Back Tilts While Seat Inclination Adjusts Patents (Class 297/300.2)
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Patent number: 7837265Abstract: An adjustable reclining chair including a seat configured to support a user, a chair back, a base and a control mechanism mounted on the base. The control mechanism coupling the chair back to the seat with the chair back located generally adjacent to the user's back when the user is seated upon the seat. The control mechanism including a resistance adjustment mechanism for varying the control mechanism's resistance to a reclining force applied by the user to the chair back in order to move the chair back rearward from an upright position. The resistance adjustment mechanism activated by the weight of the user when seated in the chair, such that easy adjustment of the resistance is facilitated with the chair in an upright position. The resistance adjustment mechanism including a resilient member placed under a load during reclining of the chair to provide resistance to the reclining force.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: HNI CorporationInventors: Jay R. Machael, John R. Koch, Marcus C. Koepke
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Publication number: 20100289308Abstract: The invention relates to a seating arrangement (1) having a substructure (3), in which the seating arrangement (1) comprises at least one carrying arm (7, 8), and the carrying arm (7, 8) comprises an upper, first carrier (7a, 8a) and a lower, second carrier (7b, 8b).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2007Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Carola Eva Marianne Zwick, Roland Rolf Otto Zwick, Claudia Plikat
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Publication number: 20100289309Abstract: The synchronizing device comprises a seat carrier for carrying a seat of said office chair, a seat arm to be connected to a chair column of said office chair, said seat carrier being pivotable in relation to said seat arm about a transverse axis, a backrest arm connected to said seat arm and to said seat carrier such as to be pivotable about a transverse axis, a spring adapted to counter a synchronized movement of said seat carrier and backrest arm, and a sliding member extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of said seat and being articulated to said seat arm, said seat carrier being slidable in relation to said sliding member substantially in said longitudinal direction of said seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2007Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: IDEAssociates (IOM) Ltd.Inventor: Preben Bo Fich
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Publication number: 20100244522Abstract: A chair has a link of a chair back, a link of a chair seat, and a link mechanism that pushes up the link of the chair seat when the link of the chair back is pressed to incline rearward, so that the occupant can take the optimum seating posture without being conscious, thus further improving the comfort in the reclined posture.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: Zenroh Fukai
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Patent number: 7770973Abstract: The invention relates to a chair with a seat, a base support and a backrest, wherein the seat is mounted on the base support so as to be pivotable about a first pivoting axis and the backrest is mounted on the seat so as to be pivotable about a second pivoting axis. The two pivoting axes are arranged so as to be displaceable relative to one another in order to be able to change the seat depth.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Wilkhahn Wilkening + Hahne GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Carsten Gehner, Michael Englisch
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Patent number: 7735923Abstract: A tilt control mechanism for an office chair includes a spring assembly therein which controls the tilt tension on the back assembly. The tilt control mechanism includes a control plate mounted to the control shaft on which the uprights are mounted, wherein the control plate rotates in combination with the uprights. This control plate is located within the control body and cooperates with a front stop assembly and a back stop assembly to vary the limits of forward and rearward tilting of the seat and back assemblies. Also, the tilt control mechanism includes a pneumatic actuator assembly having fixed and rotatable cam blocks. The rotatable cam block rotates relative to the fixed block such that the rotatable cam block is driven downwardly to depress the control valve of the pneumatic cylinder and thereby vary the height of the seat assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventors: Richard N. Roslund, Matthew Rutman, VijayKrishna Gundarapu, Naveen Guntur
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Publication number: 20100133884Abstract: The invention relates to a chair with a seat, a base support and a backrest, wherein the seat is pivotably mounted on the base support and the backrest is pivotably mounted on the seat, and a first spring system is provided between the base support and the seat and a second spring system is provided between the seat and the backrest. Furthermore, means are provided for adjusting the spring behavior of the two spring systems so that the pivotability of the seat in relation to the base support and the pivotability of the backrest in relation to the seat can be adapted to different requirements, especially to users of different weights.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2010Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventor: Carsten GEHNER
