EP4277498A1

EP4277498A1 - Support assembly

Info

Publication number: EP4277498A1
Application number: EP22700376.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Boris REDWANZ
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-01-12
Filing date: 2022-01-11
Publication date: 2023-11-22
Also published as: US20240057782A1; CH718248A1; WO2022152664A1

Abstract

The invention is directed to a support assembly for a chair, comprising a carrier shell, a receiving shell mountable on the carrier shell, and a locking element. The carrier shell and the receiving shell each have, in an edge region, connection structures formed in a manner complementary to one another. The connection structures are configured to engage in one another in the mounted state in such a way that they form a through-channel into which the locking element can be introduced.

Description

title

SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT

technical field

The invention relates to a support arrangement, in particular for the backrest of a seat device, which has a carrier shell and a mounting shell that can be mounted on the carrier shell. Such support arrangements, which are regularly formed from a more rigid and a more flexible component, are usually provided to provide various ergonomic properties.

State of the art

Support arrangements especially for backrests of chairs, which support the back are comfortable at the same time, are used both in the private and in the professional field. Especially in the case of office or work chairs, on which the user usually spends a lot of time, it is important to support the back as well as to comfortably accommodate or lean on the back.

Chairs are known in the prior art, in particular office or work chairs, the backrests of which have a frame over which a network with openings is applied. This gives the backrest a certain flexibility, ensures air permeability and, depending on the tension of the mesh, supports the user's back, for example in the lumbar area.

However, the disadvantage of these solutions is often that the network is not particularly resilient. Depending on the material, the longer it is used, the more it yields, which reduces the support function. In addition, a backrest made of a mesh material is also easily destructible. Another disadvantage is the assembly, which is complicated by the corresponding tensioning of the net. Another solution known in the art for providing chairs that provide both back support and comfort is upholstered chairs that are adjustable to provide support for different areas of the back, such as the lumbar region.

EP 3 231 330 B1 discloses a backrest for a chair with a backrest frame which defines chest, shoulder, lumbar and pelvic areas, the backrest frame having a pair of spaced-apart upright support posts, the support posts being upper and bottom ends. The upper ends are connected by an upper support cross member and the lower ends are connected by a lower support cross member, the support posts and cross members together defining a window in the back frame. The back frame has a front and a back opposite to the front. The backrest also includes a flexible back support surface that is supported on the backrest frame. The backrest further includes a lumbar mechanism positioned between the back frame and the flexible back support surface, the lumbar mechanism including a lumbar pad. The lumbar pad is formed as a flexible, hollow, tubular bolster with at least a portion of the lumbar pad engaging the flexible back support surface and with the lumbar pad visible through the window in the back frame.

[0007] However, such chairs often have a very complex design and are expensive to produce. In addition, the upholstery can often be worn out after a relatively short time. Furthermore, depending on the cover, the care of the upholstery can be cumbersome.

[0008] In order to be able to support the different areas of the back, office or work chairs, for example, have a backrest that is divided into several sub-areas. These can be reciprocally adjusted to varying degrees, so that a chair that is as ergonomic as possible for the user is made available.

Disadvantages of such chairs are, on the one hand, the early appearance of signs of wear and, on the other hand, the comparatively complex structure, which also poses a particular challenge in terms of production. The object of the present invention is to provide a support arrangement that is comparatively easy to produce and assemble, in particular for a backrest of a chair, which is both robust and flexible and ensures ergonomically favorable support for the back section of a user.

Presentation of the invention

The object is achieved according to the invention by a support arrangement as defined in independent claim 1 and by a chair as defined in independent claim 16. Advantageous embodiment variants of the invention result from the dependent claims.

The essence of the invention consists in the following: A support arrangement for a chair comprises a support shell, a mountable on the support shell receiving shell and a locking element. The carrier shell and the receiving shell each have connecting structures which are designed to be complementary to one another in an edge region. The connection structures are configured to engage in one another in the assembled state in such a way that they form a through-channel into which the locking element can be introduced.

The support arrangement can be provided for a component of a chair that assumes a support function and in particular accommodates or supports a body part of a user of the chair when the user is sitting on the chair. For example, it can be designed to form a seat or an armrest. In a particularly advantageous manner, however, the support arrangement is designed as or for a component of a backrest of the chair and can be referred to as a backrest arrangement.

By using only three components, namely the carrier shell, the receiving shell and the locking element, a particularly simple manufacture and assembly can be guaranteed. Because the connecting structures are configured to form the through-channel and the locking element is inserted into this through-channel, an efficient, tool-free and particularly stable assembly of the support arrangement, for example as a backrest, can be achieved. [0015] The term “chair” is understood here to mean any known form of seating equipment or seating furniture. In particular, it can be an office chair or a work chair.

The term "shell" is generally used here for a dimensionally stable element that has a significantly larger surface area or length and width than thickness. A shell within the meaning of the present disclosure is designed over large parts as a plate, whereby it is not planar or flat, but is shaped to suit an intended use, such as curved; moreover, it can have several openings or openings. For example, in a side view, the receiving shell can be adapted to a part of the body of a user of the chair, which it is intended to receive during use. In a backrest, the receiving shell can be ergonomically shaped to fit the user's back. The term "dimensionally stable" is understood here to mean that the corresponding element retains its shape in any case when no force is acting on it. However, a particularly elastic deformation when a force is applied typically occurs.

The term "receptacle" typically refers to a side of the support assembly that faces the user of the chair and against which the user's body or back rests. So the receiving shell can accommodate the body or the back of the user when he is sitting on the chair.

The term "carrier shell" typically refers to a non-user side of the support assembly to which the cradle is mounted and which is typically formed from a substantially rigid plastic shell, i.e. the carrier shell is preferably less flexible than the cradle. The carrier shell therefore preferably forms a holder for the receiving shell.

[0019] The term “rim region” refers here to a section along a peripheral end of the associated receiving or carrier shell. The surrounding peripheral end of the receiving or carrier shell typically includes a number of edge regions. In the case of a backrest, in which the receiving and support shells are usually quasi-rectangular in view, the edge areas can be vertical form running edges of the backrest, ie preferably without the upper edge and the lower edge. In the event that the support arrangement is used elsewhere in a seat device, for example in a seat, several edge regions can also be formed circumferentially or on three of the four sides of the seat device.

Preferably, the carrier shell and the receiving shell are configured as follows: The carrier shell is dimensionally stable and has a first elasticity. The receiving shell is also designed to be dimensionally stable and has a second elasticity. The second elasticity of the receiving shell is higher than the first elasticity of the carrier shell.

The term “elasticity” is generally understood here to mean the ability of a material to reverse a change in shape caused by external influences under its own power. Here, the elasticity of a material is described as high if the material is easily deformable. This means that a material has a comparatively high elasticity if it can be deformed with comparatively little effort. The leaning shell can preferably be designed as a flexible membrane made of a dimensionally stable plastic material. Such a configuration of the carrier and receiving shells enables a comparatively high degree of mobility or flexibility when receiving a body part. For example, the relatively soft cradle may allow a user's back to be ergonomically supported and allow a certain amount of movement of the back without the back becoming unsupported.

The "locking element" is introduced or pushed into the through-channel formed by the complementary connecting structures and protrudes through this in the assembled state. In this way, the connection structures and with them the receiving shell and the carrier shell are firmly fastened or locked to one another. The locking element ensures in particular a form-fitting or form-fitting/force-fitting connection between the carrier shell and the receiving shell.

[0023] The “connecting structures designed to be complementary to one another” in any case include such geometric configurations that are able to engage in one another and then together to define the through-channel for the locking element. The complementary to each other Connection structures can have different geometries from one another or they can have essentially the same geometry.

