U.S. patent application number 14/642102 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-08 for multi-posture chair.
The applicant listed for this patent is Haworth, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ralph E. Reddig.
Application Number | 20150282623 14/642102 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52648946 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150282623 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reddig; Ralph E. |
October 8, 2015 |
MULTI-POSTURE CHAIR
Abstract
An office-type chair including a base, a height-adjustable
pedestal that projects generally vertically upward, and a seat-back
arrangement including a seat assembly and a back assembly. The seat
assembly includes a seat surface and a flange extending from a
forward edge of the seat surface at an angle relative to the seat
surface. The seat assembly is adapted to pivot between a first
generally horizontal position and a second generally vertical
position. In the first position the seat surface is generally
horizontal and functions as a task chair, and in the second
position the seat surface is generally vertical and the flange
functions as a perch. The armrests are also pivotable between first
and second positions for use in both task chair and perch
configurations.
Inventors: |
Reddig; Ralph E.; (Holland,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haworth, Inc. |
Holland |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52648946 |
Appl. No.: |
14/642102 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61973968 |
Apr 2, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/331 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/56 20130101; A47C
13/00 20130101; A47C 9/025 20130101; A47C 3/40 20130101; A47C 1/024
20130101; A47C 4/04 20130101; A47C 7/54 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47C 3/40 20060101
A47C003/40; A47C 1/024 20060101 A47C001/024; A47C 7/54 20060101
A47C007/54; A47C 4/04 20060101 A47C004/04 |
Claims
1. An office-type chair comprising: a base; a height-adjustable
pedestal that projects generally vertically upward; and a seat-back
arrangement including a seat assembly and a back assembly, the seat
assembly including a seat surface and a flange extending from a
forward edge of the seat surface at an angle relative to the seat
surface; wherein the seat assembly is adapted to pivot between a
first generally horizontal position and a second generally vertical
position, wherein in the first position the seat surface is
generally horizontal and functions as a task chair and in the
second position the seat surface is generally vertical and the
flange functions as a perch.
2. The chair according to claim 1 wherein in the first position the
flange is angled rearward, such that a lower edge of the flange is
positioned rearward of the forward edge of the seat surface.
3. The chair according to claim 2 wherein the flange is positioned
at an acute angle with respect to an underside of the seat
surface.
4. The chair according to claim 3 wherein the angle between the
flange and the underside of the seat surface is about 70 to about
85 degrees.
5. The chair according to claim 1 wherein the base includes
multiple arms which are symmetrical about one axis and
non-symmetrical about a second, substantially perpendicular
axis.
6. The chair according to claim 1 wherein the back assembly
includes an elongated carrier disposed on a lower portion
thereof.
7. The chair according to claim 6 wherein the carrier includes an
end cap at a lateral end thereof.
8. The chair according to claim 7 wherein the end cap includes a
channel and an angled guide.
9. The chair according to claim 1 wherein the seat assembly
includes a seat pan, a pivot rod disposed along a rear portion of
the seat pan, and a ramp disposed at a rear corner of the seat
pan.
10. The chair assembly according to claim 9 wherein the pivot rod
is disposed within the carrier and is adapted to be received within
the end cap channel.
11. The chair assembly according to claim 10 wherein the pivot rod
is adapted to travel along the channel as the seat assembly
transitions from the first position to the second position.
12. The chair assembly according to claim 11 wherein the ramp
engages the angled guide of the end cap to provide a positive stop
when the seat assembly is pivoted to the second position.
13. The chair assembly according to claim 1 wherein the seat
surface supports a user's buttocks in a seated posture when the
seat assembly is in the first position, and the flange supports a
user's buttocks in a substantially standing posture when the seat
assembly is in the second position.
14. The chair according to claim 1 wherein the base rotates
relative to the seat back arrangement, and the degree of rotation
is limited to a predetermined range.
