bench

Abstract

We provide benches whose length can be adjusted. [Solution] The bench 1 comprises a base portion 3 and a seat portion 2 supported by the base portion 3. The seat portion 2 has a seat overhang portion 4 that extends outward from the base portion 3. The seat portion 2 and the base portion 3 are detachably provided as two end units 1A, each having a unit seat portion 2A or 2B and a unit base portion 3A or 3B, or as two end units 1A and one or more intermediate units 1B. At the connection points between units 1A and 1B, the seat side portions 21a and 21b and the seat top portions 22a and 22b of adjacent unit seat portions 2A and 2B are continuous, and the base side portions 31a and 31b of unit base portions 3A and 3B are continuous.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a bench having a seat overhang portion where the seat projects outward from the base portion.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a bench (long chair) placed in an office or a shared space, a substantially box-shaped bench is known. As such a bench, there is one in which each of the seat portion and the base portion supporting the seat portion is provided continuously in the length direction, and the seat portion projects outward from the base portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] By the way, those benches with a long length are often made as custom-made furniture, so-called made-to-order furniture. However, since made-to-order furniture needs to be designed each time, there is a problem that the delivery period becomes long.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made to improve such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide a bench that can be made longer or shorter.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The bench of the present invention comprises a base portion and a seat portion supported by the base portion, wherein the seat portion has a seat overhang that extends outward from the base portion, and the seat portion and the base portion are separably provided as two end units, each having a unit seat portion and a unit base portion, or two end units and one or more intermediate units, wherein the end units have the seat overhang portion at one end in the longitudinal direction of the bench, and at the other end, the end of the unit seat portion and the end of the unit base portion are aligned flush, and the intermediate units have the ends of the unit seat portion and the ends of the unit base portion aligned flush at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the bench.

[0007] According to the bench of the present invention, the length of the bench can be made longer or shorter by appropriately selecting the number of intermediate units. This allows for shorter manufacturing times compared to manufacturing a long bench in which the seat and base are continuous in the longitudinal direction.

[0008] In the bench of the present invention, the unit is provided in a substantially box shape with a hollow interior, and includes a connecting surface provided near the connecting point and inward from the seat side surface, seat top surface, and base side surface, and the connecting surfaces of adjacent units may be connected to each other by a connector.

[0009] In this configuration, the connecting surfaces and connectors are not exposed on the exterior of the bench formed by connecting multiple units, thus creating an aesthetically pleasing bench. Furthermore, if the bottom surface of each unit is open, the units can be connected to each other by operating the connectors through the bottom opening while each unit is positioned sideways or upside down. In this case, for example, the seat top surface and seat side surface can be formed as a single, inseparable unit, resulting in a bench where the boundary between the seat top surface and seat side surface is not noticeable.

[0010] Furthermore, in the unit, the connecting surface may be positioned inward in a direction away from the connecting point than the abutting end faces of the seat side surface, seat top surface, and base side surface.

[0011] In this configuration, the abutting surfaces of the seat side, seat top, and base side of adjacent units can be securely joined. Furthermore, by connecting the two connecting surfaces of adjacent units with screws (connectors) so that a load is applied in a direction that brings them closer together, the connecting surfaces can be deformed and the abutting surfaces can be firmly joined, and the loosening of the screws can be prevented.

[0012] Furthermore, the bench of the present invention may be provided with a top surface adjustment member at the connection point for adjusting the top surfaces of adjacent units so that they are at the same height.

[0013] According to this configuration, even though the bench is made up of multiple connected units, the top surface of the seat can be formed flush with the surface. This provides a good user experience, as the user does not feel any difference in height at the connection points when sitting on the seat, and also creates an aesthetically pleasing bench.

[0014] Furthermore, the top surface adjustment member may be attached to the lower surface of the seat top portion so as to straddle the connection point, thereby connecting adjacent seat top portions.

[0015] In this configuration, the top surface adjustment member is not exposed to the outside of the bench, thus preventing deterioration of the bench's appearance, and allowing adjacent seat top surfaces to be firmly connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The bench of the present invention allows for lengthening or shortening of the bench by appropriately selecting the number of intermediate units. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] The bench of the first embodiment is shown, with (A) being a plan view and (B) being a front view. [Figure 2] In this embodiment, (A) is a bottom view and (B) is a left side view. [Figure 3] It is a bottom perspective view of the same embodiment seen from the lower left obliquely downward. [Figure 4] (A) is a bottom perspective view of the end unit, and (B) is a side view thereof. [Figure 5] (A) is a bottom perspective view of the intermediate unit, and (B) is a side view thereof. [Figure 6] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing a connection portion along the A-A position in FIG. 1(A). [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing the end unit and the intermediate unit separated. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The seat portion 2 has a seat overhang portion 4 that extends outward from the base portion 3. In this embodiment, the seat portion 2 has a seat overhang portion 4 around its entire circumference. In other words, the seat portion 2 has seat overhang portions 4 at both the front and rear edges and the left and right edges.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the bench 1 is roughly rectangular in shape, elongated in the left-right direction, and is composed of multiple units 1A and 1B connected along its longitudinal direction. The seat 2 and base 3 of the bench 1 are detachably provided as two end units 1A, 1A, each having an end unit seat 2A and an end unit base 3A, and an intermediate unit 1B, which has an intermediate unit seat 2B and an intermediate unit base 3B. The intermediate unit 1B is connected between the left and right end units 1A.

