Leg structure and legged furniture

Abstract

To provide a leg structure and legged furniture that can use shorter wood than a desired dimension.SOLUTION: A leg part 3 comprises a wooden lower leg member 6, and a wooden upper leg member 7. The lower leg member 6 has a first cutout part 6e in at least an upper end part thereof. The upper leg member 7 has a first groove part 7c capable of engaging with the first cutout part 6e, in a lower end part thereof. The first cutout part 6e and the first groove part 7c engage with each other so that the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 are continuous with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a leg structure and legged furniture. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a wooden chair with legs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3176305 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, leg structures for furniture and the like are often manufactured by cutting lumber that is longer than the desired dimension to the desired dimension. However, from the viewpoint of environmental protection, it is preferable to manufacture leg structures for furniture and the like using lumber that is shorter than the desired dimension.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its object is to provide a leg structure and legged furniture that allows the use of wood that is shorter than the desired dimension. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a leg structure comprising a wooden lower leg member and a wooden upper leg member, wherein the lower leg member has an engaging portion at least at its upper end, and the upper leg member has an engaged portion at its lower end that can engage with the engaging portion, and the engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged so that the lower leg member and the upper leg member are connected.

[0007] According to the present invention configured as described above, by engaging the engaging portion with the engaged portion so that the lower leg member and the upper leg member are connected, the upper leg member can be joined and extended to the lower leg member. This allows the dimensions of the leg structure to be adjusted to the desired size. Therefore, lower leg members and upper leg members that are shorter than the desired size can be used as the leg structure.

[0008] In the present invention, preferably, the engaging portion is a notch portion that opens to the upper side of the lower leg member and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the lower leg member, and the engaged portion is a first groove portion that is engageable with the notch portion and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the upper leg member.

[0009] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the lower leg member and the upper leg member can be connected together by engaging the cutout portion with the first groove portion.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, the lower leg member has a rectangular cross section having long and short sides, the cutout portion is formed so as to penetrate the lower leg member in the thickness direction, which is the direction in which the long sides are aligned, the upper leg member has a rectangular cross section having long and short sides, the first groove portion is recessed in one long side surface and the other long side surface of the upper leg member, and the cutout portion and the first groove portion engage so that the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross section of the lower leg member are aligned intersects with the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross section of the upper leg member are aligned.

[0011] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the cutout portion and the first groove portion are engaged so that the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross section of the lower leg member are aligned intersects with the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross section of the upper leg member are aligned, making it possible to firmly connect the lower leg member and the upper leg member.

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, the upper end surface of the lower leg member is arc-shaped, and the upper end of the first groove portion of the upper leg member is provided with an abutment surface portion, which is arc-shaped so as to be able to abut against the upper end surface of the lower leg member.

[0013] According to the present invention configured as described above, the abutment surface of the upper leg member abuts against the upper end surface of the lower leg member, ensuring a sufficient degree of engagement between the notch and the first groove. This allows for a stronger engagement between the notch and the first groove. Furthermore, because the abutment surface is arc-shaped, it is possible to machine the first groove and the abutment surface using a cutting machine such as a router machine. This makes it possible to machine the first groove and the abutment surface more easily and in a shorter time than by hand using a chisel or the like.

[0014] In the present invention, preferably, the cutout portion is provided continuously from the upper end of the lower leg member to the middle portion in the vertical direction, and is provided with a penetrating member, and the penetrating member has a pair of second groove portions at one longitudinal end thereof that can engage with the cutout portion, and the second groove portions engage with the cutout portion in a portion below the engagement portion with the first groove portion in the cutout portion.

[0015] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the notch portion of the lower leg member used for engagement with the upper leg member can also be used for engagement with the penetrating member.

[0016] In the present invention, preferably, the penetrating member is provided with another notch portion at an end of the second groove portion, and the other notch portion engages with a lower peripheral edge portion of the notch portion.

[0017] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the other cutout portion of the penetrating member engages with the lower peripheral edge portion of the lower leg member, thereby enabling the penetrating member and the lower leg member to be more firmly connected.

[0018] In the present invention, it is preferable that the device comprises a first subassembly body, a second subassembly body, and a third subassembly body, each of which has the lower leg member, the upper leg member, and the penetrating member, and the penetrating member has another engaging portion at its other longitudinal end and another engaged portion at a longitudinal midpoint, the other engaging portion of the penetrating member of the first subassembly body engages with the other engaged portion of the penetrating member of the second subassembly body, the other engaging portion of the penetrating member of the second subassembly body engages with the other engaged portion of the penetrating member of the third subassembly body, and the other engaging portion of the penetrating member of the third subassembly body engages with the other engaged portion of the penetrating member of the first subassembly body.

[0019] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the first subassembly unit, the second subassembly unit, and the third subassembly unit are engaged by the penetrating members provided thereon, thereby increasing the strength of the leg structure compared to when the first subassembly unit, the second subassembly unit, and the third subassembly unit are not engaged.

