US6749261B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Seating unit including novel back construction
Assignee: Steelcase Inc
•
Filing: 2002-08-08
•
Granted: 2004-06-15
•
Expires: 2022-08-08
Abstract
Abstract A seating unit includes a seat and back operably supported for synchronized reclining movement. The back includes a back support with separate upper and lower portions pivotally coupled to a back frame at upper and lower connections, respectively. The upper and lower portions combine to define a forwardly-protruding convex shape and include mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape. In one form, the lower portion includes first and second sections pivoted together, with the upper portion and the first and second sections forming thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic regions of the back support, respectively.
Inventors
- 👤 Glenn A. Knoblock
- 👤 Arnold B. Dammermann
- 👤 Larry DeKraker
- 👤 Kevin A. Ekdahl
- 👤 Kurt R. Heidmann
- 👤 II Gardner J. Klaasen
- 👤 James A. Perkins
- 👤 Gordon J. Peterson
- 👤 Edward H. Punches
- 👤 Charles P. Roosien
- 👤 David S. Teppo
- 👤 Michael J. Yancharas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 15:06
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47C; A47C1/00; A47C1/02; A47C1/022; A47C1/023; A47C1/031; A47C1/032; A47C1/03205; A47C1/03233; A47C1/03238; A47C1/03255; A47C1/03261; A47C1/03272; A47C1/03274; A47C7/00; A47C7/02; A47C7/14; A47C7/24; A47C7/36; A47C7/40; A47C7/44; A47C7/445; A47C7/46; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S297/00; Y10S297/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 34
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
A back support assembly for a seating unit comprising: a back frame; a back support including separate upper and lower portions pivoted to the back frame at upper and lower pivots, respectively, the upper and lower portions combining to define a convex shape and including a rigid overlapping mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
A back support assembly for a seating unit comprising: a back frame; a back support including separate upper and lower portions pivoted to the back frame at upper and lower pivots, respectively, the upper and lower portions combining to define a convex shape and including a rigid overlapping mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The back support assembly of claim 1 , wherein the mating structure is constructed to both pivot and slide when the joint is flexed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The back support assembly of claim 1 , wherein the back support includes thoracic, lumbar and pelvic regions, and wherein the joint is located in the lumbar region of the back support.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The back support assembly of claim 1 , including at least one cushion covering part of a front surface of the upper and lower portions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
80 words
A back support assembly for a seating unit comprising: a back frame; a back support including separate upper and lower portions pivoted to the back frame at upper and lower pivots, respectively, the upper and lower portions combining to define a convex shape and including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the mating structure includes flanges that overlap.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
80 words
A back support assembly for a seating unit comprising: a back frame; a back support including separate upper and lower portions pivoted to the back frame at upper and lower pivots, respectively, the upper and lower portions combining to define a convex shape and including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the mating structure includes flanges that overlap.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The back support assembly of claim 5 , wherein the flanges form a dovetail connection.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The back support assembly of claim 5 , wherein the flanges are configured to telescope together when the joint is flexed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
106 words
A back support assembly for a seating unit comprising: a back frame; a back support including separate upper and lower portions pivoted to the back frame at upper and lower pivots, respectively, the upper and lower portions combining to define a convex shape and including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the lower portion includes first and second components pivoted together, each having a front surface that combines with a front surface of the upper portion to provide postural support to a seated user.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
106 words
A back support assembly for a seating unit comprising: a back frame; a back support including separate upper and lower portions pivoted to the back frame at upper and lower pivots, respectively, the upper and lower portions combining to define a convex shape and including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the lower portion includes first and second components pivoted together, each having a front surface that combines with a front surface of the upper portion to provide postural support to a seated user.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The back support assembly of claim 8 , wherein the upper portion forms a thoracic region, the first component forms a lumbar region, and the second component forms a pelvic region.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
83 words
A back support assembly for a seating unit comprising: a back frame; a back support including separate upper and lower portions pivoted to the back frame at upper and lower pivots, respectively, the upper and lower portions combining to define a convex shape and including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the upper and lower portions each include a resilient shell.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
83 words
A back support assembly for a seating unit comprising: a back frame; a back support including separate upper and lower portions pivoted to the back frame at upper and lower pivots, respectively, the upper and lower portions combining to define a convex shape and including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the upper and lower portions each include a resilient shell.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
The back support assembly of claim 10 , wherein the resilient shells are made of molded plastic.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
107 words
A back support assembly for a seating unit comprising: a back frame; a back support including separate upper and lower portions pivoted to the back frame at upper and lower pivots, respectively, the upper and lower portions combining to define a convex shape and including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the back support includes a belt bracket attached proximate a lower edge of the lower portion, the belt bracket being adapted for pivotal connection to a base member for pivotally supporting the lower portion.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
107 words
A back support assembly for a seating unit comprising: a back frame; a back support including separate upper and lower portions pivoted to the back frame at upper and lower pivots, respectively, the upper and lower portions combining to define a convex shape and including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the back support includes a belt bracket attached proximate a lower edge of the lower portion, the belt bracket being adapted for pivotal connection to a base member for pivotally supporting the lower portion.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
