US20070273190A1 - Chair - Google Patents
Chair Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070273190A1 US20070273190A1 US11/750,610 US75061007A US2007273190A1 US 20070273190 A1 US20070273190 A1 US 20070273190A1 US 75061007 A US75061007 A US 75061007A US 2007273190 A1 US2007273190 A1 US 2007273190A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- spring
- seat
- backrest
- adjusting
- behaviour
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 38
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 12
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 210000004394 hip joint Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 210000000629 knee joint Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000000544 articulatio talocruralis Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008030 elimination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000001503 joint Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
- A47C1/02—Reclining or easy chairs
- A47C1/031—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts
- A47C1/032—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts the parts being movably-coupled seat and back-rest
- A47C1/03255—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts the parts being movably-coupled seat and back-rest with a central column, e.g. rocking office chairs
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
- A47C1/02—Reclining or easy chairs
- A47C1/022—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts
- A47C1/023—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts the parts being horizontally-adjustable seats ; Expandable seats or the like, e.g. seats with horizontally adjustable parts
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
- A47C1/02—Reclining or easy chairs
- A47C1/031—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts
- A47C1/032—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts the parts being movably-coupled seat and back-rest
- A47C1/03261—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts the parts being movably-coupled seat and back-rest characterised by elastic means
- A47C1/03288—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts the parts being movably-coupled seat and back-rest characterised by elastic means with resilient blocks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
- A47C1/02—Reclining or easy chairs
- A47C1/031—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts
- A47C1/032—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts the parts being movably-coupled seat and back-rest
- A47C1/03294—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts the parts being movably-coupled seat and back-rest slidingly movable in the base frame, e.g. by rollers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C31/00—Details or accessories for chairs, beds, or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. upholstery fasteners, mattress protectors, stretching devices for mattress nets
- A47C31/12—Means, e.g. measuring means for adapting chairs, beds or mattresses to the shape or weight of persons
- A47C31/126—Means, e.g. measuring means for adapting chairs, beds or mattresses to the shape or weight of persons for chairs
Definitions
- the invention relates to a chair with a seat, a base support and a backrest.
- three-point mechanism the seat, the base support and the backrest are coupled together via three articulation points in such a way that a predetermined synchronous relationship is established between the inclination of the seat and the inclination of the backrest.
- three-point mechanisms of this type represent a compromise between different ergonomic requirements, which cannot be satisfied independently of one another.
- DE-B-103 18 759 describes a two-point mechanism in which the seat is pivotably mounted on the base support with the interposition of a spring system. Furthermore, means are provided for adapting the spring behaviour of this spring member to different requirements.
- the backrest is connected to the seat via an articulation axis, wherein synchronisation between the inclination of the seat and the inclination of the backrest is rendered possible by means of a cable construction provided between the base support, the seat and the backrest.
- a chair which has a two-point mechanism is known from DE-A-43 31 987, wherein the seat is pivotably mounted on the base support and the backrest is pivotably mounted on the seat, and a first spring system is provided between the base support and the seat and a second spring system is provided between the seat and the backrest.
- the special feature of this chair consists in that the pivoting axis of the seat is provided in the region of the user's ankles, and the pivoting axis of the backrest extends at least approximately through his hip joints. In this arrangement, the pivoting movement of the backrest in relation to the seat is not mechanically coupled to the pivoting movement of the seat in relation to the base support.
- the object of the invention is to develop the chair further so that it can be adapted in a simple manner to different requirements, especially to users of different weights.
- the chair according to the invention substantially has a seat, a base support and a backrest, wherein the seat is pivotably mounted on the base support and the backrest is pivotably mounted on the seat, and a first spring system is provided between the base support and the seat and a second spring system is provided between the seat and the backrest, wherein the pivoting movement of the backrest in relation to the seat is not mechanically coupled to the pivoting movement of the seat in relation to the base support.
- means are provided for adjusting the spring behaviour of the two spring systems so that the pivotability of the seat in relation to the base support and the pivotability of the backrest in relation to the seat can be adapted to different requirements, especially to users of different weights.
- the two pivoting regions of the chair can be individually adapted to greatly differing requirements. Owing to the elimination of the mechanical coupling between the two articulations, less installation space is required for the chair mechanism and new chair design possibilities are opened up.
- the first spring system has at least one first spring member and the second spring system has at least one second spring member. Furthermore, the first spring member can co-operate with a first spring mechanism and the second spring member can co-operate with a second spring mechanism.
- the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the two spring systems can be formed by means for adjusting the spring properties of the first and/or second spring member and/or by means for adjusting the first and/or second spring mechanism.
- the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the first spring system and the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the second spring system are coupled together in such a way that the adjustment of the spring behaviour of the one spring system automatically effects adjustment of the spring behaviour of the other spring system.
