Folding stools and folding stool storage systems

Abstract

To provide a folding stool whose structure can be simplified. [Solution] The folding stool disclosed herein comprises a seat portion formed in a flat plate shape, a pair of first legs formed in a flat plate shape with their upper parts fixed to the underside of the seat portion and having recesses on the upper side surfaces, and a second leg portion formed in a flat plate shape with protrusions on both sides of the upper part, which protrusions fit into the recesses of the pair of first legs respectively to form fulcrums and are supported rotatably relative to the pair of first legs.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a folding stool and a folding stool storage system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a folding chair that is safe and has a stylish design. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2025-119687 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the folding chair described in Patent Document 1 includes a link mechanism, which makes the structure complicated.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a folding stool and a folding stool storage system that can be simplified in structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The folding stool according to the present disclosure includes a seat portion formed in a flat plate shape, and a seat portion formed in a flat plate shape, Located below the seating surface, A pair of first legs having an upper portion fixed to the lower surface of the seat portion and having a recess on the upper side surface, and formed in a flat plate shape; Located below the seating surface, The upper portion has protrusions on both sides, and the protrusions fit into the recesses of the pair of first legs to serve as fulcrums. Without changing the relative position between the seat portion and the pair of first legs, and second legs supported rotatably relative to the pair of first legs.

[0007] The folding stool storage system of the present disclosure comprises a storage box having an opening that opens upward and has space for two or more folding stools to be arranged horizontally side by side in a folded state, and a top plate that is detachably attached to the opening of the storage box. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the structure can be simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a usage scene of the folding stool and the folding stool storage system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the folding stool in the first embodiment when in use. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the folding stool in the first embodiment when folded. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating the main parts of a folding stool according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 3A to 3C are diagrams for explaining a manufacturing method for each part of the folding stool in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a folding stool is stored in the folding stool storage system in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a folding stool is removed from the folding stool storage system in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 3A to 3C are diagrams for explaining a manufacturing method for each part of the folding stool storage system in embodiment 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a usage scene of a folding stool and a folding stool storage system according to the first embodiment.

[0011] In Figure 1, multiple folding stools 1 are constructed without using any metal fasteners such as nails, screws, hinges, etc. Each component can be assembled and folded simply by precise recess and protrusion fittings based on geometric shapes and by the rotation mechanism between the plates.

[0012] This allows for a significant reduction in the number of parts and prevents the deterioration that occurs over time with metal fittings, such as corrosion and loosening.Furthermore, because it is made entirely of wood-based materials, it also contributes to reducing the environmental impact when it comes to sorting and recycling.

[0013] The main material is cypress plywood, which is lightweight yet has high mechanical strength. This material is made by laminating and gluing multiple thin boards with the grain direction alternating, making it more resistant to warping and cracking than single boards and providing excellent dimensional stability.

[0014] This makes it less likely to become misaligned even after repeated folding and unfolding, enabling it to be used for a long period of time.Laminated materials are also easy to process, and the concave-convex mating parts are formed with high precision using laser cutting and CNC processing, resulting in a stable mechanism with little rattle.

[0015] The surface is coated with a transparent urethane clear coating, which enhances water resistance, stain resistance, and abrasion resistance while preserving the natural texture and warmth of the wood. As a result, it can be used safely in a variety of situations, such as outdoor camping, backyard leisure activities, and temporary use in public spaces.

[0016] The storage system 2 comprises a storage box 11 and a top plate 13. The storage box 11 not only functions as a simple storage container, but can also be used as a table by placing the top plate 13 on it. Furthermore, the top plate 13 has a hole 14 that penetrates vertically. By inserting the pole of a parasol P into the hole 14, it functions as a sunshade and a marker. In this way, the storage system 2 not only improves the convenience of portability and storage, but also provides comfort when using it.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the folding stool in the first embodiment when in use.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the folding stool 31 includes a seat portion 5, a pair of first and second legs 3 and 4, and a reinforcing portion S.

[0019] The seating surface portion 5 is formed in a flat plate shape. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the seating surface portion 5 has a pair of recesses on its underside. The seating surface portion 5 has a hole H penetrating therethrough in the vertical direction. The shape of the hole H is arbitrary. For example, the hole H is formed in a rectangular or elliptical shape.

[0020] The pair of first legs 3 are formed in a flat plate shape. The upper portions of the pair of first legs 3 are fixed by fitting into a pair of recesses in the seat portion 5. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the pair of first legs 3 have first recesses on the side surfaces of the upper portions. The pair of first legs 3 have second recesses on the side surfaces of the central portions.

[0021] The second leg 4 is formed in a flat plate shape. The center of the second leg 4 is hollowed out. The hollowed-out portion is used when forming the seat portion 5. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the second leg 4 has protrusions on both sides of the upper part. These protrusions fit into the first recesses of the pair of first legs 3, respectively, to serve as fulcrums, and are rotatably supported relative to the pair of first legs 3.

[0022] The reinforcing portion S is formed in a flat plate shape. The reinforcing portion S is disposed so as to straddle the central portions of the pair of first leg portions 3. Both ends of the reinforcing portion S are fixed by fitting into the second recesses of the pair of first leg portions 3, respectively.

[0023] When in use, the dimensions of the folding stool 1 are suitable for an adult to sit on. For example, the dimensions of the folding stool 1 are approximately 430 mm in height, 300 mm in width, and 230 mm in depth. This makes it more than just a simple chair; it also provides stability that can withstand long periods of use.

[0024] The pair of first and second legs 3 and 4 have a simple structure with concave and convex surfaces, but when they fit together they create a strong support mechanism. The seat 5 is designed to distribute the seating load evenly across the entire chair. No metal fittings are used, which not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also creates a unified look with the wood in the design.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the folding stool in the first embodiment when folded.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, when folding, the second leg 4 rotates relative to the first leg 3. In this case, the dimensions of the folding stool 1 are approximately 455 mm in height, approximately 300 mm in width, and approximately 160 mm in depth. These dimensions are not only suitable for efficiently storing multiple units in the storage box 11, but also provide space-saving benefits in the trunk of a vehicle or in storage spaces at home.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the main parts of the folding stool according to the first embodiment.

[0028] 4, the first leg 3 has a first recess 6. The first recess 6 is a storage portion formed at the upper end of the first leg 3. The first recess 6 has an arcuate surface 6l, an arcuate surface 6u, an upper left side wall 6d, a lower right side wall 6e, a left inclined wall 6pL, a right inclined wall 6pR, and a locking portion 6r.

[0029] The arc surface 6l is formed at the lower end of the first recess 6. The arc surface 6l constitutes a curved surface that extends in an arc shape relative to the center. The arc surface 6u is formed at the upper end of the first recess 6. The arc surface 6u is disposed opposite to the arc surface 6l.

[0030] The upper left wall 6d extends vertically on the upper left side of the first recess 6. The lower right wall 6e extends vertically on the lower right side. The left inclined wall 6pL extends obliquely from below to above on the left side of the first recess 6. The right inclined wall 6pR extends obliquely from below to above on the right side of the first recess 6.

[0031] The locking portion 6r is formed in the upper right portion of the first recess 6. The locking portion 6r has a recessed shape. The locking portion 6r has a receiving surface 6ra and a back stop surface 6rb.

[0032] In the stored state shown in FIG. 4A, the protrusion 7 of the second leg 4 is stored inside the first recess 6.

[0033] The upper end of the protrusion 7 abuts against the upper left wall 6d of the first recess 6. As a result, the upper end of the protrusion 7 is restricted from moving upward and leftward. The lower end of the protrusion 7 abuts against the lower right wall 6e of the first recess 6. As a result, the lower end of the protrusion 7 is restricted from moving downward and rightward.

[0034] This allows the protrusion 7 to be stably housed inside the first recess 6. As a result, the second leg 4 is maintained in a folded state along the first leg 3.

[0035] 4B, the protrusion 7 rotates clockwise. As the protrusion 7 rotates, the lower end of the protrusion 7 becomes movable along the left inclined wall 6pL of the first recess 6. At the same time, the upper end of the protrusion 7 becomes movable along the right inclined wall 6pR.

[0036] In this state, when the second leg 4 is pulled up, the protrusion 7 also moves upward. Eventually, the upper end of the protrusion 7 is housed in the locking portion 6r. At this time, the protrusion 7 is hooked onto the receiving surface 6ra and the back stop surface 6rb of the locking portion 6r.

[0037] Therefore, the second leg 4 is stably held relative to the first leg 3. As a result, the vertical load acting via the seat 5 is reliably received, thereby maintaining the rigidity of the entire stool.

[0038] Although one side of the pair of first legs 3 has been described in FIG. 4, the other side of the pair of first legs 3 is realized in a symmetrical relationship with respect to FIG.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method for each part of the folding stool in the first embodiment.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, in the folding stool 1, the main components of the pair of first and second legs 3, 4, seat 5, and reinforcing section S are all cut out from a single piece of cypress plywood. In other words, by processing a single piece of board using laser cutting or CNC machining, the necessary first recess 6, protrusion 7, recess 9 on the underside of seat 5, and hole H in seat 5 can be formed integrally.

[0041] This configuration eliminates the need to glue multiple plates together or join them with metal fittings, allowing for highly accurate parts to be produced with an extremely small number of steps. Furthermore, because each component is made of plates of the same material and thickness, the dimensional accuracy of the mating parts is stable, and rattles and unevenness are less likely to occur after assembly.

[0042] Furthermore, because each component is cut from a single piece of wood, it can be handled as a single piece during transportation and storage. Users can assemble the stool simply by fitting the cut components together. This allows the stool to be completed easily and quickly without the need for specialized tools or skills.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a folding stool is stored in the folding stool storage system in the first embodiment.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, the dimensions of the folding stool 1 are designed to fit into the interior space of the storage box 11. This allows multiple folding stools 1 to be stored efficiently. In this way, in the stored state, the folding stool 1 is protected and is also easy to carry and transport.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which a folding stool is taken out of the folding stool storage system in accordance with the first embodiment.

[0046] As shown in Figure 7, the storage box 11 has an opening that opens upward. The internal space of the storage box 11 has a capacity that can accommodate multiple folding stools 1. In Figure 7, the internal space of the storage box 11 has a capacity that can accommodate four folding stools 1.

[0047] The top plate 13 is detachably attached to the opening of the storage box 11. The top plate 13 can also be used as a table when combined with the storage box 11.

[0048] The top plate 13 has a hole 14 formed therethrough in the vertical direction. This hole may be arranged to communicate with the hole in the storage box 11. If a parasol pole or the like is inserted into the hole 14, it functions as a sunshade or a marker when used outdoors. The top plate 13 is stably positioned on the top surface of the storage box 11, preventing it from shifting during use.

[0049] Furthermore, four foldable extension bodies 15 can be added to the tabletop 13. For example, the extension bodies 15 are connected to the tabletop 13 via hinges. When folded, the extension bodies 15 are stored stacked on top of the tabletop 13, and when unfolded, they extend outward to expand the effective area of ​​the table. The four extension bodies 15 are formed to form an oval shape together with the tabletop 13 when unfolded. By including such extension bodies 15, the storage system 2 can be flexibly unfolded according to the number of users and the purpose, further improving convenience.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method for each part of the folding stool storage system in the first embodiment.

[0051] As shown in Figure 8, in storage system 2, the main components of storage box 11, top panel 13, and expansion body 15 are cut out from a single sheet of metal. That is, after the side panels, bottom panel, top panel 13, and other components are cut out as a single unit using laser cutting or CNC processing, storage system 2 can be constructed by assembling these components with metal fittings such as screws.

[0052] This configuration eliminates the need to prepare multiple materials separately and allows components to be efficiently obtained from a single plate. Furthermore, because the assembly is performed using metal fittings, disassembly and reassembly are easy as needed, improving the convenience of transportation and storage.

