Portable chair

There is provided a portable, folding chair with an enhanced seat and backrest. The seat includes a suspension system that is capable of providing an enhanced range of motion in seating directions. The backrest provides enhanced support through an enlarged support surface and improved disposition of the support surface relative to the chair frame. The seat and backrest can be used together on the same chair or independently. There is also provided an alternate seat employing a suspension system that is capable of providing an enhanced range of motion in seating directions and that has a low profile to be used in situations where storage space is a significant consideration.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to portable chairs and, more particularly, to portable, folding chairs having a durable and sturdy construction adapted for heavy use and providing enhanced structural features to facilitate comfort, use and storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the portable seating industry, a market exists for high performance folding chairs that are capable of efficiently and effectively withstanding heavy use and servicing large audiences. These seating situations are commonly found in gymnasiums, stadiums, auditoriums, schools and churches and at outdoor events, such as picnics and concerts. Due to the common nature of the events, the performance requirements for these chairs can be extremely demanding. For example, they must be able to withstand rugged use, such as that commonly found with sports fans and concert goers, and to also provide comfort for long seating periods.

Many folding chairs tend be uncomfortable, especially in circumstances of extended seating time. For example, seats are commonly made of a rigid material, such as metal, plastic or wood, which obviously can become uncomfortable over time. Sometimes these rigid seats are covered with a layer of padding, such as foam, which may not be sufficient in thickness, resiliency and/or quality in every case.

Moreover, these seat constructions tend to ignore the contours of the human body. For example, seating surfaces are commonly one dimensional, whereas the human body plainly is not so simple.

Folding chairs also tend to provide insufficient back support for the reason that the back support is commonly minimized for folding operation and storage. For instance, backrest portions are typically much smaller than the human back and also are made of a rigid material, such as metal, plastic or wood, which obviously can become uncomfortable over time, and ignores the contours of the human body. As with seats, backrests are sometimes covered with a layer of padding, such as foam, which may not be sufficient in every case. Also, backrests tend to be one-dimensional, as opposed to the human body. As a result, there is desire for a folding chair with a seat and backrest that provide enhanced comfort, particularly for high performance folding chairs used in preferred seating areas, and also the requisite durability for heavy and rugged use.

In addition to providing an enhanced folding chair, there is also a desire for a folding chair that provides enhanced seat comfort but remains lightweight and compact. In order to improve seating comfort, seats are commonly provided with additional padding, which, as a result, causes the overall thickness of the chair in the storage configuration to be too thick for many cases. That is, in some instances, storage for chairs is a significant consideration, and thus, these situations require a relatively thin chair to facilitate storage. However, there is a desire for a chair that provides a seat having more comfort than traditional metal or wood seats simply covered with a layer of foam that also can be stored in approximately the same space as such traditional chairs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIGS. 1–3, there is illustrated a portable, folding chair10embodying features of the present inventions. The chair10includes a set of front legs12that extend from the ground rearwardly and upwardly, and a set of rear legs14that extend from the ground forwardly and upwardly. The sets of front and rear legs12,14support a seat16, and the set of front legs12extend rearwardly upwards beyond the seat16to support a backrest18. At each side of the chair10, one of the front legs12and one of the rear legs14are joined with a pivot attachment20in an X-like manner to from an X-shaped frame. With the X-shaped frame, the chair10is able to accommodate a range of uneven surfaces in a manner where each of the legs12,14stays in contact with the ground. To further enhance the comfort of the chair10, the seat16includes an enhanced suspension system22, and the backrest18provides improved support through an enlarged support surface24and improved disposition of the support surface24relative to the chair frame.

As discussed in further detail infra, the suspension systems22includes a multi-layer structure designed to provide an enhanced range of motion for the seat16, particularly in the vertical direction. More specifically, a suspension support frame26defines a central opening28, which is covered with an elastic webbing30. The webbing30supports a layer of foam32, and a soft cover34overlies the foam32. The webbing30provides the seat with enhanced relief in the generally downward vertical direction beyond a seat frame27. The seat frame27supports the suspension system22in the chair10and is attached to the rear legs12with a pivot attachment29.

