Patent Publication Number: US-9839295-B2

Title: Drop in seat deck for furniture assemblies

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/983,771, filed Apr. 24, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The disclosure is directed generally to furniture assemblies and more specifically to a seat deck installed in the furniture assemblies that supports the weight of the occupant. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Conventional loaded spring suspensions that support seat cushions in sofas and chairs and the like typically include webbing and spring systems that are incorporated by securing the periphery of the suspensions to the front, back and side rails of the seating frame. The spring suspensions require numerous parts and structures that comprise a degree of complexity and require substantial labor in assembly. Also, in the attachment of the suspensions to the seating frame, the spring components are stretched during attachment to the frame rails. The tension loading and attachment of the springs requires significant work and, when in place, applies a significant force on the rails, thereby stressing the rails and the connections between the rails. The load and stress remain in the final construction. Accordingly, the seating frame must be engineered to accommodate the rigors of applying the tension loads and to sustain the tension loads over the life of the furniture item. 
     An apparatus and method for applying the tension load to spring components is presented, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,438,362 to Dotta et al., assigned to the owner of the present application, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein except for express definitions and patent claims contained therein. 
     A seating system that reduces the complexity and bulk of the seating frame as well as the labor associated with assembly would be welcomed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Various embodiments of the disclosure include a drop-in seat deck that reduces complexity and bulk of the seating frame, and also reduces the labor associated with assembly. Unlike the conventional spring suspensions, which apply constant spring loaded forces on the frame rails to maintain the springs in tension, the spring load force of the disclosed “drop-in” seat deck is provided by solely by the structure of the seat deck, without need for imparting tension loads across the span of the seating frame. Thus, only the weight of the seated person is transferred to the rails of the seating frame. Accordingly, many of the complexities and structural requirements associated with the seating frames of conventional designs are averted. The design of the seat deck can also provide for a more consistent suspension in the direction from side rail to side rail. 
     Various embodiments present an arcuate profile that is convex in an upward direction, as viewed from the side. Under a weight load, the convex dimension of the arcuate profile reduces, causing the dimension of the seat deck to increase in a fore-and-aft direction. In some embodiments, the change in the fore-and-aft dimension of the seat deck is accommodated by enabling one end of the seat deck so slide on the surface of a support. In other embodiments, the seat deck includes flexures that accommodate the change in the fore-and-aft directions. 
     Structurally, in various embodiments, a furniture assembly is disclosed, comprising a seating frame including a first support member and a second support member, the first support member and the second support member being substantially parallel and extending in a lateral direction. In some embodiments, a seat deck comprises a composite polymer material and including a first edge structure and a second edge structure, the first edge structure defining a channel dimensioned to capture an upper edge of the first support member, the first edge structure being fixedly attached to the first support member of the furniture assembly. In certain embodiments, the seat deck includes an elongated slat member that is coupled to the first edge structure and the second edge structure, the elongated slat member extending between the first edge structure and the second edge structure in a fore-and-aft direction that is perpendicular to the lateral direction. The elongate slat member defines a convex arcuate profile that is convex in an upward direction, the convex arcuate profile defining a local maxima of the elongate slat member. 
     In some embodiments, the elongated slat member is one of a plurality of elongated slat members of the seat deck, the plurality of elongated slat members extending in the fore-and-aft direction, the seat deck including lateral tie members that tie the plurality of elongated slat members together in the lateral direction. In one embodiment, the plurality of elongated slat members are unitary with the second edge structure. In various embodiments, the second edge structure defines a channel dimensioned to capture an upper edge of the second support member, the second edge structure being fixedly attached to the second support member of the furniture assembly. 
     In various embodiments of the disclosure, the seat deck includes flexures that bridge the elongated slat member to the first edge structure and the second edge structure, the flexures being configured to accommodate a change in a length of the seat deck in the fore-and-aft directions when the seat deck is under a weight load. The flexures can, in certain embodiments, be configured to accommodate a maximum change in the length of the seat deck in the fore-and-aft directions, thereby enabling the elongated slat member to transition from the convex arcuate profile to an inverted profile that defines a concavity. For various embodiments, at least one of the flexures is defines a node and a flexure axis that passes through the node, the flexure being configured to flex about the node and the flexure axis when a force component is exerted on the at least one of the flexures in the fore-and-aft directions. In some embodiments, the flexure axis is orthogonal to the fore-and-aft directions. The flexure axis can also be substantially parallel to the lateral direction. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one of the flexures can define a second node and a second flexure axis that passes through the second node, the at least one of the flexures being configured to flex about the second node and the second flexure axis when the force component is exerted on the at least one of the flexures in the fore-and-aft directions. In one embodiment, the second flexure axis is parallel to the flexure axis. In certain embodiments, the at least one of the flexures is an S-shaped flexure. In various embodiments, the at least one of the flexures is configured to provide a stop in the fore-and-aft directions to limit deflection of the elongated slat member in a downward direction. In one embodiment, the at least one of the flexures is a canted arm flexure configured to stop against the seating frame. 
     In various embodiments of the disclosure, a furniture assembly is disclosed, comprising a seating frame including a first support member and a second support member, the first support member and the second support member being substantially parallel and extending in a lateral direction. In some embodiments, a unitary seat deck is included comprising a composite polymer material and including a first edge structure and a second edge structure, the first edge structure being configured to mount an upper edge of the first support member, the second edge structure being configured to mount an upper edge of the second support member, the first edge structure being fixedly attached to the first support member, the second edge structure being fixedly attached to the second support member, the seat deck including a plurality of elongated slat members that are coupled to the first edge structure and the second edge structure, the plurality of elongated slat members extending between the first edge structure and the second edge structure in a fore-and-aft direction that is perpendicular to the lateral direction. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of elongated slat members define a convex arcuate profile that is convex in an upward direction, each of the plurality of elongated slat members defining a local maxima. 
     In various embodiments of the disclosure, a sofa is disclosed, comprising a seating frame including a first support member and a second support member, the second support member being substantially parallel to the first support member and including an upward-facing registration surface. A seat deck includes a first edge structure and a second edge structure, the first edge structure being fixedly attached to the first support member of the sofa, the second edge structure being registered on the upward-facing registration surface of the second support member of the sofa, the second edge being translatable on the upward-facing registration surface. In one embodiment, the seat deck includes a spanning portion that connects the first edge structure and the second edge structure, the spanning portion including a plurality of rib portions that extend in fore-and-aft directions from the first edge structure to the second edge structure. In some embodiments, the first edge structure defines a channel dimensioned to engage an upper edge of the first support member. 
