SEATING ASSEMBLY WITH PIVOTING MOTION

Abstract

A pivotable seating assembly includes a seat portion suspended from a vertically oriented stand. The seat portion comprises an upper suspension member and a lower pivot member. The stand extends between an upper portion and a supporting base. The upper suspension member of the seat portion is configured to be freely suspended from the upper portion of the stand, and the lower pivot member comes into contact with a supporting surface. The seat portion is pivotable about an axis defined by the pivot member and the suspension member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to co-pending design application No. 29/388980. filed on Apr. 5, 2011, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to the field of furniture and devices used for seating. In particular, this disclosure relates to chairs and loungers capable of user-initiated rocking movement.

Seating items, such as chairs and loungers that are capable of user-initiated rocking movement are well-known. For example, rocking chairs and the like are capable of a back-and-forth rocking motion, while many loungers and similar devices can be pivoted forward or backward by the user. Other types of chairs or stools can pivot about a vertical axis, but cannot be rocked or swung in a side-to-side motion.

Many people desire a seating or lounging device that is capable of a user-initiated side-to-side swinging or swaying motion. While a hammock is capable of such motion, the typical hammock is not durable or sturdy, and it does not provide the transportability, permanence. or aesthetics of a piece of furniture. Neither does a hammock provide particularly good body support for many people. Thus, there is a need for a seating item in the nature of a chair or lounger that is capable of a user-initiated side-to-side swinging or swaying motion. that provides good bodily support. and that is also sturdy, easy to carry, and adaptable for either indoor or outdoor use.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a seating assembly comprises a vertically oriented stand including an upper portion and a supporting base connected by a central portion; and a seat portion having an upper suspension member and a lower pivot member: wherein the suspension member is configured to be suspended from the upper portion of the stand, and the pivot member is configured to contact a supporting surface at a contact point spaced horizontally from the base, whereby the seat portion defines an angle of between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees with respect to the supporting surface. In one example, the seat portion defines an angle of about 43 degrees with respect to the supporting surface.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a seating assembly comprises a seat portion having a suspension member and a pivot member: and a stand extending between an upper portion and a lower supporting base; wherein the suspension member is configured to be freely suspended from the upper portion of the stand, and the pivot member is configured to contact a supporting surface at a pivot point horizontally spaced from the base such that the seat portion is pivotable about an axis defined by the pivot member and the suspension member. In one embodiment, the seating assembly further comprises a footrest that, although separate from the seat portion, cooperates with the seat portion to provide comfortable support for a person seated in the seat portion.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a seating assembly comprises a seat portion having a seat body defining a cavity, a suspension member and a pivot member; a stand extending between an upper portion and a lower supporting base; and a footrest comprising a platform supported by a footrest base, wherein the suspension member is configured to be freely suspended from the upper portion of the stand, and the pivot member is configured to contact a supporting surface at a pivot point horizontally spaced from the base such that the seat portion is pivotable about an axis defined by the pivot member and the suspension member and wherein the footrest is configured so that the platform may be positioned so as to level with a lower end of the seat body and overlay the pivot member.

Other aspects and variations of the pivoting seating assembly summarized above are also contemplated and will be more fully understood when considered with respect to the following disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become appreciated as the same become better understood with reference to the specification, claims and appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front and side perspective view of an exemplary pivoting seating assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a left side elevational view of the pivoting seating assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pivoting seating assembly shown in FIG. 1. with a cushion and a footrest; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a multiple seat seating assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the pivoting seating assembly provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, and it is not intended to represent the only forms in which the pivoting seating assembly in accordance with this disclosure may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the features and the steps for constructing and using the pivoting seating assembly of the present disclosure in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and structures may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As denoted elsewhere herein, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or similar elements or features.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided a seating assembly configured to accommodate a sitting person and to be pivotable in a side to side swinging or swaying motion. The seating assembly according to the present disclosure is sturdy, robust yet lightweight, easy to carry and easy to assemble and disassemble. The seating assembly according to the present disclosure can remain in a stationary and balanced positioned with a user sitting therein or is pivotable in a side to side swinging or swaying motion.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show perspective and left side elevational views, respectively, of an exemplary pivoting seating assembly 10 in accordance with this disclosure. The pivoting seating assembly 10 comprises a seat portion 12 suspended from a stand 14.

