Folding chair

Abstract

To provide a foldable chair capable of achieving at a high level, storage property and amenity.SOLUTION: A first front support member 8 and a second front support member 9 are configured so that respective whole lengths can be stretched / shrunk, and respective intermediate parts in a longitudinal direction are supported so that, rotation of the members around a shaft directed to a cross direction is possible. The first front support member 8 supports an upper end part so as to rotate around the shaft directed to the cross direction, to a front side part of a second seat surface member 7, and supports a lower end part so as to rotate around the shaft directed to the cross direction, to a lower side part of a first long leg member 2. The second front support member 9 supports an upper end part so as to rotate around the shaft directed to the cross direction, to a front side member of a first seat surface member 6, and supports a lower end part so as to rotate around the shaft directed to the cross direction, to a lower side part of a second long leg member 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding chair that can be folded for storage or transportation. [Background technology]

[0002] Chairs used in conference rooms, halls, outdoors, etc. are folded up and stored when not in use. There are three types of folding chairs known: a front-back folding type, which can be folded into a substantially flat shape by swinging the seat plate relative to the front leg pipes and the rear leg pipes and swinging the lower end of the rear leg pipe in a direction approaching the lower end of the front leg pipe, as described in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 1-179547, a left-right folding type, which can be folded into a substantially flat shape by moving a pair of left and right frames closer to each other, as described in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 5-11855, and a convergence type, which can be folded into a substantially rod-like shape, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-105557. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 1-179547 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 5-11855 [Patent Document 3] JP 2004-105557 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of front-to-back and left-to-right folding folding chairs, the seat surface can be made substantially horizontal to the ground or floor when unfolded, but is substantially flat when folded, leaving room for improvement in terms of ensuring good storability.In contrast, in the case of the converging folding chair, the seat surface can be folded into a substantially rod-like shape when unfolded, but is inclined downwards toward the rear, leaving room for improvement in terms of ensuring good comfort.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to realize a folding chair that is both easy to store and comfortable to use at a high level. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A folding chair according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first long leg member and a second long leg member that extend in an upward direction toward the rear and are arranged with a gap in between in the left-right direction; a first short leg member that extends in an upward direction toward the front and has an upper end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to a vertical intermediate portion of the first long leg member; and a second short leg member that extends in an upward direction toward the front and has an upper end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to a vertical intermediate portion of the second long leg member. a first seat member extending in the front-rear direction and having a rear end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to an upper end of the first short leg member; and a second seat member extending in the front-rear direction and having a rear end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to an upper end of the second short leg member. a first front support member and a second front support member, each configured to be extendable and retractable along its entire length, and each supported at its longitudinal intermediate portion so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction; a first rear support member and a second rear support member, each of which is supported at a longitudinal intermediate portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction; Equipped with.

[0007] The first front support member supports an upper end portion thereof for rotation about an axis facing in the front-to-rear direction relative to a front portion of the second seat member, and supports a lower end portion thereof for rotation about an axis facing in the front-to-rear direction relative to a lower portion of the first long leg member.

[0008] The second front support member supports an upper end portion thereof for rotation about an axis facing in the front-to-rear direction relative to a front portion of the first seat member, and supports a lower end portion thereof for rotation about an axis facing in the front-to-rear direction relative to a lower portion of the second long leg member.

[0009] The first rear support member supports an upper end portion thereof for rotation about an axis facing in the front-to-rear direction relative to an upper portion of the second long leg member, and supports a lower end portion thereof for rotation about an axis facing in the front-to-rear direction relative to a lower portion of the first short leg member.

[0010] The second rear support member supports an upper end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the front-to-rear direction relative to an upper portion of the first long leg member, and supports a lower end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the front-to-rear direction relative to a lower portion of the second short leg member.

[0011] A folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention can further include a first locking mechanism that prevents the first front support member from rotating further in the unfolding direction relative to the front portion of the second seat member when the first front support member is unfolded relative to the front portion of the second seat member, and a second locking mechanism that prevents the second front support member from rotating further in the unfolding direction relative to the front portion of the first seat member when the second front support member is unfolded relative to the front portion of the first seat member.

[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, a folding chair includes: When viewed from the left and right, The first long leg member is disposed forward of the second long leg member, The first short leg member is disposed rearward of the second short leg member, The first front support member is disposed forward of the second front support member, and The first rear support member can be disposed rearward of the second rear support member.

