US20020047298A1

US20020047298A1 - Seat made of molded plywood glued together in layers

Info

Publication number: US20020047298A1
Application number: US09/982,689
Authority: US
Inventors: Egon Brauning
Original assignee: Vitra Patente AG
Current assignee: Vitra AG
Priority date: 2000-10-19
Filing date: 2001-10-18
Publication date: 2002-04-25
Also published as: EP1201162A2; EP1201162A3; JP2002177090A

Abstract

The seat has a seat plate which, in principle, is arranged horizontally and has an upper part (2) and a lower part (3) consisting of molded plywood which is glued together in layers, and are joined together lying one above the other. Legs (5,5′;6,6′) which have extensions (50,50′;60,60′) at the top protrude to the floor. Grooves (20) are incorporated by cutting on the lower side of the upper part (2) that faces the lower part (3), while grooves (30) are integrally formed without cutting on the upper side of the lower part (3) that faces the upper part (2). The extensions (50,50′;60,60′) of the legs (5,5′;6,6′) are fitted in the grooves (20,30) between the parts (2,3) of the seat plate. A production method for the seats is specified and, furthermore, a row connector which is particularly suitable for the seats here is proposed. The seat makes it possible to use the visual, esthetic and sensitive advantages of natural wood and at the same time to reduce the previous structural and material outlay in the fastening of feet and armrests to seats made of molded plywood. The stacking density which is therefore achieved when piling up the seats is also advantageous. In addition, the seat can be produced efficiently in series.

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a seat, preferably a chair, made of molded plywood which is glued together in layers. The special features here involve the arrangement, fastening and shape of the legs and of any armrests. The invention furthermore relates to a row connector for placing the seats in an orderly row.

PRIOR ART

Seats made of molded plywood which is glued together have been known for a long time. The legs and armrests are screwed or riveted to the seat and/or the backrest, which requires the provision of through holes and of the respective connecting elements. The connecting elements which are partially visible may have an annoying effect esthetically and also cause a certain outlay on material and installation. When the chairs are piled up in a stack, the stack height is increased by the connecting elements, i.e. a low stack density is obtained. In addition, the connecting elements on the upper side of the seat plate of the chair arranged below in each case may cause damage if protective precautions are not taken. Such connecting elements of the chairs positioned above in each case leave behind lasting or only partially and gradually re-forming deformations in seat cushions.

Furthermore, seats made of plastic are known, in which the upper ends of the feet and also the armrest attachments are cast into the plastic. However, the visual, esthetic and sensitive advantages of natural wood have to be left out in this case.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the hitherto still imperfect arrangement, fastening and shape of feet and armrests on seats made of molded plywood, the invention is based on the object of proposing a solution which reduces the previous structural and material outlay and at the same time satisfies all requirements with regard to long-term stability and expectations for use and very high design standards. The aim is to obtain the greatest possible stacking density of piled-up chairs, in which case the chairs positioned below in each case should not suffer any damage even when subjected to a high load and hurried stacking and unstacking. Seat cushions which are possibly placed on them are not to obtain any lasting deformation from the lower side of the seat plate placed above them. Even when the seats are supplemented by armrests, high stacking density and a forwardly directed overhang which is as small as possible are still to be obtained.

A further object is to provide a row connector for combining a seat with the respectively adjacent seat, in order to be able to place a multiplicity of seats in an orderly row and to preserve the row when people are moving around it. Finally, the seats are to be able to be produced in series with an efficient outlay.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The seat has a seat plate which, in principle, is arranged horizontally and has at least two parts which lie one above another in layers and are joined together and, as the upper and lower parts of the seat plate, consist of molded plywood or glued together in layers and extend partially or completely over the seat plate. Furthermore, the seat has legs which protrude to the floor and have extensions at the top. Grooves are incorporated by cutting on the lower side of the upper part that faces the lower part and grooves are integrally formed without cutting on the upper side of the lower part that faces the upper part. Between the parts of the seat plate, the extensions of the legs are fitted in the grooves.

Preferred design details are described below: the upper and the lower part extend over the entire seat plate. In order to complete the seat to make a stool into a chair, there is a backrest which, in principle, is vertical. The upper and lower parts of the seat plate preferably merge integrally into the backrest. The legs emerge from the corner regions of the seat plate and are connected to one another in pairs by extensions which merge into one another. These extensions are, in principle, angled horizontally and are attached in the corner regions of the seat plate. One front leg and one rear leg in each case form an interconnected pair. The extensions of both pairs of legs extend in the form of bows toward the central region of the seat plate. The upper part is of greater material thickness than the lower part.

In a further version, armrests of a first variant are arranged on the chair and have extensions at their first and second ends. Additional grooves are incorporated by cutting on the lower side of the upper part that faces the lower part, and additional grooves are integrally formed without cutting on the upper side of the lower part that faces the upper part. Between the parts of the seat plate and the backrest, the extensions of the armrests are fitted in the additional grooves.