     Each of the plurality of rib portions includes an arcuate edge that is integral with the spanning portion, the arcuate edge causing the spanning portion to conform to a convex arcuate contour that defines a local maxima between the first edge structure and the second edge structure. In one embodiment, the plurality of rib portions extend downward from the spanning portion. In one embodiment, the plurality of rib portions comprise two rib portions, each of the two rib portions extending substantially perpendicular to opposing lateral edges of the spanning portion. 
     In one embodiment, the spanning portion defines a plurality of through-apertures, the through apertures defining an open area of the spanning portion. The open area can vary along the fore-and-aft directions of the seat deck. The through-apertures can be elongated with major axes that extend parallel to the fore-and-aft directions. In one embodiment, the open area of the spanning portion is greater at a quarter span and a three-quarter span location along the fore-and-aft directions than at a mid-span location along the fore-and-aft directions. 
     The first support member can be a forward support member, and the second support member can be a rearward support member. In one embodiment, the forward support member is a forward-most member of the seating frame. 
     In various embodiments, the seat deck is injection molded and can comprise a composite material. The composite material can comprise a 10% to 20% glass filled polypropylene. Other fillers can include talc and calcium. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosure, each seat deck may be attached to a forward support member and a rearward support member and not attached to the fore-and-aft members of the furniture assembly framework. In some embodiments, a seat deck is attached forwardly and rearwardly on a support frame but not on the lateral edges. In an embodiment, a seat deck that is attached forwardly and rearwardly on a support frame but substantially not on the sides. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosure, a seat deck that is easily manufactures and easily handled with dimensions of at least 18 inches in depth and 18 inches in width. The seat decks may be installed side by side with a deck for each seating position. Each of the decks may be dropped into the framework and permanently fastened with staples or nails that may puncture nailing or stapling strips on the deck. 
     In various embodiments of the disclosure, the seat decks present an arcuate seating portion with a forward-rearward length extension and retraction capability on the furniture assembly, but not having a left to right width extension or retraction capability. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosure, the seat deck includes a seat engagement portion for receiving seat cushions and forward attachment structure for connection to the forward horizontal support member of the sofa frame and rearward attachment structure for attachment to the rearward horizontal support member of the sofa frame. In various embodiments, the seat deck does not include frame portions that extend in the fore-and-aft directions. 
     The seat decks can be characterized as having a plurality of nodes accommodating length extension and refraction of the seat decks, the nodes positioned on at least one of the forward and rearward attachment structures. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosure, sequential seat decks may be installed in an overlapping arrangement with adjacent seat decks, the overlapping arrangement extending forwardly and rearwardly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective, partial cutaway view of a furniture assembly in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  is a partially exploded perspective view of a sofa framework in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  is a bottom rear perspective view of the sofa framework of  FIG. 2A  (sans a backrest frame) in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial rear perspective view of the sofa framework of  FIG. 2A  partially assembled in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a front top perspective view of a seat deck in isolation in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a front bottom perspective view of the seat deck of  FIG. 4  in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view the seat deck of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial front bottom perspective view of the seat deck of  FIG. 4 , presenting a forward edge structure in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial front bottom perspective view of the seat deck of  FIG. 4 , presenting a rearward edge structure in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 9A through 9E  are side elevation views of a profile of an upper surface of a seat deck for various forces exerted thereon in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is partial top perspective view of a rearward edge structure of a seat deck in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is partial bottom perspective view of the rearward edge structure of the seat deck of  FIG. 10  in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial sectional view of the rearward edge structure of the seat deck of  FIG. 10  installed on a rearward support in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a top rear perspective view of a seat deck in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom rear perspective view of the seat deck of  FIG. 13  in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 14A through 14C  is a three-way orthographic projection of the seat deck of  FIGS. 13 and 14  in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 15A through 15C  depict a rear edge structure of the seat deck of  FIG. 13  during operation in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 16A through 16C  depict the rear edge structure of the seat deck of  FIG. 13  with a guide installed during operation in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a partially assembled sofa framework in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  is a top perspective view of a seat deck of the sofa framework of  FIG. 17  in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom perspective view of the seat deck of the sofa framework of  FIG. 17  in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 19A and 19B  are enlarged partial bottom perspective views of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a top perspective view of a seat deck in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  is a bottom perspective view of the seat deck of  FIG. 20  in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  is an elevational view of the seat deck of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 23  is an enlarged view of a channel and S-shaped flexure of the seat deck of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 23A  is an enlarged, perspective view of the channel and S-shaped flexure of the seat deck of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is an elevational view of the seat deck of  FIG. 22  in partial assembly with a sofa framework in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 25A through 25C  is a schematic depiction of a seat deck implementing S-shaped flexures in operation in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 26  is an enlarged, perspective view of an alternative S-shaped flexure and channel arrangement in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 27  is a top perspective view of a seat deck in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 28  is an elevational view of the seat deck of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 28A  is an enlarged view of a canted arm flexure of the seat deck of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 28B  is an enlarged view of an alternative canted arm flexure of a seat deck in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 29A through 29C  is a schematic depiction of a seat deck implementing canted arm flexures in operation in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 30A and 30B  is a schematic depiction of a seat deck implementing alternative canted arm flexures in operation in an embodiment of the disclosure; and 
         FIG. 31  is an elevational view of an S-shaped flexure including stop protrusions in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a furniture assembly  20  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The furniture assembly includes a framework  30  to which a drop-in seat deck  60  is mounted. The drop-in seat deck includes an arcuate seating portion  26 . A stretchable cloth  22  is overlaid over the seat deck  60 , upon which cushions  24  can be placed. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A through 8 , the framework  30  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The framework  30  includes a seating frame  32 , arm rest frames  34 , and a back rest frame  36 . The seating frame  32  includes side members or lateral support portions  42 , a forward support member  44  and a rearward support member  46 . The members  42 ,  44 , and  46 , when assembled, define a deck opening. In one embodiment, the forward support member  44  is also a forward-most component  45  of the framework  30 . In the depicted embodiment, the seating frame  32  includes a rearward-most component  48  that is separate from the rearward support member  46 . The seating frame  32  can include cross members  52  that extend in fore-and-aft directions  54  between the forward-most component  45  or the forward support member  44  and the rearward-most component  48 . Vertical supports  56  can extend upwards from the cross members  52  for mounting of the rearward support  46  thereto. Also, the arm rest frames  34  can include the side members  42  as integral components (as depicted) or can be separate structures that are attached to the side members  42 . The rearward support member  46  can be substantially parallel to the forward support member  44  and include an upward-facing registration surface  58 . 
