(19)
(11) EP 0 420 782 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
03.04.1991 Bulletin 1991/14

(21) Application number: 90600017.9

(22) Date of filing: 19.09.1990
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)5A47C 17/04, A47C 3/16
(84) Designated Contracting States:
BE DE DK ES FR GB IT NL SE

(30) Priority: 28.09.1989 GR 89020394

(71) Applicant: Kyrou, Theodoros
GR-546 22 Thessaloniki (GR)

(72) Inventor:
  • Kyrou, Theodoros
    GR-546 22 Thessaloniki (GR)


(56) References cited: : 
   
       


    (54) Multiple use diagonal anatomical armchair


    (57) The multiple use diagonal anatomical armchair is an armchair made of a non-porous covering material and foam polystyrene in grain form, used as shaping content. Its parts, the base (see figures 2, 3) and upper part (see figures 4, 5), are connected by means of dividing zippers and it comes equipped with belts with retaining hooks and a buckle to change length (see figure 11); the belts serve the purpose of securing and supporting the final configuration (see figure 1).
    The ergonomic design, the structure and the combination of materials used in its construction, impart on the multiple use diagonal anatomical armchair the capability to be folded into various shapes, such as diagonal personal armchair (see figure 1), reclining chair (see figure 6), single bedding (see figure 7), four seat centre (see figure 8), double independent settee (see figure 9), and , when combined with more elements, a combination sofa arrangement.




    Description


    [0001] The diagonal anatomical armchair is made of a non-porous material forming the outside covering (e.g. imitation leather, leather, plasticized cloth, fabric); its basic form is achieved by the addition of foam polystyrene in round grain form, together with support belts and divisible zippers, which give the armchair its shape.

    [0002] In its diagonal position it provides full anatomical support. When being sat upon, the body weight exerts pressure and results in the trapped being moved around thus carrying the polystyrene foam grains to fill every crevice made by the body on the armchair and providing it with its anatomical features.

    [0003] It is composed of two basic parts: the base and the topmost part, both of which are connected to each other, by means of belts and divisible zippers.

    [0004] The advantages of multiple use are derived from its ergonomic design and its structure, combined with the materials used in its construction, i.e. a non-porous outside covering and foam polystyrene round grain. It is easy to convert it from a diagonal anatomical armchair into a reclining seat, single bedding, four seat centre, independent double sitter, and, when combined with more elements, into a combination sofa arrangement, thus meeting the requirements of actual living environments of all kinds.

    [0005] The absence of a rigid internal supporting frame enhances safety for use by handicapped persons and by children, as it prevents harm caused by impact or falling.

    [0006] The total weight of the diagonal anatomical armchair is around seven kilograms, and consequently enables its easy movement and relocation.

    [0007] The materials used in its construction are liquid proof and permit the installation of the armchair in any type of internal or external area.

    [0008] The successful operation of the Multiple Use Diagonal Anatomical Armchair, (see figure 1), is based on the following:

    1. The combination of the materials used in its construction. (i.e. non-porous outside covering and foam polystyrene in grain form).

    2. The ergonomic design of its parts.

    A. The base can be folded and it is easy to separate it from the rest of the structure (see figure 2); its dimensions are 16/8, 8/8, 2/8 and it has a strong seam down its middle, thus separating it into two equal parts, one of which can fold over the other (see figure 3), with dimensions of 8/8, 8/8, 4/8.

    B. Upper part, angled (see figure 4), with dimensions of 8/8, 8/8, 3/8, 3/8 or straight edged (see figure 5) with dimensions at 8/8, 3/8, 3/8.

    3. The method of connection:

    A. With divisible zippers, half of which are sewn on the base (see figure 2, sides AB, BC, DE, EZ), while the other half are respectively placed along the lower edges of the upper part (see figure 4, sides IK, KL). In this manner we have the possibility of multiple use of the armchair, from a diagonal personal armchair (see figure 1), to a reclining chair (see figure 6), to single bedding (see figure 7), to four seat centre (see figure 8), to double sitter (see figure 9), and , when combined with more elements, to a combination sofa arrangement (see figures 10a & 10b).

    B. With belts, equipped with hooks on both ends and a variable length buckle (see figure 11), in order to secure the diagonal anatomical armchair in its position of final configuration. The hooks on either belt ends are place on the base (see figure 1a, points MN and figure 1b, points Y,Z) and the upper part (see figure 4, points Y,M,N,Z, or figure 5, points R,P).




    Claims

    1. The multiple use diagonal anatomical armchair is made up of two parts:

    A. A double base separated down the middle by a steady seam (see figure 2), so that its two parts can be folded one over the other (see figure 3). The base is equipped with dividing zippers, on sides AB, BC, DE, and EZ (see figure 2).

    B. An upper part, angled (see figure 4) or straight (see figure 5), with dividing zippers down sides IK and KL (see figure 4) or side XO (see figure 5).

