Modular chair

Abstract

A modular furniture seat assembly comprises a seating portion having a front end, a rear end, a pair of opposing side edges, and a seating connector component on each of the opposing side edges. A back portion is provided and has a lower end, an upper end, and a pair of opposing side edges. The lower end of the back portion connects to the rear end of the seating portion. A pair of lateral support arm assemblies is provided, each having an inner surface and an outer surface, with each of the pair of lateral support arm assemblies having a first arm connector component which is releasably connectable to the seating connector component. The lateral support arm assemblies comprise an armrest portion and a leg portion, with the leg portion supporting the modular furniture seating item when it is an assembled condition.

Claims

1. A modular furniture seat assembly comprising: a seating portion having a front end, a rear end, a pair of opposing side edges; a back portion having a lower end, an upper end, and a pair of opposing side edges, wherein the lower end of the back portion connects to the rear end of the seating portion and is pivotable relative to the seating portion such that the back portion can be selectively and angularly positioned relative to the seating portion between a reclining position and an upright position; an extender frame portion having a lower end, an upper end, and a pair of opposing side edges, wherein the lower end of the extender frame portion connects to the rear end of the seating portion in a fixed manner, wherein the position of the upper end or the opposing side edges of the back portion substantially correspond with the upper end or the opposing side edges of the extender frame portion when the back portion is in the reclining position so that the back portion overlies the extender frame portion; and a pair of lateral support arm assemblies having an inner surface and an outer surface, each of the pair of lateral support arm assemblies having a first arm releasably connectable to the seating portion and a second arm releasably connectable to the extender frame portion, the lateral support arm assemblies further comprising an armrest portion and at least one leg portion, the leg portion supporting the modular furniture seating item when it is an assembled condition.

2. A modular furniture seat assembly as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a pivot member for connecting the lower end of the back portion to rear end of the seating portion.

3. A modular furniture seat assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein pivot member is a releasable pivot member.

4. A modular furniture seat assembly as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a support bracket positioned between the extender frame portion and the back portion to support the back portion, the support bracket being movable between a plurality of selected positions to support the back portion in an orientation and at an angle relative to the seating portion.

5. A modular furniture seat assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein the support bracket is pivotally fixed at one end to the back portion so that it can be moved to a storage position against the back portion when not required for supporting the back portion.

6. A modular furniture seat assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein the extender frame portion has a plurality of spaced lock members for receiving an end of the support bracket, such that the back portion is differently angled relative to the seating portion depending upon the lock member which receives the end of the support bracket.

7. A modular furniture seat assembly as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a foot portion having a front end and a remote end, the front end of the foot portion connecting to the front end of the seating portion in a releasable manner and such that the foot portion can be rotated relative to the seating portion to selectively adjust the orientation thereof relative to the seating portion.

8. A modular furniture seat assembly as claimed in claim 7 further comprising a foot portion support leg foldable between a stowaway position against the foot portion and an extended position wherein it provides support to the foot portion at or near its remote end.

9. A modular furniture seat assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the foot portion support is adjustable so as to hold the foot portion in a selected position.

10. A modular furniture seat assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the seating portion, back portion and lateral support arm assemblies may be disassembled and compactly placed in a customized container for storage and transportation.

11. A modular furniture seat assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the leg portions of the lateral support arm assembly have leg ends which are configured to keep the furniture seat assembly stable on different types and smoothness surfaces.

12. A modular furniture seat assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein each lateral arm support comprises a generally linear front portion having a leg end and an upper end, and a curved rear portion having a leg end and an upper end, the upper ends of the front portion and the curved portion respectively being attached to each other.

13. A method of constructing a modular furniture seat assembly comprising: providing a seating portion having a front end, a rear end, a pair of opposing side edges; providing a back portion having a lower end, an upper end, and a pair of opposing side edges, connecting the lower end of the back portion to the rear end of the seating portion so as to be pivotable relative to the seating portion such that the back portion can be selectively and angularly positioned relative to the seating portion between a reclining position and an upright position; providing an extender frame portion having a lower end, an upper end, and a pair of opposing side edges, connecting the lower end of the extender frame portion to the rear end of the seating portion in a fixed manner, wherein the position of the upper end or the opposing side edges of the back portion substantially correspond with the upper end or the opposing side edges of the extender frame portion when the back portion is in the reclining position so that the back portion overlies the extender frame portion; and attaching releasably a pair of lateral support arm assemblies having an inner surface and an outer surface, each of the pair of lateral support arm assemblies having a first arm releasably connectable to the seating portion and a second arm releasably connectable to the extender frame portion, the lateral support arm assemblies further comprising an armrest portion and at least one a leg portion, the leg portion supporting the modular furniture seating item when it is an assembled condition.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13 further comprising the step of adding an extender frame to the rear end of the seating portion and extending away therefrom to provide additional support for the back portion.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14 further comprising the step of adding a second arm connector to the lateral support arm assembly and a second seating connector to the seating portion or the extender frame, and connecting to each other the second arm connector and the second seating connector.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 is a top perspective top view of a modular chair in accordance with one aspect of the invention in its assembled condition and with a partially reclined backrest;

(3) FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the modular chair as shown in FIG. 1, shown in its assembled position with the backrest fully or near fully reclined;

(4) FIGS. 3A and 3B of the drawings shows a modular chair as illustrated in FIG. 1 in a fully assembled position as seen in FIG. 3A, and in an exploded view as seen in FIG. 3B, to better illustrate the various components and their relationship from similar viewpoints; and

(5) FIG. 4 is a top view of a partially disassembled modular chair of the invention showing some of the various components separated from each other to facilitate either transportation or storage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(6) Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which shows one embodiment of a modular chair constructed in accordance with the present invention. Other chairs or furniture items having the structures and the features of the modular chair described herein also fall within the scope of the invention, and the description of the present embodiment should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to this particular design or version.

(7) In the various figures of the drawings, there is shown an assembled view (such as in FIG. 1) of the modular chair 10 of the invention, with the backrest in a generally inclined position. The modular chair 10 comprises a seating area 12 having an upper surface 14 which operates as the seating surface, a back edge 16, a front edge 18, and opposing side edges 20 and 22. The modular chair 10 further comprises a backrest 26 having an upper surface 28, a lower edge 30, a curved or rounded upper edge 32, and a pair of side edges 34 and 36. As described further below, the lower edge 30 of the backrest 26 releasably and adjustably connects to the back edge 16 of the seating area 12 in a manner which allows the backrest 26 to pivot about the connection so that it can be raised and lowered by pivoting about the connection area into the desired and selected inclined positions, ranging from substantially horizontal to approaching vertical positions.

(8) The modular chair 10 also includes a leg support 40 having an upper surface 42 upon which a user's legs and/or feet may be fully or partially supported, a back edge 44, a rounded front edge 46, and opposing side edges 48 and 50. The back edge 44 of the leg support 40 is pivotally or otherwise connected to the front edge 18 of the seating area 12, and their relative positions may, in certain embodiments, be capable of adjustment to suit a user's choice so that an optimal or comfortable position of the leg support 40 may be selected and held in that position.

(9) The modular chair 10 further comprises a pair of lateral handles 58 and 60. Each of the lateral handles 58 and 60 comprises a front generally linear component 62 and an arcuate component 64. Each of the lateral handles 58 and 60 further has an inner surface 66 and an outer surface 68. Both the linear component 62 and the arcuate component 64 have flat leg ends 70 for resting on the surface or substrate upon which the modular chair 10 may be located.

(10) On the inner surface 66 of each of the lateral handles 58 and 60 there are located connectors 74 which engage with corresponding connectors 76 located on the side edges 20 and 22 of the seating area 12. These connectors 74 and 76 may take many different forms, such as a post and aperture which snap together, a post receivable within the slot, components for connection by hardware such as a bolt or pivot pin, to name a few. Preferably, however, all such connector types achieve the same purpose of fastening the lateral handles 58 and 62 to the side edges 20 and 22 of the seating area 12. Preferably, too, the form of connection is one that allows for assembly and disassembly so that the handles 58 and 60 can be removed for transportation or storage, but readily available for connection when assembly is again required. Preferably, a quick connect type fastening system works best for this purpose, creating a modular chair 10 which is easily and conveniently assembled and broken down for storage and transport.

(11) FIG. 1 of the drawings, as mentioned, shows a top perspective view of a modular chair 10 in accordance with the invention in the assembled position. The backrest 26 is in a generally partially inclined position, although it is possible that the backrest 26 may be movable to a more vertical position than that shown in FIG. 1. Further, it may be moved to a more inclined position, selected by the user.

