footer, the foot platform comprising a tread plate having a first footing surface and an opposing second footing surface, wherein the foot platform is movable between a first position in which the platform bracket is disposed between the tread plate and the footer and a second position in which the tread plate and the footer are on a same side of the platform bracket.

72. The convertible footrest assembly of claim 71, further comprising a rotational joint pivotably connecting the foot platform to the platform bracket.

73. The convertible footrest assembly of claim 72, wherein the rotational joint comprises a dampening hinge.

74. The convertible footrest assembly of claim 71, wherein the footer is a bracket footer suspended from the platform bracket.

75. The convertible footrest assembly of claim 71, wherein the footer is a first footer, wherein the foot platform comprises a second footer, wherein in the second position, the first footer and the second footer face a common direction.

76. The convertible footrest assembly of claim 71, wherein the foot platform comprises at least one foot pad disposed on the tread plate.

77. The convertible footrest assembly of claim 71, wherein the foot platform comprises a platform footer configured to limit movement of the chair when the foot platform is in the second position.

78. The convertible footrest assembly of claim 71, wherein each of the first footing surface and the second footing surface is a load bearing surface.

79. A workplace system, comprising: a desk comprising a worktop; and a chair, comprising: a seating assembly comprising a seat, a support column, and a base; a repositionable seatback assembly comprising a carriage adjustably connecting a seatback to the seating assembly; and a convertible footrest assembly comprising a tread plate movably connected to the seating assembly, wherein the tread plate comprises a first footing surface and a second footing surface, wherein the workplace system is configurable between a sitting configuration in which the first footing surface faces the worktop and a standing configuration in which the second footing surface faces the worktop, wherein a first dimension between the seat and the worktop is constant between the sitting configuration and the standingconfiguration, wherein a second dimension between the worktop and the tread plate is greater in the standing configuration than the sitting configuration.

80. The workplace system of claim 79, wherein a height of the worktop is constant between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration.

81. The workplace system of claim 79, wherein the worktop of the desk has an adjustable height.

82. The workplace system of claim 79, wherein the desk further comprises a storage surface disposed below the worktop.

83. The workplace system of claim 82, wherein a third dimension between the seat and the storage surface is constant between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration.

84. The workplace system of claim 83, wherein a fourth dimension between the worktop and the storage surface is constant between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration.

85. The workplace system of claim 82, wherein the storage surface comprises part of a storage cabinet.

86. The workplace system of claim 82, wherein the storage surface is attached to the worktop.

87. The workplace system of claim 86, wherein the storage surface comprises a shelf depending from the worktop.

88. A method of configuring a chair between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration, the method comprising: configuring the chair to the sitting configuration by translating a seatback into a rearward position relative to a front side of a seat and rotating a foot platform up into a first position in which a first footing surface is oriented toward the seat; and configuring the chair to the standing configuration by translating the seatback into a forward position relative to the front side of the seat and rotating the foot platform down into a second position in which a second footing surface is oriented toward the seat.

89. The method of claim 88, wherein configuring the chair between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration comprises not adjusting a height of the seat between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration.

90. The method of claim 88, further comprising converting the chair to an intermediate upright configuration in which the seatback is in an intermediate position between the rearward position and the forward position and the foot platform is in the second position.

91. A method of configuring a workplace between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration, the workplace having a desk with a worktop, and a chair having a seatback, a seat, and a foot platform, the method comprising: configuring the workplace to the sitting configuration by translating the seatback into a rearward position relative to a front side of the seat, rotating the foot platform into a first position in which a first footing surface of the foot platform is oriented toward the seat, setting a height of the seat, and setting a height of the worktop; and configuring the workplace to the standing configuration by translating the seatback into a forward position relative to the front side of the seat and rotating the foot platform into a second position in which a second footing surface is oriented toward the seat, without adjusting the height of the seat or the height of the worktop.

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