ES2276012T3 - PANEL TO FEEL. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a panel (12,14) having particular utility in a chair (10) or other apparatus for receiving an occupant in a seated position, said panel including an envelope (40) of resilient material having an opening (42) with a fastener (44) for closing the envelope (40). An envelope support frame (50) is substantially rigid and formed in a closed loop. The envelope support frame (50) is positioned inside the envelope (40) to tension the resilient material of the envelope in one or more tension zones (20,22,24,26,28;30,32,34). A fastener (44) is closed to envelop the envelope support frame (50) with the resilient material. The width (W) of each tension zone (20,22,24,26,28) when the envelope is in a relaxed state is different than the width of each immediately adjacent tension zone (20,22,24,26,28). <IMAGE>

Description

Seat panel

The present invention relates generally to panels. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fabric panel for use in applications such as chairs, Furniture and suitcases.

Chairs, furniture and other items include typically rigid panels that can be used for different purposes For example, many chairs are constructed of panels of seat and backrest that are substrates formed or molded on which is a padded composite structure attached. Panels chair are designed to support the weight of an occupant of the chair, using sponge padding to provide comfort to the occupant. However, such panels are often bulky and can significantly increase the total weight of the chair while decreasing stackability / density of chair storage. Surface chair panels solid also provide very little breathing capacity, what which contributes negatively to occupant comfort.

US 4,062,589 describes a chair in which fabric covers are placed on a frame to form the seat and backrest. The covers of fabric are flexible but not elastic and this can reduce the user comfort

Furniture such as sideboards and called "entertainment centers" are usually constructed of wood panels that have an exterior finish laminated or laminated and / or varnished. These wood panels They add tremendous weight to the furniture. Additionally, the finishes of Wood are remarkably susceptible to being damaged. most of wooden furniture panels are not designed to be easily removed and replaced with a new and undamaged panel, so that the furniture wood finish must be maintained in order to retain an aesthetically attractive appearance.

An approach to solve the disadvantages of the chair panels of the prior art has been to provide a single layer elastic membrane that is previously stretched and mounted on a molded frame. However, manufacturing such chair is tremendously complicated and requires a molding machine very big. Also, structural support and user comfort exhibited by previously stretched membranes have been found to lack.

US 4,062,589 describes a chair in which the seat includes a tubular frame peripheral. A pair of bag-shaped covers fit closely on the frame, and are secured together.

What is needed, therefore, is a panel that solve the problems and disadvantages associated with the panels prior art

The present invention provides a panel comprising: an envelope of elastic material, said envelope having an opening with a fastener to close the envelope; Y

a rack of envelope support that is substantially rigid and formed in a closed loop, said support frame being positioned envelope within said envelope and tensioning the material elastic of the envelope in one or more tension zones;

in which said fastener is closed to wrap the support frame of envelope with elastic material

wherein said one or more tension zones include a plurality of contiguous tension zones where each tension zone represents a tension on the elastic material that is different from the tension represented by each tension zone immediately
adjacent.

The present invention eliminates difficulties and disadvantages of the prior art by providing a panel that It has an envelope made from an elastic material. The envelope includes an opening with a fastener to close the envelope A substantially envelope support frame rigid formed in a closed loop is positioned within the envelope and tension the elastic material of the envelope in one or More tension zones. The bra is closed to wrap the Envelope support frame with elastic material.

The panel must be configured to include a plurality of tension zones in which each tension zone represents a tension on the elastic material that is different from the tension represented by each immediately adjacent tension zone. The voltages applied in the tension zones can all be in a common direction. The use of multiple tension zones in this way is particularly suitable for panels that support significant loads, such as the seat panel of a chair or
stool.

Preferably, the envelope includes a first layer of elastic material in opposite relation to a second layer of elastic material. The second layer of elastic material It works to provide overload support when charging on the first layer is enough to bring it into contact with the Second layer.

