Patent ID: 7377587

Claim:
A hinge device for pivoted mounting in a chair between a stationary base frame and a seat frame for supporting the seat frame for oscillatory gliding motion generally longitudinally relative to the base frame, the hinge device comprising: a hinge panel consisting essentially of a polymeric material characterized by a sufficient strength and durability to support the seat frame and a seat occupant during repeated and extended pivotal oscillating cycles without failure and a sufficient lubricity not to generate noise during the repeated and extended pivotal oscillating cycles, the hinge panel having opposite ends respectively forming hinge locations, a pair of separate attachment ears for attaching the hinge device to the frames, each attachment ear being selectively configured to attach respectively to the opposite ends of the hinge panel, and a pair of connectors, each forming a pivot for the hinge device and facilitating the connection between each hinge location at the opposite ends of the hinge panel and a respective attachment ear, wherein the hinge device is configured for repeated substantially silent pivotal oscillating cycles over an extended life.