Folding chair

Abstract

A folding chair having both an unfolded and a folded state is disclosed. [Solution] The folding chair includes an upper hinge base 11, a plurality of support legs 12, a lower hinge base located below the upper hinge base, and a plurality of upper support rods 14 whose lower ends are rotatably connected to the lower hinge base, the middle portion of each support leg being further connected to a corresponding upper support rod so as to rotate, when the folding chair is unfolded the lower ends of the plurality of support legs are extended relative to each other, the upper ends of the plurality of upper support rods are extended relative to each other, and the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base are connected directly or indirectly, when the folding chair is folded the lower ends of the plurality of support legs are close to each other, the upper ends of the plurality of upper support rods are close to each other, and the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base are separated from each other.

Description

Cross-reference to related patent applications

[0001] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. CN2022228370387, filed on October 27, 2022.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention belongs to the field of outdoor products and relates to folding chairs.

Background Art

[0003] Folding chairs are used in outdoor activities such as camping and picnics because they are foldable and easy to carry. Generally, a folding chair includes a foldable chair frame and a cloth cover disposed on the chair frame and unfolded on the chair frame to support the human body. Generally, the chair frame includes a plurality of rod members that are pivotally connected to enable relative deployment and folding. However, the current structure of folding chairs is complex and costly.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved folding chair that can simplify its structure and reduce costs on the premise of ensuring excellent structural stability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a folding chair having an unfolded state and a folded state, the folding chair including an upper hinge base, a plurality of support legs each having an upper end rotatably connected to the upper hinge base and a lower end for support on the ground, a lower hinge base located below the upper hinge base, and a plurality of upper support rods whose lower ends are rotatably connected to the lower hinge base, the middle portion of each support leg further rotatably connected to one corresponding upper support rod, the lower ends of the plurality of support legs are unfolded relative to each other and the upper ends of the plurality of upper support rods are unfolded relative to each other and the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base are connected directly or indirectly, the lower ends of the plurality of support legs are close to each other and the upper ends of the plurality of upper support rods are close to each other and the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base are separated from each other.

[0006] In one preferred embodiment, when the folding chair is unfolded, the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base are in contact with each other. However, no other intermediate connecting member is provided between the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base; the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base are in direct contact or connected, for example, inserted into each other.

[0007] In some embodiments, an insertion groove is provided on one of the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base, and an insertion part is provided on the other, and when the folding chair is in the unfolded state, the insertion part is inserted into the insertion groove, and when the folding chair is in the folded state, the insertion part is disengaged from the insertion groove.

[0008] In some embodiments, the middle portion of the upper hinge base includes a lower extending segment that extends downward, the insertion groove is provided in the lower extending segment, and the middle portion of the lower hinge base has an upper extending segment that extends upward, the insertion portion is formed at the upper end of the upper extending segment. When the folding chair is unfolded, the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base are close to each other, and the upper end of the upper extending segment is gradually inserted into the insertion groove of the lower extending segment. When the folding chair is folded, the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base are relatively separated, and the upper end of the upper extending segment gradually disengages from the insertion groove of the lower extending segment.

[0009] In one preferred embodiment, a connecting rod is provided on one of the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base, the other being detachably connected to the connecting rod, the connecting rod being connected between the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base when the folding chair is unfolded, and being separated from the upper hinge base or the lower hinge base when the folding chair is folded.

[0010] More preferably, the upper hinge base or the lower hinge base is provided with an insertion groove into which the connecting rod is inserted, and when the folding chair is in the unfolded state, one end of the connecting rod is inserted into the insertion groove, and when the folding chair is in the folded state, the connecting rod is disengaged from the insertion groove.

[0011] In one preferred embodiment, the lower hinge base comprises a first lower hinge section and a second lower hinge section, the first lower hinge section being higher than the second lower hinge section, and the plurality of upper support rods include a front support rod and a back support rod, the lower end of the front support rod being pivotably connected to the first lower hinge section, and the lower end of the back support rod being pivotably connected to the second lower hinge section. However, the first lower hinge section and the second lower hinge section are set in a staggered pattern (the first lower hinge section is higher than the second lower hinge section), the inclination angle of the back support rod is small (i.e., close to a vertical plane), so that the user's back is well supported, the inclination angle of the front support rod is large (i.e., close to a horizontal plane), the distance between the front support rod and the back support rod is large, making folding convenient and reducing the volume after folding, as well as being ergonomically compatible and improving the comfortable user experience. This design solves a common problem in conventional folding chairs: the angle of the back support bar cannot be set sufficiently rationally due to the limitations imposed by the folding volume requirements of the chair frame, resulting in poor comfort.

