chair

Abstract

To provide a chair that ensures efficient storage when folded, while reducing the feeling of bottoming out when seated in the unfolded state, thereby improving seating comfort. [Solution] The chair A1 comprises a seat 1 and legs 5, and can take an unfolded state in which a user can sit on the seat 1, and a folded state in which the seat 1 and legs 5 are aligned with each other, wherein the seat 1 comprises a main body 2 and a support 3 that supports the main body 2, the main body 2 includes a cushion 21 and a holding part 22 that holds the cushion 21 from the back side n2 in the thickness direction n of the cushion 21, the holding part 22 has a rigidity reduction structure 226 that increases elastic deformation when force is applied in the thickness direction n, and when a user sits in the unfolded state, the back end 22n of the holding part 22 is located on the back side n2 in the thickness direction n of the back end 3n of the support 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a chair.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional chair. The chair disclosed in this document includes a seat portion and leg portions, and has a deployed state in which a user can sit on the seat portion, and a folded state in which the seat portion and the leg portions are in a posture along each other. The seat portion has a seat body having cushioning properties, a holding member that holds the seat body, and a support member that supports the holding member. The seat body extends within a space defined by a surface passing through the upper edge portion of the support member and a surface passing through the lower edge portion. With such a configuration, it is possible to improve the cushioning properties of the seat body and store a plurality of chairs in a more compact manner in the folded state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a user sits down, the seat body is sandwiched and compressed between the user's body and the support member. If the seat body is completely compressed, there is a concern that the user will feel a bottoming feeling.

[0005] The present invention has been conceived under the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a chair that can reduce the bottoming feeling when sitting in the deployed state and improve the sitting comfort while ensuring the storage efficiency in the folded state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The chair provided by the present invention comprises a seat and legs, and has an unfolded state in which a user can sit on the seat, and a folded state in which the seat and legs are aligned with each other, wherein the seat has a main body and a support that supports the main body, the main body includes a cushion and a holding part that holds the cushion from the back side in the thickness direction of the cushion, the holding part has a rigidity reduction structure that increases elastic deformation when force is applied in the thickness direction, and when a user is seated in the unfolded state, the back end of the holding part that is furthest back in the thickness direction is located further back in the thickness direction than the back end of the support that is furthest back in the thickness direction.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rigidity reduction structure is a plurality of slits provided in the holding portion.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rigidity reduction structure is a plurality of annular protrusions and recesses provided on the holding portion.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support has an opening that exposes the rigidity reduction structure when viewed from the back side in the thickness direction.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seat portion comprises a main portion and a thin-walled portion located in front of the main portion in the front-rear direction and having a thickness in the thickness direction that is thinner than that of the main portion.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support comprises a support plate portion that supports the main body and an annular support frame portion when viewed in the thickness direction, the support frame portion includes a full diameter portion and a flattened portion whose dimension in the thickness direction is smaller than that of the full diameter portion, and the thin-walled portion includes at least a part of the flattened portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve seating comfort by reducing the feeling of bottoming out when sitting on the chair in its unfolded state, while ensuring storage efficiency in the folded state.

[0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view from diagonally above showing the chair in its unfolded state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view from a diagonal downward side showing the chair in its unfolded state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view showing the seat portion of a chair in its unfolded state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a bottom view showing the seat portion of a chair in an unfolded state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 4. [Figure 6] (a) is a partial cross-sectional view along the VIA-VIA line in Figure 4, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view along the VIB-VIB line in Figure 4. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view showing the support of a chair in its unfolded state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing the chair holding portion in an unfolded state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the seat portion of a chair in its unfolded state according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the user seated in the chair. [Figure 10] This is an oblique perspective view showing a chair in a folded state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing a chair in a folded state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] (a) is a partial perspective view and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the seat portion of a chair in a folded state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Fig. (a) is a partial perspective view and Fig. (b) is a partial cross-sectional view showing a seat portion of a first modification of a chair in a folded state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Fig. (a) is a partial perspective view and Fig. (b) is a partial cross-sectional view showing a seat portion of a second modification of a chair in a folded state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Fig. (a) is a partial perspective view and Fig. (b) is a partial cross-sectional view showing a seat portion of a third modification of a chair in a folded state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Fig. (a) is a bottom view and Fig. (b) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. (a), showing a seat portion of a fourth modification of a chair in a folded state according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] [First Embodiment] Figs. 1 to 12 show a chair according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The chair A1 of the present embodiment includes a seat portion 1, leg portions 5, and a backrest portion 7. The chair A1 takes a deployed state in which a user can sit on the seat portion 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and a folded state in which the seat portion 1 and the leg portions 5 are in a posture along each other as shown in Fig. 10.

