U.S. patent application number 09/783370 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-11 for seating furniture with rocking seat.
Invention is credited to Kielhorn, Marion.
Application Number | 20010028187 09/783370 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7630890 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010028187 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kielhorn, Marion |
October 11, 2001 |
Seating furniture with rocking seat
Abstract
A seating furniture has a seat which is adapted to be rocked
about a swiveling axis extending parallel to the seat. The seat
comprises at least two limiting elements for limiting an angle of
swing about the swiveling axis. The limiting elements are attached
to the seating furniture in a region of the seat and extend,
relative to the swiveling axis, towards opposite sides of the
floor.
Inventors: |
Kielhorn, Marion; (Berlin,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Donald A. Schurr
Marshall & Melhorn, LLC
8th Floor
Four SeaGate
Toledo
OH
43604
US
|
Family ID: |
7630890 |
Appl. No.: |
09/783370 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/310 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 3/02 20130101; A47C
3/029 20130101; A47C 9/002 20130101; A47C 3/0255 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/310 |
International
Class: |
A47C 003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 15, 2000 |
DE |
P10006556.2 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A seating furniture comprising a) a seat which can be rocked by
a limited angle of swing relative to a swiveling axis, the
swiveling axis extending parallel to the seat; and b) at least two
limiting elements limiting the angle of swing, the limiting
elements being attached to the seating furniture in a region of the
seat and extending away from the seat towards opposite sides
relative to the swiveling axis.
2. The seating furniture according to claim 1, wherein the seat is
substantially X-shaped.
3. The seating furniture according to claim 2, wherein the seat has
two sections extending at right angles to each other and wherein
the swiveling axis extends parallel to a first one of the two
sections and perpendicular to a second one of the two sections.
4. The seating furniture according to claim 1, wherein a sitting
position relative to the swiveling axis may be freely chosen.
5. The seating furniture according to claim 1, wherein the
swiveling axis is disposed in a region of a floor.
6. The seating furniture according to claim 1, wherein the limiting
elements extend at an angle between 65.degree. to 85.degree.
relative to the seat.
7. The seating furniture according to claim 1, wherein the limiting
elements are disposed in a region of opposite ends of the seat.
8. The seating furniture according to claim 1, wherein the limiting
elements are legs.
9. The seating furniture according to claim 1, wherein the
swiveling axis is defined by two legs, the legs being disposed in a
region of opposite ends of the seat.
10. The seating furniture according to claim 1, wherein a
supporting structure is disposed in a region of a lower surface of
the seat, the supporting structure comprising, at a free end
thereof facing away from the seat, an element defining the
swiveling axis.
11. The seating furniture according to claim 10, wherein the
supporting structure is at least one of vertically adjustable,
provided with resilient elements or detachable.
12. The seating furniture according to claim 1, wherein at least
one of the seat and the limiting elements is at least one of
vertically adjustable, provided with resilient elements or
detachable.
13. The seating furniture according to claim 1, wherein a first
receiving aperture for a back-rest and a second receiving aperture
for the back-rest are provided in the seat and wherein the second
receiving aperture is offset relative to the first receiving
aperture by an angle of 45.degree. to 90.degree. relative to an
axis extending perpendicular to the seat.
14. The seating furniture according to claim 1, wherein the seating
furniture is foldable.
15. A seating furniture comprising a) a seat which can be rocked by
a limited angle of swing relative to a swiveling axis, the
swiveling axis extending parallel to the seat and the seat being
substantially X-shaped; and b) at least two limiting elements
limiting the angle of swing, the limiting elements being attached
to the seating furniture in a region of seat and extending away
from the seat towards opposite sides relative to the swiveling
axis.
16. The seating furniture according to claim 15, wherein a sitting
position relative to the swiveling axis may be freely chosen.
17. A seating furniture comprising a) a seat which can be rocked by
a limited angle of swing relative to a swiveling axis, the seat
having two sections extending approximately at right angles to each
other, the swiveling axis extending parallel to a first one of the
two sections, perpendicular to a second one of the two sections and
parallel to the seat such that a sitting position relative to the
swiveling axis may be freely chosen; and b) at least two limiting
elements limiting the angle of swing, the limiting elements
extending away from the seat towards opposite sides relative to the
swiveling axis.
18. A seating furniture comprising a) a seat which can be rocked by
a limited angle of swing relative to a swiveling axis, the
swiveling axis extending parallel to seat; and b) at least two
limiting elements limiting the angle of swing and extending away
from the seat towards opposite sides relative to the swiveling
axis, a first one of the limiting elements being attached to the
seating furniture in a region of the seat and a second one of the
limiting elements being attached to the seating furniture in a
region of a back-rest.
19. The seating furniture according to claim 18, wherein the seat
is substantially X-shaped.
20. The seating furniture according to claim 19, wherein a sitting
position relative to the swiveling axis may be freely chosen.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a seating furniture having
a seat which is adapted to be rocked about a swiveling axis
extending parallel to said seat, wherein the angle of swing about
the swiveling axis is limited.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] A seating furniture having a rocking seat is known for
example from DE 199 14 643 A1. A downward extending supporting tube
is disposed at the center of the seat on a lower surface thereof
which faces the floor. A tubular element, the longitudinal axis of
which defines a swiveling axis extending perpendicular to the
sitting direction and parallel to the seat, is attached to the
supporting tube perpendicular to the sitting direction in a region
of the floor. The sitting direction is the direction in which a
person looks after being seated on the seating furniture.
[0005] A beam, which extends parallel to the seat and perpendicular
to the tubular element and having a certain distance from the
floor, is connected to the central supporting tube. When the ends
of the beam touch the floor during a rocking motion, a further
turning about the swiveling axis is prevented and thus a tilting of
the seating furniture avoided. Consequently, the angle of swing
about the swiveling axis is limited by means of the beam. The
object of the present invention is to provide a seating furniture
having enhanced functionality and which is of advantage in view of
ergonomics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Said object is achieved according to the present invention
by a seating furniture having a seat which is adapted to be rocked
about a swiveling axis extending parallel to the seat, wherein the
angle of swing about the swiveling axis is limited by at least two
limiting elements being attached to the seating furniture
preferably in a region of the seat and extending away from the seat
towards opposite sides relative to the swiveling axis. According to
a first variant of the invention, the two limiting elements are
both attached to the seating furniture in a region of the seat,
e.g. directly to the seat. According to a second variant of the
invention, a first one of the limiting elements is attached to the
seating furniture in a region of the seat and a second one of the
limiting elements is attached to the seating furniture in a region
of a back-rest thereof, e.g. directly to the back-rest.
[0007] In accordance with the present invention the term "seat"
designates the entire element in which the planar or curved
two-dimensional area is formed on which a person may sit. In
addition to the swiveling axis extending parallel to the seat a
swiveling axis extending perpendicular to the seat may also be
provided for the seat.
[0008] The limiting elements, which are arranged in the region of
the seat or the back-rest, may be directly attached to the seat or
the back-rest. The limiting elements may also be attached to the
seating furniture at a short distance away from the seat or the
back-rest, e.g. to an element which is coupled with the seat like a
supporting tube which is stationary or rotatable with respect to
the seat. In accordance with the invention the at least two
limiting elements may also be designed as an integral, e.g. plane,
structure, provided that the integral structure comprises portions
extending away from the seat towards opposite sides relative to the
swiveling axis. Said portions of the integral structure then form
the limiting elements according to the invention.
[0009] A seating furniture comprising two, three, four or more
limiting elements, which are attached on opposite sides relative to
the swiveling axis in the region of the seat, e.g. on the lower
seat surface or at the periphery of the seat, can be easily
manufactured. Furthermore, a seating furniture of such
configuration has an increased stability over conventional seats
with a rocking seat.
[0010] The seat may for example take the form of a square, a
circle, a triangle, a cross, a polygon or a lying eight.