[0020] In the present invention, preferably, the device comprises a fourth subassembly body and a fifth subassembly body, each of the fourth subassembly body and the fifth subassembly body having the lower leg member and the upper leg member, and another penetrating member having a pair of third groove portions provided at one longitudinal end and a pair of fourth groove portions provided at the other longitudinal end, the cutout portions being provided continuously from the upper end of the lower leg member to the middle portion in the vertical direction, the third groove portions of the other penetrating member engaging with the cutout portions of the lower leg member of the fourth subassembly body, and the fourth groove portions of the other penetrating member engaging with the cutout portions of the lower leg member of the fifth subassembly body.

[0021] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the fourth subassembly unit and the fifth subassembly unit are engaged by another penetrating member, which increases the strength of the leg structure compared to when the fourth subassembly unit and the fifth subassembly unit are not engaged by another penetrating member.

[0022] In the present invention, the present invention is preferably a piece of legged furniture including the leg structure.

[0023] According to the present invention configured in this manner, it is possible to provide legged furniture equipped with a leg structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] It is possible to provide a leg structure and leg furniture that can use lumber that is shorter than the desired dimension. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a stool equipped with a leg structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a bottom view showing a stool equipped with a leg structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1(a) is a view of the lower leg member viewed from one side in the thickness direction, and FIG. 1(b) is a view of the lower leg member viewed from one side in the width direction. [Figure 4] 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams showing an example of a manufacturing method for a lower leg member. [Figure 5] 10(a) is a view of the upper leg member viewed from the other side in the thickness direction, and FIG. 10(b) is a view of the lower leg member viewed from the other side in the width direction. [Figure 6] 1(a) is a view of the penetrating member viewed from one side in the thickness direction, and FIG. 1(b) is a view of the penetrating member viewed from the other side in the width direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing a method for assembling a subassembly body, and FIG. 1(b) is a diagram showing the assembled subassembly body. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 shows an assembled subassembly. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

[0027] <First embodiment of the present invention> 1 shows a stool 1 (legged furniture) equipped with a leg structure (legs 3) according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. The stool 1 is equipped with a seat 2 and three legs 3 (leg structure) that support the seat 2.

[0028] <Seat 2> The seat 2 is a generally circular plate-like body whose diameter tapers downward. The upper surface 2a and lower surface 2b of the seat 2 are flat. When the stool 1 is in use, a user (not shown) sits on the upper surface 2a of the seat 2, or an object is placed on it. In this embodiment, the seat 2 is made of wood.

[0029] <Leg 3 (leg structure)> The leg 3 includes a plurality of (three in this embodiment) subassemblies 5. In this embodiment, the leg 3 includes a first subassembly 5a, a second subassembly 5b, and a third subassembly 5c. In this embodiment, the leg 3 is made of wood.

[0030] The subassembly body 5 includes one lower leg member 6, one upper leg member 7, and one through member 8. In this embodiment, the stool 1 is obtained by fixing the leg section 3, which is made up of three subassemblies 5, to the seat section 2.

[0031] The sub-assembly body 5 has a lower end of a lower leg member 6 that contacts the ground or the like, and an upper end of an upper leg member 7 that is fixed to the lower surface 2 b of the seat portion 2 .

[0032] 2, the plurality of subassembly bodies 5 are connected to each other at the respective penetrating members 8. In this way, the plurality of subassembly bodies 5 are connected to each other.

[0033] <Lower leg member 6> 3(a), the lower leg member 6 has a substantially U-shape when viewed from one side in the thickness direction. The cross section of the lower leg member 6 has a rectangular shape having long and short sides.

[0034] Furthermore, the lower leg member 6 has a central portion 6a, a first side portion 6b, and a second side portion 6c. The central portion 6a is sandwiched between the first side portion 6b and the second side portion 6c in the width direction of the lower leg member 6.

[0035] The central portion 6a is generally rectangular prism-shaped and has a longitudinal dimension smaller than those of the first and second side portions 6b and 6c. One longitudinal end face (top face) of the central portion 6a is flat. Meanwhile, the other longitudinal end face (bottom face) of the central portion 6a is generally arc-shaped when viewed from one side in the width direction.

[0036] The first side portion 6b and the second side portion 6c are generally rectangular prism-shaped. The second side portion 6c has a fixing hole 6d formed therethrough in the width direction. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3(b), one longitudinal end face (top face) and the other longitudinal end face (bottom face) of the center portion 6a are generally arc-shaped when viewed from one side in the width direction.

[0037] The first side portion 6b is fixed to the other widthwise side of the central portion 6a, and the second side portion 6c is fixed to one widthwise side of the central portion 6a, thereby forming the lower leg member 6. In this embodiment, the central portion 6a, the first side portion 6b, and the second side portion 6c are pressure-bonded (joined) using an adhesive.

[0038] The lower leg member 6 has a central portion 6a, a first side portion 6b, and a second side portion 6c, whose other longitudinal ends (lower ends) are aligned with each other.

