STACKABLE CHAIR HAVING WHEEL ASSEMBLIES

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a chair that includes a pair of wheel assemblies that allow for the movement of the chair to prevent tipping and allow for a stack of chairs to be more easily moved. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a chair that includes a pair of wheel assemblies that have wheels to at least partially support the weight of the chair and a seat occupant during normal usage and cause the chair to move and prevent tipping by a seat occupant.

Presently, classroom chairs are available that include a seat and chair back that are either joined to each other or are separate elements. In some configurations, the seat is supported by a cantilevered “C” shaped base that includes a pair of spaced leg assemblies that each includes a base portion that contacts the floor or ground surface that supports the chair and seat occupant. In some embodiments, the leg assemblies are configured such that a series of chairs can be assembled in a stack for either storage or movement of the series of chairs.

Although this type of classroom chair has been very popular, the inventors have identified drawbacks and areas for improvement. As an illustrative example, in currently available classroom chairs, the seat occupant can exert a rearward reclining force on the chair back to cause the chair to tip and the front legs or the frontmost portion of the legs to leave contact with the floor. In environments that include children, such as a classroom, the titling of the chair could lead to the chair tipping back with the seat occupant in it. Therefore, the inventors have developed the present disclosure to reduce the possibility of chair tipping.

The inventors have also recognized the difficulty in moving an assembled stack of chairs. When a stack of chairs is assembled, the combined weight of the stack makes moving the stack difficult. Often, some type of cart or wheeled support is necessary to transport the assembled stack. The separate cart requires a user to have the cart in the location needed and then to store the cart when no longer needed. The inventors have recognized this problem in moving an assembled stack of chairs and have developed the subject matter of the present disclosure to address this issue.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described herein below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting scope of the claimed subject matter.

In certain independent and non-limiting aspects disclosed herein, a stackable chair is configured for supporting a seat occupant on a ground surface. The stackable chair comprises a seating surface formed by a seat and chair back, a first leg assembly and a second leg assembly each having a base leg, an upright leg and a junction which couples the base leg to the upright leg. A first wheel assembly is coupled to the first leg assembly at the junction and a second wheel assembly is coupled to the second leg assembly at the junction. The stackable chair further comprises an end cap coupled to the base leg. The first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly at least partially support the chair on the ground surface.

In independent aspects, the end caps are coupled to the base legs at ends opposite the junctions. The end caps are configured to partially support the chair on the ground surface along with the wheel assemblies. In certain aspects, the end caps are movable into and out of engagement with the ground surface.

In independent aspects, the seating surface has a seat which extends generally parallel to the base legs and a chair back which extends generally perpendicular to the seat.

In independent aspects, the seating surface has a seat width and the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are separated by a width which is greater than the seat width. In certain aspects, the chair further comprises a plurality of chairs and the plurality of chairs are configured to be supported on the chair such that the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly support the plurality of chairs on the ground surface.

In independent aspects, the first and the second wheel assemblies include a wheel bracket which is coupled to the junction and a pair of wheels which at least partially support the chair on the ground surface.

In independent aspects, the first and the second wheel assemblies include a wheel bracket which is coupled to the junction such that the junction does not contact the ground surface.

In independent aspects, the junctions are curved such that the upright legs extend at an angle with respect to the base legs.

In independent aspects, the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are coupled to the seating surface via the upright legs.

In certain independent and non-limiting aspects disclosed herein, a stackable chair is configured for supporting a seat occupant on a ground surface. The stackable chair comprises a seating surface, a leg assembly, and a wheel assembly coupled to the leg assembly. The seating surface is coupled to the leg assembly. The wheel assembly and the leg assembly each partially support the chair on the ground surface.

In independent examples, the leg assembly includes an upright leg and a base leg.

In independent examples, the upright leg is coupled to the base leg at a junction and the wheel assembly is coupled to the junction.

In independent examples, the leg assembly has an end cap which partially supports the chair on the ground surface.

In independent examples, the chair is movable into and between a seating configuration and a sliding configuration.

Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples are described with reference to the following drawing figures. The same numbers are used throughout to reference like features and components.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stackable chair according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the stackable chair;

FIG. 3 is a magnified view of a wheel assembly of the stackable chair taken as indicated by line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a magnified bottom view of the wheel assembly;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, magnified view of the wheel assembly;

FIG. 6 is a section view taken long line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a view of a seat occupant seated in the stackable chair in the seated position and showing the sliding of the chair;

FIG. 8 is a view of a stack of five of the stackable chairs of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a view of the stack of stackable chairs in a tilted, moving position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a stackable chair 10 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The chair 10 is configured to support a seat occupant on a support surface or floor. As an illustrative example, the chair 10 shown in FIG. 1 is designed for use in a classroom environment, although other locations are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The chair 10 includes a includes a chair back 14 and a seat 16 that are each designed to support a seat occupant when the seat occupant is seated in the chair 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the seat 16 and the chair back 14 are joined to each other by a flexing zone that allows the chair back 14 to flex rearward relative to the seat 16. The seat 16 and chair back 14 thus create a one-piece molded shell that is formed from a molded plastic material. However, it is contemplated that the seat 16 and chair back 14 could be joined to each other in other ways or be formed as completely separate components while operating within the scope of the present disclosure. The chair 10 is configured such that the seat 16 extends generally parallel to the floor and the chair back 14 extends upwardly from the seat 16. The chair back 14 and the seat 16 are formed from the molded one-piece shell and a seat shroud 11 is joined to the bottom surface of the seat 16 to clamp the seat 16 onto a frame 18. The chair back 14 and the seat 16 combine to define a seating surface 12 which is configured to support the seat occupant.

As shown in FIG. 1, the seat 16 has a lateral width W_S which is configured to accommodate a seat occupant seated thereupon. The lateral width W_S may vary along a depth of the seat 16, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. As such, the lateral width W_S can be considered an average of the varying widths along the overall depth of the seat 16. The chair back 14 is coupled to the seat 16 at a corner 15 and along the entire flexing zone between the spaced corners 15. The chair back 14 extends upwardly, as described above, and can flex backward upon a reclining force applied to the chair back 14 by the seated seat occupant. The lower support frame 18 is connected to a bottom surface of the seat 16 by a series of connectors that extend through the seat shroud 11 such that the seat 16 and seat shroud 11 form a clamshell type structure to entrap the frame 18 in place as shown.

The frame 18 includes a first and a second leg assembly 20A, 20B and a first and a second wheel assembly 30A, 30B which are coupled to the first and the second leg assembly 20A, 20B, respectively. The first leg assembly 20A is laterally offset from the second leg assembly 20B via a center portion 21, although this configuration is not limiting. The first and the second leg assembly 20A, 20B are separated laterally by a width W_L which is greater than the width W_S of the seat 16.

The first and the second leg assembly 20A, 20B each include an upright leg 24A, 25B and a base leg 26A, 26B, which are joined via a curved junction 28A, 28B. The first and the second leg assembly 20A, 20B are configured identically to one another and as such, description of the first leg assembly 20A can be understood to apply equally to the second leg assembly 20B. The base leg 26A extends generally parallel to the floor between an outer end 31A and the curved junction 28A. The outer end 31A includes a forward end cap 32A that is secured to the outer end 31A. The forward end cap 32A may be a rubber end cap with a high coefficient of friction, to prevent sliding of the chair 10 along the floor. The end cap 32A may include a ground engaging pad 33A that is formed from a material that restricts the sliding of the end cap 32A along the floor. As an example, the ground engaging pad 33A could be formed from a rubber or other resilient material the resists movement along the floor. In a contemplated exemplary embodiment, the entire forward end cap 32A can be formed from a rubber material to restrict sliding.

In a contemplated alternate embodiment, the end cap 32A and the ground engaging pad 33A may be formed in a manner to allow the end cap 32A and ground engaging pad 33A to slide along the floor. As an example, the ground engaging pad 33A could be formed from a high density plastic material that allows the ground engaging pad 33A to slide along the floor.

Referring to both FIG. 1 and FIGS. 5-6, upright leg 24A and the base leg 26A can be formed from metallic tubing that includes a hollow interior. The upright leg 24A and the base leg 26A can be integrally formed with each other and joined by a bend in the tubing that defines the curved junction 28A. In a contemplated alternate embodiment, the curved junction 28A can be formed from a separate section of tubing that receives the opposing ends of the upright leg 24A and the base leg 26A. In either of the contemplated embodiment, the curved junction 28A creates a section of the leg assembly that creates the transition between the base leg 26A and the upright leg 24A such that the upright leg 24A extends at an angle α with respect to the base leg 26A.

In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α is less than 90° such that the angle α is an acute angle. As best shown in FIG. 5, the curved junction 28A includes a pair of spaced holes 49, 51 which facilitate attachment of the wheel assembly 30A to the curved junction 28A, as will be discussed further below. Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, the upright leg 24A extends from the curved junction 28A upwardly to a second end 25A which is coupled to the lateral support portion 21. In one contemplated embodiment, the lateral support portion 21 is formed from the same section of metal tubing as the pair of spaced upright legs 24A and 24B.

The lateral support portion 21 in the illustrative embodiment shown extends between the first and the second leg assembly 20A, 20B and is formed integrally with the spaced leg assemblies. In certain embodiments, the center portion 21 has an inner framework (not shown) which extends below the seat 16 between the seat 16 and the seat shroud 11 and provides additional support for a seat occupant seated on the seating surface 12, although this configuration is not limiting.

The first and the second wheel assemblies 30A, 30B are configured identically to one another and as such, description of the first wheel assembly 30A can be understood to apply equally to the second wheel assembly 30B. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the first wheel assembly 30A is coupled to the first leg assembly 20A at an outer surface of the curved junction 28A. The first wheel assembly 30A includes a wheel bracket 34 and a pair of wheels 36 which are secured to an axle 42 and positioned on either side of the wheel bracket 34. Although a pair of wheels 36 are shown and described, it should be understood that the pair of wheels 36 could be replaced with a single wheel mounted on either side of the wheel bracket 34. The axle 42 extends through the wheel bracket 34 such that the pair of wheels 36 can freely rotate about the axle 42 relative to the fixed wheel bracket 34. In an embodiment with only a single wheel 36, the single wheel would be supported on some other type of axle and located on either side of the wheel bracket 34. The wheel bracket 34 is formed from a molded plastic material that includes a central bore 38 sized to receive the axle 42. The central bore is supported by a series of spokes 39 which extend outwardly from the central bore 38 to an outer wall of the wheel bracket 34. In the embodiment shown, the outer wall defines a partial circular outer profile 50.

As stated above, the axle 42 extends through the bore 38 and is fixed by friction within the central bore 38. The wheel bracket 34 has an outer profile 50 which mimics the outer surface of the pair of wheels 36, a curved mounting surface 44 for coupling to the outer surface of the junction 28A, and a lower surface 46. The outer profile 50 includes an angled through-bore 47 extending from the outer profile 50 through to the mounting surface 44. The curved mounting surface 44 matches the curvature and aligns flush with the curved junction 28A. The lower surface 46 is a flat surface which includes an angled through-bore 45 extending from the lower surface 46 through to the mounting surface 44. The mounting surface 44 is aligned with the curved junction 28A such that the angled through-bores 45, 47 align with the corresponding holes 49, 51. As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of bolts 53 extend through the angled through-bores 45, 47 and the corresponding holes 49, 51 to secure the first wheel assembly 30A to the first leg assembly 20A.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the wheels 36 are circular and include a bushing 61 supported in a center stand-off and rims 63 defining a radius thereof. The axle 42 of the wheel assembly 30A is configured to engage with the bushing 61 and couple the wheels 36 onto laterally opposed sides of the wheel assembly 30A.

When assembled, the chair 10 is configured to be movable into and between a seating position (FIG. 7) for supporting a seat occupant and a tilted position (FIG. 9) for transporting the chair 10. In the seating position, the weight of the seat occupant is distributed between the forward end caps 32A, 32B and the first and the second wheel assemblies 30A, 30B. Based upon the distribution of weight between the end caps 32A, 32B and the wheels 36 of the pair of wheel assemblies 30A, 30B, the chair 10 may facilitate sliding along the floor or the end caps 32A and 32B may severely restrict such sliding movement.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the seat occupant is sitting in an upright position, a portion of the weight of the seat occupant is distributed toward the forward end caps 32A, 32B such that the chair 10 does not move along the floor. When the seat occupant exerts a reclining force onto the chair back 14 by pushing down on the floor or by simply shifting their weight against the chair back 14, as shown via arrows in FIG. 7, the weight distribution of the seat occupant is transferred slightly away from the end caps 32A, 32B to the pair of wheel assemblies 30A, 30B.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the wheels 36 are in contact with the floor in a resting position of the chair 10. Since the wheels 36 of each of the wheel assemblies 30A, 30B are in contact with the floor, a significant shift in the weight of the seat occupant will cause the wheels 36 to roll along the floor and the chair 10 to slide along the floor, as shown in phantom. If the seat occupant exerts a larger reward reclining force on the chair back 14, such as in an attempt to tilt the chair 10 and lift the end caps 32A, 32B off of the floor, the wheels 36 will continue to roll along the floor to prevent tipping of the chair 10 As a result of location of the wheels 36 in contact with the floor, rather than the seat occupant tipping over when reclining, the wheel assemblies 30A and 30B prevent such tipping. Preventing the tipping of the chair will help avoid injury to the seat occupant and/or damage to the chair 10. As stated, tipping is prevented or restricted by transferring weight from the forward end caps 32A, 32B to the wheels 36 of the wheel assemblies 30A, 30B. In a contemplated embodiment, the wheels 36 can be slightly spaced above the floor in the resting position of the chair 10. In such an embodiment, the weight of the chair would be supported on the end caps 32A and 32B as well as a portion of the curved junctions 28A and 28B between the upright legs and the base legs. In such an embodiment, the tilting force would cause the wheels 36 to contact the floor and cause the chair to roll along the floor to prevent tipping.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 8, the chair 10 is further configured to be stackable along with additional, identical chairs 10. As described above, the chair 10 is configured such that the first and the second leg assembly 20A, 20B are separated laterally by a width W_L which is greater than the width W_S of the seat 16. As such, when the first chair 10 is supported on the floor, the weight of the first chair is distributed between the forward end caps 32A, 32B and the wheel assemblies 30A, 30b.

When the chairs are stacked as shown in FIG. 8, a second chair 10′ is supported on the first chair 10 such that first and the second leg assemblies 20A′, 20B′ of the second chair 10′ extend on laterally opposed sides of the seat 16 of the first chair 10. A third chair 10″ is supported on the second chair 10′ such that first and the second leg assemblies 20A″, 20B″ of the third chair 10″ extend on laterally opposed sides of the seat 16′ of the second chair 10′. Additional chairs 10^n′ may be included, as shown in FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 9, in order to transport an assembled stack of the stackable chairs 10, an person must push downwardly onto the chair back 14 of the first chair 10, thus transferring the weight away from the forward end caps 32A, 32B and entirely to the wheel assemblies 30A, 30B. in this tilted orientation, the entirety of the weight of the stack of chairs, including that of the additional chairs 10^n′, is supported on the wheel assemblies 30A, 30B of the first chair 10. The assembled stack of chairs 10 may then be wheeled along the floor freely.

When the assembled stack of chairs 10 reaches the desired location for the chairs 10, the user tilts the stack of chairs forward until the end caps 32A, 32B of the first chair 10 contacts the floor. In this resting position shown in FIG. 8, the individual chairs from the stack of chairs can be removed and placed in a desired location.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have features or structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent features or structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.