chair

Abstract

To provide a stackable chair in which a leg frame itself and the connection strength of the leg frame with a seat are secured.SOLUTION: A chair 1 includes a leg frame 10 and a seat 2. The leg frame has: vertical leg parts 4 arranged at the four corners of the seat; two horizontal frame parts 5 for connecting vertical leg parts 41, 42 arranged longitudinally at both sides in the lateral direction of the seat, going to the center direction of the seat from the vertical leg parts, and having a bending part 53 so as to make the longitudinal both ends become outward in the lateral direction; a connecting member 7 for connecting the horizontal frame parts together in the lateral direction; and arm members 8 extended outwardly in the lateral direction from the horizontal frame parts, respectively. The lower side of the seat is supported by the horizontal frame parts, the connecting member, and the arm members.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a chair, and more particularly to a technique suitable for use in stackable chairs. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a stackable chair in which each leg column that makes up the leg frame consists of a vertical section that stands in a substantially vertical direction near the outer periphery of the seat and a horizontal section that extends in a substantially horizontal direction from this vertical section toward the center of the seat, and further, these horizontal sections converge so that all vertical sections face the center of the seat.In Patent Document 1, bridge-shaped connecting members are provided to prevent the gaps between the front horizontal sections and the rear horizontal sections from widening, and by connecting these connecting members to the seat, the rigidity of the leg frame against the seating load is ensured.

[0003] Similarly, Patent Document 2 describes a stackable chair in which each leg column that makes up the leg frame has a vertical section that stands in a substantially vertical direction near the outer periphery of the seat, a horizontal section that extends in a substantially horizontal direction from the vertical section toward the center of the seat, and a connecting plate 36 that serves as a plate-like support member that covers the part where the horizontal section converges. In Patent Document 2, in addition to this plate-like support member, the lower ends of the front and rear leg columns are connected together, thereby ensuring the rigidity of the leg frame against the seating load. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0361593 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-158400 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, in order to stack chairs vertically, it is necessary to narrow the distance between the rear leg posts of the chairs so that the leg posts of the upper chair can be easily positioned from above and outward of the leg posts of the lower chair. In this configuration, the connecting members between the leg posts alone cannot ensure the distance between the connecting portions of the leg posts and the seat. In other words, in this configuration, the connecting members between the leg posts alone cannot ensure the support area for the leg seat.

[0006] To solve this problem, if a plate-shaped support member that covers the area where the legs converge, rather than providing a bridge-shaped connecting member, as in the structure described in Patent Document 2, is used, there is a concern that the entire chair may become overweight. Furthermore, in the structure described in Patent Document 2, connecting the lower ends of the front and rear legs together raises concerns that the chair may become even more overweight.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to achieve the object of providing a stackable chair that can ensure the strength of the leg frame itself and the connection between the leg frame and the seat, even when the lateral spacing between the leg posts is reduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) In one aspect of the present invention, a chair comprises: The leg frame and a seat supported by the leg frame; A chair comprising: The leg frame is Vertical legs arranged at the four corners of the seat; a horizontal frame portion that connects the vertical legs and extends from the vertical legs toward the center of the seat, with both ends in the front-to-rear direction facing outward in the left-to-right direction; a connecting member that connects the horizontal frame portions to each other in the left-right direction; arm members extending outward in the left and right directions from the horizontal frame portion; and The horizontal frame portion, the connecting member, and the arm member support the underside of the seat. This solved the above problem.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the horizontal frame sections that connect the vertical legs in the front-rear direction are firmly connected in the left-right direction by connecting members, thereby preventing the horizontal frame sections from shifting outward in the left-right direction. Furthermore, because the arm members extend outward in the left-right direction from the horizontal frame sections, the seat can be supported at a position further outward in the left-right direction than the horizontal frame sections, improving support strength. This makes it possible to provide sufficient seat support strength without requiring large plate-like members or the like to connect the horizontal frame sections near the bends. This makes it easier to reduce weight and improve stacking workability.

[0010] (2) In one aspect of the present invention, the chair is as described above in (1), The horizontal frame portion connects the vertical leg portions arranged in the front and rear on both sides of the left and right direction of the seat, and is provided in two with bent portions extending from the vertical leg portions toward the center of the seat and with both ends in the front and rear direction facing outward in the left and right direction, The two horizontal frame portions may be formed radially outward from the bent portion.

[0011] With the above-mentioned configuration, the horizontal frame parts are symmetrical in the left-right direction with respect to the center of the seat and extend from the center of the seat to the four corners in a plan view, so that the support of the seat can be balanced and ensured. Moreover, the horizontal frame parts do not get in the way of stacking chairs.

[0012] (3) In one aspect of the present invention, the chair is configured as described above in (1) or (2), The connecting member and the arm member may be integral with each other.

[0013] According to the above configuration, by integrating the connecting members that connect the horizontal frame portions in the left-right direction with the arm members that extend outward in the left-right direction from the horizontal frame portions, it is possible to simultaneously restrict the horizontal frame portions from expanding outward in the left-right direction and support the seat over a wide position in the left-right direction, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0014] (4) In one aspect of the present invention, the chair is as described above in (3), The arm members may be provided at left and right ends of the connecting member.

[0015] The above-described configuration makes it possible to simultaneously restrict the horizontal frame portion from expanding outward in the left-right direction and support the seat over a wide area in the left-right direction, while also preventing an increase in the number of parts.

[0016] (5) In one aspect of the present invention, the chair is any one of the above (1) to (4), the arm member abuts against the horizontal frame portion from a side thereof, The connecting member can abut against the horizontal frame portion from either above or below.

