EP4687588A1

EP4687588A1 - A swinging chair

Info

Publication number: EP4687588A1
Application number: EP24781404.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Wahl
Original assignee: Inter Ikea Systems BV
Current assignee: Inter Ikea Systems BV
Priority date: 2023-03-31
Filing date: 2024-03-28
Publication date: 2026-02-11
Also published as: WO2024205484A1; CN121001617A

Abstract

The invention relates to swinging chair (2) comprising a frame (4) that is adapted to rest on a floor and a seat (6). The frame (4) comprises a left frame portion (8) and a right frame portion (10) that is spaced from the left frame portion in a transverse direction of the swinging chair. The swinging chair (2) comprises a plurality of upper support members (12, 14, 16, 18) that connect the seat (6) to the left frame portion (8) and to the right frame portion (10) so that the seat (6) hangs from the frame (4) in a space between the left frame portion (8) and the right frame portion (10). Accordingly, the seat (6) is movable in a swinging manner relative to the frame (4) by means of the plurality of upper support members (12, 14, 16, 18). The frame comprises at least one lower frame portion (20) that is arranged below the left and right frame portions (8, 10) in a height direction (Y) of the swinging chair (2). The swinging chair (2) comprises at least one lower support member (28, 30, 48, 50) that connects the seat (6) to the lower frame portion (20).

Description

A swinging chair

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a swinging chair. Such a swinging chair may be used for a tilting or rocking movement. Accordingly, the chair is adapted for a seat and backrest to assume different orientations relative to a floor. Such a chair inspires an occupant for movement and variation in the sitting posture, which is both healthy and pleasant.

It is known with a swinging chair comprising a frame that is adapted to rest on a floor and a seat, wherein the frame comprises a left frame portion and a right frame portion that is spaced from the left frame portion in a transverse direction of the swinging chair, wherein the swinging chair comprises a plurality of upper support members that connect the seat to the left frame portion and to the right frame portion so that the seat hangs from the frame in a space between the left frame portion and the right frame portion, wherein the seat is movable in a swinging manner relative to the frame by means of the plurality of upper support members.

PRIOR ART

JP2006341042A discloses a swinging chair with a frame that comprises arm rests extending generally horizontally and longitudinally on either side of the seat. Upper support members in the form of straps or ropes are attached at one end to the seat and at the opposite end to one of the arm rests. More specifically, the seat has a generally rectangular shape, wherein two upper support members are provided on a left side of the seat with a spacing in a longitudinal direction of the chair and two upper support members are provided on a right side of the seat with a similar spacing in the longitudinal direction of the chair.

SUMMARY

A first object of the invention is to provide a swinging chair that allows for relatively large movements of the seat to assume different orientations and thereby a large variation in body postures and/or swing movements while still being safe.

The object is achieved by a chair according to claim 1. Thus, it is achieved by a swinging chair comprising a frame that is adapted to rest on a floor and a seat, wherein the frame comprises a left frame portion and a right frame portion that is spaced from the left frame portion in a transverse direction of the swinging chair, wherein the swinging chair comprises a plurality of upper support members that connect the seat to the left frame portion and to the right frame portion so that the seat hangs from the frame in a space between the left frame portion and the right frame portion, wherein the seat is movable in a swinging manner relative to the frame by means of the plurality of upper support members, wherein the frame comprises at least one lower frame portion that is arranged below the left and right frame portions in a height direction of the swinging chair, characterized in that the swinging chair comprises at least one lower support member that connects the seat to the lower frame portion.

Accordingly, the at least one lower support member is adapted for safeguarding that the seat may not be moved out of a boundary defining a safe movement pattern. In this way, the swinging chair is adapted to be safe with regard to a violent use, such as an occupant performing excessive movements of the seat relative to the frame or jumping into the seat or similar. Further, the at least one lower support member creates conditions for supporting the seat so that the occupant may assume further seating positions and thereby varying the body posture further.

According to one embodiment example, the at least one lower support member is adapted to assume a plurality of different orientations, wherein relative movement of the seat relative to the frame is limited when the at least one lower support member is tensioned to assume a linear extension. Thus, the support member may assume a curved extension in a slack, non-tensioned state. Accordingly, the at least one lower support member prevents the seat from an undesired excessive rotation around a horizontal axis in the transverse direction of the chair.

