Seat

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seat (201), in particular a rocking chair, comprising a frame (2), a seat surface (204) and a backrest (205), wherein the frame (2) comprises two lower frame members (206L, 206R) which extend forward from the backrest (205) and each have a curved progressive portion protruding in the downward direction. The seat (201) is provided with stop members (230, 231) which are arranged near the front outer ends of each lower frame member (206L, 206R) and / or near the rear outer ends of each lower frame member (206L, 206R). The stop members (230, 231) can be elastically deformable. Additionally or alternatively, each of the lower frame members (206L, 206R) can be covered on its lower side with an elastic and / or damping material. The elastic and / or damping material can comprise a molded part (221) connected to the relevant frame member. The stop members (230, 231) can be integrated in the molded part (221). The present invention also relates to the stop members (230, 231) and the molded part (221) which are obviously intended to be applied to such a seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat, in particular a rocking chair, comprising a frame, a seat surface and a backrest, wherein the frame comprises two lower frame members which extend forward from the backrest and each have a curved progressive portion protruding in the downward direction. The present invention particularly relates to a seat that provides a user (such as a video game player) with the option of adopting different sitting postures. Background Art

[0002] So far, players of video games usually sit on a sofa in front of a screen, holding a controller in their hands. Video games on mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones are also often played while sitting on a sofa. The sitting posture of the player depends on the video game here. Thus, players playing competitive games will lean back relatively far, while players playing, for example, football games will sit more upright and lean forward. Players can even change their sitting posture while playing the game. Thus, in the case of a football game, for example, usually more forward leaning during an attack, and conversely, more backward leaning during defense.

[0003] Therefore, a seat for playing video games must be adapted to support different sitting postures. This requirement is met by a rocking chair, where the user can move further forward or conversely further backward depending on the stage of the game when sitting on the seat. When such a seat is used for playing video games, it will be reciprocated intensively and regularly. This results in a risk of damage to the floor on which the lower frame member of the seat is placed, especially abrasion. In addition, the often sudden movements result in a risk that body parts (especially hands or feet) of the player or a person near the seat (such as a spectator) are pinched between one of the lower frame members and the floor. In addition, too sudden or too forceful rocking movements of the player can lead to a risk that the seat tilts forward or backward, where the latter is especially dangerous. Finally, it is advantageous that the seat is also comfortable in normal use, such that it is not specifically usable only for playing video games. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a rocking chair that meets these requirements. According to a first aspect of the present invention, this is achieved in a seat of the above type, which is further provided with at least one stop member arranged near the front outer end of each lower frame member and / or near the rear outer end of each lower frame member. By means of such a stop member, it is possible to prevent the seat from tilting forward or backward when the player rocks too forcefully or suddenly stands up from the seat.

[0005] In order not to suddenly shorten the rocking movement of the seat pointing forward or backward, at least one stop member can be elastically deformable. Here, the elastic deformability can be achieved by a suitable structural design of the stop member.

[0006] Here, at least one stop member may have a variable height when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the associated frame member. Thus, the stop member may be gradually deformed.

[0007] When viewed from the center of the lower frame member, the height may gradually increase in the direction towards the associated outer end. Thereby, the stop member acts as a kind of wedge under the frame member and completely or partially fills the space under the rising outer end of the lower frame member. As a result, the seat is very stable because in the unloaded state, the stop member almost completely cancels out the curvature of the lower frame member. Since the stop member is deformed under the influence of the user's weight, it becomes movable only when the user lowers himself into the seat. Since the deformation of the stop member and thus the mobility of the seat depend on the user's weight, the seat is safe for children to use. In fact, the stop member restricts the movement of a relatively light user to a greater extent than that of a heavier user such as an adult.

[0008] At least one stop member may have a side facing the ground during use, and this side defines a variable radius of curvature. Here, the radius of curvature may decrease in the direction from the center of the lower frame member towards its outer end. Thus, the stop member is relatively flat near the center of the lower frame member and is more strongly curved near the associated outer end.

[0009] For optimal deformability, the part of at least one stop member protruding outside the lower frame member may have an open section.

[0010] Such an open section may be formed, for example, such that at least one stop member includes a plurality of chambers. The position and size of the chambers are appropriately selected so that the deformability of the stop member can be designed specifically for a determined rocking behavior.

[0011] To be able to further optimize the deformability, at least one chamber may be filled with a material different from the material of at least one stop member.

