Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/596,623, Jan. 14, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/057,781, filed Oct. 18, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/277,778 filed Oct. 20, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/877,478 filed Oct. 23, 2007, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/853,669, filed Oct. 23, 2006. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO MICROFISHE APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0004]    The invention relates to seating units and more specifically, to multi-functional or reconfigurable chairs and the like. Known multi-functional or multi-tasking seating tends toward two general groups, namely, relatively complicated arrangements and relatively less complicated arrangements. 
         [0005]    The more complicated designs typically attempt to address many common functional needs; all things to all users. Therefore, they tend to sacrifice a characteristic of being “user friendly” and require notable user involvement. The user may be required to accommodate a variety of components, which may be bulky. The multi-functional seating may also require an uncommon level of mechanical aptitude to adapt the seating between functional configurations. 
         [0006]    Alternatively, the less complicated designs tend to be targeted to fairly narrowly defined functions. Thus, they are novelty or specialty seating units that are undesirable to any user who does not have a need for the particular function to which the seating was designed. 
         [0007]    Thus, a need for easily used and versatile seating that fills a reasonable combination of common lifestyle uses may be readily understood. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Accordingly, a chair with a coupling companion stool base of the invention is directed to the contemporary lifestyle needs of active users, including a range of functions from task seating at a work surface to casual relaxation. While suitable in any environment, a multi-tasking seating unit of the invention is particularly appreciated in smaller room settings, where space may be at a premium, where dedicated use furnishing may be considered undesirable, or where flexibility is appreciated. 
         [0009]    The chair portion has a frame that may be supported above a generally horizontal surface by the base, which base releasably couples with the frame. More specifically, the frame has a lower portion that may support a sitting portion, which sitting portion is adapted to support a user who is seated upon the chair, and has an upper portion that may support a back rest, which back rest is adapted to support at least a portion of a back of the user. The frame lower portion extends from the upper portion and may further include a first portion that is near the frame upper portion, a second portion that is spaced away from the first portion, a claw that extends generally downward from the second portion, a latch that extends generally downward from the first portion, and at least two frame legs that extend generally downward from the frame lower portion. The frame legs are adapted to support the frame upon a generally horizontal supporting surface. In other aspects of the invention, the latch is connected with the frame first portion and moves between closed and opened positions. 
         [0010]    The base has a saddle and extends generally upward from the supporting surface to the saddle. The saddle may be configured with opposite back and front edges. The saddle front edge may be configured to cooperate with the frame lower portion claw, so that the front edge may be releasably captured in the claw, while the saddle back edge may be configured to cooperate with the frame lower portion latch whereby the back edge may be releasably captured by the latch. When the frame is decoupled from the base, the frame forming the chair portion is adapted for use as casual floor rocker seating, and the base is adapted to provide a companion stool upon which a user may sit or, alternatively, a side table which may be positioned adjacent to the chair portion. 
         [0011]    The saddle can further include a top surface that faces away from the supporting surface, as it defines at least one of a work surface, a writing surface and a sitting surface. The frame can also include a receptacle defined between the claw and the latch. The saddle of the base includes a perimeter edge incorporating the back and front edges, and circumscribing the top surface. The edge defines the top surface with a rotationally asymmetric geometry. The frame lower portion receptacle and the saddle perimeter edge correspond with one another so that the base couples with the frame only in one specific rotational orientation. 
         [0012]    The chair can further include a bias member, which biases the latch to the closed position. The frame can include opposite left and right sides, with a first one of the two frame legs extending generally arcuately downward from the frame lower portion left side and second portion, and to the frame lower portion left side and first portion. A second one of the two frame legs extends generally arcuately downward from the frame lower portion right side and second portion, and to the frame lower portion right side and first portion. The frame legs define rockers. Further, the rockers can define protective rails about the latch. In addition, the latch can be located between the two frame legs, so that the legs define protective rails about the latch. 