When the panel is used in a chair or another apparatus for receiving an occupant in a sitting position, the panel It is preferably attached to the chair. This can be achieved. joining a seat plate to the chair frame, joining a envelope support frame plate to the support frame of envelope, and joining the support frame plate to the plate seat with fastener such as a bolt or thread or screw.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with regarding the following detailed description, claims attached, and attached drawings (which are not to scale) in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a chair that has panels in accordance with the present
invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the chair of fig. 1 illustrating different stretch zones or extension in chair panels;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a tissue wrap in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a panel subframe in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the panel subframe of fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the panel subframe of fig. 4 illustrating the deformation of the panel subframe before its insertion into the tissue envelope of fig. 3 during the manufacturing.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the panel subframe of fig. 4 illustrating a alternating deformation of panel subframe before insertion into the tissue envelope of fig. 3 during manufacturing

Fig. 8 is a tip view of a panel of fabric according to the invention; Y

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the chair of fig. 1 taken along the line 9-9 section.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings attachments, in which similar reference characters designate similar or similar parts throughout it. Terminology used here is intended to be interpreted in its reasonable manner broader, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments Preferred of the present invention. This has been emphasized additionally below with respect to some terms individuals used here. Any terminology intended to be interpreted by the reader in any restricted way will be open and specifically defined as such in this report.

Fig. 1 illustrates a chair 10 that incorporates a seat panel 12 and a backrest panel 14 attached to a frame 16 of the chair. The frame 16 of the chair is made of rod or steel tube with welds at points 18. Panel 12 of seat and backrest panel 14 are made of an envelope of elastic material that is extensible with a internal sub-frame that tensiones the material of the envelope in one or more areas of panel tension, as has been described more fully below.

It will be understood that the particular chair style illustrated in fig. 1 is not limiting and that a panel 12, 14 of according to the invention can be used in a variety of devices whose function is to receive an occupant in a position sitting. For example, a panel 12, 14 according to the invention It can be used as the seating surface of a stool. Additionally, a panel according to the invention is not limited. to use in seating devices, but instead, you can be employed in various furniture items, such as dressing rooms and entertainment centers, which require panels as well like numerous other items that include dividers / partitions from suitcases and areas.

Fig. 2 illustrates different zones 20-34 contiguous voltage representing different loads or tensions on the elastic material of the panels 12, 14 when an occupant sits on chair 10. In In general, the maximum load is normally experienced in zone 22, which includes the crown 36 of the seat panel 12, and also in the zone 26 that includes that part of the seat panel 12 that supports the occupational ischial prominences. An average magnitude of loading is normally experienced in zone 24 where the back of The occupant's thighs are normally supported. A load minimum or no load of the seat panel 12 by the occupant is typically experienced in zones 20 and 28.

With respect to the backup panel 14, the load maximum occupant is normally experienced in zone 32 where the lumbar region of the occupant is supported. A minimum load or no load is typically experienced in zones 30 and 34 of the backrest panel 14.

A preferred embodiment of an envelope 40 used to manufacture a seat panel 12 is shown in fig. 3. Although not required in the practice of the invention, the envelope 40 is preferably configured to take into account the differential load of an occupant in the zones 20-34 of fig. 2. This can be achieved manufacturing the envelope 40 from an elastic material that is extensible. Although many such are readily available materials, a particularly suitable material in this regard is available at the Militen Company under the trade name of C-Flex ™, which is manufactured from fibers monofilaments that have a value of 672 on the D scale of the hardness tester The C-Flex material has a resistance traction mechanics in the warping direction of 1,075,630 kN / m2 a mechanical tensile strength in the direction of filling 1,337,630 kN / m2. The C-Flex material it has the added benefit of high breathing capacity, what which significantly improves occupant comfort.

The envelope 40 is shown in fig. 3 in its relaxed state and includes an opening usually shown in 42 with a fastener 44, to close the envelope 40. The fastener 44 can be a hook and loop, a sliding track, adhesive, or any other suitable fastener to close an envelope made of an elastic material. The envelope 40 has a width W in the opening 42 that narrows toward the distal end 46 along of at least a part of the length L of the envelope 40. The bra 44 which is essentially not extensible, is made for approach the width W of a support frame of the envelope or subframe 50 (figs. 4 and 5) which is positioned within the envelope 40. The body relatively narrow envelope 40 results in tension being located on the elastic material of the envelope when the sub-frame 50 is contained within the envelope 40.

The tension placed on the material of the envelope when the subframe is positioned inside the envelope 40 can be essentially constant at through the length L of the envelope 40. However, in a preferred embodiment as shown in fig. 3, the envelope 40 is configured so that the voltage level located on the envelope material with the sub-frame 50 in place varies throughout the length L of envelope 40 with each of the different tensions that are applied in a common direction. This can achieved by varying the width of the relaxed envelope material so that the material is stretched to a greater extent in those parts of the envelope 40 in which the width is more narrow. For example, the width of the envelope material relaxed in high load areas 22 and 26 is smaller than the width in loading zones 20, 24 and 28 where the load is normally lower. Also, it is preferable that weave lines and craft work that may be present on the envelope material be deformed, corresponding to the contour of the envelope relaxed so that when subframe 50 is positioned within the envelope 40, there is no deformation of the line or fabric handicraft work on the finished panel 12.

With additional reference to figs. 4 and 5, the sub-frame envelope 50 is manufactured preferably as a substantially rigid closed loop. The shape and contour of subframe 50 will depend on The particular application. For example, him sub-frame 50 of figs. 4 and 5 is for use in the seat panel 12 shown in figs. 1 and 2, so this particular subframe 50 is curved down and towards the front edge 52 of the seat panel 12 so that form a crown 36. The sub-frame 50 may be made of a substantially rigid material such as steel or titanium.

Different methods can be used to position the sub-frame 50 within the envelope 40. One such method can be described with reference to fig. 6. By applying force to opposite sides 54, 56 of the sub-frame 50 in the direction and general position indicated by the arrows 58, 60, the width of the sub-frame 50 can be reduced by any magnitude X so that the width of the sub -Brand 50 under deformation result WX. The deformed subframe 50 is then positioned in the envelope 40, the subframe 50 is released so that the periphery of the envelope pushes against the subframe 50, and the fastener 44 (if a fastener is being used sliding track) is closed with the slide 62 (fig. 3) to wrap the sub-frame 50 inside the envelope 40. The ends 64, 66 of the sliding track holder 44 are then removed and sealed to prevent inadvertent opening of fastener 44. An end view of an assembly panel 12 employing a slide track fastener 44 is shown in fig. 8. If desired, a cover can be positioned on the fastener 44 closed for aesthetic purposes. Suitable methods for tightly closing the ends 64, 66 of the fastener include the application of heat to melt the ends 64, 66 of the closed fastener, application of an adhesive to adhesively close the fastener ends 64, 66, and the use of a clip or any other suitable means for closing the ends 64, 66 of the fastener. If desired, the slide track fastener 44 can be manufactured from polyester or some other material that can be melted by heat application along the entire length of the fastener 44 to further prevent the possibility of the fastener 44 being open inadvertently
damente.

Another method to position the sub-frame 50 inside the envelope 40 can be described with reference to fig. 7. Applying force to the sides opposite 54, 56 of subframe 50 in the direction and general position indicated by arrows 70, 72, the width of sub-frame 50 can be reduced by one magnitude Y so that the width of the subframe 50 results W - Y. The deformed subframe 50 is a then slipped in envelope 40, the sub-frame 50 is released so that the periphery of the envelope pushes against the sub-frame 50, and the bra 44 is closed to wrap the subframe inside envelope 40. If used a sliding track fastener 44, ends 64, 66 of the bra 44 are then removed and tightly closed in accordance with the immediately preceding description.

In yet another method for positioning the sub-frame 50 within the envelope 40, the envelope 40 is stretched to allow insertion of the sub-frame 50. The deformed envelope 40 is then released so that the periphery of the envelope pushes against the sub-frame 50, and the fastener is closed to wrap the sub-frame inside the envelope 40. If a sliding track fastener 44 is used, the ends 64, 66 of the fastener 44 are then removed and sealed tightly according with the description
previous.

The use of the particular envelope 40 shown in fig. 3 results in an assembled panel 12 having a plurality of tension zones 20-28 substantially parallel and contiguous in which each tension zone represents a tension on the elastic material of the envelope 40 which is different from the voltage represented by each extension zone immediately adjacent. In a preferred embodiment of a panel 12 of seat for use in a chair 10 of the type shown in the figs. 1 and 2, the tension zone 20 of the assembled panel 12 will have a voltage of approximately 1,751.27 N / m or less, the area of voltage 22 will have a voltage of approximately 11,383.26 N / m, the tension zone 24 will have a voltage within the range of approximately 5253.81-6129.45 N / m or less, the tension zone 26 will have a tension of approximately 11,383.26 N / m, and the tension zone 28 will have a voltage of approximately 1,751.27 N / m or less. With each of the tensions applied in a common address (i.e. for envelope 40 of fig. 3, in a direction substantially parallel with the end 46). The use multi-zone voltage 20-28 in panel 12 eliminates the need for an additional support structure by under or behind high voltage areas with a small detrimental effect or without any detrimental effect on comfort of the occupant

With reference again to fig. 8, the panel assembly 12 includes a top layer 100 of elastic material in opposite relation to a lower layer 102 of elastic material with the lower layer 102 providing an overload support in the in case the top layer 100 receives enough load to bring it into contact with the lower layer 102. In this regard, the two layers 100, 102 complement each other and provide a level Significant redundancy and integrity to panel 12.

The assembled panel 12 can be attached to the 16 frame of the chair in different ways. Fig. 9 illustrates how the panel 12 can be attached to the frame 16 of the chair according with a preferred embodiment. The joint assembly employs two plates - a chair plate 104 attached to the frame 16 of the chair by example by welding 106 and a seat plate 108 attached to sub-frame 50 by a weld 110. The two plates 104, 108 are joined so that they are in alignment between yes when panel 12 is properly positioned with respect to to frame 16 of the chair. In proper alignment, the two plates 104, 108 are then linked together with the use of a fastener, such as a threaded bolt 112, welding, adhesive, or Another suitable bra. In a preferred embodiment, a total of four such plate sets are used to secure the panel 12 to the frame 16 of the chair.

The above description details certain preferred embodiments of the present invention and describes the best considered mode. It will be appreciated, however, that there is no problem in as to how the above description appears in detail, the Invention can be implemented in many ways. Therefore, the description above must be considered exemplary, instead of limitation, and the true framework of the invention is defined in the following claims.

Claims (22)