[0017] In these figures, the thickness direction of the cushion portion 21 described later is defined as the thickness direction n, one side thereof is defined as the front side n1, and the other side is defined as the back side n2. The width direction of the seat portion 1 is defined as the width direction x, one side thereof is defined as the right side x1, and the other side is defined as the left side x2. The front-rear direction of the seat portion 1 in the deployed state is defined as the front-rear direction y, one side thereof is defined as the front side y1, and the other side is defined as the rear side y2. One side of the vertical direction z is defined as the upper side z1, and the other side is defined as the lower side z2. The thickness direction n and the vertical direction z may coincide with each other, may deviate slightly, and are not limited to either. As shown in Fig. 5, in the present embodiment, the thickness direction n is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction z.

[0018] The seat portion 1 is the part where the user sits when the seat is unfolded. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the seat portion 1 has a main body 2 and a support 3.

[0019] The main body 2 has a cushioning portion 21 and a holding portion 22. The cushioning portion 21 is the part that provides cushioning to the main body 2. The specific configuration of the cushioning portion 21 is not limited in any way, and in this embodiment it has a surface layer 210, a first layer 211 and a second layer 212. The cushioning portion 21 may have a multi-layer structure of two or four or more layers, or a single-layer structure. In this embodiment, the surface layer 210, the first layer 211 and the second layer 212 are laminated in this order from the front side n1 to the back side n2 in the thickness direction n.

[0020] The surface layer 210 is located on the outermost surface n1 in the thickness direction n of the cushion portion 21 and is the layer that the user touches. The surface layer 210 is made of, for example, vinyl resin. The surface layer 210 has, for example, a seat support portion 2101 and a front end portion 2102. The front end portion 2102 is the part that faces the outer surface n1 in the thickness direction n and is the part that the user touches most often. The front end portion 2102 is connected to the front side y1 in the front-rear direction y relative to the seat support portion 2101 and extends to the lower side z2 in the vertical direction z. The front end portion 2102 covers a part of the front end y1 in the front-rear direction y of the support 3. The surface layer 210 is appropriately fixed to the holding portion 22 by methods such as adhesive or stapling.

[0021] The first layer 211 and the second layer 212 are configured with a set number of layers, material, thickness, etc., for the purpose of providing the cushioning required for the cushion portion 21. The first layer 211 and the second layer 212 are made of, for example, urethane sponge. The first layer 211 and the second layer 212 may have different hardnesses. The second layer 212 has a recess 2121. The recess 2121 is recessed from the front y1 end to the rear y2 end in the front-rear direction y of the second layer 212.

[0022] The holding portion 22 holds the cushion portion 21 from the back side n2 in the thickness direction n. From the viewpoint of achieving the effects of chair A1 described later, the material of the holding portion 22 is preferably a material that is easily elastically deformed, for example, resin. However, the material of the holding portion 22 is not limited in any way, and may be metal, for example.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2, 3 to 6 and 8, the holding portion 22 includes a first plate portion 221, a second plate portion 222, a front portion 223, a rear portion 224, and two side portions 225, and has a rigidity reduction structure 226.

