Reconfigurable Workplace

Abstract

The chair includes a seat assembly, which includes a seat and a support column on a base; a repositionable backrest assembly, which adjustably connects the backrest to the seat assembly; and a convertible footrest assembly. The repositionable backrest assembly includes a carriage connected to the backrest. The backrest 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, which is movable to the seat assembly, and the foot platform includes a first footrest surface and a second footrest surface. The foot platform is movable between a first position, in which the first footrest surface is oriented toward the seat, and a second position, in which the second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat.

Description

Technical Field

[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, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of furniture, such as workplace systems, chairs, and other furniture for sitting, standing, and / or reclining.

Background Art

[0003] While a person is working at a desk for a long time, especially while using a computer, in order to seek flexibility in adjusting the position of their body, standing desks, that is, desks having a worktop positioned at a height suitable for a person in a standing position or adjustable to such a height, are becoming increasingly common. Such desks typically include a worktop having an adjustable height that allows the worktop to be raised to an appropriate height when the user is working in a standing position. If the user desires to work from a seated position, the user can lower the worktop to a height suitable for access from a seated position in a typical office chair.

[0004] Such adjustable standing desks typically impose limitations on a typical user. In particular, if all of the computer hard drive, monitor, and other peripheral devices must be positioned on an adjustable worktop, the worktop of the standing desk can be heavy and difficult to adjust. Adjusting the height of the worktop can also be overly time-consuming and may require the operation of complex mechanisms.

[0005] Furthermore, when a user is in an upright position, a typical office chair provides no physical support or assistance to maintain a comfortable upright position for extended periods while working at a desk. Consequently, users tend to lose focus on their posture and positioning, begin to lean forward, and struggle to find a comfortable and stable upright position.

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

[0007] Reus's U.S. Patent No. 10,405,666, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, provides an example of a chair system representing a significant advance over known chairs and furniture. Nevertheless, further improvements are needed for chair systems that can be ergonomically reconfigured, for example, between seated, standing, leaning, and stool configurations. [Overview of the project]

[0008] Non-limiting examples of the present invention are described in the following numbered sections.

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

[0010] Clause 2: A repositionable backrest assembly is a chair as described in Clause 1, comprising a repositioning mechanism that adjustably connects the carriage to the seat assembly.

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

[0012] Clause 4: The repositioning mechanism is connected to the seat platform of the chair as described in Clause 2 or Clause 3.

[0013] Clause 5: A repositionable backrest assembly is provided for the chair described in Clause 4, which includes a seat platform.

[0014] Clause 6: The seat assembly comprises a seat platform, as described in Clause 4.

[0015] Clause 7: The chair according to any one of Clauses 4 to 6, comprising a linear translation mechanism that connects the carriage to the seat platform such that the carriage is linearly adjustable relative to the seat.

[0016] Clause 8: The chair according to 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 the carriage is slidably positioned on the rail and movable along the length of the rail from the first end region to the second end region.

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

[0018] Clause 10: The chair according to Clause 8 or Clause 9, further comprising a linear translation mechanism, a braking mechanism configured to selectively engage with rails.

[0019] Clause 11: A chair according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, further comprising an upper bracket for connecting the backrest to the carriage, the repositionable backrest assembly.

[0020] Clause 12: The chair described in Clause 11, further comprising a repositionable backrest assembly with a pivot armrest connected to an upper bracket.

[0021] Clause 13: The chair according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12, further comprising a convertible footrest assembly, a platform bracket connected to a seat assembly, and a rotating joint pivotally connecting a foot platform to the platform bracket.

[0022] Clause 14: The chair according to Clause 13, the platform bracket comprises a bracket footer facing away from the pivot joint.

[0023] Clause 15: A chair as described in Clause 13 or Clause 14, with a rotating joint equipped with a damping hinge.

[0024] Clause 16: The chair according to any one of Clauses 13 to 15, further comprising a rotation stopper connected to the seat assembly, the rotation stopper being configured to limit the rotational movement of the foot platform beyond a first position.

[0025] Clause 17: The chair according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16, wherein the foot platform comprises a tread board.

[0026] Clause 18: The chair according to Clause 17, wherein the first footrest surface and the second footrest surface include opposite side surfaces of the tread board.

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

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

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

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

[0031] Clause 23: The chair according to Clause 22, wherein the leaf spring comprises a rear leaf spring portion extending between the seat 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 a first position.

[0032] Clause 24: A chair as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 23, wherein the first footrest and the second footrest are each load-bearing surfaces.

[0033] Clause 25: A chair as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 24, which can be configured between a seated configuration and an upright configuration, in which the seated configuration the backrest is in a rearward position and the foot platform is in a first position such that a first footrest surface is oriented toward the seat, and in the upright configuration the backrest is in a forward position and the foot platform is in a second position such that a second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat.

[0034] Clause 26: The chair described in Clause 25, in an upright configuration, wherein the backrest is configured to be leaned against.

[0035] Clause 27: The chair according to Clause 25 or Clause 26, in which the chair is further configurable to an intermediate upright configuration, in which the backrest is in an intermediate position between a rear position and a forward position, and the foot platform is in a second position such that the second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat.

[0036] Clause 28: A chair comprising a seat assembly comprising a seat and a support on a base, wherein the seat has a front side and a rear side on the opposite side, and a repositionable backrest assembly comprising a carriage connecting the backrest to a linear translation mechanism, wherein the carriage is adjustable along the linear translation mechanism with respect to the seat such that the backrest is movable between a rear position adjacent to the rear side of the seat and a front position adjacent to the front side of the seat.

[0037] Clause 29: A linear translation mechanism is connected to the seat platform of the chair as described in Clause 28.

[0038] Clause 30: A repositionable backrest assembly is provided for the chair described in Clause 29, which includes a seat platform.

[0039] Clause 31: The seat assembly comprises a seat platform, as described in Clause 29.

[0040] Clause 32: A linear translation mechanism is connected to the seat of the chair as described in any one of Clauses 28 to 31.

[0041] Clause 33: A chair according to any one of Clauses 28 to 32, wherein the linear translation mechanism comprises rails connected to the seat assembly, and the carriage is slidably positioned on the rails.

[0042] Clause 34: The carriage is fixed in any position along the length of the rail, as described in Clause 33.

[0043] Clause 35: The chair according to Clause 33 or Clause 34, further comprising a linear translation mechanism and a braking mechanism configured to selectively engage with rails.

[0044] Clause 36: A chair according to any one of Clauses 28 to 35, further comprising a repositionable backrest assembly with an upper bracket connecting the backrest to the carriage.

[0045] Clause 37: The chair according to Clause 36, further comprising a repositionable backrest assembly with a pivot armrest connected to an upper bracket.

[0046] Clause 38: The chair according to any one of Clauses 28 to 37, wherein the carriage is a first carriage, and a repositionable backrest assembly further comprises a second carriage, the backrest being supported on the first and second carriages, and a linear translation mechanism comprising a first rail and a second rail, each of the first and second rails being connected to a seat assembly, the first carriage being slidably positioned on the first rail, and the second carriage being slidably positioned on the second rail.

[0047] Clause 39: The chair according to Clause 38, further comprising a linear translation mechanism comprising a first brake mechanism configured to selectively engage with a first rail and a second brake mechanism configured to selectively engage with a second rail.

[0048] Clause 40: The chair according to Clause 38 or Clause 39, further comprising: a repositionable backrest assembly; an upper bracket connecting the backrest to a first carriage and a second carriage; a first pivot armrest connected to the upper bracket and a second pivot armrest connected to the upper bracket.

[0049] Clause 41: A chair comprising a seat assembly comprising a seat and a support on a base, wherein the seat has a front side and a rear side on the opposite side, and a convertible footrest assembly comprising a foot platform movably connected to the seat assembly, having a first footrest surface and a second footrest surface, and being movable between a first position in which the first footrest surface is oriented toward the seat and a second position in which the second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat.

[0050] Clause 42: The chair according to Clause 41, further comprising a convertible footrest assembly, a platform bracket connected to a seat assembly, and a rotating joint that pivotably connects a foot platform to the platform bracket.

[0051] Clause 43: The chair according to Clause 42, the platform bracket comprises a bracket footer facing away from the pivot joint.

[0052] Clause 44: A chair as described in Clause 42 or Clause 43, with a rotating joint comprising a damped hinge.

[0053] Clause 45: The chair according to any one of Clauses 42 to 44, further comprising a rotation stopper connected to the base, the rotation stopper being configured to restrict the movement of the foot platform around a rotation joint beyond a first position.

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

[0055] Clause 47: A chair as described in any one of Clauses 41 to 46, wherein the foot platform is equipped with a tread.

[0056] Clause 48: The chair as described in Clause 47, wherein the first and second footrest surfaces include the opposing surfaces of the footrest.

[0057] Clause 49: A chair according to any one of Clauses 41 to 48, wherein the foot platform comprises a platform footer configured to restrict the movement of the base when the foot platform is in a second position.

[0058] Clause 50: A chair as described in any one of Clauses 41 to 49, wherein each of the first and second footrest surfaces is a load-bearing surface.

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

[0060] Clause 52: The chair as described in Clause 51, comprising a platform alignment assembly with a leaf spring connected to the seat assembly and the convertible footrest assembly.

[0061] Clause 53: The chair according to Clause 52, comprising a leaf spring having a rear leaf spring portion extending between the seat assembly and a convertible footrest assembly, and a front leaf spring portion extending from the convertible footrest assembly, wherein the front leaf spring portion is configured to support a foot platform in a first position.

