US6880886B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Combined tension and back stop function for seating unit
Assignee: Steelcase Inc
•
Filing: 2003-06-05
•
Granted: 2005-04-19
•
Expires: 2023-06-05
Abstract
Abstract A seating unit includes a base, a seat, a back, and a control operably supporting the seat and the back on the base for movement between upright and recline positions. The control includes a spring providing a biasing supporting force to the back during recline, and further includes a booster mechanism capable of increasing the supporting force, and still further includes a selector device for activating and deactivating the booster mechanism. The selector device is easily moveable with a low effort that is separated from and independent from any friction generated by internal components of the booster mechanism. In a narrower aspect, the control is powered, such as by an electrical or electromechanical device from a remote location. A back stop is attached to the selector device, for movement between a disengaged position, a partial-recline position, and a recline-prevented position.
Inventors
- 👤 David A. Bodnar
- 👤 Adam C. Bedford
- 👤 Kurt R. Heidmann
- 👤 Gary L. Karsten
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 08:55
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47C; A47C1/00; A47C1/02; A47C1/022; A47C1/024; A47C1/031; A47C1/032; A47C1/03255; A47C1/023; A47C1/03205; A47C1/03238; A47C1/03261; A47C1/03272; A47C1/03274; A47C1/03294; A47C31/00; A47C31/02; A47C31/04; A47C7/00; A47C7/02; A47C7/14; A47C7/28; A47C7/36; A47C7/38; A47C7/40; A47C7/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 59
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A seating unit comprising: a base, a seat, a back, and a control operably supporting the seat and the back on the base for movement between upright and recline positions, the control including a first mechanism providing a biasing supporting force to the back during recline, and further, including a booster spring mechanism adapted to increase the supporting force, and still further including an on/off selector device for selectively activating and deactivating the booster spring mechanism, and the on/off selector device is freely moveable and is separated from and independent from any spring bias generated by the booster spring mechanism.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
A seating unit comprising: a base, a seat, a back, and a control operably supporting the seat and the back on the base for movement between upright and recline positions, the control including a first mechanism providing a biasing supporting force to the back during recline, and further, including a booster spring mechanism adapted to increase the supporting force, and still further including an on/off selector device for selectively activating and deactivating the booster spring mechanism, and the on/off selector device is freely moveable and is separated from and independent from any spring bias generated by the booster spring mechanism.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The seating unit defined in claim 1 , wherein the booster spring mechanism includes a resilient spring, and the on/off selector device comprises a stop engageable with the spring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The seating unit defined in claim 2 , wherein the spring comprises a torsion spring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The seating unit defined in claim 3 , wherein the control further includes a back stop, and wherein the control is operably to selectively engage the back stop to limit recline of the back.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The seating unit defined in claim 4 , wherein the back stop includes a first step limiting the back to a partial recline.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The seating unit defined in claim 5 , wherein the back stop includes a second step limiting the back to a zero recline.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The seating unit defined in claim 1 , wherein the on/off selector device includes a manually operable hand control.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The seating unit defined in claim 7 , wherein the hand control includes a single knob.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The seating unit defined in claim 7 , wherein the hand control includes a detented handle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The seating unit defined in claim 7 , wherein the hand control includes a handle and a clutch operably supported within the handle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The seating unit defined in claim 1 , including a link operably coupled to the base and to one of the seat and the back.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
50 words
The seating unit defined in claim 11 , including a back stop movable between a disengaged position permit full recline of the back and an engaged position limiting recline of the back, and wherein the link includes an arm that engages the back stop when the back stop is engaged.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The seating unit defined in claim 1 , including compliant arms extending from the base and supporting at least one of the seat and back for movement upon recline.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
53 words
The seating unit defined in claim 1 , including a pivot pin keyed to and supporting the link; and wherein the booster spring mechanism includes a torsion spring keyed to the pivot pin, the torsion spring having a protrusion, and wherein the on/off selector device engages the protrusion to activate the torsion spring.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The seating unit defined in claim 1 , wherein the control includes a powered mechanism for powered engagement and disengagement of the booster mechanism.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The seating unit defined in claim 15 , wherein the powered mechanism includes an electromechanical device adapted to engage and disengage the booster spring mechanism.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
151 words
A seating unit comprising: a base, a seat, a back, and a control operably supporting the seat land back on the base for movement between upright and recline positions; the control including a link pivoted to the seat at one end and pivoted to the base at another end, the control including a first mechanism adapted to provide a biasing supporting force during recline and further including a booster spring mechanism operably attached to the link, the booster spring mechanism comprising a torsion spring and a stop selectively engageable with the torsion spring to activate the torsion spring to boost and increase the supporting force provided to a seated user during recline, and the stop forms an on/off device for selectively activating or deactivating the booster spring mechanism, the on/off selector device being freely moveable and is separated from and independent from any spring bias generated by the booster spring mechanism.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
151 words