According to a further embodiment example, the at least one lower support member has an elongated shape and is connected at one end in its longitudinal direction to the seat and at the other end in its longitudinal direction to the frame. According to a further embodiment example, the at least one lower support member is formed by a strap.

According to a further embodiment example, at least one of the lower support members is connected to a front part of the seat. It creates conditions for limiting a rotational movement of the seat backwards. It also creates conditions for forming a counterforce for allowing the occupant to assume a rearwards inclined position.

According to a further embodiment example, the frame comprises a front lower frame portion, wherein at least one of the lower support members is a front lower support member being connected to the front lower frame portion. It creates further conditions for limiting a rotational movement of the seat backwards. It also creates further conditions for forming a counterforce for allowing the occupant to assume a rearwards inclined position.

According to a further embodiment example, a first one of the lower support members is a front lower support member being connected to the front part of the seat and to the front lower frame portion.

According to a further embodiment example, the at least one lower support member comprises a first pair of lower support members that connects the front part of the seat to the front lower frame portion, wherein the lower support members in the first pair are spaced in the transverse direction of the swinging chair. It creates conditions for stabilizing the chair in a plurality of different seat positions.

According to a further embodiment example, at least one of the lower support members is connected to a rear part of the seat. It creates conditions for limiting a rotational movement of the seat forwards. It also creates conditions for forming a counterforce for allowing the occupant to assume a forwards inclined position.

According to a further embodiment example, the frame comprises a rear lower frame portion, wherein at least one of the lower support members is connected to the rear lower frame portion. It creates further conditions for limiting a rotational movement of the seat forwards. It also creates further conditions for forming a counterforce for allowing the occupant to assume a forwards inclined position.

According to a further embodiment example, a first one of the lower support members is connected to the rear part of the seat and to the rear lower frame portion.

According to a further embodiment example, wherein the at least one lower support member comprises a second pair of lower support members that connects the rear part of the seat to the rear lower frame portion, wherein the lower support members in the second pair are spaced in the transverse direction of the swinging chair. It creates conditions for stabilizing the chair in a plurality of different seat positions.

According to a further embodiment example, wherein each one of the left frame portion and the right frame portion comprises an elongated rigid element extending generally in a longitudinal direction of the swinging chair. According to a further embodiment example, the elongated rigid element is adapted to form a support for an occupant's hand and/or arm.

According to a further embodiment example, the plurality of upper support members comprises a first pair of upper support members that is connected between the seat and the left frame portion and wherein the plurality of upper support members comprises a second pair of upper support members that is connected between the seat and the right frame portion, wherein the upper support members in each pair are spaced in a longitudinal direction of the swinging chair. It creates conditions for stabilizing the chair in a plurality of different seat positions.

According to a further embodiment example, at least one of the lower support members and at least one of the upper support members forms a one-piece unit. It creates conditions for a safe chair in an aesthetically pleasing design.

At least one of the upper support members or the lower support members may comprise an at least partly elastic material section. The at least partly elastic material section may be expandable in a lengthwise direction. Further, each one of the lower support members may comprise an at least partly elastic material section. In such example, the upper support members may be non-elastic.

Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective top view of a swinging chair according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a perspective view from below of the swinging chair according to fig. 1 , Fig. 3 is a close up view of an upper connection point in fig. 1 for a support member connecting a seat of the chair to a frame,

Fig. 4 is a close up view of a connection point in fig. 1 for the support member relative to the seat,

Fig. 5 is a close up view of a lower connection point in fig. 1 for the support member connecting the seat to the frame,

Fig. 6 is an isometric view of a swinging chair according to an embodiment,

Figs. 7a-c are isometric views of different connection points,

Figs. 8a-b are side views of an elastic material section according to different embodiments. Fig. 9A is a perspective view from the side of the swinging chair according to fig. 1 with the seat in a retracted state,

Fig. 9B is a perspective view from the side of the swinging chair according to fig. 1 with the seat in a forwarded state,

Fig. 10 is a perspective view from the side of the swinging chair according to fig. 1 with the seat in a rearwards and inclined state,

Fig. 11 A is a front view of the swinging chair according to fig. 1 , indicating a movement in a transverse direction, and