     One or more seat decks  60   a  are operatively coupled to the forward and rearward support members  44  and  46 . (Herein, various configurations for the seat deck are presented, and are referred to generically or collectively as seat deck(s)  60 , and specifically as seat deck(s)  60   a  through  60   d .) Each seat deck  60   a  includes a forward edge structure  62  and a rearward edge structure  64   a . In the seat deck  60   a  embodiment, the forward edge structure  62  is fixedly attached to the forward support member  44 , and the rearward edge structure  64   a  is registered on the upward-facing registration surface  58  of the rearward support member  46 , the rearward edge structure  64   a  being a free end  66  that is translatable on the upward-facing registration surface  58 . In one embodiment, each seat deck  60   a  includes a spanning portion  68  that bridges the forward edge structure  62  and the rearward edge structure  64   a.    
     In an alternative embodiment (not depicted), the rearward edge structure  64   a  can be fixed to the rearward support member  46 , and the forward support member  44  configured with a registration surface with the forward edge structure  62  being the free end and translatable thereon. 
     In one embodiment, the spanning portion  68  comprises a sheet-like structure  72  that presents an upper surface  74  and a lower surface  76 . The spanning portion  68  can further include a plurality of rib portions  78  that extend lengthwise in the fore-and-aft directions  54 , extending from and connecting the forward edge structure  62  and the rearward edge structure  64   a . The stiffness imparted to the drop-in seat deck  60   a  by the rib portions  78  is established primarily by a perpendicular dimension  82  of the rib portions  78  that extends perpendicular to the surfaces of the sheet-like structure  72  of the spanning portion  68 , and secondarily by a lateral dimension  84  of the rib portions  78  in lateral direction  86  (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the fore-and-aft directions  54  and substantially horizontal). 
     Each of the plurality of rib portions  78  includes an arcuate edge  88  that is integral with the sheet-like structure  72  spanning portion  68 , the arcuate edge  88  causing the spanning portion  68  to conform to a convex arcuate contour  92  that is convex in an upward direction  93  and defines a local maxima  94  between the forward edge structure  62  and the rearward edge structure  64   a . The convex arcuate contour  92  can be characterized as having a “bowed dimension”  96 , defined as the distance between the upper surface  74  of the spanning portion  68  at the local maxima  94  and a baseline plane  98  that is inclusive of the lower-most points of the forward edge structure  62  and the rearward edge structure  64   a  of the seat deck  60 . In one embodiment, the plurality of rib portions  78  extend in a downward direction  100  from the sheet-like structure  72  of the spanning portion  68 . In one embodiment, the plurality of rib portions  78  comprise two rib portions  78   a  and  78   b , each extending substantially perpendicular to opposing lateral edges  102  of the spanning portion  68 . Some embodiments include additional rib portions  78  disposed between the opposing lateral edges  102  ( FIG. 14 ). In one embodiment, the additional rib portions  78  disposed between the opposing lateral edges  102  can be of a different dimension than rib portions  78   a  and  78   b.    
     In some embodiments, the forward edge structure  62  defines a channel  104  dimensioned to engage an upper edge  106  of the forward support member  44  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ). The channel  104  extends generally parallel to the forward support member  44  (i.e., substantially horizontally and in the lateral directions  86 , perpendicular to the fore-and-aft directions  54 ) and includes flange portions  112  and  114  connected by a web portion  116 , thereby defining an inverted “U” shape that engages the upper edge  106  of the forward support member  44 . One of the flange portions (flange  114  in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) extends in the downward direction  100  to a front portion  118  of the spanning portion  68  and the plurality of rib portions  78 , such that the front portion  118  of the spanning portion  68  is suspended from the forward support member  44 . 
     In various embodiments, the rearward edge structure  64   a  also defines a channel structure  122  that can extend substantially horizontally and in the lateral directions  86  perpendicular to the fore-and-aft directions  54 . In some embodiments, lower edges  124  of the channel structure  122 , as well as lower edges  126  of rearward portions  128  of the plurality of rib portions  78 , define bearing surfaces  132  that lie substantially on a plane  134  for engaging the upward-facing registration surface  58  of the rearward support member  46 . In one embodiment, the plane  134  of the bearing surfaces  132  is coincident with the baseline plane  98 . The rearward edge structure  64   a  of the seat deck  60   a  can also include gussets  136  that span the channel structure  122  to provide strength and rigidity. 
     In one embodiment, the spanning portion  68  defines a plurality of through-apertures  142 . The through-apertures  142  collectively define an open area of the spanning portion  68 . The open area can vary along the fore-and-aft directions  54  of the seat deck. Each of the through-apertures  142  can be elongated along a respective major axis  144 . The major axes  144  can extend substantially parallel to the fore-and-aft directions  54 . In one embodiment, the open area of the spanning portion  68  is greater at a quarter span location  146  and a three-quarter span location  148  along the fore-and-aft directions  54  than at a mid-span location  152  along the fore-and-aft directions  54 . 
     In various embodiments, the through-apertures  142  are arranged in rows  154 , thereby effectively defining elongate slat portions  156  that extend in the fore-and-aft directions  54  between the rows  154  of through-apertures  142 . A given row  154  of through-apertures  142  can comprise two or more of the plurality of through-apertures  142 , thereby defining one or more web portions  158  that extend between the elongate slat portions  156 . 
     Functionally, the rows  154  of through-apertures  142  provide each of the plurality of slat portions  156  defined therebetween a degree of autonomous flexibility. A local force exerted on a given slat portion  156  primarily deflects the given slat portion  156  to a substantially greater degree than the neighboring slat portions. The web portions  158 , while transferring some of the local force to the neighboring slat portions and causing some secondary deflection thereof, provides lateral stability of the slat portions  156 , so that the slat portions  156  do not become widely separated in the lateral directions  86  by concentrated forces that are exerted on the seat deck  60   a  (e.g., by persons standing on cushions mounted on the seat deck). 
     The distribution of the open area along the fore-and-aft directions  54  of the seat deck  60   a  can also influence the shape of the seat deck  60   a  under load, selectively providing support and a higher degree of rigidity to the portion of the seat deck anticipated to receive the greatest load. 