(12) FIG. 1 also shows a frame portion 80, which is an extension of the seating area 12. The frame portion 80 generally extends outwardly and away from the seating area 12. The frame portion 80 includes side supports 82 and a head support 84. It will be appreciated that the side supports 82 and the head support 84 receive and support, either fully or partially, the backrest 26 when it is moved to the reclined or near horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. Either way, it is configured to provide a stable and secure support for the backrest 26 when it is in the reclined position. FIG. 2 shows the modular chair 10 in the reclined position, and the presence of the handles 58 and 60 potentially protect a person using the chair 10 from falling off the chair 10, or from being tossed or accidentally toppled therefrom. The frame portion 80, as mentioned, provides a full support for the backrest 26 when in the fully reclined position, making the backrest particularly secure and stable when in this position. In other words, an all-around frame may be provided for the backrest 26, enhancing its stability.

(13) In the embodiment shown, the seating area 12, backrest 26 and leg support 40 have a contoured and continuous surface, which may vary by design, to provide a comfortable seating and reclining surface for the user.

(14) FIGS. 3A and 3B of the drawings shows the modular chair 10 in both an assembled position (FIG. 3A) and, adjacent thereto, the chair 10 is illustrated in an exploded view with the parts separated (FIG. 3B), so as to provide a better understanding of the parts. Indeed, the modular chair 10 of the invention can be disassembled and placed in a small luggage carrier or other suitable container, which may be zippered and have a carrying handle, so that it can be transported or carried conveniently from one location to another in an efficient and comfortable manner.

(15) With reference to FIG. 4 of the drawings, the modular chair 10 can be folded in the middle and carried easily, unlike many other forms of furniture in this category. Such options are highly beneficial, since furniture of this type is usually long and often not very easy to move around, but the present invention allows for disassembly and storage in a compact manner which facilitates convenient handling. FIG. 4 shows the handles removed, the backrest detached, but the seating portion and the leg support still attached, although foldable. The three components may be separable form each other, or can fold more compactly relatively to each other, or both, and the user can select a mechanism for compacting depending upon the circumstances.

(16) The modular chair 10 of the invention further comprises a support bracket 90 which releasably attaches to the backrest 26 at one end, and to the frame 80 of the seating area 12 at its other end. Multiple points of attachment of the support bracket 90 are possible, which allows the backrest 26 to be positioned at different reclining angles relative to the seating area 12. The support bracket 90 may be pivotally connected to the rear surface of the backrest 26 so that it can be folded up against or stack within the backrest 26 when not used, so that it is not in the way. See, for example, FIG. 4 of the drawings, which shows this feature.

(17) The invention further comprises a leg support bracket 94 which attaches at its one end to the leg support 40, while the other end thereof will rest on the substrate or surface upon which the modular chair 10 is located. Once more, there may be multiple points of attachment for the leg support bracket 94 configured into the leg support 40 so that the leg support 40, which pivotally connects to the seating area 12, may be raised or lowered within certain parameters to meet the comfort needs of the user. The leg support bracket 94 may be constructed such that it is pivoted in a manner which allows it to be folded up against or within the leg support 40 so that it can be stored out of the way when not in use.

(18) As mentioned above, the backrest 26 is pivotally connected to the seating area 12, while the leg support 40 is also pivotally connected to the seating area 12. Any suitable form of connection which provide sufficient strength but also allows easy to operate pivoting or rotating about the bases thereof, can be used. Thus, snaps, additional hardware, post in slot configurations, axles and axle channels, as well as other forms of construction may be used, all in accordance with the present invention, to achieve these purposes.

(19) The modular chair 10 of the invention incorporates a number of benefits and conveniences. For example, the modular chair 10 is foldable, and at least some of the components thereof may be separated so as to be assembled and disassembled with each other in order to facilitate moving and storage. The backrest 26, when folded, overlaps the frame 80. This arrangement also provides more support when the backrest 26 is laid-back, so that the user can feel more stable and better supported within the chair. The back support can be adjusted into a plurality of positions, so that a comfortable angle of recline can be achieved by the user. In one embodiment, the back support may have a hinge bar which acts as a load bearing member when rested against.

(20) The modular chair 10 of the invention may be comprised of any suitable material, but a preferred material might comprise engineering grade UV resistant plastics, including the handles and feet. Moreover, the flat leg ends, or the feet, are preferably designed in such a way that the modular chair 10 can suitably be placed on a number of different surfaces, such as sand, concrete, pebbles or gravel, providing the necessary support and stability regardless of such surface.

(21) Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and procedures disclosed or claimed. Although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments.

(22) As used herein, “plurality” means two or more. As used herein, a “set” of items may include one or more of such items. As used herein, whether in the written description or the claims, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “carrying”, “having”, “containing”, “involving”, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”, respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims. Use of ordinal terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used herein, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.