Wooden floor recliner mechanism with protruding backrest pivot point

Abstract

A linkage mechanism (10) for a wooden floor type reclining seat unit provides enhanced backrest support, reduces shirt pull, and reduces minimum wall clearance. The linkage mechanism (10) may include a seat mounting rail (62) indirectly coupled to the backrest bracket (76), where the backrest bracket (76) pivots about projecting pivot points (101) located forward and above the backrest bracket (76) when the seating unit is collapsed. The linkage mechanism (10) has a reduced mechanism height allowing it to be used on high leg mechanisms with shorter pivot coupling links between the base plate (12), the seat mounting rail (62) and the backrest bracket (76).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Recliners are well known in the furniture industry. The term recliner is used throughout this specification to describe a furniture item that includes a recline / tilt adjustment mechanism. Typically, a recliner with a recline adjustment mechanism is a chair that allows the user to recline / lean back, and is equipped with one or more extendable ottomans / footrests. Recliners are typically in the form of a plush, comfortable seat, however, they can also take the form of oversized chairs, half-chaise seats, double seats, sofas, combination seats, etc. Known recliners have a manual configuration (where the user releases the recline adjustment mechanism from a stowed position to a TV position, and moves the recline adjustment mechanism from the TV position to a fully tilted back position) and an electric configuration (where a motor is used to move the mechanism between the various positions). BACKGROUND

[0002] The recline / tilt movement is achieved in recliners having a linkage mechanism coupled to a base. The linkage mechanisms in existing recliners include a plurality of interconnected links that provide one or more mechanisms for extending and retracting the footrest ottoman, and tilting back and returning the recliner backrest to an upright position. Typically, known recliners provide three positions: a straight up seating position with the footrest ottoman retracted under the seat (“stowed position”); a TV position where the chair back is slightly tilted back, but still provides a generally upright position with the footrest ottoman extended (“TV position”); and a fully tilted back position where the chair back is more tilted back than in the TV position, but is still generally reclined with respect to the seat with the footrest ottoman extended (“fully tilted back position”). In some recliners, the mechanism includes a metal base that rests on the floor. These mechanisms are commonly referred to as “metal-to-the-floor” mechanisms. The style of these chairs is limited because the sides of the chair must extend to or near the floor to shield the metal pieces of the linkage mechanism. In other recliners, the mechanism can be designed to couple to the sides (or arms) of the chair so that the metal does not extend all the way to the floor. These mechanisms are commonly referred to as “wood-to-the-floor” mechanisms.

[0003] These types of prior art recliner mechanisms, while functional, suffer from a number of drawbacks. One of these includes a problem known as shirt pull. When the user tilts the chair back, the shirt gets caught, the chair back rotates back but also away from the seat, increasing the distance between the bottom of the back cushion and the back of the seat cushion, at which point the shirt pull occurs. This movement not only causes the shirt to be pulled, but also removes support from the lower lumbar region of the user sitting in the chair. In some cases, a gap forms between the seat and back cushions, causing the user sitting in the chair to feel uncomfortable. This movement is caused by the back rest support pivot point, which is typically located below and behind the intersection of the chair back cushion and seat cushion. It would be desirable to provide a recliner, whether manual or power, in which the back rest pivot point protrudes / extends as close as possible to the point of intersection of the bottom of the back cushion and the back of the seat cushion.

[0004] Furthermore, as the chair reclines and the back rotates back, it requires the chair to be placed away from the wall to allow the back to move. It would be desirable to provide a recliner with as small a required wall clearance as possible to allow the user as much freedom as possible when placing the recliner in a room. SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention are defined by the claims appended hereto rather than this summary. For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and features of the present invention have been described above. This summary is not intended to

[0006] In aspects of the present invention, a compact linkage for wooden floor model recliner furniture is described. The linkage includes a back rest support that is indirectly supported above the seat rail or seat rail extension. The resulting pivot point for the recliner back is protruded upward and forward to the point of intersection of the upholstered back and seat in the finished chair, resulting in a much smaller shirt pull than previously known mechanisms and chairs. During recline / tilt back, the bottom of the chair back will follow the user, providing adequate support to the user's back and avoiding unwanted gaps between the cushions even in the fully tilted back position. The back rest support that rotates around the protruded pivot point in the linkage described above allows for a reduced minimum wall clearance compared to previously known mechanisms and chairs. As the recliner moves from the stowed position to the fully tilted back position, the back rest support moves forward, allowing the chair back to recline while providing additional clearance. In other words, the forward movement associated with the protruded pivot point allows the recliner to be placed closer to the wall than previously known mechanisms and chairs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The application is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view of the mechanism in the TV position is shown, in accordance with aspects of the application;

[0009] Figure 2 A perspective view of the mechanism in the TV position is shown, in accordance with aspects of the application; Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the mechanism is shown;

[0010] Figure 3 A perspective view of the mechanism in the TV position is shown, in accordance with aspects of the application; Figure 1 A side view of the mechanism in the TV position is shown;

[0011] Figure 4 A perspective view of the mechanism in the TV position is shown, in accordance with aspects of the application; Figure 3 but with the base plate hidden to show other links;

[0012] Figure 5 A perspective view of the mechanism in the TV position is shown, in accordance with aspects of the application;

[0013] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the mechanism is shown, in accordance with aspects of the application; Figure 5

[0014] Figure 7 A side view of the mechanism in the TV position is shown, in accordance with aspects of the application; Figure 5

[0015] A perspective view of the mechanism in the TV position is shown, in accordance with aspects of the application; Figure 8 but with the base plate hidden to show other links; Figure 7

[0016] A perspective view of the mechanism in the TV position is shown, in accordance with aspects of the application; Figure 9

[0017] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the mechanism is shown, in accordance with aspects of the application; Figure 9

[0018] Figure 11 A side view of the mechanism in the TV position is shown, in accordance with aspects of the application; Figure 9

[0019] A perspective view of the mechanism in the TV position is shown, in accordance with aspects of the application; Figure 12 but with the base plate hidden to show other links; Figure 11

[0020] Figure 13 ​​​​A partial perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the mechanism in the stowed position is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application;

[0021] Figure 14 A partial perspective view of the mechanism in the TV position is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application; Figure 13 An inside front view of the mechanism is shown;

[0022] Figure 15 A partial perspective view of the mechanism in the fully reclined position is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application; Figure 13 An outside front view of the mechanism in the stowed position is shown;

[0023] Figure 16 A view similar to that of Figure 15 but with the base plate hidden to show other links is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application;

[0024] Figure 17 An inside front view of the mechanism in the TV position is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application; Figure 13 An outside front view of the mechanism in the TV position is shown;

[0025] Figure 18 A view similar to that of Figure 17 but with the base plate hidden to show other links is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application;

[0026] Figure 19 An inside front view of the mechanism in the fully reclined position is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application; Figure 17 An outside front view of the mechanism in the fully reclined position is shown;

[0027] Figure 20 A view similar to that of Figure 19 but with the base plate hidden to show other links is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application;

[0028] Figure 21 A partial perspective view of the mechanism in the fully reclined position is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application; Figure 17 An outside front view of the mechanism in the fully reclined position is shown;

[0029] Figure 22 An inside front view of the mechanism is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application; Figure 21 An outside front view of the mechanism in the fully reclined position is shown;

[0030] Figure 23 A view similar to that of Figure 21 but with the base plate hidden to show other links is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application; and

[0031] Figure 24 A view similar to that of Figure 23 but with the base plate hidden to show other links is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application; and

[0032] Figure 25A view is shown of some portions of mechanism 210 in the fully tilted-back position, which overlap some portions of mechanism 210 in the retracted position and overlap a portion of the existing mechanism with a fixed pivot point. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention has been described in detail herein to satisfy legal requirements. However, the specification itself is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter may be implemented in other ways to include different steps, components, or combinations thereof, combined with other current or future techniques. Unless the order of the steps is explicitly described, the terminology should not be construed as implying any particular order between the steps disclosed herein.

[0034] Refer to the attached diagram. Figures 1-4 The wooden floor-standing recliner mechanism 10 in its folded-down position is shown. Figures 5-8 The reclining chair mechanism 10 in the TV position is shown. Figures 9-12 A reclining chair mechanism 10 in a fully reclined position is shown. This mechanism 10 is a wooden, floor-standing mechanism, meaning that the sides of the chair using mechanism 10 do not need to extend to the floor to conceal it. This allows the chair to have a high-leg design. Furthermore, as described more fully below, mechanism 10 includes a backrest linkage that provides a prominent backrest pivot point to reduce shirt tugging and moves the seat and backrest forward to provide a chair that can be placed very close to the wall behind the chair while still allowing for full reclining movement without interference from the wall.

[0035] First refer to Figures 1-4 The recliner mechanism 10 shown is in the folded position. This mechanism 10 connects the footrest, backrest, armrests, and seat of the recliner. Those skilled in the art will understand the attachment of these chair components to the mechanism 10. For clarity, these parts of the chair are not shown. As a wooden floor-standing mechanism, the mechanism 10 includes a base plate 12. The base plate 12 is adapted to be attached to the side (or armrest) of the chair, and for this purpose may include a groove 14 (see [link to diagram]). Figure 3 The base plate 12 supports the remainder of the mechanism 10 on a floor or other underlying surface. In some embodiments, the base plate 12 may also be attached to the side of the chair via a side bracket 16. In some embodiments, the base plate 12 also supports the rear motor tube 18 (see, for example, see...). Figure 1 The rear motor tube 18 is connected to the base plate 12 via the end bracket 20. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4As best shown, the mechanism 10 includes a rear travel linkage 22 connected between the base plate 12 and the transport / push link 24. More specifically, the rear travel linkage 22 includes a pivot control link 26 pivotally connected to the base plate 12 at pivot point 28. The other end of the pivot control link 26 is pivotally connected to the rear travel link 30 at pivot point 32 (generally at approximately the midpoint of the rear travel link 30). The rear travel link 30 is part of the rear travel linkage 22 and is also pivotally connected to the transport link 24 at pivot point 34 at the lower end of the rear travel link 30. In some aspects, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the rear travel link 30 may include a lower flange 36 for connecting the rear stabilizer tube 38 between opposite sides. The rear travel linkage 22 also includes a control link 40 pivotally connected to the rear travel link 30 at pivot point 42. The end of the control link 40 opposite to pivot point 42 is at pivot point 44 (see...). Figure 3 It is pivotally connected to the base plate 12 at the point of origin. The transport link 24 is connected to the base plate 12 via the rear travel linkage 22.

