WO2006136842A2 - Appareil de commande - Google Patents

Appareil de commande Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006136842A2
WO2006136842A2 PCT/GB2006/002302 GB2006002302W WO2006136842A2 WO 2006136842 A2 WO2006136842 A2 WO 2006136842A2 GB 2006002302 W GB2006002302 W GB 2006002302W WO 2006136842 A2 WO2006136842 A2 WO 2006136842A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
actuator apparatus
operating button
actuating
actuating lever
furniture
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2006/002302
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2006136842A3 (fr
Inventor
Howard Ernest Stockdale
Original Assignee
Atkinson Vari-Tech Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Atkinson Vari-Tech Limited filed Critical Atkinson Vari-Tech Limited
Priority to EP06744276A priority Critical patent/EP1898748A2/fr
Publication of WO2006136842A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006136842A2/fr
Publication of WO2006136842A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006136842A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C3/00—Chairs characterised by structural features; Chairs or stools with rotatable or vertically-adjustable seats
    • A47C3/20—Chairs or stools with vertically-adjustable seats
    • A47C3/30—Chairs or stools with vertically-adjustable seats with vertically-acting fluid cylinder

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to actuator apparatus for height adjusting apparatus for an item of furniture, an item of furniture comprising actuator apparatus and height adjusting apparatus and a method of adjusting an item of furniture .
  • Items of furniture and, in particular chairs may include a mechanism to allow the height of the chair to be adjusted.
  • Such mechanisms generally comprise a gas mechanism which is actuated by a lever. When the lever is pulled up by a user the height of the chair reduces if the user is seated on the chair at the time. However, if the user is not seated on the chair then the seat will be raised by pulling the lever.
  • the mechanism comprises a lever including a plastic knob attached to it which can be operated whilst a user is sat on the chair.
  • a problem with such systems is that the design includes exposed metal work.
  • the lever may be bent downwards which can lead to a functional failure. It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.
  • actuator apparatus for an item of furniture comprising an operating button and an actuating lever wherein the actuating lever is associated with a height adjustable system of the item of furniture in order to actuate the height adjustable system and in which the operating button is a push button which is arranged, in used to be pushed by a user in order to operate the height adjustable system.
  • the operating button is arranged, when pushed, to move (and preferably pivot) the actuating lever in order to operate the height adjustable system.
  • the height adjustable system comprises a gas height adjustable system.
  • the gas height adjustable system comprises a gas spring.
  • the actuator apparatus comprises an actuating lever .
  • the actuator apparatus may comprise an actuating arm.
  • the operating button is arranged to move in a direction along a central axis of the operating button.
  • the operating button is arranged to co-operate with a first longitudinal end of an actuating arm.
  • the actuating lever is provided on part of an actuating arm and preferably is provided at or adjacent to a second longitudinal end of the actuating arm.
  • the actuating arm is mounted on pivot means.
  • the operating button is arranged for translational movement and more preferably is arranged solely for translational movement.
  • the actuating lever is arranged for rotational movement and more preferably is arranged solely for rotational movement.
  • the actuating lever is arranged to rotate and preferably to rotate about an axis adjacent to one end of the actuating lever.
  • the actuating arm is arranged to rotate and preferably to rotate about an axis located along the length of the actuating arm.
  • the actuating arm is arranged to locate about an axis located at a position approximately between 70%-90% of the length of the actuating arm.
  • the actuating arm comprises a rigid member.
  • the actuating lever comprises a rigid member.
  • the operating button co-operates with a rotating member which may co-operate with at least a part of the actuating arm.
  • at least part of the actuating arm comprises a shaped and/or arcuate and/or curved co-operating surface.
  • the rotating member comprises a roller.
  • the operating button is arranged to move in a translational (or linear) direction in order to cause the actuating lever to rotate and, in which, the rotation of the actuation lever may activate activating means of the height adjustable system of the item of furniture.
  • the height adjustable system comprises a piston member and an outer sleeve.
  • the piston is movable into and out of the outer sleeve.
  • the rotating member may comprise a roller.
  • the rotating member may be arranged to rotate about a single axis.
  • the rotating member is arranged to roll along a co-operating surface provided on the actuating arm.
  • the co-operating surface comprises a shaped surface.
  • the operating button is arranged, in use, for translational movement.
