(12> Ulllted States Patent
`Waugh
`
`USOO6206472B1
`(10) Patent N0.:
`US 6,206,472 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Mar. 27, 2001
`
`(54) TWO POSITION RECLINABLE WOODEN
`CHAIR
`
`5,110,183 * 5/1992 Jeanes, n1 ...................... .. 297/325 X
`5,490,715 * 2/1996 Opsvik ............................... .. 297/310
`
`(76) Inventor: James L. Waugh, 2211 Guffey Rd.,
`North Huntingdon, PA (US) 15642
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) App1'NO'i09/321’379
`(22) Filed:
`May 27, 1999
`
`Related US. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application N°~ 60/086989’ ?led on May 28’
`1998'
`(51) Int. Cl.7 ..................................................... .. A47C 3/00
`(52) US. Cl. ........................................... .. 297/325; 297/310
`(58) Field of Search ................................... .. 297/310, 325,
`297/45263, DIG 7, 328, 45218
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`US- PATENT DOCUMENTS
`134,850 * 1/1873 Carlan ................................ .. 297/310
`2347537 4 11/1880 clough ____ __
`297/310
`375,840 * 1/1888 Stockton
`297/310 X
`964,012 * 7/1910 Folts .............................. .. 297/325 X
`1,303,994 * 5/1919 Ulman ............................ .. 297/325 X
`175257726 * 2/1925 Falconer
`297/310
`2404330 * 1/1938 Collard "" "
`297/325
`2,423,659 * 7/1947 Rabe .' ...... ..
`297/31OX
`3,848,883 * 11/1974 Breacam ..... ..
`297/31OX
`3,945,651 * 3/1976 Boswinkel
`297/310 X
`4,469,377 * 9/1984 O’Rourke ....................... .. 297/310 X
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`270208 * 8/1950 (CH) .................................. .. 297/325
`1176210 * 11/1958 (FR) ................................... .. 297/325
`_
`_
`* Cited by examiner
`_
`_
`Primary Exammer—Peter M. Cuomo
`Assistant Examiner—Stephen Vu
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Nils H. Ljungman &
`Associates
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Asimpli?ed reclining mechanism, as for chairs and seating,
`is herein described. The balanced design of such a reclinable
`chair for yard or patio usage is herein described. The
`reclining mechanism is an integral part Of the chair or seat
`The Contoured design of the seat, back, legs and headrest
`gives ?rm, comfortable support to all parts of the body in
`both positions. What makes this chair stand above the rest is
`its unique 2 position balanced design. In the upright position
`it functions as a chair With head and legrest. Balance is the
`key to this design. By slightly throWing or shifting your
`Weight backwaids> this Chair ieieis> giving a ieeiing of
`Weightlessness and falling backwards until it lands solidly
`on its rear legs. In this position, every part of the occupant’s
`body is cradled by the design. This chair also has the health
`advantage of having your legs
`and
`at heart 1eVe1_
`A %“ Indoor/Outdoor cloth covered foam pad or other
`appropriate covering can be added as an option for extra
`Comfort~
`
`8 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`12
`
`6
`
`Back Pivot Point 13
`r3x=occupant center
`of gravity in each
`position
`
`J Squared, Inc. – Ex. 1019, p. 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 27, 2001
`
`Sheet 1 0f 2
`
`US 6,206,472 B1
`
`1‘
`3/ ) v Front Pivot Point 4 \50
`2° 2
`$=occupcmt center
`of grovit in each
`FIG‘ I
`position y
`
`12
`
`Book Pivot Point 15
`6
`FIG. 2
`$=occupont center
`of gravity in each
`position
`
`Ex. 1019, p. 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 27, 2001
`
`Sheet 2 0f 2
`
`US 6,206,472 B1
`
`80°
`A
`
`6
`
`$
`1 20°
`mm
`
`l
`
`5/8”
`1O__1/8,.
`FIG. IA
`
`_
`xix-occupant center
`of gravity in each
`position
`
`Ex. 1019, p. 3
`
`

`

`US 6,206,472 B1
`
`1
`TWO POSITION RECLINABLE WOODEN
`CHAIR
`
`This application claim bene?t to provisional application
`60/086,989 May 28, 1998.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates particularly to reclining
`mechanisms for chairs and seating for both indoor and
`outdoor use.
`2. Background Information
`Prior to the present invention, reclinable types of chairs
`Were usually equipped With a movable joint located at the
`union of the seat With the back, thus permitting the back to
`be inclined rearWardly. They usually consisted of an inter
`locking system composed of notches that permit the back to
`be placed in a certain set number of positions, generally
`from four to eight. HoWever, this kind of mechanism is
`generally complicated, costly and susceptible to Wear, cor
`rosion fatigue and failure causing injury to the user. These
`chairs also normally had to have a thick, aWkWard cushion
`on them to be comfortable. Prior reclinable armchairs,
`having a number of positions for inclination, Were usually of
`heavy steel and equipped With a series of spring and coun
`terWeights Which made them heavy, complicated and costly.
`US. Pat. No. 3,870,364 discloses a more complicated pad
`ded upholstered arm chair With an internal reclining appa
`ratus having a metal base frame pivotably mounted to a seat
`frame, at or near the front of the seat frame. The very old
`Wooden designs, for example, US. Pat. No. 1,525,726, Were
`typically just straight legged Wooden chairs that tilted back
`only about 20—25°. Because of their high center of gravity
`and straight line design, they Were very unstable and unsafe
`in the tilt back position.
`
`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
`
`An object of the present invention is to make a reclining
`chair that is balance designed. Another object of the present
`invention is to make such a chair inexpensive and simple.
`Another object of the present invention is to make a reclin
`ing chair that rests ?rmly and securely (safely) in both the
`upright and reclined positions. Any other object of this
`invention Will be apparent from the folloWing descriptions.
`Furthermore, this invention has the health advantage of
`lifting the occupant’s legs to the level of the heart for
`increased circulation to the legs and feet. Amaj or advantage
`of the present invention lies in the comfortable contour of
`the seat, back and location of the headrest for body support.
`
`45
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`A simpli?ed and inexpensive, 2 position reclining chair,
`for example, a Wooden laWn and patio chair is herein
`described. The balanced contoured design With no moving
`parts is an integral part of the chair or seat. The loW center
`of gravity and the placement of the balance pivotal point
`alloWs the chair to set ?rmly in both the upright and reclined
`positions.
`In the upright position, the chair can sit on a ?at spot at
`the bottom of each of the center pivotal legs. This ?at spot
`can be approximately 2“ in length. The Weight and balance
`of the chair combined With occupant’s Weight, sitting just
`ahead of a front pivot point, can hold the chair ?rmly in the
`upright position, supported by the center pivotal legs and the
`front legs of the chair. That is to say, in the upright position,
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`the occupant’s center of gravity can be located toWard the
`center of the chair, at a point forWard from a front pivot point
`on the chair. This can alloW the inventive chair to move
`easily from the sitting to the reclining position under the
`in?uence of the occupant shifting or slightly throWing his or
`her Weight backWards, thereby pivoting, or rocking, the
`chair along a pivot point or area into a reclined position. In
`at least one embodiment, the occupant can also push their
`feet against the ground to also exert a force in the backWard
`direction to thus aid in the pivoting of the chair.
`In at least one embodiment, a possible degree of angling
`of the seat arms is also possible, Wherein the chair back and
`arms can have, for example, a comfortable 50 of lean
`backWards so the chair does not feel stiff or uncomfortable.
`HoWever, this angle of lean may be different. Further, it is
`Within the scope of the invention that various lengths, Widths
`and heights of the chair can vary, depending upon a variety
`of variables, for example, the height or Weight of the
`individual or child for Which the chair is designed.
`In at least one embodiment, in the reclined position the
`chair can sit on another ?at or substantially ?at spot at the
`bottom of each of the center pivotal legs, as Well as tWo back
`legs. The chair can be extremely steady in this position, and
`almost impossible for the occupant to tip. The occupant’s
`approximate position and center of gravity can shift back
`Wards from the upright position, Wherein the occupant’s
`center of gravity can be loWered and occupant’s Weight can
`sit essentially just behind a back pivot point. To bring the
`chair back to the upright position, essentially all the occu
`pant has to do is bend and lean forWard, shifting his or her
`Weight forWard, and the chair Will pivot back to the upright
`position because of the redistribution of Weight.
`In another possible embodiment of the present invention,
`the inventive chair can be designed to accommodate more
`than one person. This can be accomplished, for example, by
`varying the Width of the chair. The chair Would then be
`operated in essentially the same manner, hoWever, some
`coordination betWeen the occupants Would facilitate the
`reclining and uprighting of the chair.
`A possible degree angle of the seat arms is also possible
`in the reclined position. For example, the arm of the chair
`may be reclined to an approximate 40° angle if, in the
`upright position, the chair and arms has an approximate 5°
`lean backWards. HoWever, this angle may vary if, for
`example, the angle of the chair and arms are different in the
`upright position.
`In one possible embodiment of the chair, the chair can be
`constructed of Wooden board slats in the seating area and
`have arm rests With triangular arm block supports. The
`length of board slats in the seating area can vary, depending
`upon the desired overall siZe of the chair, or the number of
`persons it is con?gured to seat. The Widths of the slats can
`also vary, but should be of a dimension suf?cient to provide
`both adequate support and comfort to the user. That is to say,
`the slats must be Wide enough to support the Weight of the
`user, but narroW enough to alloW the shape of the chair to be
`contoured, to provide a more comfortable seating area for
`the chair’s occupant or occupants.
`In one embodiment of the center/back support leg, or legs
`(i.e., the center pivotal legs), of the reclined chair, the
`center/back support legs can be made of any resistant
`material for durability and strength, 3A“ thick WolminiZed
`Wood for example. The overall length, Width, bottom ?at
`spot and various cut degree angles for this center/back
`support leg can vary. This leg can also have a metal Wear
`guard on the bottom to give added protection to the Wood.
`
`Ex. 1019, p. 4
`
`

`

`US 6,206,472 B1
`
`3
`In at least one embodiment a rear leg, or legs, of the chair
`in the seated or upright position can be made of any resistant
`material for durability and strength, 3A“ thick WolminiZed
`Wood for example. Possible overall length, Width and cut
`degree angles can vary.
`The front leg, or legs, can also be made of %“ WolminiZed
`Wood for durability and strength, or any other resistant
`material, and their lengths and Widths can also vary.
`In one possible embodiment, the arms of the chair, may be
`made of 3A1“ White pine. White pine may be used because it
`comes into contact With the occupant of the chair. Wolmi
`niZed Wood can have arsenic and other harsh chemicals as a
`preservative that can be health haZards, thereby making it
`less desirable for an arm rest. HoWever, any other non
`haZardous material may be used. Length, Width and various
`other angles of this piece may also vary.
`In at least one embodiments slats are used along the seat
`and back of the chair. These slats are securely attached in
`place, for example, by being nailed into the chair. These slats
`may be made of any non haZardous material, such as 3A1“
`White pine for example, because they also can come into
`contact With the occupant’s skin. In one possible
`embodiment, the seat and back may be composed of sixteen
`20“><1.5“ slats, a headrest may be composed of three 18.5“><
`1.5“ slats and a legrest may be composed of seven 20“><2.3/s“
`slats Which can be attached to the front of the front legs of
`the chair. HoWever, the quantity, length and siZes above
`cited may vary. Armrest supports may have a triangular
`shape and be screWed into the legs, hoWever, their dimen
`sions and shapes may also vary, as Well as the materials
`used. For example, a plastic material could also possibly be
`used With at least one embodiment.
`The chair can be assembled using a variety of knoWn
`construction techniques and hardWare, including, nuts, bolts,
`Washers, screWs, nails, etc.. For example, the legs could be
`bolted into position.
`The above discussed embodiments of the present inven
`tion Will be described hereinbeloW With reference to the
`accompanying ?gures. When the Word “invention” is used in
`this speci?cation, the Word “invention” includes
`“inventions”, that is the plural of “invention”. By stating
`“invention”, the Applicant does not in any Way admit that
`the present application does not include more than one
`patentability and non-obviously distinct invention, and
`maintain that this application may include more than one
`patentability and non-obviously distinct invention. The
`Applicant hereby asserts that the disclosure of this applica
`tion may include more than one invention, and, in the event
`that there is more than one invention, that these inventions
`may be patentable and non-obvious one With respect to the
`other.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Embodiments of the present invention Will be described
`beloW With reference to the accompanying ?gures, Wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a side vieW of a reclinable chair made in
`accordance With this invention;
`FIG. 1A is similar to FIG. 1 With additional possible
`dimensions;
`FIG. 2 is also a side vieW of chair in the reclined position;
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`FIGS. 1 and 2 are both side vieWs of one embodiment of
`the reclining chair 1 made in accordance With this invention.
`
`10
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`15
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`25
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`35
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`45
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`55
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`65
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`4
`FIG. 1 is shoWs one embodiment of the reclining chair 1
`in the upright position. FIGS. 13 and 21 also shoW at least
`one embodiment of the invention in the same position. In
`this state the chair can sit on a 2“ ?at spot 2 at the bottom
`of each of the center pivotal legs 3 (Front pivot point is
`indicated). The balance and Weight of the chair, combined
`With occupant’s Weight, sitting just ahead of the front pivot
`point 4, holds the chair ?rmly in the upright position. A star
`indicates the occupant’s approximate position and center of
`gravity. The chair 1 herein described moves easily from the
`sitting to the reclining position under the in?uence of the
`occupant shifting or slightly throWing his or her Weight
`backWards.
`Apossible degree angle of seat arms 7 is also indicated in
`this state. The chair 1 and arms 7 have a comfortable
`approximately 5° of lean backWards, in comparison to the
`surface on Which it sits, so the chair does not feel stiff or
`uncomfortable. HoWever, the angle may be different.
`Possible length and height of the chair 1, in accordance
`With one embodiment of the invention, are also indicated,
`but may vary. As shoWn in FIG. 1, in the upright position the
`chair can have a height of approximately 431/2“, as measured
`from the bottom of the center leg 3 to the top 8a of the
`headrest portion 8. The center legs 3 extend upWard to form
`the outer sides, or frame structure, 3a of the chair 1, to Which
`slats 10 can be attached across the Width of the chair, to form
`a back rest portion 20. The arms 7, at the approximate center,
`can be positioned approximately 231/2“ from the ?oor.
`In at least one embodiment, the back legs 6 can also
`extend to form a bottom seat frame or structure 6a, to Which
`slats can also be attached. The back legs 6 can be ?rmly
`bolted to the center legs 3, in a substantially transverse
`direction, as shoWn in the ?gures. At the front of the seat area
`14 (see FIG. 2) the front legs 5 can be ?rmly attached to one
`end of the rear legs 6, and these front legs 5 can be
`positioned at an angle of about 120° relative to the seat area
`14 (see FIG. 1A). Additional slats 10 can be attached across
`the front 5a of the front legs 5 to form a legrest 15. This
`angling of the legrest 15 can provide not only comfort, but
`also, combined With the Weight of the materials, aids in the
`correct balancing of the chair 1, and thus the ease in Which
`the chair securely sits and operates. Similarly, in one
`embodiment, the back portion 20 can form an angle of about
`120° With the seat portion 14, thereby aiding in the proper
`positioning of the center of gravity of the occupant, and the
`balancing of the chair’s oWn Weight, to thereby aid in the
`operation of the chair, as Well as adding comfort for the
`occupant.
`FIG. 1A also lists additional angles that can be used With
`at least one embodiment of the invention, When constructing
`and assembling the different parts of the chair. These angles
`can also aid the proper balancing and functioning of at least
`one embodiment of the chair. For example, the center leg 3
`and the back leg 6 can have an angle of approximately 110°
`betWeen them, the center leg 3 can form an angle of
`approximately 80° With portion 6a of the back leg 6. An
`approximate 80° angle can be formed betWeen the back leg
`6 and the back frame portion 3a of leg 3.
`FIG. 1A also indicates additional possible measurements
`for the bottom leg portion of the center leg 3, Wherein the leg
`can have the indicated measurements. That is, in one pos
`sible embodiment, if the back leg 6 is measured from a
`substantially central connecting point, approximately 12“
`from the ground, and indicated by the letter “C”, Where the
`tWo leg portions 3, 6 are attached, the back can have an
`approximate 12“ measurement, as indicated. If the center leg
`
`Ex. 1019, p. 5
`
`

`

`US 6,206,472 B1
`
`5
`is measured from the center connecting point C to the front
`tip of the front pivot point, or pivot area 4, a length of about
`137/8“ can be used. Ameasurement of about 101/8“ can extend
`from point C to the end of the back pivot point or area 13,
`and a length of about 125/8“ can extend from point C to a
`center area of the center leg. The ratio of these lengths, one
`to another, as Well as the angles betWeen the legs, can help
`in the proper functioning of the chair.
`FIG. 2 shoWs one embodiment of the reclining chair 1 in
`the reclined position, and FIG. 14 shoWs pictures of one
`embodiment of the invention in the same position. In this
`state the chair 1 sits on a substantially ?at spot 2a at the
`bottom of each of the center pivotal legs 3 (back pivot point
`is indicated). In one embodiment this substantially ?at spot
`2a can have a slightly convex curve shape across at least a
`portion of its length. Additionally, it is possible that a metal
`strip, or Wear guard, can be fastened to the bottom of the
`center pivotal legs 3, to help protect the legs 3 from Wear
`(see FIG. 27). In the reclined position the chair 1 is essen
`tially rock steady and virtually impossible for the occupant
`to accidentally tip. A star indicates the occupant’s approxi
`mate position and center of gravity. The occupant’s center of
`gravity is loWered With occupant’s Weight sitting just behind
`the back pivot point 13. To bring the chair back to the upright
`position, essentially all the occupant has to do is bend and
`lean forWard, shifting their Weight forWard, and the chair 1
`Will pivot back to the upright position.
`Apossible degree angle of the seat 14 and arms 7 is also
`indicated: in this position, the arms 7 of the chair may be
`reclined to a 40° angle if, in the upright position, the chair
`and arms have a 5° lean backWards. HoWever, this angle
`may vary if, for example, the angle of the chair 1 and arms
`7 are different in the upright position.
`Possible length and height of the chair are also indicated,
`but may vary.
`Any additional required assembly of the chair not
`described herein can be accomplished by Well-knoWn con
`struction techniques knoWn to those skilled in the art.
`Additionally, a %“ Indoor/Outdoor cloth covered foam pad
`or other appropriate covering can be added as an option for
`extra comfort.
`It is also Within the scope of the present invention to
`construct at least one embodiment of the present inventive
`chair 1 from plastic resin. For example, a one-piece molded
`construction of the balanced design chair from plastic resin
`or any other man-made material capable of being molded
`into the inventive design.
`Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to
`the indicated lengths, Width, height and angles cited above,
`but may have other ranges that are appropriate, using other
`materials than those above-cited and/or under other condi
`tions.
`One feature of the present invention resides broadly in a
`substantially fully-reclining chair comprising six legs.
`Another feature of the invention resides broadly in tWo
`legs that are the front legs in the upright position.
`Yet another feature of the invention resides broadly in tWo
`center legs that constitute the pivot point of the reclining
`chair; the legs are the back legs of the chair in the upright
`position and the front legs in the reclined position.
`Still another feature of the invention resides broadly in
`tWo legs that are the back legs in the reclined position.
`Another feature of the invention resides broadly in the
`method of holding the chair ?rmly in both positions, com
`prising: in the upright position, the chair sits on a ?at spot
`
`10
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`45
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`55
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`6
`at the bottom of each of the center pivotal legs; this,
`combined With the occupant’s Weight sitting just ahead of
`the front pivot point holds the chair ?rmly in the upright
`position.
`Yet another feature of the invention resides broadly in the
`chair Wherein in the reclined position, the chair sits on a ?at
`spot at the bottom of each of the center pivotal legs. It is
`essentially rock steady and virtually impossible for the
`occupant to tip; the occupant’s center of gravity is loWered
`With occupant’s Weight sitting just behind the back pivot
`point.
`Still another feature of the invention resides broadly in the
`reclining mechanism of said chair, comprising: tWo center
`legs that constitute the pivot point of the reclining chair, such
`as described herein.
`Another feature of the invention resides broadly in a tWo
`position reclinable chair, said chair comprising: a seat mem
`ber having a front end and a rear end; a back member
`attached to said rear end of said seat member and extending
`upWardly therefrom; a plurality of legs for supporting said
`seat member and said back member; said plurality of legs
`comprising: tWo front legs disposed to support said front end
`of said seat member; tWo back legs disposed to support said
`rear end of said seat member; and tWo center legs disposed
`betWeen said tWo front legs and said tWo back legs; said
`chair having a stable upright position, a stable reclined
`position, and an unstable position therebetWeen; said tWo
`front legs and said tWo center legs being con?gured to
`contact a surface upon Which the chair rests upon the chair
`being in said upright position; said tWo center legs and said
`tWo back legs being con?gured to contact a surface upon
`Which the chair rests upon the chair being in said reclined
`position; said center legs being con?gured and disposed to
`provide a ?rst pivot area to permit an occupant of the chair
`to shift his or her Weight in a direction toWard said back
`member, and thus to pivot said chair from said upright
`position to said reclined position; and said center legs also
`being con?gured and disposed to provide a second pivot
`area to permit the occupant to shift his or her Weight in a
`direction toWard said front end of said seat member, and thus
`to pivot said chair from said reclined position to said upright
`position.
`Yet another feature of the invention resides broadly in the
`method of moving the chair from the sitting to the reclining
`position under the in?uence of the occupant shifting or
`slightly throWing their Weight backWards.
`Another feature of the invention resides broadly in the
`method of bringing the chair back to the upright position by
`bending and leaning forWard.
`A further feature of the invention resides broadly in the
`unique balanced design of said reclining chair Which makes
`it different and unique from other types of knoWn reclining
`chairs.
`An additional feature of the invention resides broadly in
`that the chair is extremely steady in both positions due to the
`leg con?guration, material used to assemble and the loW
`center of gravity in either the upright or reclined position.
`The components disclosed in the various publications,
`disclosed or incorporated by reference herein, may be used
`in the embodiments of the present invention, as Well as,
`equivalents thereof.
`The appended draWings and pictures in their entirety,
`including all dimensions, proportions and/or shapes in at
`least one embodiment of the invention, are accurate and to
`scale and are hereby included by reference to this speci?
`cation.
`
`Ex. 1019, p. 6
`
`

`

`US 6,206,472 B1
`
`7
`All, or substantially all, of the components and methods
`of the various embodiments may be used With at least one
`embodiment or all of the embodiments, if more than one
`embodiment is described herein.
`The following U.S. Patents, and any documents cited in
`any of the documents cited herein, are hereby incorporated
`by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein: No.
`134,850, issued Jan. 14, 1873 to B. A. Carlan, entitled
`“Tip-Chairs”; No. 375,840, issued Jan. 3, 1888 to J. I.
`Stockton, entitled “Reclining attachment for chairs”; No.
`1,525,726, issued Feb. 10, 1925 to W. M. Falconer, entitled
`“Chair”; No. 2,280,732, issued Apr. 21, 1942 to M. Thum,
`entitled “Convertible Rocking Chair”; No. 3,870,364, issued
`Mar. 11, 1975 to Cortina O., entitled “Reclinable chairs and
`seats”; No. 4,469,377 issued Sep. 4, 1984 to O’Rourke,
`entitled “Patient-restraining strapless seat”.
`The following US. Patents may contain examples of a
`reclining chair/seat: No. 1,960,022; No. 2,027,125; No.
`2,141,475; No. 2,241,115; No. 2,591,911; No. 2,763,319;
`No. 3,195,954; No. 3,645,548; No. 3,695,702; No. 4,049,
`314; No. 4,222,740; No. 4,230,364
`All of the patents, patent applications and publications
`recited herein, and in the Declaration attached hereto, are
`hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their
`entirety herein.
`The details in the patents, patent applications and publi
`cations may be considered to be incorporable, at the appli
`cant’s option, into the claims during prosecution as further
`limitations in the claims to patentably distinguish any
`amended claims from any applied prior art.
`Those skilled in the art Will readily appreciate that many
`modi?cations are possible in the exemplary embodiments
`described above Without materially departing from the novel
`teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all
`such modi?cations are intended to be included Within the
`scope of this invention as de?ned in the folloWing claims. In
`the claims, means-plus-function clause are intended to cover
`the structures described herein as performing the recited
`function and not only structural equivalents but also equiva
`lent structures.
`The invention described hereinabove is not to be taken as
`limited to all of the provided details thereof, since modi?
`cations and variations thereof may be made Without depart
`ing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.
`What is claimed:
`1. A tWo position reclinable chair comprising:
`a seat member having a front end and a rear end;
`a back member attached to said rear end of said seat
`member and extending upWardly therefrom;
`a plurality of legs for supporting said seat member and
`said back member;
`said plurality of legs comprising:
`tWo front legs disposed to support said front end of said
`seat member;
`tWo back legs disposed to support said rear end of said
`seat member; and
`tWo center legs disposed betWeen said tWo front legs
`and said tWo back legs;
`said chair having a stable upright position, a stable
`reclined position, and an unstable position therebe
`tWeen;
`said tWo front legs and said tWo center legs being con
`?gured to contact a surface upon Which the chair rests
`upon the chair being in said upright position;
`said tWo center legs and said tWo back legs being con
`?gured to contact a surface upon Which the chair rests
`upon the chair being in said reclined position;
`
`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`40
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`45
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`8
`said center legs being con?gured and disposed to provide
`a ?rst pivot area to permit a chair user of the chair to
`shift his or her Weight in a direction toWard said back
`member, and thus to pivot said chair from said upright
`position to said reclined position;
`said center legs being con?gured and disposed to provide
`a second pivot area to permit the chair user to shift his
`or her Weight in a direction toWard said front end of
`said seat member, and thus to pivot said chair from said
`reclined position to said upright position;
`Wherein said tWo center legs each comprise a ?rst end and
`a second end disposed opposite to one another and a
`central area disposed therebetWeen;
`said ?rst end being con?gured to contact the surface upon
`Which the chair sits;
`said second end comprises a portion con?gured to support
`the head of a chair user of the chair;
`said central area comprising a portion con?gured and
`disposed to provide support to the back of a chair user
`of said chair;
`each of said ?rst ends comprise a ?rst substantially ?at
`surface, and a second substantially ?at surface;
`said ?rst surface and said second surface being disposed
`to form an obtuse angle therebetWeen;
`said ?rst surface being disposed to contact the surface
`upon Which said chair rests upon said chair being in
`said upright position, and at least a portion of said
`second surface being disposed to contact the surface
`upon Which the chair rests upon said chair being in the
`reclined position;
`at least a portion of said ?rst surface forming said ?rst
`pivot area and at least a portion of said second surface
`forming said second pivot area;
`said back legs each comprise an end portion and a front
`portion and a center portion disposed therebetWeen;
`said front portion comprises a seat area;
`said center portion being attached to said central area of
`a corresponding one of said center legs;
`said center legs and said back legs being disposed sub
`stantially transverse to one another;
`each of said end portions of said back legs comprise a
`surface area to contact the surface upon Which the chair
`rests upon said chair being in said reclined position;
`said back leg surface area and said second surface of said
`center leg are substantially aligned With one another to
`thus provide in combination a stable resting surface for
`said chair in said reclined position;
`said tWo front legs each comprise a ?rst end portion and
`a second end portion disposed opposite to one another,
`and a central portion disposed therebetWeen;
`said second end portion of each of said tWo front legs
`being con?gured and disposed to contact the surface
`upon Which the chair rests upon the chair being in the
`upright position;
`said front portions of said back legs each comprising a
`front end portion;
`each of said central portions of said tWo front legs being
`connected to a corresponding one of said front end
`portions of said back legs;
`said front legs being disposed substantially transverse to
`said back legs, Wherein said front legs and said front
`portion of said back legs form an obtuse angle With one
`another in a doWnWard direction and an acute angle
`
`Ex. 1019, p. 7
`
`

`

`US 6,206,472 B1
`
`9
`With one another in an upward direction to minimize
`instability of said chair in the upright position;
`said second substantially ?at surfaces of said ?rst ends of
`said center legs have a slightly convex shape;
`said chair comprises tWo arm members;
`said tWo arm members are disposed substantially parallel
`to said back legs;
`said tWo arm members each have a ?rst end and a second
`end disposed opposite to one another;
`each of said ?rst ends of said arm members being attached
`to a corresponding one of said back supporting portions
`of said tWo center legs;
`each of said second ends of said arm members being
`attached to a corresponding on