[0017] The above configuration makes it possible to simultaneously restrict the horizontal frame portion from expanding outward in the left-right direction and support the seat over a wide range in the left-right direction. At the same time, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts. Furthermore, simply by abutting the connecting member against the horizontal frame portion from above and below, the horizontal frame portion, connecting member, and arm member can be easily positioned, improving assembly efficiency.

[0018] (6) In one aspect of the present invention, the chair is any one of the above (1) to (5), The bent portion of the horizontal frame portion may be located rearward of the center of the seat.

[0019] According to this embodiment, the horizontal frame connecting the two vertical legs arranged in the front and rear allows the seat to be firmly supported not only at the left and right ends but also near the center. Furthermore, the bent portion of the horizontal frame is located in a position corresponding to the center of gravity of the seat when seated, thereby improving the stability of the chair when seated. Furthermore, the seat is stabilized and the support strength is improved by the horizontal frame extending radially from the center of the seat to the four corners. At the same time, the distance from the bent portion to the front vertical leg of the horizontal frame is longer than the distance from the bent portion to the rear vertical leg. This makes it easy to make the left-right distance between the two front vertical legs wider than the left-right distance between the two rear vertical legs. This improves the stability of the chair. At the same time, the positions of the upper and lower chairs can be easily controlled when stacking, and stacking is also easier, improving workability when stacking.

[0020] (7) In one aspect of the present invention, the chair is any one of the above (1) to (6), A backrest portion may be connected to the vertical leg portion above the seat.

[0021] With the above configuration, in the chairs stacked one on top of the other, the rear vertical legs are restricted from moving forward and to the left and right by the rear edge of the horizontal frame of the lower chair, and the backrest of the chair is restricted from moving backward by the backrest of the lower chair. This restricts horizontal movement of multiple chairs stacked vertically, improving the stability of the stack.

[0022] (8) In one aspect of the present invention, the chair is any one of the above (1) to (7), A lower seat cover may be provided at the lower part of the seat to cover at least the horizontal frame portion from below.

[0023] According to the above configuration, the horizontal frame portion and the connecting member are covered with the lower seat cover, so that they are not exposed downward.

[0024] Furthermore, in the present invention, the front vertical leg portion and the horizontal frame portion of one of the leg frames in the left and right direction can each be formed from a single pipe. Here, a front bent section is formed at the top of the front vertical leg, bending it from vertically upward toward the rear and toward the center of the seat, connecting the front end of the front vertical leg and the horizontal frame section. Furthermore, a central bent section (bent section) is formed near the center of the seat, bending it outward in the left-right direction. This allows the front vertical leg and the horizontal frame section to be formed from a single pipe. In other words, by forming bent sections in two locations, the front vertical leg and the horizontal frame section can be formed from a single pipe. In this case, the rear end of the horizontal frame section can be connected to the rear vertical leg section by welding or other methods.

[0025] Furthermore, by forming rear bent portions at the upper ends of the two rear vertical legs that are bent in the left and right directions and connecting them to each other, the two rear vertical legs can be formed from a single pipe. In this case, by forming the rear bent portion at a position higher than the position where the rear bend of the horizontal frame portion is connected to the rear vertical leg portion, it is possible to configure a pipe that is higher than the position where the rear bend of the horizontal frame portion is connected to the rear vertical leg portion as the backrest portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a stackable chair in which the strength of the leg frame itself and the connection between the leg frame and the seat can be ensured even when the lateral spacing between the leg posts is reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1]1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a chair according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a bottom view showing a leg frame, a connecting member, an arm member, and a seat in a chair according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of a chair according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a connecting member in a first embodiment of the chair according to the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing a connecting member and an arm member in a first embodiment of a chair according to the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of chairs according to a first embodiment of the present invention are stacked. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a leg frame, a connecting member, and an arm member in a second embodiment of a chair according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a leg frame in a third embodiment of a chair according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a leg frame in a fourth embodiment of a chair according to the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing the leg frame, connecting members, arm members, and seat in the chair according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] A first embodiment of a chair according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair according to this embodiment as seen from the front, and in the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes the chair.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the chair 1 according to this embodiment has a seat 2, a backrest 3, and four vertical legs 4. The four corners of the seat 2 are supported by the vertical legs 4. The vertical legs 4 directly or indirectly support the four corners of the seat 2. The backrest 3 is supported by the vertical legs 4. The seat 2 consists of a seat plate 2a on the upper surface and a lower seat cover 2b on the lower surface. The seat 2 has a substantially circular outline when viewed from above. The seat plate 2a is positioned substantially horizontally so that its upper surface forms the seat surface. Both left and right ends of the seat plate 2a are curved upward. The seat plate 2a is formed substantially horizontally in the front-to-back direction. The seat plate 2a has a substantially uniform thickness over its entire surface. The seat plate 2a is made of, for example, plywood or a resin plate. The seat plate 2a has sufficient strength to serve as a seat surface.

[0030] The backrest portion 3 has a back support portion 3a connected to two rear vertical legs 4 and extending above the seat 2, and a back panel 3b. The back support portion 3a is integral with the two rear vertical legs 4. The back support portion 3a and the back panel 3b are located in front of the back support portion 3a. The back panel 3b is positioned approximately vertically so that its upper surface forms the backrest surface. Both left and right ends of the back panel 3b are curved toward the front. The back panel 3b has an approximately uniform thickness over its entire surface. The back panel 3b is made of, for example, plywood or a resin plate.

[0031] The four vertical legs 4 are erected at the four corners of the seat 2. The four vertical legs 4 support the seat 2. All four vertical legs 4 are formed in a substantially straight line. All four vertical legs 4 are made of columnar members, such as pipes, with substantially uniform diameter dimensions. All four vertical legs 4 are made of metal pipes. Ground contact portions 4a are formed at the lower ends of the four vertical legs 4.

[0032] Of the four vertical legs 4, the two front vertical legs 41 are both inclined downward from the vertical direction, forward and outward in the left-right direction. In other words, the horizontal distance between the two front vertical legs 41 increases downward. The inclination of the two front vertical legs 41 in the left-right direction is symmetrical with respect to each other. The inclination of the two front vertical legs 41 in the left-right direction is equal to the inclination of each other in the front-to-back direction.

[0033] A front bent portion 41b is formed at the upper end of the front vertical leg 41. The front bent portion 41b is formed by bending the front vertical leg 41, which slopes upward from the ground contact portion 4a, toward the center of the seat 2. The front bent portion 41b and the front vertical leg 41 are integrated. The front bent portion 41b and the front vertical leg 41 are formed from a single pipe. The opposite side of the front bent portion 41b relative to the front vertical leg portion 41 is located below the seat plate 2a. The front bent portion 41b connects the seat 2 to the front vertical leg portion 41 located at the front of the four corners of the seat 2. The unbent upper end of the front vertical leg portion 41 may directly abut the underside of the seat plate 2a or may be closely opposed to it.

[0034] Of the four vertical legs 4, the two rear vertical legs 42 are both inclined downward, rearward from the vertical direction and outward in the left-right direction. In other words, the horizontal distance between the two rear vertical legs 42 increases downward. The inclination of the two rear vertical legs 42 in the left-right direction is symmetrical with respect to each other. The inclination of the two rear vertical legs 42 in the left-right direction is equal to each other in the front-to-rear direction.

[0035] On each of the left and right sides, the horizontal distance between the front vertical leg 41 and the rear vertical leg 42 increases downward. The inclination of the rear vertical leg 42 in the front-to-rear direction is greater than the inclination of the front vertical leg 41 in the front-to-rear direction. The inclination of the rear vertical leg 42 in the left-to-right direction is greater than the inclination of the front vertical leg 41 in the left-to-right direction. The horizontal distance between the lower ends of the front vertical legs 41 is greater than the horizontal distance between the lower ends of the rear vertical legs 42. The horizontal distance between the upper ends of the front vertical legs 41 is greater than the horizontal distance between the upper ends of the rear vertical legs 44. At the upper end of the front vertical leg portion 41, a pipe is formed that bends toward the center of the seat 2.

[0036] Fig. 2 is a bottom view showing the leg frames, connecting members, arm members, and seat of the chair in this embodiment. Note that in Fig. 2, the illustration of the lower seat cover 2b is omitted. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the chair in this embodiment. In the chair 1 of this embodiment, the upper end of the front vertical leg portion 41 is connected to the horizontal frame portion 5 via the front bent portion 41b.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the horizontal frame portion 5 connects the front vertical leg portion 41 and the rear vertical leg portion 42 on each of the left and right sides. One horizontal frame portion 5 is provided on each side. The two horizontal frame portions 5 are formed symmetrically with respect to the center of the chair 1 in the left-right direction. The front end 51a of the horizontal frame portion 5 is connected to the front vertical leg portion 41 via the front bent portion 41b. The rear end 52b of the horizontal frame portion 5 is connected to the rear vertical leg portion 42. The rear end 52b can be welded to the rear vertical leg portion 42.

[0038] The horizontal frame portion 5 has a central bent portion (bent portion) 53 in the middle in the front-to-rear direction, with the front horizontal portion 51 being in front of the central bent portion 53 and the rear horizontal portion 52 being behind the central bent portion 53. The horizontal frame portion 5 is disposed approximately horizontally in the front-to-rear direction. The horizontal frame portion 5 can also be inclined so as to rise slightly forward.

[0039] The front horizontal portion 51 is formed in a substantially straight line. The rear horizontal portion 52 is formed in a substantially straight line. Both the front horizontal portion 51 and the rear horizontal portion 52 extend in a substantially horizontal direction. The central bend portion 53 is located in the center of the chair 1 in the left-right direction. The central bend portion 53 is located approximately in the center of the seat 2 in the left-right direction. The central bend portion 53 is located behind the center of the seat 2.

[0040] The left and right front horizontal portions 51 have the same length. The left and right rear horizontal portions 52 have the same length. The front horizontal portions 51 have a length greater than that of the rear horizontal portions 52. The distance between the left and right front ends 51a in the left-right direction is greater than the distance between the left and right rear ends 52b in the left-right direction.

[0041] The front horizontal portion 51 is formed from the front end 51a toward the central bent portion 53, extending toward the center in the left-right direction and rearward in the front-to-rear direction. The rear horizontal portion 52 is formed from the rear end 52b toward the central bent portion 53, extending toward the center in the left-right direction and forward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0042] The angle between the front vertical leg 41 and the rear vertical leg 42 at the central bend 53 is approximately a right angle or greater than a right angle. The left and right central bends 53 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the chair 1 in the left-right direction. The left and right central bends 53 may be spaced apart in the left-right direction. The left and right central bends 53 may also be spaced apart enough to be in contact with each other in the left-right direction.

[0043] The horizontal frame portion 5 has a front vertical leg portion 41 and a rear vertical leg portion 42 formed radially in four directions from a central bend portion 53. In the horizontal frame portion 5, the right front vertical leg portion 41 and the left rear vertical leg portion 42 can be arranged on approximately the same straight line. In the horizontal frame portion 5, the left front vertical leg portion 41 and the right rear vertical leg portion 42 can be arranged on approximately the same straight line. The horizontal frame portion 5 is bent at a central bent portion 53 near the center of the seat 2, and a front end 51a and a rear end 52b are formed from the central bent portion 53 so as to extend outward in the left-right direction.

[0044] The horizontal frame portion 5 is formed integrally with the front vertical leg portion 41. In other words, the horizontal frame portion 5 and the front vertical leg portion 41 can be formed from a single pipe. In this case, the single pipe is bent at two locations: the front bent portion 41b and the central bent portion 53. In other words, the single pipe can be formed by simply bending it at two locations.

[0045] The rear end 52b of the horizontal frame portion 5 is connected to the rear vertical leg portion 42 so as to be approximately perpendicular to the rear vertical leg portion 42. The rear end 52b is welded to the rear vertical leg portion 42. The rear end 52b of the horizontal frame portion 5 is connected to the rear vertical leg portion 42 at a position inclined obliquely in the left-right direction from the front so as to face the center in the left-right direction.

[0046] That is, the distance between the positions where the rear ends 52b on both the left and right sides are connected to the rear vertical legs 42 is shorter than the left-right distance between the rear vertical legs 42 at the same height. That is, the outer left-right dimension of the two rear horizontal portions 52 protruding diagonally forward from the rear vertical leg 42 is shorter than the left-right distance between the rear vertical legs 42 at the same height.

[0047] The rear vertical leg 42, which is located higher than the position where the rear end 52b of the horizontal frame portion 5 is connected, is formed with a rear lower bent portion (rear bent portion) 42c and a rear upper bent portion (rear bent portion) 42d.

[0048] The rear vertical leg 42 extends linearly from the rear lower bent portion (rear bent portion) 42c to the ground contact portion 4a, which is its lower end. The inclination angle of the rear vertical leg 42 remains constant from the rear lower bent portion (rear bent portion) 42c to the ground contact portion 4a. The rear lower bent portion (rear bent portion) 42c determines the inclination angle of the rear vertical leg 42.

[0049] The rear upper bent portion (rear bent portion) 42d is located at the apex 42b of the rear vertical leg 42. The rear upper bent portion (rear bent portion) 42d extends upward from the rear lower bent portion 42c to the rear upper bent portion 42d, and at the rear upper bent portion 42d, both bend inward in the left-right direction in a substantially horizontal direction. The apexes 42b of the left and right rear vertical legs 42 extend in a substantially horizontal left-right direction and are connected to each other at substantially the same height as the rear upper bent portion 42d.

[0050] The portion of the rear vertical leg 42 that is located higher than the position where the rear end 52b of the horizontal frame 5 is connected is configured as the back support portion 3a of the backrest 3. Furthermore, the two rear vertical legs 42 connected at the top 42b can be formed from a single pipe. In this case, the single pipe is bent at four locations: the right rear lower bend 42c, the right rear upper bend 42d, the left rear upper bend 42d, and the left rear lower bend 42c. In other words, the single pipe can be formed by simply bending it at four locations.

[0051] Here, the front vertical leg portion 41, the horizontal frame portion 5, and the rear vertical leg portion 42 constitute the leg frame 10. The leg frame 10 further includes a front connecting member (connecting member) 6, a rear connecting member (connecting member) 7, and an arm member 8. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the front connecting member (connecting member) 6 in this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 and the arm member 8 in this embodiment.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the front connecting member (connecting member) 6 is in the shape of a plate having a predetermined width extending in the left-right direction. Both ends of the front connecting member (connecting member) 6 in the front-rear direction may be bent to form bent portions 6b, and these bent portions 6b may increase the mechanical strength. The front connecting member (connecting member) 6 is disposed in a position where it is covered by the seat 2 in a plan view. The front connecting member (connecting member) 6 may be made of metal, but may also be made of synthetic resin. When the front connecting member (connecting member) 6 is made of synthetic resin, it may be formed by resin molding.

[0053] Both ends of the front connecting member (connecting member) 6 are connected to the left and right front horizontal portions 51, respectively. The front connecting member (connecting member) 6 can be welded at both ends to the left and right front horizontal portions 51. The front connecting member (connecting member) 6 is provided as a bridge mechanism that bridges the left and right horizontal frame portions 5. The front connecting member (connecting member) 6 is connected to the left and right front horizontal portions 51 between the front end 51a and the central bend portion 53. By positioning this connection position closer to the front end 51a, the range in which the seat 2 can be supported can be increased.

[0054] The front connecting member (connecting member) 6 has through holes 6a near both ends in the left-right direction. The front connecting member (connecting member) 6 is fixed to the seat plate 2a and the lower seat cover 2b by fastening members B such as screws that pass through the through holes 6a. These screws connect both ends of the front connecting member (connecting member) 6 to the horizontal frame parts 5 on both sides in the left-right direction, thereby fixing the seat 2 to the horizontal frame parts 5.

[0055] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 has a plate-shaped plate portion 7c with a predetermined width extending in the left-right direction. The rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 may have bent portions 7b, 7d formed by bending both ends in the front-rear direction from the plate portion 7c, and these bent portions 7b, 7d may increase the mechanical strength. The rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 is disposed in a position where it is hidden by the seat 2 in a plan view. The rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 may be made of metal, but may also be made of synthetic resin. When the rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 is made of synthetic resin, it may be formed by resin molding. The main surface of the plate portion 7c extends horizontally and along the upper surface of the seat plate 2a.

[0056] Both ends of the rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 are connected to the left and right rear horizontal portions 52, respectively. The rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 can be welded to the left and right rear horizontal portions 52 near both ends or elsewhere. The rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 is provided as a bridge mechanism that connects the left and right horizontal frame portions 5. The rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 is connected to the left and right rear horizontal portions 52 between the rear end 52b and the central bend portion 53. By positioning this connection position close to the central bend portion 53, it is possible to provide strong support to the left and right horizontal frame portions 5 and to restrict displacement of the left and right horizontal frame portions 5.

[0057] The arm members 8 are connected to both ends of the rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 in the left and right direction. The arm members 8 are connected to corners close to the central bend 53 of the rear connecting member (connecting member) 7. The arm members 8 are connected via a connecting portion 8b that is bent upright from the plate portion 7c, similar to the bent portions 7b and 7d. In other words, the two arm members 8 and the rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 are integrated. The arm members 8 can be made of metal.

[0058] The connecting portion 8b constitutes the arm member 8. The arm member 8 has a plate-shaped fixing portion 8c that is approximately parallel to the plate portion 7c. A through hole 8a is formed in the fixing portion 8c. The arm member 8 is fixed to the seat plate 2a and the lower seat cover 2b by a fastening member B, such as a screw, that passes through the through hole 8a. The fixing portion 8c protrudes from the rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 in a direction that is inclined forward relative to the left-right direction. Specifically, the fixing portion 8c protrudes in a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the rear horizontal portion 52.

[0059] The rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 is connected to the rear horizontal portion 52. The outer periphery of the rear horizontal portion 52 is connected to the plate portion 7c of the rear connecting member (connecting member) 7. The rear horizontal portion 52 abuts against the upper surface of the plate portion 7c along an abutment line (welding line) W1 shown in FIG. 5. The abutment line (welding line) W1 is parallel to the connection portion 8b of the arm member 8. The plate portion 7c of the rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 abuts against the rear horizontal portion 52 from below. The bent portion 7d, which is formed by bending the front end of the plate portion 7c, has both left and right ends connected to the rear horizontal portions 52. Both ends of the bent portion 7d are welded to the inner left and right surfaces of the outer peripheries of the two rear horizontal portions 52.

[0060] The arm member 8 is connected to the rear horizontal portion 52. The outer periphery of the rear horizontal portion 52 is welded to the inner surface of the connection portion 8b in the left-right direction of the arm member 8. The rear horizontal portion 52 abuts against the surface of the connection portion 8b along an abutment line (weld line) W2 shown in FIG. 5. The abutment line (weld line) W2 is parallel to the plate portion 7c of the rear connecting member (connecting member) 7. The connection portion 8b of the arm member 8 abuts against the side of the rear horizontal portion 52, that is, from the outer side in the left-right direction. The connection portion 8b is welded to the outer side in the left-right direction of the outer peripheries of the two rear horizontal portions 52.

[0061] The two arm members 8 and the rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 are integrated, the rear horizontal portion 52 and the plate portion 7c are connected along the abutment line (welding line) W1, and further, the rear horizontal portion 52 and the connecting portion 8b are connected along the abutment line (welding line) W2, so that the two arm members 8, the rear connecting member (connecting member) 7, and the horizontal frame portion 5 are firmly connected to each other.

[0062] The connection portions 8b, which are erected upward from both left and right ends of the plate portion 7c, abut from the outside of the rear horizontal portion 52 in the left and right directions, making it possible to effectively restrict displacement of the rear horizontal portion 52 toward the outside in the left and right directions. Furthermore, the fixing portion 8c is positioned outward in the left-right direction from the connecting portion 8b, and is positioned outward in the left-right direction approximately perpendicular to the rear horizontal portion 52. By screwing this fixing portion 8c into the seat plate 2a with a fastening member B such as a screw that passes through the through hole 8a of this fixing portion 8c, the horizontal frame portion 5, the rear connecting member (connecting member) 7, and the arm member 8 can be firmly fixed to the seat 2. Furthermore, by fixing the arm member 8 to the seat 2 on the left-right outer side of the rear horizontal portion 52, the range in which the seat 2 can be supported is increased, making it possible for the leg frame 10 to firmly support the seat 2.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which chairs according to this embodiment are stacked. When stacking the chairs 1 in this embodiment, such as stacking them vertically to put them away, first, the chair 1 to be stacked on top is oriented in the same sitting direction as the chair 1 located below. Next, the chair 1 to be placed on top is raised to a height where the seat 2 of the chair 1 in the lower position can pass between the left and right rear vertical legs 42 of the chair 1 in the upper position.

[0064] Then, the chair 1 to be placed on top is lowered so that the rear vertical leg portions 42 of the chair 1 in the upper position are at a front-to-back position and height position between the backboard 3b and seat 2 of the chair 1 in the lower position, and so that the rear vertical leg portions 42 of the chair 1 in the upper position are both outside the rear vertical leg portions 42 of the chair 1 in the lower position. Then, the lower surface of the lower seat cover 2b of the chair 1 in the upper position comes into contact with the upper surface of the seat panel 2a of the chair 1 in the lower position, and the two chairs are placed on top of each other, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0065] At this time, the rear vertical legs 42 of the chair 1 in the upper position are all positioned forward of the rear vertical legs 42 of the chair 1 in the lower position. At the same time, the opposing inner sides of the rear vertical legs 42 of the chair 1 in the upper position are all positioned outward of the rear horizontal parts 52 of the chair 1 in the lower position. Also, the backrest 3 of the chair 1 in the upper position is positioned forward of the backrest 3 of the chair 1 in the lower position.

[0066] By having the chair 1 in the upper position and the chair 1 in the lower position in this positional relationship, they can be stacked without shifting horizontally relative to each other and with their stacking positions regulated.

[0067] In the chair 1 of this embodiment, the horizontal frame portions 5 that connect the front vertical leg portions 41 and the rear vertical leg portions 42 located at the front and rear to each other are firmly connected in the left-right direction by connecting members 6 and 7, respectively, which makes it possible to restrict the horizontal frame portions 5 from shifting outward in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the arm members 8 extend outward in the left-right direction from the two horizontal frame portions 5, so that the seat 2 can be supported at a position outside the horizontal frame portions 5 in the left-right direction, thereby improving the support strength.

[0068] This eliminates the need for a large plate-like member to connect the horizontal frame sections 5 together near the central bend 53, which is near the center of the seat 2. At the same time, the leg frame 10 can provide sufficient support strength for the seat 2. This makes it easier to reduce the weight of the chair 1 and improve the workability of stacking.

[0069] According to this embodiment, the four horizontal frame sections 5 extend from the central bend section 53, which is near the center of the seat 2 in a plan view, toward the four corners, thereby providing balanced and reliable support for the seat 2. Furthermore, the horizontal frame sections 5 are stackable so they do not get in the way of the stacked chairs.

[0070] According to this embodiment, the connecting members 6, 7 that connect the horizontal frame portions 5 in the left-right direction and the pair of arm members 8 that extend outward in the left-right direction from the horizontal frame portions 5 are configured as an integrated unit, which simultaneously makes it possible to restrict the horizontal frame portions 5 from expanding outward in the left-right direction and to support the seat 2 over a wide position in the left-right direction. At the same time, it is possible to reduce the number of parts in a chair 1 that has the same strength.

[0071] According to this embodiment, by providing the arm members 8 at both left and right ends of the connecting member 7, it is possible to simultaneously restrict the outward displacement of the horizontal frame portion 5 in the left and right direction and support the seat 2 over a wide position in the left and right direction. At the same time, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts in the chair 1.

[0072] According to this embodiment, the connecting member 7 and the arm member 8 are integrated, and further, the arm member 8 abuts the horizontal frame portion 5 from the side near the abutment line W2, and the rear connecting member 7 abuts the horizontal frame portion 5 from below near the abutment line W2. This makes it possible to simultaneously restrict the horizontal frame portion 5 from expanding outward in the left-right direction and to support the seat 2 with the leg frame 10 over a wide range in the left-right direction. At the same time, it is possible to reduce the number of parts. Furthermore, simply by abutting the rear connecting member 7 against the horizontal frame portion 5 from below, it is easy to position the horizontal frame portion 5, the rear connecting member 7, and the arm member 8, improving the efficiency of the assembly work.

[0073] According to this embodiment, by configuring the central bent portion 53 of the horizontal frame portion 5 to be located rearward of the center of the seat 2, the horizontal frame portion 5 connecting the front vertical leg portion 41 and the rear vertical leg portion 42 in the front-to-rear direction can firmly support the seat 2 not only at both the left and right ends but also near the center. Furthermore, by aligning the central bent portion 53 to a position corresponding to the center of gravity of a person sitting on the seat 2, the stability of the chair 1 when the person is seated can be improved. Furthermore, the seat 2, which is supported by the horizontal frame portions 5 that radiate from near the center of the seat 2 to the four corners, can be stabilized and the support strength can be improved.

[0074] In this embodiment, in the horizontal frame portion 5, the distance from the central bend 53 to the front vertical leg portion 41 is longer than the distance from the central bend 53 to the rear vertical leg portion 42, so the left-right positional distance between the two front vertical legs 41 can be easily made wider than the left-right positional distance between the two rear vertical legs 42. This improves the stability of the chair 1. At the same time, it is easy to regulate the positions of the upper and lower chairs 1 relative to each other when stacking, and further improves the workability when stacking.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one of the left and right leg frame 10 portions, that is, one of the front vertical leg portion 41 and the horizontal frame portion 5, is formed from a single pipe, and the other of the front vertical leg portion 41 and the horizontal frame portion 5 is formed from a single pipe, and the two rear vertical leg portions 42 are formed from a single pipe and can also serve as the backrest portion 3. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts while maintaining sufficient strength, and to reduce the number of bending steps, enabling efficient manufacturing.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the seat 2 is supported by the radial horizontal frame 5, and the front vertical leg 41 and the rear vertical leg 42 are connected, which makes it possible to further improve the strength compared to chairs of the same weight. Also, by fixing the seat 2 with the arm members 8, the supporting area can be expanded horizontally, providing stronger support and improved stability.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front vertical leg portion 41 and the rear vertical leg portion 42 of the leg frame 10 are positioned at the centers of the respective corners corresponding to the four corners of the seat 2, and the front horizontal portion 51 and the rear horizontal portion 52 converge toward the central bend portion 53 located at the center of gravity, which is the true center of the seat 2. Of the two bent portions, front bent portion 41b is located at the highest position on leg frame 10 excluding backrest portion 3, and comes into contact with the underside of seat 2, improving support. Of the two bent portions, the front side of central bent portion 53 forms a horizontal triangular support frame, to which the fixing plates of arm member 8 and connecting members 6 and 7 are fixed, thereby enabling the horizontal triangular support frame to serve as the main fixing surface for seat 2.

[0078] Behind the central bend 53, the adjacent front horizontal section 51 and rear horizontal section 52 are at the same angle, and the vertical leg sections 4 of the leg frame 10 are fixed to each other. By adopting this frame design, it is possible to manufacture each leg section solely by pipe bending. This allows parts of the same shape to be manufactured with fewer processes and at low cost. Therefore, it is possible to provide a chair 1 that is suitable for mass production.

