Wall furniture member with synchronization mechanism

Abstract

A furniture member includes a base assembly, a frame assembly, a leg rest mechanism, a support bar, and a synchronization mechanism. The frame assembly is movable relative to the base assembly between an upright position, a partial reclined position, and a fully reclined position. The leg rest mechanism is movable relative to the frame assembly between a retracted position and a fully extended position. The support bar is supported by the frame assembly. The synchronization mechanism is coupled to and supported by the support bar. The synchronization mechanism is configured to prevent movement of the frame assembly from the upright position to the partial reclined position until the leg rest mechanism reaches the fully extended position.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 034,789, filed September 28, 2020. The entire disclosure of the above-mentioned application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to wall-proximity furniture components with a synchronization mechanism. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides background information related to the contents of this disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Conventional reclining chairs or sofas must be positioned sufficiently away from walls or any other object in the room to provide enough space behind them so that the walls or other objects do not restrict the chair or sofa's backrest from moving to a fully reclined position. This may require the user to position the chair or sofa further away from the wall than if he or she chose to position it as non-reclining, in order to allow space for the backrest to recline fully. This disclosure provides a furniture component that translates forward the frame assembly of the furniture component when the backrest is reclined, such that the distance between the wall and the backrest is the same or nearly the same in both the upright and fully reclined positions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This section provides a general overview of this disclosure and is not a complete disclosure of the full scope or all features of this disclosure.

[0007] In one form, this disclosure discloses a furniture component comprising a base assembly, a frame assembly, a leg support mechanism, a support rod, and a synchronizing mechanism. The frame assembly is movable relative to the base assembly between an upright position, a partially reclined position, and a fully reclined position. The leg support mechanism is movable relative to the frame assembly between a retracted position and a fully extended position. The support rod is supported by the frame assembly. The synchronizing mechanism is coupled to and supported by the support rod. The synchronizing mechanism is configured to prevent the frame assembly from moving from the upright position to the partially reclined position until the leg support mechanism reaches the fully extended position.

[0008] In some configurations of the furniture components described in the paragraph above, actuators power the movement of the leg support mechanism between the retracted and fully extended positions, as well as the movement of the frame assembly between the upright, partially reclined, and fully reclined positions.

[0009] In some configurations of any one or more furniture components in the paragraphs above, the frame component moves forward relative to the base component as it moves from a partially reclined position toward a fully reclined position.

[0010] In some configurations of any one or more furniture components in the paragraphs above, the frame assembly includes a main frame, a seat bottom frame, and a seat back frame, which is rotatably connected to the seat bottom frame. The seat bottom frame can move relative to the main frame and the base assembly.

[0011] In some configurations of any one or more of the furniture components described in the paragraphs above, the furniture component also includes a drive rod and an actuator. The drive rod is rotatably supported by the frame assembly. The actuator drives the drive rod to power movement of the leg support mechanism between a retracted position and a fully extended position, and to power movement of the frame assembly between an upright position, a partially reclined position, and a fully reclined position.

[0012] In some configurations of any one or more furniture components in the paragraphs above, driving a drive rod to power the movement of the leg support mechanism includes rotating the drive rod to move the leg support mechanism from a retracted position to a fully extended position. Driving a drive rod to power the movement of the frame assembly includes rotating the drive rod to move the frame assembly from an upright position to a partially reclined position and translating the drive rod to move the frame assembly from a partially reclined position to a fully reclined position.

[0013] In some configurations of any one or more furniture components in the paragraphs above, a first and a second brace are connected to the frame assembly and the drive rod to further support the drive rod. The first and second braces cooperate to form a V-shape.

[0014] In some configurations of any one or more furniture components in the paragraphs above, the seat push linkage mechanism moves the frame assembly from a partially reclined position to a fully reclined position.

[0015] In another form, this disclosure discloses a furniture component comprising a frame assembly, a support rod, and a synchronization mechanism. The frame assembly includes a main frame, a seat back frame, and a seat bottom frame. The seat back frame is rotatably coupled to the main frame. The seat bottom frame is movably coupled to the seat back frame such that movement of the seat bottom frame relative to the main frame causes a corresponding rotation of the seat back frame. The support rod is supported by the main frame. The synchronization mechanism includes a pair of cams rotatably coupled to and supported by the support rod. The pair of cams can rotate between a first position, in which the pair of cams prevents movement of the seat bottom frame relative to the main frame, and in a second position, in which the pair of cams allows movement of the seat bottom frame relative to the main frame.

[0016] In some configurations of the furniture components described in the preceding paragraph, each of the paired cams includes an outer surface profile having a first surface and a second surface. The first and second surfaces are at an angle between 20 and 85 degrees relative to each other.

[0017] In some configurations of any one or more furniture components in the paragraphs above, the synchronization mechanism includes a pair of first rollers and a pair of cams that define an outer surface profile. The pair of first rollers are configured to rotate along the outer surface profile as the cams rotate between a first position and a second position.

[0018] In some configurations of any one or more furniture components in the paragraphs above, the outer surface profile includes a first surface and a second surface. A pair of first rollers contacts the first surface in a first position, and a pair of first rollers contacts the second surface in a second position.

[0019] In some configurations of any one or more of the furniture components in the paragraphs above, paired reinforcing brackets are secured to the seat bottom frame at opposite sides. Paired first rollers are rotatably coupled to the paired reinforcing brackets.

[0020] In some configurations of any one or more furniture components in the paragraphs above, the synchronizing mechanism includes a pair of second rollers, and the pair of cams includes a receiving portion having an inner surface profile. The pair of second rollers are configured to rotate along the inner surface profile as the pair of cams rotate between a first position and a second position.

[0021] In some configurations of any one or more furniture components in the paragraphs above, the inner surface profile is curved.

[0022] In some configurations of any one or more of the furniture components in the above paragraphs, the furniture component further includes a drive rod, and the synchronizing mechanism further includes a pair of synchronizing drive rod links and a pair of cam links. The pair of synchronizing drive rod links are drivably engaged with the drive rod and rotatably connected to the pair of cam links. The pair of cam links are rotatably connected to a pair of cams. Rotating the drive rod causes the pair of cams to rotate about the support rod between a first position and a second position.

[0023] In some configurations of any one or more of the furniture components in the paragraphs above, the actuator is configured as a rotary drive rod.

[0024] In some configurations of any one or more furniture components in the paragraphs above, a first and a second brace are connected to the frame assembly and the drive rod to further support the drive rod. The first and second braces cooperate to form a V-shape.

[0025] In some configurations of any one or more of the furniture components described in the preceding paragraphs, the furniture component further includes a drive rod and a seat push linkage mechanism. The drive rod is rotatably supported by a frame assembly and can rotate about a first axis of rotation. The seat push linkage mechanism includes a pair of lower front drive links, a pair of upper front drive links, and a pair of connecting links. The pair of lower front drive links is rotatably connected to a base assembly and can rotate about a second axis of rotation. The pair of upper front drive links is rotatably connected to the pair of lower front drive links and can rotate about a third axis of rotation. The pair of connecting links is rotatably connected to the pair of upper front drive links.

[0026] In some configurations of any one or more furniture components in the preceding paragraphs, the synchronization mechanism comprises a pair of first rollers and a pair of second rollers, the pair of first rollers being rotatably coupled to a pair of connecting rods, and the pair of second rollers being rotatably coupled to the pair of connecting rods. The pair of first rollers is configured to rotate along a first surface profile of a pair of cams, and the pair of second rollers is configured to rotate along a second surface profile of a pair of cams.

[0027] In some configurations of any one or more furniture components in the paragraphs above, when the paired cams are in the first position, a straight line extends through the first and second axes of rotation. Lance stops, which connect to the paired upper front drive links to prevent the third axis of rotation from aligning with or being positioned above the straight line, extend from the paired lower front drive links.

[0028] In some configurations of any one or more furniture components in the paragraphs above, the paired cams have a triangular shape.

[0029] Other areas of application will become apparent from the description provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in the overview are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and not for all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a furniture component based on the principles of this disclosure, showing the leg support retracted, the frame assembly untilted, and the seat back upright;

[0032] Figure 2This is another perspective view of the furniture components, showing the legs retracted, the frame components not tilted, and the seat back upright. For clarity, some frame components of the furniture components have been removed.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a side view of the furniture components, showing the leg support retracted, the frame assembly not tilted, and the seat back upright. For clarity, some frame components have been removed.

[0034] Figure 4 This is another perspective view of the furniture components, showing the legs retracted, the frame components not tilted, and the seat back upright, where some frame components have been removed for clarity;

[0035] Figure 5 This is another side view of the furniture components, showing the leg support retracted, the frame assembly not tilted, and the seat back upright, where, for clarity, some frame components have been removed;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a side view of the seat push linkage mechanism of the furniture component when the seat back is upright;

[0037] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional view of the furniture components, showing the leg support extending substantially, the frame components partially tilted, and the seat back pre-reclined, where some frame components have been removed for clarity;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a side view of the furniture components, showing the leg support extending substantially, the frame assembly partially tilted, and the seat back pre-reclined, where, for clarity, some frame components have been removed;

[0039] Figure 9 This is another perspective view of the furniture components, showing the leg support extending substantially, the frame components partially tilted, and the seat back pre-reclined, where, for clarity, some frame components have been removed;

[0040] Figure 10 This is another side view of the furniture components, showing the leg support extending substantially, the frame assembly partially tilted, and the seat back pre-reclined, where, for clarity, some frame components have been removed;

[0041] Figure 11 It is a three-dimensional view of the synchronized mechanism of furniture components when the leg support is extended, the frame component is tilted, and the seat back is pre-tilted.

[0042] Figure 12 It is another perspective view of the furniture components when the synchronized mechanism extends from the leg support, the frame components tilt, and the seat back is pre-tilted.