[0013] In the folding chair according to one aspect of the present invention, the second seat member can have a longer front-rear dimension than the first seat member.

[0014] A folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention can include a first handle member supported and fixed to an upper surface of a front end portion of the first seat member, and a second handle member supported and fixed to an upper surface of a front end portion of the second seat member.

[0015] A folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a fabric body having an upper portion spanning between an upper portion of the first long leg member and an upper portion of the second long leg member, and a lower portion spanning between the first seat member and the second seat member.

[0016] Alternatively, the folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a plurality of string-like members respectively suspended between the upper portion of the first long leg member and the upper portion of the second long leg member, and between the first seat member and the second seat member. Effect of the Invention

[0017] The folding chair according to one aspect of the present invention can be folded into a generally rod-like shape when stored or transported, and when unfolded, the seat surface can be made generally horizontal with respect to the ground or floor. In other words, the folding chair according to one aspect of the present invention can achieve both storability and comfort at a high level. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the left side. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of a folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the first fitting. [Figure 6] Figure 6(A) is an oblique view showing the second fitting, Figure 6(B) is a front view of the second fitting seen from the front, Figure 6(C) is a side view seen from the left side of Figure 6(B), and Figure 6(D) is a plan view seen from above of Figure 6(B). [Figure 7] Figure 7(A) is an oblique view showing the third fitting, Figure 7(B) is a front view of the third fitting seen from the front side, Figure 7(C) is a side view seen from the right side of Figure 7(B), and Figure 7(D) is a plan view seen from above Figure 7(B). [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the right side in the middle of being folded up. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of a folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front side in a state in which it is being folded up. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the rear side in the middle of being folded up. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of a folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the right side in a folded state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view of a folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front side in a folded state. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the folding chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the rear side in the folded state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. Folding chair 1 of this example comprises first and second long leg members 2 and 3, first and second short leg members 4 and 5, first and second seat members 6 and 7, first and second front support members 8 and 9, first and second rear support members 10 and 11, and a fabric body 12. Below, we will first describe the structure of each part of folding chair 1 in its unfolded state (in use state).

[0020] In the following description, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction refer to the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction as seen by a user seated on the unfolded folding chair 1. Additionally, the left side refers to the left hand side of a user seated on the unfolded folding chair 1, and the right side refers to the right hand side of a user seated on the unfolded folding chair 1.

[0021] The first long leg member 2 and the second long leg member 3 extend upward toward the rear and are arranged with a gap in the left-right direction. In this example, the first long leg member 2 is arranged on the left side and the second long leg member 3 is arranged on the right side. The lower ends of the first long leg member 2 and the second long leg member 3 are placed on a placement surface which is the ground or floor surface. In other words, the lower ends of the first long leg member 2 and the second long leg member 3 form the front legs.

[0022] In this example, the first long leg member 2 is disposed forward of the second long leg member 3. Specifically, the first long leg member 2 is disposed forward of the second long leg member 3 by approximately the front-rear thickness of the second front support member 9. In this example, the front-rear thickness of the first front support member 8, the front-rear thickness of the second front support member 9, the front-rear thickness of the first rear support member 10, and the front-rear thickness of the second rear support member 11 are all the same. In this example, the first long leg member 2 and the second long leg member 3 are curved in a substantially S-shape or a substantially crank-shape. However, when implementing the present invention, the shapes of the first long leg member and the second long leg member are not particularly limited, and they may be configured, for example, in a straight line.

[0023] The first short leg member 4 extends in an upward direction toward the front, and its upper end is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the left-right direction relative to the vertical intermediate portion of the first long leg member 2. In this example, the first short leg member 4 is curved in a substantially J-shape or a substantially L-shape. However, when implementing the present invention, the shape of the first short leg member is not particularly limited, and it may be configured, for example, in a straight line.

[0024] The second short leg member 5 extends in an upward direction toward the front, and its upper end is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the left-right direction relative to the vertical intermediate portion of the second long leg member 3. In this example, the second short leg member 5 is curved in a substantially J-shape or a substantially L-shape. However, when implementing the present invention, the shape of the second short leg member is not particularly limited, and it may be configured, for example, in a straight line.

[0025] The lower ends of the first short leg member 4 and the second short leg member 5 are placed on a placement surface. That is, the lower ends of the first short leg member 4 and the second short leg member 5 form the hind legs.