Preferably, substantially X-shaped seats are used. Sitting in a
position which is of particular advantage in view of ergonomics can
be ensured because of the substantially X-shaped configuration of
the seat. This is due to the fact that an X-shaped seat is, on the
whole, experienced to be most comfortable in a plurality of
possible sitting positions, for example inclined backwards,
forwards, to the left or to the right relative to the sitting
direction.
[0011] The advantages of the X-shaped seat become particularly
apparent when the sitting direction is changed relative to the
swiveling axis, i.e. when another sitting position is chosen. By
virtue of the X-shaped seat it can be ensured that the sitting
comfort is kept constantly high, regardless of whether e.g. a
sitting direction parallel or perpendicular to the swiveling axis
is chosen. The X-shaped seat is also advantageous because it allows
easy stacking of seating furniture.
[0012] The position of the swiveling axis relative to the sitting
direction may preferably be freely chosen by the person being
seated on the seat. There may be at least two different sitting
positions available to a person being seated, i.e. the person may
chose e.g. between sitting directions perpendicular or parallel to
the swiveling axis. The swiveling axis may also form an acute angle
of more than 0.degree. and less than 90.degree. with the sitting
direction. The swiveling axis is advantageously arranged in the
region of the floor, i.e. directly in the plane of the floor or
slightly above it.
[0013] The limiting elements may form an angle between 65.degree.
to 85.degree., and in particular between 70.degree. to 80.degree.,
with the seat in such a manner that the spacing between the
limiting elements increases as the distance from the seat
increases. Furthermore, the limiting elements are preferably
disposed in the region of opposed ends of the seat. The limiting
elements are most preferably provided in pairs, wherein an
imaginary connecting line between individual limiting elements of a
pair may extend perpendicular to the swiveling axis. In particular,
exactly two limiting elements may be provided, the imaginary
connecting line of which extends perpendicular to the swiveling
axis and passes through a central point in the middle of the seat.
The limiting elements may be designed as legs in the manner of the
legs of a chair and may have a substantially cylindrical shape.
[0014] The swiveling axis, extending parallel to the seat, is
defined by a supporting structure, which is preferably attached in
the region of the lower seat surface and which extends towards the
floor. The seat may be rotatable relative to the supporting
structure about an axis extending perpendicular to the seat. The
supporting structure may also be configured such that it may be
arrested in various angular positions relative to the seat. In
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the
supporting structure is defined by two or more separate legs. One
leg each may for example be disposed on opposite ends of the seat.
The swiveling axis thus matches with the imaginary connecting line
of the ends of the two legs facing the floor. The legs of the
supporting structure may thus form an angle between 70.degree. to
88.degree., preferably between 75.degree. to 85.degree., with the
seat in such a manner that the spacing between the legs increases
as the distance from the seat increases.
[0015] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention the supporting structure, which defines the swiveling
axis, comprises a central supporting element, which is e.g.
disposed on the lower seat surface. At its end facing away from the
seat the supporting element may comprise an element, which extends
parallel to the seat and defines a swiveling axis extending
perpendicular to the supporting element. The supporting structure
has thus substantially the form of an upside-down T. The supporting
element as well as the element defining the swiveling axis may for
example be tubular in shape.
[0016] In accordance with a third embodiment of the present
invention the supporting structure is formed as a plane or
frame-like element, e.g. in the form of a rectangle being disposed
at the lower seat surface.
[0017] The seat, the limiting elements and the supporting
structure, which define the swiveling axis, may be vertically
adjustable so that the seating furniture may individually be
adapted to the height of a person or the working environment of the
person, respectively. It is also possible to make any of these
components resilient or to provide any of these components with a
resilient member in order to increase the sitting comfort.
Moreover, it is also conceivable to make said components
detachable. In this manner it is possible to reduce the space
requirements of the seat, which facilitates transportation thereof.
Transportation can also be facilitated if the seating furniture has
a foldable construction.
[0018] The seat may further comprise a back-rest. The back-rest is
preferably of such functionality that it provides a uniformly good
hold in various sitting directions relative to the swiveling axis.
In accordance with one embodiment the seat comprises, in a
peripheral region, i.e. at the edge, a receiving aperture for the
back-rest so that the back-rest may be detachably connected with
the seat. The seat preferably comprises at least one further
receiving aperture, which is offset relative to the first receiving
aperture by an angle of from 45.degree. to 90.degree. relative to
an axis extending perpendicular to the seat and passing through the
center of the seat. The back-rest may thus be detachable and
adapted to the respective sitting position by changing between the
two receiving apertures. Instead of a detachable back-rest, also a
back-rest may be provided which may be swiveled either continuously
or between predetermined angular positions about an axis extending
perpendicular to the seat.
[0019] The back-rest may have a shaft, which comprises, at an end
facing away from the seat, a supporting member. The supporting
member is preferably configured such that it may be attached to the
shaft in at least two different positions. The supporting member
may thus be arranged for example in a first position parallel to
the sitting direction and in a second position perpendicular to the
sitting direction.
[0020] In case the seat is X-shaped, the seat preferably comprises
two sections extending perpendicular to each other, wherein the
swiveling axis may extend parallel to the first section of the X
and perpendicular to the second section of the X. It is possible to
dispose the limiting elements in the region of opposite ends of the
first section and to dispose the legs, defining the swiveling axis,
in the region of opposite ends of the second section.
[0021] In order to increase the sitting comfort the seat may be
upholstered. Furthermore, it may be curved downwards (concave) or
curved upwards (convex) with respect to the floor. In case of an
X-shaped seat the concave or convex shape may be realized by making
both sections U-shaped, wherein the ends of each section are at a
greater or lesser distance from the floor than the respective
centers of the sections.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Further advantages and details of the present invention will
become apparent from the embodiments and drawings, in which
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a seating furniture in
accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIGS. 2a-2d show the use of the seating furniture shown in
FIG. 1;
[0025] FIGS. 3a-3c show a second embodiment of a seating furniture
in accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIGS. 4 to 22 show further embodiments of a seating
furniture in accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIGS. 23a to 23m show various embodiments of seats; and
[0028] FIGS. 24a to 24b show an embodiment of a foldable seating
furniture.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFFERED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a seating furniture in
accordance with the present invention in the form of a stool 10.
Stool 10 comprises an X-shaped seat 12 having two sections 14, 16
extending perpendicular to each other. Stool 10 is placed on a
floor 18.
[0030] Seat 12 is curved such that the ends of sections 14, 16 are
extending slightly upwards. The X-shaped seat 12 makes it possible
to be comfortably seated on stool 10 in two sitting directions
perpendicular to one another. The sitting direction may either be
parallel or perpendicular to e.g. section 14.
[0031] Stool 10 comprises two legs 22, 24 of equal length 1, which
are connected to the lower surface 26 of seat 12 in a region of
opposite ends of section 14. Legs 22, 24 slightly stand off from
seat 12 towards the outside and form an angle of about 850 with
seat 12. Legs 22, 24 could also have different lengths.
[0032] Stool 10 comprises two further legs 28, 30 of equal length
1'. Legs 28, 30 are connected to the lower surface 26 of seat 12 in
a region of opposite ends of section 16. Legs 28, 30 slightly stand
off from seat 12 towards the outside and form an angle of about 750
with seat 12. Legs 28, 30 could also have different lengths.
[0033] Length l' of legs 28, 30, which are disposed in the region
of opposite ends of section 16, is somewhat less than length 1 of
legs 22, 24, which are disposed in the region of opposite ends of
section 14. Legs 28, 30 form an angle with seat 12 which is by
10.degree. more acute than that of legs 22, 24. The effective
length l.sub.eff=l.multidot.sin85.degr- ee. of legs 22, 24 is thus
greater than the effective length l'.sub.eff=l'.multidot.sin
75.degree. of legs 28, 30. Due to the different effective lengths,
seat 12 can be rocked about a swiveling axis 32, which coincides
with the imaginary connecting line of the free ends of legs 22, 24
having the greater effective length and being disposed on the floor
18. The swiveling axis 32 extends parallel to section 14 and
perpendicular to section 16 of seat 12.
[0034] The rocking motion of the seat 12 about the swiveling axis
32 is limited by the legs 28, 30 having the shorter effective
length. When one of said legs 28, 30 comes into contact with the
floor 18 it prevents a further turning about the swiveling axis 32.
The turning about the swiveling axis 32 is thus limited to a
maximum angle of swing .alpha..
[0035] A person being seated on stool 10 shown in FIG. 1 may either
balance on legs 22, 24 so that the two other legs 28, 30 are
suspended in the air (rocking position, unstable balance). However,
the person may also place e.g. a further leg 28 on the floor 18, as
is shown in FIG. 1, so that only one leg 30 is suspended in the air
(rest position, stable balance).
[0036] In FIGS. 2a to 2d the use of stool 10 shown in FIG. 1 is
illustrated in more detail. In FIG. 2a sitting direction and
swiveling axis are in parallel to one another. As illustrated in
FIG. 2a, a person 36 seated on stool 10 is currently holding his
balance, but may rock to the left or to the right relative to the
sitting direction or place the left or right leg 28, 30 of stool 10
on the floor 18, respectively.
[0037] In the illustration shown in FIG. 2b person 36 has changed
the sitting direction. The sitting direction now extends
perpendicular to the swiveling axis and person 36 rests on the rear
leg 28. In FIG. 2c person 36 is currently holding his balance, but
may rock forwards or backwards relative to the sitting direction.
In FIG. 2d person 36 is inclined forwards, e.g. in order to work,
and rests on leg 30 of stool 10.
[0038] A further embodiment of a seating furniture in accordance
with the present invention in the form of a chair 38 is illustrated
in FIGS. 3a to 3c. Chair 38 has the same configuration as stool 10
shown in FIG. 1 as far as the rocking mechanism is concerned, so
that a detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0039] Chair 38 shown in FIG. 3a is provided with a single
receiving aperture 40 for a back-rest in order to provide an
improved hold during a rocking motion. The back-rest may be
detachably attached in the receiving aperture 40. Chair 38 shown in
FIGS. 3b and 3c comprises, apart from a first receiving aperture 40
for a back-rest, a further receiving aperture 42 for the back-rest.
The further receiving aperture 42 is offset relative to the first
receiving aperture 40 by an angle of 90.degree. relative to an axis
extending perpendicular to seat 12. By exchanging the back-rest
between the two receiving apertures 40, 42 it may be ensured that a
person seated on chair 38 is provided with sufficient hold in both
sitting directions shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The back-rest disposed
in the receiving aperture 42 shown in FIG. 3b comprises a shaft 44
and an upholstered supporting member 46 disposed on the shaft.
Supporting member 46 having the form of a head of a horse may be
disposed on shaft 44 in two different positions, namely
perpendicular (FIG. 3b) and parallel (FIG. 3c) to the sitting
direction. Chair 38 may thus also be used as a rocking-horse (FIG.
3c).
[0040] Further embodiments of the seating furniture in accordance
with the present invention are shown in FIGS. 4 to 22. Like
elements are given like reference numerals.
[0041] Chair 38 shown in FIG. 4 has a seat 12 which is rotatable
relative 50 legs 22, 24, 28, 30. For this purpose an X-shaped
support 50 is provided, which is connected to the seat 12 by means
of a hinge 51. One of legs 22, 24, 28, 30 is each disposed at one
of the four ends of the X-shaped support 50. The X-shaped seat 12
of chair 38 is formed by to two upholstered and intersecting
sections 14, 16 being disposed perpendicular to one another.
[0042] Stool 10 shown in FIG. 5 has two shorter legs 28, 30 and
each shorter leg 28, 30 is provided with a resilient element 52,
54. One resilient element 52, 54 each is disposed at a free end of
each leg 28, 30 and dampens the touch down of the respective leg
28, 30 on the floor 18. For example helical springs or rubber
cylinders are suited for the resilient elements 52, 54.
[0043] Stool 10 shown in FIG. 6 has a similar structure as the
stool shown in FIG. 5. Stool 10 comprises two short hollow
cylinders 58, 60 which radially surround the two short legs 28, 30
at the outside and are guided in a freely sliding manner along legs
28, 30. The length of the hollow cylinders is chosen such that the
hollow cylinders 58, 60 are in constant contact with the floor 18
due to their weight regardless of the rocking position of stool 10.
Resilient elements, as shown in FIG. 5, may be arranged within the
hollow cylinders 58, 60 in order to dampen the rocking motion.
[0044] FIGS. 7a to 7c show stools 10 having a supporting structure
64 in the form of an upside-down T which is attached to seat 12.
Supporting structure 64 comprises a supporting tube 66 extending
perpendicular to seat 12 and a traverse tube 68 extending
perpendicular to supporting tube 66 and parallel to seat 12.
Traverse tube 68 defines the swiveling axis 32 for seat 12 in the
plane of the floor 18.
[0045] A common stationary tube 70 passes through each of the
traverse tubes 68 of the three stools 10 depicted in FIG. 7b.
Stationary tube 70 permits lining up of stools 10. Stool 10
depicted in FIG. 7c has a rotatable seat 12.
[0046] Stool 10 shown in FIG. 8 comprises a square seat 12. Plane
structures 74, 76 extending perpendicular to seat 12 are disposed
on two opposite sides of seat 12. Each one of the two plane
structures 74, 76 has a V-shaped profile at its free end facing
away from seat 12. The tip 78, 80 of each V faces the floor 18.
[0047] The two plane structures 74, 76 combine the supporting
structure (which defines the swiveling axis 32) and the limiting
elements in an integral manner. The swiveling axis 32 is given by
the imaginary connecting line of tips 78, 80 of the two Vs. In
total four end faces 82, 84, 86, 88 of the plane structures 74, 76,
extending perpendicular to seat 12 in the embodiment shown in FIG.
8, serve as limiting elements extending away from seat 12 towards
opposite sides relative to the swiveling axis 32.
[0048] Stool 10 shown in FIG. 9 is configured in such a manner that
the shorter legs 28, 30 intersect or cross each other below seat
12. The two shorter legs 28, 30 may be connected to each other
either fixedly or resiliently at the point of intersection 92 of
the two legs 28, 30.
[0049] Stool 10 shown in FIG. 10 has four legs 22, 24, 28, 30 which
are vertically adjustable at their respective free ends. According
to an embodiment not depicted in FIG. 10, only the pair of shorter
legs 28, 30 or only the pair of longer legs 22, 24 is vertically
adjustable.
[0050] Stools 10 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 have a seat 12 which
resembles a lying eight. A supporting structure 64 in the form of
an upside-down T extends away from the center of the eight towards
the floor 18.
[0051] Each stool 10 comprises a foothold 96. Stool 10 shown in
FIG. 11 has a rod-shaped or tubular foothold 96 which is rotatably
disposed at one of the two shorter legs 28, 30. In the position
depicted in FIG. 10 the foothold 96 extends substantially
perpendicular to leg 28. Foothold 96 can be folded to rest upon leg
28. Stool 10 shown in FIG. 12 has a foothold 96 which is integrally
formed at the supporting structure 64. The traverse beam 68 of the
T is curved in such a manner that portions which are parallel to
the floor 18 are created somewhat above the floor 18, which
portions serve as footholds 96.
[0052] Chairs 38, shown in FIGS. 13a to 13c and 14, comprise a
back-rest composed of a shaft 44 and a supporting member 46
attached to the shaft 44. Chair 38 shown in FIG. 13a has a
supporting member 46 which can be rotated about an axis of rotation
extending parallel to seat 12 for making seating more comfortable.
In chair 38 shown in FIG. 13b the supporting member 46 is
additionally provided with a resilient element 98. Resilient
element 98 is disposed between supporting member 46 and shaft 44
and dampens the movements of supporting member 46. Chair 38
according to FIG. 13c has a supporting member 46 which is
vertically adjustable along shaft 44. Chair 38 depicted in FIG. 14
has a shaft 44. An inclination of shaft 44 relative to seat 12 can
be freely adjusted.
[0053] Stool 38 illustrated in FIG. 15 has a handhold 100 which is
disposed at an end face of seat 12.
[0054] In stool 10 shown in FIGS. 16a to 16c the two shorter legs
28, 30 are hingedly attached to seat 12 by means of hinges 104, 106
and may be arrested within a certain angular range in arbitrary
angular positions. Stool 10 according to FIG. 16c has rolls 105
attached to the free ends of the shorter legs 22, 24.
[0055] Stool 10 shown in FIG. 17 has a vertically adjustable seat
12. A supporting structure 110 of stool 10 is H-shaped and
comprises two vertical legs 22, 24 connected to each other by a
horizontal element 25. One hollow cylinder each is guided along the
two vertical legs 22, 24. Each hollow cylinder is fixedly connected
to seat 12 and may be arrested in arbitrary vertical positions
relative to the vertical legs 22, 24.
[0056] Stool 10 shown in FIG. 18 has two longer legs 22, 24 which
may be pivoted relative to seat 12 and parallel to an imaginary
connecting plane of the two shorter legs 28, 30. The pivoted legs
22, 24 may be arrested within a predetermined angular range in
arbitrary angular positions relative to seat 12 so that the tilting
point of stool 10 is adjustable.
[0057] Stool 10 of FIG. 19 has four rolls 105 attached to free ends
of legs 22, 24, 26, 28, respectively.
[0058] Each of chairs 38 shown in FIGS. 20a and 20b comprises a
shorter leg 30 which is attached to a shaft 44 of a back-rest.
Chair 38 according to FIG. 20a has a shorter leg 30 which is
moveable within an imaginary connecting plane of shorter legs 28,
30. This permits selection of a more stable sitting position by
arresting leg 30 in a suitable angular position. The center of
motion of leg 30 is disposed at the shaft 44 of the back-rest. A
rod 112 which is movably attached to leg 30 and guided within seat
12 may be arrested in the region of seat 12. By arresting rod 112
leg 30 may be fixed in the desired angular position.
[0059] Chair 38 depicted in FIG. 20b has a shaft 44 which is formed
from a metal tube and which is bent in the shape of an U at its end
facing away from seat 12. The shorter leg 30 is integrally formed
with a free portion of the U extending towards floor 18. A spring
107 is disposed between the free portion of the U extending towards
floor 18 and the portion of the U attached to seat 12.
[0060] A stool 10 having a plane supporting structure 114 is shown
in FIG. 21. The plane supporting structure 114 passes through the
center of seat 12 and extends perpendicular to the imaginary
connecting plane of the two shorter legs 28, 30.
[0061] Chair 38 according to FIG. 22 has a support 116 attached to
shaft 44 of the back-rest and extending away from seat 12. Support
116 can be used e.g. for supporting a book when a person is sitting
on chair 38 with its chest in contact with support member 46.
[0062] In FIGS. 23a to 23m various embodiments of seats 12 are
depicted. Seats 12 can be planar, saddle-shaped, shaped in the form
of intersecting cylinders, etc. The periphery of seats 12 can be a
square, a cross, a circle, a triangle, etc.
[0063] In FIGS. 24a to 24c a foldable stool 10 is illustrated. For
the purpose of folding stool 10 the legs 22, 24, 28, 30, which are
rotatable in pairs 22, 24 and 28, 30 about a common axis of
rotation, are first rotated such (see arrow in FIG. 24a) that they
lie within a common plane. Then, seat 12, which is connected to one
of the pairs of legs 28, 30 by means of a hinge 120, is folded such
(see arrow in FIG. 24b) that seat 12 extends perpendicular to the
common plane of legs 22, 24, 28, 30 (FIG. 24c).
* * * * *