Who invented reclining seats for spectators

We have long been accustomed to comfortable reclining seats in theaters and cinemas. You can only find ordinary wooden chairs in a provincial cinema with a Soviet renovation. I wonder how a person came up with such a simple and convenient solution?

Who and when were reclining chairs invented?

The first chairs with folding seats appeared in the 19th century in Boston. Aaron Allen received a patent for his invention on December 5, 1854, and the novelty quickly took root in the United States and then throughout the world.

What were the first reclining chairs?

Initially, the theater chair was an ordinary wooden chair, the seat of which was secured with an axle. Theater owners appreciated the advantages of the innovation: the distance between the rows decreased, and many more people could fit in the hall. It became easier for spectators to make their way to their seats, especially ladies in evening dresses with full skirts.

What modern reclining chairs look like

After 150 years, seat designs have become much more comfortable and comfortable. You have to spend at least two hours in the hall, so manufacturers offer the most common option - a soft seat with filling, covered with thick fabric, often made of fire-retardant material.

The back of the chair has a curved shape that follows the curves of the spine, and while watching, your back practically does not get tired.Typically, such chairs recline not only the seat, but also the armrests. There are special cup holders for drinks.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW! In some cinemas, the base of the seat is a large diameter hollow tube. If during a session you drop your phone or wallet, look there first - the lost item may be inside this pipe.

The owners of VIP rooms rely on maximum visitor comfort. The chairs can be either single or paired. They are often provided with a folding table for eating. There are designs with automatic control - the viewer can fully adjust the seat.

REFERENCE. Why does the seat recline when you stand up? Thanks to the counterweight - a metal plate that is mounted on the edge of the seat. There are also mechanical reclining chairs, which are moved into the desired position manually, and spring mechanisms - they make virtually no noise and are best suited for cinemas.

Chairs in theater halls do not include cup holders and tables. They are distinguished primarily by their exquisite design, corresponding to the classical interior of theaters and philharmonic societies. Typically, chairs are covered with velvet fabric and decorated with carvings or relief patterns. Manufacturers produce both individual chairs and sectional rows, most often without attachment to the floor.

REFERENCE: theater furniture has special acoustic properties; it can absorb or reflect sound depending on the material and model. Manufacturers can provide the customer with acoustic test results to determine the best option.