[0026] The first seating member 6 extends in the front-rear direction, and its rear end is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the left-right direction relative to the upper end of the first short leg member 4. The first seating member 6 is disposed horizontally or approximately horizontally with respect to the placement surface.

[0027] In this example, the vertical middle portion of the first long leg member 2, the upper end portion of the first short leg member 4, and the rear end portion of the first seat member 6 are combined by a first metal fitting 13 as shown in FIG.

[0028] The first metal fitting 13 is formed by bending a metal plate into a generally U-shaped cross section. The first metal fitting 13 includes a pair of support plates 14 that are parallel to each other, and a connecting plate 15 that connects the lower ends of the pair of support plates 14. The pair of support plates 14 each have circular holes 16a, 16b, and 16c at three aligned positions in the front-rear direction.

[0029] The front portion of the first fitting 13 and the rear end portion of the first seat member 6 are connected and fixed so as not to rotate, and the vertical middle portion of the first long leg member 2 and the upper end portion of the first short leg member 4 are each supported by the rear portion of the first fitting 13 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the left-right direction.

[0030] That is, the rear end of the first seating surface member 6 is disposed between the front portions of the pair of support plate portions 14, and a connecting member is inserted through the front two sets of circular holes 16a, 16b of the three sets of circular holes 16a, 16b, 16c, and through holes passing through the rear end of the first seating surface member 6 in the left-right direction. Specifically, for example, rivets are inserted through the two sets of circular holes 16a, 16b and the through holes, and the tips of the rivets are crimped. This connects and fixes the front portion of the first metal fitting 13 and the rear end of the first seating surface member 6 so that they cannot rotate.

[0031] In addition, the upper end of the first short leg member 4 is disposed between the rear portions of the pair of support plate portions 14, and the vertical middle portion of the first long leg member 2 is disposed to the left of the left support plate portion 14 of the pair of support plate portions 14. In this state, a support member is inserted through a through hole penetrating the vertical middle portion of the first long leg member 2 in the left-right direction, a rear set of circular holes 16c among the three sets of circular holes 16a, 16b, 16c, and a through hole penetrating the upper end portion of the first short leg member 4 in the left-right direction. Specifically, for example, a rivet is inserted through the set of circular holes 16c and the through hole, and the tip portion of the rivet is crimped. As a result, the vertical middle portion of the first long leg member 2 and the upper end portion of the first short leg member 4 are supported by the rear portion of the first metal fitting 13 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the left-right direction.

[0032] The second seating member 7 extends in the front-rear direction, and its rear end is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the left-right direction relative to the upper end of the second short leg member 5. The second seating member 7 is disposed horizontally or approximately horizontally with respect to the placement surface.

[0033] In the folding chair 1 of this example, the front-rear dimension of the second seat member 7 is longer than the front-rear dimension of the first seat member 6. As a result, the first long leg member 2 is disposed forward of the second long leg member 3 and the first short leg member 4 is disposed rearward of the second short leg member 5, while the front end of the first seat member 6 and the front end of the second seat member 7 are aligned in the front-rear direction.

[0034] The vertical intermediate portion of the second long leg member 3, the upper end portion of the second short leg member 5, and the rear end portion of the second seating surface member 7 are combined by the first metal fitting 13. In other words, the front portion of the first metal fitting 13 and the rear end portion of the second seating surface member 7 are joined and fixed so as not to rotate, and the vertical intermediate portion of the second long leg member 3 and the upper end portion of the second short leg member 5 are each supported by the rear portion of the first metal fitting 13 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the left-right direction.

[0035] The structure for non-rotatably connecting and fixing the front portion of the first fitting 13 and the rear end of the second seating surface member 7 is basically the same as the structure for non-rotatably connecting and fixing the front portion of the first fitting 13 and the rear end of the second seating surface member 7. The structure for supporting the vertical intermediate portion of the second long leg member 3 and the upper end of the second short leg member 5 relative to the rear portion of the first fitting 13 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the left-right direction is basically the same as the structure for supporting the vertical intermediate portion of the first long leg member 2 and the upper end of the first short leg member 4 relative to the rear portion of the first fitting 13 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the left-right direction, except that the left-right direction is reversed. Therefore, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0036] The first front support member 8 and the second front support member 9 are configured so that their respective overall lengths can be extended or contracted, and support their respective intermediate portions in the longitudinal direction so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-rear direction. In this example, the second front support member 9 is disposed on the rear side of the first front support member 8.