[0079] A second embodiment of the chair according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a chair in this embodiment. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment described above is in the points relating to the connecting members and arm members. Other configurations corresponding to those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0080] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the rear connecting member 7 does not have the front bent portion 7b, and the plate portion 7c is configured to have a larger width in the front-to-rear direction. This allows the abutment line (weld line) W1 to be longer, strengthening the connection between the rear horizontal portion 52 and the connecting member 7 and arm member 8 and further improving strength. This ensures reliable support between the seat 2 and the leg frame 10, further improving strength.

[0081] This embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the above-described embodiment.

[0082] A third embodiment of the chair according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a leg frame of the chair in this embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments described above in terms of the connecting member and the arm member, and the other corresponding components are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0083] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the rear connecting members 7 are not provided, and the arm members 8 are each connected to two rear horizontal portions 52. Here, similar to the above-described embodiment, the arm members 8 are connected so as to protrude outward from the two rear horizontal portions 52. This allows for further weight reduction.

[0084] This embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the above-described embodiment.

[0085] A fourth embodiment of the chair according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a leg frame of the chair in this embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments described above in terms of the connecting member and the arm member, and the other corresponding components are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0086] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the rear connecting member 7 is configured to abut against the rear horizontal portion 52 from above. Similarly, the arm members 8 are formed integrally with both ends of the rear connecting member 7. Note that the arm members 8 do not extend outward in the horizontal direction so as to be perpendicular to each of the two rear horizontal portions 52, but are connected to the rear connecting member 7 in parallel and extending outward in the left-right direction. Here, compared to the above-described embodiment, the rear connecting member 7 and the arm members 8 are closer to the central bent portion 53. In other words, compared to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, they are connected to the rear horizontal portions at a more forward position. This allows for more reliable support of the seat 2.

[0087] This embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the above-described embodiment.

[0088] Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the chair according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 10 is a bottom view showing the leg frames, connecting members, arm members and seat of the chair in this embodiment. Note that in Fig. 10, the illustration of the lower seat cover 2b is omitted. This embodiment differs from the first to fourth embodiments described above in terms of the horizontal frame portion, and the other corresponding components are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0089] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the two horizontal frame sections 5 do not connect the front vertical leg sections 41 and rear vertical leg sections 42 on either the left or right side, but connect the front vertical leg sections 41 to each other and the rear vertical leg sections 42 to each other, respectively.

[0090] One horizontal frame portion 5 is provided at the front and one at the back. The two horizontal frame portions 5 are formed approximately symmetrically with respect to the center of the chair 1 in the front-to-back direction. Front ends 51a, which are both ends of the front horizontal frame portion 5, are connected to the front vertical leg portion 41 via front bent portions 41b. Rear ends 52b, which are both ends of the rear horizontal frame portion 5, are connected to the rear vertical leg portion 42. The rear ends 52b can be welded to the rear vertical leg portion 42.

[0091] The horizontal frame portion 5 has a central bent portion (bent portion) 53B in the middle in the left-right direction, with the front horizontal portion 51 being the portion forward of the central bent portion 53 and the rear horizontal portion 52 being the portion rearward of the central bent portion 53. In other words, the front horizontal frame portion 5 has two front horizontal portions 51 connected to each other by the central bent portion 53, and the rear horizontal frame portion 5 has two rear horizontal portions 52 connected to each other by the central bent portion 53. The horizontal frame portion 5 is disposed approximately horizontally in the left-right and front-rear directions. The horizontal frame portion 5 can also be inclined so as to rise slightly forward. The horizontal frame portions 5 located before and after the central bending portion 53B may be spaced apart from each other, or may be connected (fixed) to each other by means of welding or the like.

[0092] The front horizontal portion 51 is formed in a substantially straight line. The rear horizontal portion 52 is formed in a substantially straight line. Both the front horizontal portion 51 and the rear horizontal portion 52 extend in a substantially horizontal direction. The central bend portion 53B is located in the center of the chair 1 in the left-right direction. The central bend portion 53B is located approximately in the center of the seat 2 in the left-right direction. The central bend portion 53B is located behind the center of the seat 2. Therefore, the length dimension of the rear horizontal portion 52 in the extension direction is greater than that of the front horizontal portion 51.

[0093] The left and right front horizontal portions 51 and 52 have the same length. The distance between the left and right front ends 51a in the left-right direction is greater than the distance between the left and right rear ends 52b in the left-right direction.

[0094] Each front horizontal portion 51 extends from its front end 51a toward the central bent portion 53B toward the center in the left-right direction and toward the rear in the front-to-rear direction. Each rear horizontal portion 52 extends from its rear end 52b toward the central bent portion 53B toward the center in the left-to-right direction and toward the front in the front-to-rear direction.

[0095] In the central bend portion 53B, the angle between the front vertical leg portions 41 and the angle between the rear vertical leg portions 42 are approximately a right angle or smaller than a right angle. The front and rear central bend portions 53B are arranged symmetrically about the center of the chair 1 in the front-to-rear direction. The front and rear central bend portions 53B may be welded to each other in the front-to-rear direction. The front and rear central bend portions 53B may also be spaced apart enough to be in contact with each other in the front-to-rear direction.

[0096] The horizontal frame portion 5 has a front vertical leg portion 41 and a rear vertical leg portion 42 formed radially in four directions from the central bent portion 53B. In the horizontal frame portion 5, the right front vertical leg portion 41 and the left rear vertical leg portion 42 can be arranged on approximately the same straight line. In the horizontal frame portion 5, the left front vertical leg portion 41 and the right rear vertical leg portion 42 can be arranged on approximately the same straight line. The horizontal frame portion 5 is bent at a central bent portion 53B near the center of the seat 2, and a front end 51a and a rear end 52b are formed from the central bent portion 53B so as to extend outward in the left-right direction.

