JP7804392B2 - sofa - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to sofas that are often installed in places such as offices, hospitals, school facilities, and stores.

In recent years, meeting booths with sofas arranged face-to-face, like those found in family restaurants and fast food restaurants, have become more common in offices and other settings (see, for example, the reference diagram in Patent Document 1 showing a usage situation). Furthermore, offices are increasingly creating multipurpose spaces with layouts that can be changed depending on the purpose, such as meeting spaces for small or large groups, or for holding seminars.

Design Registration No. 1626094

Now, when rearranging or moving a sofa like the one in Patent Document 1, multiple people are required to carry it due to factors such as the sofa's weight and size. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is difficult to easily rearrange this type of sofa to suit the usage situation, etc.

The technical objective of this invention is to provide a sofa that takes into account the current situation described above and makes improvements.

The sofa of the present invention is a sofa configured so that it can be placed with its back facing another sofa, and is equipped with a seat, a backrest, a base body supporting the seat and/or the backrest, casters supporting the base body, a switching device that switches between a free state in which the base body can move by rolling on the casters, and a locked state in which the casters do not roll and the base body cannot move, and an operating unit that operates the switching device.

In the sofa of the present invention, the operating unit may be arranged in a predetermined area of the sofa excluding the back side.

The sofa of the present invention also includes a sofa on which people can sit back to back, comprising a seat body arranged facing each other from front to back, a backrest arranged facing each other from front to back, a base body supporting the seat body and/or the backrest, casters supporting the base body, a switching device that switches between a free state in which the base body can move by rolling of the casters, and a locked state in which the casters do not roll and the base body cannot move, and an operating unit that operates the switching device.

In the sofa of the present invention, the operating unit may be located below the upper surface of the seat body and on the front side of the base body.

In the sofa of the present invention, the operating unit may be located behind the front of the seat body.

In the sofa of the present invention, the operating unit may be located on the upper surface of the backrest.

In the sofa of the present invention, the operating unit may be positioned so that it is exposed on the side of the sofa but does not protrude to the side.

In the sofa of the present invention, the operating unit may be configured to be exposed on the front surface of the backrest but not protrude forward, or to be exposed on the upper surface of the seat body but not protrude upward.

In the sofa of the present invention, the operating unit has an operating base and an operating member that is operated by a person, and the operating member is positioned so that it is exposed through an opening provided in the base body, and the operating member may be extendable and retractable relative to the operating base or may be fixable at multiple positions.

In the sofa of the present invention, at least the upper half of the caster may be covered by the base body.

This invention includes a switching device that switches between a free state in which the base body can move by rolling the casters, and a locked state in which the casters do not roll and the base body cannot move, and an operating unit that operates the switching device. Operating the operating member to the free state allows the casters to roll (the base body is in the free state). In this state, the casters can be rolled by, for example, pushing the sofa in the desired direction, allowing the sofa to be moved easily without having to be lifted. The rolling of the casters allows the sofa to be moved smoothly with little force. Operating the operating member to the locked state prevents the casters from rolling (the base body is in the locked state). As a result, the sofa can be placed stably.

1 is a perspective view of a multi-seater sofa according to a first embodiment, viewed from one side of the front. FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-seater sofa as seen from the rear side. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the seat body separated. FIG. FIG. 1 is a side view of a multi-seater sofa. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-seater sofa viewed from one side of the front to illustrate the arrangement of the operating unit. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a multi-seater sofa as seen from the front and other side to illustrate the arrangement of the operating unit. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a multi-seater sofa according to a second embodiment, seen from one side of the front. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a case where the sofas of the first or second embodiment are arranged back to back. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sofa according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a one-seater sofa according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed from the front side (near side). This is a perspective view of a one-seater sofa seen from the back side (rear side). FIG. 1 is a side view of a one-seater sofa. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a one-seater sofa as seen from the front side (near side) to illustrate the arrangement of the operating unit. This is a perspective view of a layout in which sets of sofas and tables are arranged facing each other. This is a perspective view of a layout in which sofas are arranged side by side.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, terms such as front, back, left, and right will be used to specify directions, but these terms front, back, left, and right are based on the orientation of a person normally seated (sitting) on the sofa. A front view is a view from the direction facing the seated person.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sofa 10 of the first embodiment is designed to seat multiple people (two to three people) and includes a seat body 11 on which people sit, a backrest 12 that supports the person's back and waist, and a base body 13 that supports the seat body 11 and/or the backrest 12. The base body 13 of the first embodiment is configured to support both the seat body 11 and the backrest 12.

The base body 13 is configured as a rectangular frame in a plan view. A box-frame-shaped back support 15, which is a component of the backrest 12, is erected on the upper rear surface of the base body 13. The seat body 11, for example, is constructed with a seat plate and cushioning material covered with a covering material, and is removably placed on the base body 13 (see Figures 1 to 3). The backrest 12, for example, is constructed with a back plate and cushioning material covered with a covering material, and is attached to the front side of the back support 15. The back side of the sofa 10 (the back of the base body 13 and the back of the back support 15), like the front and left and right side surfaces of the base body 13 and the left and right side surfaces of the back support 15 that are visible to the eye, is finished with an aesthetically pleasing design.

In particular, the back surfaces of the back support 15 and base body 13 are constructed as vertical planes without any protrusions. This makes it possible to arrange the backs of other sofas 10 facing each other (arranging the backs of other sofas 10 back-to-back). In the first embodiment, the wooden back support 15 forms the design surface, but it is also possible to fix the backrest 12 to the seat body 11 or base body 13 without the back support 15. In this case, the back of the backrest 12 becomes the design surface. Furthermore, as in the aforementioned patent document, it is also possible to attach a separate panel to the back of the backrest and use that panel as the design surface. The base body 13 and back support 15 may also be constructed as a single unit.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a longitudinal reinforcing plate 16 is attached to the interior of the base body 13, dividing the interior into left and right halves. The interior of the base body 13 is divided into two compartments, left and right, by the reinforcing plate 16. Attached to both the left and right sides of the reinforcing plate 16 are mid-sole plates 17 that divide each of the left and right compartments into upper and lower sections. Therefore, the interior of the base body 13 is divided into four compartments, top, bottom, left, and right, by the reinforcing plate 16 and the two mid-sole plates 17. The seat body 11 detachably covers the upper two left and right compartments. In other words, the upper two left and right compartments become storage spaces that can be opened upward by removing the seat body 11, and the seat body 11 functions as a lid for the upper two left and right compartments (two storage spaces). The storage spaces can be used to store and keep disaster preparedness supplies such as drinking water, emergency food, and helmets.

As shown in Figure 4, caster devices 20, as disclosed in Patent Publication No. 5215983, are located in each of the two lower left and right compartments of the base body 13. The left and right caster devices 20 are designed to allow the sofa 10 to be moved easily (smoothly) without having to be lifted, and are attached to the underside of the midsole plate 17.

The caster device 20 includes a plurality of casters 21 (braking casters) that support the base body 13, a switching mechanism 22 (connecting member and brake operating member) that switches the casters 21 between a free state in which they roll and a locked state in which they cannot roll, and an operating unit 23 (operating piece) that operates the switching mechanism 22. In the first embodiment, one caster device 20 has four casters 21. Each caster 21 is configured so that the rolling direction can be changed as desired.

The operating unit 23 of each caster device 20 is lever-type and includes an operating base 23a and an operating member 24 that is operated by a person. Each operating unit 23 is configured to be rotatable horizontally around a vertical pivot 25 supported on the underside of the corresponding mid-sole plate 17. Left and right horizontally elongated guide slots 26 are formed in the areas corresponding to the left and right lower compartments on the front side of the base body 13. The operating member 24 (grip portion) provided at the tip of each operating unit 23 passes through the corresponding guide slot 26 on the front side of the base body 13 and protrudes (is exposed) forward of the base body 13 (sofa 10). In other words, the operating member 24 is positioned so that it is exposed through the guide slot 26 (opening) formed in the base body 13.

Each operating unit 23 can be rotated left and right along a guide slot 26 on the front side of the base body 13. The presence of each guide slot 26 limits the left and right rotation range of the corresponding operating unit 23. As shown by the phantom lines in Figure 4, the operating member 24 is extendable and retractable relative to the operating base 23a, or can be fixed at multiple positions. In other words, the amount of protrusion of the operating member 24 from the guide slot 26 (opening) can be adjusted along the length of the operating base 23a. As a result, the operating member 24 can be set so that it is exposed to the front of the base body 13 but does not protrude, preventing incorrect operation due to the seated person unintentionally touching the operating member 24. This also prevents any adverse effects on seat comfort.

In particular, in the first embodiment, each operating unit 23 (operating member 24) is located below the top surface of the seat body 11 and on the front side of the base body 13, preventing the operating unit 23 (operating member 24) from accidentally coming into contact with the body of a seated person or from being accidentally operated by passersby or other people other than the seated person. Furthermore, because the operating units 23 (operating members 24) are located on the front side of the base body 13, the sofas 10 can be unlocked and moved individually even when connected side by side, making it easy to move the sofas 10. Furthermore, because each operating unit 23 (operating member 24) is located behind the front side of the seat body 11, it is less likely for the operating unit 23 (operating member 24) to get caught on the feet of a seated person, which also has the advantage of preventing unintended operation.

Positioning each operating unit 23 (operating member 24) below the top surface of the seat body 11 and on the front side of the base body 13 also includes exposing the operating unit 23 (operating member 24) from below the base body 13, i.e., from the gap between the floor and the base body 13. Even with this configuration, unintentional operation errors can be prevented without sacrificing operability.

In each caster device 20 of the first embodiment, when the operating unit 23 is rotated in one direction (leftward) (free operation), the switching means 22 is activated and the casters 21 are switched to a free state in which they can roll collectively. When the operating unit 23 is rotated in the other direction (rightward) (lock operation), the switching means 22 is activated and the casters 21 are switched to a locked state in which they cannot roll collectively.

Therefore, by operating the operating units 23 of both the left and right caster devices 20 to free position, all casters 21 become rollable (the base body 13 becomes free). In this state, by pushing the sofa 10 in the desired direction, the casters 21 will roll, allowing the sofa 10 to be moved easily without having to be lifted. The rolling of the casters 21 allows the sofa 10 to be moved smoothly with little force. By operating the operating units 23 to lock position, all casters 21 become unable to roll (the base body 13 becomes locked). As a result, the sofa 10 is placed stably.

As shown in Figure 5, at least the upper half of the casters 21 of each caster device 20 is covered by the base body 13 when viewed horizontally. In other words, at least the upper half of each caster 21 is hidden by the base body 13. Only a portion of the lower side of each caster 21 is exposed (protruding) below the base body 13.

With this configuration, the underside of the base body 13 does not come into contact with the floor, and the casters 21 roll, making it easy to move the sofa 10 with little effort. However, the casters 21 are almost completely hidden from the bottom of the sofa 10, which requires a luxurious and stately appearance, resulting in a very attractive appearance. It is desirable for more than half of the casters 21 to be hidden in the vertical direction. For example, it is preferable for the rotation center (wheel axle) of each caster 21 to be hidden by the base body 13.

The detailed structure of the caster device 20 itself will not be described in further detail here, but please refer to the aforementioned Patent Publication No. 5215983, etc., if necessary. Furthermore, the structure of the caster device 20 is not limited to that of the first embodiment shown in the figures, and various modifications are possible as long as at least a portion of it is equipped with a locking mechanism, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

As shown by phantom lines in Figures 6 and 7, the operating member 24 of the operating unit 23 of each caster device 20 is not limited to being disposed (protruding) from the front surface of the base body 13 as in the first embodiment, but can be disposed in any predetermined area of the sofa 10 other than the rear surface. For example, the operating member 24 of the operating unit 23 may be disposed on the left or right side surface of the base body 13, or on the left or right side surface of the back support 15. The operating member 24 may also be disposed on the front surface, left or right side surface, or top surface (seating surface) of the seat body 11, or on the front surface, left or right side surface, or top surface of the backrest 12. When disposing the operating member on the front surface of the seat body 11, a through hole may be provided in the seat body 11 that communicates with the guide slot 26 (opening) provided on the front surface of the base body 13, and the operating member may be exposed through the guide slot 26 (opening) and the through hole. Additionally, by positioning the tip of the operating member 24 behind the front of the seat body 11, the operating member 24 is less likely to get caught on the feet of the seated occupant, which has the advantage of preventing unintentional operation by mistake.

For example, if the operating unit 23 (operating member 24) is located on the top surface of the backrest 12, the sofas 10 can be unlocked and moved individually even when connected side by side, making rearrangement (layout changes) easy. Furthermore, the operating unit 23 (operating member 24) is easy to operate while standing, allowing the sofa 10 to be moved with little effort.

The operating unit 23 (operating member 24) can also be positioned so that it is exposed on the side of the sofa 10 but does not protrude to the side. In this case, even if the sofas 10 are connected back to back, they can be unlocked and moved individually. Even if the sofas 10 are connected side by side, the operating units 23 (operating members 24) of adjacent sofas 10 do not interfere with each other, preventing damage to the operating units 23 (operating members 24).

The operating unit 23 (operating member 24) may be positioned so that it is exposed from the front of the backrest 12 but does not protrude forward, or so that it is exposed from the top surface of the seat body 11 but does not protrude upward. This configuration allows the sofas 10 to be unlocked and moved individually, even when connected back-to-back. Furthermore, this prevents malfunctions caused by the seat occupant accidentally touching the operating unit 23, and does not adversely affect seating comfort.

The position of the operating member 24 shown by the imaginary lines in Figures 6 and 7 is an example for a sofa 10 for two adults and is merely illustrative. The predetermined area of the sofa 10 excluding the back side is an area that is unlikely to come into contact with the back, waist, back of the thighs, calves, etc. of a seated person; in other words, an area that does not get in the way of a seated person. Therefore, any area other than the back side of the sofa 10 (the back of the backrest 12, base body 13, and back support body 15) can be the predetermined area for placing the operating member 24. It goes without saying that, regardless of the placement mode, the operating member 24 placed in the predetermined area excluding the back side of the sofa 10 can be set so that it is exposed but does not protrude from the opening.

When arranging the operating member 24 in various predetermined areas, the operating unit 23 is not limited to being configured as a lever as in the first embodiment. For example, the operating unit 23 may be configured as a wire type and mechanically linked to the switching means 22, or the operating unit 23 may be configured as a switch type and the switching means 22 may be electrically operated by the operation of an electric motor linked to the operation of the operating unit 23. These options can be chosen arbitrarily. For example, it is sufficient to select based on the relative positions of the operating unit 23 and the switching means 22, etc.

If the operating unit 23 were provided on the back side of the sofa 10, there would be a problem, for example, when the sofa 10 is placed in a family restaurant booth or against a wall, where the operating unit 23 on the back side would be hidden by other sofas 10 or a wall and would be inoperable. However, as described above, by adopting a configuration in which the operating members 24 of the operating unit 23 are located in a predetermined area of the sofa 10 other than the back side, even when the sofa 10 is placed in a family restaurant booth or against a wall, i.e., in a configuration in which the back side of the sofa 10 is hidden, the operating unit 23 (operating members 24) will appear in a location visible to people nearby. This allows for reliable operation of the operating unit 23 (operating members 24), and allows for easy rearrangement (layout changes) by moving the sofa 10. Furthermore, the operating members 24 do not get in the way of people sitting on the sofa 10, improving convenience of operation.

Figures 8 and 9 show a second embodiment, which is another example of the arrangement of the caster device 20. Here, in the second and subsequent embodiments, parts that have the same configuration and function as the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of these parts will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, the caster device 20 is arranged differently from the first embodiment, with longitudinal reinforcing plates 16 attached side by side to the inside of the base body 13. In other words, a pair of reinforcing plates 16 is arranged on the left and right sides inside the base body 13, and the inside of the base body 13 is divided into three compartments (left, center, and right) by the pair of left and right reinforcing plates 16. A mid-sole plate 17 is attached to each of the left, center, and right compartments. Therefore, the inside of the base body 13 is divided into six compartments (top, bottom, left, center, and right) by the pair of left and right reinforcing plates 16 and the three mid-sole plates 17.

As shown in Figure 9, a caster device 20 similar to that in the first embodiment is disposed in the central lower compartment of the base body 13. A horizontally elongated guide slot 26 is formed in the area corresponding to the central lower compartment on the front side of the base body 13. The operating member 24 (grip portion) provided at the tip of each operating unit 23 passes through the corresponding guide slot 26 on the front side of the base body 13 and protrudes (is exposed) forward of the base body 13 (sofa 10).

In each of the left and right lower compartments of the base body 13, non-locking casters 27 without a locking mechanism (switching means 22 and operating unit 23) are arranged in two locations near the corners of the base body 13. Each non-locking caster 27 is attached to the underside of the corresponding midsole plate 17. The non-locking casters 27 are arranged at the four corners of the base body 13 to provide stable support for the base body 13 (base body 13) and ultimately the sofa 10.

Although detailed illustrations are omitted, in the second embodiment, at least the upper half of not only the casters 21 of each caster device 20 but also the non-locking casters 27 are covered by the base body 13 when viewed horizontally. In other words, at least the upper half of the casters 21 and non-locking casters 27 are hidden by the base body 13. Only a portion of the lower side of the casters 21 and non-locking casters 27 is exposed (protruding) below the base body 13.

In the second embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, as shown by the phantom lines, the operating member 24 of the operating unit 23 in each caster device 20 is not limited to being placed (protruding) on the front of the base body 13, but can also be placed in a predetermined area of the sofa 10 excluding the back side. The position of the operating member 24 shown by the phantom lines in Figure 8 is an example for a sofa 10 for two adults, and is, of course, merely illustrative. Although not shown, the operating member 24 can also be placed below the front or side of the base body (in the gap between the base body and the floor). In the second embodiment, the operating member 24 placed in a predetermined area of the sofa 10 excluding the back side can be configured so that it is exposed through the opening but does not protrude.

When arranging the operating member 24 in various predetermined areas, the operating unit 23 is not limited to being configured as a lever. For example, the operating unit 23 may be configured as a wire type and mechanically linked to the switching means 22, or the operating unit 23 may be configured as a switch type and the switching means 22 may be electrically operated by the operation of an electric motor linked to the operation of the operating unit 23.

Even when the configuration of the second embodiment is adopted, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

Figure 10 shows two sofas 10 of the first or second embodiment placed back to back. In this case, the back sides of the sofas 10 are hidden when they are back to back, but the operating member 24 is not provided in such an area. Instead, the operating member 24 is exposed in a predetermined area of the sofa 10 excluding the back side. This means that the operating unit 23 (operating member 24) appears in a location visible to people nearby, allowing the operating unit 23 (operating member 24) to be reliably operated.

Figure 11 shows a third embodiment of a sofa 1 on which people can sit back-to-back. The sofa 1 of the third embodiment includes a seat body 11 arranged facing each other from the front to the back, a backrest 12 arranged facing each other from the front to the back, and a base body 13 that supports the seat body 11 and/or the backrest 12. The base body 13 of the third embodiment is also configured to support both the seat body 11 and the backrest 12. The base body 13 is configured as a rectangular frame in a plan view, and a back support 15 that forms the backrest 12 is erected midway between the front and rear of the top surface of the base body 13. In the third embodiment, the base body 13 and the back support 15 are configured as a single unit. Of course, the base body 13 and the back support 15 may also be configured as separate units. The caster device 20 of the third embodiment may be one or more. Needless to say, at least the upper half of the caster 21 (or 27) group of the third embodiment is covered by the base body 13 when viewed horizontally.

In the third embodiment shown in Figure 11, as shown by the phantom lines, the operating member 24 of the operating unit 23 of each caster device 20 can be positioned not only on (protruding from) the front of the base body 13, but also in a predetermined area of each sofa 10 excluding the back side.

In the third embodiment, when the operating unit 23 (operating member 24) is disposed on the side of the sofa 1, it is desirable to arrange the operating unit 23 (operating member 24) so that it is exposed on the side of the sofa 1 but does not protrude to the side. In this way, even if the sofas 1 are connected side by side, the operating units 23 (operating members 24) of adjacent sofas 1 will not interfere with each other, preventing damage to the operating unit 23 (operating member 24).

The position of the virtual line of the operating member 24 shown in Figure 10 is merely an example. When arranging the operating member 24 in various predetermined areas, the operating unit 23 may be configured as a lever, or as a wire and mechanically linked to the switching means 22, or as a switch and electrically operate the switching means 22 by operating an electric motor linked to the operation of the operating unit 23.

Even when the configuration of the third embodiment is adopted, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments are achieved.

Figures 12 to 15 show a fourth embodiment of a one-seater sofa 30. The sofa 30 of the fourth embodiment has a backrest 32 and back support 35 that are L-shaped in plan view, so that it can be used as an end or corner sofa 30 placed on the side of the sofa 10 of the first or second embodiment, for example.

Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the base body 13 does not have a reinforcing plate 16 inside, but instead has a mid-sole plate 17 that divides the interior into upper and lower sections. The upper chamber of the base body 13 is removably covered by a seat body 11. The seat body 11 functions as a lid for the upper chamber (storage space) of the base body 13.

In addition, a caster device 20 similar to those in the first to third embodiments is disposed on the underside of the midsole plate 17 (not shown). A horizontally elongated guide slot 26 is formed on one side of the base body 13 on the front side facing the backrest 32 and back support 35. The operating member 24 (grip portion) provided at the tip of each operating unit 23 passes through the guide slot 26 in the base body 13 and protrudes (is exposed) outside the base body 13 (sofa 10).

The operating unit 23 (operating member 24) is positioned so that it is exposed on the front side of the sofa 30 but does not protrude to the side of the front. This is to prevent the operating unit 23 (operating member 24) of an end-type or corner-type sofa 30 from interfering with the base body 13 of an adjacent sofa 10 when end-type or corner-type sofas 30 are placed next to the sofa 10 of the first or second embodiment. By adopting this configuration, damage to the operating unit 23 (operating member 24) of an end-type or corner-type sofa 30 can be prevented. Furthermore, this configuration has the advantage of preventing malfunctions caused by an occupant unintentionally touching the operating unit 23 and not adversely affecting seating comfort. It goes without saying that at least the upper half of the casters 21 of the fourth embodiment is also covered by the base body 33 (base body 13) when viewed horizontally.

In the fourth embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 15, as shown by the phantom lines, the operating member 24 of the operating unit 23 of the caster device 20 can be positioned in a predetermined area of the sofa 30, excluding the rear side. In the fourth embodiment, the two rear surfaces corresponding to the two backrest surfaces correspond to the rear side of the sofa 30.

The position of the virtual line of the operating member 24 shown in Figure 15 is merely an example. When arranging the operating member 24 in various predetermined areas, as in the first to third embodiments, the operating unit 23 may be configured as a lever, or the operating unit 23 may be configured as a wire and mechanically linked to the switching means 22, or the operating unit 23 may be configured as a switch and the switching means 22 may be electrically operated by the operation of an electric motor linked to the operation of the operating unit 23.

Even when the configuration of the fourth embodiment is adopted, the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments are achieved.

The sofas 1, 10, and 30 of the first to fourth embodiments can be combined with each other in a variety of layouts. Figure 16 shows an example of a layout for a meeting space that is often found in offices, hospitals, school facilities, stores, etc.

In this layout example, two sofas 10 of the second embodiment are arranged facing each other with a table 28 in between, and the pair of facing sofas 10 and table 28 are arranged side by side. The two sofas 10 arranged back to back may be connected to each other or simply placed side by side. Furthermore, the two sofas 10 arranged back to back may be replaced with the sofa 1 of the third embodiment.

It goes without saying that in these sofas 1, 10, and 30, the operating member 24 of the operating unit 23 of the caster device 20 may be arranged in a predetermined area other than the back side of the sofa 1, 10, or 30. In addition, in Figure 16, shelves 29 on which plants, etc. can be placed are arranged upright and stacked on top of each other on the back side of the frontmost sofa 10 and the back side of the farthest sofa 10.

Figure 17 shows an example of a layout rearranged from the layout in Figure 16. In this rearranged layout example, four sofas 10 of the second embodiment are arranged side by side. In this case, adjacent sofas 10 may be connected to each other, or simply lined up next to each other. Furthermore, on each of these sofas 10, the operating member 24 of the operating unit 23 on the caster device 20 can of course be arranged in a predetermined area excluding the back side of each sofa 10. In Figure 17, shelves 29 on which plants, etc. can be placed are arranged upright on the left and right outer sides of the frontmost sofa 10 and the backmost sofa 10.

The present invention aims to easily and quickly change the layout, for example, from Figure 16 to Figure 17, or vice versa. In the sofas 1, 10, and 30 of the present invention, the operating unit 23 that operates the switching means 22, which switches between a free state in which the base body 13 can move by rolling the casters 21 and a locked state in which the casters 21 do not roll and the base body 13 cannot move, is located in a predetermined area of the sofa 1, 10, and 30, excluding the back side. This reliably avoids the problem of the operating unit 23 being hidden by, for example, another sofa 1, 10, and 30 or a wall, making it impossible to operate. Even if the back side of the sofa 1, 10, and 30 is hidden, the operating unit 23 (operating member 24) appears in a location visible to nearby people, ensuring reliable operation. As a result, rearrangements (layout changes) by moving the sofas 1, 10, and 30 can be easily and smoothly performed.

The configuration of each part of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the caster device 20 can be anything from a type in which the caster 21 is locked to prevent it from rolling, as shown in Patent No. 5215983, as shown in the first to sixth embodiments, to a so-called lift lock type in which the caster 21 is suspended in the air and made immovable by pressing some kind of ground contact member against the floor or by lifting the caster 21.

Furthermore, in the sofas 1, 10, 30 of the present invention, the base bodies 13, 33 and back supports 15, 35 may be entirely covered with the covering material of the seat body or backrest. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the operating unit 23 (operating member 24) rotates horizontally, but various types can be used, such as those that slide horizontally or vertically, those that rotate up and down, or those that are push-button type. In this case, it goes without saying that the operating unit 23 can be not only lever-type, but also wire-type or electrically operated.

1, 10, 30 Sofa 11 Seat body 12, 32 Backrest 13, 33 Base body 15, 35 Back support body 20 Caster device 21 Caster 22 Switching means 23 Operating unit 24 Operating member 26 Guide groove hole (opening)

Claims (5)

A sofa configured so that the backs of the sofas can face each other,
The seat body and
The backrest and
A base body supporting the seat body and/or the backrest;
A caster supporting the base body;
A switching means for switching between a free state in which the base body can move by rolling of the casters and a locked state in which the casters do not roll and the base body cannot move;
an operation unit for operating the switching means ,
The operating unit is disposed below the upper surface of the seat body and on the front side of the base body.
Sofa. A sofa on which people can sit back to back,
Seats arranged facing each other in the front and back,
The backrests are arranged facing each other at the front and back,
A base body supporting the seat body and/or the backrest;
A caster supporting the base body;
A switching means for switching between a free state in which the base body can move by rolling of the casters and a locked state in which the casters do not roll and the base body cannot move;
an operation unit for operating the switching means ,
The operating unit is disposed below the upper surface of the seat body and on the front side of the base body.
Sofa. The operating unit is disposed behind the front surface of the seat body.
3. The sofa according to claim 1 or 2 . At least an upper half of the caster is covered by the base body.
A sofa according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . A horizontally elongated guide groove is provided on the front side of the base body,
The operating portion is provided so as to be rotatable left and right along the guide groove.
A sofa according to any one of claims 1 to 4.