Apparatus and method for assembling a modular ergonomic chair without using fasteners

Abstract

An apparatus/method for assembling a modular ergonomic chair without using fasteners including a seat support structure that includes a plurality of recesses, wherein each recess includes a releasable latch mechanism (RLM); a vertical seat shaft; a pedestal; a first and second arm rest each of which include an arm rest connecting member, wherein the arm rest connecting member has a cavity to receive a RLM latch member of the seat support structure; and a back support, which includes a connecting member, wherein the connecting member also has a cavity to receive the latch member of another RLM of the seat support structure. The back support, first arm rest, and second arm rest are removably coupled to the seat support structure to permit easy assembly and interchanging of seat components. A reclining back support embodiment is also provided using a RLM latch spring with a corresponding connecting member in the seat support structure.

1 . A modular chair having components that can be assembled without the use of fasteners, said modular chair comprising:
 (a) a pedestal into which one end of a vertical seat shaft is fitted;   (b) a seat support structure, wherein the seat support structure includes a plurality of recesses along its sides and includes a vertical seat shaft receptacle on a bottom side for receiving a second end of said vertical seat shaft, and wherein each recess includes a releasable latch mechanism, each of said latch mechanisms comprising a latch that remains coupled to its respective cavity;   (c) a first arm rest and a second arm rest, wherein each arm rest includes an arm rest connecting member having a cavity therein, each cavity receiving therein a latch member of said releasable latch mechanism of a corresponding one of said plurality of recesses when said arm rest connecting member is inserted into said corresponding one of said plurality of recesses; and   (d) a back support, wherein said back support includes a back support connecting member also having a cavity therein, said cavity of said back support connecting member receiving therein a latch member of said releasable latch mechanism of another one of said plurality of recesses.   
     
     
         2 . The modular chair of  claim 1  wherein said latch member comprises a surface that is inclined. 
     
     
         3 . The modular chair of  claim 1  wherein said one end of said second end of said vertical shaft forms a friction fit within said receptacle. 
     
     
         4 . The modular chair of  claim 1  wherein said seat support structure further includes a lever which permits a user to adjust the height of the seat support structure. 
     
     
         5 . The modular chair of  claim 1  wherein the pedestal further includes a plurality of wheels. 
     
     
         6 . The modular chair of  claim 1  wherein said pedestal includes a pedestal receptacle and wherein said one end of said vertical seat shaft is friction fitted within said pedestal receptacle. 
     
     
         7 . The modular chair of  claim 1  wherein said back support further comprises a head support. 
     
     
         8 . The modular chair of  claim 1  wherein said back support comprises a flexible mesh material. 
     
     
         9 . The modular chair of  claim 1  wherein said back support is shaped to follow a natural curvature of the human spine. 
     
     
         10 .- 20 . (canceled)