Support structure

Abstract

To provide a support structure capable of changing a height and reducing the number of components.SOLUTION: A support structure S1 includes a connection part 100, a first leg part 200a and a second leg part 200b. A first insertion portion 110a and a second insertion portion 110b of the connection part 100 are cylinders or long holes extending in a direction including a component in a Z' direction, and are opened in the same direction. The first leg part 200a is in a substantially L shape or substantially V shape, and a first portion 210a is longer than a second portion 220a. The second leg part 200b is in a substantially L shape or substantially V shape, and a first portion 210b is longer than a second portion 220b. A tip of the first portion 210a and a tip of the second portion 220a of the first leg part 200a are replaceably inserted into the first insertion portion 110a, and a tip of the first portion 210b and a tip of the second portion 220b of the second leg part 200b are replaceably inserted into the second insertion portion 110b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support structure. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a conventional support structure for a chair. This support structure includes four connecting poles, four joints, and four legs. The four connecting poles are hollow rectangular pillars arranged in a rectangular ring. Each of the four joints connects adjacent ones of the four connecting poles and forms one of the four corners of the rectangular ring. Each of the four joints has a cylindrical insertion portion that extends diagonally downward and outward from the rectangular ring and opens diagonally downward. The four legs include cylindrical upper legs and cylindrical lower legs. The upper ends of the upper legs of the four legs are inserted into the insertion portions of the four joints. The inner diameter of the lower legs is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the upper legs. The lower legs are fitted movably around the upper legs. In this way, the four legs are designed to expand and contract in response to the movement of the lower legs relative to the upper legs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3240119 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional support structures, the height of the four legs can be changed by extending and retracting the four legs. However, because the four legs require upper and lower legs, the conventional support structure has a large number of parts.

[0005] The present invention provides a support structure that allows for variable height and a reduced number of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A support structure according to one aspect of the present invention comprises at least one connecting portion, at least one first leg portion, and at least one second leg portion. The at least one connecting portion comprises a first insertion portion and a second insertion portion. The first insertion portion is a tube or a slot extending in a direction including one component of a first direction, which is the height direction of the support structure, and is open in the direction including at least one component of the first direction. The second insertion portion is a tube or a slot extending in a direction including one component of the first direction, and is open in the direction including at least one component of the first direction. The at least one first leg portion is a substantially L-shaped or V-shaped pipe or rod and has a first portion, a second portion, and a bent portion. The length dimension of the first portion of the at least one first leg portion is longer than the length dimension of the second portion of the at least one first leg portion. The bent portion of the at least one first leg is provided between the first and second portions of the at least one first leg, and the at least one first leg is bent to form a generally L-shape or a generally V-shape. The at least one second leg is a generally L-shaped or generally V-shaped pipe or rod having a first portion, a second portion, and a bent portion. The length dimension of the first portion of the at least one second leg is longer than the length dimension of the second portion of the at least one second leg. The bent portion of the at least one second leg is provided between the first and second portions of the at least one second leg, and the at least one second leg is bent to form a generally L-shape or a generally V-shape. The tip end of the first portion and the tip end of the second portion of the at least one first leg are removably inserted into a first insertion portion of the at least one connecting portion. The tip end of the first portion and the tip end of the second portion of the at least one second leg are removably inserted into a second insertion portion of the at least one connecting portion.

[0007] When a tip end of a first part of at least one first leg part is inserted into a first insertion part of at least one connecting part and a tip end of a first part of at least one second leg part is inserted into a second insertion part of at least one connecting part (first insertion state), the second part of at least one first leg part and the second part of at least one second leg part abut against the mounting surface. On the other hand, when a tip end of the second part of at least one first leg part is inserted into a first insertion part of at least one connecting part and a tip end of the second part of at least one second leg part is inserted into a second insertion part of at least one connecting part (second insertion state), the first part of at least one first leg part and the first part of at least one second leg part abut against the mounting surface.

[0008] A support structure according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes at least one connecting portion, at least one first support portion, and at least one second support portion. The at least one connecting portion includes a first insertion portion and a second insertion portion. The first insertion portion is a tube or a long hole extending in a direction including the other component of a first direction, which is the height direction of the support structure, and is open in the direction including at least the other component of the first direction. The second insertion portion is a tube or a long hole extending in a direction including the other component of the first direction, and is open in the direction including at least the other component of the first direction. The at least one first support portion is a substantially L-shaped or V-shaped pipe or rod and has a first portion, a second portion, and a bent portion. The length dimension of the first portion of the at least one first support portion is longer than the length dimension of the second portion of the at least one first support portion. The bent portion of the at least one first support portion is provided between a first portion and a second portion of the at least one first support portion, and the at least one first support portion is bent to form a generally L-shape or a generally V-shape. The at least one second support portion is a generally L-shaped or generally V-shaped pipe or rod, and has a first portion, a second portion, and a bent portion. The length dimension of the first portion of the at least one second support portion is longer than the length dimension of the second portion of the at least one second support portion. The bent portion of the at least one second support portion is provided between a first portion and a second portion of the at least one second support portion, and the at least one second support portion is bent to form a generally L-shape or a generally V-shape. The tip end of the first portion and the tip end of the second portion of the at least one first support portion are removably inserted into a first insertion portion of the at least one connecting portion. The tip end of the first portion and the tip end of the second portion of the at least one second support portion are removably inserted into a second insertion portion of the at least one connecting portion.

[0009] A support structure according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes at least one first connection portion and at least one second connection portion instead of at least one connection portion. The at least one first connection portion and the at least one second connection portion are spaced apart in a third direction. The at least one first connection portion includes a first plug portion and / or a first insertion portion. The at least one second connection portion includes a second plug portion and / or a second insertion portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The at least one first leg and the at least one second leg are generally L-shaped or V-shaped pipes or rods, and the length dimension of the first portion of the at least one first leg is longer than the length dimension of the second portion of the at least one first leg, and the length dimension of the first portion of the at least one second leg is longer than the length dimension of the second portion of the at least one second leg. Therefore, simply by interchanging the tip of the first portion of the at least one first leg with the tip of the second portion of the at least one first leg with the first insertion portion, and interchanging the tip of the first portion of the at least one second leg with the tip of the second portion of the at least one second leg, the first-direction dimension of the at least one first leg and the first-direction dimension of the at least one second leg in the first insertion state can be changed, and the first-direction dimension of the at least one first leg and the first-direction dimension of the at least one second leg in the second insertion state can be changed. This allows the height of the support structure to be changed while reducing the number of parts of the support structure.

[0011] Similarly, when at least one connection portion has a first insertion portion and a second insertion portion, the tip portion of the first portion and the tip portion of the second portion of at least one first support portion are replaceably inserted into the first insertion portion of at least one connection portion, and the tip portion of the first portion and the tip portion of the second portion of at least one second support portion are replaceably inserted into the second insertion portion of at least one connection portion, the height of the support structure can be changed while reducing the number of parts in the support structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A] 1 is a front view of a folding chair equipped with a support structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a first insertion state of first and second leg portions of the support structure. FIG. [Figure 1B] 1 is a rear view of a folding chair equipped with a support structure of Example 1, showing a first insertion state of first and second leg portions of the support structure. FIG. [Figure 1C] 1 is a plan view of a folding chair equipped with a support structure of Example 1, showing a first insertion state of first and second leg portions of the support structure. FIG. [Figure 1D] 1 is a bottom view of a folding chair equipped with a support structure of Example 1, showing a first insertion state of first and second leg portions of the support structure. FIG. [Figure 1E] 1 is a right side view of a folding chair equipped with a support structure of Example 1, showing a first insertion state of first and second leg portions of the support structure. FIG. [Figure 1F] 1 is a left side view of a folding chair equipped with a support structure of Example 1, showing a first insertion state of first and second leg portions of the support structure. FIG. [Figure 2A] 1 is a front view of a folding chair equipped with a support structure of Example 1, showing a second insertion state of the first and second leg portions of the support structure. FIG. [Figure 2B] 1 is a rear view of a folding chair equipped with a support structure of Example 1, showing a second insertion state of the first and second leg portions of the support structure. FIG. [Figure 2C] 1 is a right side view of a folding chair equipped with a support structure of Example 1, showing a second insertion state of the first and second leg portions of the support structure. FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the first and second legs of the support structure of the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is an enlarged rear view of the first and second legs of the support structure of the first embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a folding bed equipped with a support structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a first insertion state of the first and second leg portions of the support structure. [Figure 4B]FIG. 10 is a schematic right side view of a folding bed equipped with a support structure of Example 2, showing a first insertion state of the first and second leg portions of the support structure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a folding bed equipped with a support structure of a second embodiment, showing a second insertion state of the first and second leg portions of the support structure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a schematic right side view of a folding bed equipped with a support structure of a second embodiment, showing a second insertion state of the first and second leg portions of the support structure. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a folding chair equipped with a support structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention, showing a first insertion state of first to fourth leg portions of the support structure. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a schematic right side view of a folding chair equipped with a support structure of a third embodiment, showing the first to fourth leg portions of the support structure in a first insertion state. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a folding chair equipped with a support structure of Example 3, showing the first to fourth leg portions of the support structure in a second insertion state. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a schematic right side view of the folding chair equipped with the support structure of Example 3, showing the first to fourth leg portions of the support structure in a second insertion state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described, including Examples 1 to 3 and their design variations. Note that the components of the examples and design variations described below can be combined with each other as long as they are not inconsistent. Also, note that the materials, shapes, dimensions, numbers, and arrangements of the components in each aspect of the examples and design variations described below are merely examples, and that any design variation is possible as long as the same functions can be achieved. [Example]

[0014] A support structure S1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention and several other embodiments, including design variations thereof, will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1A to 3B. FIGS. 1A to 3B show a folding chair equipped with the support structure S1 of the first embodiment. FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1E, 1F, and 2A to 2C show the Z-Z' direction (first direction). The Z-Z' direction is the height direction of the support structure S1 and includes the Z direction (the other of the first directions) and the Z' direction (one of the first directions). FIGS. 1C to 1F and 2C show the Y-Y' direction (second direction). The Y-Y' direction is substantially perpendicular to the Z-Z' direction and includes the Y direction (one of the second directions) and the Y' direction (the other of the second directions). FIGS. 1A to 1D and 2A to 2B show the X-X' direction (third direction). The XX' direction is substantially perpendicular to the ZZ' direction and the YY' direction, and includes the X direction (one of the third directions) and the X' direction (the other of the third directions).

[0015] The support structure S1 has at least one connection portion 100. There may be one or more of the at least one connection portion 100. When there are a plurality of the at least one connection portion 100, the plurality of connection portions 100 are arranged at intervals in the Y-Y' direction.

[0016] Each connection part 100 is a block made of resin, metal or wood, and has a first insertion part 110a and a second insertion part 110b.

[0017] The first insertion portion 110a and the second insertion portion 110b are provided in each connection portion 100 and are tubes or elongated holes extending in a direction including a component of the Z' direction, and are open in a direction including at least a component of the Z' direction. The first insertion portion 110a and the second insertion portion 110b may be bottomed tubes or bottomed elongated holes that open in a direction including a component of the Z' direction and are closed on the opposite side, or the first insertion portion 110a and the second insertion portion 110b may be double-opened tubes or through-holes that are open not only in the direction including the component of the Z' direction but also in the opposite direction. Note that the double-opened tubes or through-holes have stoppers such as steps or protrusions provided inside.