[0022] In bench 1, the end unit 1A has a seat extension 4 at one end in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of bench 1, and at the other end, the end of the end unit seat 2A and the end of the end unit base 3A are flush with each other. In addition, in the intermediate unit 1B, the ends of the intermediate unit seat 2B and the ends of the intermediate unit base 3B are flush with each other at both ends in the longitudinal direction of bench 1.

[0023] In this embodiment, the bench 1 can be made longer or shorter by appropriately selecting the number of intermediate units 1B placed between the two end units 1A, 1A. This allows for the manufacture of a long bench 1, in which the seat 2 and base 3 are continuous in the length direction (left-right direction), with a shorter lead time compared to custom fabrication. Furthermore, by mass-producing the end units 1A and intermediate units 1B, a bench 1 with selectable length can be provided as a standard product.

[0024] In this embodiment, at the connection point 5 between the end unit 1A and the intermediate unit 1B in the bench 1, the front and rear seat side portions 21a, 21b and seat top portions 22a, 22b of adjacent unit seat portions 2A, 2B are continuous with each other, and the front and rear base side portions 31a, 31b of unit base portions 3A, 3B are continuous with each other. That is, in the seat portion 2 of the bench 1, the seat side portions 21a, 21b and the seat top portions 22a, 22b are continuous, and in the base portion 3, the base side portions 31a, 31b are continuous. In this embodiment, the seat side portions 21a and 21b, the seat top portions 22a and 22b, and the base side portions 31a and 31b are all continuous without any gaps.

[0025] In this embodiment, the bench 1 has a seat portion 2 where the surfaces of the side portions 21a and 21b are flush and continuous without gaps, and the surfaces of the top portions 22a and 22b are flush and continuous. However, these surfaces do not necessarily have to be flush and continuous. In other words, there may be a step on the surface of the seat portion 2 at the connection point 5.

[0026] [Composition of each unit] Next, the configuration of each unit 1A and 1B will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In this embodiment, the left and right end units 1A have the same structure. Units 1A and 1B are provided in a roughly box shape with a hollow interior and are equipped with connecting surfaces 5A and 5B that are located near the connection point 5 and are inward relative to the seat side surfaces 21a and 21b, the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b, and the base side surfaces 31a and 31b. In this embodiment, the bottom surfaces of units 1A and 1B are open.

[0027] As will be described in detail later, the connecting surface portion 5A of the end unit 1A and the connecting surface portion 5B of the intermediate unit 1B are positioned opposite each other at the connection point 5 on the bench 1 and are connected to each other by a connector 6. In addition, the upper ends of the connecting surfaces 5A and 5B are provided with notched recessed holes 51 for inserting adjustment members 8 in the left-right direction to adjust the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b of adjacent units 1A and 1B at the connection point 5 so that they are at the same height.

[0028] Units 1A and 1B are formed by combining, for example, wooden boards. The outer surfaces of the seat side portions 21a and 21b, the seat top portions 22a and 22b, and the seat side end portion 23a (described later) that form the seat side and seat top surfaces of the seat portion 2 are covered with a surface material such as melamine decorative laminate, cork sheet, or veneer. The outer surfaces of the base side portions 31a and 31b, and the base side end portion 33a (described later) that form the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 3 are covered with a surface material such as reinforced paper. The butt end portions 24a, 25a, 32a, 24b, 25b, and 32b (described later) are not covered with a surface material.

[0029] [Configuration of end units] As shown in Figure 4, the end unit 1A is closed at the end on the side of the connection point 5 (the other end in the longitudinal direction of the bench 1) by an inverted convex connecting surface portion 5A, while the end opposite to the connection point 5 (one end in the longitudinal direction of the bench 1) is closed at the end on the seat side portion 23a and the base side portion 33a in the upright position. The seat side portion 23a constitutes a part of the seat side portion of the seat portion 2, and the base side portion 33a constitutes a part of the base side portion of the base portion 3. Furthermore, the peripheral end of the connecting surface portion 5A is joined to the plate material that forms the seat side portion 21a, the seat top portion 22a, the base side portion 31a, and the lower surface 41 of the seat overhang portion, which will be described later, and constitutes a strength member of the end unit 1A.

[0030] The end unit seat portion 2A has front and rear seat side portions 21a provided outward relative to the base side portion 31a, and seat side end portions 23a provided outward to the left and right relative to the base side end portion 33a, and is equipped with a U-shaped seat overhang portion 4 in plan view. The space between the lower edge of the seat side portion 21a and the upper edge of the base side portion 31a, and the space between the lower edge of the seat side end portion 23a and the upper edge of the base side end portion 33a are closed by a plate material provided in a roughly U-shape in plan view that forms the lower surface 41 of the seat overhang portion.

