U.S. patent application number 13/947007 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-22 for internal support for a backrest for a chair.
This patent application is currently assigned to MINSON CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is Kenneth Chen. Invention is credited to Kenneth Chen.
Application Number | 20150021971 13/947007 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52307652 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150021971 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen; Kenneth |
January 22, 2015 |
INTERNAL SUPPORT FOR A BACKREST FOR A CHAIR
Abstract
An improved reinforcement backrest for a chair which includes a
reinforcement member such as a metal plate inserted into the
backrest to provide reinforcement support when a person sitting in
the chair leans against the backrest. The reinforcement member
includes connection members by which the backrest is removably
inserted and retained in the rear section of the chair. The
reinforcement member is preferably metal such as steel to withstand
the force of a heavy person leaning against the backrest, but other
materials such as strong carbon fiber will also provide adequate
reinforcement support.
Inventors: |
Chen; Kenneth; (Pacific
Palisades, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Chen; Kenneth |
Pacific Palisades |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MINSON CORPORATION
Montebello
CA
|
Family ID: |
52307652 |
Appl. No.: |
13/947007 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/452.18 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/40 20130101; A47C
7/42 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/452.18 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/42 20060101
A47C007/42; A47C 7/40 20060101 A47C007/40 |
Claims
1. A backrest for a chair which includes feet which enable the
chair to be positioned on a horizontal surface, and a seat, the
chair further comprising: a. a rear frame section including a first
side frame section which extends at its bottom end to the
horizontal surface, a second side frame section which extends at
its bottom to the horizontal surface, a lower horizontal frame
section supported by and between the first side frame section and
the second side frame section, the first side frame section having
a top end and the second side frame section having a top end, which
top ends support an upper horizontal frame section which is
parallel to and spaced apart from the lower horizontal frame
section, the first side frame section, second side frame section,
lower horizontal frame section and upper horizontal frame section
surround an opening into which a reinforced backrest is placed; b.
the reinforced backrest includes a steel frame member having a
bottom horizontal wall with two lower spaced apart prongs extending
transversely from the bottom horizontal wall, an upper horizontal
wall with upper two spaced apart prongs extending transversely from
the upper horizontal wall, and a multiplicity of spaced apart
parallel transverse members which extend from and are respectively
connected to the bottom horizontal wall and the upper horizontal
wall; c. the steel frame member is embedded in the backrest so the
steel frame member is covered with interior cushioning material and
an exterior backrest material with the two lower spaced apart
prongs extending out of a bottom of the backrest and the two upper
spaced apart prongs extending out of a top of the backrest; and d.
the backrest inserted into the opening surrounded by rear section
members of the rear frame, the two upper prongs respectively
received in mating female receiving openings in an interior surface
of the upper horizontal frame section and the two lower prongs
respectively received in mating female receiving openings in an
interior surface of the lower horizontal frame section.
2. The backrest in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: the
backrest is removable from the chair.
3. The backrest in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: the
cushioning material is foam.
4. The backrest in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: the
exterior covering material is made of material selected from the
group consisting of cotton, wool, leather, suede and vinyl.
5. A backrest for a chair comprising: a. a frame section including
a first side frame section, a second side frame section, a lower
horizontal frame section, and an upper horizontal frame section
which are affixed together to surround an interior opening into
which a reinforced backrest is placed; b. the reinforced backrest
includes a reinforcement frame member having a bottom horizontal
wall with two lower spaced apart prongs extending transversely from
the bottom horizontal wall, an upper horizontal wall with upper two
spaced apart prongs extending transversely from the upper
horizontal wall, and a multiplicity of spaced apart parallel
transverse members which extend from and are respectively connected
to the bottom horizontal wall and the upper horizontal wall; c. the
reinforcement frame member is embedded in the backrest so that the
reinforcement frame member is covered with interior cushioning
material and an exterior backrest material with the two lower
spaced apart prongs extending out of a bottom of the backrest and
the two upper spaced apart prongs extending out of a top of the
backrest; and d. the backrest inserted into the opening so that the
two upper prongs are respectively received in mating female
receiving openings in an interior surface of the upper horizontal
frame section and the two lower prongs respectively received in
mating female receiving openings in an interior surface of the
lower horizontal frame section.
6. The backrest in accordance with claim 5, further comprising: the
backrest is removable from the chair.
7. The backrest in accordance with claim 5, further comprising: the
cushioning material is foam.
