U.S. patent application number 14/467230 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-12 for puzzle seating.
The applicant listed for this patent is Martin Krause, Donald Newfer, Steven Stieglitz. Invention is credited to Martin Krause, Donald Newfer, Steven Stieglitz.
Application Number | 20150042137 14/467230 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45933495 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150042137 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krause; Martin ; et
al. |
February 12, 2015 |
PUZZLE SEATING
Abstract
A seating assembly with a base, a seat and a back which have
interlocking features, and a strap latch removeably securing the
back to the base with a portion of the seat sandwiched
therebetween. The strap latch comprises a strap affixed to one
component, with a latch attached to its free end, and a catch
member affixed to another component. The seat may also be
configured to appear horizontal but to have a rearward incline when
occupied, by affixing the seat webbing to a fixed forward member
and a floating rear member, and attaching the floating member to a
fixed rear member via straps, wherein the straps and the seat
webbing have sufficient elasticity to allow the floating member to
be depressed when a downward force is applied to the seat.
Inventors: |
Krause; Martin; (Fort Wayne,
IN) ; Newfer; Donald; (Auburn, IN) ;
Stieglitz; Steven; (Harlan, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Krause; Martin
Newfer; Donald
Stieglitz; Steven |
Fort Wayne
Auburn
Harlan |
IN
IN
IN |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45933495 |
Appl. No.: |
14/467230 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12907682 |
Oct 19, 2010 |
8899687 |
|
|
14467230 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/313 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
A47C 4/02 20130101; A47C 7/021 20130101; A47C 13/005 20130101; A47C
3/00 20130101; A47C 1/022 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/313 |
International
Class: |
A47C 1/022 20060101
A47C001/022; A47C 3/00 20060101 A47C003/00 |
Claims
1. A chair seat comprising: a fixed frame, including front and back
members; a floating frame member; at least one first securing
element, secured to and affixing said floating frame member to said
back member of said fixed frame; seat webbing, attached along one
edge to said front member of said fixed frame and attached along
the opposing edge to said floating rear frame member; and wherein
said seat webbing and said first securing element have sufficient
elasticity to allow said floating rear frame member to be displaced
in the downward direction when a downward force is applied to the
seat webbing, such that the chair seat appears flat when not
occupied, but has a rearward and downward incline when
occupied.
2. The chair seat of claim 1, in which there are two of said
securing elements, spaced apart from one another, and secured to
and affixing said floating frame member to said back member of said
fixed frame.
3. The chair seat of claim 2, in which the securing elements are
straps.
4. A seating assembly, comprising: first and second seating
components; said first seating component comprising a back and said
second seating component comprising a base, said first and said
second seating components are releasably secured together without
the need for tools; an interlocking system for releasably securing
together said first and said second seating components, said
interlocking system comprising: at least one first interlocking
element affixed or releasably securable to said first seating
component; at least one second interlocking element affixed or
releasably securable to said second seating component; said first
interlocking element being releasably securable with said second
interlocking element, for securing said first seating component to
said second seating component; at least one third component,
wherein at least two of said first, second and third components
interlock with each other through said interlocking system when
said components are placed into position so as to form said seating
assembly; said seating assembly further comprising a seat, said
seat comprising: a fixed frame, including front and back members; a
floating frame member; at least one third interlocking element,
secured to and affixing said floating frame member to said back
member of said fixed frame; seat webbing, attached along one edge
to said front member of said fixed frame and attached along the
opposing edge to said floating frame member; and wherein said seat
webbing and said at least one third interlocking element have
sufficient stretch to allow said floating frame member to be
displaced in the downward direction when a downward force is
applied to the seat webbing, such that the seat of the seating
assembly appears flat when not occupied, but has a rearward and
downward incline when occupied.
5. The seating assembly of claim 4 wherein said back comprises: two
side members joining a back support; a connecting brace, which
extends between said side members and is fixedly attached at each
end to one of the side members; and one end of said first
interlocking element being attached to said connecting brace and
said second interlocking element being attached to said base.
6. The seating assembly of claim 4, wherein said base accommodates
an arm; said arm being releasably fastened to said base using a
fourth interlocking element.
7. The seating assembly of claim 6, wherein said arm and said seat
include said interlocking features, whereby said arm is releasably
secured to said base by said seat as well as said fourth
interlocking element.