[0031] The end unit base portion 3A is provided in a roughly U-shape in plan view, with the left and right ends of the front and rear base side portions 31a extending in the left-right direction, opposite to the connection point 5, connected to the front and rear ends of the base side end surface portion 33a extending in the front-rear direction. The ends of the front and rear base side portions 31a on the connection point 5 side are connected to the front and rear ends of the lower part of the connection surface portion 5A which extends in the front-rear direction between the front and rear base side portions 31a.

[0032] The end unit 1A is formed by plate materials that are inseparably connected at each connection point to form the seat side portion 21a, seat top portion 22a, seat side end portion 23a, base side portion 31a, base side end portion 33a, connecting surface portion 5A, and seat overhang lower surface portion 41. The lower part of the end unit 1A is formed by a frame made up of the end unit base portion 3A and the connecting surface portion 5A. Approximately rectangular prism-shaped adjuster mounting members 71 for attaching screw-in adjuster members 7 are fixed to each of the four inner corners of the frame. The end unit 1A is provided so that the inside of the end unit 1A can be accessed through an opening in the frame.

[0033] The end faces of the seat side portion 21a, the seat top portion 22a, and the base side portion 31a on the side of the connection point 5 form butt end faces 24a, 25a, and 32a that abut against other units 1A or 1B. In this embodiment, the butt end faces 24a, 25a, and 32a are provided on the same plane in a vertical orientation along the front-rear direction. Thus, the end unit 1A has a seat overhang 4 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the bench 1 (the end opposite to the connection point 5), and at the other end (the end on the side of the connection point 5), the end of the end unit seat portion 2A and the end of the end unit base portion 3A are flush with each other.

[0034] The connecting surface portion 5A is positioned inward from the connecting point 5, relative to the abutting end faces 24a, 25a, and 32a of the seat side portion 21a, seat top portion 22a, and base side portion 31a. In other words, the connecting surface portion 5A is positioned in a stepped shape, recessed inward from the abutting end faces 24a, 25a, and 32a.

[0035] Furthermore, the end of the lower surface 41 of the seat overhang on the side of the connection point 5 is provided on the same plane as the outer surface of the connection surface 5A. In other words, the end of the lower surface 41 of the seat overhang is positioned inward in a direction away from the connection point 5 than the abutting end faces 24a, 25a, and 32a.

[0036] [Configuration of the intermediate unit] As shown in Figure 5, the roughly box-shaped intermediate unit 1B is provided with inverted convex connecting surfaces 5B at both the left and right ends (both ends in the longitudinal direction of the bench 1) that are located at the connecting point 5. In this embodiment, the intermediate unit 1B has a shape that is symmetrical in the front and back directions with respect to a vertical plane passing through a center line extending in the left and right directions, and also has a shape that is symmetrical on the left and right sides with respect to a vertical plane passing through a center line extending in the front and back directions.

[0037] In this embodiment, the connecting surface portion 5B has the same shape as the connecting surface portion 5A of the end unit 1A. The peripheral end of the connecting surface portion 5B is joined to the plate material that forms the seat side portion 21b, the seat top portion 22b, the base side portion 31b, and the lower surface 41 of the seat overhang portion, which will be described later, and constitutes a strength member of the intermediate unit 1B.

[0038] The intermediate unit seat portion 2B has front and rear seat side portions 21b positioned outward relative to the base side portion 31b, and is provided with seat overhangs 4 extending in the left-right direction at each of its front and rear edges. The space between the lower edge of the seat side portion 21b and the upper edge of the base side portion 31b is closed by a plate material forming the lower surface 41 of the seat overhang 4.

[0039] The intermediate unit base portion 3B is provided with front and rear base side portions 31b that extend in the left-right direction. The left and right ends of the base side portions 31b are located at the left and right ends of the intermediate unit 1B. The ends of the front and rear base side portions 31b are connected to the front and rear ends of the lower portion of the connecting surface portion 5B that extends in the front-rear direction between the ends of the front and rear base side portions 31b.

[0040] The intermediate unit 1B has plate members that form the seat side portion 21b, seat top portion 22b, base side portion 31a, connecting surface portion 5B, and seat overhang lower surface 41, which are inseparably connected at each connection point. The lower part of the intermediate unit 1B is formed by an intermediate unit base portion 3B having front and rear base side portions 31b and left and right connecting surface portions 5B. Approximately rectangular prism-shaped adjuster mounting members 71 for attaching screw-in type adjuster members 7 are fixed to the four inner corners of the frame. The intermediate unit 1B is provided so that the inside of the intermediate unit 1B can be accessed through openings in the frame.

[0041] The left and right end faces of the seat side portion 21b, the seat top portion 22b, and the base side portion 31b form abutting end faces 24b, 25b, and 32b that are abutted against other units 1A or 1B. In this embodiment, on both the left and right sides of the intermediate unit 1B, the abutting end faces 24b, 25b, and 32b are provided on the same plane in a vertical orientation along the front-rear direction. Thus, at both ends of the intermediate unit 1B in the longitudinal direction of the bench 1, the ends of the intermediate unit seat portion 2B and the ends of the intermediate unit base portion 3B are aligned flush.

