US 6,279,991 B1 · Folding mechanism with kick-out tab for folding chair

Abstract

A folding chair has a four-bar linkage folding system with four pivot points and four linkages, and a kick-out tab for urging the four-bar linkage system, and thus the chair, to unfold. A support frame forms a first linkage. Rear legs are pivotally coupled to the support frame at pivot points. At least one of the rear legs extends upwards from the pivot point on the support frame to form an upper extension, which defines a second linkage. A linking member is pivotally coupled to and between the upper extension of the rear leg and the seat to form a third linkage. A seat is pivotally coupled to the support frame and forms the fourth linkage. The rear legs and seat pivot with respect to the support frame between an open unfolded position, and a closed folded position. The seat has at least one engagement surface which is engaged by the upper extension of the rear leg when the chair is in the closed folded position. A kick-out tab may be attached to the seat to provide the engagement surface. The upper extension of the at least one rear leg contacts the engagement surface, or the at least one kick-out tab, urging the seat in an outward direction. The at least one rear leg forms a lever to urge the seat from the closed folded position towards the open unfolded position.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A folding chair comprising:

a support frame forming front leg portions;
rear leg portions, pivotally coupled to the support frame at pivot points on the support frame, with at least one of the rear leg portions extending past one of the pivot points on the support frame to form an upper extension;
and
a seat, pivotally coupled to the support frame, and having an engagement surface, the seat and rear leg portions pivoting with respect to the support frame between an open unfolded position, and a closed folded position;
and
a folding system for folding the folding chair between the opened unfolded position, and the closed folded position, the folding system including a four-bar linkage system having four pivot points and four linkages, the four linkages including a side support of the suprort frame, the upper extension of the rear leg, a link member pivotally coupled between the seat and the upper extension of the rear leg, a side of the seat;
and
the upper extension of at least one of the rear leg portions extending to engage the engagement surface of the seat in the closed folded position, at least one of the rear leg portions forming a lever with the upper extension contacting the engagement surface of the seat and an opposite end for contacting a floor to urge the seat from the closed folded position towards the open unfolded position.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Folding mechanism with kick-out tab for folding chair

Life of this patent

Folding mechanism with kick-out tab for folding chair

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19