Furniture with chair function and bar stool function

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seating furniture comprising a chair configuration and a bar stool configuration, wherein the seating furniture is configured to switch between the chair configuration and the bar stool configuration, wherein the seating furniture is preferably a folding furniture.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to furniture with chair function and bar stool function, i.e. furniture that can be used both as a chair and as a bar stool.

[0002] Due to limited space, but also the desire to use resources as efficiently as possible, the problem arises of providing furniture that is as versatile as possible and can be stored and / or transported in a space-saving manner.

[0003] DE 198 32 349 A1 discloses a height-adjustable chair with a chair leg frame, a seat, and another seat. A first seat is pivotably attached to the other seat, and both are pivotably attached to struts of a chair leg frame in the region of the edge opposite a common connecting section. The chair leg frame has longer struts and shorter struts, and the struts of different lengths are pivotably supported in the remaining chair leg frame, essentially vertically positioned relative to one another. WO96 / 29915A1 and JPS5485005U show further convertible seating.

[0004] The present invention relates to furniture which at least partially solves the problem mentioned.

[0005] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claim.

[0006] The present invention particularly relates to a piece of seating furniture comprising a chair configuration and a bar stool configuration, wherein the seating furniture is configured to switch between the chair configuration and the bar stool configuration. The seating furniture is a folding piece of furniture. Preferably, the seating furniture is configured to be used as a standing aid, preferably in the bar stool configuration.

[0007] The term "bar stool configuration" means that the seating furniture is configured / arranged / optionally unfolded as a bar stool and / or standing aid and can be used as a bar stool.

[0008] The term "Stuhl-Konfiguration" It is to be understood that the seating furniture is configured / arranged / optionally unfolded as a chair and can be used as a chair.

[0009] If the furniture is in a certain configuration, this also applies to the individual elements of the furniture. However, the reverse is not necessarily true. For example, during a renovation phase, some elements of the furniture may be in one configuration while other elements are in another configuration.

[0010] The term "Stehhilfe" means a piece of furniture that supports the buttocks, back and / or legs of a person using the furniture as intended (hereinafter referred to as "person"), with a large part of the person's weight being placed on their feet, which are usually (but not necessarily) on the floor, so that the person is in an essentially standing position.

[0011] The furniture is preferably configured for manual switching between the chair and bar stool configurations. Preferably, a single person is sufficient for this.

[0012] The phrase "switching between the chair configuration and the bar stool configuration" encompasses the switch in both "directions": The furniture is configured for an arbitrarily frequent switch from the chair configuration to the bar stool configuration and for a switch from the bar stool configuration to the chair configuration. Furthermore, it follows that the chair configuration and the bar stool configuration are distinct from each other.

[0013] The seating furniture has a compressed configuration. This is usually different from the bar stool configuration and / or the chair configuration. The compressed configuration is a folded configuration.

[0014] The term "compressed configuration" can be understood as a configuration in which the packing volume of the furniture is significantly reduced compared to other configurations, e.g., only 50% of the maximum packing volume or less, preferably 40% or less, preferably 30% or less, preferably 20% or less. The term "folded configuration" is understood as a compressed configuration that, starting from one of the other configurations, can be achieved by folding one or more components of the seating furniture.

[0015] The packing volume of the furniture is defined here as the volume that would be enclosed by the smallest possible cuboid-shaped packaging of the furniture, based on its volume. The maximum packing volume is the largest packing volume that the furniture can occupy in any of its configurations.

[0016] Changing between configurations of the seating can be achieved using any suitable mechanism. Changing, e.g. moving, can comprise a rotary mechanism, e.g. folding, pivoting, and / or rotating; a linear mechanism, e.g. pushing, plugging, and / or pulling; and any combination thereof. The same applies to moving an element. The seating can be configured to change between the chair configuration and the bar stool configuration solely by moving, e.g., folding, one or more components of the seating. The seating is configured to change between the folded configuration, the chair configuration, and the bar stool configuration solely by moving one or more components of the seating.

[0017] To describe the invention, directional and positional terms are used, for example, "top" and "bottom." Their use is intended to designate specific sides, directions, positions, etc. of the piece of furniture. Unless otherwise stated, these terms refer to the furniture when set up for use. The terms may change when the furniture is not set up for use. "Front," "back," "top," and "bottom" are used as they would for a person sitting on the furniture. For example, "front" is in the direction of view, "back" is opposite the direction of view, "bottom" is toward the floor / feet, and "top" is toward the backrest / headrest. Unless otherwise stated, the terms refer to the configuration / use being described. The seating furniture can have a depth in the chair configuration, called TS, and a depth in the bar stool configuration, called TB. TB and TS can extend parallel and, in particular, be congruent.TB and TS can have the same value.

[0018] In particular, TS can be ≤ 85 cm, preferably TS ≤ 80 cm, more preferably TS ≤ 75 cm, more preferably TS ≤ 70 cm, particularly preferably TS ≤ 65 cm. Alternatively or additionally, TB can be ≤ 70 cm, preferably TB ≤ 65 cm, more preferably TB ≤ 60 cm, more preferably TB ≤ 55 cm, particularly preferably TB ≤ 55 cm. Alternatively or additionally, TS and TR µm can differ by at most 10% of the smaller of the two values. Alternatively or additionally, TB can be less than or equal to TS.

[0019] The "depth of the furniture in the chair configuration", TS, refers to the greatest extent of the furniture in the chair configuration along the line of sight of a person sitting on the furniture.

[0020] The "depth of the furniture in the bar stool configuration," TB, refers to the greatest dimension of the furniture in the bar stool configuration along the line of sight of a person sitting on the furniture. For seating furniture, the line of sight in the bar stool configuration can be the same or opposite to the line of sight in the chair configuration. Other orientations of the two lines of sight relative to each other are possible.

[0021] The seating furniture has a first element that functions as a seating element in the bar stool configuration.

[0022] In addition to the first element, the seating furniture has a second element that functions as a seat element in the chair configuration. Preferably, the second element is arranged in the bar stool configuration such that it does not hinder a person when sitting on the seating furniture as intended in the bar stool configuration. Preferably, the second element does not increase TB compared to the rest of the seating furniture in the bar stool configuration. For example, the seating furniture can have a second element that functions as a seat element in the chair configuration and is arranged in the bar stool configuration such that it extends forward less than, the same distance as, or a maximum of 10 cm, a maximum of 8 cm, a maximum of 5 cm, or a maximum of 3 cm further than an otherwise frontmost element. Here, "otherwise frontmost element" refers to an element of the seating furniture that is different from the second element.Preferably, the second element in a bar stool configuration extends forward less than, the same as, or a maximum of 10 cm, a maximum of 8 cm, a maximum of 5 cm, or a maximum of 3 cm further than the first element. Alternatively or additionally, the second element can extend rearward less than, the same as, or a maximum of 10 cm, a maximum of 8 cm, a maximum of 5 cm, or a maximum of 3 cm further than an otherwise rearmost element. "Otherwise rearmost element" refers to an element of the seating furniture that is different from the second element. In particular, the second element can extend rearward less than, the same as, or a maximum of 10 cm, a maximum of 8 cm, a maximum of 5 cm, or a maximum of 3 cm further than the first element.

[0023] The seating furniture has: a first element that functions as a seat element in the bar stool configuration; a second element that functions as a seat element in the chair configuration and as a support element in the bar stool configuration, supporting the first element.

[0024] The first element acts as a backrest element in the chair configuration.

[0025] A "backrest element" is an element that is configured to support a person's back.

[0026] The first element can be movable, preferably pivotable, from its chair configuration into its bar stool configuration, and the first element can be movable, preferably pivotable, from its bar stool configuration into its chair configuration, and the first element can function as a seat element in the bar stool configuration,

[0027] The second element can be movable, preferably pivotable, from its chair configuration to its bar stool configuration and the second element can be movable, preferably pivotable, from its bar stool configuration to its chair configuration.

[0028] The seating furniture can have a first pair of legs and a second pair of legs. The first pair of legs can be movably, preferably pivotably, connected to the second pair of legs, wherein, preferably in the chair configuration and in the bar stool configuration, the first pair of legs is arranged as the front pair of legs and the second pair is arranged as the rear pair of legs.

[0029] The movable / pivoting connection of the leg pairs can be direct or indirect and in any suitable design. The leg pairs can have an identical pivot axis, with the pivot axis passing through one of the leg pairs, through both leg pairs, or through neither leg pair. Alternatively, the leg pairs can have different pivot axes, with each pivot axis passing through the corresponding leg pair or extending outside the corresponding leg pair.

[0030] The seating furniture has a backrest support, wherein the first element is movably, preferably pivotably, attached to the backrest support.

[0031] The backrest support may have two struts, which may be designed as an extension of the first or second pair of legs.

[0032] The seating furniture has one or more stops to support one or more elements in specific configurations. The backrest support, preferably one or both of the struts, has a first stop configured to support the first element in the chair configuration.

[0033] The second element can be movably, preferably pivotably, connected to the first or second pair of legs, preferably to the second pair of legs.

[0034] The movable / pivoting connection of the second element to one of the leg pairs is analogous to the leg pairs, in that the movable / pivoting connection of the second element to one of the leg pairs can be direct or indirect and in any suitable design. The leg pair and the second element can have an identical pivot axis, with the pivot axis running through the leg pair, or through the leg pair and the second element, or through neither. Alternatively, the leg pair and the second element can have different pivot axes, with the pivot axis of the leg pair running through the leg pair or outside the leg pair, and with the pivot axis of the second element running through the second element or outside the second element.

[0035] The seating furniture has a second stop for the second element, which is configured to support the second element in the chair configuration. The second stop can in particular help the second element support a person sitting on the furniture in the chair configuration without leaving its chair configuration, in particular without folding down. The stop for the second element can be arranged on the pair of legs that are not movable / pivotally connected to the second element. The stop for the second element can be arranged on the pair of legs that are movable / pivotally connected to the second element. In particular, if the stop for the second element is designed in several parts, it can be arranged on both pairs of legs.

[0036] The seating furniture may comprise one or more retaining elements configured to retain the second element in the bar stool configuration. In particular, the first element may comprise one or more of the retaining elements. Alternatively or additionally, the second element may comprise one or more of the retaining elements. The one or more retaining elements may have any suitable configuration. For example, the retaining element(s) may be hook-like, loop-like, and / or pin / bolt-like, and optionally, corresponding complementary elements.

[0037] For example, the first element may have a retaining element, wherein the retaining element is formed on a front edge of the first element in the bar stool configuration; wherein the retaining element is preferably hook-shaped. The piece of furniture may have a complementary retaining element configured to engage with the hook-shaped retaining element in the bar stool configuration. The complementary retaining element may be and / or comprised of an element other than the first element, e.g., the second element.

[0038] In the bar stool configuration, the second element can be arranged as a continuation of the pair of legs to which the second element is pivotally connected.

[0039] The seating furniture can have a safety device with one or more activated and one or more inactivated configurations, wherein the safety device is configured to prevent the bar stool configuration from being exited in one of the activated configurations and / or to prevent the chair configuration from being exited in one of the activated configurations. For example, the safety device can have a detent bolt, locking bolt and / or ball lock bolt, or a combination of several such elements. In the activated configuration, this prevents the holding element(s) from becoming released from the intended position and the furniture from collapsing and / or falling over, for example. The safety device can be arranged at any suitable location. For example, the furniture can have a locking device arranged centrally on the first element and connected to the second element orwith a complementary securing element arranged there, interacting securing element. Alternatively or additionally, the furniture can have two securing elements arranged on both sides of the furniture, e.g., with complementary securing elements on the first element and on the struts.

[0040] In the seating furniture, the same component(s) can function as a holding element and safety device.

[0041] The seating furniture may comprise a third element which functions as a footrest in the bar stool configuration, wherein the third element is preferably arranged on the front pair of legs of the bar stool configuration, more preferably being designed as a cross brace of the front pair of legs of the bar stool configuration.

[0042] The seating furniture can have a bar stool seating level, a chair seating level and a bar stool footrest level, each at different heights, preferably: the bar stool footrest level is higher than a floor level; the chair seat level is higher than the bar stool footrest level; the bar stool seat level is higher than the chair seat level; and / or the bar stool seat level is at the height of the top edge of the backrest in the chair configuration, optionally with a deviation of 10% of the value of the height of the top edge of the backrest in the chair configuration.

[0043] The term "bar stool seating level" refers to a seating level in the bar stool configuration.

[0044] The term "chair seating level" refers to a seating level of the chair configuration.

[0045] The term "bar stool footrest level" refers to a footrest level in the bar stool configuration.

[0046] The term "foot support plane" refers to a horizontal plane through the point at which the foot(s) rest during normal use.

[0047] The term "seating plane" refers to the horizontal plane through the surface(s) of the seat configured to support the buttocks, e.g., the horizontal plane through a lowest or highest point of that surface(s). Everything described for a seating plane can apply to the corresponding seat surface.

[0048] The levels are in the Figur 1 shown again as an example.

[0049] The seating furniture is preferably ergonomically designed, both in the chair and bar stool configurations. The furniture or an element is considered ergonomically designed if, beyond its basic function, it is adapted to a person's body shape.

[0050] The seating furniture can have a standing configuration in which the seating furniture and a similar seating furniture can be pushed into one another while standing. This makes it possible to push similar chairs of these embodiments into one another in a space-saving manner, in particular to push the chairs into one another along the front-to-back direction and in the same orientation, and to avoid stacking them on top of one another, which places greater physical strain on the user.

[0051] For example, the stand configuration can be designed such that the second element supports the first element in such a way that the first element, relative to the chair configuration, is arranged at an angle from the bottom rear to the top front. The angled position of the first element allows the chairs to be pushed closer together in the front-to-back direction and in the same orientation than would be possible in the bar stool and / or chair configuration, because the upper rear part of the furniture can be pushed under the raised first element, whereas this would not be possible in the bar stool configuration.

[0052] The seating furniture can be configured so that the seating furniture, preferably in the bar stool configuration, can be used as a standing aid, wherein preferably the backrest of the chair configuration, particularly preferably the first element, is configured as a buttock support of the standing aid.

[0053] The seating furniture may comprise a further element immovably connected to the backrest support, which is configured to to be grasped by a user to move the seating into the chair configuration and / or bar stool configuration; and / or to act as a buttock support in the bar stool configuration, but not to have a back support function in the chair configuration.

[0054] The present invention also relates to a piece of furniture that can be used as a chair and as a bar stool, wherein the piece of furniture has an element, preferably designed as an upholstered body, particularly preferably as a cushioned roll, which functions as a backrest when used as a chair and as a seat when used as a bar stool. The viewing / seating direction when used as a bar stool can be opposite to the viewing / seating direction when used as a chair. The piece of furniture with the element, preferably designed as an upholstered body, can have a footrest for use as a bar stool, which is arranged on the side of the piece of furniture that corresponds to the back of the chair. The piece of furniture is preferably designed without a folding function.

[0055] The present invention also relates to a piece of furniture that can be used as a chair and as a bar stool. The piece of furniture comprises an element α that functions as a backrest element when used as a chair, and an element β that extends from the backrest / backrest element opposite to the chair's viewing direction and functions as a seat when used as a bar stool. The viewing direction / seating direction when used as a bar stool can be opposite to the viewing direction / seating direction when used as a chair. The piece of furniture may comprise a footrest for bar stool use, which is arranged on the side corresponding to the back of the chair.

[0056] The present invention also relates to the use of multiple pieces of furniture. The use of multiple pieces of furniture in a staggered height arrangement within a room is particularly advantageous. For example, one or more front rows can be arranged in a chair configuration, and one or more rear rows in a bar stool configuration. This also allows people in the rear rows an unobstructed view. This is where the particular advantage of the invention becomes apparent. Each piece of furniture according to the invention can be used either as a bar stool or as a chair, depending on the situation. This provides the greatest possible flexibility in seating arrangement. The space-saving embodiments, in particular the folding furniture embodiments, especially those in which TB is less than or equal to TS, provide this flexibility without the cost of increased space requirements.

[0057] Preferably, the furniture is configured for tool-free switching between its configurations, in particular between chair and bar stool configuration, optionally standing and / or compressed configuration.

[0058] The furniture can be made of one or more materials. These materials are freely selectable, taking into account stability and health considerations.

[0059] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. Fig. 1A shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a seating furniture according to the invention in the chair configuration as a line drawing; Fig. 1B shows another schematic three-dimensional view of the seating furniture according to the invention in the chair configuration from Fig. 1A as a line drawing; Fig. 1C shows a schematic three-dimensional view of the seating furniture according to the invention from the Fig. 1A und 1B in the bar stool configuration as a line drawing; Fig. 1D shows another schematic three-dimensional view of the seating furniture according to the invention from Fig. 1A-1C in the bar stool configuration as a line drawing; Fig. 1E shows a schematic three-dimensional view of the seating furniture according to the invention from Fig. 1A-1D in the folded configuration as a line drawing; Fig. 2A shows a schematic side view of the seating furniture according to the invention from the Fig. 1A-1D in chair configuration as a line drawing (above) and as an outline (below); Fig. 2B shows the schematic side view of the seating furniture according to the invention from Fig. 2A in a transitional configuration as a line drawing (above) and as an outline (below); Fig. 2C shows the schematic side view of the seating furniture according to the invention from Fig. 2A und Fig. 2B in the bar stool configuration as a line drawing (above) and as an outline (below); Fig. 2D shows the schematic side views from the Figuren 2A-2C and a further transitional configuration as an overlay; Fig. 3A shows a side view outline of a seating furniture not according to the invention in bar stool configuration; Fig. 3B shows a side view outline of the seating furniture from Fig. 3A in chair configuration; Fig. 4 shows a side view outline of a piece of furniture not according to the invention; Fig. 5 shows a side view outline of a piece of furniture not according to the invention; Fig. 6 shows a side view of several similar pieces of seating according to the invention in chair configuration (top) and pushed into one another in a standing configuration (bottom);

[0060] Any materials indicated in the figures are exemplary and can be replaced by other suitable materials.

[0061] The Figuren 1A-1E show an embodiment of a seating furniture 2 according to the invention in the chair configuration ( Fig. 1A, 1B ), in the bar stool configuration ( Fig. 1C, 1D ) and in the compressed configuration (1E), each as a three-dimensional line drawing. This seating furniture 2 is, as shown, a folding piece of furniture 2, and the compressed configuration is a folded configuration.

[0062] The Figuren 1A and 1C show the furniture 2 in a view from diagonally right front and diagonally above, and the Figuren 1B and 1D in a view from the rear left, each referring to the chair configuration. Figur 1E shows the seating furniture 2 in a view from the left rear. Figuren 2A-2C show the same seating furniture 2 in side view, both as a line drawing (above) and as an outline (below). The outline representation allows for a representation detached from the specific form of the individual elements, i.e., reduced to their function(s) and arrangement.

[0063] As shown in the figures, the seating furniture 2 has a chair configuration ( Fig. 1A . 2A ) and a bar stool configuration ( Fig. 1B , 2C ). Furniture 2 is configured to switch between these two configurations. This is particularly evident in Fig. 2A-2D illustrated. Figur 2A shows the chair configuration, Fig. 2C shows the bar stool configuration. Figur 2B shows an exemplary state of furniture 2 during a change between the chair and bar stool configuration. Figur 2D shows an overlay of the line drawings from the Figuren 2A bis 2C and a further transitional configuration. The seating furniture 2 can be configured such that it switches between the chair and bar stool configurations exclusively by folding elements of the furniture. The configuration change is preferably performed manually by one person. A configuration change is preferably effected by at least one, preferably exactly one, person. The above also applies to switching into or out of the compressed / folded configuration.

[0064] Before describing the configuration change in more detail, some features and functions will first be explained in more detail.

[0065] The seating furniture 2 can have a depth in the chair configuration, called TS, and a depth in the bar stool configuration, called TB. The following can apply to the depth TS in the chair configuration: TS ≤ 85cm, preferably TS ≤ 80cm, more preferably TS ≤ 75cm, more preferably TS ≤ 70cm, particularly preferably TS ≤ 65. The following can apply to the depth in the bar stool configuration: TB ≤ 70cm, preferably TB ≤ 65cm, more preferably TB ≤ 60cm, more preferably TB ≤ 55cm, particularly preferably TB ≤ 55cm. TS and TB differ by a maximum of 10% of the smaller of the two values. Alternatively or additionally, TB can be less than or equal to TS. This has the advantage that, thanks to its dual functionality as a chair and a bar stool, item 2 doesn't require significantly more space, especially in terms of depth, than the individual pieces. This is particularly advantageous when seating small spaces and / or audience / audience areas.For example, when using the seating with the specified specific values ​​of TS and TB in small rooms and in combination with a table, there is sufficient space behind a person sitting on the seating, both in chair and bar stool configuration, for another person to pass behind the seating.

[0066] For seating furniture 2, as shown in the Figuren 1A-2D As shown, the viewing direction BB in the bar stool configuration (indicated by arrows in the figures) is the same as the viewing direction BS in the chair configuration. In other embodiments, the viewing direction BB in the bar stool configuration is opposite the viewing direction BS in the chair configuration (see below). Other orientations of the two viewing axes relative to each other are possible.

[0067] The seating furniture 2 has a first element 4, which functions as a seat element in the bar stool configuration. The first element 4 can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces.

[0068] The seating furniture 2 has a second element 6, which functions as a seating element in the chair configuration.

[0069] The second element can be arranged in the bar stool configuration such that it does not obstruct a person sitting on the seating furniture 2 in the bar stool configuration, as already described. For example, the second element 6 in the bar stool configuration can be arranged in a plane spanned by a pair of legs 8, 10. The second element 6 functions in the bar stool configuration as a support element that supports the first element 4. In the variant shown in the figures, the second element 6 protrudes less far forward in the bar stool configuration than the first element 4.

[0070] The second element 6 can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces. The second element 6 can provide the entire seat in the chair configuration. Alternatively, the second element 6 can serve as a seat element in the chair configuration, providing only part of the seat, i.e., the buttocks of a person sitting on the chair are supported by additional elements.

[0071] The first element 4 functions as a backrest element in the chair configuration. The first element 4 can also form the entire backrest. Alternatively, the first element 4 can serve as a backrest element in the chair configuration, providing only part of the backrest surface, meaning that the back of a person sitting on the chair is supported by additional elements when the person leans back.

[0072] As in the Figuren 2A-2D shown, the first element 4 can be moved from its chair configuration ( Fig. 2A ) into its bar stool configuration ( Fig. 2C ) movable, here pivotable, and the first element 4 can be movable, in particular pivotable, from its bar stool configuration into its chair configuration.

[0073] The first element 4 can function as a seat element in the bar stool configuration. The first element 4 can provide the entire seat in the bar stool configuration. Alternatively, the first element 4 can serve as a seat element in the bar stool configuration, providing only part of the seat, meaning the buttocks of a person sitting on the bar stool are supported by additional elements.

[0074] The second element 6 can also be pivotable. The second element 6 can be movable, in particular pivotable, from its chair configuration to its bar stool configuration, and the second element can be movable, in particular pivotable, from its bar stool configuration to its chair configuration.

[0075] The seating furniture can, as shown, have a first pair of legs 8 and a second pair of legs 10. The first pair of legs 8 can be movably, in particular pivotably, connected to the second pair of legs 10. The figures show the variant in which the first pair of legs 8 is arranged as the front pair of legs in the chair configuration and in the bar stool configuration, and the second pair of legs 10 is arranged as the rear pair of legs. Other variants are possible, however, for example, the first pair of legs 8 being the front pair of legs in the chair configuration and the rear pair of legs in the bar stool configuration; the same applies analogously and / or vice versa for the second pair of legs 10.

[0076] As can be seen in the figures, the seating furniture 2 can have a backrest support 12. The first element 4 is movably, in particular pivotably, attached to the backrest support 12. The backrest support 12 thus serves as a support for the first element 4 in the chair configuration. The backrest support 12 can also, as in Fig. 1B , Fig. 1C and Fig. 2C , shown, in the bar stool configuration act as a support for the first element 4. The pivot axis of the first element A1 can, as shown in the Figuren 1A-2C shown, pass through the first element 4 close to its rear edge (relative to the bar stool configuration). The pivot axis A1 can also pass through the backrest support 12, e.g., an upper end of the backrest support 12.

[0077] The backrest support 12 can have two struts 14a, 14b, which can be designed as an extension of the first or second pair of legs 8, 10. Shown is the variant in which the two struts 14a, 14b are designed as a continuation of the front pair of legs in the chair configuration. The continuation of the pair of legs by the two struts 14a, 14b can be offset or unoffset. The two struts 14a, 14b can each be formed as a single piece or in multiple pieces. The two struts 14a, 14b can be coupled to the first element 4 on opposite sides of the first element 4, for example, on the left or right side in the chair configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the two struts 14a, 14b can be coupled to the first element 4 on the same side of the first element 4, for example, on the back of the first element 4 in the chair configuration.The two struts 14a, 14b can be formed integrally with other elements of the chair or separately. As shown in the . Fig. 1A-2D As shown, the two struts can be formed in one piece with the respective leg whose extension they form. The two struts 14a, 14b can also be formed in two pieces with the respective leg whose extension they form. The two struts 14a, 14b can be formed in two pieces with each other (cf. Fig. 1A-2D ) or in one piece. For example, the two struts 14a, 14b can be sections of a single circumferential spar and thus formed integrally with one another.

[0078] The pivot axis of the second element A2 can, as shown in the Figuren 1A-2C As shown, the pivot axis A2 extends through the second element 6 close to its rear edge (relative to the chair configuration). The pivot axis A2 can also extend through one of the leg pairs, e.g., the rear leg pair or the front leg pair. Alternatively, the pivot axis A2 of the second element 6 can also extend through the backrest mount 12.

[0079] The seating furniture 2 has a plurality of stops 16 to support one or more elements in at least one specific configuration. The supported element can have one or more matching recesses 18 into which the stop(s) 16 can be countersunk and thus visually concealed. This can also potentially increase the compactness of the furniture 2. The backrest holder 12 has, preferably one or both of the struts 14a, 14b, a first stop 16a that is configured to support the first element 4 in the chair configuration. The first stop 16a can, for example, prevent the first element 4 from swinging backward in the chair configuration when a person sits on the seat in the chair configuration and leans or wants to lean their back against the first element 4. The first stop 16a can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces.The first element 4 can have one or more matching recesses 18a into which the respective part of the first stop 16a can be countersunk.

[0080] The second element 6 can be movably, in particular pivotably, connected to the first pair of legs 8, or the second element 6 can be movably, in particular pivotably, connected to the second pair of legs 10, preferably to the second pair of legs 10.

[0081] The seating furniture 2 has a second stop 16b for the second element 6, which is configured to support the second element 6 in the chair configuration. The second stop 16b can in particular help the second element support a person sitting on the furniture in the chair configuration without leaving its chair configuration, in particular without folding down. The second stop 16b can have one or more parts. The second stop 16b can be arranged at any suitable location on the furniture, for example, on the pair of legs that are not movable / pivotally connected to the second element 6. The stop 16b for the second element 6 can be arranged on the pair of legs that are movable / pivotally connected to the second element 6. In particular, if the stop for the second element is designed in several parts, it can be arranged on both pairs of legs.The second element 6 can have one or more suitable recesses into which the respective part of the second stop 16b can be countersunk.

[0082] The seating furniture 2 can have one or more holding elements 20, which are configured to hold the second element 6 in the bar stool configuration. In particular, the first element 4 can have one or more of the holding elements 20. Alternatively or additionally, the second element can have one or more of the holding elements. In the figures, it can be seen that the first element 4 has a hook-like edge 20a, which functions as a front edge and as a holding element 20 in the bar stool configuration. The furniture 2 can have a complementarily designed holding element 20b, which is configured to engage with the hook-like holding element 20a in the bar stool configuration. An element other than the first element, e.g., the second element, can have and / or be the complementarily designed holding element. As is particularly evident from Fig. 2C As can be seen, the second element 6 can have an edge that forms the second holding element 20b and, in the chair configuration, a front edge of the second element 6. The second holding element 20b can be designed as a rounded edge, but any other functional designs for the holding elements 20 are possible.

[0083] The second element 6 can be arranged in the bar stool configuration as a continuation of the pair of legs to which the second element 6 is movably, in particular pivotably, connected. In Fig. 2C the second element 6 is arranged in the bar stool configuration as a continuation of the second pair of legs 10, to which the second element 6 is movably, in particular pivotably, connected.

[0084] The seating furniture 2 can have a safety device (not shown in the figures) with one or more activated and one or more inactivated configurations, wherein the safety device is configured to prevent departure from the bar stool configuration in one of the activated configurations and / or to prevent departure from the chair configuration in one of the activated configurations. For example, the safety device can have a locking pin, locking bolt and / or a ball lock pin, or a combination of several such elements, which, in the activated configuration, prevents the holding element(s) from becoming released from the intended position and thus the furniture from, for example, collapsing and / or falling over.

[0085] The seating furniture 2 can have a third element 24, which functions as a footrest 24 in the bar stool configuration. The third element 24 is preferably arranged on the front pair of legs of the bar stool configuration, here the first pair of legs 8, and forms a preferred cross brace 38 of the front pair of legs of the bar stool configuration.

[0086] The Figuren 2A und 2C illustrate a bar stool seating plane SEB, a chair seating plane SES, and a bar stool footrest plane FEB, each at different heights H above floor B or floor level B. As shown, it is preferred that the bar stool footrest plane FEB is arranged higher than floor level B. For example, their height difference H1 can be 25cm-45cm, preferably 30cm-40cm, more preferably 32cm-38cm, more preferably 33cm-37cm, particularly preferably 34cm-36cm. As preferred, the chair seating plane SES is arranged higher than the bar stool footrest plane FEB. For example, their height difference H2 can be 3cm-20cm, preferably 5cm-15cm, more preferably 8cm-12cm, particularly preferably 9cm-11cm. The height difference H3 between the chair seat level SES and the floor B is, for example, 35cm - 55cm, preferably 40cm - 50cm, more preferably 42cm - 49cm, particularly preferably 44cm - 47cm.As shown, the bar stool seating level SEB is preferably arranged higher than the chair seating level SES. For example, their height difference H4 can be 25 cm - 45 cm, preferably 30 cm - 40 cm, more preferably 32 cm - 38 cm, particularly preferably 34 cm - 36 cm. The height difference H5 between the bar stool seating level SEB and the floor B is, for example, 70 cm - 90 cm, preferably 75 cm - 85 cm, more preferably 77 cm - 83 cm, more preferably 78 cm - 82 cm, particularly preferably 79 cm - 81 cm. Optionally, the bar stool seating level is arranged at the height of the upper edge of the backrest HL in the chair configuration, optionally with a deviation of 10% of the value of the height of the upper edge of the backrest HL in the chair configuration. HL can be, for example, 70cm - 90cm, preferably 75cm - 85cm, more preferably 77cm - 83cm, more preferably 78cm - 82cm, particularly preferably 79cm - 81cm.

[0087] The seating furniture 2 is preferably ergonomically shaped in both the chair and bar stool configurations. An ergonomic shape can, for example, be as in Fig. 1A-1E by a curved seat in chair configuration, i.e. a curved upper side 26 of the second element 6 in chair configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the first element 4 can have a curved front side 28, viewed in chair configuration, which, as the front side of the backrest element, rests against the back of a person sitting on the chair. This can simultaneously provide an ergonomic shape for the seat of the bar stool configuration if the chair configuration front side 28 of the first element 4 functions as a seat in the bar stool configuration. The curves are preferably adapted to the curves of the buttocks and / or back of an average person as defined in DIN 33402-2. Surfaces that can function as seats or backrest surfaces that touch the back, e.g.the chair configuration front side 28 of the first element 4 and / or the top side 26 of the second element 6 in chair configuration may be upholstered and / or equipped with other common features that increase seating comfort.

[0088] As already mentioned, the seating 2 is configured to switch between the bar stool configuration and the chair configuration, preferably as shown in the Fig. 2A-2D exclusively by folding one or more elements of the furniture 2. The seating furniture can, for example, be configured for the following folding procedure for changing from the chair to the bar stool configuration: a) Optionally unlocking the chair configuration by transferring the optional safety device from an activated to an inactivated configuration; b) Folding up the first element 4 from its backrest configuration beyond the bar stool configuration of the first element 4, preferably far enough for step c) and / or step d); c) Folding up the second element 6 from its chair configuration, ieits seating configuration, at least into its bar stool configuration, preferably beyond that; d) engaging the first element 4 with the second element 6 by means of their front edges, each designed as a holding element 20a, 20b, wherein for this purpose the first element 4 is folded down from the position assumed in step b) into its bar stool configuration and, if the second element 6 is not yet in its bar stool configuration, the second element 6 is folded down from the position assumed in step c) into its bar stool configuration; e) if necessary, transferring one or more further elements into the bar stool configuration; f) optionally securing the bar stool configuration by transferring the optional securing device from an inactivated to an activated configuration.

[0089] Steps a) and f) are described in the Figuren 2A-2C not shown. Figur 2B shows a transition configuration after steps b) and c) but before d) and e).

[0090] For example, seating 2 can be configured for the following folding procedure to change from bar stool to chair configuration: a) Optionally unlocking the bar stool configuration by transferring the optional safety device from an activated to an inactivated configuration; b) Disengaging the engagement of the first element 4 with the second element 6 by means of their front edges, each designed as a holding element 20a, 20b, whereby for this purpose: folding up the first element 4 from its bar stool configuration beyond the bar stool configuration of the first element 4, preferably far enough for step c); if necessary, folding up the second element 6 from its bar stool configuration beyond the bar stool configuration; c) folding down the second element 6 from its bar stool configuration, i.e. its support configuration, or the position assumed in step b) into its chair configuration; d) folding down the first element 4 into its chair configuration; e) if necessary.Transferring one or more additional elements into the chair configuration; f) optionally securing the chair configuration by transferring the optional security from an inactivated to an activated configuration.

[0091] Steps a) and f) are described in the Figuren 2A-2D not shown. Figur 2B shows a transition configuration after step b) but before c), d) and e).

[0092] The individual steps of the methods described above are numbered alphabetically for naming and reference purposes only. The order of the steps may, but need not, correspond to the alphabetical order. For example, step c) may be performed before or at least partially concurrently with step b).

[0093] Figur 1E shows the seating furniture 2 in a compressed, here folded, configuration.

[0094] In the compressed / folded configuration, the seating unit 2 can be stored and / or transported in a space-saving manner compared to the chair and / or bar stool configuration. For this purpose, one of the pairs of legs, e.g., the rear pair, can be folded into the Fig. 1A-2D , or a part thereof can be movable, in particular pivotable as here. For example, a pivot axis 39 in the second pair of legs 10 can be arranged below a connection point with the first pair of legs 8.

[0095] To convert the seating unit 2 into the folded configuration, for example, starting from the chair configuration, the second element 6 can be folded up and the first and second pairs of legs 8, 10 can be folded together, for example, around the axis 29. The order is arbitrary. The two steps can be performed consecutively or simultaneously.

[0096] The seating furniture 2 can have a standing configuration in which the seating furniture 2 and a similar seating furniture 2 can be pushed into each other while standing (see Fig. 6 ). As can be seen, the stand configuration can, for example, be designed such that the second element 6 supports the first element 4 in such a way that the first element 4 is arranged at an angle rising from back to front relative to the chair configuration. The inclination of the first element 4 makes it possible to push the chairs into each other more closely in the front-to-back direction and in the same orientation than would be possible in the bar stool and / or chair configuration, because the upper rear part of the furniture can be pushed under the first element 4, which is raised above the bar stool configuration, whereas this would not be possible in the bar stool configuration.

[0097] Figur 6 shows that the piece of furniture 2 can have a further, preferably immovably connected element 30 to the backrest support 12. This element 30 can be formed integrally with the remaining backrest support 12. For example, the element 30 can be part of a beam running continuously around the first element 4, which can also form the two struts 14a, 14b. Alternatively, the element 30 can also be formed in several pieces with the remaining backrest support 12, for example, as in Fig. 6 a substantially horizontally arranged plate in a chair configuration. The element 30 can be configured to be gripped by a user to move the furniture 2 into a chair configuration and / or a bar stool configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the element 30 can be configured to function as a buttock support in the bar stool configuration. In the chair configuration, the element 30 may not have a back support function. Alternatively, it may have a back support function in the chair configuration.

[0098] The embodiment as in Fig. 3A und 3B The embodiment shown also relates to a piece of seating furniture 2 having a chair configuration and a bar stool configuration, but not a compressed configuration. This embodiment is not in accordance with the invention.

[0099] It has a movable, preferably foldable, element, for example as shown in Fig. 3A, 3B the first element 4. The Figuren 3A und 3B show a schematic side view, from which the folding function of the first element 4, which is again supported by a backrest bracket 12, can be seen. Also shown are the front and rear pair of legs 8, 10 as well as a seat element 36. In the folded-up configuration in Fig. 3A The first element 4 functions as a bar stool seat. The viewing direction BB is directed to the left in the drawing. In Fig. 3B The chair configuration of the first element 4 and the piece of furniture 2 is shown. The first element 4 is folded down so that it functions as a chair backrest. The viewing direction BS is to the right in the drawing. The viewing directions in the bar stool configuration and the chair configuration can therefore be opposite. Fig. 3A und 3B also show that the furniture 2 can have a footrest 24 of the bar stool configuration. This is preferably mounted at an ergonomic height for the bar stool seating position, usually below the seat level SES in the chair configuration, so that even in this variant, the feet do not have to be placed on the seat of the chair. However, this is of course still possible, although the viewing direction then changes. The previously mentioned height differences H are also applicable here. Alternatively or in addition to a / the folding mechanism, the seating furniture 2 can have a different movement mechanism for the first element 4.

[0100] The present invention also relates to a piece of furniture 2 that can be used as a chair and as a bar stool, wherein the piece of furniture 2 has an element 32, preferably designed as a cushion roll, which functions as a backrest element when used as a chair and as a seat element 36 when used as a bar stool. Such an embodiment is shown in Figur 4 shown. Here, the viewing direction / seating direction when using the bar stool BB can be opposite to the viewing direction B / seating direction when using the chair BS. The piece of furniture 2 can have a first pair of legs 8 and a second pair of legs 10, wherein the first pair of legs 8 can be arranged in front of the second pair of legs 10 in the chair configuration. The piece of furniture 2 can have a footrest 24 for use as a bar stool, which is arranged on the side 34 of the piece of furniture 2 that corresponds to the back of the chair. The footrest 24 can, for example, be arranged on the pair of legs that is at the front in the bar stool configuration, here the second pair of legs 10. The footrest 24 achieves a more comfortable sitting position in the bar stool configuration than would be the case without the footrest 24, when a person would either have to let their feet hang in the air or place them on the seat. The piece of furniture 2 is preferably designed without a folding function.

[0101] As in Figur 5 As shown, the present invention further relates to a piece of furniture 2 that can be used as a chair and as a bar stool, wherein the piece of furniture comprises an element α that functions as a backrest element when used as a chair, and an element β extending from the backrest / backrest element opposite to the chair viewing direction BS, which element functions as a seat element 36 when used as a bar stool. In this case, the viewing direction / seating direction when used as a bar stool BB can be opposite to the viewing direction / seating direction when used as a chair BS. The piece of furniture can comprise a footrest 24 for use as a bar stool, which is arranged on the side 34 corresponding to the back of the chair. The element α and the element β can be arranged as in the Figur 5 shown variant, each immovably, i.e. not foldable, connected to each other, e.g. in one piece or screwed, glued, plugged and / or nailed.

[0102] All embodiments can have one or more struts and / or supports 38 to improve stability and / or for aesthetic reasons. Already mentioned elements, such as the footrest 24, can also function as a strut 38. For example, the pair of legs that does not have a footrest 24 can have a strut 38, in Fig. 1A-1E the second pair of legs 10. Bezugszeichenliste:

[0103] 2Seating furniture, folding furniture, furniture; TSdepth in chair configuration; TBdepth in bar stool configuration; 4first element; 6second element; 8first pair of legs; 10second pair of legs; 12backrest bracket; A1pivot axis of the first element 4; 14a,bstrut; 16, 16a, 16bstop; 18, 18arecess; 20, 20a, 20bholding element; 24third element / footrest; HHeight / height difference; 26seat in chair configuration; 28front of the first element 4 in chair configuration; 29pivot axis of the leg pair; 30element; BBviewing direction / seating direction when using a bar stool; BSviewing direction / seating direction when using a chair; 32element; 34Side of furniture 2 corresponding to the back of the chair; αElement α; βElement β; A1Pivot axis of the first element 4; A2Pivot axis of the second element 6; 36Seat element; 38Cross brace;

Claims

1. Seating furniture (2) comprising a chair configuration and a barstool configuration, wherein the seating furniture (2) is configured to switch between the chair configuration and the barstool configuration, wherein the seating furniture (2) is a folding piece of furniture; wherein the seating furniture (2) comprises: - a first element (4; β) that functions as a seat element (36) in the barstool configuration and as a backrest element in the chair configuration, and a backrest support, wherein the first element is movably, preferably pivotably, attached to the backrest support, and wherein the backrest support comprises a first stop configured to support the first element in the chair configuration; and - a second element (6) that functions as a seat element in the chair configuration, and a second stop for the second element, configured to support the second element in the chair configuration, wherein the second element (6)functions as a support element in the barstool configuration and supports the first element.

2. Seating furniture (2) according to claim 1, wherein the seating furniture (2) has a compressed, preferably folded, configuration and / or wherein the seating furniture (2) is configured to switch between the chair configuration, the barstool configuration, and the folded configuration solely by moving, e.g. by folding, one or more components of the seating furniture (2).

3. Seating furniture (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the seating furniture has a depth in the chair configuration, referred to as TS, and a depth in the barstool configuration, referred to as TB, wherein: - TS ≤ 85 cm, preferably TS ≤ 80 cm, more preferably TS ≤ 75 cm, more preferably TS ≤ 70 cm, particularly preferably TS ≤ 65 cm; - TB ≤ 70 cm, preferably TB ≤ 65 cm, more preferably TB ≤ 60 cm, more preferably TB ≤ 55 cm, particularly preferably TB ≤ 55 cm; - TS and TB differ by no more than 10% of the smaller value; and / or - TB is less than or equal to TS.

4. Seating furniture (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second element (6) in the barstool configuration is arranged such that it: • does not obstruct a person seated as intended on the seating furniture (2) in the barstool configuration; and / or • extends forward less than, as far as, or at most 10 cm, at most 8 cm, at most 5 cm, or at most 3 cm further than a frontmost element, preferably the first element (4; β), and / or extends rearward less than, as far as, or at most 10 cm, at most 8 cm, at most 5 cm, or at most 3 cm further than a rearmost element, preferably the first element (4; β).

5. Seating furniture (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first element (4; β) is movable, preferably pivotable, from its chair configuration to its barstool configuration, and wherein the first element (4; β) is movable, preferably pivotable, from its barstool configuration to its chair configuration.

6. Seating furniture (2) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second element (6) is movable, preferably pivotable, from its chair configuration to its barstool configuration, and wherein the second element (6) is movable, preferably pivotable, from its barstool configuration to its chair configuration.

7. Seating furniture (2) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the backrest support (12) comprises two struts formed as an extension of a first or second pair of legs (8, 10) of the seating furniture (2).

8. Seating furniture (2) according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the second element (6) is arranged in the barstool configuration as a continuation of a / the pair of legs (8, 10) to which the second element (6) is movably connected.

9. Seating furniture (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the seating furniture (2) comprises a third element (24) that functions as a footrest (24) in the barstool configuration, wherein the third element (24) is preferably arranged on a / the front pair of legs (8, 10) of the barstool configuration, more preferably formed as a cross brace (38) of the front pair of legs (8, 10) of the barstool configuration.

10. Seating furniture (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the seating furniture (2) comprises a barstool seating plane, a chair seating plane, and a barstool footrest plane at respective different heights, wherein preferably:

1. the barstool footrest plane is arranged above a floor plane; 2. the chair seating plane is arranged above the barstool footrest plane; and / or 3. the barstool seating plane is arranged above the chair seating plane.

11. Seating furniture (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the seating furniture (2) is configured such that it can be used, preferably in the barstool configuration, as a standing aid, wherein preferably the backrest of the chair configuration, particularly preferably the first element (4; β), is configured as a buttocks support of the standing aid.

12. Seating furniture (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the seating furniture (2) is configured to allow tool-free switching between the barstool configuration and the chair configuration, optionally between the barstool configuration, the chair configuration, and the standing and / or compressed configuration.

Images