[0018] For example, (1-1) the first insertion portion 110a and the second insertion portion 110b may be a tube or an elongated hole extending in the Z' direction and opening in the Z' direction, or a configuration in which they are open in the Z direction and the Z' direction (not shown), or (1-2) the first insertion portion 110a may be a tube or an elongated hole extending in a first oblique direction, a second oblique direction, or a third oblique direction and opening in the first oblique direction, the second oblique direction, or the third oblique direction, or a configuration in which they are open in the first oblique direction, the second oblique direction, or the third oblique direction and also opening in the opposite direction (see FIGS. 1A to 2C). The second insertion portion 110b may be a tube or an elongated hole extending in the fourth, fifth, or sixth oblique direction, and may be configured to open in the fourth, fifth, or sixth oblique direction, or may be configured to open in the fourth, fifth, or sixth oblique direction and also open in the opposite direction (see Figures 1A to 2C).

[0019] The tubes forming the first and second insertion portions 110a, 110b may have a generally polygonal or circular cross section in a direction generally perpendicular to their central axes. The elongated holes forming the first and second insertion portions 110a, 110b may have a generally polygonal or circular cross section in a direction generally perpendicular to their central axes.

[0020] Note that directions including a Z'-direction component include the Z'-direction, the first oblique direction, the second oblique direction, the third oblique direction, the fourth oblique direction, the fifth oblique direction, and the sixth oblique direction. The first oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z'-direction, Y-direction, and X-direction components. The second oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z'-direction, Y'-direction, and X-direction components. The third oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z'-direction and X-direction components. The fourth oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z'-direction, Y'-direction, and X'-direction components. The fifth oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z'-direction, Y'-direction, and X'-direction components. The sixth oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z'-direction and X'-direction components.

[0021] The first insertion portion 110a and the second insertion portion 110b are arranged with a gap between them in the XX' direction.

[0022] Each connection unit 100 may further include a first insertion unit 120a and a second insertion unit 120b. The first insertion unit 120a and the second insertion unit 120b are provided in each connection unit 100 and are tubes or elongated holes extending in a direction including a component of the Z direction and opening in a direction including at least a component of the Z direction. The first insertion unit 120a and the second insertion unit 120b may be bottomed tubes or bottomed elongated holes that open in a direction including a component of the Z direction and are closed on the opposite side, or the first insertion unit 120a and the second insertion unit 120b may be double-opened tubes or through-holes that are open not only in the direction including the component of the Z direction but also in the opposite direction. Note that the double-opened tubes or through-holes have stoppers such as steps or protrusions provided inside.

[0023] For example, (3-1) the first insertion portion 120a and the second insertion portion 120b may be a tube or an elongated hole extending in the Z direction and opening in the Z direction, or a configuration in which they are open in the Z direction and the Z' direction (not shown), or (3-2) the first insertion portion 120a may be a tube or an elongated hole extending in the seventh, eighth, or ninth oblique direction and opening in the seventh, eighth, or ninth oblique direction, or a configuration in which they are open in the seventh, eighth, or ninth oblique direction and also open in the opposite direction (see FIGS. 1A to 2C). The second insertion portion 120b may be a tube or a long hole extending in the tenth, eleventh or twelfth oblique direction and opening in the tenth, eleventh or twelfth oblique direction, or may be opening in the tenth, eleventh or twelfth oblique direction and also opening in the opposite direction (see FIGS. 1A to 2C).

[0024] The tubes forming the first and second insertion portions 120a and 120b may have a generally polygonal or circular cross section in a direction generally perpendicular to their central axes. The elongated holes forming the first and second insertion portions 120a and 120b may have a generally polygonal or circular cross section in a direction generally perpendicular to their central axes.

[0025] Note that directions including a Z-direction component include the Z direction, the seventh oblique direction, the eighth oblique direction, the ninth oblique direction, the tenth oblique direction, the eleventh oblique direction, and the twelfth oblique direction. The seventh oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z-direction, Y-direction, and X-direction components. The eighth oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z-direction, Y'-direction, and X-direction components. The ninth oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z-direction and X-direction components. The tenth oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z-direction, Y-direction, and X'-direction components. The eleventh oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z-direction, Y'-direction, and X'-direction components. The twelfth oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z-direction and X'-direction components.

[0026] The first insertion portion 120a and the second insertion portion 120b are arranged with an interval in the XX' direction.

[0027] The support structure S1 further comprises at least one first leg 200a and at least one second leg 200b, which may be one or more depending on the at least one connecting portion 100.

[0028] Each first leg 200a is a pipe with a generally polygonal or circular cross section, or a rod with a generally polygonal or circular cross section, depending on the inner shape of the tube or the shape of the elongated hole that forms the first insertion portion 110a of each connection part 100. Each first leg 200a has a first portion 210a, a second portion 220a, and a bent portion 230a between the first portion 210a and the second portion 220a. The length of the first portion 210a of each first leg 200a is longer than the length of the second portion 220a of each first leg 200a. A tip end 211a of the first portion 210a and a tip end 221a of the second portion 220a of each first leg 200a are replaceably inserted into the first insertion portion 110a of each connection part 100.

[0029] Each second leg 200b is a pipe having a generally polygonal or circular cross section, or a rod having a generally polygonal or circular cross section, depending on the inner shape of the tube or the shape of the elongated hole that constitutes the second insertion portion 110b of each connecting part 100. Each second leg 200b may have the same shape as each first leg 200a, or may have a different shape. Each second leg 200b has a first portion 210b, a second portion 220b, and a bent portion 230b between the first portion 210b and the second portion 220b. The length of the first portion 210b of each second leg 200b is longer than the length of the second portion 220b of each second leg 200b. The tip end 211b of the first part 210b and the tip end 221b of the second part 220b of each second leg part 200b are removably inserted into the second insertion part 110b of each connection part 100.

[0030] When the first insertion portion 110a and the second insertion portion 110b of each connection portion 100 extend in the Z' direction (case (1-1) above), (2-1) the bent portion 230a of each first leg portion 200a is bent so that each first leg portion 200a is substantially L-shaped, and the bent portion 230b of each second leg portion 200b is bent so that each second leg portion 200b is substantially L-shaped. In other words, the bent portion 230a of each first leg portion 200a is bent so that the angle R1 is approximately 90 degrees, and the bent portion 230b of each second leg portion 200b is bent so that the angle R2 is approximately 90 degrees.

[0031] When the first insertion portion 110a of each connection portion 100 extends in the first diagonal direction, the second diagonal direction, or the third diagonal direction, and the second insertion portion 110b of each connection portion 100 extends in the fourth diagonal direction, the fifth diagonal direction, or the sixth diagonal direction (case (1-2) above), (2-2) the bent portion 230a of each first leg portion 200a is bent so that each first leg portion 200a is approximately V-shaped, and the bent portion 230b of each second leg portion 200b is bent so that each second leg portion 200b is approximately V-shaped. The bent portion 230a of each first leg 200a is bent so that the angle R1 is the angle between the first virtual line VL1 and the third virtual line VL3 (for example, approximately 130 degrees to approximately 140 degrees (in Figures 3A and 3B, the angle R1 is approximately 136 degrees)), and the bent portion 230b of each second leg 200b is bent so that the angle R2 is the angle between the second virtual line VL2 and the third virtual line VL3 (for example, approximately 130 degrees to approximately 140 degrees (in Figures 3A and 3B, the angle R2 is approximately 136 degrees)). However, the angles R1 and R2 are not limited to the above examples and can be changed as appropriate as long as each first leg 200a and each second leg 200b are approximately V-shaped.

[0032] Note that angle R1 is the angle of the second portion 220a of each first leg 200a relative to the first portion 210a of each first leg 200a (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). Angle R2 is the angle of the second portion 220b of each second leg 200b relative to the first portion 210b of each second leg 200b (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). The first imaginary line VL1 extends along the central axis of the first insertion portion 110a of each connection portion 100 (see FIG. 1A). The second imaginary line VL2 extends along the central axis of the second insertion portion 110b of each connection portion 100 (see FIG. 1A). The third imaginary line VL3 extends along the placement surface (here, in the X-X' direction) and intersects with the first imaginary line VL1 and the second imaginary line VL2 (see FIG. 1A).

[0033] Each first leg 200a may further include a first locking portion 212a and a second locking portion 222a. Each second leg 200b may further include a first locking portion 212b and a second locking portion 222b.

[0034] First locking portion 212a is provided at tip end 211a of first part 210a. First locking portion 212a has, for example, a protrusion that can freely protrude from and retract into tip end 211a, and a biasing portion such as a spring or elastic body (not shown) inside tip end 211a. The protrusion of first locking portion 212a is maintained in a state where it protrudes from and retracts into tip end 211a by the biasing force of the biasing portion. First locking portion 212b is provided at tip end 211b of first part 210b and has the same configuration as first locking portion 212a.

[0035] Second locking portion 222a is provided at tip end 221a of second part 220a. Second locking portion 222a has, for example, a protrusion that can protrude from and retract into tip end 221b, and a biasing portion such as a spring or elastic body (not shown) inside tip end 221b. The protrusion of second locking portion 222a is maintained in a state where it protrudes from and retracts into tip end 221b by the biasing force of the biasing portion. Second locking portion 222b is provided at tip end 221b of second part 220b and has the same configuration as second locking portion 222a.

[0036] The first locking portion 212a and the second locking portion 222a of each first leg portion 200a may be omitted, and the first locking portion 212b and the second locking portion 222b of each second leg portion 200b may be omitted.

[0037] In a state where the tip end 211a of the first portion 210a of each first leg portion 200a is inserted into the first insertion portion 110a of each connecting portion 100 and the tip end 211b of the first portion 210b of each second leg portion 200b is inserted into the second insertion portion 110b of each connecting portion 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "first inserted state"), the tip end 211a of the first portion 210a of each first leg portion 200a is inserted into the bottomed tube or The tip 211b of the first part 210b of each second leg 200b abuts against the bottom of the bottomed tube or the bottom of the bottomed hole or the abutment portion of the tube with openings on both sides or the abutment portion of the long hole that forms the second insertion part 110b of each connection part 100, and the second part 220a of each first leg 200a and the second part 220b of each second leg 200b abut against a mounting surface such as the ground or floor. When the first insertion portion 110a and the second insertion portion 110b of each connection portion 100 extend in the Z' direction (case (1-1) above), in the first insertion state, the first portion 210a of each first leg portion 200a and the first portion 210b of each second leg portion 200b extend in the Z' direction, and the second portion 220a of each first leg portion 200a and the second portion 220b of each second leg portion 200b extend so as to move away from each other. When the first insertion portion 110a of each connection portion 100 extends in the first diagonal direction, the second diagonal direction, or the third diagonal direction and the second insertion portion 110b of each connection portion 100 extends in the fourth diagonal direction, the fifth diagonal direction, or the sixth diagonal direction (case (1-2) above), in the first insertion state, the first portion 210a of each first leg portion 200a extends in the first diagonal direction, the second diagonal direction, or the third diagonal direction, the first portion 210b of each second leg portion 200b extends in the fourth diagonal direction, the fifth diagonal direction, or the sixth diagonal direction, and the second portion 220a of each first leg portion 200a and the second portion 220b of each second leg portion 200b extend so as to be away from each other.

[0038] When each first leg 200a is provided with a first locking portion 212a and each second leg 200b is provided with a first locking portion 212b, when a tip end 211a of a first portion 210a of each first leg 200a is inserted into a first insertion portion 110a of each connection part 100, a protrusion of first locking portion 212a is pressed against an inner wall of first insertion portion 110a and partially sinks into tip end 211a. In the first inserted state, the protrusion of first locking portion 212a elastically presses (locks) against the inner wall of first insertion portion 110a or is inserted (locked) into an engagement recess provided in the inner wall. When the tip 211b of the first portion 210b of each second leg portion 200b is inserted into the second insertion portion 110b of each connecting portion 100, the protrusion of the first locking portion 212b is pressed against the inner wall of the second insertion portion 110b and partially sinks into the tip 211a. In the first inserted state, the protrusion of the first locking portion 212b elastically presses (locks) against the inner wall of the second insertion portion 110b or is inserted (locked) into an engagement recess provided in the inner wall. In this way, the state in which the first portion 210a and the first portion 210b are inserted into the first and second insertion portions 110a and 110b is locked by the first locking portions 212a and 212b.