The "through channel" is intended to be an approximately tunnel-shaped cavity or free space which extends through the connection structures when they interlock and thus passes through the locking structures. It enables the locking element to be inserted (and optionally released without tools) comparatively easily and in particular without tools. The through-channel can run continuously. As a rule, however, it is not designed to be completely closed over its entire length. In particular, it can have alternatingly arranged opening gaps, which can be arranged, for example, on both sides of the edge area. The through-channel preferably has a round cross-section, but it can also have a triangular, square, rectangular or polygonal cross-section. The cross section of the locking element corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the through-channel in such a way that a secure assembly of the receiving shell on the carrier shell can be ensured. The cross-sectional shapes of the through channel and the locking element do not necessarily have to be identical.

Preferably, either the connecting structure of the carrier shell, the connecting structure of the receiving shell or the connecting structure of the carrier shell and the connecting structure of the receiving shell have claws that are spaced apart from one another. In this context, the term “claw” is understood to mean a finger-shaped or rod-shaped extension which is typically at least partially curved. Such a configuration of the corresponding connection structure creates the prerequisite for a particularly simple interlocking to produce the through-channel. Efficient assembly can thus be made possible.

The claws preferably comprise an engagement area, a first connection area and a bearing area. In this way, the prerequisite for an optimal interaction of the two connection structures can be achieved by providing geometric configurations that are particularly well suited for complementary cohesion.

Preferably, the connecting structure of the carrier shell or the connecting structure of the receiving shell has openings spaced apart from one another. the Openings spaced apart from one another preferably receive the claws of the other connecting structure when the connecting structures engage in one another. The corresponding connection structure is preferably configured in the form of a bead. The openings spaced apart from one another are each introduced between adjacent side walls of the bead. The “bulge” is generally designed in the form of an essentially rounded thickening, which, however, also has geometries complementary to the claws, which are preferably also designed for a flush finish to the outside. In this way, in particular, a flush assembly of the carrier shell and the receiving shell in the edge area can also be made possible, ie an essentially smooth surface especially on the side of the edge area of the receiving shell facing the user.

[0028] Preferably, the connecting structures are configured to engage one another by the openings each receiving one of the claws. In this way, a simple and efficient meshing can be achieved to create the through-channel.

Preferably, the connection structure, preferably configured in the form of a bead, comprises a bearing projection, a second connection area and a receiving area. In this way, the complementary design of the two connecting structures and their corresponding assembly can be accomplished in a particularly advantageous manner. The support projection and the receiving area are preferably each arranged in the area of the openings. More preferably, the second connection area is arranged in one of the side walls of the bead, with an opening preferably being provided in each case between two adjacent side walls of the bead.

In particular, the complementary engagement areas and bearing projections on the one hand and the complementary bearing areas and receiving areas on the other hand are preferably designed in such a way that they enable uncomplicated assembly, with a form-fitting cohesion between the two connection structures being able to be provided at least in certain directions even without the locking element being introduced.

[0031] The connection structure of the receiving shell and the connection structure of the carrier shell preferably have partial curves arranged in alternation, which are designed to form the through-channel with a substantially round cross-section in the assembled state. In this respect, the partial curves are aligned in opposite directions to one another. The partial roundings are preferably provided in the first connection area of the claws and in the second connection area of the bead. They enclose the locking element, seen in cross-section, together essentially completely, wherein one partial rounding can enclose the locking element somewhat more and the other partial rounding can enclose the locking element somewhat less than half.

Preferably, the contact projection of the connecting structure or the bead and a retaining element of the claws form a lateral travel limit of the receiving shell. In the event of a lateral tensile load on the cradle - i.e. a force component directed essentially sideways inwards, for example when a user leans against the cradle - corresponding stop surfaces of the support projection and the holding element form the lateral travel limit (of the cradle under tensile load). The “sideways inwardly directed force component” is therefore the force component acting essentially in the direction of the user when leaning against the edge regions.