In one modification, the two armrests can be connected integrally to each other by a bow. In this design, an additional groove is incorporated by cutting in the backrest, on the side of the upper part that faces the lower part. Furthermore, an additional groove is integrally formed without cutting in the backrest, on the side of the lower part that faces the upper part, said groove lying in a complementary manner with respect to the groove in the upper part. Between the parts of the seat plate and the backrest, the bow which connects the armrests is fitted in the additional grooves.

In the case of a version with armrests of a second variant, the armrests have securing elements at their first ends, and a free-swinging armrest section extends in each case toward the second end of the armrests, said armrest sections being intended as an arm support for the users. In this design, a noncontinuous recess is incorporated by cutting on both sides in the backrest, on the side of the upper part that faces the lower part. Also, apertures which are complementary with respect to the recesses are provided on both sides in the backrest, in the lower part. Between the parts of the backrest, the securing elements of the armrests are embedded in the recesses and apertures and are supported therein. The securing element of the armrest is advantageously of plate-shaped geometry. The elongated armrest section merges in a transition in an angled manner into a shorter supporting section which opens into the backrest. The cross section of the armrest section has a greater horizontal extent than in the vertical direction. In the bent transition from the armrest section to the supporting section, the profile of the armrest is rotated through 90°, as a result of which the cross section of the supporting section has a greater vertical extent than in the horizontal direction. The securing element is situated in the plane of the vertical extent of the supporting section and protrudes above and below the latter.

In the case of seats stacked one above another, the rear legs, which protrude out of the seat plate, come to lie in each case directly in front of the rear legs of the respectively lower seat. The front legs are then positioned in each case at a distance in front of those of the respectively lower seat. Space remains between the backrests in order to provide a backrest cushion without increasing the forwardly directed overhang of seats stacked one above another.

In the case of seats which are stacked one above another and are provided with armrests of the second variant having a free-swinging armrest section, the respective armrests on one side of the seats come to lie one above another without increasing the stack height or the forwardly directed overhang. In this case, the horizontal distance and the vertical offset between respectively adjacent backrests of seats stacked one above another provide sufficient space for the supporting sections, the transitions and the armrest sections of the armrests.

Furthermore, a row connector for combining a seat with a respectively adjacent seat is proposed. The row connector comprises a shackle-like clip part and a slide. The clip part has a central section from which grasping claws branch off symmetrically to both sides, said grasping claws having a clear width between them which corresponds to the distance between two rear legs of seats placed adjacently in a row. The grasping claws have an inner configuration which corresponds to the cross section of the rear legs in the vicinity of the height of the bending-away transition into the extensions. The clip part brought into the clamping position can be fixed releasably by means of the slide, the clamping position lying in the vicinity of the height to the bending-away transition into the extensions.

A rail guide for the withdrawable reception of the sliding rail of the slide is provided on the clip part, on the inside of its central section. In the upper region, the central section has a latching contour. A clamping plate is attached at the top of the sliding rail and, in each case facing the grasping claws, has a curved recess for the passage of the cross section of the rear legs. An angled, directly or indirectly elastic hook which is pointed toward the central section is arranged right at the bottom of the sliding rail and, when the slide is inserted to the maximum, grasps the lower edge of the central section from below. A defined withdrawing force is required in order to release the hook again from this securing means. When the slide is withdrawn to the maximum, the hook is intended for latching into the latching contour.

A method for producing the seats according to the invention is based on the fact that there are the following components:

1. An upper part and a separate lower part having a seat plate which, in principle, is horizontal and—in the case of a seat in the form of a chair—merges into a backrest which, in principle, is vertical. The thicker upper part and the thinner lower part consist of molded plywood which is glued together in layers, for example of beech.

2. Two pairs of legs which in each case form a front leg and a rear leg, having extensions which, in principle, are angled horizontally and merge into one another and extend in the form of bows toward the central region of the seat plate.

In the manufacturing process:

1. Grooves are made by cutting on the lower side of the upper part that faces the lower part, preferably by milling out.

2. Grooves are integrally formed without cutting on the upper side of the lower part that faces the upper part.

3. The extensions of the legs are placed into the grooves between the upper part and lower part.

4. After that, the upper part and lower part are connected in a sheet-like manner to each other, preferably by gluing them together.