- the two spring systems and the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the two spring systems can be adapted to one another so that, even for users of different weights, substantially the same synchronous relationship between the inclination of the seat and the inclination of the backrest is rendered possible.
- the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the two spring systems can be formed e.g. by means for adjusting the spring rate and/or the prestress of the first and/or second spring system, wherein the spring member and/or the spring mechanism of the respective spring system are optionally adjustable.
- the first spring system has a first spring member and a first spring mechanism co-operating with the spring member, and the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the spring system are formed by means for adjusting different spring characteristics of the spring system, wherein the spring system is formed so that the spring member is unloaded in the normal position of the chair, also for users of different weights, and in this unloaded starting position of the spring member all the adjustable spring characteristics of the spring system have a common origin.
- the seat is pivotable about a first articulation axis and the backrest is pivotable about a second articulation axis, wherein the two articulation axes are arranged so as to be displaceable relative to one another.
- the depth of the seat can be adjusted, whereby the seat depth can, in particular, be adapted to the distance between the knee joint and the hip joint in users of different heights.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a chair in an upright normal position
- FIG. 2 shows a side view of the chair in a tilted-back position
- FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the two spring systems according to a first embodiment
- FIG. 4 a shows a schematic representation of an alternative spring system in the normal position
- FIG. 4 b shows a schematic representation of the alternative spring system according to FIG. 4 a in the tilted position
- FIG. 5 a shows a schematic representation of the two spring systems according to a second embodiment (in the upright normal position);
- FIG. 5 b shows a schematic representation of the two spring systems according to FIG. 4 in the tilted-back position
- FIG. 6 shows a representation of the spring characteristic of the first spring system according to a first variant
- FIG. 7 shows a representation of the spring characteristic of the first and/or second spring system according to a second variant
- FIG. 8 shows a side view of a chair with seat-depth adjustment in a first position
- FIG. 9 shows a side view of the chair with seat-depth adjustment in a second position.
- the chair shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 substantially comprises a seat 1 , a base support 2 and a backrest 3 , wherein the seat is pivotably mounted on the base support and the backrest is pivotably mounted on the seat.
- a first spring system 4 is provided between the base support 2 and the seat 1 and a second spring system 5 is provided between the seat 1 and the backrest 3 .
- the base support 2 is conventionally mounted on a foot or swivel frame 6 .
- the seat and the backrest can in particular also comprise a seat support and a backrest support respectively.
- a first articulation axis 7 is provided between the base support and the seat and a second articulation axis 8 is provided between the seat and the backrest.
- the pivoting movement of the backrest 3 in relation to the seat 1 is not mechanically coupled to the pivoting movement of the seat 1 in relation to the base support 2 . Therefore, this is a two-point mechanism.
- the first spring system 4 comprises a first spring member 4 a and a first spring mechanism 4 b co-operating with the spring member.
- the spring member 4 a is formed by a suitable foamed material wedge, for example made of Celasto, while the first spring mechanism 4 b co-operating with the first spring member is formed by a counter or thrust bearing which is pivotable about the first articulation axis 7 .
- first means 9 are provided for adjusting the spring behaviour of the first spring system 4 and are represented purely schematically by a double arrow.
- the first spring mechanism 4 b (counter or thrust bearing) is rotatable about the first articulation axis 7 by these first means 9 for adjusting the spring behaviour and thereby prestresses the first spring member 4 a to a greater or lesser extent.
- the second spring system 5 in the region of the second articulation axis 8 comprises a second spring member 5 a and a second spring mechanism 5 b co-operating therewith.
- the second spring member 5 a is formed by a foamed material wedge, for example made of Celasto.
- the second spring mechanism 5 b is formed here by a compression body 50 which is adjustable by means 10 for adjusting the spring behaviour of the second spring system 5 .
- the means 10 are represented purely schematically by a double arrow.
- the compression body forming the second spring mechanism can be displaced in a substantially force-free manner in the unloaded, upright normal position of the backrest.
- FIGS. 4 a and 4 b An alternative spring system will be described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b , which spring system could also be applied to other chair mechanisms, especially a three-point mechanism.
- the chair shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b has at least two parts which are movable relative to one another, especially a seat 1 and a base support 2 which are movable relative to one another between a normal position ( FIG.
- a spring system 4 is provided between the two parts and has a spring member 4 a and a spring mechanism 4 b co-operating with the spring member, and furthermore wherein means are provided for adjusting different spring characteristics of the spring system so that the movability of the two parts can be adapted to different requirements, especially to users of different weights.
- the spring member is formed e.g. by a suitable foamed material wedge, for example made of Celasto, while the spring mechanism can have a pendulum rod 40 , one end of which is mounted on the base support 2 about an articulation axis 41 and the other end of which is in contact with the seat 1 via a rolling body 42 .
- the means for adjusting different spring characteristics of the spring system are formed by a compression body 43 which is adjustable in the direction of the double arrow 9 .
