chair

Abstract

The present invention provides a chair that can blow air onto a portion of the blower other than the front of the exhaust port, and can direct air onto any part of the seated person's body. The chair 1 comprises a seat member 2 on which a seated person sits, which includes a first windproof fabric 21 having ventilation holes 24 opening toward the seated person, and a second windproof fabric 22 positioned on the back of the first windproof fabric 21 so as to define a space with the first windproof fabric 21, wherein the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 form a bag 23; a blower 3 that can blow air into the bag 23 of the seat member 2; and a frame member 4 that supports the seat member 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a chair, and more particularly to a chair provided with a blower device capable of blowing air onto a seated person.

Background Art

[0002] Chairs are desirably capable of making a seated person feel cool as needed. Examples of conventional chairs capable of making a seated person feel cool are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Chair 1′ includes a blower device 3′ (a motor-driven blower) and is capable of blowing air onto a seated person. More specifically, in the seat fabric 2′ of chair 1′, the blower device 3′ is provided such that the exhaust port faces the seated person. When the blower device 3′ operates, the air flowing out from the exhaust port of the blower device 3′ hits the back of the seated person, and the seated person feels the coolness of the wind. Also, a mesh fabric 4′ is provided between the seat fabric 2′ and the seated person so that the blower device 3′ does not contact the body of the seated person.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, in chair 1′, the wind from the blower device 3′ can only be blown onto the front part of the exhaust port of the blower device 3′. Therefore, a chair that can blow air to parts other than the front part of the exhaust port of the blower device and can blow air to any part of the body of the seated person is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The chair of the present invention includes a seat member on which a seated person sits, a first windproof fabric having ventilation holes that open toward the seated person, and a second windproof fabric disposed on the back surface of the first windproof fabric so as to define a space with the first windproof fabric, wherein the first windproof fabric and the second windproof fabric form a bag body, a seat member, a blower device capable of blowing air into the bag body of the seat member, and a frame member that supports the seat member. The ventilation holes open toward the side of the seated person, and the ventilation holes consist of a first ventilation hole and a second ventilation hole that is smaller than the first ventilation hole, with the first ventilation hole being positioned closer to the edge of the first windproof fabric than the second ventilation hole. It is characterized by the above.

[0005] This feature allows the air blown into the bag to pass through the internal space, exit through the ventilation holes, and hit the seated person's body. By guiding the air through the bag, the airflow can reach areas far from the blower, making it possible to blow air to areas other than directly in front of the blower's exhaust port. Furthermore, depending on the position and number of ventilation holes in the bag, it is possible to direct the airflow to any part of the seated person's body. Furthermore, this feature allows air to be directed to the sides of the seated person. Also, this feature reduces the likelihood of the vents being blocked by the seated person's body, making it easier for the seated person to feel the breeze. Additionally, this feature positions the first vent, which allows for a larger airflow, in a location less likely to be blocked by the seated person's body, making it easier for the seated person to feel the breeze.

[0010] Preferably, the ventilation holes are covered with a mesh fabric.

[0011] This feature makes it easier to prevent foreign objects from entering the inside of the bag through the ventilation holes.

[0012] Preferably, the blower is attached to the second windproof fabric and positioned below the thighs of the seated person.

[0013] This feature makes it easier to avoid pressure loss in the airflow from the blower. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Front view of the chair according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view II-II of the chair according to the present invention. [Figure 3] A schematic cross-sectional view of the chair of the present invention at line III-III. [Figure 4] A side view of another embodiment of the chair of the present invention. [Figure 5] Front view of another embodiment of the chair of the present invention. [Figure 6] Front view of a conventional chair. [Figure 7] Side view of a conventional chair. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Figures 1 and 2 show a chair 1, which is one embodiment of the present invention. The chair 1 comprises a seat member 2 on which a person sits, a blower 3 that can blow air onto the seat member 2, and a frame member 4 that supports the seat member 2. In the seat member 2, a first windproof fabric 21 and a second windproof fabric 22 form a bag 23, and air blown from the blower 3 flows out to the person sitting through the internal space of the bag 23, becoming a breeze directed towards the person sitting.

[0016] The following describes each component of chair 1 in more detail. The concepts of up, down, front, back, left, and right used in this description are as follows: The up and down direction is defined according to the up and down position of chair 1 in its normal use state. The front and back directions are defined as the side of the seat surface where the sitter sits, i.e., the side where the first windproof fabric 21 is located, and the back, with the second windproof fabric 22 located. The left and right directions are defined as the left and right directions, based on the up and down and front and back directions defined above.

[0017] [Seat member] The seat member 2 includes a first windproof fabric 21 and a second windproof fabric 22. The first windproof fabric 21 is positioned on the side of the seat member 2 closer to the sitter and forms the seat that supports the sitter. The second windproof fabric 22 is positioned on the back of the first windproof fabric 21 and away from the sitter. The first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 form a bag body 23. In other words, of the fabrics forming the bag body 23, the fabric positioned on the seat side is the first windproof fabric 21, and the fabric positioned on the back side of the seat is the second windproof fabric 22. Here, the second windproof fabric 22 is positioned to define a space with the first windproof fabric 21, so a space is defined between the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22, and this space is the internal space of the bag body 23.

[0018] The first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 are fabrics with low breathability. Examples of such fabrics include, but are not limited to, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, artificial leather, synthetic leather, and natural leather. The material forming the first windproof fabric 21 and the material forming the second windproof fabric 22 may be the same or different.

[0019] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the entire seat member 2 is substantially composed of a bag 23, and the entire seat surface on which the sitter sits is substantially formed by the first windproof fabric 21. The first windproof fabric 21 has four edges and is concave. This concave surface accommodates the sitter's body. The second windproof fabric 22 also has four edges and is concave. Here, the concave surface of the second windproof fabric 22 is deeper than the concave surface of the first windproof fabric 21. In other words, the area of ​​the second windproof fabric 22 is larger than the area of ​​the first windproof fabric 21. Therefore, when the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 are sewn together at their edges to form the bag 23, a space is created between the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 due to the difference in the depth of their concave surfaces. This space defined by the difference in the area sizes of the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 becomes the internal space of the bag 23.

[0020] The first windproof fabric 21 has a plurality of ventilation holes 24 that open towards the seated person. The ventilation holes 24 are openings that penetrate the first windproof fabric 21. The air blown into the bag 23 by the blower 3 passes through the internal space of the bag 23 and flows out through the ventilation holes 24. The seated person feels the air flowing out from the ventilation holes 24 as a breeze. However, because the breathability of the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 is low, air leakage from sources other than the ventilation holes 24 can be practically ignored.

[0021] In this embodiment, the ventilation holes 24 open toward the sides of the seated person. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the ventilation holes 24 are provided on both the left and right sides of the first windproof fabric 21, and as shown in Figure 2, the airflow out of the ventilation holes 24 includes a lateral (sideways) flow relative to the seated person's body. This allows the seated person to feel the breeze from the sides. Furthermore, when the seated person is seated in the chair 1, the seated person's body is mainly supported by the central part of the first windproof fabric 21 in the left-right direction, and the left and right sides of the first windproof fabric 21 come into relatively little contact with the seated person. By providing the ventilation holes 24 on both the left and right sides of the first windproof fabric 21, the possibility of the ventilation holes 24 being blocked by the seated person's body is low, and the seated person can easily feel the breeze from the chair 1.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, as the ventilation holes 24, there are first ventilation holes 24a and second ventilation holes 24b of different sizes. The second ventilation holes 24b provided at a position far from the edge of the first windproof fabric 21 are smaller than the first ventilation holes 24a provided at a position close to the edge of the first windproof fabric 21. More specifically, the diameter of the first ventilation holes 24a is about 3.5 cm, and the diameter of the second ventilation holes 24b is about 2.0 cm. Four first ventilation holes 24a are arranged in a row along the edge of the first windproof fabric 21, and three second ventilation holes 24b are arranged in a row inside the first windproof fabric 21 rather than the row of the first ventilation holes 24a. In the state where the seated person is sitting on the chair 1, some of the ventilation holes 24 may be blocked depending on the body posture. Also, the closer the position of the ventilation holes 24 is to the edge of the first windproof fabric 21, the farther it is from the seated person, and it is less likely that the ventilation holes 24 will be blocked by the seated person. Here, by arranging the first ventilation holes 24a through which a larger air volume can pass at a position where it is less likely to be blocked by the body of the seated person (a position close to the edge of the first windproof fabric 21), even when some of the ventilation holes 24 are blocked by the seated person, the seated person can easily feel the wind from the chair 1.

[0023] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the ventilation holes 24 are covered by a mesh fabric 25. The edge of the mesh fabric 25 is sewn to the first windproof fabric 21, so that the mesh fabric 25 is fixed to the first windproof fabric 21. By covering the ventilation holes 24 with the mesh fabric 25, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the bag body 23 through the ventilation holes 24.

[0024] The mesh fabric 25 is a fabric having a mesh-like (meshed) structure. Examples of the fiber material constituting the mesh fabric 25 include synthetic fibers such as polyester such as polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polypropylene, and polyethylene, but are not limited thereto. Also, fiber materials such as regenerated fibers such as rayon, and natural fibers such as cotton and cellulose fibers may be interwoven or interlaced.

[0025] In the second windproof fabric 22, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, mounting holes 26 for attaching one blower device 3 are provided at the left and right central portions of the concave surface. Also, when looking at the overall structure of the chair 1, the mounting holes 26 are located below the thighs of the seated person. Since the mounting holes 26 are located below the thighs of the seated person, in the state where the blower device 3 is attached to the mounting holes 26, the second windproof fabric 22 is likely to droop due to the weight of the blower device 3 and it is easy to maintain the distance from the first windproof fabric 21. By maintaining the distance between the second windproof fabric 22 and the first windproof fabric 21, inside the bag body 23, the air blown from the blower device 3 flows easily and it is easy to suppress the pressure loss of the air flow. Then, even if the ventilation holes 24 are provided at a relatively distant part from the blower device 3, it is easy to obtain a sufficient air volume.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of the chair 1, and FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of the chair 1. From FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen that the bag body 23 has a hollow structure and air can flow freely in the internal space of the bag body 23. The maximum vertical distance h1 between the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 is about 5.0 cm. Also, at the edge of the mounting hole 26, the vertical distance h2 between the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 is about 1.0 cm to 4.0 cm. Due to such characteristics, it is easy to maintain the distance between the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22, air flows easily in the internal space of the bag body 23, and the pressure loss of the blown air flow is small.

[0027] In addition, hereinafter, the fact that the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 define the internal space of the bag body 23 will be described in more detail.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 are each supported by the frame member 4 at their four corners, and the central portion naturally hangs down due to gravity, forming a concave surface. Since the area of ​​the second windproof fabric 22 is larger than the area of ​​the first windproof fabric 21, the concave surface of the second windproof fabric 22 is located deeper than the concave surface of the first windproof fabric 21. As a result, a space is defined between the outer surface (downward-facing surface) of the concave surface of the first windproof fabric 21 and the inner surface (upward-facing surface) of the concave surface of the second windproof fabric 22, and this space is the internal space of the bag 23.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, a cross-sectional view of chair 1 taken along line II-II, the second windproof fabric 22 is longer than the first windproof fabric 21 in the front-to-back direction of chair 1. Therefore, when the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 are aligned with the front-to-back edges of chair 1, the central portion of the second windproof fabric 22 hangs lower than the central portion of the first windproof fabric 21, and the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 are naturally separated from each other. As can be seen from Figure 2, the space between the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 has a roughly crescent-shaped cross-section, narrower towards the front-to-back edges and wider in the center.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, a schematic cross-sectional view of chair 1 at line III-III, the second windproof fabric 22 is longer than the first windproof fabric 21 in the left-right direction of chair 1. Therefore, when the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 are aligned with the left-right edges of chair 1, the central portion of the second windproof fabric 22 hangs downward below the central portion of the first windproof fabric 21, and the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 are naturally separated from each other, defining a space. As can be seen from Figure 3, the space between the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 has a roughly crescent-shaped cross-section, narrower towards the left-right edges and wider in the center.

[0031] Furthermore, even in areas other than the cross-sections shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 are spaced apart so as not to come into contact with each other, except for the edges where they are joined together. As a result, the space defined by the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22, i.e., the internal space of the bag 23, is a continuous space.

[0032] [Blower] The blower 3 is a motor-driven blower powered by a battery and is attached to the seat member 2. More specifically, the blower 3 has an intake port facing the outside of the bag body 23 and an exhaust port facing the inside of the bag body 23. A groove is provided around the side of the blower 3 (the side connecting the intake port and the exhaust port). The blower 3 can be attached to the second windproof fabric 22 by fitting the edges of the mounting holes 26 of the second windproof fabric 22 into the groove on the side of the blower 3. Since the mounting holes 26 are located below the thighs of the seated person, the blower 3 is also located below the thighs of the seated person.

[0033] Furthermore, the main body of the blower 3 can be inserted and removed via a fastener 27 provided along the front edge of the seat member 2. In Figure 1, the fastener 27 is shown in the "open" state, but during normal use, the fastener 27 is in the "closed" state as shown in Figure 2.

[0034] The blower 3 can be connected to a portable power supply (not shown) via a power cable, and the power cable is equipped with a switch (not shown) that can control the blower 3. The seated person can control the start, stop, and airflow of the blower 3 by operating the switch.

[0035] [Frame components] The frame member 4 is a known frame member of a folding chair. The frame member 4 has four legs, the tips of which form the contact points of the chair 1. The frame member 4 has four support poles, which support the seat member 2 in a seatable position. The four corners of the edge of the seat member 2 are each fixed to the tips of the four support poles of the frame member 4.

[0036] [Other Embodiments] In the above description, it was explained that the entire seat member 2 is substantially composed of a bag 23, and the entire seat surface of the seat member 2 is substantially formed by the first windproof fabric 21. However, as long as the seat member 2 has a bag 23, the seat member 2 may also have fabric other than the part that forms the bag 23. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the seat member 2 has a bag 23 and a connecting fabric 28. The connecting fabric 28 connects the upper end of the bag 23 to the upper end of the chair 1 and, together with the first windproof fabric 21, forms the seat surface. The connecting fabric 28 may be provided as a fabric continuous with the first windproof fabric 21, or it may be a separate fabric from the first windproof fabric 21 that is sewn to the first windproof fabric 21 or otherwise provided. In Figure 4, the connecting fabric 28 is on the upper part of the seat member 2, but the location where the connecting fabric 28 is placed on the seat member 2 is arbitrary. Furthermore, in Figure 4, the connecting fabric 28 is formed from the same fabric as the first windproof fabric 21, but the material of the connecting fabric 28 is arbitrary and may be, for example, mesh fabric. For example, a configuration in which air is directed at the occupant through the ventilation holes 24 of the bag body 23 in a part of the seat member 2, and the occupant's body is brought into contact with the outside air through the mesh fabric in another part of the seat member 2 is also conceivable.

[0037] The above description explains that the bag body 23 is formed by two components: a first windproof fabric 21 and a second windproof fabric 22. However, the number, shape, and manner of joining of the fabrics are arbitrary, as long as the bag body 23 can be formed. For example, the first windproof fabric 21 may be sewn from multiple pieces of fabric, and the second windproof fabric 22 may also be sewn from multiple pieces of fabric. Each of the multiple pieces of fabric can be selected according to its intended use. For example, if the first windproof fabric 21 shown in Figure 1 is sewn from multiple pieces of fabric, a material with higher strength can be selected for the central part in the left-right direction that supports the sitter's back and thighs, compared to the fabrics on the left and right sides where the ventilation holes 24 are provided. Alternatively, for example, the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 may be a single continuous piece of fabric, and the bag body 23 may be formed by folding and sewing this fabric.

[0038] In the above explanation, it was stated that the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 are spaced apart so as not to come into contact with each other, except for the edges where they are joined together. However, as long as a space for air to flow is secured from the exhaust port of the blower 3 to the ventilation hole 24, it is acceptable for there to be contact points between the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 other than the edges.

[0039] In the above description, it was explained that the internal space of the bag body 23 is defined when the seat member 2 is supported by the frame member 4, as the larger area second windproof fabric 22 hangs down due to gravity and separates from the smaller area first windproof fabric 21. However, it is also conceivable to separate the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 using other methods to define the space through which air can flow inside the bag body 23. For example, a frame that separates the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 may be inserted inside the bag body 23, or a frame that can be fixed to separate the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 may be provided outside the bag body 23.

[0040] In the above description, it was stated that the maximum vertical distance h1 between the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 is approximately 5.0 cm, but the maximum vertical distance h1 is arbitrary. However, the maximum vertical distance h1 is preferably 3.0 cm or more. Setting the maximum vertical distance h1 between the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 to 3.0 cm or more makes it easier to secure space for air to flow from the exhaust port of the blower 3 to the ventilation hole 24 inside the bag body 23, and makes it easier to avoid pressure loss in the airflow. Also, in the above description, it was stated that the vertical distance h2 between the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 at the edge of the mounting hole 26 is approximately 1.0 cm to 4.0 cm, but the range of the vertical distance h2 is arbitrary. However, from the viewpoint of securing space for air to flow and avoiding pressure loss in the airflow, the vertical distance h2 is preferably 1.0 cm or more. Furthermore, preferably, from the viewpoint of securing space for airflow and avoiding pressure loss in the airflow, the vertical distance between the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22 in the portion from the exhaust port of the blower 3 to the ventilation hole 24 is at least 1.0 cm.

[0041] In the above description, it was explained that the internal space of the bag 23 is defined by two concave surfaces and has a roughly crescent-shaped cross-section. However, the shape of the internal space of the bag 23 is arbitrary as long as space is secured for air to flow from the exhaust port of the blower 3 to the ventilation hole 24.

[0042] In the above explanation, it was stated that the bag body 23 is hollow, meaning that there are no components other than the air blower 3 attached to the second windproof fabric 22 between the first windproof fabric 21 and the second windproof fabric 22. However, other components may exist inside the bag body 23.

[0043] The above description explains that ventilation holes 24 are provided on both the left and right sides of the first windproof fabric 21. However, the position of the ventilation holes 24 is arbitrary. More specifically, in the first windproof fabric 21, the ventilation holes 24 may be provided to open toward any position of the seated person, such as the neck, back, sides, waist, or thighs, or toward multiple positions that are any combination of these positions. As an example, Figure 5 shows an example in which the ventilation holes 24 are provided to open toward the back and sides of the seated person.

[0044] In the above description, the ventilation holes 24 are described as having a substantially circular shape, but the shape of the ventilation holes 24 is arbitrary and may be, for example, elliptical or polygonal. Also, in the above description, a configuration in which there are first ventilation holes 24a and second ventilation holes 24b of different sizes is described, but the size and number of ventilation holes 24 are arbitrary. For example, as shown in Figure 5, multiple ventilation holes 24 of the same size may be provided opening toward the back and sides of the seated person. Also, for example, multiple ventilation holes 24 may have three or more different sizes, and furthermore, multiple ventilation holes 24 may each have different sizes. However, from the viewpoint of making it easier for the seated person to feel the airflow from the ventilation holes 24, preferably the area of ​​one ventilation hole 24 is 0.785 cm². 2 More preferably, the ventilation holes 24 have a substantially circular shape with a diameter of 1.0 cm to 5.0 cm.

[0045] The above description describes a configuration in which the ventilation holes 24 are covered by a mesh fabric 25. However, the presence or absence of the mesh fabric 25 is optional, and the seat member 2 does not need to be equipped with the mesh fabric 25.

[0046] Furthermore, if the seat member 2 is equipped with a mesh fabric 25, the manner in which the mesh fabric 25 is provided is arbitrary, as long as it can perform the function of preventing foreign matter from entering the inside of the bag body 23. For example, the mesh fabric 25 may be provided on the outside of the bag body 23 as in the embodiment described above, or it may be provided on the inside of the bag body 23. Also, for example, the mesh fabric 25 may be provided so as to overlap with a plurality of ventilation holes 24 as in the embodiment described above, or a separate mesh fabric 25 may be provided for each ventilation hole 24.

[0047] In the above description, the blower 3 is described as a motor-driven blower powered by a battery, but the blower 3 may be any known means of circulating air, such as an air pump. Also, in the above description, the blower 3 is described as being attached to the second windproof fabric 22, but the blower 3 may be attached to the frame member 4.

[0048] Frame member 4 can be arbitrarily provided by referring to numerous well-known technologies. The number of support poles, the number of legs, and the folding mechanism of frame member 4 are arbitrary. Furthermore, frame member 4 may have a non-folding structure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 1 chair 2 Seat member 3. Blower 4 Frame members 21 Daiichi Windproof Fabric 22 Second windproof fabric 24 Ventilation hole 24a First ventilation hole 24b Second ventilation hole 25 Mesh fabric 26 mounting holes 27 Zippers 28. One-piece fabric

Claims

1. A seating member on which a person sits, comprising: a first windproof fabric having ventilation holes opening toward the person sitting; and a second windproof fabric positioned on the back of the first windproof fabric so as to define a space between the first and second windproof fabrics, wherein the first and second windproof fabrics form a bag-like structure; A blower capable of blowing air into the bag-like body of the seat member, A frame member that supports the seating member, Equipped with, The aforementioned ventilation holes open toward the side of the seated person. The aforementioned ventilation holes include a first ventilation hole and a second ventilation hole that is smaller than the first ventilation hole. The chair wherein the first ventilation hole is located closer to the edge of the first windproof fabric than the second ventilation hole.

2. The aforementioned ventilation holes are covered with mesh fabric. The chair according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned blower is attached to the second windproof fabric and is positioned below the thighs of the seated person. The chair according to claim 1 or 2.

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