EP4056072B1 - Seating - Google Patents

Description

The invention generally relates to a piece of seating furniture which, due to its shape, brings the occupant into an ergonomically advantageous sitting position. The invention relates in particular to a piece of seating furniture having the features of the preamble of claim 1. The seating furniture is preferably designed for domestic or professional use. It has a seat and a support frame holding the seat, the seat having a convex seat surface with a median crest line.

This seating furniture is increasingly used in the private and professional sectors for general support and improvement of a healthy posture and/or relief of areas of the support and movement system. The focus is on the spine, the pelvis and the legs, among other things. The blood and lymph circulation should also be supported with seating furniture shaped in this way.

From professional use and from training devices that have a seat, designs of seating furniture or seats, hereinafter generally referred to as seats, are known that allow the seated leg position such that the thighs do not have to assume a substantially horizontal position. such Seats usually have a saddle-like shape and primarily support the pelvis, possibly including the spine. In such seats, the thighs can often assume any position from horizontal to vertical. Actual support of the thighs in such a way that the feet can be lifted off the floor for several minutes or longer is not possible here. The width of the seat is chosen so narrow that only the pelvis and spine are supported, but the legs can move freely. The seats known from the prior art are used, for example, as a standing aid in order to relieve the strain on the legs when standing for a long time. Often the legs should be able to move while sitting so that they can move the sitter precisely and with little force. The latter are known from body-related service occupations.

Such a saddle-like seat is, for example, from DE 20 2009 018 688 U1 or the U.S. 2017/0112287 A1 known. A disadvantage for domestic or professional use, in which a sitting position is assumed for a longer period of time, several hours, is the one-sided sitting position into which the seated person is forced due to the geometry of the seat. The fact that such seats have a flexible mount that allows pendulum and/or up and down movements does not change this fact.

From the DE 20 2010 012 129 U1 a seat device is known which also permits such movements of the seat surface. For this purpose, the seat is formed by a shaped body which, viewed in cross section, is U-shaped and has a height which almost corresponds to the height of the seat. This cylindrical, ending at the top with a hemisphere Shaped body is mounted on a mobile plate. Although this seat device allows turning on the seat surface and sitting with open and closed legs, it requires a very upright and tense sitting posture in order to be able to sit securely. The same applies to the well-known, air-filled and therefore flexible sitting balls in terms of height and sides.

Seating furniture that allow rocking movements are, for example, from the U.S. D403517S , the U.S. D411055S and the GB 2343111A known.

An ergonomically different sitting position is Swiss Patent No. 472 868 achieved. There, due to the inclination of the seat surface and footrests relative to one another, a defined sitting posture is enforced, which also takes place on a relatively narrow seat.

Proceeding from the prior art, the invention is based on the object of providing a piece of seating furniture with a convex seat surface which enables various, particularly ergonomically advantageous and relaxed sitting postures and at the same time improves the safety of the occupant compared to the prior art.

The seating furniture should also be usable for children and correspond to their urge to move.

Furthermore, it is desirable if the seating furniture can be adapted, at least to a limited extent, to the person sitting and/or the respective application. This concerns, for example, the seat height and/or the seat width and/or the seat depth.

To achieve the object of the invention, a piece of seating furniture according to claim 1 is proposed. Claims 2 to 12, which refer back thereto, represent advantageous configurations.

The concept of the seating furniture designed to solve the task is to be described in such a way that the seat surface is enlarged while maintaining the convex shape, which is only partially formed in the prior art, so that lateral movements as well as movements forwards and backwards are possible. In order to promote freedom of movement, the convex curvature, in contrast to the prior art, remains over the entire depth of the seat, in that the latter is defined by one and the same crest line, which runs in a straight line. Maintaining the convex curvature over the entire depth of the seat can affect not only the type of curvature but also the radius or radii of the curvature. Several radii, viewed in the cross section of the seat surface perpendicular to the crest line, can be present, for example, when the curvature, according to an embodiment described in more detail below, increases at least in sections with increasing distance from the crest line. A curvature that becomes smaller in sections can also be advantageous.

Such a seat has a substantially barrel-like shape as a result. This promotes the spread of the legs while sitting and thus maintains or, if necessary, improves the mobility of the hip joints. Depending on the depth of the seat, the shape also allows the person sitting in other sitting positions and changing them, such as sitting on one side parallel legs, placing one or both lower legs in front of or - at least partially - behind. Due to the continuously convex seat surface, the viewing direction can also be changed by turning the body on the seat. These and other changes in sitting posture lead to active and relaxed sitting.