[0042] On both the left and right sides of the intermediate unit 1B, the connecting surface portion 5B is positioned inward in a direction away from the connecting point 5 compared to the abutting end surfaces 24b, 25b, and 32b of the seat side portion 21b, seat top portion 22b, and base side portion 31b, respectively. In other words, the connecting surface portion 5B is positioned in a stepped shape that is recessed inward relative to the abutting end surfaces 24b, 25b, and 32b.

[0043] Furthermore, on both the left and right sides of the intermediate unit 1B, the left and right ends of the lower surface 41 of the seat overhang are provided on the same plane as the outer surface of the connecting surface 5B. In other words, the left and right ends of the lower surface 41 of the seat overhang are positioned inward in a direction away from the connecting point 5 than the abutting end faces 24b, 25b, and 32b.

[0044] [Connection configuration between units] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, at each connection point 5 of bench 1, the connecting surfaces 5A and 5B are connected to each other by a connector 6, with the abutting end faces 24a, 25a, and 32a of adjacent units 1A and 1B abutting end faces 24b, 25b, and 32b abutting end faces 24b, 25b, and 32b of adjacent units 1A and 1B

[0045] Each of the connecting surfaces 5A and 5B is provided with multiple connecting holes 52 through which the shaft portion of a bolt 61 or the cylindrical portion of a nut 62 is inserted. In this embodiment, the connecting holes 52 are provided in a front-to-back symmetrical arrangement at six locations near the top of the connecting surfaces 5A and 5B, four locations in the middle of the vertical direction, and two locations near the bottom end.

[0046] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, bench 1 is equipped with a top surface adjustment member 8 at the connection point 5 to adjust the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b of adjacent units 1A and 1B so that they are at the same height. The top surface adjustment member 8 is attached to the underside of the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b so as to straddle the connection point 5 (the joint between the abutting end surface 25a of seat top surface 22a and the abutting end surface 25b of seat top surface 22b). The top surface adjustment member 8 also has the function of connecting adjacent seat top surfaces 22a and 22b to each other.

[0047] The top surface adjustment member 8 comprises an adjustment base member 81 attached to the lower surface of the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b, and two left and right push-up members 82 that are attached to the adjustment base member 81 in a height-adjustable position. The adjustment base member 81 is made of metal and comprises a main surface portion 81a which is roughly rectangular in plan view, four rib portions 81b which rise in the same direction from the four sides of the main surface portion 81a, and two left and right mounting flange portions 81c which extend outward to the left and right from the tips of the two left and right rib portions 81b.

[0048] On the main surface portion 81a, a fixing nut 81d is fixed at two locations on the left and right sides of the main surface portion 81a, surrounded by four rib portions 81b, and positioned in an insertion hole through which the screw shaft 82a of the push-up member 82 is inserted. The mounting flange portion 81c has an elongated fixing screw insertion hole 81e that is slightly longer in the left-right direction.

[0049] The push-up member 82 comprises a screw shaft 82a that screws onto the nut 81d, and a pan-lid shaped contact portion 82b connected to one end of the screw shaft 82a. A screw hole, for example, a Phillips head, is formed on the other end face of the screw shaft 82a. The push-up member 82 is attached to the adjustment base member 81 by screwing the screw shaft 82a onto the fixing nut 81d from the rib portion 81b side of the adjustment base member 81. The tip of the screw shaft 82a of the push-up member 82 (the end with the screw hole) protrudes from the main surface portion 81a in the opposite direction to the fixing nut 81d.

[0050] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, in each unit 1A and 1B, embedded nuts 27 for attaching the top surface adjustment member 8 are embedded in the lower surfaces of the top surface portions 22a and 22b of the unit seat portions 2A and 2B, at positions on the left and right inward of the adjustment member insertion holes 51 of the connecting surface portions 5A and 5B. The top surface adjustment member 8 is positioned such that the adjustment base member 81 straddles the boundary of the connecting portion 5, and the left and right mounting flange portions 81c are fixed to the lower surfaces of the top surface portions 22a and 22b respectively by mounting screws 84 that are inserted through fixing screw insertion holes 81e and screwed into the embedded nuts 27. In this embodiment, three embedded nuts 27 are arranged in a front-to-back spacing relative to each adjustment member insertion hole 51 so that the mounting position of the top surface adjustment member 8 can be finely adjusted in the front-to-back direction.

[0051] The contact portions 82b of the two left and right push-up members 82 of the top surface adjustment member 8, which are attached to the lower surfaces of the top surfaces 22a and 22b, are such that one faces the lower surface of the top surface 22a and the other faces the lower surface of the top surface 22b. The contact portions 82b are positioned so as to be able to contact the lower surface of the top surface 22a near the abutting end faces 25a and 25b of the top surfaces 22a and 22b. The top surface adjustment member 8 is configured so that the contact portions 82b can push up the top surface 22a or 22b by rotating the screw shaft 82a of the push-up member 82 with a screwdriver.