- the spring system 4 is formed so that the spring member 4 a is unloaded in the normal position of the chair, also for users of different weights, and in this unloaded starting position of the spring member all the adjustable spring characteristics of the spring system have a common origin.
- the compression body 43 By displacement of the compression body 43 , in particular the spring characteristics a, b and c shown in FIG. 7 can be adjusted in this way.
- the direction (arrow 12 ) in which the spring mechanism is loaded by the user lies at right angles to the direction (arrow 13 ) in which the spring mechanism acts on the spring member.
- this normal position displacement of the compression body 43 is possible without great expenditure of force, although the seat can be loaded by a user.
- the pendulum rod When the user leans back, the pendulum rod is deflected about the articulation point 41 as the rolling body 42 moves along the underside of the seat 1 in the direction of the first articulation axis 7 , whereby the spring member 4 a is compressed in accordance with the load (see FIG. 4 b ).
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b a further embodiment is shown in the upright normal position ( FIG. 5 a ) and the tilted-back position ( FIG. 5 b ).
- the first spring system 4 is formed in accordance with the spring system shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b
- the second spring system 5 corresponds to the second spring system in FIG. 3 .
- the first spring system 4 has a first spring member 4 a which co-operates with a first spring mechanism 4 b having a pendulum rod 40 , one end of which is mounted on the base support 2 about an articulation axis 41 and the other end of which is in contact with the seat 1 via a rolling body 42 .
- the pendulum rod 40 In the upright normal position of the chair as shown in FIG. 4 , the pendulum rod 40 is disposed almost perpendicularly to the seat 1 .
- the pendulum rod is deflected about the articulation point 41 as the rolling body 42 moves along the underside of the seat 1 in the direction of the first articulation axis 7 , whereby the first spring member 4 a is compressed in accordance with the load.
- the first spring mechanism 4 b is also provided with a compression body 43 , which is adjustable by schematically shown means 9 .
- additional coupling means 11 can be provided which couple together the means 9 for adjusting the spring behaviour of the first spring system 4 and the means 10 for adjusting the spring behaviour of the second spring system 5 in such a way that the adjustment of the spring behaviour of the one spring system automatically effects adjustment of the spring behaviour of the other spring system.
- These coupling means can be formed e.g. by a Bowden cable and effect simultaneous displacement of the compression bodies 43 and 50 .
- the spring behaviour of the two spring systems can be adapted to the desired requirement in a single operation. In this way, it is ensured in particular that, even for users of different weights, substantially the same synchronous relationship between the inclination of the seat and the inclination of the backrest is rendered possible.
- the angle at which the seat is inclined relative to the base support is designated by ⁇ and the angle at which the backrest 3 is inclined relative to the starting position is designated by ⁇ .
- ⁇ the angle at which the seat is inclined relative to the base support
- ⁇ the angle at which the backrest 3 is inclined relative to the starting position
- FIG. 6 shows the spring characteristic of a progressive spring member such as could be used e.g. for the first spring system. Different spring rates should advantageously be provided for the adjustment angle ⁇ for users of different weights.
- the spring member is formed e.g. by the foamed material wedge shown in FIG. 3 , which can be prestressed from 0 to 30° by the spring mechanism 4 b.
- the spring characteristic shown in FIG. 6 can be divided e.g. into three portions of equal size in which an approximately linear spring characteristic is established, namely portion I for light persons, portion II for persons of average weight and portion III for heavy persons. Owing to the progressive spring characteristic, variously high average spring rates are produced in the individual portions. In order to pass from one portion to the next and thereby change the average spring rate of the spring member, the foamed material wedge is further prestressed by 15° each time. It goes without saying that any intermediate positions can also be set.
- characteristic a is intended for a heavy user, characteristic b for a user of average weight and characteristic c for a light user.
- the angle of inclination ⁇ of the seat is plotted towards the right and the torque is plotted upwards.
- the seat 1 comprises a first seat supporting part 1 a , a second seat supporting part 1 b and a seat cushion 1 c .
- the two seat supporting parts 1 a and 1 b are arranged so as to be displaceable relative to one another by a suitable mechanism, wherein the first seat supporting part 1 a is connected to the base support 2 via the first articulation axis 7 and the second seat supporting part 1 b is connected to the backrest 3 via the second articulation axis 8 .
- the seat depth can be specifically adapted to the respective user by displacing the two seat supporting parts relative to one another.
- the distance between hip and knee joint can vary in length in different persons according to their build, optimum adjustment of the chair is permitted in this manner.
- the seat-depth setting it is provided in a particular development of the invention that the seat depth is set automatically when the user sits down. In this case, it is possible for a spring member to be provided between the two seat supporting parts so that the seat adopts a contracted position in the unloaded state.
- the adjustability of the two spring systems permits optimum adaptation of the chair to the respective requirements.