[0033] A contact projection of the bead and a contact area between adjacent claws preferably form a rear travel limitation. In the event of a rear pressure load on the cradle - i.e. a force component directed essentially at the carrier cradle, for example when a user leans back in the cradle or sits on a cradle - corresponding stop surfaces of the contact projection and the contact area form the rear travel limit (of the cradle under pressure). The “rearwardly directed force component” is thus in the present case the force component acting in the leaning direction of the user, essentially from the receiving shell to the carrier shell.

The carrier shell and/or the receiving shell are preferably formed from a thermoplastic material. This material is particularly suitable for production using the injection molding process. In addition, thermoplastics are flexible or elastic even in the solid state, so that a wide range of desired elasticity properties can be efficiently adjusted accordingly. The carrier shell and/or the receiving shell are preferably provided with perforations (or openings). In this context, “perforation” means a plurality of holes or openings in the corresponding shell. The perforations or openings can have a size in the centimeter range in order to develop an intended effect. By means of the number, arrangement and size of the corresponding perforations (or openings), the flexibility properties can be fine-tuned, ie in particular also in selected areas of the receiving shell or the carrier shell, which are decisive for certain parts of the back.

The perforations (or openings) are preferably circular or polygonal, in particular hexagonal. In particular, they can vary over the height of the backrest of a chair with regard to their size and/or orientation in order to set the flexibility properties as desired.

Preferably, the locking element comprises a rod-shaped element, preferably with a quasi-round cross section, which is formed from an elastically bendable plastic material. In this way it can be ensured that the locking element can be inserted and passed through the through-channel particularly well, i.e. in particular also in the area of curves in the edge area of the support arrangement or the backrest. In addition, such plastic rods can be made sufficiently robust to be able to absorb a suitable load.

The carrier shell and the receiving shell preferably have a convex curvature at least in the edge area, i.e. the curvature is aligned towards the back of a user in order to be able to provide appropriate support, particularly in the lumbar region.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a chair with a seat mounted on a seat support and a backrest support attached to the seat support, with a support arrangement according to the invention being mounted on the backrest support. The chair can in particular be an office chair or a work chair.

Brief description of the drawings Further advantageous refinements of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with the aid of the schematic drawing. In particular, the support arrangement according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using exemplary embodiments. Show it:

1 shows an exploded view of a support arrangement according to the invention with a carrier shell, receiving shell and locking element;

2: a perspective view of a support arrangement according to the invention in the assembled state;

3 shows a detailed view of a side area of a support arrangement according to the invention in the assembled state;

Fig. 4: a perspective sectional view along the line A - A in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5: a plane sectional view along the line A - A in Fig. 3;

Fig. 6: a perspective sectional view along the line B - B in Fig. 3;

Fig. 7: a plane sectional view along the line B - B in Fig. 3; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a chair incorporating a backrest support assembly in accordance with the present invention.

Way(s) for carrying out the invention

Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience and are not intended to be limiting. The words "right", "left", "down" and "up" indicate directions in the drawing to which reference is made. The terms "inward," "outward," "below," "above," "left," "right," or the like are used to describe the disposition of designated parts relative to one another, the movement of designated parts relative to one another, and directions toward or away from geometric center of the invention and named parts thereof as shown in the figures. These spatial relatives also include positions and orientations other than those shown in the figures. For example, if a part depicted in the figures is turned over, elements or features described as "below" are then "above." The terminology includes the words expressly mentioned above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

In order to avoid repetitions in the figures and the associated description of the various aspects and exemplary embodiments, certain Features are understood as common to different aspects and embodiments. The omission of an aspect in the description or a figure does not imply that this aspect is missing in the associated exemplary embodiment. Rather, such omission may serve for clarity and to avoid repetition. In this context, the following stipulation applies to the entire further description: If reference numbers are contained in a figure for the purpose of clarity in the drawing, but are not mentioned in the directly associated description text, reference is made to their explanation in the preceding figure descriptions. If, in addition, in the descriptive text belonging directly to a figure, reference symbols are mentioned which are not contained in the associated figure, then reference is made to the preceding and following figures. Similar reference numbers in two or more figures indicate similar or identical elements.