8. The seating assembly of claim 7, comprising a second seating
assembly releasably ganged to the first seating assembly by a fifth
interlocking element, wherein the fifth interlocking element
comprises one end affixed to one of said first and second seating
assemblies and another end affixed to the other of said seating
assemblies, wherein said fifth interlocking element is used to
secure the first seating assembly to the second seating
assembly.
9. The seating assembly of claim 7, wherein said arm and said seat
interlocking features include at least one interlocking projection
on said arm which projects laterally into a portion of said base
which accommodates said seat; and said seat includes a side rail
which is seated over said arm projection to lock it in place when
said seat is properly located on said base.
10. The seating assembly of claim 9, wherein said base includes a
front base frame member having spaced slots therein; said seat
having a front seat frame member with rearwardly extending
projections located to engage said slots when said seat is properly
located on said base.
11. The seating assembly of claim 10, wherein said back comprises:
two side members joining a back support; a connecting brace, which
extends between said side members and is fixedly attached at each
end to one of the side members; and one end of said fourth
interlocking element being attached to said connecting brace and
another end of said fourth interlocking element being attached to
said base.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/907,682 filed Oct. 19, 2010.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The invention relates to seating assemblies and chair seats
and, more particularly, to chair and assembly components for
securing together various elements of chair seats and seating
assemblies.
[0006] 2. Background Art
[0007] Chair seats of various types are known which include frames
having front and back members.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with certain concepts of the invention, the
chair seat includes a fixed frame, including front and back
members, and a floating frame member. At least one first securing
element is secured to and affixes the floating frame member to the
back member of the fixed frame. Seat webbing is attached along one
edge to the front member of the fixed frame, along the opposing
edge to the floating frame member. The seat webbing and the first
securing element have sufficient elasticity to allow the floating
frame member to be displaced in a downward direction when a
downward force is applied to the seat webbing, such that the chair
seat appears flat when not occupied, but has a rearward and
downward incline when occupied. The chair seat can include two
securing elements, spaced apart from one another, and secured to
and affixing the floating frame member to the back member of the
fixed frame. The securing elements can comprise straps.
[0009] The invention includes a seating assembly having first and
second seating components. The first seating component includes a
back and the second seating component includes a base. The seating
components are releasably secured together without the need for
tools. An interlocking system for releasably securing together the
first and the second seating components is also included. The
interlocking system includes at least one first interlocking
element affixed or releasably securable to the first seating
component. At least one second interlocking element is affixed or
releasably securable to the second seating component. The first
interlocking element is releasably securable with the second
interlocking element, for securing the first seating component to
the second seating component.
[0010] The seating assembly also includes at least one third
component. At least two of the first, second and third components
interlock with each other through the interlocking system, when the
components are placed into position so as to form the seating
assembly. The seating assembly includes a seat, with the seat
including a fixed frame having front and back members. A floating
frame member is also included. At least one third interlocking
element, secured to and affixing the floating frame member to the
back member of the fixed frame is further included.
[0011] In addition, seat webbing is provided, which is attached
along the edge to the front member of the fixed frame and attached
along the opposing edge to the floating frame member. The seat
webbing and the at least one third interlocking element have
sufficient stretch to allow the floating frame member to be
displaced in the downward direction, when a downward force is
applied to the seat webbing, such that the seat of the seating
assembly appears flat when not occupied, but has a rearward and
downward incline when occupied.
[0012] The back includes two side members joining a back support. A
connecting brace extends between the side members and is attached
at each end to one of the side members. One end of the first
interlocking element is attached to the connecting brace, and the
second interlocking element is attached to the base.
[0013] The base can accommodate an arm. The arm is releasably
fastened to the base using a fourth interlocking element. The arm
and the seat include interlocking features, where the arm is
releasably secured to the base by the seat, as well as the fourth
interlocking element. The arm and the seat interlocking features
include at least one interlocking projection on the arm which
projects laterally into a portion of the base which accommodates
the seat. The seat includes a side rail which is seated over the
arm projection so as to lock it in place when the seat is properly
located on the base.
