Patent ID: 6322147
Filing Date: 2001-11-27
Classification: A47C

Abstract:
A chair comprising:(a) a base;(b) a spreader bar;(c) an elongate seat frame, the seat frame having a U-shaped plan and front elevational configuration including a horizontal cross segment, rearwardly extending seat segments, and an approximately L-shaped side elevational profile including the rearwardly extending seat segments and upwardly extending back segments,wherein:(i) the cross segment of the seat frame rigidly extends between the seat segments, thereby rigidly spacing front extremities of the seat segments;(ii) the spreader bar engages the back segments in horizontally spaced relation above the seat segments for spacing upper portions of the back segments; and(iii) the seat and back segments of the seat frame extend in rigidly spaced relation from the cross segment to above the spreader bar;(d) a connector structure connecting the seat frame to the base, the connector structure rigidly spacing the seat frame proximate rear extremities of the seat segments;(e) a tensile member having a seat portion engaging respective portions of the seat segments and a back portion engaging the back segments of the seat frame for supporting an occupant of the chair, the spreader bar extending behind the back portion of the tensile member, the tensile member being tensioned between opposite sides of the seat frame,wherein the engagement of the tensile support with the seat frame includes the tensile support including a back portion having a pair of back pockets having respective upper closures, the pockets enclosing upper extremities of the back segments, each back segment of the seat frame being formed with front and rear side walls thereof in facing contact at the respective upper extremities, each of the back segment extremities compressively engaging the upper closures of the back pockets for vertically tensioning the back portion of the tensile support, andwherein a front wall of each back segment is uniformly spaced from a tube centerline of the seat frame to a point proximate each upper extremity, and an opposite rear wall of each back segment is formed smoothly converging into contact with the front wall proximate the upper extremity from a point below the contact for facilitating a smooth front contour of the back segments, and for limiting plan area exposure of the back pockets proximate the upper extremities of the back segments.