[0062] Clause 54: A chair comprising: a seat assembly comprising a seat and a support on a base, wherein the seat has a front side and a rear side on the opposite side; a foot platform movably connected to the seat assembly, comprising a first footrest surface and a second footrest surface, movable between a first position in which the first footrest surface is oriented toward the seat and a second position in which the second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat; and a convertible footrest assembly comprising a platform alignment assembly connected to the seat assembly and a convertible footrest assembly, which aligns the foot platform with the front side of the seat; and a convertible footrest assembly.

[0063] Clause 55: The platform alignment assembly comprises a spring assembly, as described in Clause 54.

[0064] Clause 56: The chair according to Clause 55, the spring assembly comprising a rear leaf spring portion extending between the seat assembly and the convertible footrest assembly, and a front leaf spring portion extending from the convertible footrest assembly, wherein the front leaf spring portion is configured to support a foot platform in a first position.

[0065] Clause 57: A chair as described in Clause 55 or Clause 56, whose spring assembly is a leaf spring.

[0066] Clause 58: A chair as described in any one of Clauses 55 to 57, wherein the spring assembly is configured to bend according to the adjustable height of the support.

[0067] Clause 59: The chair described in any one of Clauses 54 to 58, wherein the seat assembly comprises a repositionable backrest assembly, and the platform alignment assembly is connected to the repositionable backrest assembly.

[0068] Clause 60: A repositionable backrest assembly comprising: a linear translation mechanism connectable to a seat assembly; a carriage slidably positioned on the linear translation mechanism; a backrest supported on the carriage; and a brake mechanism configured to selectively engage with the linear translation mechanism to hold the carriage in a selected position on the linear translation mechanism.

[0069] Clause 61: The repositionable backrest assembly as described in Clause 60, wherein the brake mechanism is configured to fix the carriage in any position along the linear translation mechanism.

[0070] Clause 62: A repositionable backrest assembly according to Clause 60 or Clause 61, wherein the braking mechanism is configured to restrict the movement of the carriage toward the first end of the linear translation mechanism and toward the opposite end of the linear translation mechanism.

[0071] Clause 63: A repositionable backrest assembly as described in any one of Clauses 60 to 62, further comprising an upper bracket for connecting the backrest to the carriage.

[0072] Clause 64: The repositionable backrest assembly described in Clause 63, further comprising a pivot armrest connected to an upper bracket.

[0073] Clause 65: A pivot armrest is a repositionable backrest assembly as described in Clause 64, comprising an armrest.

[0074] Clause 66: A repositionable backrest assembly as described in any one of Clauses 60 to 65, further comprising a seat platform that connects rails to the seat assembly.

[0075] Clause 67: A repositionable backrest assembly as described in any one of Clauses 60 to 66, further comprising a seat assembly.

[0076] Clause 68: The repositionable backrest assembly according to any one of Clauses 60 to 67, wherein the carriage is a first carriage, and the repositionable backrest assembly further comprises a second carriage, the backrest being supported on the first carriage and the second carriage, and the linear translation mechanism comprises a first rail and a second rail, the first carriage being slidably positioned on the first rail and the second carriage being slidably positioned on the second rail.

[0077] Clause 69: The repositionable backrest assembly according to Clause 68, wherein the braking mechanism is a first braking mechanism configured to selectively engage with a first rail, and the repositionable backrest assembly further comprises a second braking mechanism configured to selectively engage with a second rail.

[0078] Clause 70: A repositionable backrest assembly according to Clause 68 or Clause 69, further comprising an upper bracket connecting the backrest to a first carriage and a second carriage, a first pivot armrest connected to the upper bracket and a second pivot 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 having a first footrest surface and an opposing second footrest surface, and the foot platform being movable between a first position in which the platform bracket is positioned between the tread and the footer and a second position in which the tread and the footer are on the same side of the platform bracket.

[0080] Clause 72: The convertible footrest assembly according to Clause 71, further comprising a rotary joint that pivotably connects the foot platform to the platform bracket.

[0081] Clause 73: A rotary joint comprising a damping hinge, the convertible footrest assembly as described in Clause 72.

[0082] Clause 74: The footer is a bracket footer suspended from the platform bracket, as described in any one of Clauses 71 to 73, which is a convertible footrest assembly.

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

[0084] Clause 76: A convertible footrest assembly according to any one of Clauses 71 to 75, wherein the foot platform comprises at least one foot pad positioned on a footboard.

[0085] Clause 77: A convertible footrest assembly as described in any one of Clauses 71 to 76, comprising a platform footer configured to restrict the movement of the chair when the foot platform is in a second position.

[0086] Clause 78: A convertible footrest assembly as described in any one of Clauses 71 to 77, wherein each of the first and second footrest surfaces is a load-bearing surface.

[0087] Clause 79: A workplace system comprising a desk with a worktop and a chair, the chair comprising a seat assembly comprising a seat, a support column and a base, a repositionable backrest assembly comprising a carriage for adjustable connection of a backrest to the seat assembly, and a convertible footrest assembly comprising a footrest movably connected to the seat assembly, the footrest comprising a first footrest surface and a second footrest surface, the workplace system being configurable between a seated configuration in which the first footrest surface faces the worktop and an upright configuration in which the second footrest surface faces the worktop, wherein a first dimension between the seat and the worktop is constant between the seated and upright configurations, and a second dimension between the worktop and the footrest is greater in the upright configuration than in the seated configuration.

[0088] Clause 80: The workplace system as described in Clause 79, wherein the height of the worktop is constant between the seated configuration and the standing configuration.

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

[0090] Clause 82: A workspace system as described in any one of Clauses 79 to 81, the desk further comprising a storage surface located beneath the worktop.

[0091] Clause 83: The workplace system as described in Clause 82, wherein the third dimension between the seat and the storage surface is constant between the seated configuration and the upright configuration.

[0092] Clause 84: The fourth dimension between the worktop and the storage surface is constant between the seated configuration and the standing configuration, as described in Clause 83 of the workplace system.

[0093] Clause 85: Storage area refers to a workplace system as described in any one of Clauses 82 to 84, including a portion of a storage cabinet.

[0094] Clause 86: Storage surfaces are workplace systems as described in any one of Clauses 82 to 85, which are mounted on the worktop.

[0095] Clause 87: The storage area is a workspace system as described in Clause 86, comprising shelves hanging down from the worktop.

[0096] Clause 88: A method for configuring a chair between a seated configuration and an upright configuration, comprising: configuring the chair in a seated configuration by translating the backrest to a rearward position relative to the front of the seat and rotating the foot platform upward to a first position in which the first footrest surface is oriented toward the seat; and configuring the chair in an upright configuration by translating the backrest to a forward position relative to the front of the seat and rotating the foot platform downward to a second position in which the second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat.

[0097] Clause 89: The method of Clause 88, which involves configuring a chair between a seated configuration and an upright configuration, including not adjusting the seat height between the seated configuration and the upright configuration.

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

[0099] Clause 91: A method for configuring a workplace having a desk having a worktop and a chair having a backrest, a seat and a foot platform between a seated configuration and an upright configuration, comprising: configuring the workplace in a seated configuration by translating the backrest to a rearward position relative to the front of the seat, rotating the foot platform to a first position such that the first footrest surface of the foot platform is oriented toward the seat, setting the seat height and setting the worktop height; and configuring the workplace in an upright configuration by translating the backrest to a forward position relative to the front of the seat and rotating the foot platform to a second position such that the second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat, without adjusting the seat height or the worktop height. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0100] Non-limiting and non-exclusive embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, and similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the various drawings unless otherwise specified.

[0101] [Figure 1] An upper right perspective view of a chair system according to an example of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the left side view of the chair system. [Figure 3A] An example of this disclosure is shown in the upper right perspective view of the repositionable backrest assembly of the chair system of Figure 1. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A shows a right side view of the repositionable backrest assembly. [Figure 3C] Figure 3A shows a right side view of the repositionable backrest assembly in the first position corresponding to the seating configuration of the chair system. [Figure 3D] Figure 3A shows a right side view of the repositionable backrest assembly in a second position corresponding to the upright configuration of the chair system. [Figure 4A] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a convertible footrest assembly of the chair system, as an example of this disclosure. [Figure 4B]Figure 4A shows a right side view of the convertible footrest assembly. [Figure 4C] Figure 4A shows a right side view of the convertible footrest assembly in the first position corresponding to the seating configuration of the chair system. [Figure 4D] Figure 4A shows a right side view of the convertible footrest assembly in a second position corresponding to the upright configuration of the chair system. [Figure 4E] Figure 4A shows a schematic diagram of the swing region of the foot platform of the convertible footrest assembly. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows a right side view of the platform alignment assembly of the chair system, according to an example of this disclosure. [Figure 6A] Figure 1 shows a right side view of the chair system in the seating configuration. [Figure 6B] Figure 1 shows a right side view of the chair system in the first upright configuration. [Figure 6C] The second upright configuration of the chair system in Figure 1 is shown as a right side view. [Figure 7A] This shows a right side view of a seated workplace system, as an example of the disclosure. [Figure 7B] Figure 7A shows a right side view of the workplace system in an upright configuration. [Figure 8] A flowchart of the method according to one example of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 9] A flowchart of the method according to one example of this disclosure is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0102] This disclosure provides numerous innovations to improve the modern workplace, including a reconfigurable chair system, a repositionable backrest assembly, a convertible footrest assembly, a platform alignment assembly, and a workplace system that includes a desk and any of the aforementioned innovations.

