See the Kore stool in action! [3:46, Quicktime]

As an experienced industrial designer and educator, I have used the Rocking Stool in a variety of settings. In every context it has been a remarkably satisfying work tool.

In my model shop I have found the Rocking Stool to be a versatile perch for doing assembly and finishing work. Its nature allows one to move from place to place along a work table. Upon engaging the Rocking Stool, the user immediately improves his back position and engages his legs. I include it as an option at all of my company's work stations.

In groups and teams the Rocking Stool works equally well. It allows people to sit attentively. … It contributes to the focus of the team while allowing people to move and find new positions of comfort.

In my opinion, the Rocking Stool by Jon Elmaleh represents a significant innovation in seating.

Kenneth V. Stevens
President, Mind Stuff Design + Development
Director, The Integrated Design Curriculum, Parsons School of Design
Faculty, Product Design Department, Parsons School of Design


I work in the literary representation business and spend a good part of my day sitting at a desk.

I use [the Kore] daily... It's great for the back… The simplicity of the design forces one to sit up straight and you can even move around on the stool by rocking back and forth. I just love them and recommend them highly to everyone.

Scott Shukat
The Shukat Company, Ltd.
New York, NY


The Kore has been an enjoyable and versatile tool in the process of my work. The ability to rotate and tip easily from one task to another has made my jobs (and my back) feel so much better with its versatility. When my clients visit the loft they seek out the rocking stool over the others to perch on when we discuss business; it's always distracting to them as they enjoy the different angles and movement it provides; a great sales tool as well!

John Amen, sailmaker and artist
Amen Design Group

Current manufactured version: stamped steel base, chrome finish piston and upholstered top (specs here).

 

The original design

MoMAStore's Unistool

Flexistool

Kore Stool

See the Kore stool in action! [3:46, Quicktime]

Late 1970s: First rocking stool designed by Jon Elmaleh.

The original rocking stool was created in a wood shop. The stools were hand-turned of solid wood and sold to friends and colleagues: designers, woodworkers, artists, sailmakers.

Jon spent years in the shop refining the curve and motion of the stool.

1986: Rocking stool is awarded USPTO Design patent #283,856

1999: First manufactured version of the stool, called the Unistool.

A participating architect in the Museum of Modern Art's Unprivate House exhibition recommended the stool to the museum shop. The design was adapted for manufacturing, with factory-built seat and piston; the base, however, was still handmade of wood.

1999 - 2002: Unistool sold in the MoMA Design Store.

2000 - 2005: Rocking stool developed for mass production.

The Unistool was doing well, but hand-turning all the bases was proving to be too much for one man. Jon began to seek out a means of manufacturing the entire stool; the biggest challenge would be accurately reproducing the perfect dome shape on the base.

Stamped steel proved to be the right medium for mass producing the domed bottom. Other improvements were made as well - updating the height adjustment lever and creating a wider, more comfortable seat.

2005 - 2006: Flexistool introduced to market.

A factory was found to produce the stool. Out There Technologies began marketing the new version under the name Flexistool. Unfortunately, some issues with the manufacturing sent the product back to the drawing board.

2007 - 2008: Product refinement.

Out There Technologies found a new factory and spent 2 years perfecting and testing the product to ensure its quality and durability.

2009: Kore Stool hits the market - coming soon to a store near you!

about | contact us | view specs | watch video

©2010 - 2012 Out There Technologies LLC