- the independence of the two articulations gives rise to new design possibilities because an additional connecting mechanism is not required.
- the two independent articulation points permit adjustment of the seat depth without having to forego the ergonomically favourable adjustment of the seat and backrest in a particular synchronous relationship.
- means for blocking the first and/or second spring system can be provided in the above described chairs. There is then the possibility of fixing the rear or front articulation in order to obtain a simple rocker mechanism. In this case, the angle between the backrest and the seat or between the seat and the base support would remain constant when the user leans back. One would then have the possibility of switching between a simple rocker mechanism and synchronous tilting of the seat and backrest.
- the above described embodiments each have a first and a second spring system. It is naturally also possible to include further joints of the body (ankle joint, neck vertebrae, etc.) by means of additional spring systems in accordance with the present principle.
Abstract
The invention relates to a chair with a seat, a base support and a backrest, wherein the seat is pivotably mounted on the base support and the backrest is pivotably mounted on the seat, and a first spring system is provided between the base support and the seat and a second spring system is provided between the seat and the backrest. Furthermore, means are provided for adjusting the spring behaviour of the two spring systems so that the pivotability of the seat in relation to the base support and the pivotability of the backrest in relation to the seat can be adapted to different requirements, especially to users of different weights.
Description
- The invention relates to a chair with a seat, a base support and a backrest.
- Many different chair designs are known in practice. In the so-called three-point mechanism, the seat, the base support and the backrest are coupled together via three articulation points in such a way that a predetermined synchronous relationship is established between the inclination of the seat and the inclination of the backrest. With respect to the location of the pivot point, three-point mechanisms of this type represent a compromise between different ergonomic requirements, which cannot be satisfied independently of one another.
- DE-B-103 18 759 describes a two-point mechanism in which the seat is pivotably mounted on the base support with the interposition of a spring system. Furthermore, means are provided for adapting the spring behaviour of this spring member to different requirements. The backrest is connected to the seat via an articulation axis, wherein synchronisation between the inclination of the seat and the inclination of the backrest is rendered possible by means of a cable construction provided between the base support, the seat and the backrest.
- A chair which has a two-point mechanism is known from DE-A-43 31 987, wherein the seat is pivotably mounted on the base support and the backrest is pivotably mounted on the seat, and a first spring system is provided between the base support and the seat and a second spring system is provided between the seat and the backrest. The special feature of this chair consists in that the pivoting axis of the seat is provided in the region of the user's ankles, and the pivoting axis of the backrest extends at least approximately through his hip joints. In this arrangement, the pivoting movement of the backrest in relation to the seat is not mechanically coupled to the pivoting movement of the seat in relation to the base support.
- The object of the invention is to develop the chair further so that it can be adapted in a simple manner to different requirements, especially to users of different weights.
- According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of
claim 1. - The chair according to the invention substantially has a seat, a base support and a backrest, wherein the seat is pivotably mounted on the base support and the backrest is pivotably mounted on the seat, and a first spring system is provided between the base support and the seat and a second spring system is provided between the seat and the backrest, wherein the pivoting movement of the backrest in relation to the seat is not mechanically coupled to the pivoting movement of the seat in relation to the base support.
- Furthermore, means are provided for adjusting the spring behaviour of the two spring systems so that the pivotability of the seat in relation to the base support and the pivotability of the backrest in relation to the seat can be adapted to different requirements, especially to users of different weights.
- Further developments of the invention form the subject-matter of the sub-claims.
- As the pivoting movement of the backrest in relation to the seat is not mechanically coupled to the pivoting movement of the seat in relation to the base support, the two pivoting regions of the chair can be individually adapted to greatly differing requirements. Owing to the elimination of the mechanical coupling between the two articulations, less installation space is required for the chair mechanism and new chair design possibilities are opened up.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the first spring system has at least one first spring member and the second spring system has at least one second spring member. Furthermore, the first spring member can co-operate with a first spring mechanism and the second spring member can co-operate with a second spring mechanism.
- The means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the two spring systems can be formed by means for adjusting the spring properties of the first and/or second spring member and/or by means for adjusting the first and/or second spring mechanism.
- According to an especially advantageous development, the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the first spring system and the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the second spring system are coupled together in such a way that the adjustment of the spring behaviour of the one spring system automatically effects adjustment of the spring behaviour of the other spring system. In this case, the two spring systems and the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the two spring systems can be adapted to one another so that, even for users of different weights, substantially the same synchronous relationship between the inclination of the seat and the inclination of the backrest is rendered possible.
- The means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the two spring systems can be formed e.g. by means for adjusting the spring rate and/or the prestress of the first and/or second spring system, wherein the spring member and/or the spring mechanism of the respective spring system are optionally adjustable.
- In a further development of the invention, the first spring system has a first spring member and a first spring mechanism co-operating with the spring member, and the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the spring system are formed by means for adjusting different spring characteristics of the spring system, wherein the spring system is formed so that the spring member is unloaded in the normal position of the chair, also for users of different weights, and in this unloaded starting position of the spring member all the adjustable spring characteristics of the spring system have a common origin.
- In a further development of the invention, the seat is pivotable about a first articulation axis and the backrest is pivotable about a second articulation axis, wherein the two articulation axes are arranged so as to be displaceable relative to one another. In this way, the depth of the seat can be adjusted, whereby the seat depth can, in particular, be adapted to the distance between the knee joint and the hip joint in users of different heights.
- Further developments and advantages of the invention will be further explained hereinbelow with the aid of the description and the drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a chair in an upright normal position; -
FIG. 2 shows a side view of the chair in a tilted-back position; -
FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the two spring systems according to a first embodiment; -
FIG. 4 a shows a schematic representation of an alternative spring system in the normal position; -
FIG. 4 b shows a schematic representation of the alternative spring system according toFIG. 4 a in the tilted position; -
FIG. 5 a shows a schematic representation of the two spring systems according to a second embodiment (in the upright normal position); -
FIG. 5 b shows a schematic representation of the two spring systems according toFIG. 4 in the tilted-back position; -
FIG. 6 shows a representation of the spring characteristic of the first spring system according to a first variant; -
FIG. 7 shows a representation of the spring characteristic of the first and/or second spring system according to a second variant; -
FIG. 8 shows a side view of a chair with seat-depth adjustment in a first position; -
FIG. 9 shows a side view of the chair with seat-depth adjustment in a second position. - The chair shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 substantially comprises aseat 1, abase support 2 and abackrest 3, wherein the seat is pivotably mounted on the base support and the backrest is pivotably mounted on the seat. Afirst spring system 4 is provided between thebase support 2 and theseat 1 and asecond spring system 5 is provided between theseat 1 and thebackrest 3. - The
base support 2 is conventionally mounted on a foot orswivel frame 6. The seat and the backrest can in particular also comprise a seat support and a backrest support respectively. - In order to permit the pivoting movement of the seat or backrest, a
first articulation axis 7 is provided between the base support and the seat and asecond articulation axis 8 is provided between the seat and the backrest. In this arrangement, the pivoting movement of thebackrest 3 in relation to theseat 1 is not mechanically coupled to the pivoting movement of theseat 1 in relation to thebase support 2. Therefore, this is a two-point mechanism. - As can be seen from
FIG. 3 in particular, thefirst spring system 4 comprises afirst spring member 4 a and afirst spring mechanism 4 b co-operating with the spring member. - In the embodiment shown, the
spring member 4 a is formed by a suitable foamed material wedge, for example made of Celasto, while thefirst spring mechanism 4 b co-operating with the first spring member is formed by a counter or thrust bearing which is pivotable about thefirst articulation axis 7. Furthermore, firstmeans 9 are provided for adjusting the spring behaviour of thefirst spring system 4 and are represented purely schematically by a double arrow. Thefirst spring mechanism 4 b (counter or thrust bearing) is rotatable about thefirst articulation axis 7 by thesefirst means 9 for adjusting the spring behaviour and thereby prestresses thefirst spring member 4 a to a greater or lesser extent. - The
second spring system 5 in the region of thesecond articulation axis 8 comprises asecond spring member 5 a and asecond spring mechanism 5 b co-operating therewith. In this case too, thesecond spring member 5 a is formed by a foamed material wedge, for example made of Celasto. Thesecond spring mechanism 5 b is formed here by acompression body 50 which is adjustable bymeans 10 for adjusting the spring behaviour of thesecond spring system 5. For their part, themeans 10 are represented purely schematically by a double arrow. - While the adjustment of the spring behaviour of the first spring system, especially during compression of the
first spring member 4 a, requires some expenditure of force, the compression body forming the second spring mechanism can be displaced in a substantially force-free manner in the unloaded, upright normal position of the backrest. - It goes without saying that the same or also different spring systems, for example compression springs, can be used for the two articulations within the scope of the invention. An alternative spring system will be described hereinbelow with reference to
FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, which spring system could also be applied to other chair mechanisms, especially a three-point mechanism. The chair shown inFIGS. 4 a and 4 b has at least two parts which are movable relative to one another, especially aseat 1 and abase support 2 which are movable relative to one another between a normal position (FIG. 4 a) and a tilted position (4 b), wherein aspring system 4 is provided between the two parts and has aspring member 4 a and aspring mechanism 4 b co-operating with the spring member, and furthermore wherein means are provided for adjusting different spring characteristics of the spring system so that the movability of the two parts can be adapted to different requirements, especially to users of different weights. The spring member is formed e.g. by a suitable foamed material wedge, for example made of Celasto, while the spring mechanism can have apendulum rod 40, one end of which is mounted on thebase support 2 about anarticulation axis 41 and the other end of which is in contact with theseat 1 via arolling body 42. In this embodiment, the means for adjusting different spring characteristics of the spring system are formed by acompression body 43 which is adjustable in the direction of thedouble arrow 9. - The