[0103] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an example of a reconfigurable chair system 100, hereafter referred to as chair 100 for brevity, is shown in the present disclosure. Chair 100 can be configured between at least the seated configuration shown in Figure 6A and several upright configurations shown in Figures 6B and 6C, thereby enabling a single user to rest ergonomically comfortably in multiple positions (e.g., seated, standing, leaning, and reclining).

[0104] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the chair 100 includes a seat assembly 101 having a seat 108 with a front side 110 and an opposite rear side 112, a base 102 configured to support the chair 100 on the floor, and a support column 104. In one example, the base 102 is a roller-type base having several arms extending outward from a central hub. Casters or wheels are provided at the ends of the arms to facilitate the movement of the chair 100 along the floor. It should be understood that the base 102 may be any suitable configuration for supporting the chair 100 on the floor.

[0105] The support column 104 supports the seat 108 on the base 102 (directly or indirectly). The support column 104 may have an adjustable height to allow adjustment of the vertical height of the seat 108 relative to the base 102. In one 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 acts on the gas piston of the support column 104 via a link mechanism to change the height of the seat 108. As shown in Figures 1 to 3A, the chair 100 includes two height adjustment levers 106a, 106b (i.e., a left lever and a right lever) located on either side of the seat 108, configured to act on the gas piston of the support column 104 independently to facilitate ambidextrous use of the chair 100's height adjustment mechanism. It should be understood that a single height adjustment lever 106a may be provided to actuate the gas piston, or different mechanisms may be provided for acting the gas piston or for changing the height of the seat 108.

[0106] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in one example, the seat 108 includes a seat platform 116 and a seat rest 114 positioned on the seat platform 116. In some examples, the seat platform 116 is integrally formed with at least a portion of the seat rest 114, such as a platform molded integrally with the seat surface. In other examples, the seat rest 114 and the seat platform 116 are coupled to each other. In other examples, the seat platform 116 is omitted or forms part of a repositionable backrest assembly 118, as will be described in more detail below. In examples where the seat platform 116 forms part of a repositionable backrest assembly 118, the repositionable backrest assembly 118 may be interposed between the support 104 and the seat 108 of the seat assembly 101, and it should be understood that the components of the seat assembly 101 are not necessarily directly connected or coupled in all examples of this disclosure.

[0107] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the seat 108 is positioned on the support 104 via a seat platform 116 and coupled to the support 104. In particular, the seat platform 116 may include an opening that receives the upper end of the support 104, which allows the seat 108 to swivel or rotate at a predetermined position on the support 104. The seat rest 114 is connected to the top or upper side of the seat platform 116 and is configured to provide a suitably comfortable and cushioned area for the user to sit (as shown in Figure 6A) or perch (as shown in Figure 6B). In other examples, the support 104 may be directly connected to the seat rest 114 and / or to a frame or other support structure that forms part of the seat 108 that structurally supports the seat rest 114. According to such examples, the support 104 may extend through the seat platform 116 to the seat rest 114, or the seat platform 116 may be omitted.

[0108] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the chair 100 may further include a repositionable backrest assembly, e.g., a repositionable backrest assembly 118, a convertible footrest assembly 140, and / or a platform alignment assembly 166, as will be described in more detail below. The repositionable backrest assembly 118 allows for adjustment of the backrest position. This feature, along with the convertible footrest assembly 140 and continuous height adjustment of the seat, allows the chair 100 to comfortably accommodate a wide range of users in all configurable positions. Thus, the chair 100 represents a significant improvement over known chair systems. Further advantages of the chair 100 incorporating one or more of these assemblies will also be described in detail below. For clarity, the chair and workplace systems of the present disclosure may include any one or more of a repositionable backrest assembly, a convertible footrest assembly, and / or a platform alignment assembly, including, but not limited to, a repositionable backrest assembly only, a convertible footrest assembly only, a platform alignment assembly, a repositionable backrest assembly and a convertible footrest assembly, a repositionable backrest assembly and a platform alignment assembly, a convertible footrest assembly and a platform alignment assembly, and a repositionable backrest assembly, a convertible footrest assembly and a platform alignment assembly.

[0109] Referring to Figures 1 to 3D, according to one example of the present disclosure, a repositionable backrest assembly 118 adjustably connects a backrest 124 to a seat assembly 101. The repositionable backrest assembly 118 includes a carriage 120a, a repositioning mechanism connected to a seat assembly 101 (here, a seat platform 116) which adjustably connects the carriage 120a to a seat 108, and a backrest 124 connected to and supported by the carriage 120a. The carriage 120a is adjustable relative to the seat 108 such that the backrest 124 is movable via the carriage 120a between a rear position adjacent to the rear side 112 (e.g., rear end or rear edge) of the seat 108 (shown in Figure 3C) and a front position adjacent to the front side 110 (e.g., front end or front edge) of the seat 108 (shown in Figure 3D).

[0110] As shown in the examples in Figures 1 to 3D, the repositionable backrest assembly 118 is a translational backrest assembly, and the repositioning mechanism includes a linear translation mechanism 122. The linear translation mechanism 122 connects the carriage 120a to the seat platform 116 of the seat assembly 101, in particular the seat 108, so that the carriage 120a is linearly adjustable relative to the seat 108. It should be understood that the linear translation mechanism 122 may be connected to components of the seat assembly 101 other than the seat platform 116. For example, according to one 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.

[0111] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the repositionable backrest assembly 118 provides a linkage mechanism between the backrest 124 and the seat assembly 101, as described above, allowing the backrest 124 to move between a rearward and forward position. The repositionable backrest assembly 118 includes a carriage 120a and a linear translation mechanism 122. In one example, the linear translation mechanism 122 includes at least one track (in this example, a rail 126a) connected to the seat assembly 101, in particular to the seat platform 116 under 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 the front side 110 of the seat 108. The carriage 120a engages with the rail 126a (for example, rides along the rail 126a, surrounds the rail 126a, or partially surrounds it), is positioned to be translationally movable on the rail 126a, and is movable along the length of the rail 126a from a first end or first end region 128 of the seat 108 to a second end or second end region 130 of the seat 108. The carriage 120a may include one or more bearings to facilitate translational motion along the rail 126a.

[0112] In one example, the carriage 120a is movable relative to the rail 126a to any position along the length of the rail between the first end or first end region 128 of the seat 108 and the second end or second end region 130 of the seat 108. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the linear translation mechanism 122 also includes a brake mechanism 132a that selectively engages with the rail 126a to hold and / or fix the carriage 120a at a selected position along the length of the rail 126a. In this example, the selected position may be any position along the length of the rail 126a. The brake mechanism 132a is located on the first carriage 120a and is selectively actuated by the user to engage with the rail 126a, thereby fixing the position of the carriage 120a along the rail 126a. In one example, the brake mechanism 132a includes a lever for unlocking or locking the brake mechanism 132a.

[0113] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the repositionable backrest assembly 118 may further include an upper bracket 134 that connects the backrest 124 to the carriage 120a and supports the backrest 124 on the carriage 120a. The repositionable backrest assembly 118 may also include one or more pivotable 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 backrest 124, around the backrest 124 on the side opposite to the seat 108.

[0114] The repositionable backrest assembly 118 includes two pivot armrests 136a, 136b positioned on either side of the seat 108. Each pivot armrest 136a, 136b may incorporate one or more polymer arm pads 138a, 138b made from a suitable cushioning material (e.g., EVA or ethylene vinyl acetate foam). The arm pads 138a, 138b may be modular or removable from the pivot armrests 136a, 136b by snaps or other mechanical fasteners. In this way, the arm pads 138a, 138b can be conveniently cleaned, replaced, and / or replaced, for example, with licensed or branded pads. According to this example, the pivot armrests 136a, 136b are connected to the upper bracket 134 by a simple pivot joint. It should be understood that the pivot armrests 136a and 136b may be connected to the upper bracket 134 by various ratchet-type joints or mechanisms to provide greater adjustability of the position of the pivot armrests 136a and 136b.

[0115] Referring to Figures 2 to 3B, in one example, carriage 120a is the first carriage 120a, and the repositionable backrest assembly 118 also includes the second carriage 120b. The backrest 124 is supported by the first carriage 120a and the second carriage 120b by an upper bracket 134 connected to both the first carriage 120a and the second carriage 120b. The linear translation mechanism 122 includes rail 126a, which is the first rail 126a, and rail 126b. Each of the first rail 126a and the second rail 126b is connected to the seat platform 116 of the seat 108 and extends from a first end associated with a first end region 128 of the seat 108, which is positioned 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, which is positioned adjacent to the front side 110 of the seat 108.

[0116] As described above, the first carriage 120a is slidably positioned on the first rail 126a, and the second carriage 120b is slidably positioned on the second rail 126b, and the first carriage 120a and the second carriage 120b are movable along the lengths of the first rail 126a and the second rail 126b, respectively, from the first end region 128 of the seat 108 to the second end region 130 of the seat 108.

[0117] In this example, the linear translation mechanism 122 includes a braking mechanism 132a, which is a first braking mechanism 132a, and a second braking mechanism 132b. The first braking mechanism 132a selectively engages with the first rail 126a to hold the first carriage 120a at a selected position along the length of the first rail 126a, as described above, and the second braking mechanism 132b selectively engages with the second rail 126b to hold the second carriage 120b at a selected position along the length of the second rail 126b.