[0024] The first plate portion 221 is the part that overlaps with most of the cushion portion 21 in a plan view. Also, the first plate portion 221 is the part that is exposed from the opening 3101 of the support 3, which will be described later, when viewed from the back side n2 in the thickness direction n. The shape of the first plate portion 221 is not limited in any way, and in the illustrated example, it is substantially rectangular. In the unfolded state, the first plate portion 221 as a whole extends along the width direction x and the front-to-back direction y. The first plate portion 221 in this embodiment has a plurality of slits 2211 and a plurality of ribs 2212.

[0025] Each of the multiple slits 2211 penetrates the first plate portion 221 in the thickness direction n and is an elongated linear portion when viewed from the thickness direction n. The shape, size, position, etc., of the multiple slits 2211 are not limited in any way. In the illustrated example, each of the multiple slits 2211 extends along the front-to-back direction y and is arranged in multiple rows in a staggered pattern in the width direction x. The elastic deformation of the first plate portion 221 when a force is applied in the thickness direction n is increased by the formation of the multiple slits 2211. Such multiple slits 2211 constitute the rigidity reduction structure 226 in the present invention. The specific configuration of the rigidity reduction structure 226 is not limited to multiple slits 2211, but any structure that reduces the rigidity of the first plate portion 221 and increases its elastic deformation is acceptable.

[0026] The multiple ribs 2212 are positioned to rise from the surface n1 of the first plate portion 221 in the thickness direction n, and are arranged to avoid the multiple slits 2211. The shape, size, position, etc., of the multiple ribs 2212 are not limited in any way. In the illustrated example, the multiple ribs 2212 include those along two directions inclined with respect to the width direction x and the front-rear direction y, and intersect with each other. The multiple ribs 2212 are provided to mitigate the excessive reduction in the rigidity of the first plate portion 221 caused by the provision of the multiple slits 2211. Note that the first plate portion 221 may also have a configuration without multiple ribs 2212.

[0027] The second plate portion 222 is the part that surrounds the first plate portion 221 when viewed in the thickness direction n, and in the illustrated example, it is rectangular and annular. The second plate portion 222 is located on the front side n1 in the thickness direction n relative to the first plate portion 221. In the illustrated example, the second plate portion 222 has a plurality of screw holes 2221. The plurality of screw holes 2221 are screwed into a plurality of screws 29 for fixing the main body 2 and the support 3, as shown in Figure 3.

[0028] The front portion 223 is located on the front side y1 in the longitudinal direction y relative to the second plate portion 222 and extends in the front side y1 in the longitudinal direction y. The rear portion 224 is located on the rear side y2 in the longitudinal direction y relative to the second plate portion 222 and extends in the rear side y2 in the longitudinal direction y. The two side portions 225 are located on both sides of the width direction x relative to the second plate portion 222 and extend to the right side x1 and left side x2 in the width direction x, respectively.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 to 6 and Figure 8, in the illustrated example, a recess 227 is formed in the holding portion 22. The recess 227 is provided across the front portion 223, the second plate portion 222, and the first plate portion 221, and is located approximately in the center in the width direction x. The recess 227 is a recessed portion on the front side n1 in the thickness direction n. The recess 2121 in Figure 3 is provided to avoid the second layer 212 interfering with the recess 227.

[0030] The support 3 supports the main body 2. The specific configuration of the support 3 is not limited in any way, and as shown in Figures 1 to 7, in this embodiment it has a support plate portion 31 and a support frame portion 32. In contrast to this embodiment, the support 3 may be composed only of a member corresponding to either the support plate portion 31 or the support frame portion 32, or it may also include other members.

[0031] The support plate portion 31 is a member that directly supports the main body 2. The support plate portion 31 has a main plate portion 310, a front frame portion 311, a rear frame portion 312, and two side frame portions 313. The support plate portion 31 is formed of, for example, resin.

[0032] The main plate portion 310 is the part that overlaps with the second plate portion 222 of the holding portion 22 in a plan view. The main plate portion 310 as a whole is aligned with the width direction x and the front-rear direction y. The main plate portion 310 has an opening 3101. The opening 3101 exposes the first plate portion 221 when viewed from the back side n2 in the thickness direction n, and exposes the rigidity reduction structure 226. In the illustrated example, the opening 3101 is substantially rectangular, and the main plate portion 310 is rectangular annular. Multiple mounting holes 3102 are formed in the main plate portion 310. Multiple mounting holes 3102 are holes for inserting multiple screws 29 for fixing the support 3 and the main body 2.