The backrest18also includes a multi-layer structure that provides enhanced back support through the enlarged support surface area24and an enhanced angle of contact with the occupant's back. As illustrated inFIGS. 15–20, the backrest18includes a front clamshell member36and a rear clamshell member38. The clamshell members36,38are closed about most of the frame portion extending upward beyond the seat16. The clamshell members36,38enlarge the surface area of the backrest and are preferably angled slightly forward relative to the supporting portion of the frame. This forward angle aids to position the back in a more upright position. A foam layer40molded in the form of a sleeve extends over the assembled clamshell members36,38. The foam layer40has varying thickness designed to provide more comfort in predetermined areas. A flexible cover42in the form of a sleeve overlies the foam layer40.

Returning toFIGS. 1 and 2, the pivot attachment20enables the front legs12and the rear legs14to move between a use position and a storage position. In the use position, the lower ends of the front and rear legs12,14are spaced from one another, and the frame takes on its X-like frame configuration. In the storage position, the legs12,14are shifted such that they are generally parallel to each other. The legs12,14are preferably made to have a double tube and channel cross-section to enhance overall strength of the chair10.

A first transverse frame member44located immediately below the pivot attachment20interconnects the front legs12, and a short frame member46extends downwardly and outwardly from the first transverse frame member44to the front leg portion located above the lower end of each of the front legs12.

A second transverse frame member48extends between the rear legs14intermediate the lower ends of the rear legs14and the pivot attachment20. A third transverse frame member50extend between the rear legs14adjacent the upper ends of the rear legs14. Each of the upper ends of rear legs14can be enlarged to provide a larger support for the underside of seat16in the use position. The portions52of the front legs12extending upward beyond the seat16form an upper arcuate segment54across the top of the chair frame. A panel56extends between the upper portions52of the front legs12and around the inside of the upper arcuate segment54.

The seat16pivots about the pivot attachment29independently of the rear and front legs12,14between a horizontal, seating position and an upright position to provide additional space for walking between rows of chairs or for storage. A bracket58preferably is used to attach the seat frame27to the front legs12at the pivot attachment29. The bracket58preferably is in the shape of triangle with two points fixedly attached to the seat frame27and the third point defining a hole used to attach to the front legs12with the second pivot attachment29.

Additionally, the seat16can be biased to aid in returning (or, in some cases, to automatically return) the seat16to its upright orientation. More specifically, a spring (not shown), such as a helical spring, can be interconnected between one of the brackets58and to one of the rear chair legs14. A spring can be located at both brackets58if desired. In order to provide upward rotation, the spring is located rear of the pivot attachment29. From this reward, off-center location, the spring pulls down on the seat frame27, thereby causing the seat frame27to rotate to its upright orientation.

Referring toFIGS. 1–4, the seat frame27supports the planar suspension support26. The planar support26defines the central opening28, which, as illustrated, can be rectangular but, also, can be of any shape. The seat frame27includes an inward projecting ledge27athat supports the planar suspension support26and an upward projecting wall27bto prohibit lateral movement of the suspension support26. The planar suspension support26can be made of any durable material, such as metal, plastic or wood.

The elastic webbing30is stretched over the central opening28and fixed in place to the planar suspension support26adjacent the perimeter of the opening28by glue or any conventional fastener, such as staples, nails, tacks, screws, etc. As illustrated, staples60are used to secure the elastic webbing30. The preferred webbing30can be stretched or pre-tensioned over the opening28to provide the desired amount of tension to control the amount of suspension in the suspension system22. The webbing30enables the seat16to have relief in the downward vertical direction beyond the seat frame27. For example, the preferred amount of pretension is obtained from a 15% stretch of the elastic webbing30during assembly. The preferred webbing can be obtained from Ultraflex of High Point, N.C.

The elastic webbing30supports the foam pad layer32. The foam pad32has a predetermined upper contour consisting of a pair of parallel bolsters62along the left and right sides. The front center region64between the bolsters62is shaped to fall downward, such as a waterfall, and the rear center region66is shaped to taper downward similar to the front center region64. The foam pad32is preferably molded with a density of 3.5 pounds per cubic feet.

The soft cover34has the same shape as the upper, sides and rear surfaces of the foam pad32. The cover34is fitted snugly over the foam pad32and secured to the planar suspension support26with glue or any conventional fastener, such as staples, nails, tacks, screws, etc. The cover34is preferably formed from multi-pieces of material, such as side pieces34a,34band a top piece34c,that are fastened together, such as by conventional stitching34d.When stitching is employed, it is preferably done in a conventional manner that provides a high-end tailored appearance. In addition, the cover material can be of any type desired, such as leather, canvas or other fabric.

Referring to FIGS.1and4–7, the underside of the seat16is provided with a bottom cover68to protect against damage to the suspension system22and to facilitate easier cleaning of the chair. The bottom cover68preferably is a rigid structure. At the top, the bottom cover68includes an upstanding flange70about its generally rectangular perimeter. The dimensions preferably correspond to the dimensions of the suspension support26of the suspension system22so as to cover the entire underside of the seat16. The flange70also defines a pair of cut outs71to accommodate the operation of the pivot attachment29for the seat frame27. A planer wall portion72extends inward from the flange70to define a generally rectangular opening74. The planar wall portion72defines a number of spaced apart apertures76, which are used to mount the bottom cover68to the underside the suspension support26. For example, any conventional fastener, such as screws, nut/bolt combinations, etc., can be inserted through the holes and secured to the suspension support26.

The bottom cover68also includes a front, rear and side walls78a,78b,78d,78c,respectively, extending inwardly and downwardly from the planar wall portion72to a bottom wall80to define a cavity of sufficient depth to provide sufficient operating room for the suspension system22. The cavity generally depends under the opening of the suspension support26. The bottom cover68defines a number of passage or vents82that allow air to escape or enter the cavity as needed during use of the seat16. For instance, when someone sits down on the seat16, the vents82allow air to escape the cavity. In apposite, when someone stands up, the vents82allow air to be drawn in to the cavity as the elastic webbing30returns to its installed state and the foam32expands to its normal, uncompressed configuration. The preferred vents82consists of a number of circular holes defined by the rear wall78bof the bottom cover68. The exterior of the bottom cover also can be used to mount indicia84, such as seat number and/or location. More specifically, the indica can be placed on the outer surface of the front wall78aso that when the seat16is in the up position, it can be readily viewed. The bottom cover can be made of any suitably rigid material, including plastic, such as ABS ⅛-inch thick nominal.

Referring toFIGS. 15–20, the backrest18includes the front clamshell member36to enlarge the support surface24for the chair occupant's back. The front clamshell member36is symmetric about its longitudinally extending center axis. More specifically, the front clamshell member36consists of a wall86with an outer perimeter edge defined by an upper generally arcuate edge86a,a lower edge86band a pair of side edges86d,86eextending between the upper and lower edges86a,86b.A flange88extends generally perpendicularly from the wall88along the upper and sides edges86a,86c,86d.The width of the flange88is reduced at the lower portion of the side edges86c,86dto allow a portion of the frame near the seat16to extend from the clamshell member36. This construction enables the chairs to be positioned flush with one another for ganging purposes (i.e., chairs attached to one another in series). The flange88defines a number of spaced holes90used to attach the front clamshell member together to the portion52of the front legs12extending beyond the seat16and forming the upper arcuate segment54(seeFIG. 1). For instance, any conventional fastener, such as screws, rivets, etc., may be extended through the holes90and into holes defined in the upper portion52of the front legs12and the upper arcuate segment54.

The wall86is gradually concave and includes a lower arcuate region86ethat tapers and curves inward. This contour facilitates using thicker foam at the center portion of the backrest and provides relief for the lower portion of an occupant's back. The wall86also defines a number of spaced holes92used to mount the front clamshell member36. For instance, any conventional fastener, such as screws, rivets, etc., may be extended through the holes92and into holes defined in the panel56that extends between the upper portion52of the front legs12and around the inside of the upper arcuate segment56.

The rear clamshell member38includes a wall94with an outer perimeter edge defined by an upper and lower generally arcuate edges94a,94band a pair of side edges94c,94dextending between the upper and lower edges94a,94b.A flange96extends generally perpendicularly from the wall94at its perimeter at the upper and sides edges94a,94c,94d.The width of the flange96is reduced at the lower portion of the side edges94c,94dto allow a portion of the frame near the seat16to extend from the rear claim shell member38. This construction enables the chairs to be positioned flush with one another for ganging together (i.e., chairs attached to one another in series). The flange96defines a number of spaced holes98used to attach the rear clamshell member38to the portion52of the front legs12extending beyond the seat16and forming the upper arcuate segment54. The wall94is gradually convex. The rear clamshell member38is symmetric about its longitudinally extending center axis.

As illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16, the clamshell members36,38are closed about the upper segment54of the front legs, the panel56and most of the portion52of the front legs12extending upward beyond the seat16. The flange96of the rear clamshell member38engages the upper segment54and the portion52of the front legs12. The flange88of the front clamshell member36complements and overlies the flange96of the rear clamshell member38. The holes90,98align and a conventional fastener, such as a screw, rivet, etc., extends through the aligned holes90,98into holes in the upper segment54and the portion52of the front legs12to secure the clamshell members36,38together and to the chair10. The design of the clamshell members causes the support surface24to angle forward relative to the portions52of the rear legs14extending above the seat16. The relative angle can be in the preferred range of 5–10° inward. The clamshell members can be made from any material providing suitable support strength, such as molded plastic ABS ⅛ inch thick nominal.

Referring toFIGS. 15 and 16, the foam pad40of the backrest18is in the form of a sleeve that is fitted over the clamshell members36,38with the sleeve opening toward the seat16. The foam sleeve40is molded to have differing thicknesses at predetermined regions. For example, in the preferred foam sleeve40, front regions40a,40bare thicker than the rear region40cand the side region40d(i.e., the region that extends about the flange88of the front clamshell member36). The lower portions of the side regions40dare thinner than the remainder of side portions so that the portions52of the front legs14above the seat16can extend from the backrest18without causing the overall width of the chair10to be so much that the chair cannot be ganged flush to an adjacent chair.

The foam sleeve40has a laterally extending slit100located approximately one third of the distance down from the top of the chair10and centered laterally. The front regions40a,40blocated above and below the slit100have a vertical convex shape. The thickness of the front regions40a,40bare coordinated with the concave contour of the wall86of the front clamshell member36so that contour of the backrest is generally flat in the lateral direction. The foam sleeve can be made from two molded pieces (front and back) secured together. The foam sleeve also can be molded from material providing the desired density, which, in the preferred embodiment, is 3.5 pounds per cubic foot.

The cover42of the backrest18is in the form of a sleeve that is fitted over the foam sleeve40in a snug fashion with the sleeve opening toward the seat16. The opening is closed about the foam sleeve40and the front and rear clamshell members36,38in a secure manner, such as with conventional stitching. The cover42includes a portion that is designed to fit into the slit100of the foam sleeve40and to be secured to the front clamshell member36. More specifically, the cover42includes a tail portion102that is tucked into the slit100and affixed to the wall86of the front clamshell member36. The tail portion102can be affixed using glue or any conventional fastener, such as staples104.

To install the cover42, the cover's top portion is fitted over the foam sleeve40above the slit100, and then, the tail portion102of the cover42is inserted into the slit100and secured to the wall86of the front clamshell member36through the slit100. Next, the remainder of the cover42is fitted over the remainder of the foam sleeve40. Finally, the opening of the cover42is closed around the bottom opening of the foam sleeve40and the bottom of the front and rear clamshell members36,38, which can be done by stitching the opening closed or using other types of conventional fasteners, such as staples.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1,2and8–10, the chair10includes a front cover106at the front legs12. The front cover106fits over the front legs12, the first transverse frame member44and the short frame members46, all located below the seat16. More specifically, the front cover106includes a front wall106a,an inner wall106band three outer walls106c,106d,106e.The inner wall106band two of the outer side walls106d,106edefine a pair of side channels108, and the inner wall106band the other outer side wall106cdefine an upper channel110. The side channels108include a narrow portion108athat receives the lower portion of the front legs12and a gradually widening portion108bto accommodate receiving the short frame members46at the other portion of the front legs12. The upper channel110receives the first transverse frame member44. The upper outer wall106cand each of the other outer walls106d,106eare spaced from one another at the corners114to provide corner relief to accommodate the juncture between the first transverse frame member44and the front legs12. The front cover106is mounted to the front legs12using a number of conventional fasteners116, such as screw/nut combinations, rivets, etc. The front cover106protects the frame from damage and can be made from any material having suitable strength, such as ABS ⅛-inch thick nominal, to provide protection.

Referring to FIGS.1and11–14, the chair10includes a rear cover118at the rear legs14. The rear cover118covers the second and third transverse frame members48,50extending between the rear legs14and a portion of the rear legs12, all located below the seat16. More specifically, the rear cover118includes a rear wall118a,top wall118b,bottom wall118c,upper side walls118d,118eand lower side walls118f,118g.The upper wall118bfits over the third transverse frame member50and is separated from the upper side walls118d,118eat the corners120to provide corner relief to accommodate the juncture between the third transverse frame member50and the rear legs14. The lower side walls118f,118gare spaced laterally outward from their respective upper sidewalls118d,118e,which defines a gap122on each side of the rear cover118. The gaps122allow the rear legs14to extend out of the rear cover118. That is, the upper side wall118d,118eextend along the inside of the rear legs14, and the lower side walls118f,118gextend along the outside of the rear legs14. The bottom wall118cand the lower side walls118f,118gform a pair of channels124that receive a small segment of the rear legs14. The rear wall118aincludes a number of spaced elongated ribs126projecting from the rear of the cover118. The rear cover118can be used as a footrest and the ribs26aid in preventing one's feet from sliding around on the rear cover118. The rear cover118is mounted to the rear legs14and the third transverse frame member50using a number of conventional fasteners128, such as screw/nut combinations, rivets, etc. The rear cover118protects the frame from damage and can be made from any material having suitable strength, such as ABS ⅛-inch thick nominal, to provide protection.

The chair10also can be fitted with inter-brackets130used to gang chairs together in a row. The inter-brackets130are affixed to the outside of the front legs12and cooperate with corresponding inter-brackets on adjacent chairs. One side of the chair would have brackets of a female style with a keyway, and the other side would have a male style with a projection terminating with an enlarged end portion that is inserted into the keyway and slid in the keyway to secure the interconnection. The inter-brackets130also can be used to attach accessories, such as armrests, to the chairs and in between chairs affixed in rows. The armrests also can include cup holders.

Referring toFIGS. 21–24, there is illustrated another seat200for a folding chair embodying features of the present invention. The seat200provides a thin profile that promotes a lightweight, compact seat with an enhanced suspension system for comfort. As a result, a chair can provide the benefits of the suspension system without sacrificing storage space.

The seat200has a rigid frame202to support the suspension system, which includes top and bottom layers of an elastic web204, a foam pad206and a cover208. More specifically, the frame202has a generally rectangular shape with a slightly arcuate front member202a,a slightly arcuate rear member202b,and a pair of generally linear side members202c,202d.The frame202preferably has a lightweight, strong construction that is achieved using a hollow tubular construction for the members. The preferred tubular members can be made from any suitable material and characteristics, such as metal or plastic, that provides sufficient strength. One such material would be ⅝–14 gauge EW.

The frame202can consist of two generally U-shaped components that are assembled together. For example, one U-shaped component can consist of the front member202aand half of the side members202c,202d,and the other U-shaped component can consist of the rear member202band the other half of the side members202c,202d.Additionally, end portions210of the half side members202c,202dcan have a reduced diameter, and when inserted into the other half of the side member of the other U-shaped component, the friction fit between them holds the frame202together.

The arcuate front and rear members202a,202bpreferably have the same radius of curvature which, for example, can be 19.25 inches. The side members202c,202dadjacent the front member202aincludes a slight downward bend212to slightly lower the front member202aof the seat200relative to the rear member202band the remaining portions of the side members202c,202d.For example, the bend could lower the lowest portion of the front member202aapproximately 1 to 2 inches. Lowering the front member202aprovides relief for the back of an occupant's legs, thereby facilitating comfort.

Each side member202c,202dalso includes a pair of inward projecting tabs214used to mount the seat200to a chair. Each tab214defines an aperture216that is used to attach a bracket (described infra) that, in turn, attaches the seat200to a chair.

The elastic web layer204is the inner most layer. The elastic web204is preferably in the form of sleeve into which the frame202is inserted. For example, the front member202ais inserted into the elastic web sleeve204first, and then, the elastic web sleeve204is closed at the rear member202beither by attaching it to the rear member202bor closing it around the rear member202b.That is, the opening portion of the elastic web sleeve204can be attached to the rear member202bwith small straps, or the opening portion of the sleeve204can be closed, such as with stitching, so that the entire frame202is in side the elastic web sleeve204. The size of the elastic web sleeve204and the frame202are coordinated such that, when the frame202has been inserted into the elastic sleeve204, the sleeve204has the desired amount of pre-tensioning, which is preferably about a 15 percent stretch of the elastic material. The preferred elastic web material is the same as that described supra for the other chair seat suspension system.

The next layer is the foam layer206, which also preferably is in the form of a sleeve into which the frame202fitted with the elastic web sleeve204is inserted. For instance, the front member202ais inserted into the foam sleeve206first. The foam sleeve206can be relatively thin because of the enhanced suspension provided by the frame202fitted with the elastic web sleeve204and can also have varying thickness. For example, the portion206aof the foam sleeve206extending across the top of the seat preferably has a larger thickness than the portions206c,206dalong the side members202c,202d,respectively, as well as the portion extending across the bottom of the seat200. This facilitates a low profile seat, which, in turn, facilitates a low profile chair, which enables more chairs to be stored in give amount of space.

Moreover, the portion206aof the foam sleeve206extending across the top of the seat200can also have varying thickness to provide enhanced comfort. For example, the portions extending adjacent the side members206c,206dcould be thicker to provide enhanced lateral support, and the portion extending adjacent the front member202acould be thinner to provide relief for the back of the legs.

As mentioned supra, the seat200is attached to the folding chair using a bracket. The preferred bracket depends on whether the seat200is able to lift up independent of the chair folding. Referring toFIGS. 25–27, there is illustrated a bracket218used when the seat200is fixed, and inFIGS. 28–30, there is illustrated a bracket220that allows the seat200to pivot upward independently of the chair folding. The preferred brackets can be made of any suitable material, such as14gage steel, that is known to support the desired load.

More specifically, to mount the seat200in fixed manner, a pair of the brackets218are used, with one mounted along each of the side members202c,202dof the seat frame202. The bracket218has an elongated construction with an L-shaped cross-section defined by an elongated horizontal member218athat attaches to and supports the seat200and an elongated vertical member218bthat attaches to the chair. The horizontal member218adefines a pair of holes that align with the holes216of the tabs214, and a conventional fastener, such as a screw, bolt/nut combination, etc., extends through the aligned holes and secures the bracket218to the seat200. The vertical member218balso defines a pair of holes222,224, each located adjacent opposite ends, to secure the seat to the chair frame.

The hole222closer to the front member202aof the seat200is used to attach the bracket218to an upward extension226of a rear leg228of the chair frame. The length of the upward extension226is coordinated to support the seat200in a horizontal orientation for use. The terminal end of the upward extension226defines a hole that is aligned with the hole222of the bracket218a,and a conventional fastener, such as a bolt/nut combination, rivet, etc., extends through the aligned holes to secure the bracket218to the upward extension226in manner that allows them to pivot relative to one another so the seat200can be pivoted upward to a generally vertical orientation for storage.

The other hole224of the vertical member218battaches to a link member230that attaches to an upward extension232of the front leg member234. More specifically, the link member230defines a pair of holes, each located adjacent the ends of the link member230. One hole aligns with a hole in the upward extension232of the front leg member234, and a conventional fastener, such as a bolt/nut combination, rivet, etc., extends through the aligned holes to form a pivotable attachment236. The other holes aligns with the hole224of the vertical member218b,and a conventional fastener, such as a bolt/nut combination, rivet, etc., also extends through the aligned holes to form a pivotable attachment238. The length of the link member230is coordinated to support the seat200in a horizontal orientation for use and allow the seat200to be pivoted upward as the chair is folded to its storage position. For example, in the use position, the link member230extends generally vertical relative to the ground, and in the storage position, the link member230extends generally parallel to the front leg member234. It is also preferred that the brackets218be mounted to the chair first, and then, the seat200is affixed to the brackets218.

As illustrated inFIGS. 28–30, to mount the seat200in pivotable manner, a pair of the brackets220are employed, with one mounted along each of the side members202c,202dof the seat frame202. The bracket220has an elongated horizontal member220athat attaches to and supports the seat200and a vertical tab220bthat attaches to the chair. The horizontal member220adefines a pair of holes that align with the holes216of the tabs214and a conventional fastener, such as a screw, bolt/nut combination, rivet, etc, extends through the aligned holes and secures the bracket220to the seat200. The vertical tab220balso defines a hole242to secure the seat200to the chair frame. That is, the hole242aligns with a hole in the rear leg244of the chair frame, and a conventional fastener, such as a screw, bolt/nut combination, rivet, etc, extends through the aligned holes and secures the bracket220to the chair frame with a pivot attachment246. A spacer248is preferably between the vertical tab220band the rear leg244. Additionally, the preferred vertical tab220bhas a generally triangular configuration with the hole242at the distal apex.

It will be understood that various changes in the detail, materials and arrangement of parts and assemblies which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the present invention may be made by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the present invention as expressed in the appended claims.