[0052] Furthermore, the top surface adjustment member 8 is equipped with a locking nut 83 that is screwed onto a screw shaft 82a protruding from the main surface portion 81a. The locking nut 83 prevents the screw shaft 82a from rotating when it is tightened toward the main surface portion 81a.

[0053] As shown in Figures 4 to 8, recessed grooves 26 are formed in the abutting end faces 24a, 25a, 24b, and 25b of the unit seat portions 2A and 2B of units 1A and 1B, respectively, into which a plate-shaped connecting member 53 can be inserted. When connecting units 1A and 1B, the abutting end faces 24a, 25a, and 32a are brought into contact with the abutting end faces 24b, 25b, and 32b, and the connecting member 53 is configured to be press-fitted across the opposing recessed grooves 26.

[0054] The connecting member 53 generates friction with the groove 26 when units 1A and 1B are butted together, and contributes to the precise alignment of the unit seat portions 2A and 2B. This improves the ease and efficiency of the butt jointing process of units 1A and 1B.

[0055] [Example of unit connection work] To connect units 1A and 1B, first, the units 1A and 1B are placed on the floor sideways or upside down so that the connecting surfaces 5A and 5B face each other. While inserting the connecting members 53 into the five opposing grooves 26, units 1A and 1B are brought closer to each other so that the abutting end faces 24a, 25a, 32a and 24b, 25b, 32b are brought into contact.

[0056] The connecting surface 5A is stepped inward in the left-right direction relative to the abutting end faces 24a, 25a, and 32a, and the connecting surface 5B is stepped inward in the left-right direction relative to the abutting end faces 24b, 25b, and 32b, so a gap is formed between the connecting surfaces 5A and 5B. In addition, a gap is formed between the lower surfaces 41 of the seat protrusions, which are difficult to notice under normal use conditions.

[0057] At each of the 12 opposing connecting holes 52 on the connecting surfaces 5A and 5B, the bolts 61 and nuts 62 of the connector 6 are inserted through the openings on the underside of the units 1A and 1B, and the bolts 61 and nuts 62 are screwed together and temporarily tightened. In addition, the top surface adjustment members 8 are inserted into each of the 3 opposing adjustment member insertion holes 51 on the connecting surfaces 5A and 5B, and the left and right mounting flanges 81c are temporarily fixed to the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b with mounting screws 84.

[0058] While aligning the outer surfaces of the seat side portions 21a, 21b, the seat top portions 22a, 22b, and the base side portions 31a, 31b so that they are flush with each other, the bolts 61 and nuts 62 are tightened. If a step is formed between the surfaces (top surfaces) of the seat top portions 22a, 22b during this process, the screw shaft 82a of one of the push-up members 82 of the top surface adjustment member 8 is rotated with a screwdriver to push up the lower seat top portion 22a or 22b. This allows the height positions of the seat top portions 22a, 22b to be adjusted so that there is no step on the surface of the seat top portions 22a, 22b, which are easily visible on the seat 2. After adjusting the height positions of the seat top portions 22a, 22b, the locking nuts 83 are tightened to fix the screw shaft 82a so that it cannot be rotated.

[0059] The bolt 61 and nut 62 are tightened securely to complete the final tightening. The mounting screw 84 for the top surface adjustment member 8 is then tightened to fix the adjustment base member 81 to the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b. The top surface adjustment member 8 also has the function of connecting the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b, as the adjustment base member 81 is attached to the underside of the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b with the adjustment base member 81 straddling the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b.

[0060] In this way, the bolts 61 and nuts 62 connect the two connecting surfaces 5A and 5B, which are spaced apart from each other, so that a load is applied to them in a direction that brings them closer together. This ensures that the abutting surfaces of the seat side surfaces 21a and 21b, the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b, and the base side surfaces 31a and 31b are securely joined. Furthermore, the deflection deformation of the connecting surfaces 5A and 5B firmly joins the abutting end surfaces 24a, 25a and 32a to the abutting end surfaces 24b, 25b and 32b, while preventing the bolts 61 and nuts 62 from loosening.

[0061] After completing bench 1 by connecting end units 1A to the left and right sides of intermediate unit 1B, bench 1 is installed in a sideways or upside-down position so that the adjuster members 7 are positioned on the floor surface. Since bench 1 has seat side portions 21a, 21b and seat top portions 22a, 22b that are inseparably formed as a single unit, it is possible to create a bench in which the boundary between the seat side portions 21a, 21b and the seat top portions 22a, 22b is not noticeable.

[0062] [Outline configuration of the second embodiment] As shown in Figure 10, the bench 10 of the second embodiment is composed of two end units 1A. At the connection point 5 of the end units 1A, 1A, the connecting surfaces 5A are connected by a connector 6 with the abutting end faces 24a, 25a, and 32a facing each other. The connection process for the end units 1A, 1A is the same as the connection process for the end unit 1A and intermediate unit 1B described above. The bench 10 can be formed using the same end units 1A and parts as the bench 1 of the first embodiment, but with a shorter length than the bench 1.

[0063] [Outline configuration of the third embodiment] As shown in Figure 11, the bench 11 of the third embodiment consists of two end units 1A and two intermediate units 1B, with the two intermediate units 1B linearly connected between the two end units 1A. At the connection point 5 of the intermediate units 1B, 1B, the connecting surfaces 5B are connected by a connector 6 with the abutting end faces 24b, 25b, and 32b facing each other. The connection process for the intermediate units 1B, 1B is the same as the connection process for the end units 1A and intermediate units 1B described above. The bench 11 can be made longer than bench 1 using the same units 1A, 1B and parts as bench 1 of the first embodiment.

[0064] Furthermore, it is possible to form a longer bench by increasing the number of intermediate units 1B connected between the two end units 1A to three or more.

[0065] [summary] In the above embodiments, the benches 1, 10, and 11 have a seat portion 2 supported by a base portion 3, which has a seat overhang 4 that extends outward from the base portion 3. The seat portion 2 and the base portion 3 are detachably provided as two end units 1A, each having a unit seat portion 2A and a unit base portion 3A, or as two end units 1A and one or more intermediate units 1B, each having a unit seat portion 2B and a unit base portion 3B. The end units 1A have a seat overhang 4 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the bench 1, and at the other end, the end of the end unit seat portion 2A and the end of the end unit base portion 3A are flush. In the intermediate units 1B, the ends of the intermediate unit seat portion 2B and the ends of the intermediate unit base portion 3B are flush at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the bench 1.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the benches 1, 10, and 11 can be made longer or shorter by appropriately selecting the number of intermediate units 1B provided on the two end units 1A. As a result, benches 1, 10, and 11 can be manufactured in a shorter lead time compared to the case where a long bench is constructed in which the seat portion 2 and the base portion 3 are continuous in the longitudinal direction.

[0067] In the benches 1, 10, and 11 of the above embodiment, units 1A and 1B are provided in a roughly box-like shape with a hollow interior. Units 1A and 1B also have connecting surfaces 5A and 5B that are located near the connecting point 5 and are provided inward relative to the seat side surfaces 21a and 21b, the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b, and the base side surfaces 31a and 31b. The connecting surfaces 5A and 5B of adjacent units 1A and 1B are connected to each other by a connector 6, the connecting surfaces 5A of adjacent units 1A and 1B are connected to each other, and the connecting surfaces 5B of adjacent units 1B are connected to each other.

[0068] As in the above embodiment, since the connecting surfaces 5A, 5B and the connectors 6 are not exposed on the exterior of benches 1, 10, 11 formed by connecting multiple units 1A, 1B, an aesthetically pleasing bench can be formed. Furthermore, since each unit 1A, 1B has an open bottom, the connectors 6 can be operated from the bottom opening while each unit 1A, 1B is turned sideways or upside down to connect units 1A, 1B to each other, units 1A to each other, or units 1B to each other. Such a configuration allows for the formation of a bench where, for example, the seat side portions 21a, 21b and the seat top portions 22a, 22b are integrally formed inseparably, so that the boundary between the seat side portions 21a, 21b and the seat top portions 22a, 22b is not noticeable.

[0069] Furthermore, in units 1A and 1B, the connecting surfaces 5A and 5B are positioned inward from the connecting point 5, relative to the abutting end faces 24a, 25a, 32a, 24b, 25b, and 32b of the seat side surfaces 21a and 21b, the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b, and the base side surfaces 31a and 31b. Therefore, the opposing abutting end faces 24a, 25a, 32a, 24b, 25b, and 32b are securely joined together.

[0070] Furthermore, in the benches 1, 10, and 11 of the above embodiment, the connecting surfaces 5A and 5B of adjacent units 1A and 1B are connected by bolts 61 and nuts 62 such that a load is applied to them in a direction that brings them closer together. This configuration allows the connecting surfaces 5A and 5B to bend and deform, thereby firmly joining the abutting end faces 24a, 25a, 32a, 24b, 25b, and 32b together, while also preventing the bolts 61 and nuts 62 from loosening.

[0071] Furthermore, the surfaces of the connecting surfaces 5A and 5B on the connecting point 5 side may be provided on the same plane as the abutting end surfaces 24a, 25a, 32a, 24b, 25b, and 32b. Also, the connectors for connecting adjacent units are not limited to connectors 6 consisting of bolts 61 that are screwed into nuts 62, but are not particularly limited as long as they can connect adjacent units while keeping the adjacent seat side surfaces, seat top surfaces, and base side surfaces continuous. For example, the connectors for connecting adjacent units may consist of snap locks positioned across the connecting point 5.

[0072] Furthermore, the benches 1, 10, and 11 of the above embodiment are equipped with a top surface adjustment member 8 for adjusting the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b of adjacent units 1A and 1B at the connection point 5 so that they are at the same height. In this configuration, even though the benches 1, 10, and 11 are made up of multiple connected units 1A and 1B, the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b of the seat 2 can be formed flush with each other. This provides a good user experience, as the user does not feel any difference in height at the connection point 5 when sitting on the seat 2, and also creates an aesthetically pleasing bench.

