WO2008071929A1

WO2008071929A1 - Collapsible seat

Info

Publication number: WO2008071929A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/004712
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Knox; Kirsten Knox
Original assignee: Bang Creation Limited
Priority date: 2006-12-14
Filing date: 2007-12-10
Publication date: 2008-06-19
Also published as: GB2444701B; GB2444701A; GB0624949D0

Abstract

A collapsible seat comprising a seat part and a back part, in which the seat part comprises a seating platform, in which the back part is attached to the seat part by hinge means disposed at one side of the seating platform, in which in a collapsed arrangement the back part is disposed against the seat part such that a solid shape is formed, in which in the collapsed arrangement the back part is greater in size than the seat part in a plane perpendicular to the seating platform, and in which in an open arrangement the seat part and the back part are folded away from one another and arranged on a flat surface.

Description

Collapsible Seat

This invention relates to a collapsible seat, which has particular, but not exclusive application as an item of interior furniture.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible piece of furniture which can be configured as a seat with a back, and as a seating or foot rest stool, and which has an attractive outer appearance.

There are many known types of seat and foot stool, and it is known to provide multi-purpose items of furniture, however the present invention provides a novel approach.

Therefore, according to the present invention a collapsible seat comprises a seat part and a back part, in which the seat part comprises a seating platform, in which the back part is attached to the seat part by hinge means disposed at one side of the seating platform, in which in a collapsed arrangement the back part is disposed against the seat part such that a solid shape is formed, in which in the collapsed arrangement the back part is greater in size than the seat part in a plane perpendicular to the seating platform, and in which in an open arrangement the seat part and the back part are folded away from one another and arranged on a flat surface.

With this arrangement the collapsible seat can form a solid shape which can function as a seating or foot rest stool, and it can form an open shape which can function as a seat with a back. The back of the seat is provided by the back part resting on the surface behind the seat part in the open arrangement.

It will be appreciated that the angle of the back of the seat will depend on the relative sizes of the seat part and the back part. The greater the difference in sizes the more steep the angle will be, and this can be taken into consideration at the design stage.

Preferably the back part can comprise a backrest platform, which faces the seating platform in the collapsed arrangement, and which is arranged at a positive angle to the seating platform in the open arrangement.

It will be appreciated that the solid shape can be any shape, including a sphere, an ovoid, a pyramid, a cuboid or a cylinder. (The term "solid shape" in this context means a shape with an uninterrupted surface, and not something which is rigid. The uninterrupted surface could be a continuous layer, but it could also be a surface structure which was functionally uninterrupted, for example a wire rnesh or wicker construction.) If the shape is elongate, for example an ovoid, a rectangular cuboid, a pyramid taller than it is wide, or a cylinder, then the lengthwise axis of the shape can extend through the above described plane. In other words the shape can be stood on end in the collapsed arrangement. If the shape is elongate and of a regular cross-section along its length, for example a cylinder or a rectangular cuboid, then the lengthwise axis of the shape can alternatively be perpendicular to the above described plane. In other words, the shape can be laid on one side and can form a multi-seat unit like a sofa. However, in a preferred embodiment the solid shape is generally sphere shaped.

In a preferred construction the seat part and the back part can be resilient, so as to provide a comfortable seat It will be appreciated that this resilience must be limited so that the back part maintains its structure sufficiently to present the backrest platform at a suitable angle to the seating platform in the open arrangement. Clearly, if the back part is resilient then this angle may change slightly when a user sits on the seat. The seat part and the back part can be constructed from any resilient materials, but in one construction the seat part can comprise a first shaped bag containing beans.

The back part can comprise a second shaped bag containing a structure adapted to maintain the second shaped bag in a substantially part spherical shape which is greater than a hemisphere. In other words, the back part is shaped like a ball with a section removed from one side, leaving a flat surface. In one construction this inner structure can comprise an inflatable structure.