[0037] For this reason, in this example, a support member is inserted through a through hole penetrating in the front-rear direction through a longitudinal intermediate portion of the first front support member 8 (a lower cylindrical member 17b described later) and a through hole penetrating in the front-rear direction through a longitudinal intermediate portion of the second front support member 9 (a lower cylindrical member 32b described later), thereby supporting the longitudinal intermediate portion of the first front support member 8 and the longitudinal intermediate portion of the second front support member 9 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the front-rear direction. Specifically, for example, in this example, a rivet is inserted through a through hole penetrating in the front-rear direction through a longitudinal intermediate portion of the first front support member 8 and a through hole penetrating in the front-rear direction through a longitudinal intermediate portion of the second front support member 9, and the tip of the rivet is crimped.

[0038] The first front support member 8 supports an upper end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to a front portion of the second seating surface member 7, and supports a lower end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to a lower portion of the first long leg member 2. In other words, the first front support member 8 extends in a direction downward (leftward downward direction) as it moves toward the left side.

[0039] In this example, the first front support member 8 is configured to be extendable and contractable in its entire length by combining a pair of cylindrical members 17a, 17b in a telescopic manner. That is, the first front support member 8 is configured by fitting the upper cylindrical member 17a into the upper part of the lower cylindrical member 17b so as to be slidable in the extension direction of the first front support member 8. The lower cylindrical member 17b is curved in a substantially S-shape or a substantially crank shape.

[0040] In this example, the upper end of the upper cylindrical member 17a is supported by a right-side second metal fitting 18a as shown in Figures 6(A) to 6(D) to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-rear direction relative to the front portion of the second seating surface member 7. Also, the lower end of the lower cylindrical member 17b is supported by a third metal fitting 19 as shown in Figures 7(A) to 7(D) to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-rear direction relative to the lower portion of the first long leg member 2.

[0041] The second metal fitting 18a is formed by bending a metal plate and includes a pair of support plates 20a, 20b arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the left-right direction, a connecting plate 21 connecting the front ends of the lower parts of the pair of support plates 20a, 20b, and a stopper 22.

[0042] The pair of support plate portions 20a, 20b each have a circular hole 23 at the mutually matching portions of the upper portion.

[0043] The connecting plate portion 21 has a circular hole 24 penetrating therethrough in the front-rear direction.

[0044] The stopper portion 22 has a base portion 25 of the pair of support plate portions 20a, 20b, which is bent in a direction toward the left as it goes downward from the lower end of the left support plate portion 20a, a bent plate portion 26 bent from the front end of the base portion 25 to the upper left, and a stopper plate portion 27 bent from the upper left end of the bent plate portion 26 to the front.

[0045] In this example, the second metal fitting 18a on the right side is connected and fixed to the front portion of the second seating surface member 7, and the upper end portion of the first front support member 8 is supported on the front surface of the connecting plate portion 21 so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis facing in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0046] Specifically, the front portion of the second seating member 7 is disposed between the upper portions of the pair of support plate portions 20a, 20b, and a connecting member is inserted through a circular hole 23 provided in each of the support plate portions 20a, 20b and a through hole passing through the front portion of the second seating member 7 in the left-right direction. In this way, the second metal fitting 18a is connected and fixed to the front portion of the second seating member 7.

[0047] Additionally, an upper end of the first front support member 8 is disposed in front of the connecting plate portion 21, and a support member is inserted into a through-hole that passes through the upper end of the first front support member 8 in the front-rear direction and into a circular hole 24 provided in the connecting plate portion 21. This supports the upper end of the first front support member 8 relative to the connecting plate portion 21 of the second fitting 18a so as to be rotatable about a pivot point facing in the front-rear direction.

[0048] In the folding chair 1 of this example, when the folding chair 1 is in the unfolded state, the upper left side surface of the upper end portion of the first front support member 8 abuts against the lower right side surface of the stopper plate portion 27 of the second metal fitting 18a on the right side. This prevents the first front support member 8 from rotating any further in the unfolded direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 3) relative to the second seat member 7. That is, in this example, the stopper portion 22 (stopper plate portion 27) of the second metal fitting 18b on the right side constitutes the first lock mechanism.

[0049] The third fitting 19 is formed by bending a metal plate into a generally U-shaped cross section. The third fitting 19 comprises a base plate 28 and a pair of parallel support plate portions 29 bent in the front-rear direction from the base plate portion 28. The pair of support plate portions 29 have circular holes 30 where they align with each other. The base plate portion 28 has a circular hole 31 that penetrates in the front-rear direction.

[0050] In this example, the third metal fitting 19 is connected and fixed to the lower portion of the first long leg member 2, and the lower end of the lower tubular member 17b is supported on the front side of the base plate portion 28 so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis facing in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0051] Specifically, the lower portion of the first long leg member 2 is disposed between a pair of support plates 29, and a connecting member is inserted through a circular hole 30 provided in each support plate 29 and a through hole passing through the lower portion of the first long leg member 2 in the left-right direction. In this way, the third metal fitting 19 is connected and fixed to the lower portion of the first long leg member 2.

[0052] Furthermore, the lower end of the lower cylindrical member 17b is disposed in front of the base plate portion 28, and a support member is inserted into a through-hole that passes through the lower end of the lower cylindrical member 17b in the front-to-rear direction and into a circular hole 31 provided in the base plate portion 28. This supports the lower end of the lower cylindrical member 17b relative to the base plate portion 28 of the third fitting 19 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the front-to-rear direction.

[0053] The second front support member 9 supports an upper end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to the front portion of the first seating surface member 6, and supports a lower end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to the lower portion of the second long leg member 3. In other words, the second front support member 9 extends in a direction downward as it moves toward the right side (a direction downward to the right).

[0054] In this example, the second front support member 9 is configured to be extendable and contractable in its entire length by combining a pair of cylindrical members 32a, 32b in a telescopic manner. That is, the second front support member 9 is configured by fitting the upper cylindrical member 32a into the upper part of the lower cylindrical member 32b so as to be slidable in the extension direction of the second front support member 9. The lower cylindrical member 32b is curved in a substantially S-shape or a substantially crank shape.

[0055] In this example, the upper end of the upper cylindrical member 32a is supported by the left second metal fitting 18b to the front portion of the first seating surface member 6 so as to be rotatable about a pivot point facing the front-rear direction. Also, the lower end of the lower cylindrical member 32b is supported by the third metal fitting 19 to the lower portion of the second long leg member 3 so as to be rotatable about a pivot point facing the front-rear direction.

[0056] The left second metal fitting 18b has a shape symmetrical with the right second metal fitting 18a in the left-right direction. The structure in which the second metal fitting 18b is joined and fixed to the front portion of the first seating surface member 6 and the upper end portion of the second front support member 9 is supported on the front side surface of the connecting plate portion 21 so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis facing in the front-rear direction is basically the same as the structure in which the second metal fitting 18a is joined and fixed to the front portion of the second seating surface member 7 and the upper end portion of the first front support member 8 is supported on the front side surface of the connecting plate portion 21 so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis facing in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the structure for connecting and fixing the third fitting 19 to the lower portion of the second long leg member 3 and supporting the lower end of the lower tubular member 32b relative to the front side surface of the base plate portion 28 so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis facing in the front-rear direction is basically the same as the structure for connecting and fixing the third fitting 19 to the lower portion of the first long leg member 2 and supporting the lower end of the lower tubular member 17b relative to the front side surface of the base plate portion 28 so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis facing in the front-rear direction. Therefore, detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0057] In the folding chair 1 of this example, when the folding chair 1 is in the unfolded state, the upper left side surface of the upper end portion of the second front support member 9 abuts against the lower right side surface of the stopper plate portion 27 of the second left metal fitting 18b. This prevents the second front support member 9 from rotating any further in the unfolded direction (clockwise in FIG. 3) relative to the first seat member 6. That is, in this example, the stopper portion 22 (stopper plate portion 27) of the second left metal fitting 18b constitutes the second lock mechanism.

[0058] The first rear support member 10 and the second rear support member 11 are pivotally supported by each other at their respective longitudinal intermediate portions. In this example, each of the first rear support member 10 and the second rear support member 11 is made of a single pipe material that is not divided in the longitudinal direction. The second rear support member 11 is disposed in front of the first rear support member 10.

[0059] For this reason, in this example, a support member is inserted into a through hole that penetrates the longitudinal middle portion of the first rear support member 10 in the front-to-rear direction and a through hole that penetrates the longitudinal middle portion of the second rear support member 11 in the front-to-rear direction, thereby supporting the longitudinal middle portion of the first rear support member 10 and the longitudinal middle portion of the second rear support member 11 so as to enable rotation about an axis facing in the front-to-rear direction.

[0060] The first rear support member 10 supports an upper end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to an upper portion of the second long leg member 3, and supports a lower end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to a lower portion of the first short leg member 4. In other words, the first rear support member 10 extends in a downward direction (leftward downward direction) as it moves toward the left side.

[0061] In this example, the upper end of the first rear support member 10 is supported by a third bracket 19 relative to the upper portion of the second long leg member 3 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the front-to-rear direction, and the lower end of the first rear support member 10 is supported by a third bracket 19 relative to the lower portion of the first short leg member 4 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the front-to-rear direction.

[0062] That is, the upper portion of the second long leg member 3 is disposed between the pair of support plate portions 29 of the third fitting 19, and a coupling member is inserted into the circular holes 30 provided in each support plate portion 29 and into a through hole penetrating the upper portion of the second long leg member 3 in the left-right direction, thereby coupling and fixing the third fitting 19 to the upper portion of the second long leg member 3. Then, the upper end portion of the first rear support member 10 is disposed on the rear side of the base plate portion 28 of the third fitting 19, and a support member is inserted into the through hole penetrating the upper end portion of the first rear support member 10 in the front-rear direction and into the circular hole 31 provided in the base plate portion 28, thereby supporting the upper end portion of the first rear support member 10 relative to the base plate portion 28 of the third fitting 19 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the front-rear direction.

[0063] Moreover, the lower portion of the first short leg member 4 is disposed between the pair of support plate portions 29 of the third fitting 19, and a coupling member is inserted into circular holes 30 provided in each support plate portion 29 and into a through hole penetrating the lower portion of the first short leg member 4 in the left-right direction, thereby coupling and fixing the third fitting 19 to the lower portion of the first short leg member 4. Then, the lower end portion of the first rear support member 10 is disposed behind the base plate portion 28 of the third fitting 19, and a support member is inserted into a through hole penetrating the lower end portion of the first rear support member 10 in the front-rear direction and into the circular hole 31 provided in the base plate portion 28, thereby supporting the lower end portion of the first rear support member 10 relative to the base plate portion 28 of the third fitting 19 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the front-rear direction.

[0064] The second rear support member 11 has an upper end pivotally supported on an upper portion of the first long leg member 2, and a lower end pivotally supported on a lower portion of the second short leg member 5. In other words, the second rear support member 11 extends in a direction that progresses downward as it moves toward the right side (a direction downward to the right).

[0065] In this example, the upper end of the second rear support member 11 is supported by a third bracket 19 relative to the upper portion of the first long leg member 2 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the front-to-rear direction, and the lower end of the second rear support member 11 is supported by a third bracket 19 relative to the lower portion of the second short leg member 5 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing in the front-to-rear direction.

[0066] The structure in which the upper end of the second rear support member 11 is supported by the third metal fitting 19 relative to the upper portion of the first long leg member 2 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-rear direction is basically the same as the structure in which the upper end of the first rear support member 10 is supported by the third metal fitting 19 relative to the upper portion of the second long leg member 3 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-rear direction. Moreover, the structure in which the lower end of the second rear support member 11 is supported by the third metal fitting 19 relative to the lower portion of the second short leg member 5 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-rear direction is basically the same as the structure in which the lower end of the first rear support member 10 is supported by the third metal fitting 19 relative to the lower portion of the first short leg member 4 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the front-rear direction. Therefore, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0067] The cloth body 12 is made of a flexible material. The cloth body 12 has an upper portion that is stretched between the upper portion of the first long leg member 2 and the upper portion of the second long leg member 3, and a lower portion that is stretched between the first seating surface member 6 and the second seating surface member 7. In other words, the upper portion of the cloth body 12 is stretched between the upper portion of the first long leg member 2 and the upper portion of the second long leg member 3, and the lower portion is stretched between the first seating surface member 6 and the second seating surface member 7. The front side surface of the upper portion of the cloth body 12 forms the backrest surface, and the upper side surface of the lower portion forms the seat surface. In this example, the seat surface is disposed approximately parallel to the placement surface.

[0068] The folding chair 1 in this example further includes a substantially U-shaped first handle member 33 supported and fixed to the upper surface of the front end portion of the first seat member 6, and a substantially U-shaped second handle member 34 supported and fixed to the upper surface of the front end portion of the second seat member 7.

[0069] In addition, in the folding chair 1 of this example, when a user sits on the seat in the unfolded state, the force applied to the front portions of the first seat member 6 and the second seat member 7 is transmitted to the first front support member 8 and the second front support member 9 via the second fittings 18a, 18b, and is further supported by the first long leg member 2 and the second long leg member 3.

