HK1179133B - Seat - Google Patents

Abstract

A seat comprises a seat squab (12), a supporting structure (15) and a backrest (14), in use, the seat squab (12) being movable in a substantially downward direction relative to the supporting structure when weight is applied to the seat squab (12), and the substantially downward movement of the seat squab (12) causing automatic movement of the backrest (14) in a substantially upward direction, the angular orientation of an upper surface of the seat squab (12) relative to the supporting structure remaining unchanged during the substantially downward movement of the seat squab (12).

Description

Chair (Ref. now to FIGS)

Technical Field

The invention relates to a seat.

Background

It is known to provide an adjustable seat for a residential or commercial environment in which the seat back can be adjusted to a particular inclination or height. Furthermore, it is also known to provide a backrest adjustment, for example to provide a tilt of the backrest. However, these features are directed to the ergonomic design of the chair, and more particularly to the comfort for people of different sizes sitting in the chair.

These adjustments do not address how to fit or blend into the surrounding environment when the chair is not being used by a person (e.g., when stored adjacent a table, desk, or other work surface). Furthermore, these adjustments do not address the issues related to improving comfort while sitting on or off the chair. Nor do they address the problem of the functionality of the seat in the sense that a single design of chair or seat is utilized to provide different types of seating for different environments.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved seat which reduces or eliminates the aforementioned problems.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a seat comprising a seat squab, a support structure and a backrest, in use, the seat squab being movable in a generally downward direction relative to the support structure when weight is applied to the seat squab, and the generally downward movement of the seat squab causing automatic movement of the backrest in a generally upward direction, the angular orientation of the upper surface of the seat squab relative to the support structure remaining unchanged during the generally downward movement of the seat squab.

The seat is advantageous in that the seat cushion can be moved down to the final seating position. In other words, during sitting, the seat supports the user at a higher position than the other seats and moves downward while supporting the user to some extent during its downward movement.

In addition, it is reassuring for the user that the seat squab will always be in a suitable position for sitting and that the use of the seat is immediate reacting.

The angular orientation of the upper surface of the seat squab relative to the rear support surface of the backrest remains substantially unchanged during the substantially downward movement of the seat squab.

The seat squab and backrest may be adapted to be moved between a first position in which the upper edge of the backrest is substantially at the same height as the seat squab and a second position in which the backrest extends above the height of the seat squab.

Advantageously, the chair can be easily stored under a dining table, desk, work table or the like. This has the effect of reducing the risk of mess and being carried over in the environment. Further, the seat can be placed adjacent to or attached to other similar seats to form a bench seat that, like a conventional bench seat, can be stepped on to reach a work bench. However, once seated, such bench seats provide each user with their own back.

Another advantage is that the user can reach the seat from the rear, straddling both of their legs on both sides of the seat when first sitting on the seat, for example to access a dining table, for example using the seat as a stool. Once seated, the backrest automatically erects.

Another advantage is that the height of the seat is typically about 15% higher than the standard seat height at rest. Thus allowing the user to sit on the seat a shorter distance so that the user can sit smoothly to the final seating height. This can assist people who are restricted in movement.

The seat also provides the benefits of both a chair and a stool, and the transition between these two states does not require the expenditure of external force or manipulation by the user (who need only sit down).

The support structure may comprise an armrest and the backrest is adapted to be moved between a first position in which an upper edge of the backrest is substantially at the same height as the armrest and a second position in which the backrest extends above the height of the armrest.

The seat squab may be placed below the height of the armrest in said first position.

The linkage may multiply the movement of the seat squab which results in greater movement of the backrest. The seat may be arranged such that the upward movement of the backrest is increased relative to the downward movement of the seat pan, for example by a ratio of 4: 1. In other words, the backrest travels up four times the distance traveled by the seat cushion.

A lock may be provided for locking the position of the seat pan and backrest relative to the support structure.

The seat cushion may be biased upwardly, for example, by means of a gas spring.

The seat squab may be mounted on a carriage which is movable relative to the support structure.

The guide member may guide movement of the carriage relative to the support structure.

