Chair assembly and method for the assembly thereof

Abstract

A chair assembly includes a first frame having a first leg configured to engage a floor and a first mounting member. A second frame includes a second leg configured to engage the floor and a second mounting member. A backrest is coupled to the first frame, and a seat is coupled to the second frame. The first mounting member is translatably slidable relative to the second mounting member between an engaged position, wherein the first and second frames are coupled, and a disengaged position, wherein the first and second frames are decoupled. The first and second frames are stackable when decoupled. Methods of assembling the chair assembly also are provided.

Description

CHAIR ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR THE ASSEMBLY THEREOFFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a chair assembly and components, and methods for the use, assembly and reconfiguration thereof.BACKGROUND

[0002] Chairs may be difficult to ship due to their unusual shape and profile. If individually boxed, each chair may take up a disproportionate amount of space. Conversely, chairs that are disassembled for shipping and / or storage may require extensive time and skills to assemble at the end destination. As such, the need remains for a process for shipping chairs in a compact arrangement while allowing for quick and easy unpackaging and assembly.SUMMARY

[0003] The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be considered to be a limitation on those claims.

[0004] In one aspect, one embodiment of a chair assembly includes a first frame having a first leg configured to engage a floor and a first mounting member. A second frame includes a second leg configured to engage the floor and a second mounting member. A backrest is coupled to the first frame, and a seat is coupled to the second frame. The first mounting member is translatably slidable relative to the second mounting member between an engaged position, wherein the first and second frames are coupled, and a disengaged position, wherein the first and second frames are decoupled. The first and second frames are stackable when decoupled.

[0005] In another aspect, in one embodiment of a chair assembly, the first mounting member is moveable relative to the second mounting member between the engaged position and the disengaged position. The connection between the first and second mounting members in the engaged position is the only connection between the first and second frames when the first and second frames are coupled,and wherein the first and second frames are free of any connection to each other when the first and second mounting member are in the disengaged position and the first and second frames are decoupled.

[0006] In yet another aspect, a method of assembling a chair includes moving a first frame overlying a second frame in a shipping position to an assembly position, translatably sliding a first mounting member of the first frame relative to a second mounting member of the second frame when the first and second frames are in the assembly position, engaging the first mounting member with the second mounting member and thereby coupling the first frame to the second frame, engaging a floor with a first leg of the first frame, wherein a backrest is coupled to the first frame, and engaging the floor with a second leg of the second frame, wherein a seat is coupled to the second frame.

[0007] The various embodiments of the chair assembly, and methods for the assembly and use thereof, provide significant advantages over other chair assemblies and methods. For example and without limitation, the disclosed chair assembly allows the chair to be shipped flat in the shipping position. At the same time, the chair assembly can be quickly and easily assembled simply by way of translatably sliding the first mounting member relative to the second mounting member.

[0008] The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The various preferred embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a chair assembly configured with a worksurface and with the seat in a horizontal use position.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the chair assembly shown in Figure 1 with the seat in a vertical storage position.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the chair assembly shown in Figure 1.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of a chair assembly configured with armrests.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a front vie of the chair assembly shown in Figure 4.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a top view of first and second frames, with a backrest and seat coupled thereto respectively, decoupled and arranged in a stacked configuration.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a side view of the first and second frames, backrest and seat shown in Figure 6.

[0016] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a first and second frames in a disengaged position.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first and second frames in an engaged position.

[0018] FIG. 10 is partial, enlarged view of the first and second frames in an engaged position.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a user removing first and second frames, with a backrest and seat coupled thereto respectively, from a packaging container.

