CHAIR WITH DYNAMIC MOTION FEATURES

Abstract

A chair control includes a rocker assembly configured to be coupled to a chair back, the rocker assembly including a rocker flex element configured to be coupled to a chair seat, the rocker flex element being resiliently deformable and a ground assembly configured to be coupled to a chair base, the rocker assembly being coupled to the ground assembly (e.g., pivotally coupled), the ground assembly including a ground flex element configured to be coupled to the chair seat to which the rocker flex element is coupled, the ground flex element being resiliently deformable.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/156,778, filed Mar. 4, 2021, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Chair manufacturers continually strive to improve the comfort, benefits, aesthetics, and manufacturability of the chairs they produce. Often, chairs have features, such as tilting or reclining backs and seats, to increase comfort, reduce or prevent injury, or otherwise enhance user experience.

As one example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,322,794 to Brown et al., “Seat Damper Assembly,” issued Dec. 4, 2012, relates to a seat damper assembly for a chair that includes a rubber element having a through hole and a bracket seat having a major surface with a raised portion around a perimeter of the major surface. A support bracket is configured to be coupled with the bracket seat such that the raised portion abuts an outer edge of the support bracket. A side of the support bracket opposite the bracket seat is shaped to receive a portion of a chair frame assembly. A fastener, disposed in the through hole in rubber element, is configured to couple with a seat pan to secure the seat damper relative to the seat pan. The amount of yield the rubber element provides in the downward, upward, and lateral directions can help improve user comfort.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments relate to a chair control having one or more flex elements that support a chair seat in a manner that facilitates a variety of advantages, such as allowing for increased comfort, ergonomics, reclining movement with suitable resistance to the reclining motion, and/or a grounded assembly that has reduced rise at the front of the seat which reduces pressure felt on the user's hamstrings, for example.

According to one example (“Example 1”), a chair control includes a rocker assembly configured to be coupled to a chair back, the rocker assembly including a rocker flex element configured to be coupled to a chair seat, the rocker flex element being resiliently deformable. The chair control includes a ground assembly configured to be coupled to a chair base, the rocker assembly being coupled to the ground assembly (e.g., pivotally coupled), the ground assembly including a ground flex element configured to be coupled to the chair seat to which the rocker flex element is coupled, the ground flex element being resiliently deformable.

According to another example (“Example 2”), a chair control includes a rocker assembly configured to be coupled to a chair back, the rocker assembly including a rocker flex element configured to be coupled to a chair seat, the rocker flex element being resiliently deformable. The chair control includes a ground assembly configured to be coupled to a chair base, the rocker assembly being coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the ground assembly, the ground assembly configured to be coupled to the chair seat to which the rocker flex element is coupled.

According to another example (“Example 3”), a chair control includes a rocker assembly configured to be coupled to a chair back, the rocker assembly configured to be coupled to a chair seat. The chair control includes a ground assembly configured to be coupled to a chair base, the rocker assembly being coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the ground assembly, the ground assembly including a ground flex element configured to be coupled to the chair seat to which the rocker flex element is coupled, the ground flex element being resiliently deformable.

According to another example (“Example 4”), further to Examples 1 or 2, the rocker flex element is one of a pair of rocker flex elements of the rocker assembly, each of the pair of rocker flex elements being formed of a resiliently deformable material and being configured to be coupled to the chair seat.

According to another example (“Example 5”), further to Examples 1, 3, or 4 (to the extent relating to Example 1), the ground flex element is one of a pair of ground flex elements of the ground assembly, each of the pair of ground flex elements being formed of a resiliently deformable material and being configured to be coupled to the chair seat.

According to another example (“Example 6”), further to any of Examples 1 to 5, the ground flex element and/or the rocker flex element is formed of an elastomeric material, such as a rubber material.

According to another example (“Example 7”), further to any of Examples 1 to 6, the ground flex element and/or the rocker flex element is formed of a material having a durometer hardness value between Shore A 40 and Shore A 75.