[0073] Furthermore, the top surface adjustment member 8 is attached to the underside of the seat top surfaces 22a and 22b so as to straddle the connection point 5, and connects adjacent seat top surfaces 22a and 22b to each other. In this configuration, the adjustment member 8 is not exposed to the exterior of the benches 1, 10, and 11, thus preventing deterioration of the bench's appearance, and also allowing for a strong connection between adjacent seat top surfaces 22a and 22b.

[0074] [Optional accessories and their mounting configurations] Next, with reference to Figure 12, we will describe the table unit 9 that can be attached to bench 1. Figure 12 shows the table unit as an optional item, where (A) is a lower perspective view of the table unit, (B) is an enlarged perspective view of the connecting bracket, and (C) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the end unit in cross-section along the BB position in Figure 2(A).

[0075] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 12, the table unit 9 is provided so as to be attachable to the bench 1 by detachably fixing a connecting bracket 93, which is fixed to the lower end of a roughly L-shaped table support column 92 that supports the tabletop 91, to the underside 41 of the seat extension of the bench 1. The tabletop 91 is made of wood, such as plywood or MDF, and is connected to the table support column 92 by bolting to a metal plate tabletop bracket 94 fixed to the upper end of the table support column 92. Note that the shape of the tabletop 91 is not limited to a disc shape and can be changed as appropriate.

[0076] The table support column 92 is made of a metal pipe bent at approximately 90 degrees, and the upright straight section on the tabletop 91 side, which is positioned in a nearly vertical position to the side of the seat extension 4, is longer than the horizontal straight section (lower end side) which is positioned in a nearly horizontal position below the seat extension 4. A connecting bracket 93 with a cross-sectional shape of a nearly inverted Ω is fixed to the horizontal straight section of the table support column 92.

[0077] The connecting bracket 93 is made of metal and includes a pipe housing groove 93a with a substantially U-shaped cross-section that accommodates the horizontal straight portion of the table column 92, and a mounting flange portion 93b that extends outward from the upper end of the pipe housing groove 93a. The housing groove 93a is provided with a groove width and groove depth slightly larger than the outer diameter of the table column 92. The housing groove 93a and the table column 92 are connected so as not to move relative to each other, for example by welding.

[0078] Each of the pair of mounting flange portions 93b flanking the pipe housing groove portion 93a has a so-called "dagger hole" formed therein, consisting of a screw head insertion hole 93c and a screw shaft insertion hole 93d through which a mounting screw 95 for table mounting is inserted. The screw head insertion hole 93c is provided with a larger diameter than the head of the table mounting screw 95. The screw shaft insertion hole 93d is formed as a groove with a smaller diameter than the head of the mounting screw 95 but a larger diameter than the screw shaft, and is continuous with the screw head insertion hole 93c on the base end side of the horizontal straight section of the table support column 92.

[0079] Furthermore, the flange tip 93e of the mounting flange portion 93b (the end opposite to the base end of the horizontal straight section of the table support 92) protrudes further than the tip of the pipe housing groove portion 93a, on the opposite side from the base end of the horizontal straight section of the table support 92. The mounting flange portion 93b is provided in a flat plate shape so as to make surface contact with the lower surface 41 of the seat overhang portion 4 of the bench 1.

[0080] Bench 1 is provided with retaining slits 34 at the upper ends of the base side portions 31a, 31b and the base side end portion 33a of the base portion 3, into which the flange tip portion 93e of the connecting bracket 93 can be inserted. The retaining slits 34 are formed to be slightly larger in length than the outer width dimension of the pair of flange tip portions 93e. In this embodiment, there are three retaining slits 34 on each of the base side portions 31a, 31b and two on each of the base side end portions 33a. On the lower surface 41 of the seat extension portion 4 of the seat portion 2, a pair of embedded nuts 42 for screwing mounting screws 95 are embedded at each position outside the retaining slit 34. This makes it possible to select the mounting location of the table unit 9 to bench 1.

[0081] The table unit 9 can be attached to the bench 1 with the adjuster member 7 in contact with the floor surface, without having to turn the bench 1 sideways or upside down. When attaching the table unit 9 to the bench 1, the mounting screws 95 are screwed into each of the pair of embedded nuts 42 corresponding to the mounting position of the table unit 9, to the extent that a gap is formed between the screw head and the lower surface 41 of the seat protrusion.

[0082] With the table unit 9's top plate 91 facing upwards, the connecting bracket 93 is positioned below the lower surface 41 of the seat overhang, with the flange tip 93e facing the base unit 3. The table unit 9 is then lifted so that the screw heads of the mounting screws 95 attached to the lower surface 41 of the seat overhang are inserted into each of the pair of screw head insertion holes 93c of the connecting bracket 93. Next, the table support column 92 and the connecting bracket 93 are pushed toward the base unit 3 so that the flange tip 93e of the connecting bracket 93 fits into the retaining slit 34 of the base unit 3. As the flange tip 93e fits into the retaining slit 34, the screw shaft of the mounting screw 95 fits into the screw shaft insertion hole 93d of the connecting bracket 93, and the connecting bracket 93 is held in place so that it cannot fall onto the bench 1 or rotate horizontally.

