WO2000001279A1

WO2000001279A1 - Arrangement in a chair, e.g. a recliner

Info

Publication number: WO2000001279A1
Application number: PCT/NO1999/000214
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nils Seiersten
Original assignee: Nils Seiersten
Priority date: 1998-06-25
Filing date: 1999-06-23
Publication date: 2000-01-13
Also published as: NO982957D0; NO982957L

Abstract

The present invention relates to a chair (1) with a first pivot (A) arranged below the seat frame (3), a second pivot (B) arranged in the area of the back edge (3b) of the seat frame with a first cross brace (5), a third stationary pivot (C) arranged on the floor stand (2) and whereupon it is turnable suspended a first male/female element (6a) of a sliding means (6), designed to receive slidable a second female/male element (6b) of the sliding means (6), which constitutes a second fixed cross brace (6b), which projects from the back frame (4), such that at an increasing angle between the seat (3) and the back (4), this back frame (4) will turn around the back edge (B, 3b) of the seat via said first cross brace (5), but at the same time being controlled by means of the guide of the second cross brace (6b) in the sliding means (6), which is turnable mounted on the floor stand (2).

Description

ARRANGEMENT IN A CHAIR, E.G. A RECLINER

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an arrangement in a chair, e.g. a recliner, office chair or the like, comprising a floor stand, a seat frame and a back rest frame, which is moveable in relation to each other by changing their mutual angle position.

Background of the invention

Several of the current recliners comprises a construction, where the seat and back rest is hinged together in the lower part of the seat. Further, the back rest is hinged to the arm rest at the back edge of the arm rest, and the seat can be attached to a sliding tube, which is placed under the seat in a particular angle. In other words, the arm rest and the sliding tube comprise a fixed construction.

By changing the angle between the seat and the back rest, the leading edge of the seat is pushed forward and somewhat upward, while the back rest simultaneously is turned about the hinging point about the arm rest. This movement takes place, the user pushing towards the back rest of the chair about the hinging point, when a greater angle between back rest and seat is desired. By closing the angle between seat and back rest, the user loads the leading edge of the seat, and the sliding tube guides the seat and back rest back to the initial position.

Due to the placement of the hing points and the sliding tube in relation to each other, the angle of the seat in relation to the floor will be about horizontal, but the elevation will change, as the back is taken backwards. As the seat does not attain a backward sloping angle, when the back rest is taken down to resting position, the user will get a fealing of being pushed out of the chair, while the elevation of the seat can be increased by about 60 mm.

Prior art

From EP 0 210 585 A3 (Suhr et al . ) discloses a working chair, where the back rest is attached to the under side of the seat by means of a bracket. The guiding of the back rest takes place by means of the backet, in particular by means of a guiding pin, which moves in a guiding groove. This guiding groove is a part of the fixed construction, and will of this reason not move when the angle between back rest and seat are changing. According to this publication there is not given any directions to interaciton be- tween changes of seat angle, when the angle between seat and back rest is changing.

From WO 92/20262 (Tobler) there is known a working chair, in particular an office chair, where the back rest is mounted in a suspending arm, which has a fixed pivot on undercarriage of the chair, from the pivot there is projecting to arm parts, whereof the one arm part is turnable mounted on the under side of the backward part of the seat, while the other arm part is connected with a telescoping spring cylinder.

However, the two arm parts function in such a way that when the back rest is taken backwards, the seat angle will change from a weakly, sloaping position into an approxi- mately horizontal position, which will give the user the feeling of being pushed out of the position in resting position.

Objects of the invention

An object of the present invention is to inidicate a recliner, in which the support of the lower back follows the movement of the body from a normal into a resting position. Another object of the present invention is to indicate an arrangement in a chair, in which the seat angle changes from a mainly horizontal position in standing position, into a more or less backwards sloping position, when the chair is in a resting position.

Still another object of the present invention is to indicate an arrangement in a chair, in which the opening of the sitting angle increases progressively at transtition from a standing position into a resting position.

Another object of the present invention is to indicate an arrangement in a chair, in which the elevation of the seat just increases minimally, when the chair takes a resting position, e.g. in the leading edge of the seat, which means that the seat can be used without a stool, as the user has contact with the floor also in a resting position.

Still another object orf the present invention is to indicate an arrangement in a chair, in which the back reset moves downwards in the relation to the seat, when the angle between seat and back rest is increased.

Brief description of the invention

These objects are achieved in an arrangement as stated in the preamble, which according to the invention is characterized in the features, which are apparent from the char- acterizing clause of the acompanying claim 1.

In other words, the present invention indicates a mechanism based on a hinged seat and backframe, but in which the seat frame via a fixed part is slidable connected to a turnable sliding means, such that both the opening between seat and back rest as well as a relative displacement of the back seat part and lower back part, can be controlled simultaneously. The seat frame is on its side suitable hinged, e.g. somewhat behind the leading edge, and the part of the sliding means, which contains the fixed part of the back frame is such hinged in relation to the undercayiche to the chair that it will turn while the fixed part is puched in/pulled out, depending on the angular position between seat and back, and the change of angle between seat frame and back rest frame, respectively.