[0020] FIG. 12 is an enlarged, partial top view of the first and second frames in an engaged position.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the first and second frames taken along line 13-13 in Figure 12.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] It should be understood that the term "plurality," as used herein, means two or more. The terms "longitudinal" as used herein means of or relating to length or the lengthwise direction 2, for example between the front and back of the seat, of the top and bottom of the backrest. The terms "lateral" and “transverse” as used herein, means situated on, directed toward or running from side to side, and refers to a lateral direction 4 transverse to the longitudinal direction, for example between the opposite sides of the chair. The term “coupled” means connected to or engaged with whether directly or indirectly, for example with an interveningmember, and does not require the engagement to be fixed or permanent, although it may be fixed or permanent (or integral), and includes both mechanical and electrical connection. The terms “first,” “second,” and so on, as used herein are not meant to be assigned to a particular component so designated, but rather are simply referring to such components in the numerical order as addressed, meaning that a component designated as “first” may later be a “second” such component, depending on the order in which it is referred. For example, a “first” component may be later referred to as a “second” component depending on the order in which they are referred. It should also be understood that designation of “first” and “second” does not necessarily mean that the two components or values so designated are different, meaning for example a first component may be the same as a second component, with each simply being applicable to separate but identical components.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a chair assembly 10 includes a first frame 12 and a second frame 14. The first frame 12 has a pair of laterally spaced legs 16 connected with a cross-bar 18. In one embodiment, the cross-bar 18 is linear. Each leg 16 has an upper connector portion 20 extending upwardly and rearwardly from the cross-bar 18 and a lower leg portion 22 extending downwardly and forwardly from the upper connector portion and the cross-bar. In one embodiment, each of the upper connector portion 20 and lower leg portion 22 are linear, and are arranged or oriented at an angle a relative to each other. In one embodiment, 90 degrees < a < 180 degrees. Each leg further includes a support portion 24 extending downwardly from the lower end of the lower leg portion.The support portion 24 may have a vertical orientation in one embodiment. A floor engaging portion 26, 28 may be releasably coupled to the support portion. In various embodiments, the floor engaging portion 26, 28 may be configured as a glide 26 (see FIGS. 1-3), caster 28 (see FIG. 4 and 5), or other known and / or suitable device. In on embodiment, each of the legs 16, including the upper connector portion 20 and lower leg portion 22, and cross-bar 18 are formed by tubular members, which may be coupled for example by welding. In one embodiment, a pair of angled adapters 30, 32 connects the lower leg portion 22with each of the upper connector portion 20 and the support portion 24. A pair of laterally spaced first mounting members 34 are coupled to and extend rearwardly from the cross-bar 18. The mounting members 34 may be coupled to an intermediate portion of the cross-bar 18 between and spaced apart from the legs 16. The mounting members 34 may each include an interior liner 160, or bearing.

[0024] A backrest 36 has a pair of side supports 38 that are coupled to the upper connector portions 20. In one embodiment, the side supports 38 each have an insert portion disposed in the end of the upper connector portion 20, whereinafter the side supporst and upper connector portion may be coupled with a lock member, such as a fastener or spring loaded detent. In one embodiment, the backrest 36 includes a flexible web 40 supported by a bottom rim 42 and an upper rim 44, which are joined at the side supports 38. The flexible web 40 may be formed as a plastic web, or as a woven suspension material, and may have a plurality of openings 46 formed therein to promote air circulation and flexibility.

[0025] The second frame 14 has a pair of laterally spaced legs 50 connected with a cross-bar 52. As shown in FIG. 5, the legs 50 are spaced apart a greater distance than the legs 16, which allows the frame 12 to nest inside the frame 14 when the frames are disconnected, and positioned in a shipping position. Each leg 50 has an upper connector portion 54 extending upwardly and forwardly from the cross-bar 52 and a lower leg portion 56 extending downwardly and rearwardly from the upper connector portion 54 and the cross-bar 52. In one embodiment, each of the legs 50, including the upper connector portion 54 and lower leg portion 56, and cross-bar 52 are formed by tubular members, which may be coupled for example by welding. The cross-bar 52 may have a linear central portion 60 and a pair of end portions 62 that extend rearwardly and upwardly from the central portion 60 to the lower leg portion 56. In one embodiment, each of the upper connector portion 54 and lower leg portion 56 are linear, and are co-linear in one embodiment. Each leg 50 further includes a support portion 58 extending downwardly from the lower end of the lower leg portion 56. The support portion may have a vertical orientation in one embodiment. A floor engaging portion 26, 28 may be releasably coupled to the support portion. In various embodiments, thefloor engaging portion may be configured as a glide 26 (see FIGS. 1-3), caster 28 (see FIG. 4 and 5), or other known and / or suitable device. In one embodiment, an angled adapter 61 connects the lower leg portion 56 with the support portion 58.A pair of laterally spaced second mounting members 70 are coupled to and extend forwardly from the cross-bar 52. The mounting members 70 may be coupled to an intermediate portion of the cross-bar 52 between and spaced apart from the legs 50. The mounting members 70 and 34 are each laterally spaced a distance (D), such that the mounting members 70, 34 may be aligned.