         [0013]    With the frame having opposite left and right sides, the claw can include a claw notch, a first tooth extending toward the left side from the notch, and a second tooth extending toward the right side from the notch. The saddle front edge can include a pair of cooperating claw notches. With the asymmetric configuration, the first tooth and the second tooth can be engaged with the saddle only through an engagement of the first tooth with a first one of the cooperating claw notches, and the second tooth with a second one of the cooperating claw notches. Further, the claw notch can be centered along the claw. With the frame decoupled from the base, the saddle top surface can be adapted to be oriented in front of the frame, with a first base leg of the plurality of base legs initially positionable under the claw, so that with the claw straddling the first base leg, the first base leg is adapted to nest into the claw notch. 
         [0014]    The base can further include a pedestal extending generally upwardly from the supporting surface to the saddle. The pedestal can include a connector that operably connects the saddle with the pedestal, with the connector including at least one of a tilt mechanism, whereby the saddle tilts relative to the pedestal, and a swivel mechanism whereby the saddle swivels relative to the pedestal. 
         [0015]    In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the relative cooperation between the spaced apart teeth and the cooperating claw notches, and the sizing and configuration thereof, causes forces to be generated along the engagement points of the spaced apart teeth and the cooperating claw notches which tend to resist disengagement of the spaced apart teeth from the cooperating claw notches. This occurs when a user of the chair may exert backwardly directed or other leaning forces on the chair frame. Further, the base can include a set of triangular shaped ribs extending downwardly behind the back edge of the saddle. The positioning and configuration of the ribs behind the saddle back edge tend to generate forces resistive to accidental engagement of the chair to the frame, which may otherwise result in the latch not fully engaging with the cooperating latch notch, or from horizontal forces being exerted on the frame relative to the base which could tend to accidentally disengage the notch. Still further, a latch ramping surface can be positioned at the saddle back edge. 
         [0016]    In addition to the foregoing, the chair includes means for insuring that a sound audible to a chair user is generated when the latch is moved from a disengaged position to a completely engaged position with the saddle back edge. In this manner, the user is provided with positive feedback that correct engagement of the latch with the saddle back edge has been achieved. These and other features, objects, and benefits of the invention will be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art and by those who practice the invention, from this disclosure, including the specification, the claims, and the drawing figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is an upper front right perspective view of a chair with a coupling companion stool base of the invention, showing the chair portion and the companion stool base portion coupled in a task chair configuration; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view thereof; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a back elevation view thereof; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a left side elevation view thereof; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a right side elevation view thereof; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view thereof; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a lower left front perspective view thereof; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a lower back left perspective view thereof; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a fragmentary right side elevation view thereof, showing coupling/uncoupling of the chair portion and the coupling companion stool base portion, with the chair portion partially in cross section; and; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is the view of  FIG. 9 , showing the chair portion and the coupling companion stool base portion uncoupled; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of detail XI of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is the view of  FIG. 11 , with the chair and the base portions coupled; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of detail XIII of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is the detail view of  FIG. 13  with the base portion removed; 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged detail view of the positive clip clamp latch of  FIG. 8 ; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is an exploded view thereof, from an upper right back perspective view; 
           [0033]      FIG. 17  is an exploded view of the chair portion, from an upper right back perspective view, showing a frame and upholstery foundations and coverings thereof; 
           [0034]      FIG. 18  is an upper right back perspective view of the uncoupled companion stool base portion together with an upper left front perspective view of the uncoupled chair portion, showing the two portions nested and the companion stool base portion providing a table function; 
           [0035]      FIG. 19  is an upper left front perspective view of the uncoupled companion stool base portion together with an upper right back perspective view of the uncoupled chair portion; 
           [0036]      FIG. 20  is an upper front right perspective view of the uncoupled companion stool base portion thereof; 
           [0037]      FIG. 21  is an upper back right perspective view thereof; 
           [0038]      FIG. 22  is a lower left back perspective view thereof; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 23  is an exploded right back perspective view thereof. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    A preferred embodiment of a chair with a coupling companion stool base according to the invention is generally shown in the drawing comprising  FIGS. 1-23 , and discussed below. The exemplary embodiment shown comprises two main portions, namely, a chair portion  100  and a base portion  300 . (See e.g.,  FIGS. 1, 2 ). 