15. An office-type chair comprising: a base; a pedestal that
projects generally vertically upward; a seat-back arrangement
including a seat assembly and a back assembly, the seat assembly
including a seat surface and a flange extending from a forward edge
of the seat surface at an angle relative to the seat surface, the
seat assembly adapted to pivot between a first generally horizontal
position and a second generally vertical position; and a pair of
spaced armrests pivotally mounted to the seat assembly, each
armrest pivotal between a first armrest position and a second
armrest position; wherein the chair is positionable in a seated
position and a perched position, in the seated position the seat
surface and armrests are in their respective horizontal and first
armrest positions and the chair functions as a task chair, in the
perched position the seat surface and armrests are in their
respective vertical and second armrest positions and the chair
functions as a perch.
16. The chair of claim 15 wherein the armrests pivot about a
horizontal axis, and in the first armrest position, a first surface
defines a seated arm resting surface, and in the second position, a
second surface defines a perched arm resting surface.
17. The chair of claim 16 wherein the armrests pivot substantially
180 degrees between the first and second armrest positions.
18. The chair of claim 17 wherein the armrest pivot point is
positioned near a forward edge of the seat surface.
19. The chair of claim 15 wherein the armrests and seat assembly
are independently positionable.
20. An office-type chair comprising: a base; a height-adjustable
pedestal supporting the base; and a seat-back arrangement including
a seat assembly and a back assembly, the seat assembly including a
seat surface and a flange extending from a bottom surface of a
forward edge of the seat surface at an angle relative to the seat
surface, the seat surface having a seat surface length and the
flange having a flange length, wherein the flange length is between
about 40% and 65% of the seat length; wherein the seat assembly is
adapted to pivot between a first position in which the seat surface
is generally horizontal and a second position in which the seat
surface is generally vertical, wherein in the first position the
seat surface functions as support surface for a user and in the
second position the flange functions as a support surface for a
user, wherein the height adjustable pedestal can be adjusted with
the seat assembly in either the first position or the second
position.
21. The office-type chair of claim 20 including a pair of spaced
armrests pivotally mounted to the seat assembly, each armrest
pivotal between a first armrest position and a second armrest
position, wherein in the first position of the seat assembly the
armrests function in the first armrest position and, in the second
position of the seat assembly the armrests function in the second
armrest position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to chairs, and more
particularly to a chair configured to provide multi-posture
seating.
[0002] Various designs for office chairs have been developed,
offering ergonomic improvements to individuals who spend much of
their workday at a desk in a seated position. Many chairs include a
height adjustment for moving the seat portion of the chair up and
down so as to accommodate individuals of different heights and
sizes and/or the height of the desk being utilized. Other chairs
are designed such that the angle of the seat portion can be tilted
and adjusted to the individual's preference. Generally, office
chairs are designed to support an individual in a sitting position;
however, stools that have a wide range of height adjustability have
been used to give a user the ability to work in either a sitting or
a standing posture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides the comfort and adjustability
characteristics of a task chair while also converting to a stand-up
perch. More particularly, the present invention provides an
office-type chair including a base, a height-adjustable pedestal
that projects generally vertically upward, and a seat-back
arrangement including a seat assembly and a back assembly. The seat
assembly includes a seat surface and a flange extending from a
forward edge of the seat surface at an angle relative to the seat
surface. The seat assembly is adapted to pivot between a first
generally horizontal position and a second generally vertical
position. In the first position the seat surface is generally
horizontal and functions as a task chair, and in the second
position the seat surface is generally vertical and the flange
functions as a perch.
[0004] In one embodiment, in the first position the flange is
angled rearward, such that a lower edge of the flange is positioned
rearward of the forward edge of the seat surface.
[0005] In one embodiment, the seat assembly includes a seat pan, a
pivot rod disposed along a rear portion of the seat pan, and a ramp
disposed at a rear corner of the seat pan. The pivot rod is
disposed within the carrier and is adapted to be received within
the end cap channel and to travel along the channel as the seat
assembly transitions from the first position to the second
position.
[0006] In another embodiment, the chair includes a pair of spaced
armrests pivotally mounted to the seat assembly, each armrest is
pivotal between a first armrest position and a second armrest
position. The chair is positionable in a seated position and a
perched position. In the seated position the seat surface and
armrests are in their respective horizontal and first armrest
positions and the chair functions as a task chair. In the perched
position, the seat surface and armrests are in their respective
vertical and second armrest positions and the chair functions as a
perch.