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Patent number: 7717513Abstract: There is provided a chair that realizes a state preferably following a motion of a sitter in accordance with a posture of the relevant sitter, and a state preferably supporting the sitter. The chair includes a lower frame portion supported so as to be capable of rocking between a standing position and a rearward tilting position with respect to a base, and an upper frame portion supported so as to be capable of rocking between a normal position and a rear end position with respect to the relevant lower frame portion. Furthermore, upper frame portion biasing that elastically biases the upper frame portion from the rear end position to the normal position is provided. This upper frame portion biasing is adapted to change an elastically biasing force to the upper frame portion corresponding to a position in the rocking movement of the lower frame portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Kokuyo Furniture Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobuyuki Ueda
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Patent number: 7625045Abstract: A task chair, including a backrest assembly and a seat assembly pivotally coupled both to one another and to side portions of a fixed yoke member for synchronized movement, in which the seat of the seat assembly moves upwardly and forwardly concurrently with recline of the backrest of the backrest assembly. The chair further includes a tension assembly including an elongate tension member, such as a leaf spring, secured at one end thereof to the yoke member, and a contact member, such as a contact roller, adjustably mounted to the seat assembly. The contact member engages the tension member such that the tension member resists recline of the backrest assembly and concurrent movement of the seat assembly from their initial positions, and also provides a restoring force which tends to move the backrest to its initial upright position and the seat to its initial rearward and lowered position.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. Hatcher, Michael L. Deimen
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Publication number: 20090289483Abstract: An apparatus for sitting, including: a keystone assembly which connects various parts of the apparatus; a back that provides support for at least a person's back or shoulders; a floating lumbar support, which provides support for a person's lower back, attached to the keystone assembly; a seat that can adjust between a forward tilted and reclined position; a plurality of rollers, disposed on the keystone assembly, on which the seat rests; a central column, attached to the keystone assembly, on which the seat can spin; and a lower torsion spring connected to the seat and disposed on the keystone assembly allowing controlled movement of the seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventor: Jeffrey B. Jenkins
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Patent number: 7611199Abstract: A seat for use by an occupant in a vehicle. The seat includes a seat base configured to be supported in the vehicle. A back frame including a first transverse member, a first side member and a second side member, wherein the first transverse member interconnects each of the side members at a location toward an upper end of the back frame. The back frame further includes a second transverse member interconnecting the first and second side members a spaced distance from the first transverse member. A compliant back member having a first end operably connected to the first transverse member and a second end operably connected to the second transverse member. A biasing member having a first end operatively engaging the compliant back member and a second end being anchored with respect to the back frame wherein when a seat occupant's back applies a force to the compliant back member, the biasing member applies a reaction force.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Eric Bernard Michalak, Robert Michael Benzing, David Hensel
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Publication number: 20090267394Abstract: A mechanism for an office chair having a backrest support which may be pivoted rearwardly. Adjustment of the backrest pivotal motion is accomplished by the mechanism having a base support which may be positioned on a chair column, a seat support, the backrest support which may be pivoted to the rear, and a pre-tensioned spring arrangement for enabling the mechanism to counter or oppose the movement of the backrest support. The seat support and the base support form a movable unit, which may be moved relative to the chair column depending on the weight of a user applying a load to the seat support. Movement of the movable unit causes an adjustment of the pre-tension of the spring arrangement and/or an adjustment of the spring constant of the spring arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: Bock 1 GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Hermann Bock