[0014] The base includes a front base member having spaced slots
therein. The seat includes a front seat frame member with
rearwardly extending projections located to engage the slots when
the seat is properly located on the base. A second seating assembly
is releasably ganged to the first seating assembly by a fifth
interlocking element. The fifth interlocking element comprises one
end affixed to one of the first and second seating assemblies, and
another end affixed to the other of the seating assemblies. The
fifth interlocking element is used to secure the first seating
assembly to the second seating assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a chair with a tablet
arm, completely assembled, but without cushions, while ganged to a
second upholstered chair;
[0016] FIG. 2A is a detailed top perspective view of a latch with
the strap attached;
[0017] FIG. 2B is a detailed view of a latch and a catch in the
ready position, showing alignment of the strap;
[0018] FIGS. 3A-3C are detail views of the latch in its various
positions as it is pivoted over center into its locked position in
the catch, with the strap not shown, for purposes of clarity;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the base, configured to
receive a chair and a tablet arm;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tablet arm;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the interior of the
tablet arm, and the H-shaped brace and strap latch;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the base with the
tablet arm installed thereon;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the base and the tablet
arm, with the strap latch in the ready position;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the base and the tablet
arm, with the strap latch in the latched position;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a top view of the seat;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the seat;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the base, the tablet
arm and the seat;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a detailed side view of the side rail of the seat
and its interaction with the base of the chair;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a slightly elevated side perspective view of the
base, tablet arm and seat support, as it looks when the chair is
un-occupied;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a slightly elevated side perspective view of the
base, tablet arm and seat support, as it looks when the chair is
occupied;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the back;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the chair with the back
lined up for attachment to the base and the seat;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the base, the seat
and the back, showing the strap latch and order of stacking and
interlocking of the elements;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of a chair; and
[0035] FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view, showing the ganging of
a first chair to a second chair.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a ganged seating assembly 30 of two preferred
embodiment chair assemblies 32 and 32', one of which (32) is shown
un-upholstered and with an optional tablet arm 130, and the other
of which (32') is shown upholstered. Each Chair assembly 32
includes a base 90 (FIG. 4), an interlocking seat 140, a back 160,
and an optional tablet arm 130 (FIG. 1). In the preferred
embodiment, these components are modularly connected in an
interlocking manner, without the need for tools and are secured
together by one or more strap latches 50 (FIGS. 2-3). Strap latches
50 are also used to attach, or "gang" one chair assembly 32 to an
adjacent chair assembly 32' to form a seating assembly 30 which is
capable of being configured in a custom manner (FIG. 1).
[0037] Strap latch 50 comprises a strap 52 secured to one chair
assembly 32 component, with a latch 54 at one end of the strap 50,
which engages a catch 70 mounted on another chair assembly 32
component (FIGS. 2-3). The strap 50 has one end affixed to a
component of the chair assembly 32 and the other end rotatably
attached to the latch 54, e.g., by passing the end of the strap 50
through a slot 56 in the latch 54 and wrapping the strap 50 around
the intermediate portion 57 of the latch 54 located between the
catch engaging projections 58 on the leading edge of the latch 54
and fastening the end of the strap 50 to the trailing portion of
strap 50 (FIGS. 2A and 2B). The leading edge of latch 54 is defined
by two spaced catch engaging projections 58, each comprising a flat
catch engaging edge 60 to engage the catch 70, and tabs 62 outside
of and projecting beyond the flat catch engaging edge 60 to prevent
side to side motion of the latch 54 once it is in place on the
catch 70. The trailing edge 69 of latch 54 opposite the two catch
engaging leading edge portions 60 serves as a handle which can be
used to fasten the strap latch 50 to catch 70.
[0038] The catch 70, in one preferred embodiment, comprises a back
plate 72 with two projecting sides 74, each projecting side 74
having a flat catch or fulcrum protrusion 76 and a rounded stop
protrusion 78. The fulcrum protrusion 76 is characterized by an
overhanging flat edge 80 positioned such that the flat edge 80 has
an angle of at least about ninety degrees (90.degree.), and
preferably an oblique angle of greater than about ninety degrees
(90.degree.), from the direction that the strap 50 will approach
from, and an angled edge 82 which angles back toward the back plate
72. The rounded stop 78 is located farther from the direction of
approach of the strap 52 than the flat fulcrum protrusion 76 and
does not extend as far from the back plate 72 as the fulcrum
protrusion 76. The rounded stops 78 serve as a stop for the latch
54 as it is moved from the ready position to the locked position,
and prevent the latch 54 from rotating any further than just
slightly over center relative to fulcrum 76 when the latch 54 is
held in engagement with protrusion 76 by the tension placed on
latch 54 by strap 52.
