seating unit

The seating furniture unit with a base unit and rotational recesses offers efficient and ergonomic height adjustments, addressing the inefficiencies of existing systems by enabling simple and stable height changes.

DE102025104832B3Active Publication Date: 2025-10-23ROCKET EDU GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102025104832
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-10
Publication Date
2025-10-23
Estimated Expiration
2045-02-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing height-adjustable seating furniture solutions, such as those using threaded rods or hydraulic springs, are cumbersome and prone to degradation, leading to inefficient and time-consuming height adjustments and reduced ergonomics.

Method used

A seating furniture unit with a base unit featuring adjustable openings and recesses, allowing for simple rotational height adjustments through a force-fit and/or form-fit connection, secured by a securing element, to enhance stability and ergonomics.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides quick, ergonomic, and stable height adjustments without the need for multiple rotations, improving user comfort and reducing the risk of unintentional height changes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a seating furniture unit (10) comprising a seat unit (12), a first base unit (14), wherein the first base unit (14) has at least three openings (20) which are arranged along a predetermined pattern (22) relative to one another, wherein the seat unit (12) has at least three webs (28) on a side (26) facing away from the seat surface (24), wherein each of the three webs (28) has a plurality of recesses (30), wherein each web (28) of the seat unit (12) is designed to be inserted into one of the at least three openings (20) of the first base unit (14), wherein the seat unit (12) is designed to be rotated relative to the first base unit (14) such that a recess (32) of the plurality of recesses (30) of each web (28) engages with the first base unit (14) in order to enable a height adjustment (34) between the seat unit (12) and the first base unit (14).
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a seating furniture unit as well as a seating group. Description

[0002] Currently, there are numerous different solutions for adjusting the height of seating surfaces in school furniture. With the increasing number of height-adjustable desks in schools, the need for innovative and robust solutions for height-adjustable seating is growing.

[0003] AT 163 662 B discloses a piece of seating furniture with a special structural design, consisting of a first stool with specifically shaped components. A second stool (a sliding stool) is telescopically integrated into the legs of this first stool. Additionally, a swiveling and foldable auxiliary seat is arranged between the legs of the first stool. This combination allows for multifunctional use of the piece of furniture, which can be used as a seat, a side table, or multiple seats as needed with simple adjustments.

[0004] DE 10 2021 000 332 A1 describes a piece of furniture intended for mobile use, comprising a first element with a first surface, a second element with a second surface, and an adjustment unit. The adjustment unit is designed to change the orientation of the first surface relative to the second surface, thus enabling flexible adaptation of the furniture configuration to different usage scenarios. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The embodiment of the invention advantageously provides an improved seating unit. The invention is defined in the independent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] One advantage of the seating furniture with the features of claim 1 is that the seat height can be adjusted with a simple movement. Height-adjustable stools are known that can be adjusted using a threaded rod or a hydraulic spring. The disadvantage of threaded rods is that height adjustment is only possible through numerous rotations and is therefore associated with considerable manual effort, as the shallow pitch of the threaded rods makes such an adjustment process lengthy. The disadvantage of hydraulic springs is that their stiffness decreases over their lifespan, so they need to be replaced.By simplifying the height adjustment of the seating unit, especially a stool or similar, ergonomics can be significantly improved, as the user is more likely to adjust their seating position more often, thus eliminating the need for lengthy back-and-forth turning of the seat.

[0007] According to the invention, this is achieved by the seating unit comprising a seat unit and a first base unit, wherein the first base unit has at least one positioning unit configured to position the first base unit on a mounting surface, wherein the first base unit has at least three openings arranged relative to each other along a predetermined pattern, wherein the seat unit is configured to form at least a partial seat surface, wherein the seat unit has at least three webs on a side facing away from the seat surface, each of the three webs having a plurality of recesses, wherein each web of the seat unit is configured to be inserted into one of the at least three openings of the first base unit, and wherein the seat unit is configured to be rotated relative to the first base unit.so that one of the multiple recesses of each bridge engages with the first base unit to lock height adjustment between the seat unit and the first base unit.

[0008] In other words, a first rotation of the seat unit engages the recess of the bridge in a portion of the first base unit, thus preventing height adjustment between the seat unit and the first base unit. Furthermore, the height adjustment between the seat unit and the first base unit can be released by a second rotation of the seat unit, which pulls the bridge recesses away from the first base unit, allowing the bridges to be guided within the openings. Preferably, the spacing of the multiple recesses defines different seat heights for the seat unit or the seat surface. Even more preferably, the contour of each bridge is designed to align with the contour of each opening in such a way that the openings can guide the bridge, making it unlikely that the bridges will tilt relative to the opening.Furthermore, the predetermined pattern of the three openings is specifically circular to further increase stability while seated. The predetermined pattern can also have any other contour or similar shape. Preferably, the height adjustment can be achieved by positioning the seat unit at a first height relative to the first base unit, then rotating it so that the openings are no longer in contact with the first base unit in order to adjust the height of the seat unit, and finally sliding the openings back onto the first base unit to complete the height adjustment.

[0009] The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0010] Preferably, the first basic unit has a plate element, wherein the plurality of recesses is arranged to form a force-fit and / or form-fit connection with the plate element.

[0011] An advantage of this embodiment is that a force-fit and / or form-fit connection can be created using the plate element in the first base unit with simple and cost-effective means. Preferably, the recesses can be slightly tapered so that a force-fit and form-fit connection can be created when the recesses are placed onto the plate element.

[0012] Preferably, an outer contour of the seat surface and an outer contour of the plate element have essentially the same diameter.

[0013] One advantage of this design is that the appearance of the seating unit is improved, as is its ergonomics, since no edges or similar protrude. "Essentially the same" specifically means a deviation of plus / minus 5% based on the reference diameter.

[0014] Preferably, the seating unit has a locking element, wherein the locking element is rotatably arranged on the first base unit, wherein the locking element is configured to secure the force-locking and / or form-locking connection in a first position and to support the height adjustment in a second position.

[0015] An advantage of this embodiment is that the locking element prevents the recesses from slipping out of the first base unit when the seat surface is loaded. Preferably, the locking element can be a type of disc on the first base unit, which has recesses that taper at least on one side, allowing these recesses to be inserted into the openings by means of a rotational movement. Even more preferably, the recesses in the locking element can have a constant width, but the center point of the locking element can be offset from the center point of the first base unit, creating an asymmetrical rotational movement to support the force-fit and / or form-fit connection. Preferably, the recesses are designed as elongated slots or similar features.Preferably, the locking element can be rotated into a second position in which it assists the height adjustment by allowing the webs to pass through the opening and the locking element. Preferably, the locking element can have a spacer on one side facing the seat unit, which is designed to keep the seat unit away from the locking element. This prevents the seat unit from striking the locking element if the height adjustment is accidentally activated. Even more preferably, the locking element has a further locking mechanism that secures the locking element in either the first or second position. For example, this further locking mechanism can be a friction fit, a pin, or something similar.

[0016] Preferably, the seating unit may also include a wedge element designed to be inserted into one of the three openings of the base unit in order to secure the locked height adjustment.

[0017] One advantage of this design is that the wedge element prevents unintentional activation of the height adjustment and also creates an awareness of when the height adjustment is secured and when it is not.

[0018] Furthermore, the multitude of recesses and the at least three openings are preferably arranged so that a rotation between the first base unit and the seat unit of at least 1 degree and up to 100 degrees, preferably between 5° and 90°, locks and / or releases the height adjustment.

[0019] One advantage of this design is that the height adjustment can be locked or unlocked with a predefined rotation, which improves tactile perception. This eliminates the need for tedious turning of a threaded rod or similar mechanism.

[0020] The positioning unit preferably has three feet.

[0021] One advantage of this design is that it can increase seating stability.

[0022] Preferably, the positioning unit has a surface which is configured to position the three openings in a first orientation to the installation surface, wherein the first orientation is configured to align the seat surface substantially parallel to the installation surface.

[0023] One advantage of this embodiment is that the first base unit rests flat on the installation surface, such as a floor, thus preventing tipping or similar issues.

[0024] Preferably, the positioning unit has a second surface, wherein the second surface is configured to position a further opening in the first base unit substantially parallel to the installation plane, wherein the further opening is configured to accommodate a single web of the three webs.

[0025] One advantage of this embodiment is that the ergonomics of the seating unit can be significantly improved, since a kind of floor cushion can be formed when the second surface rests against the side. Preferably, the first surface and the second surface are arranged essentially at right angles to each other. For example, one axis of rotation of the three openings can be arranged essentially orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the second opening.

[0026] Further preferably, the seating unit has a second base unit, wherein the second base unit has a pair of additional openings, wherein the first base unit and / or the second base unit are configured to position the additional opening and the pair of additional openings relative to each other according to a predetermined pattern, such that a first rib of the seating unit can be inserted into the additional opening and a second rib and a third rib can be inserted into the pair of additional openings to provide the height adjustment.

[0027] An advantage of this embodiment is that a type of seat cushion can be manufactured based on the two base units and the seat unit. Because the two base units are abutting each other, the seat unit is even less likely to tip over. Preferably, the pair of additional openings associated with the further opening can form the predetermined pattern so that the seat unit can be inserted into both the three openings in the first orientation and the further opening and the pair of additional openings in the second orientation. This increases the interchangeability between different base units and the seat unit. Preferably, the surface of the first base unit can be adjacent to a corresponding surface of the second base unit.

[0028] A base surface of a combination of the first base unit and the second base unit that is essentially hexagonal is also preferred.

[0029] One advantage of this design is that several seating units can be arranged in a row along the long sides of the hexagon, thus forming a seating circle or similar arrangement. "Essentially hexagonal" specifically means a shape deviation of plus / minus 5%.

[0030] Another aspect of the invention is a seating group comprising a seating unit as described above and below, as well as a height-adjustable table.

[0031] All disclosures described above and below with respect to one aspect of the invention shall apply equally to all other aspects of the invention.

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Drawings: Fig. Figures 1 to 8 show a seating unit according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 9 shows a seating group according to one embodiment. Fig. Figures 10 to 11 show a seating unit according to one embodiment. Embodiments of the invention

[0033] The figures are schematic only and not to scale. Identical, equivalent, or similar elements with the same reference symbols may be used within the figures.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 shows a seating unit 10 according to one embodiment. The seating unit 10 comprises a seat element 12 and a first base unit 14, wherein the first base unit 14 has at least one positioning unit 16, which is configured to position the first base unit 14 on a mounting surface 18, wherein the first base unit 14 has at least three openings 20, which are arranged relative to each other along a predetermined pattern 22, wherein the seat unit 12 is configured to form at least a partial seat surface 24, wherein the seat unit 12 has at least three webs 28 on a side 26 facing away from the seat surface 24, wherein each of the three webs 28 has a plurality of recesses 30, wherein each web 28 of the seat unit is configured to be inserted into one of the at least three openings 20 of the first base unit 14, and wherein the seat unit 12 is configured to be rotated relative to the first base unit 14.so that a recess 32 of the plurality of recesses 30 of each bridge 28 engages with the first base unit 14 to lock a height adjustment 34 between the seat unit 12 and the first base unit 14.

[0035] As further in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, a plate element 36 is arranged on the first base unit 14. The plate element 36, particularly in conjunction with the recess 32 and / or the plurality of recesses 30, can form a force-fit and / or positive-locking connection between the seat unit 12 and the base unit 14 to lock the height adjustment 34. Preferably, a locking element 44 can be rotatably arranged on the plate element 36. The locking element 42 can secure the force-fit and / or positive-locking connection between the seat unit 12 and the first base unit 14 in a first position 44. Preferably, an outer contour 38 of the seat surface 24 and an outer contour 40 of the plate element 36 are essentially identical or have the same diameter 42.Furthermore, the numerous recesses 30 are preferably arranged so that a rotation 31 between the first base unit 14 and the seat unit 12 of at least 5 degrees and up to 100 degrees locks and / or unlocks the height adjustment 34. In contrast to height-adjustable stools, the rotation is not a multiple of 360 degrees to allow for different height adjustments.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows a seating unit 10 according to one embodiment. The seating unit 10 comprises a seat unit 12. The seat unit 12 forms a seat surface 24. On one side 26 facing away from the seat surface 24, three webs 28 are arranged, each web 28 having a plurality of recesses 30. Preferably, the plurality of recesses 30 can be slightly tapered or similarly shaped to support the positive and / or non-positive connection between the seat unit 12 and the first base unit 14.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 shows a seating unit 10 according to one embodiment. The seating unit 10 comprises a seat unit 12. The seat unit 12 has a seat surface 24. Three webs 28 are arranged on one side 26 facing away from the seat surface 24. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the webs 28 are attached to the seat unit 12 by means of a plug-in and / or adhesive connection. Preferably, each web 28 has a plurality of recesses 30.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 shows a seating unit 10 according to one embodiment. The seating unit 10 preferably has a first base unit 14. The first base unit 14 has at least one actuating unit 16. As shown in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the actuating unit 16 is formed by three feet 48. More preferably, the first base unit 14 has three openings 20, which are arranged in a predetermined pattern 22 relative to each other. More preferably, the first base unit 14 has a locking element 42, which is rotatably arranged on the first base unit 14. Fig. 4 shows the locking element 42 in a second position 46, wherein the locking element 42 is configured to support the height adjustment 34 between the seat unit 12 and the first base unit 14 in the second position 46.

[0039] Fig. Figure 5 shows a seating unit 10 according to one embodiment. The seating unit 10 comprises a first base unit 14. Preferably, the first base unit 14 has three openings 20, which are arranged according to a predetermined pattern 22. As shown in the Fig. As can be seen from 5, the predetermined pattern 22 is essentially circular.

[0040] Fig. Figure 6 shows a seating unit 10 according to one embodiment. The seating unit 10 preferably has a first base unit 14. The positioning unit 16 of the base unit 14 has a surface 50 which is configured to position the three openings 20 in a first orientation 52 relative to the mounting surface 18. In other words, the first base unit 14 can be set upright and the seat unit 12 can be inserted into the openings 20.

[0041] Fig. Figure 7 shows a seating unit 10 according to one embodiment. The seating unit 10 has a first base unit 14 and a second base unit 58. The first base unit 14 is preferably arranged on a second surface 54, such that a further opening 56 of the first base unit 14 is positioned substantially parallel to the installation plane 18. Thus, preferably a single web 28 of the three webs 28 of the seating unit 12 can be inserted into the further opening 56. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the seating unit 10 comprises a second base unit 58, which has a second pair 60 of additional openings 62. Preferably, the first base unit 14 and / or the second base unit 58 are configured to position the further opening 56 and the pair 60 of additional openings 62 relative to each other according to the predetermined pattern 22, as exemplified in the Fig. Figure 8 illustrates this. By means of this positioning, a first web 28 of the seat unit 12 can be inserted into the further opening 56, and a second web 28 and a third web 28 can be inserted into the pair 60 at additional openings 62, thus providing the height adjustment 34. More preferably, the seat unit 12 can engage both in the openings 20 when the first base unit 14 is in a first orientation 52, and in the further opening 56 and the pair 60 at additional openings 62 when the first base unit 14 and the second base unit 58 are arranged relative to each other on the second surface 54.

[0042] Fig. Figure 8 shows a seating unit 10 according to one embodiment. As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the first base unit 14 and the second base unit 58 are arranged relative to each other such that they arrange the further opening 56 and the pair 60 at additional openings 62 according to the predetermined pattern 22. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 8, a combination of the first base unit 14 and the second base unit 58 forms a base area 46 which is essentially hexagonal.

[0043] Fig. Figure 9 shows a seating group 100 according to one embodiment. The seating group 100 comprises a seating unit 10, as described above and below, as well as a height-adjustable table 110. Preferably, the height-adjustable table can be adjusted along a height adjustment 112. Preferably, the seating unit 12 can be adjusted in height relative to the first base unit 14 by means of the height adjustment 34. Preferably, a vector of the height adjustment 34 and a vector of the height adjustment 112 of the table 110 are substantially aligned. Thus, a particularly ergonomic seating group 100 can be provided.

[0044] Fig. Figure 10 shows a seating unit 10 according to one embodiment. The seating unit 10 has a locking element 42. The locking element 42 can assist the engagement of the plurality of recesses 30 for activating or deactivating the height adjustment 34. Furthermore, the locking element has a spacer element 43 to space the side 26 facing away from the seat surface 24 from the locking element 42 when the height adjustment 34 is accidentally deactivated.

[0045] Fig. Figure 11 shows a seating unit 10 according to one embodiment. The seating unit 10 illustrates the positioning of the spacer elements 43 on the locking element 42. Preferably, the spacer elements 43 can serve as handles to insert the locking element 42 into the plurality of recesses 30 and to remove it again.

Claims

[1] Seating unit (10) comprising: - one seat unit (12), - a first basic unit (14), wherein the first base unit (14) has at least one positioning unit (16) which is configured to position the first base unit (14) on a mounting surface (18), wherein the first base unit (14) has at least three openings (20) which are arranged relative to each other along a predetermined pattern (22), wherein the seat unit (12) is configured to form at least a partial seat surface (24), wherein the seat unit (12) has at least three webs (28) on a side (26) facing away from the seat surface (24), wherein each of the three webs (28) has a plurality of recesses (30), wherein each web (28) of the seat unit (12) is configured to be inserted into one of the at least three openings (20) of the first base unit (14), wherein the seat unit (12) is configured to be rotated to the first base unit (14) such that a recess (32) of the plurality of recesses (30) of each web (28) engages with the first base unit (14) to lock a height adjustment (34) between the seat unit (12) and the first base unit (14). [2] Seating unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first base unit (14) has a plate element (36), wherein the plurality of recesses (30) is arranged to form a force-fit and / or form-fit connection with the plate element (36). [3] Seating unit (10) according to claim 2, wherein a first outer contour (38) of the seat surface (24) and a second outer contour (40) of the panel element (36) have a substantially the same diameter (42). [4] Seating unit (10) according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the seating unit (10) has a locking element (42), wherein the locking element (42) is rotatably arranged on the first base unit (14), wherein the locking element (42) is configured to secure the force-locking and / or form-locking connection in a first position (44) and to support the height adjustment (34) in a second position (46). [5] Seating unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of recesses and the at least three openings (20) are arranged such that a rotation (31) between the first base unit (14) and the seat unit (12) locks and / or releases the height adjustment (34) by at least 1 degree and up to 100 degrees. [6] Seating unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning unit (16) has a surface (50) which is configured to position the three openings (20) in a first orientation (52) to the installation surface (18), wherein the first orientation (52) is configured to align the seat surface (24) substantially parallel to the installation surface (18). [7] Seating unit (10) according to claim 6, wherein the positioning unit (16) has a second surface (54), wherein the second surface (54) is configured to position a further opening (56) in the first base unit (14) substantially parallel to the installation plane (18), wherein the further opening (56) is configured to receive a single web (28) of the three webs (28). [8] Seating unit (10) according to one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the seating unit (10) has a second base unit (58), wherein the second base unit (58) has a pair (60) of additional openings (62), wherein the first base unit (14) and / or the second base unit (58) are configured to position the further opening (56) and the pair (60) of additional openings (62) relative to each other according to the predetermined pattern (22), such that a first web (28) of the seating unit (12) can be inserted into the further opening (56), and a second web (28) and a third web (28) can be inserted into the pair (60) of additional openings (62) to provide the height adjustment (34). [9] Seating unit (10) according to claim 8, wherein the base area (64) of a combination (66) of the first base unit (14) and the second base unit (58) is substantially hexagonal. [10] Seating group (100) comprising a seating unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and a height-adjustable table (110).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • height-adjustable stool

    AT163662B

  • piece of furniture

    DE102021000332A1