It is not really possible for a single inflatable structure to form a part sphere ending in a flat surface, because that flat surface would tend to bow out under pressure. Therefore, in a preferred construction the inflatable structure can comprise a first part adapted to form a generally disc shaped structure when inflated, and a second part, one section of which is adapted to form a substantially hemispherical shape when inflated. The first part can be used to create the flat surface, and to prevent the second part bowing outwards.

In order to form a generally disc shaped structure, the first part can comprise a central non inflating disc portion surrounded by one or more inflating ring portions. Each of these rings portions can be in fluid connection with the others, so the first part can be inflated via one valve. The first part can be formed from two sides which are welded together in the middle to form the central disc portion, and at particular locations so as to define the ring portions.

In one construction two ring portions can be provided, and they can be shaped such that their outer facing sides combine with the central disc portion to create a generally flat surface, and such that their inner facing sides taper towards the central disc portion to create a concave surface. If. has been found that this construction works best to maintain the desired flat surface, but it is important that the first part is inflated prior to the second part. Attachment means can be provided to fix the inflatable structure inside the second shaped bag, with the first part behind the backrest platform. In order to facilitate this the first part can be provided with an annular outer flange, and the attachment means can comprise a first part provided on said annular outer flange, and a second part provided on an inner surface of the second shaped bag. In one version the attachment means can comprise a plurality of popper fasteners.

The second shaped bag can be provided with an opening adjacent the hinge means adapted to allow access to inflation valves provided on the inflatable structure.

However, it has been found that it can be difficult to access a valve on the second part of the inflatable structure through such an opening once the first part has been inflated. Therefore, in one alternative construction the back part can be provided with an opening at its crown, adapted to allow access to an appropriately located valve on the second part of the inflatable structure. Alternatively, the second part of the inflatable structure can be provided with a section which extends around the first part so a valve located thereon can be accessed more easily.

Preferably the collapsible seat can be provided with closure means adapted to releasably fix the back part against the seat part in the collapsed arrangement. A zip fastener works well. This feature allows the collapsible seat to be readily moved without it opening, and it also provides the seat with a structural strength in the collapsed arrangement, which is beneficial if it is sat on in use.

In one alternative construction to that described above, the collapsible seat can simply comprise an inflatable structure which is not contained in outer bags. In such a construction both the back part and the seat part can comprise inflatable structures similar to the inflatable structure described above, and as such when the collapsible seat is in the collapsed arrangement it can be used as a beach ball or the like. Alternatively the seat part can be a structure which is tillable with water or sand rather than air, so the collapsible seat will self-right when moved or knocked.

The invention can be performed in various ways, but five embodiments will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a collapsible seat according to the present nvention in a collapsed arrangement;

Figure 2 is a is a front view of the collapsible seat as shown in Figure 1 in an open arrangement:

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the collapsible seat as shown in Figure 1 in an open arrangement;

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the collapsible seat as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the collapsible seat as shown in Figure 1 in an open position;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the collapsible seat as shown in Figure 1 in a first in use arrangement;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the collapsible seat as shown in Figure 1 in a second in use arrangement;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the collapsible seat as shown in Figure 1 in a third in use arrangement; Figures 9a and 9b are side views of a second collapsible seat according to the present invention in a collapsed and an open arrangement respectively;

Figures 10a and 10b are side views of a third collapsible seat according to the present invention in a collapsed and an open arrangement respectively;

Figures 11a and lib are side views of a fourth collapsible seat according to the present invention in a collapsed and an open arrangement respectively; and,

Figures 12a and 12b are side views of a fifth collapsible seat according to the present invention in a collapsed and an open arrangement respectively.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3 a collapsible seat 1 comprises a seat part 2 and a back part 3, in which the seat part 2 comprises a seating platform 4, and in which the back part 3 is attached to the seat part 2 by hinge means, in the form of a flap of material 5, which is disposed at one side 6 of the seating platform 4. In a collapsed arrangement as shown in Figure 1, the back part 3 is disposed against the seat part 2 such that a solid shape is formed, in the form of a sphere. It is clear from this arrangement the back part 3 is greater in size than the seat part 2 in a plane perpendicular to the seating platform 4. In an open arrangement as shown in Figures 2 and 3 the seat part 2 and the back part 3 are folded away from one another and arranged on a flat surface.