     In operation, when an occupant is seated on the framework  30 , most or all of the occupant&#39;s weight is transferred to the seat deck  60   a . The weight of the occupant reduces the bowed dimension  96  of the convex arcuate contour  92 , causing the free end  66  of the seat deck  60   a  to slide on the upward-facing registration surface  58  of the rearward support member  46  substantially parallel to the fore-and-aft directions  54 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9A through 9E , a series of curves  160  depicting profiles  162  of the upper surface  74  of the spanning portion  68  under various weight loads W 1  through W 4  are presented in an embodiment of the disclosure. Herein, the profiles are referred to individually as profiles  162   a  through  162   e  and collectively as profiles  162 , and the weight loads W 1  through W 4  are referred to collectively or generically as weight loads W. 
     A profile  162   a  for the seat deck  60   a  in a free standing configuration  164  (e.g., without an occupant seated on the framework  30 ) is depicted in  FIG. 9A , with a side elevation view of the seat deck  60   a  depicted in phantom. A datum line  166  proximate the free end  66  of the seat deck  60   a  runs through the  FIGS. 9A through 9E . The datum line  166  is representative of where a rearward point  168  of the profile in the free standing configuration  164  is located to illustrate a substantially horizontal deflection  172  of the rearward point  168  of the profile relative thereto at each of the various weight loads W. (The substantially horizontal deflections  172  are referred to collectively and generically by numerical reference  172  and individually by numerical references  172   b  through  172   e .) The quarter span locations  146  and  148  also run through the  FIGS. 9A through 9E . In addition, a reference plane  174  that passes through a forward point  176  and the rearward point  168  of the profiles  162  is depicted in each of  FIGS. 9A through 9E . The  FIGS. 9B through 9E  also include the profile  162   a  of the free standing configuration  164  in dashed line to illustrate a vertical deflection  178  of the upper surface  74  of the spanning portion  78  relative thereto at each of the various weight loads W. 
     Initially, for increasing weight loads W 1  and W 2 , the profiles  162   b  and  162   c  of the upper surface  74  flattens out and approaches the reference plane  174 . The flattening of the profiles  162   b  and  162   c  causes the free end  66  of the seat deck  60   a , and therefore the rearward point  168  of the profiles  162   b  and  162   c , to extend in a rearward direction  182 , thereby causing the substantially horizontal deflection  172  to increase as the vertical deflection  178  increases ( FIGS. 9B and 9C ). The magnitude of the substantially horizontal deflections  172  corresponds generally to the magnitude of the deflection of the free end  66  of the seat deck  60 . As the profile substantially reaches the reference plane  174 , the rearward translation of the free end  66  of the seat deck  60   a  reaches a maximum, thereby defining a maximum horizontal deflection  172   c  of the rearward point  168  of the profile  162   c  ( FIG. 9C ). 
     For some embodiments, as the weight loads W continue to increase to weight load W 3  and then to weight load W 4 , the profile  162  undergoes an inversion, wherein the upper surface  74  defines a generally concave profile  162   d ,  162   e  ( FIGS. 9D and 9E ). As the profile passes substantially through the reference plane  174 , the translation of the free end  66  of the seat deck  60   a  reverses and translates a forward direction  184 , so that the substantially horizontal deflection  172   d  diminishes relative to the substantially horizontal deflections  172   b  and  172   c  as the vertical deflection  178  continues to increase ( FIG. 9D ). As the weight load W continues to increase from W 3  to W 4 , the substantially horizontal deflection  172  can continue to migrate in the forward direction  184 , eventually crossing over the datum line  166  of the free standing configuration  164  to define a substantially horizontal deflection  172   e  that is forward of the datum line  166 . 
     In some embodiments, the shape of the profile  162  under load can be influenced by the variation of the stiffness of the seat deck  60   a  along the fore-and-aft directions  54 . For example, in one embodiment, the stiffness of the seat deck  60   a  proximate the quarter span location  146  and the three-quarter span location  148  (quarter spans) can be reduced relative to the stiffness proximate the mid-span (half-span) location  152 , thereby causing the profile  162  of the spanning portion  68  under loaded conditions to have greater inflections at the quarter spans than at other points on the profile  162 . 
     The variation of the stiffness can be effected, for example, by varying distribution of the open area along the fore-and-aft directions  54 , such as depicted and discussed at  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is more open area at the quarter spans  146  and  148  than at the mid-span  152 , which can promote greater inflections at the quarter spans  146  and  148  and a flatter profile at the mid-span  152 . In other embodiments (not depicted), the ribs can be tailored to provide varying stiffness over the fore-and-aft directions to the same effect (e.g., having a greater perpendicular dimension  82  across the mid-span  152  than at the quarter spans  146  and  148 ). 
     Functionally, the effect of the variation of stiffness as described can provide more support at the mid-span  152 , thereby causing the profile  162  to be flatter at the mid-span  152  under maximum design loads (e.g., W 4  of  FIG. 9E ) than at the quarter spans  146 ,  148 , as also illustrated in  FIGS. 9A through 9E . Accordingly, the seat deck undergoes greater inflections at locations that are distanced from the center of the load W, which can provide less inflection immediately below the occupant and greater comfort to the occupant. The tailored deflection profile  162  can also reduce the overall magnitude of the vertical deflection  178 . For injection molded components, the open area can also reduce the amount of material required to fabricate the seat deck  60 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 through 12 , details of a rearward edge structure  64   b  for a seat deck  60   b  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The rearward edge structure  64   b  includes many of the same aspects as the rearward edge structure  64   a , which are identified with same-numbered numerical references. In addition, the rearward edge structure  64   b  defines elongated slot structures  186  that are formed in one or more of the gussets  136 . Each of the elongated slot structures  186  can be elongated in the fore-and-aft directions  54  and include an access opening  188  and a through-opening  192 , thereby defining a shoulder  194  that surrounds the through-opening  192  of the elongated slot structure  186 . 
     In assembly, a fastener  196  with a head portion  198 , can be routed through one or more of the elongated slot structures  186  of the gussets  136  and affixed to the rearward support member  46 . In this embodiment, the head portion  198  is oversized relative to a lateral dimension  202  of the through-opening  192  of the elongated slot structure  186 , and the fastener  196  can be affixed to the rearward support member  46  so that the head portion  198  of the fastener  196  is adjacent to but not in contact with the shoulder  194  of the elongated slot structure  186 . 
