IP Library Granted Patent US 6,957,865
Granted Patent B1
US 6,957,865 · App. 10/709,123 · Granted Oct 25, 2005

Adjustable chair

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 6,957,865
App. No.
10/709,123
Granted
Oct 25, 2005
Kind
B1
Abstract

An adjustable leg for a chair includes a leg housing, secured to a seat, that includes a threaded inner wall. A leg extension is received into the leg housing and includes external threaded portions that mate with the threaded inner wall. A tab in the leg housing cooperates with the external threaded portions and secures the leg extension at a predefined position in the leg housing.

Claims (71)

1. An adjustable leg for a chair, comprising:

a leg housing secured to a seat and including a threaded inner wall;

a leg extension received into the leg housing and including external threaded portions that mate with the threaded inner wall; and

a tab in the leg housing cooperating with the external threaded portions and securing the leg extension at a predefined position in the leg housing.

2. The adjustable leg for a chair as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the tab includes:

a flexing portion.

3. The adjustable leg as set forth in claim 1 , wherein:

a valley is defined on the leg extension between the threaded portions;

the tab is biased toward the leg extension; and

the tab is secured in the valley when the leg extension is at the predefined position in the leg housing.

4. The adjustable leg as set forth in claim 3 , wherein:

the leg extension is unsecured from the predefined position when a force is applied for turning the leg extension relative to the leg housing and moving the tab out of the valley and over one of the threaded portions.

5. The adjustable leg as set forth in claim 3 , wherein:

the tab is positioned to ride on one of the threaded portions when the leg extension is not secured at the predefined position.

6. An adjustable leg for a chair, comprising:

a leg housing secured to a seat;

an insert secured in the leg housing including a threaded inner wall;

a leg extension received into the insert and including external threaded portions that mate with the threaded inner wall, a depression being defined between the threaded portions; and

a tab on the insert cooperating with the threaded portions and the depression, the leg extension being secured at a predefined position in the insert when the tab is in the depression.

7. The adjustable leg as set forth in claim 6 , wherein the insert includes:

a first insert portion including a first portion of the threaded wall; and

a second insert portion including a second portion of the threaded wall, the first and second portions of the threaded wall forming the threaded inner wall of the insert when the first and second insert portions are secured together.

8. The adjustable leg as set forth in claim 6 , further including:

an index, between the external threaded portions, on the leg extension.

9. The adjustable leg as set forth in claim 8 , wherein:

the tab is secured by the index when the leg extension is at the predefined position in the insert.

10. The adjustable leg as set forth in claim 9 , wherein:

a first portion of a wall defining a well of the tab is between the index and a first of the external threaded portions of the leg extension when the leg extension is at the predefined position in the insert;

a second portion of the wall defining the well is between the index and a second of the external threaded portions of the leg extension when the leg extension is at the predefined position in the insert; and

at least one of the first and second portions of the wall defining the well is over at least one of the external threaded portions of the leg extension when the leg extension is not at the predefined position in the insert.

11. The adjustable leg as set forth in claim 6 , wherein the tab is on the inner wall of the insert and includes:

a flexing portion for biasing the tab toward the leg extension.

12. The adjustable leg as set forth in claim 6 , wherein:

the tab is over one of the threaded portions when the leg extension is not secured at the predefined position in the insert.

13. A chair having an adjustable leg, the leg comprising:

an upper leg portion secured to a seat;

an insert secured in the upper leg portion and including a threaded inner wall;

a lower leg portion received in the insert and including a partial external threaded portion, which mates with the threaded inner wall, and a valley; and

means for providing visual and tactile feedback to a user when the lower leg portion is at a predetermined position in the upper leg portion.

14. The chair as set forth in claim 13 , wherein the means for providing feedback includes:

an indicator on the lower leg portion; and

a locking device on the upper leg portion cooperating with the threaded portion and the valley for securing the lower leg portion at the predefined position in the upper leg portion.