According to another example (“Example 8”), further to any of Examples 1 to 7, the ground flex element and/or the rocker flex element defines a canted portion that is angled relative to horizontal, optionally at an angle between 20 to 60 degrees relative to horizontal, and, optionally at an angle of about 35 degrees relative to horizontal.

According to another example (“Example 9”), further to any of Examples 1 to 8, the rocker assembly includes a chair back attachment plate with a plurality of fastener apertures, the chair back attachment plate being configured to receive and be coupled to a chair back.

According to another example (“Example 10”), further to any of Examples 1 to 9, the ground assembly includes a receiver for coupling to a column member of a chair base.

According to another example (“Example 11”), a chair includes a chair back, a chair seat, a chair base, a chair control. The chair control including, a rocker assembly coupled to the chair back, the rocker assembly including a rocker flex element coupled to the chair seat, the rocker flex element being formed of a resiliently deformable material and a ground assembly coupled to the chair base, the rocker assembly being coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the ground assembly such that tiling of the chair back results in actuating (e.g., pivoting) of the rocker assembly relative to the ground assembly, the ground assembly including a ground flex element coupled to the chair seat such that upon actuating (e.g., pivoting) of the rocker assembly relative to the ground assembly the one or both of the ground flex element and the rocker flex element resiliently deform to facilitate angular deflection of the chair seat.

According to another example (“Example 12”), further to Example 11 one or both of the ground flex element and the rocker flex element resiliently deform when a user places a typical tilting force, or a sufficient force, upon the chair seat.

According to another example (“Example 13”), further to Example 12, the typical tilting force includes a lateral tilting force.

According to another example (“Example 14”), further to any of Examples 12 or 13, the typical tilting force includes a posterior tilting force.

According to another example (“Example 15”), further to any of Examples 11 to 14, one or both of the ground flex element and the rocker flex element are configured to resiliently deform under a torsion load transmitted between the rocker assembly and the ground assembly through the chair seat.

According to another example (“Example 16”), further to any of Examples 11 to 15, the chair base includes a column and a plurality of leg supports.

According to another example (“Example 17”), a method of assembling a chair includes coupling a chair back to a rocker assembly of a chair control, the rocker assembly including a rocker housing and a rocker flex element that is resiliently deformable; coupling a chair base to a ground assembly of the chair control, the ground assembly including a ground housing and a ground flex element that is resiliently deformable; coupling (e.g., pivotally coupling) the rocker housing to the ground housing; and coupling the rocker flex element and the ground flex element to a chair seat such that tiling of the chair back results in actuating (e.g., pivoting) of the rocker assembly relative to the ground assembly with one or both of the ground flex element and the rocker flex element resiliently deforming to facilitate angular deflection of the chair seat.

According to another example (“Example 18”), the rocket flex element is a pair of rocker flex elements being coupled to the chair seat. Each of the rocker flex elements being formed of a resiliently deformable material.

According to another example (“Example 19”), the ground flex element is a pair of ground flex elements being coupled to the chair seat. Each of the rocker flex elements being formed of a resiliently deformable material.

The foregoing Examples are just that and should not be read to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of any of the inventive concepts otherwise provided by the instant disclosure. While multiple examples are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative examples. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature rather than restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a chair, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a chair control of the chair of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the chair control of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the chair control of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the chair control of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the chair control of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an opposite side view of the chair control of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a portion of the chair control of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the chair control of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the chair control of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Definitions and Terminology

This disclosure is not meant to be read in a restrictive manner. For example, the terminology used in the application should be read broadly in the context of the meaning those in the field would attribute such terminology.