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Patent number: 7600814Abstract: A seating furniture item, in particular an office chair, has a seat fastened on a seat support and a backrest fastened to a backrest support, the backrest support being articulatedly arranged on a base support and the backrest support and the seat support being articulatedly connected with each other via two levers, and in which one of the two levers is positively guided directly on the base support.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2007Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Interstuhl Bueromoebel GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Werner Link
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Publication number: 20090218864Abstract: A chair 2010 has a supporting frame 2011, a seat portion 2013, a back portion 2015, and a recline mechanism. The mechanism moves the seat portion 2013 upon a reclining action of the back portion 2015. The mechanism has a rear deformable member 2351 and a front deformable member 2353 operatively connecting the seat portion and the supporting frame. The recline mechanism also has a lower deformable member operatively connecting a lower part of the back portion and the supporting frame, and a puller member 2361 above the lower deformable member. The recline mechanism is configured such that as the back portion 2015 is reclined, the lower deformable member deforms and the puller member 2361 applies a rearward pulling action which causes the seat portion 2013 to move and the front and rear deformable members to deform.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2007Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: FORMWAY FURNITURE LIMITEDInventors: Kent Wallace Parker, Paul Michael Wilkinson, Lyall Douglas Stewart, Daryl Owen Neal, Martyn Walter Goodwin Collings, Peter Alan Tierney
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Patent number: 7568763Abstract: A seating unit includes a base with a control housing, a back supported on the base for reclining movement, and a seat supported at least partially by a pivoting link on the base for synchronous movement with the back upon recline of the back. A back stop is operably mounted on a pair of parallel guide rods that extend transversely across the control housing for selective movement to a plurality of different positions where the back stop engages the link to limit movement of the seat and hence limit recline of the back to a plurality of selectable recline positions corresponding to the plurality of different positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Adam C. Bedford, David A. Bodnar, Gary Lee Karsten, Robert J. Battey, Kurt R. Heidmann, Gordon J. Peterson
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Patent number: 7566097Abstract: A seat, in particular an office chair, has a synchronous mechanism with a weight-adapting mechanism. An automatic adaptation of a spring force acting on the synchronous mechanism depends on the weight momentarily exerted on the seat. Therefore, the spring force is transmitted to the synchronous mechanism via a lever whereof the active arm length of the lever can be modified to adjust the spring force. The weight-adapting mechanism is configured such that the active arm length is automatically adapted to the weight momentarily exerted on the seat.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Inventors: Armin Sander, Christopher Schmidt
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Publication number: 20090179473Abstract: A tilt control mechanism for an office chair includes a spring assembly therein which controls the tilt tension on the back assembly. The tilt control mechanism includes a control plate mounted to the control shaft on which the uprights are mounted, wherein the control plate rotates in combination with the uprights. This control plate is located within the control body and cooperates with a front stop assembly and a back stop assembly to vary the limits of forward and rearward tilting of the seat and back assemblies. Also, the tilt control mechanism includes a pneumatic actuator assembly having fixed and rotatable cam blocks. The rotatable cam block rotates relative to the fixed block such that the rotatable cam block is driven downwardly to depress the control valve of the pneumatic cylinder and thereby vary the height of the seat assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2009Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventors: Richard N. Roslund, Matthew Rutman, VijayKrishna Gundarapu, Naveen Guntur
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Publication number: 20090152921Abstract: A tilt mechanism provides improved coordination in the motions of a chair seat and a chair back during chair tilt. In one aspect, the tilt mechanism includes a seat base, a back bracket, a back support bar, a guide track and a back follower member. The seat base is slidably coupled to the chassis and rigidly coupled to the chair seat. The back support bar is configured for moveable engagement with the back bracket coupled with the chair back. Additionally, the back follower member, coupled with the chair back, is received within one or more channels formed in the guide track for moveable engagement therewith. A proportional and asynchronous action is achieved via the back bracket moving relative to and in engagement with the back support bar, the back follower member moving within the guide track and the seat base sliding forwardly relative to the chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANYInventors: LEROY B. JOHNSON, PHILIP CROSSMAN
