Abstract: A furniture element for use as a seating unit or a component thereof (e.g. a chair back, seat, or arm), comprising an upholstered body foldable about at least one axis into overlapping portions with facing inner surfaces. Each portion of the body includes a panel; the body also includes a cushion disposed outwardly of the panels and extending between them, and a flexible web outwardly covering the cushion with margins extending around the edges of the panels and secured in overlying relation to the inner surfaces of the panels. The element additionally includes at least one trim member (such as a welt), secured to the inner surface of one of the panels around the edges thereof with ends curving toward each other at the locality of folding, and means for fastening the folded portions of the body together. Supporting structure may be mounted between the panels, or at an outer surface of the folded body, for interconnecting the furniture element with other elements of a chair or the like.

Abstract: A reclining chair includes a seat including a rearward portion pivoted for reclining of the chair and a backrest having an upper portion linked to the seat for pivotal motion therewith. The necessary linkage is provided by rigid arm portions of the chair, and the seat and backrest include load-bearing diaphragms conforming to the user's body during the full range of motion of the chair.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for upholstering a rigid chair shell is disclosed. A continuous, generally C-shaped track is utilized about the peripheral edge of the shell, opening rearwardly thereof to receive a retaining element attached about the peripheral edge of the covering material. The retaining element is constructed from a strip of tubular flexible material with an integral flap member circumferentially overlying at least part of the tubular strip and accepting the track edge therebetween. The inside surface of the outer end of the flap member is attached to the inside surface of the edge of the cover or fabric and, after suitable cushioning is attached to the front surface of the shell, the covering is placed over the cushioning and rolled about the retaining element which is snapped into the C-shaped track around the periphery of the shell to hold the covering thereon.

Abstract: A tilt control mechanism for a chair utilizing a control housing and a pivot block mounted for pivotal movement with respect to each other about an axis. An actuator block is supported for movement along that axis and carries a pin thereon. In one position of the actuator block, the pin engages a flange on the control housing, preventing pivotal movement of the control housing with respect to the pivot block. In another position of the actuator block along the axis, pivoting movement is permitted. In a third position of the actuator block along the axis, a gas cylinder mechanism is actuated controlling the height of the chair.

Abstract: A furniture system making it possible to efficiently and at low cost produce articles of furniture in a range of diverse forms and designs. The system is constituted by a basic, multi-section structural module that when erected acts to define the vertical side panels of a piece. The erected module is combinable with removable shelves, tops and other horizontal components adapted to bridge the side panels and rigidify the structure in a manner depending on the predetermined form and design of the piece. The multi-section module is created by two or more rectangular core panels in side-by-side relation to whose opposing faces are laminated fabric layers that serve to interconnect the sections and define living hinges at the junctions thereof whereby the sections may be folded over each other in order to collapse the module for purposes of storage or shipment, or folded out to erect the module for purposes of assembly.

Abstract: A floor panel-furniture support system utilizing a plurality of floor panels supported by a support means above a base floor. The floor panels rest freely upon the support means in non-attached relationship therewith, and include as part thereof means for supporting a furniture item. In a floor panel system, an item of furniture may replace one or more of the floor panels and be supported by the floor panel support means.

Abstract: Furniture including a cushion comprising padding material, and upholstery material covering the padding material and releasably secured thereto. Such construction may advantageously be utilized for forming a cushion essentially in the form of an open-ended bag which is slipped over a cushion-receiving part of a frame for an item of furniture. The frame may include a base pan which is covered by padding material in turn covered by upholstery material. The upholstery material includes flaps releasably joined together on the underside of the base pan, and at least part of the upholstery material on the underside of the base pan is releasably secured to the base pan.