[0053] Furthermore, the components are made of plates of the same material and thickness. This ensures consistent dimensional accuracy after cutting, and prevents gaps and rattles from occurring even when joined with metal fittings. As a result, the storage box 11 has high rigidity and durability, allowing for stable use over a long period of time.

[0054] Members D and E are used to divide the internal space of storage box 11 into spaces corresponding to each folding stool 1.

[0055] According to the first embodiment described above, the fulcrum of the folding stool 1 can be configured without using any nails or metal fittings. As a result, a reliable rotation mechanism can be realized while maintaining a simple structure, making assembly and disassembly easy and avoiding problems caused by deterioration of the metal fittings.

[0056] Furthermore, by providing a hole H that penetrates vertically through the seat portion 5, the user can insert their fingers to make the stool easier to carry. Furthermore, hole H can also be used as an operating hole for inserting a hand to pull up the second leg portion 4 during the folding operation. This significantly improves operability and portability.

[0057] Furthermore, by forming the holes 14 in a rectangular or oval shape, it is possible to realize a shape that is easy for the user to grip and is less likely to break even when a load is applied, thereby providing a practical stool that can withstand long-term use.

[0058] Furthermore, by providing a pair of recesses on the underside of the seat 5 and fitting them into the upper end of the first leg 3, it is possible to prevent the seat 5 from shifting horizontally or rotationally. This allows the stool to maintain stability even when subjected to a seated load, and increases the rigidity of the entire stool.

[0059] In the configuration of the present disclosure, the storage system 2 includes a storage box 11 that can store multiple folding stools 1 and a top panel 13 that can be detachably attached to the opening of the storage box, allowing it to be used as a table while being carried and stored. This provides a highly convenient system that combines storage and a place to rest for outdoor leisure activities and events.

[0060] In addition, by providing a foldable extension body 15 on the tabletop, it can be stored compactly and the area of ​​the tabletop 13 can be expanded when in use. This allows the table size to be flexibly adjusted according to the number of users and the purpose, dramatically increasing convenience.

[0061] Furthermore, by providing vertical holes 14 in the top plate 13, it is possible to easily insert a parasol pole or the like. This allows it to be used as a sunshade or a marker outdoors, further improving comfort and functionality for leisure use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 Folding stool, 2 Storage system, 3 First leg, 4 Second leg, 5 Seat, 6 First recess (top end of first leg), 7 Protrusion (both sides of second leg), 8 Locking shoulder, 11 Storage box, 13 Top plate, 14 Hole, 15 Extension body

Claims

1. a seat portion formed in a flat plate shape; a pair of first legs formed in a flat plate shape, arranged below the seating surface, with upper portions fixed to the lower surface of the seating surface and with recesses on upper side surfaces; a second leg portion formed in a flat plate shape, disposed below the seat portion, having convex portions on both sides of an upper portion, the convex portions fitting into the concave portions of the pair of first legs respectively to serve as fulcrums, and supported rotatably with respect to the pair of first legs without changing the relative positions of the seat portion and the pair of first legs; Folding stool with.

2. The folding stool according to claim 1, wherein the seat portion has a hole passing through it in the vertical direction.

3. The folding stool according to claim 2 , wherein the holes are formed in a rectangular or elliptical shape.

4. The folding stool according to claim 1 , wherein the seat portion has a pair of recesses on the underside thereof that fit respectively onto the upper ends of the pair of first legs.

5. A storage box having an opening that opens upward and a space in which two or more folding stools according to claim 1 can be placed side by side horizontally in a folded state; a top plate detachably attached to the opening of the storage box; Folding stool storage system with.

6. an extension body that is foldably provided with respect to the tabletop, overlaps the tabletop when folded, and extends outward from the tabletop when unfolded to expand the tabletop area; 6. The folding stool storage system of claim 5, comprising:

7. 7. The folding stool storage system according to claim 5, wherein the top plate has a hole passing through it in the vertical direction.

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