[0070] On the other hand, the force applied to the rear portions of the first seating surface member 6 and the second seating surface member 7 is supported by the first short leg member 4 and the second short leg member 5, and the first long leg member 2 and the second long leg member 3, via the first metal fitting 13.

[0071] The folding chair 1 of this embodiment can be folded into a generally rod-like shape when not in use, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, 9 to 12, and 10 to 13.

[0072] That is, the first seating member 6 is rotated in a direction such that the front end faces rearward and upward. At this time, the length dimension of the second front support member 9 is extended to allow the first seating member 6 to rotate. Also, the first long leg member 2 and the first short leg member 4 are rotated in a direction such that the lower end of the first long leg member 2 and the lower end of the first short leg member 4 approach each other.

[0073] Similarly, the second seating member 7 is rotated in a direction such that its front end faces rearward and upward. At this time, the length dimension of the first front support member 8 is extended to allow the second seating member 7 to rotate. In addition, the second long leg member 3 and the second short leg member 5 are rotated in a direction such that the lower end of the second long leg member 3 and the lower end of the second short leg member 5 approach each other.

[0074] Furthermore, the first front support member 8 and the second front support member 9 are rotated in a direction in which their upper ends and their lower ends approach each other, and the first rear support member 10 and the second rear support member 11 are rotated in a direction in which their upper ends and their lower ends approach each other.

[0075] As described above, when folding chair 1 is folded, each part rotates almost simultaneously, and folding chair 1 is folded into a rod shape. However, folding chair 1 may be folded in any order as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0076] As described above, in the folding chair 1 of this example, the second front support member 9 supporting the front end of the first seat member 6 and the first front support member 8 supporting the front end of the second seat member 7 are configured to be extendable and contractible. Therefore, the folding chair 1 of this example can be folded into a substantially rod-like shape when stored or transported, and the seat can be made substantially horizontal to the ground or floor when unfolded. In other words, the folding chair 1 of this example can achieve both storability and comfort at a high level.

[0077] In addition, in the folding chair 1 of this embodiment, the first long leg member 2 is disposed forward of the second long leg member 3, and the first short leg member 4 is disposed rearward of the second short leg member 5. Therefore, the lower cylindrical member 11b of the first front support member 8 and the lower cylindrical member 32b of the second front support member 9 can be supported so that their intermediate portions in the longitudinal direction can be rotated relative to each other without being divided at their intermediate portions in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the first rear support member 10 and the second rear support member 11 can be supported so that their intermediate portions in the longitudinal direction can be rotated relative to each other without being divided at their intermediate portions in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, a folding chair 1 with a high design quality can be provided.

[0078] Furthermore, in this example, the front-rear dimension of the second seating member 7 is longer than the front-rear dimension of the first seating member 6. Therefore, even if the first long leg member 2 is arranged forward of the second long leg member 3 and the first short leg member 4 is arranged rearward of the second short leg member 5, the front end of the first seating member 6 and the front end of the second seating member 7 can be aligned in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the front edge of the seat can be made parallel to the left-right direction (perpendicular to the front-rear direction).

[0079] In this example, the first long leg member on the front side is arranged on the left side and the second long leg member on the rear side is arranged on the right side, but when implementing the folding chair of the present invention, the first long leg member on the front side can also be arranged on the right side and the second long leg member on the rear side can also be arranged on the left side. In other words, it can be configured symmetrically with respect to the folding chair 1 of this example.

[0080] In this example, the lower cylindrical member 11b of the first front support member 8 and the lower cylindrical member 32b of the second front support member 9 are not separated at their respective intermediate portions in the longitudinal direction, and the intermediate portions in the longitudinal direction are supported so as to be rotatable relative to each other. However, when carrying out the present invention, one of the lower cylindrical members of the first front support member and the lower cylindrical member of the second front support member may be separated. That is, one of the cylindrical members may be connected by a pair of flat connecting members at the front side surfaces and the rear side surfaces of a pair of cylindrical member elements, respectively, and the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the other cylindrical member may be supported rotatably between the pair of connecting members.

[0081] In this example, the first rear support member 10 and the second rear support member 11 are not separated at their respective longitudinal intermediate portions, and their longitudinal intermediate portions are supported so as to be rotatable relative to each other. However, when implementing the present invention, one of the first rear support member and the second rear support member may be separated. That is, one of the rear support members may be connected by a pair of flat connecting members at the front side surfaces and the rear side surfaces of a pair of support member elements, respectively, and the longitudinal intermediate portion of the other rear support member may be supported rotatably between the pair of connecting members.

