Chair

Abstract

To provide a legless chair that can be used for more varieties of purposes.SOLUTION: A legless chair 100 that can be transformed into a full-flat form includes a first flat elastic part 1, a second flat elastic part 2, which is located on an X2 side of the first flat elastic part 1 and can tilt around a first axis A1 with respect to the first flat elastic part 1, a columnar elastic part 4 that can tilt around a second axis A2 with respect to the first flat elastic part 1 (base 1B), and a third flat elastic part 3, which is located on an X1 side of the first flat elastic part and can tilt around a third axis A3 with respect to the columnar elastic part 4. The second flat elastic part 2 is connected to the first flat elastic part 1, the columnar elastic part 4 is connected to the first flat elastic part 1 (base 1B) at the end of the X2 side, and the end on the X1 side is connected to the third flat elastic part 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a chair. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a chair is known that is provided with an arm support portion that includes a portion that supports the upper arm of a user and a portion that supports the forearm of the user (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-58230 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned chair is configured so that the angles of the portion supporting the user's upper arms and the portion supporting the user's forearms can be adjusted separately.

[0005] However, the above-mentioned chair is only configured to allow the user to assume a comfortable seating position when operating a smartphone or reading, and is not suitable for use for other purposes.

[0006] It is therefore desirable to provide a chair that can be used for a greater variety of purposes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A chair according to an embodiment of the present invention is a chair that can be transformed into a full flat form that is a first rectangular parallelepiped that is substantially rectangular in plan view, and has a first flat elastic part, a second flat elastic part that is arranged on one end side of the first flat elastic part in the longitudinal direction of the rectangle in the full flat form and can be tilted around a first axis relative to the first flat elastic part, a columnar elastic part that can be tilted around a second axis relative to the first flat elastic part, and a third flat elastic part that is arranged on the other end side of the first flat elastic part in the longitudinal direction in the full flat form and can be tilted around a third axis relative to the columnar elastic part, wherein the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are parallel axes that extend along the short direction of the rectangle in the full flat form, and the second flat elastic part is connected to the first flat elastic part, and one end of the columnar elastic part is connected to the first flat elastic part and the other end is connected to the third flat elastic part via an angle adjustment mechanism, and the angle adjustment mechanism is In a state in which the columnar elastic portion is inclined with respect to the first flat elastic portion, The columnar elastic portion and the third flat elastic portion are configured so that their bottom surfaces can be locked in a parallel state. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The chair described above can be used in many different ways. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the chair according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of a chair according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the chair according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the chair according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the chair according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of a chair according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a right side view of the chair according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a chair 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a right side view of the chair 100. Fig. 2 is a top view of the chair 100.

[0011] In FIG. 1, X1 represents one direction of the X-axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X-axis. Y1 represents one direction of the Y-axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction of the Y-axis. Similarly, Z1 represents one direction of the Z-axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z-axis. In FIG. 1, the X1 side of the chair 100 corresponds to the front side (front side) of the chair 100, and the X2 side of the chair 100 corresponds to the rear side (back side) of the chair 100. The Y1 side of the chair 100 corresponds to the left side of the chair 100, and the Y2 side of the chair 100 corresponds to the right side of the chair 100. The Z1 side of the chair 100 corresponds to the upper side of the chair 100, and the Z2 side of the chair 100 corresponds to the lower side of the chair 100. The same applies to other members in other figures.

[0012] The chair 100 is configured to be able to change into a number of configurations, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The number of configurations includes a chair configuration, a transport configuration, and a full-flat configuration. The upper view of Figure 1 is a right side view of the chair 100 in the chair configuration, the middle view of Figure 1 is a right side view of the chair 100 in the transport configuration, and the lower view of Figure 1 is a right side view of the chair 100 in the full-flat configuration.

[0013] The seat form is the form of the seat 100 when it is used as a seat. The transport form is the form of the seat 100 during transport. The full flat form is the form of the seat 100 when it is used as a mattress.

[0014] Specifically, the chair 100 is constructed by attaching a cushioning material (elastic member) made of resin fiber, urethane foam, or the like to a structural material (frame) made of metal or the like. In other words, the structural material is embedded in the cushioning material. In the illustrated example, the cushioning material attached to the structural material is covered with an upholstery material (covering material) made of polyester.

[0015] More specifically, the chair 100 includes a first flat elastic portion 1, a second flat elastic portion 2, a third flat elastic portion 3, and a columnar elastic portion 4. In the chair form, the first flat elastic portion 1 functions as a seat portion, and the second flat elastic portion 2 functions as a backrest portion. In the chair form shown in the upper diagram of Fig. 1, the chair 100 is configured such that the third flat elastic portion 3 functions as a table portion, an armrest portion, a legrest portion, or a headrest portion.

[0016] In the illustrated example, the chair 100 is configured to be in a fully flat form that is a substantially rectangular first rectangular parallelepiped in plan view (top view) as shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. That is, in the fully flat form, the chair 100 is configured to occupy substantially the same volume as a first rectangular parallelepiped having a width W1, a length L1, and a height H1. In the illustrated example, the width W1 is 49 cm, the length L1 is 158 cm, and the height H1 is 11 cm.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 2, the first flat elastic part 1 includes a base 1B and a pair of overhanging parts 1T overhanging forward (in the X1 direction) from the base 1B, and has an overall width W1, length L11, and height H1. The pair of overhanging parts 1T includes a left front overhanging part 1TL overhanging forward from the left front end part of the base 1B, and a right front overhanging part 1TR overhanging forward from the right front end part of the base 1B. In Fig. 2, for clarity, cross patterns are applied to the left front overhanging part 1TL and the right front overhanging part 1TR.

