WO2011096817A1

WO2011096817A1 - Folding seat arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2011096817A1
Application number: PCT/NO2011/000036
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olav Rindal
Original assignee: Expo Nor As
Priority date: 2010-02-02
Filing date: 2011-02-01
Publication date: 2011-08-11
Also published as: EP2531075A4; NO331161B1; NO20100158A1; EP2531075A1

Abstract

A folding chair device comprising a seat (10) hinged to a supporting element (20) via an elastic hinged connection (30) about which the seat is rotatable between a first position and a second position, and where the hinged connection is preloaded so that the seat assumes the predefined first position without the help of other devices when the seat is not in use. The seat (10), the supporting element (20) and the hinged connection (30) comprise a homogeneous element of the same material, and preferably a moulded element composed of an elastomer material, preferably polyurethane.

Description

Fold i ng Seat Arra ngement

The invention relates to seats. More specifically, the invention relates to a folding seat as specified in the preamble of claim 1.

Background of the invention

The state of the art includes GB 1903 28 337, which describes a folding seat which is hinged to a wall. An arm is attached to the seat and a mechanical spring is connected to the arm and the wall, forcing the seat up into an almost perpendicular position (along the wall) when the seat's sitting surface is not loaded. GB 1 470 370 discloses a similar solution, where a spiral spring is employed. EP 0 614 634 B l furthermore describes a wall folding seat, particularly for bathrooms or shower cabinets, with a back support. The front of the back support is designed to receive a hinged revolving joint via bearing brackets mounted on the front. The back support has an approximately horizontal stop face in the area of the revolving joint, thereby enabling the sitting platform to be moved about the revolving joint between a folded up initial position and a folded down sitting position. In the sitting position, the sitting surface's projecting stop end abuts against the back support's stop face. The stop face extends approximately on a level with the revolving joint from the front to the rear and is an integrated component of a peripheral rear supporting edge which defines the lower end of the back support, extending over the stop face a length downwards corresponding to the stop end's distance from the revolving joint.

The known folding seats of the type which automatically assume an approximately vertical position when not in use, make use of mechanical hinges, hinge pins, screws and helical springs. These parts are often made of metal and are

consequently subject to corrosion and fatigue fractures, thereby restricting the range of application and the lifespan of these seats.

Summary of the invention

Thus a folding seat device is provided, characterised by a seat hinge-connected to a supporting element via an elastic hinged connection about which the seat is rotatable between a first position and a second position, and where the hinged connected is preloaded so that the seat assumes the predefined first position without the help of other devices when the seat is not in use.

The seat is, when a force is applied to it, rotatable from said first position to a second position, where a portion of the seat is supported by a supporting portion on the supporting element, and where the seat returns to the first position when the force on the seat is discontinued. The seat comprises preferably a first abutment portion and a second abutment portion for abutment against a supporting portion on the supporting element when the seat is in the second position.

In one embodiment, the second abutment portion protrudes further out from the seat than the first abutment portion, and the first abutment portion is located between the second abutment portion and the hinged connection, and the first and second abutment portions are located on a level below the hinged connection when the seat is in the second position.

The seat, the supporting element and the hinged connection comprise preferably a homogeneous element of the same material, and preferably a moulded element composed of an elastomer material. The material comprises preferably a

polyurethane mixture, in one embodiment having embedded stiff elements.

The hinged connection preferably comprises reinforced portions, and the supporting element comprises a mounting portion for affixing to a wall, mounting plate and base, free-standing chassis or the like.

In one embodiment, the angle between the first position and the second position exceeds 90°, with the result that the first position comprises an oblique angle relative to a vertical plane. In one embodiment, the oblique angle is of the order of 10°.

The material in the folding seat according to the invention is preferably

polyurethane, preferably a three-component polyurethane mixture where the mixture ratio between the three components is adjusted in order to achieve the desired hardness and elasticity. The properties of this material have been shown to be very well suited for achieving the desired optimisation of the seat for mounting both indoors and outdoors. The properties of the polyurethane mixture mean that with the correct physical construction, stresses, strength and flexibility in the desired positions, the physical construction of the product makes separate mechanical elements superfluous. By means of selective material composition and mixture at the right places, optimal function for folding seats according to the invention will be achieved.

When using the device, one takes a good hold of the sitting surface's vertical sides when it is folded up, recessed portions having been provided to make it easier to get a grip, and lays the seat down in order to sit on the seat. When one leaves the seat, the sitting surface will straighten up again and return to the starting point by itself. The sitting surface is angled at a slight angle inwards in order to keep it free from rain and snow when installed outdoors. The folding seat according to the invention is manufactured in a mould and moulded as a whole unit. It emerges from this mould ready for direct dispatch without the need for any additional fitting of other elements, which is the case with the known folding seats.

In order to provide the seat and mounting bracket with stiffness, rigid sheet elements such as, e.g. aluminium may be embedded therein. Surfaces, edges and corners are all soft parts whose purpose is to avoid injury to users or the risk of having clothes spoiled when using the seat. The device according to the invention can withstand severe external stresses, and can be placed in all types of

environment. It may, e.g., be located along exposed, rainy coastal paths, in shower rooms and cloakrooms, in pools, or in dry environments such as in narrow corridors or interior entrance halls.

The folding seat according to the invention utilizes the unique properties of the plastic material polyurethane, both for hinging and construction material for the seat. The polyurethane material's extreme strength and elasticity thereby provide a product where the actual hinging for the folding seat is moulded in polyurethane plastic, without any mechanical components whatsoever.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the folding seat according to the invention, illustrating the seat as it appears in a folded up position, viewed obliquely from in front;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a folding seat illustrated in figure 1 , showing the seat as it appears in a folded up position, viewed obliquely from behind;

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the folding seat according to the invention in a folded up position, viewed from the side;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the folding seat according to the invention in a folded down position;

Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the folding seat according to the invention in a folded down position, viewed from the side;

Figure 6 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the folding seat according to the invention in a folded up position, viewed from the side; and

Figures 7a and 7b illustrate an embodiment of a mounting stand for the folding seat according to the invention, viewed from the front and from the side respectively. Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

In the illustrated embodiment the folding seat according to the invention comprises one moulded piece in a polyurethane material, comprising a seat platform 10 attached to a mounting bracket 20 via a hinged connection 30. The hinged connection 30 comprises reinforced portions 30', as illustrated in figure 4 et al.

The seat platform 10 comprises a sitting surface 1 1 which is equipped with recessed gripping portions 12 where the user can take hold of the seat and fold it down. The sitting surface 1 1 may also advantageously be equipped with grooves or raised portions 17, both for aesthetic reasons and in order to provide better sitting comfort (ventilation, friction).

The bottom 14 of the seat platform 10 is provided with a recessed portion 15, in which information or advertising may be mounted. This is the side which will be visible to the public when the seat is not in use. The bottom 14 is further equipped with two longitudinal, raised portions 16, 18, which act as abutment portions when the seat is in use (in a folded down position).

In order to provide the seat platform 10 with additional rigidity, a stiff sheet body 19 is embedded (see figure 6). This plate body may be, e.g. of aluminium.

The mounting bracket 20 comprises a mounting piece 21 , provided with a number of holes 22, thereby enabling the folding seat according to the invention to be mounted to a wall 5, a mounting bracket 4 on a stand 2 or to a movable chassis (not shown).

The mounting bracket 20 also comprises a supporting portion 24 (with an abutment surface) which protrudes from the mounting piece 21.

In order to provide the mounting piece 21 and the supporting portion 24 with additional rigidity, stiff sheet bodies 25 are embedded (see figure 6). The plate bodies may be, e.g. of aluminium.

In the illustrated embodiment the hinged connection 30 has a continuous extension along the whole width of the seat, is equipped with reinforced portions 30', and in the illustrated embodiment consists solely of polyurethane, without embedded stiff elements.

Polyurethane is a thermoset plastic which, by mixing two or more liquid

components in a given mixture ratio, forms a solid plastic material in an exothermic process. In order to secure high-quality products, pre-programmed mixing machines are employed for mixing the materials. As a basis for the programming a technical data sheet is employed which describes recommended material temperatures, mould temperatures and mixture ratios. By using machines which can mix three or more components simultaneously, hardness and colour admixture can also be determined.

The polyurethane material used in the folding seat according to the invention is a high-grade polyurethane quality with very good wear and hydrolytic resistance, which provides products with excellent mechanical and dynamic properties. The material is extensively used for wear and impact protection for offshore products, and stands up well to wind and weather. The chosen mixture ratio gives products with a hardness of approximately 75 Shore A with admixture of black colour.

Hardness and colour can be adjusted according to requirements.

The device according to the invention is moulded and cooled in a folded up position, i.e. corresponding to the position illustrated, e.g. in figure 3. The folded up position will thereby be the neutral position, i.e. the position the seat 10 will assume when it is not in use. This neutral position is almost vertical, but preferably at and angle which is greater than 90° relative to the horizontal plane (the seat's folded down position). It is advantageous for the seat platform 10 to slope slightly backwards (e.g. around 10^°, see figure 3), thereby protecting the sitting surface 1 1 from rain and mud splashes. The hinged connection 30 is arranged a horizontal distance k from the mounting surface (figure 3).

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the folding seat according to the invention in a folded down position, i.e. a position where the folding seat is used for sitting on. In this position the elastic hinged connection 30, 30' is extended (elastic deformation), and the abutment portions 16, 18 abut against the supporting portion 24. The relative height between the abutment portions 16, 18 can be adjusted in order to obtain the desired angle on the seat 10. In the illustrated embodiment the external abutment portion 18 is slightly longer (higher) than the internal abutment portion 16.

Furthermore, the vertical distance between the hinged connection's 30, 30' line of rotation and the abutment portions 16, 18 can be adjusted.

The folding seat according to the invention is manufactured by first making a 3D drawing in which external measurements and geometry are inserted. The 3D drawing also includes those parts which have to be embedded in the product, together with holes for bolts. A mould is then milled in a suitable material, for example aluminium. The mould is adapted to the production equipment planned to be employed in the manufacture of the product. All the details which have to be moulded in the structure are included in the mould. This includes the product's shape, details, holes for screws, suspension for parts to be embedded together with necessary production engineering details which are not directly related to the product.

The moulding process comprises the following steps: The mould is opened and the parts to be embedded are inserted in the mould in the correct position. When the mould is closed, the parts to be embedded are simultaneously securely locked to prevent them from moving during moulding.

The mould is placed at the correct angle for filling.

The polyurethane material is mixed in a suitable mixing machine before being poured into the mould through a moulding inlet.

After filling, the product has to remain in the mould until the polyurethane mixture has cured, e.g. a period of approximately 15 minutes.

When the curing time is completed, the mould is opened and the finished product removed. The product is laid on a stable base for cooling. When the product is cooled, the moulding inlet and any excess material are removed before the parts are checked and packed.

Claims

1. A folding seat device, characterised by a seat (10) hinge-connected to a supporting element (20) via an elastic hinged connection (30) about which the seat is rotatable between a first position and a second position, and where the hinged connected is preloaded so that the seat assumes the predefined first position without the help of other devices when the seat is not in use.

2. A device according to claim 1 , where the seat (10), when a force is applied to it, is rotatable from said first position to a second position, where a portion (16, 18) of the seat is supported by a supporting portion (24) on the supporting element (20), and where the seat returns to the first position when the force on the seat is discontinued.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, where the seat comprises a first abutment portion (16) and a second abutment portion (18) for abutment against a supporting portion (24) on the supporting element (20) when the seat is in the second position.

4. A device according to claim 3, where the second abutment portion (18) protrudes further out from the seat than the first abutment portion (16), where the first abutment portion (16) is located between the second abutment portion (18) and the hinged connection (30), and where the first and second abutment portions (16, 18) are located on a level below the hinged connection (30) when the seat is in the second position.

5. A device according to any of the preceding claims, where the seat (10), the supporting element (20) and the hinged connection (30) comprise a homogeneous element of the same material, and preferably a moulded element composed of an elastomer material.

6. A device according to claim 5, where the said material comprises a polyurethane mixture.

7. A device according to any of the preceding claims, where the seat (10) and the supporting element (20) comprise respective embedded stiff elements (19, 25).

8. A device according to any of the preceding claims, where the hinged connection (30) comprises reinforced portions (30').

9. A device according to any of the preceding claims, where the supporting element (20) comprises a mounting portion (21) for affixing to a wall (5), mounting plate and base (2, 4), free-standing chassis or the like.

10. A device according to any of the preceding claims, where the angle between the first position and the second position exceeds 90°, with the result that the first position comprises an oblique angle (a) relative to a vertical plane.

1 1. A device according to claim 10, where the oblique angle (a) is of the order of