[0007] In another embodiment, the armrests pivot about a horizontal
axis. In the first armrest position, a first surface defines a
seated arm resting surface, and in the second position, a second
surface defines a perched arm resting surface.
[0008] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the
invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by
reference to the description of the current embodiments and the
drawings.
[0009] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to
the details of operation or to the details of construction and the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be
implemented in various other embodiments and may be practiced or
may be carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed
herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and
"comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items
listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional
items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in
the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly
stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting
the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor
should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the
scope of the invention any additional steps or components that
might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or
components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an office-type chair
according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating
a seated position;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the chair of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the chair, illustrating an
intermediate position;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the chair, illustrating a
perched position;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an end cap of the chair of
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a detail, cross-sectional view of a pivot
mechanism of the chair, taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 1 and
illustrating a seated position;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a detail, cross-sectional view taken along line
VI-VI of FIG. 1, illustrating an intermediate position;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a detail, cross-sectional view taken along line
VI-VI of FIG. 1, illustrating a perched position;
[0018] FIGS. 9A-C are bottom views of the chair, illustrating
limited rotation of a support base of the chair;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an office-type chair
according to a second embodiment of the present invention,
illustrating a seated position;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the chair, illustrating a
perched position;
[0021] FIGS. 12A-12E are perspective views of the chair,
illustrating the transition between the seated and perched
positions; and
[0022] FIGS. 13A-13E are side view of the chair, illustrating the
transition between the seated and perched positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an office-type chair 10 is shown in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The chair
10 is a multi-posture chair that is configured to be positioned
into multiple seating arrangements, including a sitting or seated
position and a leaning or perched position. Both the seated and
perched positions can be adjusted to different heights as desired.
The different seated and perched positions enable a worker or
employee to assume multiple physical positions during the work day,
which may increase the employee's level of comfort. The chair 10
can also be used in conjunction with a height adjustable table,
which are increasing in popularity along with attention to improved
ergonomics, allowing both sitting and perched postures to be
supported with a single chair solution.
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-posture chair 10
includes a support base 12, a height-adjustable and upwardly
projecting pedestal 14, and a seat-back arrangement 16 that
includes a seat assembly 18 and a back assembly 20. The seat
assembly 18 includes a seat surface 22 and a perch flange 24. In
one embodiment, the flange 24 extends down from a lower surface 25
of the forward edge 26 of the seat assembly 18, and is positioned
at an angle a relative to an underside of the seat surface 22, as
shown in FIG. 1. Stated differently, the flange 24 may be angled
relative to vertical, such that a lower edge 28 of the flange 24 is
positioned rearward of the forward edge 26 of the seat assembly 18.
In one embodiment, the angle a may be varied from application to
application, depending on the desired characteristics of the perch
seating surface, which is described in more detail below. In an
alternative embodiment, the flange 24 may extend substantially
vertical, such that the angle a is approximately 90 degrees.
[0025] The support base 12 is rotatably mounted, via the pedestal
14, to the seat back arrangement 16 and seat assembly 18, and
includes a number of radially extending arms 30, each having a
caster 32 mounted to a distal end thereof. In the exemplary
embodiment, four arms 30 and casters 32 are illustrated; however,
more or fewer arms and casters are contemplated. Additionally, the
casters 32 may be reverse braking casters that resist movement when
weight is applied to the caster 32, as are commercially available
and known to those skilled in the art. The arms 30 are arranged in
a configuration that is symmetrical about one axis and asymmetrical
about a second, substantially perpendicular axis. This arrangement
of the support base 12 increases the stability of the chair 10,
particularly when used in the perched configuration. In particular,
rotation of the support base 12 (relative to the seat back
arrangement 16) may be limited within a range to ensure stability
given the asymmetrical base support 12. Referring to FIGS. 9A-C, an
exemplary range of rotation is shown, where the seat back
arrangement 16 may be rotated 60.degree. in either direction. Of
course, a lesser or greater degree of rotation is contemplated.
