Abstract
The invention relates to an active dynamic stool comprising the following: a seat part, a three-dimensional articulation system made up of at least three legs with foot parts at the lower end thereof, wherein the legs each have their upper end mounted on the seat part for movement on seat-part-mounted connecting articulations, such that the seat part can execute oscillating and circular movements in respect of its non-deflected rest position.
Claims
1. An active-dynamic chair, comprising the following: a seat part, a three-dimensional linkage system including at least three legs with respective foot parts at lower ends of the at least three legs, each foot part pivotally coupled to a footplate, wherein each of the at least three legs at an upper end are mounted movably on the seat part by at least three connecting articulations separate from the at least three legs, each of the at least three connecting articulations being attached to a seat-part side of a respective one of the at least three legs such that rocking and circular movements of the seat part can be performed with respect to a non-deflected home position of the seat part; the three-dimensional linkage system is formed by at least three four-bar linkages, each of the at least three four-bar linkages including two directly adjacent legs of the at least three legs, a portion of the footplate, and a portion of and the seat part; the inclination of the seat part changes upon movements of the seat part out of the non-deflected home position into a deflected position, a desired change in inclination of a seat-part plane of the seat part being able to be set by changing a length of the legs and by changing the orientation and inclination of the at least three legs relative to one another; wherein the connecting articulations are formed as elastically deformable articulation bodies which permit three-dimensional rocking, circular, and torsional movements for each of the legs relative to the seat part.
2. The active-dynamic chair according to claim 1, wherein a restoring mechanism is provided to return a deflected seat part automatically into its non-deflected home position.
3. The active-dynamic chair according to claim 2, wherein the restoring mechanism is integrated in the connecting articulations by using elastically deformable articulations which upon deflection of the at least three legs are elastically deformed to generate a restoring force.
4. The active-dynamic chair according to claim 1, wherein each of the foot parts is are mounted movably on the footplate by at least three additional connecting articulations.
5. The active-dynamic chair according to claim 1, wherein the connecting articulations which are on the seat-part side are arranged in a common seat-part plane on an underside of the seat part which defines an inclination of the seat part.
6. The active-dynamic chair according to claim 1, wherein in the non-deflected home position of the seat part, the foot parts are arranged further to an outside or further to an inside or vertically beneath the connecting articulations.
7. The active-dynamic chair according to claim 1, wherein a distance between at least two of the connecting articulations on at least one of the seat part or the foot parts is settable by adjustment means, continuously displaceable along the adjustment means or the legs are each settable in an inclination.
8. An active-dynamic chair, comprising the following: a seat part; a three-dimensional linkage system including three, four or five legs with respective foot parts at lower ends of the legs, each foot part pivotally coupled to a footplate, wherein each of the legs at an upper end are mounted movably on the seat part by three, four or five connecting articulations separate from the legs, each of the connecting articulations being attached to a seat-part side of the respective leg, such that rocking and circular movements of the seat part can be performed with respect to a non-deflected home position of the seat part, and each of the connecting articulations being attached to a respective rail extending lengthwise radially on an underside of the seat part relative to a center of the seat part such that a distance between the connecting articulations can be preset; the three-dimensional linkage system is formed by at least three four-bar linkages, each of the at least three four-bar linkages including two directly adjacent legs of at least three legs of the legs, a portion of the footplate, and a portion of the seat part; an inclination of the seat part changes upon movements of the seat part out of the non-deflected home position into a deflected position, the chair is configured to undergo a desired change in an inclination of a seat-part plane of the seat part in response to at least one of rocking, translational, or rotational forces from movement of a pelvis of an occupant sitting on the seat part, the chair configured for pre-setting the inclination of the seat part by changing a length of the legs and by changing the orientation and inclination of the at least three legs relative to one another.
9. The active-dynamic chair according to claim 8, wherein the three, four or five legs are rigid legs.
10. The active-dynamic chair according to claim 1, wherein the at least three legs are rigid legs.
Description
(1) There are further possible ways of advantageously configuring and developing the teaching of the present invention. For this, reference is made on one hand to the claims dependent upon the independent claims, and to the explanations of preferred embodiments of the invention set out below. Generally preferred configurations and developments will also be explained in conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:
(2) FIG. 1 is a first example of an active-dynamic chair according to the invention;
(3) FIG. 2 is a second example of an active-dynamic chair according to the invention;
(4) FIG. 3 shows four diagrammatic figures for the use of a chair with three legs similarly to FIG. 1;
(5) FIG. 4a, 4b show views of a simplified model of two chair legs of a chair according to the invention in different positions;
(6) FIG. 4c shows views of a simplified model of two chair legs of a chair in different positions in which the seat surface is inclined outwards;
(7) FIG. 4d-4f show views of a simplified model of two chair legs of a chair according to the invention in different positions;
(8) FIG. 5 shows a plurality of views and positions of an embodiment of a chair according to the invention with three legs;
(9) FIG. 5a shows a plurality of views and positions of an embodiment of a chair according to the invention with three legs similarly to FIG. 5;
(10) FIG. 6 shows a plurality of views and positions of an alternative embodiment of a chair according to the invention with three legs;
(11) FIG. 7 shows a plurality of views and positions of a further embodiment of a chair according to the invention with three legs;
(12) FIG. 8a-8c show a plurality of alternative embodiments of a chair according to the invention;
(13) FIG. 9a-9b show two further alternative embodiments of a chair according to the invention;
(14) FIG. 10 shows a view of a footplate and a seat part with adjustable articulations in a top view and bottom view respectively;
(15) FIG. 11 is a further example of a chair according to the invention with three legs in a central column, and
(16) FIG. 12 shows a chair leg, the inclination of which can be set by means of an adjustable articulation.
(17) FIGS. 1 and 2 show two examples of an active-dynamic chair 1 according to the invention with a three-dimensional linkage system 100. The chair 1 in FIG. 1 is a stool here, and comprises a seat part 2 and three resilient legs 3 with foot parts 4, which are connected in each case to the seat part 2 by means of a rigid fastening element 5 such that the seat part 2 can be moved to and fro from its non-deflected home position into a deflected position, as is illustrated diagrammatically in the views of FIG. 3. The upper distance D.sub.1 between two directly adjacent legs 3 in the seat-part plane E spanned by the fastening elements 5 in such case is less than the distance D.sub.2 (close to the ground) between the respective foot parts 4. In FIG. 2, four resilient connecting articulations 5 have been connected to rigid legs 3.
(18) A person 40 may, inter alia, perform the movements illustrated in FIG. 3 on the chair. In the upper right-hand and the lower left-hand view, the chair 1 is in its home position which the chair 1 adopts when it is not deflected. Upon swaying laterally to and fro and also upon rocking forwards and backwards, the inclination of the seat-part plane E changes, as is indicated in the lower right-hand and upper left-hand views of FIG. 3.
(19) In FIG. 5, the seat part 2 in the second figure from the top is shown in a top view and the positions of the connecting articulations 5 are indicated merely in order to represent the positions. The seat part 2 may perform rocking and circular movements and thus also be deflected at various azimuth angles . Exemplified deflections are represented with the arrows in the arrow directions A, V, R, S away from the centre Z outwards in each case. The central region between the articulations 5 on the seat part 2 is defined as the centre Z. In this case, that region of the seat part 2 which is located towards the outside upon movements in a direction of an arrow (here in the direction of the arrow R) in each case offset from the centre Z is referred to as outer region 2a, whereas that region of the seat part 2 which lies opposite with respect to the centre Z is referred to as inner region 2i in each case.
(20) Upon a movement towards the rear (backwards) in the direction of the arrow R, as also shown in the lower right-hand view of FIG. 3, the seat-part plane E in the region 2a located further to the outside is raised, while the inner region 2i is lowered, as a result of which the seat-part plane tilts towards the centre Z, as is illustrated by the inclination of the normal vector N of the seat-part plane E in FIG. 4a. The arrow represents the normal vector N of the plane E.
(21) In the home position of the chair (the middle figure in each case in FIG. 4a-4c), the seat-part plane E is oriented parallel to the base surface F and the normal vector N runs perpendicularly upwards. The FIGS. 4a-4f show different movement positions of chairs in a simplified model which reflects the model previously described of four-bar linkages from the linkage system. For reasons of better presentation, in each case only two chair legs 3 are viewed in a side view, which legs are connected movably to the seat part 2 at their upper ends via articulations 5, whereas the lower ends of the legs 3 are located on the base surface F at a different distance D.sub.2. The distance D.sub.1 between the legs 3 between the articulations 5 in the section region of the plane E is different in the FIGS. 4a-4f, so the principle according to the invention can be illustrated simply thereby.
(22) FIG. 4a shows a model of a four-bar linkage 20 of a chair 1 according to the invention. The distance D.sub.2 (defined as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4d) between the foot parts 4 of two adjacent legs 3 on the base surface F is greater than the distance D.sub.1 (defined as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4d) between the legs 3 between the articulations 5 in the section region of the plane E.
