Adjustable furniture for a chair for a chair for a chair and method for determining the dimensions of an item of furniture for a chair

Abstract

The invention relates to a trial seating piece, preferably an armchair, comprising a seating area 13, a backrest 15, a control system 17, a first electric drive 25 for adjusting the seat height, and a second electric drive 27 for adjusting the seat depth. According to the invention, the control system is designed to adjust the seat height in predetermined increments and to adjust the seat depth in predetermined increments. The values ​​for the seat height and seat depth obtained with the trial seating piece are used to determine and, if necessary, manufacture a suitable armchair for the user.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable trial seating furniture, in particular an adjustable trial armchair, and to a method for determining the suitable dimensions for a tailor-made seating furniture, preferably an armchair.

[0002] In recent years, there has been a trend toward customizing seating furniture—especially armchairs—to the user's body measurements and seating habits to ensure optimal comfort. This goal is typically achieved either by offering seating furniture with a wide range of adjustment options, allowing both the seat height and depth to be individually adjusted, preferably with electrical controls, or by offering a single seating model in various versions with different seat heights and / or depths.

[0003] The integration of adjustment options, especially electric motors and control elements, increases the cost of the seating and makes its production complex and costly. Considering that optimal seat height and depth settings are usually maintained permanently, this solution appears inefficient.

[0004] Another disadvantage of electrically adjustable recliners is the need for a power connection, which leads to the installation of cables. Since recliners, unlike sofas, are often freestanding, these cables can pose tripping hazards and complicate cleaning.

[0005] While the alternative of offering different versions of a seating model avoids these problems, it complicates the choice for customers and requires furniture stores to keep a wide range of models in stock to allow customers to try out different seat heights and depths. Solutions such as adding additional cushions often do not provide satisfactory results.

[0006] The aim of the invention is therefore to develop an adjustable trial seating furniture and a method that enables buyers to quickly and easily find the ideal configuration for their body size and sitting habits, and makes it easier for the seller to determine a suitable, permanently adjusted seating furniture.

[0007] This object is achieved by a piece of seating furniture according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 9, with further advantageous aspects in the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention is described in detail below using a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures show: Figure 1: a general view of the test seat of the invention; Figures 2a to 2d: respective side views of the test seat of Figure 1 with different seat depth and seat height settings; Figure 3: a detailed view of an adjustment device for the test seat from Figure 1 ; Figure 4: a schematic perspective view of the test seating furniture of the Figure 1 without cushions; Figure 5: a top view of the test seating furniture of the Figure 4 ; Figures 6a and 6b: each a diagram explaining the operation of the seat height adjustment; and Figures 7a and 7b: each a diagram explaining the operation of the seat depth adjustment. The invention is described in detail below using an armchair. The invention is not limited to this armchair, particularly with regard to the design of possible additional elements such as footrests, adjustable armrests, or headrests. Other functions of the armchair, such as a general tilting mechanism for adjusting the angle between the backrest and seat, a mechanism for adjusting the alignment of the seat to the floor, and the like, can also be provided in a known manner. To simplify the illustration, these parts are not described further, and the description focuses on the presented mechanisms for seat height and seat depth.

[0009] Figure 1shows a perspective view of the test seating furniture according to the invention. Mounted on a suitable frame, in this case a 5-armed cross 1 with a single vertical support 3, is a body 5, which, in a known manner, has an adjustable footrest 7, a seating area 9, armrests 11 arranged on the left and right, two side elements 13, and a backrest 15.

[0010] Although the chair described here is shown with a five-armed cross 1 and a single vertical support 3, this is not to be understood as a limitation, and other embodiments, such as with four legs or the like, are also possible.

[0011] In the armchair shown, the adjustable footrest 7 is connected to the seat area 9 via a suitable joint, and a continuous cushion 17 is provided that covers the entire surface of the seat area 9 and the footrest 7. However, this embodiment is not mandatory, and it is possible to design the cushioning for the seat area 9 and for the footrest 7 as two separate cushions.

[0012] The body 5 of the armchair shown comprises the two side elements 13, which are each connected to the armrests 11 and are designed such that the backrest 15 and the seat area 9 including the footrest 7 are movably mounted relative to the two side elements 13 and the armrests 11.

[0013] The test seating furniture according to the invention comprises at least two independent adjustment mechanisms which allow the seat height on the one hand and the seat depth on the other hand to be changed. Figures 2A to 2D shows the chair Figure 1 in four different positions, which differ in both seat height and seat depth. Figure 2A the chair in the lowest seat height and with the smallest seat depth, Figure 2D shows the test seating furniture with the greatest seat height and the greatest seat depth. Figures 2B and 2C show intermediate positions. According to the invention, these positions, ie, the end positions as well as the intermediate positions, are programmed into the test seating furniture or armchair in such a way that they can be controlled via a remote control or controller 17, via which the seat height and seat depth can be independently controlled.

[0014] Figure 3shows such a remote control or control unit 17. The chair of this design allows the seat height to be adjusted to 42 cm, 45 cm, 47 cm, or 49 cm. This trial chair also allows the seat depth to be adjusted to 50 cm, 53 cm, 55 cm, or 58 cm. This results in 16 different combinations of seat depth and seat height.

[0015] According to the invention, a trial chair according to this embodiment is made available in a furniture store for customers who then wish to purchase a chair that is not or not significantly adjustable. The customer will sit on this trial chair and select a suitable combination of seat height and seat depth, whereby they can control the various positions via the remote control 17 without having to get up. In this way, it is easy for the customer to find an optimal combination of seat height and seat depth. The seat depth is adjusted by moving the backrest 15 relative to the seating area 9. When adjusting the seat height, the entire body 5, i.e. the seating area 9 together with the backrest 15 and the side elements 13, is moved vertically.

[0016] The values ​​for seat height and seat depth determined by the customer as the optimal setting for him are recorded by the seller in order to select or order an armchair that has the desired combination of seat height and seat depth.

[0017] Various designs are possible to easily identify the seat height and depth values ​​specified by the customer. One simple design involves providing LEDs under each button 19 on the remote control 17, so that the last button 19 pressed lights up. Another option is to use locking buttons, so that the last buttons 19 pressed for seat height and seat depth are clearly locked relative to the other buttons. Another option is to attach colored markings to the test chair to indicate the extent to which the seat depth has been increased or decreased. These can be attached to the side in the rear area of ​​the backrest 15. The seat height can be measured in a similar way.Finally, it is also possible to provide an output device, such as a Bluetooth transmitter, in the chair or the remote control 17, which transmits the respective values ​​to an external reading device, such as application software or an app on a mobile phone. In another embodiment, a display is provided on the remote control 17 or the chair, which shows the set values ​​for the seat height and seat depth. These embodiments can also be combined with one another in any way.

[0018] Figure 4 shows the body 5 of the test seating furniture according to the invention in a representation in which the upholstery and covering fabrics have been omitted.

[0019] A seat frame 21 and a back frame 23, each with an electric drive 25 and 27 and associated levers or rails, are held between the two side elements 13. In the embodiment shown, the backrest 15 is provided with a headrest 28, which is connected to the backrest 15 via joints. This is a preferred embodiment but not an essential feature of the invention.

[0020] The test seat shown includes the footrest 7, which is made of wood, plastic, or metal and attached to the front of the test seat and can be moved between a folded-down position and a receptacle position via joints. This footrest 7 is also a preferred, but not essential, feature of the invention.

[0021] The armrests 11 are attached to the two side elements 13. These can either be screwed on or formed integrally with the side element 13. Additional stabilizing elements can be provided on the body 5.

[0022] Spring elements 31 may be provided on the top of the seat frame 21 and also the back frame 23 to increase the comfort of the chair.

[0023] Figure 5 shows a Figure 4 Corresponding view, showing the chair viewed from above. In the sample seating unit shown, the first electric drive 25 for height adjustment is located on the left side of the seating unit, as seen from the user. The second electric drive 27 for adjusting the backrest 15 is located on the right side. However, the arrangement of the electric drives is also reversible.

[0024] In Figure 5It can be seen that the seating area 9 is constructed from a chassis 33 and the seat frame 21 mounted on the chassis 33, wherein the chassis 33 is firmly connected to the side elements 13, and wherein the seat frame 21 is screwed to the chassis 33. Other types of connection, be it by riveting, gluing, or welding, are also possible.

[0025] Figures 6A and 6B show the mechanism chosen for adjusting the seat height in this embodiment. In principle, various mechanisms are conceivable; for example, a hydraulic or pneumatic lifting cylinder can be provided in the support 3 in a known manner, which can be adjusted in length via a motor.

[0026] In the Figures 6A and 6BIn the embodiment shown, however, an adjustment is provided via a movable chassis 33, which has joints 35 on both sides in order to move the seat frame 21 together with the chassis 33 and the backrest 15 up and down in parallel.

[0027] As it is in the Figures 6A and 6B As shown, the motor 25 is arranged between the two joints 35 and drives a mandrel 37 between a retracted position and an extended position, as shown in the Figures 6A and 6B is shown. In the fully retracted position of the mandrel 37, the chair is at its highest seat height, whereas when the mandrel 37 is fully extended, the chair is at its lowest seat height.

[0028] The first electric drive 25 is equipped with a telescopic mechanism that offers a sufficiently large adjustment range.

[0029] Thus, by actuating the first electric drive 25, the chassis 33 with the seat frame 21 mounted thereon and the backrest 15 also mounted on the chassis 33 can be moved up or down without changing the angle of inclination of the seat frame 21.

[0030] The Figures 7A and 7B 1 and 2 show, in a similar manner, the structure of the mechanism for adjusting the backrest 15. As shown in the figures, a guide rail 39 is attached to each side of the chassis 33. Sliding elements 41 are slidably received in the guide rails 39, which in turn are firmly connected to the backrest 15.

[0031] Although this is a preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited thereto, and instead of guide rails 39 and associated sliding elements 41, slotted guides or tracks and rollers are also possible. If the drive train via the second electric drive 27 is sufficiently stable, the lateral guide rails 39 can also be omitted entirely.

[0032] The second electric drive 27 is provided between the two guide rails 39. Two sliding blocks 43 are mounted on a shaft 45 on the second electric drive 27, which are screwed to the back frame 23.

[0033] The second electric drive 27 thus moves the back frame 23 relative to the seat frame 21. As can be seen from Figure 2As can be seen, the cushions to be attached to the seat frame 21 and the back frame 23 are designed such that the cushion on the seat frame 21 can be retracted into an empty space beneath the back frame 23 or retracted from it. In the trial seating furniture of the invention shown, an adjustment of the backrest 15 or the back frame 23 relative to the seat frame 21 of 8 cm is possible in this way. However, the invention is not limited to this, and with a corresponding thickness of the cushion of the backrest 15, greater adjustments are also possible.

[0034] The construction shown allows the customer to remain seated on the test seat while selecting the appropriate size for their chair, while individually adjusting the seat height and, independently of this, the seat depth in the predefined increments. These predefined increments correspond to the various dimensions specified by the manufacturer for the production of the finished chair delivered to the customer, which then no longer features seat depth adjustment.

[0035] Although the invention has been described using an exemplary embodiment, the invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations may be made.

[0036] In the preferred embodiment, the cushion on the seat frame 21 is accommodated in a void beneath the backrest 15. However, it is also possible to work with a thinner backrest 15 and to design the cushion or seat frame 21 such that, at the smallest seat depth, part of the seat surface is behind the backrest 15. Since the sample seat is not the piece of furniture ultimately delivered to the customer, the associated impairment of the aesthetics of the seat is negligible.

[0037] In the test seating furniture according to the invention, the seat height and depth were adjusted, while the height and distance of the armrests 11 relative to the seat frame 21 remained unchanged. This is not absolutely necessary, and embodiments are also possible in which an additional adjustment of the height or distance of the armrests is provided. This can be done using a third row of buttons on the remote control 17. Suitable electric drives for adjusting the height or distance of the armrests 11 are known to those skilled in the art.

[0038] The sample seating shown features four seat height and four seat depth adjustments. This is also not a limitation. Other designs with three, five, or more adjustment options for both the seat height and, independently of this, the seat depth are conceivable.

[0039] Finally, a design is also possible in which the seat height and depth are continuously adjustable, and the seller reads or measures the actual values ​​for seat height and depth determined by the customer as optimal with greater precision, for example, to the millimeter. At the customer's request, a custom-made chair can then be manufactured to fit the exact size. 15-arm cross 3 Support 5 Body 7 Footrest 9 Seating area 11 Armrests 13 Side elements 15 Backrest 17 Remote control or control 19 Buttons 21 Seat frame 23 Back frame 25 First electric drive 27 Second electric drive 28 Headrest 29 Stabilizing elements 31 Spring elements 33 Seat pan or chassis 35 Joints 37 Pin 39 Guide rail 41 Sliding elements 43 Sliding blocks 45 Shaft

Claims

1. Trial seating furniture with: a seating area (13), a backrest (15), a control system (17), a first electric drive (25) for changing a seat height, a second electric drive (27) for changing a seat depth; characterized in that the control (17) is designed to change the seat height in predetermined steps, and the control (17) is designed to change the seat depth in predetermined steps.

2. Trial seating furniture according to claim 1, wherein the second electric drive (27) displaces the backrest (15).

3. Trial seating furniture according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising means for displaying the set seat height and seat depth.

4. Trial seating furniture according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the seat depth can be changed by 8 cm or more.

5. Trial seating furniture according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the seating area (13) has a chassis (33) and a seat frame (21) which is fixedly connected to the chassis (33), and wherein the chassis (33) is height-adjustable by means of the first electric drive (25), wherein the chassis (33) accommodates the first electric drive (25) and the second electric drive (27).

6. Trial seating furniture according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second electric drive (27) drives a shaft (45) which in turn moves sliding blocks (43).

7. Trial seating furniture with: a seating area (13), a backrest (15), a control system (17), a first electric drive (25) for changing a seat height, a second electric drive (27) for changing a seat depth; characterized in thatthe control (17) enables a continuous change of the seat height and / or the seat depth; wherein the test seating furniture has an output device for outputting the set values ​​of the seat height and the seat depth.

8. Trial seating furniture according to claim 7, wherein the output device is a display.

9. A method for determining the dimensions of a piece of seating furniture, comprising the steps of: providing a test piece of seating furniture according to any one of claims 1-8; serial testing of the seat height and seat depth settings by a user; determining the user's preferred values ​​for the seat height and seat depth; transmitting the values ​​thus obtained for selecting a suitable piece of seating furniture.

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