[0083] Next, the mounting screw 95 is tightened to fix the mounting flange portion 93b to the lower surface 41 of the seat protrusion portion while making surface contact with it. At this time, the table support column 92 may be pushed toward the base portion 3 while tightening the mounting screw 95 so that the tip of the pipe housing groove portion 93a contacts the side surface of the base portion 3. This allows the connecting bracket 93 to be fixed to the lower surface 41 of the seat protrusion portion with the flange tip portion 93e securely fitted into the retaining slit 34.

[0084] In this manner, the flange tip 93e of the table unit 9 attached to the bench 1 is positioned within the retaining slit 34 of the base 3. This prevents the connecting bracket 93 from moving relative to the lower surface 41 of the seat extension not only by the fastening force of the mounting screws 95 but also by the flange tip 93e contacting the inner wall of the retaining slit 34 when an external force is applied, such as when a person comes into contact with the table unit 9. Therefore, rattling of the connecting bracket 93 and detachment from the lower surface 41 of the seat extension can be prevented more reliably.

[0085] In Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 12, one table unit 9 is attached to the bench 1, but it is also possible to attach multiple table units 9 to the bench 1 by selecting their attachment positions as appropriate. In addition, other optional members may be attached to the bench 1 using the retaining slits 34 and embedded nuts 42. It goes without saying that table units 9 can also be attached to the benches 10 and 11 of the second and third embodiments.

[0086] Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be embodied in various forms. The configuration of each part is not limited to the illustrated embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications (see notes, etc.) may be combined, and the configurations can be added, omitted, replaced, or otherwise modified.

[0087] For example, units 1A and 1B may be equipped with bottom covers that detachably close the openings on the bottom. Also, the seat side portions 21a and 21b, the seat top portions 22a and 22b, and the seat side end portions 23a and 23b of unit seats 2A and 2B may be equipped with cushioning material or upholstery or other surface material to cover their surfaces. In this case, each abutting end portion 24a, 24b, 23a, and 25b may or may not be covered with surface material. Also, seat 2 may be equipped with backrests and armrests provided on unit seats 2A and 2B. Also, the bench may have sides where the side portion of seat 2 and the side portion of base 3 are flush. In other words, in seat 2, the seat overhang portion 4 may be provided on only one, two, or three sides of the bench.

[0088] Furthermore, the planar shape of the seat portion 2 and the base portion 3 is not particularly limited; for example, they may be a rounded rectangle or have curved sides. Also, the left and right end units 1A, 1A are not limited to having the same structure; at least one of the end unit seat portion 2A and the end unit base portion 3A may have a different shape. In addition, the seat side portions 21a, 21b, the seat side end portion 23a, and the base side portions 31a, 31b, and the base side end portion 33a may be inclined with respect to the vertical plane, or may be curved or bent. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1,10,11 Bench 1A End Unit 1B Intermediate Unit 2 Seat part 2A End unit seat 2B Intermediate Unit Seat 3. Base section 3A End unit base section 3B Intermediate Unit Base 4. Seat protrusion 5 connection points 5A,5B Connecting surface part 6. Connectors 8. Top surface adjustment member 21a, 21b Seat side part 22a,22b Seat top part 23a Seat side end surface 24a, 24b Butt end faces of the seat side surfaces 25a, 25b Butt joint end faces of the seat top surface 31a, 31b Base side section 32a, 32b Butt end faces of the base side surfaces 33a Base side end face 41 Underside of the seat protrusion 61 volts 62 nuts

Claims

1. It comprises a base portion and a seat portion supported by the base portion, The aforementioned seat portion has a seat overhang that extends outward from the base portion, The seat portion and the base portion are a bench that is separably provided as two end units, each having a unit seat portion and a unit base portion, or two end units and one or more intermediate units. The end unit has the seat projection at one end in the longitudinal direction of the bench, and at the other end, the end of the unit seat and the end of the unit base are flush with each other. The intermediate unit is such that the ends of the unit seat and the ends of the unit base are flush with each other at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the bench. bench.

2. The unit is provided in a roughly box shape with a hollow interior, and includes a connecting surface provided near the connection point and inward relative to the seat side surface, seat top surface, and base side surface. The connecting surfaces of adjacent units are connected to each other by a connector. The bench according to claim 1.

3. In the aforementioned unit, the connecting surface is positioned inward in a direction away from the connecting point than the abutting end faces of the seat side surface, seat top surface, and base side surface. The bench according to claim 2.

4. At the connection point, a top surface adjustment member is provided to adjust the top surfaces of adjacent units so that they are at the same height. The bench according to claim 1.

5. The top surface adjustment member is attached to the lower surface of the seat top portion so as to straddle the connection point, and connects adjacent seat top portions. The bench according to claim 4.

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