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(11) | EP 4 548 811 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | A CHAIR COMPRISING A DEBRIS RECEPTACLE |
| (57) A chair (1) comprising a seat (2), a back (3), and a pair of side panels (4), wherein
the chair (7) further comprises a receptacle (5) that is located between the side
panels (4) and is movable between a first position in which it is located underneath
the seat (2) for collecting debris (100) dropped between the seat (2) and side panels
(4) and/or between the seat (2) and back (3), and a second position in which it is
accessible for removal of the debris (100) collected thereby.
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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a chair comprising a debris receptacle. In particular, to such a chair that allows for the movement of the debris receptacle from a first position, in which it is located such that debris dropped by a user of the chair is collected, and a second position in which it is accessible for removal of the debris.
[0002] A significant problem in the cinema industry is the difficulty experienced in cleaning under the seats of recliner chairs.
[0003] Recliner chairs provide a premium seating experience to cinemagoers. They are large chairs that are fixed to the floor in rows, and typically comprise a pair of side panels that extend substantially to the floor, between which a backrest and seat are provided. A suitable reclining mechanism, which may be powered or manually operated, is typically provided under the seat. Recliner seats are typically either provided with a fixed front panel or a moveable footrest. Regardless, the area under the seat is not readily accessible for both aesthetic and safety reasons.
[0004] Debris dropped by users, such as food waste or packaging, accumulates under the seat, largely unseen. This can clearly cause issues, including bad smells, attracting pests, and/or potential obstruction/jamming of the reclining mechanism. However, there is only ever very limited access to the region under the seat.
[0005] The present invention arose in a bid to provide an improved chair allowing for the ready clearance of debris from under the seat.
[0006] Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and/or drawings of the specification.
[0007] According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided a chair comprising a seat, a back, and a pair of side panels, wherein the chair further comprises a receptacle that is located between the side panels and is movable between a first position in which it is located underneath the seat for collecting debris dropped between the seat and side panels and/or between the seat and back, and a second position in which it is accessible for removal of the debris collected thereby.
[0008] The seat is provided between the side panels. The seat is arranged such that debris may pass between the seat and side panels to underneath the seat.
[0009] In the second position there may be no overlap or a partial overlap only of the seat with the tray.
[0010] The receptacle is preferably received between opposed inner faces of the side panels. The receptacle may have a width dimension substantially equal to or smaller than the distance between opposed inner faces of the side panels.
[0011] Debris deflectors may be provided, which each project from a respective one of the inner faces. Each of the debris deflectors may comprise an upper face, which extends from a respective one of the inner faces. The upper face preferably slopes down from the inner face. The debris deflectors may have substantially the same length as the receptacle or a greater length than the receptacle.
[0012] The receptacle preferably has substantially the same length as the seat or a greater length than the seat.
[0014] The receptacle may be slidably received within guides that are fixed to the side panels. The guides may comprise the debris deflectors.
[0015] An actuator may be provided for moving the receptacle between the first and/or second positions. The actuator may comprise a piston and/or a motor.
[0016] The chair may comprise a fixed front panel, or a footrest that can be raised and lowered, wherein the front panel or the footrest, in a lowered position, is below the seat, or at least extends to a level below the seat, and is substantially perpendicular to the seat, and the debris receptacle is provided below the front panel or footrest.
[0017] There may be an opening at the front of the chair that is bounded by the side panels, the fixed panel or footrest, and the floor, wherein the debris collector is received by the opening.
[0018] The receptacle preferably comprises a tray. The receptacle may be formed from metal, plastic or wood. The receptacle may be formed by sheet metal forming, plastic moulding, or may be formed from recycled nestable pressed wood or moulded pressed wood.
[0019] The receptacle may comprise a handle, which is accessible by a user at the front of the chair when the receptacle is in the first position.
[0020] The side panels are preferably substantially flat. They are preferably distinct elements. They may be substantially rectangular. The side panels are preferably fixed to the floor.
[0021] The chair may comprise a recliner chair. A recliner mechanism for altering the angle of the back of the chair may be located under the seat, and the receptacle may be located below the recliner mechanism when in the first position.
[0023] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the following drawings:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a chair according to a first embodiment, which comprises a debris receptacle, the debris receptacle being shown in a first position for the collection of debris;
Figure 2 shows the chair of Figure 1 with the debris receptacle in a second position for the removal of collected debris;
Figure 3 shows a partial perspective view of the chair of Figure 1, which shows the debris receptacle received by a guide;
Figure 4 shows an enlarged partial perspective view of the debris receptacle and guide;
Figure 5 shows an enlarged partial sectional view of the debris receptacle and guide;
Figure 6 shows a partial perspective view of a modification to the arrangement of Figure 1, which shows the debris receptacle received by a guide and an actuator for the powered movement of the debris receptacle; and
Figure 7 shows a partial perspective view of a chair according to an alternative embodiment showing a receptacle in a first position for the collection of debris and an indication of the receptacle in a possible second position for the removal of collected debris.
