INTERNAL SUPPORT FOR A BACKREST FOR A CHAIR

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of furniture and in particular chairs that have a backrest for added comfort when a user is seated in the chair.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The following 13 patents and published patent applications are relevant to the present invention:

1. U.S. Pat. No. 2,169,197 issued to Clair S. Reed on Aug. 8, 1939 for “Seat Structure” (hereafter the “Reed Patent”);

2. U.S. Pat. No. 2,186,301 issued to Harold C. La More on Jan. 9, 1940 for “Upholstered Seat Beat Structure” (hereafter the “La More Patent”);

3. U.S. Pat. No. 2,265,901 issued to James W. Greig on Dec. 9, 1941 for “Seat Structure For Vehicles” (hereafter the “Greig Patent”);

4. U.S. Pat. No. 3,896,531 issued to DeWitt Y. Gm Ilan on Jul. 29, 1975 for “Upholstery System Method And Apparatus” (hereafter the “Gorman Patent”);

5. U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,789 issued to Fred Marcus on Mar. 28, 1989 for “Chair Kit” (hereafter the “Marcus Patent”);

6. U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,320 issued to Herbert C. Saiger on May 9, 1989 for “Chair Frame And Cushion Assembly” (hereafter the “Saiger Patent”);

7. U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,375 issued to William R. Breen on May 31, 1994 for “Back Support And Internal Frame” (hereafter the “Breen Patent”);

8. U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,538 issued to Alain Cayet at al. on Aug. 3, 1999 for “Vehicle Seat Element Including A Cover Tensioned Over A Metal Frame” (“hereafter the “Cayet Patent”);

9. U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,691 issued to Marcus C. Koepke et al. on May 4, 2004 for “Chair Back Construction” (hereafter the “Koepke Patent”);

10. U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,464 issued to Chuen-Jong Tseng on Jun. 22, 2004 for “Modular Furniture Frame” (hereafter the “Tseng Patent”);

11. U.S. Pat. No. 7,708,345 issued to Daniel Grabowski et al. on May 4, 2010 for “Recliner” (hereafter the “Grabowski Patent”);

12. U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,771 issued to Gregory W. Goeckel on Nov. 22, 2011 for “Supportive Back Overlay For Wheelchair Back” (hereafter the

13. U.S. Pat. No. 8,366,044 issued to Hector Noel Marini on Feb. 5, 2013 for “Removable Back Shell For An Aircraft Seat” (hereafter the “Marini Patent”).

The Marcus Patent discloses the following relevant pieces of information:

• • “The present invention is directed to assemblies and sub-assemblies for incorporation into a chair, to a chair kit that comprises these assemblies and sub-assemblies, and to the chair itself. It includes a substantially rectangular seat and back cushion sub-assemblies for incorporation into a chair. The seat and back cushion sub-assemblies may be readily removed from and replaced onto the chair itself, thereby facilitating the replacement of a rigidifying inner foam pad. The invention also includes a novel means of securing cushions to the chairs. This means comprises a rigid, substantially rectangular seat frame member having laterally opposed slots along its inner portion. At least one fixedly secured and at least one movably secured screw-receiving leg is attached to this seat frame member.”

The Cayet Patent is for a vehicle seat element including a cover tensioned over a metal frame. The patent discloses:

• • “A vehicle seat element is covered by a cover having four lateral panels which are folded over a rigid frame. Two of the lateral panels that are opposite each other, present in the vicinity of their free edges buttonholes which are engaged on tabs that are free from sharp edges and that are secured to the rigid frame. An inextensible flexible cord is stitched along the free edges of the cover, between said free edges and the corresponding buttonholes.”

The Koepke Patent discloses a chair construction which has the metal frame incorporated into the chair. Specifically, the patent discloses:

• • “A chair back is disclosed and includes a mesh material connected to a two-piece carrier, the carrier being deformable and stretchable. The carrier has a bottom edge including a groove and is engageable by tabs attached to a transverse member of a chair frame assembly. The upper ends of the carrier each includes an opening for receiving a spherical end portion of the upper end of the chair frame assembly. Engagement of the carrier with the chair frame assembly is accomplished by stretching the carrier and mesh between the transverse member and the spherical end portions. The chair back includes a lumbar support which is mounted to slide along the side edges of the carrier and along vertical supports of the chair frame assembly, the lumbar support causing the chair to tension forwardly. The chair back is pivotal under the influence of a chair user and is pivotally connected to the chair seat so as to cause the chair seat to also pivot in response.”

The Grabowski Patent for a recliner discloses:

• • “One embodiment of the invention includes a reclining chair that includes: a chair frame comprising front and rear frame members, two parallel side frame members each side frame member attachable to the front and rear members; a seat supported by at least two frame members; a backrest; a pair of legs, wherein the frame members are connected to the legs; a first and second recliner assembly comprising a bracket, the bracket is attachable to the backrest enabling reclining movement of the backrest as the bracket moves through a correspondingly shaped bracket slot in a recliner base plate, wherein the bracket rotates about an axis that approximates the position of the rotational axis of the hip of a seated user.”

The Reed Patent discloses a solid metal frame assembly built into the chair so that there is not a separate frame assembly built into the cushion.

The La More Patent discloses: improvements in the upholstered seat back structure.

The main objects of this invention are:

• • First, to provide a back structure which is well adapted for theater and auditorium seats and the like, and one which, while attractive in appearance, permits ready removal of changing of the upholstery.
  • Second, to provide a seat back structure of this character in which the upholstery may be very quickly applied by relatively unskilled workmen.
  • Third, to provide a seat back structure which may be economically produced mainly of sheet metal stampings and at the same time one in which the parts are so arranged that they do not spring or buckle when made of light gage metal.

The Greig Patent discloses a seat structure for vehicles. Referring to FIG. 3, there is a spring frame assembly that is built into the back of the seat as illustrated. The patent further discloses:

• • “In the drawings there are shown, by way of example, vehicle seat structures constructed in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the structure shown therein comprises generally a back rest 22, the lower cushion 12 and means for securing the same together. The back rest and the cushion are so constructed that each of them may be manufactured separately and assembled together after each of them is completed. When assembled together the back rest and the lower cushion provide a single unit. When assemble din a vehicle, the lower cushion is not removable and it remains firmly in place.

The Gorman Patent discloses the concept of having the frame backing built into the entire chair with the cushion effectively fit over that frame backing as best illustrated in FIG. 2.

The Saiger Patent discloses a chair frame and cushion assembly. The frame member is built into the chair itself and not into the separate cushion.

The Breen Patent discloses a back support and internal frame. Specifically, the patent discloses:

• • “There is provided a frame for use with a back support that provides lateral support to an individual while seated to encourage a correct sitting posture, and that also provides lumbar support to the individual that varies according to the individual's size. The frame includes wing portions that act as lateral supports and as torsion bars to cause the center portion of the frame to become convex to support the lumbar region of an individual resting against the back support incorporating the frame. The frame can be incorporated into a portable support unit or to a support unit that is an integral part of a chair.”

The patent discloses:

“In one aspect of the invention there is provided a frame for a back support unit, said frame comprising:

• • (a) a center portion extending transversely and in a longitudinal direction,
  • (b) a pair of wing portions, said wing portions extending transversely and forwardly in opposite directions one from each side of said center portion,
  • (c) said center portion comprising a plurality of column supports spaced apart transversely and extending in said longitudinal direction,
  • (d) said center portion further including a plurality of cross members extending transversely and connected to said column supports,
  • (e) at least one of said cross members having a pair of wing sections extending transversely into said wing portions, for said wing sections to be depressed rearwardly when a person sits against said backrest and for the rearward movement of said wing sections to cause said center portion to bulge forwardly at least adjacent said one cross member and hence to assume a convex shape, such convexity providing lumbar support to said person.”

The Tseng Patent discloses the concept of having a metal backing on the cushion. The patent further discloses:

• • “Referring to FIG. 5, the preferred embodiment of a modular furniture frame according to the present invention is shown to include a seat frame unit 2, a leg cushion 3 (see FIG. 6) mounted in front of the seat frame unit 2, a backrest frame unit 4 mounted behind the seat frame unit 2, and a pair of armrest frame units 5 mounted on opposite lateral sides of the seat frame unit 2. In actual use, the seat frame unit 2, the backrest frame unit 4 and the armrest frame units 5 are upholstered to form a sofa, as best shown in FIG. 6.
  • The seat frame unit 2 includes a parallel pair of upright side frame parts 21, each of which has front and rear ends opposite to each other in a first direction. The side frame parts 21 are spaced apart from each other in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The seat frame unit 2 further includes a pair of rear coupling members 23 that are connected to the rear ends of the side frame parts 21, a pair of front coupling members 22 that are mounted on the front ends of the side frame parts 21, a pair of mounting members 24 that are mounted on the front coupling members 22, and a bracing rod 25. The rear coupling members 23 are used to mount the backrest frame unit 4 on the seat frame unit 2, whereas the mounting members 24 on the front coupling members 22 are used to mount the leg cushion 3 on the seat frame unit 2.

The Goeckel Patent discloses a supportive backrest attachment for a wheelchair. The patent discloses:

• • “A supportive back rest for attachment to an original equipment back rest of a wheelchair to enhance the supportive characteristics of the wheelchair back rest. The supportive back rest includes a cushion, a suspension element and a cover. The cushion and one side of the suspension element are positioned in the cover. An opposed side of the suspension element is exposed and defines a space between it and the cushion. The suspension element slips over the upper edge of the original equipment back rest of the wheelchair to suspend the supportive back rest in position behind a seated user. The suspension element can be attached to the cover or can be attached to the cushion by molding or through attachment anchors.”

The Marini Patent discloses the concept of having the metal portion incorporated into the chair and thereafter the cushion on top of it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an improved reinforcement backrest for a chair which includes a reinforcement member such as a metal plate inserted into the backrest to provide reinforcement support when a person sitting in the chair leans against the backrest. The reinforcement member includes connection members by which the backrest is removably inserted and retained in the rear section of the chair. The reinforcement member is preferably metal such as steel to withstand the force of a heavy person leaning against the backrest, but other materials such as strong carbon fiber will also provide adequate reinforcement support.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a reinforcement support for a backrest of a chair to enable the backrest to withstand a heavy resting force of a person leaning against the backrest while seated in the chair.

It is a further object of the present invention to have the reinforcement member retained within the backrest and also provide cushioning material within the backrest to provide comfort as well as strength to the backrest.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a reinforced backrest which is removably retained in the chair so that the backrest can be cleaned and, if necessary, replaced.

It is additionally an object of the present invention to provide a reinforcement member selected from the group consisting of steel, titanium, other strong metal material and strong material such as carbon fiber.

The present invention is defined as a backrest for a chair which includes feet which enable the chair to be positioned on a horizontal surface, and a seat, the chair further comprising: (a) a rear frame section including a first side frame section which extends at its bottom end to the horizontal surface, a second side frame section which extends at its bottom to the horizontal surface, a lower horizontal frame section supported by and between the first side frame section and the second side frame section, the first side frame section has a top end and the second side frame section having a top end, which top ends support an upper horizontal frame section which is parallel to and spaced apart from the lower horizontal frame section, the first side frame section, second side frame section, lower horizontal frame section and upper horizontal frame section surround an opening into which a reinforced backrest is placed; (b) the reinforced backrest includes a steel frame member having a bottom horizontal wall with two lower spaced apart prongs extending transversely from the bottom horizontal wall, an upper horizontal wall with upper two spaced apart prongs extending transversely from the upper horizontal wall, and a multiplicity of spaced apart parallel transverse members which extend from and are respectively connected to the bottom horizontal wall and the upper horizontal wall; (c) the steel frame member is embedded in the backrest so the steel frame member is covered with interior cushioning material and an exterior backrest material with the two lower spaced apart prongs extending out of a bottom of the backrest and the two upper spaced apart prongs extending out of a top of the backrest; and (d) the backrest inserted into the opening surrounded by rear section members of the rear frame, the two upper prongs respectively received in mating female receiving openings in an interior surface of the upper horizontal frame section and the two lower prongs respectively received in mating female receiving openings in an interior surface of the lower horizontal frame section.

Defined more broadly the present invention is a backrest for a chair comprising: (a) a frame section including a first side frame section, a second side frame section, a lower horizontal frame section, and an upper horizontal frame section which are affixed together to surround an interior opening into which a reinforced backrest is placed; (b) the reinforced backrest includes a reinforcement frame member having a bottom horizontal wall with two lower spaced apart prongs extending transversely from the bottom horizontal wall, an upper horizontal wall with upper two spaced apart prongs extending transversely from the upper horizontal wall, and a multiplicity of spaced apart parallel transverse members which extend from and are respectively connected to the bottom horizontal wall and the upper horizontal wall; (c) the reinforcement frame member is embedded in the backrest so that the reinforcement frame member is covered with interior cushioning material and an exterior backrest material with the two lower spaced apart prongs extending out of a bottom of the backrest and the two upper spaced apart prongs extending out of a top of the backrest; and (d) the backrest inserted into the opening so that the two upper prongs are respectively received in mating female receiving openings in an interior surface of the upper horizontal frame section and the two lower prongs respectively received in mating female receiving openings in an interior surface of the lower horizontal frame section.

Defined most broadly, the present invention is (a) a frame section including frame members surrounding an interior opening into which a reinforced backrest is placed; (b) the reinforced backrest includes a reinforcement frame member having a body with attaching members extending out of the body; (c) the reinforcement frame member is embedded in the backrest so that the reinforcement frame member is covered with interior cushioning material and an exterior backrest material with the attaching members extending out of the backrest; and (d) the backrest inserted into the interior opening so that the attaching members are respectively received in mating receiving members in the frame so that the backrest is retained within the frame.

Further novel features and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, discussion and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring particularly to the drawings for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation, there is illustrated:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair which includes the present invention reinforced backrest;

FIG. 2 is a perspective yew of the present invention steel frame member;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the reinforced backrest, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an interior view of the upper horizontal frame section of the rear section of the chair, illustrating the female receiving openings to respectively receive the upper pair of prongs from the steel plate member;

FIG. 5 is an interior view of the lower horizontal frame section of the rear section of the chair, illustrating the female receiving openings to respectively receive the lower pair of prongs from the steel plate member; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the steel reinforced backrest being inserted into the rear frame section of the chair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the present invention as further defined in the appended claims.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a perspective view of a chair incorporating the present invention metal frame reenforced backrest. The chair 100 includes four legs 110, 120, 130 and 140. Each leg has a bottom section 112, 122, 132 and 142 which touches the floor 1000 and a top section 114, 124, 134 and 144 which supports a horizontal base frame 150 having a front frame section 152 with a first end 154 connected to a first side section 160 at its first end 162 with the top section 114 of leg 110 supporting the intersecting frame sections 154 and 162. Similarly, front frame section 152 has a second end 156 connected to a second side edge 170 at its first end 172 with the top section 124 of leg 120 supporting the intersecting frame sections 156 and 172. The frame includes a rear section 180. A first aim support 220 supports a first arm 230 affixed to a rear section and a second aim support 240 supports a second arm 250 affixed to an opposite rear section of the chair.

The back of the chair 100 extends to a rear frame section 290 which comprises a first side frame section 300 which extends at its bottom end 302 to floor 1000, a second side frame section 320 which extends at its bottom 322 to the floor, a first horizontal frame section 340. A seat 190 is supported within the four frame sections 152, 160, 170 and 180. The rear frame section 180 is affixed to an interior vertical surface 342 of first horizontal frame section 340 by retaining means such as brackets 182 and 184. The first side frame section 300 has a top end 304 and the second side frame section 320 has a top end 324 which support an upper horizontal frame section 360. The frame sections 300, 320, 340 and 360 each have interior surfaces 308, 328, 348 and 360 which surround an opening 400 (see FIG. 6) into which the present invention reinforced backrest 500 is placed. The backrest has a front surface 540 and a rear surface 560.

In most conventional chairs, the backrest is a cushion which simply has interior foam 530 and therefore it is soft and a strong person bending back against it could bend the backrest cushion and hurt their back. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5, the innovation of the present invention is to have a steel frame member 600 as illustrated in FIG. 2 where the steel frame member 600 has a lower horizontal wall 620 with two spaced apart prongs 640 and 650 extending transversely from the bottom horizontal wall 620. The steel frame member 600 also includes an upper horizontal wall 660 with two spaced apart prongs 670 and 680 extending transversely from the upper horizontal wall 660. The steel frame member 600 also has a multiplicity of spaced apart parallel transverse members such as 700, 710, 720, 730 and 740 which extend from and are respectively connected to the lower horizontal wall 620 and the upper horizontal wall 660. Transverse member 700 and 740 from the respective ends of the steel frame members and intermediate transverse members 710, 720 and 730 provide intermediate support. It will be appreciated that it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention for there to be any multiplicity of transverse members and also members which cross perpendicularly to the transverse members and are parallel to the lower horizontal wall 620 and upper horizontal wall 660 to form a cross support pattern.

The steel frame member 600 is embedded in the backrest 500 so the steel frame member 600 is covered with the exterior backrest material 510 selected from the group consisting of cloth, leather, suede, cotton, wool, and vinyl and interior foam 530 to provide cushioning to the backrest 500.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, there is illustrated the steel member reinforced backrest 500 being inserted in the opening 400 surrounded by the respective interior surfaces 308, 328, 348 and 368 of the frame surfaces 300, 320, 340 and 360 of the rear frame 290 of the chair 100, the two upper prongs 670 and 680 are respectively received in mating female receiving openings 365 and 367 in interior surface 368 of upper horizontal frame section 360 and the two lower prongs 640 and 650 are respectively received in mating female receiving openings 345 and 347 in interior surface 348 of lower horizontal frame section 340. Therefore, the reinforced backrest 500 is securely retained in rear frame 290 and the chair 100. The reinforced backrest 500 is removable so that it can be cleaned or replaced with a new reinforced backrest.

The reinforcement member 600 is preferably made of steel but other strong metal material such as titanium or strong supporting material such as carbon fiber are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Of course the present invention is not intended to be restricted to any particular form or arrangement, or any specific embodiment, or any specific use, disclosed herein, since the same may be modified in various particulars or relations without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention hereinabove shown and described of which the apparatus or method shown is intended only for illustration and disclosure of an operative embodiment and not to show all of the various forms or modifications in which this invention might be embodied or operated.