[0033] The front frame portion 311 is located on the front side y1 in the front-rear direction y relative to the main plate portion 310. The rear frame portion 312 is located on the rear side y2 in the front-rear direction y relative to the main plate portion 310. The two side frame portions 313 are located on both sides of the main plate portion 310 in the width direction x. The front frame portion 311, the rear frame portion 312, and the two side frame portions 313 constitute a rectangular frame-shaped portion capable of accommodating the support frame portion 32 inserted from the back side n2 in the thickness direction n.

[0034] The front frame portion 311 is provided with two engaging claws 3111. The two engaging claws 3111 are positioned apart from each other in the width direction x. Each engaging claw 3111 is shaped, sized, and arranged to be able to engage with a part of the support frame portion 32 from the front side y1 in the front-rear direction y. The number of engaging claws 3111 is not limited in any way; there may be one or three or more.

[0035] The rear frame portion 312 is provided with two mounting holes 3121. The two mounting holes 3121 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction x. The two mounting holes 3121 are for inserting two screws 39 to fix the support plate portion 31 and the support frame portion 32. The number of mounting holes 3121 is not limited in any way; there may be one or three or more.

[0036] The support frame portion 32 is a member that ensures the rigidity of the support body 3, for example. The support frame portion 32 is made of, for example, a metal pipe material. The cross-sectional shape of the pipe material is not limited in any way and can be circular, rectangular, etc. As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the support frame portion 32 has a front portion 321, a rear portion 322 and two side portions 323, and is rectangular annular in shape overall.

[0037] The front section 321 is located on the front side y1 in the front-rear direction y. The rear section 322 is located on the rear side y2 in the front-rear direction y. The two side sections 323 are located on both sides in the width direction x. The front section 321 is housed in the front frame section 311. The rear section 322 is housed in the rear frame section 312. In this embodiment, the rear section 322 has two screw holes 3221. The two screw holes 3221 are screw holes into which two screws 39 are screwed. The two side sections 323 are each housed in the two side frame sections 313.

[0038] The support frame portion 32 of this embodiment has a full-diameter portion 325 and a flattened portion 326. The full-diameter portion 325 is, for example, the portion whose cross-sectional shape remains circular when the support frame portion 32 is formed from a pipe material with a circular cross-section, and whose thickness n is equal to the diameter of the pipe material. The flattened portion 326 is the portion whose thickness n is smaller than that of the full-diameter portion 325. For example, when the support frame portion 32 is formed from a pipe material with a circular cross-section, the full-diameter portion 325 is the portion where a part of the pipe material has been compressed in the thickness n direction, and whose cross-sectional shape is flattened. The specific configuration of the full-diameter portion 325 and the flattened portion 326 is not limited in any way, and various configurations are possible depending on the shape of the material constituting the support frame portion 32.

[0039] In this embodiment, the full diameter portion 325 includes the entire rear portion 322 and most of the two side portions 323, excluding a portion of the front y1 in the longitudinal direction y. The full diameter portion 325 also includes the entire front frame portion 311 and a portion of the front y1 in the longitudinal direction y of each of the two side portions 323.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, in fixing the support plate portion 31 and the support frame portion 32, for example, at the front side y1 in the front-rear direction y, two engaging claws 3111 are locked to the front portion 321 (flat portion 326). Then, at the rear side y2 in the front-rear direction y, two screws 39 are inserted through the mounting holes 3121 and screwed into the two screw holes 3221. This fixes the support plate portion 31 and the support frame portion 32, completing the support body 3.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6, in this embodiment, 1 has a main portion 1a and a thin portion 1b. The main portion 1a is the part that makes up most of the seat portion 1. The thin portion 1b is located in front of the main portion 1a in the front-rear direction y1, and is a part that is thinner in the thickness direction n than the main portion 1a. The thin portion 1b includes at least a part of the flattened portion 326, and in this example, includes almost all of the flattened portion 326. That is, the thin portion 1b is a part that includes at least a part of the flattened portion 326 when viewed in the thickness direction n, and in this example, includes almost all of the flattened portion 326.