The placement of the hing points in addtion to allowe the angular positions of the sliding means, deside the rela- tivemovement between seat and back, when the sitting position is changed, all in a reference to a proper referance plane .

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will appear of the following disclosure taken in conjunction with the enclosed drawings, as well as the enclosed patent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a chematical side view of an example of an embodiment ofa recliner, in which an arrangement according to the invention is implemented, as the recliner here is shown in a first, standing position.

Figure 2 is a chematical side view similar to figure 1, but here shown with a somewhat greater angle between back and seat of the chair.

Figure 3 is a chematical side view similar to the figures 1 and 2, in which the recliner is shown with an additional greater angle between the back and the seat of the chair. Figure 4 is a chematical side view similar to the figures 1-3, and show the embodiment of the recliner according to the invention in resting position, i.e. with a maximum angle between the back and the seat of the chair.

Figure 5 is an composit drawing showing the changes between the parts of the chair according to the Figures 1-4.

Figure 6 shows in greater scale an embodiment of a sliding means, which is included as an essential part of the arrangement according to the invention.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a section of an embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention.

Description of embodiments

In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 relates to a chair, in particular a recliner, comprising a floor stand 2, and a seat frame 3, supporting an polstered seat 3' , and a back frame 4, supporting an polstered back rest 4¹. The seat frame 3 and backframe 4 is movable in relation to each other by changing the mutual anglar position, as Figure 1 shows a risen position, in which the mutual anglar position γl, e.g. can be 101°C.

According to the invention, the seat frame 3 is mounted on the floor stand 2 in a stationary pivot A, which is arranged below said seat frame 3, for instance placed an ap- propriate distance behind the leading edge 3a of the seat

3' .

In the area of the back edge 3b of seat 3, there is arranged a second pivot B, and the back frame 4 is turnable mounted to this pivot B, by means of one or more first cross place 5, which projects from said back frame 4. This first cross brace 5, which projects from the back frame 4, can for instance have an acute or an approximately rear angle in relation to the back frame 4.

As it is evident from Figure 1, a third stationary pivot C is arranged on the floor stand 2, and in this pivot there is mounted or suspended a first male/female element 6a over sliding means 6, arranged to receive in a sliding way, a second female/male element 6b of the sliding means 6, which in the embodiment shown, constututes a sencond from the back frame 4 projecting fixed cross brace 6b.

This other cross brace 6b, which projects from the back frame 4, has an acute angle to the back frame 4, and the horizontal plane, respectively, for example from 20°-35° to the horizontal plane in the Figure shown, eventually comprising curved parts.

In the position shown on Figure 1, the seat 3' has an ap- proximately horizontal position, at the same time as the angle γl between the seat 3' and the back 4', e.g. is 101°, and at the same time as the back frame 4 has a certain elevation HI above the floor.

When the angle between back and seat increases, e.g. into an angle γ2 equal to 104°, as this shown in Figure 2, the back frame 4 will turn around the pivot B at the back edge 3b of the seat frame 3, and thus via said first cross brace (es) 5, which means that the back frame 4 will be somewhat lowered in relation to the seat frame 3, but simultaneously get guided by means of the second fixed cross member 6b, which is pushed into the sliding means 6, which is turnable arranged at the pivot C on the floor stand 2.

When the angle γl on Figure 1 is opened into angle γ2 on

Figure 2, the mass of the user will lead to the seat frame 3 being tipped around the first pivot A arranged on the floor stand 2, and in Figure 2 there is shown that the seat angle has changed from approximately horizontal into about 6° backward tilting.

The mutual interaction between the back frame 4 and the seat frame 3 means that the back frame 4 will reduce its elevation HI, shown on Figure 1, into a lower elevation H2 , as shown on Figure 2, at the same time as the forward part 3a of the seat frame 3 will increase its elevation II above floor level, see Figure 1, into a greater elevation 12, as shown on Figure 2.

From the Figures 1 and 2, there is evident that also the second pivot B is arranged in the area of the back edge 3b of the seat frame 3 on one or more third, fixed cross brace (s) 7, which projects oblike downward and inwards in relation to said back edge 3b of the seat frame 3.

On Figure 3, there is shown a position of the chair 1, where the angle between the back frame 4 and the seat frame 3, here the angle γ3 , is increased into e.g. 111°, which means that the lower part 4a of the back frame has shifted and turned even more in under the back part 3b on the seat frame 3, and has got a still less distance H3 from the floor .

Correspondently, the seat frame 3 has turned around the pivot A and has got its forward part 3a further elevated into the distance 13 above floor level, e.g. into a backward tilting sloping angle of 13°.

In Figure 4, there is shown the final resting position, where the angle between the back frame 4 and the seat frame 3, namely angle γ4 is increased into e.g. 123°, and the lower part 4a of the back frame 4 is here turned still more into below the back part 3b of the seat frame 3, still by turning around the pivot B, but guided of the second cross brace 6, which here is pushed still further into the sliding means 6, which turns around the pivot C. In the embodiment perspectively shown in Figure 7, there is evident that the mechanism shown on Figures 1-4, is based on the seat frame 3 and the back frame 4, being hinged to- gether into two pivots Bl and B2 , while the back frame 4 simultaneously being guided by means of the sliding means 6, which is mounted in pivots Cl and C2.

