Patent ID: 7686399
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: A47C

Abstract:
1. A seating unit comprising: a base; a seat supported on the base; and a back construction operably supported on the base for movement between an upright position and a recline position; the back construction including a back frame and including a back support defining thoracic, pelvic, and lumbar regions on the back frame in a vertical arrangement where a front surface of the thoracic, pelvic, and lumbar regions define a first curved shape with the lumbar region protruding forwardly; the back frame including at least one multi-link arrangement incorporating components pivotally interconnected to flex and change shape in order to move the lumbar region rearwardly while continuing to support the thoracic and pelvic regions upon receiving a rearward lumbar pressure from a seated user, wherein the components of the back frame include upper and lower segments and at least one pair of links interconnecting the upper and lower segments to form the multi-link arrangement, the components defining at least one flexible pivot-defining joint spaced above a top surface of the seat and located in the lumbar region, so that upon receiving the rearward lumbar pressure, the back support and back frame change from the first curved shape to define a more planar second shape.