Patent ID: 7644991
Filing Date: 2010-01-12
Classification: A47C

Abstract:
1. A chair, comprising: a base configured to support the chair on a floor surface in a generally upright position; a user support structure extending upwardly from the base, and including a generally upright back rest portion, and a seat portion having a generally horizontal upper seating surface; at least one folding armrest, the armrest comprising: upwardly-extending armrest structure including a lower portion secured to the user support structure, and an upper portion pivotably connected to the lower portion at at least one pivot for rotating movement in first and second rotational directions between a generally upright position wherein the upper portion of the armrest structure extends upwardly from the lower portion of the armrest structure, and a folded position wherein the upper portion extends downwardly from the at least one pivot along side of the lower portion; a releasable catch mechanism selectively retaining the upper portion in the upright position, the releasable catch mechanism including a first catch having a first catch surface, and a second catch having a second catch surface, wherein at least the first catch surface is movable relative to the second catch surface between an engaged position wherein the first and second catch surfaces are in engagement and the first and second catches substantially prevent pivoting movement of the upper portion of the armrest structure relative to the lower portion of the armrest structure in at least the first rotational direction, and a disengaged position wherein the first and second catches permit pivoting movement of the upper portion of the armrest structure relative to the lower portion of the armrest structure in at least the first rotational direction; and wherein: the first catch comprises a flexible member having a base portion fixed to the armrest structure, and a resiliently deformable portion that is deformed when the first catch surface is in the disengaged position and biases the first catch surface into the engaged position.