[0024] With reference to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a chair 1 according to a first embodiment. The chair 1 comprises a seat 2, a back 3, and a pair of side panels 4. The chair further comprises a receptacle 5 that is located between the seat side panels 4 and is movable between a first position, as shown in Figure 1, in which it is located underneath the seat for collecting debris dropped between the seat and side panels and/or between the seat and back, and a second position, as shown in Figure 2, in which it is accessible for removal of the debris 100 collected thereby.
[0025] In the first position, the seat overlaps with the tray by a greater degree than in the second position. In the second position there may be a partial overlap only or no overlap.
[0026] The seat 2 is provided between the side panels 4. The back 3 is preferably provided at least partially between the side panels 4.
[0027] The chair 1 is preferably a recliner chair. The back 3 of the chair 1 may recline. The chair 1 may comprise a fixed front panel. The chair 1 may otherwise comprise a footrest 6 that can be raised and lowered. The back 3 and the footrest 6 may be moved synchronously or independently of one another when both are movable. A suitable, conventional, mechanism (not shown) may be provided to facilitate the reclining and raising of the seat back 3 and/or the raising and lowering of the footrest 6. The mechanism may be manually operated or may be powered.
[0028] The chair 1 is preferably fixed to a floor. The side panels 4 may extend to the floor or substantially to the floor. The seat and/or the back and/or any movement mechanism may be supported by the side panels. The side panels 4 may be fixed to the floor.
[0029] The chair 1 may be one of a number of chairs provided in a row. Adjacent chairs may or may not share intermediate side panels 4.
[0030] The receptacle 5 preferably comprises a tray, as shown, which is flat, shallow, and comprises a raised rim 5a. It may, however, take alternative forms. Any form of receptacle that is at least partially open topped and suitable for catching debris may be implemented. The use of a tray is preferable owing to its low profile. The receptacle 5 may be formed from metal, plastic or wood. The receptacle 5 may, for example, be made by sheet metal forming, plastic moulding, or may be formed from recycled nestable pressed wood or moulded pressed wood.
[0031] Where a mechanism is provided underneath the seat 2 for reclining/raising the back 3 and/or for raising/lowering the footrest 6, it is preferable that the receptacle is located below the mechanism.
[0032] The receptacle 5 may have a width dimension that is substantially equal to the distance between opposed inner faces of the side panels. This is the preferred arrangement. It should be appreciated, however, that the receptacle 5 may be narrower when means are provided for preventing gaps between the inner faces of the side panels and the edges of the receptacle when viewed from above. Debris deflectors 7 may be provided, which prevent such gaps. The debris deflectors may take any suitable form that will prevent gaps between the edges of the receptacle and the sides panels 4 when viewed from above. The debris deflectors 7 may each comprise an upper face 8, which slopes down from a respective one of the inner faces. The upper face 8 may be straight, curved or multi-faceted. The debris deflectors 7 may be integrated with guides 9 for the receptacle, as discussed below, or may be formed independently (particularly in any arrangements that omit such guides), such as the arrangement discussed below with reference to Figure 7.
[0033] With reference to Figures 3 to 5, further consideration will now be given to possible mounting arrangements for the receptacle 5.
[0034] In the arrangement shown, the receptacle 5 is slidably received within guides 9 that are fixed to the side panels 4. The guides are preferably fixed to inner faces of the side panels 4. The guides preferably extend substantially horizontally/parallel to the floor. The guides are preferably mounted such that the receptacle is held off/supported above the level of the floor, although this need not be the case. The guides may have substantially the same length as the receptacle. They may otherwise be longer or shorter.
[0035] In the present arrangement, the guides are of simple construction. They may be unitarily formed. They may be formed from plastic, metal, wood, or any other desired material. They comprise a channel 10 that extends horizontally, for receiving and supporting an edge portion of the receptacle. They comprise an upper face 8, which comprises a debris deflector 7. The upper face 8, as discussed above, preferably slopes down from a respective one of the inner faces of the side panels 4, as best seen in Figures 4 and 5. The upper face 8 may be straight, curved or multi-faceted.
[0036] In alternative arrangements, the guides 9 may be of more complex construction. For example, the guides could comprise runners or similar. Any form of guide will be suitable that allows the sliding of the receptacle between the first and second positions, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0037] Whilst in the described arrangements the receptacle has a width substantially equal to or smaller than the distance between opposed inner faces of the side panels, it should be noted that alternative arrangements will be possible where the receptacle 5 has a greater width than the distance between inner faces of the side panels. In such case, there could, for example, be guides, in the form of horizontal channels, or otherwise, recessed into the side panels.
[0038] The receptacle may have a length that is substantially equal to or greater than a length of the seat 2. It may otherwise be shorter.
[0039] The receptacle may be provided with one or more handles 12 such that it may be grasped and manipulated by a user. There may, for example, be a handle 12 provided on a front edge thereof. In such case there may be a handle 12 on a rear edge also.
[0040] The receptacle 5 may be separable from the remainder of the chair 1. It may otherwise be attached in a manner that restricts its movement between the first and second positions, wherein it remains attached to the chair 1 at all times.
[0041] With reference to Figure 6, a modification of the arrangement of Figures 1 to 5 is shown. An actuator 11 is provided for moving the receptacle 5 between the first and second positions. The actuator comprises a piston, as shown. The piston may be actuated using a motor. Numerous alternative forms of actuator will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. The actuator could, for example, comprise a motor without a piston. There could, for example, be a rack and pinion arrangement that is motor driven. A range of suitable actuators will be readily conceived by those in the art. The actuator, regardless of form may be remotely controlled. The receptacle may be fixed to the actuator or may be detachable therefrom. Where there are a plurality of the seats provided, a plurality of the actuators may be connected to a common controller such that the receptacles of a plurality of chairs may all be moved simultaneously between the first and second positions. In such case, the chairs of one or more or all rows in a cinema may be moved to the second position for cleaning and then all returned to the first position once cleaning has been completed.
[0042] With reference to Figure 7, a simplified arrangement is shown. In this arrangement, the receptacle sits on the floor and is slid along the floor between the first and second positions. Whilst less preferable to the arrangements discussed above, this is a cost effective solution.
[0043] The receptacle of this arrangement may take any form, as described above. For example, whilst it is shown as a simple tray without handles, it may comprise one or more handles. It may have a width substantially equal to or smaller than the distance between opposed inner faces of the side panels. Debris deflectors may be provided above the tray when in the first position.
[0044] An actuator may be provided for effecting sliding movement of the receptacle along the floor.
[0045] Numerous alternative arrangements and modifications to the embodiments as described herein will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art within the scope of the appended claims. In particular, features of the described embodiments may be readily combined.
[0046] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.
[0047] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.
1. A chair comprising a seat, a back, and a pair of side panels, wherein the chair further
comprises a receptacle that is located between the side panels and is movable between
a first position in which it is located underneath the seat for collecting debris
dropped between the seat and side panels and/or between the seat and back, and a second
position in which it is accessible for removal of the debris collected thereby.
2. A chair as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the receptacle is received between opposed
inner faces of the side panels.
3. A chair as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the receptacle has a width dimension substantially
equal to or smaller than the distance between opposed inner faces of the side panels.
4. A chair as claimed in Claim 2 or 3, wherein debris deflectors are provided, which
each project from a respective one of the inner faces, preferably wherein each of
the debris deflectors comprises an upper face, which extends from a respective one
of the inner faces, preferably wherein the upper face slopes down from the inner face.
5. A chair as claimed in Claims 4, wherein the debris deflectors have substantially the
same length as the receptacle or a greater length than the receptacle.
6. A chair as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the receptacle has substantially
the same length as the seat or a greater length than the seat.
7. A chair as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle is slidable on the
floor.
8. A chair as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the receptacle is slidably received
within guides that are fixed to the side panels.
9. A chair as claimed in Claim 8, when dependent on Claim 4 or 5, wherein the guides
comprise the debris deflectors.
10. A chair as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an actuator is provided for moving
the receptacle between the first and/or second positions, preferably wherein the actuator
comprises a piston and/or a motor.
11. A chair as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle comprises a tray
and/or wherein the receptacle is formed from metal, plastic or wood.
12. A chair as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the receptacle comprises a handle,
which is accessible by a user at the front of the chair when the receptacle is in
the first position.
13. A chair as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the side panels are fixed to the
floor.
14. A chair as claimed in any preceding claim, which comprises a recliner chair, wherein
a recliner mechanism for altering the angle of the back of the chair is located under
the seat, and the receptacle is located below the recliner mechanism when in the first
position.
15. A row of chairs as claimed in any preceding claim.