[0082] In the folding chair 1 of this example, the first long leg member 2 and the second long leg member 3, the first short leg member 4 and the second short leg member 5, the first seat member 6 and the second seat member 7, the first front support member 8 and the second front support member 9, and the first rear support member 10 and the second rear support member 11 are all made of metal pipe material having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, the shapes and materials of the members constituting the folding chair of the present invention are not particularly limited, and they may be made of pipe material having a circular cross-section, made of synthetic resin, or made of wooden bar-shaped members.

[0083] In the folding chair 1 of this example, the fabric body 12 is stretched over the area between the upper portion of the first long leg member 2 and the upper portion of the second long leg member 3, and between the first seat member 6 and the second seat member 7, and the backrest and seat are formed by the fabric body 12. However, when implementing the folding chair of the present invention, it is also possible to stretch a plurality of string-like members over the area between the upper portion of the first long leg member and the upper portion of the second long leg member to form the backrest by the plurality of string-like members, and to stretch another plurality of string-like members over the area between the first seat member and the second seat member to form the seat by the another plurality of string-like members. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 folding chair 2 First long leg member 3 Second long leg member 4. First short leg member 5 Second short leg member 6 First seat member 7 Second seat member 8 First front support member 9 Second front support member 10 First rear support member 11 Second rear support member 12 Cloth body 13 First metal fitting 14 Support plate part 15 Connection plate 16a, 16b, 16c circular hole 17a, 17b Cylindrical member 18a, 18b 2nd metal fitting 19 Third metal fitting 20a, 20b Support plate part 21 Connection plate 22 Stopper part 23 Round hole 24 Circular hole 25 Circuit Board 26 Bent plate section 27 Stopper plate 28 Circuit Board 29 Support plate part 30 circular hole 31 Round hole 32a, 32b Cylindrical member 33 First handle member 34 Second handle member

Claims

1. a first long leg member and a second long leg member that extend in an upward direction toward the rear side and are arranged with a gap in between in the left-right direction; a first short leg member that extends in an upward direction toward the front and has an upper end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to a vertical intermediate portion of the first long leg member; and a second short leg member that extends in an upward direction toward the front and has an upper end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to a vertical intermediate portion of the second long leg member. a first seat member extending in a front-rear direction and having a rear end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to an upper end of the first short leg member; and a second seat member extending in a front-rear direction and having a rear end supported to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the left-right direction relative to an upper end of the second short leg member. a first front support member and a second front support member, each configured to be extendable and retractable along its entire length, and each supported at its longitudinal intermediate portion so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction; a first rear support member and a second rear support member, each of which is supported at a longitudinal intermediate portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction; Equipped with the first front support member supports an upper end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to a front portion of the second seating surface member, and supports a lower end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to a lower portion of the first long leg member, the second front support member supports an upper end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to a front portion of the first seating surface member, and supports a lower end portion thereof so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to a lower portion of the second long leg member, an upper end of the first rear support member is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to an upper portion of the second long leg member, and a lower end of the first rear support member is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to a lower portion of the first short leg member; The second rear support member supports an upper end portion of the first long leg member so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to an upper portion of the first long leg member, and supports a lower end portion of the second short leg member so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction relative to a lower portion of the second short leg member. Folding chair.

2. a first locking mechanism that prevents the first front support member from rotating further in the unfolding direction relative to the front portion of the second seating surface member when the first front support member is unfolded relative to the front portion of the second seating surface member, and a second locking mechanism that prevents the second front support member from rotating further in the unfolding direction relative to the front portion of the first seating surface member when the second front support member is unfolded relative to the front portion of the first seating surface member, 2. The folding chair of claim 1.

3. When viewed from the left and right, The first long leg member is disposed forward of the second long leg member, The first short leg member is disposed rearward of the second short leg member, The first front support member is disposed forward of the second front support member, and The first rear support member is disposed rearward of the second rear support member. A folding chair according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second seating member has a length in the front-rear direction longer than the length in the front-rear direction of the first seating member.

4. A folding chair according to claim 3.

5. a first handle member supported and fixed to an upper surface of a front end portion of the first seat member, and a second handle member supported and fixed to an upper surface of a front end portion of the second seat member, A folding chair according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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