[0118] As described above, in one example, the repositionable backrest assembly 118 may further include a seat platform 116 connecting at least one track or rail 126a to the seat assembly 101, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. In such an example, the seat platform 116 does not have to form part of the seat assembly 101, and thus the repositionable backrest assembly 118 is interposed between the support 104 and the seat 108 of the seat assembly 101. The seat platform 116 can still be directly connected to or coupled to the support 104.

[0119] In other examples of the present disclosure, the support column 104 may extend through the seat platform 116 to directly engage with the seat 108, as described above. In another example, the seat platform 116 may be omitted, and the repositionable backrest assembly 118 may include a frame or bracket(s) connected to the seat assembly 101, for example, on the underside of the seat 108, which connects and supports the repositioning mechanism to the seat assembly 101 (for example, connecting and supporting the tracks(s) or rails(s) 126a, 126b of the linear translation mechanism 122 to the seat assembly 101). In a particular example, the support structure or frame of the seat 108 is formed or molded integrally with a defined bracket or similar structural component provided therein for interconnecting the repositioning mechanism to the seat 108.

[0120] According to further additional examples of the present disclosure, the seat assembly may include a repositionable backrest assembly (as described above) attached to the seat. In such embodiments, the seat assembly may be a modular assembly that can be attached to a support or other structure.

[0121] Advantageously, the repositionable backrest assembly 118 allows the backrest 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 seating configuration shown in Figures 3C and 6A, the backrest 124 can be positioned at the first end region 128 of the seat 108 adjacent to the rear side 112 of the seat 108. In comparison, when the chair 100 is in an upright configuration as shown in Figures 3D and 6C, the backrest 124 can be positioned at the second end region 130 of the seat 108 adjacent to the front side 110 of the seat 108.

[0122] The infinite adjustment of the rail-based repositionable backrest assembly 118 is a significant improvement over known backrest adjustment mechanisms, as it makes the chair 100 accessible to a wider range of users and allows each user to adjust the chair 100 with finer granularity.

[0123] Another advantage of the repositionable backrest assembly 118 is that it has no pinch points and is therefore a safer backrest adjustment system than known systems.

[0124] It should be understood that the repositionable backrest assembly 118 may be provided in configurations different from the examples shown and described above. For example, the rail 126a may have a track configured to receive rollers extending from the carriage 120a, allowing the carriage 120a to move along the length of the rail 126a from a first end region 128 of the seat 108 to a second end region 130 of the seat 108. Furthermore, the repositionable backrest assembly 118 may be connected to one or more components of the seat assembly 101 that are different from the seat platform 116. For example, the repositionable backrest assembly 118 may instead be directly connected to the seat rest 114, or to the support 104 or base 102, or to any suitable combination of the above-mentioned components of the seat assembly 101.

[0125] Furthermore, a repositionable backrest assembly independent of the linear translation of the backrest 124 between the rear and forward positions may be provided. For example, the repositionable backrest assembly may incorporate one or more linkage assemblies of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 10,405,666, which is incorporated herein by reference in whole, that enable the backrest 124 to move along an arc between the rear and forward positions.

[0126] For example, the chair 100 includes means for repositioning the backrest 124 relative to the seat 108. This means may include any of the assemblies and mechanisms described above and their equivalents. In particular, this means may include the repositionable backrest assembly 118 described above, the repositionable backrest assembly described above incorporating a track in rail(s) 126a and wheels extending from carriage(s) 120a, and / or a linkage mechanism as described in U.S. Patent No. 10,405,666.

[0127] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 4A-4D, according to one example of the present disclosure, a convertible footrest assembly 140 includes a foot platform 142 movably connected to the seat assembly 101 of a chair 100. The foot platform 142 includes a first footrest surface 144 and a second footrest surface 146. The foot platform 142 is movable between a first position (shown in Figure 4C) in which the first footrest surface 144 is oriented toward the seat 108 and a second position (shown in Figure 4D) in which the second footrest surface 146 is oriented toward the seat 108.

[0128] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the convertible footrest assembly 140 may also include a platform bracket 150 connected to the seat assembly 101 of the chair 100, and one or more rotary joints 148a, 148b that pivotably connect the foot platform 142 to the platform bracket 150. As shown, the platform bracket 150 is mounted on the support column 104 above the base 102, ensuring that the convertible footrest assembly 140 pivots or rotates around the support column 104 when the seat 108 rotates or swivels with the help of the platform alignment assembly 166, which will be described in detail below. In one example, one or both of the rotary joints 148a, 148b are equipped with damping hinges.

[0129] The foot platform 142 includes a tread 154 defining a first footrest surface 144 and a second footrest surface 146. In this example, the first footrest surface 144 and the second footrest surface 146 are opposing sides of the tread 154. The first footrest surface 144 faces away from the platform bracket 150, and the second footrest surface 146 faces toward the platform bracket 150. Thus, in the first position, the first footrest surface 144 is oriented upward relative to the platform bracket 150, i.e., toward the platform bracket 150 that extends away from the base 102 when the platform bracket 150 is connected to the base 102, and in the second position, the second footrest surface 146 is oriented upward relative to the platform bracket 150. The tread 154 is connected to the rotary joints 148a and 148b at its proximal end, i.e., the end of the tread 154 oriented toward the rotary joints 148a and 148b, by arms 156a and 156b extending from the opposing sides of the tread 154.

[0130] For example, both the first footrest surface 144 and the second footrest surface 146 are load-bearing surfaces configured to provide comfortable and stable support to the user's feet engaging with the foot platform 142, depending on the chair configuration, as will be described in more detail below, and to hold at least a portion of the user's weight on them. Thus, the footrest 154 may include one or more polymer foot pads 160a, 160b, respectively, positioned on the first footrest surface 144 and the second footrest surface 146. The foot pads 160a, 160b may be made from EVA foam. The foot pads 160a, 160b are configured to provide comfort and support to the user's feet and joints in seated, stooled, and leaning positions. The foot pads 160a, 160b may be modular or removable, for example, by snaps or other mechanical fasteners (one or more). In this way, the foot pads 160a and 160b can be conveniently cleaned, replaced, and / or swapped with, for example, licensed or branded foot pads 160a and 160b.

[0131] It should be understood that the foot platform 142 may be provided in different configurations. For example, the foot platform 142 may be L-shaped, having a tread 154 that defines only a second footrest surface 146, and the first footrest surface 144 is formed by a secondary plate extending perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the tread 154. In such an example, the first footrest surface 144 still always faces away from the platform bracket 150, while the second footrest surface 146 faces in a different direction, namely perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first footrest surface 144.

[0132] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the foot platform 142 may include a platform footer 158 that extends away from the distal end of the tread 154, i.e., the end of the tread 154 oriented away from the pivot joints 148a and 148b, on the same side of the tread 154 as the first footrest surface 144. The platform footer 158 is configured to restrict the movement of the base 102, and therefore the movement of the chair 100, when the foot platform 142 is in the second position.

[0133] In particular, when the foot platform 142 is in the second position, the platform footer 158 is oriented downward to engage with the floor surface beneath the chair 100. The frictional engagement between the platform footer 158 and the floor surface restricts or prevents the movement of the chair 100, especially when the user steps on the second footrest surface 146 and uses the chair 100 in an upright configuration, causing the platform footer 158 to come into contact with the floor surface, as shown in Figures 4D, 6B, and 6C. The platform footer 158 may be equipped with a foam pad or similar device to protect the floor surface.

[0134] As also shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the platform bracket 150 may include a footer bracket 164 pivotally connected to the rotary joints 148a, 148b, thereby causing the footer bracket 164 to hang down directly below the rotary joints 148a, 148b. The bracket footer 162 extends away from the distal end of the footer bracket 164, i.e., faces away from the rotary joints 148a, 148b. The footer bracket 164 hangs down or is suspended from the rotary joints 148a, 148b so that the bracket footer 162 can be positioned directly below the rotary joints 148a, 148b in both the first and second positions of the foot platform 142.

[0135] 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 a user steps on the foot platform 142 and / or platform bracket 150 (for example, when the chair 100 is mounted so that the user is seated or standing in the chair 100, leaning back or sitting on it), the user's weight comes into contact with the bracket footer 162, engaging the bracket footer 162 with the floor surface beneath the chair 100 and restricting the movement of the base 102 and the chair 100. In one example, the user's weight on the bracket footer 162 in any configuration of the chair 100 fixes the chair 100 in place and prevents unwanted movement. The bracket footer 162 may be equipped with a pad to protect the floor surface.

[0136] The aforementioned structure allows the foot platform 142 to pivot between an upper configuration (e.g., the seated configuration shown in Figure 6A) and a lower configuration (e.g., an upright configuration such as the standing or leaning configuration shown in Figure 6C, or an intermediate upright or seated configuration shown in Figure 6B). Figures 4C and 4D show the convertible footrest assembly 140 in the seated and upright configurations, respectively.

[0137] As shown in Figure 4C, in the seated configuration, the footrest 154 is positioned between the platform bracket 150 and the seat 108 such that the first footrest surface 144 of the footrest 154 faces the seat 108. In this configuration, the first footrest surface 144 of the footrest 154 is the user's footrest. As shown in Figure 6A, the foot platform 142 supports the user's feet in the seated position with an ergonomically correct knee bend of approximately 90 degrees.