94 words
A back support assembly for a seating unit comprising: a back frame; a back support including separate upper and lower portions pivoted to the back frame at upper and lower pivots, respectively, the upper and lower portions combining to define a convex shape and including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the back frame defines an arch, the arch including upper and lower connections forming part of the upper and lower pivots.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
94 words
A back support assembly for a seating unit comprising: a back frame; a back support including separate upper and lower portions pivoted to the back frame at upper and lower pivots, respectively, the upper and lower portions combining to define a convex shape and including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the back frame defines an arch, the arch including upper and lower connections forming part of the upper and lower pivots.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
93 words
A back support for a seating unit having a back frame, comprising: an upper portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; a separate lower portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; the upper and lower portions including front surfaces that combine to form a convex shape suitable for postural support to a seated user, the upper and lower portions including a rigid mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
93 words
A back support for a seating unit having a back frame, comprising: an upper portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; a separate lower portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; the upper and lower portions including front surfaces that combine to form a convex shape suitable for postural support to a seated user, the upper and lower portions including a rigid mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
31 words
The back support of claim 14 , wherein the back support includes thoracic, lumbar and pelvic regions, and wherein the joint is located in the lumbar region of the back support.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
The back support of claim 14 , wherein the upper and lower portions each include a cushions.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
107 words
A back support for a seating unit having a back frame, comprising: an upper portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; a separate lower portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; the upper and lower portions including front surfaces that combine to form a convex shape suitable for postural support to a seated user, the upper and lower portions including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the mating structure is constructed to both pivot and slide when the joint is flexed.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
107 words
A back support for a seating unit having a back frame, comprising: an upper portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; a separate lower portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; the upper and lower portions including front surfaces that combine to form a convex shape suitable for postural support to a seated user, the upper and lower portions including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the mating structure is constructed to both pivot and slide when the joint is flexed.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
99 words
A back support for a seating unit having a back frame, comprising: an upper portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; a separate lower portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; the upper and lower portions including front surfaces that combine to form a convex shape suitable for postural support to a seated user, the upper and lower portions including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the mating structure includes flanges that overlap.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
99 words
A back support for a seating unit having a back frame, comprising: an upper portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; a separate lower portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; the upper and lower portions including front surfaces that combine to form a convex shape suitable for postural support to a seated user, the upper and lower portions including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the mating structure includes flanges that overlap.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
14 words
The back support of claim 18 , wherein the flanges form a dovetail connection.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
The back support of claim 18 , wherein the flanges are configured to telescope together when the joint is flexed.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
102 words
A back support for a seating unit having a back frame, comprising: an upper portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; a separate lower portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; the upper and lower portions including front surfaces that combine to firm a convex shape suitable for postural support to a seated user, the upper and lower portions including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the upper and lower portions each include a resilient shell.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
102 words
A back support for a seating unit having a back frame, comprising: an upper portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; a separate lower portion adapted for operative support on the back frame; the upper and lower portions including front surfaces that combine to firm a convex shape suitable for postural support to a seated user, the upper and lower portions including mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape; wherein the upper and lower portions each include a resilient shell.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
86 words
A seating unit comprising: a base; a seat supported on the base; a back frame coupled to the base for reclining movement; and a back support including separate upper and lower portions pivotally coupled to the back frame at upper and lower connections, respectively, the upper and lower portions combining to define a convex shape and including a rigid mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
86 words
A seating unit comprising: a base; a seat supported on the base; a back frame coupled to the base for reclining movement; and a back support including separate upper and lower portions pivotally coupled to the back frame at upper and lower connections, respectively, the upper and lower portions combining to define a convex shape and including a rigid mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The seating unit of claim 22 , wherein the seat and back frame are operably supported by the base for synchronous movement.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-06-15 | 2007-12-15 | 2008-06-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-06-15 | 2011-12-15 | 2012-06-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-06-15 | 2015-12-15 | 2016-06-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |