JP7664624B2 - Folding chair - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a folding chair that can be folded for storage or transportation.

Chairs used in conference rooms, halls, outdoors, etc. are folded up and stored when not in use. There are three types of folding chairs known: a front-to-back folding type, which can be folded into a roughly flat shape by swinging the seat plate relative to the front and rear leg pipes and swinging the lower end of the rear leg pipe in a direction approaching the lower end of the front leg pipe, as described in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 1-179547, etc.; a left-to-right folding type, which can be folded into a roughly flat shape by bringing a pair of left and right frames closer to each other, as described in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 5-11855, etc.; and a convergent type, which can be folded into a roughly rod-like shape, as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-105557, etc.

Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 1-179547 Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 5-11855 JP 2004-105557 A

In the unfolded state, the seat of front-to-back and left-to-right folding folding chairs can be made approximately horizontal to the ground or floor, but in the folded state it is approximately flat, leaving room for improvement in terms of ensuring good storability. In contrast, the folding chair of the converging type can be folded into an approximately rod-like shape, but in the unfolded state the seat is inclined downwards as it moves towards the rear, leaving room for improvement in terms of ensuring good comfort.

The aim of the present invention is to create a folding chair that combines high levels of storage ease and comfort.

A folding chair according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:
a first long leg member and a second long leg member that extend in an upward direction toward the rear side and are arranged with a gap in between in the left-right direction;
a first short leg member that extends in an upward direction toward the front and has an upper end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to a vertical intermediate portion of the first long leg member; and a second short leg member that extends in an upward direction toward the front and has an upper end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to a vertical intermediate portion of the second long leg member.
a first seat member extending in a front-rear direction and having a rear end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to an upper end of the first short leg member; and a second seat member extending in a front-rear direction and having a rear end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to an upper end of the second short leg member.
a first front support member and a second front support member, each configured to be extendable and retractable along its entire length, and each supported at its longitudinal intermediate portion so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction;
a first rear support member and a second rear support member, each of which is supported at a longitudinal intermediate portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction;
Equipped with.

The first front support member supports an upper end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-to-rear direction relative to the front portion of the second seat member, and supports a lower end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-to-rear direction relative to the lower portion of the first long leg member.

The second front support member supports an upper end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-to-rear direction relative to the front portion of the first seat member, and supports a lower end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-to-rear direction relative to the lower portion of the second long leg member.

The first rear support member supports an upper end portion of the second long leg member so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to the upper portion of the second long leg member, and supports a lower end portion of the first short leg member so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to the lower portion of the first short leg member.

The second rear support member supports an upper end portion of the first long leg member so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to the upper portion of the first long leg member, and supports a lower end portion of the second short leg member so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to the lower portion of the second short leg member.

The folding chair according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a first locking mechanism that prevents the first front support member from rotating further in the unfolding direction relative to the front portion of the second seat member when the first front support member is unfolded relative to the front portion of the second seat member, and a second locking mechanism that prevents the second front support member from rotating further in the unfolding direction relative to the front portion of the first seat member when the second front support member is unfolded relative to the front portion of the first seat member.

In one aspect of the present invention, a folding chair includes:
When viewed from the left and right,
The first long leg member is disposed forward of the second long leg member,
The first short leg member is disposed rearward of the second short leg member,
The first front support member is disposed forward of the second front support member, and
The first rear support member may be disposed rearward of the second rear support member.

In a folding chair according to one aspect of the present invention, the front-to-rear dimension of the second seat member can be longer than the front-to-rear dimension of the first seat member.

A folding chair according to one aspect of the present invention can include a first handle member supported and fixed to the upper surface of the front end of the first seat member, and a second handle member supported and fixed to the upper surface of the front end of the second seat member.

The folding chair according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a fabric body having an upper portion stretched between the upper portion of the first long leg member and the upper portion of the second long leg member, and a lower portion stretched between the first seat member and the second seat member.

Alternatively, the folding chair according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a plurality of string-like members that are respectively hung between the upper portion of the first long leg member and the upper portion of the second long leg member, and between the first seat member and the second seat member.

The folding chair according to one aspect of the present invention can be folded into a generally rod-like shape when stored or transported, and when unfolded, the seat surface can be made generally horizontal to the ground or floor. In other words, the folding chair according to one aspect of the present invention can achieve a high level of both storability and comfort.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a folding chair according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of a folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the left side. FIG. 3 is a front view of a folding chair according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the first fitting. FIG. 6(A) is an oblique view showing the second fitting, FIG. 6(B) is a front view of the second fitting seen from the front side, FIG. 6(C) is a side view seen from the left side of FIG. 6(B), and FIG. 6(D) is a plan view seen from the upper side of FIG. 6(B). FIG. 7(A) is an oblique view showing the third fitting, FIG. 7(B) is a front view of the third fitting seen from the front side, FIG. 7(C) is a side view seen from the right side of FIG. 7(B), and FIG. 7(D) is a plan view seen from the upper side of FIG. 7(B). FIG. 8 is a side view of a folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the right side in the middle of being folded up. FIG. 9 is a front view of a folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front side in a state in which it is being folded up. FIG. 10 is a rear view of a folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the rear side in a state in which it is being folded up. FIG. 11 is a side view of a folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the right side in a folded state. FIG. 12 is a front view of a folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front in a folded state. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the rear side in the folded state.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. The folding chair 1 of this example comprises a first long leg member 2 and a second long leg member 3, a first short leg member 4 and a second short leg member 5, a first seat member 6 and a second seat member 7, a first front support member 8 and a second front support member 9, a first rear support member 10 and a second rear support member 11, and a fabric body 12. Below, we will first describe the structure of each part of the folding chair 1 in its unfolded state (in use state).

In the following description, the front-rear, left-right and up-down directions refer to the front-rear, left-right and up-down directions as seen by a user seated on the folding chair 1 in the unfolded state. The left side refers to the left-hand side of a user seated on the folding chair 1 in the unfolded state, and the right side refers to the right-hand side of a user seated on the folding chair 1 in the unfolded state.

The first long leg member 2 and the second long leg member 3 extend upward toward the rear, and are arranged with a gap between them in the left-right direction. In this example, the first long leg member 2 is arranged on the left side, and the second long leg member 3 is arranged on the right side. The lower ends of the first long leg member 2 and the second long leg member 3 are placed on a placement surface, which is the ground or floor surface. In other words, the lower ends of the first long leg member 2 and the second long leg member 3 form the front legs.

In this example, the first long leg member 2 is disposed forward of the second long leg member 3. Specifically, the first long leg member 2 is disposed forward of the second long leg member 3 by approximately the front-rear thickness of the second front support member 9. In this example, the front-rear thickness of the first front support member 8, the front-rear thickness of the second front support member 9, the front-rear thickness of the first rear support member 10, and the front-rear thickness of the second rear support member 11 are all the same. In this example, the first long leg member 2 and the second long leg member 3 are curved in an approximately S-shape or approximately crank shape. However, when implementing the present invention, the shapes of the first long leg member and the second long leg member are not particularly limited, and they can be configured, for example, in a straight line.

The first short leg member 4 extends in an upward direction toward the front, and its upper end is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis facing left and right relative to the vertical middle part of the first long leg member 2. In this example, the first short leg member 4 is curved in an approximately J-shape or an approximately L-shape. However, when implementing the present invention, the shape of the first short leg member is not particularly limited, and it can be configured, for example, in a straight line.

The second short leg member 5 extends in an upward direction toward the front, and its upper end is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis facing left and right relative to the vertical middle part of the second long leg member 3. In this example, the second short leg member 5 is curved in an approximately J-shape or an approximately L-shape. However, when implementing the present invention, the shape of the second short leg member is not particularly limited, and it can be configured, for example, in a straight line.

The lower ends of the first short leg member 4 and the second short leg member 5 are placed on a support surface. In other words, the lower ends of the first short leg member 4 and the second short leg member 5 form the rear legs.

The first seat member 6 extends in the front-rear direction, and its rear end is supported by the upper end of the first short leg member 4 so that it can rotate about an axis facing in the left-right direction. The first seat member 6 is disposed horizontally or approximately horizontally with respect to the support surface.

In this example, the vertical middle portion of the first long leg member 2, the upper end portion of the first short leg member 4, and the rear end portion of the first seat member 6 are joined together by a first metal fitting 13 as shown in FIG. 5.

The first metal fitting 13 is formed by bending a metal plate into a generally U-shaped cross section. The first metal fitting 13 has a pair of support plate portions 14 that are parallel to each other, and a connecting plate portion 15 that connects the lower ends of the pair of support plate portions 14. The pair of support plate portions 14 each have circular holes 16a, 16b, and 16c at three positions in the front-rear direction that are aligned with each other.

The front portion of the first metal fitting 13 and the rear end of the first seat member 6 are fixedly connected so as not to rotate, and the vertical middle portion of the first long leg member 2 and the upper end of the first short leg member 4 are supported by the rear portion of the first metal fitting 13 so as to be rotatable about axes facing in the left-right direction.

That is, the rear end of the first seat member 6 is disposed between the front portions of the pair of support plate portions 14, and a connecting member is inserted through the front two pairs of circular holes 16a, 16b of the three pairs of circular holes 16a, 16b, 16c, and through holes that pass through the rear end of the first seat member 6 in the left-right direction. Specifically, for example, rivets are inserted through the two pairs of circular holes 16a, 16b and the through holes, and the tips of the rivets are crimped. This connects and fixes the front portion of the first metal fitting 13 and the rear end of the first seat member 6 so that they cannot rotate.

The upper end of the first short leg member 4 is disposed between the rear portions of the pair of support plate portions 14, and the vertical middle portion of the first long leg member 2 is disposed to the left of the left support plate portion 14 of the pair of support plate portions 14. In this state, the support member is inserted through a through hole that passes through the vertical middle portion of the first long leg member 2 in the left-right direction, a rear set of circular holes 16c out of the three sets of circular holes 16a, 16b, 16c, and a through hole that passes through the upper end of the first short leg member 4 in the left-right direction. Specifically, for example, a rivet is inserted through the set of circular holes 16c and the through hole, and the tip of the rivet is crimped. As a result, the vertical middle portion of the first long leg member 2 and the upper end of the first short leg member 4 are supported so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the left-right direction with respect to the rear portion of the first metal fitting 13.

The second seat member 7 extends in the front-rear direction, and its rear end is supported by the upper end of the second short leg member 5 so that it can rotate about an axis facing left-right. The second seat member 7 is disposed horizontally or approximately horizontally with respect to the placement surface.

In the folding chair 1 of this example, the front-to-rear dimension of the second seat member 7 is longer than the front-to-rear dimension of the first seat member 6. This allows the first long-leg member 2 to be positioned forward of the second long-leg member 3 and the first short-leg member 4 to be positioned rearward of the second short-leg member 5, while aligning the front end of the first seat member 6 with the front end of the second seat member 7 in the front-to-rear direction.

The vertical middle part of the second long leg member 3, the upper end part of the second short leg member 5, and the rear end part of the second seat member 7 are combined by the first metal fitting 13. In other words, the front part of the first metal fitting 13 and the rear end part of the second seat member 7 are connected and fixed so as not to rotate, and the vertical middle part of the second long leg member 3 and the upper end part of the second short leg member 5 are supported by the rear part of the first metal fitting 13 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the left-right direction.

The structure for connecting and fixing the front portion of the first metal fitting 13 and the rear end of the second seating surface member 7 to be non-rotatable is basically the same as the structure for connecting and fixing the front portion of the first metal fitting 13 and the rear end of the second seating surface member 7 to be non-rotatable. Also, the structure for supporting the vertical middle portion of the second long leg member 3 and the upper end of the second short leg member 5 to be rotatable about an axis facing the left-right direction with respect to the rear portion of the first metal fitting 13 is basically the same as the structure for supporting the vertical middle portion of the first long leg member 2 and the upper end of the first short leg member 4 to be rotatable about an axis facing the left-right direction with respect to the rear portion of the first metal fitting 13, except that the left-right direction is reversed. Therefore, detailed explanation will be omitted.

The first front support member 8 and the second front support member 9 are configured so that their respective overall lengths can be extended or contracted, and support their respective intermediate portions in the longitudinal direction so that they can rotate about an axis facing the front-to-rear direction. In this example, the second front support member 9 is disposed behind the first front support member 8.

For this reason, in this example, a support member is inserted through a through hole that passes through the longitudinal middle part of the first front support member 8 (the lower cylindrical member 17b described later) in the front-rear direction and through a through hole that passes through the longitudinal middle part of the second front support member 9 (the lower cylindrical member 32b described later) in the front-rear direction, thereby supporting the longitudinal middle part of the first front support member 8 and the longitudinal middle part of the second front support member 9 so as to be capable of rotation about an axis facing the front-rear direction. Specifically, for example, in this example, a rivet is inserted through a through hole that passes through the longitudinal middle part of the first front support member 8 in the front-rear direction and through a through hole that passes through the longitudinal middle part of the second front support member 9 in the front-rear direction, and the tip of the rivet is crimped.

The first front support member 8 supports its upper end so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-to-rear direction relative to the front portion of the second seat member 7, and supports its lower end so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-to-rear direction relative to the lower portion of the first long leg member 2. In other words, the first front support member 8 extends in a downward direction (leftward downward direction) as it moves toward the left side.

In this example, the first front support member 8 is configured to be extendable and contractable in its entire length by combining a pair of cylindrical members 17a, 17b in a telescopic manner. That is, the first front support member 8 is configured by fitting the upper cylindrical member 17a into the upper portion of the lower cylindrical member 17b so that the first front support member 8 can slide in the extension direction. The lower cylindrical member 17b is curved in a roughly S-shape or roughly crank shape.

In this example, the upper end of the upper cylindrical member 17a is supported by the right-side second metal fitting 18a as shown in Figures 6(A) to 6(D) to the front portion of the second seat member 7 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-rear direction. The lower end of the lower cylindrical member 17b is supported by the lower portion of the first long leg member 2 by the third metal fitting 19 as shown in Figures 7(A) to 7(D) to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-rear direction.

The second metal fitting 18a is formed by bending a metal plate. The second metal fitting 18a includes a pair of support plate portions 20a, 20b arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the left-right direction, a connecting plate portion 21 that connects the front ends of the lower portions of the pair of support plate portions 20a, 20b, and a stopper portion 22.

The pair of support plate sections 20a, 20b each have a circular hole 23 in the matching upper portion.

The connection plate portion 21 has a circular hole 24 that penetrates in the front-rear direction.

The stopper portion 22 has a base plate portion 25 that is bent from the lower end of the left support plate portion 20a of the pair of support plate portions 20a, 20b in a direction toward the left as it moves downward, a bent plate portion 26 that is bent from the front end of the base plate portion 25 to the upper left, and a stopper plate portion 27 that is bent from the upper left end of the bent plate portion 26 to the front.

In this example, the second right metal fitting 18a is fixed to the front portion of the second seat member 7, and the upper end of the first front support member 8 is supported on the front side of the connecting plate portion 21 so that it can rotate about a pivot point facing in the front-rear direction.

Specifically, the front portion of the second seat member 7 is disposed between the upper portions of the pair of support plate portions 20a, 20b, and a connecting member is inserted through the circular holes 23 provided in each of the support plate portions 20a, 20b and through holes that pass through the front portion of the second seat member 7 in the left-right direction. This connects and fixes the second metal fitting 18a to the front portion of the second seat member 7.

The upper end of the first front support member 8 is disposed in front of the connecting plate portion 21, and a support member is inserted through a through hole that passes through the upper end of the first front support member 8 in the front-rear direction and through a circular hole 24 provided in the connecting plate portion 21. This supports the upper end of the first front support member 8 relative to the connecting plate portion 21 of the second metal fitting 18a so that it can rotate about a pivot point facing in the front-rear direction.

In the folding chair 1 of this example, when the folding chair 1 is in the unfolded state, the upper left side surface of the upper end of the first front support member 8 abuts against the lower right side surface of the stopper plate portion 27 of the second right metal fitting 18a. This prevents the first front support member 8 from rotating further in the unfolded direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 3) relative to the second seat member 7. That is, in this example, the stopper portion 22 (stopper plate portion 27) of the second right metal fitting 18b constitutes the first locking mechanism.

The third metal fitting 19 is constructed by bending a metal plate into a generally U-shaped cross section. The third metal fitting 19 comprises a base plate portion 28 and a pair of parallel support plate portions 29 that are bent in the front-to-rear direction from the base plate portion 28. The pair of support plate portions 29 have circular holes 30 where they align with each other. The base plate portion 28 has a circular hole 31 that penetrates in the front-to-rear direction.

In this example, the third metal fitting 19 is fixed to the lower portion of the first long leg member 2, and the lower end of the lower cylindrical member 17b is supported on the front side of the base plate portion 28 so that it can rotate about a pivot point facing in the front-rear direction.

Specifically, the lower portion of the first long leg member 2 is disposed between a pair of support plate portions 29, and a connecting member is inserted through a circular hole 30 provided in each support plate portion 29 and a through hole that passes through the lower portion of the first long leg member 2 in the left-right direction. This connects and fixes the third metal fitting 19 to the lower portion of the first long leg member 2.

The lower end of the lower cylindrical member 17b is disposed in front of the base plate 28, and a support member is inserted through a through hole that passes through the lower end of the lower cylindrical member 17b in the front-to-rear direction and through a circular hole 31 provided in the base plate 28. This supports the lower end of the lower cylindrical member 17b relative to the base plate 28 of the third fitting 19 so that it can rotate about an axis that faces the front-to-rear direction.

The second front support member 9 supports its upper end so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-to-rear direction relative to the front portion of the first seat member 6, and supports its lower end so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-to-rear direction relative to the lower portion of the second long leg member 3. In other words, the second front support member 9 extends in a direction that is downward (downward to the right) as it moves toward the right.

In this example, the second front support member 9 is configured to be extendable and contractable in its entire length by combining a pair of cylindrical members 32a, 32b in a telescopic manner. That is, the second front support member 9 is configured by fitting the upper cylindrical member 32a into the upper portion of the lower cylindrical member 32b so that the second front support member 9 can slide in the extension direction. The lower cylindrical member 32b is curved in a roughly S-shape or roughly crank shape.

In this example, the upper end of the upper cylindrical member 32a is supported by the second metal fitting 18b on the left side relative to the front portion of the first seat member 6 so as to be rotatable about a pivot point facing the front-rear direction. The lower end of the lower cylindrical member 32b is supported by the third metal fitting 19 relative to the lower portion of the second long leg member 3 so as to be rotatable about a pivot point facing the front-rear direction.

The second metal fitting 18b on the left side has a shape symmetrical with the second metal fitting 18a on the right side in the left-right direction. The structure in which the second metal fitting 18b is fixed to the front part of the first seat member 6 and the upper end of the second front support member 9 is supported on the front side of the connecting plate portion 21 so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis facing in the front-rear direction is basically the same as the structure in which the second metal fitting 18a is fixed to the front part of the second seat member 7 and the upper end of the first front support member 8 is supported on the front side of the connecting plate portion 21 so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis facing in the front-rear direction. In addition, the structure in which the third fitting 19 is fixed to the lower portion of the second long leg member 3 and the lower end of the lower cylindrical member 32b relative to the front side surface of the base plate 28 is supported so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis facing the front-rear direction is basically the same as the structure in which the third fitting 19 is fixed to the lower portion of the first long leg member 2 and the lower end of the lower cylindrical member 17b relative to the front side surface of the base plate 28 is supported so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis facing the front-rear direction. Therefore, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

In the folding chair 1 of this example, when the folding chair 1 is in the unfolded state, the upper left side surface of the upper end of the second front support member 9 abuts against the lower right side surface of the stopper plate portion 27 of the second left metal fitting 18b. This prevents the second front support member 9 from rotating further in the unfolded direction (clockwise in FIG. 3) relative to the first seat member 6. That is, in this example, the stopper portion 22 (stopper plate portion 27) of the second left metal fitting 18b constitutes the second locking mechanism.

The first rear support member 10 and the second rear support member 11 are pivotally supported by each other at their respective longitudinal middle portions. In this example, the first rear support member 10 and the second rear support member 11 are each made of a single pipe material that is not divided in the longitudinal direction. The second rear support member 11 is also disposed in front of the first rear support member 10.

For this reason, in this example, a support member is inserted through a through hole that penetrates the longitudinal middle portion of the first rear support member 10 in the front-rear direction and through a through hole that penetrates the longitudinal middle portion of the second rear support member 11 in the front-rear direction, thereby supporting the longitudinal middle portion of the first rear support member 10 and the longitudinal middle portion of the second rear support member 11 so that they can rotate about an axis that faces in the front-rear direction.

The first rear support member 10 supports its upper end so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-to-rear direction relative to the upper portion of the second long leg member 3, and supports its lower end so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-to-rear direction relative to the lower portion of the first short leg member 4. In other words, the first rear support member 10 extends in a direction that is downward (leftward downward) as it moves toward the left side.

In this example, the upper end of the first rear support member 10 is supported by a third metal fitting 19 relative to the upper portion of the second long leg member 3 so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-to-rear direction, and the lower end of the first rear support member 10 is supported by a third metal fitting 19 relative to the lower portion of the first short leg member 4 so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-to-rear direction.

That is, the upper portion of the second long leg member 3 is disposed between the pair of support plate portions 29 of the third fitting 19, and a connecting member is inserted into the circular holes 30 provided in each support plate portion 29 and into the through hole that penetrates the upper portion of the second long leg member 3 in the left-right direction, thereby connecting and fixing the third fitting 19 to the upper portion of the second long leg member 3. The upper end of the first rear support member 10 is disposed behind the base plate portion 28 of the third fitting 19, and a supporting member is inserted into the through hole that penetrates the upper end of the first rear support member 10 in the front-rear direction and into the circular hole 31 provided in the base plate portion 28, thereby supporting the upper end of the first rear support member 10 relative to the base plate portion 28 of the third fitting 19 so that it can rotate about an axis that faces the front-rear direction.

The third metal fitting 19 is fixed to the lower portion of the first short leg member 4 by placing the lower portion of the first short leg member 4 between the pair of support plate portions 29 of the third metal fitting 19, and inserting a connecting member into the circular holes 30 of the respective support plate portions 29 and into the through holes penetrating the lower portion of the first short leg member 4 in the left-right direction. The lower end of the first rear support member 10 is placed behind the base plate portion 28 of the third metal fitting 19, and a supporting member is inserted into the through holes penetrating the lower end of the first rear support member 10 in the front-rear direction and into the circular holes 31 of the base plate portion 28, so that the lower end of the first rear support member 10 is supported relative to the base plate portion 28 of the third metal fitting 19 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-rear direction.

The second rear support member 11 has its upper end pivoted to the upper portion of the first long leg member 2, and its lower end pivoted to the lower portion of the second short leg member 5. In other words, the second rear support member 11 extends in a direction that is more downward as it moves to the right (a downward direction to the right).

In this example, the upper end of the second rear support member 11 is supported by a third metal fitting 19 relative to the upper portion of the first long leg member 2 so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-to-rear direction, and the lower end of the second rear support member 11 is supported by a third metal fitting 19 relative to the lower portion of the second short leg member 5 so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-to-rear direction.

The structure in which the upper end of the second rear support member 11 is supported by the third metal fitting 19 relative to the upper portion of the first long leg member 2 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-rear direction is basically the same as the structure in which the upper end of the first rear support member 10 is supported by the third metal fitting 19 relative to the upper portion of the second long leg member 3 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-rear direction. In addition, the structure in which the lower end of the second rear support member 11 is supported by the third metal fitting 19 relative to the lower portion of the second short leg member 5 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-rear direction is basically the same as the structure in which the lower end of the first rear support member 10 is supported by the third metal fitting 19 relative to the lower portion of the first short leg member 4 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-rear direction. Therefore, detailed explanation will be omitted.

The cloth body 12 is made of a flexible material. The cloth body 12 has an upper portion that is stretched between the upper portion of the first long leg member 2 and the upper portion of the second long leg member 3, and a lower portion that is stretched between the first seat member 6 and the second seat member 7. In other words, the upper portion of the cloth body 12 is stretched between the upper portion of the first long leg member 2 and the upper portion of the second long leg member 3, and the lower portion is stretched between the first seat member 6 and the second seat member 7. The front side of the upper portion of the cloth body 12 forms the backrest surface, and the upper side of the lower portion forms the seat surface. In this example, the seat surface is arranged approximately parallel to the placement surface.

The folding chair 1 of this example further comprises a first handle member 33 having a generally U-shape and supported and fixed to the upper surface of the front end of the first seat member 6, and a second handle member 34 having a generally U-shape and supported and fixed to the upper surface of the front end of the second seat member 7.

In addition, in this example of the folding chair 1, when a user sits on the seat in the unfolded state, the force applied to the front portions of the first seat member 6 and the second seat member 7 is transmitted to the first front support member 8 and the second front support member 9 via the second fittings 18a, 18b, and is further supported by the first long leg member 2 and the second long leg member 3.

On the other hand, the force applied to the rear portions of the first seat member 6 and the second seat member 7 is supported by the first short leg member 4 and the second short leg member 5, and the first long leg member 2 and the second long leg member 3, via the first metal fitting 13.

When not in use, the folding chair 1 of this example can be folded up into a roughly rod-like shape, as shown in Figures 8 to 11, 9 to 12, and 10 to 13.

That is, the first seat member 6 is rotated in a direction such that the front end faces rearward and upward. At this time, the length dimension of the second front support member 9 is extended to allow the first seat member 6 to rotate. In addition, the first long leg member 2 and the first short leg member 4 are rotated in a direction such that the lower end of the first long leg member 2 and the lower end of the first short leg member 4 approach each other.

Similarly, the second seat member 7 is rotated in a direction such that the front end faces rearward and upward. At this time, the length dimension of the first front support member 8 is extended to allow the second seat member 7 to rotate. In addition, the second long leg member 3 and the second short leg member 5 are rotated in a direction such that the lower end of the second long leg member 3 and the lower end of the second short leg member 5 approach each other.

Furthermore, the first front support member 8 and the second front support member 9 are rotated in a direction in which their upper ends and their lower ends approach each other, and the first rear support member 10 and the second rear support member 11 are rotated in a direction in which their upper ends and their lower ends approach each other.

As described above, when folding chair 1 is folded, each part rotates almost simultaneously, and folding chair 1 is folded into a rod-like shape. However, folding chair 1 can be folded in any manner as long as no contradictions arise.

As described above, in the folding chair 1 of this example, the second front support member 9 that supports the front end of the first seat member 6 and the first front support member 8 that supports the front end of the second seat member 7 are configured to be extendable and contractible. Therefore, according to the folding chair 1 of this example, it can be folded into a roughly rod-like shape when stored or transported, and when unfolded, the seat can be made roughly horizontal to the ground or floor. In other words, according to the folding chair 1 of this example, it is possible to achieve a high level of both storability and comfort.

In addition, in the folding chair 1 of this example, the first long leg member 2 is positioned forward of the second long leg member 3, and the first short leg member 4 is positioned rearward of the second short leg member 5. As a result, the lower cylindrical member 11b of the first front support member 8 and the lower cylindrical member 32b of the second front support member 9 can be supported so that their longitudinal middle portions can rotate relative to each other without being separated at their longitudinal middle portions. Furthermore, the first rear support member 10 and the second rear support member 11 can be supported so that their longitudinal middle portions can rotate relative to each other without being separated at their longitudinal middle portions. As a result, a folding chair 1 with a high design quality can be provided.

Furthermore, in this example, the front-to-rear dimension of the second seat member 7 is longer than the front-to-rear dimension of the first seat member 6. Therefore, even if the first long leg member 2 is positioned forward of the second long leg member 3 and the first short leg member 4 is positioned rearward of the second short leg member 5, the front end of the first seat member 6 and the front end of the second seat member 7 can be aligned in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the front edge of the seat can be made parallel to the left-right direction (perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction).

In this example, the first long leg member on the front side is placed on the left side and the second long leg member on the rear side is placed on the right side, but when implementing the folding chair of the present invention, the first long leg member on the front side can also be placed on the right side and the second long leg member on the rear side can also be placed on the left side. In other words, it is possible to configure the folding chair 1 of this example symmetrically.

In addition, in this example, the lower cylindrical member 11b of the first front support member 8 and the lower cylindrical member 32b of the second front support member 9 are not separated at their respective longitudinal intermediate portions, and the respective longitudinal intermediate portions are supported so as to be rotatable relative to each other. However, when implementing the present invention, it is also possible to separate one of the lower cylindrical members of the first front support member and the lower cylindrical member of the second front support member. In other words, one of the cylindrical members may be connected by a pair of flat connecting members at the front and rear sides of a pair of cylindrical member elements, and the longitudinal intermediate portion of the other cylindrical member may be rotatably supported between the pair of connecting members.

In addition, in this example, neither the first rear support member 10 nor the second rear support member 11 is separated at their respective longitudinal intermediate portions, and the longitudinal intermediate portions are supported so as to be rotatable relative to each other. However, when implementing the present invention, it is also possible to separate one of the first rear support member and the second rear support member. In other words, one rear support member may be connected to the front side surfaces and the rear side surfaces of a pair of support member elements by a pair of flat connecting members, and the longitudinal intermediate portion of the other rear support member may be rotatably supported between the pair of connecting members.

In the folding chair 1 of this example, the first long leg member 2 and the second long leg member 3, the first short leg member 4 and the second short leg member 5, the first seat member 6 and the second seat member 7, the first front support member 8 and the second front support member 9, and the first rear support member 10 and the second rear support member 11 are all made of metal pipe material with a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, the shapes and materials of the members that make up the folding chair of the present invention are not particularly limited, and they can also be made of pipe material with a circular cross-section, made of synthetic resin, or made of wooden rod-shaped members.

In addition, in the folding chair 1 of this example, the cloth body 12 is stretched between the upper part of the first long leg member 2 and the upper part of the second long leg member 3, and between the first seat member 6 and the second seat member 7, and the backrest surface and the seat surface are formed by the cloth body 12. However, when implementing the folding chair of the present invention, it is also possible to stretch multiple string-like members between the upper part of the first long leg member and the upper part of the second long leg member to form the backrest surface with the multiple string-like members, and to stretch another multiple string-like members between the part between the first seat member and the second seat member to form the seat surface with the multiple string-like members.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Folding chair 2 First long leg member 3 Second long leg member 4 First short leg member 5 Second short leg member 6 First seat member 7 Second seat member 8 First front support member 9 Second front support member 10 First rear support member 11 Second rear support member 12 Fabric body 13 First metal fitting 14 Support plate portion 15 Connection plate portion 16a, 16b, 16c Circular hole 17a, 17b Cylindrical member 18a, 18b Second metal fitting 19 Third metal fitting 20a, 20b Support plate portion 21 Connection plate portion 22 Stopper portion 23 Circular hole 24 Circular hole 25 Base portion 26 Bent plate portion 27 Stopper plate portion 28 Base portion 29 Support plate portion 30 Circular hole 31 Circular hole 32a, 32b Cylindrical member 33 First handle member 34 Second handle member

Claims (5)

a first long leg member and a second long leg member that extend in an upward direction toward the rear side and are arranged with a gap in between in the left-right direction;
a first short leg member that extends in an upward direction toward the front and has an upper end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to a vertical intermediate portion of the first long leg member; and a second short leg member that extends in an upward direction toward the front and has an upper end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to a vertical intermediate portion of the second long leg member.
a first seat member extending in a front-rear direction and having a rear end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to an upper end of the first short leg member; and a second seat member extending in a front-rear direction and having a rear end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to an upper end of the second short leg member.
a first front support member and a second front support member, each configured to be extendable and retractable along its entire length, and each supported at its longitudinal intermediate portion so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction;
a first rear support member and a second rear support member, each of which is supported at a longitudinal intermediate portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction;
Equipped with
the first front support member supports an upper end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to a front portion of the second seating surface member, and supports a lower end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to a lower portion of the first long leg member,
the second front support member supports an upper end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to a front portion of the first seating surface member, and supports a lower end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to a lower portion of the second long leg member,
an upper end of the first rear support member is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to an upper portion of the second long leg member, and a lower end of the first rear support member is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to a lower portion of the first short leg member;
The second rear support member supports an upper end portion of the first long leg member so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to an upper portion of the first long leg member, and supports a lower end portion of the second short leg member so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to a lower portion of the second short leg member.
Folding chair. a first locking mechanism that prevents the first front support member from rotating further in the unfolding direction relative to the front portion of the second seating surface member when the first front support member is unfolded relative to the front portion of the second seating surface member, and a second locking mechanism that prevents the second front support member from rotating further in the unfolding direction relative to the front portion of the first seating surface member when the second front support member is unfolded relative to the front portion of the first seating surface member,
2. The folding chair of claim 1. When viewed from the left and right,
The first long leg member is disposed forward of the second long leg member,
The first short leg member is disposed rearward of the second short leg member,
The first front support member is disposed forward of the second front support member, and
The first rear support member is disposed rearward of the second rear support member.
A folding chair according to claim 1 or 2. The second seating member has a length in the front-rear direction longer than the length in the front-rear direction of the first seating member.
4. The folding chair according to claim 3. a first handle member supported and fixed to an upper surface of a front end portion of the first seat member, and a second handle member supported and fixed to an upper surface of a front end portion of the second seat member,
A folding chair according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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