     In operation, the elongate orientation of the through-opening  192  and the non-contact or sliding contact between the head portion  198  of the fastener  196  and the shoulder  194  of the elongated slot structure  186  enables the rearward edge structure  64   b  to translate in the fore-and-aft directions  54 , as described in relation to  FIGS. 9A through 9E , while preventing the rearward edge structure  64   b  from lifting away from the upward-facing registration surface  58  of the rearward support member  46 . The fastener  196  can also function as a stop that limits the translation of the rearward edge structure  64   b  in the fore-and-aft directions  54 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , a seat deck  60   c  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The seat deck  60   c  includes many of the same aspects as the seat deck  60   a , identified with same-numbered numerical references. The seat deck  60   c  includes a plurality of tab portions  210  that depend from the rearward edge structure  64 . Each tab portion  210  includes a forward face  212 . In one embodiment, some or all of the tab portions  210  can include structure defining a through-hole  214 , the through hole defining a guide axis  216  that is substantially parallel to the fore-and-aft directions  54 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14A through 14C , a three-way orthographic projection  215  of the seat deck  60   c  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The thickness of the sheet-like structure  72  also contributes to the stiffness of the seat decks  60 . In one embodiment, a non-limiting thickness of the sheet-like structure  72  is in the range of 1 mm to 8 mm inclusive. A non-limiting perpendicular dimension  82  of the rib portions  78  can be in the range of 4 mm to 20 mm inclusive. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15A through 15C , the seat deck  60   c  is depicted in operation in an embodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the rearward support member  46  is positioned to be forward of the tab portions  210  in the free standing configuration, defining a gap  218  between the forward face  212  of the tab portion  210  and a rearward face  222  of the rearward support member  46  ( FIG. 15A ). As the profile  162  of the upper surface  74  flattens under load (as depicted in  FIGS. 9B and 9C  and described in the discussion attendant thereto), the flattening of the profile  162  causes the free end  66  of the seat deck  60   c  to extend in the rearward direction  182  ( FIG. 15B ). The flattening of the profile  162  can cause part of the rearward edge structure  64  to rotate away from and become canted in relation to the upward-facing registration surface  58  of the rearward support member  46 . Because the tab portions  210  are disposed rearward of the rearward support member  46 , the translation of the free end  66  in the rearward direction  182  is uninhibited. As the profile  162  of the upper surface  74  inverts into the concave profiles  162   d ,  162   e , the substantially horizontal deflection  172  of the free end  66  reverses (as depicted in  FIGS. 9D and 9E  and described in attendant thereto) and the tab portions  210  migrate toward the rearward support. If the substantially horizontal deflection  172  of the free end  66  reverses far enough, the tab portions  210  engage the rearward face  222  of the rearward support member  46  ( FIG. 15C ). The continued vertical deflection  178  of the spanning portion  68  can also cause the canting of the rearward edge  64  structure to become more pronounced. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16A through 16C , the seat deck  60   c  is depicted in operation in another embodiment of the disclosure. In this embodiment, the rearward support member  46  is again positioned to be forward of the tab portions  210  in the free standing configuration, defining the gap  218  between the forward faces  212  of the tab portions  210  and the rearward face  222  of the rearward support member  46  ( FIG. 16A ). Also in this embodiment, a guide  230  is secured to the rearward face  222  of the rearward support member  46 . The guide  230  can comprise a smooth surface  232  between a threaded portion  234  and a cap portion  236 , such as provided, for example, by a shoulder bolt. The guide  230  can be routed through and substantially centered within the through-hole  214  of the tab portion  210  when the seat deck  60   c  is in the free standing configuration. 
     As the profile  162  of the upper surface  74  flattens under load (as depicted in  FIGS. 9B and 9C  and described in the discussion attendant thereto), the flattening of the profile  162  causes the free end  66  of the seat deck  60   c  to extend in the rearward direction  182  ( FIG. 16B ). Because the tab portions  210  are disposed rearward of the rearward support member  46 , the translation of the free end  66  in the rearward direction  182  is uninhibited parallel to the guide axis  216  of the through-hole  214 . As the profile  162  of the upper surface  74  inverts into the concave profiles  162   d ,  162   e , the substantially horizontal deflection  172  of the free end  66  reverses (as depicted in  FIGS. 9D and 9E  and described in the discussion attendant thereto) and the tab portions  210  migrate toward the rearward support  46 . If the substantially horizontal deflection of the free end reverses far enough, the tab portions  210  engage the rearward face  222  of the rearward support member  46  ( FIG. 16C ). 
     Functionally, the tab portions  210  serve as a stop or catch mechanism that prevents the rearward end structure  64  of the seat deck  60   c  from sliding off the rearward support member  46  in the forward direction  184 . The guide  230 , when utilized as depicted in  FIGS. 16A through 16C , enables the tab portions  210  to translate freely along the smooth surface  232  of the guide  230  parallel to the guide axis  216  of the through-hole  214 , while resisting movement of the tab portions  210  in a direction that is orthogonal to the guide axis  216  of the through-hole  214 . The guides  230  provide an added measure of security between the seat deck  60   c  and the rearward support member  46 , helping to prevent the tabs from jumping over the rearward support member  46 . The resistance to the orthogonal movement counters, at least in part, the canting of the rearward edge structure  64 . The restriction of the rotation of the rearward edge structure  64  also enhances the rigidity of the assembly, because the deflection characteristics of the seat deck  60   c  are more akin to that of a fixed end beam than a free end beam. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17 through 19B , a seat deck  60   d  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The seat deck  60   d  includes some of the same aspects and attributes as the seat deck  60   a , indicated with same numbered numerical references. The seat deck  60   d  comprises elongate slat members  250  that extend in the fore-and-aft directions  54  and are tied together with lateral tie members  252 . Each elongate slat member  250  can include a plurality of rib portions  254  which, in one embodiment, extend in the downward direction  100  from an upper portion  256  of the respective elongate slat member  250 . A plurality of cross-ribs  255  can also be included to provide stability for the rib portions  254 . In one embodiment, each elongate slat member  250  includes a rearward edge structure  258  shaped to engage the upward-facing registration surface  58  of the rearward support member  46 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20 through 23 , a seat deck  60   e  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The seat deck  60   e  includes some of the same aspects and attributes as the seat decks  60   a  and  60   d , indicated with same- or like-numbered numerical references. Like seat deck  60   a , the seat deck  60   e  includes the forward edge structure  62  defining the channel  104 , and also defines a rearward edge structure  64   e . Like the seat deck  60   d , the seat deck  60   e  includes elongate slat members  260  that extend in the fore-and-aft directions  54  and are tied together with lateral tie members  252 . In addition, the seat deck  60   e  includes flexures  270  that bridge the forward edge structure  62  and the elongate slat members  260 , the flexures  270  being configured to flex in the fore-and-aft directions  54 . 