Fig. 11 B is a front view of the swinging chair according to fig. 1 , indicating a movement in a transverse direction opposite to the one shown in fig. 11 A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 is a perspective top view of a swinging chair 2 according to a first embodiment, and fig. 2 is a perspective view from below of the swinging chair 2 according to fig. 1. The swinging chair 2 comprises a frame 4 that is adapted to rest on a floor. The swinging chair 2 further comprises a seat 6. The seat 6 forms a generally horizontal platform for supporting an occupant vertically downwards. The seat 6 has a generally rectangular shape. The swinging chair 2 further comprises a backrest 7. The backrest 7 forms a generally vertical platform for supporting an occupant horizontally rearwards. More specifically, the seat 6 and the backrest 7 are in a one-piece unit and jointly form a chair body. More specifically, the seat 6 and the backrest 7 comprise a fabric 3 that is attached to an elongated rigid part 5 defining a peripheral shape of the chair body. The elongated rigid part 5 may be formed in a metal material. The frame 4 comprises a left frame portion 8 and a right frame portion 10. The left frame portion 8 and the right frame portion 10 are spaced from each other in a transverse direction X of the swinging chair 2. More specifically, the frame 4 has a design that is mirrored in a central plane extending in parallel with a height direction Y and a longitudinal direction Z of the chair 2. The swinging chair 2 further comprises a plurality of upper support members 12, 14, 16, 18 that connect the seat 6 to the left frame portion 8 and to the right frame portion 10 so that the seat 6 hangs from the frame 4 in a space between the left frame portion 8 and the right frame portion 10. Thus, the seat 6 is positioned below the left frame portion 8 and the right frame portion 10 in a height direction Y of the chair when the chair is in a rest state. Accordingly, the seat 6 is movable in a swinging manner relative to the frame 4 by means of the plurality of upper support members 12, 14, 16, 18. In this way, the seat 6 may support a weight of the occupant while a position of the seat 6 relative to the frame 4 may vary.

Each one of the left frame portion 8 and the right frame portion 10 comprises an elongated rigid element 9, 11 extending generally horizontally and in a longitudinal direction Z of the chair 2. More specifically, each one of the left frame portion 8 and the right frame portion 10 forms an arm rest. Thus, each one of the elongated rigid elements 9, 11 is adapted to form a support for an occupant's hand and/or arm.

Further, each one of the upper support members 12, 14, 16, 18 is attached to the elongated rigid element 9, 11 forming the armrest in a loop around the elongated rigid element in a connection point 21 , 23, 80, 82, see a closeup view in fig. 3. More specifically, the support member forms a loop and extends back so that an end of the support member is overlapping with another part of the support member. The end of the support member is rigidly attached to said another part of the support member in the overlapping area by means of an attachment, such as stitches, glue etc.

Further, each one of the upper support members 12, 14, 16, 18 is connected to an edge section of the seat 6 in the transverse direction X of the chair 2. More specifically, each one of the upper support members 12, 14, 16, 18 is connected to an edge section of the seat 6 via a connection point 13, 15, 17, 19, see close up view in fig. 4. More specifically, the at least one connection point 13, 15, 17, 19 for the upper and/or lower support members is provided adjacent a corner of the rectangular seat 6. The plurality of upper support members 12, 14, 16, 18 comprise a first pair of upper support members 12, 14 that is connected between the seat 6 and the left frame portion 8. The plurality of upper support members 12, 14, 16, 18 further comprises a second pair of upper support members 16, 18 that is connected between the seat 6 and the right frame portion 10, wherein the upper support members in each pair are connected to the seat 6 spaced in the longitudinal direction Z of the swinging chair 2. A front upper support member 12, 16 is attached to the seat 6 adjacent a front portion of the seat. Likewise, a rear upper support member 14, 18 is attached to the seat 6 adjacent a rear portion of the seat.

The frame 4 further comprises a front lower frame portion 20 that is arranged below the left and right frame portions 8, 10 in the height direction Y of the swinging chair 2. The front lower frame portion 20 comprises an elongated rigid element 22 extending in the transverse direction of the swinging chair 2. The elongated rigid element 22 is straight and adapted to rest on the floor.