[0039] In a state where the tip end 221a of the second portion 220a of each first leg portion 200a is inserted into the first insertion portion 110a of each connection portion 100 and the tip end 221b of the second portion 220b of each second leg portion 200b is inserted into the second insertion portion 110b of each connection portion 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "second inserted state"), the tip end 221a of the second portion 220a of each first leg portion 200a is inserted into the bottomed tubular shape that forms the first insertion portion 110a of each connection portion 100. Alternatively, the first leg 200a and the second leg 200b abut against the bottom of a long hole with a bottom, or the stopper portion of a tube with openings on both sides, or a long hole that passes through, and the tip 221b of the second part 220b of each second leg 200b abuts against the bottom of a long hole with a bottom, or the stopper portion of a tube with openings on both sides, or a long hole that passes through, that constitutes the second insertion part 110b of each connection part 100, and the first part 210a of each first leg 200a and the first part 210b of each second leg 200b abut against the placement surface. When the first insertion portion 110a and the second insertion portion 110b of each connection portion 100 extend in the Z' direction (case (1-1) above), in the second insertion state, the second portion 220a of each first leg portion 200a and the second portion 220b of each second leg portion 200b extend in the Z' direction, and the first portion 210a of each first leg portion 200a and the first portion 210b of each second leg portion 200b extend so as to move away from each other. When the first insertion portion 110a of each connection portion 100 extends in the first diagonal direction, the second diagonal direction or the third diagonal direction and the second insertion portion 110b of each connection portion 100 extends in the fourth diagonal direction, the fifth diagonal direction or the sixth diagonal direction (case (1-2) above), in the second insertion state, the second portion 220a of each first leg portion 200a extends in the first diagonal direction, the second diagonal direction or the third diagonal direction, the second portion 220b of each second leg portion 200b extends in the fourth diagonal direction, the fifth diagonal direction or the sixth diagonal direction, and the first portion 210a of each first leg portion 200a and the first portion 210b of each second leg portion 200b extend so as to be away from each other.

[0040] When the second locking portion 222a is provided on each first leg portion 200a and the second locking portion 222b is provided on each second leg portion 200b, when the tip portion 221a of the second portion 220a of each first leg portion 200a is inserted into the first insertion portion 110a of each connection portion 100, the protrusion of the second locking portion 222a is pressed against the inner wall of the first insertion portion 110a and partially sinks into the tip portion 221a. In the second inserted state, the protrusion of the second locking portion 222a elastically presses (locks) against the inner wall of the first insertion portion 110a or is inserted (locked) into an engagement recess provided in the inner wall. When the tip 221b of the second portion 220b of each second leg 200b is inserted into the second insertion portion 110b of each connecting part 100, the protrusion of the second locking portion 222b is pressed against the inner wall of the second insertion portion 110b and partially sinks into the tip 221a. In the second inserted state, the protrusion of the second locking portion 222b elastically presses (locks) against the inner wall of the second insertion portion 110b or is inserted (locked) into an engagement recess provided in the inner wall. In this way, the state in which the second portion 220a and the second portion 220b are inserted into the first and second insertion portions 110a and 110b is locked by the second locking portions 222a and 222b.

[0041] When the first leg portions 200a and the second leg portions 200b have the same shape, the first leg portions 200a and the second leg portions 200b are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a first imaginary axis AS1 in the first and second inserted states. The first imaginary axis AS1 extends in the Z-Z' direction, passing through substantially the midpoint between the first insertion portion 110a and the second insertion portion 110b of each connecting portion 100.

[0042] As described above, the length of the first portion 210a of each first leg 200a is longer than the length of the second portion 220a of each first leg 200a, and the length of the first portion 210b of each second leg 200b is longer than the length of the second portion 220b of each second leg 200b. Therefore, in the first inserted state, the dimension of each first leg 200a in the Z-Z' direction (the linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from the tip of the tip portion 211b of the first portion 210b of each first leg 200a to the portion of the second portion 220b that abuts on the mounting surface) and the dimension of each second leg 200b in the Z-Z' direction (the linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from the tip of the tip portion 211b of the first portion 210b of each second leg 200b to the portion of the second portion 220b that abuts on the mounting surface) are large. On the other hand, in the second insertion state, the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of each first leg 200a (the straight-line distance in the Z-Z' direction from the tip of the tip end 221a of the second part 220a of each first leg 200a to the part abutting the mounting surface of the first part 210a) and the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of each second leg 200b (the straight-line distance in the Z-Z' direction from the tip of the tip end 221b of the second part 220b of each second leg 200b to the part abutting the mounting surface of the second part 220b) become smaller. Therefore, the height of the support structure S1 can be changed simply by replacing the tip 211a of the first part 210a of each first leg 200a and the tip 221a of the second part 220a of each first leg 200a with the first insertion part 110a, and by replacing the tip 211b of the first part 210b of each second leg 200b and the tip 221b of the second part 220b of each second leg 200b with the second insertion part 110b.

[0043] The support structure S1 may further include at least one connecting portion 300. The at least one connecting portion 300 may be one or more. The one or more connecting portions 300 are formed of pipes, rods, plates, or the like that detachably connect adjacent connecting portions 100 among the multiple connecting portions 100.

[0044] The support structure S1 may further include at least one first support portion 400a and at least one second support portion 400b. The at least one first support portion 400a and the at least one second support portion 400b may be one or more depending on the at least one connection portion 100.

[0045] Each first support portion 400a is a pipe having a generally polygonal or circular cross section, or a rod having a generally polygonal or circular cross section, depending on the inner shape or hole shape of the tube that constitutes the first insertion portion 120a of each connection portion 100. Each first support portion 400a has a first end portion in the Z' direction and a second end portion in the Z direction. The first end portion of each first support portion 400a is removably inserted into the first insertion portion 120a of each connection portion 100. The first end portion of each first support portion 400a abuts against the bottom of a bottomed tube or a long hole with a bottom, or against the abutting portion of a tube with openings on both sides or a long hole that passes through, that constitutes the first insertion portion 120a of each connection portion 100.

[0046] Each second support portion 400b is a pipe having a generally polygonal or circular cross section, or a rod having a generally polygonal or circular cross section, depending on the inner shape or hole shape of the tube that constitutes the second insertion portion 120b of each connection portion 100. Each second support portion 400b has a first end portion in the Z' direction and a second end portion in the Z direction. The first end portion of each second support portion 400b is removably inserted into the second insertion portion 120b of each connection portion 100. The first end portion of each second support portion 400b abuts against the bottom of a bottomed tube or a long hole with a bottom, or against the abutting portion of a tube with openings on both sides or a long hole that passes through, that constitutes the second insertion portion 120b of each connection portion 100.

[0047] When the first insertion portion 120a and the second insertion portion 120b of each connection portion 100 extend in the Z direction (case (3-1) above), (4-1) each first support portion 400a and each second support portion 400b extends in the Z direction from the first insertion portion 120a and the second insertion portion 120b of each connection portion 100.

[0048] When the first insertion portion 120a of each connection portion 100 extends in the seventh, eighth or ninth diagonal direction and the second insertion portion 120b of each connection portion 100 extends in the tenth, eleventh or twelfth diagonal direction (case (3-2) above), (4-2) each first support portion 400a extends from the first insertion portion 120a of each connection portion 100 in the seventh, eighth or ninth diagonal direction, and each second support portion 400b extends from the second insertion portion 120b of each connection portion 100 in the tenth, eleventh or twelfth diagonal direction.

[0049] The support structure S1 described above can be used as a structure for supporting a folding chair seat 10. In this case, the support structure S1 includes two connecting portions 100, two first leg portions 200a, two second leg portions 200b, one connecting portion 300, two first support portions 400a, and two second support portions 400b.

[0050] When the chair seat 10 has a seat portion 11 and a backrest portion 12 (see FIGS. 1A to 2C), the second ends of one of the two first support portions 400a and one of the two second support portions 400b are inserted into the first and second slots 11a and 11b at both corners of the seat portion 11 in the Y direction, and the second ends of the other first support portion 400a and the other second support portion 400b are inserted into the first and second slots 12a and 12b at both ends of the upper end of the backrest portion 12 in the Z direction. In this manner, the chair seat 10 is supported by the support structure S1. In this case, the length dimensions of the other first support portion 400a and the other second support portion 400b are greater than the length dimensions of the one first support portion 400a and the one second support portion 400b.

[0051] When the chair seat 10 has a seat portion 11 but no backrest portion 12, the second ends of one first support portion 400a and one second support portion 400b are inserted into the first and second slots at both corners on the Y-direction side of the seat portion 11, and the second ends of the other first support portion 400a and the other second support portion 400b are inserted into the third and fourth slots at both corners on the Y'-direction side of the seat portion 11. In this case, the length dimensions of the two first support portions 400a and the two second support portions 400b may be approximately the same.

[0052] The support structure S1 described above can be used as a structure for supporting the sleeping sheet 20 of a folding bed (see FIGS. 4A to 5B). In this case, the support structure S1 includes a plurality of connecting portions 100, a plurality of first leg portions 200a, a plurality of second leg portions 200b, a plurality of linking portions 300, a plurality of first support portions 400a, and a plurality of second support portions 400b. Second ends of the plurality of first support portions 400a are detachably connected to a first connecting pipe 21a or a second connecting rod connected to one end of the sleeping sheet 20, and second ends of the plurality of second support portions 400b are detachably connected to a second connecting pipe 22b or a second connecting rod connected to the other end of the sleeping sheet 20. In this case, the length dimensions of the plurality of first support portions 400a and the plurality of second support portions 400b may be approximately the same.

[0053] The support structure S1 described above can be used as a structure for supporting a tabletop (not shown). In this case, the support structure S1 includes two connecting portions 100, two first legs 200a, two second legs 200b, one connecting portion 300, two first support portions 400a, and two second support portions 400b. The second ends of one of the first support portions 400a and one of the second support portions 400b support both corners of the tabletop on the Y-direction side, and the second ends of the other of the first support portion 400a and the other second support portion 400b support both corners of the tabletop on the Y'-direction side. In this case, the length dimensions of the two first support portions 400a and the two second support portions 400b may be approximately the same.

[0054] In the support structure S1 described above, it is possible to omit the first insertion portion 120a and the second insertion portion 120b of at least one connecting portion 100, at least one coupling portion 300, at least one first support portion 400a, and at least one second support portion 400. When this support structure S1 is used as a structure supporting the rigid seat portion of a folding chair, it is sufficient that two connecting portions 100 support the seat portion. When this support structure S1 is used as a structure supporting the top plate of a table, it is sufficient that two connecting portions 100 support the top plate. When this support structure S1 is used as a structure supporting the rigid bed of a folding bed, it is sufficient that multiple connecting portions 100 support the bed portion.

[0055] In the support structure S1 described above, at least one first leg 200a and at least one second leg 200b are pipes or rods bent into a generally L-shape or a generally V-shape. By simply replacing the tip 211a of the first portion 210a of at least one first leg 200a and the tip 221a of the second portion 220a of at least one first leg 200a with the first insertion portion 110a, and by replacing the tip 211b of the first portion 210b of at least one second leg 200b with the tip 221b of the second portion 220b of at least one second leg 200b with the second insertion portion 110b, the height of the support structure S1 can be changed and the number of parts of the support structure S1 can be reduced.

[0056] Furthermore, if at least one first leg 200a and at least one second leg 200b have the same shape, at least one first leg 200a and at least one second leg 200b can be shared, thereby reducing the cost of the support structure S1.

