Reclining chair with foot and leg rest

[0001] This application hereby claims the benefit under Title 35, United States Codes § 119(e) of any U.S. application Ser. No. 60/526,789 filed Dec. 1, 2003, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to chairs and similar furniture, and, more particularly, to an improved reclinable chair having a foot and leg rest.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Conventional arrangements for actuating movement of leg rests in chairs include a scissor-type mechanism. Notable deficiencies of this scissor-type configuration include multiple bearing points, the lack of a facility to lubricate the scissor links at the joints, and its susceptibility to collapse. Additionally, the mechanism is marked by instability that may cause the user to experience a tendency to be shifted or tilted to one side of the chair or the other. Moreover, a chair incorporating such a mechanism is typically characterized by a side-to-side wobble or other such undesirable movement.

[0006] According to the present invention there is provided an actuator assembly for use with a chair to actuate movement of the chair leg rest in response to recline of the backrest. The backrest drives translational motion of an actuator rod that is pivotingly connected at its upper end to the backrest. The rod passes through a linear slide bearing block that is pivotingly connected to the rear end of the seat. The rod is connected at its lower end to a linkage mechanism that actuates movement of the leg rest. The pivot point for the slide bearing block is off-center or offset relative to a central location thereof. This offset pivot connection produces an asymmetrical pivoting action in the slide bearing block. The block serves as a moving, floating fulcrum that follows its own independent arc of motion in response to a cam-like frictional urging that takes place as the rod travels through the bearing space formed in the block. Each side of the chair is equipped with an identical arrangement of actuating-related components to provide a stable system.

[0007] One advantage of the present invention is that the invention replaces the scissor-type mechanism otherwise used in conventional chair arrangements, while improving upon the stability and ease of use of the chair.

[0008] Another advantage of the present invention is that the invention enables the construction of a highly stable, body balanced recliner.

[0009] Another advantage of the invention is that the underside of the chair has now been freed of the arrangement of scissor links found in conventional chairs, since the invention employs an actuator assembly configured at the back of the chair.

[0010] A further advantage of the invention is that the invention employs the backrest as the driver unit to initiate, impart, and otherwise control the recline activity.

[0011] Another advantage of the invention is that the invention employs an actuator assembly that offers an enhanced mechanical advantage due to the configuration of parts, namely, the use of an actuating rod having a variable-length moment arm that powers displacement of a slide bearing block.

[0012] Another advantage of the invention is that the slide bearing block is adapted to have an asymmetrical (e.g., offset or off-center) pivot point, such that the block effectively acts as a moving, floating fulcrum that moves forward in response to progressive backrest recline to assist in extension of the leg rest.

[0013] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of multiple embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] FIGS. 1A-C show respective side views of a chair configured in different illustrative and progressive states of recline and incorporating an apparatus for actuating a foot-leg rest, according to one form of the invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 shows a perspective rearward view of the chair illustrated in FIGS. 1A-C;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a simplified free-body diagram showing in consecutive progressive relationship the position and orientation of the foot and leg rest actuator assembly of FIGS. 1A-C at different levels of recline;

[0017] FIGS. 4A-B show respective side views of a chair configured in different illustrative progressive states of recline and incorporating an apparatus for actuating a foot-leg rest, according to another form of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the chair assembly shown in FIGS. 1 A-C and FIG. 2, according to another form of the invention;

[0019] FIG. 6 is one simplified representative side view of the chair assembly of FIGS. 1 A-C and FIG. 2 that depicts in sequential detail the manner in which the chair is reconfigured as the reclining motion progresses;

[0020] FIG. 7 is another simplified, fragmentary representative side view of the chair assembly of FIGS. 1A-C and FIG. 2 that depicts in sequential detail the manner in which the chair is reconfigured as the reclining motion progresses;

[0021] FIG. 8 shows a fragmentary sectional view of an optional locking mechanism for use with the slide bearing block of the invention; and

[0022] FIG. 9 shows a fragmentary sectional view of an optional hold/clamp mechanism for use with the slide bearing block of the invention.

[0023] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrates at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

[0024] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1A-C, there is shown a series of lateral views of a chair 10 incorporating a foot and leg rest actuator assembly (generally illustrated at 12), according to one form of the invention. The views depict progressive levels of recline and corresponding extension of the leg rest. In particular, the views depict the cooperating relationship of the parts of actuator assembly 12 and chair 10 (and the corresponding changes in configuration and/or orientation) in different and progressive states of recline.

[0025] Reference should also be made to FIG. 2, which depicts a rear-side perspective view of chair 10. It should be apparent that the components illustrated in FIGS. 1A-C are but one set of a pair of matching corresponding configurations each located at respective sides of chair 10, as shown in FIG. 2. In particular, the same assembly of parts as shown in FIGS. 1A-C are also located in identical manner at the opposite side of chair 10, as clearly evident in the view of FIG. 2.

[0026] The illustrated chair 10 includes, in conventional form, a seat cushion (seat panel) and seatboard combination 14, a backrest or panel 16, and a foot-leg rest or panel 18.

[0027] Chair 10 is generally considered a reclinable chair. In particular, as known to those skilled in the art, the general reclining operation of chair 10 involves a user sitting down in chair 10 at seat 14, and then leaning backwards against a forward portion of backrest 16 to a degree sufficient to reposition leg rest 18 to a desired location amenable to resting the feet and/or legs thereon. The reclining motion actuates movement leg rest 18. According to the invention, actuator 12 constitutes the mechanism for actuating controlled movement of leg rest 18 in response to (and commensurate with) the reclining activity. Leg rest 18 is capable of movement between a fully retracted position to a fully extended position and to all intermediate points therebetween.

[0028] The illustrated actuator assembly 12 (and related connecting parts) includes, in combination, a bracket, stanchion, or backrest driver 20; a hinge or pivot connection 22; a translatable actuating bar or rod 24 (having upper end 26 and lower end 32); a pivotable slide block, linear block, and/or bearing block 28; a hinge or pivot connection 30; a pivot connection 34; and a linkage assembly 36.

[0029] The illustrated bearing block 28 is a suitable device having an annular passageway formed therethrough to slidingly receive, carry, and otherwise support rod 24 that extends therethrough. Bearing block 28 is pivotingly attached to seat 14 (e.g., the seatboard) by hinge or pivot connection 30, which is secured to seat 14 in a known manner.

[0030] According to one preferred aspect of the invention, the attachment point between bearing block 28 and hinge 30 is off-center or offset relative to the center of bearing block 28. In this manner, bearing block 28 acts as a pivotable floating fulcrum that is capable of movement in its own independent arc during operation. In particular, as discussed further, as rod 24 slides or passes through bearing block 28 during reclining of backrest 16, the interfering frictional contact or relative sliding motion between rod 24 and bearing block 28 initiates and then continues to impart a cam-like action to bearing block 28 (but without an actual cam device). In response, bearing block 28 undergoes an angular, rotational, and/or arcuate pivoting motion that further actuates extension and relocation of footrest 18. The off-center hinge point feature of the pivoting fulcrum (i.e., bearing block 28) acts to change the center of motion of bearing block 28 to thereby amplify its motion.

[0031] The illustrated actuating rod 24 is pivotingly connected at the terminus of its upper end 26 to hinged attachment 22 located on operationally fixed bracket support or stanchion 20. This joint between stanchion 20 and one terminal end of rod 24 constitutes an articulating connection therebetween. Stanchion 20 is fixedly secured to a rear-side portion of backrest 16. The location of stanchion 20 along the vertical length of backrest 16 may be selectably chosen during assembly to accommodate different types of recline-induced driving activity, namely, to facilitate a different powering or driving influence exerted by backrest 16 on rod 24 (via stanchion 20) as the seatback is reclined. Different height levels for stanchion 20 will require different appropriate lengths for elongate rod 24 according to the particular geometry of the assembled interconnections.

[0032] The illustrated actuating rod 24 is pivotingly connected at the terminus of its lower end 32 to hinged attachment point 34, which serves to couple actuator 12 to the footrest linkage mechanism 36. As shown, rod 24 passes through an appropriate passageway formed in the body of bearing block 28.

[0033] The illustrated backrest 16 is preferably attached in hinging manner to seat 14 by an appropriate pivoting connection 50 located at a suitable position to facilitate a reclining or pivoting movement of seatback 16 relative to seat 14 about the axis formed through pivoting connection 50 (orthogonal to the drawing).

[0034] The illustrated linkage mechanism 36 includes, in combination, a leg rest rod 38; a vertical bar 40; and hinge or pivoting connection 42. In one form, the entire arrangement of parts constituting mechanism 36 at both sides of chair 10 may be considered a 4-bar linkage.

[0035] The illustrated leg rest rod 38 is connected at one end to actuator rod 26 (via articulating pivot connection 36) and connected at another end to leg rest 18 (via pivoting connection 42). Accordingly, actuator rod 26 and leg rest rod 38 can pivot relative to one another, while leg rest 18 and leg rest rod 38 can pivot relative to one another. As shown, leg rest 18 is also pivotably connected to seat 14 by hinge or pivoting attachment 44, which is secured to the underside of the seatboard, for example.

[0036] The illustrated vertical bar 40 depends downwardly from seat 14 at an underside thereof in suspension-type fashion. In particular, vertical bar 40 is pivotably connected at one end to the underside of seat 14 by a suitable hinge or pivoting attachment 46. Bar 40 is pivotingly secured to leg rest rod 38 at a lower end thereof. In one preferred feature, leg rest rod 38 can be attached to vertical bar 40 at any point along the length of bar 40 (as shown by the various attachment holes). In this manner, the range of elevation or height capable of being reached by leg rest 18 can be adjusted. In effect, the throw-out or degree of extension of leg rest 18 can be adjusted by changes in the connection point between leg rest rod 38 and vertical bar 40 along the length thereof.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-C, there is shown in FIG. 3 an exaggerated simplified free-body diagram of certain components of chair 10, actuator assembly 12, and linkage mechanism 36 to illustrate the motion activity that occurs during operation, namely, seatback recline. In particular, FIG. 3 progressively depicts, in an illustrative manner, several consecutive arrangements of the indicated components at different levels of recline, namely, as the seatback 16 is reclined relative to seat 14.

[0038] For purposes of simplicity, not every element from FIGS. 1A-C is shown in FIG. 3. For example, throughout the several positions, it should be apparent that leg rest 18 remains pivotably connected to seat 14 by a common hinge member. Only the lower end of actuator rod 24 is shown.

[0039] During operation, as a user seated in chair 10 exerts sufficient rearward force against the forward portion of backrest 16 (e.g., the user leans back), the backrest 16 will begin to pivot relative to seat 14. FIG. 1A, for example, may be considered to show a pre-recline state (i.e., backrest 16 fully forward) or an incipient recline condition.

[0040] As backrest 16 displaces rearwardly, this action induces a linear slide-type translation of actuating rod 24 through slide bearing block 28. The upper end 26 of actuating rod 24 effectively serves and otherwise constitutes a moment arm whose length changes as backrest 16 progresses through its recline. In particular, the distance between the end of actuating rod 24 (i.e., the terminus located at the hinged attachment to backrest driver 20) and an imaginary line through the pivoting fulcrum (i.e., bearing block 28) changes during recline, namely, the distance shortens. In effect, the invention provides a moving moment arm that changes in length as the backrest reclines.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, the progressive states of extension of leg rest 18 (due to increased recline of backrest 16) are accompanied by the illustrated increases in the length of the lower end of actuating rod 24, which follows from the progressive shortening of the moment arm at the upper end of actuating rod 24.

[0042] FIG. 3 also illustratively depicts the range of arcuate pivoting motion of slide block 28 in response to the cam-like driving or urging influence of actuating rod 24 as rod 24 travels through block 28 during recline operation. The arc or curve 60 generally defines a trace of the movement of a center point of slide block 28 as block 28 progressively moves/pivots through the indicated positions. According to another feature of the invention, the asymmetric attachment of slide block 28 to its pivoting connection 30 (i.e., the offset or off-center pivoting relationship) facilitates a type of pivoting movement that pivots block 28 forward and toward the underside of seat 14 in a manner that favorably urges, assists and otherwise produces the action needed to extend leg rest 18. At the full end of its travel, it may be considered that slide block 28 occupies a generally horizontal position. In some applications, by suitable adjustment of leg rest rod 38 to vertical bar 40, it may be possible to create a configuration that allows slide block 28 to travel past a horizontal plane.

[0043] FIG. 1B shows an intermediate position for the extension of leg rest 18. FIG. 1 C may be considered to correspond to a state of full extension of leg rest 18, which corresponds to a state of full recline of backrest 16.

[0044] Referring again to the operation of chair 10, once recline has begun and thereafter continues, the shortening of the moment arm (upper end 26 of actuator rod 24) causes a corresponding lengthening of the lower end 32 of actuator rod 24. In turn, the downward translational movement of actuator rod 24 induces a forward and upward displacement of leg rest rod 38. The horizontal orientation of leg rest rod 38 is maintained by vertical rod 40, which pivots/swings forward and upward as the leg rest rod 38 is urged forward.

[0045] The forward displacement of leg rest rod 38 urges leg rest 18 to pivot about hinge attachment 44, thereby elevating and raising leg rest 18 into a desired position. The recline operation continues until a desired backrest position and/or leg rest position is attained. The opposite series of events occur to withdraw/retract the leg rest and return the backrest to a more forward position, i.e., pivot forward. It should be apparent that the actuating rod 24 may be seen to slidingly reciprocate through slide block 28 as the chair configuration alternates between full recline and a fully upright condition.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 4A-B, there is shown a series of lateral views of a chair 100 incorporating a foot and leg rest actuator assembly (generally illustrated at 120), according to another form of the invention. The views depict progressive levels of recline and corresponding extension of the leg rest.

[0047] Chair 100 and actuator assembly 120 are similar in all substantial respects (operationally, configuration-wise and structurally) to chair 10 and actuator 12, respectively, of FIGS. 1A-C and FIG. 2. However, chair 100 does not have a pivoting connection between the backrest and seat; the backrest is attached to the chair structure by other suitable means. Additionally, actuator rod 24 is coupled at its upper end to a fixed pivot or fixed bearing block 102.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an exploded view of the chair assembly depicted in FIGS. 1A-C and FIG. 2, according to another form of the invention.

[0049] FIG. 6 shows one simplified representative side view of the chair assembly of FIGS. 1A-C and FIG. 2, which depicts in sequential detail the manner in which the chair is reconfigured as the reclining motion progresses.

[0050] FIG. 7 is another simplified, fragmentary representative side view of the chair assembly of FIGS. 1A-C and FIG. 2, which depicts in sequential detail the manner in which the chair is reconfigured as the reclining motion progresses.

[0051] Various optional features may be added. For example, compressible springs 27 may be disposed about the actuator rods 24, such as at the upper ends between the slide block 28 and pivoting attachment to the backrest 16.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, there are shown fragmentary sectional views of optional locking and/or clamping mechanisms applied to the slide bearing block. FIG. 8 depicts a mechanism 104 having a selectable locking feature that applies a lock to the sliding bearing block 28 by gripping actuator rod 24 to thereby prevent relative movement between the slide block 28 and seatboard 14, e.g., to prevent further movement of backrest/leg rest once a certain recline position is reached. FIG. 9 shows a slide block hold/clamp mechanism 104.

[0053] A further optional feature involves the use of a mechanism to enable the user to adjust the balance points of the chair. For example, a cam friction lock can be incorporated into the pivot on the backrest where it joins to the seat. This frictional joint, such as a conventional knuckle device, is adapted to provide some degree of resistance at the pivot/hinge connection between the seatboard and backrest. In this manner, a forward-biased resistance is offered that prevents the user from “slamming” back when seating. It may be considered that this feature also allows the user to more readily “tune” adjustment of the recline position.

[0054] The invention possesses several advantageous features. For example, the invention employs a sliding bearing block that serves as a pivoting fulcrum having an offset or off-center (e.g., asymmetrical) pivot point attachment to the seatboard.

[0055] Further, the invention employs a separate set of arms (i.e., the pair of actuating rods or bars) that are located anywhere up and down in back (i.e., behind the backrest) to create respective first moment arms that are movable and of variable length. This feature allows the manufacturer to tailor the motion, namely, by adjusting the vertical position of the fixed bearing block or backrest driver where the upper end of the actuating rod terminates. Accordingly, different types of recline-type driving influence/activity can be exerted to induce leg rest extension; for example, fast, slow, or powerful extension of the leg rest. This adjustment of the location of the fixed bearing block or backrest driver is easily accommodated by the appropriate increase or decrease in actuator rod length.

[0056] Additionally, adjustment of the connection point between the leg rest actuating rod and the vertical bar suspended from underneath the seatboard gives a greater or lesser lift to the footrest, depending upon the point of attachment along the length of the vertical bar. This feature enables variable elevation ranges for the leg rest.

[0057] In the invention, the backrest triggers and controls recline. In one form, it may be considered that the fixed bearing block on the backrest (e.g., backrest driver) articulates the actuator rod through the slide bearing block located proximal (e.g., intimately near) the bottom of the seatboard. Additionally, it may be considered that the actuator rod articulates and pushes the leg rest rod attached to the rear of the footrest.

[0058] The invention also provides a body balanced recliner. In particular, the leg rest can power the backrest; no levers are needed to set the degree of recline. By comparison, in conventional chairs, there is typically needed (1) a lever bar adapted to control the chair being moved from a seating to recline position or in between, or (2) a stop latch, catch or pin that is activated to allow the chair to simply move. In the invention, the user can set the balance points so that their body motion controls recline. For example, as the user sits in the chair and leans back to initiate recline and corresponding leg rest extension, the chair is caused to recline in a manner (e.g., fast or slow) and degree (e.g., amount of extension) that is in proportional and commensurate response to their weight, i.e., based upon their upper body mass. As evident from FIG. 2, the opposing symmetrical placement of the pair of actuator arrangements at respective sides of the chair provides a very stable configuration. Return of the chair to the vertical or upright position can be simply actuated, for example, by pressing down on the leg rest.

[0059] The invention may be applicable to any chair article. For example, the invention may be used in a stand-alone chair or a chair that constitutes part of another piece of integrated, compound or sectional furniture, such as a couch or sofa that includes the reclining chair as one of its units.

[0060] Any suitable materials known to those skilled in the art may be used to fabricate and manufacture the various parts of the chair assembly. For example, the actuating rod may be made of aluminum, steel, wood, or plastic.

[0061] While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.