Patent Publication Number: US-2003222487-A1

Title: Chair and work surface system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The present invention relates to a chair and work surface system and more particularly to a combination table and two chairs, each chair being connected to the table, but also being independently movable relative to the table.  
       [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art  
       [0004] Typically, conferences are held around large conference tables with independently movable chairs spaced around the periphery of the tables. More recently conference furniture has taken a more informal approach in which the large conference table has been disposed of and replaced by individual chairs and small tables spaced about a conference space.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005] What is described here is a chair and work surface system comprising a work surface, a first chair pivotally connected to a first portion of the work surface and a second chair pivotally connected to a second portion of the work surface.  
       [0006] There are a number of advantages, features and objects achieved with the present invention which are believed not to be available in earlier related devices. For example, several advantages are that the present invention provides a conference arrangement that is convenient, adjustable and comfortable.  
       [0007] A more complete understanding of the present invention and other objects, advantages and features thereof will be gained from a consideration of the following description of a preferred embodiment read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures provided herein. The preferred embodiment represents an example of the invention which is described here in compliance with Title 35 U.S.C. section 112 (first paragraph), but the invention itself is defined by the attached claims. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING  
     [0008]FIG. 1 is rear isometric view of a two chair and work surface system.  
     [0009]FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of the two chair and work surface system shown in FIG. 1 illustrating each chair in two positions.  
     [0010]FIG. 3 is a front isometric view illustrating a frame and support for each of the chairs and for the work surface of the system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
     [0011]FIG. 4 is an enlarged downward looking isometric view taken within curve  4 - 4  of FIG. 3.  
     [0012]FIG. 4 a  is an upward looking isometric view of a variation of a leg.  
     [0013]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic plan view of the work surface and frame illustrating the movement capability of the chairs. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION  
     [0014] While the present invention is open to various modifications and alternative constructions, the preferred embodiment shown in the various figures of the drawing will be described herein in detail. It is understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the particular embodiment, form or example disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalent structures and methods, and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims, pursuant to Title 35 U.S.C. section 112 (second paragraph).  
     [0015] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and  3 , there is illustrated a chair and work surface system  10  including a work surface in the form of a low level table  11 , a first chair  12  connected to a first portion  13  of the table and a second chair  14  connected to a second portion  15  of the table. Each chair includes a back portion  16 ,  17  and a seat portion  18 ,  19 . The table is supported by two front supports, at the first and second portions thereof, in the form of two front legs  20 ,  22  and a rear column  24  which may house communication cables and electrical wiring brought up through the floor  26 . Instead of the column, the table may also be designed to have one or more additional legs at the rear, if desired.  
     [0016] Each chair includes a metal frame or base  30 ,  32  including a horizontally disposed front frame member  34 ,  36  and two side frame members  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 . Each chair also includes support legs including a left rear leg  50 ,  52 , a right rear leg  54 ,  56 , a left front leg  58 ,  60  and a right front leg  62 ,  64 .  
     [0017] It is apparent that the right front leg  62  of the left chair  12  and the left front leg  60  of the right chair  14  are connected to the left front leg  20  and right front leg  22 , respectively, of the table  11  to form common supports or legs for both the respective chair and the table. Three casters are connected to the non-common legs of the chairs such as left rear casters  70 ,  72 , right rear casters  74 ,  76 . and left front caster  80  and right front caster  82  of the chairs  12  and  14 , respectively.  
     [0018] Each of the chair frames also includes two pairs of upright frame members  90 ,  92 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98 ,  100 ,  102 ,  104 , FIG. 3 connected to each of the side frame members  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 , respectively. Also connected to each pair of upright frame members is a bracket  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 , respectively, upon which the seat-back combination of each chair is attached.  
     [0019] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated in more detail the first portion or corner  13  of the table  11  and the common table leg  20  and the chair leg  62 . This common leg includes a bottom portion  122  connected to a middle portion  124  and a top portion  126 . The bottom and middle portions are fixed to the front frame member  34  and is part of the chair  12 . A peripheral edge  130  is formed at the top of the middle portion  124 . The top portion  126  also includes a peripheral edge  132 . Projecting downwardly from the top portion  126  is a pin  134  which in turn is received by an opening  136  in the middle portion  124 . A longitudinal axis  140  of the pin coincides with a longitudinal axis of the common leg and forms a line about which the chair  12  pivots or rotates relative to the table  11 . Rotational bearing surfaces are the peripheral edges  130 ,  132  of the middle leg portion and the top leg portion respectively. It is understood that the table remains stationary while the chairs rotate. Of course, the entire apparatus may be easily moved if desired by simply separating the table from the chairs.  
     [0020] A variation of the common leg is to have a pin  134   a,  FIG. 4 a,  extend upwardly from the middle portion  124   a  and an opening  136   a  in the top portion  126   a  receives the pin.  
     [0021] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and  5 , the chairs may rotate or pivot through 90 degrees between a position where the chairs are aligned to face in the same direction (and shown in solid line) and a position where the chairs generally face each other (and shown in broken line). This may be best understood by noticing the changes of location of the casters between positions drawn in solid line and broken line and designated with a number and then the same number followed by a prime.  
     [0022] It is to be understood that the chairs pivot independently of one another and each may take any position relative to the table and to the other chair within their own 90 degree arc of rotation.  
     [0023] The flexible seating system described may be used to heighten the level of informality of a meeting and increase the comfort of meeting attendees especially if the attendees spend long periods in a seated position. To help with comfort, the chairs may have arms, be reclining and have cup holders and writing pads (not shown). It is further understood that the system described here may be used with other similarly designed systems or with individual chairs for a larger meeting. Or the system may be used alone in a reception area or as part of an individual&#39;s office.  
     [0024] The above specification describes in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Other examples, embodiments, modifications and variations will, under both the literal claim language and the doctrine of equivalents, come within the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. For example, a different style of chair, frame or supports are considered equivalent structures and will also come within the literal language of the claims. The same is true for a different design for the table and its legs. Still other alternatives will also be equivalent as will many new technologies. There is no desire or intention here to limit in any way the application of the doctrine of equivalents nor to limit or restrict the scope of the invention.