In the case of a version with armrests, in addition to the grooves incorporated by cutting and grooves integrally formed without cutting, precise receiving contours are provided in the upper and lower part for the purpose of fixing the armrests in place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ATTACHED DRAWINGS

In the drawings: [0024]
FIG. 1A shows a chair according to the invention, in perspective view; [0025]
FIG. 1B shows the chair according to FIG. 1A, supplemented with armrests of a first variant; [0026]
FIG. 2A shows the chair according to FIG. 1B, having the armrests of a first variant, in an exploded view; [0027]
FIG. 2B shows a detail of the seat upper and lower part from FIG. 2A, in enlarged form; [0028]
FIG. 3A shows the seat upper part with a milled-out cavity for receiving the transverse strut of a foot or an armrest together with the associated, deformed seat lower part, as a basic illustration in section; [0029]
FIG. 3B shows the illustration according to FIG. 3A with a foot or armrest inserted; [0030]
FIG. 3C shows the illustration according to FIG. 3B with the seat upper part and seat lower part connected; [0031]
FIG. 4A shows the chair according to FIG. 1B with free-swinging arm-rests of a second variant, in a perspective view from the front; [0032]
FIG. 4B shows the illustration according to FIG. 4A from the rear; [0033]
FIG. 5A shows a separate, free-swinging, right armrest of the second variant, from the illustration according to FIG. 4A, in a perspective view; [0034]
FIG. 5B shows a left armrest of the second variant, which is complementary with respect to the right armrest according to FIG. 5A, in a perspective view; [0035]
FIG. 6A shows the detail X from FIG. 4A, in an exploded illustration, as seen from the front; [0036]
FIG. 6B shows the illustration according to FIG. 6A, as seen from the rear; [0037]
FIG. 7A shows the detail X from FIG. 4A, with the upper and lower part separated and with the armrest of the second variant fitted into the lower part, as seen from the front; [0038]
FIG. 7B shows the illustration according to FIG. 7A, as seen from the rear; [0039]
FIG. 7C shows the illustration according to FIG. 7B, with the armrest of the second variant fitted into the upper part, as seen from the rear; [0040]
FIG. 8A shows the detail Y from FIG. 4A, with the armrest of the second variant fitted between the upper and lower part, as seen from the front; [0041]
FIG. 8B shows the illustration according to FIG. 8A, as seen from the rear; [0042]
FIG. 9A shows the chair according to FIG. 1A, supplemented with a seat and backrest cushion, in a side view; [0043]
FIG. 9B shows the chair according to FIG. 4A, with armrests of the second variant, in a side view; [0044]
FIG. 9C shows the chair according to FIG. 9B, with armrests of the second variant, supplemented with a seat and backrest cushion, in a side view; [0045]
FIG. 10A shows two chairs according to FIG. 9A, supplemented with a seat and backrest cushion, stacked one above the other, in a side view; [0046]
FIG. 10B shows two chairs according to FIG. 9B, with armrests of the second variant, stacked one above the other, in a side view; [0047]
FIG. 10C shows two chairs according to FIG. 9C, with armrests of the second variant, supplemented with a seat and backrest cushion, stacked one above the other, in a side view; [0048]
FIG. 11A shows a disassembled row connector with the clip part and the slide, in a perspective view from the front; [0049]
FIG. 11B shows the row connector according to FIG. 11A, with the slide inserted to a maximum; [0050]
FIG. 11C shows the row connector according to FIG. 11B, in vertical section; [0051]
FIG. 11D shows the illustration according to FIG. 11A, with the slide withdrawn to a maximum; [0052]
FIG. 11E shows the row connector according to FIG. 11D, in vertical section; [0053]
FIG. 11F shows the disassembled row connector according to FIG. 11A, with the clip part and the slide, in a perspective view from the rear; [0054]
FIG. 11G shows the illustration according to FIG. 11F, with the slide withdrawn to a maximum; [0055]
FIG. 12A shows the attachment of the row connector to two adjacent chairs; [0056]
FIG. 12B shows the positioning of the attached row connector; [0057]
FIG. 12C shows the locking of the positioned row connector; [0058]
FIG. 12D shows the locked row connector in a view from the rear; [0059]
FIG. 13 shows the positioning and locking of a disassembled row connector; [0060]
FIG. 14A shows a rear chair leg, in a perspective view; [0061]
FIG. 14B shows an attached clip part in the region A according to FIG. 14A, in horizontal section; and [0062]
FIG. 14C shows the positioned clip part in the region B according to FIG. 14A. [0063]