     In the seat deck  60   e  embodiment, the elongate slat members  260  define a semi-circular cross-section  262  normal to the fore-and-aft directions  54 . The semi-circular cross-sections  262  are arranged so that a convex face  264  thereof is centered in the upward direction  93 . The semi-circular geometry provides stiffness in the downward direction  100 . While not depicted, the elongate slat members  260  can include ribs akin to the rib portions  254  of elongate slat members  250  ( FIGS. 19A and 19B ) to provided additional stiffness. In some embodiments, gussets  266  are included that span the interior of the semi-circular cross-sections  262  in the lateral directions  86 . The gussets  266  provide dimensional stability of the cross-sections  262 . Other cross-sections are contemplated, such as a semi-rectangular channel shape (akin to slat members  250 ), semi-elliptical, semi-polygonal, and angle, and as well as closed-form cross-sections such as rectangular, circular, elliptical, triangular, polygonal, flat bar, and rods. (Herein, any “semi” shape defines an open cross-section normal to the fore-and-aft directions  54 .) 
     For the seat deck  60   e , the flexures  270  are “S-shaped” flexures  272 , referring to the shape as viewed from the side, as best seen in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . The S-shaped flexures  272  are configured to compress and elongate in the fore-and-aft directions  54 . Specifically, the S-shaped flexure  272  includes a first bend  274  that depends from the forward edge structure  62  and is convex in the downward direction  100 . The first bend  274  can be characterized as defining a first minimum bend radius R 1 , a first node  275  and a first flexure axis  273 . The first flexure axis  273  passes through the first node  275  and defines the axis about which the first bend  274  flexes or rotates when a compression or tension force is applied to the S-shaped flexure  272 . 
     Also in the depicted embodiment of  FIGS. 20 through 23A , a second bend  278  extends upward from the first bend  274  and is convex in the upward direction  93 . A respective one of the elongate slat members  260  extends in the fore-and-aft direction  54  from the second bend  278 . The second bend  278  can be characterized as defining a second minimum bend radius R 2 , a second node  279 , and a second flexure axis  277 . The second flexure axis  277  passes through the second node  279  and defines the axis about which the second bend  278  flexes or rotates when a compression or tension force is applied to the S-shaped flexure  272 . In the depicted embodiment of  FIGS. 20 through 23A , the flexure axes  273  and  277  are substantially parallel to the lateral directions  86 . 
     It is further noted that each of the elongate slat members  250 ,  260  can be characterized as defining a node  268  and a flexure axis  269  about the node  268 , as depicted, for example, in  FIG. 20 , and also presented in  FIGS. 25, 29, and 30 . That is, the elongate slats  250 ,  260  can be characterized as flexing substantially about the node  268  and about the flexure axis  269 . In the depicted embodiments, the flexure axis  269  is substantially parallel to the lateral directions  86 . In various embodiments, the location of the node  268  and flexure axis  269  is at the mid-span of the elongate slat member  250 ,  260 . 
     The rearward edge structure  64   e  of the seat deck  60   e  also includes structure akin to the channel  104 , again with flexures  270  such as the S-shaped flexures  272  bridging the rearward edge structure  64   e  and the elongate slat members  260 . In some embodiments, the channel  104  of the forward edge structure  62  extends further in the upward direction  93  than does the channel  104  of the rearward edge structure  64   e , which enables a forward face of a seat cushion (not depicted) to settle into the framework  30  to eliminate unsightly gaps between the cushion and the framework  30 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , installation of the seat deck  60   e  onto a seating frame  32   e  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The seating frame  32   e  has many of the same aspects and attributes as the seating frame  32 , which are identified with same-numbered numerical references. In the  FIG. 24  depiction, the rearward support member  46  is configured or oriented within the vertical supports  56  so as to present an upper edge  276 , akin to the upper edge  106  of the forward support member  44 . In assembly, the seat deck  60   e  is disposed on the seating frame  32   e  so that the forward edge structure  62  captures the upper edge  106  of the forward support member  44  and the rearward edge structure  64   e  captures the upper edge  276  of the rearward support member  46 . In various embodiments, the forward and rearward edge structures  62  and  64   e  are secured to the respective support members  44  and  46   e , for example with fasteners such as with staples, screws, or nails. Accordingly, unlike the seat decks  60   a - 60   d  which enable the rearward edges  64  to translate freely on the rearward support  46 , the rearward edge structure  64   e  of the seat deck  60   e  is in fixed relation to the rearward support  46   e.    
     As depicted, for example, in  FIGS. 19 and 22 , the elongate slat members  250 ,  260  define an arcuate profile  280  that is convex in an upward direction as viewed in from the side (i.e., as viewed in the lateral direction  86 ). Accordingly, a local maxima  281  between the forward edge structure  62  and the rearward edge structure  64 . (Herein, several embodiments for the rearward edge structure are presented, referred to collectively or generically as rearward edge structure  64  and individually by reference numeral  64 , followed by a letter suffix (e.g., “ 64   a ”).) 
     Referring to  FIGS. 25A through 25C , operation of the seat deck  30   e  is schematically depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The schematics of  FIG. 25A through 25C  depict forward and rearward support members  282  and  284  as being in fixed relation to each other. The seat deck  30   e  is depicted initially in an unloaded state and defining a span length  286   a  between the flexures  270  (S-shaped flexures  272 ) that is characterized as having a maximum arc height or convex dimension  61  ( FIG. 25A ). Upon application of a weight W, the arcuate profile  280  initially becomes less pronounced as the center of the elongate slat members  260  deflect downward. The downward deflection also causes the span to increase. At some point, the elongate slat members  260  become substantially flat; at such point, a maximum span length  286   b  is attained and the compression of the S-shaped flexures  272  is maximized ( FIG. 25B ). 
