Rocker / slider tilt linkage with protruding backrest pivot

Abstract

The present invention relates to a linkage for tilting furniture that may include a backrest bracket supported by a front backrest pivot link. The bottom of the rear backrest pivot link is pivotally connected to the rear lift link, and the bottom of the front backrest pivot link can be pivotally connected to the rear lift link at different positions. One end of a control link is pivotally connected to one of the front backrest pivot link and the rear backrest pivot link. When the entire linkage moves from a stowed position to a TV viewing position and a fully tilted position, the control link can pull the pivot linkage consisting of the backrest bracket and the front and rear backrest pivot links. This causes the pivot point of the backrest to protrude upward and forward to the position where the decorative backrest intersects the seat portion on the finished chair.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 15 / 657,454, filed on July 24, 2017, entitled “ROCKER / SLIDE CHAIR TILT LINKAGE WITH PROTECTIVE BACK PIVOT”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 368,283, filed on July 29, 2016. The entire contents of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to furniture articles having sliding features or rocking features and including a tilt mechanism, and more particularly to a rocking chair / sliding chair tilt linkage. Background Art

[0004] Sliding recliner (slide chair) and rocking recliner (rocking chair) type seats are generally well known in the furniture industry. The terms slide chair and rocking chair are used in this specification to describe furniture items with sliding features or rocking features that include a tilt mechanism. Generally, a rocking chair is a seat that allows the user to rock and tilt and is equipped with an extendable footrest. Rocking chairs are often in the form of luxury chairs, but can also take the form of oversized seats, extended seats (seat-and-a-half), love seats, sofas, modular furniture, etc. Slide chairs are seats that allow the user to reciprocate in a sliding manner. Slide chairs and rocking chairs are known to be manually configured (the user releases the mechanism from the stowed position to the TV position, and moves the mechanism from the TV position to the fully reclined position) and powered (where a motor is used to move the mechanism between various positions).

[0005] The tilting motion is achieved in rocking and gliding chairs having a linkage mechanism coupled to a base and / or a rocking mechanism or a sliding mechanism. The linkage mechanism found in rocking and sliding chairs in the art includes a plurality of interconnected links that provide one or more mechanisms for extending a footrest, tilting the chair, and resisting the movement of the chair in a particular direction. Typically, rocking and sliding chairs known in the art provide three positions: an upright seating position in which the footrest is retracted beneath the seat; a television viewing position or TV position in which the chair back is tilted slightly, but still provides a generally upright position, with the footrest extended; and a fully tilted position in which the chair back is tilted an additional amount further than the TV viewing position, but still generally tilted relative to the seat of the chair and the footrest extended. For a rocking chair, the seat is allowed to rock in the stowed position, and for a sliding chair, the seat is allowed to slide in the stowed position.

[0006] These types of prior art recliner mechanisms, while functional, suffer from a number of disadvantages. One such disadvantage includes a problem known as shirt pull. When a user reclines the seat back, shirt pulling occurs and the seat back pivots rearwardly, but also away from the seat, thereby increasing the distance between the bottom of the back cushion and the back of the seat cushion. This movement not only results in shirt pulling, but also removes support from the lower lumbar region of a user sitting on the seat. This movement is caused by the back support pivot, which is typically located below and rearward of the point where the seat back cushion and the seat cushion meet. It would be desirable to provide a rocking and / or sliding chair (whether manual or powered) whose back pivot projects as close as possible to the point where the bottom of the back cushion and the back of the seat cushion meet.

[0007] In addition, rocking chairs and sliding chairs usually have different linkage configurations, resulting in sliding chairs having different parts than rocking chairs. From a manufacturing perspective, it is desirable to share as many parts as possible between rocking chairs and sliding chairs.

[0008] In electric rocking and sliding chairs, the motor is typically connected to the front couch linkage to drive the seat from the stowed position to the TV viewing position to the fully reclined position. This connection causes the motor to travel in an arcuate motion and raises the motor near the bottom of the seat. It would be desirable to provide an electric sliding and rocking chair that allows the motor to be mounted lower and remain lower during its movement and travel in a more straight-line motion. Summary of the invention

[0009] Embodiments of the invention are defined by the claims below, rather than by this Summary. To this end, a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention is provided to provide an overview of the disclosure and introduce selections among the various concepts further described in the Detailed Description section. This Summary is not intended to identify the main features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, a linkage for tilting furniture is described. The linkage includes a backrest bracket 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 the rear lift link, and the bottom of the front backrest pivot link is pivotally connected to the rear lift link at different positions. A control link is pivotally connected to one of the front backrest pivot link or the rear backrest pivot link at one end. When the entire linkage moves from the stowed position to the TV viewing position and to the fully tilted position, the control link operates to pull the pivot linkage consisting of the backrest bracket, the front backrest pivot link and the rear backrest pivot link. This causes the pivot point / pivot of the backrest to protrude upward and forward to the position where the decorative backrest meets the seat on the finished seat, resulting in much less shirt pulling than previously known mechanisms and seats. During tilting, the bottom of the seat back will follow the user, fully supporting the user's back even in the fully tilted position.

[0011] In another embodiment, an electric linkage is described having a motor mounting linkage that allows the motor to travel in a smaller arc / bow than previous mechanisms, as well as holding the motor lower relative to the seat than in past mechanisms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary powered rocking recliner seat base in a stowed position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0015] Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 An exterior front view of a seat base;

[0016] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user is in a TV watching position. Figure 1 A perspective view of the base of the rocking seat;

[0017] Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 4 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0018] Figure 6 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 4 An external elevation view of the mechanism;

[0019] Figure 7is in a fully tilted position according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A perspective view of the base of the rocking seat;

[0020] Figure 8 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 7 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0021] Fig. 9 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 7 An external elevation view of the mechanism;

[0022] Fig.10 is a perspective view of an exemplary power gliding recliner seat base in a stowed position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Fig.11 According to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.10 An exterior front view of a seat base;

[0024] Fig.12 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user is in a TV watching position. Fig.10 A perspective view of a sliding seat base;

[0025] Fig.13 According to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.12 An external elevation view of the mechanism;

[0026] Fig.14 is in a fully tilted position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.10 A perspective view of a sliding recliner seat base;

[0027] Fig.15 According to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.14 An external elevation view of the mechanism;

[0028] Fig.16 is a perspective view of an exemplary manual rocking recliner seat base in a stowed position according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Fig.17 According to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.16 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0030] Fig.18 According to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.16 An exterior front view of a seat base;

[0031] Fig.19 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user is in a TV watching position. Fig.16 A perspective view of the base of a rocking chair seat;

[0032] Fig. 20According to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.19 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0033] Fig.21 According to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.19 An external elevation view of the mechanism;

[0034] Fig. 22 is in a fully tilted position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.16 A perspective view of the base of a rocking chair seat;

[0035] Fig.23 According to an embodiment of the present invention Fig. 22 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0036] Fig.24 According to an embodiment of the present invention Fig. 22 An external elevation view of the mechanism;

[0037] Fig.25 is a perspective view of an exemplary power gliding recliner seat base in a fully reclined position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Fig.26 According to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.25 An external elevation view of the mechanism;

[0039] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of an exemplary electric rocking chair base in a fully reclined position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Fig.28 Is from Fig. 27 A perspective view of the motor bell crank connecting rod and struts of the rocking chair mechanism;

[0041] Fig.29 is a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig. 27 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0042] Fig.30 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user is in a TV watching position. Fig. 27 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0043] Fig.31 is in a fully tilted position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig. 27 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0044] Fig.32 is a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig. 27 An external front view of the rocking chair mechanism;

[0045] Fig.33According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user is in a TV watching position. Fig. 27 An external front view of the rocking chair mechanism;

[0046] Fig.34 is in a fully tilted position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig. 27 An external front view of the rocking chair mechanism;

[0047] Fig.35 is a perspective view of an exemplary power gliding recliner base in a fully reclined position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Fig.36 is a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.35 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0049] Fig.37 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user is in a TV watching position. Fig.35 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0050] Fig.38 is in a fully tilted position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.35 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0051] Fig.39 is a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.35 An external front view of the rocking chair mechanism;

[0052] Fig.40 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user is in a TV watching position. Fig.35 An external front view of the rocking chair mechanism;

[0053] Fig.41 is in a fully tilted position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.35 An external front view of the rocking chair mechanism;

[0054] Fig.42 is a perspective view of an exemplary electric rocking chair base in a fully reclined position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Fig.43 is a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.42 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0056] Fig.44 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user is in a TV watching position. Fig.42 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0057] Fig.45 is in a fully tilted position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.42An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0058] Fig.46 is a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.42 An external front view of the rocking chair mechanism;

[0059] Fig.47 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user is in a TV watching position. Fig.42 An external front view of the rocking chair mechanism;

[0060] Fig.48 is in a fully tilted position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.42 An external front view of the rocking chair mechanism;

[0061] Fig.49 is a perspective view of an exemplary power gliding recliner base in a fully reclined position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Fig.50 is a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.49 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0063] Fig.51 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user is in a TV watching position. Fig.49 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0064] Fig.52 is in a fully tilted position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.49 An internal cross-sectional view of a rocking chair mechanism;

[0065] Fig.53 is a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.49 An external front view of the rocking chair mechanism;

[0066] Fig.54 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user is in a TV watching position. Fig.49 An external front view of the rocking chair mechanism; and

[0067] Fig.55 is in a fully tilted position according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.49 External front view of the rocking chair mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The subject matter of the embodiments of the present invention is specifically described herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Instead, the claimed subject matter may also be implemented in other ways, to include different steps, components, or combinations thereof, in conjunction with other current or future technologies. Terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between the various steps disclosed herein, unless the order of the various steps is explicitly described.

[0069] Referring to the accompanying drawings and first to Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a rocking chair base 10 is shown in an upright position. The rocking chair base 10 couples together the footrest, seat back, seat armrests and seat seat of the rocking chair. For clarity, these parts of the seat are not shown. The base 10 includes a pair of spaced-apart base rails 12, which are typically made of tubular steel. The base rails support the rest of the base 10 above the surface on which the seat is placed. A cross tube 14 extends between the base rails 12 and is fixed to the base rails 12, such as by welding. A rocking assembly 16 is connected to the cross tube. The rocking assembly 16 includes a lower spring retainer (not shown) connected to the cross tube 14, a pair of springs 18, the lower ends of the springs 18 are fixed to the lower spring retainers on each side of the base 10 and the upper ends of the springs 18 are fixed to the upper spring retainers 20. The upper spring retainer 20 is connected to a rocking cam 22. The rocking cam 22 can be made of any of a variety of materials such as wood, metal or molded plastic. The cross rail 24 extends between and is coupled to the rocker cams. Although a rocker base is described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, many other configurations for a rocker assembly may be used in the embodiments described below.

