EP0731657B1 - Chair having a hinged backrest forming a protective cover for the seat when folded down - Google Patents

Abstract

A chair (1) including a fixed seat (2) and a backrest (3) with its lower portion hingedly connected to the rear of the seat (2), said backrest (3) being pivotable about at least one pivot pin (4) between a raised operative position and a position in which it is lowered onto the seat (2). An abutment portion is provided for locking said backrest (3) in the raised position. Said backrest (3, 8 or 29) is longer and wider than the seat (2) so that the inner surface (5) of said backrest (3, 8 or 29) completely encloses said seat (2) when said backrest (3, 8 or 29) is lowered thereon, and said backrest (3, 8 or 29) extends beyond the edges of the seat (2) on all sides so that the seat (2) and the inner surface (5) are coveringly protected when the backrest (3, 8 or 29) is in the lowered position. Said chair is particularly suitable for use outdoors.

Description

The subject of the invention is a seat with an articulated backrest acts as a protective cover for the seat and for its clean inner side when folded down.

The invention applies in particular to seats or outdoor armchairs.

The invention also applies to benches and chairs long. It also applies to folding chairs and stackable.

The state of the art allows to know many seats or armchairs with an articulated backrest. This folder is not intended to protect or cover the seat.

In general, these files are folded down on the seat in view fold and / or stack the seat or chair so that facilitate storage and / or handling. The purpose and characteristics of these seats are therefore totally different.

This state of the art can be defined as follows.

-EP-A-0.331.558 (GROSFILLEX): Stackable armchair with back and folding armrests. The armchair includes, on the one hand, a seat supported by legs connected by high crosspieces, on the other hand a backrest mounted pivoting around relatively axes at the seat, finally, the armrests resting on the crosspieces and articulated on the file. According to the invention, each device of articulation of an armrest on the back has, behind this file, a bearing supporting a ball joint the armrest considered and offset laterally, the landing having a transverse slot for the passage of said armrest on one side or the other of an amount of said file.

This articulated backrest is perforated, so it cannot protect the seat. It is not the object of the invention.

- US-A-5.018.788 (LEDERGREEN): The chair is enveloping. It includes an articulated backrest. The file is articulated and monohull. It is characterized by the use of a stop of the backrest on a vertical return of the seat including tilting front releases a large opening at the rear and therefore does not provide seat protection on the cover.

- DE-C-37 34232: this patent describes a folding back seat. The articulated backrest slides in rib slides located at the rear part of the seat.

The back covers the seat lengthwise but not on the sides, so there is no side protection.

Currently, weather and dirt protection is nonexistent as such, usage dictates that eventually tilt the seat forward with the back resting on a table, this principle providing no protection but simply facilitating the flow of rainwater. In the case where the seats are tucked away, these will then be almost imperatively stackable or foldable.

The protection of the seat by the patent technique would avoid their storage at the end of the day or in case of downpour especially in catering, coffee, individuals not generally taking special protection measures for seats or armchairs.

The seat according to the invention allows the use of materials other than plastics for the seat and backrest of the kind wood / straw, imitation leather / fabrics as long as the shell ensures their protection.

The invention makes it possible to obtain seats or armchairs outdoor seats at a price close to conventional seats and keep a traditional look. It allows these seats to be used for catering or entertainment professionals and of course for the general public.

With the seat according to the invention, it suffices to fold the hinged backrest on the seat, to protect the seat and the folder itself. No other handling or operation is necessary. So on stands it is very quick to protect the seating surfaces after a performance or demonstration, then take up the files shortly before arrival users who then find seats and folders clean.

The seat, or armchair or chair or bench is of the type comprising a fixed seat and a hinged backrest at its base relatively to the rear of the seat, the backrest being able to pivot along at least one articulation axis between a raised position of use and a folded position on the seat, a means acting as a stop blocking said folder in raised position, characterized in that said backrest is consisting of a shell which has dimensions in length and in width which are more important than those of the seat so that the inside of said back covers in its within the entire seat when said backrest is folded over said seat; the shape of the said file overflows on all sides of the seat, so that the cover protection of the seat is completely ensured in the folded back position.

Said backrest is provided with two substantially lateral side cheeks which reinforce the lateral protection of the seat when said backrest is folded over said seat.