  • a connector rod is arranged in use for translational movement.
  • the operating button is arranged, in use, to move the connector rod.
  • the roller and/or the axis of the roller is arranged, in use, for translational movement.
  • the axis comprises a pivot or axle arranged centrally on the roller.
  • the roller is arranged to rotate in a single plane.
  • the movement of the operating button and/or the connector rod is arranged to move the central axle of the roller and preferably translationally move the axle of the roller.
  • the roller is arranged, in use, to move relative to a surface of an actuating arm which may cause the actuating arm and/or the actuating lever to pivot.
  • the pivoting movement of the actuating arm causes the actuating lever to pivot.
  • pivotal movement of the actuating arm and/or the actuating lever operates activating means of the height adjustable system.
  • the activating means of the height adjustable system comprise an activator which may comprise a push button arranged (solely) for translational movement.
  • the activating means comprises a tappet and more preferably comprises a tappet projection.
  • the actuator apparatus comprises protective means which may be arranged, in use, to protect the moving parts of the actuator apparatus.
  • the protector means comprises a conduit.
  • the abutment surface of the actuating lever is arranged, in use, to locate substantially longitudinally centrally along the length of the conduit.
  • the connecting rod and/or the actuating lever and/or the actuating arm are arranged, in use, to locate in the conduit.
  • the actuator apparatus may comprise a first operating button and a second operating button.
  • the first and second operating buttons are independently operable in order to activate the height adjustable system.
  • the first operating button and the second operating button each have respective connecting rods and/or actuating levers and/or actuating arms and, in which, each operating button is arranged to cause movement of the activation means in order to activate the height adjustable system.
  • the first operating button locates substantially 180° offset about an axis relative to the second operating button.
  • the axis is arranged to locate along a longitudinal axis of a vertical support member and preferably a central vertical support member.
  • the first operating button is arranged for operation by the left hand of the user whilst seated and the second operating button is arranged for operating by the right hand of a user.
  • an item of furniture comprising actuator apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.
  • the item of furniture comprises a chair and more preferably a free standing chair.
  • the height (or vertical location) of a seat portion is arranged to be adjusted by a gas height adjustable system of the item of furniture.
  • the vertical location of the backrest of the item of furniture is adjustable.
  • a method of adjusting the height of an item of furniture comprising translationally moving a operating button in order to move an actuating lever and, wherein the actuating lever is arranged, in use, to cooperate with activation means of a height adjustable system of the item of furniture.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of actuating apparatus for a gas height adjustment system of an item of furniture.
  • Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of actuating apparatus for a gas height adjustment system for an item of furniture.
  • Figure 3 is an exploded view of support apparatus for an item of furniture including a preferred embodiment of actuating apparatus for a gas height adjustment system for an item of furniture.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a support frame for an item of furniture.
  • the item of furniture comprises a conventional chair having a base portion consisting of a number of leg portions, extending radially from a central axis. Each leg portion has a castor at a lower end of each leg portion.
  • the chair has a single central support post extending to a seat portion. Finally, a back rest is provided for the user.
  • the adjustable support 10 for a chair comprises an adjustable vertical cylinder 12 which is extendable in order to support a support surface (not shown) of the chair at an adjustable height.
  • the support surface is secured on brackets 14 provided on a horizontal support tube 16.
  • the chair also provides a back rest support tube 18 which is secured to the horizontal support tube 16 and, therefore, rises and lowers with the seat support surface.
  • the vertical adjustable cylinder 12 comprises a gas height adjustment system.
  • the gas height adjustment system comprises a gas spring including a piston member 20 which can extend into or out from an outer sleeve 22 to effectively lengthen or shorten the vertical adjustable cylinder.
  • the gas spring comprises an activator 21 which, when pressed, enables the length of the vertical cylinder 12 to be adjusted.
  • the piston 20 automatically extends upwardly from the outer sleeve 22.
  • this weight causes the piston 20 to move into the outer sleeve 22 and thereby causes the seat to lower. Accordingly, the user can quickly and easily raise and lower the seat as required.
  • the gas height adjustment system comprises a conventional gas spring including a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism effectively locks the piston 20 relative to the outer sleeve 22 in the selected position.