The back part 3 comprises a backrest platform 7, and as is clear from Figures 1 to 3 the backrest platform 7 faces the seating platform 4 in the collapsed arrangement, and is arranged at a positive angle to the seating platform 4 in the open arrangement.

Referring now to Figure 5, the seat part 2 comprises a first shaped bag 8 containing beans 9. The beans 9 are contained in their own inner bag 10. The back part 3 comprises a second shaped bag 11 containing an inflatable structure 12. The inflatable structure 12 comprises a first part 13 which forms a generally disc shaped structure when inflated, and a second part 14 which forms a generally hemispherical shape when inflated. As such the inflatable structure 12 forms a substantially part spherical shape which is greater than a hemisphere.

In order to form the generally disc shaped structure, the first part 13 comprises a central non inflatable disc portion 15 surrounded by two inflatable ring portions 16 and 17. The ring portions 16 and 17 are in fluid connection with each others, so the first part 13 can be inflated via one valve 18. The second part 14 is inflated with valve 19.

As is clear from Figure 5 the two ring portions 16 and 17 are shaped such that their outer facing sides combine with the central disc portion 15 to create a generally flat surface, and such that their inner facing sides taper towards the central disc portion 15 to create a concave surface. As stated above it has been found that this construction works best to maintain the desired shape.

The first part 13 is formed from two sides which are welded together at particular locations so as to define the separate portions 15, 16 and 17. Gaps, not visible, are provided in the welding between the ring portions 16 and 17 to allow them to be in fluid connection with one another.

The first part 13 is provided with an annular outer flange 20, which carries the first parts 21 of four popper fasteners. The second parts 22 of the popper fasteners are provided on the inside 23 of the second shaped bag 11.

The second shaped bag 11 is provided with an opening 24 adjacent the hinge means 5, which is open and closable with a zip fastener 25. This feature allows access to the inflation valves 18 and 19, and allows the inflatable structure 12 to be removed from the second shaped bag 11. The first shaped bag 8 is provided with an opening 26 which is open and closable with a zip fastener 27. This feature allows the beans 9 to be removed from the first shaped bag 8. Removing the inflatable structure 12 and the beans 9 from the collapsible seat 1 allows the first and second shaped bag 8 and 11 to be readily cleaned in a washing machine.

A zip fastener 28 is provided between the first part 2 and the second part 3, which allows them to be fastened together, as shown in Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 4, it can be seen that the shaped bags 8 and 11 are formed from a number of separate components which are stitched together to give the bags their shape. In particular, the first shaped bag 8 comprises a disc shaped portion 29, which effectively forms the seating platform 4, and 10 pyramid shaped portions 30 arranged into a dome shape. An inner layer of supporting material is also provided, and also comprises a disc shaped portion 31 and 10 pyramid shaped portions 32. The inner layer is stitched to the outer layer during manufacture.

Likewise the second shaped bag 11 comprises a disc shaped portion 33, which effectively forms the backrest platform 7, and 10 pyramid shaped portions 34 arranged into a greater than hemispherical shape. Again, an inner layer of supporting material is provided, and also comprises a disc shaped portion 35 and 10 pyramid shaped portions 36. The inner layer is stitched to the outer layer during manufacture.

The materials used to make the first and second shaped bags 8 and 11 can be any suitable material, but in the case of collapsible seat 1, it is leather.

In use the collapsible seat 1 comes in a deflated arrangement and it is necessary to inflate it. The user opens the opening 24 and affixes a pump to the valve 18 to inflate the first part 13 of the inflatable structure 12. Once this is inflated, the user closes the valve 18 and attaches the pump to the valve 19 to inflate the second part 14 of the inflatable structure 12. The first part 13 must be inflated first so as to prevent the second part 14 from bowing outwards when it is inflated. Once the second part 14 is inflated the user closes the valve 19 and closes the opening 24. The collapsible seat 1 is now ready for use.