The high degree of freedom of movement in connection with the increased safety due to the increased, in particular longer, seat area compared to the prior art can also bring relief for children, since the chair gives room to their naturally greater joy of movement.

Features used to implement the concept are described below. The person skilled in the art will combine these in different embodiments in different ways, insofar as this appears sensible and suitable for an application.

The size of the seat is determined by the seat depth, ie the distance from the front edge to the rear edge of the seat, and the seat width. According to the invention, the seat depth is defined by the length of the crest line of the convex surface of the seat, which preferably runs in a straight line. Since there is no change in curvature along the seat depth, the seat depth is perceived longer. This is because the transition to a concave curve means that the person sitting perceives it as a stop, ie as the end of the surface suitable for sitting. In the saddle-shaped seat used from the prior art, the distance is chosen just large enough that the sitter for which the seat is designed to sit comfortably between the two concave bulges. Since these bulges are omitted according to the invention, the seat surface that can be used median is increased.

The term "median" denotes that direction which is in the median plane, i. H. the plane of symmetry of the human body. Accordingly, a median apex seating surface of the convex surface of the seat has an anterior, dorsal, portion and a posterior, ventral, portion. Since these two areas, as explained below, do not necessarily have to be designed differently in the seating furniture according to the invention or the design can be such that the front and back can be used, the terms front and rear are only used for the respective linguistic distinction.

If the terms seat depth, seat width and seat height are set in relation to the state of the art or to each other below, reference is made to the European standard DIN EN 1729-1, in which the terms are defined and the functional dimensions of tables and chairs in educational institutions for children of different height groups are recommended so that both sitting and sitting are intuitive and can be perceived as comfortable. DIN EN 1729-1 specifies a seat depth of up to 46 cm and a seat height of up to 51 cm for children up to 207 cm tall. In order to support the previously described active sitting on the piece of furniture according to the invention, such a piece of furniture for children can have dimensions of the seat depth and/or seat height which are significantly larger than these dimensions go out. The seat depth can, for example, be chosen so large that the person sitting can rest their entire upper body and head on the chair. For example, the seat height can be selected or adjusted so that the feet can swing even when sitting in a normal position. The same applies, by analogy, to such seating furniture that is configured for adults.

When determining the seat width, recesses that are arranged on the two lateral contours of the seat surface are not taken into account. These recesses are open at the bottom and are at a distance from the front and rear ends of the seat. Such recesses can, particularly in the case of larger seat widths, make it easier to sit down on the piece of furniture, which is to be regarded more as climbing onto the barrel-shaped piece of furniture. Like the rest of the seating furniture, the recesses can be designed as a mirror image of the crest line or alternatively asymmetrically. The latter can be considered, for example, if one-sided climbing or sitting is preferred. The depth of the recesses and their distance from the front and rear ends of the seat must be dimensioned in such a way that an optimal result in terms of safe climbing and sitting as well as active sitting is guaranteed.

The recesses can optionally be designed to be completely or partially closable with one section of the seat surface per recess, in that the relevant section corresponds to the shape of the recess and can be detachably mounted in the recess. The assembly can take place, for example, by means of suitable holding means.

Furthermore, and also in comparison to the prior art, that area of the seat surface which has a continuous convex curvature with one and the same apex line is also designed to be wider.

According to one embodiment of the invention, active sitting behavior is also at least equal to the seat depth by a seat width, the seat width being determined in the projection of the seat surface onto a horizontal plane at half the seat depth. With such a seat width, in connection with the convex shape of the seat, it is possible for the thighs and possibly also a section of the lower legs to rest on or against the seat.

According to an embodiment of the invention, relaxed sitting is promoted if the radius of the convex curvature increases with increasing distance from the crest line. In vertical section, the seat of this embodiment can show, at least in sections, the shape of such a part of an ellipse which includes the main apex, the latter coinciding with the crest line of the seat. The further section of the cross section running to the lower end of the seat surface can deviate from the elliptical shape while maintaining the convex curvature.

The safety of sitting on the barrel-shaped seat without a significant loss of freedom of movement is supported according to one embodiment of the piece of seating furniture in that the seat surface has an elevation at one end, ie at one end of the crest line. This protrudes beyond the horizontal seat and, depending on its height in relation to the seat, can only serve as a stop to give the seated person a tactile indication of the end of the seat, or as a backrest to relieve the spine. Because there is only one elevation, it can be used for the rear as well as for the front end.

Optionally, both ends of the seat can also have such an elevation. In this case, getting on or sitting down can be made easier by an extended seat and/or a rise that protrudes just a few centimeters above the crown line. Such an embodiment improves safety when sitting and when moving on the chair, especially for children.

