FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to the field of seating.

BACKGROUND

[0002] It is well known to place chairs or benches in waiting areas where space permits but space does not always so permit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Forming one aspect of the invention is apparatus for use with a wall and by a person leaning against the wall. This apparatus comprises: a receiver mounted in use to the wall; a support having an operative position whereat the support follows the curvature of the buttocks of the person; and a mechanism adapted to suspend the support from the receiver at the operative position.

[0004] According to another aspect, the mechanism can be adapted, in use, to permit the height of the support to be adjusted.

[0005] According to another aspect of the invention, the mechanism can comprise: a protuberance fixedly coupled in use to the receiver; and a member having a plurality of sockets, the member extending substantially vertically in use such that the sockets are vertically spaced apart from one another, each socket being adapted to grippingly receive the protuberance. [0006] Advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description, with reference to the drawings, briefly described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus, shown in transparency for ease of reference;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0009] FIG. 3 is an exploded rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a side transparent view of the structure of encircled area 4 of

FIG. 3 positioned for use against a wall, the support being disposed at a locking, fully lowered position relative to the receiver;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a transparent view of the structure of encircled area 5 of

FIG. 3 assembled for use with the structure of FIG. 4, the support being disposed at a release, fully lowered position relative to the receiver;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a view of the structure of FIG. 5, the support being disposed at a release, fully raised position relative to the receiver;

[0013] FIG. 7 is a view of the structure of FIG. 6, the support being

disposed at a locking, fully raised position relative to the receiver; and

[0014] FIG. 8 is a view of the structure of FIG. 7 in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The exemplary apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 3 will be understood to comprise a receiver 22, a support 24 and a mechanism 26.

[0016] The exemplary receiver 22 is metal and comprises a backer plate 28 and a pair of flanges 30 extending from the backer plate 28 in spaced, parallel relation to one another. Mounting holes 32A,32B are defined in opposite ends of the backer plate 28 and each flange has apertures 34A,34B disposed in opposite ends.

[0017] The support 24 has a contoured plastic body 36 in which a socket 38 is defined and further has a resilient foam cover 40 which is adapted for snap-fit engagement with the body 36.

[0018] The mechanism 26 comprises a pair of protuberances 42,44, a metal capture plate 46 and a metal toothed plate 48.

[0019] Each of the pair of protuberances 42,44 will be seen to be defined by a bolt 42A,44A that extends between a pair of the mounting holes in the flanges 30 and is received by a nut 42B,44B.

[0020] The capture plate 46 is over molded within body 36 and defines, in combination with body 36, a channel 50 in which bolt 42A is captured.

[0021] The toothed plate 48 is also overmolded within body 36 and defines a plurality of grooved sockets 52. [0022] For use:

• Backer plate 28 is placed against a wall 54 and a fastener 56 is passed through socket 38 and through upper mounting hole 32A into the wall 54, such that protuberances 42, 44 extend horizontally, are vertically spaced from one another and horizontally spaced from one another, as shown in FIG. 4;

• Cover 40 is snapped into place on body 36 and support 24 is pivoted to a release position, as shown in FIG. 5;

• support 24 is raised to a fully raised position as shown in FIG. 6, and a further fastener 56 is passed through lower mounting hole 32B into the wall, thereby to rigidly secure receiver to the wall; and

• support is pivoted to the locking position, whereat protuberance 44

engages one of sockets 52, thereby to resist further vertical movement, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0023] The apparatus is shown in use by a person in FIG. 8 and it will be seen, in use, that the surface of cover 40 generally follows the curvature of the buttocks of the person 58.

[0024] Whereas a single person and a single height of the support is shown in FIG. 8, it will be appreciated that, by virtue of the plurality of sockets 52, the height of the support can be adjusted, thereby to permit use by persons of varying height.

[0025] Further, whereas a single embodiment is illustrated, it will be evident that variations are possible. [0026] For example, whereas the cover is indicated to be snap-fit, other securement mechanisms, such as hook and loop fasteners could be used.

[0027] Additionally, whereas a mechanical device is provided to enable adjustment, other adjusters, such as linear actuators or rack and pinion mechanisms, could be used.

[0028] Accordingly, the invention will be understood to be limited only by the accompanying claims, purposively construed.