Seating furniture with signaling function

Abstract

Seating furniture (10; 50) with signaling function, comprising a seat surface (12; 52), characterized by Signaling means (16, 18; 30; 44; 60, 66) for the optical marking of an area (20) around the seating furniture (10; 50) by illuminating the area (20), wherein the signaling means shall include a floor mat to mark the said area (20), and the signaling means (16; 60) are designed to emit an optical and / or acoustic warning signal when a person approaches and / or enters said area (20).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a piece of seating furniture with a signaling function. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] To reduce the transmission of infectious agents from infected individuals over short distances via the air, it is recommended, in addition to wearing a face mask, to maintain a distance of approximately one to two meters from other people. To ensure that such a distance is maintained in places where people regularly have to wait, for example, at checkout areas in retail stores or in front of sales and information counters, it has become common practice to place markings on the floor at intervals of, for example, 1.5 meters. However, such markings only indicate where a waiting person should stand, not what distance passing people should maintain.Furthermore, both applying the markings and, in particular, removing them when they are no longer needed, involves considerable effort, as a special adhesive tape is usually used which cannot be removed without leaving residue.

[0003] Another problem is that, especially during pandemic times, queues often form in places where waiting is not normally necessary, such as in front of shops, because these shops only allow a limited number of people inside. Since greater distances are also maintained at the checkout areas, and, for example, only every other till is staffed, transactions take longer overall. The increased waiting times mean that many people waiting would like to sit down, and shop owners, in order to avoid alienating customers and to make any waiting time as pleasant as possible, would like to offer seating to customers inside and potential customers outside their shops.

[0004] Seating furniture with integrated lighting is already known. For example, CN 207532172 U shows various pieces of seating furniture equipped with sensor-controlled warning lights that illuminate when a person approaches in poorly lit rooms, in order to prevent the person from walking into or tripping over the respective piece of seating furniture.

[0005] US 7,140,073 B1 shows lights that can be designed as seating furniture, e.g. a bench whose seat and backrest consist of light panels.

[0006] WO 2008 / 067978 A1 shows a seat with an integrated reading light for a car or aircraft. REVELATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a piece of seating furniture with which it is possible to visually mark an area around the respective piece of seating furniture in a simple and flexible manner, so that it is easy for a person passing the piece of seating furniture to maintain a distance from a person using the piece of seating furniture, especially during pandemic times, but also during times of a flu epidemic or simply because a greater physical distance is desired for certain reasons.

[0008] The seating furniture should also be versatile, i.e., usable indoors and outdoors, placed in and in front of shops, usable in restaurants and bars (there also as a regular bar stool), usable at information and sales counters, placed at access control points, etc., and easily repositioned if required.

[0009] The problem is solved by a piece of seating furniture with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the invention, a piece of seating furniture with a signaling function comprises at least one seat and signaling means for visually marking an area around the seating furniture. The seating furniture can be designed as a stool, chair, armchair, bar stool, etc., but also as a two-seater armchair, double chair (backrest to backrest), mini-sofa, etc.

[0011] Signaling devices can be advantageously designed in a wide variety of ways, thus optimally adapted to the respective location and purpose, to visually mark an area around the seating. Depending on the location, this area could, for example, be a essentially circular area on the floor surrounding the seating. If the seating is not freestanding in the room, but rather against a wall or in a corner, the area could be in front of and beside the seating. It could also be a space visually separated from its surroundings by light beams, such as a curtain of light; in other words, the area does not have to be a two-dimensional zone on the floor.

[0012] The signaling devices can include a number of LEDs arranged to illuminate the area in question. Such LEDs can be retrofitted to existing seating furniture at a favorable and cost-effective rate, for example, by positioning them beneath the seat. However, the signaling devices can also include other light sources, such as fluorescent tubes or lasers.

[0013] To visually mark the area in question by illumination, a lens with an essentially triangular cross-section can be used. Such lenses can be quickly and cost-effectively custom-made using 3D printing, i.e., adapted to a specific piece of seating furniture, and are ideally suited for redirecting light, for example, from LEDs positioned beneath a seat, so that the area in question is marked as a bright and / or colored area on the floor around the seating furniture. For this purpose, the lens can be provided with one or more recesses or indentations to accommodate one or more LEDs and partially surround them in such a way that the light emitted during operation enters the lens as much as possible and is redirected there in the desired manner. The side(s) of the lens facing the seating furniture can be mirrored, if necessary.to redirect light components emitted towards the seating furniture so that they also contribute to illuminating the area.

[0014] It is also possible to use lenses specifically tailored to the respective seating and LEDs, particularly lenses operating on the principle of total internal reflection, which partially surround the LEDs and make virtually all of the light emitted by them usable. The exact shape of such lenses can be calculated using specialized software based on the customer's specifications.

[0015] Instead of lenses with and without mirroring, mirrors can also be used to deflect the light produced by one or more light sources for the purpose of illuminating the area in question.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, means are provided for generating alphanumeric or other symbols in order to project a message into the aforementioned area during operation. Such symbols can, for example, be engraved into a lens, e.g., by laser. Alternatively, appropriate apertures can be used. The messages can be, for example, text messages such as "Please keep your distance," company names, logos, and the like, or combinations thereof.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, the signaling means include a laser to optically delineate the area in question. The laser can not only mark an area on the floor, but also create a curtain of light around the seating. A laser designed for rapid deflection of the laser beam to generate alphanumeric and / or other symbols is particularly advantageous. This allows for the projection of changing messages, such as "Please keep your distance" followed by "Thank you. Your company XY".

[0018] The signaling devices include a floor mat for marking the area in question. This allows the area to be marked even independently of a power supply, such as one required for a light source. In an advantageous further development, lighting devices can be integrated into the floor mat to visually highlight the boundaries of the area and / or display a message.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one sensor is provided to detect whether persons are approaching and / or entering the area in question. Using one or more such sensors, it is then possible to issue an acoustic and / or visual warning signal, for example, by briefly illuminating the ground, at the latest when persons enter the area. It can also be provided that an initial warning signal, such as a spoken message, is generated as soon as a certain proximity threshold is reached when approaching the area. Accordingly, the signaling means can then include at least one visual and / or acoustic warning device to issue a visual and / or acoustic warning signal when persons approach and / or enter the area in question.

[0020] The warning device can consist of the lighting elements intended to illuminate the area in question, for example, color-changing LEDs that normally illuminate the area in blue and change to red when a person enters. It is also possible to illuminate the area in yellow or orange, for example, once a certain proximity threshold is reached. The change in brightness and / or color is particularly important because this change attracts attention. Alternatively or additionally, the lighting elements can be controlled to flash and / or shine brighter when someone approaches or enters the area.

[0021] The signaling devices can generally be designed to have a dual function, serving to mark the area around the seating furniture and, for example, to give a warning by flashing or changing color.

[0022] Furthermore, it is possible to emit an acoustic warning signal when approaching / entering the area, e.g. a sound that most people find rather funny, such as "Toot", or a clearing of the throat like "Ahem" and / or a friendly spoken warning "Please keep your distance", in order to draw people's attention to the required distance in a pleasant, de-escalating way without frightening them.

[0023] At least one sensor can be a distance sensor operating with electromagnetic waves. At least one sensor can also be a pressure-sensitive sensor integrated into a floor mat positioned in the area in question. In particular, several complementary sensors can also be provided.

[0024] The signaling means can be at least partially integrated into a column supporting the seat, one or more legs supporting the seat, or a corresponding foot; i.e., devices for generating light effects to mark the area can be positioned there, while control devices or any necessary power supply are located elsewhere.

[0025] At least part of the signaling device can also be arranged on a support structure, e.g. a backrest extension or a support bar, so that when in use it is positioned above a person sitting on the seat.

[0026] The seating furniture may have a rechargeable battery, preferably chargeable by induction, to supply energy to the signaling devices and any sensors that may be present, if the signaling devices and / or the sensors operate electrically.

[0027] Advantageously, the seating can be equipped with a sensor to detect its use. This allows the signaling devices, if they can be switched on and off, to be activated only when needed. This frees up more space for people who simply want to pass by when the seating is not in use.

[0028] Advantageously, the seating furniture features a control unit, preferably remotely controlled, for managing the functions of the signaling devices and / or any sensors. This allows for centralized activation of the signaling devices, for example from a security control center, when needed, such as when queues form at the checkout, and centralized deactivation when the store closes.

[0029] Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following purely exemplary and non-limiting description of embodiments in conjunction with the drawing comprising ten figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a piece of seating furniture with an area around the seating furniture marked by signaling means according to the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic side section detail of the seating furniture. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a piece of seating furniture with a support device for attaching at least one part of the signaling means according to the invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a seating furniture according to the invention in a schematic perspective view. Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of a piece of seating furniture placed against a wall. Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of a further embodiment of a piece of seating furniture with a support device for attaching at least one part of the signaling means according to the invention. Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic side section detail of a piece of seating furniture similar to Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic side section detail of another piece of seating furniture similar to Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic side view of another embodiment of a piece of seating furniture. Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematic side section detail of another piece of seating furniture similar to Fig. 7. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0030] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a highly schematic first embodiment of a stool-like seating furniture, designated in its entirety by 10, with a seat 12 and a base 14, namely in Fig. 1 in overall perspective view and in Fig. 2 in the schematic side section through a vertical central plane of the seating furniture, showing only a section, namely in the transition area of ​​seat surface 12 and foot 14, which, in order not to overload the drawing, have not been hatched.

[0031] Beneath the seat 12 is a ring of, for example, twelve LEDs 16, which together with a ring-shaped, essentially triangular lens 18 forming a signaling means for marking an area 20 around the seat. Fig. Figure 2 shows lens 18 in a cutaway view, although hatching of the lens has been omitted here as well.

[0032] The in Fig. In this embodiment, the lens 18 shown is laser-engraved to project messages 22 and 24—here in the form of the text message "Please keep your distance" and two company logos—into the marked area. The side of the lens 18 facing the base 14 can be mirrored to utilize portions of the light emitted by the LEDs during operation, directed towards the base 14, for illuminating the area 20. Alternatively, the base 14 itself can, of course, be mirrored, at least in the area of ​​the lens. The area of ​​the base 14 between the lens and the seat 12, as well as the area of ​​the seat 12 surrounding the LEDs 16, can also be mirrored.

[0033] Fig. Figure 3 shows a seat 10' with a support device 28 in the form of an extension of the backrest 26 for attaching at least part of the signaling means 30 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the latter are advantageously designed to generate a light curtain 32, i.e., not only is a marked area 20 visible on the floor 34, but the space around the seat is also visually marked, so that even inattentive persons who are absentmindedly walking around and not paying attention to the floor should become aware of the marked area at an early stage when approaching it.

[0034] The support structure 28 is also ideally suited for the installation of optionally provided distance sensors, which can detect approach to and entry into area 20, so that one or more (different) visual and / or acoustic warning signals can be issued. For example, area 20 can be illuminated more brightly or in a different color, and / or acoustic signals or messages of the type mentioned above can be issued, for which a loudspeaker can be provided on the support structure or, for example, below the seating furniture 10'.

[0035] Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a seating element according to the invention, here in the form of a substantially cylindrical stool 10", one end face of which forms a seat 12", which may be provided with upholstery (not shown), while the cylinder's outer surface forms a support leg 14". A number of lenses 18" are integrated into the cylinder's outer surface, behind which light sources, e.g., in the form of LEDs, are arranged. Such a stool can be designed to be particularly robust and resistant to damage, since the LEDs or other suitable light sources, as well as all control electronics and the power supply, can be integrated into the stool. The stool can easily be made weatherproof and provided with anchoring points on its base, making it ideally suited for outdoor use.

[0036] Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of a piece of seating furniture placed against a wall 36, of which only the seat 12' is visible. The area 20' marked by the signaling devices is not round, but rectangular, which can be achieved in various ways. For example, similar to the example of Fig. 3. The signaling means are arranged above the seating furniture and aligned so that they illuminate only the area 20'. Alternatively, flat mirrors can be arranged under the seat surface 12', by means of which the substantially angular illumination shown can be achieved. It is clear to those skilled in the art that the boundaries of areas 20, 20' shown in the schematic figures will not be sharp-edged in reality, which is due to the nature of the light used, e.g., diffraction, i.e., the ability to overcome geometric shadow boundaries. Sharply defined boundaries can be achieved with highly focused lenses or lasers; however, for the effectiveness of the invention, it is not essential to define areas with absolute precision.

[0037] Fig. Figure 6 shows a seating element, designated in its entirety by 10''', with a further support structure 28' for attaching at least part of the signaling means according to the invention. The support structure 28' is designed in the manner of a parasol frame and comprises a number of spokes 38, between which fabric or film may, but need not, be stretched. However, a covering can advantageously enhance the signaling effect.

[0038] At the ends of the spokes 38, downward-facing, focused light sources 30' are arranged to visually mark an area around the seating unit 10'''. The seating unit 10''' is a double seat, meaning it has two seating surfaces 12''', allowing two people to sit on it simultaneously.

[0039] Threads, thin chains, or similar items can also be arranged at the ends of the spokes (38). When the spokes are extended, these hang vertically downwards under the influence of gravity, thus physically marking the area around the seating furniture. The threads, chains, etc., do not need to reach the ground. It is advantageous if they are visually striking, for example, in a signal color. Small bells can also be attached to them to produce an audible signal when someone enters the area.

[0040] In the Fig. 7 is a detail of a piece of seating furniture similar to the one in Fig. Figure 2 shows a detailed section, although the seat 12 and the base 14 are not hatched, even though they are actually cut away here. The base 14 will generally not be solid but hollow, which applies to all embodiments shown here. However, since the design of the base is irrelevant to the fundamental understanding of the invention, a highly schematic representation has been chosen.

[0041] As in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2. The signaling means again detect a ring of, for example, twelve LEDs 16, which here, however, are not arranged on the seat 12, but directly on the base 14. In order to redirect the light emitted by these LEDs during operation in the desired manner so that it illuminates an area around the seat, mirrors 40 are provided in this embodiment. These mirrors can be arranged on a circumferential support wedge 42 or on individual wedges below the seat 12 in such a way that they redirect a portion of the light emitted by the LEDs 16 during operation to illuminate the aforementioned area.

[0042] In the Fig. 8 is also a variant of the embodiment of Fig. 2 shown, again in a schematic side view. In contrast to Fig. In this diagram, each LED 16 is assigned a specially shaped lens 44 operating on the principle of total internal reflection, with each lens 44 partially surrounding one LED 16 and making virtually all the light emitted by the LED 16 during operation available for illuminating the area to be marked. For this purpose, the light is guided through the lens to a light-emitting surface 46 of the lens, which in practice does not have to be flat as shown, but can be designed so that the light contributes to illuminating the area to be marked in the desired way.

[0043] In the Fig. Figure 9 shows a seating device according to the invention, designated in its entirety by reference numeral 50, in the form of a height-adjustable stool, in which a seat 52 is connected to a foot 58 via a telescopic leg consisting here of two parts 54 and 56. A number of LEDs 60 are arranged below the seat 52, the light from which is deflected by a mirrored surface 62 to illuminate an area around the seating device to be marked. The mirrored surface 62 can consist of a number of individual, preferably tiltable, mirrors corresponding to the number of LEDs 60, in order to keep the area marked by the LEDs 60 at a constant size when the seat height changes, i.e., when the parts 54 and 56 of the leg are extended or retracted, or to adjust the size of the marked area when the seat height is constant. The tilt adjustment can be motorized, which, for example, makes it possible to automatically compensate for changes in seat height.

[0044] In the Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic side section showing a detail of another piece of seating furniture similar to the one in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a configuration in which a number of LEDs 16 are arranged circumferentially on a base 14. In this embodiment, the light emitted by the LEDs 16 during operation is deflected by a lens 66 with a triangular cross-section. The lens is mirrored on its side facing the seat 12 and its side facing the base 14, but is provided with recesses for individual LEDs on its side facing the base 14. This ensures that, during operation, virtually all of the light emitted by the LEDs 16 is captured by the lens and used to illuminate the area to be marked via the non-mirrored light-emitting surface 68.

[0045] Within the scope of the invention, numerous modifications and further developments are possible, relating, for example, to the type and design of the seating furniture. For instance, instead of the illustrated embodiments, the seating furniture could also be a bar stool or a bench. Instead of the LEDs and lasers shown, any other suitable light source, such as fluorescent tubes, can be used to illuminate the area to be marked. Instead of marking the area by illumination as shown, the area can also be marked acoustically, either in combination with an optical marking by a floor mat and / or in combination with the aforementioned hanging threads / thin chains, etc., or purely acoustically, preferably in combination with a distance sensor, so that when a person approaches or enters the area, one of the aforementioned acoustic signals can be emitted.A pressure switch, pressure-sensitive plate, or light barrier can also serve as a distance sensor, triggering an acoustic and / or visual warning signal when a person approaches or enters the area. Generally, it can be provided that when a person approaches the area, a first warning signal, e.g., "Please keep your distance," is generated, and if the person approaches further or even enters the area, a second, stronger warning signal, e.g., "Please keep your distance!", is generated, possibly together with a visual signal, e.g., a red light illuminating the area. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 pieces of seating furniture 12 Seating area 14 feet 16 LED 18 lens Area 20 22 Message 24 Message 26 Backrest 28 Support device 30 signaling devices 32 Light curtain 34 Floor 36 Wall 38 spokes 40 mirrors 42 Support wedge 44 lens 46 Light emission area 50 pieces of seating furniture 52 Seating area 54 Part of a telescopic leg 56 Part of a telescopic leg 58 feet 60 LED 62 mirrored surfaces 66 lens 68 Light emission area

Claims

[1] Seating furniture (10; 50) with signaling function, comprising a seat (12; 52), characterized by Signaling means (16, 18; 30; 44; 60, 66) for the optical marking of an area (20) around the seating furniture (10; 50) by illuminating the area (20), wherein the signaling means shall include a floor mat for marking said area (20), and the signaling means (16; 60) are designed to emit an optical and / or acoustic warning signal when a person approaches and / or enters said area (20). [2] Seating furniture (10; 50) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the signaling means comprise a fluorescent tube and / or at least one laser and / or a number of LEDs (16; 60) arranged to illuminate said area (20). [3] Seating furniture (10; 50) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the signaling means for illuminating the said area comprise a lens (18; 66) with a cross-section that is essentially triangular and / or at least a lens (44) operating on the principle of total internal reflection. [4] Seating furniture (10; 50) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the signaling means include means for projecting alphanumeric characters (22, 24) into the said area (20). [5] Seating furniture (10; 50) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that to detect whether persons approach and / or enter the said area (20), at least one sensor, in particular a distance sensor operating with electromagnetic waves and / or a pressure-sensitive sensor, is provided. [6] Seating furniture (10'') according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the signaling means (18'') are at least partially integrated into a leg, column, foot (14'') or the like supporting the seat (12''). [7] Seating furniture (10'; 10''') according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that a support device (28; 28') is provided to attach at least part of the signaling means (30; 30') in such a way that, when in use, it is positioned above a person sitting on the seating furniture (10'; 10'''). [8] Seating furniture (10; 50) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that a sensor is provided to detect the use of the seating furniture (10; 50). [9] Seating furniture (10; 50) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the signaling means comprise at least one preferably tiltable mirror (40; 62) for deflecting the light produced by one or more light sources (16) to illuminate said area (20).

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