The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 28, 2001
Filed:
Oct. 22, 1999
Tom Atkins, Orem, UT (US);
Dale Spendlove, Orem, UT (US);
Mity-Lite, Inc., Orem, UT (US);
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.