[0012] In one embodiment, the angle between the front support rod and the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle between the back support rod and the horizontal plane.

[0013] In one preferred embodiment, the plurality of support legs and the plurality of upper support rods are arranged in a staggered pattern, and only one of the first lower hinge portions or the second lower hinge portion is provided between two adjacent support legs.

[0014] In one preferred embodiment, the upper hinge base includes a plurality of upper hinge portions extending radially outward, the plurality of upper hinge portions being spaced apart along the circumferential direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the upper hinge portion is a hinge groove, and the hinge groove has an open lower side and an outer side.

[0016] In one preferred embodiment, in a plan view, the first lower hinge portion or the second lower hinge portion is located between two adjacent upper hinge portions.

[0017] In one preferred embodiment, the pattern formed by the orthogonal projections of the plurality of upper hinge bases in the horizontal plane is axially symmetric, and the pattern formed by the orthogonal projections of the first lower hinge portion and the second lower hinge portion in the horizontal plane is centrally symmetric and asymmetric.

[0018] In one preferred embodiment, each of the lower ends of the support legs is provided with a foot pad, the foot pad having a support surface, and when the folding chair is in the unfolded state, the support surfaces of each foot pad are located in the same plane.

[0019] In one preferred embodiment, the upper support rod includes a connecting sleeve, the connecting sleeve is connected to the support leg so as to rotate.

[0020] In one preferred embodiment, the front support rod, the back support rod, or the support leg is an extendable rod.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first lower hinge portion and / or the second lower hinge portion is a hinge groove, the hinge groove having an open upper and an outer side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the folding chair of the present invention, after unfolding, the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base are directly or indirectly connected, and after folding, the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base are separated from each other. This ensures excellent structural stability of the folding chair after unfolding, while further simplifying the structure and reducing costs.

[0023] To further clarify the technical concept of the present invention, the accompanying drawings that may be used in the description of the embodiments are briefly introduced below. However, the drawings described below represent only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without expending the effort required to demonstrate inventive step. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the folding chair according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when in the deployed state, where the front support bar, the backrest bar, and the support legs are not retracted. [Figure 2] Perspective view of the folding chair according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when in the deployed state, where the front support bar and the backrest bar are not retracted, and the support legs are retracted. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of the folding chair according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when in the deployed state. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the folding chair according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when in the folded state, where the support legs are not retracted. [Figure 5] Perspective view of the folding chair according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when in the folded state. [Figure 6] Perspective view of the folding chair according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention when in the deployed state, where the front support bar, the backrest bar, and the support legs are not retracted. [Figure 7] Perspective view of the folding chair according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention when in the deployed state, where the front support bar and the backrest bar are not retracted, and the support legs are retracted. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of the folding chair according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention when in the deployed state. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the folding chair according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention when in the folded state, where the support legs are not retracted.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, so that those skilled in the art can more easily understand the advantages and features of the present invention. Note that the description of these embodiments is used to understand the present invention, but does not limit the present invention. Also, regarding the technical features related to each embodiment of the present invention described below, if they do not conflict with each other, they can be combined with each other.

[0026] (Embodiment 1) Referring to Figures 1 to 5, this embodiment provides an outdoor folding chair having an unfolded state as shown in Figure 1 and a folded state as shown in Figure 5. The folding chair includes an upper hinge base 11, a plurality of support legs 12, a lower hinge base 13, and a plurality of upper support rods 14. The folding chair further includes a support fabric cover, which is connected to the plurality of upper support rods 14 and forms a seat portion for supporting the buttocks and a back support portion for supporting the back. When the folding chair is in the unfolded state, the fabric cover is spread out on the plurality of upper support rods 14 to support the human body.

[0027] Furthermore, the upper hinge base 11 includes a plurality of upper hinge portions 111 extending radially outward, and the plurality of upper hinge portions 111 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the upper hinge base 11. Each support leg 12 has an upper end 121 that is rotatably connected to the upper hinge base 11 and a lower end for support on the ground. Specifically, the upper hinge portion 111 is a hinge groove, which has an open lower side and an outer side, and is hinged to the support leg 12, with the upper end 121 of the support leg 12 being inserted into the hinge groove and hinged to each other. Here, the directional term "outer side" is defined with reference to the geometric center of the upper hinge base 11, and the side furthest from the geometric center of the upper hinge base 11 is considered the outer side.

