Support component, armrest with such a support component and chair with such an armrest

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a support component according to the preamble of independent claim 1. Such support components with a fixed base element and a flexible shell can be used as armrests in chair armrests and as seats or backrests in chairs. State of the art

[0002] Chairs, and especially office chairs, typically consist of a seat and a backrest. When using such a chair, a user sits with their buttocks on the seat and their back against the backrest. The seat thus provides support for the buttocks, and the backrest supports the back. These chairs are often also equipped with armrests on which users rest their forearms. In particular, armrests usually have a quasi-horizontal support or padding on which the forearms can be positioned. These supports or pads therefore serve as resting points for the user's arms.

[0003] For example, EP 1 059 051 A1 describes an office chair that includes two height-adjustable armrests. Each armrest has an upright back support and an armrest attached to it. The armrest consists of a base plate mounted to the back support and a padded panel. US 2012 / 0086251 A1 and US 6,343,839 B1 describe further office chairs. EP0958765B1 describes an armrest for chairs.

[0004] For comfort reasons, the support components of chairs of the type described above are typically at least partially soft, flexible, or springy. In particular, it is known that such support components have a solid base element that supports a foam padding, which is surrounded by a textile or other tactilely pleasing protective cover.

[0005] Although such foams can offer reasonable comfort to a user in support components, they are typically disadvantageous because their production and disposal can cause problems, for example, from an environmental perspective. In particular, foams usually have to be disposed of separately, which can be comparatively complex. The foaming agents used in the production of foams are also often relatively problematic. Furthermore, common foams frequently exhibit changing properties over their lifespan, which can alter comfort.

[0006] The present invention therefore aims to propose a support component, armrest, or chair that can be manufactured efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner and offer sufficient comfort over a comparatively long period. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the components can be separated into clean, single-material parts. Description of the invention

[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by a support component as defined in independent claim 1, by an armrest as defined in dependent claim 13, and by a chair as defined in dependent claim 15. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0008] In one aspect, the invention is a support component for a chair. The support component comprises a rigid base element, a resilient support structure, and a flexible cover. The support structure is mounted on the base element, so that a gap exists between the base element and the support structure when the support structure is unloaded. The cover is mounted directly on the support structure, so that it rests on the support structure.

[0009] The support component can be a seat cushion or seat, an armrest or armrest component, or a backrest or back support of a chair. The chair is specifically an office chair.

[0010] The term "unloaded" in the context of the support structure refers to a state in which essentially no force acts on the support structure or on the bearing component. In particular, in the unloaded state, no force acts on the support structure that would significantly deform it. Such a force could correspond to the force of gravity exerted by a user's body part if that part is positioned on the bearing component as intended.

[0011] In the context of the invention, the term "flexible cover" refers to a cloth-, film-, or textile-like structure that covers the support structure. In particular, it can cover the support structure in the direction of the user, so that a part of the user's body is positioned on the support component by contacting the cover or a portion thereof. The cover need not be, but can be, dimensionally stable. In particular, the cover is flexible in that it is significantly more deformable than the support structure. Compared to the support structure, the cover can be soft or yielding, thus enabling comfortable placement of a body part. Advantageously, the cover is made of an elastic material.

[0012] The inventive support component provides a practical and durable structure upon which a user's body part can be comfortably placed. The inventive design eliminates the need for foam, thus facilitating improved disposal and manufacturing of the support component. In particular, the components of the support component can be easily separated for recycling.

[0013] Preferably, the support structure is arranged so that it deforms elastically into the free space when loaded from the shell. In this way, a spring-like absorption of the gravitational force of the involved body part can be achieved, which can increase comfort.

[0014] The base element is preferably designed such that it essentially retains its shape when the supporting structure is elastically deformed into the free space. The base element can be rigid enough to essentially retain its shape when the supporting structure is deformed into the free space. This allows the base element to dictate the shape of the entire supporting component. Typically, the base element is rigider than the supporting structure, which in turn is rigider than the shell.

[0015] The base element, the support structure, and the shell are made of different plastics. For example, the base element can be made of a rigid thermoplastic such as a polyamide or a fiber-reinforced polyamide. Polyamides, and especially fiber-reinforced polyamides, typically exhibit comparatively high strength and toughness, which can be advantageous and desirable in the base element.

[0016] The support structure can be made, for example, of polypropylene, polyethylene, or a similar thermoplastic material. Such materials can exhibit comparatively high elasticity and resistance. They can also be relatively lightweight. In particular, the support structure is preferably made of injection-molded plastic. Such injection molding of the support structure allows for a relatively large degree of design freedom in shaping the structure. This allows it to be advantageously adapted to its intended use.

[0017] The casing can, for example, be made of an elastomer. Constructing the support component with such materials enables efficient, robust, and durable manufacturing and operation of the support component.

[0018] Preferably, the base element is shaped like a trough. Such a trough-shaped base element efficiently ensures its strength while simultaneously providing the necessary clearance. The trough-shaped base element can be reinforced with struts to increase its dimensional stability and strength.

[0019] Preferably, the support structure comprises a cover equipped with a plurality of openings. The cover can be dome-shaped or curved, but also plate-shaped. The plurality of openings preferably form at least one perforation. With such a cover, and especially with a perforated cover, the support structure can be efficiently adapted to the intended load. For example, by providing a relatively large number and / or large openings, the support structure can be made softer or more flexible. Furthermore, a cover can enable comparatively simple manufacturing and shaping of the support structure.

[0020] The majority of openings preferably form a majority of webs. Such webs can form resilient elements that provide elasticity to the supporting structure.

[0021] In a first preferred embodiment, the webs extend essentially over the entire support structure.

[0022] In an alternative second preferred embodiment, the majority of openings form a central area and the webs extend from the central area to a periphery or edge of the support structure.

[0023] The webs preferably extend radially or radiating from the central area to the periphery. Such radial webs enable a preferential spring effect of the support structure. They also allow for efficient and sufficiently stable support of the shell. The spring force and spring effect of the support structure can be flexibly adapted to the intended application of the supporting component by adjusting the design of the webs.

[0024] The majority of openings preferably form a termination edge or end edge as the periphery of the support structure. This termination edge is preferably formed circumferentially. The webs preferably connect the central area to the termination edge. Such a termination edge can provide the support structure with the necessary stability, particularly if it is equipped with radial webs. The peripheral termination edge can simultaneously form a connecting section of the support structure, as explained in more detail below.

[0025] Preferably, the support structure is formed in one piece. This allows for a comparatively simple assembly of the bearing component. Particularly compared to other designs where several elements must be assembled into a support-structure-like construction, this design enables efficient manufacturing of the bearing component. The aforementioned injection-molded manufacturing of the support structure can be especially efficient in achieving a one-piece design.

[0026] Preferably, the base element comprises a first connecting section and the support structure a corresponding second connecting section, wherein the connecting sections are designed such that the base element and the support structure are flush against each other when the first connecting section is connected to the second connecting section. The second connecting section can, in particular, be formed by the aforementioned end edge, so that the end edge and the second connecting section are identical. The first connecting section can also be formed as an edge of the base element. This edge, or first connecting section, advantageously includes a circumferential, for example, groove-like recess in which the end edge can be arranged.

[0027] Preferably, the open space extends essentially continuously or without interruption between the floor element and the support structure. Because the open space thus extends across virtually the entire floor element, the support structure can provide a comparatively high degree of freedom of movement and flexibility.

[0028] In another aspect, the invention is an armrest for a chair, comprising a support element as described above. The support element can be particularly advantageous in an armrest. In particular, the advantages and effects described above in connection with the support element and its preferred embodiments can be efficiently realized with the armrest according to the invention.

[0029] Preferably, the armrest comprises a fixed arm or support section to which the support element is slidably mounted. By making the support element slidably and possibly also rotatably attached, it can be efficiently adapted to the user's needs.

[0030] The base element of the support component is preferably equipped with a longitudinal opening, the arm section has a bolt element, and the bolt element of the arm section projects through the longitudinal opening of the base element of the support component. Such a design allows for efficient adjustment.

[0031] In another aspect, the invention is a chair comprising a support element as described above and, in particular, two armrests as described above. The support element can advantageously exert its effect in a chair. In particular, the advantages and effects described above in connection with the support element according to the invention and its preferred embodiments, as well as the armrest according to the invention and its preferred embodiments, can be efficiently realized. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with the aid of the schematic drawing. In particular, the support component, the armrest, and the chair according to the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a chair according to the invention with an embodiment of armrests according to the invention, each comprising an embodiment of a support component according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of one of the armrests of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a perspective exploded view of one of the support components of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a base element of the support component of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a first variant of a support structure of the bearing component of Fig. 3 ; Fig. 6 a perspective view of a shell of the support component of Fig. 3 ; and Fig. 7 a perspective view of a second variant of the support structure of the bearing component of Fig. 3 . Way(s) to implement the invention

[0033] Certain terms are used in the following description for practical reasons and are not to be understood restrictively. The words "right," "left," "below," and "above" denote directions in the drawing to which reference is made. The terms "inward," "outward," "below," "above," "left," "right," or similar are used to describe the arrangement of designated parts relative to one another, the movement of designated parts relative to one another, and the directions toward or away from the geometric center of the invention and of designated parts thereof, as shown in the figures. These spatial relative terms also include positions and orientations other than those shown in the figures. For example, if a part shown in the figures is turned upside down, elements or features described as "below" are then "above."The terminology includes the words explicitly mentioned above, derivatives of the same, and words of similar meaning.

[0034] To avoid repetition in the figures and the accompanying descriptions of the various aspects and embodiments, certain features should be understood as common to different aspects and embodiments. The omission of an aspect in the description or a figure does not imply that this aspect is missing in the corresponding embodiment. Rather, such an omission may serve to improve clarity and prevent repetition. In this context, the following rule applies to the entire subsequent description: If a figure contains reference symbols for the purpose of graphical clarity, but these are not mentioned in the immediately associated descriptive text, reference is made to their explanation in preceding figure descriptions.If, in addition, the descriptive text directly pertaining to a figure mentions reference symbols that are not included in the figure itself, reference is made to the preceding and following figures. Similar reference symbols in two or more figures represent similar or identical elements.

[0035] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a chair 3 according to the invention, which has two armrests 2 according to the invention, each equipped with an embodiment of a support element 1 according to the invention. The chair 3 comprises a base 33 with casters, on which a seat 31 is mounted so as to be rotatable and height-adjustable. A backrest 32 is arranged on the rear of the seat 31, and the two armrests 2 are located to the sides of the seat 31.

[0036] In Fig. 2One of the two armrests 2 is shown. The armrest 2 comprises an arm or support section that has an L-shaped pole 22 and a sleeve 21. A quasi-vertical section of the pole 22 extends from below into the sleeve 21. The sleeve 21 can be connected to the pole 22 at different heights, so that the arm section is height-adjustable.

[0037] The support component 1 is mounted on the sleeve 21 and runs quasi-horizontally. An end of a quasi-horizontal section of the spar 22 facing the seat 31 is equipped with a fork section 23 that forms a slot open on the left side. A bolt of a clamping element 24 extends through the slot. The arm section can be connected to the seat 31 at a variable distance by means of the clamping element 24.

[0038] Fig. 3Figure 1 shows the structure of the support component 1. Specifically, the support component 1 consists of three components: a base element 11, a support structure 12, and a shell 13. The base element 11 is manufactured in one piece from a fiber-reinforced polyamide. The support structure 12 is manufactured in one piece from polypropylene. The shell 13 is manufactured in one piece from an elastomer.

[0039] As in Fig. 4 As can be seen, the base element 11 comprises a tray 111, which is enclosed by a peripheral rim 114. The tray 111 is shaped almost like a shoe sole when viewed from above. It is equipped with numerous struts 115, which give the base element 11 relatively high strength and stability. Furthermore, the tray 111 is provided with several screw holes 116. The rim 114 forms a recess designed to receive the support structure 12.

[0040] The base element 11 has a slot 113 as a longitudinal opening, which extends over approximately one-third of the length of the base element 11 in the center of the base element 11. Along the slot 113 and beyond, two parallel straight struts 115 are equipped with a sliding grid 112.

[0041] In the Fig. 2 In the assembled state shown, a bolt element of the sleeve 21 of the arm part protrudes through the slot 113. A head of the bolt element engages with the sliding indexing 112 of the base element 11 in such a way that the support component 1 can be moved in a grid-like or stepwise manner along the slot 113 relative to the sleeve 21.

[0042] In Fig. 5A first possible variant of a support structure 12 for the bearing component 1 in an unloaded situation is shown. The support structure 12 comprises a circumferential and continuous end edge 122 from which a hood-shaped cover 123 extends, forming a periphery of the support structure. A continuous free space 121 lies below the cover 123. The cover 123 is equipped with a plurality of openings 124, which define the shape of the cover 123. In particular, the openings 124 are designed such that the cover 123 is shaped as follows:

[0043] The cover 123 comprises a central area 126 and thirty-two more or less regularly spaced webs 125. The webs 125 connect the end edge 122 to the central area 126. In particular, the webs 125 project upwards at right angles from the end edge 122 and extend via a bend almost horizontally until they transition radially or radiating into the central area 126. Thus, the central area 126 is connected to the end edge 122 all around via the webs 125. The central area 126 is shaped almost like a plate and includes a multitude of perforations 127.

[0044] Properties such as elasticity and bearing stability of the support structure 12 can be determined by the design of the webs 125 and the perforations 127. For example, the number and thickness of the webs 125 can be decisive for how easily the support structure 12 can be elastically deformed in its free space 121.

[0045] For mounting on the base element 11, the peripheral end edge 122 is designed to correspond to the edge 114 of the base element 11, so that the support structure 12 and the base element 11 can lie flush against each other. In particular, the end edge 122 of the support structure 12 can be received by the recess of the edge 114 of the base element 11. Thus, the edge 114 of the base element 11 forms a first connection section and the end edge 122 of the support structure 12 a second connection section. In addition, the end edge 122 is equipped with several screw receptacles 128, which are arranged to match the screw openings 116 of the base element 11. In particular, screws can pass through the screw openings 116 into the screw receptacles 128, so that the base element 11 and the support structure 12 are firmly connected to each other.

[0046] Fig. 6Figure 1 shows the shell 13 of the support component 1. It has a flat bearing surface 132 and a peripheral edge 131. In particular, the shell 132 is shaped according to the form of the support structure 12, although it is slightly undersized. It is also made of an elastic material. Thus, the shell 13 can be mounted on the support structure 12 by pulling or stretching it over the support structure 12. At the same time, the edge 131 of the shell 13 also encompasses the edge 114 of the base element 11 at its lower end.

[0047] In Fig. 7 A second variant of a possible support structure 120 is shown in an unloaded situation, which serves as an alternative to the support structure 12 of Fig. 5The support structure 120 can be installed in the support component 1. The support structure 120 comprises a continuous end edge 1220 with screw receptacles 1280 and a cover 1230 with openings 1240. The openings 1240 form nine webs 1250 and a central area 1260 in the cover 1230. The central area 1260 is oval and has a centrally located oval opening 1270. The webs 1250 connect the end edge 1220 radially to the central area 1260.

[0048] Due to the modified design of the number and shape of the webs 1250 and the central area 1260, the properties of the support structure 120 are different from those of the support structure 12. Fig. 5 . This allows the support component 1 to be adapted and optimized to the given requirements.

[0049] Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail by means of the figures and the accompanying description, this illustration and detailed description are to be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not as limiting the invention. In order not to overstate the invention, well-known structures and techniques may not be shown and described in detail in certain cases. It is understood that those skilled in the art may make modifications and adaptations without departing from the scope of the following claims.

[0050] The present disclosure also includes embodiments with any combination of features mentioned or shown above or below in relation to various embodiments. It also includes individual features in the figures, even if they are shown there in connection with other features and / or are not mentioned above or below. Furthermore, the alternative embodiments described in the figures and the description, and individual alternatives of their features, may be excluded from the subject matter of the invention or from the disclosed subject matter. The disclosure includes embodiments that comprise exclusively the features described in the claims or in the exemplary embodiments, as well as those that comprise additional other features.

[0051] Furthermore, the expression "comprise" and derivatives thereof do not exclude other elements or steps. Likewise, the indefinite article "a" and "an" and derivatives thereof do not exclude a plurality. The functions of several features listed in the claims can be fulfilled by a single unit or step. The terms "essentially," "about," "approximately," and the like, when used in conjunction with a property or value, also define precisely that property or value. The terms "about" and "approximately" in connection with a given numerical value or range can refer to a value or range that lies within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 2% of the given value or range.

Claims

1. Support component (1) for a chair (3), which comprises a rigid base element (11), a flexible cover (13) and a resilient support structure (12; 120), wherein the support structure (12; 120) is mounted on the base element (11) such that there is a space (121; 1210) between the base element (11) and the support structure (12; 120) when the support structure (12; 120) is without load, the cover (13) is mounted directly on the support structure (12; 120) so that the cover (13) rests on the support structure (12; 120), and the base element (11), the support structure (12; 120) and the cover (13) are made of different plastic materials, respectively.

2. Support component (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support structure (12; 120) is arranged so as to deform elastically into the space (121; 1210) when loaded from the cover (13), wherein the base element (11) is preferably formed such that it substantially retains its shape when the support structure (12; 120) is elastically deformed into the space (121; 1210).

3. Support component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (12; 120) is made of an injection molded plastic material.

4. Support component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (11) comprises a rigid thermoplastic material and / or is trough-shaped.

5. Support component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (12; 120) comprises a covering (123; 1230) provided with a plurality of openings (124; 1240), wherein the plurality of openings (124; 1240) preferably forms at least one perforation (127; 1270).

6. Support component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of openings (124; 1240) forms a plurality of ridges (125; 1250).

7. Support component (1) according to claim 6, wherein the ridges (125; 1250) extend substantially over the entire support structure (12; 120).

8. Support component (1) according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of openings (124; 1240) forms a central region (126; 1260) and the ridges (125; 1250) extend from the central region (126; 1260) to a periphery of the support structure (12; 120), wherein the ridges (125; 1250) preferably extend radially from the central region (126; 1260) to the periphery.

9. Support component (1) according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of openings (124; 1240) forms a terminal edge (122; 1220) as the periphery of the support structure (12; 120), wherein preferably the terminal edge (122; 1220) is formed around the periphery and / or the ridges (125; 1250) connect the central region (126; 1260) to the terminal edge (122; 1220).

10. Support component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (12; 120) is formed in one-piece.

11. Support component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (11) has a first connecting portion (114) and the support structure (12; 120) has a corresponding second connecting portion (122; 1220), which connecting portions are designed such that the base element (11) and the support structure (12; 120) rest flush against one another when the first connecting portion (114) is connected to the second connecting portion (112; 1120).

12. Support component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the space (121; 1210) extends substantially continuously between the base element (11) and the support structure (12; 120).

13. Armrest (2) for a chair (3), comprising a support component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. Armrest (2) according to claim 13, comprising a rigid arm part (21, 22) to which the support component (1) is movably mounted, and / or the base element (11) of the support component (1) is provided with a longitudinal opening (113), the arm part (21, 22) has a pin element and the pin element of the arm part (21, 22) protrudes through the longitudinal opening (113) of the base element (11) of the support component (1).

15. Chair (3) comprising a support element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and in particular two armrests (2) according to claim 13 or 14.