[0039] To operate the strap latch 50, the latch 54 is placed
perpendicularly to the catch 70, with the flat catch engaging edges
60 of the latch 54 against the catch 70 between the fulcrum
protrusions 76 and the rounded stop protrusions 78. (FIGS. 2A and
2B) Then the latch 54 is rotated toward the round stop protrusions
78 such that the flat catch engaging edges 60 are in contact with
the fulcrum protrusions 76, and the latch 54 is cammed over center
relative to fulcrum protrusions 76 (FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C). The length
of strap 52 is such that in this position, the latch 54 is applying
a stretching force on strap 52, which pulls the catch engaging
edges 60 of latch 54 against the fulcrum protrusions 76 and the
trailing edge 69 of latch 54 toward the rounded stop protrusions
78, thereby locking latch 54 against catch 70 until someone applies
a counter rotating force to rotate latch 54 back the other way.
[0040] In one example of a preferred embodiment, the base 90 is
configured to accommodate a seat 140, back 160 and a tablet arm
130. (FIG. 4) Base 90 includes a chair accommodating portion 92 and
a tablet arm accommodating portion 94. Base 90 has three
horizontally oriented base members 96 extending from the front to
the back of the base 90, one at the outside edge of the chair
accommodating portion 92, one dividing the chair accommodating
portion 92 and the tablet arm accommodating portion 94, and one at
the outside edge of the tablet arm accommodating portion 94. The
horizontal base member 96 dividing the chair accommodating portion
92 and the tablet arm accommodating portion 94 may be wider than
the other horizontal base members 96, to accommodate the width of
the tablet arm 130 and the seat support 140, with the additional
width extending into the chair accommodating portion of the base
92. Each horizontal base member 96 may optionally be fitted with a
foot 98 near its front edge and back edge so that the base 90 is
lifted off of the ground. (If the seating assembly 32 was not
intended to include an arm, the base may utilize only two
horizontal base members 96, as the horizontal base member to
support the outer edge of the tablet arm 130 would be
unnecessary.)
[0041] To define the chair accommodating portion 92 and the tablet
arm accommodating portion 94, and to provide a basis for the
installation of these items, a base frame 100 is provided on top of
the horizontal base members 96. The base frame 100 includes three
members 102 (102, 102', 102'') extending from front-to-back (one
over each horizontal base member 96) and two base frame members 104
(104, 104') extending side-to-side across the chair assembly 32,
one at the back, and one at the front. At intervals along the
length of the base frame members 102, 104, downwardly extending
fingers 106 may be provided, which extend through corresponding
holes 108 in the horizontal base member 96 to form mortise and
tenon joints between the horizontal base members 96 and the base
frame members 102, 104. The base frame members 102, 104 each have
complimentary slots 110 cut approximately halfway through their
depth so that, where they intersect, the members 102, 104 interlock
to form a cross lap joint. A catch 70 is secured to frame member
102'' for receiving the latch 54 of a strap latch 50 secured to
tablet arm 130. Another catch 70 is secured to back frame member
104', in the center of the chair supporting portion of base 90.
This facilitates securing back 160 in place. Additional base frame
members 102, 104 could be provided. For example, additional
side-to-side base frame members 104 could be provided between the
front and rear base frame members 104 to add stability to the base
frame 100.
[0042] The horizontal base members 96 may also be provided with
interior corner tabs 112, extending inwardly to the chair
accommodating portion 92 and the tablet accommodating portion 94 of
the base frame 100 at each interior corner. Downwardly-extending
tab engaging members 114 may then be provided on the base frame
members 102, 104, to engage the tabs 112 and further stabilize the
base frame 100 on the horizontal base members 96.
[0043] In the chair accommodating portion 92, the top edge of the
side-to-side base frame members 104 have notches 116 therein at
each of the four corners where the seat 140 will be attached, with
the edge 118 between the notches 116 being raised. The bottom edge
of the forward side-to-side base frame member 104 may also be
provided with one or more seat receiving slots 120, for example,
two slots 120, one at each side of the chair accommodating portion
92.
[0044] A tablet arm 130, with a flat area on top which can be
covered to create a writing surface may be included in the chair
assembly 32. (FIGS. 5, 6) The bottom of the tablet arm 130 is
configured to fit over the outside of the tablet arm receiving
portion 94 of base 90, with the tablet arm 130 having slots 132
along the bottom interior edge, corresponding with the side-to-side
base frame members 104 so that the bottom of the tablet aim 130
rests on the horizontal base members 96, with the side-to-side base
frame members 104 passing through the slots 132. The bottom of the
tablet arm 130 may also include one or more interlocking
projections 134 which extend perpendicularly from the tablet arm
130, adjacent to one or more of the side-to-side base frame members
104. The sides of the tablet arm 130 may be enclosed with solid
walls 136, if desired.