The frame 4 further comprises two front upright elongated and straight rigid elements 24, 26 extending generally in a height direction of the swinging chair, wherein the two upright elongated rigid elements 24, 26 are arranged in a spaced relationship in the transverse direction X of the chair 2. Each one of the two upright elongated rigid elements 24, 26 is connected at one end to the transverse elongated rigid element 22 via a curved frame element corner portion. Further, each one of the two upright elongated rigid elements 24, 26 is connected at the other end to the longitudinally extending elongated rigid element 9, 11 that forms the armrest via a curved frame element corner portion.

The front lower frame portion 20 comprises the elongated rigid element 22 extending in the transverse direction of the swinging chair 2 and the parts of the two upright elongated and straight rigid element 24, 26 extending below the seat 6 in the height direction Y when the seat 6 is arranged in a rest state hanging from the left frame portion 8 and the right frame portion 10.

Further, the swinging chair 2 comprises at least one lower support member 28, 30 that connects the seat 6 (or the elongated rigid part 5) to the lower frame portion 20. It provides for safeguarding that the seat 6 may not be moved out of a boundary defining a safe movement pattern. More specifically, the swinging chair 2 comprises two lower support members 28, 30 that are spaced in the transverse direction X of the chair. More specifically, a first one of the two lower support members 28 is arranged adjacent a left side of the seat and a second one of the two lower support members 30 is arranged adjacent a right side of the seat.

Further, each one of the lower support members 28, 30 is connected to an edge section of the seat 6 in the transverse direction X of the chair 2. More specifically, each one of the lower support members 28, 30 is connected to an edge section of the seat 6 via the connection point 13, 17.

More specifically, the first one 28 of the two lower support members is formed in a one- piece unit with the front left upper support member 12. Likewise, the second one 30 of the two lower support members is formed in a one-piece unit with the front right upper support member 16. The seat 6 is provided with a front fastening element 32, 34 providing a reception for the support member at either side in the transverse direction of the chair 2 for forming the connection point 13,17. The front fastening element 32, 34 forms a bracket defining an opening. The opening is in the form of a slot having generally the same cross section shape and dimension as the associated support member. The front fastening element 32, 34 may be rigid and formed in a metal material. More specifically, the front fastening element 32, 34 is rigidly attached to the elongated rigid part 5 defining a peripheral shape of the chair body via an attachment area such as a weld or similar. The one-piece front left support member 12, 28 is received in the front fastening element 32 on the left side of the seat 6 and the one-piece front left support member 16, 30 is received in the front fastening element 34 on the right side of the seat 6. More specifically, the support member is glidingly received in the fastening element 32, 34.

The seat 6 has a smaller extension in the transverse direction X of the chair 2 in relation to a distance between the left frame portion 8 and the right frame portion 10 in the transverse direction X of the chair 2, wherein the upper support members 12, 14, 16, 18 have an extension tapering inwards in a direction from the respective frame portion 8, 10 to its respective point of connection point at the seat 6.

Further, each one of the lower front support members 28, 30 is rigidly attached to the lower frame portion 20 in a connection point 36, 38 displaced outwards in the transverse direction X of the chair in relation to the adjacent edge of the seat 6, wherein the lower support members 28, 30 have an extension tapering inwards in a direction from the respective frame portion to its respective connection point 13, 17 at the seat.

More specifically, the lower frame portion 20 is provided with two front fastening elements 76, 78, each one providing a reception for the support member, see also fig. 5. The front fastening element 76, 78 forms a bracket defining an opening at either side in the transverse direction of the chair 2 for forming the connection point 36, 38. The opening is in the form of a slot having generally the same cross section shape and dimension as the associated support member. The front fastening element 76, 78 may be rigid and formed in a metal material. More specifically, the front fastening element 76, 78 is rigidly attached to the associated elongated and straight rigid element 24, 26 via an attachment area such as a weld or similar. The front left support member 12 is received in the front fastening element 76 on the left side of the seat 6 and the front left support member 16 is received in the front fastening element 78 on the right side of the seat 6. More specifically, the support member forms a loop through the opening in the fastening element 76, 78 and extends back so that an end of the support member is overlapping with another part of the support member. The end of the support member is rigidly attached to said another part of the support member in the overlapping area by means of an attachment, such as stitches, glue etc.

More specifically, the connection points 36, 38 for the front lower support members 28, 30 are provided on the two upright elongated and straight rigid element 24, 26 adjacent the front transverse elongated rigid element 22 that is adapted to rest on the floor, see close up view in fig. 5.

