Lounger including a reclining linkage having a protruding backrest pivot point

Abstract

A linkage mechanism for a reclining seat unit is provided that offers increased backrest support, reduces shirt pull and reduces the minimum wall clearance. The linkage mechanism can include a seat mounting plate indirectly coupled to a backrest bracket, wherein the backrest bracket pivots about a protruding pivot point positioned forward and upward from the backrest bracket when the seat unit is retracted. The linkage mechanism can include an intermediate link pivotably connected to the seat mounting plate and the backrest bracket, a backrest pivot link pivotably connected to the backrest bracket and a rear lift link, a rear lift link pivotably connected to the seat mounting plate, and a control link pivotably connected to the backrest pivot link and the seat mounting plate. The forward movement of the backrest bracket relative to the seat mounting plate as the seat unit reclines reduces the required wall clearance behind the seat unit to less than 4.5 inches.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 368,728, filed July 29, 2016. The entire contents of the above application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a recliner, and more particularly to a recliner including a tilting linkage device. Background Technology

[0004] Recliners are generally well-known in the furniture industry. In this specification, the term "recliner" is used to describe furniture articles that include a reclining mechanism. Typically, a recliner is a seat that allows the user to recline and is equipped with an extendable footstool. Recliners often take the form of luxury seating, but can also be found in oversized seats, seat-and-a-half seats, couples' seats, sofas, and modular furniture sets. Known types include manually configurable (where the user releases the reclining mechanism from a folded position to a TV-watching position, and moves the reclining mechanism from the TV-watching position to a fully reclined position) and electrically powered (where a motor is used to move / adjust the mechanism between various positions) recliners.

[0005] The reclining motion in the recliner is achieved through a linkage mechanism connected to the base. The linkage mechanism found in recliners in the art comprises multiple interconnected links that provide one or more mechanisms for extending the footstool, tilting the chair, and impeding movement of the chair in a particular direction. Typically, recliners known in the art provide three positions: an upright seating position in which the footstool is retracted under the seat (“retracted position”); a television-viewing position in which the chair back is slightly tilted but still provides a generally upright position with the footstool extended (“television-viewing position”); and a fully reclined position in which the chair back is tilted further than in the television-viewing position, but still generally tilted relative to the seat and the footstool extended (“fully reclined position”).

[0006] While these types of existing reclining chair mechanisms achieve their functionality, they suffer from several drawbacks. One such drawback is the problem known as shirt pull. Shirt pull occurs when the user reclines, causing the seat back to rotate backward but also away from the seat, increasing the distance between the bottom of the backrest cushion and the back of the seat cushion. This movement not only causes shirt pull but also removes support for the lower back area of ​​the user. In some cases, a gap forms between the seat cushion and the backrest cushion, leading to discomfort for the user. This movement is caused by the backrest support pivot point, which is typically located below and behind the point where the seat back cushion and seat cushion meet. It is desirable to provide a reclining chair (whether manual or electric) with a backrest pivot point that protrudes as close as possible to the point where the bottom of the backrest cushion and the back of the seat cushion meet.

[0007] Furthermore, when changing from the reclined position to the TV-viewing position, and from the TV-viewing position to the fully reclined position, the recliner typically moves forward to accommodate the tilt of the backrest and the movement of the center of gravity of the recliner and the user seated therein. Additionally, to provide as much wall clearance as possible, the recliner moves forward as much as possible. The minimum wall clearance known in the art for recliners is 4.5 inches to allow for sufficient movement between the reclined, TV-viewing, and fully reclined positions. The amount of wall clearance is primarily limited by two factors: the angle of the base rails relative to the front and rear pivot links in the reclined position and the arc they can travel, and the lengths of the front and rear pivot links. In the reclined position, the known pivot links are set at an angle just greater than perpendicular to the base rails. This allows gravity to assist the user of the chair in moving from the reclined position to the TV-viewing position. It is desirable to provide recliners with wall clearance less than 4.5 inches and as small as possible to allow the user as much freedom of movement as possible when placing the recliner in a room. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention are defined by the following claims, but not by the summary thereof. Therefore, a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention is provided to offer an overview of this disclosure and to introduce options among a variety of concepts further described in the detailed description section. The summary is not intended to identify the principal or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation as an aid to determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, a linkage for reclining furniture is described. The linkage includes a backrest support supported by a front backrest pivot link and a rear backrest pivot link. The bottom of the rear backrest pivot link is pivotally connected to a rear lift link, and the bottom of the front backrest pivot link is pivotally connected to a seat mounting plate, with the rear lift link pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate at different positions. One end of a control link is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate, and the other end is pivotally connected to a midpoint on the rear backrest pivot link. When the entire linkage moves / moves from a folded position to a television position and a fully reclined position, the control link operates to pull the pivoting linkage of the backrest support, as well as the front and rear backrest pivot links. The resulting reclining chair backrest pivot point projects upward and forward to the point where the decorative backrest and seat meet on the finished chair, resulting in significantly less shirt tension than previously known mechanisms and chairs. During the tilting process, the bottom of the chair back will follow the user, providing full support for the user's back and avoiding unwanted gaps between the cushions, even in the fully tilted position.

[0010] The backrest support, rotating along the protruding pivot point in the aforementioned linkage, allows for a smaller minimum wall clearance than previously known mechanisms and chairs. As the recliner moves from a folded position to a viewing position, and from a viewing position to a fully reclined position, the backrest support moves forward, allowing the chair back to tilt while providing additional clearance. In other words, the forward movement associated with the protruding pivot point allows the recliner to be positioned closer to the wall than previously known mechanisms and chairs.

[0011] In another embodiment, the linkage is supported above the base rail via a front pivot link and a rear pivot link. In the motorized version, the rear pivot link can be configured at an angle greater than perpendicular to the base rail, providing a longer arc for its travel. Therefore, in addition to the extra forward movement caused by the aforementioned prominent pivot point, the motorized version may include even more forward movement due to the longer arc formed by the rear pivot link. This embodiment can completely eliminate wall gaps in the recliner, allowing it to be placed adjacent to a wall and still move between the closed and fully tilted positions without contacting the wall. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The illustrative embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of an exemplary electric recliner mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0014] Figure 2 An internal front view of an exemplary manual reclining chair mechanism in a folded position, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0015] Figure 3 The image shown is in the folded position according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The external front view of the exemplary manual recliner mechanism shown;

[0016] Figure 4 An internal front view of an exemplary manually operated reclining chair mechanism in a television-watching position, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0017] Figure 5 The image shows a position for watching television according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 The external front view of the exemplary manual recliner mechanism shown;

[0018] Figure 6 An internal front view of an exemplary manual recliner mechanism in a fully tilted position, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown;

[0019] Figure 7 The image shown is in a fully tilted position according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 The external front view of the exemplary manual recliner mechanism shown; and

[0020] Figure 8 A side-by-side comparative cross-sectional view shows the position of the rear pivot linkage in a manual and an electric version of an exemplary tilting mechanism in the retracted position according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The subject matter of embodiments of the invention is specifically described herein to satisfy legal requirements. However, the description 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, in conjunction with other current or future techniques. Terminology should not be construed as implying any particular order of the steps disclosed herein, unless the order of the steps is explicitly described.

[0022] Refer to the attached diagram and first refer to... Figure 1According to an embodiment of the invention, a portion of the reclining mechanism of the chaise lounge is shown in a fully reclined position. The chaise lounge mechanism connects the footstool, chair back, chair arms, and seat of the chaise lounge. For clarity, these parts of the chair are not shown. The reclining mechanism may include a linkage mechanism coupled to a base. Typically, the reclining mechanism includes a pair of linkage mechanisms coupled to the base (e.g., a left linkage mechanism and a right linkage mechanism). For clarity, only one linkage mechanism is shown in the figures. In the aspect having a pair of linkage mechanisms, the side not shown may be a mirror image of the side shown. The reclining mechanism shown is an electrically operated reclining mechanism, wherein a motor causes the chaise lounge to move between a folded position and one of a plurality of open positions (e.g., a TV viewing position, a fully reclined position, a neutral position). However, the following description also applies to manually operated reclining mechanisms (such as...). Figure 2-7 (As shown).

[0023] Figure 1 An exemplary tilting mechanism is shown, having a linkage mechanism 26 pivotally coupled to a base 10. The base 10 may include a base rail 12 made of angle steel, as shown in the illustration. The base rail 12 supports the linkage mechanism 26, and the remainder of the chair is above the surface on which the recliner is placed. In aspects where the tilting mechanism includes a pair of linkage mechanisms 26, the base 10 may include a pair of spaced-apart base rails 12 coupled to the pair of linkage mechanisms 26. One or more transverse members 14 may connect portions of the base 10 and / or the pair of linkage mechanisms 26. In some aspects, the transverse members 14 are made of angle steel or tubular steel and may be bolted to the base 10 and / or the linkage mechanism 26, for example.

[0024] An exemplary linkage mechanism will now be described. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the linkage mechanism 26 is pivotally connected to the base track 12 via a front pivot link 28 and a rear pivot link 30. The front pivot link 28 and the rear pivot link 30 are each rotatable to allow the tilting mechanism to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The shown retracted position moves to one or more open positions (e.g., Figure 4 and Figure 5 The TV viewing position Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 (At its fully tilted position, or some other intermediate position). The rear pivot link 30 extends upward from the base track 12. Figure 2 and Figure 3The rear pivot link 30 shown also extends forward from axis A perpendicular to the base track 12, as illustrated in the aspect of the manually operated linkage 26. However, in other aspects, when the linkage is in the retracted position, the rear pivot link 30 can extend rearward from axis A, as discussed herein. The rear pivot link 30, like the rest of the link described below, is generally made of steel. The upper front end of the rear pivot link 30 is pivotally connected to the rear lift link 32 at pivot point 34. The rear lift link 32 has a generally triangular shape, as shown. The area in front of and below the pivot point 34 (as illustrated) Figure 1 (As shown when the central linkage is in the fully tilted position), the rear lifting link 32 is pivotally connected to the rear backrest pivot link 36 at pivot point 38. The rear backrest pivot link 36 extends upward and its opposite end is pivotally connected to the backrest support 40 at pivot point 42. The backrest support 40, as shown, is formed with an upper extension leg for connecting the backrest support 40 to the recliner backrest. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the lower front region of the backrest support 40 is pivotally connected at pivot point 46 to the upper end of the front backrest pivot link 44. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The lower end of the front backrest pivot link 44 is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate 48 at pivot point 50. In this way, the front backrest pivot link 44 is an intermediate link that indirectly connects the seat mounting plate 48 to the backrest support 40. The rear lift link 32 is also connected to the seat mounting plate 48 at pivot point 52, located below pivot point 50.

[0025] like Figure 3 As best seen in the center, the rear end of control link 54 is pivotally connected to the rear backrest pivot link 36 at intermediate pivot point 56. The front end of control link 54 is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate 48 at pivot point 58, which is behind pivot point 50 (e.g., Figure 1 (Best visible in the middle).

[0026] Go to Figure 4 The front pivot link 28 extends upward from the base track 12. In some embodiments, when the recliner is in the folded position, the front pivot link 28 may extend forward away from axis A. In other embodiments, when the recliner is in the folded position, the front pivot link 28 may extend rearward toward axis A. The front pivot link 28 can extend rearward even in a manual recliner because the rear pivot link 30 extends forward manually and drives the front pivot link 28 forward when the recliner moves from the folded position to one of the open positions (e.g., the TV viewing position). The upper end of the front pivot link 28 is pivotally connected to the front lift link 60 at pivot point 62. Behind pivot point 62 (e.g.) Figure 6As shown, the front lift link 60 is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate 48 at pivot point 64. One end of the connecting link 66 is pivotally connected to the rear lift link 32 at pivot point 68. The other end of the connecting link 66 is pivotally connected to the front lift link 60 at intermediate pivot point 70.

[0027] Reference Figure 6 The bell-shaped crank 72 is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate 48 at pivot point 74. As shown, the bell-shaped crank 72 is shaped to have a pivot point 74 at an intermediate position between a first end and a second end. The first end of the bell-shaped crank 72 extends upward from the pivot point 74 and is pivotally connected to the rear end of the crank connecting rod 76 at pivot point 78. Figure 4 As shown, the front end of the crank connecting rod 76 is pivotally connected to the front pivot connecting rod 28 at the intermediate pivot point 80. Return to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second end of the bell-shaped crank 72 extends downward from pivot point 74 and is pivotally connected to the footrest drive link 82 at pivot point 84. The footrest drive link 82 extends forward from the connecting portion to the bell-shaped crank 72, and its front end is pivotally connected to the rear seat link 86 at the intermediate pivot point 88. The upper rear end of the rear seat link 86 is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate 48 at pivot point 90. The opposite end of the rear seat link 86 is pivotally connected to the main seat link 92 at pivot point 94. In the fully tilted position (e.g.) Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the main bench link 92 extends upward and forward from the rear bench link 86. The upward front end of the main bench link 92 is pivotally connected to the bench support 96 at pivot point 98.

[0028] Additionally, the midpoint of the main bench link 92 is pivotally connected to the front bench link 100 at pivot point 102. One end of the front bench link 100 is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate 48 at pivot point 104, and the other end is pivotally connected to the concealed bench link 106 at pivot point 108. The other end of the concealed bench link 106 is pivotally connected to the bench support 96 at pivot point 110. The midpoint of the concealed bench link 106 is pivotally and slidably connected to the intermediate bench support 112 at a slidable pivot point 114. The midpoint of the intermediate bench support 112 is pivotally connected to the main bench link 92 at pivot point 116.

[0029] Depending on the intended end use, the aforementioned tilting mechanism can be implemented as either an electric or manual version. As a manual version... Figure 2-7 As shown, in the manual version, the drive tube (not shown) is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate 48 at pivot point 118. The drive tube is controlled by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a locking bracket 120 and a locking link 122. Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The best visibility is achieved in the center. The locking bracket 120 is connected at one end to the drive tube and configured to operably lock the tilting mechanism in the retracted position. Figure 3 The other end of the locking bracket 120 is pivotally connected at pivot point 124 to the rear end of the locking link 122. The approximate midpoint of the front end of the locking link 122 is pivotally connected at pivot point 126 to the rear seat link 86.

[0030] Back Figure 1 In the illustrated aspect, as an electric version, the motor tube 128 is fixed to the footstool drive link 82. More specifically, the motor tube bracket 130 is fixedly fixed to the footstool drive link 82 at connection point 132. The opposite end of the motor tube bracket 130 is fixedly connected to the motor tube 128, for example, by welding. A U-shaped clamp 134 is fixedly connected to the motor tube 128 midway, facilitating pivotal connection to one end of the electric trolley 136. The trolley 136 travels along the track 138. The front end of the track 138 is supported by the trolley 136, and the other end is fixedly connected to one of the cross members 14 on the track 138. The motor 140 drives the trolley 136 along the track 138 and holds the trolley 136 in a position associated with a tilting mechanism in at least a folded position, a television viewing position, and a fully tilted position.

[0031] The tilting mechanism can Figure 2 and Figure 3 The position of the gathering Figure 4 and Figure 5 TV viewing position Figure 1 , 6 Movement between the fully tilted position and 7. The arrangement of the tilting mechanism provides a protruding / conceived / designed pivot point 142 for the seat back (as shown). Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown), it is near the point where the bottom of the seat back cushion intersects with the back of the seat cushion. In the design of the finished chair, the manufacturer can design the chair back and seat to be as close as possible to this protruding pivot point 142. The backrest support 40 can be pivotally connected to the rear backrest pivot link 36 and the front backrest pivot link 44, and the movement is controlled by the rear lift link 32 and the front lift link 60, through the seat mounting plate 48 and by the backrest control link 54, allowing the protruding pivot point 142 of the backrest support 40 (relative to the seat mounting plate 48) to protrude forward and above the actual pivotable connection of the backrest support 40. Because the protruding pivot point 142 is located in front of the backrest support 40, when the chair is tilted to a viewing position (such as when the backrest support 40 is relative to the seat mounting plate 48), the protruding pivot point 142 of the backrest support 40 is located in front of the seat mounting plate 48. Figure 2 and Figure 4When the position of axis A between them is seen, the backrest support 40 swings forward, and as the chair tilts to the fully tilted position (as seen when the backrest support 40 is relative to the axis A), ... Figure 4 and Figure 6 (As seen from the position of axis A) it moves forward again. Therefore, the finished chair with the above-described tilting mechanism requires less wall clearance than a typical tilting mechanism because the forward movement is obtained by rotating the backrest bracket 40 around the protruding pivot point 142 and, in contrast, by directly connecting it to the seat mounting plate, as is typical with a backrest bracket. In fact, the above-described tilting mechanism provides a reduced wall clearance, smaller than previously thought possible. Previously, recliners required at least 4.5 inches of wall clearance. Using the above-described tilting mechanism, a manual recliner requires only two inches of wall clearance, while an electric recliner requires no wall clearance at all (i.e., zero inches).

[0032] Furthermore, the connection portion of the aforementioned motor 140 allows the rear pivot linkage 30 to be configured at an angle greater than 90 degrees to the base track 12. More specifically, as... Figure 8 The side-by-side comparison diagram shows that in the typical mechanism, the rear pivot link 30 extends from the base rail 12 at an angle α, which must be less than 90 degrees when the tilting mechanism is in the retracted position. As mentioned above, angle α must previously be less than 90 degrees because the weight of the finished chair and the user of the finished chair will press on the rear pivot link 30. Therefore, if angle α is greater than 90 degrees, the weight of the user and the finished chair will resist the user attempting to manually open the recliner. However, in the electric version, the rear pivot link 30' (shown in dashed lines for comparison) extends from the base rail 12 at an angle γ, where angle γ can be greater than 90 degrees when the tilting mechanism is in the retracted position. Angle γ greater than 90 degrees is possible because the motor 40 can lift the weight of the finished chair and the occupant, causing the rear lifting link 30' to rotate forward. Therefore, because the tip of the rear pivot link 30' gains forward movement from the longer path of travel, the finished chair with the electric version of the tilting mechanism 26 requires less wall clearance than a typical recliner. In fact, in some embodiments, the finished chair with the electrically operated tilting mechanism 26 requires zero wall clearance.

[0033] Already about by Figure 1-8 The illustrative examples provided illustrate certain aspects of the invention. Additional aspects of the invention will now be described, which may include relevant subject matter in one or more claims of this application or one or more related applications, but the claims are not limited to the subject matter described below. These additional aspects may include… Figure 1-8 The features shown Figure 1-8 Features not shown, and any combinations thereof. These additional aspects may or may not be referred to when describing them. Figure 1-8 The components shown.

[0034] One aspect disclosed herein relates to a linkage mechanism comprising a seat mounting plate for mounting a recliner seat thereon, a backrest bracket for mounting a recliner backrest thereon, and an intermediate link between the seat mounting plate and the backrest bracket. The seat mounting plate may have a first pivot point. The intermediate link may have a first end opposite to a second end. The first end of the intermediate link may be pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate at the first pivot point. The backrest bracket may have a front pivot point. The second end of the intermediate link may be pivotally connected to the backrest bracket at the front pivot point. When the seat mounting plate moves forward as the linkage mechanism unfolds from a retracted position, the front pivot point may move forward and downward.

[0035] In some aspects, the linkage mechanism may also include a backrest support link having a first end of the backrest support link opposite to the second end of the backrest support link. The first end of the backrest support link may be pivotally connected to the backrest bracket at a rear pivot point. The rear pivot point may be located behind the front pivot point. The second end of the backrest support link may be pivotally connected to the rear lift link behind the pivot connection between the rear lift link and the seat mounting plate.

[0036] In other aspects, the linkage mechanism may also include a backrest control link. The backrest control link may have a first end opposite to the second end of the backrest control link. The first end of the backrest control link may be pivotally connected to the backrest support link between the first end of the backrest support link and the second end of the backrest support link. The second end of the backrest control link may be pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate at a second pivot point. The second pivot point may be positioned on the seat mounting plate behind the first pivot point.

[0037] The linkage mechanism can be configured to move between a retracted position and a fully tilted position. When the linkage mechanism moves from the retracted position to the fully tilted position, the front pivot point of the backrest support can move forward and upward. When the linkage mechanism moves from the retracted position to the fully tilted position, the rear pivot point of the backrest support can move forward and downward. In other aspects, when the linkage mechanism moves from the retracted position to the fully tilted position, the backrest support can rotate about a protruding pivot point. When the linkage mechanism is in the retracted position, the protruding pivot point can be in front of and above the front pivot point of the backrest support. When the linkage mechanism is in the fully tilted position, the protruding pivot point can be behind and above the front pivot point of the backrest support.

[0038] In some aspects, the linkage mechanism is configured to stop at a viewing position between a retracted position and a fully tilted position. The linkage mechanism may also include a motor coupled to it. The motor is configured to move the linkage mechanism between the retracted position and the fully tilted position. In other aspects, the linkage mechanism is configured to move manually between the retracted position and the fully tilted position.

[0039] Another aspect disclosed herein relates to a reclining seat unit requiring reduced wall clearance. The reclining seat unit may include a linkage mechanism having a seat mounting plate and a backrest support indirectly connected to the seat mounting plate. The backrest support may be configured to move forward relative to the seat mounting plate as the seat unit moves from a retracted position to a fully reclined position. The reclining seat unit may also include a finished seat back connected to the backrest support. The finished seat back may have a trailing edge including the rearmost edge of the reclining seat unit. The reclining seat unit may be configured such that, when the reclining seat unit is in the retracted position, a clearance between 0 inches and 4.5 inches is required behind the trailing edge to allow unobstructed movement of the seat unit to the fully reclined position.

[0040] In other aspects, the reclining seat unit may also include an intermediate link that indirectly connects the backrest support to the seat mounting plate. The intermediate link may have a first end opposite to the second end. The first end of the intermediate link is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate at a first pivot point. The second end of the intermediate link is pivotally connected to the backrest support at a second pivot point.

[0041] The tilt seat unit can be configured to move manually between a retracted position and a fully tilted position. When the tilt seat unit is in the retracted position, a clearance of 2 to 4.5 inches behind the trailing edge may be required to allow unobstructed movement to the fully tilted position. The tilt seat unit may also include a motor coupled to a linkage mechanism. The motor can be configured to move the tilt seat unit between the retracted and fully tilted positions.

[0042] Another aspect disclosed herein relates to an electrically operated linkage mechanism. The electrically operated linkage mechanism is configurable to move between a retracted position and a fully tilted position. A motor can be coupled to the linkage mechanism and configured to move the linkage mechanism between the retracted position and the fully tilted position. A base rail having a front end facing the rear end is located below the linkage mechanism. A rear pivoting link can be pivotally connected to the base rail at a first pivot point and pivotally connected to the linkage mechanism at a second pivot point. When the linkage mechanism is in the retracted position, the angle between the base rail and the straight line extending from the first pivot point to the second pivot point can be an obtuse angle.

[0043] Depending on certain aspects, the electric linkage may also include a front pivoting link pivotally connected to a base rail at a third pivot point and pivotally connected to the linkage mechanism at a fourth pivot point. When the linkage mechanism is in the retracted position, the second angle between the base rail and the straight line extending from the third pivot point to the fourth pivot point may be an obtuse angle.

[0044] When the linkage mechanism is in the fully tilted position, the angle between the base track and the straight line extending from the first pivot point to the second pivot point can be an acute angle. When the linkage mechanism is in the retracted position, the first pivot point can be in front of the second pivot point.

[0045] Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, and those not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Embodiments of the technology have been described in an illustrative rather than restrictive manner. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to the reader of this disclosure upon reading. Alternative means of implementing the foregoing can be accomplished without departing from the scope of the following claims. Certain features and sub-combinations are useful and can be used without reference to other features and sub-combinations, and are considered within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A linkage mechanism, comprising: A seat mounting plate for mounting a recliner seat, the seat mounting plate having a first pivot point for pivotal connection with a central link; The intermediate link has a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the first end of the intermediate link is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate at the first pivot point. A backrest bracket for mounting the backrest of a recliner, wherein the backrest bracket is configured to move forward relative to the seat mounting plate as a linkage mechanism moves from a retracted position to a fully tilted position, the backrest bracket having a front pivot point at which the second end of a central link is pivotally connected to the backrest bracket. A backrest support link having a first end and a second end of an opposing backrest support link; The first end of the backrest support link is pivotally connected to the backrest bracket at a rear pivot point, said rear pivot point being behind the front pivot point; and The second end of the backrest support link is pivotally connected to the rear lift link behind the pivot connection between the rear lift link and the seat mounting plate. as well as A backrest control link having a first end and an opposing second end; The first end of the backrest control link is pivotally connected to the backrest support link between the first end of the backrest support link and the second end of the backrest support link; and The second end of the backrest control linkage is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate at a second pivot point, which is located behind the first pivot point on the seat mounting plate. When the seat mounting plate moves forward from the retracted position along with the linkage mechanism, the front pivot point moves forward and downward.

2. The linkage mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The linkage mechanism is configured to move between a retracted position and a fully tilted position.

3. The linkage mechanism according to claim 2, wherein, When the linkage mechanism moves from the retracted position to the fully tilted position, the front pivot point of the backrest bracket moves forward and upward.

4. The linkage mechanism according to claim 2, wherein, When the linkage mechanism moves from the retracted position to the fully tilted position, the rear pivot point of the backrest bracket moves forward and downward.

5. The linkage mechanism according to claim 2, wherein, When the linkage mechanism moves from the retracted position to the fully tilted position, the backrest support rotates around the protruding pivot point.

6. The linkage mechanism according to claim 5, wherein, When the linkage mechanism is in the retracted position, the protruding pivot point is in front of and above the front pivot point of the backrest support.

7. The linkage mechanism according to claim 5, wherein, When the linkage mechanism is in a fully tilted position, the protruding pivot point is behind and above the front pivot point of the backrest support.

8. The linkage mechanism according to claim 2, wherein, The linkage mechanism is configured to stop at a viewing position between the folded position and the fully tilted position.

9. The linkage mechanism according to claim 2, further comprising a motor connected to the linkage mechanism, the motor being configured to move the linkage mechanism between a retracted position and a fully tilted position.

10. The linkage mechanism according to claim 2, wherein, The linkage mechanism is configured to move manually between a retracted position and a fully tilted position.

11. A reclining seat unit, comprising: The linkage mechanism includes: (A) Mounting plate for base; (B) A backrest bracket indirectly connected to the seat mounting plate, wherein the backrest bracket is configured to move forward relative to the seat mounting plate as the seat unit moves from a folded position to a fully reclined position. The linkage mechanism also includes: A backrest support link having a first end and a second end of an opposing backrest support link; The first end of the backrest support link is pivotally connected to the backrest bracket at a rear pivot point, which is located behind the front pivot point of the backrest bracket; and The second end of the backrest support link is pivotally connected to the rear lift link behind the pivot connection between the rear lift link and the seat mounting plate. and A backrest control link having a first end and an opposing second end; The first end of the backrest control link is pivotally connected to the backrest support link between the first end of the backrest support link and the second end of the backrest support link; and The second end of the backrest control linkage is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate at a second pivot point, which is located behind the first pivot point on the seat mounting plate. as well as A finished seat backrest connected to a backrest bracket, the finished seat backrest having a trailing edge including the rearmost edge of the reclining seat unit. The tilting seat unit is configured such that, when the tilting seat unit is in the folded position, the clearance behind the trailing edge is between 0 inches and 4.5 inches, so that the seat unit can move unimpeded to the fully tilted position.

12. The tilting seat unit according to claim 11, further comprising: A central link indirectly connects the backrest bracket to the seat mounting plate. The central link has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of the central link is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate at a first pivot point, and the second end of the central link is pivotally connected to the backrest bracket at a second pivot point.

13. The tilting seat unit according to claim 11, wherein, The tilt seat unit is configured to move manually between a folded position and a fully tilted position, wherein the tilt seat unit requires that when the tilt seat unit is in the folded position, the clearance behind the trailing edge is between 2 inches and 4.5 inches, so that the tilt seat unit can move unimpeded to the fully tilted position.

14. The tilting seat unit of claim 11, further comprising a motor coupled to a linkage mechanism, the motor being configured to move the tilting seat unit between a folded position and a fully tilted position.

15. An electric linkage mechanism, comprising: The linkage mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is configured to move between a retracted position and a fully tilted position; A motor, which is connected to a linkage mechanism and configured to move the linkage mechanism between a retracted position and a fully tilted position; The base track has a front end and an opposing rear end and is located below the linkage mechanism; and The rear pivoting link is pivotally connected to the base rail at a first pivot point and pivotally connected to the linkage mechanism at a second pivot point. When the linkage mechanism is in the retracted position, the angle between the base track and the straight line extending from the first pivot point to the second pivot point is an obtuse angle.

16. The electric linkage mechanism according to claim 15, further comprising: A front pivoting link, which is pivotally connected to the base rail at the third pivot point and pivotally connected to the linkage mechanism at the fourth pivot point. When the linkage mechanism is in the retracted position, the second angle between the base track and the straight line extending from the third pivot point to the fourth pivot point is an obtuse angle.

17. The electric linkage mechanism according to claim 15, wherein, When the linkage mechanism is in a fully tilted position, the angle between the base track and the straight line extending from the first pivot point to the second pivot point is an acute angle.

18. The electric linkage mechanism according to claim 15, wherein, When the linkage mechanism is in the retracted position, the first pivot point is in front of the second pivot point.

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