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

An exemplary embodiment of the seat according to the invention, together with a few modifications of the seat itself and with a row connector for combining with the respectively adjacent seat, will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. [0064]
FIGS. 1A to [0065] 2B and 9A
The two versions which are shown of a seat—in the form of chairs without or with [0066] armrests 7,8—comprise a seat plate 1 which, in principle, is arranged horizontally and has at least two parts 2,3 which lie one above another in layers and are joined together and, as the upper part 2 and lower part 3 of the seat plate 1, are formed from molded plywood glued together in layers and extend entirely over the seat plate 1. The chairs rest on legs 5,5′;6,6′ which protrude to the floor and have extensions 50,50′;60,60′ at the top. Grooves 20 are incorporated by cutting, preferably by milling out, on the lower side of the upper part 2 that faces the lower part 3. Grooves 30 are integrally formed without cutting on the upper side of the lower part 3 that faces the upper part 2. Between the parts 2,3 of the seat plate 1, the extensions 50,50′;60,60′ of the legs 5,5′;6,6′ are fitted in the grooves 20,30.
In order to complete the seat to make a stool into a chair, there is a [0067] backrest 4 which, in principle, is vertical, the upper part 2 and the lower part 3 of the seat plate 1 preferably merging integrally into the backrest 4. The legs 5,5′;6,6′ emerge from the corner regions of the seat plate 1. Moreover, the legs 5,5′;6,6′ are connected to one another in pairs by the extensions 50,50′;60,60′ which merge into one another, the extensions 50,50′;60,60′ being, in principle, angled horizontally. One front leg 5,6 and one rear leg 5′,6′ in each case form a pair connected to each other, and the extensions 50,50′;60,60′ are attached in the corner regions of the seat plate 1. The extensions 50,50′;60,60′ of both pairs of legs 5,5′;6,6′ extend in the form of bows 51,61 toward the central region of the seat plate 1. The upper part 2 is of greater material thickness than the lower part 3, for example of double to triple strength. The upper part 2 could be 10.0 mm thick while the lower part 3 is only 4.0.
In an expanded version, the chair is provided with a first variant of [0068] armrests 7, 8. The armrests 7,8 have extensions 70,70′;80,80′ at their first and second ends. Grooves 21 are incorporated by cutting on the lower side of the upper part 2 that faces the lower part 3 and grooves 31 are integrally formed without cutting on the upper side of the lower part 3 that faces the upper part 2. Between the parts 2,3 of the seat plate 1 and the backrest 4, the extensions 70,70′;80,80′ of the armrests 7,8 are fitted in the grooves 21,31.
The [0069] legs 5,5′;6,6′, together with the extensions 50,50′;60,60′, and the optionally provided armrests 7,8, together with their extensions 70,70′;80,80′, preferably consist of a metallic solid profile, for example of aluminum. At least the extensions 50,50′;60,60′, which lie in the grooves 20,30 between the parts 2,3 of the seat plate 1 and the backrest 4, and bows 51,61 of the legs 5,5′;6,6′ and the extensions 70,70′;80,80′ of the armrests 7,8, which extensions lie in the grooves 21,31, are of flat cross section. That is to say, these extensions 50,50′;60,60′ and bows 51,61 of the legs and extensions 70,70′;80,80′ of the armrests extend much more in cross section in the plane enclosed by the seat plate 1 and by the backrest 4 than in comparison to the cross section perpendicular with respect to said plane. The legs 5,5′;6,6′ and armrests 7,8 are as flat as possible in order to have to take as little as possible away from the material thickness of the upper part 2 and, at the same time, to enable outward curvatures which are as small as possible to be produced on the lower part 3, in the region of the grooves 21,31.
For softer sitting, the [0070] seat plate 1 and also the backrest 4 may be provided with a seat cushion 10 and backrest cushion 40 respectively placed on them (see FIG. 9A).
FIGS. 4A and 4B; [0071] 9B and 9C
Here the chair is alternatively provided with free-swinging [0072] armrests 7,8 of a second variant These armrests 7,8 are secured only by their supporting sections 76,86 in the backrest 4, namely are fitted between the upper part 2 and lower part 3, while the armrest sections 79,89 extend approximately horizontally on both sides of the chair and end freely in space.
The [0073] seat plate 1 and backrest 4 form the direct contact surfaces for the user if they are not upholstered (see FIG. 9B). For softer sitting, the seat plate 1 and backrest 4 are provided with a seat cushion 10 and backrest cushion 40 respectively placed on them (see FIG. 9C).
FIGS. 5A and 5B[0074]
A free-swinging [0075] armrest 7,8 of the second variant comprises the elongated armrest section 79,89 which is provided for supporting the user's arms and merges in an angled manner into the shorter supporting section 76,86 which opens into the backrest 4. A plate-shaped securing element 77,87 is arranged at the free end of the supporting section 76,86. The cross section of the backrest section 79,89 extends more in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction. This produces a relatively large supporting surface for the user who is supporting his arms on the armrests 7,8. In the bent transition 78,88 from the armrest section 79,89 to the supporting section 76,86, the profile of the armrest 7,8 is rotated through 90°, with the result that the cross section of the supporting section 76,86 extends here more in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. The securing element 77,87 follows the plane of vertical extent of the supporting section 76,86 and protrudes above and below the latter.
FIGS. 6A to [0076] 8B