[0070] A tilt mechanism 26 is coupled to each side of the rocker base 10. For clarity, only one mechanism 26 is shown in the figure, with the side removed being a mirror image of the side shown. The tilt mechanism 26 is coupled to the rocker base via a base plate 28. The base plate 28 extends upward from the rocker base and extends forward and rearward from the rocking cam 22. The base plate 28 is typically made of steel, as is the rest of the linkage described below. The upper rear end of the base plate 28 is pivotally coupled to a rear pivot link 30 at a pivot / pivot point 32. The rear pivot link 30 has a generally triangular shape, as shown. Behind and below the pivot 32 (as shown in FIG. 2 ), a rear pivot link 30 is pivotally coupled to the rear pivot link 30. The rear pivot link 30 is substantially triangular in shape, as shown in the figure. Figure 1-3 34 ), the rear pivot link 30 is pivotally coupled to the roller link 34 at a pivot 36. The outer end of the roller link 34 has a roller 38 pivotally coupled thereto. The roller control link 40 is pivotally coupled to the base plate 28 and the roller link 34 and between the base plate 28 and the roller link 34. The roller link 34 and the roller control link 40 are known in other existing mechanisms. Figure 3As best seen, the lower end of the rear pivot link 30 is pivotally coupled to the footrest drive link 42 via a roller (not shown) that rides within a slot 44 on a sequential link 46. The opposite end of the sequential link 46 is pivotally coupled to the rear lift link 48 at a pivot 50. Thus, the sequential link 46 extends between the rear lift link 48 and the rear pivot link 30, and is also coupled to the footrest drive link 42.

[0071] like Figure 2 As best seen in FIG. 5 , the rear end of the rear lift link 48 is pivotally coupled to the rear pivot link 30 at a pivot 52. The opposite end of the rear lift link 48 is pivotally coupled to the connector link 54 at a pivot 56. The rear lift link 48 thus extends between and is pivotally coupled to the rear pivot link 30 and the connector link 54. Figure 3 As best seen, the rear lift link 48 is also pivotally coupled to the seat mounting plate 86 at pivot 57. In some aspects, the rear lift link 48 includes a rivet 59 that is slidably received in a slot 61 formed in the seat mounting plate 86. The rivet 59 acts as a stop within the slot 61 when the recliner mechanism 26 is opened. Figure 3 , the rear back pivot link 58 is pivotally coupled to the rear lift link 48 at pivot 60. The opposite end of the rear back pivot link 58 is pivotally coupled to a back bracket 62 at pivot 64. The back bracket 62 is shaped as shown with an upper extension leg for coupling the back bracket 62 to the seat back. The front lower region of the back bracket 62 is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the front back pivot link 66 at pivot 68. The lower end of the front back pivot link 66 is pivotally coupled to the rear lift link 48 at pivot 70.

[0072] like Figure 2 As best seen in FIG. 1 , the rear end of the control link 72 is pivotally coupled to the front back pivot link 66 at pivot 74. The front end of the control link 72 is pivotally coupled to the front lift link 76 at pivot 78. The rear end of the front lift link 76 is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the connector link 54 at pivot 80. The front end of the front lift link 76 is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the front pivot link 82 at pivot 84. Below the pivot 78, the front lift link 76 is also pivotally coupled to the seat mounting plate 86 at pivot 88 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 ). The lower end of the front pivot link 82 is pivotally coupled to the base plate 28 at a pivot 90 .

[0073] like Figure 3As best seen in the drawings, the ottoman drive link 42 extends forwardly from its connection with the sequential link 46 and the rear pivot link 30 and its front end is pivotally connected to the rear ottoman link 92 at pivot 94. The upper end of the rear ottoman link 92 is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate 86 at pivot 96. The opposite end of the rear ottoman link 92 is pivotally connected to the ottoman extension link 98 at pivot 100 (see FIG. Figure 6 ). The end of the footrest extension link 98 opposite the pivot 100 is pivotally connected to the middle ottoman support 102 at the pivot 104. In addition, the approximate midpoint of the footrest extension link 98 is pivotally connected to the front ottoman link 106 at the pivot 108. One end of the front ottoman link 106 is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate 86 at the pivot 110 (see FIG. 11). Figure 5 ), and the other end thereof is pivotally connected to the wide stool link 112 at a pivot 114. The other end of the wide stool link 112 is pivotally connected to the stool support 116 at a pivot 118. Figure 5 As shown, the midpoint of the middle ottoman support 102 is pivotally connected to the wide ottoman link 112 at pivot 120. One end of the footrest control link 122 is pivotally connected to the ottoman support 116 at pivot 124, and the other end thereof is pivotally connected to the middle ottoman support 102 at pivot 126. The above-mentioned ottoman linkage can be obtained from Figure 1-3 Move to the closed position in Figure 4-9 Shown in extended position.

[0074] Depending on the desired end use, the tilt mechanism 26 can be implemented as an electric version or a manual version. Figure 1 , 4As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the motor tube 128 is secured to and between the rear bench link 92. More specifically, the motor tube bracket 130 is pivotally secured to the rear bench link 92 at a pivot 132. At the opposite end of the motor tube bracket 130, an end cap 134 is fixedly coupled to the motor tube bracket 130. The end cap 134 is coupled to the motor tube 128, for example, by welding. A control link 136 is pivotally coupled to the motor tube bracket 130 at a pivot 138 and is pivotally coupled to the front bench link 106 at a pivot 140. A U-shaped bracket / U-shaped connector 142 is fixedly coupled to the motor tube 128 at a midpoint along the motor tube 128 for pivotally coupling to one end of a motor 144. The motor 144 is also coupled to the tilt mechanism 26 via a drive block 146 that moves along a track 148 relative to a motor body 150. The rear motor tube 152 is pivotally coupled to the drive block 146 at a pivot 154 located below the track 148. The opposite end of the rear motor tube 152 is fixedly coupled to a motor bell crank 156. The motor bell crank 156 is pivotally coupled to the control link 72 at a pivot 158. In addition, the motor bell crank 156 is pivotally coupled to the seat mounting plate 86 via pivots 162 and 164 through a post 160. Thus, the motor bell crank 156 is connected between the seat mounting plate 86 and the front lift link 76 through the control link 72 and the post 160.

