FOLDABLE CHAIR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202421349883.2 filed on Jun. 13, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

RELATED FIELD

The present disclosure relates to articles of furniture, and more particularly, to foldable chairs.

BACKGROUND

At present, there are many types of director's chairs with various functions. In order to facilitate carrying, many director's chairs are designed to be light and foldable for easy storage. However, in actual use, it is found that the armrests of the director's chair are easy to pinch hands during the folding process of the chair. The director's chair still has a large volume after folding. The armrests are folded outward, which increases the thickness of the packaging of the director's chair. In addition, each backrest rod of the director's chair is only supported by one hinge point, so that the backrest rod has poor stability and is easy to shake under stress after long-term use.

SUMMARY

In order to overcome the above deficiencies, the present disclosure provides a foldable armrest structure and a foldable chair, which have a small volume at the armrest after the armrest is folded/retracted and are not easy to pinch hands during the folding process. During the use of the foldable chair, the backrest rod of the foldable chair has good stability and is not easy to shake.

In order to solve the above technical problems, a first aspect of the present disclosure provides a foldable armrest structure including an armrest rod and a support frame. Both ends of the armrest rod are connected to telescoping rods, the telescoping rods are telescopically connected to the support frame, and the armrest rod can be extended by pulling it up and retracted by pressing it down.

To use the armrest rod, the armrest rod is pulled up, such that the telescoping rods are extended upward and thus the armrest rod is extended upward. To fold/retract the armrest rod, the armrest rod is pressed down, such that the telescoping rods are retracted into the support frame and the volume of the foldable armrest structure is small. The armrest rod does not need to be rotated during the process of pulling up and pressing down the armrest rod, thus avoiding hands from getting pinched. The foldable armrest structure of the present application takes up a small volume after folding, and can avoid hands from getting pinched during the folding process.

Preferably, the support frame is provided with a locking mechanism corresponding to the telescoping rod, the locking mechanism is provided with a pin, the telescopic rod is provided with a locking hole, and the pin is insertable into the locking hole to limit the telescopic rod.

After the armrest rod is pulled up and extended into place, the pin is inserted into the locking hole to lock the telescoping rod and ensure the stability of the armrest rod. Before the armrest rod is retracted, the pin is pushed away from the locking hole to release its constraint/limitation on the telescoping rod, and then the armrest rod can be pressed down and retracted.

Preferably, a positioning spring is mounted between the pin and the support frame.

The positioning spring plays a role in positioning the pin, ensuring that the pin can be inserted into the locking hole in the telescoping rod.

Preferably, a pushing block is mounted to the support frame, a rotatable link rod is mounted to the support frame, a driving block is provided on the link rod, and the pushing block is mounted between the pin and the driving block. The rotation of the link rod causes the driving block to drive the pushing block to move and thus drive the pin to move out of the locking hole.

Before retracting the armrest rod, the link rod is rotated, such that: the driving block on the link rod is deflected/displaced, the driving block contacts the pushing block and causes the pushing block to move, and the pushing block pushes the pin to move out of the locking hole. When folding the entire foldable chair, the link rod would be rotated accordingly and the pin would be disengaged from the locking hole at the same time, which facilitates the folding operation.

Preferably, the pin is provided with an inclined guiding surface, the pushing block is provided with an inclined pushing surface, and the pushing surface is in contact with the guiding surface. The driving block is provided with an inclined driving surface, and the driving surface is in contact with the pushing block.

During the rotation of the link rod, the inclined driving surface of the driving block can push the pushing block to move. When the pushing block is moved, its inclined pushing surface is in contact with the inclined guiding surface of the pin and pushes the pin to move out of the locking hole.

Preferably, the support frame is provided with a cross bar, both ends of the cross bar are connected with locking heads, and the pin and the pushing block are both mounted to the locking head.

The arrangement of the locking head facilitates the installation of the locking mechanism.

Preferably, the support frame is provided with sleeves corresponding to the telescoping rods, and each telescoping rod is matched with and received in the corresponding sleeve.

The telescoping rod is matched with and received in the sleeve, which is stable and reliable.

A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a foldable chair including a chair frame, where the foldable armrest structure is mounted to the chair frame, a backrest connecting seat is mounted to the armrest rod, a backrest rod is hinged to the backrest connecting seat, the backrest connecting seat is provided with a recessed groove, and side walls of the recessed groove limit a rear side and left and right sides of a lower portion of the backrest rod.

After the backrest rod is mounted, the rear side and the left and right sides of the lower portion of the backrest rod are limited, so that rear support, left support and right support for the lower portion of the backrest rod can be achieved. The support in three directions ensures force equilibrium on the backrest rod, so that the backrest rod has good stability and is not easy to shake during the use of the foldable chair.

Preferably, the chair frame is provided with a support assembly, and both sides of the support assembly are connected to the support frames. The support assembly includes two U-shaped support rods, and the open ends of the two support rods are hinged together. The support rods are hinged to the support frames, and link rods are hinged to both sides of the support rods, and opposing/adjacent two of the link rods are hinged together.

The support assembly is connected between the two support frames to ensure the stability of the entire foldable chair. A seat cloth is connected between the two support frames for sitting. The two support rods can be unfolded/flattened to lock the entire foldable chair. In the locked state, a flexible or rigid net is provided on the two support rods for storing items. Two link rods on the front side of the foldable chair are hinged together, and two link rods on the rear side of the foldable chair are hinged together, so that the entire foldable chair has a stable structure.

Preferably, a lower end of the backrest rod is provided with a connecting part, the connecting part has an L-shaped structure, and the connecting part is mounted in the recessed groove.

The backrest rod is hinged to the backrest connecting seat through the connecting part at the lower end of the backrest rod, allowing convenient assembly and reliable connection. The L-shaped connecting part has good adaptability to the recessed groove, so that the limitation on the backrest rod is more reliable.

A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a foldable chair. The foldable chair includes: a foldable chair frame switchable between a folded state and an unfolded state; an armrest telescopically mounted to the chair frame and movable relative to the chair frame between a retracted position and an extended position; and a locking mechanism mounted to the chair frame and configured to lock the armrest; wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the armrest in the extended position when the chair frame is in the unfolded state, and to unlock the armrest in response to the chair frame being switched to the folded state to allow the armrest to be moved from the extended position toward the retracted position.

The configuration of above-mentioned foldable chair allows the armrest to be unlocked by folding the chair frame (i.e., by switching the chair frame from the unfolded state to the folded state) and be easily moved to the retracted position by, for example, pushing the armrest, thereby realizing convenient folding of the foldable chair. Moreover, the armrest does not need to be rotated when the armrest is retracted during the folding process of the foldable chair, avoiding the hands from getting pinched by the armrest.

According to the above technical concept, the third aspect of the present disclosure may further include any one or more of the following optional embodiments.

In some optional embodiments, the chair frame includes a rotatable link rod, and the link rod is operably cooperated with the locking mechanism, wherein the link rod is rotated during the switching of the chair frame from the unfolded state toward the folded state, and causes the locking mechanism to unlock the armrest when the chair frame is switched to the folded state.

In some optional embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a pin and a spring abutting against the pin, wherein the armrest includes a locking hole, and wherein the pin is insertable into the locking hole to lock the armrest.

In some optional embodiments, the chair frame includes a support frame, and the armrest and the link rod are mounted to the support frame; wherein the locking mechanism further includes a pushing block movably mounted to the support frame, the link rod is provided with a driving block, and the pushing block is mounted between the pin and the driving block, wherein the rotation of the link rod causes the driving block to drive the pushing block to move and thus drive the pin to move, and the pin is disengaged from the locking hole when the chair frame is switched to the folded state.

In some optional embodiments, the pin is provided with an inclined guiding surface, the pushing block is provided with an inclined pushing surface, and the pushing surface abuts against the guiding surface, and wherein the driving block is provided with an inclined driving surface, and the driving surface abuts against the pushing block.

In some optional embodiments, the support frame includes a cross bar, an end of the cross bar is provided with a mounting member, and the pin and the pushing block are both mounted to the mounting member.

In some optional embodiments, the mounting member defines a horizontal mounting groove and a vertical mounting groove, wherein the pin and the spring are mounted in the horizontal mounting groove and the spring abuts between the pin and an end surface of the horizontal mounting groove, and wherein the pushing block is mounted in the vertical mounting groove.

In some optional embodiments, the armrest includes an armrest rod and a telescoping rod connected to the armrest rod, and the telescoping rod is telescopically mounted to the support frame and is provided with the locking hole.

In some optional embodiments, the armrest includes two telescoping rods respectively connected to opposite ends of the armrest rod, and at least one of the two telescoping rods is provided with the locking mechanism.

In some optional embodiments, the support frame includes a sleeve provided corresponding to the telescoping rod, and the telescoping rod is matched with the sleeve and telescopically received in the sleeve.

In some optional embodiments, the foldable chair further includes a backrest rod, the armrest includes a backrest connecting seat, and the backrest rod is hinged to the backrest connecting seat, wherein the backrest connecting seat is provided with a recessed groove, and side walls of the recessed groove limit a rear side, a left side and a right side of a lower portion of the backrest rod.

In some optional embodiments, a lower end of the backrest rod is provided with a connecting part, and the connecting part is L-shaped and mounted in the recessed groove.

In some optional embodiments, the chair frame includes two support frames arranged opposite to each other and a support assembly at least partially arranged between the two support frames, wherein the support assembly includes two U-shaped support rods, each support rod having an open end, wherein the open ends of the two support rods are hinged together, and the two support rods are respectively hinged to the two support frames.

In some optional embodiments, the chair frame includes two pairs of link rods, which are arranged between the two support frames and are respectively hinged to opposite sides of the support assembly, wherein each link rod of each pair of link rods is hinged at one end thereof to the corresponding support frame, hinged at the other end thereof to the other link rod, and hinged at a portion between two ends thereof to the corresponding support rod.

In some optional embodiments, the foldable chair is a director's chair or a camping chair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable chair according to exemplary embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, with a chair frame of the foldable chair in an unfolded state and armrests of the foldable chair in an extended position.

FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable chair according to exemplary embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, with the chair frame of the foldable chair in a folded state and the armrests of the foldable chair in a retracted position.

FIG. 3 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a foldable chair according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure at a locking mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a foldable chair according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure at a locking mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable chair according to exemplary embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, with a chair frame of the foldable chair in an unfolded state and armrests of the foldable chair in an extended position.

In the figures: 1 armrest rod; 2 support frame; 3 telescoping rod; 4 sleeve; 5 pin; 6 locking hole; 7 spring; 8 pushing block; 9 link rod; 10 driving block; 11 guiding surface; 12 pushing surface; 13 driving surface; 14 cross bar; 15 mounting member; 16 flange; 17 mounting seat; 18 connecting sleeve; 19 horizontal mounting groove; 20 vertical mounting groove; 21 connecting lug; 22 backrest connecting seat; 23 receiving sleeve; 24 backrest rod; 25 recessed groove; 26 connecting part; 27 support rod; 28 sliding sleeve; 29 bottom rod; 30 support joint; 31 support boss; 32 shelf; 33 bearing rod; 34 chair frame; 35 armrest; 36 locking mechanism; 37 support assembly; 100 foldable chair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiment 1

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a foldable chair 100 and its components according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The foldable chair 100 may be a director's chair, a camping chair, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the foldable chair 100 may include a foldable chair frame 34, armrests 35, and locking mechanisms 36. The foldable chair frame 34 can be switched between a folded state shown in FIG. 2 and an unfolded state shown in FIG. 1. The armrest 35 can be telescopically/slidably mounted to the chair frame 34 and can be moved relative to the chair frame 34 between a retracted position shown in FIG. 2 and an extended position shown in FIG. 1. The locking mechanism 36 is mounted to the chair frame 34 and is configured to lock the armrest 35. The locking mechanism 36 is configured to lock the armrest 35 in the extended position when the chair frame 34 is in the unfolded state, and to unlock the armrest 35 in response to the chair frame 34 being switched to the folded state (i.e., when the chair frame 34 is in the folded state) to allow the armrest to be moved from the extended position to the retracted position.

The structure of the foldable chair allows the armrests to be easily moved to the retracted position by, for example, pushing the armrests when the chair frame is in the folded state, thereby realizing convenient folding of the foldable chair. Moreover, there is no need to rotate the armrests when retracting the armrests, thereby avoiding the problem of hands being pinched when folding the armrests during the folding process of the director's chair in the prior art.

In the illustrated embodiment, the chair frame 34 includes two support frames 2. The two support frames 2 are arranged opposite to each other in the left-right direction. Each support frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame and extends substantially in a vertical plane. Each support frame 2 is correspondingly provided with an armrest 35. Each armrest 35 includes an armrest rod 1 and two telescoping rods 3 respectively connected to opposite ends of the armrest rod 1 and extending substantially perpendicular to the armrest rod 1. The armrest rod 1 extends substantially in the horizontal direction. The telescoping rod 3 has a fixed length and extends substantially in the vertical direction. Each armrest 35 (more specifically, its two telescoping rods 3) is telescopically/slidably mounted to the support frame 2 so that the armrest 35 can be moved between the retracted position shown in FIG. 2 and the extended position shown in FIG. 1 in a substantially vertical direction relative to the chair frame 34. Pulling up and pressing down the armrest rod 1 can realize the extension/unfolding and retraction/folding of the armrest 35, especially when the locking mechanism 36 unlocks the armrest 35. Each support frame 2 includes two sleeves 4, which are provided corresponding to the two telescoping rods 3 of the corresponding armrest 35 and extend substantially in the vertical direction. Each telescoping rod 3 is matched with the corresponding sleeve 4 and telescopically received in the corresponding sleeve 4 to be extended from the sleeve 4 or retracted into the sleeve 4. The armrest rod 1, the telescoping rods 3 and the support frame 2 may form a foldable armrest structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the chair frame 34 includes link rods 9. Each link rod 9 is rotatably mounted to the corresponding support frame 2 and is operably cooperated with the corresponding locking mechanism 36. The link rod 9 can be rotated during the switching of the chair frame 34 from the unfolded state to the folded state, and can cause the locking mechanism 36 to unlock the armrest 35 when the chair frame 34 is switched to the folded state, which will be more easily understood in conjunction with the following description.

In the illustrated embodiment, on each support frame 2, one locking mechanism 36 may be provided for each of the telescoping rods 3 of the corresponding armrest 35. Alternatively, on each support frame 2, one locking mechanism 36 may be provided for only one of the telescoping rods 3 of the corresponding armrest 35. The locking mechanism 36 is used to realize the locking and positioning of the telescoping rod 3. In the illustrated embodiment, when the chair frame 34 is in the unfolded state and the telescoping rods 3 are extended upward into place, the locking mechanisms 36 lock the telescoping rods 3. Before the telescoping rods 3 are moved/retracted, the locking mechanisms 36 should first unlock the telescoping rods 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 36 includes a pin 5 and a spring/positioning spring 7 abutting against the pin 5. The telescoping rod 3 of the armrest 35 is provided with a locking hole 6. The pin 5 is insertable into the locking hole 6 to limit the telescoping rod 3, in other words, to lock the armrest 35, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The spring 7 is mounted between the pin 5 and the support frame 2.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 36 further includes a pushing block 8 movably mounted to the support frame 2. The link rod 9 may be provided with a driving block/cam block 10 on an end thereof. The pushing block 8 is mounted between the pin 5 and the driving block 10. The link rod 9 is rotated during the switching of the chair frame 34 from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 1 to the folded state shown in FIG. 2 so that the driving block 10 drives the pushing block 8 to move and thus drives the pin 5 to move. When the chair frame 34 is switched to the folded state shown in FIG. 2, the pin 5 is disengaged from the locking hole 6 to unlock the telescoping rod 3/the armrest 35. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin 5 is provided with an inclined guiding surface 11. The pushing block 8 is provided with an inclined pushing surface 12. The pushing surface 12 abuts against/is in contact with the guiding surface 11. The driving block 10 is provided with an inclined driving surface/cam surface 13. The driving surface 13 abuts against/is in contact with the pushing block 8.

In the illustrated embodiment, each support frame 2 includes a cross bar 14. Each of both ends of the cross bar 14 is connected to a mounting member/locking head 15. The cross bar 14 has a hollow tubular structure. A flange 16 is provided on the outer wall of the mounting member 15. The mounting member 15 is inserted into the end of the cross bar 14. The flange 16 is limited by the end surface of the cross bar 14. The pin 5 and the pushing block 8 are both mounted to the mounting member 15. The sleeve 4 is connected with a mounting seat 17, and the mounting seat 17 extends downward and is sleeved outside the sleeve 4. A connecting sleeve 18 is provided on the mounting seat 17 and extends horizontally. The connecting sleeve 18 is communicated with the mounting seat 17. The end of the cross bar 14 is matched with and inserted into the connecting sleeve 18. The telescoping rod 3 and the sleeve 4 are circumferentially interlocked to each other to prevent mutual rotation. The circumferential interlocking of the telescoping rod 3 and the sleeve 4 can be achieved by configuring the telescoping rod 3 and the inner hole of the sleeve 4 with a non-circular profile.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a horizontal mounting groove 19 and a vertical mounting groove 20 are provided in the mounting member 15. The horizontal mounting groove 19 and the vertical mounting groove 20 are communicated with each other to form a T-shaped structure. The pin 5 and the spring 7 are mounted in the horizontal mounting groove 19, and the pin 5 can be moved horizontally in the horizontal mounting groove 19. The spring 7 abuts between the pin 5 and an end face of the horizontal mounting groove 19. The pushing block 8 is mounted in the vertical mounting groove 20, and can be moved vertically in the vertical mounting groove 20. The movement direction of the pushing block 8 is perpendicular to the movement direction of the pin 5. The lower end of the pushing block 8 extends outwardly and extends out of the mounting member 15 and the cross bar 14, to be in contact with the driving surface 13 of the driving block 10. A connecting lug 21 is provided on the outer wall of the connecting sleeve 18, and the link rod 9 is hinged to the connecting lug 21. The driving block 10 is mounted at the upper end of the link rod 9.

To use the armrest 35, the armrest rod 1 is pulled up to extend the telescoping rods 3 upward, thereby extending the armrest 35 upward/unfolding the armrest 35. To fold the armrest 35, the armrest rod 1 is pressed down to retract the telescoping rods 3 into the support frame 2. The volume of the foldable armrest structure becomes smaller after retraction and folding of the armrest 35. The armrest 35 does not need to be rotated during the process of pulling up and pressing down the armrest rod 1, avoiding the hands from getting pinched.

When the armrest rod 1 is pulled up and the armrest 35 is moved to the extended position, each pin 5 is aligned with the locking hole 6 and inserted into the locking hole 6 under the elastic loading force of the spring 7, to lock the telescoping rod 3 and ensure the stability of the armrest 35. Before retracting the armrest 35, each pin 5 may be disengaged from the locking hole 6 to release the limitation/constraint of the pin 5 on the telescoping rod 3, and then the armrest 35 (more specifically, the armrest rod 1) may be pressed down to move the armrest 35 to the retracted position. During the switching of the chair frame 34 from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 1 to the folded state shown in FIG. 2, each link rod 9 is rotated, the driving block 10 provided on the link rod 9 is deflected/displaced, and the driving block 10 pushes the pushing block 8, so that the pushing block 8 is moved upward and pushes the pin 5 to move in a direction away from the locking hole 6. Each link rod 9 causes the corresponding pin 5 to be disengaged from the locking hole 6 when the chair frame 34 is switched to the folded state shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, when folding the chair frame 34 of the foldable chair 100, each link rod 9 would be rotated accordingly to disengage the corresponding pin 5 from the locking hole 6 at the same time, which facilitates the operation.

In the illustrated embodiment, each armrest 35 includes a backrest connecting seat 22. The backrest connecting seat 22 is mounted on the armrest rod 1, more specifically, mounted at the rear end of the armrest rod 1. A receiving sleeve 23 is provided on the backrest connecting seat 22 and extends downward. The upper end of the telescoping rod 3 on the rear side of the armrest rod 1 is matched with and inserted into the receiving sleeve 23. An L-shaped elbow is connected between the telescoping rod 3 on the front side of the armrest rod 1 and the armrest rod 1. A backrest rod 24 is provided on each armrest 35. The backrest rod 24 is hinged to the backrest connecting seat 22. The backrest rod 24 tilts backward from bottom to top. A recessed groove 25 is provided in the backrest connecting seat 22. The side walls of the recessed groove 25 limit the rear side and the left and right sides of the lower portion of the backrest rod 24. A connecting part 26 is provided at the lower end of the backrest rod 24. The connecting part 26 has an L-shaped structure. The connecting part 26 is mounted in the recessed groove 25. After the backrest rod 24 is mounted, the rear side and the left and right sides of the lower portion of the backrest rod 24 are limited by the recessed groove 25, so that rear support, left support, and right support for the lower portion of the backrest rod 24 can be realized. The support in three directions ensures force equilibrium on the backrest rod 24, and thus the backrest rod 24 is not easy to shake during use. The backrest rod 24 is hinged to the backrest connecting seat 22 through the connecting part 26 at the lower end of the backrest rod, allowing convenient assembly and reliable connection. The L-shaped connecting part 26 has good adaptability to the recessed groove 25, so that the limitation on the backrest rod is more reliable.

In the illustrated embodiment, the chair frame 34 includes a support assembly 37. The support assembly 37 is at least partially disposed between the two support frames 2. Both sides of the support assembly 37 are connected to the support frames 2. The support assembly 37 includes two U-shaped support rods 27. The open ends of the two support rods 27 are hinged together. The two support rods 27 are hinged to the two support frames 2, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, the chair frame 34 includes two pairs of link rods 9. The two pairs of link rods 9 are disposed between the two support frames 2 and are respectively hinged to opposite sides of the support assembly 37 (more specifically, the front and rear sides of the support assembly 37). Each link rod of each pair of link rods 9 is hinged at one end thereof to the corresponding support frame 2, hinged at the other end thereof to the other link rod, and hinged at a portion between the two ends thereof (e.g., a middle portion) to the corresponding support rod 27. The two link rods of each pair of link rods 9 are hinged together to form a V-shaped structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, each support frame 2 includes sliding sleeves 28 provided corresponding to the support rod 27. A sliding sleeve 28 is slidably mounted outside each of the two sleeves 4 of each support frame 2. Each support rod 27 is rotatably connected to two sliding sleeves 28 of the corresponding support frame 2. Each support frame 2 also includes a bottom rod 29 arranged between the two sleeves 4. A support joint 30 is connected between each of the opposite ends of the bottom rod 29 and the lower end of the corresponding sleeve of the two sleeves 4. The support joint 30 includes a vertical hole and a horizontal hole. The lower end of the sleeve 4 is inserted into the vertical hole. The bottom rod 29 is inserted into the horizontal hole. The lower end of the support joint 30 protrudes downward to form a support boss 31. The entire load of the foldable chair 100 is borne by the support bosses 31. The outer end/closed end of the support rod 27 is connected to a shelf 32. A bearing rod 33 is hinged between the shelf 32 and the support rod 27. The shelf 32 is hinged to the connecting lugs 21 on the connecting sleeves 18. A backrest cloth may be connected between the two backrest rods 24, and a seat cloth may be connected between the two cross bars 14, to form a complete foldable chair 100.

The support assembly 37 is connected between the two support frames 2 to ensure the stability of the entire foldable chair 100. The two support rods 27 may be flattened/unfolded to lock the entire chair frame 34. A flexible or rigid net may be provided on the two support rods 27 to store items when the chair frame 34 is locked. The pair of link rods 9 on the front side of the foldable chair 100 is hinged together, and the pair of link rods 9 on the rear side of the foldable chair 100 is hinged together, to allow the entire foldable chair 100 to have a stable structure.

When folding the foldable chair 100, the closed ends of the two support rods 27 are pushed downward, the two support frames 2 are moved towards each other, the backrest rods 24 are tilted/folded forward, and then the armrest rods 1 are pressed down to retract the telescoping rods 3 into the sleeves 4, and the shelf 32 is folded and stored, thereby forming a plate-shaped folding structure with a small volume.

Embodiment 2

FIGS. 3 to 5 show a foldable chair 100 and its components according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. The foldable chair 100 may be a director's chair, a camping chair, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the foldable chair 100 may include a foldable chair frame 34, armrests 35, and locking mechanisms 36. The foldable chair frame 34 can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state shown in FIG. 5. The armrest 35 can be telescopically/slidably mounted to the chair frame 34 and can be moved relative to the chair frame 34 between a retracted position and an extended position shown in FIG. 5. The locking mechanism 36 is mounted to the chair frame 34 and is configured to lock the armrest 35. The locking mechanism 36 is configured to lock the armrest 35 in the extended position when the chair frame 34 is in the unfolded state, and to unlock the armrest 35 in response to the chair frame 34 being switched to the folded state (i.e., when the chair frame 34 is in the folded state) to allow the armrest to be moved from the extended position to the retracted position.

The structure of the foldable chair allows the armrests to be easily moved to the retracted position by, for example, pushing the armrests when the chair frame is in the folded state, thereby realizing convenient folding of the foldable chair. Moreover, there is no need to rotate the armrests when retracting the armrests, thereby avoiding the problem of hands being pinched when folding the armrests during the folding process of the director's chair in the prior art.

In the illustrated embodiment, the chair frame 34 includes two support frames 2. The two support frames 2 are arranged opposite to each other in the left-right direction. Each support frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame and extends substantially in a vertical plane. Each support frame 2 is correspondingly provided with an armrest 35. Each armrest 35 includes an armrest rod 1 and two telescoping rods 3 respectively connected to opposite ends of the armrest rod 1 and extending substantially perpendicular to the armrest rod 1. The armrest rod 1 extends substantially in the horizontal direction. The telescoping rod 3 has a fixed length and extends substantially in the vertical direction. Each armrest 35 (more specifically, its two telescoping rods 3) is telescopically/slidably mounted to the support frame 2 so that the armrest 35 can be moved between the retracted position and the extended position shown in FIG. 5 in a substantially vertical direction relative to the chair frame 34. Pulling up and pressing down the armrest rod 1 can realize the extension/unfolding and retraction/folding of the armrest 35, especially when the locking mechanism 36 unlocks the armrest 35. Each support frame 2 includes two sleeves 4, which are provided corresponding to the two telescoping rods 3 of the corresponding armrest 35 and extend substantially in the vertical direction. Each telescoping rod 3 is matched with the corresponding sleeve 4 and telescopically received in the corresponding sleeve 4 to be extended from the sleeve 4 or retracted into the sleeve 4. The armrest rod 1, the telescoping rods 3 and the support frame 2 may form a foldable armrest structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the chair frame 34 includes link rods 9. Each link rod 9 is rotatably mounted to the corresponding support frame 2 and is operably cooperated with the corresponding locking mechanism 36. The link rod 9 can be rotated during the switching of the chair frame 34 from the unfolded state to the folded state, and can cause the locking mechanism 36 to unlock the armrest 35 when the chair frame 34 is switched to the folded state, which will be more easily understood in conjunction with the following description.

In the illustrated embodiment, on each support frame 2, one locking mechanism 36 may be provided for each of the telescoping rods 3 of the corresponding armrest 35. Alternatively, on each support frame 2, one locking mechanism 36 may be provided for only one of the telescoping rods 3 of the corresponding armrest 35. The locking mechanism 36 is used to realize the locking and positioning of the telescoping rod 3. In the illustrated embodiment, when the chair frame 34 is in the unfolded state and the telescoping rods 3 are extended upward into place, the locking mechanisms 36 lock the telescoping rods 3. Before the telescoping rods 3 are moved/retracted, the locking mechanisms 36 should first unlock the telescoping rods 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 36 includes a pin 5 and a spring/positioning spring 7 abutting against the pin 5. The telescoping rod 3 of the armrest 35 is provided with a locking hole 6. The pin 5 is insertable into the locking hole 6 to limit the telescoping rod 3, in other words, to lock the armrest 35, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The spring 7 is mounted between the pin 5 and the support frame 2.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 36 further includes a pushing block 8 movably mounted to the support frame 2. The link rod 9 may be provided with a driving block/cam block 10 on an end thereof. The pushing block 8 is mounted between the pin 5 and the driving block 10. The link rod 9 is rotated during the switching of the chair frame 34 from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 5 to the folded state so that the driving block 10 drives the pushing block 8 to move and thus drives the pin 5 to move. When the chair frame 34 is switched to the folded state, the pin 5 is disengaged from the locking hole 6 to unlock the telescoping rod 3/the armrest 35. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin 5 is provided with an inclined guiding surface 11. The pushing block 8 is provided with an inclined pushing surface 12. The pushing surface 12 abuts against/is in contact with the guiding surface 11. The driving block 10 is provided with an inclined driving surface/cam surface 13. The driving surface 13 abuts against/is in contact with the pushing block 8.

In the illustrated embodiment, each support frame 2 includes a cross bar 14. Each of both ends of the cross bar 14 is connected to a mounting member/locking head 15. The cross bar 14 has a hollow tubular structure. A flange 16 is provided on the outer wall of the mounting member 15. The mounting member 15 is inserted into the end of the cross bar 14. The flange 16 is limited by the end surface of the cross bar 14. The pin 5 and the pushing block 8 are both mounted to the mounting member 15. The sleeve 4 is connected with a mounting seat 17, and the mounting seat 17 extends downward and is sleeved outside the sleeve 4. A connecting sleeve 18 is provided on the mounting seat 17 and extends horizontally. The connecting sleeve 18 is communicated with the mounting seat 17. The end of the cross bar 14 is matched with and inserted into the connecting sleeve 18. The telescoping rod 3 and the sleeve 4 are circumferentially interlocked to each other to prevent mutual rotation. The circumferential interlocking of the telescoping rod 3 and the sleeve 4 can be achieved by configuring the telescoping rod 3 and the inner hole of the sleeve 4 with a non-circular profile.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a horizontal mounting groove 19 and a vertical mounting groove 20 are provided in the mounting member 15. The horizontal mounting groove 19 and the vertical mounting groove 20 are communicated with each other to form a T-shaped structure. The pin 5 and the spring 7 are mounted in the horizontal mounting groove 19, and the pin 5 can be moved horizontally in the horizontal mounting groove 19. The spring 7 abuts between the pin 5 and an end face of the horizontal mounting groove 19. The pushing block 8 is mounted in the vertical mounting groove 20, and can be moved vertically in the vertical mounting groove 20. The movement direction of the pushing block 8 is perpendicular to the movement direction of the pin 5. The lower end of the pushing block 8 extends outwardly and extends out of the mounting member 15 and the cross bar 14, to be in contact with the driving surface 13 of the driving block 10. A connecting lug 21 is provided on the outer wall of the connecting sleeve 18, and the link rod 9 is hinged to the connecting lug 21. The driving block 10 is mounted at the upper end of the link rod 9.

To use the armrest 35, the armrest rod 1 is pulled up to extend the telescoping rods 3 upward, thereby extending the armrest 35 upward/unfolding the armrest 35. To fold the armrest 35, the armrest rod 1 is pressed down to retract the telescoping rods 3 into the support frame 2. The volume of the foldable armrest structure becomes smaller after retraction and folding of the armrest 35. The armrest 35 does not need to be rotated during the process of pulling up and pressing down the armrest rod 1, avoiding the hands from getting pinched.

When the armrest rod 1 is pulled up and the armrest 35 is moved to the extended position, each pin 5 is aligned with the locking hole 6 and inserted into the locking hole 6 under the elastic loading force of the spring 7, to lock the telescoping rod 3 and ensure the stability of the armrest 35. Before retracting the armrest 35, each pin 5 may be disengaged from the locking hole 6 to release the limitation/constraint of the pin 5 on the telescoping rod 3, and then the armrest 35 (more specifically, the armrest rod 1) may be pressed down to move the armrest 35 to the retracted position. During the switching of the chair frame 34 from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 5 to the folded state, each link rod 9 is rotated, the driving block 10 provided on the link rod 9 is deflected/displaced, and the driving block 10 pushes the pushing block 8, so that the pushing block 8 is moved upward and pushes the pin 5 to move in a direction away from the locking hole 6. Each link rod 9 causes the corresponding pin 5 to be disengaged from the locking hole 6 when the chair frame 34 is switched to the folded state. Therefore, when folding the chair frame 34 of the foldable chair 100, each link rod 9 would be rotated accordingly to disengage the corresponding pin 5 from the locking hole 6 at the same time, which facilitates the operation.

In the illustrated embodiment, each armrest 35 includes a backrest connecting seat 22. The backrest connecting seat 22 is mounted on the armrest rod 1, more specifically, mounted at the rear end of the armrest rod 1. A receiving sleeve 23 is provided on the backrest connecting seat 22 and extends downward. The upper end of the telescoping rod 3 on the rear side of the armrest rod 1 is matched with and inserted into the receiving sleeve 23. An L-shaped elbow is connected between the telescoping rod 3 on the front side of the armrest rod 1 and the armrest rod 1. A backrest rod 24 is provided on each armrest 35. The backrest rod 24 is hinged to the backrest connecting seat 22. The backrest rod 24 tilts backward from bottom to top. A recessed groove 25 is provided in the backrest connecting seat 22. The side walls of the recessed groove 25 limit the rear side and the left and right sides of the lower portion of the backrest rod 24. A connecting part 26 is provided at the lower end of the backrest rod 24. The connecting part 26 has an L-shaped structure. The connecting part 26 is mounted in the recessed groove 25. After the backrest rod 24 is mounted, the rear side and the left and right sides of the lower portion of the backrest rod 24 are limited by the recessed groove 25, so that rear support, left support, and right support for the lower portion of the backrest rod 24 can be realized. The support in three directions ensures force equilibrium on the backrest rod 24, and thus the backrest rod 24 is not easy to shake during use. The backrest rod 24 is hinged to the backrest connecting seat 22 through the connecting part 26 at the lower end of the backrest rod, allowing convenient assembly and reliable connection. The L-shaped connecting part 26 has good adaptability to the recessed groove 25, so that the limitation on the backrest rod is more reliable.

In the illustrated embodiment, the chair frame 34 includes a support assembly 37. The support assembly 37 is at least partially disposed between the two support frames 2. Both sides of the support assembly 37 are connected to the support frames 2. The support assembly 37 includes two U-shaped support rods 27. The open ends of the two support rods 27 are hinged together. The two support rods 27 are hinged to the two support frames 2, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, the chair frame 34 includes two pairs of link rods 9. The two pairs of link rods 9 are disposed between the two support frames 2 and are respectively hinged to opposite sides of the support assembly 37 (more specifically, the front and rear sides of the support assembly 37). Each link rod of each pair of link rods 9 is hinged at one end thereof to the corresponding support frame 2, hinged at the other end thereof to the other link rod, and hinged at a portion between the two ends thereof (e.g., a middle portion) to the corresponding support rod 27. The two link rods of each pair of link rods 9 are hinged together to form a V-shaped structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, each support frame 2 includes sliding sleeves 28 provided corresponding to the support rod 27. A sliding sleeve 28 is slidably mounted outside each of the two sleeves 4 of each support frame 2. Each support rod 27 is rotatably connected to two sliding sleeves 28 of the corresponding support frame 2. Each support frame 2 also includes a bottom rod 29 arranged between the two sleeves 4. The bottom rod 29 and the two sleeves 4 are formed as a one-piece and U-shaped structure. The entire load of the foldable chair is borne by the bottom rods 29. The outer end/closed end of the support rod 27 is connected to a shelf 32. A bearing rod 33 is hinged between the shelf 32 and the support rod 27. The shelf 32 is hinged to the connecting lugs 21 on the connecting sleeves 18. A backrest cloth may be connected between the two backrest rods 24, and a seat cloth may be connected between the two cross bars 14, to form a complete foldable chair 100.

The support assembly 37 is connected between the two support frames 2 to ensure the stability of the entire foldable chair 100. The two support rods 27 may be flattened/unfolded to lock the entire chair frame 34. A flexible or rigid net may be provided on the two support rods 27 to store items when the chair frame 34 is locked. The pair of link rods 9 on the front side of the foldable chair 100 is hinged together, and the pair of link rods 9 on the rear side of the foldable chair 100 is hinged together, to allow the entire foldable chair 100 to have a stable structure.

When folding the foldable chair 100, the closed ends of the two support rods 27 are pushed downward, the two support frames 2 are moved towards each other, the backrest rods 24 are tilted/folded forward, and then the armrest rods 1 are pressed down to retract the telescoping rods 3 into the sleeves 4, and the shelf 32 is folded and stored, thereby forming a plate-shaped folding structure with a small volume.

It should be understood that the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 only show the shapes, quantities, sizes and arrangements of the various optional components of the foldable chair according to the present disclosure, but they are only for illustration and not limitation. Other shapes, sizes and arrangements may also be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The technical content and technical features of the present disclosure have been disclosed above. However, it can be understood that, under the inventive ideas of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art can easily make modifications, variations and equivalents of these embodiments according to the disclosed contents. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to form yet another embodiment. The description of the above embodiments is exemplary rather than restrictive, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure is determined by the claims.