The pivoting seating assembly 10 may be constructed of any durable and malleable metals, such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or various alloys that may readily suggest themselves. In one embodiment, the chair assembly 10 is made from stainless steel. In one specific example, some components of the chair assembly 10 are made of stainless steel tubing, whereas other components are made of stainless steel pipe. Selective use of stainless steel tubing provides selected components of the seating assembly 10 with the required sturdiness and flexibility while minimizing the overall weight of the seating assembly 10. On the other hand, the use of stainless steel pipe for certain parts of the seating assembly 10 provides the required strength and support in addition to durability and corrosion resistance, as further described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat portion 12 comprises a seat body 20, an upper suspension member 22 and a lower pivot member 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat body 20 has a pear-shaped or teardrop-shaped configuration. In alternative embodiments, the seat body 20 can have a cylindrical, elliptical or any other appropriate configuration.

In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the seat body 20 comprises a pear-shaped cavity 26 surrounded by a peripheral rim 28 that forms a loop around the cavity 26. The cavity 26 is dimensioned to accommodate a sitting person. In alternative embodiments, the cavity 26 can have a rectangular, elliptical or circular shape. The pear-shaped cavity 26 is defined by a support grid 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the support grid 30 comprises a plurality of spaced-apart backing elements 32 extending laterally from a first lateral side 34 to an opposing second lateral side 36 of the peripheral rim 28. In alternative embodiments, the backing elements 32 can be arranged longitudinally or diagonally. In one example, the backing elements 32 are rectangular bars (i.e., rectangular in cross-section). Alternatively, the backing elements 32 may be circular or elliptical in cross-section,

In one embodiment, the backing elements 32 comprise stainless steel rectangular bars having a thickness ranging from 1/16 to 1.5 inches (1.6 mm to 38 mm), and a width ranging from ⅛ to 2 inches (3.2 mm to 51 mm). In one example, the backing elements 32 comprise rectangular bars of ⅛ inch (3.2 mm) thick by ½ inch (12.7 mm) wide. The backing elements 32 are configured to provide comfort for the user even in the absence of a cushion (as discussed below). The spacing between the backing elements 32 is configured on one hand to minimize the overall weight of the seat portion 12, and on the other hand to provide comfort and support to a user sitting therein. For example, the spacing between the backing elements 32 should be narrow enough to inhibit the user's limbs from being inserted in the space between adjacent backing elements, and to support a cushion (see below) that may be placed on the seat portion 12 to provide cushioning between the user and the backing elements. On the other hand, the spacing between the backing elements 32 needs to be wide enough to minimize the weight of the seat body 20 such that it is pivotable in a side-to-side motion by the user with relative ease, and to allow the seating assembly to be easily transportable.

In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the support grid 30 may advantageously be reinforced by a spine 38 extending longitudinally from an upper juncture 40, where the first lateral side 34 and the opposing second lateral side 36 of the peripheral rim 28 merge, to a lower juncture 42 located at the bottom of the loop formed by the rim 28. From the upper juncture 40, the spine 38, the first lateral side 34, and the opposing second lateral side 36 continue to merge upwardly into a neck portion 46 that connects with the upper suspension member 22. At the lower end, the seat body 20 is supported by an auxiliary portion 48 deriving from the spine 38 (FIG. 2), a first leg 50 and a second leg 52, both stemming from the bottom of the loop formed by the rim 28. The auxiliary portion 48, the first leg 50 and second leg, 52 merge into the lower pivot member 24, as best illustrated in FIG. 1.

The upper suspension member 22 is configured to be suspended, preferably freely, from the stand 14. In one embodiment, from the neck portion 46, the upper suspension member 22 extends upwardly and terminates in a swivel element 54, which may be a ring as shown. The swivel element 54 engages the stand 14, as will be described below, so as to allow the seat portion 12 to be pivotable by the user to move in a side-to-side swinging or swaying motion.

The lower pivot member 24 is configured to contact a supporting surface, such as a floor, the ground, or a paved surface. In one embodiment, from the point where the auxiliary portion 48, the first leg 50, and the second leg 52 merge, the lower pivot member 24 curves and tapers into a contact element or “foot” 56 that contacts the supporting surface. In one embodiment, the contact element 56 is spherical. In alternative embodiments, the contact element 56 can be rectangular, triangular, elliptical, or other appropriate configuration. Optionally, the contact element 56 can be placed on a plate or “puck” 120 (FIG. 3) to minimize damage to a fragile surface, such as, for example a marble floor, or to achieve balance on an uneven or soft surface, such as grass or sand, while maintaining the desired support and comfort, and permitting the desired motion.

In one embodiment, except for the backing elements 32, the seat body 20 is made of stainless steel tubing having an outside diameter (OD) ranging from 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) to 2.5 inches (63.5 mm). In one specific example, the stainless steel tubing is of 1 inch (25.4 mm) OD. In one embodiment, the upper suspension member 22 and the lower pivot member 24, which are made from stainless steel pipe, are welded to the seat body 20.

The seat portion 12 has a length L measured from the top of the swivel element 54 to the contact element 56, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the length L ranges from 6 feet (1.83 m) to 12 feet (3.66 m). In one example, the seat portion 12 is about 9 feet (2.75 m) long. In other embodiments, the length L may be between about 2 and 4 meters (6.56 and 13.12 feet, respectively), preferable about 3 meters (9.84 feet). In some embodiments, the seat portion 12 may advantageously have a weight of less than 35 pounds (15.9 kg). In one exemplary embodiment, the seat portion 12 weighs about 28 pounds (12.7 kg).

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the seat portion 12 is configured to be suspended from the stand 14 via the upper suspension member 22, including the swivel element 54. In alternative embodiments, the seat portion 12 can be suspended from a strong support beam (not shown). Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the stand 14 is vertically oriented and comprises an upper portion 60 and a supporting base 62 connected by a central column 64. The stand 14 has a height H measured from the supporting base to the highest point of the upper portion 60 and a width W measured from one end of the supporting base to its other end, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the height H may be between about 4 feet (1.22 m) and about 8 feet (2.44 m). In one embodiment, the width W varies from 2 feet (0.61 m) to 5 feet (1.52 m). In one specific embodiment, the height H is about 6 feet (1.83 m) and the width is about 3.4 feet (1.04 m).

Similar to the seat portion 12, to achieve a maximum strength and support while maintaining a minimum weight, the stand 14 comprises some components made from stainless steel tubing and other components made from stainless steel pipe. In one specific embodiment, the upper portion 60 is made of stainless steel pipe while the central column 64 and the supporting base 62 are made of stainless steel tubing. For increased support, in one embodiment, the stand 14 is made of stainless steel having an OD larger than that of the seat portion 12. The use of larger tubing for the stand 14 provides additional strength and support for the seat portion 12. In one specific example, the stand 14 is made of 1.125 in. (28.6 mm) OD stainless steel. In alternative embodiments, the stand 14 can have an OD ranging from 0.6 in. (15.2 mm) to 2.6 in. (66.0 mm).

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper stand portion 60 curves generally downward and forwardly, and then bends slightly upwardly to form a suspension hook 66 that may advantageously terminate in a retention element 68, which may be a knob or the like. As shown in FIGS. 1. and 2, the swivel element 54 is suspended on the suspension hook 66 so as to allow the seat portion 12 to pivot freely and to swing or sway from side-to-side. The swivel element 54 and the suspension hook 66 form a low-friction bearing for the pivoting action. In one embodiment, the upper portion 60 is made of stainless steel pipe and is welded to the central column 64.

The central column 64 connects the upper portion 60 to the supporting base 62. In some embodiments including the illustrated embodiment, the central column 64 is arched inwardly towards the seat portion 12. In addition to an enhanced aesthetic appeal, the curvature of the central column 64 also provides additional strength for the stand 14. In another embodiment, the central column 64 can be arched outwardly away from the seat portion 12. In yet another embodiment, the central column 64 can be straight, either substantially vertical or slanted. In still another embodiment, the central column 64 may be formed with multiple curves or bends.

In one embodiment, the supporting base 62 comprises an upper base portion 70 and a lower base portion 72 that is preferably integral with the upper base portion 70. The lower base portion 72 is oriented substantially horizontally so as to lie flat on a supporting surface. The upper base portion 70 is advantageously configured to form an acute angle relative to the lower base portion 72. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the base 62 may be formed by bending a first half of a closed loop of tubing over a second half of the loop to form the upper and lower base portions 70, 72 as loop portions open at the front, and joined at the front by radiused bends or “knees” 74 that define the angle between the upper base portion 70 and the lower base portion 72. Alternatively, the upper base portion 70 and the lower base portion 72 may be separate components joined together by welding, riveting, or other connection means.

The upper base portion 70 is joined to the central column 64 at an upper juncture 78, and the lower base portion 72 is joined to the central column 64 at a lower juncture 80. In one embodiment, the distance between the upper connection point 78 and the lower connection point 80 is about 30% to 50% of the height H of the stand 14. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the lower base portion 72 and the supporting surface share a common first plane, and the upper base portion 70 is positioned in a second plane angled from the first plane by an elevation angle 82 that is defined by the “knees” 74, as mentioned above. The elevation angle 82 is preferably between about 30 degrees and about 45 degrees, although angles somewhat shallower than 30 degrees or slightly steeper than 45 degrees may be considered for particular applications. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the “knees” 74 are slightly rounded. The curvature of the “knees” 74 in the illustrated embodiment contributes to the flexibility of the supporting base 62, while also eliminating sharp edges. In alternative embodiments, the “knees” 74 may be more angular.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper base portion 70 and the lower base portion 72 are crescent-shaped segments. This configuration provides the supporting base 62 with balance, support, and flexibility, while maintaining both lightness in weight and pleasant aesthetics. In alternative embodiments, the upper base portion 70 and the lower base portion 72 may assume other configurations. In some embodiments, the stand 14 may be configured to have a weight of less than 25 pounds (11.4 kg). In one exemplary embodiment, the stand 14 weighs about 18 pounds (8.2 kg).

The seating assembly provided in accordance with the present disclosure is simple to assemble and disassemble. In the assembled state, the seat body 20 is suspended from the upper portion 60 of the stand 14 via the upper suspension member 22 and the lower pivot member 24 contacts the supporting surface at a contact point spaced horizontally from the supporting base 62. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, from the upper suspension member 22 to the lower pivot member 24, the suspended seat body 20 defines an inclination angle 84 with respect to the supporting surface. In one embodiment, the inclination angle 84 ranges between about 30 and about 60 degrees. In one example, the inclination angle 84 is about 43 degrees. The inclination angle 84 can vary according to the length of the seat portion 12. In one embodiment, an optimal inclination angle 84 for any length of the seat portion 12 is determined empirically.

In the assembled state, suspended from the stand 14 at one end by the upper suspension member 22 and supported at the other end by the lower pivot member 24, the seat portion 12 is in a balanced and stationary position, such that when a user sits in the seat body 20, the seat portion 12 remains in the balanced and stationary position until an external motive force is applied (either by the person seated therein or by another), in which case the seat portion 12 moves in a side-to-side swinging or swaying motion about an axis defined by the upper suspension member 22 and the pivot member 24. At any point, if the motive force ceases to be applied, the seat portion 12 returns to the stationary and balanced position. While being light in weight (as described above), the chair assembly 10 may be configured to support a user having a weight ranging up to 300 pounds (136 kg), although embodiments made with more robust components may support considerably heavier weights.

Thus, the seating assembly provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is sturdy, lightweight, easy to assemble and disassemble, and adaptable both for indoor and outdoor use. Unlike conventional rocking chairs, even with a user sitting therein, the present seating assembly will remain in a balanced and stationary position, unless a motive force is applied to it, and it will return to that position when the motive force ceases to be applied.

FIG. 3 illustrates a pivotable seating assembly 100, further comprising a removable cushion 110 in the cavity 26 of the seat body 20, and a separate footrest 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivotable seating assembly 100 is identically structured to the previously described pivotable seating assembly 10. Thus, the same element numbers are used to describe the same structures of the seating assembly 100. Alternatively, the seating assembly 100 may have a different configuration from the seating assembly 10 described above and illustrated in the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 3, the removable cushion 110 is contained within the cavity 26 circumscribed by the peripheral rim 28 and covers the support grid 30. In one embodiment, the support cushion 110 comprises a firm and cushioning core (not shown) covered by a cover (not shown). The support cushion 110 may be constructed of any durable and washable material, for example, e.g., woven fabric like duck cloth, cotton, hemp, or any other suitable materials typically used in making cushions. For aesthetic appeal, the support cushion 110 may be made from decorative and colorful fabric. In one embodiment, the support cushion 110 may comprise a cover made from a waterproof fabric, such as rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, silicone elastomers, and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the support cushion 110 is configured to fit snug within the cavity 26. In alternative embodiments, securing members (not shown), including but not limited to ribbons, chords, strings, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, and the like may be used to secure the support cushion 110 to the backing elements 32 of the seat portion 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, to minimize any damage to a fragile surface or for even support on an uneven surface, the contact element 56 of the lower pivot member 24, instead of directly contacting the supporting surface, is placed in a plate or puck 120, as mentioned above. In one embodiment, the plate 120 is made from a durable metal. such as stainless steel. Alternatively, it may be made of a hard, durable polymer.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the footrest 130 comprises an open frame base 132. The base 132 comprises two tubular structures curved into an upper footrest portion 134 and a lower footrest portion 136. The lower footrest portion 136 is oriented substantially horizontally so as to lie flat on the supporting surface. The open frame base 132 may be formed by bending a first half of a closed loop of tubing over a second half of the loop to form the upper and lower footrest portions 134 and 136. The upper and lower loop portions 134 and 136 open at the front, and joined by radiused bends or “knees” 144. A supporting stand 138 connects the upper footrest portion 134 and the lower footrest portion 136. In one embodiment, the lower footrest portion 136 is preferably integral with the upper footrest portion 134. Alternatively, the upper footrest portion 134 and the lower footrest portion 136 may be separate components joined together by welding, riveting, or other connection means. In one embodiment, the footrest 130 is made of stainless steel tubing. In some embodiments, the footrest 130 may be configured to have a weight of less than 15 pounds (6.8 kg). In one exemplary embodiment, the footrest 130 weighs about 10 pounds (4.5 kg). In one embodiment, the footrest 130 is configured to have a height of about 20 inches (51 cm) and a width of about 25 inches (63.5 cm).

The open frame base 132 provides support for a platform 140. In one embodiment, the platform 140 has a circular configuration. In alternative embodiments, the platform 140 may assume an elliptical, oval, rectangular or other suitable configuration. The platform 140 is configured to accommodate a cushion 142. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the cushion 142 is configured to fit snuggly within the platform 140. In alternative embodiments, securing members (not shown), including but not limited to ribbons, chords, strings, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, and the like may be used to secure the support cushion 142 to the platform 140. The open frame base 132 advantageously is configured to define an open area beneath the platform 140, whereby the footrest 130 can be positioned with the platform 140 overlying e contact point 56 of the lower pivot member 24 of the seat body 20.

It should be appreciated that particular structure of the footrest 130 need not be as shown in FIG. 3 and as described above. The footrest 130 should, however, be relatively lightweight while being of a height that allows a user's feet to be comfortably supported in a manner that allows the user to sit comfortably in the seat portion 12 with adequate back and thigh support, as discussed below.

FIG. 3 further shows a user 150 reclining in the seat body 20 and resting his feet on the footrest 130. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, in use, the platform 140 is at the level of the seat body 20, and the lower pivot member 24 is positioned between the upper and lower footrest portions 134 and 136. The user 150 can remain in a balanced and stationary position as long as desired, until an external motive force, such as for example a very slight push on the footrest 130, is applied to initiate a side to side swaying or swinging motion. As configured, the seat body 20 requires a minimal external motive force to be set in motion, because, as discussed above, the swivel element 54 and the suspension hook 66 of the seat portion 12 form a low friction pivot bearing for the seat body 20. Furthermore, the weight of the user 150 is supported more or less evenly from the back of the thighs to the upper lumbar area of the back, thereby providing both comfort and stability throughout the arc of the swinging or swaying motion. In effect, throughout the range of motion of the seat body, and during the initiation of such motion, the distribution of pressure on user's body as described above avoids the discomfort of localized pressure points, which can be fatiguing.

FIG. 4 illustrates a multiple seating assembly 200 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The multiple seating assembly 200 comprises a plurality of seat portions 212 suspended from a single support frame 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the multiple seating assembly 200 comprises four seat portions 212. In alternative embodiments, the multiple seating assembly 200 may comprise any number of seat portions 212, from two to five or even more. In one embodiment, the seat portions 212 are advantageously similar in configuration. For simplicity, only one seat portion 212 is provided with reference numbers. It will be understood that other seat portions 212 of the multiple seating assembly 200 are identically structured. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat portions 212 are arranged linearly. In alternative embodiments, the seat portions 212 can be arranged in a circular, elliptical or any other suitable configurations. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the support frame 210 is arranged linearly. In alternative embodiments, the seat portion 212 can be arranged around a central support frame.

Each of the seat portions 212 is configured similarly to previously described embodiments, comprising a seat body 220, an upper suspension member 222 and a lower pivot member 224. The seat body 220 comprises a pear-shaped cavity 226 having a support grid 230 surrounded by a peripheral rim 228. The support grid 230 is supported by a spine 238 and comprises a plurality of spaced apart backing elements 232.

Similarly to previously described embodiments, each of the upper suspension members 222 is configured to be suspended from the support frame 210 so as to be pivotable thereon. In one embodiment, the upper suspension member 222 extends upwardly and terminates in a swivel element 254, formed as a ring.

Similarly to previously described embodiments. each of the lower pivot members 224 is configured to contact a supporting surface and comprises a contact element or “foot” 256 which contacts the supporting surface. In one embodiment, the contact element 256 is spherical. In alternative embodiments, the contact element 256 can be rectangular, triangular, elliptical, or other appropriate configuration. Optionally, the contact element 256 can be placed in a plate or puck, as discussed above and as shown in FIG. 3 to minimize damage to a fragile surface, such as for example a marble floor, or to achieve balance on an uneven surface.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the seat portions 212 are interconnected and supported by the support frame 210. In one embodiment, the support frame 210 comprises a plurality of stands 214 and a communal base 262.

Similar to previously described embodiments. each of the plurality of seat portions 212 is suspended from each of the plurality of stands 214. In one embodiment, the stands 214 of the support frame 210 are advantageously similar in size and shape. For simplicity, only one stand 214 is provided with reference numbers. It will be understood that other stands 214 of the support frame 210 are identically structured. Each of the stands 214 comprises an upper portion 260 and a central column 264. The upper stand portion 60 curves generally downward and forwardly, and then bends slightly upwardly to form a suspension hook 266 that may advantageously terminate in a retention element 268, which may be a knob or the like. The suspension hook 266 is engaged by the swivel element 254 on the upper suspension member 222 of the seat portion 212 in the manner described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the central columns 264 are vertically oriented and arched or curved forward towards the seat portions 212. In alternative embodiments, the central columns 264 are arched or curved rearward away from the seat portions 212. In yet another alternative embodiment, the central columns 264 are straight, either vertically upright or slanted, or formed with multiple curves. In the illustrated embodiment, the central columns 264 are interconnected and supported by the communal base 262.

In one embodiment, the communal base 262 is made of stainless steel tubing. In one embodiment, the communal base 262 comprises an upper rail 270 connected to a lower rail 272 at radiused end junctures or “knees” 274. The communal base 262 interconnects the stands 214 at upper junctures 278 and lower junctures 280. In one embodiment, the communal base 262 further comprises vertical support posts 286 extending from the upper rail 270 to an auxiliary support base 288 connected to the lower rail 272, as shown in FIG. 4. The vertical posts 286 provide additional support for the stands 214.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the pivoting seating assembly is configured to be used with a work surface, such as a desk or a table. In another embodiment, the pivoting seating assembly is configured to be used with a dining table. In some alternative embodiments, the seat portion of the pivoting seating assembly is configured to accommodate two children. In another embodiment, the seat portion is configured to accommodate two adults. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples, and that the embodiments should not be taken as limiting the scope of the following claims. The following claims are, therefore, to be read to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent elements for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. The claims are thus to be understood to include those that have been illustrated and described above, those that are conceptually equivalent, and those that incorporate the ideas of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A seating assembly comprising:

a vertically oriented stand comprising an upper portion and a supporting base connected by a central portion; and

a seat portion having an upper suspension member at d a lower pivot member;

wherein the suspension member is configured to be freely suspended from the upper portion of the stand and the pivot member is configured to contact a supporting surface at a contact point spaced horizontally from the base, and wherein the seat portion defines an angle of between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees with respect to the supporting surface.

2. The seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat portion comprises a seat body defining a cavity.

3. The seating assembly of claim 2, wherein the seat body comprises spaced apart backing elements laterally extending from a first side of the cavity to an opposing second side of the cavity.

4. The seating assembly of claim 3, wherein the seat body further comprises a spine extending longitudinally from an upper end to an opposing lower end of the seat body.

5. The seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the stand comprises a suspension hook and the central portion is arched inwardly towards the seat portion.

6. The seating assembly of claim 1, whereby the seat portion defines an angle of about 43 degrees with respect to the supporting surface.

7. The seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat portion is pivotable about an axis defined by the pivot member and the suspension member.

8. A seating assembly comprising:

a seat portion having a suspension member and a pivot member; and

a stand extending between an upper portion and a lower supporting base;

wherein the suspension member is configured to be freely suspended from the upper portion of the stand, and the pivot member is configured to contact a supporting surface at a pivot point horizontally spaced from the base such that the seat portion is pivotable about an axis defined by the pivot member and the suspension member.

9. The seating assembly of claim 8, wherein the seat portion defines an angle of between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees with respect to the supporting surface.

10. The seating assembly of claim 8, wherein the seat portion comprises a seat body defining a cavity comprising a plurality of spaced apart backing elements.

11. The seating assembly of claim 10, wherein the seat body further comprises a spine extending longitudinally from an upper end to an opposing lower end of the seat body.

12. The seating assembly of claim 8, wherein the upper portion of the stand terminates in a suspension hook that is engaged by the suspension member to provide a low friction pivot bearing for the seat portion.

13. The seating assembly of claim 8, wherein the lower supporting base comprises an upper base portion joined to a lower base portion by one or more radiused bends.

14. The seating assembly of claim 9, wherein the seat portion defines an angle of about 43 degrees with respect to the supporting surface.

15. The seating assembly of claim 8, further comprising a footrest comprising a platform supported by a base, wherein the base is configured so that the platform may be positioned so as to overlay the pivot point.

16. A seating assembly comprising:

a seat portion having a seat body defining a cavity, a suspension member and a pivot member;

a stand extending between an upper portion and a lower supporting base; and

a footrest comprising a platform supported by a footrest base,

wherein the suspension member is configured to be freely suspended from the upper portion of the stand and the pivot member is configured to contact a supporting surface at a contact point spaced horizontally from the base such that the seat portion is pivotable about an axis defined by the pivot member and the suspension member, and

wherein the footrest is configured so that the platform may be positioned so as to level with a lower end of the seat body and overlay the pivot member.

17. The seating assembly of claim 16 Wherein the seat portion defines an angle of between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees with respect to the supporting surface.

18. The seating assembly of claim 16, wherein the upper portion of the stand terminates in a suspension hook that is engaged by the suspension member to provide a low friction pivot bearing for the seat portion.

19. The seating assembly of claim 16, wherein the seat body comprises spaced apart backing elements laterally extending from a first side of the cavity to an opposing second side of the cavity.

20. The seating assembly of claim 16, wherein the seat body further comprises a spine extending longitudinally from an upper end to an opposing lower end of the seat body.