8. The backrest in accordance with claim 5, further comprising: the
exterior covering material is made of material selected from the
group consisting of cotton, wool, leather, suede and vinyl.
9. The backrest in accordance with claim 5, further comprising: the
reinforcement member is made of material selected from the group
consisting of steel, titanium and polycarbon.
10. A backrest for a chair comprising: a. a frame section including
frame members surrounding an interior opening into which a
reinforced backrest is placed; b. the reinforced backrest includes
a reinforcement frame member having a body with attaching members
extending out of the body c. the reinforcement frame member is
embedded in the backrest so that the reinforcement frame member is
covered with interior cushioning material and an exterior backrest
material with the attaching members extending out of the backrest;
and d. the backrest inserted into the interior opening so that the
attaching members are respectively received in mating receiving
members in the frame so that the backrest is retained within the
frame.
11. The backrest in accordance with claim 10, further comprising:
the backrest is removable from the chair.
12. rest in accordance with claim 10, further comprising: the
cushioning material is foam.
13. The backrest in accordance with claim 10, further comprising:
the exterior covering material is made of material selected from
the group consisting of cotton, wool, leather, suede and vinyl.
14. The backrest in accordance with claim 10, further comprising:
the reinforcement member is made of material selected from the
group consisting of steel, titanium and polycarbon.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of furniture and
in particular chairs that have a backrest for added comfort when a
user is seated in the chair.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] The following 13 patents and published patent applications
are relevant to the present invention:
[0005] 1. U.S. Pat. No. 2,169,197 issued to Clair S. Reed on Aug.
8, 1939 for "Seat Structure" (hereafter the "Reed Patent");
[0006] 2. U.S. Pat. No. 2,186,301 issued to Harold C. La More on
Jan. 9, 1940 for "Upholstered Seat Beat Structure" (hereafter the
"La More Patent");
[0007] 3. U.S. Pat. No. 2,265,901 issued to James W. Greig on Dec.
9, 1941 for "Seat Structure For Vehicles" (hereafter the "Greig
Patent");
[0008] 4. U.S. Pat. No. 3,896,531 issued to DeWitt Y. Gm Ilan on
Jul. 29, 1975 for "Upholstery System Method And Apparatus"
(hereafter the "Gorman Patent");
[0009] 5. U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,789 issued to Fred Marcus on Mar. 28,
1989 for "Chair Kit" (hereafter the "Marcus Patent");
[0010] 6. U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,320 issued to Herbert C. Saiger on
May 9, 1989 for "Chair Frame And Cushion Assembly" (hereafter the
"Saiger Patent");
[0011] 7. U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,375 issued to William R. Breen on May
31, 1994 for "Back Support And Internal Frame" (hereafter the
"Breen Patent");
[0012] 8. U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,538 issued to Alain Cayet at al. on
Aug. 3, 1999 for "Vehicle Seat Element Including A Cover Tensioned
Over A Metal Frame" ("hereafter the "Cayet Patent");
[0013] 9. U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,691 issued to Marcus C. Koepke et al.
on May 4, 2004 for "Chair Back Construction" (hereafter the "Koepke
Patent");
[0014] 10. U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,464 issued to Chuen-Jong Tseng on
Jun. 22, 2004 for "Modular Furniture Frame" (hereafter the "Tseng
Patent");
[0015] 11. U.S. Pat. No. 7,708,345 issued to Daniel Grabowski et
al. on May 4, 2010 for "Recliner" (hereafter the "Grabowski
Patent");
[0016] 12. U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,771 issued to Gregory W. Goeckel on
Nov. 22, 2011 for "Supportive Back Overlay For Wheelchair Back"
(hereafter the
[0017] 13. U.S. Pat. No. 8,366,044 issued to Hector Noel Marini on
Feb. 5, 2013 for "Removable Back Shell For An Aircraft Seat"
(hereafter the "Marini Patent").
[0018] The Marcus Patent discloses the following relevant pieces of
information: [0019] "The present invention is directed to
assemblies and sub-assemblies for incorporation into a chair, to a
chair kit that comprises these assemblies and sub-assemblies, and
to the chair itself. It includes a substantially rectangular seat
and back cushion sub-assemblies for incorporation into a chair. The
seat and back cushion sub-assemblies may be readily removed from
and replaced onto the chair itself, thereby facilitating the
replacement of a rigidifying inner foam pad. The invention also
includes a novel means of securing cushions to the chairs. This
means comprises a rigid, substantially rectangular seat frame
member having laterally opposed slots along its inner portion. At
least one fixedly secured and at least one movably secured
screw-receiving leg is attached to this seat frame member."