[0042] The leg portion 5 supports the seat portion 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the leg portion 5 supports the seat portion 1 in a position that allows the user to sit when unfolded. Also, as shown in Figure 10, the leg portion 5 supports the seat portion 1 in a position that is generally aligned with the vertical direction z when folded. The specific configuration of the leg portion 5 is not limited in any way, and in this embodiment, the leg portion 5 has a first frame portion 51 and a second frame portion 52.

[0043] The first frame section 51 is mainly formed from materials such as metal pipes. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 10, the first frame section 51 has a first horizontal frame section 511 and two first vertical frame sections 512. The first horizontal frame section 511 is located below z2 in the vertical direction z and extends in the width direction x. The two first vertical frame sections 512 are connected to both ends of the first horizontal frame section 511 in the width direction x and extend above z1 in the vertical direction z when folded. In this example, two anti-slip members 519 are provided on the first horizontal frame section 511. The two anti-slip members 519 are made of materials such as resin or rubber and are intended to prevent the chair A1 from sliding on the floor or other surface.

[0044] The second frame section 52 is mainly formed from materials such as metal pipes. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 10, the second frame section 52 has a second horizontal frame section 521 and two second vertical frame sections 522. The second horizontal frame section 521 is located below z2 in the vertical direction z and extends in the width direction x. The two second vertical frame sections 522 are connected to both ends of the second horizontal frame section 521 in the width direction x and extend above z1 in the vertical direction z when folded. The length of the second vertical frame section 522 is shorter than that of the first vertical frame section 512. In this example, two anti-slip members 529 are provided on the second horizontal frame section 521. The two anti-slip members 529 are made of materials such as resin or rubber and are intended to prevent the chair A1 from sliding on the floor or other surface.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 10, the seat 1 and leg 5 are rotatably mounted to each other around a pivot axis extending in the width direction x by two first support pins 531, two second support pins 532, and two third support pins 533. The two first support pins 531 rotatably fix the portions of the two first vertical frame portions 512 slightly above the center in the vertical direction z (z1) and the portions of the two second vertical frame portions 522 near the upper ends in the vertical direction z (z1). The two second support pins 532 rotatably fix the portions of the two first vertical frame portions 512 near the center in the vertical direction z and the seat 1. The two third support pins 533 rotatably fix the portions of the two second vertical frame portions 522 located slightly below the upper ends in the vertical direction z (z2) and the seat 1. These mounting structures allow the user to choose between the unfolded state shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the folded state shown in Figure 10.

[0046] The backrest portion 7 is attached to the upper part z1 in the vertical direction z of the first frame portion 51, and in the deployed state shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is the part that supports the back of the seated user. The backrest portion 7 has, for example, a main plate portion 71 and two cylindrical portions 72. The main plate portion 71 is the part that comes into contact with the user's back.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the main plate portion 71 has a gripping hole 711 and an armrest portion 712. The gripping hole 711 penetrates the main plate portion 71 in the front-rear direction y and is used by the user when gripping the back plate portion 7 (chair A1). The armrest portion 712 is the part in which the lower end z2 in the vertical direction z of the main plate portion 71 is recessed to the upper z1 in the vertical direction z when it is folded. The armrest portion 712 is the part that comes into contact with the user's arm when carrying multiple folded chairs A1 stacked on top of each other, for example as in Figure 11. The two cylindrical portions 72 are located on both sides of the main plate portion 71 in the width direction x. The upper z1 portion in the vertical direction z of the two first vertical frame portions 512 is inserted through the two cylindrical portions 72.

[0048] As shown in Figure 12, in this embodiment, the seat portion 1 has a finger rest portion 15. The finger rest portion 15 is a part that allows the user to carry the folded chair A1 more easily by placing their finger Fg on it. The finger rest portion 15 is open on the front side y1 in the front-rear direction y and recessed on the rear side y2 in the front-rear direction y when the chair is folded. In this example, the finger rest portion 15 is composed of a recess 227 and a finger rest portion 3115. As described above, the recess 227 is a recessed part of the holding portion 22. The finger rest portion 3115 is a part of the front frame portion 311 and is a part that closes the rear portion 2241 from the upper side z1 in the vertical direction z when the chair is folded. When the user carries the chair A1 using the finger rest portion 15, they insert their finger Fg into the recess 227 and bring their bent fingertip into contact with the finger rest portion 3115.

[0049] Next, I will explain the function of chair A1.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the holding portion 22 has a rigidity reduction structure 226. As shown in these figures, when no user is seated, the back end 22n of the holding portion 22, which is located furthest back in the thickness direction n, is located on the front side n1 in the thickness direction n, rather than the back end 3n of the support 3, which is also located furthest back in the thickness direction n. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, when multiple folded chairs A1 are stacked, it is possible to avoid the holding portion 22 (back end 22n) coming into contact with any part of the adjacent chair A1, thereby ensuring efficient storage in the folded state. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, when a user is seated in the unfolded state, if a force is applied to the seat portion 1 from the front side n1 to the back side n2 in the thickness direction n, the cushion portion 21 is compressed, and the holding portion 22 elastically deforms to bulge out on the back side n2 in the thickness direction n due to the rigidity reduction structure 226. Due to this elastic deformation, the back edge 22n can be located on the back side n2, which is n in the thickness direction from the back edge 3n. This makes it possible to reduce the feeling of bottoming out of the seat 1 and improve seating comfort.

[0051] In the illustrated example, the back edge 3n corresponds to a part of the support frame 32. Parts of the support 3 that are merely decorative or perform other functions are not suitable as the back edge 3n. In other words, when the user is not seated, the back edge 22n is located on the front side n1 in the thickness direction n, which is further back n2 in the thickness direction n of the main plate 310 or the support frame 32, and when the user is seated, it is located further back n2 in the thickness direction n than these parts.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, in this example, the rigidity reduction structure 226 is composed of multiple slits 2211. The shape, size, position, etc., of the multiple slits 2211 can be freely set. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately set the degree of deformation of the holding portion 22 by the rigidity reduction structure 226.

[0053] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 9, the main plate portion 310 is provided with an opening 3101, which allows the elastically deformed first plate portion 221 to move smoothly from the opening 3101 to the back side n2 in the thickness direction n. This is preferable for reducing the feeling of sitting.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, the seat portion 1 has a thin-walled portion 1b, which reduces pressure on the back of the thighs when the user sits down. Therefore, it is preferable for improving sitting comfort. Since the flattened portion 326 of the support frame portion 32 is included in the thin-walled portion 1b, it is possible to make the thickness in the thickness direction n of the thin-walled portion 1b thinner more appropriately and easily.

[0055] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the support plate portion 31 and the support frame portion 32 can be fixed by engagement with the engaging claws 3111 and screwing with screws 39. By employing the engaging claws 3111, the number of screws 39 required for fixing can be reduced, simplifying the work.

[0056] As shown in Figure 12, the seat portion 1 has finger rests 15. Compared to carrying the chair A1 by placing fingers Fg on the main plate portion 710 of the backrest portion 7, for example, by placing fingers Fg on the finger rests 15, it is possible to carry the chair A1 at a higher position. This makes it possible to avoid the chair A1 coming into contact with the floor or other surfaces without bending the elbows significantly. The holding portion 22 has a complex shape, such as multiple slits 2211 and multiple ribs 2212, and is suitable for forming recesses 227. Furthermore, since the support plate portion 31 is preferably made of a relatively hard resin, the chair A1 can be carried more stably by placing fingers Fg on the finger rests 3115.