With respect to terminology of inexactitude, the terms “about” and “approximately” may be used, interchangeably, to refer to a measurement that includes the stated measurement and that also includes any measurements that are reasonably close to the stated measurement. Measurements that are reasonably close to the stated measurement deviate from the stated measurement by a reasonably small amount as understood and readily ascertained by individuals having ordinary skill in the relevant arts. Such deviations may be attributable to measurement error, differences in measurement and/or manufacturing equipment calibration, human error in reading and/or setting measurements, minor adjustments made to optimize performance and/or structural parameters in view of differences in measurements associated with other components, particular implementation scenarios, imprecise adjustment and/or manipulation of objects by a person or machine, and/or the like, for example. In the event it is determined that individuals having ordinary skill in the relevant arts would not readily ascertain values for such reasonably small differences, terms of inexactitude such as “about” and “approximately” can be understood to mean plus or minus 10% of the stated value.

With respect to coordinate systems, the X-axis generally corresponds to a horizontal direction (or medial-lateral direction), the Y-axis generally corresponds to a vertical direction (or superior-inferior direction), and the Z-plane generally corresponds to a forward, or anterior direction (or anterior-posterior direction). Thus, a plane that intersects a superior-inferior, or vertical axis and an anterior-posterior, or front-to-back axis, is the Y-Z plane, and so forth.

With respect to ranges, use of the term “between” is meant to disclose and encompass the end points of the recited ranges, as well as any discrete value within the recited range.

Description of Various Embodiments

Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various aspects of the present disclosure can be realized by any number of methods and apparatuses configured to perform the intended functions. It should also be noted that the accompanying drawing figures referred to herein are not necessarily drawn to scale but may be exaggerated to illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure, and in that regard, the drawing figures should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates a chair 40, according to some embodiments. As shown, the chair 40 includes a chair base 42, a control 44, a chair seat 46, and a compliant chair backrest assembly 48, or chair back 48 in brief. The chair may also include armrests or other additional or alternative features (not shown). For example, rather than the chair base 42 shown, the chair 40 may include legs (e.g., three or four).

As shown, the chair base 42 supports the chair 40, including the control 44, the chair seat 46, and the chair back 48, on a surface, such as the floor of an office building. The control 44 is connected to the chair base 42, and the chair seat 46 and the chair back 48 are connected to and supported by the control 44. In some embodiments, armrests (not shown) are attached to the chair back 48. In some embodiments, armrests (not shown) are attached to the control 44.

As shown, the chair base 42 includes leg supports 52c-52e that support the chair 40 on the surface, where each of the leg supports 52c-52e includes a corresponding wheel 54c-54e for rolling the chair 40 on the surface. In some embodiments, the chair base 42 includes greater or fewer than three leg supports 52c-52e. And rather than rollers, one or more of the leg supports 52c-52e can include a foot, such that the chair 40 does not roll, but simply rests on a surface. As shown, the chair base 42 includes a column 56 for securing to the control 44.

In some embodiments, the control 44 is rotatably connected to the chair base 42, such that the chair seat 46 and the chair back 48 swivel on the chair base 42 via the control 44.

In general terms, the chair seat 46 supports the posterior of the user while the chair back 48 supports the back of the user, though more generally each of these features—the chair seat 46 and the chair back 48—serve to support the body of the user. In some examples, the chair back 48 flexes, bends, or is otherwise compliant to accommodate user seating positions and the body of the user in those user seating positions.

FIGS. 2 to 5 are isometric, front, top, and bottom views of the control 44, according to some embodiments. As shown, the control 44 includes a handle 50 (FIG. 2) for adjusting the seat height or other adjustable aspects of the chair 40. As shown, the control 44 includes a rocker assembly 100 and a ground assembly 102.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are opposing side views of the control 44, according to some embodiments. As shown, the rocker assembly 100 and the ground assembly 102 are pivotably connected to one another. As shown in FIG. 1, the rocker assembly 100 is coupled to the chair back 48, the ground assembly 102 is coupled to the chair base 42, and each of the rocker assembly 100 and the ground assembly 102 is resiliently, and deflectably, coupled to the chair seat 46. In this manner, a rocking action by reclining on the chair back 48 can translate to a controlled, pivoting actuation between the rocker assembly 100 and the ground assembly 102.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rocker assembly 100 is configured to be coupled to the chair back 48. The rocker assembly 100 includes a rocker flex element 100a (also described as a damper, for example) configured to be coupled to the chair seat 46. In some embodiments, the rocker assembly 100 includes a second rocker flex element (also described as a damper, for example), the rocker flex element 100a and the second rocker flex element 100b forming a pair of rocker flex elements 100a, 100b. The rocker assembly 100 also includes a housing 110 that is configured to maintain, or support and act as a mount for the rocker flex element 100a and the second rocker flex element 100b.