As shown in Figure 6 the collapsible seat 1 can be opened and used as a comfortable seat with a back. Alternatively, it is possible to sit on the collapsible seat 1 when it is in the collapsed arrangement, as shown in Figure 7. It is also possible to use the collapsible seat 1 as a foot stool as shown in Figure 8.

When the collapsible seat 1 is used as shown in Figure 6 the first part 2 provides a comfortable seating platform due to the resilient nature of a bag of beans 9. In addition the second part 3 provides a comfortable backrest due to the inherent flexibility of the inflatable structure 12.

When the seat 1 is used as shown in Figure 7, it is also very accommodating due to the resilient nature of the inflatable structure 12. When the seat 1 is used in the collapsed arrangement as shown in Figures 7 and 8 it is prone to remain upright due to the fact that the beans 9 are heavier than the inflatable structure 12. As such, if the seat 1 is moved or rocked, it will wobble back into the upright position.

It is also possible to turn the seat 1 over so the seating platform 4 and the backrest platform 7 lie face down, and to sit on the outside surface of the seat part 2, resting against the outside surface of the back part 3.

When the seat is to be stored it can be placed in the collapsed arrangement as shown in Figure 1, and the zip fastener 28 can be used to fix the seat part 2 and the back part 3 together. As such the seat 1 will not inadvertently become arranged in the open position as shown in Figure 2 if it is moved.

Figures 9a to 12b show four alternative constructions of collapsible seat which all work on the same principal as collapsible seat 1 described above, except that different solid shapes are used. Figures 9a to 10b show an elongate ovoid shaped collapsible seat 90 and a pyramid shaped collapsible seat 100 which^'is taller than it is wide. In each case the back parts 91 and 101 respectively are clearly greater in size than the seat parts 92 and 102 respectively in a plane perpendicular to the seating platforms 93 and 103 respectively. As such when the seats 90 and 100 are arranged in the open positions shown in Figures 9b and 10b, seats with backs are formed.

Figures 11a to 12b show a cuboid shaped collapsible seat 110 and a cylindrical shaped collapsible seat 120. The cuboid shaped seat 110 is slightly tapered towards its top. In each case the back parts 111 and 121 respectively are clearly greater in size than the seat parts 112 and 122 respectively in a plane perpendicular to the seating platforms 113 and 123 respectively. As such when the seats 110 and 120 are arranged in the open positions shown in Figures lib and 12b, seats with backs are formed.

Collapsible seats 90 and 100 have a lengthwise axis which extends through the above described plane. This is also the case with collapsible seats 110 and 120, but it will be appreciated that this does not have to be the case. In particular, in alternative constructions (not shown) collapsible seats are similar in construction to collapsible seats 110 and 120, but their lengthwise axis is perpendicular to the above described plane. In other words, the shapes are longer than they are tall, and can be laid on their side to form multi-seat units like sofas, and on their end to form tables or plinths. In one alternative construction (not shown) a cylindrical shaped collapsible seat has a lengthwise axis perpendicular to the above described plane, and it has rigid ends, such that it can function as a table or plinth when stood on end.

The above described embodiments can be altered without departing from the scope of Claim 1. In particular, in each of the above described embodiments the back part is dimensioned such that the backrest platform is arranged at a particular angle to the seating platform in the open position, typically about 45 degrees. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown) the back parts are dimensioned such that the backrest platforms are arranged at angles to the seating platforms in the open position of greater or less than 45 degrees.

In addition, while collapsible seat 1 is created from leather, in alternative embodiments (not shown) other fabric materials are used. These fabric materials can also carry colouring, indicia or patterning. In addition, in some constructions no inner support layer is provided.

