Rocking-reclining seating unit with motion lock

Abstract

A seating unit includes: a base configured to rest upon an underlying surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat positioned above the base; an arm frame coupled and pivotable relative to the seat, the arm frame including camming surfaces configured for rolling contact with the base such that the seat has a fore-and-aft rocking motion relative to the base; a generally upright backrest positioned above the base adjacent a rear portion of the seat; a first ottoman; a rocking unit attached between the base and the arm frame; the rocking unit configured to control the rocking motion of the seat relative to the base; an ottoman extension mechanism that couples the arm frame and the at least one ottoman and is configured to enable the at least one ottoman to move between a retracted position, in which the at least one ottoman is positioned beneath the seat, and an extended position, in which the at least one ottoman is generally horizontally disposed and positioned forwardly of the seat; and a locking mechanism connected with the arm frame and movable between an unlocked position, in which the seat is free to rock relative to the base, and a locked position, in which the seat is prevented from rocking motion relative to the base.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to seating units, and relates more particularly to reclining seating units with rocking capability. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Recliner chairs and other reclining seating units have proven to be popular with consumers. These seating units typically move from an upright position, in which the backrest is generally upright, to one or more reclined positions, in which the backrest pivots to be less upright. The movement of the seating unit between the upright and reclined positions is typically controlled by a pair of matching reclining mechanisms that are attached to the seat, backrest and base of the chair. [0003] One particularly popular reclining chair is the so-called “rocker-recliner,” which can, when in the upright position, rock with a forward and rearward motion similar to that of a traditional rocking chair. A typical rocker recliner, one of which is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,519,647 to Rogers, includ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a seating unit that addresses shortcomings of prior chairs. The unit includes a base, seat, arm frame, backrest, ottoman, rocking unit, locking mechanism, and backrest reclining mechanism. The arm frame is attached to the seat and can rock back and forth relative to the base. The backrest can recline to different angles. The chair can also have a separate ottoman that can be extended or retracted. The locking mechanism is simple and cost-effective. The chair can also have different styles of ottomans that are separate from the chair itself. These features make the chair more comfortable, flexible, and adaptable to different needs.

Problems solved by technology

Because the slotted link slides on the pin of the mounting bracket during the rocking motion, in some instances the occupant of the chair can rock forward sufficiently that the rear end of the slot strikes the pin, thereby giving a jolt to the occupant.

Also, because of the configuration of the locking mechanism, if the occupant is rocking forward when releasing the chair to a reclined position, in some instances the chair can “catch” and impede reclining movement.

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