A seating unit comprising: a base, a seat, a back, and a control operably supporting the seat land back on the base for movement between upright and recline positions; the control including a link pivoted to the seat at one end and pivoted to the base at another end, the control including a first mechanism adapted to provide a biasing supporting force during recline and further including a booster spring mechanism operably attached to the link, the booster spring mechanism comprising a torsion spring and a stop selectively engageable with the torsion spring to activate the torsion spring to boost and increase the supporting force provided to a seated user during recline, and the stop forms an on/off device for selectively activating or deactivating the booster spring mechanism, the on/off selector device being freely moveable and is separated from and independent from any spring bias generated by the booster spring mechanism.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The seating unit defined in claim 17 , wherein the control includes flexible arms supporting at least one of the back and seat on the base.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The seating unit defined in claim 18 , wherein the link includes an arm engageable with a second stop to limit recline of the back.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
The seating unit defined in claim 18 , wherein the flexible arms are resilient and absorb energy upon recline.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
The seating unit defined in claim 17 , including an actuator operably coupled to the stop and having a remote handle for operating the stop.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
The seating unit defined in claim 17 , wherein the base includes castors for engaging a floor surface.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
197 words
A control for adjustably supporting a movable structural component on a base of a seating unit, comprising: a pivot pin adapted to be rotatably supported on one of the base and the structural component, and that is rotatably coupled to the other of the base and the structural component for coordinated rotation therewith during recline; a torsion spring having an inner ring keyed to the pivot pin, an outer second ring having a protrusion extending from the outer second ring, and a resilient spring portion operably interconnecting the inner and outer rings; and a booster stop operably coupled to the one of the structural component and the base, the booster stop being movable between a disengaged position where the protrusion misses and passes by the booster stop when the pivot pin is rotated as the structural component is moved, and an engaged position where the protrusion engages the booster stop and prevents the outer second ring on the torsion spring from rotating, which thus activates the torsion spring to provide a bias when the structural component is moved, whereby the torsion spring can be selectively engaged and disengaged to adjust a biasing force on the structural component.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
197 words
A control for adjustably supporting a movable structural component on a base of a seating unit, comprising: a pivot pin adapted to be rotatably supported on one of the base and the structural component, and that is rotatably coupled to the other of the base and the structural component for coordinated rotation therewith during recline; a torsion spring having an inner ring keyed to the pivot pin, an outer second ring having a protrusion extending from the outer second ring, and a resilient spring portion operably interconnecting the inner and outer rings; and a booster stop operably coupled to the one of the structural component and the base, the booster stop being movable between a disengaged position where the protrusion misses and passes by the booster stop when the pivot pin is rotated as the structural component is moved, and an engaged position where the protrusion engages the booster stop and prevents the outer second ring on the torsion spring from rotating, which thus activates the torsion spring to provide a bias when the structural component is moved, whereby the torsion spring can be selectively engaged and disengaged to adjust a biasing force on the structural component.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
44 words
The control defined in claim 23 , including a selector coupled to the booster stop for moving the booster stop between the disengaged and engaged positions, whereby the torsion spring can be engaged and disengaged to adjust a biasing force on the structural component.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
The control defined in claim 24 , including a reclineable back and a back stop operably mounted adjacent the booster stop and movable to limit recline of the back.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
36 words
The control defined in claim 25 , wherein the back stop has a partial-recline position where the back is limited to a partial recline, and a zero-recline position where the back is prevented from any recline.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
The control defined in claim 23 , including an electromechanical device coupled to the booster stop and adapted to move the booster stop between the engaged and disengaged positions.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
89 words
A seating unit comprising: a base; a seat; a back; a control supporting the back on the base for movement between upright and reclined positions, the control including a plurality of mechanisms including first and second energy mechanisms for biasing the back toward the upright position, and a back stop mechanism for limiting movement of the back to a position short of the reclined position; and a single selector device operably connected to the second energy mechanism and the back stop mechanism for selectively activating said plurality of mechanisms.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
89 words
A seating unit comprising: a base; a seat; a back; a control supporting the back on the base for movement between upright and reclined positions, the control including a plurality of mechanisms including first and second energy mechanisms for biasing the back toward the upright position, and a back stop mechanism for limiting movement of the back to a position short of the reclined position; and a single selector device operably connected to the second energy mechanism and the back stop mechanism for selectively activating said plurality of mechanisms.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
41 words
The seating unit defined in claim 28 , wherein the selector device is movable to at least one position where the first energy mechanism is simultaneously activated with at least one of the second energy mechanism and the back stop mechanism.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
35 words
The seating unit defined in claim 28 , wherein the selector device is movable to at least one position where the first and second energy mechanisms and the back stop mechanism are all simultaneously activated.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
29 words
The seating unit defined in claim 28 , wherein the selector device is movable through a plurality of positions, each position sequentially activating an additional one of the mechanisms.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
41 words
The seating unit defined in claim 28 , wherein the selector device comprises an on/off selector moveable with a low effort that is separated from and independent from any friction generated by spring components of the first and second energy mechanisms.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
30 words
