IP Library Granted Patent US 12,161,232
Granted Patent B2
US 12,161,232 · App. 18/367,169 · Granted Dec 10, 2024

Body support assembly and methods for the use and assembly thereof

Inventors: Nickolaus William Charles Deevers (E Grand Rapids, MI); Kurt R. Heidmann (Grand Rapids, MI); Gordon J. Peterson (Rockford, MI); David Bodnar (Grand Rapids, MI); James Ludwig (Grand Rapids, MI); Nathan R. Brock (Alto, MI); Mark Spoelhof (Grand Rapids, MI)
Assignee: STEELCASE INC.
A47C7/44A47C1/024A47C1/03261A47C3/021A47C7/029A47C7/282A47C7/541
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,161,232
App. No.
18/367,169
Granted
Dec 10, 2024
Kind
B2
Abstract

A body support assembly includes a seat assembly and backrest assembly supported by a tilt control assembly. Methods of using and assembling the body support assembly are provided.

Claims (24)

1. A support structure for a body support member comprising:

a lower support structure having an upwardly extending first post;

a backrest frame comprising an upwardly extending second post; and

a seat support comprising a downwardly extending boss structure coupled to the first and second posts.

2. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the second post comprises a cavity, wherein the first post is disposed in the cavity.

3. The support structure of claim 2 further comprising a back support having a connector comprising a second cavity, wherein the first and second posts are disposed in the second cavity, and wherein the connector comprises an insert portion disposed in the boss structure of the seat support.

4. The support structure of claim 1 further comprising a back support pivotally coupled to the backrest frame and having an upwardly extending insert portion coupled to the boss structure.

5. The support structure of claim 4 wherein the first and second post and the insert portion are substantially parallel.

6. A body support assembly comprising:

a base member;

a lower support structure comprising:

a longitudinally extending portion coupled to the base member at a first location;

a front link extending upwardly from the longitudinally extending portion forwardly of the first location; and

a rear link comprising a first post extending upwardly from the longitudinally extending portion rearwardly of the first location;

a back frame comprising an upwardly extending second post; and

a seat support comprising a downwardly extending boss structure coupled to the first and second posts, wherein the seat support is coupled to the front link and supports a seating surface.

7. The body support assembly of claim 6 wherein the back frame further comprises a first lower portion extending rearwardly from the second post, and an upright portion extending upwardly from the first lower portion.

8. The body support assembly of claim 7 further comprising a backrest support pivotally connected to the upright portion.

9. The body support assembly of claim 8 wherein the upright portion comprises a pair of laterally spaced first uprights, and wherein the backrest support comprises a pair of laterally spaced second uprights pivotally connected to the first uprights.

10. The body support assembly of claim 8 wherein the backrest support comprises an upwardly extending insert portion coupled to the boss structure.

11. The body support assembly of claim 6 wherein the first link comprises a pair of laterally spaced front links.

12. The body support assembly of claim 6 wherein the second post comprises a cavity, wherein the first post is disposed in the cavity.

13. The body support assembly of claim 12 further comprising a backrest support comprising a connector having a second cavity, wherein the first and second posts are disposed in the second cavity, and wherein the connector comprises an insert portion disposed in the boss structure of the seat support.

14. The body support assembly of claim 13 wherein the first and second posts and the insert portion are substantially parallel.

Assignments (2)
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 4, 2026
From: AMQ SOLUTIONS, LLC; HALCON FURNITURE LLC; SMITH SYSTEM MANUFACTURING COMPANY; STEELCASE INC.
To: U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 074944/0368 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 4, 2026
From: AMQ SOLUTIONS, LLC; HALCON FURNITURE LLC; SMITH SYSTEM MANUFACTURING COMPANY; STEELCASE INC.
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 074944/0784 →
Cited By (1)
US 12,667,191