(23) If the chair 1 is deflected out of the home position into the supine position shown in the right-hand figure of FIG. 4a (as in the lower right-hand view of FIG. 3), the seat-part plane E inclines to the left towards the centre and that region 2a of the seat part 2 located further to the outside in the direction of movement R is raised, whereas the region 2i located further to the inside is lowered in height relative to the base surface F. This results from the leg ends at the articulations 5 being located along circular paths in a clockwise direction in sections on the circular path which differ in each case. The right-hand (outer) leg 3 moves with its upper articulation 5 in an upwards movement in a region between the 9-o'clock position towards the 12-o'clock position. The left-hand leg 3 moves with its articulation 5 along a circular downwards movement in a segment of a circle between the 12-o'clock position and the 3-o'clock position. This movement curve in this example is caused by the greater distance D.sub.2 between the legs 3 between the foot parts 4 compared with the distance D.sub.1 between the legs 3 between the articulations 5. The legs 3 in such case may also be mounted movably at articulations 5 on a footplate 8.
(24) Alternatively, also different leg lengths can be used, since the leg ends with the articulations 5 are moved along different circular paths and the inclination of the seat part likewise changes as a result.
(25) Upon a movement of the seat part 2 in the opposite direction V forwards (upper left-hand figure of FIG. 4a), the sequence of movement is exactly the opposite.
(26) FIG. 4b shows a model of a four-bar linkage 20 of a chair 1 in which the inclination of the seat part 2 remains constant. This results from the vertical symmetrical position of the legs and the identical upper and lower distance between the legs 3. This achieves displacement of the seat part 2 upon which the seat-part plane E, upon a movement into a position as illustrated on the left and on the right in FIG. 4b, moves downwards. In this way, it is possible to prevent a change in the seat inclination occurring in the event of movements of the seat part 2. The rocking movement between the left-hand and right-hand view shown in the figures of FIG. 4c corresponds to the rocking movement of a pendulum chair in which the distance D.sub.2 between the chair legs 3 at the ground is less than the distance D.sub.1 at the top in the region at the connecting articulations 5. This brings about tilting of the seat outwards (as indicated by the normal vector N).
(27) FIGS. 4d to 4f depict further forms of movement of chair models similarly to the embodiments of FIGS. 4a to 4c. Identical reference numerals here indicate identical features. The four-bar linkages shown here are moved with their coupler 22 (which corresponds to the seat part 2). The vertical projection of the coupler 22 onto the base surface F is represented by the projection line 21.
(28) It can be seen that, in the positions of the legs 3 which are shown with a greater lower distance in the foot region at the foot parts 4, the seat inclination (as described in greater detail above) is inclined towards the centre. In this case, the seat-part plane E is raised in the outer region 2a, while the inner region 2i is lowered, as a result of which the seat part 2 tilts towards the centre.
(29) FIG. 5 shows a plurality of positions in the case of the movement of a chair 1 according to the invention with a seat part 2. FIG. 5a diagrammatically indicates a sequence of movement which is comparable to the embodiment of FIG. 5. In the upper figure of FIG. 5, the chair 1 is shown in its home position and stands with the three legs 3 with its foot parts 4 on the base surface F. The legs 3 are in each case further spaced apart in pairs in the region of the foot parts 4 than in the seat-part plane E in which the connecting articulations 5 are arranged. In this embodiment, the connecting articulations 5 form receptacles for the ends of the legs 3. The legs 3 extend in each case inclined relative to the vertical from the ground to the connecting articulation 5 towards the centre Z. In the further figures of FIGS. 5 and 5a, a movement of the seat part 2 in the direction R backwards or V forwards is illustrated, whereas however only the front two legs 3 are illustrated in the side view, while the rear left-hand leg 3 is hidden. The seat-part plane E with its movement in the direction R is raised with its seat-part region 2a which is located to the outside. In the lower view, the change in the inclination of the seat-part plane E upon movements in the forwards direction V and backwards direction R is indicated by a broken line. This curve of the change in inclination of the seat-part plane exhibits a concave course in this example.
(30) However, the inclination of the seat-part plane E of the chair 1 of FIGS. 5 and 5a also follows upon lateral movements for example in the direction S or other directions A in accordance with the movement pattern described above.
(31) FIG. 6 shows a plurality of positions of a chair 1 in which there is a different orientation of the articulations 5 and the legs 3 in the home position and the legs 3, in particular in the region of the foot parts 4, are at a lesser distance apart than in the region of the articulations 5. This results in a movement pattern, as indicated in the lower figures of FIG. 6, in which the seat-part plane E tilts away outwards from the centre Z. In the lower view, the change in the inclination of the seat-part plane E upon movements in the forwards direction V and backwards direction R is indicated by a broken line. This curve exhibits a convex course.
(32) FIG. 7 shows a plurality of positions of a chair 1 in which there is a parallel orientation of the legs 3, and the legs 3 in the region of the foot parts 4 are therefore at an identical distance apart to the distance in the region of the resilient connecting articulations 5. This results in a movement pattern as is indicated in the lower figures of FIG. 7, with the seat-part plane E upon movements remaining oriented parallel to the ground, but being lowered in its vertical position. The upper views show two different orientations of the chair 1. The inclination of the seat-part plane E in the case of movements in the forwards direction V and backwards direction R is reproduced with the aid of the broken line. This curve exhibits a rectilinear course, which means that the relative inclination does not change upon the movements shown.
(33) In the figures of FIGS. 8a to 9b, exemplified alternative configurations of a chair 1 according to the invention with a seat part 2 and an annular footrest 8 are shown. The legs 3 in FIGS. 8a, 8b and also 9a and 9b at their upper ends are articulated to the seat part 2 with the connecting articulations 5 (similarly to the embodiments previously described). In FIGS. 8a, 8b, 9a and 9b, the foot parts 4 are likewise formed as connecting articulations 5 or connected in articulated manner with articulations 5. The configuration of the connecting articulations 5 close to the ground is such that the movement of the legs 3 is not hindered. In the present case, resilient articulations 5 are illustrated.
(34) In FIGS. 8a, 8b and 9b, further the legs 3 are formed resiliently, whereas the legs 3 in FIG. 9a are constructed rigidly, but can be telescoped and hence adjusted in terms of length by means of telescoping devices 9. In this way, the inclination of the seat-part plane E can be pre-set or changed.
(35) FIG. 8c shows a special embodiment in which a sprung oscillating arm 11 bears the seat part 2, and on the lower end (close to the ground) thereof three vertically oriented legs 3 extend upwards in the direction of the seat part 2 and are connected there to a further spring arm 11 with a footrest 8. Each spring arm 11 forms a holding plate with connecting articulations 5, on which articulations the legs 3 are mounted in articulated manner.
(36) In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting articulations 5 are provided on the seat part 2 and/or the footplate 8 so as to be settable, preferably radially displaceable or changeable in position.
(37) FIG. 10 shows a top view of a footplate 8 in which the footplate 8 is provided with adjustment elements 30. In the present example, the adjustment elements 30 are formed as rails 30 along which the articulations 5 can be moved to and fro and can be fixed in their positions on the rail 30 by means of a fastening device 31, such as a locking lever with an eccentric. In this way, the inclination of the legs 3 and hence the distance, close to the ground, between the legs 3 can be varied. It is particularly preferable in such case also to be able to vary the inclination of the connecting articulations 5. This is shown by way of example in the figures of FIG. 12, where an articulation 5 which is inherently resilient is mounted in a socket on the seat part 2 so as to be adjustable in its inclination and can be fixed in its set position by means of a locking means 5a (for example a locking screw or an eccentric). In this way, the inclination of the legs is adjustable for the seat user.
(38) FIG. 10 further illustrates a bottom view of a seat part 2 with corresponding rails 30 for displacing the articulations 5. Such a seat part 2 can be combined with a foot part 8 as previously described, so that many different possible ways of setting the articulations 5 and hence the orientation and relative distances between the legs 3 are yielded.
(39) In this way, the chair user can set the desired seat inclination and change in inclination individually.
(40) FIG. 11 shows a further example of a chair 1 according to the invention with a three-dimensional linkage system 100 consisting of three legs 3 which form a three-part column 50. The method of operation and connection to the foot part 8 and the seat part 2 is implemented analogously to the embodiments described above by means of connecting articulations 5.
(41) Combinations of the embodiments previously mentioned and of individual features are also covered and are intended to be able to be claimed individually, as are alternative embodiments which are not explicitly mentioned. Thus for example instead of the rails 30 individual receiving positions can be provided on the foot part 8 and/or on the seat part 2 in order to be able to effect defined settings. Advantageously, these are lockable, adjustable in inclination and individually settable. Further, provision may be made for the legs 3 in their inclination relative to each other to be settable and lockable in inclination in a plane radially to the centre by an adjustment mechanism. It is particularly advantageous if the adjustment mechanism has a stop, preferably in a direction towards the front and towards the rear, or towards the inside and towards the outside.