[0057] When the tubes forming the first insertion portion 110a and the second insertion portion 110b of at least one connecting portion 100 are generally polygonal annular in cross section, or the elongated holes forming the first insertion portion 110a and the second insertion portion 110b of at least one connecting portion 100 are generally polygonal in cross section, at least one first leg portion 200a is a pipe with a generally polygonal annular cross section or a rod with a generally polygonal cross section, and at least one second leg portion 200b is a pipe with a generally polygonal annular cross section or a rod with a generally polygonal cross section, in the first insertion state, at least one first leg portion The tip 211a of the first part 210a of 200a can be prevented from rotating within the first insertion part 110a and the tip 211b of the first part 210b of at least one second leg part 200b can be prevented from rotating within the second insertion part 110b, and in the second insertion state, the tip 221a of the second part 220a of at least one first leg part 200a can be prevented from rotating within the first insertion part 110a and the tip 221b of the second part 220b of at least one second leg part 200b can be prevented from rotating within the second insertion part 110b. [Example]

[0058] A support structure S2 according to multiple embodiments of the present invention, including a second embodiment and its design variations, will be described below with reference to Figures 4A to 5B. Figures 4A to 5B show a folding bed equipped with the support structure S2 of the second embodiment. As with the support structure S1, Figures 4A to 5B show the Z-Z' direction, Figures 4B and 5B show the Y-Y' direction, and Figures 4A and 5A show the X-X' direction. The Z-Z' direction is the height direction of the support structure S2.

[0059] The support structure S2 has the same configuration as the support structure S1, except that it further includes at least one first connection portion 100a and at least one second connection portion 100b instead of the at least one connection portion 100. Only the differences will be described in detail below, and any explanation of the support structure S2 that overlaps with the explanation of the support structure S1 will be omitted.

[0060] The at least one first connection portion 100a may be one or more. The at least one second connection portion 100b may be one or more depending on the number of the at least one first connection portion 100a. When there are multiple at least one first connection portion 100a, the multiple first connection portions 100a are arranged at intervals in the Y-Y' direction. When there are multiple at least one second connection portion 100b, the multiple second connection portions 100b are arranged at intervals in the Y-Y' direction. Each first connection portion 100a and each second connection portion 100b are arranged at intervals in the X-X' direction.

[0061] Each first connection portion 100a is a block made of resin, metal, or wood, and has a first insertion portion 110a. The first insertion portion 110a is as described above, except that it is provided in each first connection portion 100a. Each second connection portion 100b is a block made of resin, metal, or wood, and has a second insertion portion 110b. The second insertion portion 110b is as described above, except that it is provided in each second connection portion 100b.

[0062] Each first connection portion 100a may further include a first insertion portion 120a. The first insertion portion 120a is as described above, except that it is provided in each first connection portion 100a. Each second connection portion 100b may further include a second insertion portion 120b. The second insertion portion 120b is as described above, except that it is provided in each second connection portion 100b.

[0063] The at least one first leg 200a of the support structure S2 may be one or more, depending on the number of at least one first connection portion 100a. Each first leg 200a is as described above, except that the tip 211a of its first portion 210a and the tip 221a of its second portion 220a are removably inserted into the first insertion portion 110a of each first connection portion 100a. The at least one second leg 200b of the support structure S2 may be one or more, depending on the number of at least one second connection portion 100b. Each second leg 200b is as described above, except that the tip 211b of its first portion 210b and the tip 221b of its second portion 220b are removably inserted into the second insertion portion 110b of each second connection portion 100b.

[0064] When the first leg portions 200a and the second leg portions 200b have the same shape, the first leg portions 200a and the second leg portions 200b are arranged substantially symmetrically about the second imaginary axis AS2 in the first and second inserted states. The second imaginary axis AS2 extends in the Z-Z' direction, passing substantially midway between the first insertion portion 110a of each first connecting portion 100a and the second insertion portion 110b of each second connecting portion 100b.

[0065] The support structure S2 may further include at least one connecting portion 300'. The number of connecting portions 300' may be one or more depending on the number of at least one first connecting portion 100a. Each connecting portion 300' is formed of a pipe, rod, plate, or the like that detachably connects between each first connecting portion 100a and each second connecting portion 100b.

[0066] The support structure S2 may further include at least one first support portion 400a and at least one second support portion 400b. The number of the at least one first support portion 400a may be one or more depending on the number of the at least one first connection portion 100a. Each first support portion 400a is as described above, except that its first end portion is removably inserted into the first insertion portion 120a of each first connection portion 100a. The number of the at least one second support portion 400b may be one or more depending on the number of the at least one second connection portion 100b. Each second support portion 400b is as described above, except that its first end portion is removably inserted into the second insertion portion 120b of each second connection portion 100b.

[0067] The support structure S2 described above can be used as a structure for supporting the sleeping sheet 20 (see FIGS. 4A to 5B) of a folding bed. In this case, the support structure S2 includes a plurality of first connecting portions 100a, a plurality of second connecting portions 100b, a plurality of first leg portions 200a, a plurality of second leg portions 200b, a plurality of connecting portions 300', a plurality of first support portions 400a, and a plurality of second support portions 400b. Second ends of the plurality of first support portions 400a are detachably connected to a first connecting pipe 21a or a second connecting rod connected to one end of the sleeping sheet 20. Second ends of the plurality of second support portions 400b are detachably connected to a second connecting pipe 22b or a second connecting rod connected to the other end of the sleeping sheet 20. In this case, the length dimensions of the plurality of first support portions 400a and the plurality of second support portions 400b may be approximately the same.

[0068] The support structure S2 described above can be used as a structure for supporting the chair seat 10 of a folding chair. In this case, the support structure S2 includes two first connecting portions 100a, two second connecting portions 100b, two first leg portions 200a, two second leg portions 200b, two connecting portions 300', two first support portions 400a, two second support portions 400b, and two other connecting portions (not shown). One of the other two connecting portions detachably connects the two first connecting portions 100a, and the other detachably connects the two second connecting portions 100b.

[0069] When the chair seat 10 has a seat portion 11 and a backrest portion 12 (see FIGS. 1A to 2C), the second ends of one of the two first support portions 400a and one of the two second support portions 400b are inserted into the first and second slots 11a and 11b at both corners of the seat portion 11 in the Y direction, and the second ends of the other first support portion 400a and the other second support portion 400b are inserted into the first and second slots 12a and 12b at both ends of the upper end of the backrest portion 12 in the Z direction. In this manner, the chair seat 10 is supported by the support structure S2. In this case, the length dimensions of the other first support portion 400a and the other second support portion 400b are greater than the length dimensions of the one first support portion 400a and the one second support portion 400b.

[0070] When the chair seat 10 has a seat portion 11 but no backrest portion 12, the second ends of one first support portion 400a and one second support portion 400b are inserted into the first and second slots at both corners of the seat portion 11 on the Y-direction side, and the second ends of the other first support portion 400a and the other second support portion 400b are inserted into the first and second slots at both corners of the seat portion 11 on the Y'-direction side. In this case, the length dimensions of the two first support portions 400a and the two second support portions 400b may be approximately the same.

[0071] The support structure S2 described above can be used as a structure for supporting a tabletop (not shown). In this case, the support structure S2 includes two connecting portions 100, two first legs 200a, two second legs 200b, two connecting portions 300′, two first support portions 400a, two second support portions 400b, and the other two connecting portions (not shown). The second ends of one of the first support portions 400a and one of the second support portions 400b support both corners of the tabletop on the Y-direction side, and the second ends of the other of the first support portion 400a and the other second support portion 400b support both corners of the tabletop on the Y′-direction side. In this case, the length dimensions of the two first support portions 400a and the two second support portions 400b may be approximately the same.

[0072] In the support structure S2 described above, it is possible to omit the first insertion portion 120a of at least one first connection portion 100a, the second insertion portion 120b of at least one second connection portion 100b, at least one connecting portion 300′, at least one first support portion 400a, at least one second support portion 400b, and other connecting portions (if provided). When the support structure S2 is used as a structure supporting the seat of a folding chair, two first connection portions 100a and two second connection portions 100b may be configured to support the seat. When the support structure S2 is used as a structure supporting the top of a table, two first connection portions 100a and two second connection portions 100b may be configured to support the top. When the support structure S2 is used as a structure supporting the bed of a folding bed, two first connection portions 100a and two second connection portions 100b may be configured to support the bed.

[0073] The support structure S2 described above, like the support structure S1, can vary the height of the support structure S2 while reducing the number of parts of the support structure S2. Furthermore, if at least one first leg 200a and at least one second leg 200b have the same shape, the at least one first leg 200a and at least one second leg 200b can be shared, thereby reducing the cost of the support structure S2.

[0074] The tube forming the first insertion portion 110a of at least one first connecting portion 100a and the tube forming the second insertion portion 110b of at least one second connecting portion 100b are generally polygonal annular in cross section, or the elongated hole forming the first insertion portion 110a of at least one first connecting portion 100a and the elongated hole forming the second insertion portion 110b of at least one second connecting portion 100b are generally polygonal in cross section, at least one first leg portion 200a is a pipe with a generally polygonal annular cross section or a rod with a generally polygonal cross section, and at least one second leg portion 200b is a pipe with a generally polygonal annular cross section or a rod with a generally polygonal cross section. In this case, in the first insertion state, the tip 211a of the first part 210a of at least one first leg 200a can be prevented from rotating within the first insertion part 110a and the tip 211b of the first part 210b of at least one second leg 200b can be prevented from rotating within the second insertion part 110b, and in the second insertion state, the tip 221a of the second part 220a of at least one first leg 200a can be prevented from rotating within the first insertion part 110a and the tip 221b of the second part 220b of at least one second leg 200b can be prevented from rotating within the second insertion part 110b. [Example]

[0075] A support structure S3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention and several other embodiments, including design variations thereof, will be described below with reference to Figures 6A to 7B. Figures 6A to 7B show a folding chair equipped with the support structure S3 of the third embodiment. As with the support structure S1, Figures 6A to 7B show the Z-Z' direction, Figures 6B and 7B show the Y-Y' direction, and Figures 6A and 7A show the X-X' direction. The Z-Z' direction is the height direction of the support structure S3.

[0076] The support structure S3 has the same configuration as the support structure S1, except that the configuration of at least one connection portion 100' is different from the configuration of at least one connection portion 100 of the support structure S1, and the support structure S3 further includes at least one third leg portion 200c and a fourth plug portion 110d. Only these differences will be described in detail below, and any explanation of the support structure S3 that overlaps with the explanation of the support structure S1 will be omitted.

[0077] The at least one connection portion 100' may be one or more. When there are multiple at least one connection portion 100', the multiple connection portions 100' are spaced apart in the Y-Y' direction. For convenience of explanation, the at least one connection portion 100' will be described as one connection portion 100' hereinafter.

[0078] The connecting portion 100' further includes a third insertion portion 110c and a fourth insertion portion 110d. The third insertion portion 110c and the fourth insertion portion 110d are provided on the connecting portion 100' and are tubes or elongated holes extending in a direction including at least the Z'-direction component, and are open in a direction including at least the Z'-direction component. The third insertion portion 110c and the fourth insertion portion 110d may be bottomed tubes or bottomed elongated holes that open in a direction including the Z'-direction component and are closed on the opposite side. Alternatively, the third insertion portion 110c and the fourth insertion portion 110d may be double-opened tubes or through-holes that are open not only in the direction including the Z'-direction component but also in the opposite direction. Note that the double-opened tubes or through-holes have stoppers such as steps or protrusions provided inside.

[0079] First insertion portion 110a, second insertion portion 110b, third insertion portion 110c, and fourth insertion portion 110d are arranged at intervals of approximately 90 degrees around third imaginary axis AS3 (see FIGS. 6A to 7B). Third imaginary axis AS3 may pass through the center of connecting portion 100' and extend in the Z-Z' direction, but it is sufficient that it passes through connecting portion 100'.

[0080] For example, (5-1) the first insertion portion 110a, the second insertion portion 110b, the third insertion portion 110c, and the fourth insertion portion 110d may be tubes or elongated holes extending in the Z' direction and opening in the Z' direction, or may be tubes or elongated holes extending in the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th oblique directions and opening in the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th oblique directions, or may be tubes or elongated holes opening in the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th oblique directions and opening in the opposite directions.

[0081] Note that directions including a Z'-direction component include the Z' direction, the thirteenth oblique direction, the fourteenth oblique direction, the fifteenth oblique direction, and the sixteenth oblique direction. The thirteenth oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z'-direction and first radial components. The fourteenth oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z'-direction and second radial components. The fifteenth oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z'-direction and third radial components. The sixteenth oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z'-direction and fourth radial components. The first, second, third, and fourth radial directions are radial directions of an imaginary circle passing through the center of the third imaginary axis AS3, and extend from the third imaginary axis AS3 at approximately 90-degree intervals. Note that the first and second radial directions are the X direction and the X' direction in FIGS. 6A and 7A, and the third and fourth radial directions are the Y direction and the Y' direction in FIGS. 6B and 7B, but are not limited to these.

[0082] The connecting portion 100′ may further include a third insertion portion 120c and a fourth insertion portion 120d. The third insertion portion 120c and the fourth insertion portion 120d are provided in the connecting portion 100′ and are tubes or elongated holes extending in a direction including at least the Z-direction component, and are open in a direction including at least the Z-direction component. The third insertion portion 120c and the fourth insertion portion 120d may be bottomed tubes or bottomed elongated holes that open in a direction including the Z-direction component and are closed on the opposite side, or the third insertion portion 120c and the fourth insertion portion 120d may be double-opened tubes or through-holes that are open not only in the direction including the Z-direction component but also in the opposite direction. Note that the double-opened tubes or through-holes have stoppers such as steps or protrusions provided inside.

[0083] The first insertion section 120a, the second insertion section 120b, the third insertion section 120c, and the fourth insertion section 120d are arranged at intervals of approximately 90 degrees around the third imaginary axis AS3 (see FIGS. 6A to 7B).

[0084] For example, (7-1) the first insertion portion 120a, the second insertion portion 120b, the third insertion portion 120c, and the fourth insertion portion 120d may be tubes or elongated holes extending in the Z direction and opening in the Z direction, or opening in the Z direction and the Z' direction (not shown). Alternatively, (7-2) the first insertion portion 120a, the second insertion portion 120b, the third insertion portion 120c, and the fourth insertion portion 120d may be tubes or elongated holes extending in the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th oblique directions and opening in the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th oblique directions, or opening in the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th oblique directions and also opening in the opposite directions.

[0085] Note that directions including a Z-direction component include the Z direction, the 17th oblique direction, the 18th oblique direction, the 19th oblique direction, and the 20th oblique direction. The 17th oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z direction and 5th radial direction components. The 18th oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z direction and 6th radial direction components. The 19th oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z direction and 7th radial direction components. The 20th oblique direction is an oblique direction including Z direction and 8th radial direction components. The 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th radial directions are radial directions of an imaginary circle passing through the center of the third imaginary axis AS3 and extend from the third imaginary axis AS3 at approximately 90-degree intervals. Note that the 5th and 6th radial directions are the X direction and the X' direction in FIGS. 6A and 7A, and the 7th and 8th radial directions are the Y direction and the Y' direction in FIGS. 6B and 7B, but are not limited to these. The fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth radial directions may coincide with the first, second, third, and fourth radial directions, or may be different from them.

[0086] The at least one first leg 200a, the at least one second leg 200b, the at least one third leg 200c, and the at least one fourth leg 200d of the support structure S3 may each be one or more depending on the number of the at least one connecting portion 100'. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be given assuming that the at least one first leg 200a, the at least one second leg 200b, the at least one third leg 200c, and the at least one fourth leg 200d are each one corresponding to one connecting portion 100'.

[0087] First leg 200a is the same as first leg 200a of support structure S1 except that tip 211a of first portion 210a and tip 221a of second portion 220a are replaceably inserted into first insertion portion 110a of connection portion 100'. Second leg 200b is the same as first leg 200a of support structure S1 except that tip 211b of first portion 210b and tip 221b of second portion 220b are replaceably inserted into second insertion portion 110b of connection portion 100'.

[0088] The third leg 200c has the same configuration as the first leg 200a described above, except that a tip 211c of a first portion 210c and a tip 221c of a second portion 220c are replaceably inserted into a third insertion portion 110c of the connecting portion 100'. Like the first leg 200a, the third leg 200c may have a first locking portion and a second locking portion, but is not necessarily required to have them.

[0089] The fourth leg 200d has the same configuration as the second leg 200b described above, except that a tip 211d of a first portion 210d and a tip 221d of a second portion 220d are replaceably inserted into a fourth insertion portion 110d of the connecting portion 100'. The fourth leg 200d may have a first locking portion and a second locking portion, as with the first leg 200a, but is not required to have them.

[0090] When the first insertion portion 110a, the second insertion portion 110b, the third insertion portion 110c, and the fourth insertion portion 110d of the connection portion 100' extend in the Z' direction (case (5-1) above), (6-1) the bent portion 230a of the first leg portion 200a, the bent portion 230b of the second leg portion 200b, the bent portion 230c of the third leg portion 200c, and the bent portion 230d of the fourth leg portion 200d are bent so that angles R1, R2, R3, and R4 are approximately 90 degrees.

[0091] When the first insertion portion 110a, the second insertion portion 110b, the third insertion portion 110c, and the fourth insertion portion 110d of the connection portion 100' extend in the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th diagonal directions (case (5-2) above), (6-2) the bent portion 230a of the first leg portion 200a is bent so that the angle R1 is the angle between the first virtual line VL1 and the third virtual line VL3 (for example, approximately 130 degrees to approximately 140 degrees), and the bent portion 230b of the second leg portion 200b is bent so that the angle R2 is the angle between the second virtual line VL2 and the third virtual line VL3 (for example, approximately 130 degrees to approximately 140 degrees). The bent portion 230c of the third leg 200c is bent so that the angle R3 is the angle between the fourth virtual line VL4 and the sixth virtual line VL6 (for example, approximately 130 degrees to approximately 140 degrees), and the bent portion 230d of the fourth leg 200d is bent so that the angle R4 is the angle between the fifth virtual line VL5 and the sixth virtual line VL6 (for example, approximately 130 degrees to approximately 140 degrees). The angles R1, R2, R3, and R4 are not limited to the above examples and can be changed as appropriate as long as the first leg 200a, the second leg 200b, the third leg 200c, and the fourth leg 200d form a substantially V-shape.

[0092] The angles R1 and R2 are as described above. The angle R3 is the angle of the second portion 220c of the third leg portion 200c relative to the first portion 210c of the third leg portion 200c. The angle R4 is the angle of the second portion 220d of the fourth leg portion 200d relative to the first portion 210d of the fourth leg portion 200d. The first virtual line VL1, the second virtual line VL2, and the third virtual line VL3 are as described above. The fourth virtual line VL4 extends along the central axis of the third insertion portion 110c of the connection portion 100'. The fifth virtual line VL5 extends along the central axis of the second insertion portion 110b of the connection portion 100'. The sixth virtual line VL6 extends along the mounting surface and intersects with the fourth virtual line VL4 and the fifth virtual line VL5.

[0093] In a state where tip end 211a of first portion 210a of first leg 200a, tip end 211b of first portion 210b of second leg 200b, tip end 211c of first portion 210c of third leg 200c, and tip end 211d of first portion 210d of fourth leg 200d are inserted into first insertion portion 110a, second insertion portion 110b, third insertion portion 110c, and fourth insertion portion 110d of connecting portion 100′ (hereinafter referred to as the “first inserted state”), tip end 211a of first portion 210a of first leg 200a, tip end 211b of first portion 210b of second leg 200b 211b, tip portion 211c of first portion 210c of third leg portion 200c, and tip portion 211d of first portion 210d of fourth leg portion 200d abut against the bottom of the bottomed tube or bottomed hole or the abutment portion of the tube with openings on both sides or the long through hole that constitutes first insertion portion 110a, second insertion portion 110b, third insertion portion 110c, and fourth insertion portion 110d of connecting portion 100′, and the second portion 220a of first leg portion 200a, second portion 220b of second leg portion 200b, second portion 220c of third leg portion 200c, and second portion 220d of fourth leg portion 200d abut against the placement surface.

[0094] When the first insertion portion 110a, the second insertion portion 110b, the third insertion portion 110c, and the fourth insertion portion 110d of the connection portion 100' extend in the Z' direction (case (5-1) above), in the first insertion state, the first portion 210a of the first leg portion 200a, the first portion 210b of the second leg portion 200b, the first portion 210c of the third leg portion 200c, and the first portion 210d of the fourth leg portion 200d extend in the Z' direction, and the second portion 220a of the first leg portion 200a, the second portion 220b of the second leg portion 200b, the second portion 220c of the third leg portion 200c, and the second portion 220d of the fourth leg portion 200d extend radially away from the third virtual axis AS3.

[0095] When the first insertion portion 110a, the second insertion portion 110b, the third insertion portion 110c, and the fourth insertion portion 110d of the connecting portion 100′ extend in the 13th diagonal direction, the 14th diagonal direction, the 15th diagonal direction, and the 16th diagonal direction (the case of (5-2) above), in the first insertion state, the first portion 210a of the first leg portion 200a, the first portion 210b of the second leg portion 200b, and the first portion 210 c, the first part 210d of the fourth leg 200d extends in the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th diagonal directions, and the second part 220a of the first leg 200a, the second part 220b of the second leg 200b, the second part 220c of the third leg 200c, and the second part 220d of the fourth leg 200d extend radially away from the third imaginary axis AS3.

[0096] In a state where tip end 221a of second portion 220a of first leg 200a, tip end 221b of second portion 220b of second leg 200b, tip end 221c of second portion 220c of third leg 200c, and tip end 221d of second portion 220d of fourth leg 200d are inserted into first insertion portion 110a, second insertion portion 110b, third insertion portion 110c, and fourth insertion portion 110d of connecting portion 100′ (hereinafter referred to as the “second inserted state”), tip end 221a of second portion 220a of first leg 200a, tip end 221b of second portion 220b of second leg 200b 221b, tip portion 221c of second portion 220c of third leg portion 200c, and tip portion 221d of second portion 220d of fourth leg portion 200d abut against the bottom of the bottomed tube or bottomed hole or the abutment portion of the tube with openings on both sides or the long through hole that constitutes first insertion portion 110a, second insertion portion 110b, third insertion portion 110c, and fourth insertion portion 110d of connecting portion 100′, and first portion 210a of first leg portion 200a, first portion 210b of second leg portion 200b, first portion 210c of third leg portion 200c, and first portion 210d of fourth leg portion 200d abut against the placement surface.

[0097] When the first insertion portion 110a, the second insertion portion 110b, the third insertion portion 110c, and the fourth insertion portion 110d of the connection portion 100' extend in the Z' direction (case (5-1) above), in the second insertion state, the second portion 220a of the first leg portion 200a, the second portion 220b of the second leg portion 200b, the second portion 220c of the third leg portion 200c, and the second portion 220d of the fourth leg portion 200d extend in the Z' direction, and the first portion 210a of the first leg portion 200a, the first portion 210b of the second leg portion 200b, the first portion 210c of the third leg portion 200c, and the first portion 210d of the fourth leg portion 200d extend radially away from the third virtual axis AS3.

[0098] When the first insertion portion 110a, the second insertion portion 110b, the third insertion portion 110c, and the fourth insertion portion 110d of the connecting portion 100′ extend in the 13th diagonal direction, the 14th diagonal direction, the 15th diagonal direction, and the 16th diagonal direction (the case of (5-2) above), in the second insertion state, the second portion 220a of the first leg portion 200a, the second portion 220b of the second leg portion 200b, and the second portion 220c of the third leg portion 200c extend in the 13th diagonal direction, the 14th diagonal direction, the 15th diagonal direction, and the 16th diagonal direction (the case of (5-2) above) extend in the 16th diagonal direction, the second portion 220a of the first leg portion 200a, the second portion 220b of the second leg portion 200b, and the second portion 220c of the third leg portion 200c extend in the 16th diagonal direction. c, the second part 220d of the fourth leg 200d extends in the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th diagonal directions, and the first part 210a of the first leg 200a, the first part 210b of the second leg 200b, the first part 210c of the third leg 200c, and the first part 210d of the fourth leg 200d extend radially away from the third virtual axis AS3.

[0099] When the first leg 200a and the second leg 200b have the same shape, the first leg 200a and the second leg 200b are arranged so as to be substantially symmetrical about the third imaginary axis AS3 in the first and second insertion states. When the third leg 200c and the fourth leg 200d have the same shape, the third leg 200c and the fourth leg 200d are arranged so as to be substantially symmetrical about the third imaginary axis AS3 in the first and second insertion states. The first leg 200a, the second leg 200b, the third leg 200c, and the fourth leg 200d may have the same shape.

[0100] The length dimension of the first portion 210a of the first leg 200a is longer than the length dimension of the second portion 220a of the first leg 200a, the length dimension of the first portion 210b of the second leg 200b is longer than the length dimension of the second portion 220b of the second leg 200b, the length dimension of the first portion 210c of the third leg 200c is longer than the length dimension of the second portion 220c of the third leg 200c, and the length dimension of the first portion 210d of the fourth leg 200d is longer than the length dimension of the second portion 220d of the fourth leg 200d. Therefore, in the first inserted state, the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the first leg 200a (the linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from the tip of the tip end 211a of the first part 210a of the first leg 200a to the part of the second part 220a that abuts on the mounting surface), the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the second leg 200b (the linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from the tip of the tip end 211b of the first part 210b of the second leg 200b to the part of the second part 220b that abuts on the mounting surface) The dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the third leg 200c (the linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from the tip of the tip portion 211c of the first part 210c of the third leg 200c to the part where the second part 220c abuts the mounting surface) and the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the fourth leg 200d (the linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from the tip of the tip portion 211d of the first part 210d of the fourth leg 200d to the part where the second part 220d abuts the mounting surface) become larger. On the other hand, in the second insertion state, the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the first leg 200a (the linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from the tip of the tip end 221a of the second part 220a of the first leg 200a to the part of the first part 210a that abuts on the placement surface), the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the second leg 200b (the linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from the tip of the tip end 221b of the second part 220b of the second leg 200b to the part of the second part 220b that abuts on the placement surface) ), the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the third leg 200c (the linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from the tip of the tip portion 221c of the second part 220c of the third leg 200c to the part abutting the mounting surface of the first part 210c) and the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the fourth leg 200d (the linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from the tip of the tip portion 221d of the second part 220d of the fourth leg 200d to the part abutting the mounting surface of the first part 210d) become smaller.Therefore, tip portion 211a of first portion 210a of first leg 200a and tip portion 221a of second portion 220a of first leg 200a are replaced with first insertion portion 110a, tip portion 211b of first portion 210b of second leg 200b and tip portion 221b of second portion 220b of second leg 200b are replaced with second insertion portion 110b, and tip portion 211b of third leg 200c is replaced with third leg 200c. The height of the support structure S3 can be changed simply by replacing the tip 211c of the first part 210c and the tip 221c of the second part 220c of the third leg 200c with the third insertion part 110c, and by replacing the tip 211d of the first part 210d of the fourth leg 200d and the tip 221d of the second part 220d of the fourth leg 200d with the fourth insertion part 110d.

[0101] The support structure S3 may further include at least one first support portion 400a, at least one second support portion 400b, at least one third support portion 400c, and at least one fourth support portion 400d. The at least one first support portion 400a, at least one second support portion 400b, at least one third support portion 400c, and at least one fourth support portion 400d may each be one or more depending on the number of at least one connecting portion 100'. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be given assuming that the at least one first support portion 400a, at least one second support portion 400b, at least one third support portion 400c, and at least one fourth support portion 400d are each one corresponding to one connecting portion 100'.

[0102] The first support part 400a is identical to the first support part 400a of the support structure S1 except that its first end is removably inserted into the first insertion part 120a of the connection part 100'. The second support part 400b is identical to the second support part 400b of the support structure S1 except that its first end is removably inserted into the second insertion part 120b of the connection part 100'.

[0103] The third support part 400c has the same configuration as the first support part 400a described above, except that a first end of the third support part 400c is removably inserted into the third insertion part 120c of the connection part 100'. The fourth support part 400d has the same configuration as the second support part 400b described above, except that a first end of the fourth support part 400d is removably inserted into the fourth insertion part 120d of the connection part 100'.

[0104] The support structure S3 described above can be used as a structure for supporting the chair seat 10 of a folding chair. Second ends of the first support portion 400a, the second support portion 400b, the third support portion 400c, and the fourth support portion 400d of the support structure S3 are inserted into first, second, third, and fourth slots 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d at the four corners of the seat surface portion 11 of the chair seat 10. In this case, the length dimensions of the first support portion 400a, the second support portion 400b, the third support portion 400c, and the fourth support portion 400d may be approximately the same.

[0105] When the chair seat 10 has a backrest 12 in addition to the seat surface 11 (see FIGS. 1A to 2C), the second ends of the first support portion 400a and the second support portion 400b of the support structure S3 are inserted into the first and second slots 11a and 11b at both corners of the seat surface 11 in the Y direction, and the second ends of the third support portion 400c and the fourth support portion 400d of the support structure S3 are inserted into the first and second slots 12a and 12b at both ends of the upper end of the backrest 12 in the Z direction. In this case, the length dimensions of the third support portion 400c and the fourth support portion 400d are greater than the length dimensions of the first support portion 400a and the second support portion 400b.

[0106] The support structure S3 described above can be used as a structure for supporting a tabletop (not shown). In this case, the second ends of the first support portion 400a, the second support portion 400b, the third support portion 400c, and the fourth support portion 400d of the support structure S3 support the four corners of the tabletop. In this case, the length dimensions of the first support portion 400a, the second support portion 400b, the third support portion 400c, and the fourth support portion 400d may be approximately the same.

[0107] The support structure S3 described above can be used as a structure for supporting the sleeping sheet 20 of a folding bed (see FIGS. 4A to 5B). In this case, the support structure S3 includes a plurality of connecting portions 100', first legs 200a, second legs 200b, third legs 200c, fourth legs 200d, first support portions 400a, second support portions 400b, third support portions 400c, and fourth support portions 400d. The second ends of the plurality of first support portions 400a and the second ends of the plurality of third support portions 400c are detachably connected to a first connecting pipe 21a or a second connecting rod connected to one end of the sleeping sheet 20, and the second ends of the plurality of second support portions 400b and the second ends of the plurality of fourth support portions 400d are detachably connected to a second connecting pipe 22b or a second connecting rod connected to the other end of the sleeping sheet 20. In this case, the length dimensions of the plurality of first support portions 400a, the plurality of second support portions 400b, the plurality of third support portions 400c, and the plurality of fourth support portions 400d may be approximately the same.

[0108] In the support structure S3 described above, the first insertion portion 120a to the fourth insertion portion 120d and the first support portion 400a to the fourth support portion 400d of the connection portion 100' can be omitted. When this support structure S3 is used as a structure supporting the rigid seat portion of a folding chair, the connection portion 100' can be configured to support the center portion of the seat portion. When this support structure S3 is used as a structure supporting the top plate of a table, the connection portion 100' can be configured to support the center portion of the top plate.

[0109] In the support structure S3 as described above, at least one of the first leg 200a to fourth leg 200d is a pipe or rod bent into a substantially L-shape or a substantially V-shape. A tip 211a of a first part 210a of at least one first leg 200a and a tip 221a of a second part 220a of at least one first leg 200a are replaced with the first insertion part 110a, a tip 211b of a first part 210b of at least one second leg 200b and a tip 221b of a second part 220b of at least one second leg 200b are replaced with the second insertion part 110b, and a tip 211b of a first part 210c of at least one third leg 200c is replaced with the first insertion part 110b. By simply replacing the tip 211c and the tip 221c of the second part 220c of at least one third leg 200c with the third insertion part 110c, and by replacing the tip 211d of the first part 210d of at least one fourth leg 200d and the tip 221d of the second part 220d of at least one fourth leg 200d with the fourth insertion part 110d, the height of the support structure S3 can be changed and the number of parts of the support structure S3 can be reduced.

[0110] Furthermore, if the first leg 200a and the second leg 200b have the same shape and the third leg 200c and the fourth leg 200d have the same shape, the first leg 200a and the second leg 200b can be shared, and the third leg 200c and the fourth leg 200d can be shared. If the first to fourth legs 200a to 200d have the same shape, the first leg 200a to the fourth leg 200d can be shared. Therefore, the cost of the support structure S3 can be reduced.

[0111] When the tube forming the first insertion portion 110a to the fourth insertion portion 110d of at least one connecting portion 100′ has a generally polygonal ring shape in cross section, or the elongated hole forming the first insertion portion 110a to the fourth insertion portion 110d of at least one connecting portion 100′ has a generally polygonal ring shape in cross section, and at least one first leg portion 200a to the fourth leg portion 200d is a pipe having a generally polygonal ring shape in cross section or a rod having a generally polygonal shape in cross section, in the first insertion state, a tip portion 211a of a first portion 210a of at least one first leg portion 200a, a tip portion 211b of a first portion 210b of at least one second leg portion 200b, a tip portion 211c of a first portion 210c of at least one third leg portion 200c, The tip 211d of the first part 210d of the fourth leg 200d can be prevented from rotating within the first insertion part 110a, the second insertion part 110b, the third insertion part 110c, and the fourth insertion part 110d, and in the second insertion state, the tip 221a of the second part 220a of at least one first leg 200a, the tip 221b of the second part 220b of at least one second leg 200b, the tip 221c of the second part 220c of at least one third leg 200c, and the tip 221d of the second part 220d of at least one fourth leg 200d can be prevented from rotating within the first insertion part 110a, the second insertion part 110b, the third insertion part 110c, and the fourth insertion part 110d.

[0112] The support structure described above is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified in any way within the scope of the claims.

[0113] In the first inserted state of the support structures S1 and S2, the second portion 220a of each first leg 200a and the second portion 220b of each second leg 200b may abut against the mounting surface, and the second portion 220a of each first leg 200a and the second portion 220b of each second leg 200b may extend in directions approaching each other or in the same direction. In the second inserted state of the support structures S1 and S2, the first portion 210a of each first leg 200a and the first portion 210b of each second leg 200b may abut against the mounting surface, and the first portion 210a of each first leg 200a and the first portion 210b of each second leg 200b may extend in directions approaching each other or in the same direction.

[0114] When, in the first insertion state of the support structures S1 and S2, the second portion 220a of each first leg portion 200a and the second portion 220b of each second leg portion 200b extend in a direction approaching each other, and when, in the second insertion state of the support structures S1 and S2, the first portion 210a of each first leg portion 200a and the first portion 210b of each second leg portion 200b extend in a direction approaching each other, the first insertion portion 110a and the second insertion portion 110b may be a tube or a long hole extending in the Z' direction described above, or the first insertion portion 110a may be a tube or a long hole extending in the fourth, fifth or sixth diagonal direction described above, and the second insertion portion 110b may be a tube or a long hole extending in the first, second or third diagonal direction described above.

[0115] When the second portion 220a of each first leg 200a and the second portion 220b of each second leg 200b extend in the same direction in the first insertion state of the support structures S1 and S2, and when the first portion 210a of each first leg 200a and the first portion 210b of each second leg 200b extend in the same direction in the second insertion state of the support structures S1 and S2, the first insertion portion 110a and the second insertion portion 110b may be tubes or elongated holes extending in the Z' direction, or the first insertion portion 110a and the second insertion portion 110b may be tubes or elongated holes extending in the above-mentioned first diagonal direction, second diagonal direction, third diagonal direction, fourth diagonal direction, fifth diagonal direction or sixth diagonal direction (i.e., tubes or elongated holes extending in the same diagonal direction).

[0116] The first plug portion 110a and the second plug portion 110b of at least one connection portion 100 of the support structure S1 described above may be arranged with a gap in the Y-Y' direction, or the first plug portion 110a of at least one connection portion 100 of the support structure S1 described above may be arranged with a gap in an oblique direction including components in the Y' direction and the X direction relative to the second plug portion 110b of the at least one connection portion 100, or may be arranged with a gap in an oblique direction including components in the Y direction and the X direction.

[0117] The at least one first connection portion 100a and the at least one second connection portion 100b of the support structure S2 described above may be spaced apart in the Y-Y' direction, or the at least one first connection portion 100a of the support structure S2 may be spaced apart in an oblique direction including components in the Y' direction and the X direction from the at least one second connection portion 100b of the support structure S2, or may be spaced apart in an oblique direction including components in the Y direction and the X direction. In either case, a linking portion 300' may connect the at least one first connection portion 100a and the at least one second connection portion 100b, but the linking portion 300' may be omitted as described above.

[0118] Each of the first support portions 400a and each of the second support portions 400b of the support structures S1 and S2 can be configured similarly to each of the first leg portions 200a and each of the second leg portions 200b of any of the above-mentioned aspects of the support structures S1 and S2. That is, each first support portion 400a has a first portion 210a, a second portion 220a, and a bent portion 230a, and can be configured so that the tip portion 211a of the first portion 210a and the tip portion 221a of the second portion 220a of each first support portion 400a are replaceably inserted into the first insertion portion 120a, and each second support portion 400b has a first portion 210b, a second portion 220b, and a bent portion 230b, and can be configured so that the tip portion 211b of the first portion 210b and the tip portion 221b of the second portion 220b of each second support portion 400b are replaceably inserted into the second insertion portion 120b. In the first insertion state, the second portion 220a of each first leg portion 200a and the second portion 220b of each second leg portion 200b are not placed on the support surface and can support the chair seat 10, the sleeping seat 20, or a tabletop, as described above. In the second insertion state, the first portion 210a of each first leg portion 200a and the first portion 210b of each second leg portion 200b are not placed on the support surface and can support the chair seat 10, the sleeping seat 20, or a tabletop, as described above. Even with this design modification, the height of the support structures S1 and S2 can be changed and the number of parts of the support structures S1 and S2 can be reduced. In this design modification, the first leg portions 200a and the second leg portions 200b of the support structures S1 and S2 may or may not be provided. If no leg is provided, the connection portion 100 of the support structure S1 or the first and second connection portions 100a, 100b of the support structure S2 may be configured to be placed on a mounting surface, or a separate leg portion that supports the connection portion 100 of the support structure S1 or the first and second connection portions 100a, 100b of the support structure S2 in midair may be provided on the connection portion 100 of the support structure S1 or the first and second connection portions 100a, 100b of the support structure S2.

[0119] The first support portion 400a, the second support portion 400b, the third support portion 400c, and the fourth support portion 400d of the support structure S3 can be configured similarly to the first leg portion 200a, the second leg portion 200b, the third leg portion 200c, and the fourth leg portion 200d of any of the above-mentioned aspects of the support structure S3. That is, the first support portion 400a has a first portion 210a, a second portion 220a, and a bent portion 230a, and can be configured so that a tip portion 211a of the first portion 210a and a tip portion 221a of the second portion 220a of the first support portion 400a are replaceably inserted into the first insertion portion 120a, and the second support portion 400b has a first portion 210b, a second portion 220b, and a bent portion 230b, and can be configured so that a tip portion 211b of the first portion 210b and a tip portion 221b of the second portion 220b of the second support portion 400b are replaceably inserted into the second insertion portion 120b. The third support part 400c has a first part 210c, a second part 220c, and a bent part 230c, and can be configured so that the tip part 211c of the first part 210c and the tip part 221c of the second part 220c of the third support part 400c are replaceably inserted into the third insertion part 120c, and the fourth support part 400d has a first part 210d, a second part 220d, and a bent part 230d, and can be configured so that the tip part 211d of the first part 210d and the tip part 221d of the second part 220d of the fourth support part 400d are replaceably inserted into the fourth insertion part 120d. In the first inserted state, the second portion 220a of the first leg 200a, the second portion 220b of the second leg 200b, the second portion 220c of the third leg 200c, and the second portion 220d of the fourth leg 200d are not placed on the support surface and can support the chair seat 10, the sleeping seat 20, a table top, etc., as described above, and in the second inserted state, the first portion 210a of the first leg 200a, the first portion 210b of the second leg 200b, the first portion 210c of the third leg 200c, and the first portion 210d of the fourth leg 200d are not placed on the support surface and can support the chair seat 10, the sleeping seat 20, a table top, etc., as described above. Even when the design is changed in this way, it is possible to change the height of the support structure S3 and reduce the number of parts of the support structure S3.In this design variation, the first leg 200a, the second leg 200b, the third leg 200c, and the fourth leg 200d of the support structure S3 may or may not be provided. If they are not provided, the connection portion 100' of the support structure S3 may be configured to be placed on a mounting surface, or the connection portion 100' of the support structure S3 may be provided with additional legs that support the connection portion 100' of the support structure S3 in the air.

[0120] The fourth insertion portion 110d and the fourth leg portion 200d of the connection portion 100′ of the support structure S3 of any of the above-described embodiments can be omitted. In this case, the first insertion portion 110a, the second insertion portion 110b, and the third insertion portion 110c of the connection portion 100′ may be arranged at intervals of approximately 120 degrees around the third imaginary axis AS3 (not shown).

[0121] The fourth insertion portion 120d and the fourth support portion 400d of the connection portion 100′ of the support structure S3 of any of the above-described embodiments can be omitted. In this case, the first insertion portion 120a, the second insertion portion 120b, and the third insertion portion 120c of the connection portion 100′ may be arranged at intervals of approximately 120 degrees around the third virtual axis AS3 (not shown). [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] S1, S2, S3: Support structure 100, 100': Connection portion 100a: First connection portion 100b: Second connection portion 110a: First insertion portion 110b: Second insertion portion 110c: Third insertion portion 110d: Fourth insertion portion 120a: First insertion part 120b: Second insertion part 120c: Third insertion part 120d: Fourth insertion part 200a: First leg 200b: Second leg 200c: Third leg 200d: Fourth leg 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d: first part of the first, second, third, and fourth legs 211a, 211b, 211c, 211d: Tips of the first parts of the first, second, third, and fourth legs 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d: second parts of the first, second, third, and fourth legs 221a, 221b, 221c, 221d: Tips of the second parts of the first, second, third, and fourth legs 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d: first, second, third, and fourth leg bends 300, 300': Connection part 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d: first, second, third, fourth support parts

Claims

1. At least one connection; at least one first leg; and at least one second leg, The at least one connection portion includes a first plug portion and a second plug portion, the first insertion portion is a tube or an elongated hole extending in a direction including one component of a first direction that is a height direction of the support structure, and is open in a direction including at least one component of the first direction, the second insertion portion is a tube or an elongated hole extending in a direction including one component of the first direction and opening in a direction including at least one component of the first direction, the at least one first leg is a pipe or rod having a substantially L-shape or a substantially V-shape and has a first portion, a second portion, and a bent portion, the length dimension of the first portion of the at least one first leg is longer than the length dimension of the second portion of the at least one first leg, the bent portion of the at least one first leg is provided between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one first leg, and the at least one first leg is bent to form the substantially L-shape or the substantially V-shape, the at least one second leg is a pipe or rod having a substantially L-shape or a substantially V-shape and has a first portion, a second portion, and a bent portion, the length dimension of the first portion of the at least one second leg is longer than the length dimension of the second portion of the at least one second leg, the bent portion of the at least one second leg is provided between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one second leg, and the at least one second leg is bent to form the substantially L-shape or the substantially V-shape, a tip end portion of the first part and a tip end portion of the second part of the at least one first leg part are replaceably inserted into the first insertion part of the at least one connection part, a tip end portion of the first portion and a tip end portion of the second portion of the at least one second leg portion are replaceably inserted into the second insertion portion of the at least one connection portion, a support structure in which, when the tip end of the first part of the at least one first leg is inserted into the first insertion part of the at least one connecting part and the tip end of the first part of the at least one second leg is inserted into the second insertion part of the at least one connecting part, the second part of the at least one first leg and the second part of the at least one second leg abut against a placing surface, while, when the tip end of the second part of the at least one first leg is inserted into the first insertion part of the at least one connecting part and the tip end of the second part of the at least one second leg is inserted into the second insertion part of the at least one connecting part, the first part of the at least one first leg and the first part of the at least one second leg abut against the placing surface.

2. 2. The support structure of claim 1, the first plug portion and the second plug portion of the at least one connection portion are spaced apart in a third direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction; when the tip end of the first portion of the at least one first leg is inserted into the first insertion portion of the at least one connecting portion and the tip end of the first portion of the at least one second leg is inserted into the second insertion portion of the at least one connecting portion, the second portion of the at least one first leg and the second portion of the at least one second leg extend so as to be separated from each other, A support structure in which, when the tip end of the second portion of the at least one first leg is inserted into the first insertion portion of the at least one connecting portion and the tip end of the second portion of the at least one second leg is inserted into the second insertion portion of the at least one connecting portion, the first portion of the at least one first leg and the first portion of the at least one second leg extend away from each other.

3. At least one first connection portion; At least one second connection portion; at least one first leg; and at least one second leg, the at least one first connection portion and the at least one second connection portion are arranged at an interval in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the first direction being a height direction of the support structure, and the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; the at least one first connection portion has a first insertion portion, the first insertion portion being a tube or an elongated hole extending in a direction including at least one component of the first direction and opening in the direction including at least one component of the first direction; the at least one second connection portion has a second insertion portion, the second insertion portion being a tube or an elongated hole extending in a direction including at least one component of the first direction and opening in the direction including at least one component of the first direction; the at least one first leg is a pipe or rod having a substantially L-shape or a substantially V-shape and has a first portion, a second portion, and a bent portion, the length dimension of the first portion of the at least one first leg is longer than the length dimension of the second portion of the at least one first leg, the bent portion of the at least one first leg is provided between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one first leg, and the at least one first leg is bent to form the substantially L-shape or the substantially V-shape, the at least one second leg is a pipe or rod having a substantially L-shape or a substantially V-shape and has a first portion, a second portion, and a bent portion, the length dimension of the first portion of the at least one second leg is longer than the length dimension of the second portion of the at least one second leg, the bent portion of the at least one second leg is provided between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one second leg, and the at least one second leg is bent to form the substantially L-shape or the substantially V-shape, a tip end portion of the first portion and a tip end portion of the second portion of the at least one first leg portion are replaceably inserted into the first insertion portion of the at least one first connection portion, a tip end portion of the first portion and a tip end portion of the second portion of the at least one second leg portion are replaceably inserted into the second insertion portion of the at least one second connection portion, a support structure in which, when the tip end of the first portion of the at least one first leg is inserted into the first insertion portion of the at least one first connection portion and the tip end of the first portion of the at least one second leg is inserted into the second insertion portion of the at least one second connection portion, the second portion of the at least one first leg and the second portion of the at least one second leg abut against a mounting surface, while, when the tip end of the second portion of the at least one first leg is inserted into the first insertion portion of the at least one first connection portion and the tip end of the second portion of the at least one second leg is inserted into the second insertion portion of the at least one second connection portion, the first portion of the at least one first leg and the first portion of the at least one second leg abut against the mounting surface.

