Chairs and seats – Bottom or back
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-07
2001-06-26
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3636)
Chairs and seats
Bottom or back
C297S452110, C297S452140, C297S452210, C297S452230, C297S452180, C297S452310, C297S452330, C297S452360, C297S440200, C297S448200, C297S446200, C297S440210
Reexamination Certificate
active
06250718
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to chairs. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved chair back and support structure for use with a wire rod type chair.
In auditoriums, schools, and various halls, it is often desired to provide additional seating on a temporary basis. While folding chairs have filled this need in the past, the set up and take down of these types of chairs can be relatively time consuming. In addition, the storage of this type of chair can be cumbersome. For example, a separate rack may be required to maintain the chairs in an upright position.
Stackable wire rod type chairs have overcome some of the problems associated with folding chairs. In particular, they can be readily stored in a convenient stacked form. In addition, they can be readily set up in rows for use and then restacked when not in use.
However, wire rod chairs can suffer certain drawbacks. First, the assembly of a wire rod chair can be somewhat complicated. Various fastening devices, such a screws or the like, have been required to secure the chair back to the chair base. In addition to adding to the complexity of the chair construction, these additional parts add to the cost of the chair. Second, the installation of the chair back over the wire rods forming the chair base has been troublesome. Obviously, the chair back should be securely attached to the wire rods. Yet, simply extending the chair back over the wire rods may be unsatisfactory because of the failure of the chair back to be adequately secured to the chair base. In addition, the load bearing rods can cause “whiting” of the chair back when in use. In particular, when a user sits on the chair, a force is applied to the chair back through the wire rods. As a result, the plastic chair back can become deformed and therefore, discolored.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved chair construction that will overcome these problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to an improved chair construction that may be manufactured at low cost while providing a secure assembly of the chair back to the chair base. In addition, this invention is directed to an improved chair construction that reduces deformation or “whiting” of the chair back.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a chair is provided including a support member, a projecting surface and a chair back. A support member having a top portion extends upward from a rear portion of the seat. A projecting surface is attached to the top portion of the support member. The chair back includes front, back, top and bottom surfaces. A cavity opens downwardly toward the bottom surface of the chair back. An aperture communicating with the cavity is located within one of the front and back surfaces of the chair back. The top portion of the support member extends into the cavity with the projecting surface extending into the aperture.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a chair is provided including a support member, an insert member and a chair back. A support member having a top portion extends upward from a rear portion of a seat. An insert member is connected to the top portion of the support member. The chair back includes a cavity formed in the lower portion thereof The cavity opens downwardly toward a bottom surface of the chair back. The top portion of the support member extends into the cavity with the insert being sized to securely mate within the cavity of the chair back.
As used herein, the term “support member” is intended to include various support structures in addition to the preferred embodiment shown in the Figures. In addition to the preferred embodiment where each “support member” includes three support elements, it is intended that this term also include chairs where either one or two support elements extend upward from the rear portion of the seat.
As used herein, the term “aperture” should be broadly interpreted so as to include physical configurations in addition to the preferred embodiment shown in the Figures. For example, the aperture could also be a “blind hole” that does not extend completely through the back surface of the chair back.
The invention, together with its further objects and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Gierz Marc A.
Newhouse Thomas J.
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Cuomo Peter M.
Herman Miller Inc.
White Rodney B.
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