Patent ID: 8167371

Claim:
A seat ( 10 ) comprising: a seat bottom ( 14 ) defining a generally horizontal support surface for supporting a user's weight, the seat bottom ( 14 ) having a rear edge; a seat back assembly ( 16 ) extending generally upwardly from the seat bottom ( 14 ) adjacent the rear edge thereof, the seat back portion ( 16 ) being moveable in a reclining direction relative to the seat bottom ( 14 ) under an applied load over a range of positions; a shock absorber ( 44 ) pivotally mounted between the seat bottom ( 14 ) and the seat back assembly ( 16 ) for controlling reclining movement of the seat back portion ( 16 ) and applying a rebound force in respect of movement of the seat back portion ( 16 ) to urge the seat back assembly ( 16 ) toward a nominal upright position; wherein the shock absorber ( 44 ) includes an adjustable damper for restraining return motion of the seat back portion ( 16 ) when the applied load is reduced; wherein the shock absorber comprises an arm member ( 38 ) having one end attached to the seat back portion ( 16 ) and a second end telescopically mounted in a housing containing damping means, wherein, in use, movement of the seat back assembly ( 16 ) causes corresponding movement of the second end of said arm member ( 38 ) within the housing; wherein the shock absorber ( 44 ) is located behind the seat back assembly ( 16 ) and above the seat bottom ( 14 ); and wherein the seat back assembly ( 16 ) extends generally upright from the seat bottom ( 14 ) adjacent the rear edge thereof, the seat back assembly ( 16 ) including a lower seat back portion ( 22 ) and a separate upper seat back portion ( 24 ); the lower seat back portion ( 22 ) defining a lower back support surface for supporting the pelvic region of a user sitting on the seat ( 10 ); the upper seat back portion ( 24 ) defining a second back support surface for supporting an upper portion of a user's back, the upper seat back portion ( 24 ) being mounted for movement, in use, under a load over a range of angular positions from the nominal upright position while the lower seat back portion ( 22 ) remains stationary relative to the seat bottom ( 14 ).