[0026] A seat 80 is rotatably coupled to the cross-bar 18. In one embodiment, the seat 80 has a pair of laterally spaced bearings 82 that engage the cross-bar 18 and a pair of clamps 84 secured around the cross-bar 18 to secure the seat 80 thereto. The seat 80 may rotate about the axis 86 of the cross-bar 52 between a vertical storage position (FIG. 2) and a horizontal use position (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4). Support pads 88 are coupled to a top surface of the cross-bar 18, and may be tapered in the lateral direction, with a thicker platform at the outer portion of the pad, such that the pads 88 provide a generally concave support profile. The support pads 88 may be made of plastic or rubber.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a worksurface 90 may be mounted to the upper connector portion 54 on one or both sides of the second frame 14, with a plug 92 mounted in an opening of the upper connector portion 54 if not engaged by another component. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an armrest 94 may alternatively be mounted to each of the connector portions 54. Each armrest 94 includes a stem portion 96, which may be co-linear with the lower leg portion 56, and an armrest 98 that extends rearwardly from the stem portion 96 in a horizontal orientation. The armrest 94 is removeably coupled to the second frame 14, and may be secured thereto with a lock member, such as a fastener and / or detent.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 8, 9, 12 and 13, the first mounting member 34, which may include the liner 160, is translatably slidable relative to the second mounting member 70 along the respective axes 100 between an engaged position, wherein the first and second frames 12, 14 are coupled (see FIG. 9), and a disengaged position, wherein the first and second frames 12, 14 are decoupled (seeFIG. 8). In the engaged position, there is overlap between the first and second mounting members 34, 160, 70, which requires slidable translation to disengage the mounting members. The liner 160 acts as a bearing and provides a reduced coefficient of friction with the mounting member 70. The overlap provides additional stability and strength to the junction between the first and second frames 12, 14, and is the only connection therebetween in one embodiment, but with the sliding translation still allowing for a quick and easy disassembly of the chair assembly.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 11, the first and second frames 12, 14 are stackable when decoupled. In one embodiment, one of the first and second mounting members 70, 34 includes an insert component 104 and the other of the first and second mounting members includes a socket 106, which may be defined by the liner 160. The insert component 104 is received in the socket 106 when the first and second frames 12, 14 are coupled. The insert component 104 is removed from the socket 106 when the first and second frames 12, 14 are decoupled. In one embodiment, the insert component 104 is configured as a post and the socket 106 is configured as a tube, defined by the liner 160. The post may be configured as a tube that has an outer diameter received in the inner diameter of the socket 106 tube. As shown in FIGS. 8, 12 and 13, in one embodiment, the second frame 14 includes a pair of laterally spaced insert components 104 and the first frame 12 includes a pair of laterally spaced sockets 106. Once the inserts components 104 are disposed in the sockets 106 in the engaged position, a lock member 110 may be releasably engageable between the first and second mounting members 70, 34 when the first and second mounting members are in the engaged position. The lock member 110 prevents the first and second mounting members from moving to the disengaged position. In one embodiment, the lock member 110 is configured as a set screw, which extends through an opening in the socket 106 and is engaged with the insert component 104, whether bearing against a surface or threadeably engaged therewith. In other embodiments, the lock member 110 may be configured as a pin, a tab, a clamp, or other device suitable for preventing movement between the first and second mounting members.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the connection between the first and second mounting members 34, 70 in the engaged position is the only connection between the first and second frames 12, 14, with the understanding that the lock member 110 is merely securing the connection of the mounting members 34, 70. In other words, there is no other structure besides the engaged mounting members 34, 70 (including the locking member 110) connecting the frames 12, 14. Conversely, once the first and second mounting members 34, 70 are moved to the disengaged position, for example by sliding translation, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 11, the first and second frames 12, 14 are free of any connection to each other, meaning they may be moved relative to each other in any direction or relative position. It should be understood that in other embodiments, where the connection between the first and second mounting member is the only connection in the engaged position (which may include a locking member between the mounting members), the mounting members may be moved to a disengaged position by way of rotation or other paths not requiring a sliding translation. In one embodiment, the first and second frames 12, 14 may be disposed one on top of the other in a stacked configuration when in the disengaged position, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 11. In this arrangement, the first and second frames 12, 14 may be disposed in a packaging container 120, such as a box. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the frames 12, 14 are being loaded into the packaging container 120. The frames 12, 14 may be extracted in the same fashion. In one embodiment, the packaging container 120 has a maximum depth of DI. In various embodiments, the packaging container may have volume of L x W x DI .

[0031] In operation, one method of assembling a chair assembly 10 includes moving the first frame 12 overlying the second frame 14 in the shipping position, wherein the first and second frames are free of any connection to each other as shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 11, to an assembly position, as shown in FIG. 8, wherein the mounting members 34, 70 are aligned. In the shipping position, the first frame 12 is nested in the second frame, with the mounting members 34, 70 not engaged and oriented transverse relative to each other, rather than parallel. In the shipping position, the seat is rotated to the storage position wherein the seat 80 is nestedbetween the legs 16 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In the shipping position, the chair assembly 10 fits within the volume defined by the shipping container 120. In the assembly position, the mounting member 34, 70 are oriented parallel to each other and are aligned. The method further includes translatably sliding the first mounting member 34 of the first frame 12 relative to the second mounting member 70 of the second frame 14 along the axes 100 of the first and second mounting members 34, 70 when the first and second frames 12, 14 are in the assembly position, thereby engaging the first mounting member 34 with the second mounting member 70 and coupling the first frame 12 to the second frame 14 as shown in FIG. 9. The method may further include engaging a floor 122 with the first leg 16 of the first frame and the second leg 50 of the second frame. Once connected, the overlap between the first and second mounting members 34, 70 is the only connection coupling the first frame 12 to the second frame 14. The connection may be further secured by the lock member 110, but with the understanding the lock member is merely maintaining the connection between, or releasably locking, the first and second mounting members 34, 70, which are the only components connecting the frames 12, 14. Once the first and second frames 12, 14 are coupled, the seat 80 may be rotated relative to the backrest 36 between the vertical storage position and the horizontal use position. The first and second mounting members 34, 70 may be releasable secured with the lock member 110 when the first and second frames 12, 14 are coupled.