[0028] The lower hinge base 13 is located below the upper hinge base 11, and the upper hinge base 11 and the lower hinge base 13 are connected directly or indirectly. In this embodiment, the upper hinge base 11 and the lower hinge base 13 are indirectly connected via the connecting rod 16 described below. The lower end of each upper support rod 14 is rotatably connected to the lower hinge base 13. The lower hinge base 13 is specifically a hinge groove, and the hinge base is hinged to the upper support rod 14 by having an open upper side and an outer side, in which the lower end of the upper support rod 12 is inserted into the hinge groove and hinged to each other. Here, the directional term "outer side" is defined with reference to the geometric center of the lower hinge base 13, with the side furthest from the geometric center of the lower hinge base 13 being the outer side.

[0029] The middle section of each support leg 12 is further connected to a corresponding upper support rod 14 so as to rotate, and the multiple support legs 12 and multiple upper support rods 14 are arranged in a staggered pattern. Specifically, the upper support rods 14 are equipped with connecting sleeves 143, and the support legs 12 are connected to the connecting sleeves 143 so as to rotate.

[0030] Furthermore, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the lower hinge base 13 comprises a first lower hinge portion 131 and a second lower hinge portion 132, the first lower hinge portion 131 being higher than the second lower hinge portion 132, and only one first lower hinge portion 131 or second lower hinge portion 132 is provided between two adjacent support legs 12, and in plan view, the first lower hinge portion 131 or second lower hinge portion 132 is located between two adjacent upper hinge portions 111.

[0031] The multiple upper support rods 14 consist of two front support rods 141 and two back support rods 142. The lower end of each front support rod 141 is connected to a first lower hinge portion 131 so as to rotate, and the lower end of each back support rod 142 is connected to a second lower hinge portion 132 so as to rotate. As a result, the inclination of the front support rods 141 is smaller than that of the back support rods 142, making it more ergonomically compliant and more comfortable when using the folding chair.

[0032] Furthermore, an upper storage groove is formed between any two adjacent upper hinge parts 111, and after the folding chair is folded, the upper support rod 14 approaches the upper hinge base 11 and is housed in the upper storage groove. Similarly, lower storage grooves are formed between adjacent first lower hinge parts 131, between adjacent second lower hinge parts 132, and between the first lower hinge part 131 and the second lower hinge part 132, and after the folding chair is folded, the support leg 12 approaches the upper hinge base 11 and is housed in the lower storage groove. In addition, the "connected to rotate" mentioned above specifically refers to a pivot connection.

[0033] Each support leg 12 is provided with a foot pad 17 at its lower end, and the foot pad 17 has a support surface 171. When the folding chair is unfolded, the support surfaces 171 of each foot pad 17 are located in the same plane.

[0034] Each front support bar 141, back support bar 142, or support leg 12 is an extendable bar. Specifically, referring to Figure 1, the front support bar 141 includes two bar members 15 that are fitted together and are relatively extendable, the back support bar 142 includes three bar members 15 that are fitted together and are relatively extendable, and the support leg 12 includes two bar members 15 that are fitted together and are relatively extendable, thereby allowing the folding chair to be adaptively adjusted in height and to reduce in volume after being folded and stored.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a connecting rod 16 is provided on one of the upper hinge base 11 and the lower hinge base 13, and the other is detachably connected to the connecting rod 16. Specifically, in this embodiment, the connecting rod 16 is provided on the upper hinge base 11, and the lower hinge base 13 is detachably connected to the connecting rod 16. The upper hinge base 11 or the lower hinge base 13 is provided with an insertion groove 133 into which the connecting rod 16 is inserted. Specifically, in this embodiment, the lower hinge base 13 is provided with an insertion groove 133, and the lower end of the connecting rod 16 is detachably inserted into the insertion groove 133.

[0036] When the folding chair is unfolded, the lower ends of the multiple support legs 12 are extended relative to each other, the upper ends of the multiple upper support rods 14 are extended relative to each other, and the connecting rod 16 is connected between the upper hinge base 11 and the lower hinge base 13, specifically the lower end of the connecting rod 16 is inserted into the insertion groove 133 of the lower hinge base 13. When the folding chair is folded, the lower ends of the multiple support legs 12 are close to each other, the upper ends of the multiple upper support rods 14 are close to each other, the connecting rod 16 and the lower hinge base 13 are separated from each other, and the upper hinge base 11 and the lower hinge base 13 are separated from each other, specifically the lower end of the connecting rod 16 is detached from the insertion groove 133 of the lower hinge base 13.

[0037] In this embodiment, there are four support legs 12 and four upper support rods 14. Both the upper support rods 14 and the support legs 12 are fitted together and equipped with a relatively extendable rod member 15. The folding chair has a small volume when extended and folded, resulting in a small package size. An upper hinge base 11 and a lower hinge base 13 are provided at the center of the folding chair to connect the support legs 12 and the upper support rods 14, respectively. Multiple support legs 12 and multiple upper support rods 14 are arranged to intersect, that is, one upper support rod 14 is housed between every two support legs 12, making efficient use of space. The chair is designed to be compact when folded, with a connecting rod 16 on the upper hinge base 11 and a detachable connection between the connecting rod 16 and the lower hinge base 13. When unfolded, the connecting rod 16 connects between the upper hinge base 11 and the lower hinge base 13, providing excellent structural stability. The first and second lower hinge sections are set in a staggered pattern, and the inclination angle of the back support bar is small (i.e., close to a vertical plane), allowing the user's back to be well supported. The inclination angle of the front support bar is large (i.e., close to a horizontal plane), increasing the distance between the front support bar and the back support bar, improving comfort.

[0038] The folding chair of this embodiment has a simple structure and low cost. When unfolded, the lower ends of the multiple support legs 12 are extended relative to each other, the upper ends of the multiple upper support rods 14 are extended relative to each other, and the connecting rod 16 is connected between the upper hinge base 11 and the lower hinge base 13. When the folding chair is moved from the unfolded state to the folded state, as the upper hinge base 11 is pulled upward, the support legs 12 and upper support rods 14 are turned over (as shown in Figure 4), and the rod members 15 of each support leg 12 and each upper support rod 14 are retracted to the state shown in Figure 5, reducing the volume after folding and storage.

[0039] (Embodiment 2) Referring to Figures 6 to 9, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that no rod members are used between the upper hinge base 11 and the lower hinge base 13, and they are directly connected; other parts are basically the same as Embodiment 1. Referring to Figures 6 to 9, the middle part of the upper hinge base 11 extends downward, the middle part of the lower hinge base 13 extends upward, and there are no other connecting members between the upper hinge base 11 and the lower hinge base 13 other than the multiple upper support rods 14 and the multiple support legs 12. When the folding chair is in the unfolded state shown in Figure 8, the upper hinge base 11 and the lower hinge base 13 are in contact with each other, more specifically, the upper hinge base 11 and the lower hinge base 13 are in contact with each other, and when the folding chair is in the folded state shown in Figure 9, the upper hinge base 11 and the lower hinge base 13 are separated from each other.

[0040] The middle section of the upper hinge base 11 is provided with a lower extending segment that extends downward, and the lower extending segment is provided with an insertion groove. The middle section of the lower hinge base 13 is provided with an upper extending segment that extends upward, and an insertion portion is formed at the upper end of the upper extending segment. When the folding chair is unfolded, the upper hinge base 11 and the lower hinge base 13 are close to each other, and the upper end of the upper extending segment is gradually inserted into the insertion groove of the lower extending segment. When the folding chair is folded, the upper hinge base 11 and the lower hinge base 13 are relatively far apart, and the upper end of the upper extending segment is gradually removed from the insertion groove of the lower extending segment. The height of the upper extending segment, the height of the lower extending segment, or the sum of the heights of both is all smaller than the retracted length of the upper support rod 14 or support leg 12.

[0041] As provided in this specification and claims, the terms “including” and “consisting of” simply indicate that the steps and elements described are included, and these steps and elements do not form an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may include other steps or elements. The terms “and / or” as used in this specification include any combination of one or more items relating to the specification.

[0042] Unless otherwise explicitly stated herein, the indefinite articles “one,” “one,” and “one kind” preceding an element or component in this specification are intended to describe, in a non-restrictive manner, the number of instances (i.e., occurrences) of the element or component. Accordingly, “one,” “one,” and “one kind” should be understood to include one or at least one, and the singular form of the element or component also includes the plural form.

[0043] Here, unless otherwise specified, when a feature is described as being "fixed" or "connected" to another feature, it may be directly fixed or indirectly fixed or connected to the other feature. Also, descriptions such as top, bottom, left, and right used in this invention simply describe the relative positions of the components of the invention in the drawings.

[0044] Furthermore, to ensure clarity, while terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe each piece of information, this information is not limited to these terms. These terms do not indicate a specific order or importance, but are simply used to distinguish information belonging to the same type from one another. In fact, expressions such as "first," "second," etc., are entirely rewritten. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information may be called second information, and similarly, second information may be called first information.