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Patent number: 7513570Abstract: A tilt control mechanism for an office chair includes a spring assembly therein which controls the tilt tension on the back assembly. The tilt control mechanism includes a control plate mounted to the control shaft on which the uprights are mounted, wherein the control plate rotates in combination with the uprights. This control plate is located within the control body and cooperates with a front stop assembly and a back stop assembly to vary the limits of forward and rearward tilting of the seat and back assemblies. Also, the tilt control mechanism includes a pneumatic actuator assembly having fixed and rotatable cam blocks. The rotatable cam block rotates relative to the fixed block such that the rotatable cam block is driven downwardly to depress the control valve of the pneumatic cylinder and thereby vary the height of the seat assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2008Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventors: Richard N. Roslund, Naveen Guntur
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Patent number: 7513569Abstract: A synchronous office chair comprising a support (1) firmly connected with a supporting column, a seat base (2) articulated on a tilting axis (4) support with a flange (5) and a backrest (3) with a back bracket (6). The back bracket (6) features a first, second and third cam tracks (7, 8, and 9) and engages in an interstice between support (1) and seat base (2). Said seat base (2) with flange (5) and backrest (3) with back bracket (6) are formed to execute a synchronous movement. A first roller bearing (10) is mounted on flange (5) of seat base (2) that engages in the first cam track (7) of back bracket (6) and in which the synchronous movement is guided in first cam track (7). A second roller bearing 11 is mounted on seat base (2) that engages in second cam track (8) of back bracket (6) and in which synchronous movement is guided in second cam track (8).Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Stoll Giroflex AGInventor: Erwin Curiger
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Patent number: 7503626Abstract: A chair is provided which has a tiltable seat carrier and a tiltable backrest on the backrest carrier which are forcibly coupled to one another, and which has an individual adjustment feature for the tilt of the seat carrier in relation to the backrest carrier. Provided on the underside of the seat carrier is a bearing block having a slideway contour and a vertical slot in which the flange of a lifting element is mounted vertically movably, wherein the lifting element has a substantially triangular collar which slides on the substantially rectangular slideway contour when the flange moves vertically. The tilt of the seat carrier can be adjusted to be steeper or flatter by turning the lifting element, and the limit positions are completely stable such that the possibility of automatic unlocking is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Sedus Stoll AGInventors: Klaus Maier, Kurt Buntru, Thomas Stenzel
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Patent number: 7490902Abstract: A chair (1), in particular a swivel office chair, is provided with a bottom chair part (2) having a column (3), a seat support (4) held on the bottom chair part (2), a seat (6) connected pivotably to the support, and a backrest support (5) holding a backrest (7) and connected pivotably to the seat support (4). The movement of the seat (6) is coupled with the movement of the backrest support (5) by a synchronizing mechanism having at least one spring (10) and coupling elements. The synchronizing mechanism is arranged essentially within the column (3).Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Girsberger Holding AGInventor: Thierry Aubert
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Patent number: 7484803Abstract: The invention relates to a chair, especially an office or work chair or similar, whereon a back-rest part (15) can be placed in an inclined position from an initial or rest position via a first axis of rotation (12). A seating part (14) performs a longitudinal displacement around a second axis of rotation (20) and an inclined displacement around a third axis of rotation (11) in a synchronous manner with respect to the inclined movement of the back-rest part (15). A return device (13) is provided for returning the back-rest part (15) and/or seating part (14) to the initial position or rest position. The office chair (1) comprises a carrier frame (5) which disposed centrically on the leg frame (2) and which supports in a stationary manner the first axis of rotation (12) on the centre of the leg frame, said axis of rotation remaining at a constant, predetermined distance above the seating part (14) in the rest position and in all inclined positions of the back-rest part (15).Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: OMP S.r.lInventor: Andras Dozsa-Farkas