According to a further embodiment, the transition from the seat surface to the elevation is implemented by a concave curvature, so that the at least one elevation is perceived as pleasant, particularly with regard to active sitting. The at least one elevation of the seat can be designed to be displaceable on the seat. Because the elevation can be displaced along the apex line, the usable seat depth can be changed and, for example, the rear elevation can be shifted forward and the seating furniture can be used at a table like a chair with a backrest.

According to a further embodiment of the piece of seating furniture, the seat surface is formed by a plate-shaped support which is bent in such a way that it has the convex curvature. The carrier can be designed in one piece or in several pieces. In the case of a multi-part design of the carrier, for example, several plate-shaped carrier sections running parallel to the crest line can be be lined up so that they form approximately the convex curvature. The carrier sections can have the same or different widths. They can also be bent. Alternatively, the carrier sections can also be strip-shaped sections lying perpendicular to the crest line and/or freely selectable sections of the carrier. In connection with an elastic material covering the carrier, for example padding, a pleasant surface is created both in the case of a one-part carrier and in the case of a multi-part carrier.

Different materials can be used for the carrier or the carrier sections. For example, wood or metal or plastic are suitable. Recycled materials can also be used, such as paper fibers or cardboard.

It has also proven to be advantageous that the padding of the seat surface by means of a suitable elastic padding material is not of uniform thickness over the entire seat surface. If, according to one embodiment of the chair, the thickness of the padding on the lateral contact surfaces for the thighs is less than in the actual seating area at the apex line and adjacent to this on both sides, climbing onto the chair can be facilitated.

In a further embodiment, the seat is adjustable in height. Depending on the desired height difference, the height adjustability can be realized either by the support frame itself. For example, by means of telescopic supports holding the seat, or in some other way. Or the seat can be mounted on the support frame so that it can be adjusted in height.

In a further embodiment, the support structure has footrests. These make it easier to climb onto the seating furniture, support active sitting and safe sitting on the relatively large seating area compared to conventional seating furniture, and the variability of the seating furniture. In order to enable the footrests to be reached for any of the possible seating positions, the footrests can be mounted on the supporting frame so that they can be adjusted in height. Alternatively or additionally, the footrests can be designed so long that their length, based on the crest line of the chair, corresponds at least to the depth of the seat. Shorter footrests can be slid parallel to the crown line. Such footrests can be implemented, for example, by specifically adjustable footrests or, in comparison, longer footrests.

In a further embodiment of the piece of seating furniture, the support frame has supports for holding the seat in such a way that the supports are splayed. i.e. starting from the seat, they spread out downwards. The spread can run in the direction perpendicular to the crest line or additionally also in the direction of the crest line. In this way, the stability of the seating furniture can be improved, so that even intensive movements by the person sitting are possible with little risk.

• Fig. 1 eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Sitzmöbels in perspektivischer Darstellung, und
• Fig. 2 eine Schnittdarstellung des Sitzmöbels gemäß Fig. 1.

The invention will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. The accompanying drawings show in

• 1 an embodiment of a piece of seating furniture according to the invention in a perspective view, and
• 2 according to a sectional view of the chair figure 1 .

The drawings show the seating furniture only schematically to the extent necessary to explain the invention. They do not claim to be complete or to scale.

The exemplary embodiment is intended to illustrate the invention only by way of example and not by way of limitation. The person skilled in the art would combine the features realized previously in the various configurations of the invention and subsequently in the exemplary embodiment in further embodiments insofar as it seems expedient and sensible to him.

1 shows a piece of seating furniture which, with the exception of the upholstery, is made of wood. The chair includes the support frame 4, the 4 supports 30 are arranged at a corner of the chair. The two front supports 30 and likewise the two rear supports 30 are each connected to one another by an arc-shaped element 32 . Both arcs of the arcuate elements 32 have the shape that the seat surface 2 is intended to have plus the upholstery 26 .

Two of the supports 30 are connected to one another by a strut, namely the two front and two rear supports 30 each by a cross strut 34 and two lateral supports 30 each by a longitudinal strut 35, so that a rectangular plan is formed. The two longitudinal struts 35 can act as foot elements of the chair, for example. Alternatively, further struts, for example also cross struts, can be arranged to stabilize the seating furniture item.

Two footrests 28 are arranged parallel and at a distance above each of the longitudinal struts 35 on the outer sides of the respective two lateral supports 30 . These are plate-shaped, with a much smaller width than length, and extend essentially over the entire length of the chair.