[0012] In a practical embodiment, at least one stop member includes an upper band connected to the frame member, a plurality of spacers protruding from the upper band and defining a chamber therebetween, and a lower band connected to the free ends of the spacers. Thus, an open cross-sectional shape can be formed in a simple manner.

[0013] To allow for controlled deformation of the stop member, at least a part of the spacers may be bent or curved.

[0014] At least one stop member may be made of elastic and / or damping material. In addition to the structural design, such materials may contribute to the elastic deformation of the stop member.

[0015] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a seat of the aforementioned type, wherein the lower frame members are all covered on their lower sides with elastic and / or damping material. This prevents wear on the ground and additionally improves the comfort of the seat during movement. Through such a layer, the consequences of accidental entrapment can also be reduced. Such elastic and / or damping material can be applied together with the stop member or in place of the stop member.

[0016] The elastic and / or damping material can be a formed part connected to the relevant frame member. Thus, the elastic and / or damping material can be arranged in a simple manner.

[0017] When the formed part is detachably connected to the relevant frame member, the formed part can be replaced in a simple manner, for example, in the case of wear. For this purpose, the formed part can include fastening elements that cooperate with the frame member, such as protrusions that can be pressed into openings in the frame member. On the other hand, it is conceivable that the formed part is non-removably connected to the seat, for example, by gluing.

[0018] In an embodiment of the seat according to the present invention, the formed part extends from a position near the front outer end of the relevant frame member to a position near the rear outer end of the frame member, such that the frame member is substantially protected over its entire length.

[0019] Here, the formed part can include a plurality of segments that are connected to each other in the longitudinal direction of the relevant frame member and are easier to handle than a single formed part having the length of the frame member. Here, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant frame member, the segments can include a front segment, a rear segment, and at least one intermediate segment disposed between the front segment and the rear segment. By changing the intermediate segment, formed parts of different lengths can thus be composed in a simple manner.

[0020] On the other hand, the formed part can be integrally formed, whereby it can be installed under the seat in a simple manner.

[0021] In an embodiment of the seat according to the present invention, the formed part has a substantially constant cross-section over at least a part of its length. A formed part having a constant cross-section can be manufactured in a simple manner by extrusion.

[0022] For optimal connection and protection, the formed part can at least partially closely surround the relevant frame member in cross-section. For this purpose, the formed part can have a recess on its upper side for receiving the relevant frame member.

[0023] To prevent the seat from shifting during rocking, the formed part can have a profile on its lower side.

[0024] For optimal operation, the elastic and / or damping material may comprise rubber. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the elastic and / or damping material comprises plastic, for example an elastomer such as TPU.

[0025] Finally, a structurally simple solution is achieved when at least one locking element is integrated into the molded part.

[0026] The invention also relates to a stop member and a profiled component for use in a seat as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention is explained below based on a number of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which corresponding components are designated by reference numerals increased by 100, and in which:

[0028] Figure 1 shows a perspective front view of a seat according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional rear view of the seat;

[0030] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side view of a seat;

[0031] Figure 4 shows a perspective rear view of an alternative embodiment of a seat according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 Another embodiment of a seat according to the present invention is shown. Figures 1 to 3 The corresponding view;

[0033] Figure 8 Shown for Figures 5 to 7 A perspective front view of the frame of the seat, with the seat surface and backrest shown in phantom lines;

[0034] FIG9 shows the Figure 7 A detailed view of the enlarged scale of the arrow IX in the middle;

[0035] FIG10 shows the Figure 7 A detailed view of the enlarged scale indicated by the arrow X; and

[0036] Figure 11 shows the Figure 3 Cross section along the midline XI-XI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] A seat 1, in particular a rocking chair, comprises a frame 2, a seat surface 4 and a backrest 5. In this embodiment, the frame 2 is tubular, and a fabric 3 forming the seat surface 4 and the backrest 5 is tensioned on the frame 2( Figures 1-3 ). The frame 2 has two lower frame members 6L, 6R which extend in the longitudinal direction of the seat and thus extend forwardly from the backrest 5. Each of the lower frame members 6L, 6R has a curved progressive portion which protrudes in the downward direction, which enables the seat 1 to rock. Each of the lower frame members 6L, 6R has a front outer end 7L, 7R and a rear outer end 8L, 8R. A front transverse frame member 9 connects the two lower frame members 6L, 6R at the front outer ends 7L, 7R of the two lower frame members 6L, 6R, and a rear transverse frame member 10 connects the lower frame members 6L, 6R at the rear outer ends 8L, 8R of the lower frame members 6L, 6R.

[0038] The front transverse frame member 9 and the rear transverse frame member 10 extend substantially transversely upward from the lower frame members 6L, 6R and each has a curved progressive portion which protrudes in the upward direction in the illustrated embodiment. Here, the rear transverse frame member 10 protrudes further above the lower frame members 6L, 6R than the front transverse frame member 9, so that the rear transverse frame member 10 can support the upper side of the backrest 5. Here, the rear transverse frame member 10 first has lower segments 11L, 11R on each side which are connected to the lower frame members 6L, 6R and extend substantially parallel to the front transverse frame member 9. An upper segment 12 is then connected to the two lower segments 11L, 11R and the upper segment extends rearwardly and thus in a direction opposite to that of the front transverse frame member 9. The backrest 5 of the seat thus appears to be shifted forward relative to the lower frame members 6L, 6R, thereby preventing a person sitting on the seat 1 from falling backward when he or she leans against the backrest 5.

[0039] Thus, in a side view( Figure 3 ), the frame 2 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section with one leg being longer than the other, while in a front view or a rear view, the transverse frame members 9, 10 both have an inverted U-shape. Additionally, the transition portions between the lower frame members 6L, 6R and the transverse frame members 9, 10 also each have a curved progressive portion, so that the frame 2 as a whole has the shape of a loop which is bent upwardly at the front side and the rear side (Figure 9).

[0040] As described above, the fabric is tensioned on the frame 2 to form the seat surface 4 and the backrest 5. For this purpose, the fabric 3 is provided with folded ends 13, 14 near its front side and rear side, and the upper ends of the front transverse frame member 9 and the rear transverse frame member 10 can be received in the folded ends. Thus, the fabric 3 is tensioned on the frame 2 in the longitudinal direction of the seat 1.

[0041] Furthermore, the fabric 3 is tensioned in the lateral direction of the seat 1 towards the two lower frame members 6L, 6R. For this purpose, the fabric 3 is provided with tensioning members 16L, 16R on each side, which extend to attachment points 18 located at the rear outer ends 8L, 8R of the lower frame members 6L, 6R. These attachment points 18 are in the form of brackets here, which are arranged in the transition between the lower frame members 6L, 6R and the rear lateral frame member 10, and the free outer ends of the tensioning members 16L, 16R are folded around these brackets. Here, the free outer end of the tensioning member 16R is provided with a bracket 22, and the free outer end 23 of the tensioning member 16L is placed through the bracket 22, after which the free outer end 23 is fastened to itself by a fastener 24.

[0042] The fabric 3 is also provided with two tensioning members 15L, 15R, which are connected to each other behind the lateral frame member 10. For this purpose, the tensioning member 15R has a bracket 27, and the free outer end 28 of the tensioning member 15L is placed through the bracket 27, after which the free outer end 28 is likewise fixed to itself using a fastening member 29.

[0043] In this way, when tensioned in the frame 2, the fabric 3 forms a doubly curved surface. As described above, the rocking chair 1 thus formed is suitable for playing video games. Here, regardless of the game and the stage of the game, the player can sit on the seat 1 with his or her feet on each side of the lower frame members 6L, 6R and find a suitable sitting position, upright, leaning forward or backward. The points of contact of the seat 1 with the ground are shifted forward or backward here.

[0044] In this embodiment of the seat 1 according to the invention, both of the lower frame members 6L, 6R are covered on their lower sides with an elastic and / or damping material, such as soft plastic or natural or synthetic rubber. Here, this elastic and / or damping material is arranged on the lower frame members 6L, 6R in the form of a molded part 21, which extends from the front outer ends 7L, 7R to the rear outer ends 8L, 8R of each lower frame member 6L, 6R. In the embodiment shown, the molded part even extends from the front lateral frame member 9 to the rear lateral frame member 10.

[0045] These molded parts 21 can be detachably connected to the lower frame members 6L, 6R so that they can be replaced when worn. For this purpose, each molded part 21 can be provided with a plurality of fastening elements, such as upwardly pointing protrusions 42 (Figure 11), which can be inserted into openings in the lower sides of the corresponding frame members 6L, 6R. In this embodiment, the molded part 21 partially surrounds the corresponding frame member 6L, 6R so that a firm connection is formed. For this purpose, each molded part 21 includes a body 40 here, in which a recess 41 is formed on the upper side, and the cross-section of the recess 41 corresponds to the cross-section of the corresponding frame member 6L, 6R.

[0046] On the other hand, the formed part 21 can be permanently connected to the lower frame parts 6L, 6R, for example by gluing. The glued connection can optionally be combined with a mechanical connection, for example by the above-mentioned projections or by screws that pass through the formed part and are fastened in the openings of the lower frame parts 6L, 6R.

[0047] Each formed part 21 is also provided with profiles on its lower side in order to prevent the seat 1 from shifting during the reciprocating movement. In the illustrated embodiment, the profiles comprise a series of parallel rectangular blocks 25 which are separated from each other by grooves 26.

[0048] In this embodiment, the formed part 21 has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape over its entire length and can therefore be manufactured, for example, by extrusion. Although each formed part 21 is here an integral part that extends over the length of the respective frame parts 6L, 6R, it is also conceivable that each formed part 21 consists of a plurality of segments that are placed one after the other in succession. Front segments and rear segments can be used here, the curvature of the front segments and rear segments being adapted to the curvature of the front end 7 and the rear end 8 of the lower frame part 6, and one or more substantially straight intermediate segments can be placed between the front segments and the rear segments in order to obtain the desired length.

[0049] In another embodiment of the seat 101 according to the invention, the frame 102 is provided not with a pair but with two pairs of attachment points 117, 118, the two pairs of attachment points being arranged near the front outer ends 107L, 107R and the rear outer ends 108L, 108R of the lower frame parts 106L, 106R respectively ( Figure 4 ). In this embodiment, the fabric 103 is provided with two pairs of tension members 115L, 115R and 116L, 116R, the two pairs of tension members being tensioned towards the front attachment point 117 and the rear attachment point 118, and the ends 123, 128 of the two pairs of tension members being folded and fastened, for example with Velcro straps. Thus, in this embodiment, there is no connection between the tension members on the left-hand side and the right-hand side that exerts a tension on the frame in the transverse direction.

[0050] In yet another embodiment of the seat 201 according to the invention ( Figures 5-7 ), as in the first embodiment, the fabric 203 is provided with two tension members 216, which in turn are attached to attachment points 218 near the rear outer ends 208L, 208R of the lower frame parts 206L, 206R. These tension members 216 are not connected to each other, and, as in the second embodiment, their free outer ends 223 are folded and fastened to themselves.

[0051] In order to maintain sufficient tension on the folded ends 213, 214 of the fabric 203, in this embodiment, the front transverse frame member 209 and the rear transverse frame member 210 are strengthened by arranging cross braces therein. In the illustrated embodiment, a cross bar 235 is arranged between the legs of the inverted U-shaped front frame member 209( Figure 8 ). Here, a cross bar 236 is also arranged between the legs of the inverted U-shaped rear frame member 210, and this bar cooperates with a reinforcing profile 237 folded on the upper side of the rear transverse frame member 210. The reinforcing profile 237 also serves as a carrier for a headrest 238 arranged on the upper side of the backrest 205.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the fabric 203 is also provided with pockets 219 for receiving a player's mobile phone on each side, while the fabric 203 has pockets 220 for receiving a control unit of a video game on both the front side 213 and the rear side 214.

[0053] In this embodiment, it can be clearly seen that in each case, the corresponding stop members 230, 231 are formed near the front outer ends 207 and the rear outer ends 208 of the left-hand lower frame member 206L and the right-hand lower frame member 206R. These stop members 230, 231 brake excessive forward or backward rocking movements and prevent the seat 201 from tipping over. For this purpose, each stop member 230, 231 has a variable height when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant frame member 206, whereby the space below the upwardly curved front outer end 207 and rear outer end 208 of the lower frame member 206 appears to be filled.

[0054] Each stop member 230, 231 also has a radius of curvature that is variable in the longitudinal direction of the frame member 206 and gradually decreases from the center of the frame member 206 towards the front outer end 207 and the rear outer end 208 respectively. In this way, a gradually increasing resistance to further deformation and thus to further rocking movements is formed.

[0055] In this embodiment, the stop members 230, 231 are combined with a molded part 221 of elastic and / or damping material, and they are themselves elastically deformable. For this purpose, each stop member 230, 231 is provided with an open section including a plurality of chambers 239.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, each stop member 230, 231 is formed by an elastically flexible strip or lower band 232 which is connected by a plurality of elastically flexible spacers or flakes 233 to a strip or upper band 234 mounted on the lower frame member 206. These spacers or flakes 233 which define a chamber 239 therebetween have different lengths or heights such that the distance between the lower band 232 and the upper band 234 varies in the longitudinal direction of the lower frame member 206. In order to increase the flexibility of the spacers or flakes 233, they are here in a bent or curved shape. Thus, each stop member 230, 231 actually forms a protrusion below the respective curved outer ends 207, 208.

[0057] The presence of the chamber 239 locally weakens the stop members 230, 231, whereby the deformability can be controlled. On the other hand, it is also conceivable that some of the chambers 239 are filled with a material different from the material of the stop members 230, 231 such that when the other material is harder, the chamber 239 forms a less severe weakening or, conversely, a hardening.

[0058] When the seat 201 pivots forward or backward under the influence of the movements of a user (e.g. a player of a video game), the spacers or flakes 233 continuously deform, whereby the movement is braked and damped. The flexible lower band 232 will here deform (shown in dashed lines 230', 231' in FIGS. 9 and 10) where its outermost points in contact with the ground are displaced further and further away in order to prevent an unintentional tipping over of the seat 201.

[0059] Although the invention has been described above based on a plurality of embodiments, it will be apparent that the invention is not limited thereto, but can vary in many ways. Thus, the shaped parts of elastic and / or damping material described above in connection with a particular seat having a closed tubular frame and a fabric tensioned thereon can also be used in combination with a conventional rocking chair having a fixed seat surface and backrest and legs positioned on a curved lower frame member. This also applies to the stop members which can equally be used in a conventional rocking chair. Materials other than those described above can also be applied and different parts can be implemented in different ways. Instead of an upper band and a lower band with flakes disposed therebetween, stop members having open sections can also be implemented in other ways, for example by forming openings in stop members taking a solid shape.

[0060] Thus, the scope of the invention is defined only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A seat, comprising a frame, a seat surface and a backrest, wherein, The frame includes two lower frame parts which extend forward from the backrest and each have a curved progressive part protruding in the downward direction, characterized in that at least one stop member is arranged near the front outer end of each lower frame part and / or near the rear outer end of each lower frame part, wherein the part of at least one stop member protruding to the outside of the lower frame part has an open section, wherein at least one stop member includes a plurality of chambers, wherein at least one stop member includes an upper band connected to the frame part, a plurality of spacers protruding from the upper band and defining chambers therebetween, and a lower band connected to the free ends of the spacers, and wherein at least a part of the spacers is bent or curved.

2. The seat according to claim 1, wherein, At least one stop member is elastically deformable.

3. The seat according to claim 1, wherein, At least one stop member has a variable height when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant frame part.

4. The seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, At least one of the chambers is filled with a material different from the material of at least one stop member.

5. The seat according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, At least one stop member is at least partially made of elastic and / or damping material.

6. The seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower frame parts are each covered on their lower sides with elastic and / or damping material, wherein the elastic and / or damping material includes a formed part connected to the relevant frame part.

7. The seat according to claim 6, wherein, The formed part is detachably connected to the relevant frame part.

8. The seat according to claim 7, wherein, The formed part includes fastening elements that cooperate with the frame part.

9. The seat according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The formed part extends from a position near the front outer end of the relevant frame part to a position near the rear outer end of the relevant frame part.

10. The seat according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The formed part includes a plurality of sections connected to each other in the longitudinal direction of the relevant frame part.

11. The seat according to claim 10, wherein, When viewed in the longitudinal direction of the relevant frame part, the sections include a front section, a rear section, and at least one intermediate section disposed between the front section and the rear section.

12. The seat according to claim 9, wherein, The formed part is integrally formed.

13. The seat according to any one of claims 6 to 8, 11 or 12, wherein, The formed part has a substantially constant cross-section over at least a part of its length.

14. The seat according to any one of claims 6 to 8, 11 or 12, wherein, The formed part at least partially surrounds the relevant frame part in cross-section.

15. The seat according to claim 14, wherein, The formed part has a recess on its upper side for receiving the relevant frame part.

16. The seat according to any one of claims 6 to 8, 11, 12 or 15, wherein, The formed part has a profile on its lower side.

17. The seat according to claim 5, wherein, At least one stop member is at least partially made of rubber.

18. The seat according to claim 5, wherein, At least one stop member is at least partially made of plastic.

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