Additionally, the seat frame 3 is hinged or mounted in two pivots Al and A2 , which e.g. might be 20 cm behind the leading edge 3a of the seat 3 ' .

The external tubes 6a of the sliding means are hinged around pivots Cl and C2 , in such a way that it is turned, while the interior rube 6b can be pushed in/pulled out, as the angle γ between the seat frame 3 an the back frame 4 is changing.

The placement of said hing points A, B and C, and the angle on the sliding means 6 will decide how the movement of the seat frame 4 and the back frame 3 relative to each other, when the seat position is changed.

Additionally, from Figure 7 there is evident that the hing point B between the seat frame 3 and the back frame 4 can be placed a proper distance forward of the back edge 3b of the seat 3 ' , which means that the back frame 4 is moving downward and below the seat frame 3 , when the angle γ between the seat and back is increased.

In Figures 1-4, as well as in Figure 5, there is shown how the back frame 4 can move downwards in relation to the seat, when the sitting angle is opened.

Said Figures also show how the opening of the sitting angle increases progressively at a transition from a normal into a resting position. In a fully resting position, as this is shown by the example on Figure 4, the seat angle can be more than e.g. 15° backward tilting.

On Figure 6, which shows in greater scale, a projection through an embodiment of a sliding means 6, there is shown that the sliding means 6 comprises a counter force 8, in particular a counter force, which can come into effect, when the angle γ between the back frame 4 and the seat frame 3 is increasing. In other words, the counter force 8 will be activated in the transition from the normal position, see Figure 1, into the resting position, see Figure 4, and the counter force will help the user, when he or she again wishes to take the normal position.

The counter force 8 can e.g. be a compression spring with progressive spring force, which is placed internal in the sliding means 6. The spring force can be adjusted to different body masse by means of a regulation handle 9, or by means of motorized equipment.

The sliding means 6 can also include a mechanism, which can lock the chair in a desired anglar position.

In particular from Figure 5, there is evident that the present arrangement can produce a synchronised movement, which offers the following advantages:

• The support of the lower back follows the movement of the body from normal sitting position into resting position

• The anglar opening γ between the seat and back is guided in such a way, that it changes minimally in the first half part of the movement part, while it increases greatly towards the resting position • The seat angle increseas, such that the user will not slide out of the chair

• The seat elevation increases just some at the forward edge, which means that the chair can be used without a stool, because the user can have contact with the floor also in resting position

The angle between the seat and the back can e.g. be in- creased with about 15-25°, while the change of the back can be about 40-50° totally.

Claims

P a t e n t c l a i m s

1. Arrangement in a chair (1) e.g. a recliner, an office chair or the like, comprising a floor stand (2), a seat frame (3), and a back frame (4), which can move relative to each other by changing their mutual angular position, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the arrangement comprises :

a) a first pivot (A) , which is stationary in relation to the floorstand (2), arranged below the seat frame (3), and preferrably placed a bit behind the leading edge of the seat (3a)

b) a second pivot (B) , arranged in the area of the back edge (3b) of the seat frame, to which the seat frame (4) is turnable connected by means of a first cross brace (5) which projects from the back frame (4)

c) a third, stationary pivot (C) arranged on the floor stand (2) and whereupon it is turnable mounted a first male/female element (6a) of a sliding means (6), arranged in a sliding manner to receive a second female/male element (6b) of the sliding means (6), which constitutes a second fixed cross brace (6b), which projects from the seat frame (4), whereupon the seat frame (4), at an increasing angle between the seat (3) and back (4) (towards a resting position), will turn about the back edge (B, 3b) of the seat via said first cross brace (5), but, simultaneously, be controlled by means of the guiding of the second cross brace (6b) in the sliding means (6) which is turnable arranged on the floor stand (2 ) .

2. Arrangement as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the second pivot (B) is arranged in the area of the back edge (3b) of the seat frame (3) on a third fixed cross brace (7), which projects obliquely downwards and inwards in relation to the back edge of the seat frame (3b) .

3. Arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the first cross brace (5), which projects from the back frame (4), makes from an acute into an approximately square angle in relation to the back frame (4) .

4. Arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the second cross brace (6b), which projects from the back frame (4), makes a greater angle with the back frame than the first cross brace (5), eventually comprising curved parts.

5. Arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the sliding means (6) includes a counterforce (8), in particular a counterforce which can come in effect when the angle ╬│ between the back frame (4) and the seat frame (3) is increased.

6. Arrangement as claimed in claim 5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the counterforce (8) can be regulated, eventually be preset manually (9), or by means of motorized equipment.

7. Arrangement as claimed in anyone of the claims 5 or 6, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that it comprises a counterforce included in the sliding means (6), possibly comprising torsion means in the ends of suspension, possibly is designed as twist springs between seat and back, possi- bly comprising springs in the arm rest.