For the fastening of the [0077] armrest 8 between the upper and lower parts 2,3 of the backrest 4, a flat recess 22 is provided in the upper part 2, for example by milling it out, and, in said recess, the securing element 87 is embedded completely and the transition to the supporting section 86 is embedded partially. This recess 22 does not continue through the entire material thickness of the upper part 2 and has a web 220 which is attached to the edge of the upper part 2 and, away from the edge, merges into an eye 221 which corresponds to the plate contour of the securing element 87. In the lower part 3, at the height of the supporting section 86, there is an aperture 32, part of which is complementary with respect to the recess 22, with the result that said supporting section is partially embedded therein.
In the joined-together state, the securing [0078] element 87 is situated in the eye 221 and the supporting section 86, which extends from the securing element 87, is situated at one end in the web 220 and at the other end in the aperture 32. The securing element 87 is now covered by the lower part 3 and the lower edge and upper edge of the supporting section 86 are flanked by the edge zones of the web 220 and of the aperture 32. This increases the load-bearing capacity of the armrest 8.
As a modification, it would be conceivable to provide both ends of the [0079] armrests 7,8 with a supporting section 76,86 and a securing element 77,87 closing them off in each case. In addition, there would then be receiving contours equivalent to the recess 22 with the web 220 and the eye 221 and to the aperture 32 in the upper and lower part 2,3 of the seat plate 1, in order to embed in said receiving contours the respectively second supporting section 76,86 and the second securing element 77,87 closing it off in each case.
In a further modification of the [0080] armrests 7,8, the latter are not separate from each other, but rather—like the legs 5,5′;6,6′—are connected to each other by a bow which is embedded between the upper and lower part 2,3. In a similar manner to the construction according to FIG. 2B, a milled-out section is provided, for example, in the upper part 2 for this and a receiving groove formed without cutting is provided in the lower part 3.
FIGS. 3A to [0081] 3C and 6A
In the production of a seat of this type there are: [0082]
an [0083] upper part 2 and a separate lower part 3 having a seat plate 1 which, in principle, is horizontal and—in the case of a seat in the form of a chair merges into a backrest 4 which, in principle, is vertical, the thicker upper part 2 and the thinner lower part 3 consisting of molded plywood which is glued together in layers, for example of beech; and
two pairs of [0084] legs 5,5′;6,6′ which in each case form a front leg 5,6 and a rear leg 5′,6′, having extensions 50,50′;60,60′ which, in principle, are angled horizontally, merge into one another and extend in the form of bows 51,61 toward the central region of the seat plate 1.
As a chair, the seat can additionally be provided with two [0085] armrests 7,8 of a first version which have respective extensions 70,70′;80,80′ at their first and second ends. In a second version, the armrests 7,8 have, at one end, a securing element 77,87 to which a supporting section 76,86 is connected, said supporting section merging into a bent transition 78,88. The armrest section 79,89, which is intended for the arm support for the chair user, extends in a freely swinging manner away from said transition.
The manufacturing process is essentially divided into the following working stages: [0086]
[0087] Grooves 20 are made by cutting, preferably by milling out, on the lower side of the upper part 2 that faces the lower part 3.
[0088] Grooves 30 are integrally formed without cutting on the upper side of the lower part 3 that faces the upper part 2.
The [0089] extensions 50,50′;60,60′ of the legs 5,5′;6,6′ are placed into the grooves 20,30 between the upper part 2 and lower part 3.
Finally, the [0090] upper part 2 and lower part 3 are connected in a sheet-like manner to each other, preferably by gluing them together.
If [0091] armrests 7,8 of the first version are provided, further grooves 21 are made by cutting, preferably likewise by milling out, in the regions of the seat plate 1 and the backrest 4, on the lower side of the upper part 2 that faces the lower part 3; and further grooves 31 are integrally formed without cutting on the upper side of the lower part 3 that faces the upper part 2.
The [0092] extensions 50,50′;60,60′ of the legs 5,5′;6,6′ and the extensions 70,70′;80,80′ of the armrests 7,8 are placed into the grooves 20,30;21,31 between the upper part 2 and lower part 3.
Finally, the [0093] upper part 2 and lower part 3 are connected in a sheet-like manner to each other, preferably by gluing them together.
If, in contrast, [0094] armrests 7,8 of the second version are provided—instead of all of the further grooves 21,31—a flat recess 22 is made by cutting, preferably by milling out, in the backrest 4, on the side of the upper part 2 that faces the lower part 3. This recess 22 does not continue through the entire material thickness of the upper part 2 and comprises a web 220 attached to the edge of the upper part 2. Away from the edge, an eye 221 corresponding to the outer contour of the securing element 87 is attached to the web 220. The recess 22 is to be dimensioned in such a manner that the securing element 87 is entirely embedded in it and the transition to the supporting portion 86 is partially embedded in it. An aperture 32 which is congruent in part to the recess 22 is incorporated in the lower part 3, with the result that the supporting section 86 is partially placed therein.
The [0095] extensions 50,50′;60,60′ of the legs 5,5′;6,6′ together with their bows 51,61 and the securing elements 77,87 and supporting sections 76,86 of the armrests 7,8 are placed into the grooves 20,30 and the recess 22 and the aperture 32 between the upper part 2 and lower part 3.
Finally, the [0096] upper part 2 and lower part 3 are connected in a sheet-like manner to each other, preferably by gluing them together.
FIG. 10A[0097]
Furthermore, the overall construction of the chairs—provided here by way of example additionally with seat and backrest cushions [0098] 10,40—also permits a small stacking height. By virtue of the fact that the extensions 50,50′;60,60′ and bows 51,61 of the legs 5,5′;6,6′ lie embedded in the grooves 20,30 between the upper and lower part 2,3, i.e. are fastened internally, the stacking height of chairs stacked one above another is kept very small. The further advantages of no fastening elements for the legs 5,5′;6,6′ being required below the seat plate 1 reside in the fact that fastening elements of this type which are not present therefore neither increase the stacking height nor can they cause damage to the seat plate 1 lying below in each case if subjected to a high load—when a number of chairs are stacked one above another—nor do they form lasting deformations in the associated seat cushion 10, if provided.
In the case of chairs stacked one above another, the [0099] rear legs 5′,6′, which protrude out of the seat plate 1, come to lie in each case directly in front of the rear legs 5′,6′ of the respectively lower chair. In this case, the front legs 5,6 come to lie in each case at a small distance in front of those of the respectively lower chair. Space remains between the backrests in order to provide a backrest cushion 40, without increasing the forwardly directed overhang of chairs stacked one above another.
FIGS. 10B and 10C[0100]
If the chairs stacked one above another are provided with [0101] armrests 7,8 of the second variant, the respective armrests 7,7 on one side of the chairs come to lie one above another without increasing the stacking height or the forwardly directed overhang. This applies equally whether the chairs are not provided with seat and backrest cushions 10,40 (see FIG. 10B) and if they are provided with this additional fitting (see FIG. 10C). The horizontal distance a and the vertical offset v between respectively adjacent backrests 4,4 of chairs stacked one above another provide sufficient space for the supporting sections 76,76, the transitions 78,78 and the armrest sections 79,79 of the associated armrests 7,8.
[0102]
FIGS. 11A to [0103] 11G
The [0104] row connector 9 is composed of a clip part 90 and the slide 96. The shackle-like clip part 90 has a central section 91 from which grasping claws 92 branch off symmetrically to both sides. The grasping claws 92 have a clear width between them which corresponds to the distance between two rear legs 5′,6′ of chairs placed adjacently in a row. Furthermore, the grasping claws 92 have an inner configuration which corresponds to the cross section of the rear legs 5′,6′ in the vicinity of the bending-away transition into the extensions 50′,60′. On the inside, on the central section 91, there is a rail guide 93 for the withdrawable reception of the sliding rail 97 of the slide 96. A latching contour 94 is provided in the upper region, likewise on the inside of the central section 91.
A clamping [0105] plate 98 is attached at an oblique angle at the top of the sliding rail 97 and, in each case facing toward the grasping claws 92, has a curved recess 99 for the passage of the cross section of the rear legs 5′,6′. An angled hook 100 which is pointed toward the central section 91 is arranged right at the bottom of the sliding rail 97. At least the hook 100, but preferably the entire row connector 9 together with the clip part 90 and slide 96, has a certain elasticity, with the result that, when the slide 96 is inserted to the maximum, the hook 100 grasps the lower edge of the central section 91 from below, and a defined withdrawing force is required in order to tear the hook 100 from this securing means. If the slide 96 is withdrawn to the maximum in the rail guide 93, the hook 100 latches into the latching contour 94 on the inside of the central section 91. If no defined force acts on the slide 96, it remains in this position, i.e. it neither automatically slips downward, nor can it fall separately out of a chair which is upside down.
FIGS. 12A to [0106] 14C
The [0107] row connector 9 is attached below the subsequent clamping region to two rear legs 5′,6′ of adjacent chairs, specifically with the open grasping claws 92 of the clip part 90 pointing toward the rear legs 5′,6′ (see FIG. 12A). At a lower height, below the subsequent clamping region, the rear legs 5′,6′ are of smaller cross section, with the result that said cross section easily finds space within the two grasping claws 92 (see FIGS. 14A and 14B).
After the [0108] row connector 9 has been attached to the rear legs 5′,6′ it is pushed upward into the clamping position where the cross section of the rear legs 5′,6′ increases and now fills the interior of the grasping claws 92 (see FIGS. 12B, 14A and 14C).
In the clamping position which lies in the vicinity of the height of the bending-away transition into the [0109] extensions 50′,60′, the slide 96 is inserted to a maximum, with the result that the hook 100 springs below the lower edge of the central section 91 (see FIG. 12C). The row connector 9 can neither be released upward, since the rear legs 5′,6′ widen by means of the transition into the extensions 50′,60′, nor can it become loose downward, since it is prevented from this by the clamping plate 98 (see FIG. 12D).
The [0110] row connector 9 can also be used as a two-part component, with a separate clip part 90 and slide 96 released by it (see FIG. 13). The combination of the two, however, offers the advantage that the clip part 90 and slide 96 are always together and can, as it were, be more conveniently handled as one constructional unit.

Claims

1. A seat comprising:

a) a seat plate (1) which, in principle, is arranged horizontally and has at least two parts (2,3) which lie one above another in layers and are joined together and, as the upper part (2) and lower part (3) of the seat plate (1), consist of molded plywood glued together in layers and extend partially or completely over the seat plate (1); and

b) legs (5,5′;6,6′) which protrude to the floor, wherein

c) the legs (5,5′;6,6′) have extensions (50,50′;60,60′) at the top;

d) grooves (20) are incorporated by cutting on the lower side of the upper part (2) that faces the lower part (3);

e) grooves (30) are integrally formed without cutting on the upper side of the lower part (3) that faces the upper part (2); and

f) between the parts (2,3) of the seat plate (1), the extensions (50,50′;60,60′) of the legs (5,5′;6,6′) are fitted in the grooves (20,30).

2. The seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein

a) the upper part (2) and the lower part (3) extend over the entire seat plate (1);

b) in order to complete the seat to make a stool into a chair, there is a backrest (4) which, in principle, is vertical; and

c) the upper part (2) and the lower part (3) of the seat plate (1) preferably merge integrally into the backrest (4).

3. The seat as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein

a) the legs (5,5′;6,6′) emerge from the corner regions of the seat plate (1);

b) the legs (5,5′;6,6′) are connected to one another in pairs by the extensions (50,50′;60,60′) which merge into one another; and

c) the extensions (50,50′;60,60′) are, in principle, angled horizontally.

4. The seat as claimed in claim 3, wherein

a) one front leg (5,6) and one rear leg (5′,6′) in each case form an interconnected pair; and

b) the extensions (50,50′;60,60′) are attached in the corner regions of the seat plate (1).

5. The seat as claimed in claim 4, wherein the extensions (50,50′;60,60′) of both pairs of legs (5,5′;6,6′) extend in the form of bows (51,61) toward the central region of the seat plate (1).

6. The seat as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper part (2) is of greater material thickness than the lower part (3).

7. The seat as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, wherein

a) the chair is provided with armrests (7,8);

b) the armrests (7,8) have extensions (70,70′;80,80′) at their first and second ends;

c) grooves (21) are incorporated by cutting on the lower side of the upper part (2) that faces the lower part (3);

d) grooves (31) are integrally formed without cutting on the upper side of the lower part (3) that faces the upper part (2); and

e) between the parts (2,3) of the seat plate (1) and the backrest (4), the extensions (70,70′;80,80′) of the armrests (7,8) are fitted in the grooves (21,31).

8. The seat as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, wherein

a) the chair is provided with armrests (7,8);

b) the armrests (7,8) are connected to each other by a bow;

c) a groove (21) is incorporated by cutting in the backrest (4), on the side of the upper part (2) that faces the lower part (3);

d) a groove (31) is integrally formed without cutting in the backrest (4), on the side of the lower part (3) that faces the upper part (2), said groove (31) lying in a complementary manner with respect to the groove (21) in the upper part (2); and

e) between the parts (2,3) of the seat plate (1) and the backrest (4), the bow which connects the armrests (7,8) is fitted in the grooves (21,31).

9. The seat as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, wherein

a) the chair is provided with armrests (7,8);

b) the armrests (7,8) have securing elements (77,87) at their first ends, and a free-swinging armrest section (79,89) extends in each case toward the second end of the armrests (7,8), said armrest sections being intended as an arm support for the users;

c) a noncontinuous recess (22) is incorporated by cutting on both sides in the backrest (4), on the side of the upper part (2) that faces the lower part (3);

d) apertures (32) which are complementary with respect to the recesses (22) are provided on both sides in the backrest (4), in the lower part (3); and

e) between the parts (2,3) of the backrest (4), the securing elements (77,87) of the armrests (7,8) are embedded in the recesses (22) and apertures (32) and are supported therein.

10. The seat as claimed in claim 9, wherein

a) the securing element (77,87) of the armrest (7,8) is of plate-shaped geometry;

b) the elongated armrest section (79,89) merges in a transition (78,88) in an angled manner into a shorter supporting section (76,86) which opens into the backrest (4);

c) the cross section of the armrest section (79,89) has a greater horizontal extent than in the vertical direction;

d) in the bent transition (78,88) from the armrest section (79,89) to the supporting section (76,86), the profile of the armrest (7,8) is rotated through 90°, as a result of which the cross section of the supporting section (76,86) has a greater vertical extent than in the horizontal direction; and

e) the securing element (77,87) is situated in the plane of the vertical extent of the supporting section (76,86) and protrudes above and below the latter.

11. The seat as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, wherein

a) in the case of seats stacked one above another, the rear legs (5′,6′), which protrude out of the seat plate (1), come to lie in each case directly in front of the rear legs (5′,6′) of the respectively lower seat;

b) the front legs (5,6) come to lie in each case at a distance in front of those of the respectively lower seat;

c) space remains between the backrests (4) in order to provide a backrest cushion (40) without increasing the forwardly directed overhang of seats stacked one above another.

12. The seat as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6 or 9 to 11, wherein

a) in the case of seats which are stacked one above another and are provided with armrests (7,8) having a free-swinging armrest section (79,89), the respective armrests (7,7;8,8) on one side of the seats come to lie one above another without increasing the stack height or the forwardly directed overhang; and

b) in this case, the horizontal distance (a) and the vertical offset (v) between respectively adjacent backrests (4,4) of seats stacked one above another provide sufficient space for the supporting sections (76,76), the transitions (78,78) and the armrest sections (79,79) of the armrests (7,8).

13. A row connector (9) for combining a seat, as claimed in one of claims 1 to 12, with a respectively adjacent seat, wherein

a) the row connector (9) comprises a shackle-like clip part (90) and a slide (96);

b) the clip part (90) has a central section (91) from which grasping claws (92) branch off symmetrically to both sides;

c) the grasping claws (92) have a clear width between them which corresponds to the distance between two rear legs (5′,6′) of seats placed adjacently in a row, and have an inner configuration which corresponds to the cross section of the rear legs (5′,6′) in the vicinity of the height of the bending-away transition into the extensions (50′,60′); and

d) the clip part (90) brought into the clamping position can be fixed releasably by means of the slide (96), the clamping position lying in the vicinity of the height to the bending-away transition into the extensions (50′,60′).

14. The row connector (9) as claimed in claim 13, wherein

a) the row connector (9) has, on the clip part (90), on the inside of its central section (91), a rail guide (93) for the withdrawable reception of the sliding rail (97) of the slide (96), and, in the upper region, has a latching contour (94); and

b) a clamping plate (98) is attached at the top of the sliding rail (97) and, in each case facing the grasping claws (92), has a curved recess (99) for the passage of the cross section of the rear legs (5′,6′).

15. The row connector (9) as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein

a) an angled, directly or indirectly elastic hook (100) which is pointed toward the central section (91) is arranged right at the bottom of the sliding rail (97) and, when the slide (96) is inserted to the maximum, grasps the lower edge of the central section (91) from below, and a defined withdrawing force is required in order to release the hook (100) again from this securing means; and

b) when the slide (96) is withdrawn to the maximum, the hook (100) is intended for latching into the latching contour (94).

16. A method for producing a seat, as claimed in one of claims 1 to 12, wherein

a) there are:

aa) an upper part (2) and a separate lower part (3) having a seat plate (1) which, in principle, is horizontal and—in the case of a seat in the form of a chair—merges into a backrest (4) which, in principle, is vertical, the thicker upper part (2) and the thinner lower part (3) consisting of molded plywood which is glued together in layers, for example of beech; and

ab) two pairs of legs (5,5′;6,6′) which in each case form a front leg (5,6) and a rear leg (5′,6′), having extensions (50,50′;60,60′) which, in principle, are angled horizontally and merge into one another and extend in the form of bows (51,61) toward the central region of the seat plate (1); and

b) in the manufacturing process:

ba) grooves (20) are made by cutting on the lower side of the upper part (2) that faces the lower part (3), preferably by milling out;

bb) grooves (30) are integrally formed without cutting on the upper side of the lower part (3) that faces the upper part (2);

bc) the extensions (50,50′;60,60′) of the legs (5,5′;6,6′) are placed into the grooves (20,30) between the upper part (2) and lower part (3); and

bd) after that, the upper part (2) and lower part (3) are connected in a sheet-like manner to each other, preferably by gluing them together.

17. The method for producing a seat as claimed in claim 16, wherein in the case of a version with armrests (7,8), in addition to the grooves (20) incorporated by cutting and grooves (30) integrally formed without cutting, receiving contours (21,31;22,221,220,32) are provided in the upper and lower part (2,3) for the purpose of fixing the armrests (7,8) in place.