spring system 4 is formed so that thespring member 4 a is unloaded in the normal position of the chair, also for users of different weights, and in this unloaded starting position of the spring member all the adjustable spring characteristics of the spring system have a common origin. By displacement of thecompression body 43, in particular the spring characteristics a, b and c shown inFIG. 7 can be adjusted in this way. - According to a preferred development of the chair, in the normal position thereof, the direction (arrow 12) in which the spring mechanism is loaded by the user lies at right angles to the direction (arrow 13) in which the spring mechanism acts on the spring member. In this normal position, displacement of the
compression body 43 is possible without great expenditure of force, although the seat can be loaded by a user. - When the user leans back, the pendulum rod is deflected about the
articulation point 41 as therolling body 42 moves along the underside of theseat 1 in the direction of thefirst articulation axis 7, whereby thespring member 4 a is compressed in accordance with the load (seeFIG. 4 b). - In
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, a further embodiment is shown in the upright normal position (FIG. 5 a) and the tilted-back position (FIG. 5 b). In this case, thefirst spring system 4 is formed in accordance with the spring system shown inFIGS. 4 a and 4 b, while thesecond spring system 5 corresponds to the second spring system inFIG. 3 . - For its part, the
first spring system 4 has afirst spring member 4 a which co-operates with afirst spring mechanism 4 b having apendulum rod 40, one end of which is mounted on thebase support 2 about anarticulation axis 41 and the other end of which is in contact with theseat 1 via a rollingbody 42. In the upright normal position of the chair as shown inFIG. 4 , thependulum rod 40 is disposed almost perpendicularly to theseat 1. When the user leans back, the pendulum rod is deflected about thearticulation point 41 as the rollingbody 42 moves along the underside of theseat 1 in the direction of thefirst articulation axis 7, whereby thefirst spring member 4 a is compressed in accordance with the load. In order to change the spring behaviour of the first spring system, thefirst spring mechanism 4 b is also provided with acompression body 43, which is adjustable by schematically shown means 9. - Furthermore, additional coupling means 11 can be provided which couple together the
means 9 for adjusting the spring behaviour of thefirst spring system 4 and themeans 10 for adjusting the spring behaviour of thesecond spring system 5 in such a way that the adjustment of the spring behaviour of the one spring system automatically effects adjustment of the spring behaviour of the other spring system. These coupling means can be formed e.g. by a Bowden cable and effect simultaneous displacement of thecompression bodies - By suitable co-ordination of the two
spring systems - In
FIG. 3 , the angle at which the seat is inclined relative to the base support is designated by α and the angle at which thebackrest 3 is inclined relative to the starting position is designated by β. In this case, a suitable synchronous relationship of α/β in the range from 1:1.5 to 1:3.5 is produced. -
FIG. 6 shows the spring characteristic of a progressive spring member such as could be used e.g. for the first spring system. Different spring rates should advantageously be provided for the adjustment angle α for users of different weights. The spring member is formed e.g. by the foamed material wedge shown inFIG. 3 , which can be prestressed from 0 to 30° by thespring mechanism 4 b. - The spring characteristic shown in
FIG. 6 can be divided e.g. into three portions of equal size in which an approximately linear spring characteristic is established, namely portion I for light persons, portion II for persons of average weight and portion III for heavy persons. Owing to the progressive spring characteristic, variously high average spring rates are produced in the individual portions. In order to pass from one portion to the next and thereby change the average spring rate of the spring member, the foamed material wedge is further prestressed by 15° each time. It goes without saying that any intermediate positions can also be set. - However, depending upon the spring system, some prestress may already have to be exerted on the spring member for the lightest setting. It would therefore be desirable if adjustment of the spring rate is rendered possible without the need for special expenditure of force by prestressing the spring member. This is made possible by the particular configuration of the two
spring systems FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 5 a and 5 b. By displacement of thecompression body spring member FIG. 7 can be set, wherein characteristic a is intended for a heavy user, characteristic b for a user of average weight and characteristic c for a light user. In this case, the angle of inclination α of the seat is plotted towards the right and the torque is plotted upwards. - The independence of the pivoting movements of the seat and the backrest provides the possibility of arranging the two
articulation axes FIGS. 8 and 9 . - The
seat 1 comprises a first seat supporting part 1 a, a secondseat supporting part 1 b and a seat cushion 1 c. The twoseat supporting parts 1 a and 1 b are arranged so as to be displaceable relative to one another by a suitable mechanism, wherein the first seat supporting part 1 a is connected to thebase support 2 via thefirst articulation axis 7 and the secondseat supporting part 1 b is connected to thebackrest 3 via thesecond articulation axis 8. - In this way, the seat depth can be specifically adapted to the respective user by displacing the two seat supporting parts relative to one another. As the distance between hip and knee joint can vary in length in different persons according to their build, optimum adjustment of the chair is permitted in this manner. Although it can be possible to fix the seat-depth setting, it is provided in a particular development of the invention that the seat depth is set automatically when the user sits down. In this case, it is possible for a spring member to be provided between the two seat supporting parts so that the seat adopts a contracted position in the unloaded state.
- The adjustability of the two spring systems permits optimum adaptation of the chair to the respective requirements. In addition, the independence of the two articulations gives rise to new design possibilities because an additional connecting mechanism is not required. Furthermore, the two independent articulation points permit adjustment of the seat depth without having to forego the ergonomically favourable adjustment of the seat and backrest in a particular synchronous relationship.
- In a further development (not shown in further detail) of the invention, means for blocking the first and/or second spring system can be provided in the above described chairs. There is then the possibility of fixing the rear or front articulation in order to obtain a simple rocker mechanism. In this case, the angle between the backrest and the seat or between the seat and the base support would remain constant when the user leans back. One would then have the possibility of switching between a simple rocker mechanism and synchronous tilting of the seat and backrest.
- The above described embodiments each have a first and a second spring system. It is naturally also possible to include further joints of the body (ankle joint, neck vertebrae, etc.) by means of additional spring systems in accordance with the present principle.
Claims (12)
1. A chair with a seat, a base support and a backrest, wherein the seat is pivotably mounted on the base support and the backrest is pivotably mounted on the seat, and a first spring system is provided between the base support and the seat and a second spring system is provided between the seat and the backrest,
wherein the pivoting movement of the backrest in relation to the seat is not mechanically coupled to the pivoting movement of the seat in relation to the base support and wherein means are provided for adjusting the spring behaviour of the two spring systems so that the pivotability of the seat in relation to the base support and the pivotability of the backrest in relation to the seat can be adapted to different requirements, especially to users of different weights.
2. A chair according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first spring system has at least one first spring member and the second spring system has at least one second spring member.
3. A chair according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first spring system has at least one first spring member and a first spring mechanism co-operating with the first spring member, and the second spring system has at least one second spring member and a second spring mechanism co-operating with the second spring member.
4. A chair according to claim 2 , characterized in that the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the two spring systems are formed by means for adjusting the spring properties of the first and/or second spring member and/or by means for adjusting the first and/or second spring mechanism.
5. A chair according to claim 3 , characterized in that the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the two spring systems are formed by means for adjusting the spring rate and/or the prestress of the first and/or second spring system, wherein the spring member and/or the spring mechanism of the respective spring system are optionally adjustable.
6. A chair according to claim 1 , characterized in that the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the first spring system and the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the second spring system are coupled together in such a way that the adjustment of the spring behaviour of the one spring system automatically effects adjustment of the spring behaviour of the other spring system.
7. A chair according to claim 1 , characterized in that the two spring systems and the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the two spring systems are adapted to one another so that, even for users of different weights, substantially the same synchronous relationship between the inclination of the seat and the inclination of the backrest is rendered possible.
8. A chair according to claim 1 , characterized in that the seat is pivotable about a first articulation axis in the region of the front end of the seat and the backrest is pivotable about a second articulation axis in the region of the rear end of the seat.
9. A chair according to claim 1 , characterized in that means are provided for blocking the first and/or second spring system.
10. A chair according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first spring system has a first spring member and a first spring mechanism co-operating with the spring member, and furthermore the means for adjusting the spring behaviour of the spring system are formed by means for adjusting different spring characteristics of the spring system, wherein the spring system is formed so that the spring member is unloaded in the normal position of the chair, also for users of different weights, and in this unloaded starting position of the spring member all the adjustable spring characteristics of the spring system have a common origin.
11. A chair according to claim 1 , in that, in the normal position of the chair, the direction in which the spring mechanism is loaded by the user lies at right angles to the direction in which the spring mechanism acts on the spring member.