The rear upper support members 14, 18 are attached to the left and right frame portions 8, 10 in connection points 80, 82 in a similar way as has been described for the front upper support members 12, 16.

The frame 4 further comprises a rear lower frame portion 40 that is arranged below the left and right frame portions 8, 10 in a height direction of the swinging chair 2. The rear lower frame portion 40 comprises an elongated rigid element 42 extending in the transverse direction of the swinging chair 2. The elongated rigid element 42 is straight and adapted to rest on the floor. Accordingly, the front lower frame portion 20 and the rear lower frame portion 40 is adapted to form a swinging chair support towards the floor. The frame 4 further comprises two upright elongated and straight rigid elements 44, 46 extending generally in a height direction of the swinging chair, wherein the two upright elongated rigid element 44, 46 are arranged in a spaced relationship in the transverse direction X of the chair 2. Each one of the two upright elongated rigid elements 44, 46 is connected at one end to the transverse elongated rigid element 42 via a curved frame element corner portion. Further, each one of the two upright elongated rigid element 44, 46 is connected at the other end to the longitudinally extending elongated rigid element 9, 11 that forms the armrest via a curved frame element corner portion.

The rear lower frame portion 40 comprises the elongated rigid element 42 extending in the transverse direction of the swinging chair 2 and the parts of the two upright elongated and straight rigid element 44, 46 extending below the seat 6 when the seat 6 is arranged in a rest position hanging from the left frame portion 8 and the right frame portion 10.

Further, the swinging chair 2 comprises at least one lower support member 48, 50 that connects the seat 6 (or the elongated rigid part 5) to the lower frame portion 40. It safeguards that the seat 6 may not be moved out of a boundary defining a safe movement pattern. More specifically, the swinging chair 2 comprises two lower support members 48, 50 that are spaced in the transverse direction of the chair. More specifically, a first one of the two lower support members 48 is arranged adjacent a left side of the seat and a second one of the two lower support members 50 is arranged adjacent a right side of the seat.

Further, each one of the rear lower support members 48, 50 is connected to an edge section of the seat in the transverse direction of the chair 2 in connection points 84, 86 in a similar manner as has been described above for the front lower support members 28, 30.

More specifically, the first one of the two lower support members 48 is formed in a one- piece unit with the rear left upper support member 14. Likewise, the second one of the two lower support members 50 is formed in a one-piece unit with the rear right upper support member 18. The seat 6 is provided with a rear fastening element 52, 54 at either side in the transverse direction of the chair 2 in a similar way as has been described above for the front fastening element 32, 34. The one-piece rear left support member 14, 48 is received in the rear fastening element 52 on the left side of the seat 6 and the one-piece rear right support member 18, 50 is received in the rear fastening element 54 on the right side of the seat 6. Further, the two lower support members 48, 50 are connected to the rear lower frame portion 40 via two connection points 88, 90 in a similar manner as has been described above for the front lower support members 28, 30.

The frame 4 is formed by a continuous structure of the described elongated rigid elements 9, 11 , 22, 24, 26, 42, 44, 46 that are connected by means of the curved corner portions. The elongated rigid elements 9, 11 , 22, 24, 26, 42, 44, 46 are tubular and have a continuous cross section in their extension directions. According to the shown embodiment, the elongated rigid elements 9, 11 have a circular cross section. Further, each elongated rigid element 9, 11 , 22, 24, 26, 42, 44, 46 may have the same cross section and dimension as the other elongated rigid elements 9, 11 , 22, 24, 26, 42, 44, 46.

Further, each one of the upper and lower support members 12, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30, 48, 50 is adapted to assume a plurality of different orientations, wherein relative movement of the seat 6 relative to the frame 4 is limited when the respective support member is tensioned to assume a linear extension. More specifically, each one of the upper and lower support members 12, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30, 48, 50 has an elongated shape and is connected at one end in its longitudinal direction to the seat and at the other end in its longitudinal direction to the frame. More specifically, each one of the upper and lower support members 12, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30, 48, 50 may assume a tensioned state, in which it is straight, and slack state, in which it is loose and may assume a curved extension. More specifically, each one of the upper and lower support members 12, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30, 48, 50 is generally flat and may be formed by a strap or flat webbing.

Now turning to Fig. 6 another example of a swinging chair 2 is shown. Notably, the fabric 3 of the chair body 6, 7 has been omitted for illustrative purpose. As compared to the previous described embodiments, the front and rear lower frame portions 20, 40 are provided with feet 43. The feet 43 will provide robustness to the swinging chair 2, especially during swinging. One foot 43 may be arranged at each corner of the lower frame portions.

The swinging chair 2 of Fig. 6 has a further modification with regards to the upper and lower support members 12, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30, 48, 50. Here, at least one of the upper and lower support members 12, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30, 48, 50 comprises an at least partly elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a. The elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a is expandable when subject to a force, and preferably the elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a will return to its original shape and configuration once the force is removed. Preferably the elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a is expandable in an axial or lengthwise direction, i.e. when a pulling force is applied, the length of the elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a will increase. Hence, the swinging chair 2 may be subject to a heavier swinging without the risk for damage or rupturing of the upper and/or lower support members 12, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30, 48, 50.

In one example, the entire length of the upper and lower support members 12, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30, 48, 50 may be formed by an elastic material. In another example, as shown in Fig. 6, the major part of at least one of the upper and lower support members 12, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30, 48, 50 is formed by a flexible yet non-expandable material, while a minor part of at least one of the upper and/or lower support members 12, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30, 48, 50 is formed by the elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a. The elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a may be integrally formed with the non-expandable material of the upper and/or lower support member 12, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30, 48, 50, or it may be a separate piece being securely attached or connected to the non-expandable material of the upper and/or lower support member 12, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30, 48, 50.

In Fig. 6 each one of the lower support members 28, 30, 48, 50 is mainly formed by a nonelastic and non-extendable material. However, an elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a is provided near the connection point 36, 38, 88, 90. The elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a thus allows the length of the lower support member 28, 30, 48, 50 to temporarily increase, and later return to its shorter idle length when no force is applied e.g. during swinging. The elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a is shown as a bellows-type material section, whereby the bellows will allow for the desired expansion. The level of expansion, as well as the force required to expand the elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a are preferably selected to provide a smooth swinging of the swinging chair 2.

While Fig. 6 shows the lower support members 28, 30, 48, 50 to be provided with the elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a, it should be emphasized that also, or alternatively, the upper support members 12, 14, 16, 18 could be provided with a similar elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a.

Now turning to Fig. 7a the connection point 21 to the armrest is shown. The connection point 21 may be formed in various ways, but as shown in the illustrated example a separate bracket 21a is screwed to the armrest. The bracket 21a forms a passage through which the upper support member 12 may pass.

As shown in Fig. 7b, a similar bracket 13a is used to form the connection point 13 between the support members 12, 28 and the seat 6 (or the elongated rigid part 5). The separate bracket 13a is screwed to the seat and forms a passage through which at least one of the upper and lower support member 12, 28 may pass.

Fig. 7c shows the connection point 36 between the lower support member 28 and the lower front frame portion 20. A separate bracket 36a is screwed to the lower front frame portion 20 and forms a passage through which the lower support member 28 may pass.

Alternative solutions for the connection points 13, 21 , 36 may be considered as well. For example, instead of using separate brackets 13a, 21a, 36a the armrest, seat, or frame portion may be provided with a slit through which the support member 12, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30, 48, 50 may pass. This may be implemented for all connection points of the swinging chair.

For the upper support members 12, 14, 16, 18, the elongated rigid elements 9, 11 (forming the armrest) may be provided with local bends such that the upper support members 12, 14, 16, 18 are accommodated by the depression formed by the bend.

Modifications to the above described embodiments are shown in Figs. 8a-b. Starting in Fig. 8a, the elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a is surrounded by a sleeve 28b formed by a flexible yet rigid material (such as fabric). The sleeve 28b is folded such that it may expand when the elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a is extended. The elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a may expand until the sleeve 28b is entirely unfolded, whereby the rigidity and non-elasticity of the sleeve 28b will prevent further expansion of the elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a. Hence, the elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a will not over stretch, which otherwise may result in a permanent extension and destruction of the elastic properties.