The backrest consists of a backrest and a shell, the backrest has the function of improving the comfort of the user of said seat and the shell has the function of protecting on the cover of the seat when the said backrest is folded over said seat.

The backrest consists of a backrest attached to a shell articulated along the axis.

The attached backrest is held on the hinged hull by quick fixing means.

The shell has dimensional characteristics and a shape identical to those in the file allowing it to ensure full protection on the seat cover when said backrest is folded down.

The backrest consists of a backrest articulated along the axis and on which is attached on the outer face a shell.

The attached shell is fixed to the backrest by means quick fixing.

The means acting as a stop is the file which comes abut on the seat in its lower part by pivoting relative to the axis in the open position.

The means acting as a stop for the file is that said backrest has two lateral ears which act as stops for said backrest in the open position for use, said ears are arranged in the lower part of the hand and else of the backrest above its articulation axis (s) in opposite the extension of the rear legs of the seat.

The means acting as a stop for the file lies in the extension of the rear legs which are interconnected by a cross on which abuts the file in position open or raised.

The seat is equipped with two articulated armrests each their end by an axis integral with the backrest and provided by elsewhere of a connecting means located on a horizontal return of each front leg, this connecting means ensuring the rear stop of the backrest by connecting it to the extensions of the front legs through the armrests and allowing these to position themselves almost vertically when the backrest is folded down thanks to another articulation axis integral with the returns horizontal and on which the articulated armrests are mounted.

The connecting means consists of a notched groove integrated in each armrest which cooperates with an axis or lug integral with the part extending the front feet, the groove notched allowing several stopping positions of the armrests corresponding to as many angular adjustments of the backrest.

The backrest has two protruding lugs on each side cooperating with a notched cheek located in front of each of the rear leg extensions and ensuring a stop position of the file at each notch, the articulation allowing the passage from one notch to another by slightly lifting the backrest and then rotating back to the final stop and before until it is folded down on the seat.

Each front and / or rear leg of the seat is connected to the seat while having a recess which facilitates the evacuation of the water.

The backrest and seat being provided to receive a cushioning, the back shell is more hollow to accommodate the back cushion, this being held in the shell by a quick fixing, on the other hand the seat has on each side two edges ensuring easy protection of the seat cushion staying between them.

According to another preferred embodiment, the chair is equipped with armrests integral with the monocoque type backrest. The armrests are interconnected by a crossmember arranged under the seat and supported in projecting housings on each front foot.

In the backrest, the oblong housing of the hinge pin of the file authorizes, on the one hand a vertical displacement of the backrest, and on the other a horizontal backward movement to free the cross member from its housings, so that allow the backrest and its armrests to be tilted forward.

The attached drawings are given as examples indicative and not limiting. They represent a mode of preferred embodiment according to the invention. They will allow easily understand the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat according the invention intended in particular for stands with the file noted.

Figure 2 is a view of the seat shown in Figure 1 but where the backrest is folded over the seat.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view along the axis A-A shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the axis B-B shown in figure 4.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an armchair where the backrest consists of a backrest and a shell.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the chair according to the figure 5 but seen from another angle and where the backrest is folded down on the seat.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the folder consisting of the backrest and the shell.

Figure 8 is a longitudinal section along the axis F-F shown in Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the chair along the cutting axis E-E shown in Figure 6.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of another mode of realization of the armchair.

Figure 11 is a view of the chair according to Figure 10, seen from another angle and where the backrest is folded over the seat.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the chair according the invention with seat and back cushions.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view along the axis C-C shown in Figure 11.

Figure 14 is a longitudinal sectional view along the axis D-D shown in Figure 11.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of an armchair according another embodiment.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a compound folder an articulated backrest and a shell.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the chair according to the figure 15, but seen from another angle, where the backrest is folded down and where the articulated armrests are vertical.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of an armrest and the horizontal part of a seat arm.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment realization of the chair according to the invention.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of the chair according to the figure 19 but where the backrest is folded down.

Figure 21 is a detailed view of the hinge axis backrest and means for locking and adjusting the inclination folder.

Figure 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment realization where the chair is equipped with armrests integral with the backrest, said armrests are interconnected by a cross member under the seat.

Figure 23 is a view of the chair shown in Figure 22 side view, arrows and dashed lines highlight highlight the kinematics to fold the backrest onto the seat.

Figure 24 is a view according to Figure 22 where the backrest is folded down on the seat.

The seat 1 according to the invention is of the type comprising a fixed seat 2 and a backrest 3 articulated at its base relative to rear of seat 2.

The backrest 3 can pivot along at least one axis hinge 4 between a raised position of use and a folded position on the seat 2.

A means acting as a stop ensures the blocking of said backrest 3 in raised position.

The characteristics of the invention lie in the fact that the file 3 shown in Figure 1, 2, 10, 11 and 12 or the folder 8 shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, 15, 16 and 17 or the folder 29 shown in Figures 19, 20 or folder 39 shown in Figures 22, 23, 24, has dimensions which are larger than those of seat 2 and this, so that that the inner face 5 of said folder 3, 8, 29 or 39 covers in her breast the entire seat 2 when the backrest 3, 8, 29 or 39 is folded down on said seat 2.

The form of the said file 3, 8, 29 or 39 goes beyond all sides of seat 2 so that the cover protection of the seat 2 is completely ensured in the folded position of the file 3, 8, 29 or 39.

In the particular mode represented in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, it is highlighted that the file 3 of the seat 1 is provided with two lateral cheeks 6, 7 substantially which reinforce the rigidity of the backrest and the protection lateral of the seat 2 when said backrest 3 is folded over said seat 2.

Section views A-A and B-B shown in Figures 3 and 4 and the sectional views F-F and E-E shown in the figures 8 and 9 highlight the technical characteristics that allow audit files 3, 8, 29 or 39 to perform its function of covering the seat 2.

In two further embodiments shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, the case 8 or 29 is composed of a back rest 9 and a cover 10 .

The backrest 9 or 11 has the function of improving comfort of the user of said seat and the shell 10 or 12 has the function to protect the seat cushion 2 when said file 8 or 29 is folded down on said seat.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, this backrest 8 is made up of an attached backrest 9 on the shell 10. The shell 10 is mounted articulated along the axis 4.

The attached backrest 9 is held on the hinged shell 10 by means of rapid fixing.

These quick fixing means are not shown on the figures.

In the case where the shell 10 is made of a material in plastic, it is conceivable that the attached backrest is simply introduced into the shell 10 in force by ribs arranged along the periphery of said shell 10.

This is an embodiment of the fixing means quick to secure the backrest 9 and the shell 10.

According to another embodiment, represented in the Figures 15, 16, 17, the backrest 8 is made up of a backrest 11 articulated along axis 4 and on which is attached, on the face exterior of said back support 11, a shell 12. Only the back support 11 is articulated and no longer the shell 12 which is simply attached on the backrest 11.

The attached shell 12 is fixed to the articulated backrest 11 by means of rapid fixing.

These quick fixing means are not shown on the figures but they are quick fixing means of the known type.

The means which acts as a stop is file 3 which comes abut on the seat 2 in its lower part by pivoting relative to axis 4 when said backrest 3 is in the open position or raised, see for this purpose the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4.

According to a particular embodiment shown in particular in FIG. 5, the backrest 8 comprises two lateral ears 13, 14 which act as stops for said backrest 8 in position open to use.

Said ears 13, 14 are arranged in the lower part of on either side of the backrest 8 above its axis or axes hinge 4 facing the extension of the rear legs from the headquarters.

According to another embodiment shown in Figures 10, 11, 12, the means acting as a stop for the file 3 lies in the extension of the rear legs 15 which are interconnected by a cross member 16.

It is on this cross 16 that the file 8 comes up against open or raised position, as shown in these three figures 10, 11, 12.

According to another embodiment shown in Figures 15, 16, 17 and 18, the seat or chair is equipped with two armrests 17, 18 each articulated at their end by a bore 35 receiving an axis 19 integral with the backrest 8 and provided by elsewhere a connecting means 22 connecting the armrests 17, 18 to horizontal return 20 of each front leg 21.

This connecting means 22 is constituted by a notched groove 23 integrated in each armrest 17, 18, which cooperates with an axis 24 secured to part 20 extending the front legs 21.

The notched groove 23 makes it possible to fold the backrest 8 into printing a linkage type movement on each armrest 17, 18 which then pivots on the axis 19 while sliding and pivoting around the axis 24 which will position the armrests 17,18 in slight slope to the vertical and thus provides them with increased protection against dirt, once the backrest 8 is folded down.

When the backrest 8 is opened, the movement of the armrests 17, 18 is reversed until the axis 24 comes to engage in the notches of the groove 23 ensuring the rear stop of the backrest 8 which is then connected to the extension of the front legs 21 by the armrests 17 and 18 which can, however, snap into place several notches corresponding to as many angular adjustments of the file 8.

According to another embodiment, according to the invention, shown in Figures 19, 20 and 21, the backrest 29 has two pins 25, 26 projecting on each side, cooperating with a cheek notched 27 located in front of each of the extensions of the feet rear 28 and ensuring a backrest stop position 29 each time notch, the joint 4 allowing the passage from one notch to another lifting the backrest 29 slightly and then doing it pivot back to the end stop, or forward to be folded down on the seat 2.

According to different embodiments, each front leg 21 and / or rear 15, 28 of the seat is connected to the seat 2 while having a step 30 which facilitates the evacuation of the water.

This recess 30 is particularly visible in the Figures 13, 9.

The backrest 3, 8 and the seat 2 are designed to receive a cushioning, the shell of the backrest 3, 8 is more hollow to accommodate the back cushion 31, this can be kept in the shell backrest by quick fixing 32 of VELCRO type (brand filed); on the other hand the seat 2 has on each side two ledges 33 ensuring easier protection of the seat cushion 34.

These different technical provisions can be found especially in Figure 13.

According to another preferred embodiment, the chair 36 is fitted with integral armrests 37, 38 of the backrest 39 of the type monohull. The armrests 37, 38 are interconnected by a crosspiece 40 disposed under the seat 41 and bearing in housings 42 projecting from each front leg.

In folder 39, the oblong housing 43 of the axis of articulation 44 of the file authorizes, on the one hand a displacement vertical of the backrest 39, and on the other hand a horizontal displacement backwards to free the cross member 40 from its housings 42, so as to allow the backrest 39 and its armrests 37, 38 forward.

REFERENCES

1.

Seat

2.

Fixed seat

3.

Folder

4.

Articulation axis

5.

Inner face

6, 7.

Side cheeks

8.

Folder

9, 11.

Back support

10, 12.

Shell

13, 14.

Ears

15.

Rear feet

16.

Crosses

17, 18.

Armrests

19.

Axis

20.

Horizontal return

21.

Front foot

22.

Connection means

23.

Notched groove

24.

Articulation axis

25.26.

Lugs

27.

Notched cheek

28.

Rear feet

29.

Folder

30.

Dropout

31.

Back cushion

32.

Quick fixing

33.

Ledges

34.

Seat cushion

35.

Bore

36.

Chair

37, 38.

Armrests

39.

Folder

40.

Crosses

41.

Seated

42.

Housing

43.

Oblong housing

44.

Articulation axis

Claims (17)

1. A seat (1 or 36), chair, armchair or bench comprising a fixed seat (2) and seat back (3, 8, 29 or 39) hinged at its base relative to the rear of the seat (2), the back (3) pivoting on at least one axis (4, 44) between a raised-for-use position and a folded-on-the-seat position (2), with a device acting as stop to block the said back (3, 8, 29 or 39) in the raised position, characterised in that

   the said back (3, 8, 29 or 39), consists of a shell which has dimensions in length and in width which are greater than those of the seat (2) so that the inside (5) of the said back (3, 8, 29 or 39) covers all the seat (2) when the said back (3, 8, 29 or 39) is folded down on the said seat (2); the shape of the said back (3, 8, 29 or 39) overlaps on all the sides of the said seat (2) so that the cover protection provided on the seat (2) and the inner face (5) of the back is entire when the back (3, 8, 29 or 39) is in the folded position.
2. A seat as per claim 1 characterised in that the said back (3) has two side wings (6, 7) which are roughly vertical and improve the rigidity of the back and the lateral protection of the seat (2) when the said back (3) is folded on the said seat (2).
3. A seat as per claim 1 characterised in that the back (8, 29) consists of a back rest (9, 11) and a shell (10, 12), the function of the back rest (9, 11) being to improve the comfort of the user of the said seat, the shell (10, 12) being to provide cover protection for the seat (2) and the back rest (9, 11) when the said back (8) is folded over the said seat (2).
4. A seat as per claim 3 characterised in that the back (8, 29) consists of a back rest (9) and a shell (10) pivoting on axis (4).
5. A seat as per claim 4 characterised in that the added back rest (9) is secured on the hinged shell (10) by quick fasteners.
6. A seat as per any one of claims 1 or 3 characterised in that the shell (10 or 12) has dimensional characteristics and shape identical to those of the back (8, 29) enabling it to provide full cover protection over the seat (2) when the said back (8, 29) is in a folded position.
7. A seat as per claim 3 characterised in that the back (8, 29) consists of a back rest (11) pivoting on hinge pin (4) and to which a shell (12) has been added on the outer face.
8. A seat as per claim 7 characterised in that the added shell (12) is fitted on the back rest (11) by quick fasteners.
9. A seat (1), as per any one of claims 1, 2 or 4 characterised in that the means used as the stop is the back (3) which butts against the seat (2) in its lower part by pivoting on hinge pin (4) in the open position.
10. A seat as per any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 characterised in that the means used as the stop for the back (8) is the said back (8) with two lateral lugs (13, 14) which act as stops for the said back (8) when in the open-for-use position, the said lugs (13, 14) being arranged in the lower part on either side of the back (8) above its hinge pin(s) (4) facing the extension of the seat rear legs (15).
11. A seat as per claims 1, 2 or 3 characterised in that the means used for the back (3) as a stop consist of the extension of the rear legs (15) which are interconnected by a cross member (16) against which the back (3) butts in the open or raised position.
12. A seat as per any one of the claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 characterised in that it is equipped with two elbow rests (17, 18) each one articulated at their end around a hinge pin (19) forming an integral part of the back (8) and, moreover, equipped with a connecting part (22) consisting of a hinge pin (24) situated on a horizontal return (20) of each front leg (21) joined to a groove (23) integrated in each elbow rest (17, 18), this connecting means (22) providing the rear stop for the back (8) by joining this to the extension of the front legs (21) in the form of elbow rests (17, 18) and enabling the latter to be positioned almost vertically when the back (18) is folded by pivoting on the hinge pin (19) while sliding and pivoting around the hinge pin (24) thanks to their grooves (23), said hinge pin (24) being an integral part of the horizontal returns (20) on which are fitted the articulated elbow rests (17, 18).
13. A seat as per claim 12 characterised in that the connecting mean (22) consists of a notched groove (23) integrated in each elbow rest (17, 18) which acts with a hinge pin (24) which forms integral part of the part extending the front legs (21), the notched groove (23) providing several fixed positions for the elbow rests (17, 18) corresponding to as many angular adjustments of the back (8).
14. A seat as per claim 1 characterised in that the back (29) has two pins (25, 26) projecting on each side and acting with a notched flange (27) situated in front of each extension of the rear legs (28) and providing a blocked position of the back (29) at each notch, hinge pin (4) allowing passage from one notch to another by slightly raising the back (29) and then pivoting it backwards until the final stop is reached, and forwards until it is folded over the seat (2).
15. A seat as per any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 characterised in that each front leg (21) and/or rear leg (15, 28) of the seat is connected to the seat (2) while having an offset (30) to facilitate evacuation of water.
16. A seat as per any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 characterised in that the back (3) and the seat (2) are equipped to receive cushions, the shell of the back (3) being hollowed in order to receive the back cushion (31), this being held in the shell by quick fasteners (32), and the seat (2) having on each side two edges (33) to provide easier protection of the seat cushion (34) placed between them.
17. A seat according to claim 1 characterised in that the said seat is equipped with elbow rests (37, 38) integral with the back (39) of single shell type; the elbow rests (37, 38) are connected by a cross-member (40) arranged under the seat (41) maintained by housings (42) on each front leg; the oblong housing (43) of the hinge pin (44) of the back enabling on the one hand vertical movement of the back (39) and on the other horizontal movement towards the rear to thereby free the cross-member (40) from its housings (42) and enable the back (39) and its elbow rests (37, 38) to fold forwards.

Images