Chair fabric suspension arrangement

Abstract

A fabric suspension and replacement arrangement for a chair assembly. The chair assembly comprises at least a seat frame supported on a pedestal. The fabric suspension and replacement arrangement comprises an extruded peripheral member arranged for attachment to the frame of the chair assembly. The extruded peripheral member defines a central portion with a web of flexible material disposed thereacross. A lip member extends off of the seat frame to receivingly engage the extruded peripheral member to support the peripheral member therearound and thereby support the web of flexible material on the frame.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A fabric suspension and replacement arrangement for a chair assembly, which chair assembly comprises at least a seat frame supported on a pedestal, said fabric suspension and replacement arrangement comprising: 
 an extruded peripheral member arranged for attachment to said frame of said chair assembly, said extruded peripheral member defining a central portion with a web of flexible material disposed thereacross;    a lip member extending off of said seat frame which receivingly engages said extruded peripheral member to support said peripheral member therearound and thereby supports said web of flexible material on said frame.    
     
     
         2 . The fabric suspension and replacement arrangement for a chair assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said extruded peripheral member comprises a “J” shaped extrusion.  
     
     
         3 . The fabric suspension and replacement arrangement for a chair assembly as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said “J” shaped extrusion has a flange portion for receipt of said web of flexible material thereon.  
     
     
         4 . The fabric suspension and replacement arrangement for a chair assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said lip member comprises an elongated clip which has a base portion and a lip portion, said base portion thereof being attached to said frame.  
     
     
         5 . The fabric suspension and replacement arrangement for a chair assembly as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said inwardly directed flange portion of said “J” shaped extrusion has an inner edge surface which provides a gripping surface for a fabric suspension and replacement arrangement installation and removal tool.  
     
     
         6 . The fabric suspension and replacement arrangement for a chair assembly as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said fabric suspension and replacement arrangement includes a fabric suspension and replacement arrangement installation and removal tool.  
     
     
         7 . The fabric suspension and replacement arrangement for a chair assembly as recited in  claim 6 , wherein said tool comprises a handle having a first end and a second end, said second end having a distalmost tip with a hook shaped uppermost portion for gripping said inner edge surface of said extruded peripheral member.  
     
     
         8 . The fabric suspension and replacement arrangement for a chair assembly as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said second end of said tool has a jaw shape configuration thereto, to permit said second end to engage said frame portion and said extrusion simultaneously.  
     
     
         9 . The fabric suspension and replacement arrangement for a chair assembly as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said second end of said tool is replaceable by a substitute second end of different jaw.  
     
     
         10 . A method of readily replacing fabric on a seat or back frame portion of a chair assembly, said frame having a peripheral contour, said method comprising the steps of: 
 forming a channel shaped extrusion into the peripheral contour of said seat or back frame portion of said chair assembly;    attaching a fabric across said shaped extrusion;    forming a lip arrangement on an upper edge of said frame portion; and    pulling said shaped extrusion with its attached fabric over and onto said lip arrangement for securement thereon.    
     
     
         11 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said lip arrangement comprises a plurality of spaced apart clips attached to said frame portion.  
     
     
         12 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said frame portion comprises an extruded tube.  
     
     
         13 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said shaped extrusion is pulled over said lip arrangement by a pulling tool with a hook on a distal end thereof.  
     
     
         14 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said channel shaped extrusion is of “J” shape to permit said fabric to be readily attached thereto.  
     
     
         15 . The method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said fabric is attached to an inner flange of said “J” shaped extrusion by stitching thereto.  
     
     
         16 . The method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said fabric is attached to an inner flange of said “J” shaped extrusion by adhesive therebetween.  
     
     
         17 . A fabric suspension and replacement arrangement for a chair assembly, which chair assembly comprises at least a seat frame supported on a base assembly, said fabric suspension and replacement arrangement comprising: 
 an extruded peripheral member arranged for attachment to said frame of said chair assembly, said extruded peripheral member defining a central portion with a web of flexible material disposed thereacross;    a lip member extending off of said seat frame which receivingly engages said extruded peripheral member to support said peripheral member therearound and thereby supports said web of flexible material on said frame; wherein said extruded peripheral member comprises a “J” shaped extrusion; wherein said “J” shaped extrusion has a flange portion for receipt of said flexible web of material thereon; wherein said lip member comprises an elongated clip which has a base portion and a lip portion, said lip portion being attached to said frame; and wherein said inwardly directed flange portion of said “J” shaped extrusion has an inner edge surface which provides a gripping surface for a fabric suspension and replacement arrangement installation and removal tool.