[0138] As also shown in Figure 4C, the chair 100 may also include a rotation stopper 152 connected to the support column 104 and / or base 102. The rotation stopper 152 extends from the support column 104 and restricts or stops the rotational movement of the foot platform 142 around the rotational joints 148a, 148b beyond a first position that supports the user's feet in an ergonomically correct position.

[0139] As shown in Figure 4D, in the upright configuration, the platform bracket 150 is positioned between the footrest 154 and the seat 108 such that the second footrest surface 146 of the footrest 154 faces the seat 108 and forms a footrest for the user.

[0140] Therefore, in either configuration, the foot platform 142 functions as a footrest for the user, and the footrest is immobile in the seated configuration, thereby representing an improvement over previous designs that required a foot ring to support the user's feet in the seated configuration.

[0141] Comparing Figure 4C and Figure 4D, it is clear that the bracket footer 162 is positioned directly below the rotational joint 148a in both the seated and upright configurations. Thus, the bracket footer 162 is configured to be driven into the ground and secure the chair 100 whenever the user places their weight on the platform bracket 150 and / or foot platform 142.

[0142] Referring to Figure 4E, another advantage of the convertible footrest assembly 140 is its larger size compared to the previous design. This gives the user more space to maneuver when using the chair 100 in an upright configuration, while also providing more surface area for the user's feet in a seated configuration. The improved, larger design ensures that users of a wide range of heights and sizes can use the chair 100 in all configurations.

[0143] As shown in Figure 4E, the seat 108 has a seat height Z measured from the top of the seat rest 114 to the first footrest surface 144 when the foot platform 142 is in a first position and the first footrest surface 144 is oriented toward the seat 108. In one example, the support column 104 is configured to set a minimum seat height Z that allows a person with a height of approximately 5 feet 2 inches (1.6 m) to be comfortably seated in the seat 108 with their feet engaged and supported by the foot platform 142. In this example, the minimum seat height Z of the chair 100 is approximately 21 inches (53 cm).

[0144] In this example, the foot platform 142 has a platform depth X large enough to allow the user to comfortably place their feet on the foot platform 142 in a seated, standing, leaning, and cubiced position. The larger the platform depth X, the greater the surface area for the user's feet in all positions. In the seated position, it is beneficial that the platform depth X is large enough so that the user's knees can be bent at a 90° angle and the user can still support their feet on the foot platform 142 regardless of the user's height, which is within a typical range, e.g., about 5 feet 2 inches (1.6 m) to 6 feet 2 inches (1.9 m). Since taller people may require a larger surface area, the platform depth X may be chosen to be large enough to accommodate taller people, e.g., those up to 6 feet 2 inches (1.9 m) tall.

[0145] However, a larger platform depth X also results in a larger platform swing area clearance C, which is required for the foot platform to pivot around a pivot axis A defined by the rotary joints 148a, 148b between a first position and a second position. Therefore, if the platform depth X is too large, the foot platform 142 may collide with the bottom of the seat 108 when the seat 108 is set to the minimum seat height Z, or it may be difficult or impossible for the seat 108 to be lowered enough to accommodate a person of shorter stature, for example, a person of shorter stature such as 5 feet 2 inches (1.6 m).

[0146] For example, the platform depth X should be selected to be sufficient to accommodate a tall person, but to provide a surface area small enough to allow the foot platform 142 to swing under the seat 108 when the seat 108 is at its minimum seat height Z. For example, the platform depth X is in the range of about 12 inches to about 21 inches (30 cm to 51 cm), preferably in the range of about 15 inches to about 20 inches (38 cm to 51 cm), and more preferably in the range of about 17 inches to about 19 inches (43 cm to 48 cm). More specifically, the platform depth X may be about 18 inches (46 cm).

[0147] The pivot axis A of the foot platform 142 is positioned at half the height Y of the convertible footrest assembly 140 when the foot platform 142 is in the first position. Therefore, 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 greater the required clearance 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 moved between the first and second positions. If the pivot axis A is too low, the foot platform 142 will be positioned too low for a shorter person to place their feet on the foot platform 142 in a beneficial manner when seated on the chair 100.

[0148] For example, the height Y of the convertible footrest assembly 140 is selected to accommodate a person within an approximate height range of 5 feet 2 inches (1.6 m) to 6 feet 2 inches (1.9 m). In this example, the height Y of the convertible footrest assembly 140 is in the range of about 12 inches to about 28 inches (30 cm to 71 cm), preferably in the range of about 18 inches to about 24 inches (46 cm to 61 cm), and more preferably in the range of about 21 inches to about 23 inches (53 cm to 58 cm). More specifically, the height Y may be about 22 inches (56 cm).

[0149] It should be understood that the chair 100 may be specifically configured to accommodate particularly tall people, for example, those taller than 6 feet 2 inches (1.9 m), or particularly short people, for example, those shorter than 5 feet 2 inches (1.6 m). With such a configuration, the platform depth X and height Y of the convertible footrest assembly 140 can be appropriately adjusted from the parameters described above.

[0150] It should be understood that the convertible footrest assembly 140 may be provided in a configuration different from the example shown and described above. For example, the foot platform 142 does not need to be pivotably connected to the seat assembly 101. The foot platform 142 may be connected to the platform bracket 150 by one or more linkage mechanism 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 a seated 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 seat assembly 101, not just the support column 104. For example, 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 seat assembly 101 at the support column 104 and / or the base 102.

[0151] Alternatively, the foot platform may be configured to slide or extend outward from the base, depending on the configuration of the chair 100. The foot platform may include several articulated panels configured to fold or collapse together to facilitate the extension of the foot platform from the platform bracket or base.

[0152] For example, the chair 100 includes means for converting the footrest between a seated configuration in which the footrest is positioned between the seat 108 and the base 102 of the chair 100, and an upright configuration in which the footrest is positioned at the same height as the base 102 or below the base 102. This means may include any of the above-described assembly and its equivalents. In particular, this means may include the convertible footrest assembly 140 described above.

[0153] Referring to Figure 5, according to one example of the present disclosure, the chair 100 also includes a seat assembly 101 or a repositionable backrest assembly 118, e.g., a seat 108, a seat platform 116, and / or a support 104, and a footrest alignment assembly or platform alignment assembly 166 connected to a convertible footrest assembly 140. The platform alignment assembly 166 maintains alignment between the footrest (such as the foot platform 142) and the front side 110 of the seat 108, such that the foot platform 142 is kept below the front side 110 of the seat 108 when the seat 108 is swiveled or rotated relative to the support 104 and base 102.

[0154] As shown in Figure 5, the platform alignment assembly 166 may include an alignment element (here, a leaf spring 168) connected to the seat assembly 101 and the convertible footrest assembly 140. The leaf spring 168 includes a rear leaf spring portion 170 having an upper end connected to the seat 108, for example, the seat platform 116, and a lower end connected to the platform bracket 150. Thus, the rear leaf spring portion 170 fixes the relative orientation of the convertible footrest assembly 140 and the seat 108 (and therefore the seat rest 114 and the repositionable backrest assembly 118). Thus, the rear leaf spring portion 170 ensures that the foot platform 142 always faces 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 be configured to bend or curve depending on the height of the support column 104.

[0155] In this example, the leaf spring 168 also includes a front leaf spring portion 172 that extends between the convertible footrest assembly 140 and the support 104, on the opposite side of the rear leaf spring portion 170 of the support 104. The lower end of the front leaf spring portion 172 projects forward toward the foot platform 142 and upward toward the seat platform 116, and its upper end is coupled to the support 104. The upper surface of the front leaf spring portion 172 defines a rotation stopper 152 that prevents the foot platform 142 from rotating from the first position and supports the foot platform 142 to hold the foot platform 142 in the first position, as described above. This ensures that when the chair 100 is in a seated configuration, the first footrest surface 144 of the foot platform 142 is substantially parallel to the floor.

[0156] It should be understood that the platform alignment assembly 166 may be provided in configurations different from those illustrated and described above. For example, the leaf spring 168 may be provided in any number of different shapes and structural configurations having different curvatures, bending capacities, and mounting points to the seat assembly 101, particularly to the seat platform 116 and / or support 104, and to the platform bracket 150 and / or base 102.

[0157] Alternatively, the platform alignment assembly 166 may include a non-leaf spring alignment member connecting the seat assembly 101 and the convertible footrest assembly 140. In some embodiments, the alignment member is a telescopic arm (e.g., a gas shock) connected to the support column 104 (e.g., by a flange) and the seat assembly (e.g., a platform bracket 150). The telescopic arm extends and folds based on the adjusted height of the support column 104. The platform alignment assembly 166 may instead include a non-circular (e.g., triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.) column that forms or surrounds the support column 104 and is fixedly connected to the seat 108 so as to rotate or pivot with the seat 108. The non-circular column passes through an opening of the corresponding shape and size in the platform bracket 150 so as to drive the platform bracket 150 to pivot or rotate relative to the base 102, as the seat 108 does.

[0158] For example, the chair 100 includes means for aligning the footrest with the seat. This means may include either the assembly described above or an equivalent thereof. In particular, this means may include the platform alignment assembly 166 described above.

[0159] It should be understood that the anti-rotation mechanism 152 may be any suitable structure or configuration. For example, the anti-rotation mechanism 152 may be defined by an upper extension of the base 102 extending around the support column 104, or by a flanged member attached around or to the support column 104. Alternatively, the foot platform 142 may be pivoted to an upper extension of the platform bracket 150, or to rest directly on the upper surface of the platform bracket 150, so that the platform bracket 150 defines the anti-rotation mechanism 152. In such an example where the anti-rotation mechanism 152 is not defined by the front leaf spring portion 172, the leaf spring 168 may extend only from the seat platform 116 to the platform bracket 150 and may not include the front leaf spring portion 172.

[0160] Advantageously, as a result of the aforementioned system, chair 100 can be configured between a seated configuration and a number of upright configurations, including a standing or leaning configuration and an intermediate upright or seated configuration. Figures 6A to 6C show chair 100 in several representative configurations.

[0161] Figure 6A shows a seated chair 100 according to an example of the present disclosure. In the seated configuration, a repositionable backrest assembly 118 is positioned such that the first carriage 120a and the second carriage 120b are positioned in the first end region 128 of the seat 108, with the backrest 124 in a rear position adjacent to the rear side 112 of the seat 108. The foot platform 142 is in a first position such that the foot plate 154 is positioned between the platform bracket 150 and the seat platform 116, with the first footrest surface 144 oriented toward the seat 108. The pivotal armrests 136a, 136b are lowered in a horizontal orientation so as to be in a position to support a person's arms 1006.

[0162] As shown in Figure 6A, when the chair 100 is in a seated configuration, a person 1000 can sit in the chair 100 with their rear 1010, buttocks, and upper thighs 1008 supported on the seat rest 114 of the seat 108, and their back 1004 engaged with the backrest 124. At least one foot 1016 engages with the first footrest surface 144 of the foot platform 142. The person's arms 1006 may be supported on the pivot armrests 136a, 136b of the chair 100, as described above. In one example, the first footrest surface 144 is positioned relative to the seat 108 so that the person's knees 1012 are bent at an ergonomically correct and comfortable 90° angle.

[0163] Figure 6B shows a chair 100 in an intermediate upright or seated configuration according to an example of the present disclosure. In the intermediate upright configuration, a repositionable backrest assembly 118 is positioned such that the first carriage 120a and the second carriage 120b are substantially positioned between the first end region 128 and the second end region 130 of the seat 108, so that the backrest is in an intermediate position between a rearward and forward position. As shown, the backrest 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 backrest 124. The foot platform 142 is in a second position such that the platform bracket 150 is positioned between the footboard 154 and the seat platform 116, and the second footrest surface 146 is oriented toward the seat 108.

[0164] As shown in Figure 6B, when the chair 100 is in an intermediate upright configuration, a person 1000 may sit on the chair 100 with their rear 1010 and buttocks at least partially supported on the seat rest 114 of the seat 108, and their upper thighs 1008 hanging at least partially from the seat rest 114. The person's back 1004 engages with the backrest 124, and at least one foot 1016 engages with the second footrest surface 146 of the foot platform 142.

[0165] It should be understood that the first carriage 120a and the second carriage 120b can be adjusted and held in any selected position along the length of the first rail 126a and the second rail 126b, as described above. Thus, the chair 100 can be adjusted to an infinite or nearly infinite number of intermediate upright configurations different from the configuration shown in Figure 6B with respect to the position of the backrest 124 relative to the seat 108, thereby adjusting the portion of the seat rest 114 available to support the rear 1010 and upper thighs 1008 of the person in front of the backrest 124.

[0166] The seating position adopted by person 1000 may involve a seated or semi-seated position rather than the deep leaning posture of person 1000 shown in Figure 6B. The exact position of the backrest 124 relative to the seatrest 114 in the intermediate upright configuration of the chair 100 or any other configuration is determined solely according to the preference of person 1000 using the chair 100. Person 1000 may also, as described above, actuate the support column 104 to adjust the height of the seat 108 for greater flexibility in setting a seating position that is preferable to person 1000.

[0167] Figure 6C shows another upright configuration of chair 100, which is either an upright or leaning configuration. In the upright configuration, a repositionable backrest assembly 118 is positioned such that the first carriage 120a and the second carriage 120b are positioned in the second end region 130 of the seat 108, with the backrest 124 in a forward position adjacent to the front side 110 of the seat 108. The foot platform 142 is in a second position such that the platform bracket 150 is positioned between the footboard 154 and the seat platform 116, with the second footrest surface 146 oriented toward the seat 108.

[0168] As shown in Figure 6C, when the chair 100 is in an upright configuration, a person 1000 can stand on the chair 100 such that at least one of the person's feet 1016 engages with the second footrest surface 146 and the person's back 1004 engages with the backrest 124. In one example, the upright configuration of the chair 100 may be a leaning configuration in which the backrest 124 is positioned so that a person 1000 can lean against the backrest 124 with their back 1004 against the backrest 124 and their feet 1016 positioned on the second footrest surface 146 of the foot platform 142.

[0169] In this example, when in the forward position, the backrest 124 is positioned sufficiently forward relative to the seat rest 114 so that the seat rest 114 does not interfere with the person's back 1004. The person 1000 can comfortably lean against the backrest 124 with their upper thighs 1008 and / or torso 1002 positioned at an angle of 5° to 7° relative to the vertical, and their feet 1016 positioned at a natural 90-degree angle relative to their lower thighs 1014. This is more comfortable than a fully upright standing position and provides a more natural feeling of position with less stress on the person's body.

[0170] As described above, the second footrest surface 146 may be equipped with a foot pad 160b that cushions and supports the feet 1016 of the person 1000 in the leaning position for further comfort and to reduce stress on the person's knees 1012 and back 1004. Furthermore, using the leaning position encourages the user to recline backward in the backrest 124, which pushes the person's shoulders backward, straightens the back 1004 and improves posture, counteracting the tendency to lean forward over time.

[0171] As shown in Figures 6B and 6C, the pivot armrests 136a and 136b may be raised vertically or nearly vertically so as not to interfere with a person 1000 leaning against the backrest 124 when the chair 100 is in an upright configuration. It should be understood that the pivot armrests 136a and 136b may also be lowered horizontally according to the user's preference.

[0172] When in use, the chair system 100 can be configured in an infinite number of ways along a continuum ranging from the seated configuration at one end (Figure 5A) to the leaning configuration at the other end (Figure 5C).

[0173] Accordingly, this disclosure provides a chair 100 and a reconfigurable chair system, a repositionable backrest assembly, and a convertible footrest assembly 140, which represent a significant advance over known chair systems. For example, the continuously adjustable repositionable backrest assembly 118 enables the chair 100 of this disclosure to comfortably accommodate a wide range of users. The repositionable backrest assembly 118 also eliminates pinch points.

[0174] Furthermore, the continuously adjustable and repositionable backrest assembly 118 and the continuously adjustable support 104 enable the chair 100 to achieve a very wide range of seating positions. For example, the backrest 124 can be translated fully forward while the support 104 fully raises the seat rest 114, giving the user a full lean closer to an upright position. Alternatively, the backrest 124 can be translated halfway back while the support 104 lowers the support 104 below the seat rest 114, giving the user a deep saddle closer to a seated position. The chair 100 can be further configured to an infinite number of intermediate positions between the fully seated configuration and the leaning configuration.

[0175] Furthermore, as described above, the bracket footer 162 of the convertible footrest assembly 140 securely fastens the chair 100 to the ground in both the seated and upright configurations. Also, since the convertible footrest assembly 140 supports the user's feet 1016 in both the seated and upright configurations, the chair 100 can omit the foot ring.

[0176] The chairs of this disclosure may form part of a workplace system that is reconfigurable between a seated configuration, a standing configuration, and an intermediate position (e.g., a stool configuration). This improves user comfort and increases engagement. Furthermore, since the desk worktop is also raised in the seated configuration, the workplace system described herein facilitates interaction between colleagues. For example, a first colleague seated in the workplace system is at approximately the same height as a second colleague standing nearby. This mitigates the social power dynamics that occur in conventional workplaces when one person seated at a desk converses with another person standing nearby. Thus, the reconfigurable workplace system increases workplace equity.

[0177] Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, a workplace system 700 according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. 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. In this example, the chair 100 is any chair as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6C. The chair 100 includes, as described above, a seat assembly 101, a repositionable backrest assembly such as the repositionable backrest assembly 118 described above, and a convertible footrest assembly 140.

[0178] In this example, the standing desk 774 includes one or more legs 778 that support a worktop 776 above the floor. The legs 778 may be adjustable so that the worktop 776 has an adjustable height. Alternatively, the legs 778 may have a fixed length so that the worktop 776 has a fixed height. In either case, the legs 778 are long enough so that the worktop 776 is positioned and maintained at a height suitable for access by a person in a standing position, with or without the use of a chair 100.

[0179] In this example, the seat 108 of chair 100 remains raised regardless of whether the chair is in a seated configuration (shown in Figure 6A) or an upright configuration (shown in Figures 6B and 6C). Therefore, when the user changes the configuration of chair 100 to maintain comfortable access to the worktop 776, there is no need to raise or lower the worktop 776 of the standing desk 774. The worktop 776 can be held at an appropriate standing height. This saves the user time and inconvenience because changing the configuration of chair 100 between a seated and an upright configuration is faster and more efficient than raising or lowering the worktop 776 of the standing desk 774.

[0180] In this regard, the worktop 776 of the standing desk 774 can always be maintained at standing height, and the user does not need to lower the worktop 776, which offers a further advantage in that the area below the worktop 776 becomes available for storage. For example, the standing desk 774 includes one or more storage surfaces 780 located below the worktop 776.

[0181] As shown in Figure 7A, in one example, the workplace system 700 can be configured between a seated configuration (shown in Figure 7A) in which the first footrest surface 144 faces the worktop 776 and an upright configuration (shown in Figure 7B) in which the second footrest surface 146 faces the worktop 776. The first dimension D1 between the vertical height of the worktop 776 and the vertical height of the seat 108 (as shown in the figures 7A and 7B) is constant or can be kept constant between the seated and upright configurations of the chair 100. The second dimension D2 between the vertical height of the worktop 776 and the footrest 154 is greater in the upright configuration (as shown in the figures 7A and 7B) than in the seated configuration.

[0182] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the storage surface 780 may include part of a storage cabinet 782 positioned beneath the worktop 776 of the standing desk 774. The storage cabinet 782 may be integrated 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., lower stand, higher stand, wider stand, etc.). Advantageously, since the worktop is also raised in the seated configuration, the workplace system 700 may accommodate a larger storage cabinet 782 than in a conventional workplace. For example, a third dimension D3 between the vertical height of the seat 108 and the vertical height of the storage surface 780 may be constant or maintained between the seated and standing configurations of the chair 100. A fourth dimension D4 between the vertical height of the worktop 776 and the vertical height of the storage surface 780 may also be constant or maintained between the seated and standing configurations of the chair 100.

[0183] In other words, according to this example, the workplace system 700 is configured such that the height (first dimension D1) of the worktop 776 and the seat 108 relative to each other can be set according to the user's preference and maintained regardless of the configuration of the chair 100 or the workplace system 700. The height or position of the footboard 154 relative to the worktop 776 (second dimension D2) and the seat 108 is changed, as described above, by rotating the foot platform 142 around the pivot joints 148a, 148b to change the chair 100 from a seated configuration to an upright configuration. Since the reconfiguration of the workplace system 700 does not require adjustment of the height of the worktop 776, the storage surface 780 can be maintained at a constant height below the worktop 776, relative to the seat 108 (third dimension D3) and the worktop 776 (fourth dimension D4).

[0184] According to another example shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the storage surface 780 may also be attached to the worktop 776. For example, the storage surface 780 may be attached to the worktop 776 by one or more hanger brackets 786 and may include shelves 784 hanging down from the worktop.

[0185] According to this example, a smaller and less expensive configuration of the standing desk 774 can be provided. The worktop 776 of the standing desk 774 only needs to be large enough to accommodate the keyboard 788 and monitor 790 of a computer system, and, if necessary, large enough to accommodate any notes / paper materials and personal items that the user wishes to place on the worktop 776. Larger items that would normally need to be stored on the standing desk 774 to maintain connectivity with the keyboard 788 and monitor 790, such as a computer hard drive 792, an external GPU, or other peripherals commonly found in professional environments, can be placed below the worktop 776, such as on the storage surface 780 formed by the shelf 784, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0186] Referring to Figure 8, a flowchart is shown illustrating a method 800 for configuring a chair, such as the chair 100 described above, between a seated configuration and a standing configuration, with reference to Figures 1 to 6C, as an example of the present disclosure.

[0187] As shown in Figure 8, Method 800 includes step 802 of configuring the chair 100 into a seated configuration by translating the backrest to a rearward position relative to the front of the seat and rotating the foot platform upward to a first position of the first footrest surface oriented toward the seat (see Figure 6A). Method 800 also includes step 804 of configuring the chair into an upright configuration by translating the backrest to a forward position relative to the front of the seat and rotating the foot platform downward to a second position in which the second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat (see Figure 6C).

[0188] Optionally, the seat height is kept substantially constant between the seated and upright configurations. The method may also include an optional step 806 of converting the chair 100 to an intermediate upright configuration in which the backrest is in an intermediate position between the rear and forward positions and the foot platform is in a second position.

[0189] The steps described above may also be performed in reverse order, that is, first configuring the chair in an upright position, and then configuring the chair in a seated position.

[0190] Referring to Figure 9, a flowchart illustrating a method 900 for configuring a workplace, such as the workplace system 700 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 7B, between a seated configuration and a standing configuration is shown, according to an example of the present disclosure. The workplace comprises a desk with a worktop and a chair having a backrest, seat, and foot platform.

[0191] As shown in Figure 9, Method 900 includes step 902 of configuring the workspace into a seated configuration by translating the backrest to a rearward position relative to the front of the seat, rotating the foot platform to a first position in which the first footrest surface of the foot platform is oriented toward the seat, setting the seat height, and setting the worktop height (see Figure 7A). Method 900 also includes step 904 of configuring the workspace into an upright configuration by translating the backrest to a forward position relative to the front of the seat and rotating the foot platform to a second position in which the second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat, without optionally adjusting the seat height and / or worktop height (see Figure 7B).

[0192] As described above with reference to Figures 7A and 7B, step 902 for configuring the workspace in a seated configuration and step 904 for configuring the workspace in an upright configuration may include maintaining a first dimension D1 between the desk worktop and the chair seat at a constant or substantially constant height while reconfiguring the workspace between the seated and upright configurations. Step 902 may also include decreasing a second dimension D2 between the chair foot platform and the desk worktop while reconfiguring the workspace in a seated configuration. Step 904 may also include increasing the second dimension D2 between the chair foot platform and the desk worktop while reconfiguring the workspace in an upright configuration.

[0193] The steps described above may also be performed in reverse order, that is, first configuring the workplace system in an upright configuration, and then configuring the workplace system in a seated configuration.

[0194] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" refer to multiple objects unless the context explicitly states otherwise.

[0195] Where used herein, the terms “right,” “left,” and “up,” and their derivatives, are used in relation to the present invention as they are oriented in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention may envision various alternative orientations, and therefore such terms should not be considered limiting. It should also be understood that the present invention may envision various alternative variations and step sequences unless the opposite is explicitly specified. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are examples. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting. Where one element is considered to be “connected” to another element, that element may be directly connected to the other element, or there may be an intermediate element.

[0196] Furthermore, in this regard, the application may use the term “multiple” to refer to a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “multiple” means any number of two or more, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. Terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “near” mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” or similar expressions referring to two or more elements include (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), and if more than three elements are listed, all further possible permutations.

[0197] Unless otherwise specified, all figures used in this specification and the claims, representing quantities of components, reaction conditions, dimensions, physical properties, etc., should be understood in all cases to be modified by the term “approximately,” meaning plus or minus 5%, unless otherwise evident from this disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters described in the following specification and the appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties to be obtained by the present invention.

[0198] Although the numerical ranges and parameters representing the broad scope of the present invention are approximations, the numerical values ​​shown in specific embodiments are reported as accurately as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors that inevitably arise from the standard deviation found in their respective test measurements.

[0199] Furthermore, it should be understood that any numerical range described herein is intended to include all subranges contained therein. For example, the range "1 to 10" is intended to include any and all subranges between the stated minimum value of 1 and the stated maximum value of 10, and including them. That is, all subranges starting with a minimum value of 1 or greater and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, and all subranges in between, for example, 1 to 6.3, or 5.5 to 10, or 2.7 to 6.1.

[0200] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art of the field of this disclosure. Terms used herein to describe this disclosure are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related enumerated items.

[0201] The aforementioned examples and embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to various examples. Reading and understanding the aforementioned examples will likely lead others to conceive of modifications and changes. Therefore, the aforementioned examples should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

Claims

1. It is a chair, A seat assembly comprising a seat and a support column on a base, A repositionable backrest assembly that adjustably connects the backrest to the seat assembly, The carriage is attached to the aforementioned backrest, The backrest is a repositionable backrest assembly that is movable between a rearward and forward position relative to the seat via the carriage, A convertible footrest assembly, A foot platform movably connected to the seat assembly, comprising a first footrest surface and a second footrest surface, A chair comprising a convertible footrest assembly, the foot platform being movable between a first position in which the first footrest surface is oriented toward the seat and a second position in which the second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat.

2. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the repositionable backrest assembly comprises a repositioning mechanism that adjustably connects the carriage to the seat assembly.

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

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

5. The chair according to claim 4, wherein the repositionable backrest assembly comprises the seat platform.

6. The chair according to claim 4, wherein the seat assembly comprises the seat platform.

7. The chair according to claim 4, wherein the repositioning mechanism comprises a linear translation mechanism that connects the carriage to the seat platform so that the carriage can be linearly adjusted relative to the seat.

8. The linear translation mechanism includes a rail extending from the first end region of the sheet to the second end region of the sheet. The chair according to claim 7, wherein the carriage is slidably positioned on the rail and is movable along the length of the rail from the first end region to the second end region.

9. The chair according to claim 8, wherein the carriage can be fixed at any position along the length of the rail between the first end region and the second end region.

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

11. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the repositionable backrest assembly further comprises an upper bracket for connecting the backrest to the carriage.

12. The chair according to claim 11, wherein the repositionable backrest assembly further comprises a pivot armrest connected to the upper bracket.

13. The convertible footrest assembly is A platform bracket connected to the aforementioned seat assembly, The chair according to claim 1, further comprising a rotary joint that pivotably connects the foot platform to the platform bracket.

14. The chair according to claim 13, wherein the platform bracket comprises a bracket footer facing away from the rotary joint.

15. The chair according to claim 13, wherein the rotating joint is equipped with a damping hinge.

16. The chair according to claim 13, further comprising a rotation stopper connected to the seat assembly, the rotation stopper being configured to restrict the rotational movement of the foot platform beyond the first position.

17. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the foot platform is provided with a footrest.

18. The chair according to claim 17, wherein the first footrest surface and the second footrest surface include opposing sides of the footrest.

19. The chair according to claim 17, wherein the foot platform comprises at least one foot pad disposed on the footboard.

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

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

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

23. The chair according to claim 22, wherein the leaf spring comprises a rear leaf spring portion extending between the seat 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 according to claim 1, wherein each of the first footrest surface and the second footrest surface is a load-bearing surface.

25. The aforementioned chair can be configured between a seated configuration and a standing configuration. In the seating configuration described above, the backrest is in the rear position and the foot platform is in the first position such that the first footrest surface is oriented toward the seat. The chair according to claim 1, wherein, in the standing configuration, the backrest is in the forward position and the foot platform is in the second position such that the second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat.

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

27. The aforementioned chair can be further configured in an intermediate upright configuration. The chair according to claim 25, wherein in the intermediate upright configuration, the backrest is in an intermediate position between the rear position and the front position, and the foot platform is in the second position such that the second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat.

28. It is a chair, A seat assembly comprising a seat and a support column on a base, wherein the seat has a front side and a rear side on the opposite side, A repositionable backrest assembly comprising a carriage connecting the backrest to a linear translation mechanism, The carriage is a chair in which the backrest is adjustable along the linear translation mechanism relative to the seat so that the backrest is movable between a rear position adjacent to the rear side of the seat and a front position adjacent to the front side of the seat.

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

30. The chair according to claim 29, wherein the repositionable backrest assembly comprises the seat platform.

31. The chair according to claim 29, wherein the seat assembly comprises the seat platform.

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

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

34. The chair according to claim 33, wherein the carriage can be fixed at any position along the length of the rail.

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

36. The chair according to claim 28, wherein the repositionable backrest assembly further comprises an upper bracket for connecting the backrest to the carriage.

37. The chair according to claim 36, wherein the repositionable backrest assembly further comprises a pivot armrest connected to the upper bracket.

38. The carriage is a first carriage, and the repositionable backrest assembly further comprises a second carriage, the backrest being supported on the first carriage and the second carriage. The linear translation mechanism comprises a first rail and a second rail, each of which is connected to the seat assembly. The chair according to claim 28, wherein the first carriage is slidably positioned on the first rail and the second carriage is slidably positioned on the second rail.

39. The chair according to claim 38, further comprising: a first brake mechanism configured to selectively engage with the first rail; and a second brake mechanism configured to selectively engage with the second rail.

40. The repositionable backrest assembly is The backrest is connected to the first carriage and the second carriage by an upper bracket, The chair according to claim 38, further comprising a first pivot armrest connected to the upper bracket and a second pivot armrest connected to the upper bracket.

41. It is a chair, A seat assembly comprising a seat and a support column on a base, wherein the seat has a front side and a rear side on the opposite side, A convertible footrest assembly, A foot platform movably connected to the seat assembly, comprising a first footrest surface and a second footrest surface, A chair comprising a convertible footrest assembly, the foot platform being movable between a first position in which the first footrest surface is oriented toward the seat and a second position in which the second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat.

42. The convertible footrest assembly is A platform bracket connected to the aforementioned seat assembly, The chair according to claim 41, further comprising a rotary joint that pivotably connects the foot platform to the platform bracket.

43. The chair according to claim 42, wherein the platform bracket comprises a bracket footer facing away from the rotary joint.

44. The chair according to claim 42, wherein the rotating joint is equipped with a damping hinge.

45. The chair according to claim 42, further comprising a rotation stopper connected to the base, wherein the rotation stopper is configured to restrict the movement of the foot platform around the rotation joint beyond the first position.

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

47. The chair according to claim 41, wherein the foot platform is provided with a footrest.

48. The chair according to claim 47, wherein the first footrest surface and the second footrest surface include opposing surfaces of the footrest.

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

50. The chair according to claim 41, wherein each of the first footrest surface and the second footrest surface is a load-bearing surface.

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

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

53. The chair according to claim 52, wherein the leaf spring comprises a rear leaf spring portion extending between the seat 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. It is a chair, A seat assembly comprising a seat and a support column on a base, wherein the seat has a front side and a rear side on the opposite side, A convertible footrest assembly, A foot platform movably connected to the seat assembly, comprising a first footrest surface and a second footrest surface, The foot platform includes a convertible footrest assembly that is movable between a first position in which the first footrest surface is oriented toward the seat and a second position in which the second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat. A chair comprising a platform alignment assembly connected to the seat assembly and the convertible footrest assembly, the platform alignment assembly for aligning the foot platform with the front side of the seat.

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

56. The chair according to claim 55, wherein the spring assembly comprises a rear leaf spring portion extending between the seat 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 according to claim 55, wherein the spring assembly is a leaf spring.

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

59. The chair according to claim 54, wherein the seat assembly comprises a repositionable backrest assembly, and the platform alignment assembly is connected to the repositionable backrest assembly.

60. A repositionable backrest assembly, A linear translation mechanism that can be connected to the seat assembly, A carriage slidably arranged on the linear translation mechanism, A backrest supported on the carriage, A repositionable backrest assembly comprising: a brake mechanism configured to selectively engage with the linear translation mechanism to hold the carriage at a selected position on the linear translation mechanism.

61. The repositionable backrest assembly according to claim 60, wherein the brake mechanism is configured to fix the carriage at any position along the linear translation mechanism.

62. The repositionable backrest assembly according to claim 60, wherein the brake mechanism is configured to restrict the movement of the carriage in the direction toward the first end of the linear translation mechanism and in the opposite direction toward the second end of the linear translation mechanism.

63. The repositionable backrest assembly according to claim 60, further comprising an upper bracket for connecting the backrest to the carriage.

64. The repositionable backrest assembly according to claim 63, further comprising a pivot armrest connected to the upper bracket.

65. The repositionable backrest assembly according to claim 64, wherein the pivot armrest comprises an arm pad.

66. The repositionable backrest assembly according to claim 60, further comprising a seat platform connecting rails to the seat assembly, wherein the linear translation mechanism further comprises a seat platform.

67. The repositionable backrest assembly according to claim 60, further comprising the seat assembly.

68. The carriage is a first carriage, and the repositionable backrest assembly further comprises a second carriage, the backrest being supported on the first carriage and the second carriage. The linear translation mechanism comprises a first rail and a second rail, The repositionable backrest assembly according to claim 60, wherein the first carriage is slidably positioned on the first rail and the second carriage is slidably positioned on the second rail.

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

70. The backrest is connected to the first carriage and the second carriage by an upper bracket, The repositionable backrest assembly according to claim 68, further comprising a first pivot armrest connected to the upper bracket and a second pivot armrest connected to the upper bracket.

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

72. The convertible footrest assembly according to claim 71, further comprising a rotary joint that pivotably connects the foot platform to the platform bracket.

73. The convertible footrest assembly according to claim 72, wherein the rotating joint comprises a damping hinge.

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

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

76. The convertible footrest assembly according to claim 71, wherein the foot platform comprises at least one foot pad positioned on the footboard.

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

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

79. It is a workplace system, A desk with a worktop, It is a chair, A seat assembly comprising a seat, support columns, and a base, A repositionable backrest assembly comprising a carriage that adjustably connects the backrest to the seat assembly, A chair comprising: a convertible footrest assembly comprising a footboard movably connected to the seat assembly, wherein the footboard comprises a first footrest surface and a second footrest surface; The workplace system can be configured between a seated configuration in which the first footrest surface faces the worktop and an upright configuration in which the second footrest surface faces the worktop, wherein the first dimension between the seat and the worktop is constant between the seated configuration and the upright configuration, and the second dimension between the worktop and the footrest is larger in the upright configuration than in the seated configuration.

80. The workplace system according to claim 79, wherein the height of the worktop is constant between the seated configuration and the standing configuration.

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

82. The workplace system according to claim 79, wherein the desk further comprises a storage surface located beneath the worktop.

83. The workplace system according to claim 82, wherein the third dimension between the seat and the storage surface is constant between the seated configuration and the standing configuration.

84. The workplace system according to claim 83, wherein the fourth dimension between the worktop and the storage surface is constant between the seated configuration and the standing configuration.

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

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

87. The workplace system according to claim 86, wherein the storage surface includes shelves hanging down from the worktop.

88. A method for configuring a chair between a seated configuration and a standing configuration, The chair is configured into the seating configuration by translating the backrest to a rearward position relative to the front of the seat, and rotating the foot platform upward to a first position in which the first footrest surface is oriented toward the seat, A method comprising translating the backrest to a forward position relative to the front side of the seat, and rotating the foot platform downward to a second position in which the second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat, thereby configuring the chair into the upright configuration.

89. The method according to claim 88, wherein configuring the chair between the seated configuration and the standing configuration includes not adjusting the height of the seat between the seated configuration and the standing configuration.

90. The method of claim 88, further comprising converting the chair into an intermediate upright configuration in which the backrest is in an intermediate position between the rear position and the front position and the foot platform is in the second position.

91. A method for configuring a workspace having a desk with a worktop and a chair having a backrest, seat, and foot platform, between a seated configuration and a standing configuration, The workspace is configured into the seated configuration by translating the backrest to a rearward position relative to the front of the seat, rotating the foot platform to a first position where the first footrest surface of the foot platform is oriented toward the seat, setting the height of the seat, and setting the height of the worktop. A method comprising configuring the workspace into the upright configuration by translating the backrest to a forward position relative to the front side of the seat, and rotating the foot platform to a second position in which the second footrest surface is oriented toward the seat, without adjusting the height of the seat or the worktop.

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