Holding device

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding device comprising a control device assembly area (1) designed for a foot-operated control device and a gas spring fixing device (2) arranged at a distance from the control device assembly area (1) and designed for the positive locking fixation of a gas spring of a chair, in which an opening area (2.1) is provided for the horizontal insertion or removal of the gas spring into or out of the gas spring fixing device (2). According to the invention, the opening area (2.1) for insertion or removal of the gas spring into or out of the gas spring fixing device (2) is open in the direction of the control device assembly area (1) and oriented towards it.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] A holding device of the type mentioned above for the temporary fixing of a chair is described in document DE 10 2021 114 364 B4 (see in particular therein). Fig. 16A and Fig. 16B). This holding device consists of a control device assembly area designed for a foot-operated control device and a gas spring fixing device arranged at a distance from the control device assembly area and designed for the positive locking of a chair's gas spring, in which an opening area is provided for the horizontal insertion or removal of the gas spring into or from the gas spring fixing device. In this known solution, a locking mechanism is provided on the gas spring fixing device, into which the gas spring is inserted, as it were, from behind, i.e., from a side of the holding device facing away from the control device assembly area, and then automatically locked into place.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of improving a holding device of the type mentioned above. In particular, a holding device that functions more simply and requires fewer components is to be created.

[0004] This problem is solved with a holding device of the type mentioned at the outset by the features listed in the characterizing portion of claim 1.

[0005] According to the invention, the opening area for inserting or removing the gas spring into or out of the gas spring fixing device is designed to be open and oriented towards the control device arrangement area.

[0006] In other words, the holding device according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that the opening area of ​​the gas spring fixing device is not open in the direction away from the control device arrangement area, as is the case in the prior art mentioned above. The inventive feature has the advantage that the locking mechanism known from the prior art can be completely dispensed with, since the actual fixing of the gas spring is ultimately ensured, among other things, by the user himself when supporting himself on the control device, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0007] Other advantageous embodiments of the holding device according to the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0008] For the sake of completeness, reference is also made to the following further-dated documents: DE 20 2010 010 477 U1, EP 3 515 569 B1, GB 2469307 A, US 2005 0009611 A1 and WO 2017 176231 A2.

[0009] The holding device according to the invention, including its advantageous further developments according to the dependent claims, is explained in more detail below with reference to the graphic representation of a preferred embodiment.

[0010] It shows each one from a perspective Fig. 1 the holding device according to the invention with a chair, but without a control device; and Fig. 2 as an exploded view of the holding device according to the invention Fig. 1 without chair and without control device.

[0011] The holding device shown in the figures initially consists, in a manner known per se, of a control device arrangement area 1 designed for a control device to be operated with feet (not shown separately) and a gas spring fixing device 2 arranged at a distance from the control device arrangement area 1 and designed for a positive locking fixation of a gas spring of a chair, on which an opening area 2.1 is provided for the horizontal insertion or removal of the gas spring into or out of the gas spring fixing device 2.

[0012] As can be seen, it is preferably provided that the control device arrangement area 1 has a flat upper surface 1.1 for receiving the (not shown separately) control device and for supporting the feet.

[0013] As is also known from the aforementioned prior art, the control device in question is preferably designed as a pedal assembly for a computer simulation game, i.e., a player sitting on the chair shown supports himself with at least one foot on one of the pedals of the pedal assembly while playing.

[0014] In order to be able to fix different control devices of different manufacturers or different designs to the control device arrangement area 1, it is further preferably provided that this area has a hole pattern 1.2 as shown in the figures.

[0015] Essential for the holding device according to the invention, which is preferably designed for flat support on a floor, is that the opening area 2.1 for inserting or removing the gas spring into or out of the gas spring fixing device 2 is open and oriented towards the control device arrangement area 1. As can be seen from Fig. As follows directly from paragraph 1 and the above explanations, this feature of the invention leads to the fact that the player himself, through the force he exerts on the pedal(s), causes a force on the chair, specifically in the direction away from the control device assembly area 1. This simultaneously results in the gas spring, which is simply inserted via the opening area 2.1, being supported practically automatically against the gas spring fixing device 2. As can be seen, no further fixing measure, such as the locking mechanism in the prior art mentioned at the outset, is required during use or support.

[0016] To accommodate players of varying heights, it is further preferred that the distance between the control unit assembly area 1 and the gas spring fixing device 2 be adjustable, preferably continuously. This, however, does not change the fact that it is also preferred that the control unit assembly area 1 and the gas spring fixing device 2 are rigidly connected to each other (especially during intended use of the holding device, i.e., primarily during gameplay).

[0017] In more detail, it is particularly preferred that a connecting device 3 be arranged between the control device assembly area 1 and the gas spring fixing device 2. In even more detail, it is preferably preferred that the control device assembly area 1 (preferably via the in Fig. 2 clearly visible screws) adjustable (on the connecting device 3) and the gas spring fixing device 2 is fixedly arranged on the connecting device 3.

[0018] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the connecting device 3, which is used as intended for the unobstructed insertion or removal of the gas spring into or out of the gas spring fixing device 2, has a maximum height of 30 mm, preferably 20 mm, and particularly preferably 10 mm, in the vertical direction. It is further preferably provided that the connecting device 3 comprises at least one rail-shaped connecting element 3.1. As can be seen from the figures, two connecting elements 3.1 arranged parallel to each other are particularly preferred.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the gas spring fixing device 2 has a connection area 2.2 connected to the connection device 3. This is particularly preferably designed as a solid hollow cylinder with a vertical cylinder axis.

[0020] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the gas spring fixing device 2 has a support area 2.3. This is designed as a partially hollow cylinder, preferably a semi-hollow cylinder, open in the direction of the control device arrangement area 1, with a vertical cylinder axis. It is also preferably provided that the support area 2.3 is optionally arranged vertically above the connecting device 3 and / or is designed to fit a gas spring of a chair. In particular, to prevent the gas spring from being damaged in any way when it comes into contact with the support area 2.3, it is also preferably provided that a damping element 2.3.1, preferably a piece of felt, is arranged on the support area 2.3.

[0021] Furthermore, the cylinder axis of the partial hollow cylinder (of the abutment area 2.3) and the cylinder axis of the solid hollow cylinder (of the connection area 2.2) are preferably designed to be aligned with one another. In addition, the partial hollow cylinder and the solid hollow cylinder are preferably rigidly connected to each other, and particularly preferably even formed in one piece.

[0022] The holding device according to the invention functions as follows: First, a pedal assembly is fixed to the control unit assembly area 1. Then, the control unit assembly area 1 is connected to the connecting device 3. The holding device can then be placed on a floor, and finally (as can be clearly seen from Fig.1) with a chair equipped with a gas spring, practically drive over the holding device in order to bring the gas spring into contact with the abutment area 2.3. As explained above, no further fixing is necessary, since the muscle force of a player acting in the direction of the pedals alone ensures that the chair practically braces itself against the abutment area 2.3. Reference symbol list 1 Control unit arrangement area 1.1 Top 1.2 Perforation 2 Gas spring locking device 2.1 Opening area 2.2 Connection area 2.3 Abutment area 2.3.1 Damping element 3 Connection device 3.1 Connecting element QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2021 114 364 B4

[0002] DE 20 2010 010 477 U1

[0008] EP 3 515 569 B1

[0008] GB 2469307 A

[0008] US 2005 0009611 A1

[0008] WO 2017 176231 A2

[0008]

Claims

[1] Holding device comprising a control device arrangement area (1) designed for a control device to be operated with feet and a gas spring fixing device (2) arranged at a distance from the control device arrangement area (1) and designed for a positive locking fixation of a gas spring of a chair, in which an opening area (2.1) is provided for the horizontal insertion or removal of the gas spring into or from the gas spring fixing device (2), characterized by , that the opening area (2.1) for inserting or removing the gas spring into or out of the gas spring fixing device (2) is open and oriented towards the control device arrangement area (1). [2] Holding device according to claim 1, characterized by , that a distance between the control device arrangement area (1) and the gas spring fixing device (2) is adjustable. [3] Holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that a connecting device (3) is arranged between the control device arrangement area (1) and the gas spring fixing device (2). [4] Holding device according to claim 3, characterized by , that the control device arrangement area (1) is adjustable and the gas spring fixing device (2) is fixedly arranged on the connecting device (3). [5] Holding device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the connecting device (3) for the unobstructed insertion or removal of the gas spring into or out of the gas spring fixing device (2) has a maximum height of 30 mm, preferably 20 mm, particularly preferably 10 mm, viewed in the vertical direction. [6] Holding device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that the gas spring fixing device (2) has a connection area (2.2) connected to the connecting device (3). [7] Holding device according to claim 6, characterized by , that the connection area (2.2) is designed as a solid hollow cylinder with a vertical cylinder axis. [8] Holding device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized by , that the connecting device (3) comprises at least one rail-shaped connecting element (3.1). [9] Holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the gas spring fixing device (2) has a support area (2.3). [10] Holding device according to claim 9, characterized by , that the abutment area (2.3) is designed as a partial hollow cylinder open in the direction of the control device arrangement area (1) with a vertical cylinder axis.

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