[0039] Furthermore, in the lower leg member 6, one longitudinal side end (upper end) of the central portion 6a does not coincide with one longitudinal side end (upper end) of the first side portion 6b and the second side portion 6c. In other words, the one longitudinal side end (upper end) of the central portion 6a of the lower leg member 6 is located on the other longitudinal side (lower side) than the one longitudinal side ends (upper ends) of the first side portion 6b and the second side portion 6c. As a result, the lower leg member 6 has a first notch 6e that opens to one longitudinal side (upper side) and is provided along the longitudinal direction of the lower leg member.

[0040] The first cutout portion 6e is formed to penetrate the lower leg member 6 in the thickness direction (the thickness direction of the lower leg member 6, which is the direction in which the long sides of the lower leg member 6 are aligned), and is provided to extend continuously from one longitudinal end (upper end) to the longitudinal midpoint (up-down midpoint) of the lower leg member 6. In addition, a peripheral edge portion 6f (lower peripheral edge portion) is provided on the periphery of the other longitudinal side (lower side) of the first cutout portion 6e.

[0041] When processing lumber into other legged furniture (other products), excess wood is cut off. The excess wood is called scrap wood (or surplus wood). It is preferable to utilize scrap wood from the perspective of forest environment conservation. In this embodiment, scrap wood is used for the lower leg member 6.

[0042] Fig. 4(a) shows an example of a method for manufacturing a lower leg member 6 using scrap material. In the example shown in Fig. 4(a), first, three scrap materials (a first scrap material M1, a second scrap material M2, and a third scrap material M3) each having a substantially rectangular prism shape are prepared.

[0043] The first scrap M1, located in the center, is positioned so that its one longitudinal end is located on the other longitudinal side of the one longitudinal ends of the second scrap M2 and third scrap M3, which are located on both sides of the first scrap M1 in the width direction. In this case, the other longitudinal end of the first scrap M1 is located on the other longitudinal side of the other longitudinal ends of the second scrap M2 and third scrap M3. Note that the one longitudinal end and the other longitudinal end of the second scrap M2 and third scrap M3 are approximately aligned.

[0044] Next, using a tool or the like not shown, the other longitudinal end portion E of the centrally located first scrap material M1 is cut off so that the other longitudinal ends of the first scrap material M1, the second scrap material M2, and the third scrap material M3 are aligned (see Figure 4(a)).

[0045] Then, using a tool or the like (not shown), the other longitudinal end of the first scrap M1 and both longitudinal end portions of the second scrap M2 and the third scrap M3 are machined into an arc shape.

[0046] Furthermore, a fixing hole 6d is formed in one longitudinal side portion of the third scrap M3, penetrating the third scrap M3 in the width direction, using a tool or the like (not shown).

[0047] Thereafter, the first scrap M1, the second scrap M2 and the third scrap M3 are pressure-bonded (joined) together using an adhesive (for example, a water-based polymer-isocyanate adhesive), thereby obtaining the lower leg member 6.

[0048] Fig. 4(b) shows an example of a method for manufacturing the lower leg member 6 using scrap materials. In the example shown in Fig. 4(b), first, five scrap materials (a first scrap material M1, a second scrap material M2, a third scrap material M3, a fourth scrap material M4, and a fifth scrap material M5) each having a substantially rectangular prism shape are prepared.

[0049] The first scrap M1, located in the center, is positioned so that its one longitudinal end is located on the other longitudinal side of the one longitudinal ends of the second scrap M2 and third scrap M3, which are located on both sides of the first scrap M1 in the width direction. In this case, the other longitudinal end of the first scrap M1 is located on the other longitudinal side of the other longitudinal ends of the second scrap M2 and third scrap M3. Note that the one longitudinal end and the other longitudinal end of the second scrap M2 and third scrap M3 are approximately aligned.

[0050] Furthermore, the fourth scrap M4 is placed on the other longitudinal side of the second scrap M2, and the fifth scrap M5 is placed on the other longitudinal side of the third scrap M3. In this case, one longitudinal end of the first scrap M1 is located on one longitudinal side of the one longitudinal ends of the fourth scrap M4 and the fifth scrap M5, and the other longitudinal end of the first scrap M1 is located on the other longitudinal side of the other longitudinal ends of the fourth scrap M4 and the fifth scrap M5. Note that the one longitudinal end and the other longitudinal end of the fourth scrap M4 and the fifth scrap M5 are approximately aligned.

[0051] Next, using a tool or the like (not shown), the first scrap M1 is cut at longitudinal positions corresponding to the gap between the second scrap M2 and the fourth scrap M4, and the gap between the third scrap M3 and the fifth scrap M5 (see FIG. 4(b)). As a result, a sixth scrap M1a and a seventh scrap M1b are obtained from the first scrap M1.

[0052] Then, using tools or the like not shown, both longitudinal ends of the second scrap material M2, the third scrap material M3, the fourth scrap material M4 and the fifth scrap material M5, the other longitudinal end of the sixth scrap material M1a and one longitudinal end of the seventh scrap material M1b are machined into an arc shape.