The two arcuate elements 32 support a wooden plate which has been bent in the same way and serves as a support 24 for the seat 1. The carrier 24 has a rectangular shape in plan and essentially determines the seat width 9 and the seat depth 8.

The carrier 24 has on its two side edges 21, each in the central region, a respective arcuate recess 22 which is symmetrical to the vertex 6 of the seat 2. The sections of the carrier 24, which are in front of and behind the recesses 22, serve as a contact surface 20 for the thighs of a person sitting on the chair (not shown).

The carrier 24 is fitted with a suitable elastic material 26 ( 2 ) upholstered, the thickness of the elastic material 26 on the bearing surfaces 20 decreasing towards their lower ends.

The upholstered seat 2 has a convex curvature 16 with its crest line 6 over its entire length, which is the crest line 6 of the seat 2 at the same time. At the rear end of the seat 1, viewed in the direction of view, this merges with a concave curvature 18 into an elevation 14 formed relative to the seat surface. This puts in the position is a low backrest.

2 shows the same furniture as 1 , but in a sectional view immediately in front of the front supports 30. The components and features of the seating furniture item that match in both figures are marked with the same reference numbers.

In the sectional view it can be seen that the convex curvature 16 decreases in the direction of the contact surfaces 20 . An ellipse 10 with its main axis 12 is shown for clarification. The latter crosses the apex of seat 2.

The upholstery 26 tapering towards the contact surfaces 20 is also shown, as well as the supports 30 of the support frame 4, which are spread slightly outwards

Incidentally, the explanations 1 referred.

Reference List

1

Seat

2

seat

4

support frame

6

crest line

8th

seat depth

9

seat width

10

ellipse

12

main axis

14

increase

16

convex curvature

18

concave curvature

20

contact surface

21

side edge

22

recess

24

carrier

26

elastic material, padding

28

footrests

30

Support

32

arched element

34

cross brace

35

longitudinal brace

Claims (12)

1. Piece of seating furniture having a seat and a carrying frame (4) retaining the seat (1), the seat (1) having a seat surface (2) with a median centre line, wherein the seat surface (2) is of convex design, wherein the centre line constitutes the apex line (6) of the convex curvature (16), and wherein the apex line (6) constitutes the seat depth (8) of the seat surface (2), characterized in that the seat surface (2) has such a seat width (9) as to form in the lower region, on both sides, lateral bearing surfaces (20) to provide at least partial support for the thighs of a person sitting on the seat, and in that the two lateral bearing surfaces (20) of the seat surface (2) each have a downwardly open recess (22), the recesses being spaced apart from the front and rear terminations of the seat surface (2).
2. Piece of seating furniture according to Claim 1, characterized in that the seat width (9) is at least equal to the seat depth (8), the seat width (9) being determined in the projection of the seat surface (2) onto a horizontal plane at half the seat depth (8).
3. Piece of seating furniture according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that, as seen in cross section and in the direction of the apex line (6), at least part of the seat surface (2) is in the form of a part of an ellipse (10) which contains the major axis (12) of the ellipse (10), but not the minor axis thereof, wherein the major axis (12) crosses over the apex line (6).
4. Piece of seating furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat surface (2) is adjoined, at one end of the apex line (2), by an elevation (14), which forms the termination on this side of the seat surface (2).
5. Piece of seating furniture according to Claim 4, characterized in that the seat surface (2) merges into the elevation (14) by way of a concave curvature (18).
6. Piece of seating furniture according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it is possible to displace the elevation (14) on the seat surface (2) in the direction of the apex line (6).
7. Piece of seating furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (22) can be at least partially closed by a portion of the seat surface (2) which corresponds to the recess (22) and can be mounted in a releasable manner.
8. Piece of seating furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat surface (2) is formed by a curved panel-formed carrier (24), which is made up of one or more parts and, in order to form the seat surface (2), is upholstered with an elastic material (26).
9. Piece of seating furniture according to Claim 8, characterized in that the thickness of the elastic material (26) at the lateral bearing surfaces (20) is smaller than in the region of the apex line (6).
10. Piece of seating furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat (1) is height-adjustable.
11. Piece of seating furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrying frame (4) has footrests (28), wherein the footrests (28) have at least one of the following features: the footrests (28) are mounted on the carrying frame (4) in a height-adjustable manner, the length of the footrests (28) corresponds at least to the seat depth (8), the footrests (28) can be displaced parallel to the apex line (6).
12. Piece of seating furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrying frame (4) has supports (30) for retaining the seat (1), wherein, as seen from top to bottom, the supports (30) are spread apart outwards.

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