In Fig. 8b another example for restricting the maximum extension of the elastic material section 28a, 30a, 48a, 50a is shown. In this example a flexible yet rigid support 28c is attached to the upper and/or lower support member 12, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30, 48, 50 on each side of the elastic material section 28a. The length of the support 28c is greater than the non-expanded elastic material section 28a. Hence, the elastic material section 28a may expand until it reaches the length of the support 28c, at which point no further expansion of the elastic material section 28a is possible.

Fig. 9A is a perspective view from the side of the swinging chair 2 according to fig. 1 with the seat in a retracted state. An arrow 60 indicates that the chair body 6, 7 has been pushed rearwards, wherein all support members are tensioned in a rearwards direction.

Fig. 9B is a perspective view from the side of the swinging chair 2 according to fig. 1 with the seat in a forwarded state. An arrow 62 indicates that the chair body 6, 7 has been pushed forwards, wherein all support members are tensioned in a forwards direction.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view from the side of the swinging chair 2 according to fig. 1 with the seat 6 in a rearwards and inclined state. An occupant 64 is positioned in the chair 2 in a way that his thighs contact the seat 6 and his back contact the backrest 7. Further, the occupant's feet are in contact with the floor. Thus, the seat 6 is arranged at a distance above the floor for the occupant with a leg length in a certain interval to reach the floor with his feet for providing a support point for tilting the seat via his body posture. By pushing the upper part of the backrest 7 rearwards and downwards, see arrow 66, while simultaneously supporting the body on the floor via the feet, see arrow 68, the rear upper support members 14, 18 and the front lower support members 28, 30 are in a tensioned state while the front upper support members 12, 16 and the rear lower support members 48, 50 are in a nontensioned, slack state. Accordingly, the swinging chair 2 provides for supporting the occupant in such a state as the occupant exerts a pressure on the chair via his body posture.

Fig. 11A and Fig. 11 B are front views of the swinging chair 2 according to fig. 1 , wherein an occupant 70 has his legs in a cross-wise relationship and the feet on top of the seat 6. Thus, the occupant 70 has no contact with the floor. More specifically, the occupant 70 is in a so-called “Indian sitting” posture. By rocking his body back and forth in a sideways direction, the seat 6 may move relative to the frame 4 in the transverse direction X of the chair, see arrows 72 and 74. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

According to an alternative embodiment, each one of the lower front support members 28, 30 may be attached to the lower front transverse elongated element 22. Likewise, each one of the lower rear support members 48, 50 may be attached to the lower rear transverse elongated element 42.

According to a further alternative embodiment, the chair may comprise a single lower front support member and/or a single upper front support member. Such a single lower front support member and/or a single upper front support member may be arranged in a central position in the transverse direction of the chair.

According to a further alternative embodiment, each one of the lower support members 28, 30, 48, 50 may be formed separate from the upper support members 12, 14, 16, 18.

According to a further alternative embodiment, the frame of the chair may be arranged without the lower front transverse elongated element 22 and/or without the lower rear transverse elongated element 42. Thus, a lower edge of the two front upright elongated and straight rigid elements 24, 26 and/or the two rear upright elongated and straight rigid elements 44, 46 may rest directly on the floor.

Claims

1 . A swinging chair (2) comprising a frame (4) that is adapted to rest on a floor and a seat (6), wherein the frame (4) comprises a left frame portion (8) and a right frame portion (10) that is spaced from the left frame portion in a transverse direction of the swinging chair, wherein the swinging chair (2) comprises a plurality of upper support members (12, 14, 16, 18) that connect the seat (6) to the left frame portion (8) and to the right frame portion (10) so that the seat (6) hangs from the frame (4) in a space between the left frame portion (8) and the right frame portion (10), wherein the seat (6) is movable in a swinging manner relative to the frame (4) by means of the plurality of upper support members (12, 14, 16, 18), wherein the frame comprises at least one lower front or rear frame portion (20, 40) that is arranged below the left and right frame portions (8, 10) in a height direction (Y) of the swinging chair (2) and adapted to form a swinging chair support towards the floor, characterized in that the swinging chair (2) comprises at least one lower support member (28, 30, 48, 50) that connects the seat (6) to the at least one lower front or rear frame portion (20, 40).

2. A swinging chair according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one lower support member (28, 30, 48, 50) is adapted to assume a plurality of different orientations, wherein relative movement of the seat (6) relative to the frame (4) is limited when the at least one lower support member is tensioned to assume a linear extension.

3. A swinging chair according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one lower support member (28, 30, 48, 50) has an elongated shape and is connected at one end in its longitudinal direction to the seat (6) and at the other end in its longitudinal direction to the frame (4).

4. A swinging chair according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one lower support member (28, 30, 48, 50) is formed by a strap.

5. A swinging chair according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the lower support members (28, 30) is a front lower support member (28, 30) being connected to a front part of the seat.

6. A swinging chair according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame (4) comprises a front lower frame portion (20), wherein at least one of the lower support members (28, 30) is a front lower support member (28, 30) connected to the front lower frame portion.

7. A swinging chair according to claim 5 and 6, wherein a first one of the front lower support members (28, 30) is connected to the front part of the seat and to the front lower frame portion.

8. A swinging chair according to claim 5 and 6, wherein the at least one lower support member comprises a first pair of front lower support members (28, 30) that connects the front part of the seat to the front lower frame portion (20), wherein the front lower support members in the first pair are spaced in the transverse direction (X) of the swinging chair (2).

9. A swinging chair according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the lower support members (48, 50) is connected to a rear part of the seat (6).

10. A swinging chair according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame (4) comprises a rear lower frame portion (40), wherein at least one of the lower support members (48, 50) is connected to the rear lower frame portion.

11. A swinging chair according to claim 9 and 10, wherein a first one of the lower support members (48, 50) is connected to the rear part of the seat (6) and to the rear lower frame portion (40).

12. A swinging chair according to claim 9 and 10, wherein the at least one lower support member comprises a second pair of lower support members (48, 50) that connects the rear part of the seat (6) to the rear lower frame portion (40), wherein the lower support members in the second pair are spaced in the transverse direction (X) of the swinging chair.

13. A swinging chair according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame (4) comprises a front lower frame portion (20), wherein the front lower frame portion comprises an elongated rigid element (22) extending generally in the transverse direction (X) of the swinging chair.

14. A swinging chair according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame (4) comprises a rear lower frame portion (40), wherein the rear lower frame portion comprises an elongated rigid element (42) extending generally in the transverse direction of the swinging chair.

15. A swinging chair according to any preceding claim, wherein each one of the left frame portion (8) and the right frame portion (10) comprises an elongated rigid element (9, 11) extending generally in a longitudinal direction of the swinging chair.

16. A swinging chair according to claim 16, wherein the elongated rigid element (9, 11) is adapted to form a support for an occupant's hand and/or arm.

17. A swinging chair according to any one of claims 13-15 and any one of claims 16-17, wherein the frame (4) comprises at least one upright frame portion (24, 26) that comprises an elongated rigid element extending generally in a height direction of the swinging chair, wherein the at least one upright frame portion connects one of the front lower frame portion (20) and the rear lower frame portion (40) with one of the left frame portion (8) and the right frame portion (10).

18. A swinging chair according to claim 18, wherein the frame (4) is formed by a continuous structure of elongated rigid elements that are connected by means of curved corner portions.

19. A swinging chair according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of upper support members (12, 14, 16, 18) comprises a first pair of upper support members (12, 14) that is connected between the seat (6) and the left frame portion (8) and wherein the plurality of upper support members (12, 14, 16, 18) comprises a second pair of upper support members (16, 18) that is connected between the seat (6) and the right frame portion (10), wherein the upper support members in each pair are spaced in a longitudinal direction (Z) of the swinging chair.

20. A swinging chair according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the upper support members (12, 14, 16, 18) or the lower support members (28, 30, 48, 50) comprises an at least partly elastic material section (28a, 30a, 48a, 50a).

21. The swinging chair according to claim 20, wherein the at least partly elastic material section (28a, 30a, 48a, 50a) is expandable in a lengthwise direction.

22. The swinging chair according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein each one of the lower support members (28, 30, 48, 50) comprises an at least partly elastic material section (28a, 30a, 48a, 50a).

23. A swinging chair according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the lower support members (28, 30, 48, 50) and at least one of the upper support members (12, 14, 16, 18) form a one-piece unit.

24. A swinging chair according to any preceding claim, wherein the seat (6) has a generally rectangular shape and that at least one connection point (13, 15, 17, 19) for the upper and/or lower support members is provided adjacent to a corner of the rectangular seat.