In Fig. 1, a support assembly 10 according to the present invention is shown in an exploded view. The main components of the support arrangement 10 are a carrier shell 1, a receiving shell 2 and two locking elements 3 for mounting the receiving shell 2 on the carrier shell 1. The carrier shell 1 is generally designed as a hard or less flexible injection-molded part. The receiving shell 2 is regularly designed as a rather soft and flexible but dimensionally stable injection molded part—preferably in the form of a flexible matrix—on which a user leans his back. The receiving shell 2 serves in particular to provide flexibility properties which can be tailored to selected areas of the back. The rod-shaped locking elements 3 are made of a flexible plastic material and are used to mount the receiving shell 2 on the carrier shell 1. The receiving shell 2 and the carrier shell 1 have a concave curvature in the horizontal at least in sections.

The receiving shell 2 comprises an upper part 13, which is optionally configured in the form of a head and/or neck rest. In this embodiment, the receiving shell 2 has essentially circular perforations or openings 9′, which are used to adjust the flexibility and as ventilation openings. In its edge regions 4 ′, the receiving shell 2 has a bead 7 as a connecting structure, in which openings 8 spaced apart from one another are introduced. On its underside, the support shell 1 has recesses 11 which are used for mounting the Support assembly 10 serve as a backrest support of a chair. The receiving shell 2 has notches 19 arranged centrally on its underside, which are used to fix the receiving shell 2 to the carrier shell 1 .

The carrier shell 1 has two tabs 18 on its upper side, which can be mounted on the upper part 13 of the receiving shell 2 . The lugs 18 are used to support the receiving tray 2 so that it cannot buckle under load in the upper lateral area. The carrier shell 1 preferably has hexagonal perforations or openings 9, which here, to a lesser extent than in the case of the receiving shell 2, are used to set flexibility properties and also as ventilation openings. The carrier shell 1 also has an essentially straight or non-curved central section 12 . In its edge regions 4, the carrier shell 1 preferably comprises hook-like claws 6, which protrude laterally outwards from the carrier shell 1 and which are configured to be inserted into the corresponding openings 8 of the bead 7 in the edge regions 4' of the receiving shell 2 for assembly purposes .

The locking elements 3 are then introduced or pushed in between the claws 6 and the bead 7 approximately in the area of an insertion point 14 in the edge area 4 of the carrier shell 1 in such a way that a firm, but basically detachable, assembly of the receiving shell 2 on the carrier shell 1 results. In this respect, the support arrangement 10 according to the invention is also particularly suitable for tool-free assembly at home.

In Figure 2, a fully assembled support assembly 10 is illustrated. The locking element 3 is now located between the claws 6 in the edge area 4' of the receiving shell 2 and the bead 7 or the openings 8 in the edge area 4 of the carrier shell 1. The support arrangement 10 can thus be mounted in the area of the recesses 11 on a corresponding backrest support of a seat device, such as a work or office chair.

3 shows a section of a lateral area of the assembled support arrangement 10 with a section line AA and a section line BB. The section line AA runs through the bead 7, one of the openings 8 in the bead 7, through one of the claws 6 and the locking element 3 and through one of the perforations 9 of the receiving shell 2. The cutting line B - B runs somewhat further above through the bead 7 (in the area between two openings 8), the locking element 3 and through part of the receiving shell 2 or the carrier shell 1.

The perspective sectional view along the line AA according to FIG. 4 illustrates the engagement of one of the claws 6 of the carrier shell 1 in a bead 7 or an opening 8 in the bead 7 of the receiving shell 2.

The claw 6 shown in section has the following structure, like the other claws 6: At its outer upper end, the claw 6 has an engagement area 6a, which is adjoined by a first connection area 6b. The first connection area 6b is in turn adjoined by a support area 6c, which has a holding element 6d, with which it forms a notch 16d.

The parts of the bead 7 shown in section (the section runs through an opening 8) comprise a receiving area 7c with a notch 17c. On the other side of the opening 8, the bead 7 comprises a bearing projection 7a, which is followed by a perforation 9'.

The interaction of the individual parts or sections of the bead 7 and the claws 6 is as follows: The engagement area 6a engages in the notch 17c of the receiving area 7c. The first connecting area 6b forms a semicircle 16b as a partial curvature, which in any case partially surrounds the locking element 3 . The notch 16d formed by the support area 6c and the holding element 6d accommodates the support projection 7a.

The holding element 6d is designed in such a way that it forms a stop or a (substantially horizontal) path limitation for the support projection 7a, which is at least partially accommodated in the notch 16d.

Due to the opposite construction described above, the claws 6 inserted into the openings 8 of the bead 7 initially hold even without the locking element 3.

The planar sectional view according to FIG. 5 illustrates in particular the lateral travel limit Wz of the receiving tray 2. With a tensile load of the Receptacle 2 in the direction of the arrow Fz - i.e. the force component directed essentially sideways inwards when a user leans back in the receptacle 2 - the stop surfaces of the support projection 7a and the holding element 6d shown in circles form the lateral travel limit Wz of the receptacle 2 in the event of a tensile load .

The perspective sectional view along line BB according to FIG. 6 illustrates the interaction of a bead 7 of the receiving shell 2 with one of the claws 6 of the carrier shell 1.

The bead 7 shown in section—outside an opening 8—first has a rounded portion 7f at its outer upper end. The side wall 7d of the bead 7 comprises the second connecting area 7b, which forms a semicircle 17b as a partial rounding, which in any case partially surrounds the locking element 3, and together with the first connecting area 6 or its semicircle, which cannot be seen here, a section of the through-channel 5 for the locking element 3 forms. A substantially vertical contact projection 7e adjoins the second connecting region 7b.

The area shown in section between the claws 6 includes a contact area 6e. A holding element 6d and, above the locking element 3, a first connecting region 6b of a claw 6 can be seen behind the sectional plane.

7 illustrates in particular the rear travel limitation WD of the receiving shell 2. When the receiving shell 2 is subjected to a pressure load in the direction of the arrow FD - i.e. the essentially backward-directed force component when, for example, a user leans back in the receiving shell 2 - form the circled stop faces of the contact projection 7e and the contact area 6e the rear travel limit WD of the receiving shell in the event of a pressure load. The holding element 6d preferably does not come into contact with the inner wall of the carrier shell 1.

Finally, in FIG. 8 an exemplary chair 20 with a support arrangement 10 according to the invention is illustrated. The chair 20 includes two armrests 21, a seat 22, which is mounted on a seat support 25 and a star-shaped foot part 23 which is arranged below the seat support and has a plurality of rollers 26 . In the rear area of the seat support 22, a backrest support 24 is also attached, on which the support arrangement 10 according to the invention is mounted. The flexible receiving shell 2 is mounted on the fixed carrier shell 1 by means of the locking element 3 .

List of references:

1 carrier shell 11 recesses

2 receiving shell 12 central section

3 locking element 13 upper part of carrier shell

4 edge area carrier shell 14 insertion point for

4' edge area receiving tray locking element

5 through channel 15 curvature

6 claws 16b semicircle (first connection¬

6a Intervention area area)

6b first connection area 16d notch

6c support area 17b semicircle (second connection

6d holding element area)

6e contact area (between adjacent 17c notch (receiving area) claws) 18 tabs

7 bead (preferred embodiment 19 notches edge area 4') 20 chair

7a support projection 21 armrests

7b second connection area 22 seat

7c receiving area 23 foot part

7d side wall bead 24 backrest support

7e investment projection 25 seat carrier

7f rounding 26 rolls

8 openings FD compressive force (arrow)