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Publication number: 20090015047Abstract: The invention relates to a seat, in particular, a vehicle or aircraft passenger seat with seat components such as a seat base (12), a backrest (14) and a coupling device (16) for coupling the movement of at least one part of the seat components between an exit (1) and at least one comfortable (II) position and vice versa. According to the invention, the coupling device (16) comprises at least one control piece, which may be controlled using the movement of the backrest (14) and/or the seat base (12) and hence by means of at least one further control piece to move the seat base (12) and/or the backrest (14) between said positions (I, II), whereby an adjustment, in particular, tilting movement of the backrest is linked with a simultaneous adjustment movement of the seat base which, preferably in the rearward transition region into the backrest descends by a given amount relative to the front edge of the seat which simultaneously moves forward to increase the seat depth.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2006Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventor: Jurgen Baumann
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Patent number: 7429081Abstract: A tilt control mechanism for an office chair includes a spring assembly therein which controls the tilt tension on the back assembly. The tilt control mechanism includes a control plate mounted to the control shaft on which the uprights are mounted, wherein the control plate rotates in combination with the uprights. This control plate is located within the control body and cooperates with a front stop assembly and a back stop assembly to vary the limits of forward and rearward tilting of the seat and back assemblies. Also, the tilt control mechanism includes a pneumatic actuator assembly having fixed and rotatable cam blocks. The rotatable cam block rotates relative to the fixed block such that the rotatable cam block is driven downwardly to depress the control valve of the pneumatic cylinder and thereby vary the height of the seat assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventors: Richard N. Roslund, Matthew Rutman, VijayKrishna Gundarapu, Naveen Guntur
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Patent number: 7427105Abstract: A back construction includes a base with a yoke formed by a cross member and upright side arms that define a U-shape, armrests supported by the side arms, and a seat and back also supported by the side arms for synchronized motion upon recline of the back. Specifically, the side arms define a back tilt axis about which the back rotates upon recline. The back includes a back structure with configured ends that engage the side arms for rotation about the back tilt axis, and further define a seat tilt axis for supporting rotation/movement of the seat upon recline of the back.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Daryl Knoblock, legal representative, Arnold B. Dammermann, Larry DeKraker, Kurt R. Heidmann, Gordon J. Peterson, Charles P. Roossien, David S. Teppo, Glenn A. Knoblock
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Patent number: 7425037Abstract: A tiltable chair including a base, a fulcrum member having a curved support surface, a back support pivotally connected to the base at a pivot axis and pivotable between at least an upright position and a rearward tilt position, and at least one leaf spring having first and second ends, with the first end being restrained by the base. The at least one leaf spring engages the curved support surface of the fulcrum member at a first contact point when the back support is in the upright position and at a second contact point when the back support is in the rearward tilt position, wherein the second contact point is positioned rearwardly on the at least one leaf spring relative to the first contact point. A link member is pivotally connected to the back support at a first pivot location and is pivotally connected to the at least one leaf spring at a second pivot location. The link member defines a vector between the first and second pivot locations and the first pivot location and the pivot axis define a plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Claudia Plikat, Nicolai Neubert, Carola E. M. Zwick, Roland R. O. Zwick, John F. Aldrich, Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, Douglas M. VanDeRiet
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Patent number: 7410215Abstract: An articulating massaging chair is provided that includes a support frame; a seat pivotally connected to the support frame by a seat pivot; and a backrest pivotally connected to the support frame by a backrest pivot.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Human Touch, LLC.Inventor: Hans Dehli
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Patent number: 7410216Abstract: A tilt control mechanism for an office chair includes a spring assembly therein which controls the tilt tension on the back assembly. This tilt control mechanism includes a tension adjustment assembly having a radial adjustment arm which supports the legs of a pair of coil springs and a cooperating cam block which cooperates with the arm to drive the arm upwardly and downwardly to vary the tilt tension. The cam block is mounted on a threaded shaft and is displaceable sidewardly to either drive the arm and spring legs upwardly or downwardly depending upon the direction of travel of the cam block.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventor: Matthew Rutman