[0043] Figure 13 It is a perspective view of the furniture components, showing the leg support fully extended, the frame components partially tilted, and the seat back partially reclined. For clarity, some frame components have been removed.

[0044] Figure 14 This is a side view of the furniture components, showing the leg support fully extended, the frame assembly partially tilted, and the seat back partially reclined, where, for clarity, some frame components have been removed;

[0045] Figure 15 This is another perspective view of the furniture components, showing the leg support fully extended, the frame components partially tilted, and the seat back partially reclined, where, for clarity, some frame components have been removed;

[0046] Figure 16 This is another side view of the furniture components, showing the leg support fully extended, the frame assembly partially tilted, and the seat back partially reclined, where, for clarity, some frame components have been removed;

[0047] Figure 17 It is a perspective view of the furniture components, showing the leg support fully extended, the frame components partially tilted, and the seat back partially reclined. For clarity, some frame components have been removed.

[0048] Figure 18 This is a side view of the furniture components, showing the leg support fully extended, the frame assembly partially tilted, and the seat back partially reclined, where, for clarity, some frame components have been removed;

[0049] Figure 19 This is another perspective view of the furniture components, showing the leg support fully extended, the frame components partially tilted, and the seat back partially reclined, where, for clarity, some frame components have been removed;

[0050] Figure 20 This is another side view of the furniture components, showing the leg support fully extended, the frame assembly partially tilted, and the seat back partially reclined, where, for clarity, some frame components have been removed;

[0051] Figure 21 It is a perspective view of the furniture components, showing the leg support fully extended, the frame assembly fully tilted, and the seat back fully reclined. For clarity, some frame components have been removed.

[0052] Figure 22 This is a side view of the furniture components, showing the leg support fully extended, the frame assembly fully tilted, and the seat back fully reclined, with some frame components removed for clarity.

[0053] Figure 23 This is another perspective view of the furniture components, showing the leg support fully extended, the frame assembly fully tilted, and the seat back fully reclined, with some frame components removed for clarity;

[0054] Figure 24 This is another side view of the furniture components, showing the leg support fully extended, the frame assembly fully tilted, and the seat back fully reclined, with some frame components removed for clarity.

[0055] Figure 25 This is a side view of the seat push linkage mechanism when the seat back is upright; and

[0056] Figure 26 This is a side view of the tilting mechanism of the furniture components when the frame components are not tilted.

[0057] In several views of the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] The provision of exemplary embodiments will make this disclosure comprehensive and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatus, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, that exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and that none of these exemplary embodiments should be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0060] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” as used herein may also be intended to include the plural forms. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless such particular order is specifically identified as the order of execution. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0061] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, “joined to”, “connected to”, or “attached to” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, joined to, connected to, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, “directly joined to”, “directly connected to”, or “directly attached to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between”, “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent”, etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0062] Although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited to these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other ordinal terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0063] For ease of description, spatially related terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein to describe the relationship of an element or feature relative to one or more other elements or features as illustrated in the figures. In addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatially related terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features would be oriented as “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can cover both upper and lower orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially related descriptive terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0064] refer to Figures 1 to 26 The furniture component 10 is provided, and the furniture component 10 may include a base component 12. Figure 4 ), Frame Component 14 ( Figure 1), tilting mechanism 16 ( Figures 2 to 4 ), seat push linkage mechanism 17 ( Figure 25 ), leg support mechanism 18 ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) and synchronization mechanism 19 ( Figure 5 and Figures 10 to 12 The base assembly 12 supports the frame assembly 14, the tilting mechanism 16, and the leg support mechanism 18, while the base assembly 12 remains stationary relative to a supporting surface (e.g., a floor or ground) on which the furniture component 10 rests. As will be described in more detail below, the frame assembly 14 can be in an upright position relative to the base assembly 12. Figures 1 to 5 ), pre-tilted position ( Figures 7 to 10 ), partial leaning position ( Figures 13 to 16 ) and fully reclined position ( Figures 21 to 24 The leg support mechanism 18 can move between the retracted positions relative to the frame assembly 14. Figures 1 to 5 ) and fully extended position ( Figures 13 to 24 Move between ).

[0065] The base assembly 12 may include a front support member 20, a rear support member 22, and a pair of tracks 24. The front support member 20 and the rear support member 22 may include a plurality of feet (not shown) that contact a support surface. The tracks 24 are parallel to each other and extend between and are securely attached to the front support member 20 and the rear support member 22. Each of the tracks 24 includes a curved track channel 26 that may extend through the entire length of the track 24. A stop plug 25 ( Figure 8 and Figure 14 The stop plug 25 can be received at least partially in the front end of each track channel 26. The stop plug 25 can be press-fitted into the track channel 26 and / or otherwise secured to the track 24, and the stop plug 25 can contact the front bearing 27 of the tilting mechanism 16 when the furniture component 10 is in the fully reclined position.

[0066] Frame assembly 14 may include a chair body or main frame 30, a seat back frame 32, and a seat bottom frame 34. The seat back frame 32 is rotatable relative to the main frame 30 and the seat bottom frame 34 between an upright position and a fully reclined position. The seat back frame 32 is pivotally connected to the main frame 30 via a pair of swing links 36. Each swing link 36 is pivotally connected to a rear arm 40. The seat bottom frame 34 is supported by the rear arm 40 and a pair of forearm portions or slides 42. The rear arm portions 40 and forearm portions 42 are made of metal. Polymer linear bushings 44 are coupled to the corresponding forearm portions 42 and include a groove 48. The groove 48 slidably engages a support rod 50 attached to the main frame 30. In some configurations, the forearm portion 42 may be an integral part defining the groove 48.

[0067] The rear arm 40 and the forearm 42 cooperate to support the seat bottom frame 34. As the seat bottom frame 34 and the slider 42 move forward relative to the main frame 30, the seat back frame 32 rotates relative to the seat bottom frame 34 between an upright position and a reclining position, and the groove 48 in the forearm 42 slides along the support rod 50 (compare). Figure 3 and Figure 22 ).

[0068] As in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the frame assembly 14 may also include a pair of base stops 51 and a pair of side stops 53. The base stops 51 may be fixedly attached to the front plate 55 of the main frame 30. The base stops 51 may have a generally L-shaped profile. Each base stop 51 may include a first leg and a second leg, which are generally perpendicular to each other or angled relative to each other to form the generally L-shaped profile of the base stops 51. The side stops 53 may be fixedly attached to the base stops 51 and / or attached to the main frame 30.

[0069] The seat actuation linkage 17 includes a pair of connecting links 52, a pair of upper front drive links 56, and a pair of lower front drive links 58. The upper connecting links 52 are pivotally connected to the forearm portion 42 and at their second end are pivotally connected to the first end of the upper front drive link 56. The second end of each upper front drive link 56 is pivotally coupled to the first end of each lower front drive link 58 and can rotate about an axis 75a. Figure 6 The second end of each lower front drive link 58 is pivotally coupled to a corresponding one of the tracks 24 of the base assembly 12, and can rotate or pivot about the axis of rotation 75b. Figure 6Rotation or pivoting. When the main frame 30 is between the upright position and the pre-tilted position, the links 56, 58 are oriented such that the rotation axis 75a is offset from the line 87 to a minimum (i.e., the rotation axis 75a is positioned below), which extends through the rotation axis 75b. Figure 6 The rotation axis 91 of the linkage 75a and the drive rod 84. A stop bar 75c extending from the linkage 58 prevents the rotation axis 75a from aligning with the line 87 (the stop bar 75c is configured to be adjacent to the linkage 56, thereby preventing the axis 75a from aligning with the line 87). If the rotation axis 75a is aligned with the line 87, the synchronizing mechanism 19 will be unable to move the linkages 56, 58 when the main frame 30 moves relative to the base assembly 12 from an upright position. When the linkages 56, 58 are not connected to the synchronizing mechanism 19, the leg support mechanism 18 can be raised or the main frame 30 can be moved forward relative to the base assembly 12 when the actuator is partially extended. When the synchronizing mechanism 19 and the linkages 56, 58 are oriented as shown, the main frame 30 cannot move significantly relative to the base assembly 12. If the user applies force to the leg support mechanism 18 while the leg support mechanism 18 is extended, the connecting rods 56 and 58 minimize the relative movement between the main frame 30 and the base assembly 12, while the positioning of the axes 75a, 75b and 91 minimizes the force applied to the synchronization mechanism 19.

[0070] As in Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, the tilting mechanism 16 includes a pair of side plates 54 and a pair of tilting rear drive links 60. The pair of side plates 54 are fixedly attached to the main frame 30 and each includes a front bearing 27 that slidably or rollably engages the track channel 26. Each of the tilting rear drive links 60 includes a rear bearing 76 that slidably or rollably engages the track channel 26. Each tilting rear drive link 60 also includes a rivet 78 that slidably engages in a slot 80 in the corresponding side plate 54. Tilting connecting link 59 and tilting drive link 83 (… Figure 2 The tilting drive link 60 is connected to the drive rod 84 of the leg support mechanism 18. The rotation of the drive rod 84 causes the tilting drive link 60 to rotate relative to the side plate 54, thereby producing the tilting motion of the frame assembly 14.

[0071] The leg support mechanism 18 may include a pair of telescopic linkages 86. This rotation of the drive rod 84 causes the telescopic linkages 86 to move between a retracted position and a fully extended position. The leg support platform 89 is attached to and supported by the telescopic linkages 86, allowing a user to rest his or her legs and / or feet on the leg support platform 89 when seated in the furniture component 10 with the leg support mechanism 19 in the fully extended position.

[0072] As in Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, a hinge pin assembly 90 rotatably supports an electrically powered and user-controlled drive mechanism 92, which is connected to a rear support member 22. The drive mechanism 92 includes a motor 94, a drive assembly 95, an extension 96, and a sliding bracket 98. The motor 94 may be an AC or DC electric motor and may be operatively connected to the drive assembly 95. The extension 96 may be at least partially housed within the drive assembly 95 and may extend forward from the drive assembly 95.

[0073] The sliding bracket 98 is slidably arranged and supported on the extension 96 and configured to slide in a forward direction (i.e., toward the front of the furniture member 10) or in a rearward direction (i.e., toward the rear of the furniture member 10). The sliding bracket 98 is connected to the drive rod 84 using a pair of first links 99 and a pair of second links 100. The links 99 can be fixed to the sliding bracket 98. The links 100 can be pivotally coupled to the links 99 at a first end and can be drivably engaged with the drive rod 84 at a second end.

[0074] A pair of first tension links 102 and a pair of second tension links 103 are connected to the drive rod 84 and the front plate 55 and can further support the drive rod 84. The pair of first tension links 102 and the pair of second tension links 103 cooperate to form a V-shape.

[0075] As in Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the synchronization mechanism 19 can be coupled to the support rod 50, the seat push linkage 17, and the drive rod 84, and can facilitate the coordinated arrangement of the furniture components 10 during operation. Specifically, the synchronization mechanism 19 prevents the frame assembly 14 from moving forward relative to the base assembly 12 (which would cause the seat back frame 32 to recline) until the leg support mechanism 18 has moved to its fully extended position. In other words, the synchronization mechanism 19 allows the drive rod 84 to rotate to move the leg support mechanism 18 toward its fully extended position while preventing the frame assembly 14 and the seat push linkage 17 from moving to their fully reclined positions. In this way, the furniture components 10 can be operated using a single drive mechanism 92 (i.e., a single motor 94).

[0076] The synchronization mechanism 19 may include a pair of cams 104, a pair of synchronization drive rods 105, a pair of cam links 106, and a pair of first rollers or front synchronization rollers 108. Figure 10 and Figure 16 ) and a pair of second rollers or rear synchronous rollers 110 ( Figure 10 and Figure 16Cam 104 may be made of a polymer material such as polyoxymethylene, or of a composite material or metal. Cam 104 may be generally triangular in shape and may include a receiving portion 111 formed therein. Cam 104 is pivotally coupled to and supported by the opposite end of support rod 50. Synchronous drive rod link 105 is drivenly engaged with drive rod 84 and pivotally coupled to cam link 106. Each cam link 106 is pivotally coupled to the edge of each cam 104. In this way, rotation of drive rod 84 causes a corresponding rotation of cam 104.

[0077] Each first roller 108 is rotatably connected to and supported by a pair of reinforcing brackets 114, which in turn are fixedly connected to the corresponding forearm portion 42. Figure 2 When the leg support mechanism 18 is fully extended and the frame assembly 14 is between a partially reclined position and a fully reclined position, the reinforcing bracket 114 provides support for the pair of first rollers 108 to prevent the leg support mechanism 18 from rotating the cam 104 in a rearward direction (via the synchronizing drive link 105, cam link 106, and drive rod 84) when the user (using his or her leg or foot) pushes the leg support mechanism 18 downward. Each first roller 108 is also rotatably coupled to a corresponding connecting link 52 and configured to roll along the outer surface profile 116 of the corresponding cam 104.

[0078] Each second roller 110 is associated with a corresponding cam 104 and is rotatably connected to and supported by a corresponding connecting rod 52. That is, the second roller 110 is arranged within a receiving portion 111 of the corresponding cam 104 and configured to roll along the inner surface contour 118 of the receiving portion 111. The first roller 108 and the second roller 110 are spaced apart from each other. The second roller 110 causes the paired first rollers 108 to remain substantially in contact with the cam 104 as the paired first rollers 108 roll along the paired cams 104. The shape of the cam 104 and the first rollers 108 and the second rollers 110 control the transition from full extension of the leg support mechanism 18 to full reclining of the seat back frame 32. The shape of the cam 104 and the first rollers 108 and the second rollers 110 also ensure that the transition is smooth.

[0079] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 26 The operation of furniture component 10 will be described in detail below. As described above, frame component 14 can be in an upright position relative to base component 12 ( Figures 1 to 5 ), pre-tilted position ( Figures 7 to 10 ), partial leaning position ( Figures 13 to 16 ) and fully reclined position ( Figures 21 to 24The leg support mechanism 18 can move between the retracted positions relative to the frame assembly 14. Figures 1 to 5 ) and fully extended position ( Figures 13 to 24 Move between ).

[0080] When furniture component 10 is in the upright position, the main frame 30, seat back frame 32, and seat bottom frame 34 are oriented in a first position relative to the supporting surface. For example, in Figure 10 As shown, when furniture component 10 is driven to the pre-reclining position by the movement of tilting mechanism 16, the main frame 30, seat back frame 32, and seat bottom frame 34 are oriented relative to the support surface in a second position. However, the orientation of the main frame 30, seat back frame 32, and seat bottom frame 34 relative to each other can be the same in the upright position and the pre-reclining position. When furniture component 10 moves from the upright position to the pre-reclining position, frame assembly 14 is tilted such that in the pre-reclining position, the tail end of the frame assembly is vertically closer to the support surface than the tail end of the frame assembly in the upright position, and the front end of the frame assembly 14 is vertically farther from the support surface than the front end of the frame assembly 14 in the upright position. Moving furniture component 10 to the fully reclined position causes a further tilt of frame assembly 14 relative to the support surface and simultaneously causes relative movement between the main frame 30, seat back frame 32, and seat bottom frame 34. In the fully reclined position, the rear end of the main frame 30 is vertically closer to the supporting surface than the rear end of the main frame 30 in the upright and pre-reclining positions, and the front end of the main frame 30 is vertically further away from the supporting surface than the front end of the main frame 30 in the upright and pre-reclining positions. Furthermore, the frame assembly 14 is translated forward (towards the front end of the track 24) as the furniture member 10 is moved to the fully reclined position, such that, without moving the base assembly 12 relative to the wall, the furniture member 10 can maintain a desired amount of clearance with the wall (not shown) in the room where the furniture member 10 is located in both the upright and fully reclined positions.

[0081] To move the leg support mechanism 18 from the retracted position to the fully extended position, the user can operate the motor 94 (via an electrical switch (not shown)). This causes the sliding bracket 98 to slide forward along the extender 96 and, in turn, causes a corresponding rotation of the pair of second links 100. This, in turn, causes the drive rod 84 to rotate, which in turn causes the telescopic linkage 86 to move to the fully extended position. As described above, the rotation of the pair of second links 100 and the drive rod 84 also causes the pair of synchronized drive rod links 105 and cam links 106 to rotate, which in turn causes the cam 104 to rotate about the support rod 50. Figure 10As shown, when the cam 104 rotates, a pair of first rollers 108 contact and rotate along the side surface 120 of the outer surface profile 116, and a pair of second rollers 110 rotate along the inner surface profile 118 of the cam 104. The cam 104 prevents the frame assembly 14 from moving toward the reclining position until the telescoping linkage 86 moves to the fully extended position. That is, the pair of first rollers 108 contacting the side surface 120 of the outer surface profile 116 of the cam 104 prevent the seat bottom frame 34 and the slider 42 from moving forward relative to the main frame 30 when the telescoping linkage 86 moves to the fully extended position. Figure 16 As shown, once the scaling linkage 86 is in the fully extended position, the pair of first rollers 108 contact the upper surface 122 of the outer surface profile 116 (the side surface 120 and the upper surface 122 are arranged at an angle A to each other; angle A can be between 20 degrees and 85 degrees). In other words, as the leg support mechanism 18 is moved from the retracted position to the fully extended position, the cam 104 rotates such that the pair of first rollers 108 contact the side surface 120 of the outer surface profile 116 and rotate along the side surface 120, then contact the rounded portion 123 of the outer surface profile 116 and rotate along the rounded portion 123, and finally position themselves on the upper surface 122 of the outer surface profile 116.

[0082] Furthermore, as described above, this rotation of the paired second link 100 and drive link 84 also simultaneously causes the furniture component 10 to move from an upright position to a pre-reclined position (comparatively...). Figure 3 and Figure 10 In other words, as described above, the rotation of the paired second link 100 and drive rod 84 causes the tilt drive link 83 to rotate, which in turn causes the tilt rear drive link 60 to pivot relative to the side plate 54. This causes the rivet 78 connected to the tilt rear drive link 60 to slide upward in the groove 80 in the side plate 54, and the relative position of the rear bearing 76 to move relative to the side plate 54 and the main frame 30. This relative movement causes the main frame 30, the seat bottom frame 34, and the seat back frame 32 to tilt relative to the base assembly 12.

[0083] When the leg support mechanism 18 is in the fully extended position, the frame assembly 14 is in a partially reclined position. That is, the drive rod 84 has rotated the synchronous drive rod link 105 to position the cam 104 such that the synchronous roller 108 is positioned on the surface 122 of the cam 104. With the synchronous roller 108 on surface 122, movement between the seat bottom frame 34 and the main frame 30 is permitted (compare). Figure 10 and Figure 16Further operation of the motor 94 (via actuator actuation) causes the sliding bracket 98 to slide further forward along the extension 96, which moves the frame assembly 14 from a partially reclined position to a fully reclined position. That is, as the sliding bracket 98 slides further forward along the extension 96 due to further operation of the motor 94, the seat bottom frame 34 and the slider 42 are allowed to slide forward, while the seat push linkage 17 causes the main frame 30 to move forward relative to the base assembly 12, thereby causing the bearings 27, 76 of the tilting mechanism 16 to slide forward in the curved track channel 26. This movement of the seat bottom frame 34 and the slider 42 causes the seat back frame 32 to rotate relative to the seat bottom frame 34, and this movement of the tilting mechanism 16 causes the frame assembly 14 to be simultaneously translated forward relative to the base assembly 12 and tilted rearward relative to the base assembly 12. It should be understood that the drive rod 84 and the paired cams 104 do not rotate as the frame assembly 14 moves from the partially reclined position to the fully reclined position. It should also be understood that as the seat bottom frame 34 and the slider 42 move forward, the paired first rollers 108 roll along the upper surface 122 of the cam 104. Figure 20 and Figure 24 The rolling of the pair of first rollers 108 also causes the pair of connecting links 52 to translate and the pair of upper front drive links 56 to rotate about the drive rod 84, thereby causing the pair of lower front drive links 58 to translate.

[0084] When moving back to the initial state, cam 104 ensures the proper linkage sequence of frame assembly 14, tilting mechanism 16 and leg support mechanism 18 (i.e., cam 104 ensures that frame assembly 14 and tilting mechanism 16 are moved from fully tilted position to at least partially tilted position before leg support mechanism 18 begins to move from fully extended position to retracted position).

[0085] The foregoing description of embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Various elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. These various elements or features may also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A furniture component, the furniture component comprising: Base components; A frame assembly supported by the base assembly and comprising a seat bottom frame and a seat back frame, wherein the seat back frame is movable relative to the base assembly and the seat bottom frame between an upright position, a partially reclined position, and a fully reclined position. A leg support mechanism that is movable relative to the frame assembly between a retracted position and a fully extended position; Support rod, the support rod being supported by the frame assembly; and A synchronizing mechanism, coupled to and supported by the support rod, is configured to prevent the frame assembly from moving from the upright position to the partially reclining position until the leg support mechanism reaches the fully extended position. in, The synchronization mechanism includes a pair of cams, a pair of synchronization drive rods, a pair of cam links, a pair of first rollers, and a pair of second rollers. The cams are rotatable relative to the frame assembly, and each cam includes an outer surface profile and an inner surface profile. The synchronous drive rod is pivotally connected to the cam link. The cam link is pivotally connected to the cam. Each of the first rollers is configured to roll along the outer surface profile of a corresponding one of the cams. Each of the second rollers is configured to roll along the inner surface profile of a corresponding one of the cams, and The frame assembly includes a main frame, and the cam is rotatable between a first position and a second position, in which the cam prevents the seat bottom frame from moving relative to the main frame, and in the second position, the cam allows the seat bottom frame to move relative to the main frame.

2. The furniture component of claim 1, further comprising an actuator that provides power for movement of the leg support mechanism between the retracted position and the fully extended position, and for movement of the frame assembly between the upright position, the partially reclining position, and the fully reclining position.

3. The furniture member of claim 1, wherein, As the frame assembly moves from the partially tilted position toward the fully tilted position, the frame assembly moves forward relative to the base assembly.

4. The furniture component according to claim 1, wherein, The seat back frame is rotatably connected to the seat bottom frame, wherein the seat bottom frame is movable relative to the main frame and the base assembly.

5. The furniture component according to claim 1, further comprising: A drive rod, which is rotatably supported by the frame assembly, and An actuator that drives the drive rod to power the movement of the leg support mechanism between the retracted position and the fully extended position, and the movement of the frame assembly between the upright position, the partially reclined position, and the fully reclined position.

6. The furniture component according to claim 5, wherein, Driving the drive rod to power the movement of the leg support mechanism includes rotating the drive rod to move the leg support mechanism from the retracted position to the fully extended position, and wherein driving the drive rod to power the movement of the frame assembly includes rotating the drive rod to move the frame assembly from the upright position to the partially reclined position and translating the drive rod to move the frame assembly from the partially reclined position to the fully reclined position.

7. The furniture component of claim 5, further comprising a first tension member and a second tension member, the first tension member and the second tension member being connected to the frame assembly and the drive rod to further support the drive rod, and wherein, The first and second bracing members cooperate to form a V-shape.

8. The furniture component of claim 1, further comprising a seat push linkage mechanism that moves the frame assembly from the partially reclining position to the fully reclining position.

9. The furniture component of claim 1, further comprising a pair of reinforcing brackets fixed to opposite sides of the seat bottom frame, wherein, The paired first rollers are rotatably connected to the paired reinforcing brackets.

10. The furniture component according to claim 1, wherein, When the paired cams are in the first position, a straight line extends through the first and second rotation axes, and wherein a ram stop engages the paired upper front drive links to prevent a third rotation axis from aligning with or being positioned above the straight line, the ram stop extending from the paired lower front drive links.

11. The furniture component according to claim 1, wherein, The paired cams have a triangular shape.

12. A furniture component, the furniture component comprising: Base components; A frame assembly supported by the base assembly and comprising a seat bottom frame and a seat back frame, wherein the seat back frame is movable relative to the base assembly and the seat bottom frame between an upright position, a partially reclined position, and a fully reclined position. A leg support mechanism comprising a leg support platform and a pair of linkages configured to move the leg support platform relative to the frame assembly between a retracted position and a fully extended position; and A synchronization mechanism, attached to the frame assembly and the leg support mechanism, includes a cam, a synchronization drive rod, a cam link, a first roller, and a second roller. in: The cam is rotatable relative to the frame assembly and includes an outer surface profile and an inner surface profile. The synchronous drive rod is pivotally connected to the cam link. The cam link is pivotally connected to the cam. The first roller is configured to roll along the outer surface contour of the cam, and The second roller is configured to roll along the inner surface profile of the cam.

13. The furniture component according to claim 12, wherein, The synchronization mechanism is configured to restrict the movement of the frame assembly from the upright position toward the partially reclining position until the leg support platform reaches the fully extended position.

14. The furniture component of claim 12, further comprising an actuator configured to power movement of the leg support mechanism between the retracted position and the fully extended position, wherein, The actuator is configured to power the movement of the frame assembly between the upright position, the partially reclined position, and the fully reclined position.

15. The furniture component according to claim 12, wherein, As the frame assembly moves from the partially tilted position toward the fully tilted position, the frame assembly moves forward relative to the base assembly.

16. The furniture component according to claim 12, wherein, The seat bottom frame is movable relative to the base assembly.

17. The furniture component according to claim 12, further comprising: A drive rod, which is rotatably supported by the frame assembly, and An actuator configured to drive the drive rod to power the movement of the leg support mechanism between the retracted position and the fully extended position, and to power the movement of the seat back frame between the upright position, the partially reclined position, and the fully reclined position.

18. The furniture component according to claim 17, wherein, The drive rod rotates to move the leg support mechanism from the retracted position to the fully extended position and to move the seat back frame from the upright position to the partially reclined position, wherein the drive rod translates to move the seat back frame from the partially reclined position to the fully reclined position.

19. The furniture component of claim 17, further comprising a first tension member and a second tension member, the first tension member and the second tension member being connected to the frame assembly and the drive rod to further support the drive rod, and wherein, The first and second bracing members cooperate to form a V-shape.

20. The furniture component of claim 12, further comprising a seat push linkage mechanism that moves the frame assembly from the partially reclining position to the fully reclining position.

21. A furniture component, the furniture component comprising: Base components; A frame assembly supported by the base assembly and comprising a main frame, a seat back frame, and a seat bottom frame, the seat bottom frame being movably connected to the seat back frame such that movement of the seat bottom frame relative to the main frame causes a corresponding rotation of the seat back frame. A pair of cams, the pair of cams being rotatable relative to the frame assembly, wherein the cams are rotatable between a first position and a second position, in the first position the cams prevent the seat bottom frame from moving relative to the main frame, and in the second position the cams allow the seat bottom frame to move relative to the main frame, wherein each of the cams includes an outer surface profile and an inner surface profile; A pair of cam links, the pair of cam links being pivotally connected to the cam; A pair of synchronized drive rods, the pair of synchronized drive rods being pivotally connected to the cam link; A pair of first rollers, each of the pair of first rollers being configured to roll along the outer surface profile of a corresponding one of the cams as the cam moves between the first position and the second position; A pair of second rollers, each configured to roll along the inner surface profile of a corresponding one of the cams as the cam moves between the first and second positions.

22. The furniture component according to claim 21, wherein, The outer surface profile of each cam includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are at an angle relative to each other.

23. The furniture component according to claim 22, wherein, Each of the first rollers contacts the first surface of the corresponding cam when the cam is in the first position, and each of the first rollers contacts the second surface of the corresponding cam when the cam is in the second position.

24. The furniture component of claim 21, further comprising a reinforcing bracket fixed to the bottom frame of the seat, wherein, The first roller is rotatably connected to the reinforcing bracket.

25. The furniture component according to claim 23, wherein, Each of the cams includes a receiving portion having the inner surface profile.

26. The furniture component according to claim 21, further comprising: A drive rod rotatably supported by the frame assembly; and Rotating the drive rod causes the cam to rotate between the first position and the second position.

27. The furniture component of claim 26, further comprising a first tension member and a second tension member, the first tension member and the second tension member being connected to the frame assembly and the drive rod to further support the drive rod, and wherein, The first and second bracing members cooperate to form a V-shape.

28. The furniture component according to claim 21, further comprising: A drive rod, which is rotatably supported by the frame assembly and is capable of rotating about a first axis of rotation; as well as Seat push linkage mechanism, the seat push linkage mechanism comprising: A lower front drive link, which is rotatably connected to the base assembly and is capable of rotating about a second rotation axis; An upper front drive link, which is rotatably connected to the lower front drive link and is capable of rotating about a third rotation axis; as well as A connecting link, which is rotatably connected to the upper front drive link.

29. The furniture component according to claim 28, wherein, The first roller is rotatably connected to the connecting rod, and the second roller is rotatably connected to the connecting rod.

30. The furniture component according to claim 29, wherein, When the cam is in the first position, a straight line extends through the first and second rotation axes, and wherein a stop bar engages the upper front drive link to prevent the third rotation axis from aligning with or being positioned above the straight line, the stop bar extending from the lower front drive link.

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