Modular and comfortable seats for indoor seating

Abstract

The present invention describes modular and comfortable seats which can be used for public seating in halls, theaters, auditoriums, stadiums, arenas, lecture halls, conference rooms etc where the public sit for a couple of hours or more to enjoy / attend them. These seats are made of blow moulded plastic and easily replaceable cushion and upholstery such that whenever the upholstery and / or cushion of the seat needs to be replaced due to damage, fading, refurbishing etc., only the part(s) which needs to be replaced is changed by removing the extruded lock strip (7) fitted in the slots of the blow moulded seat body (1) or back body (2) and replacing the polyurethane cushion of the seat (3) or back (4) and / or the upholstery cover of the seat (5) and / or back (6) thus making the process of replacement simple, easy and economical.

Description

[0001] TITLE OF THE INVENTION:

[0002] Modular and comfortable seats for indoor seating

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of indoor seating arrangement and provides a modular and comfortable seat, which can be easily installed in halls, theatres, auditoriums, stadiums, arenas and other such public or private places and which is made from blow moulded structure and has interchangeable foam cushion and upholstery.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

[0006] Halls, theatres, auditoriums, stadiums, arenas etc. are places where people gather and view performances, stage shows, dramas, movies, games and many other events. Since the beginning of civilization large open areas have been used for performances, wrestling, dramas etc. ‘Dholavira’, India’s most prominent archaeological site associated with Indus Valley Civilization shows evidences of large open areas with terraced stands, which can be linked to today’s stadiums. During those times, people used to sit / stand on the terraced stands without proper seating facilities. However with the development of civilization, comforts have been added to human life.

[0007] Indoor seating for halls, conference rooms, lecture halls, theatres, auditoriums, stadiums, arenas etc. have also evolved keeping in mind the comfort of humans so that the audiences being seated are comfortable and gain a pleasant experience. As the occupant many a times spends long hours in the seat, care is taken that the seats are not stiff, uncomfortable and do not cause pain to or hurt the person sitting. Most of these seats are made of foam which is covered with upholstery, thereby providing comfort to the user. A number of indoor seating are available in the prior art. US2016316931 describes a protective clean seating cover with anti-bacterial properties. The clean seat provided is related to a temporary, disposable and, or washable seat cover fabricated of a water resistant, tear resistant, lightweight, and inexpensive material for use in connection with airplane seats, theatre seats or other public seats requiring replaceable covers. The cover is made up of plastic, cotton, flannel, satin etc. material which is also machine washable micro fiber material with a plastic backing. The fastening element that will hold the seat tightly in its place is preferably elastic of approximately 2'x4' with elastic like a shower cap.

[0008] CA2176578 discusses a seat, in particular a seat padding (4) for public means of transport. The seat padding (4) is held in a support frame (2). The latter consists of a supporting body (11) of plastic foam (31), in particular of moulded cold-curing foam, a cut-resistant protective layer (14) and a lining element (10) made of an upholstery material (22). The supporting body (11) of plastic foam (31) is secured by means of a moulding process or an adhesive layer (25) to a liquid-proof barrier fdm (21) which is attached by means of an adhesive layer (25) to a surface of an intermediate layer (13) facing away from the upholstery material (22). RU2014152477 discloses a seat for public vehicle salon with a fabric layer with a colour solution which seat (13) has a seat casing (1) made of one or more different fiber-reinforced plastics (3), especially fiberglass-reinforced. The seat casing has a visible fabric layer (4) that is fully or partially embedded in plastic (3). The method for manufacturing the seat housing includes the following steps: a) stacking fabric layer (4) with a colour solution or a fabric layer without a colour solution into the negative body shape (1) of the seat and adjusting the fabric layer to a negative shape, b) pouring a liquid curing reaction mixture which form a thermoset material onto fabric layer (4), so that the fabric layer is embedded in the reaction mixture, c) repeating steps a) and b) once or repeatedly, using the same or different reaction mixtures, and the last is laid fabric layer (4) with a colour solution, when, during the first step a) a fabric layer without a colour solution is inserted into the negative form, d) curing of the reaction mixture / mixtures to form a fiber-reinforced thermoset material. This seat for a public vehicle salon, is anti-vandal and fire-resistant.

[0009] DE000004113850 relates to sprung support for upholstered furniture seat - is for public transport, and has rows of coil springs in holes in foam block with metal or plastic baseplate wherein the sprung support for upholstered furniture consists of rows of adjacent coiled, for example cylindrical springs (2) contained in holes (3) in a block (4) of compressible material especially foam plastic. The springs' top and bottoam ends are positioned in the top and bottom of the compressible block. The sides of the holes (3) are coated with wear-proof material. The block rests loosely on a metal or plastic base-plate (5) or on underneath springs. A covering (6) of for example compressed coir, foam or rubber hair covers the block. One or both sides of the coil spring have a plate (8), and are sewn into a wrapping (9) for example a jute or nettle-cloth bag. The compact sprung support for public transport vehicle seats especially is noiseless, ventilated and does not shift.