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Patent number: 7364233Abstract: Synchronisation mechanism for chairs or armchairs, of the type provided with a base (1), on which at least one seat frame (2) and at least one backrest frame (3) are hinged, at least one stiffening spring (4) positioned between the base and the backrest frame, in addition to a device for adjusting the stiffness of the above-mentioned spring comprising means (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) to move one end (15) of the spring with respect to its other end (16). The above-mentioned means to move one end of the spring with respect to its other end comprise at least one cam element (5) hinged (6) to the base, so that the cam element acts, directly or indirectly, on the end (15) to be moved of the spring, the other end (16) of the spring being linked to the backrest frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Donati S.p.A.Inventor: Armando Donati
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Patent number: 7322653Abstract: Disclosed is a videogaming and computer workstation unit, preferably integrated with an ergonomic chair, which permits ease of entry and exit to the chair for users of various sizes, and which permits users to use peripheral devices for operating video games and computers comfortably from a chair integrated with a gaming console.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Inventor: Vlad Dragusin
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Publication number: 20070290537Abstract: A recliner includes a backrest, a seat, a leg and a reclining apparatus. The reclining apparatus includes a base, two ears and a rear support. The base is installed on the leg. The ears are pivotally installed on the base on one hand and pivotally connected to the seat on the other hand. The rear support includes a lower section pivotally installed on the base and formed with an ear pivotally connected to the seat and an upper section for supporting the backrest. Thus, the seat is moved backwards and downwards when the backrest is pivoted backwards.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2006Publication date: December 20, 2007Applicant: TUNG YU OA CO., LTD.Inventor: Yu-Hong Lin
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Publication number: 20070273189Abstract: The invention relates to a chair with a seat, a base support and a backrest, wherein the seat is mounted on the base support so as to be pivotable about a first pivoting axis and the backrest is mounted on the seat so as to be pivotable about a second pivoting axis. The two pivoting axes are arranged so as to be displaceable relative to one another in order to be able to change the seat depth.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventors: Carsten Gehner, Michael Englisch
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Publication number: 20070273190Abstract: The invention relates to a chair with a seat, a base support and a backrest, wherein the seat is pivotably mounted on the base support and the backrest is pivotably mounted on the seat, and a first spring system is provided between the base support and the seat and a second spring system is provided between the seat and the backrest. Furthermore, means are provided for adjusting the spring behaviour of the two spring systems so that the pivotability of the seat in relation to the base support and the pivotability of the backrest in relation to the seat can be adapted to different requirements, especially to users of different weights.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventor: Carsten Gehner
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Publication number: 20070246984Abstract: A chair having an automatically adjusting resistance to tilt. The chair includes a back support, a frame, a base and a back pivot member, which is pivotally mounted to the frame, and a seat, which is also pivotally mounted to the frame, such that an occupant of the chair adjusts resistance to tilt or reclining of the chair by applying a rearward force to the back support.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2007Publication date: October 25, 2007Inventors: Manuel Saez, Lachezar Tsvetanov
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Publication number: 20070222265Abstract: An adjustable reclining chair including a seat configured to support a user, a chair back, a base and a control mechanism mounted on the base. The control mechanism coupling the chair back to the seat with the chair back located generally adjacent to the user's back when the user is seated upon the seat. The control mechanism including a resistance adjustment mechanism for varying the control mechanism's resistance to a reclining force applied by the user to the chair back in order to move the chair back rearward from an upright position. The resistance adjustment mechanism activated by the weight of the user when seated in the chair, such that easy adjustment of the resistance is facilitated with the chair in an upright position. The resistance adjustment mechanism including a resilient member placed under a load during reclining of the chair to provide resistance to the reclining force.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2006Publication date: September 27, 2007Applicant: HNI CorporationInventors: Jay R. Machael, John R. Koch, Marcus C. Koepke
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Patent number: 7273253Abstract: A task chair, including a backrest assembly and a seat assembly pivotally coupled both to one another and to side portions of a fixed yoke member for synchronized movement, in which the seat of the seat assembly moves upwardly and forwardly concurrently with recline of the backrest of the backrest assembly. The chair further includes a tension assembly including an elongate tension member, such as a leaf spring, secured at one end thereof to the yoke member, and a contact member, such as a contact roller, adjustably mounted to the seat assembly. The contact member engages the tension member such that the tension member resists recline of the backrest assembly and concurrent movement of the seat assembly from their initial positions, and also provides a restoring force which tends to move the backrest to its initial upright position and the seat to its initial rearward and lowered position.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.Inventors: Michael L Deimen, Stephen D Hatcher
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Patent number: 7267405Abstract: A chair with a synchronous coordinating system for the chair back includes a base, a chair cushion and a chair back. The base and the chair cushion are connected fixedly or formed integrally, and the chair back is articulated with the base which is articulated with the chair back through an upright column extended above the chair cushion. The articulated point is located at the trochanter (the center point of the hip joint) of the human body. The chair cause the turning (pitched or inclined) pivot of the chair back and the human body on the same line by providing the articulated point of the chair back and the base at the trochanter of the human body in the pitching movement. No matter how the angle of the chair back is adjusted, the contact surface between the backside of the human body and the chair back will not be changed so that the chair back can provide sufficient supporting force to the waist at any angle and the person on the chair will not feel uncomfortable.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Inventor: Yu Yeung Tin
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Patent number: 7264311Abstract: A seating unit includes a base, a reclineable back, a seat, and a control operably supporting the back and the seat on the base for synchronous movement between upright and recline positions. The control includes a pair of flexible support members and a link that combine to operably support the seat and back for synchronous movement on the base upon recline, which provides ergonomic non-shearing support for a seated user during recline. The back and seat each include perimeter frames, parallel resilient support members extending between side frame sections of the perimeter frames, and covers covering the resilient support members for distributed support and aesthetics. By this arrangement, the flexible member and the link move the one component along a defined path during recline of the back, and the seat and back also provide ergonomic support, both during recline and without recline.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2006Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventor: Kurt R. Heidmann
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Patent number: 7252336Abstract: A seat (11) having a seat cushion (12) and a squab (16), the seat (11) being adjustable between a first configuration adapted to provide seating accommodation for a user and a second configuration adapted to provide leaning accommodation for a user, wherein in the second configuration, the squab (16) is positioned forwardly of its position in the first configuration and substantially above the forward most position of the seat cushion (12).Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Inventor: Matthew Stephen Frisina
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Patent number: 7243993Abstract: A chair has a backrest and a pair of armrests. A pair of support struts for supporting the backrest is connected to a shaft of a base under a seat. The armrest is supported by an arm post. An operating lever is mounted on the upper front end of the arm post. When the backrest is tilted, it is held at a desired angle by pressing up the operating lever.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Okamura CorporationInventors: Ryo Igarashi, Naoki Numa, Ken Nakayama, Hiroshi Masunaga
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Patent number: 7213880Abstract: A control device for an adjustable seating structure including a first adjustment control positioned in an orientation approximating a seat member. The first adjustment control is moveable about a horizontal axis. A second adjustment control is positioned adjacent the first adjustment control in an orientation approximating a backrest member. The second adjustment control is moveable about the horizontal axis. The first adjustment control and the second adjustment control in combination generally resemble a seating structure. A seating structure including the control device is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Claudia Plikat, Nicolai Neubert, Carola E. M. Zwick, Roland R. O. Zwick
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Patent number: 7185951Abstract: A synchrotilt chair mechanism and a chair are provided. The synchrotilt chair mechanism is for use on a chair that has a base assembly with an extending pedestal, a seat and a back. The mechanism includes a chassis that is coupled to the pedestal and a seat plate that is coupled to the chassis and to the chair seat. The seat plate can slide relative to the chassis. The mechanism further includes a back support bar that is coupled on one end to the chassis. The support bar extends upwardly from the chassis. A pair of arm supports are further included that can be coupled to the chair. Each arm support extends upwardly adjacent one side of the chair seat. The mechanism further includes a back bracket having a pair of ends that extend adjacent a side of the chair. Each end is pivotally coupled to the adjacent arm support. The back bracket further includes a guide plate that mounts to the chair back and that has at least one guide slot.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: L & P Property Management CompanyInventors: LeRoy Johnson, Philip Crossman
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Patent number: 7165811Abstract: A seating unit includes a base, a reclineable back, a seat, and a control operably supporting the back and the seat on the base for movement between upright and recline positions. The control includes a pair of flexible support members and a link that combine to operably support the seat and back for synchronous movement on the base upon recline. The flexible support member is stiff in a vertical direction for carrying a combined weight of the one component and of the seated user, but flexible in a horizontal direction to permit a swinging movement of its ends upon recline. The link is rigid and pivoted to the base for movement about a horizontal axis and also pivoted to the one component. By this arrangement, the flexible member and the link move the one component along a defined path during recline of the back.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2003Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: David A. Bodnar, Adam C. Bedford, Kurt R. Heidmann, Gary L. Karsten
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Patent number: 7147282Abstract: A backrest depth adjustment mechanism which allows adjustment of the backrest assembly in a front-to-back manner with respect to the seat. The backrest assembly generally includes a backrest frame supporting the backrest. The backrest frame includes opposite end portions, and at least one of the end portions includes a backrest depth adjustment mechanism. The backrest depth adjustment mechanism includes a stationary portion and a movable portion, wherein the movable portion is movable with respect to the stationary portion. An actuator mechanism allows the user to actuate the backrest depth adjustment mechanism to move the backrest to a desired depth position.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. Hatcher, Michael L. Deimen
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Patent number: 7147285Abstract: A reclining apparatus is provided between a post and a seat of a chair. The reclining apparatus includes a first joint for attachment to the post, a second joint pivotally connected with the first joint for supporting the seat and a locking device for locking the second joint in one of several reclined positions relative to the casing.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Tung Yu Oa Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yu-Hong Lin
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Patent number: 7134722Abstract: A simple arrangement of a chair allows transformation of the shape of a backrest. The chair has a transformable backrest and a backrest receiving member that supports a bottom end portion of the backrest in a slidable manner toward a certain direction and an operating lever to select and fix a position at which the backrest is slid and the backrest can be transformed in compliance with the position fixed by the operating lever.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignees: Kokuyo Co., Ltd., Takano Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuyuki Ueda, Yojiro Kinoshita, Toshiyuki Horiki, Toru Aoyagi
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Patent number: 7097249Abstract: A chair has a backrest and a pair of armrests. A pair of support struts for supporting the backrest is connected to a shaft of a base under a seat. The armrest is supported by an arm post. An operating lever is mounted on the upper front end of the arm post. When the backrest is tilted, it is held at a desired angle by pressing up the operating lever.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Okamura CorporationInventors: Ryo Igarashi, Naoki Numa, Ken Nakayama, Hiroshi Masunaga
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Patent number: 7066538Abstract: A tiltable chair is provided with a tilt lock mechanism that can be activated when the chair is at any tilt position, the tilt lock mechanism engaging and locking the chair when the chair moves into the upright, neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: HNI Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jay R. Machael, Randy L. Popham, Jesse J. Hahn
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Patent number: 7048335Abstract: A seating unit includes a base having a housing and support arms extending laterally on each side of the housing. A back frame is pivoted to the support arms on each side, and a slide slidably engages the housing. A seat-supporting structure includes a crossbar pivotally attached to the slide member at a first pivot location and side frame sections extending rearwardly from ends of the crossbar that are pivotally attached to the lower arms of the back at a second pivot location spaced horizontally from the first pivot locations to define a three-point support for a seat above the housing. A spring is operably coupled to the slide to bias the back and seat toward upright positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Christopher J. Norman, Kurt R. Heidmann, Robert J. Battey, Jeffrey A. Hall, Gary Lee Karsten