     If there is enough weight, the elongate slat members  260  can undergo a profile inversion; that is, instead of defining a convexity in the upward direction  93 , the elongate slat members define a convexity in the downward direction  100  (i.e., a concavity with respect to the upward direction  93 ). As the elongate slat members  260  pass through a substantially flat profile and transition to an inverted profile  288 , the span length decreases, and the lateral compression of the S-shaped flexures  272  becomes less. It is contemplated the inverted profile may define a concavity that is greater than the convexity of the unloaded state ( FIG. 25C ). That is, a maximum concave dimension  62  in the loaded state is greater than the maximum convex dimension  61  in the unloaded state. When the maximum concave dimension  62  exceeds the maximum convex dimension  61 , a span length  286   c  is smaller than both span lengths  286   a  and  286   b , the force component on the S-shaped flexures  272  in the fore-and-aft directions  54  is reversed, and the S-shaped flexures  272  of the seat deck  60   e  are placed in tension. 
     Accordingly, the flexures  270  (S-shaped flexures  272 ) of the seat deck  60   e  accommodate the change in the span lengths  286   a  through  286   c.    
     Referring to  FIG. 26 , a laterally oriented S-shaped flexure  290  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The laterally oriented S-shaped flexure  290  includes the same aspects as the S-shaped flexures  272 , but is oriented so that the first bend  274  and the second bend  278  are convex in opposed lateral directions  86 , and the first and second flexure axes  273  and  277  are substantially parallel to the upward and downward directions  93  and  100 . In terms of accommodating the fore-and-aft changes in the span lengths  286   a  through  286   c  of  FIG. 25 , the laterally oriented S-shaped flexure  290  operates the same as the S-shaped flexures  272 . The laterally oriented S-shaped flexure  290  can be tailored for more or less deflection in the downward direction  100 ; that is, a wider laterally oriented S-shaped flexure  290  will be stiffer in the downward direction  100  than a narrower laterally oriented S-shaped flexure  290 . 
     The S-shaped flexures  272  and  290  present the first and second flexure axes  273  and  277  as being parallel to the lateral directions  86  and the upward direction  93 , respectively, and orthogonal to the fore-and-aft directions  54 . It is noted that these arrangements are non-limiting. That is, the S-shaped flexure geometry can be oriented in any arbitrary orientation. For example, the first and second flexure axes  273  and  277  can be orthogonal to the fore-and-aft directions  54  and at an arbitrary angle between the lateral directions  86  and the upward direction  93 . Also, orientations that are non-orthogonal to the fore-and-aft directions  54  are contemplated. 
     In various embodiments, the S-shaped flexures  272  and laterally oriented S-shaped flexure  290  have a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm inclusive; in some embodiments, the thickness is in the range of 1.5 mm to 3 mm inclusive. In some embodiments, the flexures  272 ,  290  are of substantially uniform thickness. In various embodiments, the flexures  272 ,  290  have a width in the range of 25 mm to 75 mm inclusive; in some embodiments, the width is in the range of 40 mm to 60 mm inclusive. In various embodiments, the minimum (inside) radius of the first and second bends  274  and  278  is in the range of 3 mm to 15 mm inclusive; in some embodiments, the minimum radii of the bends  274  and  278  are in the range of 6 mm to 9 mm inclusive. 
     Referring to  FIG. 27 through 28B , a seat deck  60   f  including canted arm flexures  300  are depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The seat deck  60   f  includes some of the same aspects and attributes as the seat decks  60   e , indicated with same- or like-numbered numerical references. Like seat deck  60   e , the seat deck  60   e  includes: elongate slat members  260  that extend in the fore-and-aft directions  54  and are tied together with lateral tie members  252 ; forward and rearward edge structures  62  and  64   e , each defining the channel  104 ; and flexures  270  bridging the elongate slat members  260  and the forward and rearward edge structures  62  and  64   e , the flexures  270  being configured to flex in the fore-and-aft directions  54 . However, instead of S-shaped flexures  272 , the canted arm flexures  300  are utilized. 
     The canted arm flexures  300  include an arm or plate  302  that projects from the forward or rearward edge structures  62  or  64   e  at an acute angle α relative to the downward direction  100 . The acute angle α defines a maximum angular deflection that the arm  302  can undergo before registering against the forward or rearward support  282  or  284 . An apex  304  of the acute angle α also defines a node  308  and flexure axis  309  ( FIG. 27 ) in the arm  302 . In the depicted embodiment of  FIGS. 27 through 28B , the flexure axis  309  is substantially parallel to the lateral directions  86 . A vertical distance  306  between the node  308  and a neutral axis  310  of the elongated slat member  260  defines a maximum lateral deflection  312  that the canted arm flexure  300  can accommodate. The shorter the vertical distance  306 , the less the maximum lateral deflection  312  that can be accommodated by the canted arm flexure  300  ( FIGS. 28A and 28B ). 
     Herein, two configurations of the canted arm flexure  300  are presented, referred to generically or collectively as canted arm flexure(s)  300  and individually as canted arm flexures  300   a  and  300   b , presented in  FIGS. 28A and 28B  respectively. The canted arm flexures  300   a  and  300   b  represent examples of varying the maximum lateral deflection  312 . The vertical distance  306  is greater in  FIG. 28A  than in  FIG. 28B ; hence, the maximum lateral deflection  312  is less in  FIG. 28B  than in  FIG. 28A . 
     Functionally, flexing of the canted arm flexures  300  occurs primarily about the node  308  and flexure axis  309 . The maximum lateral deflection  312  can be tailored to provide a stop for the deflection. That is, the seat deck  30   f  can define a maximum lateral deflection  312  that does not fully accommodate the maximum potential displacement of the elongate slat members  260  in the fore-and-aft directions  54  (e.g. the maximum span length  286   b  of  FIG. 25B ). In such a configuration, the canted arm flexures  300  would stop against the respective forward or rearward support members  282  or  284 , thereby arresting the deflection of the elongate slat members  260  before the elongate slat members  260  become substantially flat or undergoing a profile inversion. In other embodiments, the maximum lateral deflection  312  can be tailored so that the canted arm flexures  300  do not stop against the support members  282 ,  284 . 