As shown, the housing 110 has a body portion 120, a first mount 122 on a first side of the body portion 120, and a second mount 124 on the second side of the body portion 120. The rocker assembly 100 also has a receiving feature 130 toward a back of the body portion 120. The receiving feature 130 may be configured as a chair back attachment plate 168 with a plurality of fastener apertures 169, the chair back attachment plate 168 being configured to receive and be coupled to the chair back 48 with a plurality of fasteners, such as bolts (not shown).

As shown in the side views of FIGS. 6 and 7, the body portion 120 has opposing apertures 140a, 140b on each side of the body portion 120, as well as a handle slot 142 formed in one side of the body portion 120. The opposing apertures 140a, 140b optionally serve to receive a rod, or other structure for providing a pivoted connection to the ground assembly 102.

The housing 110 is optionally a polymeric or metallic component (e.g., cast or molded component). FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the control 44 taken through the rocker flex elements 100a, 100b and the mounts 122, 124. As shown, the first and second mounts 122, 124 extend angularly relative to horizontal from the body portion 120 (e.g., at an angle between 20 to 60 degrees relative to horizontal, such as an angle of about 35 degrees relative to horizontal).

The first and second mounts 122, 124 are substantially similar, projecting laterally from opposite sides of the body portion 120. Each of the mounts 122, 124 has a hollow receiver 150, 152, respectively, sized to receive a portion of the pair of rocker flex elements, 100a, 100b, respectively. The first and second mounts 122, 124 also each include a fastener feature 160, 162, respectively, for securing a fastener 164, 166, respectively (e.g., first and second bolts).

As shown, the second rocker flex element 100b is optionally substantially similar to the rocker flex element 100a, and the description of the features of the rocker flex element 100a apply to features of the second rocker flex element 100b. And, as such, features of the rocker flex element 100a will be described with a reference number followed by an “a” and similar features of the second rocker flex element 100b will be called out in the drawings or description followed by a “b.” Though the rocker flex element 100a and second rocker flex element 100b are optionally similar, it should be appreciated that embodiments in which the two are dissimilar are also contemplated.

With the foregoing in mind, the rocker flex element 100a acts as a resilient member that can be elastically and resiliently deformed (e.g., twisted under torsion) under operative conditions. In various examples, the rocker flex element 100a is formed of a polymeric (e.g., an elastomeric material, such as rubber, including SBR, a vulcanized synthetic rubber, and other common materials) material having a durometer hardness value between Shore A 40 and Shore A 75. The rocker flex element 100a defines a canted portion 170a, a control mounting portion 172a, and a seat mounting portion 174a. As shown, the canted portion 170a, the control mounting portion 172a, and the seat mounting portion 174a are optionally formed as a single, monolithic piece or as separate, connected pieces as desired.

As shown, the control mounting portion 172a is configured to be inserted into the first mount 122 and may be secured therein using fastener 164. The second rocker flex element 100b, being similarly configured to the rocker flex element 100a, may have a control mounting portion 172b inserted into the second mount 124 and secured therein using the fastener 166.

As shown, the canted portion 170a extends linearly from the control mounting portion 172a and may be angled relative to horizontal, for example at an angle between 20 to 60 degrees relative to horizontal, such as an angle of about 35 degrees relative to horizontal.

