WO2011086439A1

WO2011086439A1 - A seating device

Info

Publication number: WO2011086439A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/056070
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric Chan
Original assignee: Wipro Limited
Priority date: 2010-01-13
Filing date: 2010-12-24
Publication date: 2011-07-21
Also published as: EP2523579A4; EP2523579A1

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for a seating device comprising; a base panel (1) having plurality of ribs (Ia) in predetermined pattern on top surface. And a resilient seat panel (2) having plurality of through perforations; said seat panel (2) is mounted on top of the base panel (1) in such a manner that peripheral part of the seat panel (2) is resting onto the base panel (1), to create space in-between the seat panel (2) and base panel (1).

Description

A SEATING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a seating device. More particularly, embodiments relate to a seat member for a chair to provide comfortable seat construction having dual panels and vents on the panels for air permeability.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

Currently chair seats try to provide comfortable seating by a variety of seat constructions. In an alternative way, the chair seat is manufactured by combining plywood seat with foam and a fabric cushioning. Here molded polyurethane (PU) foam is affixed on top of the plywood and the fabric is later wrapped and stapled to the plywood. The plywood sheet is rigid and does not allow the air flow through it, thus increases the heat generation and makes uncomfortable for long time use.

Another alternative way is carried-out by providing plastic molded seat with foam and a fabric cushion. Here, instead of plywood as base an injection molded plastic seat was used. The molded foam is later affixed onto the plastic seat and then the fabric was wrapped. The molded plastic seat does not provide a provision to pass the air and hence heat generation increases and makes uncomfortable for use.

Another alternative way was carried-out by providing a spring loaded seat with metal/wooden Frame & Foam with fabric cushion. Here, a wooden seat frame was used along with a few springs in a grid pattern tied with rope and then a layer of foam is put on top. The fabric upholstery is then carried-out by either nailing or stapling from the bottom side of the seat. The metal/wooden frame is rigid and does not allow the air flow through it, thus increases the heat generation and makes uncomfortable for long time use. Further, the spring may lose its stiffness and occupant feels uncomfortable. It also requires more components thereby increases the cost of the product.

Another alternative way was carried-out by using woven seat and wooden frame. A wooden or metal tubular frame was used as seat and was woven using either natural or artificial cane to give a surface to sit on. This construction was not comfortable for long time sitting and rigid wooden / metal frame used was not comfortable at the front edge as this hard edge used to dig in to the flesh at the back on the knee.

Chairs include a seat-back arrangement having a horizontally enlarged seat and a back projecting upwardly from a rear edge of the seat. The seat often includes a cushion supported on a plastic support shell to support the occupant/user thereon. A similar arrangement is used for the seat-back. While the seat conforms to the shape of a user, the deflection of the contour of the seats results from compression of the cushion material. Similar arrangements are used on the back.

In another alternate arrangement for the seat, the seat may be formed by a resilient fabric suspended from a frame. Such fabric is unsupported in the middle thereof and may be an open mesh-like material which may improve the airflow or breathability of the seat. However, this fabric should be stretched taut to ensure proper support for the user/occupant. Since the fabric is starched and supported at the ends it does not support the body weight properly and makes it uncomfortable after a long use.

In light of forgoing discussion, there is a need for a seating device to provide comfortable seat construction to long time comfortable seating.

STATEMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides for a seating device comprising a base panel (1) having plurality of ribs (la) in predetermined pattern on top surface, and a resilient seat panel (2) having plurality of through perforations; said seat panel (2) is mounted on top of the base panel (1) in such a manner that peripheral part of the seat panel (2) is resting onto the base panel (1), to create space in-between the seat panel (2) and base panel (1); also provides for a method of assembling seating device, said method comprising acts of mounting resilient seat panel (2) onto base panel (1) in such a way that substantial peripheral part of the seat panel (2) is resting onto the base panel (1), wherein space in-between the seat panel (2) and base panel (1) is created, and fastening the base panel (1) with the resilient seat panel (2) using fastener element; and also provides for a chair comprising a seating device (4) comprising; at least one base panel (1) having plurality of ribs (la) on top surface to withstand load of an occupant, and a resilient seat panel (2) having plurality of through perforations; said seat panel (2) is mounted on top of the base panel (1) in such a manner that peripheral part of the seat panel (2) is resting onto the base panel (1), wherein space in between the seat panel (2) and base panel (1) is created, plurality of supporting members (5) connected below the seating device, and a back rest panel (6) extending from top of supporting members (5).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates top perspective view of base panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates top perspective view of resilient seat panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates top perspective of the seating device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of chair fitted with seating device of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of chair fitted with seating device of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

This disclosure is drawn, inter alia, to a seating device. More particularly, embodiments relate to a seat member for a chair to provide comfortable seat construction having dual panels and vents on the panels for air permeability.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a base panel (1) having plurality of ribs (la) in predetermined pattern on top surface. And a resilient seat panel (2) having plurality of through perforations; said seat panel (2) is mounted on top of the base panel (1) in such a manner that peripheral part of the seat panel (2) is resting onto the base panel (1), to create space in-between the seat panel (2) and base panel (1) to facilitate air flow and cushioning effect. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pattern of the ribs (la) is varied depending upon the load bearing capacity.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the base panel (1) is preferably in parabolic shape to create space in between the base panel (1) and the seat panel (2).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the base panel (1) further comprises plurality of slits (lb) on its peripheral grids for air flow.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the resilient seat panel (2) further comprises plurality of through perforations on entire top surface for air flow. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the resilient seat panel (2) is optionally fitted with foam cushioning material (3) selected from a group comprising fabric and leather upholstery.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the base pane (1) and seat panel (2) are connected using fastener elements and said fastener elements are selected from the group comprising screws, nails, rivets, nuts and bolts, and sleeve anchors. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of ribs (la), number of slits (lb) and number of perforations (2a) is varied depending on the load bearing capacity and the intensity of heat dissipation.

The present disclosure is also in relation with a method of assembling seating device comprising acts of mounting resilient seat panel (2) onto base panel (1) in such a way that substantial periphery peripheral part of the seat panel (2) is resting onto the base panel (1), wherein space in between the seat panel (2) and base panel (1) is created to facilitate air flow and cushioning effect, and fastening the base panel (1) with the resilient seat panel (2) using fastener elements.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method optionally comprise an act of fitting foam cushioning material (3) selected from a group comprising fabric and leather upholstery onto the seat panel (2) with use of tie string or staples at bottom face of the seat panel (2).

The present disclosure is also in relation with a chair comprising; a seating device (4) comprising; a base panel (1) having plurality of ribs (la) on top surface, and a resilient seat panel (2) having plurality of through perforations; mounted on top of the base panel (1) in such a way that substantial periphery part of the seat panel (2) is resting onto the base panel (1), wherein space in between the seat panel (2) and base panel (1) is created to facilitate air flow and cushioning effect, plurality of supporting members (5) connected below the seating device, a back rest panel (6) extending from the top of rear supporting members (5), and at least a pair of arm rest members (7) fitted onto the sides of seating device (4). FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment which illustrates perspective view of base panel

(1) . The base panel (1) comprises plurality of ribs (la) for strengthening the panel by allowing transfer of load from the resilient seat panel (2) to the base panel (1). The ribs (la) are made to form a grid shaped patterns in order to uniformly distribute the load on the base panel (1). The patterns of ribs can be varied depending upon the feasibility and on load bearing requirement. The contour of the panel (1) is designed in such a way that the resilient seat panel (2) is substantially onto the panel (1) so that only peripheral part of the seat panel (1) is connected. The panel (1) provided with plurality of slits (lb) to allow for the air flow. The base panel (1) is further provided with recesses for (lc) fastening the resilient seat panel (2) onto it and hence the resilient panel (2) can be held securely.

The base panel (1) is a single piece molded panel manufactured by injection molding process. The material used to manufacture the panels has to be rigid so as to support the body weight. The said panels can be manufactured using polypropylene plastic material.

The disclosed ribs (la) pattern forms grid onto the panels (1), wherein ribs (la) are drawn as rows and columns. Thus the ribs (la) with both columns and rows provides more stability and with optimal load bearing capacity by distributing the load uniformly through the chair mechanism. The fastening can be made on its contours such that only substantial peripheral portion of the seating panel is connected with the base panel (1). The shape of the base panel (1) is parabolic in nature such that the resilient seat panel

(2) is fixed on top of base panel (1) to create space between them to allow air flow for heat dissipation.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ribs can be of any pattern including but not limited to rows, columns, zigzag, dispersed dots, longitudinal, discountionous longitudinal, diagonal and dispersed beeds.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment which illustrates resilient seat panel (2) having surface contour with a pattern of perforations. The seat panel (2) with its unique contour is designed in such a way that it flexes itself to comfortably support the body weight of an occupant. The through perforations (2a) on the seat panel (2) allow free flow of air thereby dissipating body heat. The perforations (2a) patterns can be made in various shapes including but not limiting to circular, rectangular, and oval. Further the number of perforations (2a) can also be varied upon considering factors of heat dissipation and the load up to which it is desired to bear.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary embodiment which illustrates assembling sequence of the panels; wherein resilient seat panel (2) is mounted above the base panel (1) in such a way that substantial contour portion of the seat panel (2) is rested onto the base panel (2) so as to create space in-between the panels. The perforations (2a) and the slits (lb) facilitate air flow to dissipate heat of an occupant. Cushioning material (30 on top of seta panel is an optional feature which can be duly upholstered using fabric / leather.

Furthermore the base panel (1) is provided with recesses along the periphery to allow the resilient seat panel (2) to align with the base panel (1) during assembling. The fastener elements are used to fasten both panels.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are exemplary embodiments which illustrates a side view and top perspective view of chair fitted with the seating device of the present disclosure. Said chair comprises plurality of supporting members (5) to support the seating device. The seating device is fastened to the support members (5). A back rest panel (6) is connected to the supporting members (5) using plurality of screws to form a back support for occupier. And said chair further provided with a pair of arm rest members (7) on either sides of seating device for resting the arms of occupier.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fastening members can be selected from group including but not limited to screws, nails, rivets, nuts and bolts, and sleeve anchors or any other fastener which serve the purpose.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides for a way of construction for office chair seating that uses two layers of molded plastic seat panels (1 and 2). The resilient seat panel (2) has regular pattern of perforations which make seat flexible and allows free flow of air. The base panel (1) with rigid construction provides for load bearing seat connectivity to the chair mechanism and also has provision for a slits (lb) to allow for the air flow. The combined assembly of these two parts i.e. the resilient seat panel (2) and the base panel (1) makes the seating device comfortable to sit on by any occupant for long hours of working without a buildup of body heat. The two piece seat panel construction of the seating device provides for facility to add foam cushioning material (3) on top with fabric or leather upholstery. The leather upholstery can be tied using strings on top of the seat panel (2). Upholstered top seat panel (2) is then assembled to the base panel (1) to obtain seating device. The assembled seating device can further be mounted onto the other supporting structure of the chair, wherein said seating device is mounted onto the supporting structure of the chair and fixed by fasteners. The said chair may further comprise back rest and arm rests components.

The number of perforations (2a), number of ribs (la) and the number of slits (lb) onto the panels (1 and 2) can be varied depending upon the load bearing capacity and also the intensity of heat dissipation. The number and the pattern of perforations used here should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The principle of this arrangement may further be adapted to provide cushioning effect for beds, sofas, and any other related furniture systems. The air cushioning effect disclosed in this disclosure makes use of minimal number of components. Further, two panels (1 and 2) are being light in weight; it would also ease the transporting and handling difficulties. The seating device disclosed herein provides steady heat dissipation due to free flow air through the seating device, uniform load transfer to the chair mechanism and base for long hours of comfortable seating, Flexible cushioning effect due to space created within the panels, Easy to assemble and dismantle seating device and allows for easy segregation and recycling of individual panels.

The meshed seat panel (2) and the perforation pattern (2a) are strategically designed for ergonomic value with advantages such as relief pressure stress hot spot on the seat panel (2), distributing weight of the occupant evenly which prevents fatigue on the seat panel (2) over long term seating, enabling air ventilation to relief the heat build up, encouraging blood flow, responding to sitting movement, conforming to different body size of the occupant, weight and shape, easy for manufacturing, minimizing material use thereby saving material cost and energy.

The seat panel (2) comprising a smooth curvature improves comfort at the lower thigh muscles of the occupant. This feature would help normal blood flow in legs.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Reference number Description

1 Base panel

la Ribs

lb Slits

lc Recesses

2 Seat panel

2a Perforations

3 Cushioning material

4 Seating device

5 Supporting member

6 Back rest panel

7 Arm rest members

Claims

We claim:

1. A seating device comprising;

a base panel (1) having plurality of ribs (la) in predetermined pattern on top surface, and

a resilient seat panel (2) having plurality of through perforations; said seat panel (2) is mounted on top of the base panel (1) in such a manner that peripheral part of the seat panel (2) is resting onto the base panel (1), to create space in-between the seat panel (2) and base panel (1).

2. The seating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pattern of the ribs (la) is varied depending upon the load bearing capacity.

3. The seating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base panel (1) is parabolic in shape to create space in between the base panel (1) and the seat panel (2).

4. The seating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base panel (1) further comprises plurality of slits (lb) on its peripheral grids for air flow.

5. The seating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resilient seat panel (2) further comprises plurality of through perforations on entire top surface for air flow.

6. The seating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base pane (1) and seat panel (2) are connected using fastener elements, and said fastener elements are selected from the group comprising screws, nails, rivets, nuts and bolts, and sleeve anchors.

7. The seating device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the resilient seat panel (2) is optionally fitted with foam cushioning material and upholstery selected from a group comprising fabric and leather.

8. The seating device as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the number of ribs (la), number of slits (lb) and number of perforations (2a) is varied depending on the load bearing capacity and the intensity of heat dissipation.

9. A method of assembling seating device, said method comprising acts of; mounting a resilient seat panel (2) onto a base panel (1) in such a manner that peripheral part of the seat panel (2) is resting onto the base panel (1), wherein space in-between the seat panel (2) and base panel (1) is created, and fastening the base panel (1) with the resilient seat panel (2) using fastener element.

10. The method as claimed in the claim 9, wherein the method optionally comprise an act of fitting foam cushioning material (3) and upholstery selected from a group comprising fabric and leather onto the seat panel (2).

11. A chair comprising:

a seating device (4) comprising; a base panel (1) comprising plurality of ribs (la) in predetermined pattern on top surface, and a resilient seat panel (2) having plurality of through perforations; said seat panel (2) is mounted on top of the base panel (1) in such a manner that peripheral part of the seat panel (2) is resting onto the base panel (1), wherein space in-between the seat panel (2) and base panel (1) is created;

plurality of supporting members (5) connected below the seating device; and a back rest panel (6) extending from top of supporting members (5).