The seating unit defined in claim 32 , wherein the booster spring mechanism includes a resilient torsion spring, and the on/off selector device comprises a stop engageable with the spring.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
24 words
The seating unit defined in claim 28 , wherein the back stop mechanism further includes a stepped back stop member pivoted to the control.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
36 words
The seating unit defined in claim 34 , wherein the stepped back stop member includes a first step limiting the back to a partial recline, and a second step limiting the back to a zero recline.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
The seating unit defined in claim 28 , wherein the selector device includes a manually operated hand control with a single knob.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
77 words
The seating unit defined in claim 28 , including a link operably coupled to the base and to one of the seat and the back, and wherein the back stop mechanism includes a back stop member movable between a disengaged position that permits full recline of the back, and an engaged position limiting recline of the back, and wherein the link includes an arm that engages the back stop member when the back stop mechanism is engaged.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
29 words
The seating unit defined in claim 28 , including compliant arms extending from the base and supporting at least one of the seat and back for movement upon recline.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
90 words
In a seating unit having a base, a seat, a back adapted to pivot between upright and reclined positions, an energy mechanism for biasing the back toward the upright position, a tension adjustment mechanism for adjusting the force biasing the back toward the upright position, and a back stop mechanism for limiting the range of motion of the back to a position short of the reclined position, the improvement comprising: a single actuator operably attached to both the tension adjustment mechanism and the back stop mechanism for operating said mechanisms.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
90 words
In a seating unit having a base, a seat, a back adapted to pivot between upright and reclined positions, an energy mechanism for biasing the back toward the upright position, a tension adjustment mechanism for adjusting the force biasing the back toward the upright position, and a back stop mechanism for limiting the range of motion of the back to a position short of the reclined position, the improvement comprising: a single actuator operably attached to both the tension adjustment mechanism and the back stop mechanism for operating said mechanisms.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
15 words
The seating unit defined in claim 39 , wherein the actuator comprises a single actuator.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
40 words
The seating unit defined in claim 39 , wherein the actuator is movable to at least one position where the first energy mechanism is simultaneously activated with at least one of the second energy mechanism and the back stop mechanism.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
33 words
The seating unit defined in claim 39 , wherein the actuator is movable to at least one position where the first and second energy mechanisms and the back stop mechanism are simultaneously activated.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
28 words
The seating unit defined in claim 39 , wherein the actuator is movable through a plurality of positions, each position sequentially activating an additional one of the mechanisms.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
40 words
The seating unit defined in claim 39 , wherein the actuator comprises an on/off selector moveable with a low effort that is separated from and independent from any friction generated by spring components of the first and second energy mechanisms.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
29 words
The seating unit defined in claim 39 , wherein the booster spring mechanism includes a resilient torsion spring, and the actuator comprises a stop member engageable with the spring.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
37 words
The seating unit defined in claim 39 , wherein the back stop mechanism further includes a stepped back stop member pivoted to the control, and wherein the actuator is operably connected to the stepped back stop member.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
36 words
The seating unit defined in claim 46 , wherein the stepped back stop member includes a first step limiting the back to a partial recline, and a second step limiting the back to a zero recline.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
21 words
The seating unit defined in claim 39 , wherein the actuator includes a manually operated hand control with a single knob.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
81 words
The seating unit defined in claim 39 , including a link operably coupled to the base and to one of the seat and the back, and wherein the back stop mechanism includes a back stop member connected to the actuator and movable between a disengaged position permit full recline of the back and an engaged position limiting recline of the back, and wherein the link includes an arm that engages the back stop member when the back stop mechanism is engaged.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
74 words
In a seating unit having a base, a back, and an under-seat control operably coupled to and supporting the back for movement between upright and reclined positions, the control including a housing, an energy adjustment mechanism and a back stop mechanism, an improvement comprising: a single actuator movable to a first operative position for selectively engaging the energy adjustment mechanism, and movable to a second operative position for selectively engaging the back stop mechanism.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
74 words
In a seating unit having a base, a back, and an under-seat control operably coupled to and supporting the back for movement between upright and reclined positions, the control including a housing, an energy adjustment mechanism and a back stop mechanism, an improvement comprising: a single actuator movable to a first operative position for selectively engaging the energy adjustment mechanism, and movable to a second operative position for selectively engaging the back stop mechanism.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
27 words
The seating unit defined in claim 50 , wherein the actuator, when in the second operative position, engages both the energy adjustment mechanism and back stop mechanism.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
32 words
The seating unit defined in claim 50 , wherein the actuator is movable to a disabled position where the actuator disengages from the energy adjustment mechanism and from the back stop mechanism.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
The seating unit defined in claim 50 , wherein the actuator is operably pivotally mounted to the housing.
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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) | 2008-04-18 | 2008-10-18 | 2009-04-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-04-18 | 2012-10-18 | 2013-04-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-04-18 | 2016-10-18 | 2017-04-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |