EP3091875A2 - Tabouret inclinable - Google Patents

Tabouret inclinable

Info

Publication number
EP3091875A2
EP3091875A2 EP15734964.8A EP15734964A EP3091875A2 EP 3091875 A2 EP3091875 A2 EP 3091875A2 EP 15734964 A EP15734964 A EP 15734964A EP 3091875 A2 EP3091875 A2 EP 3091875A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
annular elastic
elastic base
stool
base member
tiltable stool
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP15734964.8A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3091875B1 (fr
EP3091875A4 (fr
Inventor
Thomas Walser
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Inventor Group GmbH
Original Assignee
Inventor Group GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Inventor Group GmbH filed Critical Inventor Group GmbH
Priority to PL15734964T priority Critical patent/PL3091875T3/pl
Priority claimed from PCT/IB2015/050203 external-priority patent/WO2015104686A2/fr
Publication of EP3091875A2 publication Critical patent/EP3091875A2/fr
Publication of EP3091875A4 publication Critical patent/EP3091875A4/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3091875B1 publication Critical patent/EP3091875B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C9/00—Stools for specified purposes
    • A47C9/002—Stools for specified purposes with exercising means or having special therapeutic or ergonomic effects
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C3/00—Chairs characterised by structural features; Chairs or stools with rotatable or vertically-adjustable seats
    • A47C3/02—Rocking chairs
    • A47C3/029—Rocking chairs with curved rocking members resting on the floor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/002—Chair or stool bases
    • A47C7/004—Chair or stool bases for chairs or stools with central column, e.g. office chairs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/002—Chair or stool bases
    • A47C7/008—Chair or stool bases for uneven surfaces

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to an article of furniture, and more particularly, to a tiltable stool or chair which self-adjusts to the weight of a user.
  • a tiltable stool is typically configured to be used on a generally horizontal surface such as a floor.
  • the stool comprises a top section providing seat and a base section comprising a rounded bottom surface configured to support the stool on the floor.
  • the base section may be a weighted base which has a downwardly convex lateral surface area to support the stool upon contacting the floor when the stool is tilted out of its normal upright position. In that normal position the stool rests on the floor with a flat or concave area of its base.
  • the weighting of the base is so chosen that the center of gravity of the stool comes to lie inwardly of the perimeter of the central contact area in its tilted state.
  • the support areas may be contiguous, thus forming part of a continuous annular surface, or may be peripherally spaced apart, as by being individually disposed on three or more legs projecting generally radially from the base.
  • Such stools are generally described in US patent US 3312437 and in US patent application publication US
  • the conventional stools typically assume an upright normal position when unoccupied.
  • the upright position is obtained by a resetting force which acts on the stool when tilted out of its normal upright position.
  • the resetting force is caused by coordinating the center of gravity of the stool with the fixed shape of its base such that the center of gravity assumes its lowest position when the stool is upright.
  • the resetting force is selected based on a desired characteristic of an unoccupied stool.
  • the rounded base of conventional stools have several disadvantages: They may cause noise when the stool is tilted, they require a relatively large and heavy base. The base may slide or roll away due to a small contact surface with the floor, and the stool generally provides insufficient support for a user when tilting out of the upright position, making it undesirable or even dangerous in particular for elderly users. [0006] Attempts have been made to address the inherent disadvantages of a fixedly formed rounded base by using an inflatable base. An exemplary seating arrangement having an inflatable rubber ring is disclosed in US Patent 6,644,742. The inflatable base requires occasional reinflation, which is not practical. It may also be prone to outgassing and cause an undesirable odor.
  • bases made of foam have been proposed, but those do not address the lack of support for a user to maintain a generally upright seating position and do not adjust to a user's weight.
  • An improved tiltable stool provides soft and comfortable dynamic seating without jeopardizing safety and stability.
  • the stool is intended to be used while keeping both of a user's feet on the ground.
  • the stool When tilted out of a normal position the stool provides a stabilizing force which aides in maintaining a stable seating position.
  • the stabilizing force of the stool increases approximately exponentially with the tilt angle of the stool out of the normal, typically upright, position.
  • the stabilizing force also increases with the weight of a user. At a given tilt angle the stabilizing force increases approximately linearly with the weight of the user, thus making the stool self-adjust to the user's weight.
  • the improved stool provides a similar seating experience for both light and heavy users: All users can easily tilt out of the normal position, while experiencing a stabilizing force with increasing tilt angle that corresponds to the user's weight.
  • the improved tiltable stool provides dynamic seating flexibility similar to that of an exercise ball, but eliminates the inherent instability of sitting on a ball. Exercise balls have been associated with severe injuries when users have lost their balanced and fallen over backward. When the stool is unoccupied the stabilizing force is small and affected only by the weight of the stool, but sufficient to return a tilted stool into a normal position.
  • the improved stool comprises a seat, a body structure, and a base.
  • the base comprises an annular elastic base member having a downwardly convex outer surface and a downwardly concave inner surface.
  • the annular elastic base member is held in a base structure.
  • the body structure extends between the seat and the base. Deformation of the annular elastic base causes a stabilizing force which pushes the tiltable stool towards a normal position when the tiltable stool or chair is tilted out of the normal position.
  • An upper section of the annular elastic base is substantially cylindrical and firmly connected to the base structure.
  • the downwardly convex outer surface of a lower section of the annular elastic base member rests on the floor.
  • the annular elastic base member has a tapered cross-sectional shape with downwardly decreasing thickness.
  • the normal position of the stool is upright.
  • the outer surface of an upper section of the annular elastic base member is substantially vertical.
  • the normal position may also be selected such that the stool is biased out of the upright position.
  • a tongue-and-groove connection may be used to connect the annular elastic base member to the base structure.
  • a circular tongue at the upper end of the annular elastic base member engages a corresponding circular groove of the base structure.
  • the annular elastic base may be press-fitted, glued, welded, or mechanically fixed to the base structure.
  • an electrically conductive disc may be disposed within the circular groove of the base structure.
  • the annular elastic base member may be welded to the base structure by applying an electric current through the electrically conductive disc.
  • the tongue of the annular elastic base may be inserted into the circular groove of the base structure by cooling the annular elastic base to reduce the width of the circular tongue.
  • the annular elastic base may be made of various elastic materials, and is preferably made of plastic, which may be reinforced by glass fibers.
  • the annular elastic base may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
  • the stool may comprise an annular elastic base having an outwardly convex, substantially "j"-shaped cross section. Deformation of the annular elastic base affects a stabilizing force which increases with a tilt angle between a tilted seating position and the upright position. The stabilizing force may increase
  • the stabilizing force increases, preferably linearly, with a weight that is applied to the seat.
  • the annular elastic base has a substantially "o"-shaped cross section.
