FOLDING CHAIR

The folding chair design addresses stability and ergonomic issues by using a carrier frame with crossing frame carriers to enable ergonomic seating and improved stability, while maintaining a visually appealing form.

DE102021211243B4Active Publication Date: 2025-05-22SEDUS STOLL
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102021211243
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-10-06
Publication Date
2025-05-22
Estimated Expiration
2041-10-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing folding chairs are not very stable and lack ergonomic seating comfort due to the need for seat and backrest elements to match the shape of the support frame, limiting their design flexibility and stability.

Method used

A folding chair design featuring a carrier frame with crossing frame carriers that allow the seat and backrest elements to be pivoted into a common plane, enabling the use of ergonomically shaped elements and improving stability.

Benefits of technology

The design allows for the use of ergonomically shaped seat and backrest elements, enhances stability, and provides a visually appealing configuration that does not resemble a traditional folding chair.

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Abstract

Folding chair (1) with a seating element (2), with a backrest element (3), with a support frame (4) comprising a first frame support (5) and a second frame support (6), wherein a respective first end section (7) of the first frame support (5) and of the second frame support (6) is connected to the seat element (2), and a respective second end section (8) of the first frame support (5) and of the second frame support (6) is connected to the backrest element (3), wherein the frame supports (5, 6) cross in a section (9) between the respective first and second end sections (7, 8), wherein a second end section (8) on the backrest element (3) and a first end section (7) on the seat element (2) are designed as detachable end sections (7a, 8a), so that in a stowed position (10) the backrest element (3) and the seat element (2) can be pivoted into a common plane (E), and the first and second frame supports (5, 6) can be displaced into this same plane (E), the plane (E) forming a folding plane of the support frame (4).
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Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding chair. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a backrest element and / or a seat element for a folding chair. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Folding chairs are equipped with various folding mechanisms. To save space, they can be folded or folded from a useable position to a storage position. Folding or collapsible chairs consist of a seat element, a backrest element, and a support frame. The support frame forms the chair legs and can consist of several frame supports that can be moved relative to one another. However, such folding chairs are usually unstable and offer inadequate seating comfort.

[0003] A folding chair with a comparatively stable support frame is described in WO 2018 / 006890 A1. It comprises a rigid seat element and a rigid backrest element. The seat and backrest elements are held in a frame that serves as the support frame. In a folded state, i.e., in the stowed position, the seat element and the backrest element can be folded within the frame.

[0004] A disadvantage of such folding chairs is that the shape of the seat and backrest elements must be adapted to the shape of the support frame to enable a folded position. Ergonomically designed seat and backrest elements cannot therefore be used. Furthermore, the shape of the support frame is severely limited by the interaction with the seat and backrest elements.

[0005] Folding chairs are also known in which the seat and backrest elements are made of flexible or slack material, respectively. When folded, the support frame is pushed together parallel to the chair's orientation. Such folding chairs are also known, for example, as director's chairs.

[0006] The disadvantage of such designs is that the seat and backrest elements are less stable. Furthermore, the use of shell-shaped seat elements or shell-shaped backrest elements is not possible.

[0007] Furthermore, US 2003 / 0 151 276 A1 discloses a folding chair with a seat element, a backrest element, and a two-part support frame. One of the frame supports is connected to the backrest element and the seat element, while the other frame support is connected only to the seat element.

[0008] From DE 10 2013 017 898 A1 a method for producing a fiber-reinforced plastic component is known. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing an improved folding chair.

[0010] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a folding chair having the features of patent claim 1 and by a method having the features of patent claim 15.

[0011] Accordingly, it is provided: A folding chair with a seat element, with a backrest element, with a support frame, comprising a first frame support and a second frame support, wherein a respective first end portion of the first frame support and the second frame support is connected to the seat element, and a respective second end portion of the first frame support and the second frame support is connected to the backrest element, wherein the frame supports cross in a section between the respective first and second end sections, wherein a second end section is attached to the backrest element and a first end section on the seat element is detachable, so that in a stowed position the backrest element and the seat element can be pivoted into a common plane, and the first and second frame supports can be displaced into this same plane, wherein the plane forms a folding plane of the support frame.

[0012] A method for producing a backrest element and / or a seat element for a folding chair, comprising a seat element, a backrest element and a support frame, wherein the backrest element and / or the seat element are produced from a molded nonwoven material by means of a pressing tool and a formwork mold, wherein locking means for detachably and non-detachably receiving the support frame are molded in one piece.

[0013] The idea underlying the present invention is to create a stable folding chair that allows for the use of ergonomically shaped seat and backrest elements. At the same time, this should create a visual design that would not suggest a folding chair.

[0014] The finding underlying the present invention is that by moving or tilting the seat and backrest elements independently of the support frame, an independent shape of the seat and backrest elements can be achieved.

[0015] In addition, such a folding chair allows for a visually appealing design of the connecting elements between the seat or backrest element and the support frame, since the use of a molded fleece for the formation of the seat and backrest element in particular enables a simultaneous or one-piece formation of joints or brackets.

[0016] Furthermore, this advantageously makes it possible to arrange the section where the frame supports intersect at the height of a surface on which the folding chair can be placed. Consequently, the frame supports intersect, in particular, at floor level.

[0017] The folding plane is advantageously aligned parallel to the orientation of the folding chair. This means that the left and right sides of the folding chair are moved toward each other to move from the use position to the storage position. Since one frame support is advantageously detached from the seat element and one frame support is detached from the backrest element beforehand, the seat and backrest elements can be pivoted independently of the position of the support frame. This means that the shape of the seat and backrest elements is independent of the shape of the support frame.

[0018] The seat element and the backrest element can therefore have any shape. This applies, on the one hand, to a contour shape, particularly for design purposes, and, on the other hand, to an ergonomically designed, particularly curved, surface.

[0019] An end section is, in particular, a section of the frame support located at the edge. The end section can be a rod-shaped section that is detachably or permanently connected to the seat element or backrest element. Advantageously, the end section is therefore an at least two-dimensional, linear section that enables stable linear mounting of the seat or backrest element on the frame support. The end section is preferably part of the frame support and formed integrally with the frame support.

[0020] A common plane is preferably understood to be a plane that is parallel to the orientation of the folding chair and perpendicular to the seat surface of the folding chair. The folding chair can therefore be folded or pushed together, particularly with respect to the folding plane of the support frame, like a previously described director's chair. However, according to the invention, the frame supports intersecting each other allow the seat and backrest elements to be made of a rigid material, which provides increased seating comfort compared to a director's chair.

[0021] The support frame is folded in such a way that the two frame supports are rotated relative to each other about a rotation axis. The rotation axis is particularly vertically aligned and preferably lies in the section between the end sections of each frame support. This allows a visually appealing shape to be achieved.

[0022] Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, the two detachable end sections can be arranged on different frame supports. This ensures, in particular, that the backrest element and the seat element are arranged in the same plane in the stowed position. This allows the backrest element and the seat element to be permanently attached to an edge or side area of ​​the folding chair, since the two frame supports cross or overlap in the section between the end sections.

[0024] According to a further development, the frame supports can contact each other in an overlapping manner in the section. In this way, both frame supports can be arranged as close as possible to a support surface, i.e., close to the ground. This can ensure a secure standing surface for the folding chair. In particular, at least one frame support, in particular both frame supports, are angled in the section. This means, in particular, that the frame supports each have a bend in the overlapping section.

[0025] According to one embodiment, a connecting element can be arranged in the section, which enables a pivoting movement of the frame supports relative to one another. During a pivoting movement, the frame supports move, in particular, about a pivot axis or axis of rotation that runs through the connecting element. In this way, secure guidance of the frame supports relative to one another can be enabled. A bolt or a pin element can be used as the connecting element, which projects through or into both frame supports, thus forming a type of articulated connection. In another embodiment, the connecting element can be produced by a 3D printing process, in particular selective laser sintering, or by an injection molding process.In such an embodiment, the connecting element can have further components which ensure targeted guidance, in particular a pivoting movement up to a desired angular range and / or a locking in a stowed position and / or in a use position.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, a connecting element can be arranged in the section, which enables the frame supports to be locked in at least the stowed position and / or in a use position. This allows the folding chair to be fixed in the use position and in the stowed position. The connecting element can, for example, be designed as a type of clamp element with at least one elastic tab, which fixes the two frame supports in a stowed position and / or use position. In particular, the frame supports in such an embodiment are each designed with a straight partial section, wherein the two partial sections run parallel to one another in the section in which the connecting element is arranged.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting element can be designed as a swivel joint. The swivel joint can, in particular, be designed in at least two parts, with one part being immovably and permanently connected to a respective frame support. The frame supports can intersect in the region of the swivel joint without a parallel section as described with respect to the clamp element.

[0028] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, an elastic element can enable the frame supports to be locked in at least the stowed position and / or in the use position. The elastic element can be a rubber element that allows a certain travel distance and is designed to be resettable. In a further embodiment, no elastic element is necessary. This can be achieved by the connecting element being designed as a single piece and having recesses on a surface oriented towards a frame support, into which recesses the frame support can engage. The positions of the frame supports in the stowed position and in the use position can therefore be predetermined by the positions of the recesses. Additional locking by an elastic element is therefore not necessary.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the backrest element and / or the seat element can be made from a molded nonwoven. A molded nonwoven is a heated and pressed nonwoven structure, which is produced in particular by needling. In particular, molded parts of raw products can be processed into the finished product. This also allows the connecting means or connecting elements between the seat element or the backrest element and the support frame to be formed integrally with the seat element or the backrest element. For example, a type of clip element can be formed integrally with the seat element or the backrest element in the area of ​​the detachable end sections. Likewise, a joint can be formed that enables a detachable connection in the area of ​​the detachable end sections.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the seat element and / or the backrest element can be made of a different material. Felt, in particular, can be used. Polyester fibers are also conceivable, from which the molded nonwoven fabric can also be made.

[0031] According to a further development, a second end section on the backrest element and a first end section on the seat element can form a rotation axis as non-detachable end sections to enable a rotational movement of the seat element and / or the backrest element. This rotation axis can be formed by forming a receptacle for the end section in the seat element or the backrest element.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the axis of rotation can be formed by a rotary joint which is formed by embedding the non-detachable end section in the seat element and / or the backrest element. In particular, the seat element or the backrest element is not immovably connected to the end section, so that a rotational movement of the seat element or the backrest element is enabled in the rotary joint, i.e. in the embedding. In order to enable only a rotational movement, but not a longitudinal movement, a fixing means can be arranged on the end section which connects to the seat element or the backrest element. The fixing means can be designed as a pin element. For example, a cylindrical pin can be non-detachably connected to the tubular element which forms the end section. Corresponding to the position of the pin element, a cutout, in particular an elongated recess, can be provided in the seat element orThe backrest element can be arranged in a recess into which the pin element engages. The elongated recess preferably extends in the circumferential direction of the end section, allowing rotational movement of the end section while preventing longitudinal displacement. Longitudinal movement can be understood as displacement along the end section. Accordingly, slipping of the seat element on the support frame is prevented.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the detachable end sections can be detachably connected to at least one locking means on the seat element and / or the backrest element. The locking means can be designed as a clip element or additionally comprise such a clip element, which is in particular integrally connected to the seat element or the backrest element.

[0034] The locking means can be integrally connected to the seat element and the backrest element. In particular, it can be formed from the seat element or the backrest element. For this purpose, a portion of the locking means can have an insertion bevel or run-in bevel to enable the insertion of the end section. Preferably, the locking means has an open side at the insertion bevel, into which the end section can be inserted.

[0035] The locking means can preferably connect to the detachable end sections by means of a positive fit. For this purpose, the locking means, particularly if it is designed as a clip element, can have at least one bulge that serves to lock the end section in the clip element. The bulge is preferably arranged on an inner surface of the locking means, which can be detachably connected to the end section. The bulge can be designed, for example, as a nipple or projection, behind which the end section can be clamped and thus held in the locking means. The locking means itself can be permanently connected to the seat element or the backrest element during the manufacturing process. The locking means can be inseparably connected, in particular positively, to the seat element or the backrest element, for example, by a pressing process.Preferably, the locking means has at least one rough surface so that a permanent connection can be reliably established.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the locking means can have a structure on an outer surface that is intended to be permanently connected to the seat element or the backrest element, with which the contact surface between the locking means and the seat element or backrest element can be enlarged. The structure can have individual, spaced-apart projections. In particular, the projections can be designed as knobs or claws.

[0037] The clip element is preferably small in relation to the length of the end section. In particular, the clip element contacts the end section in a cuff-like manner over a portion of the length of the end section. Preferably, the clip element is not visible when the end section is connected to it.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment, the frame supports can each be designed as connected and / or inherently rigid rod-shaped elements which have sections that are angled towards one another and are arranged essentially in one plane. This allows the frame support to have different designs between the end sections. In particular, the frame support can be flexibly shaped, since the shape of the frame support does not serve to accommodate the seat element or the backrest element in the folded state. In one embodiment, the two frame supports can each be essentially U-shaped. Preferably, the sections of the frame support lie essentially in one plane, so that in the stowed position a flat arrangement of all elements, i.e. the seat element, the backrest element and the two frame supports in one plane, is possible. This allows the folding chair to be stored in a space-saving manner.The first end portion may be arranged at an angle from the plane to enable secure and stable mounting of the first end portion to the seat element.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment, the frame supports can be formed from tubular elements, in particular from welded steel tubes. This can be a steel tubular element, which in particular has an outer diameter of 15 to 25 mm, in particular 20 to 23 mm, preferably 22 mm. The wall thickness can be 1.5 mm to 4 mm, in particular 2 mm to 3 mm, preferably 2.5 mm. Individual straight sections of the frame support can be connected via elements with bending radii, thus creating a visually appealing design.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment, a drawer furnace, at least one hydraulic press and / or a water jet cutting system can be used in connection with the method according to the invention. TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

[0041] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. In the drawings: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a folding chair; Fig. 2 an embodiment of a support frame; Fig. 3 another view of the support frame from Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a first step in folding the folding chair; Fig. 5 another step in folding the folding chair; Fig. 6 the folding chair in a stowed position; Fig. 7 detailed views of the section between the end sections; Fig. 8 a molded nonwoven material; Fig. 9 an embodiment of a backrest element; Fig. 10 an embodiment of a seat element; Fig. 11 an embodiment of a connecting element; Fig. 12 the embodiment from Fig. 11 in a stowed position; Fig. 13 a sectional view of the connecting element from Fig. 11; Fig. 14 a support frame for a connecting element according to Fig. 11; Fig. 15 another representation of the support frame from Fig. 14; Fig. 16 an embodiment of a further connecting element; Fig. 17 an embodiment of a further connecting element; Fig. 18 a support frame for a connecting element according to Fig. 16; Fig. 19 an embodiment of a further connecting element; Fig. 20 a formwork mould for producing a seat element or a backrest element; Fig. 21 two embodiments of a locking means; Fig. 22 a locking means with a locked end section; Fig. 23 shows a further embodiment of a seat element; Fig. 24 a pin element for fixing the seat element.

[0042] The accompanying drawing figures are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the noted advantages will be apparent upon reference to the drawings. Elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale relative to one another.

[0043] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and acting elements, features and components are provided with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise stated. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a folding chair 1. The folding chair 1 has a seat element 2, a backrest element 3, and a support frame 4. The support frame 4 comprises a first frame support 5 and a second frame support 6, which intersect in a section 9 between the seat element 2 and the backrest element 3. In the area where the frame supports 5, 6 intersect or overlap, both frame supports 5, 6 are angled. The upper frame support 6 has a greater bend in the overlap area than the lower frame support 5. This allows the folding chair 1 to be placed on a floor with a uniform contact surface.

[0045] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a support frame 4. The support frame 4 has two frame supports 5, 6, each of which can be designed as shown. In particular, the frame supports 5, 6 are designed with a substantially identical and mirrored geometry. Each frame support can, for example, be formed from a tubular frame consisting of at least one tubular element 21. The individual sections 20 are preferably angled relative to one another. The frame support 5, 6 can, for example, be formed by a forming process or from individual tubular elements 21 welded together. The tubular elements 21 preferably have an outer diameter of 22 mm with a wall thickness of 2.5 mm. The bending radii can, for example, be 51 mm. Other dimensions are also conceivable.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows another view of the support frame 4 from Fig. 2. The sections 20 are, in particular, U-shaped and lie in a plane. The section 20', which serves as a support surface or contact surface for the seat element 2 and is therefore designed as an end section 7, can protrude from the plane relative to the remaining sections 20 of the frame support 5, 6. The angle at which the section 20' protrudes from the plane can, in particular, be between 5° and 10°, preferably between 6° and 8°, preferably 7°.

[0047] Fig. Figure 4 shows a first step in folding the folding chair 1. A first end section 7 of the first frame support 5 and of the second frame support 6 is connected to the seat element 2, and a second end section 8 of the first frame support 5 and of the second frame support 6 is connected to the backrest element 3. A second end section 8 on the backrest element 3 and a first end section 7 on the seat element 2 are designed as detachable end sections 7a, 8a, so that in a stowed position 10, the backrest element 3 and the seat element 2 can be pivoted into a common plane E. The first and second frame supports 5, 6 can be displaced into this same plane E, shown in Fig. 6. In a first step, the backrest element 3 is pivoted about the non-detachable end section 8b. For this purpose, for example, the locking means 19 connecting the detachable end section 8a to the backrest element 3 are released.

[0048] Fig. Figure 5 shows a further step in folding the folding chair 1. In a second step, the seat element 2 is pivoted about the non-detachable end section 7b. For this purpose, the locking means 19 (not visible) connecting the detachable end section 7a to the seat element 2 are released. In this illustration, the seat element 2 and the backrest element 3 are already located in a common plane E.

[0049] Fig. 6 shows the folding chair 1 in a stowed position 10. To achieve this, the two frame supports 5, 6 are moved toward each other in the direction of the arrow. In doing so, the two frame supports 5, 6 rotate around the section 9 located between the end sections 7, 8. The overlapping area located in the section 9 can, in particular, be designed as a connecting element.

[0050] Fig. Figure 7 shows detailed views of the section between the end sections 7, 8. In this embodiment, no connecting element is arranged in section 9. The frame support 5 has a larger bending radius than the frame support 6. In particular, the two frame supports 5, 6 overlap at the respective bending point, which is arranged between two mutually developed sections 20.

[0051] Fig. Figure 8 shows a molded nonwoven material 17. The three illustrations show different degrees of cross-linking with which a molded nonwoven can be produced. The nonwoven is heated, pressed, and then needled. Heating occurs primarily to 180°C, so that the bicomponent fibers melt. This portion can then bond with the adjacent fibers to form a solid fiber material. When pressed in a formwork mold, a stable and visually and tactilely appealing molded nonwoven can be produced.

[0052] Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a backrest element 3. On the left side of the illustration, a receiving element for non-detachable connection to the non-detachable end section 8b is shown. This forms a rotation axis 18 about which the backrest element 3 can be rotated around the non-detachable end section 8b or the frame support 5, 6. On the right side of the illustration, locking means 19 are shown, which detachably connect the detachable end section 8a to the backrest element 3. The locking means 19 can be designed, for example, as a clip element or as a tab.

[0053] Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of a seat element 2. In contrast to the backrest element 3 according to Fig. 9, the detachable end section and the non-detachable end section are arranged on the other side of the seat element 2. Consequently, on the left side of the illustration in Fig. 10, a locking means 19 for receiving the detachable end section 7a is arranged. On the right side of the illustration, however, a receiving element for receiving the non-detachable end section 7b is arranged, which is designed as a rotation axis 18. The non-detachable connecting means can be formed integrally with the seat element 2 or the backrest element 3 from a molded nonwoven material.

[0054] Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of a connecting element 11. The connecting element 11 is designed as a type of clamp element and is arranged fixedly or co-rotating with the first frame support 5. The second frame support 6 can be held by tabs either parallel to the first frame support 5 or according to Fig. 12 will be released.

[0055] Fig. 12 shows the embodiment of Fig. 11 in a stowed position 10. Since the frame supports 5, 6 for such a connecting element 11 are preferably according to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 are formed, the representation in Fig. 12 shows the stowage position.

[0056] Fig. 13 shows a sectional view of the connecting element 11 from Fig. 11. A bore 15 is formed through both frame supports 5, 6, through which a pin connection 14 protrudes at least partially. This creates a pivot 13 about which the two frame supports 5, 6 can rotate relative to one another. The pin connection 14 only partially protrudes into the second frame support, so that pivoting about the pivot 13 results in the connecting element 11 being lifted. This releases the frame support 6, allowing the folding chair 1 to be moved into the stowed position 10. The clamp element is therefore preferably formed at least partially from a partially elastic or elastic material.

[0057] Fig. 14 shows a support frame for a connecting element 11 according to Fig. 11. In the section 9, in which the connecting element 11 is arranged, the two frame supports 5, 6 run parallel in sections so that the clamp element can be arranged.

[0058] Fig. 15 shows a further illustration of the support frame 4 from Fig. 14. The support frame 4 is shown from above. It can be seen that the two frame supports 5 and 6 are mirror images of each other.

[0059] Fig. 16 shows an embodiment of a further connecting element 11. The connecting element 11 is designed as a type of swivel joint. In each case, a sub-element 11' is arranged so as to rotate and be non-detachable from a frame support 5, 6. The sub-elements 11' can each be designed in two parts, so that they can be plugged onto the frame support 5, 6 from above and below as a type of cover. To enable a locking position in the use position or the stowed position, an elastic element 16 can be provided that connects both sub-elements 11'. The elastic element 16 can run in a groove 22 and be designed as a type of tensioning rubber or round rubber.

[0060] Fig. Figure 17 shows a further embodiment of a connecting element 11. It can be seen that a bore 15 runs through both frame supports 5, 6 to define the exact position of the pivot joint 13. A pin element is arranged in the bore 15 to fix the frame supports 5, 6 to the connecting element 11. In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 16, no elastic element 16 is necessary for such a connecting element 11, but can be additionally attached. A groove 22 can therefore be provided for an elastic element. The connecting element 11 in the illustrated embodiment is formed in one piece, wherein one of the two frame supports 5 can engage in recesses 36 on the surface of the connecting element 11 in order to be held in a desired position. The connecting element 11 is immovably connected to the other frame support 6. The frame support 5 can therefore be moved from one recess 36 to the next when the folding chair is moved from the stowed position to the use position, or vice versa. The position and / or the distance between the recesses therefore determine the desired end positions of the frame supports 5, 6 relative to one another.

[0061] Fig. 18 shows a support frame 4 for a connecting element 11 according to Fig. 16. For this embodiment, no parallel sections are required in the area of ​​the connecting element 11. The overlap area in the section 9 can therefore be designed according to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 be trained.

[0062] Fig. Figure 19 shows an embodiment of a further connecting element 11. The connecting element 11 is arranged so that it is barely visible in this embodiment. Furthermore, the support frame 4 according to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 18. To form the connecting element 11, a pin connection 14 is guided through a bore 15 through both frame supports 5, 6. A flow bore 23 is arranged at the lower edge of each frame support 5, 6. In the lower frame support 6, the flow bore serves as a guide for the pin connection 14, which can in particular be designed as a cylinder head screw. In the upper frame support 5, the flow bore 23 preferably has a thread so that the pin connection 14 can be firmly connected to the upper frame support 5. So that the connecting element 11 is not visible from the outside, the bore 15 is not designed as a through bore, but as a blind hole, wherein in particular the wall thickness of the tubular element 21 serves as a stop 24 for the pin connection 14.In addition, a spacer sleeve 26 can be arranged in the lower frame support 6 so that this frame support 6 is held in a defined position, in particular vertically.

[0063] Fig. 20 shows a formwork mold 25 for producing a seat element 2 or a backrest element 3. The formwork mold 25 has two sub-elements 25', which can be made, in particular, of aluminum. Each sub-element 25' has a negative mold of the seat element 2 or the backrest element 3. Therefore, the seat element 2 or the backrest element 3 can be produced from a molded nonwoven material between the sub-elements 25' in a pressing process. The illustration shows a formwork mold 25 for a seat element 2.

[0064] Fig. Figure 21 shows two embodiments of a locking means 19, each designed as a type of clip element. A structure 33 is formed on the outer surface, which has a plurality of nubs 35. The structure 33 enlarges the outer surface, allowing the locking means 19 to be connected to the seat element or the backrest element in a better and more durable way. The nubs can bond well with a molded nonwoven fabric, allowing a durable connection to be formed.

[0065] On the inner surface of the locking means 19, a bulge 31 can be seen, which can be designed, for example, as a type of nipple 32. A detachable end section of the support frame can be temporarily clamped in the locking means 19 by the bulge 31. This is shown in Fig. 22, showing a locking means with a locked end portion 7a. In this embodiment, the locking means 19 is sleeve-shaped and is not visible when the end portion 7a is mounted.

[0066] Fig. 23 shows a further embodiment of a seat element 2. At the position at which the detachable end section 7a can be clamped to the seat element 2, an insertion bevel 30 is arranged, so that the clamping of the end section 7a to the seat element 2 can be simplified. At this position, a locking means 19, in particular according to Fig. 22, be arranged.

[0067] Fig.24 shows a pin element 28 for fixing the seat element 2 in a position along the longitudinal axis of an end section 7b. In order to limit the range of movement of the seat element 2, in particular to prevent longitudinal displacement of the seat element 2 along a longitudinal axis of the non-detachable end section 7b, the support frame 4, in particular the end section 7, 7b, can have a pin element 28. A recess 29 corresponding to the pin element 28 is formed in the seat element 2. The recess is in particular elongated, wherein a rotational movement of the seat element 2 relative to the end section 7b is possible, while a longitudinal displacement of the seat element 2 relative to the end section 7b is prevented. Due to the shape of the recess 29, the seat element 2 cannot slip on the support frame 4.Furthermore, the rotation of the seat element 2 can be limited to an angle determined by the length of the recess 29, thereby simplifying the assembly and disassembly of the folding chair 1.

[0068] Deviating from the illustrated embodiments, the folding chair may have a different design of the seat element, the backrest element, and the support frame. For example, the support frame may fix the seat element and the backrest element in a different position, either detachably or permanently. Furthermore, the shape of each frame support may be angled differently from the illustrated shape. List of reference symbols 1 folding chair 2 seating elements 3 backrest element 4 support frame 5 first frame support 6 second frame support 7 first final section 7a detachable end section 7b non-detachable end section 8 second final section 8a detachable end section 8b non-detachable end section Section 9 10 Storage position 11 Connecting element 12 Usable position 13 Swivel joint 14 pin connection 15 Hole 16 elastic element 17 Formed nonwoven material 18 axis of rotation 19 locking devices 20 angled sections 21 pipe elements 22 grooves 23 Flow borehole 24 stops 25 scarf shape 26 spacer sleeve 28 pin element 29 Recess 30 inlet slope 31 Bulge 32 nipples 33 Structure 34 lead 35 studs 36 Deepening E Level

Claims

[1] Folding chair (1) with a seating element (2), with a backrest element (3), with a support frame (4) comprising a first frame support (5) and a second frame support (6), wherein a respective first end section (7) of the first frame support (5) and of the second frame support (6) is connected to the seat element (2), and a respective second end section (8) of the first frame support (5) and of the second frame support (6) is connected to the backrest element (3), wherein the frame supports (5, 6) cross in a section (9) between the respective first and second end sections (7, 8), wherein a second end section (8) on the backrest element (3) and a first end section (7) on the seat element (2) are designed as detachable end sections (7a, 8a), so that in a stowed position (10) the backrest element (3) and the seat element (2) can be pivoted into a common plane (E), and the first and second frame supports (5, 6) can be displaced into this same plane (E), the plane (E) forming a folding plane of the support frame (4). [2] Folding chair (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the detachable end sections (7a, 8a) are arranged on different frame supports (5, 6). [3] Folding chair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the frame supports (5, 6) overlap in the section (9). [4] Folding chair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a connecting element (11) is arranged in the section (9), which enables a pivoting movement of the frame supports (5, 6) relative to one another. [5] Folding chair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a connecting element (11) is arranged in the section (9), which enables the frame supports (5, 6) to be locked in at least the stowed position (10) and / or in a use position (12). [6] Folding chair (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the connecting element (11) is designed as a swivel joint (13). [7] Folding chair (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by that the connecting element (11) is connected to at least one frame support (5, 6) in a co-rotating manner and / or is designed as a pin connection (14) with a bore (15) in both frame supports (5, 6). [8] Folding chair (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized bythat an elastic element (16) enables the frame supports (5, 6) to be locked in at least the stowed position (10) and / or in the use position (12). [9] Folding chair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the backrest element (3) and / or the seat element (2) are made of a molded nonwoven material (17). [10] Folding chair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a second end section (8) on the backrest element (3) and a first end section (7) on the seat element (2) form a rotation axis (18) as non-detachable end sections (7b, 8b) in order to enable a rotational movement of the seat element (2) and / or the backrest element (3). [11] Folding chair (1) according to claim 10, characterized by that the axis of rotation (18) is formed by a rotary joint (13) which is formed by embedding the non-detachable end section (7b, 8b) in the seat element (2) and / or the backrest element (3). [12] Folding chair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the detachable end sections (7a, 8a) are detachably connectable to at least one locking means (19) on the seat element (2) and / or the backrest element (3). [13] Folding chair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the frame supports (5, 6) are each designed as coherent and / or inherently rigid rod-shaped elements which have sections (20) which are angled towards one another and are arranged essentially in one plane. [14] Folding chair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the frame supports (5, 6) are formed from tubular elements (21). [15] Method for producing a backrest element (3) and / or a seat element (2) for a folding chair (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a seat element (2), a backrest element (3) and a support frame (4), wherein the backrest element (3) and / or the seat element (2) are produced from a molded nonwoven material (17) by means of a pressing tool and a formwork mold (25), wherein locking means for releasably and non-releasably receiving the support frame (4) are molded in one piece.

Citation Information

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