[0010] FR2747287 gives seat e.g. for public use which seat (1) has its base and back (4a, 4b) made in the form of a steel, aluminium or composition material structure (2), covered with a layer (3) of wood or plastic which is stuck to the structure (2) in a vacuum, using an epoxy-type adhesive. The upper surface of the structure (2) and the under-surface of the covering layer are coated with the resin adhesive and joined together on a support covered by a layer of polyethylene sheet, while the air beneath the sheet is extracted by a vacuum pump.

[0011] FR2969473 provides cover for seat in e.g. public transportation e.g. bus, has backrest comprising two elements provided with retractable springs, where retractable springs are positioned in horizontal and vertical directions to allow unfolding of cover wherein the cover has a base made of four foldable interrelated elements (A-D). A backrest comprises two elements (E, F) that are provided with retractable springs (G, H), where the retractable springs are positioned in horizontal and vertical directions to allow unfolding of the cover. A laminated side of a part is connected with the cover. Plastic coating is applied on periphery of the foldable interrelated elements.

[0012] CN214433070 quotes a comfortable seat which comprises a chair seat and a plurality of chair legs mounted on the chair seat, and is characterized by further comprising a waist supporting part, the waist supporting part comprises a cushion and a waist supporting part, the cushion is fixed on the chair seat, the waist supporting part is fixed on the cushion, and the waist supporting part is fixed on the waist supporting part. And the waist support part is used for supporting the waist of the user. The seat has the effect of improving the use comfort of the seat in the related art.

[0013] Although a number of seats / chairs to be used for public / private seating are available in the prior art, most of them have an integral inner structure, thick foam and upholstery, all of which are integrated into one unit, making it necessary to replace the complete seat damaged due to vandalism, wear and tear, or during renovation etc. This is because these seats don’t have any reusable parts. Moreover even during renovation or onsite upgrading, assembling a newer design on the seat is not possible as there isn’t any basic structure / framework of the seat which remains intact when dissembling the upholstery or damaged portions from the seat. Hence modular and comfortable seats for indoor seating, which aren’t integrated as a single structure, such that the cushion and upholstery can be replaced as and when required, while retaining the structural core of the seat, is the need of the day.

[0014] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION: The main object of the invention is to provide modular and comfortable seats for indoor seating in which the cushion and upholstery are replaceable, while retaining the structural core of the seats.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide modular and comfortable seats for indoor seating which are amenable to upgrade to newer upholstery.

[0016] Still another object of the invention is to provide modular and comfortable seats for indoor seating in which only the worn out or damaged part can be replaced while retaining their basic structure.

[0017] Yet another object of the invention is to provide modular and comfortable seats for indoor seating in which the basic seat structure are made of durable components which are unlikely to be worn or damaged for long.

[0018] A further object of the invention is to provide modular and comfortable seats for indoor seating which are economical in management.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0020] The present invention is related to modular and comfortable seats for indoor seating in which the core structural part of the seats is made of durable blow moulded contour plastic having seat mounting area and back mounting area. In the seat and back areas, polyurethane cushions are fitted, over which the upholstery cover is fitted. The complete fitting of the cushion and upholstery on the seat and back is done with the help of extruded lock strip, made of rubber plastic, which fits in the slot provided for the same such that the cushion and upholstery remain fitted on the seat. Whenever the seat and / or back upholstery and / or cushion of the seats are damaged or worn out, or the upholstery needs to be changed during renovation or refurbishing, the extruded lock strip is removed from its slot, following which the upholstery and / or cushion of the seats are replaced and the lock strip is again inserted in its slot, so that the cushion and upholstery are held tightly on the seat and the back.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0022] Fig. 1 gives the diagram of the modular and comfortable seat along with its components.

[0023] Fig. 2 gives the diagram of the complete modular and comfortable seat fitted with its stand and handle.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0025] The nature of the invention and the manner in which it is performed is clearly described in the specification. The invention has various components and they are clearly described in the following pages of the complete specification.

[0026] Indoor seating for public is mostly designed for halls, theatres, stadiums, auditoriums, arenas, lecture halls, conference rooms etc. where the public sits for a couple of hours or more to enjoy / attend shows, performances, dramas, movies, concerts, seminars, lectures, conferences etc. As such seating is usually used by the public for longer time, they should be cozy and comfortable and provide a pleasant experience. Usually such seats are provided with cushioning on the seat as well as back area for comfort to the user.

[0027] Many a times the seats get worn such that the seat and / or back upholstery and / or cushion get damaged due to constant use. The fabric may sometimes fade while the cushions are proper. Miscreants may sometimes damage some particular seats in the back and / or seat area. Moreover, during renovation or refurbishing, sometimes only the upholstery of the seats need to be changed.

[0028] The present invention provides modular and comfortable seats for inner seating in which the core structural part of the seats is made of durable blow moulded plastic comprising the seat area and the back area. Polyurethane cushions are fitted in the seat area and the back area which provide comfort both to the seat and back of the user. The selected upholstery is fitted on the polyurethane cushions on the seat and back area with the help of extruded lock strip made of rubber plastic. Slots are provided throughout the periphery of the seat and back area on the blow moulded base structure of the seat, such that after placing the cushion on the seat, the upholstery is laid and fitted with the extruded lock strip which is inserted in the slots provided.

[0029] Fig. 1 gives the complete drawing of the modular and comfortable indoor seat. As shown in the figure, the different components of the seat are as follows:

[0030] 1 - Blow moulded seat body

[0031] 2 - Blow moulded back body

[0032] 3 - Polyurethane cushion of the seat

[0033] 4 - Polyurethane cushion of the back

[0034] 5 - Upholstery cover of the seat

[0035] 6 - Upholstery cover of the back

[0036] 7 - Extruded lock strip

[0037] As shown in the figure, the blow moulded seat body (1) and the blow moulded back body (2) are the core structural parts of the seat which are made of durable blow moulded plastic. These two core parts are provided with areas for attaching the cushions. 2 inch thick polyurethane cushions are used in the back and seat area to give the required cushioning effect. The polyurethane cushion of the seat (3) is placed in the blow moulded seat body while the polyurethane cushion of the back (4) is placed in the blow moulded back body. The upholstery cover of the seat (5) is laid on the polyurethane cushion of the seat (3) and the upholstery cover of the back (6) is laid on the polyurethane cushion of the back (4). On the laid upholstery, both on the seat and the back, extruded lock strip (7) is fitted in the slots provided throughout the periphery of the seat and the back such that the cushion and upholstery remain fitted at their respective places, both on the seat and the back.

[0038] Fig. 2 gives the diagram of the complete modular and comfortable seat fitted with its stand and handle as found in halls, theatres, stadiums, auditoriums, arenas, lecture halls, conference rooms etc.

[0039] Whenever the cushion and / or upholstery needs to be changed due to wear and tear, damage, fading or refurbishing, the extruded lock strip (7) is removed from the slots provided and the upholstery is removed. If cushion also needs to be changed it is also removed and fresh upholstery and / or cushion are placed in the provided areas which are fitted in their places with the help of the extruded lock strip (7), by fitting it back in the slots provided. Thus the replacement of upholstery / cushion in indoor seating becomes simple and easy, without the requirement of replacing the complete seat, as is conventionally available seats.

[0040] The modular and comfortable seats for outdoor seating, of the present invention are highly advantageous as the upholstery and cushion of the seats can be individually changed as and when required, without the need of replacing the complete seat by easily removing the extruded lock strip, and removing and replacing the damaged or faded part. Refurbishing the upholstery to provide a new look to the place can also be easily done in an economical manner. The core structural parts of the seating i.e. the back and seat are made of durable blow moulded plastic due to which the life of the seat increases. As blow moulded plastic is used, 2 inch thick cushions are sufficient to provide the cushioning effect to the seats as compared to the conventionally used 4 inch thick cushions. During the blow moulding process, slots are made on the periphery of the seat and back, to insert the extruded lock strip, so that there is no additional requirement for fitting the upholstery and cushion on the seat. As the changing of the upholstery and / or cushions is a simple process, there is no requirement of skilled persons to accomplish the task. The modular and comfortable seats for outdoor seating of the present invention, being made of simple components, being easy to install and remove and being economical, are highly advantageous.

[0041] Although the preferred embodiment as well as the construction and use have been specifically described, it should be understood that variations in the preferred embodiment could be achieved by a person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments which are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

im,1. Modular and comfortable seats for indoor seating in which the upholstery and cushions can be individually removed and replaced as and when required wherein the core structural part of the seats is made of durable blow moulded plastic; wherein polyurethane cushion of the seat (3) is placed on the blow moulded seat body (1) and polyurethane cushion of the back (4) is placed on the blow moulded back body (2); wherein upholstery cover of the seat (5) is placed over the polyurethane cushion of the seat (3) and upholstery cover of the back (6) is placed over the polyurethane cushion of the back (4); wherein slots are provided on the periphery of the blow moulded seat body (1) and blow moulded back body (2); and wherein extruded lock strip (7) is fitted in the slots provided throughout the periphery of the seat and the periphery of the back to fit the respective cushion and upholstery at their places.

2. The modular and comfortable seats for indoor seating as claimed in claim 1 wherein for changing the upholstery and / or cushion, the extruded lock strip (7) is removed from the slots provided and the upholstery and / or cushion are replaced followed by their fitting by fitting back the extruded lock strip (7) in the slots provided.

3. The modular and comfortable seats for indoor seating as claimed in claim 1 wherein the extruded lock strip (7) is made of rubber plastic.

4. The modular and comfortable seats for indoor seating as claimed in claim 1 wherein 2 inch thick polyurethane cushion is placed on the blow moulded seat body (1) and blow moulded back body (2) to give the cushioning effect.

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