[0026] The pedestal 14 includes a vertical adjustment mechanism
(not shown) for vertically adjusting the height of the chair 10.
The vertical adjustment mechanism may include a conventional
hydraulic adjustment mechanism such as the type known to those
skilled in the art for use in office chairs, wherein a first lower
sleeve fits telescopically within a second upper sleeve, and the
upper sleeve is vertically movable with respect to the lower
sleeve. Alternatively, the support base may be in the form of a
substantially flat panel.
[0027] According to one embodiment, in a seated position A, shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat assembly 18 is positioned in a first,
generally horizontal position and the chair 10 functions as a task
chair. In this first, seated position A, the seat surface 22 of the
seat assembly is configured to receive the user's buttocks in a
seated posture, and the back assembly 20 includes a front seating
surface 34 that is configured to receive the user's back.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 4, in a second, perched position C,
the seat assembly 18 is positioned in a second, generally vertical
position and the chair 10 functions as a perch. In this perched
position C, the seat assembly 18 and back assembly 20 are folded
together and arranged such that the flange 24 is positioned to
support the user's buttocks in a substantially standing,
semi-seated, or leaning posture. As stated above, in the
illustrated embodiment, the flange 24 is angled, therefore the
lower edge 28 of the seating surface provided by the flange 24 is
lowered relative to horizontal (by an angle complementary to angle
a). When in the perched position C, it has been found that angling
the lower edge 28 of the flange 24 down may provide the user a
comfortable leaning, or perched, posture. It is contemplated that
angle a may be an acute angle. More specifically, angle a may be
approximately 70.degree. to 85.degree.. Further, in the perched
position C, what portion of the front seating surface 34 of the
back assembly 20 that extends above the flange 24 may support the
user's back. The flange 24 has a length defined generally between
the lower surface 25 of the seat assembly 18 and the lower edge 28
of the flange 24. The flange length is generally sufficient to
support a substantial portion of a person when the chair is in the
perched position. In one embodiment, the flange length may extend
at a desired ratio with respect to the length of the seat surface
22 (defined generally between the front surface 34 of the back
assembly 16 and the forward edge 26 of the seat assembly 18). For
example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the perch length is
about 47% of the seat surface length, and in the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 11-13 (discussed in more detail below), the perch length
is about 58% of the length of the seat surface. In other words, a
sufficient perch length for supporting a person in the perched
position--without being too heavy for a user to pivot--is generally
between about 40% and about 65% of the length of the seat support,
and more particularly between about 50% and about 60% of the length
of the seat support.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, the back assembly 20 may include an
elongated pocket or carrier 50 disposed on a lower portion thereof.
The carrier 50 extends substantially the width of the chair 10, and
has a generally hollow and U-shaped cross-section defining an
opening 52 at a top portion thereof. An end cap 54 is positioned at
each lateral end of the carrier 50, closing off the ends of the
carrier 50. The end caps 54 have substantially the same
cross-sectional shape as the carrier 50, yet they are not hollow.
Referring to FIG. 5, the end caps 54 each include, in minor image
relationship to one another, a channel 56 and an angled guide 58.
The channel 56 extends vertically along the forward surface of the
end cap 54. The angled guide 58 is quadrilateral-shaped protruding
member that includes an angled face 60 on a forward surface
thereof. Further, the angled guide 58 is positioned interior to the
channel 56, also on the forward surface of the end cap 54.
[0030] Referring now back to FIG. 2, the seat assembly 18 includes
a seat pan 70 configured to provide structural support for the seat
assembly 18. The seat pan 70 includes armrest supports 72 that
extend up therefrom, on which armrests 74 are mounted. Armrests 74
may be vertically adjustable, as is conventional. Additionally, the
seat pan 70 includes a pivot rod 76 disposed along a rear edge 71
of the seat pan 70 and extending beyond the lateral sides of the
seat pan 70. The seat pan 70 also includes a wedge 78 that is
disposed at a rear corner of the seat pan 70. The wedge is an
elongated member and has a ramped surface 80 on an upper face
thereof. A second wedge 78 may be included in the opposite rear
corner of the seat pan 70.
[0031] Perhaps as best seen in FIG. 4, a stability bar 90 is
included on the underside of the seat pan 70 for providing
additional stability to the seat assembly 18, particularly when in
the perched position C. The stability bar 90 is an elongated
L-shaped member that is affixed by any suitable means to the
underside of the seat pan 70. The stability bar 90 is disposed in
the fore-aft direction, with its short leg, referred to herein as
support leg 92, positioned near the rearward edge 71 of the seat
pan 70.
[0032] A pedestal cap 94 is positioned atop the pedestal 14 and
mounts the seat back arrangement 16 to the pedestal 14. The
pedestal cap 94 includes a center hub 96 that has an upper surface
98 and a forward surface 100. In seated position A, the support leg
92 engages the forward surface 100 of the center hub 96, bearing
against any downward force applied to the seat assembly 18, such as
the weight of an occupant. Given that the stability bar 90 is
affixed to the seat pan 70, when the seat assembly 18 is pivoted up
to the perched position C, the orientation of the stability bar 90
changes along with the assembly. In perched position C, the support
leg 92 engages the upper surface 98 of the center hub 96, bearing
against any downward force applied to the seat flange 24, such as
the weight of an occupant leaning on the flange 24. Further, the
support leg 92 increases the stability of the seat assembly 18 by
providing resistive force to help maintain the seat assembly 18 in
the perched position C.
[0033] The seat assembly 18 and seat back assembly 20 may include
cushions, as is conventional. Additionally, controls may be
provided on the chair 10 for features such as tilting of the seat
back assembly 18 and adjusting the armrest 74 height. The chair 10
may be provided with typical stops and controls for releasably
maintaining the chair in the seated position. Such stops, controls,
and other related structure are conventional, and are not described
or illustrated herein.
Operation
[0034] The multi-position chair 10 is configured to move between
the seated and perched positions A and C by simply pivoting the
seat assembly 18 up or down. To move the chair 10 from the seated
position A to the perched position C, the user may pivot the
forward edge 26 of the seat assembly 18 upward, about the pivot rod
76. When the seat assembly 18 is nearly vertical it is configured
to slide down and into the perched position C. Oppositely, to move
the chair from the perched position C to the seated position A, the
user may pull the seat assembly 18 up, and then pivot the seat
assembly 18 down.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 6-8, a detail, cross-sectional view of
the mechanism that enables the chair 10 to be transitioned between
the seated and perched positions A and C is illustrated. In the
seated position A, shown in FIG. 6, the pivot rod 76 is disposed
within the carrier 50, and each end of the pivot rod 76 is adapted
to be received within the end cap 54 channel 56. The ends of the
pivot rods 76 are each bounded in the forward and rearward
directions by a front wall 82 of the carrier 50 and a rear wall 84
of the channel 56, respectively.
[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates an intermediate position B between the
seated and perched positions A and C. In this intermediate position
B, the seat assembly 18 is pivoted somewhat upward, and the pivot
rod 76 remains at the top of the channel 56. The rearward edge 71
of the seat pan 70 is received in the carrier 50 through the
opening 52. The pivot rod 76 is adapted to travel along the channel
56 as the seat assembly 18 transitions from the seated position A
to the perched position C, as shown in FIG. 8. The pivot rod 76
slides down the channel 56 until it reaches the bottom of the
channel 56 and the ramped surface 80 of the wedge 78 abuts the
angled face 60 of the angled guide 58. The interaction between the
wedge 78 and the angled guide 58 provides a positive stop and
increased stability for the seat assembly 18 when in the perched
position C.
[0037] The multi-posture chair 10 advantageously allows the user to
vary his or her physical position throughout the workday, thereby
increasing the employee's comfort. Moreover, the multi-posture
chair 10 very easily transitions between the seated and perched
positions. Further, as described above, in either of the seated and
perched configurations, the seat-back arrangement 16 is readily
vertically adjustable to change the height of the sitting or
leaning surface. Accordingly, in addition to providing multiple
seating arrangements, the chair 10 can accommodate the height of
the individual user and/or the associated work surface.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 10-13, an office-type chair 200 is shown
in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
Like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 200.