[0018] The left front overhanging portion 1TL has a width W11 and a length L12, the right front overhanging portion 1TR has a width W12 and a length L12, and the base portion 1B has a width W1 and a length L13.

[0019] Between the left front overhang 1TL and the right front overhang 1TR, as shown in the upper and middle diagrams of FIG. 1, a concave cutout CU is formed that opens toward the front end side (X1 side) of the first flat elastic part 1 and can accommodate at least a part of the columnar elastic part 4. In the illustrated example, the concave cutout CU is a rectangular parallelepiped space having approximately the same volume as the columnar elastic part 4, and is configured to accommodate the entire columnar elastic part 4. Specifically, the columnar elastic part 4 and the concave cutout CU each have a width W13, a length L12, and a height H1. In addition, in the illustrated example, the left front overhang 1TL, the right front overhang 1TR, and the columnar elastic part 4 have approximately the same size. That is, the width W11 of the left front overhang 1TL, the width W12 of the right front overhang 1TR, and the width W13 of the columnar elastic part 4 are the same. The columnar elastic portion 4 may be configured so that its height is slightly lower than the height of each of the left front overhang portion 1TL and the right front overhang portion 1TR.

[0020] 2, the columnar elastic portion 4 is provided on the front end side (X1 side) of the base 1B of the first flat elastic portion 1, and has an overall width W13, length L13, and height H1. The columnar elastic portion 4 is configured so as to be inclined with respect to the first flat elastic portion 1. The columnar elastic portion 4 has one end (rear end (end on the X2 side)) connected to the first flat elastic portion 1, and the other end (front end (end on the X1 side)) connected to the third flat elastic portion 3.

[0021] 2, the second flat elastic part 2 is connected to the rear end side (X2 side) of the first flat elastic part 1 and has an overall width W1, length L12, and height H1. The second flat elastic part 2 is configured to be inclinable with respect to the first flat elastic part 1.

[0022] Specifically, the second flat elastic portion 2 includes a proximal elastic portion 2P located closer to the first flat elastic portion 1, and a distal elastic portion 2D located farther from the first flat elastic portion 1 than the proximal elastic portion 2P. In FIG. 2, for clarity, a cross pattern is applied to the proximal elastic portion 2P.

[0023] The proximal elastic part 2P is provided on the front end side (X1 side) of the distal elastic part 2D, and has a width W1 and a length L21. The distal elastic part 2D is provided on the rear end side (X2 side) of the proximal elastic part 2P, and has a width W1 and a length L22. The distal elastic part 2D is configured to be inclined relative to the proximal elastic part 2P. In the illustrated example, the distal elastic part 2D is configured so that a portion close to the rear end side (X2 side) is raised compared to other portions so as to support the head of a user of the chair 100.

[0024] 2, the third flat elastic portion 3 is disposed on the front end side (X1 side) of the pair of overhanging portions 1T of the first flat elastic portion 1, and has an overall width W1, length L13, and height H1. The third flat elastic portion 3 is configured to be inclined relative to the columnar elastic portion 4.

[0025] In the illustrated example, the third flat elastic portion 3 is configured so that its length L13 is shorter than the length L12 of the columnar elastic portion 4. That is, the third flat elastic portion 3 is configured so that its length L13 is shorter than the length L12 of the pair of protruding portions 1T of the first flat elastic portion 1. However, the third flat elastic portion 3 may be configured so that its length L13 is longer than the length L12 of the columnar elastic portion 4.

[0026] Specifically, the third flat elastic portion 3 includes a central portion 3C whose rear end is connected to the columnar elastic portion 4, a left protruding portion 3L protruding leftward (Y1 direction) from the left end portion of the central portion 3C, and a right protruding portion 3R protruding rightward (Y2 direction) from the right end portion of the central portion 3C.

[0027] The left protrusion 3L has a width W11 and a length L13, the right protrusion 3R has a width W12 and a length L13, and the central portion 3C has a width W13 and a length L13. In the illustrated example, the left protrusion 3L, the right protrusion 3R, and the central portion 3C have approximately the same size. That is, the width W11 of the left protrusion 3L, the width W12 of the right protrusion 3R, and the width W13 of the central portion 3C are the same.

[0028] Next, a method of deforming the chair 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a right side view of the chair 100 in various forms. Specifically, the top view of FIG. 3 is a right side view of the chair 100 in the full flat form. The second view from the top of FIG. 3 is a right side view of the chair 100 when the second flat elastic part 2 of the chair 100 in the full flat form is being raised. The third view from the top of FIG. 3 is a right side view of the chair 100 when the third flat elastic part 3 and the columnar elastic part 4 are raised together after the second flat elastic part 2 is raised. The fourth view from the top of FIG. 3 is a right side view of the chair 100 when the third flat elastic part 3 and the columnar elastic part 4 are raised together, the third flat elastic part 3 is tilted to the opposite side relative to the columnar elastic part 4, and the third flat elastic part 3 is further raised again relative to the columnar elastic part 4. The operation of tilting the third flat elastic part 3 to the opposite side relative to the columnar elastic part 4 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. The fifth figure from the top in Fig. 3 is a right side view of the chair 100 when the distal elastic part 2D is reclined relative to the proximal elastic part 2P. The bottom figure in Fig. 3 is a right side view of the chair 100 after the distal elastic part 2D is reclined relative to the proximal elastic part 2P. The four figures between the top and bottom figures in Fig. 3 are all right side views of the chair 100 in the chair form, and the bottom figure in Fig. 3 is a right side view of the chair 100 in the transport form.

[0029] More specifically, as shown in the second top diagram of FIG. 3, the second flat elastic part 2 is configured to be inclined around the first axis A1 relative to the first flat elastic part 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the first axis A1 is provided between one end (rear end (end on the X2 side)) of the first flat elastic part 1 in the full flat form and the other end (front end (end on the X1 side)) of the second flat elastic part 2, so as to extend along the short side direction (Y axis direction) of the chair 100 in the full flat form. In the illustrated example, the chair 100 is configured to be able to adjust the angle α between the first plane PL1 and the second plane PL2 by a first angle adjustment mechanism that is embedded inside the chair 100 and therefore invisible. The first plane PL1 is a virtual plane that includes the first axis A1 and is parallel to the bottom surface of the first flat elastic part 1. The second plane PL2 is a virtual plane that includes the first axis A1 and is parallel to the bottom surface of the second flat elastic part 2.

[0030] In the illustrated example, the first angle adjustment mechanism is configured by a ratchet mechanism including a torsion coil spring. A user of the chair 100 can raise the second flat elastic part 2 stepwise in the direction indicated by the arrow AR1 (clockwise direction when viewed from the right side) relative to the first flat elastic part 1. In the illustrated example, the maximum adjustment angle, which is the maximum value of the angle α, is 75 degrees, and the user can adjust the angle α in 14 steps.

[0031] As shown in the third diagram from the top of FIG. 3, the columnar elastic part 4 is configured to be inclined around the second axis A2 with respect to the first flat elastic part 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the second axis A2 is provided between the other end (front end (end on the X1 side)) of the first flat elastic part 1 in the full flat form and one end (rear end (end on the X2 side)) of the columnar elastic part 4, so as to extend along the short side direction (Y axis direction) of the chair 100 in the full flat form. In the illustrated example, the chair 100 is configured to be able to adjust the angle β between the first plane PL1 and the third plane PL3 by a second angle adjustment mechanism that is embedded inside the chair 100 and therefore invisible. The third plane PL3 is a virtual plane that includes the second axis A2 and is parallel to the bottom surface of the columnar elastic part 4. The second axis A2 is also included in the first plane PL1.

[0032] In the illustrated example, the second angle adjustment mechanism is configured by a ratchet mechanism including a torsion coil spring. A user of the chair 100 can raise the columnar elastic part 4 stepwise in the direction indicated by the arrow AR2 (counterclockwise direction when viewed from the right side) relative to the first flat elastic part 1. In the illustrated example, the maximum adjustment angle, which is the maximum value of the angle β, is 70 degrees, and the user can adjust the angle β in 14 steps.

[0033] As shown in the fourth diagram from the top in FIG. 3, the third flat elastic part 3 is configured to be inclined around the third axis A3 with respect to the columnar elastic part 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the third axis A3 is provided between the other end (front end (end on the X1 side)) of the columnar elastic part 4 in the full flat form and one end (rear end (end on the X2 side)) of the third flat elastic part 3, so as to extend along the short side direction (Y axis direction) of the chair 100 in the full flat form. In the illustrated example, the chair 100 is configured to be able to adjust the angle γ between the third plane PL3 and the fourth plane PL4 by a third angle adjustment mechanism that is embedded inside the chair 100 and therefore invisible. The fourth plane PL4 is a virtual plane that includes the third axis A3 and is parallel to the bottom surface of the third flat elastic part 3. The third axis A3 is also included in the third plane PL3.

[0034] In the illustrated example, the third angle adjustment mechanism is configured by a ratchet mechanism including a torsion coil spring. A user of the chair 100 can raise the third flat elastic portion 3 stepwise in the direction indicated by the arrow AR3 (counterclockwise when viewed from the right side) relative to the columnar elastic portion 4. In the illustrated example, the maximum adjustment angle, which is the maximum value of the angle γ, is 75 degrees, and the user can adjust the angle γ in 14 steps.

[0035] As shown in the fifth diagram from the top of FIG. 3, the distal elastic portion 2D of the second flat elastic portion 2 is configured to be inclined around the fourth axis A4 relative to the proximal elastic portion 2P of the second flat elastic portion 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the fourth axis A4 is provided between the other end (front end (end on the X1 side)) of the distal elastic portion 2D in the full flat form and one end (rear end (end on the X2 side)) of the proximal elastic portion 2P, so as to extend along the short side direction (Y axis direction) of the chair 100 in the full flat form. In the illustrated example, the chair 100 is configured to be able to adjust the angle δ between the second plane PL2 and the fifth plane PL5 by a fourth angle adjustment mechanism that is embedded inside the chair 100 and therefore invisible. The fifth plane PL5 is a virtual plane that includes the fourth axis A4 and is parallel to the bottom surface of the distal elastic portion 2D. The fourth axis A4 is also included in the second plane PL2.

[0036] In the illustrated example, the fourth angle adjustment mechanism is configured by a mechanism including a hinge. The hinge is, for example, a torque hinge. A user of the chair 100 can tilt the distal elastic part 2D in the direction indicated by the arrow AR4 (clockwise direction when viewed from the right side) relative to the proximal elastic part 2P. In the illustrated example, the maximum adjustment angle, which is the maximum value of the angle δ, is 105 degrees. The fourth angle adjustment mechanism may be configured to be able to lock the angle δ. In this case, the user can lock the angle δ when the angle δ reaches the maximum adjustment angle, for example. The fourth angle adjustment mechanism may be configured by a ratchet mechanism, similar to the first angle adjustment mechanism to the third angle adjustment mechanism.

[0037] The first axis A1, the second axis A2, the third axis A3, and the fourth axis A4 are parallel axes extending along the short side direction (Y-axis direction) of the chair 100 in the full flat form, as shown in Fig. 2. For clarity, the first axis A1, the second axis A2, the third axis A3, and the fourth axis A4 are indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 2.

[0038] Next, with reference to Figs. 4 and 5, an operation for changing the chair 100 from a non-fully flat state to a fully flat state will be described. Figs. 4 and 5 are right side views of the chair 100. Specifically, Fig. 4 shows how the third flat elastic part 3 and the columnar elastic part 4 are operated by the user so that the chair 100 in the chair form changes to a fully flat state. Fig. 5 shows how the distal elastic part 2D and the proximal elastic part 2P of the second flat elastic part 2 are operated by the user so that the chair 100 in the transportation form changes to a fully flat state. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the third flat elastic part 3 and the columnar elastic part 4 have already been tilted by the user so as to be parallel to the floor surface.

[0039] As shown in the top diagram of FIG. 4, the user of the chair 100 further raises the third flat elastic part 3 in the direction indicated by the arrow AR11 (counterclockwise direction when viewed from the right side), which is raised so that the angle γ (see FIG. 3) between the third plane PL3 (a virtual plane parallel to the bottom surface of the columnar elastic part 4) and the fourth plane PL4 (a virtual plane parallel to the bottom surface of the third flat elastic part 3) becomes approximately zero, that is, so that the bottom surface of the columnar elastic part 4 and the bottom surface of the third flat elastic part 3 become approximately parallel. When the third flat elastic part 3 is released after being further raised around the third axis A3 relative to the columnar elastic part 4, it falls in the clockwise direction when viewed from the right side, as indicated by the dashed arrow AR12 in the second diagram from the top of FIG. 4. This is because the ratchet mechanism is unlocked by the torsion coil spring, and the torsion coil spring urges the chair 100 in the clockwise direction. In this way, the user can deform the chair 100 so that the angle γ becomes the maximum adjustment angle.

[0040] Also, as shown in the third diagram from the top in Fig. 4, a user of the chair 100 can raise the third flat elastic portion 3 stepwise in the direction indicated by the arrow AR3 (counterclockwise direction when viewed from the right side) relative to the columnar elastic portion 4. Note that the third diagram from the top in Fig. 4 is the same as the fourth diagram from the top in Fig. 3.

[0041] Also, as shown in the fourth diagram from the top of FIG. 4, the user of the chair 100 further tilts the columnar elastic part 4, which is tilted to form an angle β (see FIG. 3) with respect to the first flat elastic part 1, in the direction indicated by the arrow AR13 (counterclockwise direction when viewed from the right side) beyond the maximum adjustment angle of the angle β. When the columnar elastic part 4 is released after being further tilted beyond the maximum adjustment angle of the angle β, it falls in the clockwise direction when viewed from the right side as indicated by the dashed arrow AR14 in the bottom diagram of FIG. 4. This is because the ratchet mechanism by the torsion coil spring is unlocked and the torsion coil spring biases the chair in the clockwise direction. In this way, the user can deform the chair 100 so that the bottom surface of the columnar elastic part 4, the bottom surface of the third flat elastic part 3, and the bottom surface of the first flat elastic part 1 are approximately parallel to each other.

[0042] Also, as shown in the topmost diagram of FIG. 5, the user of the chair 100 raises the distal elastic part 2D, which is inclined to form an angle δ (see FIG. 3) with respect to the proximal elastic part 2P, to the state shown in the third diagram from the top of FIG. 5. If the fourth angle adjustment mechanism is configured to lock the angle δ at the maximum adjustment angle, the distal elastic part 2D may be configured to rise in the counterclockwise direction as viewed from the right side as shown by the dashed arrow AR22 in the third diagram from the top of FIG. 5 when released after being further tilted beyond the maximum adjustment angle of the angle δ. That is, the fourth angle adjustment mechanism may be configured to include a biasing means such as a torsion coil spring. In this case, the user further tilts the distal elastic part 2D with respect to the proximal elastic part 2P beyond the maximum adjustment angle of the angle δ in the direction shown by the arrow AR21 in the second diagram from the top of FIG. 5 (clockwise direction as viewed from the right side). This is because the angle δ is unlocked and the distal elastic part 2D is biased in the counterclockwise direction by a biasing means such as a torsion coil spring. In this way, the user can deform the chair 100 so that the bottom surface of the proximal elastic part 2P and the bottom surface of the distal elastic part 2D are approximately parallel to each other.

[0043] Also, as shown in the third figure from the top of FIG. 5, the user of the chair 100 further tilts the proximal elastic part 2P, which is tilted to form an angle α (see FIG. 3) with respect to the first flat elastic part 1, in the direction indicated by the arrow AR23 in the fourth figure from the top of FIG. 5 (clockwise direction when viewed from the right side) beyond the maximum adjustment angle of the angle α. When the proximal elastic part 2P is released after being further tilted beyond the maximum adjustment angle of the angle α, it falls in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the right side as indicated by the dashed arrow AR24 in the bottom figure of FIG. 5. This is because the ratchet mechanism is unlocked by the torsion coil spring, and the torsion coil spring biases the proximal elastic part 2P in the counterclockwise direction. In this way, the user can deform the chair 100 so that the bottom surface of the proximal elastic part 2P, the bottom surface of the distal elastic part 2D, and the bottom surface of the first flat elastic part 1 are approximately parallel to each other.

[0044] In this way, the user of the chair 100 can deform the chair 100 so that the bottom surface of the proximal elastic portion 2P, the bottom surface of the distal elastic portion 2D, the bottom surface of the first flat elastic portion 1, the bottom surface of the columnar elastic portion 4, and the bottom surface of the third flat elastic portion 3 are approximately parallel to each other. In other words, the user of the chair 100 can deform the chair 100 so that the chair 100, which is not in a full flat form, becomes in a full flat form.

[0045] Next, the cushion 5 selectively attached to the chair 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the chair 100. Specifically, the upper view of Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the chair 100 before the cushion 5 is attached. The middle view of Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the chair 100 after the cushion 5 is attached to the upper surface of the proximal elastic part 2P. The lower view of Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the chair 100 after the cushion 5 is attached to the upper surface of the distal elastic part 2D.

[0046] The cushion 5 includes a main body portion 5M and a band portion 5B. The main body portion 5M is made by stuffing a soft material such as wool, feathers, polyester fiber, nonwoven fabric, paper, or urethane foam into a cloth bag. The band portion 5B is a member for attaching the main body portion 5M to the chair 100. In the illustrated example, the band portion 5B is composed of a pair of cloth-like members having hook-and-loop fasteners such as Velcro (registered trademark) at their tips. The base ends of each of the pair of cloth-like members are sewn to the main body portion 5M. However, the band portion 5B may be a single cloth-like member made of a stretchable material such as rubber. In this case, both ends of the single cloth-like member may be sewn to the main body portion 5M.

[0047] In the example shown in the middle diagram of Fig. 6, the cushion 5 attached to the upper surface of the proximal elastic part 2P functions as a lumbar support, and in the example shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 6, the cushion 5 attached to the upper surface of the distal elastic part 2D functions as a head rest.

[0048] In the illustrated example, the main body 5M of the cushion 5 is configured so that its width is approximately the same as the width W1 (see FIG. 2) of the chair 100. Therefore, the cushion 5 may be attached to a position other than the illustrated position (the upper surface of the proximal elastic part 2P or the upper surface of the distal elastic part 2D). For example, the cushion 5 may be attached to the upper surface of the first flat elastic part 1 or the upper surface of the third flat elastic part 3.

[0049] Next, referring to FIG. 7, examples of various forms of the chair 100 used for various purposes will be described. FIG. 7 is a right side view of the chair 100 used for various purposes. Specifically, the topmost figure in FIG. 7 shows the form of the chair 100 adopted when the user of the chair 100 handles a book, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a game console, a keyboard, or the like on the third flat elastic part 3 functioning as a table part (hereinafter referred to as the "first chair form"). That is, the topmost figure in FIG. 7 shows the first chair form of the chair 100 adopted when the user reads, plays games, types, or the like. The second figure from the top in FIG. 7 shows the form of the chair 100 adopted when the user sits with his / her legs stretched out (hereinafter referred to as the "second chair form"). The third figure from the top in FIG. 7 shows the form of the chair 100 adopted when the user sits with his / her legs resting on the third flat elastic part 3 functioning as a leg rest part (hereinafter referred to as the "third chair form"). The fourth diagram from the top in Fig. 7 shows the form of the chair 100 (full flat form) that is adopted when the user lies down (sleep) with the whole body stretched out. The bottom diagram in Fig. 7 shows the form of the chair 100 (hereinafter referred to as "semi-flat form") that is adopted when the user lies down with the head placed on the third flat elastic portion 3 that functions as a headrest.

[0050] In the first chair form, as shown in the top diagram of Fig. 7, the user of the chair 100 can bring his / her back (back part) into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the second flat elastic part 2 and his / her buttocks (buttocks) into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the base part 1B of the first flat elastic part 1. In addition, the user can bring his / her left thigh (left thigh part) and left calf (left calf part) into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the left front overhang part 1TL of the first flat elastic part 1 and his / her right thigh (right thigh part) and right calf (right calf part) into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the right front overhang part 1TR of the first flat elastic part 1 with the columnar elastic part 4 between his / her legs.

[0051] In the example shown in the top diagram of Fig. 7, the cushion 5 is attached to the distal elastic portion 2D of the second flat elastic portion 2. Therefore, the user can bring the neck (cervical portion) into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the cushion 5. The same is true for the examples shown in the second and third diagrams from the top of Fig. 7.

[0052] 7, the third flat elastic portion 3 functions as a table portion, but may also function as an elbow rest portion. In this case, the user can operate a smartphone or the like in a position where both elbows are in contact with the upper surface (front surface) of the third flat elastic portion 3 (a position where the user is leaning forward while sitting).

[0053] In the illustrated example, the first flat elastic portion 1 has a length L12 (see FIG. 2) of the pair of overhanging portions 1T set so that the user can have the heels of both feet extend forward from the front ends (ends on the X1 side) of the pair of overhanging portions 1T in the first chair form. Therefore, compared with a case in which the length L12 is set longer so that the heels of both feet of the user do not extend from the front ends of the pair of overhanging portions 1T, the user can relatively easily assume a posture in which the user bends forward while sitting. This is because the knees and chest can be prevented from coming too close. Note that, in a configuration in which the length L12 is set longer so that the heels of both feet of the user do not extend from the front ends of the pair of overhanging portions 1T, the user (especially a user with a stiff body) may feel resistance (feel pain) in assuming a posture in which the user bends forward while sitting. This is because the knees and chest may come too close.

[0054] 7, the user of the chair 100 can bring his / her back (dorsal region) into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the second flat elastic portion 2 and his / her buttocks (buttocks) into contact with the surface of the base portion 1B of the first flat elastic portion 1. The user can also bring his / her left thigh (left thigh) and left calf (left calf region) into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the left front overhang portion 1TL of the first flat elastic portion 1 and his / her right thigh (right thigh) and right calf (right calf region) into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the right front overhang portion 1TR of the first flat elastic portion 1. In addition, the user can contact the left calf (left calf area) with the upper surface (surface) of the left protruding portion 3L of the third flat elastic portion 3, and the right calf (right calf area) with the upper surface (surface) of the right protruding portion 3R of the third flat elastic portion 3.

[0055] Therefore, in the second chair form, the user can lie down on the chair 100 with his / her lower body lying down with his / her feet shoulder-width apart.

[0056] 7, the user of the chair 100 can bring his / her back into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the second flat elastic part 2 and his / her buttocks into contact with the surface of the base part 1B of the first flat elastic part 1. The user can also bring his / her left thigh (left thigh) and left calf (left calf) into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the left protruding part 3L of the third flat elastic part 3 and his / her right thigh (right thigh) and right calf (right calf) into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the right protruding part 3R of the third flat elastic part 3.

[0057] Therefore, in the third chair form, a user can lie down on the chair 100 with his / her feet shoulder-width apart and his / her knees raised up.

[0058] 7, the user of the chair 100 can bring his / her back (back part) into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the second flat elastic part 2 and his / her buttocks (buttocks) into contact with the surface of the base part 1B of the first flat elastic part 1. The user can also bring his / her left thigh (left thigh) and left calf (left calf part) into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the left front overhang part 1TL of the first flat elastic part 1 and his / her right thigh (right thigh) and right calf (right calf part) into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the right front overhang part 1TR of the first flat elastic part 1. Also, the user can bring the left calf (left calf region) into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the left protruding portion 3L of the third flat elastic portion 3, and the right calf (right calf region) into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the right protruding portion 3R of the third flat elastic portion 3. In the example shown in the fourth diagram from the top in Fig. 7, the cushion 5 is attached to the distal elastic portion 2D of the second flat elastic portion 2. In this case, the user can bring the head into contact with the upper surface (surface) of the cushion 5.

[0059] Therefore, in the full flat form, the user can lie down entirely on the chair 100 with his / her feet shoulder-width apart.

[0060] In the semi-flat form, as shown in the bottom diagram of Fig. 7, the user of the chair 100 can bring his / her back into contact with the upper surfaces (surfaces) of the base 1B of the first flat elastic part 1 and the columnar elastic part 4, and can bring his / her buttocks into contact with the respective surfaces of the base 1B of the first flat elastic part 1 and the proximal elastic part 2P of the second flat elastic part 2. The user can also bring his / her thighs (thighs) and calves (calves) into contact with the upper surfaces (surfaces) of the distal elastic part 2D of the second flat elastic part 2. The user can also bring his / her head into contact with the central part 3C of the third flat elastic part 3.

[0061] Therefore, in the semi-flat form, the user can lie down on the chair 100 with his / her feet shoulder-width apart and his / her head raised (slightly upright).

[0062] As described above, the seat 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be transformed into a full flat form that is a first rectangular parallelepiped (a rectangular parallelepiped with a width W1, a length L1, and a depth D1) that is substantially rectangular in plan view, as shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 1. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the seat 100 has a first flat elastic part 1, a second flat elastic part 2 that is provided on one end side (rear side (X2 side)) of the first flat elastic part 1 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the rectangle in the full flat form and can be tilted (rocked) around the first axis A1 relative to the first flat elastic part 1, a columnar elastic part 4 that can be tilted (rocked) around the second axis A2 relative to the first flat elastic part 1, and a third flat elastic part 3 that is provided on the other end side (front side (X1 side)) of the first flat elastic part 1 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) in the full flat form and can be tilted (rocked) around the third axis A3 relative to the columnar elastic part 4. The first axis A1, the second axis A2, and the third axis A3 are parallel axes extending along the short side direction (Y-axis direction) of the rectangle in the full flat form. The first flat elastic part 1 may have a concave cutout part CU that opens to the other end side (front side (X1 side)) of the first flat elastic part 1 and can accommodate at least a part of the columnar elastic part 4. The second flat elastic part 2 is connected to the first flat elastic part 1. The columnar elastic part 4 has one end (rear end (end on the X2 side)) connected to the first flat elastic part 1 and the other end (front end (end on the X1 side)) connected to the third flat elastic part 3. In the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the first flat elastic part 1, the second flat elastic part 2, the third flat elastic part 3, and the columnar elastic part 4 are covered by the same upholstery material (cover material) made of polyester or the like.

[0063] This configuration provides the effect that the chair 100 can be used for many different purposes. For example, the chair 100 in the first chair form (see the topmost diagram in FIG. 7) can be used as a chair (gaming chair) for playing computer games. Alternatively, the chair 100 in the second chair form (see the second diagram from the top in FIG. 7) or the third chair form (see the third diagram from the top in FIG. 7) can be used as a chair for watching television. Alternatively, the chair 100 in the full flat form (see the fourth diagram from the top in FIG. 7) or the semi-flat form (see the bottommost diagram in FIG. 7) can be used as a mattress for taking a nap.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 1 and Figure 2, in the full flat form of the chair 100, the side surface of one end side (left side (Y1 side)) of the third flat elastic part 3 in the short direction (Y axis direction) may form part of the side surface of one end side (left side (Y1 side)) of the first rectangular parallelepiped (rectangle of width W1, length L1 and depth D1) in the short direction (Y axis direction), and the side surface of the other end side (right side (Y2 side)) of the third flat elastic part 3 in the short direction (Y axis direction) may form part of the side surface of the other end side (right side (Y2 side)) of the first rectangular parallelepiped (rectangle of width W1, length L1 and depth D1) in the short direction (Y axis direction).

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the chair 100 may be configured so that the length dimension (width W1) of the third flat elastic part 3 in the short direction (Y-axis direction) is the same as the length dimension (width W1) of the first flat elastic part 1 in the short direction (Y-axis direction).

[0066] In the illustrated example, the chair 100 is configured such that, in the full flat form, the left side of the first flat elastic portion 1, the left side of the second flat elastic portion 2, and the left side of the third flat elastic portion 3 are approximately flush with each other, and the right side of the first flat elastic portion 1, the right side of the second flat elastic portion 2, and the right side of the third flat elastic portion 3 are approximately flush with each other.

[0067] This configuration brings about the effect that the width of the third flat elastic part 3 can be at least as large as the width of each of the first flat elastic part 1 and the second flat elastic part 2. Therefore, in the chair 100 in the first chair form (see the topmost figure in FIG. 7), for example, a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad can be placed on the third flat elastic part 3. Alternatively, in the chair 100 in the second chair form (see the second figure from the top in FIG. 7), the third chair form (see the third figure from the top in FIG. 7), or the full flat form (see the fourth figure from the top in FIG. 7), the user can place the left calf (left calf region) on the left protruding part 3L of the third flat elastic part 3 and the right calf (right calf region) on the right protruding part 3R of the third flat elastic part 3 with both feet spread shoulder-width apart.

[0068] The chair 100 may be configured such that the length dimension of the third flat elastic part 3 in the short side direction (Y axis direction) and the length dimension of the first flat elastic part 1 in the short side direction (Y axis direction) are different from each other. For example, the length dimension of the third flat elastic part 3 in the short side direction (Y axis direction) may be greater than the length dimension of the first flat elastic part 1 in the short side direction (Y axis direction). That is, the left end face of the third flat elastic part 3 may protrude leftward from the left end face of the first flat elastic part 1, and the right end face of the third flat elastic part 3 may protrude rightward from the right end face of the first flat elastic part 1. In this configuration, the user of the chair 100 can lie down on the chair 100 with both feet spread wider than shoulder width in each of the second chair form (see the second diagram from the top in FIG. 7), the third chair form (see the third diagram from the top in FIG. 7), and the full flat form (see the fourth diagram from the top in FIG. 7).

[0069] 2, the chair 100 may be configured so that the first flat elastic portion 1 and the third flat elastic portion 3 come into contact with each other in the full-flat form. In other words, the chair 100 may be configured so that no gap is generated between the first flat elastic portion 1 and the third flat elastic portion 3 in the full-flat form.

[0070] This configuration brings about an effect of improving the comfort of a user lying on the fully flat chair 100. For example, this is because it is possible to prevent the user of the chair 100 from feeling cold air passing through the gap between the first flat elastic portion 1 and the third flat elastic portion 3.

[0071] However, the chair 100 may be configured so that the first flat elastic portion 1 and the third flat elastic portion 3 do not come into contact with each other in the full flat form, i.e., so that a gap is formed between the first flat elastic portion 1 and the third flat elastic portion 3 in the full flat form.

[0072] Furthermore, the first flat elastic portion 1 may have a pair of protruding portions 1T provided so as to sandwich the columnar elastic portion 4 in the full flat form.

[0073] This configuration has the effect that, in the first chair form (see the top diagram in FIG. 7), a user of the chair 100 can place the columnar elastic parts 4 between his / her legs and bring his / her calves (calf region) into contact with the upper surfaces (surfaces) of the pair of overhanging parts 1T. In other words, this configuration has the effect of enabling the user to easily assume a seated posture suitable for enjoying computer games, for example.

[0074] The second flat elastic portion 2 may include a proximal elastic portion 2P located closer to the first flat elastic portion 1 and a distal elastic portion 2D located farther from the first flat elastic portion 1 than the proximal elastic portion 2P. In this case, the distal elastic portion 2D may be configured to be inclinable (swingable) around a fourth axis A4 parallel to the first axis A1 with respect to the proximal elastic portion 2P.

[0075] Specifically, the chair 100 may be capable of transforming into a transport form in which the total of the three sides of the outer dimensions of the chair 100 is a second rectangular parallelepiped having a predetermined value, as shown in the middle diagram of Fig. 1. In the illustrated example, the chair 100 is configured to be in a transport form in which the chair 100 is in a substantially rectangular second rectangular parallelepiped shape in a plan view, as shown in the middle diagram of Fig. 1. That is, the chair 100 is configured to occupy substantially the same volume as the second rectangular parallelepiped having a width W2, a length L2, and a height H2 in the transport form.

[0076] The predetermined value is, for example, a value that fits a cardboard box whose three sides have an outer dimension of 160 cm in total. In the illustrated example, the width W2 is 50 cm, the length L2 is 70 cm, and the height H2 is 39 cm. That is, the outer dimension of the three sides has an outer dimension of 159 cm in total. The predetermined value may be a value that fits a cardboard box whose outer dimension of the three sides has an outer dimension of another size, such as 120 cm or 140 cm in total. By having such a size, the chair 100 can be appropriately transported by a carrier or the like.

[0077] In the transport form, as shown in the middle diagram of Fig. 1, the lower surface (Z2 side surface) of the first flat elastic part 1 in the full flat form constitutes a part of the lower surface (Z2 side surface) of the second rectangular parallelepiped, and the lower surface (Z2 side surface) of the distal elastic part 2D in the full flat form faces upward in the transport form and constitutes a part of the upper surface (Z1 side surface) of the second rectangular parallelepiped, and the upper surface (Z1 side surface) of the third flat elastic part 3 in the full flat form constitutes a part of the upper surface (Z1 side surface) of the second rectangular parallelepiped. In the example shown in the middle diagram of Fig. 1, the rear surface (Z1 side surface) of the distal elastic part 2D in the transport form and the upper surface (Z1 side surface) of the third flat elastic part 3 are approximately flush with each other.

[0078] Also, as shown in the middle diagram of Figure 1, in the transportation form, the side surface of the other end side (front end side (X1 side)) of the third flat elastic part 3 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) constitutes part of the side surface of the other end side (front end side (X1 side)) of the second rectangular parallelepiped in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

[0079] In the example shown in the center of Fig. 1, the side surface of the other end (front end (X1 side)) of the third flat elastic portion 3 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) protrudes further toward the other end (front end (X1 side)) than the side surfaces of the other end (front end (X1 side)) of the pair of overhanging portions 1T in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). However, the chair 100 may be configured such that, in the transport form, the side surface of the other end (front end (X1 side)) of the third flat elastic portion 3 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) and the side surfaces of the other end (front end (X1 side)) of the pair of overhanging portions 1T in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) are substantially flush with each other. In other words, in the transport form, the side surface of the other end side (front end side (X1 side)) of the pair of protrusion portions 1T in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) may form part of the side surface of the other end side (front end side (X1 side)) of the second rectangular solid in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

[0080] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications and substitutions may be applied to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the features described with reference to the above-described embodiments may be appropriately combined as long as there is no technical contradiction.

[0081] For example, in the above embodiment, the third flat elastic part 3 is configured to be substantially rectangular in plan view, but may be configured to be concave in plan view opening toward the rear (X2 side). Specifically, the third flat elastic part 3 may be configured to have at least one of a left rear protruding part protruding rearward (X2 direction) from the left protruding part 3L and a right rear protruding part protruding rearward (X2 direction) from the right protruding part 3R. When the third flat elastic part 3 has a left rear protruding part and a right rear protruding part, the pair of overhanging parts 1T of the first flat elastic part may be shortened or omitted. In this case, the left rear protruding part and the right rear protruding part function as armrests in the first seat form, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1···First flat elastic part 1B···Base part 1T···Protruding part 1TL···Left front protruding part 1TR···Right front protruding part 2···Second flat elastic part 2D···Distal elastic part 2P···Proximal elastic part 3···Third flat elastic part 3C···Central part 3L···Left protruding part 3R···Right protruding part 4···Columnar elastic part 5···Cushion 5B···Band part 5M···Main part 100···Sitting chair A1···First axis A2···Second axis A3···Third axis A4···Fourth axis CU···Concave cutout part

Claims

1. A chair that can be transformed into a fully flat form that is a first rectangular parallelepiped that is substantially rectangular in plan view, A first flat elastic portion; a second flat elastic portion disposed on one end side of the first flat elastic portion in a longitudinal direction of the rectangle in the full flat form and tiltable around a first axis relative to the first flat elastic portion; a columnar elastic portion inclined about a second axis relative to the first flat elastic portion; a third flat elastic portion that is disposed on the other end side of the first flat elastic portion in the longitudinal direction in the full flat form and is inclined around a third axis relative to the columnar elastic portion, The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are parallel to each other and extend along a short side direction of the rectangle in the full flat form, the second flat elastic portion is connected to the first flat elastic portion; one end of the columnar elastic portion is connected to the first flat elastic portion, and the other end of the columnar elastic portion is connected to the third flat elastic portion via an angle adjustment mechanism; the angle adjustment mechanism is configured to be able to lock a bottom surface of the columnar elastic portion and a bottom surface of the third flat elastic portion in a parallel state when the columnar elastic portion is inclined relative to the first flat elastic portion. A chair characterized by the above.

2. In the full-flat form, a side surface of one end of the third flat elastic portion in the short side direction constitutes a part of a side surface of one end of the first rectangular parallelepiped in the short side direction, and a side surface of the other end of the third flat elastic portion in the short side direction constitutes a part of a side surface of the other end of the first rectangular parallelepiped in the short side direction. The chair according to claim 1.

3. The length dimension of the third flat elastic portion in the short side direction is the same as the length dimension of the first flat elastic portion in the short side direction. A chair as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

4. In the full flat form, the first flat elastic portion and the third flat elastic portion are in contact with each other. A chair according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first flat elastic portion has a pair of protruding portions provided to sandwich the columnar elastic portion in the full flat form. A chair according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the second flat elastic portion includes a proximal elastic portion located closer to the first flat elastic portion and a distal elastic portion located farther from the first flat elastic portion than the proximal elastic portion, The distal elastic portion is tiltable relative to the proximal elastic portion about a fourth axis parallel to the first axis. A chair according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The container can be transformed into a transport shape having a second rectangular parallelepiped whose total outside dimensions are a predetermined value; In the transport form, A lower surface of the first flat elastic portion in the fully flat form constitutes a part of a lower surface of the second rectangular parallelepiped, A lower surface of the distal elastic portion in the full flat form constitutes a part of an upper surface of the second rectangular parallelepiped, and An upper surface of the third flat elastic portion in the fully flat form constitutes a part of an upper surface of the second rectangular parallelepiped. The chair according to claim 6.

8. In the transport state, a side surface of the other end of the third flat elastic portion in the longitudinal direction constitutes a part of a side surface of the other end of the second rectangular parallelepiped in the longitudinal direction. The chair according to claim 7.

Images