[0045] The above embodiments are used solely to illustrate the technical concept and features of the present invention and are preferred embodiments. The aim is to enable those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 11 Upper hinge base, 111 Upper hinge section, 12 Support leg, 121 Upper end, 13 Lower hinge base, 131 First lower hinge section, 132 Second lower hinge section, 133 Insertion groove, 14 Upper support rod, 141 Front support rod, 142 Back support rod, 143 Connecting sleeve, 15 Rod member, 16 Connecting rod, 17 Foot pad, 171 Support surface

Claims

1. A folding chair having both an unfolded state and a folded state, The aforementioned folding chair is Upper hinge base and Multiple support legs, each having an upper end rotatably connected to the upper hinge base and a lower end for support on the ground, A lower hinge base located below the upper hinge base, It includes a plurality of upper support rods, the lower ends of which are rotatably connected to the lower hinge base, and the support legs are telescopic rods, which can adjust the height of the folding chair. The middle portion of each support leg is further connected to a corresponding upper support rod so as to rotate, and when the folding chair is in the unfolded state, the lower ends of the plurality of support legs are extended relative to each other, the upper ends of the plurality of upper support rods are extended relative to each other, and the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base are connected directly or indirectly, and when the folding chair is in the folded state, the lower ends of the plurality of support legs are close to each other, the upper ends of the plurality of upper support rods are close to each other, and the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base are spaced apart from each other.

2. The folding chair according to claim 1, characterized in that each front support rod is fitted to each other and includes two rod members that are relatively extendable and retractable.

3. The front support bar and back support bar are telescopic bars. Each front support rod is fitted together and includes two rod members that are relatively extendable and retractable. The folding chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each back support bar is fitted to one another and includes three bar members that are relatively extendable and retractable.

4. The folding chair according to claim 1, characterized in that when the folding chair is in the unfolded state, the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base are in contact with each other.

5. The folding chair according to claim 4, characterized in that one of the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base is provided with an insertion groove, and the other is provided with an insertion part, wherein when the folding chair is in an unfolded state, the insertion part is inserted into the insertion groove, and when the folding chair is in a folded state, the insertion part is disengaged from the insertion groove.

6. The folding chair according to claim 5, characterized in that the intermediate portion of the upper hinge base is provided with a lower extending segment that extends downward, the insertion groove is provided in the lower extending segment, the intermediate portion of the lower hinge base is provided with an upper extending segment that extends upward, and the insertion portion is formed at the upper end of the upper extending segment.

7. A connecting rod is provided on one of the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base, and the other is detachably connected to the connecting rod, wherein the connecting rod is connected between the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base when the folding chair is in the unfolded state, as described in claim 1.

8. The folding chair according to claim 1, wherein the lower hinge base comprises a first lower hinge portion and a second lower hinge portion, the first lower hinge portion being higher than the second lower hinge portion, and the plurality of upper support rods include a front support rod and a back support rod, the lower end of the front support rod being connected to the first lower hinge portion so as to rotate, and the lower end of the back support rod being connected to the second lower hinge portion so as to rotate.

9. The folding chair according to claim 8, characterized in that the angle between the front support bar and the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle between the back support bar and the horizontal plane.

10. The folding chair according to claim 8, characterized in that the plurality of support legs and the plurality of front support rods are arranged in a staggered pattern, and only one of the first lower hinge parts or the second lower hinge part is provided between two adjacent support legs.

11. The folding chair according to claim 10, wherein the upper hinge base includes a plurality of upper hinge portions extending radially outward, the plurality of upper hinge portions are spaced apart along the circumferential direction, and in plan view, the first lower hinge portion or the second lower hinge portion is located between two adjacent upper hinge portions.

12. The folding chair according to claim 11, characterized in that the pattern formed from the orthogonal projections of a plurality of upper hinge bases on the horizontal plane is axially symmetric, and the pattern formed from the orthogonal projections of the first lower hinge portion and the second lower hinge portion on the horizontal plane is centrally symmetric and non-axially symmetric.

13. The folding chair according to claim 11, characterized in that the upper hinge portion is a hinge groove, and the hinge groove has an open lower side and an outer side.

14. The folding chair according to claim 8, wherein a foot pad is provided at the lower end of each support leg, the foot pad has a support surface, and when the folding chair is in the unfolded state, the support surfaces of each foot pad are located in the same plane.

15. The folding chair according to claim 8, characterized in that the upper support rod is provided with a connecting sleeve, and the connecting sleeve is connected to the support leg so as to rotate.

16. The folding chair according to claim 8, characterized in that the first lower hinge portion and / or the second lower hinge portion are hinge grooves, and the hinge grooves have an upper side and an outer side that are arranged to be open.

Images