[0036] The linkage mechanism 12 also includes a forward travel linkage 46 that connects the transport link 24 to the base plate 12. The forward travel linkage 46 includes a pivot control link 48, a forward travel link 50, and a front crank link / front toggle link 52. More specifically, the pivot control link 48 is pivotally connected to the base plate 12 at pivot point 54. Opposite to pivot point 54, the pivot control link 48 is pivotally connected to the forward travel link 50 at pivot point 56 (approximately midway between the two ends of the forward travel link 50). The forward travel link 50 is also pivotally connected to the front toggle link 52 at pivot point 58. Opposite to pivot point 58, the forward travel link 50 is pivotally connected to the transport link 24 at pivot point 59. Opposite to pivot point 58, the front toggle link 52 is pivotally connected to the base plate 12 at pivot point 60. The transport link 24 is pivotally connected to the base plate 12 via the forward travel linkage 46.

[0037] At the rear of mechanism 10, such as Figure 4 As shown, the transport link 24 is pivotally connected to the seat guide rail 62 via a rear pivot link 64. More specifically, one end of the rear pivot link 64 is pivotally connected to the transport link 24 at pivot point 66. The rear pivot link 64 is also pivotally connected to the seat guide rail 62 at pivot point 68. Near the front of the mechanism 10, the transport link 24 is pivotally connected to the seat guide rail 62 via a front pivot link 70. More specifically, one end of the front pivot link 70 is pivotally connected to the transport link 24 at pivot point 72. The front pivot link 70 is also pivotally connected to the seat guide rail 62 at pivot point 74.

[0038] The seat rail 62 and the back support 76 are coupled to the base plate 12 and are movably coupled to each other at the rear of the mechanism 10 by a back elbow 78, a back crank 80, and a seat rail extension 82. More specifically, the back elbow 78 is pivotally coupled to the base plate 12 at a pivot point 84. The end of the back elbow 78 opposite the pivot point 84 is pivotally coupled to the back crank 80 at a pivot point 86. The back crank 80 is also pivotally coupled to the seat rail extension 82 at a pivot point 88. As shown, the seat rail extension 82 extends upward from the seat rail 62 and is fixedly coupled to the seat rail 62. In practice, the seat rail 62 and the seat rail extension 82 can be a unitary piece / single piece. Further, the back crank 80 is pivotally coupled to the back support 76 at a pivot point 90. The back support 76 is also pivotally coupled to the seat rail extension 82 via a back pivot 92. More specifically, the back pivot 92 is pivotally coupled to the seat rail extension 82 at a pivot point 94 and is pivotally coupled to the back support 76 at a pivot point 96. As such, the back pivot 92 is an intermediate link that indirectly couples the seat rail 62 to the back support 76. By coupling the back support 76 to the seat rail 62 (via the seat rail extension 82) and the base plate 12 via the linkage composed of the back elbow 78 and the back crank 80, and by coupling the back support 76 to the seat rail extension 82 via the back pivot 92, a prominent pivot point 101 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) is formed between the upholstered chair back and the chair seat of the chair using the mechanism 210, providing better support in the fully reclined position and reducing shirt pull when reclining. Further, this is accomplished using a compact linkage that extends above the rear motor tube 18 and achieves a high leg design while the mechanism 10 is hidden from view. The back crank 80 and the back elbow 78 provide two shorter links than the previous mechanism, allowing the pivotal connection of the back elbow 78 and the base plate 12 to be approximately horizontally aligned with the rear motor tube 18. In contrast to the metal floor-standing mechanism, the wood floor-standing mechanism 10 is compact with a reduced mechanism height (see Figure 8 and Figure 12 ) marked MH in Figure 4 . Because of the lower mechanism height, a chair with a high leg design can be achieved, along with better lumbar support, reduced shirt pull, and allowing the chair to be placed close to a wall. The double link coupling between the back support 76, the seat plate extension 82, and the base plate 12 (and the back pivot 92) by the back elbow 78 and the back crank 80 forms the prominent pivot point 101 while achieving a compact mechanism height. As shown in Figure 3As shown in the optimal configuration, pivot point 84 is located in front of and above the pivotal connection between motor 152 and rear motor tube 18. As shown, when mechanism 10 moves between the retracted position, TV position, and tilt position, pivot point 88 remains behind pivot point 90. Furthermore, by comparison... Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 11 As can be best observed, if the vertical line passes through pivot points 88 and 90, it can be seen that the vertical lines drawn through pivot points 88 and 90 are closer together in the convergent and TV positions, and farther apart in the fully tilted position. It can also be seen that in the convergent and TV positions, pivot point 94 is in front of pivot point 96, but in the fully tilted position, pivot point 94 is behind pivot point 96.