The chair 200 is a multi-posture chair that is configured to be
positioned into multiple seating arrangements, including a sitting
or seated position and a leaning or perched position.
[0039] The chair 200 includes a seat pan and/or a seat frame 270
configured to provide structural support for the seat assembly 218.
The chair 200 also includes a pair of spaced armrests 274 that are
pivotally mounted to the seat assembly 218 for use in both the
seated and perched positions of the seat assembly 218. In the
illustrated embodiment, each armrest 274 has a substantially
hat-shaped geometry made up of a pivot portion 310, a center
portion 312, and an extending portion 314. Alternative geometries
may be used depending on the desired armrest application and usage.
When the armrest 274 is oriented in the position shown in FIG. 12A,
the pivot and extending portions 310 and 314 are substantially
vertical, and the center portion 312 is substantially horizontal
and connects the upper ends of the pivot and extending portions 310
and 314. Further, the pivot portion 310 of the armrest 274 is
mounted to the seat frame 270 such that the armrest 274 is
pivotable about a horizontal axis A, the pivot point of which is
positioned near a forward edge 226 of the seat surface 222. The
lower end of the extending portion 314 is not fixed or mounted to
the seat frame 270.
[0040] The armrests 274 are each pivotal substantially 180.degree.
between a first armrest position X, shown in FIG. 12A, and a second
armrest position Y, shown in FIG. 12E. While the armrests 274 and
seat assembly 218 are independently positionable, the chair is
configured for the armrests 274 and seat assembly 218 to be
cooperatively positioned in a seated position A and a perched
position C. When the chair 200 is arranged in the seated position
A, shown in FIG. 12A, the seat surface 222 is positioned
substantially horizontally and the armrests 274 are positioned in
their first armrest position X, such that the chair 200 functions
as a task chair. When the chair 200 is arranged in the perched
position C, the seat surface 222 is positioned substantially
vertically and the armrests 274 are positioned in their second
armrest position Y, such that the chair 200 functions as a perch or
stool. Additionally, in the first armrest position X, a first
surface 316 of the center portion 312 defines the seated arm
resting surface, and in the second position Y, a second surface 318
of the extending portion 314 defines the perched arm resting
surface.
[0041] In one embodiment, the chair 200 also includes a coat or
purse hook 320 positioned at an upper end of the back assembly 220.
The hook 320 can be formed as a portion of a seat back frame 322
and includes an opening 324 and arms 326. A purse, coat, or other
item may be inserted through the opening 324 and hung over the arms
326. The hook 320 can also function as a handle for moving the
chair 200.
Operation
[0042] The multi-position chair 200 is configured to move between
the seated and perched positions A and C by simply pivoting the
seat assembly 218 up or down and pivoting the armrests 275 up or
down. To move the chair 200 from the seated position A to the
perched position C, the user may pivot the armrests 274 forward,
about the horizontal axis A, and then pivot the forward edge 226 of
the seat assembly 218 upward, about the pivot rod 276. Oppositely,
to move the chair from the perched position C to the seated
position A, the user may pivot the seat assembly 218 down and then
pivot the armrests 274 rearward.
[0043] The above description is that of current embodiments of the
invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without
departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as
defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in
accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine
of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative
purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description
of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the
claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in
connection with these embodiments. For example, and without
limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention
may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially
similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This
includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such
as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art,
and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such
as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development,
recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments
include a plurality of features that are described in concert and
that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The
present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that
include all of these features or that provide all of the stated
benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the
issued claims. Features of various embodiments may be used in
combination with features from other embodiments. Directional
terms, such as "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "front,"
"rear," "upper," "lower," "inner," "inwardly," "outer,"
"outwardly," "forward," and "rearward" are used to assist in
describing the invention based on the orientation of the
embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional
terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any
specific orientation(s). Any reference to claim elements in the
singular, for example, using the articles "a," "an," "the" or
"said," is not to be construed as limiting the element to the
singular.
* * * * *