         [0041]    The chair portion  100  may be formed with a frame  102 , which has an upper portion  104  and a lower portion  106  ( FIG. 18 ). The frame  102  and the various components of the chair portion  100 , unless otherwise noted, may be constructed of any suitable material, including structural materials that incorporate at least one of a plastic, a wood, a metal, and a ceramic, and of any method or process that may be appropriate to the material selected as may be known to one having ordinary skill in the chair fabrication art. 
         [0042]    The upper portion  104  provides a back rest to support at least a portion of a back of a user. The upper portion may be configured as is known in what may be called “hard surface” chairs or seating, to be sufficiently comfortable or otherwise accommodating on its own. Otherwise, a padded or otherwise plush covering may preferably be provided as is shown. The upper portion  104  with the back rest is particularly shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 17 . With reference thereto, an upholstered back rest may include a foundation  112  and an upholstered covering  114  that may slip fit over the foundation, as shown and without limitation on the concept of the invention. The covered foundation  112  may then be secured to the upper portion  104  through various methods, including decorative hardware  116  (also shown in  FIG. 17 ), such as screws as shown. 
         [0043]    The frame lower portion  106  extends away and primarily forward from the frame upper portion  104 . As further shown, for example, in  FIG. 12  and the exploded view of  FIG. 17 , the frame lower portion  106  has a frame lower portion first portion  122  near the frame upper portion  104 , and a frame lower portion second portion  124  that is spaced away from the first portion. In the example of this disclosure, the lower portion  106  is fabricated with opposite left and right side rails  108  and  118 , respectively. One or both of the side rails  108  and  118  may be seen in a number of the drawings, including  FIGS. 4, 5, and 17 . A number of cross ties  110  of various cross section, including some with a generally V-channel, extend between the side rails  108 ,  110 . The cross ties  110  are illustrated in  FIGS. 9, 11-13 and 17 . Other features of the frame lower portion  106  include a sitting portion which will be described in greater detail in subsequent paragraphs herein. In addition, the frame lower portion  106  includes a claw  142  extending generally downwardly. The claw  142  is illustrated in  FIGS. 9, 10, 13 and 14 . Still further, the frame lower portion  106  includes a clip clamp latch  160  which is shown in  FIG. 15  and, in particular detail, in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . In addition to the clip clamp latch  160 , the frame lower portion  106  also includes at least two frame legs  180  (see  FIGS. 18 and 19  among others) and a receptacle  190  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0044]    The sitting portion supports the user who is seated thereupon. Quite similar to the back rest portion of the upper portion  104 , discussed above, the sitting portion may be configured as is known in “hard surface” chairs, to be sufficiently comfortable or accommodating on its own. Alternatively, an upholstered sitting portion may preferably be provided, and may include a foundation  132  (particularly shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 17 ) and an upholstered covering  134  that may slip fit over the foundation. The upholstered covering  134  is shown in several of the illustrations, including  FIGS. 9-14 and 17 . The covered foundation  132  may then be secured to the frame lower portion  106  through various methods as discussed above relative to the back rest, including decorative hardware  136 , such as screws as shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0045]    The claw  142  (illustrated in  FIGS. 9, 10, 13 and 14 ) extends generally downward from the frame lower portion  106 , near the second portion  124  of the frame lower portion  106 , and is adapted for cooperating releasable engagement with the base  300 . More specifically, and as will be discussed in greater detail in subsequent paragraphs herein, the claw  142  will function so as to releasably engage with a saddle  310  of the base  300 . The saddle  310  is illustrated in many of the figures, including  FIGS. 4, 5, 9-13 and 18-23 . With reference again to the claw  142 , it may be configured with a flange-like member  144  that extends toward the first portion  122 . Of course, this is a specific configuration of an exemplary preferred embodiment, and one having ordinary skill in the art understands from this disclosure that a broad variety of adaptations of the claw and saddle interaction element of the invention may be made within the concept of the invention. The claw  142  may be considered to define an at least somewhat arcuate member, including smoothly arcuate and broken angular configurations. The claw  142  as shown also extends laterally between the left and the right rails,  108  and  118  respectively. The claw  142  is, thereby, cleverly incorporated in the structure of lower portion as a cross tie  110 , in the example shown. 