As shown, the seat mounting portion 174a optionally extends at an angle from the canted portion 170a, such that the seat mounting portion 174a extends between 70 to 110 degrees relative to horizontal, such as an angle of about 90 degrees relative to horizontal. As previously described, the second rocker flex element 100b is optionally similarly configured, with canted portion 170b, control mounting portion 172b, and seat mounting portion 174b that are similar to those of the rocker flex element 100a.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the ground assembly 102. As shown, the body portion 220 has opposing apertures 240a, 240b on each side of the body portion 220, as well as a handle slot 242 formed in one side of the body portion 220. The opposing apertures 240a, 240b serve to receive a rod 246 which provides a pivoted connection to the rocker assembly 100 through the apertures 140a, 140b upon coupling, or pivotally coupling, the ground assembly 102 to the rocker assembly 100.

The housing 210 includes a pair of springs 248 and a handle 50 for operating a height adjustment mechanism (not shown) of the column member 56. In various examples, the housing 210 is optionally a polymeric or metallic component (e.g., cast or molded component).

As shown in FIG. 10, the ground assembly 102 is configured to be coupled to the chair base 42. The ground assembly 102 includes a ground flex element 202a (also described as a damper, for example) configured to be coupled to the chair seat 46. In some embodiments, the ground assembly 102 includes a second ground flex element 202b (also described as a damper, for example), the ground flex element 202a and the second ground flex element 202b forming a pair of ground flex elements 202a, 202b. The ground assembly 102 also includes a housing 210 that is configured to maintain, or support and act as a mount for the ground flex element 202a and the second ground flex element 202b.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the control 44 taken through a pair of ground flex elements 202a, 202b and a pair of first and second mounts 222, 224. As shown, the first and second mounts 222, 224 extend angularly relative to horizontal from the body portion 220 (e.g., at an angle between 20 to 60 degrees relative to horizontal, such as an angle of about 35 degrees relative to horizontal).

As shown, the housing 210 has a body portion 220, a first mount 222 on a first side of the body portion 220, and a second mount 224 on the second side of the body portion 220. The ground assembly 102 also has a receiver 230 centrally located on the body portion 220, the receiver 230 being an aperture configured to couple to the column member 56 of the chair base 42 (shown in FIG. 1).

The pair of first and second mounts 222, 224 are substantially similar, projecting laterally from opposite sides of the body portion 220. Each of the mounts 222, 224 has a hollow receiver 250, 252, respectively, sized to receive a portion of the ground flex elements 202a, 202b, respectively. The pair of first and second mounts 222, 224 also each include a fastener feature 260, 262, respectively, for securing fasteners 264, 266, respectively (e.g., first and second bolts).

As shown, the second ground flex element 202b is optionally substantially similar to the ground flex element 202a, and the description of the features of the ground flex element 202a apply to features of the ground flex element 202b. And, as such, features of the ground flex element 202a will be described with a reference number followed by an “a” and similar features of the second ground flex element 202b will be called out in the drawings or description followed by a “b.” Though the ground flex element 202a and second ground flex element 202b are optionally similar, it should be appreciated that embodiments in which the two are dissimilar are also contemplated.

With the foregoing in mind, the ground flex element 202a acts as a resilient member that can be elastically and resiliently deformed (e.g., twisted under torsion) under operative conditions. In various examples, the ground flex element 202a is formed of a polymeric (e.g., an elastomeric material, such as rubber, including SBR, a vulcanized synthetic rubber, and other common materials) material having a durometer hardness value between Shore A 40 and Shore A 75. The ground flex element 202a defines a canted portion 270a, a control mounting portion 272a, and a seat mounting portion 274a. As shown, the canted portion 270a, the control mounting portion 272a, and the seat mounting portion 274a are optionally formed as a single, monolithic piece or as separate, connected pieces as desired.

As shown, the control mounting portion 272a is configured to be inserted into the first mount 222 and may be secured therein using fastener 264. The second ground flex element 202b, being similarly configured to the ground flex element 202a, may have a control mounting portion 272b inserted into the second mount 224 and secured therein using fastener 266.

