CHAIR WITH COUPLING COMPANION STOOL BASE
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`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
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`This application claims priority of United States Provisional Patent Application
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`Serial No. 60/853,669, filed October 23, 2006.
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`STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR
`DEVELOPMENT
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`Not applicable.
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`REFERENCE TO MICROFISHE APPENDIX
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`Not applicable.
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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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`Field of the Invention
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`The invention relates to seating units and more specifically, to multi-functional or
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`reconfigurable chairs and the like. Known multi-functional or multi-tasking seating tends toward
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`two general groups, namely, relatively complicated arrangements and relatively less complicated
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`arrangements.
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`The more complicated designs typically attempt to address many common
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`functional needs; all things to all users. Therefore, they tend to sacrifice a characteristic of being
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`“user friendly” and require notable user involvement. The user may be required to accommodate a
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`variety of components, which may be bulky. The multi—functiona1 seating may also require an
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`uncommon level of mechanical aptitude to adapt the seating between functional configurations.
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`Alternatively,
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`the less complicated designs tend to be targeted to fairly
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`narrowly defined functions. Thus, they are novelty or specialty seating units that are undesirable to
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`J Squared, Inc. —Ex. 1011, p. 1
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`J Squared, Inc. – Ex. 1011, p. 1
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`any user who does not have a need for the particular function to which the seating was designed.
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`Thus, a need for easily used and versatile seating that fills a reasonable
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`combination of common lifestyle uses may be readily understood.
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`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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`Accordingly, a chair with a coupling companion stool base of the invention is
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`directed to the contemporary lifestyle needs of active users, including a range of functions from task
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`seating at a work surface to casual relaxation. While suitable in any environment, a multi-tasking
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`seating unit of the invention is particularly appreciated in smaller room settings, where space may
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`be at a premium, where dedicated use fimiishing may be considered undesirable, or where flexibility
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`is appreciated.
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`The chair portion has a frame that may be supported above a generally horizontal
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`surface by the base, which base releasably couples with the frame. More specifically, the frame has
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`a lower portion that may support a sitting portion, which sitting portion is adapted to support a
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`user who is seated upon the chair, and has an upper portion that may support a back rest, which
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`back rest is adapted to support at least a portion of a back of the user. The frame lower portion
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`extends from the upper portion and may further include a first portion that is near the frame
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`upper portion, a second portion that is spaced away from the first portion, a claw that extends
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`generally downward from the second portion, a latch that extends generally downward from the
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`first portion, and at least two frame legs that extend generally downward from the frame lower
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`portion. The frame legs are adapted to support the frame upon a generally horizontal supporting
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`surface.
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`In other aspects of the invention, the latch is connected with the frame first portion
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`and moves between closed and opened positions.
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`EX.1011,p.2
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`Ex. 1011, p. 2
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`The base has a saddle and extends generally upward from the supporting surface to
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`the saddle. The saddle may be configured with opposite back and front edges. The saddle front
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`edge may be configured to cooperate with the frame lower portion claw, so that the front edge may be
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`releasably captured in the claw, while the saddle back edge may be configured to cooperate with the
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`fiame lower portion latch whereby the back edge may be releasably captured by the latch. When
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`the frame is decoupled from the base, the frame forming the chair portion is adapted for use as
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`casual floor rocker seating, and the base is adapted to provide a companion stool upon which a
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`user may sit or, alternatively, a side table which may be positioned adjacent to the chair portion.
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`The saddle can further include a top surface that faces away from the supporting
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`surface, as it defines at least one of a work surface, a writing surface and a sitting surface. The
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`frame can also include a receptacle defined between the claw and the latch. The saddle of the
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`base includes a perimeter edge incorporating the back and front edges, and circumscribing the top
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`surface. The edge defines the top surface with a rotationally asymmetric geometry. The frame
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`lower portion receptacle and the saddle perimeter edge correspond with one another so that the
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`base couples with the frame only in one specific rotational orientation.
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`The chair can further include a bias member, which biases the latch to the closed
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`position. The frame can include opposite left and right sides, with a first one of the two frame
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`legs extending generally arcuately downward from the frame lower portion left side and second
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`portion, and to the frame lower portion left side and first portion. A second one of the two frame
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`legs extends generally arcuately downward from the frame lower portion right side and second
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`portion, and to the frame lower portion right side and first portion. The frame legs define rockers.