[0020] The Cayet Patent is for a vehicle seat element including a
cover tensioned over a metal frame. The patent discloses: [0021] "A
vehicle seat element is covered by a cover having four lateral
panels which are folded over a rigid frame. Two of the lateral
panels that are opposite each other, present in the vicinity of
their free edges buttonholes which are engaged on tabs that are
free from sharp edges and that are secured to the rigid frame. An
inextensible flexible cord is stitched along the free edges of the
cover, between said free edges and the corresponding
buttonholes."
[0022] The Koepke Patent discloses a chair construction which has
the metal frame incorporated into the chair. Specifically, the
patent discloses: [0023] "A chair back is disclosed and includes a
mesh material connected to a two-piece carrier, the carrier being
deformable and stretchable. The carrier has a bottom edge including
a groove and is engageable by tabs attached to a transverse member
of a chair frame assembly. The upper ends of the carrier each
includes an opening for receiving a spherical end portion of the
upper end of the chair frame assembly. Engagement of the carrier
with the chair frame assembly is accomplished by stretching the
carrier and mesh between the transverse member and the spherical
end portions. The chair back includes a lumbar support which is
mounted to slide along the side edges of the carrier and along
vertical supports of the chair frame assembly, the lumbar support
causing the chair to tension forwardly. The chair back is pivotal
under the influence of a chair user and is pivotally connected to
the chair seat so as to cause the chair seat to also pivot in
response."
[0024] The Grabowski Patent for a recliner discloses: [0025] "One
embodiment of the invention includes a reclining chair that
includes: a chair frame comprising front and rear frame members,
two parallel side frame members each side frame member attachable
to the front and rear members; a seat supported by at least two
frame members; a backrest; a pair of legs, wherein the frame
members are connected to the legs; a first and second recliner
assembly comprising a bracket, the bracket is attachable to the
backrest enabling reclining movement of the backrest as the bracket
moves through a correspondingly shaped bracket slot in a recliner
base plate, wherein the bracket rotates about an axis that
approximates the position of the rotational axis of the hip of a
seated user."
[0026] The Reed Patent discloses a solid metal frame assembly built
into the chair so that there is not a separate frame assembly built
into the cushion.
[0027] The La More Patent discloses: improvements in the
upholstered seat back structure.
[0028] The main objects of this invention are: [0029] First, to
provide a back structure which is well adapted for theater and
auditorium seats and the like, and one which, while attractive in
appearance, permits ready removal of changing of the upholstery.
[0030] Second, to provide a seat back structure of this character
in which the upholstery may be very quickly applied by relatively
unskilled workmen. [0031] Third, to provide a seat back structure
which may be economically produced mainly of sheet metal stampings
and at the same time one in which the parts are so arranged that
they do not spring or buckle when made of light gage metal.
[0032] The Greig Patent discloses a seat structure for vehicles.
Referring to FIG. 3, there is a spring frame assembly that is built
into the back of the seat as illustrated. The patent further
discloses: [0033] "In the drawings there are shown, by way of
example, vehicle seat structures constructed in accordance with
certain embodiments of the present invention. Referring to the
drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the structure shown
therein comprises generally a back rest 22, the lower cushion 12
and means for securing the same together. The back rest and the
cushion are so constructed that each of them may be manufactured
separately and assembled together after each of them is completed.
When assembled together the back rest and the lower cushion provide
a single unit. When assemble din a vehicle, the lower cushion is
not removable and it remains firmly in place.
[0034] The Gorman Patent discloses the concept of having the frame
backing built into the entire chair with the cushion effectively
fit over that frame backing as best illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0035] The Saiger Patent discloses a chair frame and cushion
assembly. The frame member is built into the chair itself and not
into the separate cushion.
[0036] The Breen Patent discloses a back support and internal
frame. Specifically, the patent discloses: [0037] "There is
provided a frame for use with a back support that provides lateral
support to an individual while seated to encourage a correct
sitting posture, and that also provides lumbar support to the
individual that varies according to the individual's size. The
frame includes wing portions that act as lateral supports and as
torsion bars to cause the center portion of the frame to become
convex to support the lumbar region of an individual resting
against the back support incorporating the frame. The frame can be
incorporated into a portable support unit or to a support unit that
is an integral part of a chair."
[0038] The patent discloses:
[0039] "In one aspect of the invention there is provided a frame
for a back support unit, said frame comprising: [0040] (a) a center
portion extending transversely and in a longitudinal direction,
[0041] (b) a pair of wing portions, said wing portions extending
transversely and forwardly in opposite directions one from each
side of said center portion, [0042] (c) said center portion
comprising a plurality of column supports spaced apart transversely
and extending in said longitudinal direction, [0043] (d) said
center portion further including a plurality of cross members
extending transversely and connected to said column supports,
[0044] (e) at least one of said cross members having a pair of wing
sections extending transversely into said wing portions, for said
wing sections to be depressed rearwardly when a person sits against
said backrest and for the rearward movement of said wing sections
to cause said center portion to bulge forwardly at least adjacent
said one cross member and hence to assume a convex shape, such
convexity providing lumbar support to said person."
[0045] The Tseng Patent discloses the concept of having a metal
backing on the cushion. The patent further discloses: [0046]
"Referring to FIG. 5, the preferred embodiment of a modular
furniture frame according to the present invention is shown to
include a seat frame unit 2, a leg cushion 3 (see FIG. 6) mounted
in front of the seat frame unit 2, a backrest frame unit 4 mounted
behind the seat frame unit 2, and a pair of armrest frame units 5
mounted on opposite lateral sides of the seat frame unit 2. In
actual use, the seat frame unit 2, the backrest frame unit 4 and
the armrest frame units 5 are upholstered to form a sofa, as best
shown in FIG. 6. [0047] The seat frame unit 2 includes a parallel
pair of upright side frame parts 21, each of which has front and
rear ends opposite to each other in a first direction. The side
frame parts 21 are spaced apart from each other in a second
direction transverse to the first direction. The seat frame unit 2
further includes a pair of rear coupling members 23 that are
connected to the rear ends of the side frame parts 21, a pair of
front coupling members 22 that are mounted on the front ends of the
side frame parts 21, a pair of mounting members 24 that are mounted
on the front coupling members 22, and a bracing rod 25. The rear
coupling members 23 are used to mount the backrest frame unit 4 on
the seat frame unit 2, whereas the mounting members 24 on the front
coupling members 22 are used to mount the leg cushion 3 on the seat
frame unit 2.
[0048] The Goeckel Patent discloses a supportive backrest
attachment for a wheelchair. The patent discloses: [0049] "A
supportive back rest for attachment to an original equipment back
rest of a wheelchair to enhance the supportive characteristics of
the wheelchair back rest. The supportive back rest includes a
cushion, a suspension element and a cover. The cushion and one side
of the suspension element are positioned in the cover. An opposed
side of the suspension element is exposed and defines a space
between it and the cushion. The suspension element slips over the
upper edge of the original equipment back rest of the wheelchair to
suspend the supportive back rest in position behind a seated user.
The suspension element can be attached to the cover or can be
attached to the cushion by molding or through attachment
anchors."
[0050] The Marini Patent discloses the concept of having the metal
portion incorporated into the chair and thereafter the cushion on
top of it.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0051] The present invention is an improved reinforcement backrest
for a chair which includes a reinforcement member such as a metal
plate inserted into the backrest to provide reinforcement support
when a person sitting in the chair leans against the backrest. The
reinforcement member includes connection members by which the
backrest is removably inserted and retained in the rear section of
the chair. The reinforcement member is preferably metal such as
steel to withstand the force of a heavy person leaning against the
backrest, but other materials such as strong carbon fiber will also
provide adequate reinforcement support.
[0052] It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to
provide a reinforcement support for a backrest of a chair to enable
the backrest to withstand a heavy resting force of a person leaning
against the backrest while seated in the chair.
[0053] It is a further object of the present invention to have the
reinforcement member retained within the backrest and also provide
cushioning material within the backrest to provide comfort as well
as strength to the backrest.
[0054] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
reinforced backrest which is removably retained in the chair so
that the backrest can be cleaned and, if necessary, replaced.
[0055] It is additionally an object of the present invention to
provide a reinforcement member selected from the group consisting
of steel, titanium, other strong metal material and strong material
such as carbon fiber.
[0056] The present invention is defined as a backrest for a chair
which includes feet which enable the chair to be positioned on a
horizontal surface, and a seat, the chair further comprising: (a) a
rear frame section including a first side frame section which
extends at its bottom end to the horizontal surface, a second side
frame section which extends at its bottom to the horizontal
surface, a lower horizontal frame section supported by and between
the first side frame section and the second side frame section, the
first side frame section has a top end and the second side frame
section having a top end, which top ends support an upper
horizontal frame section which is parallel to and spaced apart from
the lower horizontal frame section, the first side frame section,
second side frame section, lower horizontal frame section and upper
horizontal frame section surround an opening into which a
reinforced backrest is placed; (b) the reinforced backrest includes
a steel frame member having a bottom horizontal wall with two lower
spaced apart prongs extending transversely from the bottom
horizontal wall, an upper horizontal wall with upper two spaced
apart prongs extending transversely from the upper horizontal wall,
and a multiplicity of spaced apart parallel transverse members
which extend from and are respectively connected to the bottom
horizontal wall and the upper horizontal wall; (c) the steel frame
member is embedded in the backrest so the steel frame member is
covered with interior cushioning material and an exterior backrest
material with the two lower spaced apart prongs extending out of a
bottom of the backrest and the two upper spaced apart prongs
extending out of a top of the backrest; and (d) the backrest
inserted into the opening surrounded by rear section members of the
rear frame, the two upper prongs respectively received in mating
female receiving openings in an interior surface of the upper
horizontal frame section and the two lower prongs respectively
received in mating female receiving openings in an interior surface
of the lower horizontal frame section.
[0057] Defined more broadly the present invention is a backrest for
a chair comprising: (a) a frame section including a first side
frame section, a second side frame section, a lower horizontal
frame section, and an upper horizontal frame section which are
affixed together to surround an interior opening into which a
reinforced backrest is placed; (b) the reinforced backrest includes
a reinforcement frame member having a bottom horizontal wall with
two lower spaced apart prongs extending transversely from the
bottom horizontal wall, an upper horizontal wall with upper two
spaced apart prongs extending transversely from the upper
horizontal wall, and a multiplicity of spaced apart parallel
transverse members which extend from and are respectively connected
to the bottom horizontal wall and the upper horizontal wall; (c)
the reinforcement frame member is embedded in the backrest so that
the reinforcement frame member is covered with interior cushioning
material and an exterior backrest material with the two lower
spaced apart prongs extending out of a bottom of the backrest and
the two upper spaced apart prongs extending out of a top of the
backrest; and (d) the backrest inserted into the opening so that
the two upper prongs are respectively received in mating female
receiving openings in an interior surface of the upper horizontal
frame section and the two lower prongs respectively received in
mating female receiving openings in an interior surface of the
lower horizontal frame section.
[0058] Defined most broadly, the present invention is (a) a frame
section including frame members surrounding an interior opening
into which a reinforced backrest is placed; (b) the reinforced
backrest includes a reinforcement frame member having a body with
attaching members extending out of the body; (c) the reinforcement
frame member is embedded in the backrest so that the reinforcement
frame member is covered with interior cushioning material and an
exterior backrest material with the attaching members extending out
of the backrest; and (d) the backrest inserted into the interior
opening so that the attaching members are respectively received in
mating receiving members in the frame so that the backrest is
retained within the frame.
[0059] Further novel features and other objects of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description, discussion and the appended claims, taken in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0060] Referring particularly to the drawings for the purpose of
illustration only and not limitation, there is illustrated:
[0061] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair which includes the
present invention reinforced backrest;
[0062] FIG. 2 is a perspective yew of the present invention steel
frame member;
[0063] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the reinforced backrest,
taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;
[0064] FIG. 4 is an interior view of the upper horizontal frame
section of the rear section of the chair, illustrating the female
receiving openings to respectively receive the upper pair of prongs
from the steel plate member;
[0065] FIG. 5 is an interior view of the lower horizontal frame
section of the rear section of the chair, illustrating the female
receiving openings to respectively receive the lower pair of prongs
from the steel plate member; and
[0066] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the steel reinforced
backrest being inserted into the rear frame section of the
chair.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0067] Although specific embodiments of the present invention will
now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be
understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and
merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible
specific embodiments which can represent applications of the
principles of the present invention. Various changes and
modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the
present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit,
scope and contemplation of the present invention as further defined
in the appended claims.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a
perspective view of a chair incorporating the present invention
metal frame reenforced backrest. The chair 100 includes four legs
110, 120, 130 and 140. Each leg has a bottom section 112, 122, 132
and 142 which touches the floor 1000 and a top section 114, 124,
134 and 144 which supports a horizontal base frame 150 having a
front frame section 152 with a first end 154 connected to a first
side section 160 at its first end 162 with the top section 114 of
leg 110 supporting the intersecting frame sections 154 and 162.
Similarly, front frame section 152 has a second end 156 connected
to a second side edge 170 at its first end 172 with the top section
124 of leg 120 supporting the intersecting frame sections 156 and
172. The frame includes a rear section 180. A first aim support 220
supports a first arm 230 affixed to a rear section and a second aim
support 240 supports a second arm 250 affixed to an opposite rear
section of the chair.
[0069] The back of the chair 100 extends to a rear frame section
290 which comprises a first side frame section 300 which extends at
its bottom end 302 to floor 1000, a second side frame section 320
which extends at its bottom 322 to the floor, a first horizontal
frame section 340. A seat 190 is supported within the four frame
sections 152, 160, 170 and 180. The rear frame section 180 is
affixed to an interior vertical surface 342 of first horizontal
frame section 340 by retaining means such as brackets 182 and 184.
The first side frame section 300 has a top end 304 and the second
side frame section 320 has a top end 324 which support an upper
horizontal frame section 360. The frame sections 300, 320, 340 and
360 each have interior surfaces 308, 328, 348 and 360 which
surround an opening 400 (see FIG. 6) into which the present
invention reinforced backrest 500 is placed. The backrest has a
front surface 540 and a rear surface 560.
[0070] In most conventional chairs, the backrest is a cushion which
simply has interior foam 530 and therefore it is soft and a strong
person bending back against it could bend the backrest cushion and
hurt their back. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5, the innovation
of the present invention is to have a steel frame member 600 as
illustrated in FIG. 2 where the steel frame member 600 has a lower
horizontal wall 620 with two spaced apart prongs 640 and 650
extending transversely from the bottom horizontal wall 620. The
steel frame member 600 also includes an upper horizontal wall 660
with two spaced apart prongs 670 and 680 extending transversely
from the upper horizontal wall 660. The steel frame member 600 also
has a multiplicity of spaced apart parallel transverse members such
as 700, 710, 720, 730 and 740 which extend from and are
respectively connected to the lower horizontal wall 620 and the
upper horizontal wall 660. Transverse member 700 and 740 from the
respective ends of the steel frame members and intermediate
transverse members 710, 720 and 730 provide intermediate support.
It will be appreciated that it is within the spirit and scope of
the present invention for there to be any multiplicity of
transverse members and also members which cross perpendicularly to
the transverse members and are parallel to the lower horizontal
wall 620 and upper horizontal wall 660 to form a cross support
pattern.
[0071] The steel frame member 600 is embedded in the backrest 500
so the steel frame member 600 is covered with the exterior backrest
material 510 selected from the group consisting of cloth, leather,
suede, cotton, wool, and vinyl and interior foam 530 to provide
cushioning to the backrest 500.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, there is illustrated the
steel member reinforced backrest 500 being inserted in the opening
400 surrounded by the respective interior surfaces 308, 328, 348
and 368 of the frame surfaces 300, 320, 340 and 360 of the rear
frame 290 of the chair 100, the two upper prongs 670 and 680 are
respectively received in mating female receiving openings 365 and
367 in interior surface 368 of upper horizontal frame section 360
and the two lower prongs 640 and 650 are respectively received in
mating female receiving openings 345 and 347 in interior surface
348 of lower horizontal frame section 340. Therefore, the
reinforced backrest 500 is securely retained in rear frame 290 and
the chair 100. The reinforced backrest 500 is removable so that it
can be cleaned or replaced with a new reinforced backrest.
[0073] The reinforcement member 600 is preferably made of steel but
other strong metal material such as titanium or strong supporting
material such as carbon fiber are also within the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
[0074] Of course the present invention is not intended to be
restricted to any particular form or arrangement, or any specific
embodiment, or any specific use, disclosed herein, since the same
may be modified in various particulars or relations without
departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention
hereinabove shown and described of which the apparatus or method
shown is intended only for illustration and disclosure of an
operative embodiment and not to show all of the various forms or
modifications in which this invention might be embodied or
operated.
* * * * *