[0075] The tilt mechanism 26 Figure 1-3 The folded position, Figure 4-6 TV viewing position, Figure 7-9 of fully reclined positions. The arrangement of the reclining mechanism 26 provides a protruding pivot of the seat back which, in the finished seat, is proximate to the point where the bottom of the seat back and the back of the seat cushion of the finished seat intersect. When styling the finished seat, the manufacturer can design the seat back and seat so that they are as close to this protruding pivot as possible. The back support 62 is pivotally connected to the rear back pivot link 58 and the front back pivot link 66, and is driven to move by the rear pivot link 30 through the control link 72. The rear lift link 48 and the front lift link 76 allow the actual pivot of the back support 62 (relative to the seat mounting plate 86) to protrude forward and above the actual pivotable connection of the back support 62.

[0076] In addition, the connection of the motor 144 allows the motor to extend and retract while remaining in a lower position compared to conventional electric rocking recliner mechanisms. The motor 144 is coupled to the rear couch link 92 rather than the front couch link 106. This connection, along with the control link 136 and the curved rear motor tube 152, allows the motor to travel in a smaller arc path in operation and remain lower during its actuation. The reclining mechanism 26 also uses more of the motor travel to extend the seat to the fully reclined position, so the transition from the TV viewing position to the fully reclined position is achieved in a slow and controlled manner that is comfortable for the user.

[0077] Figure 10-15 A similar tilt mechanism used on a power slide chair is shown, different from a rocking chair base. Due to the novel tilt mechanism, substantially the same linkage as used with the rocking chair base 10 described above can be used on the slide chair base. In the slide chair base 200, the spaced-apart base rails 202 are coupled to each other by crossbars 204. In some aspects, the crossbars 204 can include tubular steel or steel angles. The slide brackets 206 are fixedly coupled to the corresponding base rails 202. The front slide link 208 is pivotally coupled to the slide bracket 206 at a pivot 210, and the rear slide link 212 is pivotally coupled to the slide bracket 206 at a pivot 214.

[0078] The sliding chair base 200 is coupled to the reclining mechanism 216 via a base plate 218. More specifically, the lower ends of the front guide links 208 and the rear guide links 212 are pivotally coupled to the base plate 218 at pivots 220 and 222, respectively. The base plate 218 thus reciprocates or slides relative to the sliding base 200 on the front and rear sliding links 208, 212. The rear link 224 is pivotally coupled to the rear end of the base plate 218 at a pivot 226. The upper end of the rear link 224 is pivotally coupled to the rear pivot link 30.

[0079] On the sliding chair mechanism, additional links are included to block sliding motion in the TV watching position and the fully reclined position. The blocking control link 228 is pivotally connected to the footrest drive link 42 at a pivot 230. The opposite end of the blocking control link 228 is pivotally connected to the hook link 232 at a pivot 234. The hook link 232 has an L shape with a slot 236 generally midway along the link. The slot 236 engages a stop pin 238 to prevent sliding when in the TV watching position or the fully reclined position. The end of the hook link 232 opposite the pivot 234 is pivotally connected to the base plate 218 at a pivot 240. The front blocking control link 242 is pivotally connected to the footrest drive link 42 at a pivot 244. The opposite end of the front blocking control link 242 is pivotally connected to the front blocking link 246 at a pivot 248. The front blocking link 246 has a roller 250 that abuts the front sliding link 208 when in the TV viewing position or the fully reclined position.

[0080] The rest of the tilt mechanism 216 is the same as the tilt mechanism 26 described above, so it will not be described again here. Figure 1-9 The same reference numerals are used. Figure 10-15 The sliding chair has the same Figure 1-9 The rocking chair has the same prominent backrest pivot and low motor mount features.

[0081] Figure 16-24 An alternative embodiment of the mechanism 300 is shown, shown in the above reference Figure 1-9 The mechanism 300 is shown on a rocker base 10 of the construction described above. Most of the linkages in the mechanism 300 are the same as those described above with respect to the tilt mechanism 26. The same linkages as those in the mechanism 300 are identified with the same reference numerals. The mechanism 300 is shown on a manual rocker without any motor. The mechanism 300 can of course be motorized. Figure 16-24 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the control link 72 is replaced by the control link 302, as shown in FIG. Fig.18 To accommodate the control link 302, the rear backrest pivot link 304 is larger than Figure 1-15304 is longer than the rear back pivot link 58. The rear back pivot link 304 is pivotally coupled to the control link 302 at pivot 306, to the rear lift link 48 at pivot 308, and to the back support 62 at pivot 310. A slightly modified seat mounting plate 312 is used in this embodiment. The seat mounting plate 312 has a downwardly extending tab 314 that is used to pivotally couple the end of the control link 302 opposite the pivot 306 at pivot 316. When the mechanism 300 moves from the stowed position to the TV viewing position to the fully reclined position, the control link 302 causes the back support 62 to move guided by the front back pivot link 66 and the rear back pivot link 304. The mechanism 300 provides an alternative structure for a protruding back pivot so that the backrest pivots about the rear of the seat in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the seat support. Figure 1-15 This arrangement can also be implemented on the sliding chair base, with the same Figure 10-15 Similar modification as above, but using Figure 16-24 The alternative control link 302 (and the connection portion of the control link 302) is described.

[0082] Fig.25 and 26 Another alternative embodiment of the mechanism 400 is shown, which is shown above with reference to Figure 10-15 The mechanism 400 is shown on a power slide chair. The mechanism 400 can of course be configured as a manual slide chair. Fig.25 and 26 In the embodiment of the present invention, the front back pivot link 66 is replaced by the front back pivot link 402. In addition, the seat mounting plate 86 has been replaced by the seat mounting plate 404. The seat mounting plate 404 includes a tab 406 that extends below the flange of the seat mounting plate 404, such as Fig.26 The best view is Fig.25 As shown, in this embodiment, the front back pivot link 402 is directly connected to the seat mounting plate 404 at pivot 408, rather than being connected to the rear lift link 48 at pivot 70 as discussed above with reference to the reclining mechanism 26. To accommodate the movement of the rear lift link 48, the front back pivot link 402 may include an offset that allows the front back pivot 402 to clear the rear lift link 48 as the mechanism 400 moves. The mechanism 400 provides an alternative structure for protruding the rear pivot axis so that the backrest pivots with respect to the seat in a manner similar to that discussed above with reference to the reclining mechanism 26. Figure 10-15 Such an arrangement can also be realized on the rocking chair base by Figure 1-9A similar modification as described, but using an alternative control link 302 (and connection of the control link 302), as described with reference Figure 16-24 as described.

[0083] Figure 27-55 Alternative embodiments of rocker and slide mechanisms are shown. These alternative embodiments provide increased load capacity, allowing a wider range of passenger weights to be carried in the finished seating unit. In the above described mechanism, the load capacity of the mechanism is limited by the support column 160. Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the post 160 is not a flat planar link. Instead, the post 160 includes a first planar portion and a second planar portion that deviates from the first planar portion at a bend. The bend allows the first planar portion of the post 160 to connect to the motor bell crank 156 at pivot 162, and allows the second planar portion of the post 160 to connect to the seat mounting plate 86 at pivot 164. In other words, the bend allows the post 160 to couple with two portions of the mechanism 100 that are not coplanar (i.e., the seat mounting plate 86 deviates from the motor bell crank 156). However, the bend in the post 160 also limits the amount of force that can be applied to the post 160. If too much force is applied, the post 160 will bend or twist, which may damage the mechanism 100. This occurs when the mechanism 100 is opened, when, as the seating unit moves toward a fully reclined position, a force is applied from the motor bell crank 156 through the post 160 to the seat mounting plate 86 to lift the seat of the seating unit upward. In other words, the mechanism 100 is pushed away from the seat mounting plate 86 by the strut 160 to open the mechanism 100. Because there is a bend between the two planar portions of the strut 160, a moment arm is created that can bend and / or twist the strut 160 and / or other links of the mechanism 100.

[0084] exist Figure 27-55 In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanism shown therein pushes a base member (e.g., base plate 28, base plate 218, etc.) through a substantially flat and planar alternative support post as further described below. Each alternative support post is pivotally coupled between the motor bell crank and the base member such that a first side of the alternative support post is adjacent to the motor bell crank and a second side of the alternative support post is adjacent to the base member. In other words, the alternative support post is in a plane that is between the plane of the motor bell crank and the plane of the base member.

[0085] Figure 27-34 The mechanism 500 is shown, which is shown in the above reference Figure 1-9The mechanism 500 is shown on a rocking chair base 10 of the construction described above. Much of the mechanism 500 is identical to the tilt mechanism 26 described above. The common links between the tilt mechanism 26 and the mechanism 500 are labeled with the same reference numerals. The mechanism 500 is shown on an electric rocking chair. The mechanism 500 can of course be operated manually. Figure 27-34 In the illustrated embodiment, the motor bell crank 156 and strut 160 are replaced by a motor bell crank 556 and strut 560. Fig.28 As shown, the motor bell crank 556 has a generally triangular shape and is pivotally coupled to the control link 72 at pivot 158. The rear motor tube 152 is coupled to the inward side of the motor bell crank 556 at the end cap 502. The end cap 502 can be fixedly coupled to the motor bell crank 556 via fasteners (e.g., rivets, bolts, etc.) through fastening holes 504. The support post 560 can be pivotally coupled to the motor bell crank 556 at pivot 561. As shown, the outward side of the support post 560 is adjacent to the inward side of the motor bell crank. The opposite end of the support post 560 can be pivotally coupled to the base plate 28 (e.g., Fig.33 and 34 560 is a flat connecting rod with a planar surface. This geometry allows the mechanism 500 to lift the seat portion during operation by pressing the support 560 against the base plate 28 without bending or twisting the support 560.

[0086] Figure 35-41 A mechanism 600 is shown, which is shown in reference Figure 10-15 The mechanism 600 is shown on a motorized slide chair. The mechanism 600 can of course be operated manually. Figure 35-41 In the illustrated embodiment, motor bell crank 156 and post 160 are replaced with motor bell crank 656 and post 660. Motor bell cranks 656 and 660 are similar to motor bell crank 556 and post 560, except that post 660 is pivotally coupled to base plate 218. This geometry allows mechanism 600 to press against base plate 218 to lift the seat during operation with post 660 without bending or twisting post 660.

[0087] The improved geometry of the motor bell crank and strut is not only useful for rockers and slide chairs having a protruding rear pivot as in mechanisms 26, 216, 500, and 600, but this geometry can also be used for other tilt mechanisms including rockers and slide chairs that do not have a protruding rear pivot. For example, Figure 42-48 The mechanism 700 shown is coupled to the rocking chair base 10 and Figure 49-55 The mechanisms 700 shown coupled to the slide chair base each include a motor bell crank 756 and a support post 760 similarly coupled between the motor bell crank 756 and the base plate 28 ( Figure 42-48 ) or the base plate 218 ( Figure 49-55 )between.

[0088] The tilt mechanism 700 is coupled to each side of the rocker base 10 (or sliding base 200). For clarity, only one mechanism 700 is shown in the figure, and the side removed is a mirror image of the side shown. The tilt mechanism 700 is coupled to the rocker base via a base plate 702. The base plate 702 extends upward from the rocker base and extends forward and backward from the rocking cam 22. The base plate 702, like the rest of the linkage described below, is typically made of steel. The upper rear end of the base plate 702 is pivotally coupled to a rear pivot link 704 at a pivot 703. As shown, the rear pivot link 704 has a generally triangular shape. Below and to the rear of the pivot 703 (as shown in FIG. 2 ), the base plate 702 is disposed at a position 1060 . The base plate 702 is disposed at a position 1060 . Fig.45 706. The rear pivot link 704 is pivotally coupled to the roller link 705 at a pivot 706. The outer end of the roller link 705 has a roller 707 pivotally coupled thereto. A roller control link 708 is pivotally coupled to the base plate 702 and the roller link 705 between the base plate 702 and the roller link 705. The roller link 705 and the roller control link 708 operate as known in other prior art mechanisms. The lower end of the rear pivot link 704 is pivotally coupled to the footrest drive link 709 by a roller (not shown), which rides in a slot 710 on a sequential link 711. The opposite end of the sequential link 711 is pivotally coupled to the rear lift link 712 at a pivot 713. Thus, the sequential link 711 extends between the rear lift link 712 and the rear pivot link 704 and is also coupled to the footrest drive link 709 .

[0089] like Fig.45 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the rear end of the rear lift link 712 is pivotally coupled to the rear pivot link 704 at a pivot 714. The opposite end of the rear lift link 712 is pivotally coupled to the connector link 715 at a pivot 716. The rear lift link 712 thus extends between and is pivotally coupled to the rear pivot link 704 and the connector link 715. Figures 46-48 As best shown in FIG. 7 , the rear lift link 712 is also pivotally coupled to the seat mounting plate 717 at pivot 718. Figure 42-48, the rear backrest pivot link 719 is pivotally connected to the rear lifting link 712 at pivot 720. The opposite end of the rear backrest pivot link 719 is pivotally connected to the backrest bracket 721 at pivot 722. The backrest bracket 721 is formed as shown with an upper extension leg for connecting the backrest bracket 721 to the seat back. The front lower area of ​​the backrest bracket 721 is pivotally connected to the upper end of the backrest connecting bracket 723 at pivot 724. The lower end of the backrest connecting bracket 723 is fixedly connected to the seat mounting plate 717. Therefore, this geometry does not have a protruding rear pivot, but the backrest bracket 721 pivots about the pivot 724 in the traditional sense.

[0090] like Fig.45 As best shown in FIG. 7 , the rear end of the front lift link 725 is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the connector link 715 at pivot 726. The front end of the front lift link 725 is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the front pivot link 727 at pivot 728. Below the pivot 726, the front lift link 725 may optionally be pivotally coupled to the seat mounting plate 717 (not shown). The lower end of the front pivot link 727 is pivotally coupled to the base plate 702 at pivot 729.

[0091] like Fig.45 As best shown in the figure, the footrest drive link 709 extends forward from the connection with the sequential link 711 and the rear pivot link 704, and its front end is pivotally connected to the rear stool link 730 at pivot 731. The upper end of the rear stool link 730 is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate 717 at pivot 732. The opposite end of the rear stool link 730 is pivotally connected to the footrest extension link 733 at pivot 734. The end of the footrest extension link 733 opposite the pivot 734 is pivotally connected to the middle stool support 735 at pivot 736. In addition, the approximate midpoint of the footrest extension link 733 is pivotally connected to the front stool link 737 at pivot 738. One end of the front stool link 737 is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate 717 at a pivot 739, and the other end is pivotally connected to the wide stool link 740 at a pivot 741. The other end of the wide stool link 740 is pivotally connected to the stool bracket 742 at a pivot 743. Fig.45 and Fig.48 As shown, the midpoint of the middle couch support 735 is pivotally connected to the wide couch link 740 at pivot 744. One end of the footrest control link 745 is pivotally connected to the couch support 742 at pivot 746, and the other end is pivotally connected to the middle couch support 735 at pivot 747. Fig.43 , Fig.46 , Fig.50 and Fig.53 Move the collapsed position in Fig.42 , Fig.44 , Fig.45 , Figures 47-49 , Fig.51 , Fig.52 , Fig.54 and Fig.55 The extended position is shown in .

[0092] Depending on the desired end use, the tilt mechanism 700 can be implemented as an electric version or a manual version. Fig.42 and Fig.49 As best shown in the drawings, the motor tube 128 is fixed to and located between the rear stool link 730. More specifically, the motor tube bracket 748 is pivotally fixed to the rear stool link 730 at a pivot 749. At the opposite end of the motor tube bracket 130, the end cap 134 is fixedly connected to the motor tube bracket 748. The end cap 134 is connected to the motor tube 128, for example, by welding. The control link 750 is pivotally connected to the motor tube bracket 748 at a pivot 751 and is pivotally connected to the front stool link 737 at a pivot 752. The U-shaped connector 142 is fixedly connected to the motor tube 128 midway along the motor tube 128 for pivotally connecting to one end of the motor 144. The motor 144 is also connected to the tilt mechanism 700 via a drive block 146, which moves along a track 148 relative to the motor body 150. The rear motor tube 152 is pivotally coupled to the drive block 146 at a pivot 154 located below the track 148. The opposite end of the rear motor tube 152 is fixedly coupled to the motor bell crank 756. The motor bell crank 756 is pivotally coupled to the front lift link 725 (eg, Figure 43-45 In addition, the motor bell crank 756 is connected to the support 760 via the pivot 762 (as shown in FIG. Fig.45 ) and 764 (as best shown in Fig.48 702. Motor bell crank 756 and strut 760 are substantially similar to motor bell cranks 556 and 656 and struts 560 and 660.

[0093] The tilt mechanism 700 Fig.43 , Fig.46 , Fig.50 and Fig.53 The collapsed position to Fig.44 , Fig.47 , Fig.51 and Fig.54 TV viewing position and Fig.42 , Fig.45 , Fig.48 , Fig.49 , Fig.52 and Fig.55 to move between full recline positions.

[0094] When implemented on a sliding chair, such as Figure 49-55 As shown, the reclining mechanism 700 does not include a roller link 705, a roller 707, or a roller control link 708. Instead, the slide chair base 200 includes a means for locking the slide chair in place when the reclining mechanism is not in the stowed position (i.e., moved to or toward the TV viewing position or the fully reclined position). For example, as is known in the art, the slide chair base may include a rear link 224, a block control link 228, and any additional links required to prevent sliding when the seat is opened.

[0095] In addition, the connection of the motor 144 as described above allows the motor to extend and retract while remaining in a lower position compared to conventional electric rocking chair / sliding chair tilt mechanisms. The motor 144 is connected to the rear couch link 730, rather than the front couch link 737. This connection, along with the control link 750 and the curved rear motor tube 152, allows the motor to travel in a smaller arc path in operation and remain lower during its actuation. The tilt mechanism 700 also uses more motor travel to extend the seat to the fully reclined position, thereby achieving the transition from the TV viewing position to the fully reclined position in a slow and controlled manner that is comfortable for the user.

[0096] Some aspects of this disclosure have been Figure 1-55 The illustrative examples provided are described. Additional aspects of the disclosure will now be described, which may be directed to subject matter included in one or more claims of the present application or one or more related applications, but the claims are not limited to subject matter described only in the following portions of this specification. These additional aspects may include Figure 1-55 The features shown, Figure 1-55 When describing these additional aspects, reference may or may not be made to the features not shown in the drawings and any combination thereof. Figure 1-55 Describe the element.

[0097] One aspect disclosed herein relates to a linkage for tilting furniture. The linkage may include a motor bell crank, a motor tube coupled to the motor bell crank, a base plate, and a support post having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The support post may be pivotally coupled to the motor bell crank proximate the first end and pivotally coupled to the base plate proximate the second end.

[0098] In some embodiments, the base plate comprises a rocking recliner / rocker linkage base plate. In other embodiments, the base plate comprises a gliding recliner / slider linkage base plate. The linkage may also include a motor bell crank having an inwardly facing surface, a base plate having an outwardly facing surface, and a post having an inwardly facing post surface and an outwardly facing post surface. The inwardly facing post surface may be adjacent to the outwardly facing surface of the base plate, and the outwardly facing post surface may be adjacent to the inwardly facing surface of the motor bell crank.

[0099] In other embodiments, the linkage may further include a motor bell crank that is substantially flat and located in a first plane, a support that is substantially flat and located in a second plane, and a base plate that is substantially flat and located in a third plane. The second plane may be located between the first plane and the third plane. The first plane, the second plane, and the third plane may be parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the motor bell crank may be pivotally coupled to the front lift link. The linkage may further include a backrest bracket that pivots relative to the seat mounting plate about a protruding pivot. The protruding pivot may be in front of and above the rear end of the seat mounting plate. In other embodiments, the linkage device may also include: a rear lifting link located below the backrest bracket, a front backrest pivot link pivotally connected to the backrest bracket at a first pivot and pivotally connected to one of the seat mounting plate and the rear lifting link at a second pivot; a rear backrest pivot link pivotally connected to the backrest bracket at a third pivot and pivotally connected to the rear lifting link at a fourth pivot, the third pivot being rearward of the first pivot and the fourth pivot being rearward of the second pivot; and a control link having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end pivotally connected to the front backrest pivot link at a fifth pivot and the second end pivotally connected to the front lifting link, the fifth pivot being located in the middle of the first pivot and the third pivot.

[0100] Another aspect relates to a motor-driven seating unit. The motor-driven seating unit may include a first linkage coupled to a first side of a base unit, and a second linkage coupled to a second side of the base unit opposite the first side. The first linkage and the second linkage may be configured to move between a stowed position in which the couch portion is folded and an open position in which the couch portion is unfolded. The motor-driven seating unit may also include: a cross tube, a first end of the cross tube coupled to the couch portion of the first linkage at a first rear couch link, a second end of the cross tube coupled to the couch portion of the second linkage at a second rear couch link; and a motor coupled to the cross tube and configured to move the first linkage and the second linkage between the stowed position and the open position.

[0101] In some embodiments, the motor-driven seating unit may further include a first bracket connected to a first rear couch link at a first pivot, a first end of a cross tube fixedly connected to the first bracket; a first couch control link pivotally connected to the first bracket between the first pivot and the fixed connection, the first couch control link pivotally connected to a first front couch link of the couch portion of the first linkage; a second bracket connected to a second rear couch link at a second pivot, a second end of the cross tube fixedly connected to the second bracket; a second couch control link pivotally connected to the second bracket between the second pivot and the fixed connection; and a second couch control link pivotally connected to a second front couch link of the couch portion of the second linkage.

[0102] In some embodiments, the motor-driven seating unit may include a U-shaped connector fixedly coupled to the cross tube, and the motor may be pivotally coupled to the U-shaped connector. The motor may also include a track and a drive block configured to move along the track when the first linkage and the second linkage move between the stowed position and the open position.

[0103] The motor-driven seating unit may also include a first motor bell crank pivotally coupled to a first control link of the first linkage, a second motor bell crank pivotally coupled to a second control link of the second linkage, and a rear motor tube having a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the rear motor tube extending between the first linkage and the second linkage and fixedly coupled to the first motor bell crank at the third end and fixedly coupled to the second motor bell crank at the fourth end, the rear motor tube pivotally coupled to the drive block. In some embodiments, the first motor bell crank is pivotally coupled to a first end of a first post, a second end of the first post is pivotally coupled to a first seat mounting plate of the first linkage, the second motor bell crank is pivotally coupled to a first end of a second post, and a second end of the second post is pivotally coupled to a second seat mounting plate of the second linkage.

[0104] The motor-driven seating unit may further include: a first motor bell crank pivotally coupled to a first lifting link of a first linkage, a second motor bell crank pivotally coupled to a second lifting link of a second linkage, and a rear motor tube having a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the rear motor tube extending between the first linkage and the second linkage and fixedly coupled to the first motor bell crank at the third end and fixedly coupled to the second motor bell crank at the fourth end, the rear motor tube pivotally coupled to the drive block. In other embodiments, the first motor bell crank is pivotally coupled to a first end of a first pillar, and a second end of the first pillar is pivotally coupled to a first base plate of the first linkage, the second motor bell crank is pivotally coupled to a first end of a second pillar, and a second end of the second pillar is pivotally coupled to a second base plate of the second linkage. The first pillar and the second pillar may be flat links, respectively. According to some aspects, the seating unit may include a rocking chair type seating unit or a sliding chair type seating unit.

[0105] Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Embodiments of the technology have been described, which are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to the reader of this disclosure upon and as a result of reading. Alternative means of implementing the foregoing may be accomplished without departing from the scope of the following claims. Certain features and subcombinations are useful and may be used without reference to other features and subcombinations, and are considered to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A linkage device for tilting furniture, comprising: Seat mounting plate; Motor bell crank; a motor tube coupled to the motor bell crank; a base plate for coupling the linkage to a rocking recliner base or a gliding recliner base; and a support post having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the support post being pivotally coupled to the motor bell crank proximate the first end and the support post being pivotally coupled to the base plate proximate the second end, Therein, the motor bell crank is pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate via a pivot through a support.

2. The linkage device according to claim 1, wherein: The motor bell crank has an inwardly facing surface; The base plate has an outwardly facing surface; and The strut has an inwardly facing strut surface adjacent to the outwardly facing surface of the base plate and an outwardly facing strut surface adjacent to the inwardly facing surface of the motor bell crank.

3. The linkage device according to claim 1, wherein: The motor bell crank is flat and lies in a first plane; The struts are flat and lie in a second plane; and The base plate is planar and lies in a third plane, wherein the second plane is between the first plane and the third plane.

4. The linkage device according to claim 3, wherein: The first plane, the second plane and the third plane are respectively parallel to each other.

5. The linkage device according to claim 1, wherein: A motor bell crank is pivotally coupled to the front lift link.

6. The linkage of claim 1 further comprising a backrest bracket that pivots relative to the seat mounting plate about a protruding pivot axis.

7. The linkage device according to claim 6, wherein: The protruding pivot is located forwardly and above the rear end of the seat mounting plate.

8. The linkage device according to claim 6, further comprising: rear lift link located below the backrest bracket; a front back pivot link pivotably coupled to the back bracket at a first pivot axis and pivotably coupled to one of the seat mounting plate and the rear lift link at a second pivot axis; a rear back pivot link pivotably coupled to the back bracket at a third pivot and pivotably coupled to the rear lift link at a fourth pivot, the third pivot being rearward of the first pivot and the fourth pivot being rearward of the second pivot; and A control link having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being pivotally coupled to the front back pivot link at a fifth pivot axis, and the second end being pivotally coupled to the front lift link axis, the fifth pivot axis being intermediate the first pivot axis and the third pivot axis.

9. A motor-driven seat unit comprising: a first linkage coupled to a first side of the base unit; a second linkage coupled to a second side of the base unit opposite the first side, the first linkage and the second linkage configured to move between a stowed position in which the ottoman portion is folded and an open position in which the ottoman portion is unfolded; A transverse tube, a first end of which is connected to the stool portion of the first linkage at the first rear stool connecting rod, and a second end of which is connected to the stool portion of the second linkage at the second rear stool connecting rod; a motor coupled to the cross tube and configured to move the first linkage and the second linkage between a stowed position and an open position; a first seat mounting plate and a second seat mounting plate; as well as a first motor bell crank pivotally coupled to the first lift link of the first linkage, and a second motor bell crank pivotally coupled to the second lift link of the second linkage, wherein the first motor bell crank is pivotally coupled to the first end of the first support post, and the second end of the first support post is pivotally coupled to the first base plate of the first linkage, the second motor bell crank is pivotally coupled to the first end of the second support post, and the second end of the second support post is pivotally coupled to the second base plate of the second linkage, wherein the first base unit and the second base unit are connected to the first linkage device and the second linkage device through the first base plate and the second base plate, respectively, and The first motor bell crank is pivotally connected to the first seat mounting plate via a first support column and a pivot shaft, and the second motor bell crank is pivotally connected to the second seat mounting plate via a second support column and a pivot shaft.

10. The motor-driven seating unit of claim 9, further comprising: a first bracket coupled to the first rear couch link at a first pivot; A first end of the cross tube is fixedly coupled to the first bracket; a first couch control link pivotally coupled to the first bracket between the first pivot and the fixed connection; A first ottoman control link is pivotally coupled to a first front ottoman link of the ottoman portion of the first linkage; a second bracket coupled to the second rear bench link at a second pivot; The second end of the cross tube is fixedly coupled to the second bracket; a second stool control link pivotally coupled to the second bracket between the second pivot and the fixed connection; The second ottoman control link is pivotally coupled to the second front ottoman link of the ottoman portion of the second linkage.

11. The motor-driven seating unit of claim 9, wherein: The U-shaped connection is fixedly coupled to the cross tube, and the motor is pivotably coupled to the U-shaped connection.

12. The motor-driven seating unit of claim 9, wherein: The motor includes a track and a drive block configured to move along the track when the first linkage and the second linkage move between the stowed position and the open position.

13. The motor-driven seating unit of claim 12, further comprising: a rear motor tube having a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the rear motor tube extending between the first linkage and the second linkage and fixedly coupled to the first motor bell crank at the third end and fixedly coupled to the second motor bell crank at the fourth end, Therein, the rear motor tube is pivotally connected to the drive block.

14. The motor-driven seating unit of claim 9, wherein: The first support and the second support are respectively flat connecting rods.

15. The motor-driven seating unit of claim 9, wherein the seating unit comprises a rocking chair type seating unit or a sliding chair type seating unit.

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