     The canted arm flexures  300   a  and  300   b  present the flexure axis  309  as being parallel to the lateral directions  86  and orthogonal to the fore-and-aft directions  54 . It is noted that this arrangement is non-limiting. That is, the canted arm flexure geometry can be oriented in several arbitrary orientations. For example, flexure axis  309  can be orthogonal to the fore-and-aft directions  54  and at an arbitrary angle between the lateral directions  86  and the upward direction  93 . Also, orientations that are non-orthogonal to the fore-and-aft directions  54  are contemplated. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 29A through 29C , operation of the seat deck  30   f  utilizing the canted arm flexures  300   a  of  FIG. 28A  is schematically depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The schematics of  FIGS. 29A through 29C  include many of the same aspects and attributes as  FIGS. 25A through 25C , which are identified with same-numbered numerical references. The seat deck  30   f  is depicted initially in an unloaded state and defining the span length  286   a  between the flexures  270  (canted arm flexures  300   a ) ( FIG. 29A ). Upon application of the weight W, the arcuate profile  280  initially becomes less pronounced as the center of the elongate slat members  260  deflect downward. The downward deflection also causes the span length to increase. At some point, if the canted arm flexures  300   a  are configured to accommodate the maximum fore-and-aft extension of the elongate slat members  260 , the slat members  260  become substantially flat; at such point, the maximum span length  286   b  is attained and the deflection of the flexures  300   a  is maximized ( FIG. 29B ). 
     If there is enough weight, the elongate slat members  260  can undergo a profile inversion; that is, instead of defining a convexity in the upward direction  93 , the elongate slat members define a convexity in the downward direction  100  (i.e., a concavity with respect to the upward direction  93 ). As the elongate slat members  260  pass through the substantially flat profile to the inverted profile, the span length decreases, and the lateral deflection of the canted arm flexures  300   a  becomes less. It is contemplated the inverted profile may define a concavity that is greater than the convexity of the unloaded state ( FIG. 29C ). That is, a maximum concave dimension  62  in the loaded state is greater than the maximum convex dimension  61  in the unloaded state. When the maximum concave dimension  62  exceeds the maximum convex dimension  61 , a span length  286   c  is smaller than both span lengths  286   a  and  286   b , the force component on the canted arm flexures  300   a  in the fore-and-aft directions  54  is reversed. The canted arm flexures  300  of the seat deck  60   f  are then deflected inward relative to the unloaded state. 
     Accordingly, the canted arm flexures  300   a  of the seat deck  60   f  can be configured to accommodate the change in the span lengths  286   a  through  286   c.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 30A and 30B , operation of a seat deck  30   g  utilizing the canted arm flexures  300   b  of  FIG. 28B  is schematically depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The seat deck  30   g  and schematics of  FIGS. 30A and 30B  include many of the same aspects and attributes as the seat deck  30   f  and  FIGS. 29A through 29C , which are identified with same-numbered numerical references. The seat deck  30   g  is depicted initially in an unloaded state and defining the span length  286   a  between the flexures  270  (canted arm flexures  300   b ) ( FIG. 29A ). Upon application of the weight W, the arcuate profile  280  initially becomes less pronounced as the center of the elongate slat members  260  deflect downward. The downward deflection also causes the span length to increase. At some point, if the canted arm flexures  300  are configured to provide a stop as discussed above, the arms  302  of the canted arm flexures  300  flatten out or are pressed against the respective supports  282  and  284  before the elongate slat members  260  become substantially flat; at such point, a minimum convex dimension  63  of the arcuate profile  280  is attained ( FIG. 30B ), but the supports  282  and  284  act as stops that prevent a span length  286   d  of the elongate support members  260  from extending further. It is noted that additional weight may cause additional distortion and deflection of the elongate slat members  260  and/or the framework  30 , but not in the manner depicted in  FIGS. 29A through 29C . 
     Accordingly, the canted arm flexures  300  of the seat deck  60   g  can be configured to provide a stop that limits the span length and the subsequent deflection of the elongate slat members  260 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 31 , an S-shaped flexure  320  including stop protrusions  322  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the protrusions  322  extend in the fore-and-aft directions  54  within the S-shaped structure of the S-shaped flexure  320  proximate a junction  326  of the first bend  274  and the second bend  278 . In operation, when the S-shaped flexure  320  undergoes sufficient compressive deflection, the protrusions  322  make contact with the flange portion  114  of the edge structure  62  or  64   e  and a face  324  of the elongate slat member  260 . This contact functions to stop or inhibit further compression of the S-shaped flexure  320 . Accordingly, the protrusions  322  serve as a stop that can limit or arrest the deflection of the elongate slat members  260  to a minimum convex dimension before the elongate slat members  260  become substantially flat. While the protrusions  322  are depicted as extending from the junction, it is understood that protrusions can extend from other components of the seat deck to the same effect, for example from the face  324  of the elongate slat member  260 , and/or from the flange portion  114 . 
     Alternatively, the S-shaped flexures  272  can be configured so that the minimum bend radii R 1  and R 2  are small enough so that the S-shaped flexures  272  collapses onto itself before the elongate slat member becomes substantially flat. The S-shaped flexures  272  is said to “collapse onto itself” when the second bend  278  makes contact with, for example, the flange portion  114  and the first bend  274  makes contact with, for example, the elongate slat member  260 . 
     It is noted and acknowledged that the various flexures  270 ,  272 ,  290 ,  320  will deflect in the downward direction  100  upon application of the weight W. The depictions herein do not represent the downward deflections of the flexures for the sake of simplicity of illustration. 
     The seat decks  60  can be fabricated from a variety of materials, including metals and polymers. In various embodiments, the seat deck is injection molded and can comprise a composite material. In one embodiment, the composite material comprises a 10% to 20% glass filled polypropylene. Other fillers can include talc and calcium. Other materials contemplated include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic elastomers, resins, acetal, and acrylics. In one embodiment, the composite material includes a dry, lubricious material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to provide lubricity between the free end of the seat deck and the upward-facing registration surface. 
     The foregoing discussion is directed to sofa frames and assemblies. Those of skill in the relevant art will recognize that the same concepts and aspects can be utilized in other furnishings, including, but not limited to, single seat chairs and love seats. 
     Each of the additional figures and methods disclosed herein can be used separately, or in conjunction with other features and methods, to provide improved devices and methods for making and using the same. Therefore, combinations of features and methods disclosed herein may not be necessary to practice the disclosure in its broadest sense and are instead disclosed merely to particularly describe representative and preferred embodiments. 
     Various modifications to the embodiments may be apparent to one of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. For example, persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that the various features described for the different embodiments can be suitably combined, uncombined, and re-combined with other features, alone, or in different combinations. Likewise, the various features described above should all be regarded as example embodiments, rather than limitations to the scope or spirit of the disclosure. 
     Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that various embodiments can comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the claims can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein. 
     References to “embodiment(s)”, “disclosure”, “present disclosure”, “embodiment(s) of the disclosure”, “disclosed embodiment(s)”, and the like contained herein refer to the specification (text, including the claims, and figures) of this patent application that are not admitted prior art. 
     For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in the respective claim.