  • the gas spring is a conventional gas spring and includes a piston rod encased inside an internal tube within the gas spring body.
  • the gas spring is pressurised to 400 Nm using oil and nitrogen gas.
  • At the top of the internal tube there is a valve and a series of seals. When the valve opens this allows the piston rod to travel up the internal tube transferring the pressures to the outside of the inner tube. Once the valve is closed the gas spring is locked.
  • the activator projects upwards from the top of the vertical adjustable cylinder and is connected to the valve system for regulating the speed of movement and damping.
  • the activator may be in the form of a valve tappet .
  • Prior art devices may include a hand lever mechanism to unlock the piston 20 to enable the piston 20 to move relative to the outer sleeve 22.
  • the present invention provides an operating button 24 in order for the user to adjust the chair.
  • the operating button 24 locates at one end of the support tube 16 and can be moved into the end at the tube 16 by the user and in the preferred embodiment an operating button 24 locates at each longitudinal end of the tube 24.
  • the operating button 24 is secured to a first end 26 of a control rod 28 which links the operating button 24 to an actuating arm 30.
  • the second end 27 of the control rod 28 has a roller 32 secured thereon.
  • the roller 32 is arranged to co-operate with a shaped surface 34 provided on the actuating arm 30.
  • the control rod 28 is moved through an actuator body 36 and the roller 32 rotates underneath a shaped arcuate portion 34 of the actuating arm 30.
  • the actuating arm 30 is mounted on a pivot 38 which is located towards the centre of the support tube 16. As the roller 32 rolls underneath the shaped portion 34 at the first end 40 of the actuating arm 30, the second end 41 is caused to move downwardly.
  • the second end 41 of the actuating arm 30 comprise an actuating lever 42 and movement of the actuating lever 42 causes the activating mechanism and particularly the activator 21 to unlock the gas cylinder system to enable the user to adjust the height at the support surface by adjusting the downward force on the seat.
  • the actuating lever 41 co-operates with an activating button 21 of the gas cylinder mechanism.
  • the actuating lever comprises a cooperating with an upper surface of the activator in order to depress the activator when required.
  • the actuator apparatus comprises a first operating button 24 arranged to co-operate with a first actuating lever 42 and a second operating button 24 arranged to cooperate with a second actuating lever 42.
  • Each operating button 24, 24' is able to independently activate the gas height adjusting system.
  • each operating button 24, 24' cooperates with a respective actuating arm 30, 30' cooperating portion 46 comprising a semi-circular surface to co-operate with half of the upper surface of the circular activator comprising an actuating lever.
  • Each actuating lever 42, 42' comprises abutment means in the form of an abutment member 46, 46' which are arranged to independently co-operate with the activating means 21 of the gas cylinder system.
  • each abutment surface 46, 46' comprises a semi-circular surface which are arranged to co-operate with an upper surface of the activating means 21 of the gas height adjustable system.
  • the first operating button 24 is arranged to locate radially from the second operating button 24' by 180°. Accordingly, a single linear horizontal support tube 16 is used and both operating buttons 24, 24' locate at the respective longitudinal ends of the support tube 26. The tube 16 can then be arranged to extend outwardly from the vertical support tube 20 in order for the first operating button 24 to locate on the left hand side and the second operating button 24' to locate on the right hand side.
  • the present invention also comprises a lever mechanism operated by a push button. Accordingly, the present invention does not include any operating wires, for example tensioned Bowden cables. Such cables may stretch and functionally fail and, therefore, the present invention uses a mechanism which does not require Bowden cables.
  • the operating button of the present invention together with the actuating arm and actuating lever result in a relatively small amount of translational movement in order to operate the gas adjusting system. Accordingly, the operating button is arranged solely for translational movement whereas the associated actuating arm (and actuating lever) are arranged solely for rotational movement. Unlike prior art lever operated mechanisms, the force exerted through the lever is restrained since this force is applied by the operating button. In prior art lever mechanisms, a user is able to apply a significant force to the lever. In addition, the lever associates connecting members are all contained in the tube and, therefore, this present unauthorised access and tampering with the mechanism.
  • the actuator assembly is encased in the support beam tube 16 which results in the assembly being vandal proof which may be important for furniture for use in educational establishments (for example schools and colleges) .
  • the gas height system can be operated by either the left hand or right hand of the user .

Landscapes

  • Chairs Characterized By Structure (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un support réglable (10) pour une chaise, comprenant un cylindre vertical réglable (12) pouvant s'étendre de manière à supporter une surface de support (n'apparaît pas sur les figures) et le dossier de la chaise à une hauteur réglable. Le cylindre vertical réglable (12) comprend un système de réglage de hauteur au gaz. Le système de réglage de hauteur au gaz comprend un ressort à gaz équipé d'un piston (20) pouvant s'étendre dans ou hors d'un manchon extérieur (22) pour agrandir ou raccourcir de manière efficace le cylindre vertical réglable. Le ressort à gaz comprend un activateur (21) qui, lorqu'il est activé, permet de régler la longueur du cylindre vertical (12). L'appareil de commande comprend un bouton de commande et un levier de commande associé au système de réglage de la hauteur pour activer le système de réglage de la hauteur, le bouton de commande étant un bouton pressoir destiné à être activé par un utilisateur afin de commander le système de réglage de la hauteur. En particulier, lorsqu'il n'y a pas de poids significatif sur la chaise et que le bouton est activé, le piston (20) s'étend alors automatiquement vers le haut à partir du manchon extérieur (22). Cependant, s'il y a un poids sur la surface de support du siège, ce poids entraîne le déplacement du piston (20) dans le manchon extérieur (22), provoquant ainsi l'abaissement du siège.
PCT/GB2006/002302 2005-06-22 2006-06-22 Appareil de commande WO2006136842A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06744276A EP1898748A2 (fr) 2005-06-22 2006-06-22 Appareil de commande

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0512713A GB0512713D0 (en) 2005-06-22 2005-06-22 Actuator apparatus
GB0512713.9 2005-06-22

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006136842A2 true WO2006136842A2 (fr) 2006-12-28
WO2006136842A3 WO2006136842A3 (fr) 2007-04-19

Family

ID=34855960

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2006/002302 WO2006136842A2 (fr) 2005-06-22 2006-06-22 Appareil de commande

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1898748A2 (fr)
GB (1) GB0512713D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2006136842A2 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009149350A1 (fr) * 2008-06-06 2009-12-10 Knoll, Inc. Mécanisme de réglage en hauteur pour une chaise

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2218963A (en) * 1938-12-13 1940-10-22 Jay G Stephenson Fluid supported stool
US6276756B1 (en) * 1998-07-02 2001-08-21 Samhongsa Co. Ltd. Height adjusting assembly for a chair
US20020011747A1 (en) * 2000-07-10 2002-01-31 Su-Jan Chen Armrest with a push button for controlling level of a chair seat
US6416131B1 (en) * 2000-01-18 2002-07-09 Ryu Changkeun Adjust button of gas cylinder of chair used as palm message

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2218963A (en) * 1938-12-13 1940-10-22 Jay G Stephenson Fluid supported stool
US6276756B1 (en) * 1998-07-02 2001-08-21 Samhongsa Co. Ltd. Height adjusting assembly for a chair
US6416131B1 (en) * 2000-01-18 2002-07-09 Ryu Changkeun Adjust button of gas cylinder of chair used as palm message
US20020011747A1 (en) * 2000-07-10 2002-01-31 Su-Jan Chen Armrest with a push button for controlling level of a chair seat

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009149350A1 (fr) * 2008-06-06 2009-12-10 Knoll, Inc. Mécanisme de réglage en hauteur pour une chaise
US8167373B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2012-05-01 Knoll, Inc. Height adjustment mechanism for a chair
US8388066B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2013-03-05 Knoll, Inc. Height adjustment mechanism for a chair

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0512713D0 (en) 2005-07-27
WO2006136842A3 (fr) 2007-04-19
EP1898748A2 (fr) 2008-03-19

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