[0032] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A chair assembly comprising: a first frame comprising a first leg configured to engage a floor and a first mounting member; a backrest coupled to the first frame; a second frame comprising a second leg configured to engage the floor and a second mounting member; and a seat coupled to the second frame; wherein the first mounting member is translatably slidable relative to the second mounting member between an engaged position, wherein the first and second frames are coupled, and a disengaged position, wherein the first and second frames are decoupled, and wherein the first and second frames are stackable when decoupled.

2. The chair assembly of claim 1 wherein the seat is rotatably coupled to the second frame, wherein the seat is rotatable relative to the backrest between a vertical storage position and a horizontal use position when the first and second frames are coupled.

3. The chair assembly of claim 1 wherein one of the first and second mounting members comprises an insert component and the other of the first and second mounting members comprises a socket, wherein the insert component is received in the socket when the first and second frames are coupled, and wherein the insert component is removed from the socket when the first and second frames are decoupled.

4. The chair assembly of claim 3 wherein the insert component comprises a post and the socket comprises a tube.

5. The chair assembly of claim 3 wherein the insert component comprises a pair of laterally spaced insert components and the socket comprises a pair of laterally spaced sockets.

6. The chair assembly of claim 1 further comprising a lock member releasably engageable between the first and second mounting members when the first and second mounting members are in the engaged position, wherein the lock member prevents the first and second mounting members from moving to the disengaged position.

7. The chair assembly of claim 6 wherein the lock member comprises a set screw.

8. The chair assembly of claim 1 wherein a connection between the first and second mounting members in the engaged position is the only connection between the first and second frames.

9. The chair assembly of claim 8 wherein the first and second frames are free of any connection to each other when the first and second mounting member are in the disengaged position.

10. A chair assembly comprising: a first frame comprising a first leg configured to engage a floor and a first mounting member; a backrest coupled to the first frame; a second frame comprising a second leg configured to engage the floor and a second mounting member; and a seat coupled to the second frame; wherein the first mounting member is moveable relative to the second mounting member between an engaged position, wherein the first and second frames are coupled, and a disengaged position, wherein the first and second frames are decoupled, and wherein the first and second frames are stackable when decoupled, wherein a connection between the first and second mounting members in the engaged position is the only connection between the first and second frames when the first and second frames are coupled, and wherein the first and second frames are free of any connection to each other when the first and second mounting member are in the disengaged position and the first and second frames are decoupled.

11. The chair assembly of claim 10 wherein the seat is rotatably coupled to the second frame, wherein the seat is rotatable relative to the backrest between a vertical storage position and a horizontal use position when the first and second frames are coupled.

12. The chair assembly of claim 10 wherein one of the first and second mounting members comprises an insert component and the other of the first and second mounting members comprises a socket, wherein the insert component is received in the socket when the first and second frames are coupled, and wherein the insert component is removed from the socket when the first and second frames are decoupled.

13. The chair assembly of claim 12 wherein the insert component comprises a post and the socket comprises a tube.

14. The chair assembly of claim 12 wherein the insert component comprises a pair of laterally spaced insert components and the socket comprises a pair of laterally spaced sockets.

15. The chair assembly of claim 10 further comprising a lock member releasably engageable between the first and second mounting members when the first and second mounting members are in the engaged position, wherein the lock member prevents the first and second mounting members from moving to the disengaged position.

16. The chair assembly of claim 15 wherein the lock member comprises a set screw.

17. A method of assembling a chair comprising: moving a first frame overlying a second frame in a shipping position to an assembly position;translatably sliding a first mounting member of the first frame relative to a second mounting member of the second frame when the first and second frames are in the assembly position; engaging the first mounting member with the second mounting member and thereby coupling the first frame to the second frame; engaging a floor with a first leg of the first frame, wherein a backrest is coupled to the first frame; and engaging the floor with a second leg of the second frame, wherein a seat is coupled to the second frame.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the first and second frames are free of any connection to each other when in the shipping position.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein engaging the first and second mounting members is the only connection coupling the first frame to the second frame.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising rotating the seat relative to the backrest between a vertical storage position and a horizontal use position when the first and second frames are coupled.

21. The method of clam 17 further comprising releasably locking the first and second mounting member with a lock member when the first and second frames are coupled.

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