The backrest is movable relative to the carriage and a guide member is mountable within the carriage for guiding movement of the backrest.

The rollers may be mounted to the backrest and travel along the guide members in use. At least one drive member is pivotably connected to the carriage, extendable over the pivot point of the support structure and connectable to and driving the roller.

In an alternative embodiment, a guide member may be mounted within the armrest for guiding movement of the backrest. The guide rollers and the back support plate may travel up and down each guide member in use.

It is also envisaged that the seat could be provided on castors to facilitate movement. It may also be provided on the rotating means. As with conventional seats, the seat cushion and backrest may also be independently adjustable relative to the bracket to provide ergonomic adjustments needed for personal comfort. These adjustments do not affect the operation of the seat.

It is contemplated that the linkage between the seat cushion and the backrest may be provided by various means, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, or alternative mechanical means through gears and pulleys. Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a schematic perspective side view of a first embodiment of a seat with side panels of the base removed and the seat in an operative or open position;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective side view of the seat of FIG. 1 with the seat in a non-operational position;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the seat of FIG. 1 in a non-operational or closed position;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the seat of FIG. 1 in an operational or open position;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the mechanism of the seat of FIG. 1 in a non-operational or closed position;

FIG. 6 shows a plan view from above of the mechanism of the seat of FIG. 1 in a non-operational or closed position;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view from the rear of the seat of FIG. 1 in a non-operative position with the side panels in place;

FIG. 8A shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the seat in a first or closed position showing the internal mechanism without the gas spring;

FIG. 8B shows the seat of FIG. 8A in a partially open position;

FIG. 8C shows the seat of FIG. 8A in a second or fully open position;

FIG. 9A shows a front view of the seat of FIG. 8A in a first or closed position;

FIG. 9B shows a front view of the seat of FIG. 8A in a partially open position;

FIG. 9C shows a front view of the seat of FIG. 8A in a second or fully open position;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic, e.g., side view, of a third embodiment of a seat with a side panel of the carriage removed and the seat in a non-operational or closed position; and

fig. 11 shows a side view of the seat of fig. 10 in an operational or open position.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a seat is indicated generally at 10. The seat 10 includes a seat cushion 12, a backrest 14, a support structure 15, the support structure 15 including first and second side structures 16, 18 and a bracket 20, the bracket 20 being mounted between the first and second side structures 16, 18. The carriage 20 substantially houses a mechanism, generally indicated at 22 in fig. 5, which allows the cushion 12 to move substantially downwardly relative to the support structure 16, 18 and drive the backrest 14 substantially vertically upwardly as the cushion moves downwardly.

With particular reference to figures 3 and 4, each side structure 16, 18 of the support structure comprises a horizontal member 24, the horizontal member 24 being made at its two ends, spaced from the ground, by legs 26. An inverted generally "V" -shaped member 28 is mounted on the horizontal member 24 and extends upwardly therefrom. Support plates 30, 32 are mounted to the upper ends of horizontal member 24 and inverted V-shaped member 28, respectively. A pair of concave rollers 34, 36 are mounted to the inner side of each support plate 30, 32. The rollers 34, 36 rotate about the bearings. A generally vertically disposed tubular guide member 38 is guided between the rollers and is free to move upwardly and downwardly between the rollers 34, 36, as also shown in fig. 5 and 6. The side structures are connected together to the rear side of the mounting plate 30, in particular by horizontally arranged connecting members 31, which connecting members 31 are attached to the inner side of each horizontal member 24.

The bracket 20 has a rear wall 40, a front wall 42, an upper wall 44 and a lower wall 46. The front and rear walls 42, 44 are inclined inwardly from the top to the bottom so that the sides of the carrier are trapezoidal in shape. Each tubular member 38 is mounted to the bracket 20 and is attached at each end to an upper wall 44 and a lower wall 46, respectively. The seat cushion 12 is attached to an upper surface of the upper wall 44. In this manner, the carriage 20 and seat cushion 12 are free to move up and down on the support structure 15. A gas spring (also referred to as a gas strut) is provided for controlling movement of the carriage 20 relative to the support structure. One end of the strut thereof is mounted to the connecting member 31 and the other end is connected to the underside of the upper wall 44 of the bracket 20. The gas struts are compressed when the carriage 20 is pushed downwardly relative to the support structure, but extend and push the carriage upwardly when the load is removed from the carriage, as will be explained further below.

