Patent Publication Number: US-7708349-B2

Title: Knock down chair

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional application for patent Ser. No. 60/916,094, filed May 4, 2007, and entitled KNOCK DOWN CHAIR, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   This invention is related to the field of general purpose, auditorium furniture; more specifically, to stackable and folding chairs for use in temporary and general seating for open areas. 
   BACKGROUND 
   A folding chair is a light portable chair that can be stored in a stack or row. They are usually used for parties, card games, and temporary seating. They typically can be stored quite easily by either a method of stacking one on top of the other or by folding them into a compact shape. 
   Folding chairs were already being used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The curule chair of the Roman magistrate was a folding chair, as well as the seat of the emperor. The frame was mostly made of wood, and seldom made of metal. The wood was inlaid with artistic carvings, gilded, and decorated with ivory. In Northern Europe, folding chairs date back to the Bronze Age. 
   The folding chair became especially widespread during the middle ages. Here it was treasured as a liturgical furniture piece. Since the 15th and 16th century the folding chair has mostly had arm and head rests. Newer chairs which are often found in functions and events are also called folding chairs. Today, the folding chair is mostly made of hard plastic or metal. 
   However, folding chairs can lack the stability of a stackable chair. Additionally, folding chairs pose a separate problem of requiring a storage rack to contain the chairs while the chairs are in the collapsed (folded) position for storage. Stackable chairs are not collapsed or folded for storage. Stackable chairs do not require a storage rack. Stackable chairs are readily stored by stacking one or more stackable chairs on top of another stackable chair. 
   In order to maintain the stability while stacked and maintain stability while an individual is seated on the stackable chair, the stackable chairs are typically assembled by welding the joints together at the manufacturer&#39;s location. After the manufacturer constructs a number of stackable chairs, the manufacturer ships the stackable chairs to a consumer or vendor as specified in an order by the consumer or vendor. Though the chairs can be stored readily by a stacking design, the stackable chairs are not shipped very easily. The object of the design and welded assembly at the manufacture is to facilitate more stability during storage by stacking one atop the other and maintaining a specified stability while an individual is seated on the stackable chair. As such, the stackable chairs are cumbersome to ship. What is needed is a stackable chair design that can be knocked-down to enable the manufacturer or vendor to maximize the number of chairs that can be shipped in one container while still maintaining the proper stability required for seating and the functionality of stacking. 
   SUMMARY 
   In one aspect thereof, there is disclosed a new auditorium chair structure. The auditorium chair structure has the following components: fastening with screws, snap tight buttons, or other fasteners, dimensioning in accordance with use in current auditorium chair sizes, and fabrication design enabling efficient shipment while maintaining stability and stacking capability. 
   The auditorium chair structure includes a knock-down design that provides the ability for the chair to be placed, while disassembled, in a more compact container for a more efficient shipping assisting in the reduction of shipping costs for the chair. The knock-down design further enables the purchaser of the chair to easily and quickly assemble the chair. Additionally, the knock-down design is such that, once assembled, the chair is readily stackable with other chairs of the same or similar design. 
   The auditorium chair structure is further designed to be interlocked with other chairs of the same or similar design. Each auditorium chair structure has an interlocking connection on each side of the chair to create a more stable, and readily detachable, interlocking connection with an adjoining chair of the same or similar design. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a knock-down chair; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a profile view of an exemplary left frame support structure of a knock-down chair; 
       FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C illustrate views of exemplary support structures of a knock-down chair; 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate plan and profile views of an exemplary cross-member of a knock-down chair; 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a knock-down chair with an exemplary frame leg support brace; 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a knock-down chair with an exemplary frame leg support brace attached; 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method of shipping a knock-down chair; 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method of assembling a knock-down chair. 
   

   Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate like elements throughout, the various views and embodiments of a knock down chair are illustrated and described, and other possible embodiments are described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations based on the following examples of possible embodiments. 
   In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. The present invention comprises of an apparatus for stackable, temporary, knock-down auditorium seating. 
   An exemplary apparatus for stackable, temporary, auditorium seating is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support frame and cross-members. The apparatus is dimensioned to conform with and for use with current auditorium seating dimensions. The apparatus further includes a connection joint to enable interlocking with additional auditorium seats. 
   A method for shipping and assembling a stackable chair is disclosed. The method includes providing a stackable chair that includes a support frame and cross-members. The stackable is dimensioned to conform to and for use with current auditorium seating dimensions. The method includes placing the stackable chair in a disassembled arrangement into a container for shipping and providing a knock-down design that enables and end use to quickly and readily assemble the stackable chair. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of the knock-down auditorium (hereinafter “knock-down”) chair  100  is shown. The knock-down chair  100  has a right frame member  102  and a left frame member  104 . The knock-down chair  100  additionally has a cross-member  106  forming a substantially planar lower support layer. The right frame member  102  and left frame member  104  have holes  108  through the right and left frame members  102 ,  104  to enable fastening of a backrest and seat (not shown). The backrest and seat may be constructed of a rigid material or a fabric. The back and seat may further comprise a cushion affixed thereto. The back and seat may be secured to the knock-down chair  100  by a series of screws fastened via the holes  108  into the back and seat. Optionally, the back and seat can be detachably connected to the knock-down chair  100  via another fastening means including, but not limited to, a series of push pin-type connections, snap tight buttons, or other fasteners establishing a secure connection between the back and the knock-down chair  100  and the seat and the knock-down chair  100 . The right frame member  102 , left frame member  104 , and cross-member  106  may all be fabricated of wood, metal, plastic or other materials and composite materials as known in the art with sufficient rigidity and stability for use in an auditorium chair. Such composite materials include, but are not limited to, Fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs), carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass reinforced plastic (GRP), thermoplastic composites, short fiber thermoplastics, long fiber thermoplastics, long fiber reinforced thermoplastics, thermoset composites, metal matrix composites (MMC), ceramic matrix composites including bone (hydroxyapatite reinforced with collagen fibers), Cermet (ceramic and metal), and engineered wood including plywood, oriented strand board, wood plastic composite (recycled wood fiber in polyethylene matrix), Pykrete (sawdust in ice matrix), Plastic-impregnated or laminated paper or textiles, Arborite, Formica (plastic), and Micarta. 
   Glides  110  are attached to a bottom end of a front leg  112  and a bottom end of a rear leg  114  of the right frame member  102 . Glides  110  are also attached to a bottom end of a front leg  116  and a bottom end of a rear leg  118  of the left frame member  104 . The glides  110  are adapted to provide a non-abrasive contact between the legs of the knock-down chair  100  and a floor surface. The glides  110  may be rubber, wood, or metal. Further, the glides may be pivotally attached to the legs  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118  to facilitate a more comprehensive connection with an uneven floor surface. Skilled artisans will appreciate that casters can be used in place of the glides  110 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary left frame member  104  is shown. The left frame member  104  has a rear male joint  202  welded onto the interior side of the rear leg  118 . The left frame member additionally has a front male joint  204  welded onto the interior side of the front leg  116 . The rear male joint  202  and front male joint  204  can be dimensioned to be rectangular in shape. The rear male joint  202  is dimensioned to be approximately ⅝ inch by ⅝ inch square and extends approximately one inch from the interior side of the rear leg  118  of the left frame member  104 . The front male joint  204  is also dimensioned to be approximately ⅝ inch by ⅝ inch square and extends approximately one inch from the interior side of the front leg  116  of the left frame member  104 . Artisans of skill will appreciate that these dimensions are exemplary and that many other dimensions can be utilized. Furthermore, the front male joint  204  and the rear male joint  202  can be dimensioned to be circular, oval shaped, triangular, pentagon shaped, or uniquely dimensioned such that it does not conform to a readily identifiable shape and may be uniquely associated to the knock-down chair  100 . 
   Additionally, as depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 3C , a threaded channel  302  extends through the rear and front male joints  202 ,  204 . The threaded channel  302  extends from a front facing side of the rear male joint  202  to a rear facing side of the rear male joint  202 . The threaded channel  302  extends on a path substantially parallel to the interior side of the rear leg  118  of the left frame member  104 . The threaded channel  302  extends on the substantially parallel path to the interior side of the rear leg  118  at approximately ¾ inch distance from the interior side the rear leg  118 . Artisans of skill will appreciate that this distance is exemplary and many other distances are possible. Additionally, some embodiments provide for more than one threaded channel  302  extending on a path substantially parallel to the interior side of the rear leg  118  of the left frame member  104 . Furthermore, the rear male joint  202  is welded to the interior side of the rear leg  118  such that the rear facing side of the rear male joint  202  is substantially parallel to the rear facing surface of the rear leg  118  of the left frame member  104 . 
   Additionally, a threaded channel  302  extends from a front side of front male joint  204  to a rear side of the front male joint  204 . The threaded channel  302  extends on a path substantially parallel to the interior side of the front leg  116  of the left frame member  104 . The threaded channel  302  extends on a path substantially parallel to the interior side of the front leg  116  of the left frame member  104  at approximately ¾ inch distance from the interior side of the front leg  116 . Artisans of skill will appreciate that this distance is exemplary and many other distances are possible. Additionally, some embodiments provide for more than one threaded channel  302  extending on a path substantially parallel to the interior side of the front leg  116  of the left frame member  104 . Furthermore, the front male joint  204  is welded to the interior side of the front leg  116  such that the front facing side of the front male joint  202  is substantially parallel to the front facing surface of the front leg  116  of the left frame member  104 . Artisans of ordinary skill can appreciate that these measurements comprise one example. Other dimensions and shapes can be utilized to accomplish the same functionality. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , a rear and front male joint  202 ,  204  are each welded to the interior side of the right frame member  102 . The rear male joint  202  is similar the front male joint  204  in composition, dimensioning, and shape. A threaded channel  302  extends through the rear and front male joints  202 ,  204  of the right frame member  102 . The threaded channel  302  extends from a front facing side of the rear male joint  202  to a rear facing side of the rear male joint  202 . The threaded channel  302  extends on a path substantially parallel to the interior side of the rear leg  114  of the right frame member  102 . The threaded channel  302  extends on a path substantially parallel to the interior side of the rear leg  114  of the right frame member  102  at approximately ¾ inch distance from the interior side of the rear leg  114  of the right frame member  102 . Artisans of skill will appreciate that this distance is exemplary and many other distances are possible. Additionally, some embodiments provide for more than one threaded channel  302  extending on a path substantially parallel to the interior side of the rear leg  114  of the right frame member  102 . Furthermore, the rear male joint  202  is welded to the interior side of the rear leg  114  of the right frame member  102  such that the rear facing side of the rear male joint  202  is substantially parallel to the rear facing surface of the rear leg  114  of the right frame member  102 . 
   Additionally, a threaded channel  302  extends from a front facing side of front male joint  204  to a rear facing side of the front male joint  204 . The threaded channel  302  extends on a path substantially parallel to the interior side of the front leg  112  of the right frame member  102  at approximately ¾ inch distance from the interior side of the right frame member  102 . Artisans of skill will appreciate that this distance is exemplary and many other distances are possible. Additionally, some embodiments provide for more than one threaded channel  302  extending on a path substantially parallel to the interior side of the front leg  112  of the right frame member  102 . Furthermore, the front male joint  204  is welded to the interior side of the front leg  112  of the right frame member  102  such that the front facing side of the front male joint  202  is substantially parallel to the front facing surface of the front leg  112  of the right frame member  104 . Artisans of ordinary skill can appreciate that these measurements comprise one example. Other dimensions and shapes can be utilized to accomplish the same functionality. For example, instead of utilizing rectangular tubes, circular tubes may be utilized as well as different diameters and inch measurements. Furthermore, solid beams or hollow tubes may be used. 
   Referring back to  FIG. 2 , a frame leg support brace channel  206  extends through the left frame support  104 . This frame leg support brace channel  206  extends along a path substantially perpendicular to the interior side of the left frame support  104 . This frame leg support brace channel  206  extends along a path substantially perpendicular to the interior side of the left frame support  104  at approximately 1½ inches from the front edge  208  of the left frame support  104 . A similar channel  206  extends through the right frame support  102  (not shown). Artisans of skill will appreciate that this distance is exemplary and many other distances are possible. 
   Attached on the rear facing surface of the front leg  116  and the front facing surface of the rear leg  118  are stacking bumpers  210 . The stacking bumpers  210  can be made from a plurality of materials including rubber, wood, plastic and metal. The stacking bumpers  210  can be in a plurality of colors and dimensioned to be square, rectangular, circular, triangular, or oval shaped, or dimensioned to be a shape not readily identifiable that may be unique to the knock-down chair  110 . The stacking bumpers  210  are configured to provide a substantially non-abrasive barrier between knock-down chairs  100  when in the stacked position. Further, the stacking bumpers  210  can be configured with a coefficient of friction sufficient to assist in the stability of a plurality of knock-down chairs  100  in the stacked position by assisting in the reduction of lateral slipping between the stacked knock-down chairs  100 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , there is illustrated the right frame member  102  and left frame member  104 . As can be seen, the right frame member  102  is substantially similar to the left frame member  104 . The right frame member  102  and left frame member  104  are comprised of two sets of rectangular tubes. Each set of rectangular tubes is further comprised of one rectangular tube for the lower half  308  and a rectangular tube for the upper half  310 . The rectangular tube for the lower half  308  is molded into an inverted “U” shape to form the front legs  112 ,  116  and rear legs  114 ,  118  (see  FIG. 2 ). The rectangular tube for the upper half  310  is molded into an “L” shape to form the seat and back (see  FIG. 2 ). The lower half  308  is welded to the upper half  310  at the crest of the inverted “U” of the lower half  308  to the lower leg of the “L” of the upper half  310 . A planar seat layer  312  is created at the weld between the lower half  308  and upper half  310 . A seat (not shown) can be removably attached to the planar seat layer  312  by screws, snap tight buttons, or other fasteners. 
   Some embodiments of the knock-down chair include the use of circular tubes, or oval tubes in place of rectangular tubes. In such embodiments, the points where one tube contacts a second tube may be secured by additional welding to assist in maintaining stability. Additional embodiments provide that multiple sheets of metal are welded together to form the rectangular tubes described herein. In such embodiments, the sheets of metal that would exist between the connection of the lower half  308  connect to the upper half  310  may be omitted such that a hollow channel is created within the connection of the lower half  308  and the upper half  310 . In some embodiments, each side  102 ,  104  of the knock-down chair are fabricated whole. In such embodiments, the sides  102 ,  104  may be cast into a shape that conforms with the stackable design (as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 A and  3 B). In some embodiments, the sides  102 ,  104  may be manufactured through an injection molding process or a milling process. 
   Attached to the frames  102 ,  104  of the chair is an interlocking interface. The interlocking interface is a knock-down fitting which comprises a pair of interlockable elements adapted to be secured to respective sides of the knock-down chair for maintaining said sides in fixed relation to one another when the elements are interlocked. The elements have co-operable means inter-engageable in a snap-fitting manner to secure the elements together substantially without play. 
   An interlocking receiver joint  304  is welded to the exterior side of the right frame member  102 . The interlocking receiver joint  304  is comprised of a sheet of metal dimensioned to be approximately 2½ inches long by 1¾ inches wide by ⅛ inches thick. An opening  314  (illustrated in  FIG. 5  as part of the final form of the interlocking receiver joint  304 ) is cut into the sheet. The first edge of the opening is approximately ⅝ inches from a first edge of the sheet of metal. The second edge of the opening is approximately 1⅛ inches from the trailing edge of the sheet of metal. The opening is dimensioned to be ⅞ inches wide. The opening  314  centered across the width of the metal sheet. The sheet is bent at ninety degrees at approximately one inch from the first edge of the sheet of metal. The sheet is bent at ninety degrees in the same direction as the first bend at  2  inches from the first edge of the sheet of metal. As a result of the two ninety degree bends, the interlocking receiver joint  304  is formed with a lower segment, a side segment and an upper segment. Additionally, as a result of the two ninety degree bends, the opening  314  is disposed along the lower and side segments of the interlocking receiver joint  304 . The interlocking receiver joint  304  is welded to the exterior side of the right frame member  102  along the lower segment of the interlocking receiver joint  304 . The weld joint between the right frame member  102  and the lower segment of the metal sheet forming the interlocking receiver joint  304  extends from the first edge of the metal sheet to the first edge of the opening of the interlocking receiver joint  304  such that the opening  314  extends substantially from the right frame member  102  (as illustrated in  FIG. 5 ). The interlocking receiver joint  304  is additionally welded to the right frame member  102  at the second edge of the metal sheet forming interlocking receiver joint  304 . The interlocking receiver joint  304  is welded to the exterior side of the right frame member  102  such that the side segment of the interlocking receiver joint  304  is substantially parallel to the exterior side of the right frame member  102 . The interlocking receiver joint  304  is welded to the exterior side of the right frame member  102  such that the interlocking receiver joint  304  is placed approximately eight inches from the front facing surface of the front leg  112 . Artisans of skill will appreciate that these dimensions are exemplary and many other dimensions are possible. 
   An interlocking hook joint  306  is welded to the exterior side of the left frame member  104 . The interlocking hook joint  306  is comprised of a second metal sheet dimensioned approximately 2⅛ inches long, ⅝ inches wide and ⅛ inches thick. The sheet is bent at ninety degrees at approximately 1⅜ inch from the first edge of the second sheet of metal. As a result of the ninety degree bend, the second metal sheet is formed with a lower segment and a side segment. The second metal sheet is welded to the exterior side of the left frame member  104  along the lower segment of the second metal sheet. The weld joint between the left frame member  104  and the lower segment of the metal sheet extends from the first edge of the metal sheet to a point approximately ⅞ inches from the first edge. The second metal sheet is welded to the exterior side of the left frame member  104  such that the side segment of the second metal sheet is substantially parallel to the exterior side of the left frame member  104 . The metal sheet is welded to the exterior side of the right frame member  102  such that the interlocking hook joint  306  is placed approximately 8½ inches from the front edge of the front leg  116 . The interlocking hook joint  306  is compatible for coupling with an interlocking receiver joint  304  of another knock-down chair  100 . 
   In some embodiments, different interlocking means are employed. In such embodiments, the interlocking means can include, but are not limited to, magnetically coupled connectors, hook and loop connectors, fabric connectors affixed to the sides  102 ,  104  via rivets or other fastening means, push-pin male and female connectors, snap-type connectors, and sliding male/female connectors. The interlocking means (connectors) can be attached by various means as is known in the art. Furthermore, the interlocking means are configured such that similar knock-down chairs are adapted to connect to other similar knock-down chairs with a compatible connector. In such embodiments, the knock-down chair  100  includes an interlocking means on the exterior of each side  102 ,  104  of the knock-down chair  100 . If the interlocking connection means requires that one connector be a male type connector and the other be a female type connector, then the male connectors will all be installed on a first side of the knock-down chair  100  and the female connectors installed on the second side of the knock-down chair  100 . For example, each knock-down chair  100  can have the male type connector of the interlocking means installed on the exterior of the right frame member  102  and the female connector of the interlocking means installed on the exterior of the left frame member  104 . As such, when two knock-down chairs  100  are placed next to each other with the fronts of the knock-down chairs  100  facing the same direction, the male connection interlocking means on the first knock-down chair  100  will align and interlock with the female connection interlocking means on the second knock-down chair  100 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , there is depicted profile and plan views of an exemplary cross-member  106  for a knock down chair. The cross-member  106  has a front support member  402  and a rear support member  404 . The front support member  402  and the rear support member  404  are each rectangular tubes dimensioned to be approximately ¾ inch by ¾ inch and approximately 18¼ inches long. Artisans of skill will appreciate that many other shapes and configurations are possible as described herein with respect to the rectangular tubes of the right and left frames  102 ,  104 . The front support member  402  and the rear support member  404  are set substantially parallel to each other. The front support member  402  has a rectangular channel  406  disposed to fit over and around the front male joints  202  of the right and left frame members  102 ,  104 . The rear support member  404  has a rectangular channel  406  disposed to fit over and around the rear male joints  204  of the right and left frame members  102 ,  104 . Additionally, in such embodiments where the front and rear male joints  202 ,  204  are dimensioned to be a different shape, or a unique shape, the channels  406  are similarly dimensioned to be disposed to fit over and around the front and rear male joints  202 ,  204  of the right and left frame members  102 ,  104 . 
   Additionally, there is a wire mesh  408  comprised of long rods  410  that are dimensioned to be approximately ⅛ inch in diameter. The long rods  410  are set substantially parallel to each other. Three cross rods  414  are welded to the long rods  410  to create the wire mesh  408 . The cross rods  414  are dimensioned to be approximately ⅛ inch in diameter. The wire mesh  408  is welded to a lower edge of the front support beam  402  and to a lower edge the rear support beam  404 . The wire mesh  408  is welded such that the long rods  410  are substantially perpendicular to the front support member  402  and the rear support member  404 . The wire mesh  408  may also be constructed of various materials including, but not limited to, wood, metal, or plastic. 
   A threaded hole  412  is set approximately ¾ inch from each end of the front support member  402 . The threaded hole  412  is placed on the lower edge of the front support member  402 . Another threaded hole  412  is set approximately ¾ inch from each end of the rear support member  404 . The threaded hole  412  is placed on the lower edge of the rear support member  404 . The threaded hole  412  is positioned such that when the channel  406  of the front support member  402  and the channel  406  of the rear support member  404  are joined over and around the rear and front male joints  202 ,  204 , the threaded hole  412  aligns with the threaded channel  302  of the rear and front male joints  202 ,  204 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , an exemplary embodiment of the knock-down chair  100  is shown along with a frame leg support brace  502  is shown. The cross-member  106  is attached between the right frame member  102  and the left frame member  104  at a planar lower support level below the planar seat layer  312 . Also shown is the frame leg support brace  502 . The frame leg support brace  502  is a rectangular beam dimensioned to be approximately ¾ inch by ¾ inch and approximately sixteen inches in length. A threaded opening  504  is located on each end of the frame leg support brace  502 . The frame leg support brace  502  can additionally be a rectangular or circular tube that is closed at each end. Once attached with bolts  506 , as shown in  FIG. 5B , the frame leg support brace  502  and the cross-member  106  form a three-point stability system to assist in maintaining the stability of the knock-down chair  100  while an individual is seated upon the knock-down chair  100  and while the knock-down chair  100  is stacked with other knock-down chairs  100 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a process  600  for shipping the knock-down chair is illustrated. The knock-down chair  100  can be shipped in four pieces, not including back and seat cushions or fastening hardware (e.g., screws). The four pieces are the right frame member  102 , the left frame member  104 , the cross-member  106 , and the frame leg support brace  502 . A manufacturer, in step  602 , manufactures the components of the knock-down chair  100  in accordance with the stackable knock-down design described herein. The manufacture selects a shipping container  604  suitable to ship one or more knock-down chairs  100 . Since the manufacture is not shipping an assembled chair, the shipping containers can be selected to be as small as 3″×22″×36″ for one knockdown chair  100 . Skilled artisans will appreciate that this size is exemplary for one embodied size of knock-down chair  100  illustrated herein and that many other sizes can be selected depending on the size of the components and the ultimate size of the knockdown chair  100 . The manufacturer places the components for one or more chairs in a shipping container  606 . If components for more than one chair are placed in the shipping container, the manufacture may choose to package the components based on component type (i.e. left frame member  102 ) or package the components based on a complete knock-down chair  100 . Thereafter, the manufacture ships the unassembled knock-down chairs  100  to an end user  608 . 
   Upon receipt, a user may remove the four pieces from the box and readily assemble  610  the knock-down chair  100 . Assembly of the knock-down chair  100  is accomplished by sliding  612  the rectangular channels  406  of the cross-member  106  over the front and rear male joints  202 ,  204  of either of the right frame member  102 . Skilled artisans can appreciate that attaching to the right frame member  102  first is for illustrative purposes only as one could easily start assembly by attaching to the left frame member  104 . Skilled artisans would also readily understand that one could start assembly by attaching the frame leg support brace  502  to a right or left frame member  102 ,  104  first. After the cross-member  106  is attached to the right frame member  102 , the cross-member  106  is secured  614  with screws (not shown) through the treaded channel  302  of the front and rear male joints  202 ,  204 . As described herein, this method of securing may also be accomplished by a number of fastening means including snap tight buttons. Subsequently, the left frame member  104  is attached  616  to the cross-member  106  by inserting the rear and front male joints  202 ,  204  into the remaining rectangular channels  406  of the cross-member  106  and securing it by the same methods as the cross-member  106  was secured to the right frame member  102 . Thereafter, the frame leg support brace  502  is attached  618  to between the right and left frame members  102 ,  104 . The frame leg support brace  502  is placed substantially parallel to and just below the planar seat layer  312 . The frame leg support brace  502  is additionally placed such that the threaded openings  504  of the frame leg support brace  502  are align with the frame leg support brace channels  206  of the right and left frame members  102 ,  104 . A bolt  506  is then placed through the frame leg support brace channel  206  into the treaded opening  504 . As described herein, other methods of attaching and securing the frame leg support brace to the right and left frame members  102 ,  104  can be utilized. At this stage, the knock-down chair  100  is assembled, requiring only the attaching  620  of the back and seat cushion (not shown) by placing screws through holes  108  into the back and seat (not shown). 
   Additionally, skilled artisans would be able to appreciate that a change in material may necessarily require a change in fastening means. As an example, where two components are welded when made of metal, a fastening means for glue, riveting or another fastener may be used for plastic or wood. 
   Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
   It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that this disclosure provides a new auditorium chair structure. The auditorium chair structure has the following components: fastening with screws, snap tight buttons, or other fasteners, dimensioning in accordance with use in current auditorium chair sizes, and fabrication design enabling efficient shipment while maintaining stability and stacking capability. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, included are any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope hereof, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.