Chair footring adjustment mechanism

Abstract

The present invention provides a chair assembly having a support member defining a plurality of positioning stations separated by a predetermined vertical distance. A coupling element may be included that defines a first portion and a second portion, such that the first and second portions are pivotably coupled to one another. The coupling element may be engageable with one or more of the positioning stations of the support member. A foot ring may also be included, where the foot ring is engageable with the coupling element to be positioned at a desired height while being securely affixed to the coupling element and thus, the support member of the chair assembly.

1 . A chair assembly, comprising:
 a support member defining a plurality of positioning stations;   a coupling element engageable with at least one of the positioning stations; and   a foot ring engageable with the coupling element.   
   
   
       2 . The chair assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one positioning station is defined by a groove. 
   
   
       3 . The chair assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein the positioning stations are separated by a predetermined vertical distance. 
   
   
       4 . The chair assembly according to  claim 3 , wherein the coupling element includes an engagement structure matable with at least one of the positioning stations. 
   
   
       5 . The chair assembly according to  claim 4 , wherein the engagement structure defines a protruding rim positionable within one of the plurality of grooves. 
   
   
       6 . The chair assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the coupling element defines a hollow passage for receiving a portion of the support member. 
   
   
       7 . The chair assembly according to  claim 6 , wherein the coupling element includes a first portion and a second portion pivotably coupled to the first portion. 
   
   
       8 . The chair assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the coupling element defines a first end and a second end, the second end having a width larger than that of the first end. 
   
   
       9 . The chair assembly according to  claim 8 , wherein the foot ring defines a central opening slideably engageable with at least a portion of the coupling element. 
   
   
       10 . The chair assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member is an elongated, cylindrically shaped member. 
   
   
       11 . The chair assembly according to  claim 10 , wherein each positioning station is defined by an annular groove circumscribing the cylindrically shaped member. 
   
   
       12 . A coupling element for a chair assembly, comprising:
 a first portion defining a substantially arcuate body;   a second portion defining a substantially arcuate body, wherein the second portion is movably coupled to the first portion.   
   
   
       13 . The coupling element according to  claim 12 , wherein the first and second portions are positionable about each other to form a substantially cylindrical shape defining a passage therethrough 
   
   
       14 . The coupling element according to  claim 13 , wherein the coupling element further defines a first end and a second end, the second end having a width larger than that of the first end. 
   
   
       15 . The coupling element according to  claim 14 , wherein the coupling element includes an engagement structure defined by a protruding rim. 
   
   
       16 . A method of positioning a foot ring about a chair assembly, comprising the steps of:
 providing a support member, the support member defining a plurality of positioning stations;   affixing a coupling element to at least one of the positioning stations of the support member; and   slideably positioning the foot ring about the coupling element.   
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the coupling element defines a protruding rim matable with at least one of the plurality of positioning stations. 
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the coupling element defines a first end and a second end, the second end having a width larger than that of the first end.