1. A panel (12, 14) comprising: an envelope (40) of elastic material, said envelope having an opening (42) with a fastener (44) for closing the envelope (40); and an envelope support frame (50) that is substantially rigid and formed in a closed loop, said envelope support frame (50) being positioned within said envelope (40) and tensioning the elastic material of the envelope (40) in one or more zones (20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 30, 32, 34) of tension; wherein said fastener (44) is closed to wrap the envelope support frame (50) with the elastic material; characterized in that said one or more tension zones (20, 22, 24, 26; 30, 32, 34) include a plurality of contiguous tension zones (20, 22, 24, 26; 30, 32, 34) where each zone Tension (20, 22, 24, 26; 30, 32, 34) represents a tension on the elastic material that is different from the tension represented by each immediately adjacent tension zone (20, 22, 24, 26; 30, 32 , 3. 4). 2. The panel according to claim 1, in the that the voltage represented by each of the tension zones (20, 22, 24, 26; 30, 32, 34) is applied to the elastic material in a common address 3. The panel according to claim 1 or 2, in which the voltage in a first tension zone (22, 26) is of approximately 11,383.26 N / m, and the voltage in a second zone of Tension (20, 28) is approximately 1,751.27 N / m or less. 4. The panel according to claim 1 or 2, in which the voltage in a first tension zone (22, 26) is of approximately 11,383.26 N / m, and the voltage in a second zone of Voltage (24) is approximately 6,129.45 N / m or less. 5. The panel according to any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the width (W) of each zone of voltage (20, 22, 24, 26; 30, 32, 34) when the envelope (40) is in a relaxed state it is different from the width (W) of each zone of Immediately adjacent tension (20, 22, 24, 26; 30, 32, 34). 6. The panel of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a chair frame (16) attached to said wrap support frame (50)
come. 7. A panel according to claim 1, in the that the envelope includes: a first layer (100) of the material elastic in opposite relation to a second layer (102) of material elastic; and in which the envelope support frame (50) tighten each layer (100, 102) of the elastic material of the envelope (40) in one or more tension zones (20, 22, 24, 26); said second layer (102) of elastic material provides overload support when the load on the first layer of elastic material causes said first layer (100) of elastic material contact the second stage (102) of elastic material. 8. The panel according to claim 7, in the that the voltage represented by each of the tension zones (20, 22, 24, 26) is applied to the elastic material in one direction common. 9. The panel according to claim 7 or 8, in which the voltage in a first tension zone (22, 26) is of approximately 11,383.26 N / m, and the voltage in a second zone of Voltage (24) is approximately 1,751.27 N / m or less. 10. The panel according to claim 7 or 8, in that the tension in a first tension zone is of approximately 11,383.26 N / m, and the voltage in a second zone of Tension is approximately 6,129.45 N / m or less. 11. The panel according to any of the claims 7 to 10, wherein the width (W) of each zone of voltage (20, 22, 24, 26) when the envelope (40) is in its state relaxed is different to the width (W) of each tension zone immediately adjacent (20, 22, 24, 26). 12. The panel according to any of the claims 7 to 11, further comprising a frame (16) of chair attached to said envelope support frame (50). 13. A panel (12,14) according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of tension zones (20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 30, 32, 34) are substantially parallel and in which each zone of tension (20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 30, 32, 34) represents a tension on the elastic material that is different from the tension represented by a different tension zone (20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 30, 32, 34). 14. The panel according to claim 13, in the that the tension in a first tension zone (20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 30, 32, 34) is approximately 11,383.26 N / m, and the voltage at one second tension zone (20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 30, 32, 34) is of approximately 1,751.27 N / m or less. 15. The panel according to claim 13, in the that the tension in a first tension zone (20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 30, 32, 34) is approximately 11,383.26 N / m, and the voltage at one second tension zone (20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 30, 32, 34) is of approximately 6,129.45 N / m or less. 16. The panel according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the width (W) of each tension zone (20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 30, 32, 34) when the envelope (40) is in its relaxed state it is different from the width (W) of each immediately adjacent tension zone (20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 30,
32, 34). 17. An apparatus for receiving an occupant in his sitting position, said apparatus comprising: a frame (16) of seat; and at least one panel (12) according to claim 1 attached to said seat frame to support an occupant of the apparatus. 18. The apparatus according to claim 17, which It also includes: a seat plate (104 attached to the frame (16) seat); and a subframe plate (108) attached to the subframe (50) of envelope; and a bra (112) to join the subframe plate (108) to the seat plate (104). 19. The apparatus according to claim 17, in which the voltage represented by each of the tension zones (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is applied to the elastic material in a common address 20. The apparatus according to claim 17 or 18th, in which the tension in a first tension zone is of approximately 11,383.26 N / m, and the voltage in a second zone of Tension is approximately 1,751.27 N / m or less. 21. The apparatus according to claim 18 or 19th, in which the tension in a first tension zone is of approximately 11,383.26 N / m, and the voltage in a second zone of Tension is approximately 6,129.45 N / m or less. 22. The device according to any of the claims 17 to 21 in which the width (W) of each zone of voltage (20, 22, 24, 26) when the envelope (40) is in its state relaxed is different to the width (W) of each tension zone immediately adjacent (20, 22, 24, 26).