[0057] As shown in Figures 1 and 10, the backrest 7 has armrests 712. This makes it easier to carry multiple folded chairs A1 stacked on top of each other, as shown in Figure 11, by placing one's arms against each armrest 712.

[0058] Figures 13 to 16 show other examples of the present invention. In these figures, elements identical or similar to those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the above examples. Furthermore, the configurations of the parts in each modified example can be appropriately combined with each other to the extent that no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0059] [First Embodiment, First Modified Example] Figures 13(a) and 13(b) show a first modified example of chair A1. In this modified chair A11, the finger rest portion 15 is composed of an opening 3103, a recess 227, and a finger rest portion 3115.

[0060] The opening 3103 penetrates the main plate portion 310 in the front-to-back direction y when folded, and has a shape similar to, for example, the recess 227 of chair A1 when viewed in the front-to-back direction y. In this modified example, the recess 227 is located on the rear side y2 in the front-to-back direction y of the opening 3103. In this modified example, when a user carries chair A11 using the finger rest portion 15, they insert their finger Fg into the opening 3101 and bring their fingertip, bent upward z1 in the vertical direction z, into contact with the finger rest portion 3115.

[0061] This modified version also ensures efficient storage in the folded state while reducing the feeling of bottoming out when seated in the unfolded state, thereby improving seating comfort. As can be seen from this modified version, the specific configuration of the finger rest 15 is not limited in any way.

[0062] [First Embodiment, Second Modified Example] Figures 14(a) and (b) show a second modified example of chair A1. In this modified example, chair A12, the finger rest 15 is composed of a recess 3104 and a finger rest 3115.

[0063] The recess 3104 is a portion of the main plate 310 that is recessed on the rear side y2 in the front-to-back direction y when folded, and has a shape similar to the recess 227 of chair A1 when viewed in the front-to-back direction y. The finger rest 3115 can be said to constitute a part of the upper z1 in the vertical direction z of the recess 3104. In this modified example, when the user carries chair A12 using the finger rest 15, they insert their finger Fg into the recess 3104 and bring their bent fingertip into contact with the finger rest 3115.

[0064] This modified version also ensures efficient storage in the folded state while reducing the feeling of bottoming out when seated in the unfolded state, thereby improving seating comfort. As can be seen from this modified version, the specific configuration of the finger rest 15 is not limited in any way. Furthermore, by configuring the finger rest 15 with the recess 3104 and the finger rest 3115, it is possible to prevent the holding part 22 from being unintentionally damaged when attempting to place a finger Fg on the finger rest 15.

[0065] [First Embodiment, Third Modification] Figures 15(a) and (b) show a third modified example of chair A1. In this modified example, chair A13, the finger rest portion 15 is composed of a recess 3104 and a front portion 321 (flat portion 326).

[0066] The recess 3104 is a portion of the main plate portion 310 that is recessed on the rear side y2 in the front-to-back direction y when folded, and has a shape similar to the recess 227 of chair A1 when viewed in the front-to-back direction y. The recess 3104 opens to the upper side z1 in the vertical direction z when folded. A portion of the front portion 321 (flat portion 326) is located on the upper side z1 in the vertical direction z of the recess 3104. In this modified example, when a user carries chair A13 using the finger rest 15, they insert their finger Fg into the recess 3104 and bring their bent fingertip to contact the front portion 321 (flat portion 326).

[0067] This modified version also ensures efficient storage in the folded state while reducing the feeling of bottoming out when seated in the unfolded state, thereby improving seating comfort. As can be seen from this modified version, the specific configuration of the finger rest 15 is not limited in any way. Furthermore, by placing the fingers Fg on the front part 321 (flat part 326) of the support frame part 32, which is a relatively rigid member, the chair A13 can be carried more stably.

[0068] [First Embodiment, Fourth Modification] Figures 16(a) and (b) show a fourth modified example of chair A1. In this modified example, chair A14, the configuration of the rigidity reduction structure 226 differs from that of the example described above.

[0069] In this modified example, the rigidity reduction structure 226 is composed of a plurality of annular protrusions and indentations 2213. The plurality of annular protrusions and indentations 2213 are portions of the first plate portion 221 that are bent in the thickness direction n to one side (the front side n1 in the figure), and have a cross-sectional shape similar to that of a generally embossed portion. The plurality of annular protrusions and indentations 2213 are annular when viewed in the thickness direction n, and their centers are approximately coincident. In the illustrated example, the plurality of annular protrusions and indentations 2213 are elliptical in shape, but are not limited to this, and may be circular, polygonal annular, etc.

[0070] This modified version also ensures efficient storage in the folded state while reducing the feeling of bottoming out when seated in the unfolded state, thereby improving seating comfort. Furthermore, the multiple annular protrusions 2213 can also reduce the rigidity of the holding part 22, thereby reducing the feeling of bottoming out when seated. As can be seen from this modified version, the specific configuration of the rigidity reduction structure 226 is not limited in any way.

[0071] The chair according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The specific configuration of each part of the chair according to the present invention can be modified in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] A1, A11, A12, A13, A14: Chairs 1: Seat part 1a: Subject 1b: Thin wall part 2: Main unit 3:Support 5: Legs 7: Back plate part 15: Finger rest 21: Cushion part 22: Holding part 29: Screw 31: Support plate part 32: Support frame section 39: Screw 51: First frame section 52: Second frame section 71: Main plate part 72:Cylinder part 210: Surface layer 211: 1st layer 212: 2nd layer 221: 1st plate part 222: 2nd plate part 223: Front section 224: Posterior part 225: Lateral part 226: Rigidity-reducing structure 227: Recess 310: Main plate part 311: Front frame section 312: Rear frame 313: Side frame section 321: Front section 322: Posterior part 323: Lateral part 325 :Full diameter part 326: Flat part 511: First horizontal frame section 512: First vertical frame section 519: Anti-slip material 521: Second horizontal frame section 522: Second vertical frame section 529: Anti-slip material 531: First support pin 532: Second support pin 533: Third support pin 711:Gripping hole 712: Armrest 2101: Seat support part 2102: Front end 2121: Recess 2211: Slit 2212: Rib 2213: Annular uneven portion 2221: Screw hole 2241: Posterior part 3101: Opening 3102: Mounting hole 3103: Opening 3104: Recess 3111: Engaging claw 3115: Finger rest 3121: Mounting hole 3221: Screw hole n: thickness direction n1:Front side n2: back side x: Width direction x1: Right side x2 :Left side y: forward / backward direction y1: Front side y2: Rear side z: vertical direction z1: Upper side z2: lower side

Claims

1. A chair comprising a seat and legs, having an unfolded state in which a user can sit on the seat, and a folded state in which the seat and legs are aligned with each other, The seat portion comprises a main body and a support that supports the main body, The main body includes a cushion portion and a holding portion that holds the cushion portion from the back side in the thickness direction of the cushion portion. The holding portion has a rigidity-reducing structure that increases elastic deformation when a force is applied in the thickness direction, In the unfolded state, when a user is seated, the back end of the holding portion, which is located furthest back in the thickness direction, is located further back in the thickness direction than the back end of the support, which is located furthest back in the thickness direction, in the chair.

2. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the rigidity reduction structure is a plurality of slits provided in the holding portion.

3. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the rigidity reduction structure is a plurality of annular protrusions and indentations provided in the holding portion.

4. The chair according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support has an opening that exposes the rigidity-reducing structure when viewed from the back side in the thickness direction.

5. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the seat portion comprises a main portion and a thin-walled portion located in front of the main portion in the front-rear direction and having a thickness in the thickness direction that is thinner than that of the main portion.

6. The support comprises a support plate portion that supports the main body and an annular support frame portion when viewed in the thickness direction. The support frame portion includes a full-diameter portion and a flattened portion whose dimension in the thickness direction is smaller than that of the full-diameter portion. The chair according to claim 5, wherein the thin-walled portion includes at least a part of the flattened portion.

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