[0039] like Figure 8 As shown, mechanism 10 also includes a bench linkage device 100. This bench linkage device 100 includes a front bench link 102 pivotally connected to the seat guide rail 62 at pivot point 104 and a rear bench link 106 pivotally connected to the seat guide rail 62 at pivot point 108. The front bench link 102 is also pivotally connected to an outer bench link 110 at pivot point 112 and to an inner bench link 114 at pivot point 116. The outer bench link 110 is also pivotally connected to the rear bench link 106 at pivot point 118. The bench linkage device 100 also includes a middle bench support 120, which is pivotally connected to the outer bench link 110 at pivot point 122. The middle bench support 120 is also pivotally connected to a middle bench control link 126 at pivot point 128. The end of the middle bench control link 126 opposite to pivot point 128 is pivotally connected at pivot point 130 to the inner bench link 114. The bench support 132 is pivotally connected at pivot point 134 to the end of the outer bench link 110 opposite to pivot point 118. The bench support 132 is also pivotally connected to the inner bench link 114 at pivot point 136. Then, the flip-up / fin-shaped bench support 138 is pivotally connected at pivot point 140 to the end of the inner bench link 114 opposite to pivot point 116. The flip-up bench support 138 is connected to the bench support 132 via the flip-up control link 142. More specifically, the flip-up control link 142 is pivotally connected to the flip-up bench support 138 at pivot point 144 and to the bench support 132 at pivot point 146.

[0040] like Figure 6As shown, the front motor tube 150 is fixedly coupled to the front ottoman link 102 and extends between the opposing (two) front ottoman links 102. At approximately the middle location along the front motor tube 150, a motor 152 is pivotally coupled to the front motor tube 150. The motor 152 extends between (and is pivotally coupled to) the front motor tube 150 and the rear motor tube 18. As shown, the motor 152 is coupled to the rear motor tube 18 at a pivot point 162. The motor 152 is coupled to the front motor tube 150 at a pivot point 164. The motor 152 is coupled to the rear motor tube 18 at a pivot point 166. The motor 152 is coupled to the front motor tube 150 at a pivot point 168. Figure 6 As shown, in some aspects, a stabilizing tube 154 can be coupled to each of the carriage links 24 such that the stabilizing tube 154 extends between the opposing carriage links 24. In addition, an ottoman drive link 156 extends between the rear ottoman link 106 and the rear pivot link 64. More specifically, one end of the ottoman drive link 156 is pivotally coupled to the rear ottoman link 106 at a pivot point 158 and the other end is pivotally coupled to the rear pivot link 64 at a pivot point 160.

[0041] By operating the motor 152, the mechanism 10 can be moved between Figures 1-4 the stowed position, Figures 5-8 the TV position, and Figures 9-12 the fully reclined position. As noted above, the mechanism 10 provides a prominent pivot point for the chair back, which, when in the finished chair, is proximate to the point where the bottom of the chair back pad and the back of the seat pad intersect. In designing the finished chair, the manufacturer can design the chair back and seat such that they are as close as possible to the prominent pivot point. In addition, the finished chair having the mechanism 10 described above requires less wall clearance than a typical recliner because the backrest bracket 76 gains forward motion by rotating about the prominent pivot point as opposed to the typical direct coupling of the backrest bracket to the seat mounting plate. In effect, the recliner mechanism described above provides a reduced wall clearance that is lower than what was previously thought possible while providing a wooden floor model mechanism that enables a high leg design. The coupling between the seat rail 62 and the backrest bracket 76 allows the backrest bracket 76 to be indirectly coupled to the seat rail extension 82 through two shorter, pivotally coupled backrest elbow links 78 and backrest wrist links 80 (along with the backrest pivot 92), which provides a prominent backrest pivot point in a compact mechanism that can be used for a high leg design.

[0042] In Figures 1-12 embodiments, the backrest wrist links 80 and backrest elbow links 78 control the movement of the backrest bracket 76 (and thus the backrest coupled to the backrest bracket 76), which is also supported by the backrest pivot 92. For some users, using the mechanism 10 from Figures 5-8 the TV position to Figures 9-12the backrest movement feels slightly faster than they would like, especially in the later stages of the recline. To slow down or better control the rotation of the backrest bracket (and backrest) as the mechanism moves from the TV position to the fully reclined position, and to achieve further forward movement of the backrest bracket (to allow the chair to operate closer to a wall), Figures 13-24 Further embodiments are shown in FIGS. 1 1-13. Although many components are the same, or at least similar, full descriptions are also provided below.

[0043] Figures 13-16 a wooden floor model lounger mechanism 210 is shown in a stowed position, Figures 17-20 a lounger mechanism 210 is shown in a TV position, Figures 21-24 a lounger mechanism 210 is shown in a fully reclined position. The mechanism 210 is a wooden floor model mechanism, meaning that the sides of a chair using the mechanism 210 do not have to extend to the floor to shield the mechanism 210. This allows the chair to have a high leg design. In addition, as described more fully below, the mechanism 210 includes a backrest linkage that provides a prominent backrest pivot point to reduce shirt pull, and moves the seat and backrest forward to provide a chair that can be placed very close to a wall (behind the chair) while still allowing full recline / tilt motion without interference from the wall.

[0044] Reference is first made to Figures 13-16 , a lounger mechanism 210 is shown in a stowed position. The mechanism 210 couples together the ottoman, chair back, chair armrests, and chair seat of a lounger. Those skilled in the art will understand the attachment of these chair components to the mechanism 210. For clarity, these portions of the chair are not shown. As a wooden floor model mechanism, the mechanism 210 includes a base plate 212. The base plate 212 is adapted to be coupled to the sides (or armrests) of a chair, and can include slots 214 (see Figure 15 ) for this purpose. The base plate 212 supports the rest of the mechanism 210 above the floor or other underlying surface. In some aspects, the base plate 212 can also be connected to the sides of a chair by side brackets 216. In some aspects, the base plate 212 also supports a rear motor tube 218 (see, e.g. Figure 13 ), which is coupled to the base plate 212 via end brackets 220. As Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 20As best shown, the mechanism 210 includes a rear travel linkage 222 connected between the base plate 212 and the transport link 224. More specifically, the rear travel linkage 222 includes a pivot control link 226 pivotally coupled to the base plate 212 at pivot point 228. The other end of the pivot control link 226 is pivotally coupled to the rear travel link 230 at pivot point 232 (generally at approximately the midpoint of the rear travel link 230). The rear travel link 230 is part of the rear travel linkage 222 and is also pivotally coupled to the transport link 224 at pivot point 234 at the lower end of the rear travel link 230. In some aspects, such as Figure 13 and Figure 17 As shown, the rear travel link 230 may include a lower flange 236 for mounting a rear stabilizer tube (not shown, but similar to...). Figures 1-12 The rear stabilizer tube 38 is connected between opposite (two) sides. The rear travel linkage 222 also includes a control link 240, which is pivotally connected to the rear travel link 230 at pivot point 242. The end of the control link 240 opposite to pivot point 242 is at pivot point 244 (see... Figure 15 It is pivotally connected to the base plate 212 at the point of origin. The transport link 224 is connected to the base plate 212 via the rear travel linkage 222.

[0045] like Figure 16 As shown, the linkage mechanism 210 also includes a forward travel linkage 246 that connects the transport link 224 to the base plate 212. The forward travel linkage 246 includes a pivot control link 248, a forward travel link 250, and a front toggle link 252. More specifically, the pivot control link 248 is pivotally connected to the base plate 212 at pivot point 254. Opposite to pivot point 254, the pivot control link 248 is pivotally connected to the forward travel link 250 at pivot point 256 (approximately midway between the two ends of the forward travel link 250). The forward travel link 250 is also pivotally connected to the front toggle link 252 at pivot point 258. Opposite to pivot point 258, the forward travel link 250 is pivotally connected to the transport link 224 at pivot point 259. Opposite to pivot point 258, the front toggle link 252 is pivotally connected to the base plate 212 at pivot point 260. The transport link 224 is pivotally connected to the base plate 212 via the forward travel linkage 246.

[0046] At the rear of mechanism 210, such as Figure 14 As shown, the transport link 224 is pivotally connected to the seat guide rail 262 via the rear pivot link 264. More specifically, one end of the rear pivot link 264 is pivotally connected to the transport link 224 at pivot point 266. The rear pivot link 264 is also pivotally connected to the seat guide rail 262 at pivot point 268. Figure 16As shown, near the front of the mechanism 210, the carriage link 224 is pivotally coupled to the seat rail 262 via a front pivot link 270. More specifically, one end of the front pivot link 270 is pivotally coupled to the carriage link 224 at a pivot point 272. The front pivot link 270 is also pivotally coupled to the seat rail 262 at a pivot point 274.

[0047] The seat rail 262 and the backrest bracket 276 are coupled to the base plate 212 and are movably coupled to one another at the rear of the mechanism 210 by a backrest elbow 278, a backrest crank 280, and a seat rail extension 282. More specifically, the backrest elbow 278 is pivotally coupled to the base plate 212 at a pivot point 284, which in some aspects is located slightly below and rearward of the comparable pivot point 84 in Figures 1-12 FIG. 1. The end of the backrest elbow 278 opposite the pivot point 284 is pivotally coupled to the backrest crank 280 at a pivot point 286. The backrest crank 280 is also pivotally coupled to the seat rail extension 282 at a pivot point 288. As shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16 the seat rail extension 282 extends upward from the seat rail 262 and is fixedly coupled to the seat rail 262. The seat rail extension 282 can be slightly different in shape than the seat rail extension 82, with the pivot point 288 being more rearward than the comparable pivot point 88 in Figures 1-12 FIG. 1. In practice, the seat rail 262 and the seat rail extension 282 can be a unitary piece / single piece. Unlike the embodiment in Figures 1-12 FIG. 1, the backrest crank 280 is not pivotally coupled directly to the backrest bracket 276. Instead, a rear backrest pivot link 290 is pivotally coupled to the backrest bracket 276 at a pivot point 289. The opposite end of the rear backrest pivot link 290 is pivotally coupled to the backrest crank 280 at a pivot point 291. As can be seen by comparing Figure 3 and Figure 15 the pivot point 289 is moved upward relative to the pivot point 90 to accommodate other components, as discussed further below. The backrest bracket 276 is also pivotally coupled to the seat rail extension 282 via a backrest pivot 292. More specifically, the backrest pivot 292 is pivotally coupled to the seat rail extension 282 at a pivot point 294 and is pivotally coupled to the backrest bracket 276 at a pivot point 296. In some aspects, the backrest pivot 292 is slightly curved such that (in the stowed position) the pivot point 296 is more rearward than the pivot point 294. As such, the backrest pivot 292 is an intermediate link that indirectly couples the seat rail 262 (via the seat rail extension 282) to the backrest bracket 276. Furthermore, in Figures 13-24In this embodiment, connector link 297 is pivotally connected between backrest pivot 292 and backrest crank 280. More specifically, connector link 297 is pivotally connected to backrest pivot 292 at pivot point 298 and to backrest crank 280 at pivot point 299. Thus, backrest crank 280 is directly (at pivot point 291) pivotally connected to rear backrest pivot link 290 and (at pivot point 288) pivotally connected to seat guide extension 280. Backrest crank 280 is also indirectly connected to backrest support 276 via backrest pivot 292 (via connector link 297) and rear backrest pivot link 290.

[0048] The backrest support 276 is connected to the seat guide rail 262 (via the seat guide rail extension 282) and the base plate 212 via a linkage mechanism via the backrest elbow 278, the backrest crank 280 and the rear backrest pivot link 290; and the backrest support 276 is connected to the seat guide rail extension 282 via the backrest pivot member 292, thus forming a protruding pivot point 400 between the padded chair back and the chair seat of the chair using the mechanism 210 (see Figure 18 and Figure 22 This design provides better support in the fully reclined position and reduces shirt strain during tilting / reclining. Compared to the previous mechanism, the backrest crank 280 and backrest elbow 278 provide two shorter links, allowing the pivoting connection of the backrest elbow 278 to the base plate 212 to be roughly horizontally aligned with the rear motor tube (and significantly higher than the lower support surface, thus enabling a high-leg design). Figures 13 to 24 In this embodiment, when the backrest crank 280 rotates via a direct connection between the backrest crank 280 and the rear backrest pivot link 290, and via an indirect connection between the backrest pivot member 292 and the backrest crank 280 via a connector link 297, the movement of the backrest support 276 is controlled by the backrest pivot member 292 and the rear backrest pivot link 290. Research has found that this linkage provides a better experience for some users when the backrest support 276 rotates from the TV position to the fully reclined position. Figures 1-12 Similar to the previous embodiment, this is achieved through a compact linkage extending above the rear motor tube 218, resulting in a high-leg design while keeping the mechanism 210 out of sight. Unlike the metal floor-standing mechanism, the floor-standing wooden mechanism 210 must be compact, with a reduced mechanism height (see [link to previous embodiment]). Figure 15 (MH marking in the text). A lower mechanism height allows for a chair with a high-leg design, while also providing better lumbar support, reducing shirt strain, and enabling the chair to be placed close to a wall.

[0049] Figure 25A portion of the mechanism 210 is shown in the fully reclined position, overlaid on a portion of the mechanism 210 in the stowed position. Figure 25 The location of the existing seat deck extension 500 and the existing fixed pivot point 502 for context are also shown. As shown, as the mechanism 210 moves from the stowed position to the fully reclined position, the backrest bracket 276 moves forward and downward (compare 276 and 276'). The pivot point 296 moves forward (compare pivot point 296 and pivot point 296') a distance (in Figure 25 designated "D"). This distance is greater than previously known mechanisms, allowing a chair back using the mechanism 210 to be placed closer to an adjacent wall while still allowing unobstructed movement to the fully reclined position. For example, this distance D can be greater than 2.25 inches. In some aspects, this distance D is in a range of between about 2.5 inches and 4 inches. In some aspects, this distance D is about 3.25 inches.

[0050] The three-bar linkage between the backrest bracket 276, the seat deck extension 282, and the base plate 212 (along with the backrest pivot 292 and the connector link 297) of the backrest elbow link 278, the backrest crank 280, and the rear backrest pivot link 290 enables the pivot points of the seat and backrest to project forward and upward (e.g., at point 400), reducing shirt pull and providing lumbar support when reclined, while enabling the mechanism to be compact in height. As best shown in Figure 15 , the pivot point 284 is located forward of the pivot connection point 251 of the motor (not shown in Figures 13-24 , but the motor is similar to the motor shown in Figures 1-12 ) to the rear motor tube 218 and slightly higher than the connection point. As shown, the pivot point 288 remains behind the pivot point 289 as the mechanism 210 moves between the stowed position, the TV position, and the reclined position. Further, as best seen by comparing Figure 15 , Figure 19 , and Figure 23 , if a vertical line is drawn through the pivot points 288 and 289, it can be seen that the vertical line drawn through (respectively) the pivot points 288 and 289 is closer together in the stowed and TV positions and further apart in the fully reclined position. It can also be seen that the pivot point 294 is forward of the pivot point 296 in the stowed and TV positions, but is behind the pivot point 296 in the fully reclined position.

[0051] As best shown in Figure 20As shown, like mechanism 10, mechanism 210 also includes ottoman linkage 300. Ottoman linkage 300 includes front ottoman link 302 pivotally coupled to seat rail 262 at pivot point 304 and rear ottoman link 306 pivotally coupled to seat rail 262 at pivot point 308. Front ottoman link 302 is also pivotally coupled to outboard ottoman link 310 at pivot point 312 and to inboard ottoman link 314 at pivot point 316. Outboard ottoman link 310 is also pivotally coupled to rear ottoman link 306 at pivot point 318. Ottoman linkage 300 also includes intermediate ottoman bracket 320 pivotally coupled to outboard ottoman link 310 at pivot point 322. Intermediate ottoman bracket 320 is also pivotally coupled to intermediate ottoman control link 326 at pivot point 328. The end of intermediate ottoman control link 326 opposite pivot point 328 is pivotally coupled to inboard ottoman link 314 at pivot point 330. Ottoman bracket 332 is pivotally coupled to the end of outboard ottoman link 310 opposite pivot point 318 at pivot point 334. Ottoman bracket 332 is also pivotally coupled to inboard ottoman link 314 at pivot point 336. Flip ottoman bracket 338 is then pivotally coupled to the end of inboard ottoman link 314 opposite pivot point 316 at pivot point 340. Flip ottoman bracket 338 is coupled to ottoman bracket 332 via flip control link 342. More specifically, flip control link 342 is pivotally coupled to flip ottoman bracket 338 at pivot point 344 and to ottoman bracket 332 at pivot point 346.

[0052] As shown, like mechanism 10, mechanism 210 also includes ottoman linkage 300. Ottoman linkage 300 includes front ottoman link 302 pivotally coupled to seat rail 262 at pivot point 304 and rear ottoman link 306 pivotally coupled to seat rail 262 at pivot point 308. Front ottoman link 302 is also pivotally coupled to outboard ottoman link 310 at pivot point 312 and to inboard ottoman link 314 at pivot point 316. Outboard ottoman link 310 is also pivotally coupled to rear ottoman link 306 at pivot point 318. Ottoman linkage 300 also includes intermediate ottoman bracket 320 pivotally coupled to outboard ottoman link 310 at pivot point 322. Intermediate ottoman bracket 320 is also pivotally coupled to intermediate ottoman control link 326 at pivot point 328. The end of intermediate ottoman control link 326 opposite pivot point 328 is pivotally coupled to inboard ottoman link 314 at pivot point 330. Ottoman bracket 332 is pivotally coupled to the end of outboard ottoman link 310 opposite pivot point 318 at pivot point 334. Ottoman bracket 332 is also pivotally coupled to inboard ottoman link 314 at pivot point 336. Flip ottoman bracket 338 is then pivotally coupled to the end of inboard ottoman link 314 opposite pivot point 316 at pivot point 340. Flip ottoman bracket 338 is coupled to ottoman bracket 332 via flip control link 342. More specifically, flip control link 342 is pivotally coupled to flip ottoman bracket 338 at pivot point 344 and to ottoman bracket 332 at pivot point 346. Figure 18 As shown, front motor tube 350 is fixedly coupled to front ottoman link 302 and extends between opposing front ottoman links 302. A motor (not shown, but similar to motor 152 in Figures 13-24 is pivotally coupled to front motor tube 350, generally midway along front motor tube 350. The motor extends between (and is pivotally coupled to) front motor tube 350 and rear motor tube 218. As shown, Figure 18 In some aspects, a stabilizing tube can be coupled to each of the carriage links 224 via bracket 354, such that the stabilizing tube (similar to stabilizing tube 154 in Figures 1-12 extends between opposing carriage links 224. In addition, ottoman drive link 356 extends between rear ottoman link 306 and rear pivot link 264. More specifically, one end of ottoman drive link 356 is pivotally coupled to rear ottoman link 306 at pivot point 358 and the other end is pivotally coupled to rear pivot link 264 at pivot point 360. As shown, Figure 13As shown, spring bracket 370 can be fixed to rear motor tube 218, extending downward therefrom. Also, spring retention pin 372 can be fixed to rear pivot link 264, extending inward. Although not shown, a tension spring can be installed extending between spring bracket 370 and pin 372. The spring is used to assist in moving from the fully reclined position to the TV position. Additionally, in some aspects, a similar spring-assisted arrangement can also be used in embodiments of the Figures 1-12

[0053] By operating the motor, mechanism 210 can be moved between a Figures 13-16 retracted position, Figures 17-20 TV position, and Figures 21-24 Figures 21-24 fully reclined position. As noted above, when in a finished chair, mechanism 210 provides a prominent pivot point for the chair back that is proximate to the point where the bottom of the chair back cushion and the back of the seat cushion intersect. In designing a finished chair, the manufacturer can design the chair back and seat such that they are as close as possible to the prominent pivot point. Because the prominent pivot point is forward of back rest bracket 276, when the chair is tilted to the TV position, back rest bracket 276 swings forward, and when the chair is tilted to the fully reclined position, back rest bracket 276 moves forward again. Thus, a finished chair having the above-described recliner mechanism requires less wall clearance than a typical recliner because the forward motion is gained by back rest bracket 276 rotating around the prominent pivot point as opposed to the typical direct coupling of the back rest bracket to the seat deck plate. In effect, the above-described recliner mechanism provides a reduced wall clearance lower than previously thought possible while providing a wooden floor-standing mechanism that enables a high-leg design. The coupling between seat rail 262 and back rest bracket 276, through three shorter pivotally coupled links (back rest elbow link 278, back rest crank 280, and rear back rest pivot link 290), along with back rest pivot 292 and connector link 297, allows back rest bracket 276 to be indirectly coupled to seat rail extension 282, which provides a prominent back rest pivot point in a compact mechanism that can be used in a high-leg design.

[0054] A variety of different arrangements of the various components described, as well as components not shown, are possible. Embodiments of the present technology have been described that are exemplary rather than limiting. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a review of this disclosure. Alternative implementations can be completed in which the above-described features are implemented without departing from the scope of the claims below. Certain features and subcombinations are useful and can be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.​

Claims

1. A compact linkage mechanism for a wooden floor-standing seating unit, comprising: A base plate adapted for attachment to a side frame of a seat unit, the base plate being suspended above a support surface of the seat unit when attached to the seat unit; Seat guide rail for mounting the seat portion of the seat unit; A seat guide rail extension connected to the seat guide rail, the seat guide rail extension having a first pivot point for pivotally connecting to the backrest pivot link; The backrest pivot link has a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the first end of the backrest pivot link is pivotally connected to the seat guide rail extension at the first pivot point; A backrest bracket for mounting the backrest of the seat unit, the backrest bracket having a front pivot point, wherein the second end of the backrest pivot link is pivotally connected to the backrest bracket at the front pivot point; and The backrest crank is pivotally connected to the seat guide rail extension at a third pivot point located behind the first pivot point, and the backrest crank is also pivotally connected to the backrest bracket at a fourth pivot point located behind the front pivot point, and the backrest crank is pivotally connected to the base plate. Specifically, based on the forward movement of the seat mounting plate when the linkage mechanism extends from the retracted position to the fully reclined position, the front pivot point moves forward and downward.

2. The linkage mechanism according to claim 1 further includes: A backrest elbow, one end of which is pivotally connected to the base plate and the other end of which is pivotally connected to the backrest crank; The backrest crank is indirectly pivotally connected to the base plate.

3. A compact linkage mechanism for a wooden floor-standing seating unit, comprising: A base plate adapted to be attached to the side frame of the seat unit, the base plate being suspended above the support surface of the seat unit when attached to the seat unit; Seat guide rail for mounting the seat portion of the seat unit; A seat guide rail extension connected to the seat guide rail, the seat guide rail extension having a first pivot point for pivotally connecting to the backrest pivot link; The backrest pivot link has a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the first end of the backrest pivot link is pivotally connected to the seat guide rail extension at the first pivot point; A backrest bracket for mounting the backrest of the seat unit, the backrest bracket having a front pivot point, wherein the second end of the backrest pivot link is pivotally connected to the backrest bracket at the front pivot point; and The backrest crank is pivotally connected to the seat guide rail extension at a third pivot point located behind the first pivot point, and the backrest crank is also indirectly pivotally connected to the backrest support and the base plate. Specifically, based on the forward movement of the seat mounting plate when the linkage mechanism extends from the retracted position to the fully reclined position, the front pivot point moves forward and downward.

4. The linkage mechanism according to claim 3 further includes a backrest pivot linkage, wherein the first end of the backrest pivot linkage is pivotally connected to the backrest bracket, and the second end is pivotally connected to the backrest crank.

5. The linkage mechanism according to claim 4 further includes a connector link, wherein a first end of the connector link is pivotally connected to the backrest pivot link, and a second end is pivotally connected to the backrest crank, the connector link extending between the backrest crank and the backrest pivot link.

6. The linkage mechanism according to claim 5 further includes: A backrest elbow, one end of which is pivotally connected to the base plate and the other end of which is pivotally connected to the backrest crank; The backrest crank is indirectly pivotally connected to the base plate.

7. The linkage mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the backrest support rotates about a protruding pivot point based on the movement of the linkage mechanism from the retracted position to the fully reclined position.

8. The linkage mechanism according to claim 7, wherein, When the linkage mechanism is in the retracted position, the protruding pivot point is located in front of and above the front pivot point of the backrest bracket.

Images