As shown, the canted portion 270a extends linearly from the control mounting portion 272a and may be angled relative to horizontal, for example at an angle between 20 to 60 degrees relative to horizontal, such as an angle of about 35 degrees relative to horizontal.

As shown, the seat mounting portion 274a optionally extends at an angle from the canted portion 270a, such that the seat mounting portion 274a extends between 70 to 110 degrees relative to horizontal, such as an angle of about 90 degrees relative to horizontal. As previously described, the second ground flex element 202b is optionally similarly configured, with canted portion 270b, control mounting portion 272b, and seat mounting portion 274b that are similar to those of the ground flex element 202a.

As referenced above, and as shown in FIG. 1, assembly of the ground assembly 102 to the rocker assembly 100 includes pivotably attaching them together, for example using rod the 246 (shown in FIG. 8). The rocker flex element 100a, and second rocker flex element 100b are coupled more toward a rear part of the chair seat 46 and the ground flex element 202a, and second ground flex element 202b are coupled more toward a front part of the chair seat 46. This assembly means tiling of the chair back 48 results in actuating, or pivoting, of the rocker assembly 100 relative to the ground assembly 102. During such tilting, upon pivoting of the rocker assembly 100 relative to the ground assembly 102 the one or both of the ground flex element 202a, 202b, and the rocker flex element 100a, 100b resiliently deform to facilitate angular deflection of the chair seat 46. In some examples, the rocker flex elements 100a, 100b and/or ground flex elements 202a, 202b are configured to resiliently deform under a torsion load transmitted between the rocker assembly 100 and the ground assembly 102 through the chair seat 46. This occurs, for example, when a user places a typical tilting force, or a sufficient force, upon the chair seat 46, where such force may include a lateral tilting force or a posterior tilting force.

In terms of overall assembly, assembling the chair 40 includes coupling the chair back 48 to the rocker assembly 100 of a chair control 44, coupling the chair base 42 to the ground assembly 102 of the chair control 44, coupling (e.g. pivotally coupling) the rocker housing 110 to the ground housing 210, and coupling the rocker flex element(s) 100a, 100b and the ground flex element(s) 202a, 202b to the chair seat 46 such that tiling of the chair back 48 results in actuating, or pivoting, of the rocker assembly 100 relative to the ground assembly 102 with one or both of the ground flex element 202a, 202b, and the rocker flex element 100a, 100b resiliently deforming to facilitate angular deflection of the chair seat 46. And, optionally, a user may also cause the one or more of the rocker flex elements 100a, 100b or ground flex elements 202a, 202b to deflect if the typical tilting force, or the sufficient force, is imparted directly on the chair seat 46.

In view of the foregoing, various embodiments have been described that relate to a chair control having one or more flex elements that supports a chair seat in a manner that facilitates a variety of advantages, such as allowing for increased comfort, ergonomics, reclining movement with suitable resistance to the reclining motion, and/or a grounded assembly that has reduced rise at the front of the seat during rearward chair back tilting, which reduces pressure felt on the user's hamstrings, for example.

The invention of this application has been described above both generically and with regard to specific embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the embodiments cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A chair control comprising:

a rocker assembly configured to be coupled to a chair back, the rocker assembly including a rocker flex element configured to be coupled to a chair seat, the rocker flex element being resiliently deformable; and

a ground assembly configured to be coupled to a chair base, the rocker assembly being coupled to the ground assembly, the ground assembly including a ground flex element configured to be coupled to the seat to which the rocker flex element is coupled, the ground flex element being resiliently deformable.

2. A chair control comprising:

a rocker assembly configured to be coupled to a chair back, the rocker assembly including a rocker flex element configured to be coupled to a chair seat, the rocker flex element being resiliently deformable; and

a ground assembly configured to be coupled to a chair base, the rocker assembly being coupled to the ground assembly, the ground assembly configured to be coupled to the chair seat to which the rocker flex element is coupled.

3. A chair control comprising:

a rocker assembly configured to be coupled to a chair back, the rocker assembly configured to be coupled to a chair seat; and

a ground assembly configured to be coupled to a chair base, the rocker assembly being coupled to the ground assembly, the ground assembly including a ground flex element configured to be coupled to the chair seat, the ground flex element being resiliently deformable.

4. The chair control of claim 1, wherein the rocker assembly is pivotally coupled to the ground assembly.

5. The chair control of claim 1, wherein the rocker flex element is one of a pair of rocker flex elements of the rocker assembly, each of the pair of rocker flex elements being formed of a resiliently deformable material and being configured to be coupled to the chair seat.

6. The chair control of claim 1, wherein the ground flex element is one of a pair of ground flex elements of the ground assembly, each of the pair of ground flex elements being formed of a resiliently deformable material and being configured to be coupled to the chair seat.

7. The chair control of claim 1, wherein the ground flex element and/or the rocker flex element is formed of an elastomeric material, such as a rubber material.

8. The chair control of claim 1, wherein the ground flex element and/or the rocker flex element is formed of a material having a durometer hardness value between Shore A 40 and Shore A 75.

9. The chair control of claim 1, wherein the ground flex element and/or the rocker flex element defines a canted portion that is angled relative to horizontal, optionally at an angle between 20 to 60 degrees relative to horizontal, and, optionally at an angle of about 35 degrees relative to horizontal.

10. The chair control of claim 1, wherein the rocker assembly includes a chair back attachment plate with a plurality of fastener apertures, the chair back attachment plate being configured to receive and be coupled to a chair back.

11. The chair control of claim 1, wherein the ground assembly includes a receiver for coupling to a column member of a chair base.

12. A chair comprising:

a chair back;

a chair seat;

a chair base;

a chair control including, a rocker assembly coupled to the chair back, the rocker assembly including a rocker flex element coupled to the chair seat, the rocker flex element being formed of a resiliently deformable material; and a ground assembly coupled to the chair base, the rocker assembly being coupled to the ground assembly such that tiling of the chair back results in actuating of the rocker assembly relative to the ground assembly, the ground assembly including a ground flex element coupled to the chair seat such that upon actuating of the rocker assembly relative to the ground assembly the one or both of the ground flex element and the rocker flex element resiliently deform to facilitate angular deflection of the chair seat.

13. The chair of claim 12, wherein the rocker assembly is pivotally coupled to the ground assembly.

14. The chair of claim 12, wherein one or both of the ground flex element and the rocker flex element resiliently deform when a user places a typical tilting force upon the chair seat.

15. The chair of claim 14, wherein the typical tilting force includes a lateral tilting force.

16. The chair of claim 14, wherein the typical tilting force includes a posterior tilting force.

17. The chair of claim 12, wherein one or both of the ground flex element and the rocker flex element are configured to resiliently deform under a torsion load transmitted between the rocker assembly and the ground assembly through the chair seat.

18. The chair of claim 12, wherein the chair base includes a column and a plurality of leg supports.

19. A method of assembling a chair, the method comprising:

coupling a chair back to a rocker assembly of a chair control, the rocker assembly including a rocker housing and a rocker flex element that is resiliently deformable;

coupling a chair base to a ground assembly of the chair control, the ground assembly including a ground housing and a ground flex element that is resiliently deformable;

coupling the rocker housing to the ground housing; and

coupling the rocker flex element and the ground flex element to a chair seat such that tiling of the chair back results in actuating of the rocker assembly relative to the ground assembly with one or both of the ground flex element and the rocker flex element resiliently deforming to facilitate angular deflection of the chair seat.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein coupling the rocker housing to the ground housing is done as a pivotable coupling.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the rocker flex element is a pair of rocker flex elements being coupled to the chair seat, each of the pair of rocker flex elements being formed of a resiliently deformable material.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the ground flex element is a pair of ground flex elements being coupled to the chair seat, each of the pair of ground flex elements being formed of a resiliently deformable material.