[0053] Furthermore, using a tool or the like (not shown), fixing holes 6d are formed in one longitudinal side portion of the third scrap M3 and the other longitudinal side portion of the fifth scrap M5, penetrating in the width direction.

[0054] Thereafter, one lower leg member 6 is obtained by crimping (joining) the second scrap M2, the third scrap M3 and the sixth scrap M1a together using an adhesive (for example, an aqueous polymer-isocyanate adhesive), and the other lower leg member 6 is obtained by crimping (joining) the fourth scrap M4, the fifth scrap M5 and the seventh scrap M1b together using an adhesive.

[0055] <Upper leg member 7> The upper leg member 7 has a substantially square prism shape, and its cross section is a rectangle having long and short sides. In this embodiment, the upper leg member 7 is made of wood.

[0056] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), a first inclined surface portion 7a is provided on one longitudinal side surface (top surface) of the upper leg member 7. The first inclined surface portion 7a is inclined so that it is positioned toward one longitudinal side as it approaches one widthwise side. The first inclined surface portion 7a also has a first tenon portion 7b that protrudes from approximately the center toward one longitudinal side (upper side). The first tenon portion 7b is inserted into a first mortise hole (not shown) recessed in the underside 2b of the seat portion 2, thereby joining (engaging) the upper leg member 7 and the seat portion 2 by a mortise and tenon joint.

[0057] The upper leg member 7 also has a pair of first grooves 7c at its other longitudinal end (lower end) that can engage with the first notch 6e and are provided along the longitudinal direction of the upper leg member 7. The first grooves 7c are recessed in one long side surface S3 (one side surface in the thickness direction) and the other long side surface S4 (other side surface in the thickness direction) of the upper leg member. In this embodiment, the other longitudinal end (lower end) of the upper leg member 7 where the first grooves 7c are provided refers to a portion of the upper leg member 7 closer to the other longitudinal end (closer to the lower end).

[0058] One longitudinal end (upper end) of the first groove portion 7c is provided with a contact surface portion 7d that can come into contact with one longitudinal end surface (upper end surface) of the lower leg member 6. The contact surface portion 7d is arc-shaped so that it can come into contact with the one longitudinal end surface (upper end surface) of the lower leg member 6 that has an arc-shaped configuration.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first groove portion 7c and the contact surface portion 7d are processed using a cutting machine such as a router machine.

[0060] <Pier member 8> 6(a) and 6(b), the penetrating member 8 has a base end 8a provided on one side in the longitudinal direction thereof, and a tip end 8b provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the base end 8a and having a smaller width dimension than the base end 8a. In this embodiment, the penetrating member 8 is made of wood.

[0061] The base end 8a is generally rectangular prism-shaped, with a generally elliptical cross section. One longitudinal end of the base end 8a is provided with a second inclined surface 8c. The second inclined surface 8c is inclined toward one longitudinal side as it extends toward one widthwise side.

[0062] Furthermore, one longitudinal end (longitudinal end) of the base end 8a has a pair of second grooves 8d that can engage with the first notch 6e. The second grooves 8d are recessed into one thickness-wise side surface S5 and the other thickness-wise side surface S6 of the penetrating member 8. As shown in Fig. 6(a), the second grooves 8d are inclined so as to be positioned more to one longitudinal side as they go to one width-wise side.

[0063] Furthermore, a second notch 8e is provided at one widthwise end (lower end) of the second groove 8d. The second notch 8e is formed to penetrate the penetrating member 8 in the thickness direction and is configured to be able to engage with the peripheral edge 6f of the first notch 6e (see FIG. 3(a)).

[0064] A second mortise 8f is recessed into one side surface S5 in the thickness direction at a longitudinal midpoint of the base end portion 8a.

[0065] The other longitudinal end of the tip portion 8b is provided with a third inclined surface portion 8g, which is inclined so as to be positioned on the other longitudinal side as it goes to the other side in the thickness direction.

[0066] The third inclined surface portion 8g is provided with a second tenon portion 8h that protrudes from a substantially central portion toward the other side in the longitudinal direction. The second tenon portion 8h is configured to be insertable into the second mortise hole 8f.

[0067] <Method of assembling the subassembly 5> A method for assembling the subassembly 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) and FIG.

[0068] First, the lower leg member 6, the upper leg member 7, the penetrating member 8, the screws 10 (fixing members), and the cover member 11 are prepared.

[0069] 7(a), the first notch 6e of the lower leg member 6 is fitted (engaged) with the second groove 8d of the penetrating member 8. In this fitted (engaged) state, the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross section of the lower leg member 6 are aligned intersects with the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross section of the penetrating member 8 are aligned. In other words, in the fitted (engaged) state, the width direction of the lower leg member 6 intersects with the width direction of the penetrating member 8.

[0070] Furthermore, by positioning the penetrating member 8 at the other longitudinal end (lower end) of the first cutout portion 6e, the peripheral edge 6f of the first cutout portion 6e can be fitted (engaged) with the second cutout portion 8e of the penetrating member 8. This makes it possible to firmly connect the lower leg member 6 and the penetrating member 8. In this embodiment, the lower leg member 6 and the penetrating member 8 are joined using an adhesive.

[0071] Next, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the first notch 6e is fitted (engaged) with the first groove 7c so that the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 are connected along the longitudinal direction of the lower leg member 6. In other words, the first notch 6e is fitted (engaged) with the first groove 7c so that the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 are connected along the longitudinal direction of the upper leg member 7. In this fitted (engaged) state, the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross section of the lower leg member 6 are aligned intersects with the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross section of the upper leg member 7 are aligned. In other words, the width direction of the upper leg member 7 intersects with the width direction of the penetrating member 8.

[0072] Furthermore, when the first cutout portion 6e and the first groove portion 7c are fitted (engaged), the abutment surface portion 7d of the upper leg member 7 abuts against one longitudinal end surface (upper end surface) of the lower leg member 6. In this embodiment, the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 are joined together using an adhesive.

[0073] 7(b) and 8, the second groove portion 8d of the penetrating member 8 is fitted (engaged) with the first notch portion 6e at a portion on the other longitudinal side (lower side) of the fitting portion (engagement portion) of the first notch portion 6e of the lower leg member 6 with the first groove portion 7c of the upper leg member 7. In other words, the first groove portion 7c of the upper leg member 7 is fitted (engaged) with the first notch portion 6e at a portion on one longitudinal side (upper side) of the fitting portion (engagement portion) of the first notch portion 6e of the lower leg member 6 with the second groove portion 8d of the penetrating member 8.

[0074] Then, using a tool (not shown), screws 10 are inserted into the fixing holes 6d. At this time, the screws 10 are inserted into the fixing holes 6d so that they penetrate the upper leg member 7 in the thickness direction and connect the widthwise one side portion and the widthwise other side portion of the first cutout portion 6e of the lower leg member 6 with the screws 10. This allows the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 to be firmly fixed together using the screws 10.

[0075] Thereafter, a cover member 11 (made of wood, for example) is attached to the fixing hole 6d to close the fixing hole 6d, thereby completing the assembly of the subassembly body 5.

[0076] In this embodiment, the longitudinal dimension of the lower leg member 6 is approximately 30 cm, the longitudinal dimension of the upper leg member 7 is approximately 20 cm, and the longitudinal dimension of the subassembly body 5 (the sum of the longitudinal dimensions of the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 when the first notch portion 6e and the first groove portion 7c are engaged) is approximately 42 cm (an example of a desired dimension). Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by joining and extending the upper leg member 7 to the lower leg member 6, the dimension of the subassembly body 5 (leg portion 3) can be set to a desired dimension (e.g., approximately 42 cm). This makes it possible to use lower leg members 6 (e.g., 30 cm) and upper leg members 7 (e.g., 20 cm) that are shorter than the desired dimension as the leg portion 3 (leg structure).

[0077] <How to assemble stool 1> The method for assembling the stool 1 will now be described.

[0078] First, the first subassembly body 5a, the second subassembly body 5b, and the third subassembly body 5c are prepared.

[0079] Next, the second tenon portion 8h of the penetrating member 8 of the first subassembly body 5a is inserted into the second mortise hole 8f of the penetrating member of the second subassembly body 5b and joined (engaged).

[0080] Then, the second tenon portion 8h of the penetrating member 8 of the second subassembly body 5b is inserted into the second mortise hole 8f of the penetrating member 8 of the third subassembly body 5c to join (engage).

[0081] Furthermore, the second tenon portion 8h of the penetrating member 8 of the third subassembly body 5c is inserted into the second mortise hole 8f of the penetrating member 8 of the first subassembly body 5a and joined (engaged). This allows the leg 3 shown in Figures 1 and 2 to be assembled from the first subassembly body 5a, the second subassembly body 5b, and the third subassembly body 5c.

[0082] Thereafter, each first tenon portion 7b of the leg portion 3 is inserted into a first mortise hole (not shown) recessed in the underside 2b of the seat portion 2 and joined (engaged), thereby completing the assembly of the stool 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0083] As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the first cutout portion 6e and the first groove portion 7c are engaged so that the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 are connected, and therefore the upper leg member 7 can be extended and connected to the lower leg member 6. This allows the dimensions of the leg 3 to be set to the desired dimensions, and therefore the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 that are shorter than the desired dimensions can be used as the leg 3.

[0084] Furthermore, by engaging the first notch portion 6e with the first groove portion 7c, the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 can be connected together.

[0085] Furthermore, since the first cutout portion 6e and the first groove portion 7c are engaged so that the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross section of the lower leg member 6 are aligned intersects with the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross section of the upper leg member 7 are aligned, it is possible to firmly connect the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7.

[0086] Furthermore, when a person (not shown) sitting on the seat 2 changes their position, for example, the lower leg member 6 may be subjected to a force that causes the lower leg member 6 to close inward of the stool 1 and a force that causes the lower leg member 6 to open outward of the stool 1. In contrast, in this embodiment, the first cutout portion 6e and the first groove portion 7c are engaged so that the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross sections of the lower leg member 6 are aligned intersects with the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross sections of the upper leg member 7 are aligned. This prevents the lower leg member 6 from closing inward relative to the upper leg member 7 and also prevents the lower leg member 6 from opening outward relative to the upper leg member 7.

[0087] Furthermore, when a person (not shown) is seated on the seat 2 and changes their position, a force that twists the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 may act on both members. In contrast, in this embodiment, the first cutout portion 6e and the first groove portion 7c are engaged so that the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross section of the lower leg member 6 are aligned intersects with the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross section of the upper leg member 7 are aligned, so that twisting of the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 can be prevented.

[0088] Furthermore, because the contact surface 7d of the upper leg member 7 contacts the upper end surface of the lower leg member 6, it is possible to ensure a sufficient degree of engagement between the first notch 6e and the first groove 7c. This allows the first notch 6e and the first groove 7c to be more firmly engaged. Furthermore, because the contact surface 7d is arc-shaped, it is possible to machine the first groove 7c and the contact surface 7d using a cutting machine such as a router machine. This makes it possible to machine the first groove 7c and the contact surface 7d more easily and in a shorter time than by hand using a chisel or the like.

[0089] Furthermore, the first cutout portion 6e of the lower leg member 6 used for engagement with the upper leg member 7 can also be used for engagement with the penetrating member 8.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, after engaging the second groove portion 8d of the penetrating member 8 with the first cutout portion 6e of the lower leg member 6, it is only necessary to engage the upper leg member 7 with the first cutout portion 6e of the lower leg member 6, which makes it possible to easily engage the lower leg member 6, the upper leg member 7 and the penetrating member 8.

[0091] Furthermore, when a person (not shown) changes their posture while seated on the seat 2, a force that twists the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 may act on both members. In contrast, in this embodiment, the second groove portion 8d engages with the first cutout portion 6e at a portion below the engaging portion of the first groove portion 7c in the first cutout portion 6e, thereby preventing the lower leg member 6 from twisting.

[0092] Furthermore, when a person (not shown) sits on the seat 2, for example, a force may act on the lower leg member 6, tending to open the lower leg member 6 outward from the stool 1. In contrast, in this embodiment, the second groove portion 8d of the penetrating member 8, which is engaged with the first notch portion 6e of the lower leg member 6, can prevent the lower leg member 6 from opening outward. This reliably prevents the penetrating member 8 from coming off the lower leg member 6.

[0093] Furthermore, when a person (not shown) is seated on the seat 2, if the person (not shown) changes their position, a force may act on the lower leg member 6 to close the lower leg member 6 inward of the stool 1. In contrast, in this embodiment, the second groove portion 8d of the penetrating member 8, which is engaged with the first notch portion 6e of the lower leg member 6, can prevent the lower leg member 6 from closing inward.

[0094] Furthermore, since the second cutout portion 8e of the penetrating member 8 engages with the peripheral edge portion 6f of the lower leg member 6, the penetrating member 8 and the lower leg member 6 can be more firmly connected. Furthermore, for example, when luggage or the like is placed on the seat portion 2 or when a person sits down, a vertical load acts on the lower leg member 6, causing the lower leg member 6 to tend to open outward from the stool 1. In contrast, in this embodiment, the second cutout portion 8e of the penetrating member 8, which engages with the peripheral edge portion 6f of the lower leg member 6, can prevent the lower leg member 6 from tending to open outward from the stool 1.

[0095] Furthermore, the first subassembly body 5a, the second subassembly body 5b, and the third subassembly body 5c are engaged with each other by the penetrating members provided thereon, thereby increasing the strength of the leg portion 3 compared to when the first subassembly body 5a, the second subassembly body 5b, and the third subassembly body 5c are not engaged with each other.

[0096] Moreover, according to this embodiment, a stool 1 having legs 3 can be provided.

[0097] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the lower leg member 6 is composed of three members (for example, a central portion 6a, a first side portion 6b, and a second side portion 6c), but it may also be composed of one member or two members.

[0098] In addition, in this embodiment, scrap wood was used for the lower leg member 6, but scrap wood does not have to be used for the lower leg member 6, and scrap wood may be used for all of the lower leg member 6, upper leg member 7 and penetrating member 8, or scrap wood may be used for at least one of the upper leg member 7 and penetrating member 8.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first cutout portion 6e is provided continuously from the upper end portion to the longitudinal midpoint of the lower leg member 6, but the first cutout portion 6e may be provided only at the upper end portion (upper end portion) of the lower leg member 6. Note that the longitudinal one side end portion (upper end portion) of the upper leg member 7 where the first cutout portion 6e is provided refers to a portion of the lower leg member 6 near one longitudinal side end (portion near the lower end).

[0100] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first cutout portion 6e is located in the center of the width of the lower leg member 6, but it may also be located offset in the width direction from the center of the width of the lower leg member 6.

[0101] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the first cutout portions 6e are provided along the longitudinal direction of the lower leg member 6, but the first cutout portions 6e may be provided along a direction other than the longitudinal direction of the lower leg member 6. Furthermore, when the first cutout portions 6e are provided along a direction other than the longitudinal direction of the lower leg member 6, the first groove portions 7c may be configured to be engageable with the first cutout portions 6e.

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first groove portion 7c is provided on one long side surface S3 (the surface on one side in the thickness direction) of the upper leg member and the other long side surface S4 (the surface on the other side in the thickness direction), but the first groove portion 7c may be provided on only one of the long side surface S3 on one side and the long side surface S4 on the other side.

[0103] In addition, in this embodiment, the first cutout portion 6e is used as an example of the engaging portion of the lower leg member 6, and the first groove portion 7c is used as an example of the engaged portion of the upper leg member 7.However, as long as the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 are engageable with each other, the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 may be engaged with each other using means other than the first cutout portion 6e and the first groove portion 7c (for example, fitting, screwing, bolting, mortise and tenon joints, etc.).

[0104] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the second groove portion 8d is inclined so as to be positioned to one side in the longitudinal direction as it moves toward one side in the width direction, but the second groove portion 8d may also be provided so as to extend linearly along the width direction.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the penetrating member 8 is made of wood, but it may be made of a material other than wood (for example, metal or resin).

[0106] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first notch portion 6e of the lower leg member 6 and the second groove portion 8d of the penetrating member 8 are engaged with each other, but as long as the lower leg member 6 and the penetrating member 8 are engageable with each other, the lower leg member 6 and the penetrating member 8 may be engaged with each other using means other than the first notch portion 6e and the second groove portion 8d (for example, fitting, screwing, bolting, mortise and tenon joints, etc.).

[0107] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which two through members 8 are joined (engaged) by a mortise and tenon joint, but as long as the two through members 8 can be engaged, the two through members 8 may be engaged using means other than a mortise and tenon joint (for example, fitting, screwing, bolting, etc.).

[0108] <Embodiment 2 of the present invention> 9 shows a chair 20 (legged furniture) equipped with another leg 23 (leg structure) according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. In embodiment 2 of the present invention, the differences from embodiment 1 of the present invention will be mainly described.

[0109] The chair 20 includes another seat portion 21, a backrest portion 22, and four other legs 23 (leg structure) that support the other seat portion 21.

[0110] The other seat portion 21 has a lattice shape, and the left and right ends are fixed to the other legs 23, respectively.

[0111] The backrest 22 is provided at the rear of the chair 20 and is inclined so that it is positioned higher towards the rear of the chair 20. The left and right ends of the backrest 22 are fixed to the other legs 23, respectively, and the lower end is fixed to the rear end of the other seat 21.

[0112] The other leg 23 includes a left leg 23a and a right leg 23b. The left leg 23a and the right leg 23b each include a fourth subassembly body 24 and a fifth subassembly body 25. The fourth subassembly body 24 and the fifth subassembly body 25 each include a lower leg member 6 and an upper leg member 7. The fourth subassembly body 24 is located in front of the fifth subassembly body 25. In other words, the fourth subassembly body 24 of the left leg 23a is the left front leg, the fifth subassembly body 25 of the left leg 23a is the left rear leg, the fourth subassembly body 24 of the right leg 23b is the right front leg, and the fifth subassembly body 25 of the right leg 23b is the right rear leg.

[0113] The lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 of the second embodiment of the present invention have the same structures as the lower leg member 6 and the upper leg member 7 of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Moreover, in the second embodiment of the present invention, another penetrating member 26 is provided instead of the penetrating member 8 of the first embodiment of the present invention. The other penetrating member 26 is provided on each of the left leg portion 23a and the right leg portion 23b.

[0115] The other penetrating member 26 has a generally rectangular prism shape and a generally elliptical cross section. The other penetrating member 26 does not have the tip 8b shown in Fig. 6(a). In other words, the width of the other penetrating member 26 does not change depending on its longitudinal position.

[0116] The other penetrating member 26 has a pair of third grooves 26a provided at one longitudinal end (one longitudinal end) along the width direction of the other penetrating member 26, and a pair of fourth grooves 26b provided at the other longitudinal end (other longitudinal end) along the width direction of the other penetrating member 26. The third grooves 26a and the fourth grooves 26b are recessed into one thickness-wise side surface and the other thickness-wise side surface of the other penetrating member 26, respectively.

[0117] The pair of third grooves 26a of the other penetrating member 26 engage with the notches 6e of the lower leg member 6 of the fourth subassembly body 24. The third grooves 26a engage with the notches 6e at a portion of the notches 6e that is lower than the engaging portion of the first grooves 7c.

[0118] Additionally, the pair of fourth groove portions 26b of the other penetrating member 26 engage with the notched portions 6e of the lower leg member 6 of the fifth subassembly body 25. The fourth groove portions 26b engage with the notched portions 6e at portions of the notched portions 6e that are lower than the engaging portions of the first groove portions 7c.

[0119] An armrest 27 is provided on the upper portion of the other leg 23. The armrest 27 extends in the front-to-rear direction and has a generally L-shaped cross section. In other words, the armrest 27 is provided so as to bridge between the upper end of the fourth subassembly body 24 and the upper end of the fifth subassembly body 25.

[0120] Although not shown in FIG. 9, cushions (not shown) are provided on the upper side of the other seat portion 21 and on the front side of the backrest portion 22.

[0121] As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the fourth subassembly body 24 and the fifth subassembly body 25 are engaged with each other by the other penetrating member 26. This increases the strength of the leg 3 compared to when the fourth subassembly body 24 and the fifth subassembly body 25 are not engaged with each other by the other penetrating member 26.

[0122] Furthermore, although embodiment 1 of the present invention has been described using the example of stool 1 and embodiment 2 of the present invention has been described using the example of chair 20, leg parts 3 may be provided on legged furniture other than stool 1 and chair 20 (for example, a table, desk, headboard, etc.), or leg parts 3 may be applied to items other than legged furniture (for example, a tripod, stepladder, stand lamp, etc.). [Industrial Applicability]

[0123] The present invention is suitable for leg structures and legged furniture. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1. Stool (furniture with legs) 3 Legs (leg structure) 5a First subassembly body 5b Second subassembly body 5c Third subassembly 6 Lower leg member 6e First notch portion (engagement portion, notch portion) 6f Periphery (lower periphery) 7 Upper leg member 7c First groove part (engaged part) 7d Contact surface part 8. Crosspieces 8d 2nd groove 8e Second cutout (another cutout) 20 Chairs (furniture with legs) 23 Other legs (leg structures) 24 Fourth subassembly 25 5th subassembly 26 Other crosspieces 26a Third groove 26b Fourth groove S3 Long side of one side S4 Other long side

Claims

1. A leg structure comprising: a wooden lower leg member; and an upper wooden leg member; The lower leg member has an engagement portion at least at its upper end, the upper leg member has an engaged portion at a lower end thereof that can be engaged with the engaging portion, A leg structure in which the engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged so that the lower leg member and the upper leg member are connected.

2. The leg structure according to claim 1, the engaging portion is a notch that opens to an upper side of the lower leg member and is provided along the longitudinal direction of the lower leg member, The leg structure, wherein the engaged portion is a first groove portion that is engageable with the notch portion and is provided along the longitudinal direction of the upper leg member.

3. The leg structure according to claim 2, The lower leg member has a rectangular cross section having long and short sides, The cutout portion is formed to penetrate the lower leg member in a thickness direction, which is the direction in which the long sides are aligned, The upper leg member has a rectangular cross section having long and short sides, The first groove is recessed in one long side surface and the other long side surface of the upper leg member, A leg structure in which the cutout portion and the first groove portion are engaged so that the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross section of the lower leg member are aligned intersects with the thickness direction in which the long sides of the cross section of the upper leg member are aligned.

4. The leg structure according to claim 2, The upper end surface of the lower leg member is arc-shaped, An upper end of the first groove portion of the upper leg member is provided with an abutment surface portion, The abutment surface portion has an arcuate shape so as to be able to abut against the upper end surface of the lower leg member.

5. The leg structure according to claim 2, The notch portion is provided continuously from the upper end portion of the lower leg member to the middle portion in the up-down direction, A cross member is provided, The penetrating member has a pair of second grooves at one end in the longitudinal direction thereof that can engage with the notches, A leg structure in which the second groove portion engages with the notch portion at a portion of the notch portion that is lower than the portion where the second groove portion engages with the first groove portion.

6. The leg structure according to claim 5, The penetrating member has another notch at an end of the second groove, The other cutout portion engages the lower peripheral edge of the cutout portion.

7. The leg structure according to claim 5, a first subassembly body, a second subassembly body, and a third subassembly body; each of the first subassembly body, the second subassembly body, and the third subassembly body includes the lower leg member, the upper leg member, and the penetrating member; The penetrating member has another engaging portion at the other end in the longitudinal direction and another engaged portion at the middle in the longitudinal direction, the other engaging portion of the penetrating member of the first subassembly body engages with the other engaged portion of the penetrating member of the second subassembly body, the other engaging portion of the penetrating member of the second subassembly body engages with the other engaged portion of the penetrating member of the third subassembly body, A leg structure in which the other engaging portion of the penetrating member of the third subassembly body and the other engaged portion of the penetrating member of the first subassembly body are engaged with each other.

8. The leg structure according to claim 5, a fourth subassembly body and a fifth subassembly body; each of the fourth subassembly body and the fifth subassembly body includes the lower leg member and the upper leg member; a second penetrating member having a pair of third grooves provided at one end in the longitudinal direction and a pair of fourth grooves provided at the other end in the longitudinal direction; The notch portion is provided continuously from the upper end portion of the lower leg member to the middle portion in the up-down direction, the third groove portion of the other penetrating member engages with the notch portion of the lower leg member of the fourth subassembly body; A leg structure in which the fourth groove portion of the other penetrating member engages with the notch portion of the lower leg member of the fifth subassembly body.

9. A piece of furniture having the leg structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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