Tension adjustment mechanism for chairs

• Main Authors: SCHWOERER; PATRICK P, STEFFENS; JAMES P, HEIDMANN; KURT R, VANSTEE; GREG A, SCHEPER; ROBERT M, CHRISTENSEN; BRIAN L, ROOT; BRIAN H, HAAN; MICHAEL W, KNOBLOCK; GLENN A, SAYERS; DAVID D, MCCLURE; ERIC T, PALACIOS; NOE
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 20.05.1997
• Edition: 6
• Subjects: BEDS; CHAIRS; COFFEE MILLS; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; FURNITURE; HUMAN NECESSITIES; SOFAS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL

A chair construction and method for building a chair having selected features are provided. The construction includes a plurality of interchangeable different components including different base assemblies, back assemblies, seats, arms, and chair controls that can be selected to provide different features on a "customized" chair. The different chair controls are constructed from a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable energy modules and a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable seat support modules. All components include standardized connections for engaging the related components, and further include various mechanisms and designs so that by selecting particular components, a chair having various features and appearances can be provided. For example, the plurality of interchangeable seat support modules include a non-adjustable seat support module, a seat-angle-adjustable seat support module, and a seat-depth-adjustable seat support module. Also, the plurality of interchangeable chair control modules include a non-lockable energy module, a back lockable energy module, and a multi-position backstop energy module, each connectable to a selected one of the aforementioned seat support modules. The modularity of these components facilitates assembly including on-site assembly, repair, and post-assembly upgrading of the chair. Further, the seat support is connected by removable pivot pins to allow assembly, retrofit and/or modification in the field. The tension adjustment mechanism, the seat height actuator mechanism, and the pivot connections are constructed for durability, performance, assembleability, compactness of design, and to minimize the number of and complexity of parts. The method includes selecting modules from a menu of interconnectable/interchangeable modules to construct a chair control, and further selecting modules from a menu of interchangeable components to construct a chair having selected features.