15. The chair as set forth in claim 14 , wherein the locking device is seated in the valley and abuts the threaded portion when the lower leg portion is at the predefined position in the upper leg portion.

16. The chair as set forth in claim 13 , wherein the insert includes:

a first insert portion defining a first portion of the threaded wall; and

a second insert portion defining a second portion of the threaded wall, the first and second portions of the threaded wall mating to form the threaded inner wall of the insert.

17. An adjustable leg for a chair, comprising:

a leg housing secured to a seat;

a leg extension received into the housing and including external threaded portions that mate with a threaded inner wall of the leg housing;

a plurality of indices between the threaded portions on the leg extension; and

a locking mechanism associated with the leg housing, preset positions of the leg extension within the housing being determined as a function of respective ones of the indices being engaged with the locking mechanism.

18. The adjustable leg for a chair as set forth in claim 17 , wherein the locking mechanism includes:

a flexing portion; and

a recessed portion biased toward a center of the housing by the flexing portion, the index engaged with the locking mechanism being removably secured in the recessed portion.

19. The adjustable leg for a chair as set forth in claim 18 , wherein:

the indices and the external threaded portions of the leg extension are raised; and

a wall defining the recessed portion rides on at least one of the indices and the external threaded portions when the leg extension is not at one of the preset positions.

20. The adjustable leg for a chair as set forth in claim 18 , wherein the index is disengaged from the recessed portion by turning the leg extension with respect to the leg housing.

21. A method for adjusting a leg of a chair, comprising:

rotating a leg extension within an insert that is secured within a leg housing, external threaded portions of the leg extension mating with a threaded inner wall of the insert as the leg extension is rotated; and

when the leg extension is at a predefined position in the insert, engaging a tab on an inner surface of the insert in a valley between the threaded portions.

22. The method for adjusting a leg of a chair as set forth in claim 21 , wherein the engaging includes:

removably securing the tab in the valley.

23. The method for adjusting a leg of a chair as set forth in claim 22 , further including:

removing the index from the valley by rotating the leg extension.

24. The method for adjusting a leg of a chair as set forth in claim 21 , wherein the rotating includes:

riding the tab over the threaded portions of the leg extension.

25. The method for adjusting a leg of a chair as set forth in claim 21 , further including:

determining the predefined position as a function of an index extending from the insert.

26. The method for adjusting a leg of a chair as set forth in claim 25 , wherein the chair includes a plurality of the legs and each of the legs includes a plurality of the indices, further including leveling the chair, including:

for each of the legs, engaging a respective one of the tabs in a respective valley so that a corresponding one of the indices is exposed.

Assignments (20)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 17, 2024
From: GLAS TRUST COMPANY LLC
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; MOTION CONCEPTS L.P.
Reel/Frame 069386/0475 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 13, 2024
From: WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC; MOTION CONCEPTS L.P.
Reel/Frame 069352/0322 →
ASSIGNMENT OF PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Sep 13, 2024
From: WHITE OAK COMMERCIAL FINANCE, LLC
To: WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB
Reel/Frame 068895/0111 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 18, 2023
From: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; ADAPTIVE SWITCH LABORATORIES, INC.; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; MEDBLOC, INC.; INVACARE CREDIT CORPORATION; INVACARE HOLDINGS, LLC; INVAMEX HOLDINGS LLC
Reel/Frame 063695/0106 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 16, 2023
From: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: ADAPTIVE SWITCH LABORATORIES, INC.; INVACARE CORPORATION; THE AFTERMARKET GROUP, INC.; ALTIMATE MEDICAL, INC.; CENTRALIZED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LLC; CHAMPION MANUFACTURING INC.; FAMILY MEDICAL SUPPLY LLC; THE HELIXX GROUP, INC.; INVACARE CANADIAN HOLDINGS, INC.; INVACARE CANADIAN HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE CONTINUING CARE, INC.; INVACARE CREDIT CORPORATION; INVACARE FLORIDA CORPORATION; INVACARE HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; INVACARE SUPPLY GROUP, INC.; INVAMEX HOLDINGS LLC; KUSCHALL, INC.; ROADRUNNER MOBILITY, INCORPORATED; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; GARDEN CITY MEDICAL INC.; INVACARE FLORIDA HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE HCS, LLC
Reel/Frame 063668/0679 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 16, 2023
From: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; GARDEN CITY MEDICAL INC.; THE AFTERMARKET GROUP, INC.; DYNAMIC MEDICAL SYSTEMS, LLC; INVACARE CONTINUING CARE, INC.; MEDBLOC, INC.; ADAPTIVE SWITCH LABORATORIES, INC.; CENTRALIZED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LLC; THE HELIXX GROUP, INC.; INVACARE CANADIAN FINANCE, LLC; INVACARE CANDIAN HOLDINGS, INC.; INVACARE CREDIT CORPORATION; INVACARE FLORIDA CORPORATION; INVACARE FLORIDA HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; INVAMEX HOLDINGS LLC; INVACARE OUTCOMES MANAGEMENT LLC
Reel/Frame 063668/0639 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 16, 2023
From: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; ADAPTIVE SWITCH LABORATORIES, INC.; THE AFTERMARKET GROUP, INC.; ALTIMATE MEDICAL, INC.; CENTRALIZED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LLC; CHAMPION MANUFACTURING INC.; FAMILY MEDICAL SUPPLY LLC; THE HELIXX GROUP, INC.; INVACARE CANADIAN HOLDINGS, INC.; INVACARE CANADIAN HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE CONTINUING CARE, INC.; INVACARE CREDIT CORPORATION; INVACARE FLORIDA CORPORATION; INVACARE HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; INVACARE SUPPLY GROUP, INC.; INVAMEX HOLDINGS LLC; KUSCHALL, INC.; ROADRUNNER MOBILITY, INCORPORATED; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; GARDEN CITY MEDICAL INC.; INVACARE FLORIDA HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE HCS, LLC
Reel/Frame 063662/0430 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 15, 2023
From: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: INVACARE CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 063638/0261 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (TRANCHE II NOTES) Recorded May 15, 2023
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; MOTION CONCEPTS L.P; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
To: GLAS TRUST COMPANY LLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 063637/0705 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (TRANCHE I NOTES) Recorded May 12, 2023
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; MOTION CONCEPTS L.P; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
To: GLAS TRUST COMPANY LLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 064005/0231 →
ASSIGNMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS Recorded May 11, 2023
From: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS EXISTING COLLATERAL AGENT
To: GLAS TRUST COMPANY LLC, AS SUCCESSOR COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 063625/0607 →
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RELEASE (TRANCHE I NOTES) Recorded May 10, 2023
From: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
Reel/Frame 063594/0906 →
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RELEASE (TRANCHE II NOTES) Recorded May 10, 2023
From: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
Reel/Frame 063601/0183 →
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RELEASE (DIP PAYOFF) Recorded May 10, 2023
From: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; MOTION CONCEPTS L.P.
Reel/Frame 063594/0272 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 5, 2023
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; MOTION CONCEPTS L.P.
To: WHITE OAK COMMERCIAL FINANCE, LLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 063553/0217 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 3, 2023
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; MOTION CONCEPTS L.P.; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
To: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 063090/0603 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 3, 2023
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; ADAPTIVE SWITCH LABORATORIES, INC.; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; MEDBLOC, INC.; INVACARE CREDIT CORPORATION; INVACARE HOLDINGS, LLC; INVAMEX HOLDINGS, LLC
To: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 062739/0687 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (TRANCHE II NOTES) Recorded Aug 9, 2022
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
To: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 061131/0852 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (TRANCHE I NOTES) Recorded Aug 9, 2022
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
To: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 061131/0833 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (TERM LOAN) Recorded Aug 9, 2022
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
To: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 061131/0814 →