Support unit for a seat unit
The support unit addresses the lack of ergonomic flexibility in seating solutions by providing a retrofittable reclining surface for chairs, enhancing comfort and sustainability through adjustable orientations and detachable connections.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ROCKET EDU GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing seating solutions, particularly in school environments, lack robustness and ergonomic flexibility, necessitating new chairs for additional functions like backrests and height-adjustable tables, which is unsustainable and costly.
A support unit with a connecting unit and a support section that can be retrofitted to existing chairs, providing a reclining surface and adjustable orientation, enhancing ergonomics and sustainability by allowing attachment to universal backrest elements via detachable and form-fit connections.
Enhances ergonomic comfort with adjustable reclining positions, supports sustainability by allowing retrofitting, and improves chair usability and stackability without replacing the entire seating unit.
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Abstract
Description
Field of invention
[0001] The invention relates to a support unit for a seat surface unit, a seat surface unit and a seating furniture unit. State of the art
[0002] Currently, there is a wide variety of seating solutions available, particularly in school environments. Due to increasing competition and rising customer demands, the need for robust and innovative seating solutions is constantly growing. Description of the invention
[0003] The embodiments of the invention advantageously provide an improved support unit for a seat surface 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.
[0004] One advantage of the support unit for a seat unit with the features of claim 1 is that an additional backrest can be provided on a conventional chair, which, particularly in combination with a height-adjustable table, can offer a significant ergonomic improvement for the user. Furthermore, the support unit can be retrofitted to any existing backrest, thus significantly improving sustainability, as no new chair needs to be provided for this additional function.
[0005] Another advantage is that, for potential use cases such as in a school environment, the surface of the support section can be adjusted to suit a particular age group and / or height. Furthermore, the support section can be used to suspend the chair from, for example, a height-adjustable table, thus facilitating cleaning underneath the chair.
[0006] According to the invention, this is achieved by the support unit for a seat unit having a connecting unit and a support section, wherein the connecting unit is designed to be connected to a seating unit, such that the support section is arranged in a predetermined orientation to the seating unit, so that a surface of the support section forms a further leaning surface.
[0007] In other words, the support unit is designed to be attached to a universal backrest element, allowing the connecting unit to join the support section to the universal backrest element or similar component. This connection positions a surface of the support section at a predetermined angle to the universal backrest element, such as between 20° and 100°, particularly between 30° and 90°. This allows the chair to provide a reclining position for a standing user. The connecting unit can be attached to the universal backrest element, a chair frame, or any backrest element of a seating furniture, for example, by means of a screw connection or similar mechanism.
[0008] The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0009] The connecting unit is designed to form a detachable force-fit and / or form-fit connection with the seating unit.
[0010] One advantage of this design is that the support unit can be retrofitted, and if the support unit is damaged, the entire seating unit does not need to be replaced. For example, the connecting unit can form a screw connection to create a detachable force-fit and / or form-fit connection with the seating unit.
[0011] Preferably, the connecting unit has at least one support element which is designed to align the support unit with the furniture unit in order to improve force transmission from the surface to the seating furniture unit.
[0012] The advantage of this embodiment is that relatively large forces can occur on the surface of the support unit when using heavier users, so the force transmission can be improved with the help of a support element, such as an angle bracket. Preferably, the support element, such as an angle bracket, can be attached to both the support section and the seating unit or the universal backrest element by means of a screw connection.
[0013] Preferably, the surface also features a friction element designed to reduce slippage between the surface and a user.
[0014] One advantage of this embodiment is that appropriate design elements, such as a slot, a hole and / or another type of structure, as well as paints, rubber parts and / or padding or similar materials, can prevent slipping.
[0015] The universal backrest element preferably has a width in which the surface of the support section extends over at least half of the width, particularly preferably at least 20 cm.
[0016] One advantage of this design is that the surface is large enough for a user to lean back comfortably.
[0017] Furthermore, the surface is preferably designed to provide a base as a writing surface.
[0018] One advantage of this design is that, when two seats are arranged one behind the other, one surface can be used as a writing surface. This writing surface can also be used while standing.
[0019] Preferably, the section has at least one recess designed to facilitate the movement of the seat unit and / or the seating unit.
[0020] One advantage of this design is that it is easier to move the seat by using a handle or similar on the support section.
[0021] Another aspect of the invention relates to a seating unit comprising a seat section, a universal backrest element and a support section, wherein the universal backrest element is oriented to the seat section in such a way as to form a seat, wherein the support section is spaced apart from the seat section along a longitudinal axis of the seating unit, wherein the support section is arranged in a first predetermined orientation to the universal backrest element such that a surface of a support section forms a further backrest surface.
[0022] One advantage of this embodiment is that the seat, which is provided by the seat section and the universal backrest element, can be adapted to the surface with the support section in order to provide increased ergonomics for the user.
[0023] Preferably, the universal backrest element can be designed in such a way that a user can sit on the seat from the side, from the front, or backwards, so that the support element can be, in addition to a backrest surface in the standing position, also, for example, an armrest for the elbows when a user is sitting backwards on the seat.
[0024] Preferably, the surface is arranged at a first predetermined angle to the longitudinal axis, wherein the orientation of the universal leaning element to the longitudinal axis differs from an orientation of the surface due to the predetermined angle.
[0025] One advantage of this embodiment is that, depending on the specific application scenario, the orientation of the universal backrest element and the surface of the support section can be adjusted accordingly.
[0026] Preferably, the longitudinal axis is arranged essentially orthogonally to a mounting surface of the seat unit, with the predetermined angle being greater than 18°. An advantage of this embodiment is that leaning back is possible from this angle onwards, but there is sufficient distance between the universal backrest element and the support section to allow, for example, reaching behind or similar movements. A further preferred option is a predetermined angle greater than 28°.
[0027] It is also preferred that the predetermined angle be limited to 125°.
[0028] One advantage of this embodiment is that in certain application scenarios, for example when the surface is used as a writing surface, a relatively high angular range must be utilized.
[0029] Preferably, the first predetermined angle is a range between 30° and 90°. Particularly preferably, the surface is arranged at an angle of 30° ± 10° to the longitudinal axis.
[0030] One advantage of this design is that a particularly high level of ergonomics or comfortable leaning can be achieved for a user in this angle range.
[0031] Preferably, the universal backrest element can be arranged at an angle between 95° and 110° to the seat section according to DIN EN 1729. Due to the different orientation of the universal backrest element relative to the seat section, the angle between the surface of the support section and the longitudinal axis can be adjusted accordingly.
[0032] Preferably, the universal backrest element has an upper edge which faces away from the seat section, with the support section being arranged in a predetermined area relative to the upper edge.
[0033] One advantage of this embodiment is that the aesthetics of the seat unit can be improved, and that the seat unit can be better adapted to individual usage scenarios. The term "top edge" is to be interpreted broadly. In particular, the top edge refers to all design elements that can typically be incorporated into the backrest of a chair.
[0034] A further preferred option is the predetermined area along the longitudinal axis up to one third of the length of the universal backrest element, particularly starting from the upper edge, along the longitudinal axis.
[0035] One advantage of this embodiment is that a predetermined area is limited to an upper area of the universal backrest element, thus clarifying its function as a backrest for standing users.
[0036] Preferably, the support section is at least partially located at the upper edge.
[0037] One advantage of this embodiment is that the stackability of the seat unit can be improved.
[0038] Preferably, the upper edge has a curvature orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, with the support section having at least partially the curvature substantially.
[0039] An advantage of this embodiment is that impacts or similar damage to the seat unit can be reduced, since the upper edge, due to the curvature in conjunction with the surface of the support section having the same curvature, is much more easily visible to users. The term "curvature" is to be understood broadly and encompasses any type of non-linear deformation. Preferably, the axis of the curvature can lie in any axis that is in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.
[0040] Preferably, the upper edge may have a curvature essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
[0041] One advantage of this embodiment is that the shape can be adapted to a specific application scenario.
[0042] The seat section, the universal backrest element and the support section are preferably formed from a semi-finished product.
[0043] One advantage of this embodiment is that the one-piece construction of the seat section, the universal backrest element, and the support section ensures a particularly long product lifespan, as connecting elements such as screws or similar components are unnecessary. This allows, in particular, for the seat surface unit to be designed in an S-shape.
[0044] Preferably, the support section is arranged on the universal backrest element by means of a force-fit, form-fit and / or material-fit connection.
[0045] One advantage of this design is that if the support section or similar is damaged, the entire chair and its seat unit do not need to be replaced.
[0046] Preferably, the support section is arranged on a side facing away from the seat surface on the universal backrest element and / or on a frame of a seating furniture.
[0047] One advantage of this embodiment is that the stackability of the seat unit can be improved.
[0048] Preferably, the support section has a first partial surface which is arranged on a first longitudinal edge of the universal backrest element, wherein the first partial surface is configured to form the surface.
[0049] An advantage of this embodiment is that the manufacturability of the support section can be significantly simplified, since only a portion of a semi-finished product needs to be bent to form the surface of the support section. Preferably, the longitudinal edge can be either an edge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis or an edge that has a predetermined angle, such as 45 degrees, to the longitudinal edge.
[0050] Preferably, the support section has a second partial surface, wherein the second partial surface is arranged on a second longitudinal edge of the universal backrest element opposite the first partial surface, wherein the first partial surface and the second partial surface are configured to form the surface.
[0051] One advantage of this embodiment is that the surface can be formed from two separate parts, so that the protruding parts of the semi-finished product are smaller and thus a forming process can be simplified.
[0052] Preferably, the first sub-area and / or the second sub-area are designed as a single unit with the universal backrest element.
[0053] One advantage of this embodiment is that a semi-finished product can be cut to size, which is then deformed using a forming process in such a way that a support section with the corresponding surface can be formed as a leaning surface.
[0054] Another aspect of the invention relates to a seating furniture unit which has a support unit as described above and below and / or a seat surface unit as described above and below.
[0055] One advantage of this embodiment is that the ergonomics of the seating unit can be improved with the help of the support unit or a seat surface unit.
[0056] For example, the seating unit can be a chair or similar. The seat unit can preferably be a single piece, allowing additional leg elements to be attached to the seat unit to create a chair. More preferably, the seating unit can also provide a frame on which the seat section is arranged separately from the backrest section and / or the support section. Thus, the seating unit forms a type of set.
[0057] Preferably, the seating unit also includes a leg element designed to position a seat section at a predetermined distance from a surface on which it is placed.
[0058] One advantage of this embodiment is that the leg element only needs to be screwed onto the seating unit. Preferably, the leg element can also be formed as a single unit with the seat unit.
[0059] Preferably, the support unit and the seat unit can be arranged laterally or from above on a frame of the seating unit by means of an angle bracket or similar device. More preferably, the universal backrest element and the support unit can be formed as a single piece and arranged on a frame of the seating unit. Even more preferably, the cross-section of the support section can be, for example, round, a roller, or similar, in order to further improve ergonomics.
[0060] All disclosures described above and below with respect to one aspect of the invention shall apply equally to all other aspects of the invention. Drawings
[0061] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a support unit according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 a seat surface unit according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 a seating furniture unit according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 a support unit according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 a seating furniture unit according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 a seating unit according to one embodiment. Embodiments of the invention
[0062] The figures are merely schematic and not to scale.
[0063] The figures can use identical, equivalent, or similar elements with the same reference symbols.
[0064] Fig. Figure 1 shows a support unit 10 according to one embodiment. The support unit 10 for a seat unit 100 has a connecting unit 12, a support section 106, wherein the connecting unit 12 is configured to be connected to a seating unit 200, such that the support section 106 is arranged in a predetermined orientation to the seating unit 200, such that a surface 110 of the support section 106 forms a further backrest surface.
[0065] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the seat unit 100 can comprise a seat section 102, a universal backrest element 104, and a support section 106. Preferably, the universal backrest element 104 and the seat section 102 form a seat. Preferably, the support section 106 is spaced apart from the seat section 102 along a longitudinal axis 108 of the seat unit 100, wherein the support section 106 is arranged in a first predetermined orientation relative to the universal backrest element 104, such that a surface 110 of a support section 106 forms a further backrest surface.
[0066] Preferably, the universal backrest element 104 can have an upper edge 112 on which the support section 106 can be arranged. Preferably, the seating unit 200 of the Fig. 1. A support unit 10 as described above and below, and / or a seat unit 100 as described above and below. Preferably, the seat unit 200 comprises a leg element 202, which is configured to align a seat section 102 at a predetermined distance from a mounting surface of the seat unit 200.
[0067] Fig. Figure 2 shows a seat unit 100 according to one embodiment. The seat unit 100 has a seat section 102, a universal backrest element 104, and a support section 106, wherein the universal backrest element 104 is oriented towards the seat section 102 to form a seat, wherein the support section 106 is spaced apart from the seat section 102 along a longitudinal axis 108 of the seat unit 100, and wherein the support section 106 is arranged in a first predetermined orientation to the universal backrest element 104, such that a surface 110 of a support section 106 forms a further backrest surface.
[0068] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the leg elements 202 are arranged on both sides of an underside of the seat unit 100. Preferably, the surface 110 of the support section 106 can be curved, arched, or similarly shaped.
[0069] Fig. Figure 3 shows a seating unit 200 according to one embodiment. The seating unit 200 preferably comprises a support unit 10 as described above and below, and / or a seat surface unit 100 as described above and below. Preferably, an end edge 204 of a surface 110 of a support section 106 can be spaced apart from the leg element 202 along a transverse axis 206 to the seating unit 200. Preferably, the seating unit 200 comprises a seat surface unit 100, which has a seat section 102, a universal backrest element 104, and a support section 106.
[0070] Fig. Figure 4 shows a seat unit 100 according to one embodiment. The seat unit 100 has a universal backrest element 104 and a support section 106. The support unit 10 with the support section 106 for a seat unit 100 preferably has a recess 18 that facilitates the movement of the seat unit 100. More preferably, a support element 16 can be arranged between the support section 106 and the universal backrest element 104 to facilitate the transmission of force from the surface 110 to the universal backrest element 104.
[0071] Fig. Figure 5 shows a seating unit 200 according to one embodiment. As in the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the seat section 102, the universal backrest element 104, and the support section 106 are formed from a semi-finished product. Preferably, the support section 106 can have a first partial surface 114, which is arranged on a first longitudinal edge 116 of the universal backrest element 104, wherein the first partial surface 114 is configured to form or partially form the surface 110, as shown in Figure 5. Fig. Figure 5 is shown. More preferably, the support section 106 has a second partial surface 118, wherein the second partial surface 118 is arranged on a second longitudinal edge 120 of the universal backrest element 104 opposite the first partial surface 114, wherein the first partial surface 114 and the second partial surface 118 are configured to form the surface 110. More preferably, the first partial area 114 and the second partial area 118 are formed integrally with the universal backrest element 104.
[0072] Fig.Figure 6 shows a seating unit 200 according to one embodiment. The seating unit 200 comprises a support unit 10 as described above and below, and / or a seat surface unit 100 as described above and below.
Claims
[1] Support unit (10) for a seat unit (100), comprising: - a connecting unit (12), - a support section (106) wherein the connecting unit (12) is configured to be connected to a seating unit (200) such that the support section (106) is arranged in a predetermined orientation to the seating unit (200) such that a surface (110) of the support section (106) forms a further leaning surface. [2] Support unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting unit (12) is configured to form a detachable force-locking and / or form-locking connection with the seating furniture unit (200). [3] Support unit (10) according to claim 2, wherein the connecting unit (12) has at least one support element (16) which is configured to align the support unit (10) to the seating unit (200) in order to improve force transmission from the surface (110) to the seating unit (200). [4] Support unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface (110) has a friction element (20) which is configured to reduce slippage between the surface (110) and a user. [5] Seat unit (100), comprising: - a seat section (102), - a universal backrest element (104), - a support section (106), wherein the universal backrest element (104) is aligned to the seat section (102) in such a way as to form a seat, wherein the support section (106) is spaced apart from the seat section (102) along a longitudinal axis (108) of the seat surface unit (100), wherein the support section (106) is arranged in a first predetermined orientation to the universal backrest element (104) such that a surface (110) of a support section (106) forms a further backrest surface. [6] Seating unit (100) according to claim 5, wherein the surface (110) is arranged at a first predetermined angle to the longitudinal axis (108), wherein the orientation of the universal backrest element (104) to the longitudinal axis (108) differs from an orientation of the surface (110) by means of the predetermined angle. [7] Seating unit (100) according to claim 6, wherein the longitudinal axis (108) is arranged substantially orthogonally to a mounting surface of the seating unit (100), wherein the predetermined angle is greater than 18°. [8] Seat unit (100) according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined angle is limited to 125°. [9] Seat unit (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first predetermined angle is in a range between 30° and 90°. [10] Seating unit (100) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the universal backrest element (104) has an upper edge (112) which faces away from the seat section (102), wherein the support section (106) is arranged in a predetermined area relative to the upper edge (112). [11] Seating unit (100) according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the seat section (102), the universal backrest element (104) and the support section (106) are formed from a semi-finished product. [12] Seating unit (100) according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the support section (106) has a first partial surface (114) which is arranged on a first longitudinal edge (116) of the universal backrest element (104), wherein the first partial surface (114) is configured to form the surface (110). [13] Seating unit (100) according to claim 12, wherein the support section (106) has a second partial surface (118), wherein the second partial surface (118) is arranged on a second longitudinal edge (120) of the universal backrest element (104) opposite the first partial surface (114), wherein the first partial surface (114) and the second partial surface (118) are configured to form the surface (110). [14] Seating unit (100) according to one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the first sub-area (114) and / or the second sub-area (118) are formed in one piece with the universal backrest element (104). [15] Seating unit (200), comprising: - a support unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and / or - a seating unit (100) according to one of claims 7 to 14.