[0097] Each of the front vertical legs 41 of the horizontal frame 5 is formed integrally with the front vertical leg 41. In other words, the two front vertical legs 41 of the horizontal frame 5 and the front vertical leg 41 can be formed from a single pipe. In this case, the single pipe is bent at three locations: the front bent portion 41b, the central bent portion 53B, and the front bent portion 41b. In other words, the single pipe can be formed by simply bending it at three locations.

[0098] Of the horizontal frame portion 5, rear ends 52b of the two rear vertical leg portions 42 are connected to the rear vertical leg portion 42 so as to be approximately perpendicular to the rear vertical leg portion 42. The rear ends 52b are welded to the rear vertical leg portion 42. The rear end 52b of the rear vertical leg 42 is connected to the rear vertical leg 42 at a position inclined obliquely from the front to the left and right so as to face the center in the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0099] The front connecting member (connecting member) 6 has the same configuration as that of the first to fourth embodiments. The rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 has the same configuration as that of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0100] The connecting member 6 and the connecting member 7 may both extend in the front-to-rear direction and connect the horizontal frame portion 5 located in front of the central bending portion 53B with the horizontal frame portion 5 located behind the central bending portion 53B. In this case, the connecting member 6 and the connecting member 7 may be disposed on both the left and right sides of the central bending portion 53B. In this case, the front connecting member (connecting member) 6 may be configured to be rotated 90 degrees with respect to the central bending portion 53B. In this case, the rear connecting member (connecting member) 7 may be configured to be rotated 90 degrees with respect to the central bending portion 53B.

[0101] In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0102] In the present invention, the configurations in the above-described embodiments may be appropriately selected and freely combined to form a configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1. Chair 2…za 3...Backrest 4...Vertical leg 5...Horizontal frame section 6...Front connecting member (connecting member) 7...Rear connecting member (connecting member) 8...Arm member 8b...Connection 8c…Fixed part 10...Leg frame 41...Front vertical leg (vertical leg) 41b...Anterior bending part 42...Rear vertical leg (vertical leg) 42c…Posterior lower bending part (backward bending part) 42d...Posterior upper bending part (backward bending part) 51...Front horizontal part 51a...front end 52…Rear horizontal part 52b…rear end 53,53B…Central bending part (bending part) B: Fastening member W1, W2...contact line (weld line)

Claims

1. The leg frame and a seat supported by the leg frame; A chair comprising: The leg frame is Vertical legs arranged at the four corners of the seat; a horizontal frame portion that connects the vertical legs and extends from the vertical legs toward the center of the seat, with both ends in the front-to-rear direction facing outward in the left-to-right direction; a connecting member that connects the horizontal frame portions to each other in the left-right direction; arm members extending outward in the left and right directions from the horizontal frame portion; and The horizontal frame portions connect the vertical leg portions arranged in the front and rear on both sides of the left and right direction of the seat, and are provided in two with bent portions extending from the vertical leg portions toward the center of the seat and with both ends in the front and rear direction facing outward in the left and right direction, The two horizontal frame portions are formed radially outward from the bent portion, The connecting member is a front connecting member extending in the left-right direction and having both ends connected to the horizontal frame portion forward of the bent portion, thereby bridging the horizontal frame portion; a rear connecting member extending in the left-right direction and having both ends connected to the horizontal frame portion rearward of the bent portion, thereby bridging the horizontal frame portion; and and the arm members are connected to both left and right ends of the rear connecting member, The front connecting member, which is bridged over the horizontal frame portion forward of the bent portion, and the arm member of the rear connecting member, which is bridged over the horizontal frame portion rearward of the bent portion, are fixed to the seat, thereby supporting the seat. A chair characterized by:

2. A leg frame, a seat supported by the leg frame; A chair comprising: The leg frame is Vertical legs arranged at the four corners of the seat; a horizontal frame portion that connects the vertical legs and extends from the vertical legs toward the center of the seat, with both ends in the front-to-rear direction facing outward in the left-to-right direction; a connecting member that connects the horizontal frame portions to each other in the left-right direction; arm members extending outward in the left and right directions from the horizontal frame portion; and The horizontal frame portions connect the vertical leg portions arranged in the front and rear on both sides of the left and right direction of the seat, and are provided in two with bent portions extending from the vertical leg portions toward the center of the seat and with both ends in the front and rear direction facing outward in the left and right direction, The two horizontal frame portions are formed radially outward from the bent portion, the connecting member has a front connecting member extending in the left-right direction, both ends of which are connected to the horizontal frame portion forward of the bent portion to bridge the horizontal frame portion, the arm members are connected to the horizontal frame portions rearward of the bent portions and are connected to the horizontal frame portions so as to protrude outward, The front connecting member bridged over the horizontal frame portion forward of the bent portion and the arm member connected to the horizontal frame portion rearward of the bent portion are fixed to the seat, thereby supporting the seat. A chair characterized by:

3. The connecting member and the arm member are integrated.

2. The chair according to claim 1.

4. The arm members are provided at left and right ends of the connecting member.

4. The chair according to claim 3.

5. the arm member abuts against the horizontal frame portion from a side thereof, The connecting member abuts against the horizontal frame portion from either above or below.

5. The chair according to claim 1, 3 or 4.

6. The bent portion of the horizontal frame portion is located rearward of the center of the seat.

6. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the seat is made of a synthetic resin.

7. A backrest is connected to the vertical leg portion above the seat.

7. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the seat is made of a polyurethane foam.

8. A lower seat cover is provided at the lower part of the seat to cover at least the horizontal frame part from below. A chair according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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