[0045] The interior side of the wall 136 of the tablet arm 130 may
be provided with an H-shaped brace comprising a horizontal platform
138, and two vertically extending legs 139. The brace may also be
an upside down U-shaped brace with a horizontal platform 138 and
two downwardly extending vertical legs 139. When arm 130 is
assembled to base 90, legs 139 rest on top of the front-to-back
base frame member 102'' thereby supporting the horizontal platform
138. (FIGS. 6, 8)
[0046] The tablet arm 130 is installed by placing the tablet arm
130 over the tablet arm accommodating portion 94 of the base 90, so
that the base frame members 104 and 104' are positioned within the
corresponding slots 132 on the tablet arm 130. The interlocking
projection 134 extends along the side-to-side base frame member
104, and the brace 138, 139 is positioned directly on top of the
front-to-back base frame member 102''. Then, the latch 54 of a
strap latch 50, comprising a strap 52 which is securely fastened to
brace top platform 138 at one end, and having a latch 54 attached
to the free end, is engaged into fixed catch 70 on frame member
102''. This secures the tablet arm 130 to the base 90. The catch 70
is securely attached to the middle front-to-back base frame member
102'' directly below the H-shaped brace 138, 139 facing in toward
the center of the tablet arm 130. The strap 52 may be attached to
the top of the brace 138 using any method known in the art, and the
catch 70 may be fastened to the base frame member 102 using any
method known in the art, including staples, nails, screws, bolts,
adhesives, tape, or any other known method of fastening. The latch
54 is placed in the ready position adjacent to the catch 70, as
described above, and is then rotated into the locked position, such
that the strap 52 is pulled taut, holding the tablet arm 130
securely to the base 90 (FIGS. 8, 9).
[0047] A seat 140, preferably having a fixed forward frame member
142, a fixed rear frame member 144, side rails 146, a floating rear
frame member 148, seat webbing 150 and preferably at least two
straps 152 affixing the floating frame member 148 to the fixed rear
frame member 144. (FIGS. 10, 11) The fixed forward frame member 142
has at least one rearwardly projecting tab 154, which corresponds
with the seat support receiving slot 120 in the forward
side-to-side base frame member 104. The side rails 146 are attached
to the fixed forward frame member 142 and are configured to rest on
top of the base frame 100. At the rear of the seat support 140, the
side rails 146 each have a pair of upwardly extending tapered
members 156, defining a slot 158 therebetween for the fixed rear
frame member 144 to be inserted. The side rails 146 may also be
provided with a notch 160 on the bottom edge, which may be
generally in line with the tapered members 156, to correspond with
the rear side-to-side base frame member 104' and assist to hold the
seat support 140 in place over the base 90. The seat webbing 150 is
fixedly attached to the fixed forward frame member 142 and the
floating rear frame member 148, using any method known in the art
for such attachment, including staples, nails, screws, adhesives,
tapes, or any other known or equivalent method.
[0048] To install the seat 140, it is placed over the chair
accommodating portion of the base 92 by inserting the rearwardly
projecting tabs 154 into the seat support receiving slots 120 on
the forward side-to-side base frame member 104, sliding seat 140
rearwardly, and then lowering the back portion of the seat support
140, so that the notch 160 rests on the top edge of the rear
side-to-side base frame member 104, preventing movement of the seat
support 140 in the front-to-back direction and the side rails 146
rest in notches 116 on top of the base frame members 104. (FIGS.
12, 13) When placed in position, the raised edges 118 engage with
the interior of the side rails 146, thereby preventing lateral
movement of the seat support 140 once it is placed in position.
Side rail 146 of seat 140 is also then positioned over interlocking
projection 134 of tablet arm 130, such that tablet arm 130 is
additionally secured to base 90 by this interlocking relationship
with seat 140.
[0049] As described above, when the seat webbing 150 is attached
along its back edge to the floating rear frame member 148, when no
downward force is applied to the seat of the chair assembly 32, the
floating rear frame member 148 is generally in the same plane as
the fixed forward and rear frame members 142, 144, such that the
seat of the chair assembly 32 appears to be generally horizontal.
(FIG. 14) However, the seat webbing 150 and the straps 152 have
sufficient stretch, such that when a downward force is applied to
the seat of the chair assembly 32 the floating rear frame member
148 is permitted to move downward, such that the chair assembly 32,
when occupied has a rearwardly inclined seat which is more
comfortable for the occupant than a horizontal seat. (FIG. 15)
[0050] After seat 140 is installed on the base 90, a back 160 may
be installed. The back 160 comprises a pair of tapered side members
162, a bottom cross member 164, cross braces 166, and back webbing
168. (FIGS. 16-17, 19) The tapered side members 162 are spaced to
fit around the outside of the seat side rails 146, and extend
upward the height of back 160. The front edge of the tapered side
members 162 may also be shaped to provide ergonomic support, such
as by having a curved lumbar support region 170. The bottom cross
member 164, extends across the rear bottom edge of the tapered side
members 162. The cross braces 166 extend between the tapered side
members 162, and are spaced and oriented so as to correspond to the
upwardly extending tapered members 156 of the side rails 146, so
that one cross brace 166 is on top of and in front of the upwardly
extending tapered members 156 and the other cross brace 166 is on
top of and behind the upwardly extending tapered members 156. A
connecting brace 172 may also be placed between the cross braces
166, with a slit through the middle of the connecting brace 172 to
permit attachment of the strap 52 on one of the cross braces 166,
and then allow the strap 52 to go downward to interact with a catch
70 through the slit in the connecting brace 172.
[0051] To install, back 160 is placed into position over the seat
140, such that the cross braces 166 align with the corresponding
upwardly extending tapered members 156. (FIG. 17) Back 160 is
lowered, such that the cross braces 166 are adjacent to the
upwardly extending tapered members 156, in the front and back
thereof, limiting any front-to-back movement of the seat back 160,
and due to the angle of the cross braces 166, also limiting the
downward movement of the seat back 160. The bottom cross member 164
rests outside the rear of the base frame 100, preventing forward
motion or backward rotation of the seat back 160.
[0052] A strap latch 50 extends downwardly from back cross brace
166, or optionally from the connecting brace 172, between the
floating rear frame member 14 and the fixed rear frame member 144,
to interact with a catch 70 placed on the interior wall of the rear
side-to-side base frame member 104'. The strap latch 50 is fastened
as described above to secure the seat back 160 to the base frame
member 104', sandwiching the seat 140 between the base frame member
104' and back 160. (FIG. 18)
[0053] Preferably before the components of the chair assembly 32
are thus assembled, chair assembly 32 can be quickly and easily
upholstered to provide a cushioned chair assembly 32'. (FIG. 19) An
upholstered envelope 201 incorporating a back cushion 202 is
slipped over back 160 and secured using hook and loop fasteners or
the like. Similarly, an upholstery envelope 205 including a seat
cushion 206 is slipped over seat 140 to finish it. Finally, an
upholstery envelope is slipped over tablet arm 130. The upholstered
components are then assembled without tools, as described
above.
[0054] When the upholstery on the chair needs to be replaced, the
components can be similarly separated for ease of removal of the
old worn upholstery, and replaced with new upholstery envelopes, as
discussed above. The newly upholstered components can then be
reassembled in the manner discussed above.
[0055] Chairs 32 can be ganged together using a strap latch 50. To
facilitate this, an additional strap latch 50 is provided on the
interior side of the base frame member 102 of a first chair 32 that
would be adjacent to a second chair 32' to form a grouped seating
arrangement 30. (FIG. 20) The strap 52 is positioned to wrap
underneath the horizontal base frame member 96 of the first chair
assembly 32, under the horizontal base frame member 96 of the
second chair assembly 32', and then up to a catch 70 provided on
the interior of the base frame member of the second chair assembly
32'. A catch 70 may also be provided on the first chair assembly 32
where the strap 52 is fastened. The strap 52 and latch 54 can then
be rolled up and secured to the catch 70 for storage when the first
chair assembly 32 is not ganged to a second chair assembly 32'.
[0056] The chair and seating arrangements described herein may
contain different components, for example, the tablet arm could be
replaced by a regular arm, an arm with a different functionality,
or be left off entirely; the seat could be replaced by a double- or
triple-wide seat; the seat back could be configured in various
manners or left off, and other configurations for each individual
component are possible, and multiple components can be joined to
form various seating arrangements.
[0057] Additionally, especially with reference to the system of
notches, slots, tabs and other features to interlock the frames, it
is understood that various arrangements of interlocking components
may be provided that are within the scope of this invention, and
descriptions of particular shapes or interactions between the
components should not be considered limiting. Of course it is
understood that the above is a description of the preferred
embodiments, and that various changes and alterations can be made
without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the
invention.
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