A pair of guide members 50 are installed in the bracket 20 in parallel with the rear wall, i.e., inclined at an angle of about 10 degrees from the vertical direction. The guide members 50 are spaced apart and connected at their ends to the upper and lower walls 44, 46 of the carriage 20. The rollers 52 are mounted for sliding movement along the guide members 50 and the rollers 52 are attached to the backrest 14 for upward and downward movement of the backrest 14. Two sets of concave guide rollers 54 are provided, one on each side of the roller, as best shown in fig. 6, the two sets of concave guide rollers 54 rotating and being guided by the guide members 50. Each set of guide rollers 54 comprises two rollers mounted on each side of the guide member 50. The structural plate 56 of the roller extends through a slot 58 in the rear wall 40 of the bracket 20 and is connected to the backrest 14, as best shown in fig. 3. Guide rollers 54 are mounted to the outer edge of plate 56.

The central portion of the roller 52 is mounted to and connected to the inboard edge of the plate 56, thus allowing the central portion of the roller to rotate, as explained further below. Two spaced and parallel arranged support plates 59 form the central region of the roller and the plates 59 are connected together and support two pairs of concave rollers 60. The pair of rollers are positioned one behind the other for receiving and supporting the drive member 62. With particular reference to FIG. 5, a cruciform support structure 64 is mounted to the front of the seat 10 between the inverted V-shaped members 28 of the side structures 16, 18. Two spaced and parallel arranged support plates 66 are mounted in the center of the cross-shaped support structure 64. A pair of concave guide rollers 68 are rotatably mounted between the two smaller plates 79 and are themselves pivotally mounted to the support plate 66. The rollers 68 provide a central support and pivot point for the drive member 62.

One end of the drive member 62 is pivotally mounted to the front wall 42 of the bracket 20, generally centrally thereof. The drive members 62 then extend through the pair of concave rollers 68, which are themselves pivotally mounted to the cross-shaped support structure 64. The other end of the drive member extends between the two pairs of rollers 60 of the roller 52.

In use, the rest position of the seat 10 is as shown in figures 2, 3, 5 and 7. The gas strut 48 is in the deployed position and the carriage 20 is fully raised above the support structure 15. The backrest 14 is substantially the same width and height as the carriage 20 seat cushion 12 and is located behind the rear wall 40 of the carriage 20. The upper edge of the backrest is substantially at the same height as the upper surface of the seat pan. In this position, the roller 52 is at the lower end of its movement, on the guide member 50. The drive member 62 is angled downwardly from the pivotal connection toward the front wall 42 of the carriage 20, through the rollers 68 and into the two pairs of rollers 60 of the roller 52. It will be appreciated that the rollers 68 and 60 are automatically aligned with the drive member 62 depending on its position.

When a downward force (indicated by arrow a) is applied to the seat cushion 12, such as by a person sitting in the seat, the carriage and seat cushion move downward against the upward resistance of the gas strut 48. The carriage 20 and the seat cushion 12 are guided by the guide member 38 to move substantially vertically downward. The angular orientation of the upper surface 72 of the seat point 12 relative to the support structure 15 remains substantially unchanged during the aforementioned movement. As the carriage moves downwardly, the end of the drive member 62 pivotally attached to the front wall of the carriage also moves downwardly and the drive member is urged to pivot as it abuts against the roller 68. The other end of the drive member 62 is pushed upward by way of a lever and in turn pushes the roller 52 upward on the guide member 50. The backrest 14 and the roller 52 move upwardly as indicated by arrow B and its orientation relative to the carriage 20 does not change because the guide member 50 is generally parallel to the rear wall 40 of the carriage. In addition, the angular orientation of the upper surface 72 of the seat cushion 12 relative to the rear support surface 74 of the backrest 14 remains unchanged during downward movement of the seat cushion and, simultaneously, upward movement of the backrest. The rear support surface 74 of the backrest 14 supports the back of a user when the seat 10 is in the operating position. During movement, the central portion of the roller rotates on the plate 56 and the two pairs of rollers 60 automatically align with the drive member 62 as the drive member 62 changes its angular position relative to the roller. The length of the drive member 62 is such that it is long enough to continuously engage the roller 52 throughout the movement and short enough not to touch the rear wall 40 of the carriage during the movement.