  • the annular elastic base may then comprise a pressurized cavity between an outer wall and an inner wall.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of an exemplary tiltable stool.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the stool as in FIG. 1.
  • FIG.3 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary tiltable stool, showing the stool in a tilted position.
  • FIG. 4 is a detailed cross sectional view of an exemplary annular elastic base under various loads.
  • FIG. 5 shows diagrams illustrating the relationship between load and deformation of the annular elastic base and between tilt angle and stabilizing force.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of an alternative profile of an annular elastic base under two selected loads.
  • FIG. 7 shows a "j" profile of an annular elastic base under various loads.
  • FIG. 8 shows an "o" profile of an annular elastic base under various loads.
  • FIG. 9 shows exemplary contact areas of the annular elastic base with the floor under various loads.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross section view through an exemplary annular elastic base in a normal (upright) position and in a tilted position.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective bottom view of an exemplary annular elastic base with additional ridges.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective bottom view of an exemplary annular elastic base in a tilted position.
  • a tiltable stool 1 comprises a seat 2, a base 3, and an elongated body structure 4 between the base 3 and the seat 2.
  • the stool 1 may comprise a height adjustment mechanism including an adjustment lever 7 to adjust the length of the body structure 4.
  • the body structure 4 may comprise a pillar assembly and defines a vertical axis 13 of the stool 1.
  • the base 3 may comprising a base structure 6 connected to an annular elastic base member 5.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 is configured to rest on the floor 14.
  • the stool 1 is tiltable in any direction by deforming the annular elastic base member 5.
  • the seat When a tilting force is applied to the seat, the seat is moved from a normal position into a dynamic seating position. Typically, the normal position is upright. In the upright position the vertical axis 13 of the stool 1 is perpendicular to the floor 14.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 In response to a tilting force the annular elastic base member 5 is deformed, and the vertical axis 13 of the stool 1 is tilted by a tilt angle a out of the normal position.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 may be rotationally symmetrical and extend around a central opening.
  • FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the stool 1 in a tilted seating position.
  • the stool 1 is tilted to the right by a tilt angle a out of the upright position.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 is deformed and the height of the annular elastic base varies.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 is compressed in the direction of the tilt (right side of FIG. 3) and expanded opposite the direction of the tilt (left side of FIG. 3). Compression of the annular elastic base member 5 causes a stabilizing force Fs at the seat 2 which counteracts the tilting force.
  • the weight of the user Fw is countered by an axial force Fa in the direction of the vertical axis 13 and the stabilizing force Fs which is perpendicular to the axial force Fa.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 extends from a substantially circular upper end 38 to a lower end 39 around an opening.
  • the diameter of the annular elastic base member 5 at the upper end 38 is larger than the diameter of the annular elastic base member 5 at the lower end 39.
  • the diameter at the upper end 38 is between approximately 1.2 and 1.6 times that of the diameter at the lower end 39.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 has a downwardly convex outer surface 10 and a downwardly concave inner surface 11.
  • the outer surface 10 of the annular elastic base contacts the floor 14 at a contact area 15.
  • the contact area 15 extends at a distance around the vertical axis 13.
  • a tongue 36 may be formed at the upper end 38 of the annular elastic base member 5 which engages a corresponding groove 37 in the base structure 6 to firmly connect the annular elastic base member 5 to the base structure 6.
  • FIG. 4 shows the deformation of an exemplary annular elastic base member 5 under various loads in more detail.
  • a first force Fl of approximately 400N/ m
  • the annular elastic base member 5 has a first height hi and a first cross sectional shape 311.
  • the first force Fl correlates to a person weighing about 40 kg sitting on a stool to which an annular elastic base member with a diameter of 320 mm is attached.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 is deformed.
  • the annular elastic base member assumes a second cross sectional shape 312.
  • the height of the annular elastic base is reduced by a first deformation d2 to a second height h2.
  • a third force F3 of approximately 1200N/m, corresponding to a person with a weight of about 120kg sitting on the stool
  • the annular elastic base member 5 assumes a third cross sectional shape 313.
  • the height of the annular elastic base is reduced by a second deformation d3 to a third deformed height h3.
  • deformation d and load F of an annular elastic base is generally shown in FIG. 5.
  • the relationship 500 between deformation d and load F is non-linear. More specifically, with increasing deformation d the load F grows
  • deformation d allows users of vastly different weight to use a stool equipped with the annular elastic base, without significantly affecting the overall height of the stool.
  • Tilting a stool by an angle a out of the normal position causes a stabilizing force opposite the direction of tilt.
  • the relationship between tilt angle a and stabilizing force Fr is generally shown in curves 501, 502 and 503 shown in FIG. 5.
  • the stabilizing force is zero when the stool is in an upright position, allowing a user to easily tilt.
  • the stabilizing force Fr increases with increasing tilt angle a as shown in curves 501, 502 and 503.
  • the different curves show the stabilizing force for users of different weight.
  • the first curve 501 illustrates the stabilizing force for a heavy user weighing 120 kg.
  • the second curve 502 illustrates the stabilizing force for a medium user weighing 80 kg.
  • the third curve 503 illustrates the stabilizing force for a light user weighing 40 kg.
  • the stabilizing force F rl experience by the heavy user is larger than the stabilizing force F r2 experienced by the medium user, which in turn is larger than the stabilizing force F r3 experienced by the light user.
  • This desired effect provides a similar seating experience for users of various weights. It provides additional stabilizing support for heavier users without impeding the ability of lighter users to reach the same tilt angle.
  • FIG. 6 shows an alternative cross sectional shape 601, 602 of the annular elastic base member 5 in an unloaded state and in a loaded state.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 preferably has an inwardly curved cross sectional shape 601, 602.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 may be tapered, having a downwardly decreasing thickness.
  • the thickness of the annular elastic base member 5 may decrease from a first thickness tl at an upper, substantially cylindrical section 325 of the annular elastic base member 5 to a lower thickness t2 at a lower end section 326 of the annular elastic base member 5.
  • the tapered profile of the annular elastic base member 5 supports the desired load
  • the uneven thickness of the annular elastic base member 5 allows a stool equipped therewith to be used equally by a very light user, such as a child, and a heavy adult. In case of a child, only the lower, thinner, portions of the annular elastic base member 5 will bend. When used by an adult, the thicker, upper, portions of the annular elastic base member 5 will also bend. In both cases the user will experience a similar "feel" of the stool's stabilizing force.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 may be shaped outwardly convex and inwardly concave.
  • the downwardly convex outer surface 10 and a downwardly concave inner surface 11 meet at the lower end 39 of the annular elastic base member.
  • the lower end 39 of the annular elastic base member may extend into a stiffening ring 40 as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the stiffening ring 40 at the lower end 39 helps stabilizes the annular elastic base member 5 at the contact area 15.
  • the stiffening ring 40 protects the lower end 39 from kinking when the stool 1 is loaded and/ or tilted out of its normal position.
  • the stiffening ring 40 is preferably an integral component of the annular elastic base member 5.
  • the lower end 39 of the annular elastic base member 5 may also be bent upwardly, such that the contact area 15 between the annular elastic base member 5 and the floor is below and radially outward of the lower end 39 of the annular elastic base member 5.
  • the unloaded annular elastic base 5 may contact the floor at the stiffening ring 40 as is shown in FIG. 4. This arrangement has been found beneficial when working with relatively thick material. When using relatively thinner cross sectional shapes it has been found beneficial to provide the unloaded contact area 15 of the annular elastic base 5 radially outwardly and below the stiffening ring 40 as is shown in FIG. 10.
  • an upper end 38 of the annular elastic base member 5 may be formed as a tongue 36 which engages a corresponding groove 37 in the base structure 6.
  • the tongue 36 may be slightly wider than the groove 37 and during assembly the tongue 36 may be press-fitted into the groove 37 with the help of a tool that secures the annular elastic base member 5 during insertion into the base structure 6.
  • the tongue may be further secured with self-tapping screws.
  • mounting holes 12 may be provided and are preferably circumferentially spaced at the base structure 6 to secure radially outwardly directed screws into an upper portion of the inner surface 11 of the annular elastic base member 5.
  • the tongue 36 of the annular elastic base member 5 may be assembled to the groove 37 of the base structure 6 by gluing or welding.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 may be ultrasonically welded to the base structure 6. Welding may also be achieved by inserting an electrically conductive disc into the groove 37 or by molding an electrically conductive element into the tongue 36. An electric current may then be applied to the electrically conductive disc in order to cause resistive heating. The electric heating causes the surface of the tongue 36 to meld and weld to groove 37.
  • Yet another assembly option is to cool the annular elastic base member 5 to a temperature significantly below room temperature, causing the tongue 36 to shrink. Cooling may for example be affected by directing a cold gas onto the tongue 36 just before insertion into the groove 37.
  • the groove 37 may be dimensioned such that the cooled tongue 36 can be easily inserted thereto, but is firmly held within the groove 37 once the tongue 36 warms back up to room temperature, expanding within the groove 37.
  • load on the stool 1 reinforces the tongue-and-groove connection between the annular elastic base member 5 and the base structure 6, so that reinforcement of the connection by welding or gluing is not critical and may not be necessary at all.
  • the cross-sectional profile and the material of the annular elastic base member 5 are coordinated to provide a desired seating experience.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), rubber, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), fiberglass enforced polyamide (PA) or fiberglass enforced polyurethane (PU).
  • TPU thermoplastic polyurethane
  • TPO thermoplastic polyolefin
  • PA fiberglass enforced polyamide
  • PU fiberglass enforced polyurethane
  • the selection of material requires a trade-off decision between cost and functionality. Experiments including durability tests have shown, that a thermoplastic polyurethane with 90 Shore hardness provides the required robustness at an affordable price.
  • An annular elastic base member 5 made of softer TPU with 75 Shore hardness would require about twice the amount of material as one made of TPU with 90 Shore hardness.
  • the following configuration of the annular elastic base member 5 has been found to be particularly beneficial for users having a weight between 40 kg and 150 kg, which is a typical market requirement:
  • Thickness t2 at a lower section 326 2 mm
  • FIG. 7 An alternative substantially “j"-shaped cross-sectional profile 701, 702, 703 of an annular elastic base member 5 under three different loads is shown in FIG. 7.
  • This profile may be used in combination with harder materials such as fiber-enforced polyamide or polypropylene.
  • the shown "j"-shaped profile 701, 702, 703 has a more even thickness and consequently bends more readily compared to the tapered profile 601 shown in FIG. 6. While this is generally not preferred as it increases the risk of kinking, the "j"-shaped profile 701, 702, 703 may be manufactured more cost effectively, and may hence be a viable alternative for cost sensitive products.
  • FIG. 8 Yet another alternative cross-sectional profile 801, 802, 803 is substantially "o"- shaped as shown in FIG. 8.
  • An annular elastic base member 5 having a substantially “o"- shaped cross-sectional profile 801 may be manufactured by extrusion, and thus be an alternative to molded profiles.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 having a substantially "o"-shaped cross-sectional profile 801 may be formed by rotational molding or by blow molding.
  • the substantially "o"-shaped profile 801 may comprise a cavity 804 which may be filled with air or another gas and may be pressurized.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates the shape of the contact area 15 of the annular elastic base 5 with the floor 14 under various loads.
  • An unloaded stool may have a contact area 15 that assumes a first circular shape 331.
  • the position 335 of the upper end 38 of the annular elastic base member 5 is shown in a dashed line in FIG.9.
  • the contact area 15 may assume a second circular shape 332 that has larger diameter than the first circular shape 331 when additional weight is placed on the stool.
  • the contact area may assume a substantially oval shape 333.
  • the substantially oval shaped contact area 333 has a longer inner lever than outer lever 1 0 .
  • the inner level l t is measured from the intersection of the vertical axis 13 with the floor 14 to the contact area in the direction of the tilt.
  • the outer lever 1 0 is measured from the intersection of the vertical axis 13 with the floor 14 to the contact area in the direction opposite the tilt.
  • the contact area 15 remains within the confines of the position 335 of the upper end 38 of the annular elastic base member 5 under all loads, and whether loaded symmetrically or asymmetrically.
  • the contact area 15 consists of a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending surfaces 336 that are arranged in an approximately circular shape 331, 332 or approximately oval shape 333 as explained above.
  • the stool may be tilted beyond its dynamic seating envelope of about 10 degrees.
  • the substantially oval shaped contact area 333 opens up at the inner end and eventually assumes an approximately crescent-shape 334.
  • a user When tilting the stool beyond its dynamic seating envelope a user will remain a stable position by applying force to his legs.
  • the so tilted stool does not have a tendency to roll sideways.
  • the elasticity of the annular elastic base provides good friction on the floor and thus prevents the stool from sliding backward.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 When in its upright position the annular elastic base member 5 has a substantially ring-shaped, circular, contact area 15 with the floor. Increasing deformation of the annular elastic base member 5 causes the diameter of this ring-shaped contact area 15 to grow outwardly. This increases the effective lever arm 1 of the annular elastic base member 5.
  • the contact area 15 changes from a circular shape toward an approximately oval shape. Beneficially, the effective inner lever in the direction of the tilt is growing larger, while the effective outer lever 1 0 opposite the direction of tilt is getting smaller. This effect amplifies the stabilizing force of the stool and contributes to its stability.
  • FIG. 9 The shape of the contact area as shown in Fig. 9 is further illustrated in the cross sectional view of Fig. 10.
  • the annular elastic base 5 is shown in a symmetrically loaded or upright position 8 and in a tilted position 9.
  • the annular elastic base member 5 In the tilted position 9 the annular elastic base member 5 is tilted by an angle a out of the upright position 8.
  • the comparison of the symmetrically loaded upright position 8 with the tilted position 9 shows the relative change of the inner lever 1 ; and the outer lever 1 0 .
  • the inner lever grows in the direction of the tilt and the outer lever 1 0 becomes shorter in the direction opposite the tilt.
  • the maximum elastic deformation of the annular elastic base member 5 may allow spring-loaded tilt of the stool of up to about 10 degrees and be associated with the equivalent of a symmetrical load of 200 kg. A user may tilt the stool beyond its dynamic seating envelope up to about 45 degree. This is achieved by lifting the backward portion of the annular elastic base member 5 into the air. Tilting the stool up to about 45 degrees allows a user to conveniently pick up articles from the floor.
  • the shape of the annular elastic base member as described before provides a relatively smooth and seamless transition from dynamic deformation (up to approximately 10 degrees) to lifting the backward portion of the base into the air (between approximately 10 degrees and 45 degrees).
  • FIG. 11 shows an annular elastic base member 5 with additional circumferentially spaced radially extending ridges 42 at the contact area of the annular elastic base with the floor.
  • the radially extending ridges 42 have been found to prevent noise that might otherwise be caused by deformation of the annular elastic base member 5. Noise may stem from vibrations that may be caused when the annular elastic base member 5 deforms while a user tilts the associated stool.
  • the radially extending ridges 42 may also prevent a vacuum from forming under a stool equipped with the annular elastic base member 5. This is particularly relevant if the annular elastic base member 5 and the base structure 6 form an upwardly sealed surface.
  • FIG. 11 shows a
  • FIG. 12 shows a deformed annular elastic base member 5 under extreme load.
  • the lower end 39 of the annular elastic base member 5 here bends through completely and comes to rest against a stop surface 320 of the base structure 6. This limits the maximum deformation and thereby prevents damage of the annular elastic base member 5 when exposed to extreme loads.
  • the extremely loaded stool remains slightly elastic based on compression of the material of the annular elastic base 5. Damage to the floor is prevented as the base structure 6 does not contact the floor even under extreme load.
  • a tiltable stool comprising:
  • annular elastic base member comprises a downwardly convex outer surface and a downwardly concave inner surface extending around a central opening.
  • the tiltable stool as above further comprising a height adjustment mechanism.
  • the elongated body structure comprises a pillar assembly and defines a vertical axis of the stool.
  • annular elastic base member has an inwardly curved cross section.
  • annular elastic base member is tapered having a downwardly decreasing thickness.
  • annular elastic base member is made of thermoplastic polyurethane.
  • the stool as above further comprising circumferentially spaced radially extending ridges at the contact area of the annular elastic base with the floor.
  • the stool as above further comprising circumferentially spaced radially extending grooves at the contact area of the annular elastic base with the floor.

Landscapes

  • Toilet Supplies (AREA)
  • Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
  • Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un tabouret inclinable perfectionné qui comprend un siège, une structure de corps et une base. La base comprend un élément de base élastique annulaire qui comporte une surface externe convexe vers le bas et une surface interne concave vers le bas. Une déformation de la base élastique annulaire provoque une force de stabilisation qui pousse le tabouret inclinable vers une position normale lorsque le tabouret ou la chaise inclinable est incliné(e) par rapport à la position normale. La force de stabilisation augmente avec le poids d'un utilisateur et offre une sensation d'assise dynamique constante pour des utilisateurs présentant des poids différents. Une section supérieure de la base élastique annulaire est sensiblement cylindrique et raccordée fermement à la structure de base. La surface externe convexe vers le bas d'une section inférieure de l'élément de base élastique annulaire repose sur le sol. La zone de contact entre l'élément de base élastique annulaire et le sol présente une forme sensiblement annulaire et s'étend vers l'extérieur lorsqu'un poids croissant est placé sur le siège.
EP15734964.8A 2014-01-12 2015-01-11 Tabouret inclinable Active EP3091875B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL15734964T PL3091875T3 (pl) 2014-01-12 2015-01-11 Przechylany taboret

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE202014000079.4U DE202014000079U1 (de) 2014-01-12 2014-01-12 Beweglicher Stuhlsockel
PCT/IB2015/050203 WO2015104686A2 (fr) 2014-01-12 2015-01-11 Tabouret inclinable

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3091875A2 true EP3091875A2 (fr) 2016-11-16
EP3091875A4 EP3091875A4 (fr) 2017-12-20
EP3091875B1 EP3091875B1 (fr) 2019-07-17

Family

ID=52430562

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15734964.8A Active EP3091875B1 (fr) 2014-01-12 2015-01-11 Tabouret inclinable

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3091875B1 (fr)
DE (1) DE202014000079U1 (fr)
DK (1) DK3091875T3 (fr)
PL (1) PL3091875T3 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202016103557U1 (de) 2016-07-04 2017-10-05 Topstar Gmbh Fuß für Sitzmöbel

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4099771A (en) * 1977-06-09 1978-07-11 Mathews Robert P Seat adapted to be mounted on vehicle tire
US5338097A (en) * 1993-06-21 1994-08-16 Tan Marz Y Furniture construction
US6644742B1 (en) * 1999-03-18 2003-11-11 Thomas Walser Seating element for a seating arrangement

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3091875B1 (fr) 2019-07-17
PL3091875T3 (pl) 2020-01-31
DK3091875T3 (da) 2019-10-14
DE202014000079U1 (de) 2015-01-14
EP3091875A4 (fr) 2017-12-20

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