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`Further, the rockers can define protective rails about the latch. In addition, the latch can be
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`located between the two frame legs, so that the legs define protective rails about the latch.
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`EX. 1011, p.3
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`Ex. 1011, p. 3
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`With the frame having opposite left and right sides, the claw can include a claw
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`notch, a first tooth extending toward the left side from the notch, and a second tooth extending
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`toward the right side from the notch. The saddle front edge can include a pair of cooperating claw
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`notches. With the asymmetric configuration, the first tooth and the second tooth can be engaged
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`with the saddle only through an engagement of the first tooth with a first one of the cooperating
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`claw notches, and the second tooth with a second one of the cooperating claw notches. Further,
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`the claw notch can be centered along the claw. With the frame decoupled from the base, the
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`saddle top surface can be adapted to be oriented in front of the frame, with a first base leg of the
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`plurality of base legs initially positionable under the claw, so that with the claw straddling the first
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`base leg, the first base leg is adapted to nest into the claw notch.
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`The base can further include a pedestal extending generally upwardly from the
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`supporting surface to the saddle. The pedestal can include a connector that operably connects the
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`saddle with the pedestal, with the connector including at least one of a tilt mechanism, whereby
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`the saddle tilts relative to the pedestal, and a swivel mechanism whereby the saddle swivels
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`relative to the pedestal.
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`In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the relative cooperation
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`between the spaced apart teeth and the cooperating claw notches, and the sizing and configuration
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`thereof, causes forces to be generated along the engagement points of the spaced apart teeth and
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`the cooperating claw notches which tend to resist disengagement of the spaced apart teeth from
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`the cooperating claw notches. This occurs when a user of the chair may exert backwardly
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`directed or other leaning forces on the chair frame. Further, the base can include a set of
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`triangular shaped ribs extending downwardly behind the back edge of the saddle. The positioning
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`and configuration of the ribs behind the saddle back edge tend to generate forces resistive to
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`EX.1011,p.4
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`Ex. 1011, p. 4
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`accidental engagement of the chair to the frame, which may otherwise result in the latch not fully
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`engaging with the cooperating latch notch, or from horizontal forces being exerted on the frame
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`relative to the base which could tend to accidentally disengage the notch. Still further, a latch
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`ramping surface can be positioned at the saddle back edge.
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`In addition to the foregoing, the chair includes means for insuring that a sound
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`audible to a chair user is generated when the latch is moved from a disengaged position to a
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`completely engaged position with the saddle back edge.
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`In this manner, the user is provided with
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`positive feedback that correct engagement of the latch with the saddle back edge has been
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`achieved. These and other features, objects, and benefits of the invention will be
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`recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art and by those who practice the invention, from this
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`disclosure, including the specification, the claims, and the drawing figures.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF
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`THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
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`FIG. 1 is an upper front right perspective view of a chair with a coupling companion
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`stool base of the invention, showing the chair portion and the companion stool base portion coupled
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`in a task chair configuration;
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`FIG. 2 is a front elevation View thereof;
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`FIG. 3 is a back elevation view thereof;
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`FIG. 4 is a left side elevation View thereof;
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`FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view thereof;
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`FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view thereof;
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`EX. 1011, p.5
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`Ex. 1011, p. 5
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`FIG. 7 is a lower left front perspective view thereof;
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`FIG. 8 is a lower back left perspective view thereof;
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`FIG. 9 is a fragmentary right side elevation view thereof, showing coupling /
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`uncoupling of the chair portion and the coupling companion stool base portion, with the chair portion
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`partially in cross section; and;
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`FIG. 10 is the view of Figure 9, showing the chair portion and the coupling
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`companion stool base portion uncoupled;
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`FIG. 11 is an enlarged View of detail XI of Figure 9;
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`FIG. 12 is the view of Figure l 1, with the chair and the base portions coupled;
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`FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of detail XIII of Figure 11;
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`FIG. 14 is the detail view of Figure 13 with the base portion removed;
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`FIG. 15 is an enlarged detail view of the positive clip clamp latch of Figure 8; and
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`FIG. 16 is an exploded view thereof, from an upper right back perspective view;
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`FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the chair portion, from an upper right back
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`perspective view, showing a frame and upholstery foundations and coverings thereof;
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`FIG. 18 is an upper right back perspective view of the uncoupled companion stool
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`base portion together with an upper left front perspective view of the uncoupled chair portion,
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`showing the two portions nested and the companion stool base portion providing a table function;
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`FIG. 19 is an upper left front perspective View of the uncoupled companion stool
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`base portion together with an upper right back perspective view of the uncoupled chair portion;
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`FIG. 20 is an upper front right perspective view of the uncoupled companion stool
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`base portion thereof;
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`FIG. 21 is an upper back right perspective view thereof;
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`6
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`EX. 1011, p.6
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`Ex. 1011, p. 6
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`FIG. 22 is a lower left back perspective view thereof; and
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`FIG. 23 is an exploded right back perspective View thereof.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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`A preferred embodiment of a chair with a coupling companion stool base
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`according to the invention is generally shown in the drawing comprising FIGS. 1 - 23, and
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`discussed below. The exemplary embodiment shown comprises two main portions, namely, a chair
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`portion 100 and abase portion 300. (See e.g., FIGS 1, 2).
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`The chair portion 100 may be formed with a frame 102, which has an upper
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`portion 104 and a lower portion 106 (FIG. 18). The frame 102 and the various components of the
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`chair portion 100, unless otherwise noted, may be constructed of any suitable material, including
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`structural materials that incorporate at least one of a plastic, a wood, a metal, and a ceramic, and of
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`any method or process that may be appropriate to the material selected as may be known to one
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`having ordinary skill in the chair fabrication art.
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`The upper portion 104 provides a back rest to support at least a portion of a back
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`of a user. The upper portion may be configured as is known in what may be called “hard surface”
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`chairs or seating, to be sufficiently comfortable or otherwise accommodating on its own.
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`Otherwise, a padded or otherwise plush covering may preferably be provided as is shown. The
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`upper portion 104 with the back rest is particularly shown in the exploded view of FIG. 17. With
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`reference thereto, an upholstered back rest may include a foundation 112 and an upholstered
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`covering 114 that may slip fit over the foundation, as shown and without limitation on the concept of
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`the invention. The covered foundation 112 may then be secured to the upper portion 104 through
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`various methods, including decorative hardware 116 (also shown in FIG. 17), such as screws as
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`shown.
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`EX. 1011, p.7
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`Ex. 1011, p. 7
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`The frame lower portion 106 extends away and primarily forward from the frame
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`upper portion 104. As further shown, for example, in FIG. 12 and the exploded view of FIG. 17, the
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`frame lower portion 106 has a frame lower portion first portion 122 near the frame upper portion 104,
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`and a frame lower portion second portion 124 that is spaced away from the first portion. In the
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`example of this disclosure, the lower portion 106 is fabricated with opposite left and right side
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`rails 108 and 118, respectively. One or both of the side rails 108 and 118 may be seen in a number
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`of the drawings, including FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 6. A number of cross ties 110 of various cross
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`section, including some with a generally V-channel, extend between the side rails 108, 110. The
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`cross ties 110 are illustrated in FIGS. 9, 11-13 and 17. Other features of the frame lower portion
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`106 include a sitting portion which will be described in greater detail in subsequent paragraphs
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`herein. In addition, the frame lower portion 106 includes a claw 142 extending generally
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`downwardly. The claw 142 is illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, 13 and 14. Still further, the frame lower
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`portion 106 includes a clip clamp latch 160 which is shown in FIG. 15 and, in particular detail, in
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`FIGS. 16 and 17. In addition to the clip clamp latch 160, the frame lower portion 106 also
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`includes at least two legs frame 180 (see FIGS. 18 and 19 among others) and a receptacle 190
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`(FIG. 6).
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`The sitting portion supports the user who is seated thereupon. Quite similar
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`to the back rest portion of the upper portion 104, discussed above, the sitting portion may be
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`configured as is known in “hard surface” chairs, to be sufficiently comfortable or accommodating
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`on its own. Alternatively, an upholstered sitting portion may preferably be provided, and may
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`include a foundation 132 (particularly shown in the exploded View of FIG. 17) and an upholstered
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`covering 134 that may slip fit over the foundation. The upholstered covering 134 is shown in
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`several of the illustrations, including FIGS. 9-14 and 17. The covered foundation 132 may then
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`EX. 1011, p.8
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`Ex. 1011, p. 8
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`be secured to the frame lower portion 106 through various methods as discussed above relative to
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`the back rest, including decorative hardware 136, such as screws as shown in FIG. 17.
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`The claw 142 (illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, 13 and 14) extends generally downward
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`from the frame lower portion 106, near the second portion 124 of the frame lower portion 106, and is
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`adapted for cooperating releasable engagement with the base 300. More specifically, and as will be
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`discussed in greater detail in subsequent paragraphs herein, the claw 142 will function so as to
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`releasably engage with a saddle 310 of the base 300. The saddle 310 is illustrated in many of the
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`figures, including FIGS. 4, 5, 9-13 and 18-23. With reference again to the claw 142, it may be
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`configured with a flange-like member 144 that extends toward the first portion 122. Of course, this is
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`a specific configuration of an exemplary preferred embodiment, and one having ordinary skill in
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`the art understands from this disclosure that a broad variety of adaptations of the claw and saddle
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`interaction element of the invention may be made within the concept of the invention. The claw
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`142 may be considered to define an at least somewhat arcuate member, including smoothly arcuate
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`and broken angular configurations. The claw 142 as shown also extends laterally between the left
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`and the right rails, 108 and 118 respectively. The claw 142 is, thereby, cleverly incorporated in the
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`structure of lower portion as a cross tie 110, in the example shown.
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`In another aspect of the claw 142, a notch 146 may be provided for nesting
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`accommodation with a leg of the base 300, discussed further below (FIGS. 2, 6 and 7). Thus, the
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`notch 146 may preferably be generally centered along the claw 142, between the rail 108 and 118.
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`So defined, the notched claw 142 may be said to include a first tooth 148 that extends toward the
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`left side from the notch, and a second tooth 148 (with the teeth being shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 13
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`and 14) that extends toward the right side from the notch. It is further noted that the claw 142 as
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`shown incorporates user safety considerations at least insofar as the cooperating geometry of the
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`EX.1011,p.9
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`Ex. 1011, p. 9
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`claw 142 with the saddle 310 tends to engage the chair portion 100 with the base portion 300 , so
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`the chair portion 100 will not tilt or rotate backward apart from the base.
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`The clip clamp latch 160 is illustrated in a number of the drawings, including FIGS.
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`3, 6, 8, 9-12 and 15-17. In particular, the latch 160 is shown in a "stand alone" view in FIG. 16.
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`More specifically, the clip clamp latch 160 extends generally downward fiom the frame lower
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`portion 106, near its first portion 122, and is adapted for cooperating releasable engagement with
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`the base 300 and more specifically with the saddle 310 of the base, discussed further below. While
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`the claw 142 is shown as a fixed member, at least one of the claw 142 and the latch 160 is preferably
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`a movable member so that the chair portion 100 and the base 300 are releasably coupled. Thus,
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`the latch 160 may, for example, be hingedly connected with the first portion of 122. However,
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`it should be emphasized that other types of connections may be utilized, without departing
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`from the principal concepts of the invention. As shown particularly in FIG. 16, the latch 160
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`may be considered as presented with a general configiration of a length of a stylized L-channel or V-
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`channel, having a first leg 162 and a second leg 164 , each extending outward from an apex 166.
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`The apex 166 defines a hinge or pivot point of the latch 160, so the latch 160 hinges
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`between closed and opened positions. In the closed position, the latch 160 extends relatively
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`closer to the frame lower portion second portion 124. Conversely, the latch extends relatively farther
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`from the second portion 124 in the opened position. Further, a bias member 170 preferably biases
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`the latch to the closed position (FIGS. 16 and 17). As particularly shown in FIG. 16, the bias
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`member 170 is shown as a generally U-shaped spring member with a bight portion 172 and a leg
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`174 extending in the same general direction from each end of the bight portion 172. Each leg 174
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`may also incorporate a helical coil spring that aligns with the pivot point 166 of the latch 160.
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`When assembled as shown, the bias member legs 174 press against the latch first leg 162 and
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`EX.1011,p.10
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`Ex. 1011, p. 10
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`rotate the latch 160 generally forward toward the second portion 124.
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`The latch first leg 162 defines a handle or actuator with which a user may actuate or
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`open the latch, rotating the latch about the latch pivot 166 and generally away from the frame lower
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`portion second portion 124, to release the chair and the base portions. The latch second leg 164
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`defines a clamping portion of the latch that engages and clasps the saddle 310 as discussed further
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`below. As with the claw 142, the latch 160 shown is another specific configuration of an exemplary
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`preferred embodiment and one having ordinary skill in the art understands from this disclosure that a
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`broad variety of adaptations of the claw and saddle interaction element of the invention may be made
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`within the concepts of the invention.
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`As shown in several views, and as particularly apparent from FIGS. 17, 18 and 19,
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`the legs 180 of the chair portion 100 extend generally downward from the frame lower portion
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`106 and are adapted to support the frame upon a generally horizontal supporting surface. The legs
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`180 may have various configurations. Given an inherent relatively shortened geometry of the chair
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`portion 100 when uncoupled from the companion stool base portion 300 and set upon the
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`supporting surface, it is anticipated that a user who is seated in the chair will naturally and
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`commonly tend to tilt the chair portion generally backward. Thus, the legs 180 are desirably
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`configured as rockers, defining the chair portion as a floor rocker. The legs 180 may be described as
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`extending generally arcuately downward from the frame lower portion second portion 124 to the
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`first portion 122, and along each of a left and a right side of the chair. Further, the legs 180 are
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`preferably artfully incorporated into the chair frame 102 and extend to stops 182 at a very back of
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`the frame lower portion 106, near where the upper portion 104 and the lower portion 106 meet
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`(FIGS. 1, 4-7, 11, 12, 16, 18 and 19). The stops 182 may preferably be placed and contoured so as
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`to provide a comfortable and positive stop to backward rocking of the chair, and so that the user
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`EX.1011,p.11
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`Ex. 1011, p. 11
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`may not unsafely rock the chair completely backward. Yet, a limit to backward rocking of the
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`chair is most preferably not abrupt. It is also noted at this point that the latch 160 may be tucked-in
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`or located between the legs 180, which extend beyond the latch 160, so that the legs 180 define
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`protective rails about the latch 160.
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`The receptacle 190 corresponds with the saddle 310 and is defined between the
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`claw 142 and the latch 160, which may be said to define end boundaries (FIG. 6). The frame lower
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`portion left and right side rails 108 and 118, respectively, may also be said to define side boundaries.
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`With the bounds so identified, the receptacle 190 may be seen to have a generally trapezoidal
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`geometry. The corresponding geometry of the receptacle 190 and the saddle 310 may be selected
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`for unitary keying alignment of the chair portion 100 with the base portion 300, among other
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`considerations. Cooperating engagement of the receptacle 190 with the saddle 310, and thus
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`releasable coupling of the chair and the base portions 100, 300, respectively, is discussed further
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`below.
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`More specific details of the base portion 300 will now be described, particularly with
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`respect to FIGS. 18-23. The base portion 300 releasably couples with the frame 102 and is adapted
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`to support the frame 102, and thus the chair portion 100, above a generally horizontal supporting
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`surface. One having ordinary skill in the art understands that a broad variety of adaptations of
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`chair bases, including categories of legged, sled, and pedestal, are available to support a chair frame
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`above the supporting surface. What may be commonly known as a five legged pedestal base is
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`generally shown in the drawing figures of the exemplary preferred embodiment.
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`The base 300 extends generally upward from the supporting surface to the saddle
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`310. The base stands upon the surface with a star foundation that has five legs 330 as shown
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`generally throughout the drawing, although other numbers of legs is known. Each of the legs 330
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`EX.1011,p.12
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`Ex. 1011, p. 12
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`extends radially out from a center vertical axis to a pad 332, although a caster, for example, may be
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`used in the alternative. A post 334 extends along the vertical axis from the foundation to a chair
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`control or position mechanism 340 (FIGS. 22, 23). The post 334 may be an extensible member,
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`including a screw mechanism, a pneumatic mechanism, and the like. The chair control 340 may be
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`adapted to provide tilt or swivel movements as is known. A height adjustment control with an
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`actuator 342 may also be incorporated in the chair control 340. As shown generally in the drawing,
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`the saddle 310 and the chair control 340 are adapted to mount the saddle 310 on top of the chair
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`control 340 with screw fasteners 350 and the like, although this is not a limitation of the invention.
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`Thus, the chair control 340 may be a connector that operatively connects the saddle 310 with the
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`pedestal 334 and may provide at least one of a tilting movement of the saddle 310 relative to the
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`pedestal 334 and a swivel movement of the saddle 310 relative to the pedestal. Further, coupling of
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`the chair portion 100 with the saddle 310 may also provide tilt or swivel movements of the chair
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`portion 100.
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`The saddle 310 is shown configured as a generally planar member and may invoke a
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`very general concept of a thick board. The saddle 310 is not just any board, however. More
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`specifically, the saddle 310 has a top surface 312 that faces away from the supporting surface
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`(FIGS. 18-21). A perimeter edge circumscribes the top surface 312 and includes opposite front
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`and back edges 314 and 316 , respectively, of the saddle 310 (FIGS 18-23). The front edge 314
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`cooperates with the frame lower portion claw 142 whereby the front edge is releasably
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`captured in the claw. The back edge 316 cooperates with the frame lower portion latch 160
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`whereby the back edge is releasably captured by the latch. The front and the back edges 314, 316
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`are also instrumental in defining the top surface 312 with a rotationally asymmetric geometry in the
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`exemplary embodiment shown. A rotationally asymmetric geometry is significant to provide a
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`EX.1011,p.13
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`Ex. 1011, p. 13
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`keyed coupling of the chair portion 100 with the base portion 300, and most preferably a unitary
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`keyed coupling with one alignment.
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`The saddle 310 has a generally trapezoidal geometry that cooperates with the
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`receptacle 190 (the receptacle 190 being shown in FIG. 6). As contrasted with a square peg that
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`may couple in one of four orientations with a corresponding square hole, a triangular peg having
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`an equilateral cross section that may couple in one of three orientations with a corresponding
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`triangular hole, or a rectangular peg coupling in one of two orientations with its corresponding
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`rectangular hole, a trapezoidal peg couples in one orientation with a corresponding trapezoidal hole.
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`Thus the saddle 310 is shown with a generally trapezoidal plan View for a rotationally asymmetric
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`geometry to key the chair portion 100 and the base portion 300 in one relative orientation. Of
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`course, geometries other than trapezoidal may be chosen by one who uses the invention. The inventor
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`has found the trapezoidal geometry to be most convenient in use, however.
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`In use, the chair portion 100 and the base portion 300 may be separate, with the
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`chair portion 100 providing casual floor rocker seating (FIGS. 18 and 19). The base portion 300
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`may be engaged by the user or another user in several functions, including a companion stool upon
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`which a user may sit and a side table. Therefore, the saddle top surface 312 may define at least one of
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`a work surface, a writing surface, and a sitting surface. The base portion 300 may commonly be
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`oriented in front of the chair when employed as a writing surface or other work surface (FIGS. 19
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`and 20). For closest proximity of the top surface 312, a user who is seated in the chair may orient the
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`star foundation with one of its legs 330 extending toward the chair 100. So oriented, the selected
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`one of the legs may extend under the claw 142. By providing the notch 146 , the chair may rock
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`forward over the leg with the claw straddling the leg, which leg nests into the notch 140 between
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`the teeth 148. More specifically, with the claw 142 including the claw notch 146 generally
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`14
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`EX.1011,p.14
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`Ex. 1011, p. 14
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`

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`centered along the claw 142 and with the frame 102 decoupled from the base portion 300, the
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`saddle top surface 312 is adapted to be oriented in front of the frame 102. With this orientation, a
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`first one of the base legs 330 is initially positionable under the claw 142, so that with the claw 142
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`straddling the first one of the base legs 330, the first one of the base legs 330 is adapted to nest
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`into the claw notch 142.
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`Alternatively, the chair portion 100 may releasably couple with the base portion
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`300 and provide a task chair or desk chair for a user (FIGS. 1-8). Coupling of the chair with the
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`base is easily accomplished by manipulating the chair so the saddle front edge 312 slides toward and
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`into the claw 142, which is of course from a perspective of the chair portion. In actual practice, the
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`base 300 will typically be stationary while the chair moves under manipulation.
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`The rotationally asymmetric geometry of the base saddle 310 and the frame lower
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`portion receptacle 190 may be best appreciated at this point at least insofar as such a geometry
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`requires one functional alignment and engagement of the chair and the base portions. The receptacle
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`190 and the saddle 310 correspond with one another so that the saddle couples with the receptacle
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`190 in one rotational orientation, namely, with the saddle front edge 314 releasably captured in the
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`claw 142 and the saddle back edge 314 releasably captured by the latch 160. As stated in another
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`manner, and as previously described herein, the frame 102 includes the receptacle 190 defined
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`between the claw 142 and the notch 146. The saddle 310 of the base portion 300 includes the
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`perimeter edge incorporating the front and back edges 314, 316, respectively. The perimeter edge
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`circumscribes the top surface 312 and defines the top surface 312 with a rotationally asymmetric
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`geometry. With this geometry, the frame lower portion receptacle 190 and the saddle perimeter
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`edge correspond with one another, so that the base portion 300 couples with the frame 102 only in
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`10
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`15
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`20
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`one specific rotational orientation.
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`15
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`EX.1011,p.15
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`Ex. 1011, p. 15
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`

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`The chair portion 100 may then be rocked or pivoted generally backward to
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`engage the latch 160 with the saddle back edge 314. As the chair rotates backward, the latch
`second leg 164 may strike or otherwise engage the saddle back edge and ramp open. Thus, a latch
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`ramping surface may preferably be provided at the saddle back edge. Alternatively, a user may
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`manually manipulate the latch, with its first leg 162, to the open position. With the chair at rest in a
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`position of being coupled with the base, the latch bias 170 holds the latch in the closed position.
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`For enhanced coupling of the saddle 310 in the receptacle 190, cooperating claw
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`notches 322 may be formed in the saddle front edge 312 and a cooperating latch notch 324 may be
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`formed in the saddle back edge 314 . The claw notches 322 facilitate secure engagement of the
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`claw 142 with the saddle front edge 314 and may be significant relative to resisting forces that may
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`develop when a user leans or rocks backward. The latch notch 146 may help the latch 160 resist
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`forces that may tend to open the latch. Further, triangular shaped ribs, or the like, also preferably
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`extend downward, behind the saddle back edge, to further prevent horizontal forces from
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`unintentionally opening the latch. It is also noted that the saddle 310 may support the cross-ties
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`1 10 in abutting engagement, when the chair portion 100 and base portion 300 are coupled, to
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`enhance stability of the task chair configuration (FIGS 13, 14). To further explain the foregoing
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`concepts, and as generally described herein, the claw 142 can include a pair of spaced apart teeth
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`extending along the left and right sides of the frame 102. A pair of cooperating claw notches 322
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`are formed in the saddle front edge 314, and the front edge 314 is releasably captured in the claw
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`142 through engagement of the teeth with the cooperating claw notches 322. This relative
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`10
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`15
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`20
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`cooperation between the spaced apart teeth and the cooperating claw notches 322, and the sizing
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`and configuration thereof, causes forces to be generated along the engagement point of the spaced
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`apart teeth 148 and the cooperating claw notches 322 which tend to resist disengagement of the
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`16
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`EX.1011,p.16
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`Ex. 1011, p. 16
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`

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`teeth 148 from the claw notches 322 when a user of the chair makes backwardly directed or other
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`leaning forces on the chair frame 102. Still further, the positioning and the configuration of the
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`triangular shaped ribs beyond the saddle back edge 316