9 perforations/openings FZ tensile force (arrow) carrier shell WD path limitation in the direction of pressure

9' perforations/openings WZ travel limitation in the direction of pull receiving shell

10 support assembly

Claims

EXPECTATIONS

Claim 1: Support arrangement (10) for a chair (20), in particular as a component of a backrest of the chair (20), having a carrier shell (1), a receiving shell (2) which can be mounted on the carrier shell (1) and a locking element (3) , wherein the carrier shell (1) and the receiving shell (2) each have in an edge region (4, 4') complementary connecting structures, wherein the connecting structures are configured to engage in one another in a mounted state in such a way that they form a through-channel (5) form, in which the locking element (3) can be introduced.

Claim 2: Support arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connection structure of the carrier shell (1), the connection structure of the receiving shell (2) or the connection structure of the carrier shell (1) and the connection structure of the receiving shell (2) have claws (6) spaced apart from one another .

Claim s: Support arrangement (10) according to claim 2, wherein the claws (6) comprise an engagement area (6a), a first connection area (6b) and a bearing area (6c).

Claim 4: Support arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein either the connection structure of the carrier shell (1) or the connection structure of the receiving shell (2) has openings (8) spaced apart from one another.

Claim 5: A support assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein the connecting structures are configured to interlock by the apertures (7) each receiving one of the claws (6).

Claims e: Support arrangement (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the connection structure, preferably configured in the form of a bead (7), a Support projection (7a), a second connection area (7b) and a receiving area (7c).

Claim 7: Support arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection structure of the receiving shell (2) and the connection structure of the carrier shell (1) have alternately arranged partial roundings (16b, 17b), which are designed to in the assembled state the through-channel (5) with a substantially round cross section.

Claim 8: Support arrangement (10) according to one of Claims 3 to 7, wherein the first connection area (6b) of the claws (6) and the second connection area (7b) have partial curves (16b, 17b) and the partial curves (16b, 17b). , which are designed to form the through-channel (5) with a substantially round cross-section in the assembled state.

Claim 9: Support arrangement (10) according to one of Claims 3 to 8, wherein the support projection (7a) and a holding element (6d) of the claws (6) form a lateral travel limit (Wz) of the receiving shell (2).

Claim 10: Support arrangement (10) according to one of Claims 4 to 9, in which an abutment projection (7e) and an abutment region (6e) between adjacent claws (6) form a rearwardly directed travel limit (WD).

Claim 11: Support arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier shell (1) is dimensionally stable and has a first elasticity, the receiving shell (2) is dimensionally stable and has a second elasticity, and the second elasticity of the receiving shell (2 ) is higher than the first elasticity of the carrier shell (1).

Claim 12: support arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier shell (1) and / or the receiving shell (2) are provided with preferably circular or polygonal and in particular hexagonal perforations (9). Claim 13: Support arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (3) comprises a rod-shaped element, preferably with a quasi-round cross section, which is formed from an elastically flexible plastic material.

Claim 14: Support arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier shell (1) and the receiving shell (2) have a convex curvature (15) in the at least one edge region (4, 4').

Claim 15: Support arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises a further locking element, the carrier shell (1) and the receiving shell (2) each being in a further edge region (4, 4') opposite the edge region (4, 4'). ) Complementary to each other have further connecting structures, wherein the further connecting structures are configured to interlock in the assembled state such that they form a further through-channel (5) into which the further locking element (3) can be inserted.

Claim 16: Support arrangement (10) according to Claim 15, the carrier shell (1) and the receiving shell (2) being designed in such a way that in the mounted state they are between the edge regions (4, 4') and the further edge regions (4, 4' ) are spaced apart.

Claim 17: Chair (20) with a seat (22) mounted on a seat support (25) and a backrest support (24) fastened to the seat support, a support arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims being mounted on the backrest support (24). .