12. A chair according to claim 1 , characterized in that the seat is pivotable about a first articulation axis and the backrest is pivotable about a second articulation axis, wherein the two articulation axes are arranged so as to be displaceable relative to one another.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/698,238 US8025335B2 (en) | 2006-05-22 | 2010-02-02 | Chair |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102006023982.2 | 2006-05-22 | ||
DE102006023982A DE102006023982A1 (en) | 2006-05-22 | 2006-05-22 | chair |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/698,238 Division US8025335B2 (en) | 2006-05-22 | 2010-02-02 | Chair |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070273190A1 true US20070273190A1 (en) | 2007-11-29 |
Family
ID=38650225
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/750,610 Abandoned US20070273190A1 (en) | 2006-05-22 | 2007-05-18 | Chair |
US12/698,238 Expired - Fee Related US8025335B2 (en) | 2006-05-22 | 2010-02-02 | Chair |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/698,238 Expired - Fee Related US8025335B2 (en) | 2006-05-22 | 2010-02-02 | Chair |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US20070273190A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102006023982A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080169693A1 (en) * | 2002-09-12 | 2008-07-17 | Erich Becker | Chair |
US20110025111A1 (en) * | 2007-12-20 | 2011-02-03 | David Wornell | Seating systems incorporating self-inflating adjustable supports |
US20120256458A1 (en) * | 2011-04-05 | 2012-10-11 | Wilkhahn Wolkening + Hahne Gmbh + Co. Kg | Chair |
US9560917B2 (en) | 2014-11-26 | 2017-02-07 | Steelcase Inc. | Recline adjustment system for chair |
US11071387B2 (en) * | 2015-02-19 | 2021-07-27 | Simon Desanta | Chair |
US20220369817A1 (en) * | 2012-09-20 | 2022-11-24 | Steelcase Inc. | Chair arm assembly |
US11812870B2 (en) | 2021-02-10 | 2023-11-14 | Steelcase Inc. | Body support structure |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102008007569A1 (en) | 2008-02-05 | 2009-08-06 | Wilkhahn Wilkening + Hahne Gmbh + Co. | Seating furniture i.e. office chair, has lever system formed according to type of toggle lever system, and adjustment unit causing change of mechanical hinge of spring element to lever system without changing deformation of spring unit |
DE202010008739U1 (en) * | 2010-10-06 | 2011-11-10 | Wilkhahn Wilkening + Hahne Gmbh + Co. Kg | seat |
DE102010049040A1 (en) * | 2010-10-21 | 2012-04-26 | Carsten Seichter | Seat furniture for stretching of frontal body muscles, seat and backrest with variable opening angle between seat and backrest at seating positions and stretching positions |
US8556345B2 (en) * | 2011-03-14 | 2013-10-15 | Sheng Jia Sheng Co., Ltd. | Chair having angle and tension adjusting functions |
US10966527B2 (en) | 2017-06-09 | 2021-04-06 | Steelcase Inc. | Seating arrangement and method of construction |
US10194750B2 (en) | 2015-04-13 | 2019-02-05 | Steelcase Inc. | Seating arrangement |
EP3984413A1 (en) | 2015-04-13 | 2022-04-20 | Steelcase Inc. | Seating arrangement |
US11259637B2 (en) | 2015-04-13 | 2022-03-01 | Steelcase Inc. | Seating arrangement |
US11109683B2 (en) | 2019-02-21 | 2021-09-07 | Steelcase Inc. | Body support assembly and method for the use and assembly thereof |
US11357329B2 (en) | 2019-12-13 | 2022-06-14 | Steelcase Inc. | Body support assembly and methods for the use and assembly thereof |
DE102021124418A1 (en) | 2021-09-21 | 2023-03-23 | Recaro Aircraft Seating Gmbh & Co. Kg | aircraft seat device |
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US2073872A (en) * | 1933-08-28 | 1937-03-16 | Steel Wheel Corp | Vehicle |
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US6053574A (en) * | 1995-12-18 | 2000-04-25 | Peter Opsvik As | Device for adjusting the tilting resistance of a chair seat |
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Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080169693A1 (en) * | 2002-09-12 | 2008-07-17 | Erich Becker | Chair |
US7637570B2 (en) | 2002-09-12 | 2009-12-29 | Wilkhahn Wilkening + Hahne Gmbh + Co. | Chair |
US20110025111A1 (en) * | 2007-12-20 | 2011-02-03 | David Wornell | Seating systems incorporating self-inflating adjustable supports |
US20120256458A1 (en) * | 2011-04-05 | 2012-10-11 | Wilkhahn Wolkening + Hahne Gmbh + Co. Kg | Chair |
US9504330B2 (en) * | 2011-04-05 | 2016-11-29 | Wilkhahn Wilkening + Hahne Gmbh + Co. Kg | Chair |
US20220369817A1 (en) * | 2012-09-20 | 2022-11-24 | Steelcase Inc. | Chair arm assembly |
US9560917B2 (en) | 2014-11-26 | 2017-02-07 | Steelcase Inc. | Recline adjustment system for chair |
US11071387B2 (en) * | 2015-02-19 | 2021-07-27 | Simon Desanta | Chair |
US11812870B2 (en) | 2021-02-10 | 2023-11-14 | Steelcase Inc. | Body support structure |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20100133884A1 (en) | 2010-06-03 |
US8025335B2 (en) | 2011-09-27 |
DE102006023982A1 (en) | 2007-12-06 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WIKHAHN WIKENING + HAHNE GMBH+ CO. KG, GERMANY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GEHNER, CARSTEN;REEL/FRAME:019715/0664 Effective date: 20070304 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |