Configurable chair

Abstract

A chair 102 comprising a seat 150 and a back 160 coupled to the seat. The back comprises a plurality of back ribs 162, and a splat 164 having a plurality of apertures (166, Figure 3B). Each aperture o

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following disclosure relates to a configurable chair and a lockable hinge for a configurable chair. Background

[0002] Chairs for racing or flight simulator cockpits are designed to provide comfort and improve immersion for users, even during long simulator sessions. Typically, chairs for racing or flight simulator cockpits are bucket seats modelled based on seats used in motorsport. However, such bucket seats are generic and designed to fit the widest range of users. On the other hand, seats for professional drivers such as in Formula 1 are custom moulded to best fit the specific driver’s shape. Summary

[0003] Various examples are disclosed that relate to configurable chairs with modular components that can be customised by the user to maximise comfort.

[0004] Accordingly, there is provided a chair comprising a seat and a back which is coupled to the seat. The back comprises a plurality of back ribs, and a splat having a first plurality of apertures. Each aperture of the first plurality of apertures is arranged to receive at least one back rib of the plurality of back ribs. Different back ribs can be chosen to best fit the user’s body when seated.

[0005] Each aperture of the first plurality of apertures may be arranged to insertably receive the at least one back rib of the plurality of back ribs when the at least one back rib is in a first orientation, and removably retain the at least one back rib in the respective aperture when the at least one back rib is in a second orientation.

[0006] The seat may comprise a plurality of seat ribs, and a base having a second plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture of the second plurality of apertures is arranged to receive at least one seat rib of the plurality of seat ribs. Each aperture of the second plurality of apertures may be arranged to receive the at least one seat rib of the plurality of seat ribs when the at least one seat rib is in a first orientation, and removably retain the at least one seat rib when the at least one seat rib is in a second orientation.

[0007] The chair may comprise a first hinge, wherein the back is coupled to the seat using the first hinge.

[0008] A first back rib of the plurality of back ribs may comprises a different shape to a second back rib of the plurality of back ribs.

[0009] Each aperture of the first plurality of apertures may be arranged to receive two back ribs of the plurality of back ribs when the two back ribs are in a first orientation, and removably retain the two back ribs when the two back ribs are in a second orientation. A first back rib of the two back ribs may be configured to be braced against a first portion of the inner periphery of the respective aperture, and a second back rib of the two back ribs may be configured to be braced against a second portion of the inner periphery of the respective aperture. The first and second portions of the inner periphery may be on opposite sides of the respective aperture.

[0010] The splat may be a first splat, and the plurality of back ribs may be a first plurality of back ribs, the chair comprising an upper back coupled to the back by a second hinge. The upper back may comprise a second plurality of back ribs, and a second splat having a third plurality of apertures. Each aperture of the third plurality of apertures may be arranged to receive at least one back rib of the second plurality of back ribs when the at least one back rib is in a first orientation, and removably retain the at least one back rib in the respective aperture when the at least one back rib is in a second orientation.

[0011] The splat may be a first splat, and the chair may comprise a third splat having a fourth plurality of apertures. The third splat may be substantially the same as the first splat. Each aperture of the fourth plurality of apertures may correspond to an aperture of the first plurality of apertures, and each aperture of the fourth plurality of apertures may be arranged to receive the same at least one back rib of the plurality of back ribs that is received in the corresponding aperture of the first plurality of apertures.

[0012] The seat and base of the configurable chair may fold together using a hinge arrangement which can be locked into one of a plurality of predetermined positions.

[0013] There is provided a lockable hinge for a folding chair. The lockable hinge comprises a first leaf comprising a first aperture having a first axis, and a second aperture having a second axis. The lockable hinge comprises a second leaf comprising a third aperture having a third axis, and a plurality of teeth comprising at least three teeth, wherein the plurality of teeth are arranged on a portion of a periphery of the second leaf, and wherein a radial distance between the third axis and each tooth of the plurality of teeth is the same. The lockable hinge comprises a third leaf comprising a fourth aperture having a fourth axis, and a fifth aperture having a fifth axis. The lockable hinge comprises a first shaft extending through the second aperture, the third aperture and the fifth aperture, wherein the first shaft comprises a first shaft axis. The lockable hinge comprises a second shaft extending through the first aperture and the fourth aperture, wherein the second shaft comprises a second shaft axis, and the second shaft axis is coaxial with the first axis and the fourth axis. The lockable hinge is configurable to be in a locked state or an unlocked state. In the locked state, the first shaft axis is coaxial with the second axis, the third axis and the fifth axis, the second shaft extends through a space between a pair of adjacent teeth of the plurality of teeth, and the second shaft engages with the pair of adjacent teeth. In the unlocked state, the second shaft does not engage with any teeth of the plurality of teeth.

[0014] The second aperture may be a first slot having a first end, wherein the second axis may be proximal to the first end of the first slot, the third aperture may be a circular hole, the fifth aperture may be a second slot having a first end, wherein the fifth axis may be proximal to the first end of the second slot. In the unlocked state, the first shaft may be distal from the first end of the first slot and distal from the first end of the second slot, and the first shaft axis may not be coaxial with the second axis or the fifth axis.

[0015] Alternatively, the second aperture and the fifth aperture may each be circular holes, the third aperture may be a slot having a first end, wherein the third axis may be proximal to the first end of the slot. In the unlocked state, the first shaft may be distal from the first end of the slot, and the first shaft axis may not be coaxial with the third axis.

[0016] The plurality of teeth may be a first plurality of teeth, and the pair of adjacent teeth is a first pair of adjacent teeth, the lockable hinge may comprising a fourth leaf comprising a sixth aperture having a sixth axis, and a second plurality of teeth comprising at least three teeth. The second plurality of teeth may be arranged on a portion of a periphery of the fourth leaf, and wherein a radial distance between the sixth axis and each tooth of the second plurality of teeth may be the same, and wherein the second plurality of teeth may have the same pitch and spacing as the first plurality of teeth of the second leaf. In the locked state, the first shaft axis may further be coaxial with the sixth axis, the second shaft further may extend through a space between a second pair of adjacent teeth of the second plurality of teeth, and the second shaft may engage with the second pair of adjacent teeth. In the unlocked state, the second shaft furth may not engage with any teeth of the second plurality of teeth.

[0017] There is provided a chair comprising a seat, and the lockable hinge, wherein the seat comprises the second leaf, and the first leaf forms a leg for the chair. There is provided a simulator rig comprising the chair. Brief description of the drawings

[0018] Further details, aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Like reference numerals have been included in the respective drawings to ease understanding: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a simulator cockpit having a chair; Figure 2 is a schematic view of the chair of Figure 1 in a folded configuration; Figures 3A to 3C are schematic views of components of the chair of Figure 1; Figures 4A and 4B are schematic views of alternative configurations of the chair of Figure 1; Figures 5A to 5C are schematic views of components of an alternative chair; Figure 6 is a schematic view of a lockable hinge of the chair of the simulator cockpit of Figure 1; Figure 7A is a schematic view of the lockable hinge of Figure 6 in an unlocked configuration; Figure 7B is a schematic view of the lockable hinge of Figure 6 in a locked configuration; Figure 8A is a schematic view of an alternative lockable hinge; Figure 8B is a schematic exploded view of the lockable hinge of Figure 8A; Figure 9A is a schematic view of an alternative lockable hinge; and Figure 9B is a schematic exploded view of the lockable hinge of Figure 9A. Detailed description

[0019] The present disclosure relates to a configurable chair that is suitable for a racing or flight simulator cockpit.

[0020] With reference to Figure 1, a simulator cockpit 100 comprises a chair 102, a steering wheel mount 104, and a pedal mount 106. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, a racing wheel 108 is shown coupled to the steering wheel mount 104, and a set of pedals 110 is shown coupled to the pedal mount 106. Other simulator cockpits may include a joystick, a keyboard, a mouse or other input peripherals. The chair 102 may be used standalone without being part of a simulator cockpit.

[0021] The chair 102 has a seat 150 configured to be sat on by a user. The chair 102 has a back 160 configured to support the back of the user. The chair 102 comprises a lockable hinge 600 between the seat 150 and the back 160 which couples the seat 150 to the back 160. The seat 150 and back 160 are rotatable relative to each other around an axis of the lockable hinge 600. As discussed in greater detail below with reference to Figure 6, the lockable hinge 600 is configured to retain the seat 150 at one of a plurality of angles relative to the back 160. The lockable hinge 600 also enables the back 160 to be folded towards the seat 150, as illustrated in Figure 2. This can reduce the overall size of the chair for ease of transport and storage. The lockable hinge 600 is optional and alternative arrangements of chairs can include a seat at a fixed angle relative to the back, or with alternative hinge configurations.

[0022] With additional reference to Figures 3A to 3C, which show components of the chair 102 in isolation for ease of reference, the back 160 comprises a plurality of back ribs 162 and a splat 164.

[0023] The back ribs of the plurality of back ribs 162 may have the same or different shapes or profiles to each other. For example, in the chair 102, there are four back ribs 162 where two back ribs have the same shape and the remaining two back ribs have different shapes to each other and different shapes to the two identical back ribs. The splat 164 comprises a plurality of apertures 166 which are each through-holes. In other examples, the apertures may be notches on the edge of the splat. One or more of the back ribs of the plurality of back ribs 162 can be inserted into each aperture 166 in the splat 164. For example, in the chair 102, there are two apertures in the splat and two back ribs are inserted into each aperture. The one or more back ribs 162 in each aperture 166 are removably retained in the respective aperture 166. The one or more back ribs 162 in each aperture 166 may be braced against the edges of the aperture, for example if there are two back ribs in an aperture, a standoff or threaded rod can be inserted between the two back ribs to respectively bias the back ribs against the top and bottom edges of the aperture. Accordingly, the user can select and configure the plurality of back ribs 162 to shape the back 160 of the chair 102 in a way that conforms to the shape of the user to improve comfort to the user.

[0024] Similarly, the seat 150 comprises a plurality of seat ribs 152 and a base 154. The seat ribs of the plurality of back ribs 152 may have the same or different shapes or profiles to each other. For example, in the chair 102, there are four seat ribs 152 where two seat ribs have the same shape and the remaining two seat ribs have different shapes to each other and different shapes to the two identical seat ribs. The base 154 comprises a plurality of apertures 156 which are each through-holes. In other examples, the apertures may be notches on the edge of the base. One or more of the seat ribs of the plurality of seat ribs 152 can be inserted into each aperture 156 in the base 154. For example, in the chair 102, there are two apertures in the base and two seat ribs are inserted into each aperture. The one or more seat ribs 152 in each aperture 156 are removably retained in the respective aperture 156. The one or more seat ribs 152 in each aperture 156 may be braced against the edges of the aperture. Accordingly, the user can select and configure the plurality of seat ribs 152 to shape the seat 150 of the chair 102 in a way that conforms to the shape of the user to improve comfort to the user.

[0025] The chair 102 comprises an upper back 180 which is pivotably coupled to the back 160. The upper back 180 comprises a plurality of upper back ribs 182 and an upper splat 184. The upper back ribs of the plurality of upper back ribs 182 may have the same or different shapes or profiles to each other. For example, in the chair 102, there are four upper back ribs 182 where two upper back ribs have the same shape and the remaining two upper back ribs have different shapes to each other and different shapes to the two identical upper back ribs. The upper splat 184 comprises a plurality of apertures 186 which are each through-holes. In other examples, the apertures may be notches on the edge of the upper splat. One or more of the upper back ribs of the plurality of upper back ribs 182 can be inserted into each aperture 186 in the upper splat 184. For example, in the chair 102, there are two apertures in the upper splat and two upper back ribs are inserted into each aperture. The one or more upper back ribs 182 in each aperture 186 are removably retained in the respective aperture 186. The one or more upper back ribs 182 in each aperture 186 may be braced against the edges of the aperture. Accordingly, the user can select and configure the plurality of upper back ribs 182 to shape the upper back 180 of the chair 102 in a way that conforms to the shape of the user to support the user’s shoulders and head to improve comfort to the user.

[0026] Accordingly, different shapes of back ribs 162, seat ribs 152, and upper back ribs 182 can be configured to correspond to the shape of the user of the chair to provide a comfortable sitting experience. In the example chair 102 of Figure 1, optional padding 190 is coupled to each of the back ribs 162, the seat ribs 152, and the upper back ribs 182 to further improve comfort to the user. Additionally, the gaps between the ribs permit air flow to reach the user while seated which can help the user to remain cool, for example, by aiding in evaporation of sweat, further improving comfort to the user.

[0027] The back ribs 162, seat ribs 152, and upper back ribs 182 may be inserted into their respective aperture while in a first orientation. The respective rib may be rotated to a second orientation whilst in its aperture. In the second orientation, the respective rib is retained in the respective aperture. In other words, the apertures are sized and shaped to permit insertion of the rib when the rib is the first orientation, and when the rib is in the second orientation, it is held in place to prevent removal of the rib from its aperture.

[0028] Example alternative arrangements of different shapes of back ribs 162, seat ribs 152, and upper back ribs 182 are shown in Figures 4A and 4B. In Figure 4A, the seat 150, the back 160 and the upper back 180 are positioned relative to each other to provide a reclined sitting position and with shapes and arrangements of back ribs 162, seat ribs 152, and upper back ribs 182 that emulate a Formula 1 driving seat. In Figure 4B, the seat 150, the back 160 and the upper back 180 are positioned relative to each other to provide an upright sitting position and with shapes and arrangements of back ribs 162, seat ribs 152, and upper back ribs 182 that emulate an office chair or desk chair.

[0029] The same benefits as provided by the chair 102 can similarly be achieved with chairs with alternative seat and back arrangements. For example, a chair may have a back having a splat and a plurality of back ribs and a solid seat, i.e. without a plurality of seat ribs. In another example, with reference to Figures 5A to 5C, a chair 202 which may be used standalone or with a simulator cockpit, comprises a seat 250, a back 260 and a lockable hinge 270. The seat 250 and back 260 are rotatable relative to each other around an axis of the lockable hinge 270. The lockable hinge 270 is optional and alternative arrangements of chairs 202 can include a seat 250 at a fixed angle relative to the back 260 or alternative hinge arrangements.

[0030] The seat 250 comprises a plurality of seat ribs 252, a first base 254a, a second base 254b, and a plate 258. The seat ribs of the plurality of seat ribs 252 may have the same or different shapes or profiles to each other. The first base 254a and the second base 254b are substantially identical to each other and each comprise a plurality of apertures 256 such that an aperture of the first base 254a corresponds to an aperture of the second base 254b, forming a pair of corresponding apertures. Each of the plurality of apertures 256 is a through-hole but in other examples may be a blind hole. One or more of the seat ribs of the plurality of seat ribs 252 can be inserted into each pair of corresponding apertures in the first base 254a and the second base 254b. For example, in the chair 202, the is one seat rib 252 that is held in an aperture 256 of the first base 254a and in a corresponding aperture 256 of the second base 254b. Each seat rib 252 includes a first flange for insertion into an aperture 256 of the first base 254a and a second flange for insertion into a corresponding aperture 256 of the second base 254b. Accordingly, the user can select and configure the plurality of seat ribs 252 to shape the seat 250 of the chair 202 in a way that conforms to the shape of the user to improve comfort to the user.

[0031] The plate 258 is located between the first base 254a and the second base 254b. The plate 258 includes a plurality of flanges, and each of the plurality of apertures 256 in the first and second base 254a, 254b receive a flange of the plate 258. The plate 258 can improve structural rigidity of the chair 202.

[0032] Similarly, the back 260 comprises a plurality of back ribs 262, a first splat 264a, a second splat 264b, and a back plate 268. The back ribs of the plurality of back ribs 262 may have the same or different shapes or profiles to each other. The first splat 264a and the second splat 264b are substantially identical to each other and each comprise a plurality of apertures 266 such that an aperture of the first splat 264a corresponds to an aperture of the second splat 264b, forming a pair of corresponding apertures. Each of the plurality of apertures 266 is a through-hole but in other examples may be a blind hole. One or more of the back ribs of the plurality of back ribs 262 can be inserted into each pair of corresponding apertures in the first splat 264a and the second splat 264b. For example, in the chair 202, the is one back rib 262 that is held in an aperture 266 of the first splat 264a and in a corresponding aperture 266 of the second splat 264b. Each back rib 262 includes a first flange for insertion into an aperture 266 of the first splat 264a and a second flange for insertion into a corresponding aperture 266 in the second splat 264b. Accordingly, the user can select and configure the plurality of back ribs 262 to shape the back 260 of the chair 202 in a way that conforms to the shape of the user to improve comfort to the user.

[0033] The back plate 268 is located between the first splat 264a and the second splat 264b. The back plate 268 includes a plurality of flanges, and each of the plurality of apertures 266 in the first and second splats 264a, 264b receive a flange of the back plate 268. The back plate 268 can improve structural rigidity of the chair 202.

[0034] Optionally, padding such as tubular padding can be coupled to one or more of the seat ribs 252 and / or back ribs 262.

[0035] The components of the chairs 102, 202 such as the bases, ribs and splats are each three-dimensional with constant thickness and can be formed by cutting sheet material into the desired shape. For example, the components may be laser cut from sheets of wood, plywood, medium-density fibreboard, plastic or metal.

[0036] In the chairs 102, 202, the relative angle between the seat and the back may be adjusted between one of a plurality of predetermined positions using a lockable hinge such as lockable hinge 600.

[0037] With reference to Figures 6, 7A and 7B, the lockable hinge 600 for chair 102 comprises a first leaf 602, the splat 164 (i.e. a second leaf), a third leaf 604, and the base 154 (i.e. a fourth leaf). The first leaf 602 forms a leg for the chair 102. The splat 164 (i.e. the second leaf) and the base 154 (i.e. the fourth leaf) are sandwiched between the first leaf 602 and the third leaf 604.

[0038] The first leaf 602 comprises a first aperture 610 having a first axis, a second aperture 612 having a second axis, and a plurality of dowels 614. The first aperture 610 is a circular hole. The second aperture 612 is a first slot having a first end and the second axis is proximal to the first end of the first slot. In the example lockable hinge 600, the first leaf 602 has four dowels 614. The dowels 614 may be fixedly coupled to the first leaf 602 or may be integrally formed as part of the first leaf 602.

[0039] The splat 164 (i.e. the second leaf) comprises a third aperture having a third axis, and a plurality of teeth 620. The third aperture is a circular hole. The plurality of teeth 620 are arranged on a portion of a periphery of the splat 164. The teeth of the plurality of teeth 620 are evenly spaced such that a radial distance between the third axis and each tooth of the plurality of teeth 620 is the same.

[0040] The third leaf 604 comprises a fourth aperture 616 having a fourth axis, and a fifth aperture 618 having a fifth axis. The fourth aperture 616 is a circular hole. The fifth aperture 618 is a second slot having a first end, wherein the fifth axis is proximal to the first end of the second slot. The third leaf 604 also has four apertures, each aperture for receiving the plurality of dowels 614.

[0041] Similarly to the splat 164, the base 154 (i.e. the fourth leaf) comprises an sixth aperture having an sixth axis, and a plurality of teeth 630. The sixth aperture is a circular hole. The plurality of teeth 630 are arranged on a portion of a periphery of the base 154. The teeth of the plurality of teeth 630 have substantially the same even spacing as the plurality of teeth 620 of the splat 164, such that a radial distance between the sixth axis and each tooth of the plurality of teeth 630 is the same.

[0042] The lockable hinge 600 further comprises a first fastener 640, and a second fastener 642. The first and second fasteners 640, 642 may each be, for example, a thumb screw, a threaded shaft and wing nut, a nut and bolt, a quick release skewer etc. The first fastener 640 has a first shaft which extends through the second aperture 612 in the first leaf 602, the third aperture in the splat 164 (i.e. the second leaf), the fifth aperture 618 in the third leaf 604, and the sixth aperture in the base 154 (i.e. the fourth leaf). The second fastener 642 has a second shaft which extends through the first aperture 610 in the first leaf 602 and the fourth aperture 616 in the third leaf 604.

[0043] The first shaft comprises a first shaft axis. The second shaft comprises a second shaft axis, and the second shaft axis is coaxial with the first axis of the first aperture 610 and the fourth axis of the fourth aperture 616. In other words, the second shaft passes through and is coaxial with the first and fourth apertures 610, 616.

[0044] The first and second fasteners 640, 642 may be tightened or loosened to adjust how closely the first leaf 602, the splat 164 (i.e. the second leaf), the third leaf 604, and the base 154 (i.e. the fourth leaf) are held together. When the first and second fasteners 640, 642 are loosened, the first shaft may move along the second and fifth apertures 612, 618, allowing the splat 164 (i.e. a second leaf) and the base 154 (i.e. the fourth leaf) to independently rotate relative to each other as well as the first and third leaves 602, 604.

[0045] The lockable hinge 600 may be configured in an unlocked state (illustrated in Figure 7 A) or in an locked state (illustrated in Figure 7B). In the locked state, the first shaft axis is coaxial with the second axis, the third axis, the fifth axis and the sixth axis. In addition to extending through the first aperture 610 in the first leaf 602 and the fourth aperture 616 in the third leaf 604, in the locked state, the second shaft extends through a space between a pair of adjacent teeth of the plurality of teeth 620, 630. In the locked state, each of the plurality of dowels 614 also extends through a space between a respective pair of adjacent teeth of the plurality of teeth 620, 630, and each dowel 614 engages with the respective pair of adjacent teeth 620, 630. Accordingly, the dowels of the first leaf 602 provide contact points for engaging the plurality of teeth 620, 630 thereby preventing rotation of the splat 164 and the base 154 relative to the first and third leaves 602, 604.

[0046] In the unlocked state, the second shaft extends through the first aperture 610 in the first leaf 602 and the fourth aperture 616 in the third leaf 604 but does not engage with any teeth of the plurality of teeth 620, 630, and none of the plurality of dowels 614 engage with any teeth of the plurality of teeth 620, 630. In the unlocked state, the first shaft is distal from the first end of the first slot (i.e. the second aperture 612) and distal from the first end of the second slot (i.e. the fifth aperture 618). Further, in the unlocked state, the first shaft axis is not coaxial with the second axis or the fifth axis.

[0047] The lockable hinge 600 can therefore be locked in different configurations where the second shaft sits between different teeth 620, 630 to change the relative angle between the seat 150 and the back 160.

[0048] The lockable hinge has wider potential applications than between a seat and back of a chair. In more general applications, the fourth leaf is optional in the lockable hinge. Lockable hinges with three leaves are discussed with reference to Figures 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B.

[0049] With reference to Figures 8A and 8B, a lockable hinge 800 comprises a first leaf 802, a second leaf 804, and a third leaf 806. The second leaf 804 is sandwiched between the first leaf 802 and the third leaf 806.

[0050] The first leaf 802 comprises a first aperture 810 having a first axis 812, and a second aperture 814 having a second axis 816. The first aperture 810 is a circular hole and the second aperture 814 is a slot (i.e. a first slot) having a first end. The second axis 816 is proximal the first end of the second aperture 814. The second leaf 804 comprises a third aperture 820 having a third axis 822, and a plurality of teeth 824 comprising at least three teeth which are arranged on a portion of a periphery of the second leaf 804. The third aperture 820 is a circular hole. A radial distance between the third axis 822 and each tooth of the plurality of teeth 824 is the same. The third leaf 806 comprises a fourth aperture 830 having a fourth axis 832, and a fifth aperture 834 having a fifth axis 836. The fourth aperture 830 is a circular hole and the fifth aperture 834 is a slot (i.e. a second slot) having a first end. The fifth axis 836 is proximal the first end of the fifth aperture 834.

[0051] The lockable hinge 800 comprises a first shaft 840 and a second shaft 844. The first shaft 840 extends through the second aperture 814, the third aperture 820 and the fifth aperture 834. The first shaft 840 comprises a first shaft axis 842. The second shaft 844 extends through the first aperture 810 and the fourth aperture 830. The second shaft 844 comprises a second shaft axis 846. The first and second shafts 840, 844 are of fixed length substantially corresponding to the total thickness of the first, second and third leaves 802, 804, 806. The first and second shafts 840, 844 each comprise a head on each end to prevent the respective shaft from falling out of the apertures in which it is being held. The first and second shafts 840, 844 are not threaded. In other examples, a fastener such as a thumb screw, a threaded shaft and wing nut, a nut and bolt, or a quick release skewer could form the first and second shafts 840, 844.

[0052] The lockable hinge 800 may be configured in an unlocked state or in an locked state (illustrated in Figure 8A). In the locked state, the first shaft axis 842 is coaxial with each of the second axis 816, the third axis 822 and the fifth axis 836. In the locked state, the second shaft 844 extends through a space between a pair of adjacent teeth of the plurality of teeth 824. In the unlocked state, the second shaft 844 does not engage with any teeth of the plurality of teeth 824. In the unlocked state, the first shaft 840 is distal from the first end of the second aperture 814 and distal from the first end of the second slot 834, and the first shaft axis 842 is not coaxial with the second axis 816 or the fifth axis 836. As the first shaft axis 842 is coaxial with the third axis 822 in both the locked and unlocked state, the weight of the second leaf 804 may bias the first shaft 840 towards the first end of the second aperture 814 (i.e. the first slot) and towards the first end of the fifth aperture 834 (i.e. the second slot), thereby holding the lockable hinge 800 in the locked state under the force of gravity. Further, if the second leaf is part of the seat of a chair such as the base, the weight of the user sitting on the chair also keeps the lockable hinge 800 in the locked state.

[0053] In an alternative configuration of the lockable hinge, instead of first and fifth apertures being slots and the third aperture being a circular hole, the first and fifth apertures may each be a circular hole and the third aperture may be a slot, as discussed with reference to Figures 9A and 9B which illustrate a lockable hinge 900.

[0054] Lockable hinge 900 is substantially the same as lockable hinge 800. In the lockable hinge 900, the first leaf 902 comprises a first aperture 910 having a first axis 912, and a second aperture 914 having a second axis 916. The first aperture 910 is a circular hole and the second aperture 914 is a circular hole. The second leaf 904 comprises a third aperture 920 having a third axis 922, and a plurality of teeth 924 comprising at least three teeth which are arranged on a portion of a periphery of the second leaf 904. The third aperture 920 is a slot having a first end. The third axis 922 is proximal the first end of the third aperture 920. A radial distance between the third axis 922 and each tooth of the plurality of teeth 924 is the same. The third leaf 906 comprises a fourth aperture 930 having a fourth axis 932, and a fifth aperture 934 having a fifth axis 936. The fourth aperture 930 is a circular hole and the fifth aperture 934 is a circular hole.

[0055] The lockable hinge 900 comprises a first shaft 940 and a second shaft 944. The first shaft 940 extends through the second aperture 914, the third aperture 920 and the fifth aperture 934. The first shaft 940 comprises a first shaft axis 942. The second shaft 944 extends through the first aperture 910 and the fourth aperture 930. The second shaft 944 comprises a second shaft axis 946. The first and second shafts 940, 944 are of fixed length substantially corresponding to the total thickness of the first, second and third leaves 902, 904, 906. The first and second shafts 940, 944 each comprise a head on each end to prevent the respective shaft from falling out of the apertures in which it is being held. The first and second shafts 940, 944 are not threaded. In other examples, a fastener such as a thumb screw, a threaded shaft and wing nut, a nut and bolt, or a quick release skewer could form the first and second shafts 940, 944.

[0056] The lockable hinge 900 may be configured in an unlocked state or in an locked state (illustrated in Figure 9A). In the locked state, the first shaft axis 942 is coaxial with each of the second axis 916, the third axis 922 and the fifth axis 936. In the locked state, the second shaft 944 extends through a space between a pair of adjacent teeth of the plurality of teeth 924. In the unlocked state, the second shaft 944 does not engage with any teeth of the plurality of teeth 924. In the unlocked state, the first shaft 940 is distal from the first end of the third aperture 920, and the first shaft axis 942 is not coaxial with the third axis 922. As the first shaft axis 942 is coaxial with the third axis 922 in both the locked and unlocked state, the weight of the second leaf 904 may bias the first shaft 940 towards the first end of the third aperture 920 (i.e. the slot), thereby holding the lockable hinge 800 in the locked state under the force of gravity.

[0057] Although the present invention has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the accompanying claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognise that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention. In the claims, the term “comprising” or “including” does not exclude the presence of other elements.

Claims

1. A chair comprising:a seat; anda back coupled to the seat, the back comprising:a plurality of back ribs; anda splat having a first plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture of the first plurality of apertures is arranged to receive at least one back rib of the plurality of back ribs.

2. The chair of claim 1, wherein each aperture of the first plurality of apertures is be arranged to insertably receive the at least one back rib of the plurality of back ribs when the at least one back rib is in a first orientation, and removably retain the at least one back rib in the respective aperture when the at least one back rib is in a second orientation.

3. The chair of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the seat comprises:a plurality of seat ribs; anda base having a second plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture of the second plurality of apertures is arranged to receive at least one seat rib of the plurality of seat ribs.

4. The chair of any preceding claim, wherein each aperture of the second plurality of apertures is arranged to receive the at least one seat rib of the plurality of seat ribs when the at least one seat rib is in a first orientation, and removably retain the at least one seat rib when the at least one seat rib is in a second orientation.

5. The chair of any preceding claim, comprising a first hinge, wherein the back is coupled to the seat using the first hinge.

6. The chair of any preceding claim, wherein a first back rib of the plurality of back ribs comprises a different shape to a second back rib of the plurality of back ribs.

7. The chair of any preceding claim, wherein each aperture of the first plurality of apertures is arranged to receive two back ribs of the plurality of back ribs when the two back ribs are in a first orientation, and removably retain the two back ribs when the two back ribs are in a second orientation.

8. The chair of claim 7, wherein a first back rib of the two back ribs is configured to be braced against a first portion of the inner periphery of the respective aperture, a second back rib of the two back ribs is configured to be braced against a second portion of the inner periphery of the respective aperture, wherein the first and second portions of the inner periphery are on opposite sides of the respective aperture.

9. The chair of any preceding claim, wherein the splat is a first splat, and the plurality of back ribs is a first plurality of back ribs, the chair comprising an upper back coupled to the back by a second hinge, wherein the upper back comprises:a second plurality of back ribs; anda second splat having a third plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture of the third plurality of apertures is arranged to receive at least one back rib of the second plurality of back ribs when the at least one back rib is in a first orientation, and removably retain the at least one back rib in the respective aperture when the at least one back rib is in a second orientation.

10. The chair of any preceding claim, wherein the splat is a first splat, the chair comprising a third splat having a fourth plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture of the fourth plurality of apertures corresponds to an aperture of the first plurality of apertures, and wherein each aperture of the fourth plurality of apertures is arranged to receive the same at least one back rib of the plurality of back ribs that is received in the corresponding aperture of the first plurality of apertures.

11. A lockable hinge for a folding chair, the lockable hinge comprising:a first leaf comprising a first aperture having a first axis, and a second aperture having a second axis;a second leaf comprising a third aperture having a third axis, and a plurality of teeth comprising at least three teeth, wherein the plurality of teeth are arranged on aportion of a periphery of the second leaf, and wherein a radial distance between the third axis and each tooth of the plurality of teeth is the same;a third leaf comprising a fourth aperture having a fourth axis, and a fifth aperture having a fifth axis;a first shaft extending through the second aperture, the third aperture and the fifth aperture, wherein the first shaft comprises a first shaft axis; anda second shaft extending through the first aperture and the fourth aperture, wherein the second shaft comprises a second shaft axis, and the second shaft axis is coaxial with the first axis and the fourth axis,wherein the lockable hinge is configurable to be in a locked state or an unlocked state,wherein, in the locked state, the first shaft axis is coaxial with the second axis, the third axis and the fifth axis, the second shaft extends through a space between a pair of adjacent teeth of the plurality of teeth, andwherein, in the unlocked state, the second shaft does not engage with any teeth of the plurality of teeth.

12. The lockable hinge of claim 11, wherein:the second aperture is a first slot having a first end, wherein the second axis is proximal to the first end of the first slot,the third aperture is a circular hole,the fifth aperture is a second slot having a first end, wherein the fifth axis is proximal to the first end of the second slot,in the unlocked state, the first shaft is distal from the first end of the first slot and distal from the first end of the second slot, and the first shaft axis is not coaxial with the second axis or the fifth axis.

13. The lockable hinge of claim 11, wherein:the second aperture and the fifth aperture are each circular holes,the third aperture is a slot having a first end, wherein the third axis is proximal to the first end of the slot,in the unlocked state, the first shaft is distal from the first end of the slot, and the first shaft axis is not coaxial with the third axis.

14. The lockable hinge of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the plurality of teeth is a first plurality of teeth, and the pair of adjacent teeth is a first pair of adjacent teeth, the lockable hinge comprising:a fourth leaf comprising a sixth aperture having a sixth axis, and a second plurality of teeth comprising at least three teeth, wherein the second plurality of teeth are arranged on a portion of a periphery of the fourth leaf, and wherein a radial distance between the sixth axis and each tooth of the second plurality of teeth is the same, and wherein the second plurality of teeth have the same pitch and spacing as the first plurality of teeth of the second leaf, andwherein, in the locked state, the first shaft axis is further coaxial with the sixth axis, the second shaft further extends through a space between a second pair of adjacent teeth of the second plurality of teeth, andwherein, in the unlocked state, the second shaft furth does not engage with any teeth of the second plurality of teeth.

15. A chair comprising:a seat; andthe lockable hinge of any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the seat comprises the second leaf, and the first leaf forms a leg for the chair.

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