In other alternative constructions (not shown), collapsible seats simply comprise an inflatable structure which is not contained in outer bags. In some constructions both the back part and the seat part comprise inflatable structures similar to the inflatable structure 12 described above, and as such when the collapsible seat is in the collapsed arrangement it can be used as a beach ball or the like. In other constructions the seat part can be a structure which is finable with water or sand rather than air, so the collapsible seat will self-right when moved or knocked.

As referred to above it has been found that it can be difficult to access the valve 19 opening once the first part 13 of the inflatable structure 12 has been inflated. Therefore, in one alternative construction (not shown) the back part is provided with an opening at its crown, adapted to allow access to an appropriately located valve on the second part of the inflatable structure. In another alternative construction, the second part of the inflatable structure is provided with a section which extends around the first part so a valve located thereon can be accessed more easily.

Thus, a collapsible seat is provided which is versatile and simple to use, and which forms an attractive shape when collapsed.

Claims

1. A collapsible seat comprising a seat part and a back part, in which the seat part comprises a seating platform, in which the back part is attached to the seat part by hinge means disposed at one side of the seating platform, in which in a collapsed arrangement the back part is disposed against the seat part such that a solid shape is formed, in which in the collapsed arrangement the back part is greater in size than the seat part in a plane perpendicular to the seating platform, and in which in an open arrangement the seat part and the back part are folded away from one another and arranged on a flat surface.

2. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 1 in which the back part comprises a backrest platform, in which in the collapsed arrangement the backrest platform and the seating platform face one another, and in which in the open position the backrest platform is arranged at a positive angle to the seating platform.

3. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 2 in which the solid shape is a generally spherical shape.

4. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 3 in which the seat part and the back part are resilient.

5. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 4 in which the seat part comprises a first shaped bag containing beans.

6. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 in which the back part comprises a second shaped bag containing a structure adapted to maintain the second shaped bag in a part spherical shape which is greater than a hemisphere.

7. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 6 in which the structure comprises an inflatable structure.

8. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 7 in which the inflatable structure comprises a first part adapted to form a generally disc shaped structure when inflated, and a second part, one section of which is adapted to form a substantially hemispherical shape when inflated.

9. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 8 in which the first part of the inflatable structure comprises a central non inflating disc portion surrounded by one or more inflating ring portions.

10. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 9 in which two inflating ring portions are provided, in which the two inflating ring portions are shaped such that their outer facing sides combine with the central disc portion to create a generally flat surface, and such that their inner facing sides taper towards the central disc portion to create a concave surface.

11. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 10 in which the collapsible bag is provided with attachment meant adapted to fix the inflatable structure inside the second shaped bag with the first part behind the backrest platform.

12. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 11 in which the first part of the inflatable structure is provided with an annular outer flange, in which the attachment means comprises a first part provided on said annular outer flange, and a second part provided on an inner surface of the second shaped bag.

13. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 12 in which the second shaped bag is provided with an opening adjacent the hinge means adapted to allow access to inflation valves provided on the inflatable structure.

14. A collapsible seat as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the collapsible seat is provided with closure means adapted to releasably fix the back part against the seat part in the collapsed arrangement.

15. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 14 in which the closure means comprises a zip fastener.

16. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 2 in which the solid shape is a generally ovoid shape, and in which the lengthwise axis of the ovoid shape extends through said plane.

17. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 2 in which the solid shape is a generally pyramid shape, and in which the lengthwise axis of the pyramid shape extends through said plane.

18. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 2 in which the solid shape is a generally cuboid shape.

19. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 2 in which the solid shape is a generally cylindrical shape, and in which the lengthwise axis of the cylindrical shape extends through said plane.

20. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 2 in which the solid shape is a generally cylindrical shape, and in which the lengthwise axis of the cylindrical shape is perpendicular to said plane.

21. A collapsible seat as claimed in Claim 4 in which the seat part and the back part each comprise an inflatable structure.

22. A collapsible seat substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings.