Reclining chair with foot and leg rest

Abstract

An actuator assembly is provided 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. Each side of the chair is equipped with an identical arrangement of actuating-related components to provide a stable system.

Description

CONTINUATION DATA [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.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [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 ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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