         [0046]    In another aspect of the claw  142 , a notch  146  may be provided for nesting accommodation with a leg of the base  300 , discussed further below ( FIGS. 2, 6 and 7 ). Thus, the notch  146  may preferably be generally centered along the claw  142 , between the rail  108  and  118 . So defined, the notched claw  142  may be said to include a first tooth  148  that extends toward the left side from the notch, and a second tooth  148  (with the teeth being shown in  FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 13 and 14 ) that extends toward the right side from the notch. It is further noted that the claw  142  as shown incorporates user safety considerations at least insofar as the cooperating geometry of the claw  142  with the saddle  310  tends to engage the chair portion  100  with the base portion  300 , so the chair portion  100  will not tilt or rotate backward apart from the base. 
         [0047]    The clip clamp latch  160  is illustrated in a number of the drawings, including  FIGS. 3, 6, 8, 9-12 and 15-17 . In particular, the latch  160  is shown in a “stand alone” view in  FIG. 16 . More specifically, the clip clamp latch  160  extends generally downward from the frame lower portion  106 , near its first portion  122 , and is adapted for cooperating releasable engagement with the base  300  and more specifically with the saddle  310  of the base, discussed further below. While the claw  142  is shown as a fixed member, at least one of the claw  142  and the latch  160  is preferably a movable member so that the chair portion  100  and the base  300  are releasably coupled. Thus, the latch  160  may, for example, be hingedly connected with the first portion of  122 . However, it should be emphasized that other types of connections may be utilized, without departing from the principal concepts of the invention. As shown particularly in  FIG. 16 , the latch  160  may be considered as presented with a general configuration of a length of a stylized L-channel or V-channel, having a first leg  162  and a second leg  164 , each extending outward from an apex  166 . 
         [0048]    The apex  166  defines a hinge or pivot point of the latch  160 , so the latch  160  hinges between closed and opened positions. In the closed position, the latch  160  extends relatively closer to the frame lower portion second portion  124 . Conversely, the latch extends relatively farther from the second portion  124  in the opened position. Further, a bias member  170  preferably biases the latch to the closed position ( FIGS. 16 and 17 ). As particularly shown in  FIG. 16 , the bias member  170  is shown as a generally U-shaped spring member with a bight portion  172  and a leg  174  extending in the same general direction from each end of the bight portion  172 . Each leg  174  may also incorporate a helical coil spring that aligns with the pivot point  166  of the latch  160 . When assembled as shown, the bias member legs  174  press against the latch first leg  162  and rotate the latch  160  generally forward toward the second portion  124 . 
         [0049]    The latch first leg  162  defines a handle or actuator with which a user may actuate or open the latch, rotating the latch about the latch pivot  166  and generally away from the frame lower portion second portion  124 , to release the chair and the base portions. The latch second leg  164  defines a clamping portion of the latch that engages and clasps the saddle  310  as discussed further below. As with the claw  142 , the latch  160  shown is another specific configuration of an exemplary preferred embodiment and one having ordinary skill in the art understands from this disclosure that a broad variety of adaptations of the claw and saddle interaction element of the invention may be made within the concepts of the invention. 
         [0050]    As shown in several views, and as particularly apparent from  FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 , the legs  180  of the chair portion  100  extend generally downward from the frame lower portion  106  and are adapted to support the frame upon a generally horizontal supporting surface. The legs  180  may have various configurations. Given an inherent relatively shortened geometry of the chair portion  100  when uncoupled from the companion stool base portion  300  and set upon the supporting surface, it is anticipated that a user who is seated in the chair will naturally and commonly tend to tilt the chair portion generally backward. Thus, the legs  180  are desirably configured as rockers, defining the chair portion as a floor rocker. The legs  180  may be described as extending generally arcuately downward from the frame lower portion second portion  124  to the first portion  122 , and along each of a left and a right side of the chair. Further, the legs  180  are preferably artfully incorporated into the chair frame  102  and extend to stops  182  at a very back of the frame lower portion  106 , near where the upper portion  104  and the lower portion  106  meet ( FIGS. 1, 4-7, 11, 12, 16, 18 and 19 ). The stops  182  may preferably be placed and contoured so as to provide a comfortable and positive stop to backward rocking of the chair, and so that the user may not unsafely rock the chair completely backward. Yet, a limit to backward rocking of the chair is most preferably not abrupt. It is also noted at this point that the latch  160  may be tucked-in or located between the legs  180 , which extend beyond the latch  160 , so that the legs  180  define protective rails about the latch  160 . 
         [0051]    The receptacle  190  corresponds with the saddle  310  and is defined between the claw  142  and the latch  160 , which may be said to define end boundaries ( FIG. 6 ). The frame lower portion left and right side rails  108  and  118 , respectively, may also be said to define side boundaries. With the bounds so identified, the receptacle  190  may be seen to have a generally trapezoidal geometry. The corresponding geometry of the receptacle  190  and the saddle  310  may be selected for unitary keying alignment of the chair portion  100  with the base portion  300 , among other considerations. Cooperating engagement of the receptacle  190  with the saddle  310 , and thus releasable coupling of the chair and the base portions  100 ,  300 , respectively, is discussed further below. 
         [0052]    More specific details of the base portion  300  will now be described, particularly with respect to  FIGS. 18-23 . The base portion  300  releasably couples with the frame  102  and is adapted to support the frame  102 , and thus the chair portion  100 , above a generally horizontal supporting surface. One having ordinary skill in the art understands that a broad variety of adaptations of chair bases, including categories of legged, sled, and pedestal, are available to support a chair frame above the supporting surface. What may be commonly known as a five legged pedestal base is generally shown in the drawing figures of the exemplary preferred embodiment. 
         [0053]    The base  300  extends generally upward from the supporting surface to the saddle  310 . The base stands upon the surface with a star foundation that has five legs  330  as shown generally throughout the drawing, although other numbers of legs is known. Each of the legs  330  extends radially out from a center vertical axis to a pad  332 , although a caster, for example, may be used in the alternative. A post  334  extends along the vertical axis from the foundation to a chair control or position mechanism  340  ( FIGS. 22, 23 ). The post  334  may be an extensible member, including a screw mechanism, a pneumatic mechanism, and the like. The chair control  340  may be adapted to provide tilt or swivel movements as is known. A height adjustment control with an actuator  342  may also be incorporated in the chair control  340 . As shown generally in the drawing, the saddle  310  and the chair control  340  are adapted to mount the saddle  310  on top of the chair control  340  with screw fasteners  350  and the like, although this is not a limitation of the invention. Thus, the chair control  340  may be a connector that operatively connects the saddle  310  with the pedestal  334  and may provide at least one of a tilting movement of the saddle  310  relative to the pedestal  334  and a swivel movement of the saddle  310  relative to the pedestal. Further, coupling of the chair portion  100  with the saddle  310  may also provide tilt or swivel movements of the chair portion  100 . 
         [0054]    The saddle  310  is shown configured as a generally planar member and may invoke a very general concept of a thick board. The saddle  310  is not just any board, however. More specifically, the saddle  310  has a top surface  312  that faces away from the supporting surface ( FIGS. 18-21 ). A perimeter edge circumscribes the top surface  312  and includes opposite front and back edges  314  and  316 , respectively, of the saddle  310  ( FIGS. 18-23 ). The front edge  314  cooperates with the frame lower portion claw  142  whereby the front edge is releasably captured in the claw. The back edge  316  cooperates with the frame lower portion latch  160  whereby the back edge is releasably captured by the latch. The front and the back edges  314 ,  316  are also instrumental in defining the top surface  312  with a rotationally asymmetric geometry in the exemplary embodiment shown. A rotationally asymmetric geometry is significant to provide a keyed coupling of the chair portion  100  with the base portion  300 , and most preferably a unitary keyed coupling with one alignment. 
         [0055]    The saddle  310  has a generally trapezoidal geometry that cooperates with the receptacle  190  (the receptacle  190  being shown in  FIG. 6 ). As contrasted with a square peg that may couple in one of four orientations with a corresponding square hole, a triangular peg having an equilateral cross section that may couple in one of three orientations with a corresponding triangular hole, or a rectangular peg coupling in one of two orientations with its corresponding rectangular hole, a trapezoidal peg couples in one orientation with a corresponding trapezoidal hole. Thus the saddle  310  is shown with a generally trapezoidal plan view for a rotationally asymmetric geometry to key the chair portion  100  and the base portion  300  in one relative orientation. Of course, geometries other than trapezoidal may be chosen by one who uses the invention. The inventor has found the trapezoidal geometry to be most convenient in use, however. 
         [0056]    In use, the chair portion  100  and the base portion  300  may be separate, with the chair portion  100  providing casual floor rocker seating ( FIGS. 18 and 19 ). The base portion  300  may be engaged by the user or another user in several functions, including a companion stool upon which a user may sit and a side table. Therefore, the saddle top surface  312  may define at least one of a work surface, a writing surface, and a sitting surface. The base portion  300  may commonly be oriented in front of the chair when employed as a writing surface or other work surface ( FIGS. 19 and 20 ). For closest proximity of the top surface  312 , a user who is seated in the chair may orient the star foundation with one of its legs  330  extending toward the chair  100 . So oriented, the selected one of the legs may extend under the claw  142 . By providing the notch  146 , the chair may rock forward over the leg with the claw straddling the leg, which leg nests into the notch  140  between the teeth  148 . More specifically, with the claw  142  including the claw notch  146  generally centered along the claw  142  and with the frame  102  decoupled from the base portion  300 , the saddle top surface  312  is adapted to be oriented in front of the frame  102 . With this orientation, a first one of the base legs  330  is initially positionable under the claw  142 , so that with the claw  142  straddling the first one of the base legs  330 , the first one of the base legs  330  is adapted to nest into the claw notch  142 . 
         [0057]    Alternatively, the chair portion  100  may releasably couple with the base portion  300  and provide a task chair or desk chair for a user ( FIGS. 1-8 ). Coupling of the chair with the base is easily accomplished by manipulating the chair so the saddle front edge  314  slides toward and into the claw  142 , which is of course from a perspective of the chair portion. In actual practice, the base  300  will typically be stationary while the chair moves under manipulation. 
         [0058]    The rotationally asymmetric geometry of the base saddle  310  and the frame lower portion receptacle  190  may be best appreciated at this point at least insofar as such a geometry requires one functional alignment and engagement of the chair and the base portions. The receptacle  190  and the saddle  310  correspond with one another so that the saddle couples with the receptacle  190  in one rotational orientation, namely, with the saddle front edge  314  releasably captured in the claw  142  and the saddle back edge  316  releasably captured by the latch  160 . As stated in another manner, and as previously described herein, the frame  102  includes the receptacle  190  defined between the claw  142  and the notch  146 . The saddle  310  of the base portion  300  includes the perimeter edge incorporating the front and back edges  314 ,  316 , respectively. The perimeter edge circumscribes the top surface  312  and defines the top surface  312  with a rotationally asymmetric geometry. With this geometry, the frame lower portion receptacle  190  and the saddle perimeter edge correspond with one another, so that the base portion  300  couples with the frame  102  only in one specific rotational orientation. 
         [0059]    The chair portion  100  may then be rocked or pivoted generally backward to engage the latch  160  with the saddle back edge  314 . As the chair rotates backward, the latch second leg  164  may strike or otherwise engage the saddle back edge and ramp open. Thus, a latch ramping surface may preferably be provided at the saddle back edge. Alternatively, a user may manually manipulate the latch, with its first leg  162 , to the open position. With the chair at rest in a position of being coupled with the base, the latch bias  170  holds the latch in the closed position. 
         [0060]    For enhanced coupling of the saddle  310  in the receptacle  190 , cooperating claw notches  322  may be formed in the saddle front edge  312  and a cooperating latch notch  324  may be formed in the saddle back edge  314 . The claw notches  322  facilitate secure engagement of the claw  142  with the saddle front edge  314  and may be significant relative to resisting forces that may develop when a user leans or rocks backward. The latch notch  146  may help the latch  160  resist forces that may tend to open the latch. Further, triangular shaped ribs, or the like, also preferably extend downward, behind the saddle back edge, to further prevent horizontal forces from unintentionally opening the latch. It is also noted that the saddle  310  may support the cross-ties  110  in abutting engagement, when the chair portion  100  and base portion  300  are coupled, to enhance stability of the task chair configuration ( FIGS. 13, 14 ). To further explain the foregoing concepts, and as generally described herein, the claw  142  can include a pair of spaced apart teeth extending along the left and right sides of the frame  102 . A pair of cooperating claw notches  322  are formed in the saddle front edge  314 , and the front edge  314  is releasably captured in the claw  142  through engagement of the teeth with the cooperating claw notches  322 . This relative cooperation between the spaced apart teeth and the cooperating claw notches  322 , and the sizing and configuration thereof, causes forces to be generated along the engagement point of the spaced apart teeth  148  and the cooperating claw notches  322  which tend to resist disengagement of the teeth  148  from the claw notches  322  when a user of the chair makes backwardly directed or other leaning forces on the chair frame  102 . Still further, the positioning and the configuration of the triangular shaped ribs beyond the saddle back edge  316  will tend to generate forces resistant to accidental disengagement of the chair portion  100  from the frame  102  which may otherwise result from a latch not fully engaging with the cooperating latch notch, or from horizontal forces being exerted on the frame  102  relative to the base portion  300 , which could tend to accidentally disengage the latch  160 . 
         [0061]    In addition to the foregoing, other concepts associated with a chair with coupling companion stool base in accordance with the invention may be generally stated. As earlier described, and as one of the advantages in accordance with certain aspects of the invention, the frame  102  forming the chair portion  100  is adapted for use as casual floor rocker seating. In combination with this rocker seating, the base portion  300  is adapted to provide a companion stool upon which a user may sit or, alternatively, a side table which may be positioned adjacent to the chair portion  100 . 
         [0062]    As also previously described, the base portion  300  includes a pedestal or post  334  which extends generally upward from the supporting surface to the saddle  310 . This pedestal or post  334  includes a connector which operatively connects the saddle  310  with the pedestal or post  334 . The connector, as previously described herein, can include a tilt mechanism so that the saddle  310  may be tilted relative to the post  334 . Also, the connector can include a swivel mechanism, so that the saddle  310  swivels relative to the pedestal or post  334 . 
         [0063]    Still further, the concept of utilizing the clip clamp latch  160  for purposes of engaging the frame  102  to the back edge  316  of the saddle  310  has been described in substantial detail. However, another concept in accordance with the invention relates to a safety feature of providing audible “notice” to the user that correct engagement of the latch  160  with the back edge  316  has been achieved. More specifically, with the components of the latch  160  and the saddle  310  as described herein, the proper engagement will result in a “click” which will be of a sufficient volume and frequency so as to be audible to a user. This audible click can be achieved with the components as described herein, with the use of appropriate materials and with proper sizing and configuration thereof. 
         [0064]    One having ordinary skill in the art and those who practice the invention will understand from this disclosure that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosed inventive concept. One will also understand that various relational terms, including left, right, front, back, top, and bottom, for example, are used in the detailed description of the invention and in the claims only to convey relative positioning of various elements of the claimed invention. The scope of protection afforded is to be determined by the claims and by the breadth of interpretation allowed by law.

Technology Category: 1