    It is equipped with supporting belts (see figure 11) furnished with hooks and a buckle enabling the user to vary the belts length.
    As its covering is made of a non-porous material (imitation leather, leather, plasticized cloth, fabric), it inhibits the immediate expulsion of air trapped inside.
    The covering is filled with foam polystyrene in grain form, which gives shape to the armchair parts. The mobility and the elastic qualities of this filling material in combination with the moving air provide the armchair with its characteristics of comfortable sitting and full anatomical support.
    The ergonomic design of its parts, (based on dimensions measuring 16/8, 8/8, 2/8, folded 8/8, 8/8, 4/8, upper part, angled 8/8, 8/8, 3/8, 3/8 or straight 8/8, 8/8, 3/8) as well as the method of connection and support (zippers and belts), are particularly characteristic of this armchair.
    In the diagonal position, it provides full anatomical support and comfortable sitting.
    When folded over itself, it provides the user with multiple use possibilities:

    a. Reclining chair (see figure 6), by unfolding the lower portion of the base.

    b. Single bed (see figure 7), by unfolding the both the lower and the upper portion of the base.

    c. Four seat centre (see figure 8), by taking odd the upper part from the folded base.

    d. Double sitter (see figure 9), by taking off the upper part from the base and moving its material to an upright position.

    e. Combination sofa arrangement (see figures 10a & 10b), with the disposition of more elements in accordance with the characteristics of each particular environment.

    The absence of a rigid frame enhances safety for use by handicapped persons and by children, as it prevents harm caused by impact or falling.
    At a total weight of seven kilograms, it is easy to move around from one place to another.
    The moisture proof materials of its construction allow it to be used both in internal and external areas.
    This is a feature which cannot be found in the existing lines of furniture.
     
    2. In accordance with the premises of item 1 of this claim, the diagonal anatomical armchair's characteristics are as follows:

    a. Angled (see figure 4).
    Dimensions 8/8, 8/8, 3/8, 3/8.
    There are dividing zippers on sides IK, KL (see figure 4). The corresponding zipper parts are sewn on the base (see figure 2, sides AB, BC and figure 3, sides AB, BC).
    There are four hook anchoring points on the base, (see figure 4, points C, M, N, Z), and a standard zipper (see figure 4, side TK) for the introduction of the polystyrene grain.

    b. Straight (see figure 5).
    Dimensions 8/8, 3/8, 3/8
    It is equipped with a dividing zipper on side XO (see figure 5). The corresponding zippers are sewn on the base (see figure 2222, sides AB, BC and figure 3, sides AB, BC).
    There are two hook anchoring points, (see figure 5, points R, P), and a standard zipper (see figure 5, side SO) for the introduction of the polystyrene grain.


     
    3. In accordance with the premises of item 1 of this claim, the diagonal anatomical armchair,s main characteristic is the Base. The base can be divided in two and can be folded over itself (see figures 2 & 3); its dimensions are 16/8, 8/8, 2/8 (see figure 2) and 8/8, 8/8, 4/8 (see figure 3).
    It is separated in its middle by a strong seam, thus providing the user with the possibility to fold one part of it over the other.
    The dividing zippers are sewn on sides AB, BC, DE, and E^Z (see figure 2), enabling it to be connected with the upper part (see figure 4, sides IK, KL). There are two standard zippers on sides BY and EF allowing the introduction of the polystyrene grain (see figure 4).
     
    4. In accordance with the premises of item 1 of this claim, another important characteristic of the diagonal anatomical armchair are the anchoring belts (see figure 11).
    These belts are made of the same material as the armchair cover and carry on their ends hooks for anchoring to the upper part of the armchair (see figure 4, points C, M, N, Z or figure 5, points R, P).
    The belts are equipped with a buckle which allows the user to vary their lengths.
    The belts secure the two parts of the armchair, and assist in the allowance for more or less air inside, thus regulating sitting comfort (see figure 1).
     
    5. In accordance with the premises of item 1 of this claim, the diagonal anatomical armchair is characterised by the materials used in its construction, which in combination with its ergonomic design, give it its special qualities of comfort, flexibility, anatomical support, and its ability to be transformed into many uses.

    A. Outside covering made of a non-porous material (imitation leather, leather, plasticized cloth, fabric, etc.), thus inhibiting the immediate expulsion of trapped air.

    B. Filling made of foam polystyrene grain inside both parts of the armchair. The foam polystyrene grain's characteristic is its lightness as a material, its easy movement as a shape (spherical), and magnetic qualities due to structure. We use grain at 16 kilograms per cubic meter. The combination of its characteristics allow it to move around fast, to be elastic in regards to pressure, and to enable the armchair to exhibit anatomical support and comfort in its various configurations.


     
    6. In accordance with the premises of item 1 of this claim, the diagonal anatomical armchair is based upon the function of dividing zippers.
    For each armchair, we use four dividing zippers.

    A. On the base, (see figure 2), on sides AB, BC, DE, EZ), four dividing zippers.

    B. On the upper part, the corresponding zippers.

    1. Angled (see figure 4, sides IK, KL).

    2. Straight (see figure 5, side XO).

    The zippers are connected in such a way that the user may have the choice of any one of the various configurations of multiple use (diagonal personal armchair, reclining chair, single bedding, four seat centre, double independent settee, and, when combined with more elements, a combination sofa arrangement (see figures 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10).
     




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