Abstract:
A seating structure includes a leaf spring and a body support structure biased by the leaf spring. One of the leaf spring and the body support structure has a cam with a concave cam surface, while the other of the leaf spring and body support structure has a cam follower with a convex cam surface. The cam follower engages the cam.
Abstract:
A seating structure includes a backrest member having an upper edge, opposite side edges and a lower edge. The backrest member has a forwardly facing convex shape formed along a vertical centerline thereof between the upper and lower edges. The lower edge has a forwardly facing concave shape. The lower edge has outer portions positioned forwardly of an entirety of the upper edge.
Abstract:
Support elements and support structures form the basis of ergonomic body supports for chairs, mattresses and other structures. The support elements may be individually designed according to their location and body support function. Thus, the structures that include the support elements may provide point-tailored support for any part of the body to enhance comfort, fit, and proper anatomical support.
Abstract:
A seating structure has an articulated seat and back. A rear portion of the seat is automatically pivotable relative to a forward portion of the seat as the seat is tilted between upright and reclined tilt positions. An upper portion of the back is pivotable relative to the lower portion between a neutral position and an extended position, with the upper portion being pivotable relative to the lower portion independent of the tilt position of the back. In one aspect, an adjustment mechanism is coupled between lower and upper back support members and pivots the upper support member between at least first and second support positions. A seat with an adjustable seat depth is also provided, along with various methods for operating the different aspects and embodiments of the seating structure.
Abstract:
A chair includes a base and a seating structure rotatably coupled to the base and vertically moveable between at least a first position and a second position. A foot support is disposed a vertical distance from the seating structure. The foot support is rotatably coupled to the seating structure and non-rotatably coupled to the base. A control mechanism is operably coupled to the foot support for adjusting the vertical distance between the foot support and the seat. The control mechanism includes a control handle operably coupled to the seating structure. The control handle rotates with the seating structure when the seating structure is rotated and moves vertically with the seating structure when the seating structure is vertically moved between the first position and the second position.
Abstract:
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. The vector and the plane define a first angle when the back support is in the upright position and a second angle when the back support is in the rearward tilt position, wherein the second angle is closer to ninety degrees than the first angle. A method of using a chair is also provided.
Abstract:
A tiltable chair including a housing, a back support pivotally attached to the housing about a first horizontal axis and a seat support pivotally attached to the back support about a second horizontal axis and moveably supported by a curved track formed on the housing. A leaf spring includes a first end supported by the housing and a second end biasing the back support and seat support in an upward direction. Preferably, a fulcrum member, which includes a support surface having a curvilinear contour, is moveably supported in the housing and engages a bottom surface of the spring intermediate the first and second ends of the spring. Preferably, a linkage mechanism including a first and second link is adapted to adjust the position of the fulcrum. In another preferred embodiment, a gear housing is removably disposed in said housing and coupled to the fulcrum. In one preferred embodiment, rearward and forward tilt limiters are provided. In various preferred embodiments, the chair further includes a backrest having a plurality of openings, and armrests that are vertically, laterally and pivotally adjustable. In a preferred embodiment, a kit for assembling a seating structure includes a tilt housing having a plurality of connector arrangements comprising at least a first and second connector arrangement, a first seating arrangement having a first mounting arrangement configured to be connected to the first connector arrangement, and a second seating arrangement having a second mounting arrangement configured to be connected to the second connector arrangement.
Abstract:
A suspended pixelated seating structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The suspended pixelated seating structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each use independent elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The suspended pixelated seating structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable suspended seating structure. Accordingly, the suspended pixelated seating structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
Abstract:
A suspended pixelated seating structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The suspended pixelated seating structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each use independent elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The suspended pixelated seating structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable suspended seating structure. Accordingly, the suspended pixelated seating structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.