When the carriage 20 reaches a position just above the floor, i.e. about 12.5mm above the floor, this movement is completed and the seat is in the operative or open position shown in figures 1 and 4 in which the main part of the backrest 14 is placed above the seat pan 12, for example, a portion of about 355mm of the backrest extends about 455mm above the seat pan for the seat. In this position, the roller 52 is positioned adjacent the underside of the upper wall 44 of the carriage 20. To return to this motion, the weight is simply removed from the seat, for example, by a person standing up, and the gas strut pushes the carriage upward, thus causing the drive member 62 to pry or push the backrest downward. The weight of the backrest 14 assists this movement. The gas strut 48 has a shock absorbing effect and dampens any shock in the movement and controls the speed of the movement. Optionally, a lock is provided for locking the position of the backrest relative to the seat pan 12, for example by locking the bracket to the support structure. In one embodiment, the gas strut may be lockable, for example, by means of a button, lever or switch or the like on the front of the seat.

In an alternative arrangement to the first embodiment of the seat 10, the supporting side structures may be made of thick panelling to provide different aesthetics.

In another alternative embodiment, the supporting side structures may be replaced by vertically arranged supporting columns extending in or inside the carrier. If desired, the gas strut may be housed in one of the columns.

Another embodiment of a seat is indicated at 110 in fig. 8A to 9C. The operation of the seat 110 is similar to that of the first embodiment of the seat 10 in that downward pressure on the seat cushion 112 causes automatic upward movement of the backrest 114. However, the seat 110 includes fixed armrests 111 on each side of the seat cushion 112, the armrests 111 being taller than the seat cushion in the closed position, as shown in fig. 8A and 9A. The handrail forms a support structure. Further, when the seat is in the closed position, the top of the backrest 114 is at the same height as the top of the armrests 111. The mechanism for movement of the backrest 112 is provided in both armrests and the guide member 150 is provided in the armrest 111. There are also two drive members 162 disposed in the handrail rather than a single central drive member. In other respects, the components are similar. An advantage of the second embodiment is that the extra height obtained by using the armrests, for example, about 150mm, means that the backrest can be moved further, thus providing a greater amount of rear support for the user. The first embodiment has the advantage that the upper surfaces of the seats are all at the same height in the closed position.

Another embodiment of a seat is indicated at 210 in fig. 10 and 11. The seat includes a seat cushion 212, a backrest 214, a support structure provided in the form of a valve stem and base unit 216, and a bracket 218 that houses the motion mechanism. A bracket 218 is mounted on the valve stem and base unit 216.

The bracket 218 houses a biasing unit 220 oriented approximately 10 offset from vertical. The biasing unit 220 includes an elongated slider portion 222 and a body portion 224, the elongated slider portion being slidably received within the body portion 224. One end of the slider portion 222 is connected to the lower surface of the seat cushion 212 and the other end 228 of the slider portion 222 is connected to the lower wall 230 of the bracket 218. The biasing unit 220 biases the seat cushion 212 to an upper, inoperative position, as shown in fig. 10.

The biasing unit body portion 224 is aligned with and connected to the valve stem and base unit 216. A slider 232 to a belt mount, and a connection from the slider portion 222 to a first toothed drive belt 234, are provided on the body portion 224 on the side opposite the valve stem and bracket unit 216. First and second toothed drive belts 234, 236 connect the slider portion 222 to first acceleration gear teeth 238 via toothed pulleys. The first step-up gear teeth 238 are engaged with second step-up gear teeth 242 which drive third and fourth toothed drive belts 244, 246 via a further toothed pulley 248. The fourth toothed drive belt 246 is connected to a further slide block 250 of a belt mount 250, which in turn is a slide block unit 252 slidable about a linear guide 254. One end of the linear guide 254 is connected to the lower surface of the seat cushion 212 and the other end 258 of the linear guide 254 is connected to the bracket 218. The linear guide 254 is parallel to the slider portion 222 of the biasing unit 220. The backrest 214 is adjacent to and in spaced parallel relationship with the linear guide 254 and the backrest 214 is driven up and down the linear guide 254 by the slider unit 252.

The seat 210 operates similarly to the previous embodiment, the key difference being that relative movement between the seat squab and the backrest is possible due to the toothed drive belts 234, 236, 244, 246 and the two toothed pulleys 240, 248. Vertical movement of the backrest 214 is limited by the slider unit 252 abutting the lower surface of the seat pan 212 in use.

With respect to the previous embodiments, it is important to note that the angle of the seat cushion 212 relative to the horizontal, or more specifically, the angle of the seat cushion 212 relative to the valve stem and base unit 216, is the same whether the seat is in the open or closed position.

The seat 10, 110, 210 is adaptable and multifunctional in that it can be locked in a closed or non-operative position and used as a stool, or can be locked in an open or operative position and used as a chair. Also, when placed unlocked, the backrest automatically rises for use when a user sits thereon, and returns to a closed, stool-like position when the user stands up. When used as explained above, it has the advantage of being able to be used as a chair without visual impact of a situation in the room where it is a chair. The width of the seat can be made to suit any residential or commercial environment, for example, for one, two or three people. In addition, the seat can be used as a novelty object, for example, in reception areas, and can provide advantages of size and stability in restaurants and living spaces.

Claims (18)

1. A seat comprising a seat squab, a support structure and a backrest, in use, the seat squab being movable in a generally downward direction relative to the support structure when weight is applied to the seat squab, and the generally downward movement of the seat squab causing automatic movement of the backrest in a generally upward direction, the angular orientation of the upper surface of the seat squab relative to the support structure remaining unchanged during the generally downward movement of the seat squab.

2. A seat as claimed in claim 1, in which the angular orientation of the upper surface of the seat squab relative to the rear support surface of the backrest remains substantially unchanged during the substantially downward movement of the seat squab.

3. A seat as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the seat squab and backrest are adapted to move between a first position in which an upper edge of the backrest is substantially at the same height as the seat squab and a second position in which the backrest extends above the height of the seat squab.

4. A seat as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the support structure comprises an armrest, the backrest being adapted to move between a first position in which an upper edge of the backrest is substantially at the same height as the armrest, and a second position in which the backrest extends above the height of the armrest.

5. A seat as claimed in claim 4, in which the seat squab is placed below the height of the armrests in the first position.

6. A seat as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which a linkage multiplies the movement of the seat squab which causes greater movement of the backrest.

7. A seat as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which a lock is provided for locking the position of the seat pan and backrest relative to the support structure.

8. A seat according to claim 3, wherein the seat pan is biased upwardly.

9. A seat according to claim 8, wherein the seat is biased by means of a gas spring.

10. The seat of claim 8, wherein the seat cushion is biased to the first position when not in use.

11. A seat as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the seat squab is mounted to a carriage which is movable relative to the support structure.

12. A seat as claimed in claim 11, in which a guide member guides movement of the carriage relative to the support structure.

13. A seat as set forth in claim 11 wherein said back is movable relative to said carriage.

14. A seat as claimed in claim 11, in which a guide member is mounted within the carriage for guiding movement of the backrest.

15. A seat as claimed in claim 14, in which a roller is mounted to the backrest and travels up and down the guide member in use.

16. A seat according to claim 15, wherein at least one drive member is pivotally connected to the carriage, extends over a pivot point of the support structure and connects and drives the trolley.

17. A seat as claimed in claim 4, in which a guide member is mounted within the armrest for guiding movement of the backrest.

18. A seat as claimed in claim 17, in which, in use, guide rollers and a backrest support plate travel up and down each guide member.