Controller for seating and the like
US5026117A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47C7/441
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A controller is provided for seating, and the like, such as chairs of the type that have a stationary base or support, and a back which tilts about a generally horizontal axis with respect to the support. The controller includes an adjustable tension device, and a shared-load arrangement, which readily adapt the chair for different users and various applications. The adjustable tension device comprises a spring, having one end operably connected with a support, and the other end operably engaging the back at selected locations spaced apart from the tilt axis, such that rearward tilting of the chair back deflects the spring, and thereby generates a torque or back tension which resists further tilting. A shifter moves the other end of the spring between the selected back locations to vary the lever arm at which the spring acts, and thereby adjusts back tension. The shared-load arrangement comprises second and third springs, which are positioned on opposite sides of the first spring, and are operably connected between the support and the back. The second and third springs are pretensed to generate an initial torque which biases the back into a normally, fully upright position. The thr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.