4. 4. The support structure according to claim 3, when the tip end of the first portion of the at least one first leg is inserted into the first insertion portion of the at least one first connection portion and the tip end of the first portion of the at least one second leg is inserted into the second insertion portion of the at least one second connection portion, the second portion of the at least one first leg and the second portion of the at least one second leg extend so as to move away from or approach each other, A support structure in which, when the tip end of the second portion of the at least one first leg is inserted into the first insertion portion of the at least one first connection portion and the tip end of the second portion of the at least one second leg is inserted into the second insertion portion of the at least one second connection portion, the first portion of the at least one first leg and the first portion of the at least one second leg extend so as to move away from or towards each other.

5. 5. The support structure according to claim 2 or 4, the first insertion portion extends in a first oblique direction, a second oblique direction, or a third oblique direction and is open in at least the first oblique direction, the second oblique direction, or the third oblique direction; the second insertion portion extends in a fourth oblique direction, a fifth oblique direction, or a sixth oblique direction and is open in at least the fourth oblique direction, the fifth oblique direction, or the sixth oblique direction; the first oblique direction has components of one of the first directions, one of the second directions, and one of the third directions, the second oblique direction has one component of the first direction, the other component of the second direction, and one component of the third direction, the third oblique direction has one component of the first direction and one component of the third direction, the fourth oblique direction has one component of the first direction, one component of the second direction, and the other component of the third direction, the fifth oblique direction has one component of the first direction, the other component of the second direction, and the other component of the third direction, the sixth oblique direction has one component of the first direction and the other component of the third direction, the at least one first leg is substantially V-shaped, and when the tip end of the first part of the at least one first leg is inserted into the first insertion part, the first part of the at least one first leg extends in the first oblique direction, the second oblique direction, or the third oblique direction, while when the tip end of the second part of the at least one first leg is inserted into the first insertion part, the second part of the at least one first leg extends in the first oblique direction, the second oblique direction, or the third oblique direction; The at least one second leg is approximately V-shaped, and when the tip of the first part of the at least one second leg is inserted into the second insertion part, the first part of the at least one second leg extends in the fourth diagonal direction, the fifth diagonal direction, or the sixth diagonal direction, while when the tip of the second part of the at least one second leg is inserted into the second insertion part, the second part of the at least one second leg extends in the fourth diagonal direction, the fifth diagonal direction, or the sixth diagonal direction.

6. 5. The support structure according to claim 2 or 4, A support structure in which the at least one first leg portion and the at least one second leg portion have approximately the same shape and are arranged so as to be approximately symmetrical with respect to a virtual axis extending in the first direction through a midpoint between the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion.

7. 5. The support structure according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, the at least one first leg further includes a first locking portion provided at the tip end of the first portion of the at least one first leg and a second locking portion provided at the tip end of the second portion of the at least one first leg, When the tip end of the first part of the at least one first leg part is inserted into the first insertion part, the first locking part of the at least one first leg part is locked to the first insertion part of the at least one connecting part, When the tip end of the second part of the at least one first leg part is inserted into the first insertion part, the second locking part of the at least one first leg part is locked to the first insertion part of the at least one connecting part, the at least one second leg further includes a first locking portion provided at the tip end of the first portion of the at least one second leg and a second locking portion provided at the tip end of the second portion of the at least one second leg, When the tip end of the first part of the at least one second leg part is inserted into the second insertion part, the first locking part of the at least one second leg part is locked to the second insertion part of the at least one connecting part, A support structure in which, when the tip end of the second part of the at least one second leg part is inserted into the second insertion part, the second engaging part of the at least one second leg part is engaged with the second insertion part of the at least one connection part.

8. 5. The support structure according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, a tube forming the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion has a generally polygonal ring shape in cross section, and an elongated hole forming the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion has a generally polygonal shape in cross section, the at least one first leg portion is a pipe having a generally polygonal ring shape in cross section or a rod having a generally polygonal shape in cross section, The at least one second leg portion is a support structure that is a pipe having a generally polygonal ring shape in cross section or a rod having a generally polygonal shape in cross section.

9. 2. The support structure of claim 1, and further comprising at least one third leg; The at least one connection portion further includes a third plug portion; the third insertion portion of the at least one connection portion is a tube or an elongated hole extending in a direction including one component of the first direction and opening in a direction including at least one component of the first direction, the at least one third leg is a pipe or rod having a substantially L-shape or a substantially V-shape and has a first portion, a second portion, and a bent portion, the length dimension of the first portion of the at least one third leg is longer than the length dimension of the second portion of the at least one third leg, the bent portion of the at least one third leg is provided between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one third leg, and the at least one third leg is bent to form the substantially L-shape or the substantially V-shape, the tip end portion of the first part and the tip end portion of the second part of the at least one third leg part are replaceably inserted into the third insertion part of the at least one connection part, When the tip end of the first portion of the at least one first leg is inserted into the first insertion portion of the at least one connecting portion, the tip end of the first portion of the at least one second leg is inserted into the second insertion portion of the at least one connecting portion, and the tip end of the first portion of the at least one third leg is inserted into the third insertion portion of the at least one connecting portion, the second portion of the at least one first leg, the second portion of the at least one second leg, and the second portion of the at least one third leg extend through the at least one connecting portion so as to move away from an imaginary axis extending in the first direction and are in a forward direction. a support structure in which the first part of the at least one first leg, the first part of the at least one second leg, and the first part of the at least one third leg extend away from the imaginary axis and abut against the mounting surface, while the tip of the second part of the at least one first leg is inserted into the first insertion part of the at least one connecting part, the tip of the second part of the at least one second leg is inserted into the second insertion part of the at least one connecting part, and the tip of the second part of the at least one third leg is inserted into the third insertion part of the at least one connecting part.

10. 10. The support structure of claim 9, the at least one first leg further includes a first locking portion provided at the tip end of the first portion of the at least one first leg and a second locking portion provided at the tip end of the second portion of the at least one first leg, when the tip end of the first part of the at least one first leg part is inserted into the first insertion part of the at least one connecting part, the first locking part of the at least one first leg part is locked to the first insertion part of the at least one connecting part, When the tip end of the second part of the at least one first leg part is inserted into the first insertion part of the at least one connecting part, the second locking part of the at least one first leg part is locked to the first insertion part of the at least one connecting part, the at least one second leg further includes a first locking portion provided at the tip end of the first portion of the at least one second leg and a second locking portion provided at the tip end of the second portion of the at least one second leg, When the tip end of the first part of the at least one second leg part is inserted into the second insertion part of the at least one connecting part, the first locking part of the at least one second leg part is locked to the second insertion part of the at least one connecting part, when the tip end of the second part of the at least one second leg part is inserted into the second insertion part of the at least one connecting part, the second locking part of the at least one second leg part is locked to the second insertion part of the at least one connecting part, the at least one third leg further includes a first locking portion provided at the tip end of the first portion of the at least one third leg and a second locking portion provided at the tip end of the second portion of the at least one third leg, when the tip end of the first part of the at least one third leg part is inserted into the third insertion part of the at least one connecting part, the first locking part of the at least one third leg part is locked to the third insertion part of the at least one connecting part, A support structure in which, when the tip of the second part of the at least one third leg part is inserted into the third insertion part of the at least one connecting part, the second engaging part of the at least one third leg part is engaged with the third insertion part of the at least one connecting part.

11. 10. The support structure of claim 9, a tube forming the first insertion portion, the second insertion portion, and the third insertion portion has a generally polygonal ring shape in cross section, and an elongated hole forming the first insertion portion, the second insertion portion, and the third insertion portion has a generally polygonal shape in cross section, the at least one first leg portion is a pipe having a generally polygonal ring shape in cross section or a rod having a generally polygonal shape in cross section, the at least one second leg portion is a pipe having a generally polygonal ring shape in cross section or a rod having a generally polygonal shape in cross section, The at least one third leg portion is a support structure that is a pipe having a generally polygonal ring shape in cross section or a rod having a generally polygonal shape in cross section.

12. At least one connection; At least one first support portion; and at least one second support portion, The at least one connection portion includes a first insertion portion and a second insertion portion, the first insertion portion is a tube or a long hole extending in a direction including the other component of a first direction that is a height direction of the support structure, and is open in a direction including at least the other component of the first direction, the second insertion portion is a tube or an elongated hole extending in a direction including the other component of the first direction and opening in at least the direction including the other component of the first direction, the at least one first support part is a pipe or rod having a substantially L-shape or a substantially V-shape and has a first part, a second part, and a bent part, the length dimension of the first part of the at least one first support part is longer than the length dimension of the second part of the at least one first support part, the bent part of the at least one first support part is provided between the first part and the second part of the at least one first support part, and the at least one first support part is bent to form the substantially L-shape or the substantially V-shape, the at least one second support part is a pipe or rod having a substantially L-shape or a substantially V-shape and has a first part, a second part, and a bent part, the length dimension of the first part of the at least one second support part is longer than the length dimension of the second part of the at least one second support part, the bent part of the at least one second support part is provided between the first part and the second part of the at least one second support part, and the at least one second support part is bent to form the substantially L-shape or the substantially V-shape, a tip end portion of the first portion and a tip end portion of the second portion of the at least one first support portion are replaceably inserted into the first insertion portion of the at least one connection portion, A support structure in which the tip end of the first part and the tip end of the second part of the at least one second support part are replaceably inserted into the second insertion part of the at least one connection part.

13. At least one first connection portion; At least one second connection portion; At least one first support portion; and at least one second support portion, the at least one first connection portion and the at least one second connection portion are arranged at an interval in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the first direction being a height direction of the support structure, and the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; the at least one first connection portion has a first insertion portion, the first insertion portion being a tube or an elongated hole extending in a direction including the other component of the first direction and opening in the direction including at least the other component of the first direction; the at least one second connection portion has a second insertion portion, the second insertion portion being a tube or an elongated hole extending in a direction including the other component of the first direction and opening in the direction including at least the other component of the first direction; the at least one first support part is a pipe or rod having a substantially L-shape or a substantially V-shape and has a first part, a second part, and a bent part, the length dimension of the first part of the at least one first support part is longer than the length dimension of the second part of the at least one first support part, the bent part of the at least one first support part is provided between the first part and the second part of the at least one first support part, and the at least one first support part is bent to form the substantially L-shape or the substantially V-shape, the at least one second support part is a pipe or rod having a substantially L-shape or a substantially V-shape and has a first part, a second part, and a bent part, the length dimension of the first part of the at least one second support part is longer than the length dimension of the second part of the at least one second support part, the bent part of the at least one second support part is provided between the first part and the second part of the at least one second support part, and the at least one second support part is bent to form the substantially L-shape or the substantially V-shape, a tip end portion of the first portion and a tip end portion of the second portion of the at least one first support portion are replaceably inserted into the first insertion portion of the at least one first connection portion, A support structure in which the tip end of the first part and the tip end of the second part of the at least one second support part are replaceably inserted into the second insertion part of the at least one second connection part.

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