Adjustable reclining backrest seating

Abstract

A seating unit with an adjustable reclining backrest (1) comprising an adjustable backrest tilt achieved by means of a system connecting the lower crossbar (3) of the backrest (1) to the rear crossbar (10) by means of adjustable lashing, this system preferably consisting of a rope (11) fixed to the middle of the lower crossbar (3) of the backrest (1), the lashing of this rope being achieved by means of the combination of at least two lashing points (12A)(12B) forming cleats of a jam cleat (12) located in the middle of the rear crossbar (10) ), around which the rope is secured by interlacing and knotting, thus allowing an adjustable tilt of the backrest (1). Figure for the abstract: [Fig 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Adjustable reclining backrest seating Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a seating unit such as a chair, armchair, or sofa, equipped with an adjustable reclining backrest, which can be transformed into a relaxation piece of furniture. More specifically, the invention relates to a seating unit that allows one or more users to sit and promote back relaxation by adjusting the backrest to several positions. The angle of inclination of the backrest can thus be adjusted according to each user's preference to obtain the desired optimal comfort. This seating unit may optionally be equipped with a system of telescopic sliding extensions allowing one or more users to relax after reclining the backrest by fully extending their legs. State of the art

[0002] Among existing seating furniture, some allow users to rest their backs against a reclining backrest to improve their comfort. An example of this device can be found in patent FR2837081A1 (TWSCORP-US). However, this type of seat is not designed to allow users to recline the backrest according to the specific variable tilting system of the invention and to potentially extend their legs by means of a system of telescopic sliding extensions.

[0003] The prior art FR 2201023 also describes a piece of seating with an adjustable reclining backrest in which the adjustable inclination of the backrest is achieved by means of a system connecting the lower crossbar of the backrest to the rear crossbar by means of adjustable fastening, this system preferably consisting of a rope fixed to the middle of the lower crossbar of the backrest, the fastening of this rope being achieved by means of a jam cleat located in the middle of the rear crossbar which allows an adjustable inclination of the backrest according to the length of rope fastened,

[0004] After prototyping, it appears that the dimensions of the commercially available spring-loaded locking cleats (intended to be fixed in the middle of the rear crossbar of the seating unit to block the rope) are not suitable, their breaking strength being insufficient.

[0005] Indeed, they cannot manage an undeflected load angle: the spring-loaded cleat system does not allow the direction of the force exerted by the rope to be deflected, distributed and divided: the force exerted by the rope on the cleats is too great and the spring of the cleats breaks.

[0006] Brief description of the invention

[0007] The principal object of the invention is to provide a reclining backrest for a piece of seating furniture. The secondary object is to provide a reclining backrest for which the angle of inclination is easily adjustable. Another object of the invention is to provide a low-cost mechanism for adjusting the angle of inclination of the backrest.

[0008] Surprisingly and unexpectedly, the inventor found that this objective can be achieved, in particular by securing the backrest with a rope (11) (connecting the lower crossbar (3) of the backrest to the rear crossbar (10)) allowing for adjustable tilt of the backrest (1), by installing at least two anchoring points (12A) (12B) forming cleats, fixed to the rear crossbar (10), around which the rope is secured by interlacing and knotting. Indeed, this securing system unexpectedly allows the entire tensile force transmitted by the rope (11) necessary to lock (by adjustment) the backrest (1) to withstand the load without breaking, thanks to the change in the distribution of tensile forces across all the anchoring points (12A) (12B) and possibly (12C) (as demonstrated in the comparative tests of this application).

[0009] Detailed description of the invention

[0010] The present invention relates to a piece of furniture with an adjustable reclining backrest comprising:

[0011] -a tiltable backrest (1) comprising in particular two uprights (2) connected by a lower crossbar (3) and an upper crossbar (4), each upright being pierced by a through hole (5) located above the lower crossbar (3), - a chassis (6) of the seat (16) pierced laterally on either side by two possibly through holes (7), the chassis (6) being fixed on support feet (8) (9), - the rear support feet (8) being connected to each other by a rear crossbar (10), characterized in that: -the reclining backrest pivots around an axis (X) passing through the possibly through holes (7) of the frame (6) and the through holes (5) of the uprights (2), - an adjustable inclination of the backrest (1) is achieved by means of a system linking the lower crossbar (3) of the backrest (1) to the rear crossbar (10) by means of adjustable lashing, this system preferably consisting of a rope (11) fixed to the middle of the lower crossbar (3) of the backrest (1), the lashing of this rope being effected by means of the combination of at least two lashing posts (12A) (12B) forming cleats, located fixed on the rear crossbar (10), around which the rope is locked by interlacing and knotting which allows an adjustable inclination of the backrest (1) according to the length of rope lashed,

[0012] -the chassis includes within its two lateral cross members (21), a stop means consisting of two symmetrical pads (22) located below the axis (X) rotation of the backrest (1), which allows a limit position (P) of the backrest (1) to be defined by stopping against the uprights (2) in order to prevent the backrest (1) from tilting forward beyond the limit position (P) by mechanical blocking. Advantageously, the rope is preferably isometric, possibly made of aramid, Kevlar®, or high-tenacity polyester.

[0013] The combination of at least two terminals (12A) (12B), preferably three terminals (12A) (12B) (12C), forming cleats, around which the rope is secured (by interlacing and knotting), allows for the deflection of the force direction, and therefore the division and distribution of the tensile force exerted by the backrest on the terminals via the rope. Indeed, the management of the load angle deflection can thus be achieved.

[0014] This system is analogous to that which allows ships to be moored to a quay by means of mooring bollards around which the ropes are wound and knotted. The spacing of the mooring bollards (12) will be greater than or equal to the diameter of the rope (11).

[0015] Advantageously, two safety studs (15) are integrated into the seat (16) so that the backrest (1) locks against said studs (15) when the backrest (1) is at its maximum rearward tilt. Advantageously, -the seat (16) is equipped with a telescopic sliding extension system (17) consisting of at least two extensions, each extension being respectively formed of a platform (17A, 17B) connecting two projecting side rails (17A', 17B') on which a canvas (17A”,17B”) is fixed, the platform (17B) sliding on the platform (17A), the platform (17A) sliding along the supports (29) fixed inside the side rails (21) of the frame (6), the telescopic sliding extension system (17) being able to be extracted from the seat (16) between a non-use position where it is slid inside the seat (16) and a use position in which it extends the seat forward. -each of the extensions constituting the telescopic sliding extension system (17) includes feet (30,31) fixed respectively to the front ends of the trays (17A,17B). -the fabrics (17A '' and 17 B”) can preferably be made of a virtually isometric resilient fabric. -a foam can be inserted between the canvas (17B”) and the tray (17B). Brief description of the drawings

[0016] A preferred embodiment of a seating unit with an adjustable reclining backrest according to the present invention will now be described by way of illustrative and not limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Fig.1] schematically represents a piece of furniture according to the invention and whose backrest is locked in position P. [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view of the backrest extension. [Fig.3] shows a view of a variant of the invention with the telescopic extension of the backrest removed. [Fig.4] shows a cross-sectional view of the telescopic sliding extension system of the seat. [Fig.5] presents a variant of the invention with a headrest.

[0017] [Fig.6] shows the mooring blocks (12A) (12B) (12C)

[0018] With reference to these drawings, the backrest (1) can be adjusted by locking the rope (11) according to the mooring blocks (12A) (12B) (12C) at a desired angle of inclination. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above; it encompasses all its variants. Thus, instead of comprising: -feet, it could be equipped with a base, -a seat width corresponding to one seat, it could be wide enough to accommodate several users. According to a variant of the invention shown: -the telescopic sliding extension system (17) is extracted from the seat by means of a spring operated by a trigger button. The backrest (1) can be fitted with an extension (19) that can be removed from the backrest (1). According to this variant, the extension (19) slides within the U-shaped uprights (2) of the backrest (1), which in this variant form a guide rail (20). A platform (23) connects the two uprights (24) of the extension (19), and a nearly isometric resilient fabric (25) is optionally attached to the two protruding uprights (24). A locking lever (26) passes through the platform (27) of the backrest (1), allowing the height of the extension (19) to be locked by tightening and loosening it, by pressing on the platform (23) of the extension (19) at the desired height. In order to improve lumbar or cervical comfort when the telescopic extension (19) of the backrest (1) is possibly removed, an oblong-shaped cushion (28) can be held in a variable position on said telescopic extension (19) or on the backrest (1) by means of a temporary fastening (for example bungee cord or self-gripping textile strips).

[0019] The present invention can be constructed partly of metal, plastic, or wood.

[0020] A preferred embodiment of the invention has been implemented:

[0021] A comparative test of breaking strength between the prior art backrest locking system using a jam cleat and the backrest locking system of the present invention using anchoring terminals was carried out.

[0022] For the prior art device, a Harken ® "Cam-Matic, micro-offshore" cam cleat with aluminum jaws and a breaking load of 454 kg is used, for rope with a diameter of 6 mm to a maximum of 16 mm.

[0023] For the device of the invention, at least two anchoring posts are used, consisting of at least two steel blocks, each block measuring 40 mm in height and 24 mm in diameter being bolted onto the rear spacer of the chair.

[0024] The breaking strength results of the backrest locking system (12) using the cord (11), depending on the user's weight and the angle of inclination of the backrest relative to the horizontal, are shown in the table below:

[0025] [Table 1] Table 1 Seating Furniture Prior Art User Weight Seating Furniture Prior Art User Weight Seating Furniture According to the Invention User Weight Seating Furniture According to the Invention User Weight Backrest Tilt Angle with Relative to the Horizon Pillowcase 60 kg 90 kg 60 kg 90 kg 80° SSSS 45° SRSS 35° RRSS 25° RR ss

[0026] R: failure of the locking system (12)

[0027] S: strength of the locking system (12) The comparative test shows that the backrest locking system (12) using the rope (11) with tie-down points withstands the tension caused by the user's weight at all backrest angles. In contrast, the backrest locking system using a jam cleat breaks when the backrest approaches the horizontal position: it breaks at an angle of 45° relative to 1' horizontal with a user weight of 90 kg, and breakage at an angle of 35° relative to 1' horizontal with a user weight of 60 kg,

[0028] Simple, robust and reliable, the device according to the invention is particularly intended to increase the comfort of seating furniture, promoting in particular the improvement of blood circulation and general relaxation of users whether in the office, while travelling or in the context of domestic life.

Claims

Demands

1. A seating unit with an adjustable reclining backrest comprising: - a reclining backrest (1) composed in particular of two uprights (2) connected by a lower crossbar (3) and an upper crossbar (4), each upright having a through hole (5) located above the lower crossbar (3), - the seat frame (6) (16) having two optionally through holes (7) on either side, the frame (6) being fixed to support feet (8) (9), - the rear support feet (8) being connected to each other by a rear crossbar (10) characterized in that: - the reclining backrest pivots about an axis (X) passing through the optionally through holes (7) of the frame (6) and the through holes (5) of the uprights (2), - an adjustable inclination of the backrest (1) is achieved by means of a system connecting the lower crossbar (3) of the backrest (1) to the rear crossbar (10) by adjustable lashingThis system consists of a rope (11) fixed to the middle of the lower crossbar (3) of the backrest (1), the securing of this rope being effected by means of the combination of at least two mooring posts (12A)(12B) forming cleats, located on the rear crossbar (10), around which the rope is blocked by interlacing and knotting, which allows an adjustable inclination of the backrest (1) according to the length of rope secured, - the frame includes inside its two lateral crossbars (21), a stop means consisting of two symmetrical pads (22) located below the axis (X) of rotation of the backrest (1), which makes it possible to define a limit position (P) of the backrest (1) by abutment against the uprights (2) in order to prevent the backrest (1) from tilting forward beyond the vertical position by mechanical blocking.

2. A seating unit with an adjustable reclining backrest according to claim 1 characterized in that the combination of at least two mooring posts consists of at least three mooring posts (12), the spacing of which is greater than or equal to the diameter of the rope (11)

3. A piece of furniture with an adjustable reclining backrest according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cord is isometric preference, preferably in aramid, Kevlar ®, or high tenacity polyester.

4. A seating unit with an adjustable reclining backrest according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two safety studs (15) are integrated into the seat (16) so that the backrest (1) locks against these two studs (15) when the backrest (1) is at its maximum rearward tilt.

5. A seating unit with an adjustable reclining backrest according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat (16) is equipped with a telescopic sliding extension system (17) consisting of at least two extensions, each extension being respectively formed of a platform (17A, 17B) connecting two projecting lateral crossbars (17A', 17B') to which a possibly resilient, nearly isometric fabric (17A”, 17B”) is fixed, the platform (17B) sliding on the platform (17A), the platform (17A) sliding along supports (29) fixed inside the lateral crossbars (21) of the frame (6), the telescopic sliding extension system (17) being able to be withdrawn from the seat (16) between a non-use position where it is slid inside the seat (16) and a position of use in which it extends the seat forwards.

6. A seating unit with an adjustable reclining backrest according to claim 5 characterized in that each of the extensions of the telescopic sliding extension system (17) includes feet (30, 31) fixed respectively to the front ends of the trays (17A, 17B).

7. A seating unit with an adjustable reclining backrest according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the backrest (1) can be fitted with an extension (19) which can be extracted from the backrest (1): - the extension (19) sliding in the U-shaped profiles (2) of the backrest (1) and forming a slide (20) - a virtually isometric resilient fabric (25) being optionally fixed on the two protruding supports (24).

8. A seating unit with an adjustable reclining backrest according to claim 7, characterized in that a locking lever (26) passes through the backrest (27) allowing the height of the extension (19) to be adjusted and locked by unscrewing and screwing by pressing on the extension (23) according to the desired height.

9. Seating furniture with adjustable reclining backrest according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that an oblong-shaped cushion (28) is held in a variable position on said telescopic extension (19) or on the backrest (1) by means of a temporary fixing (for example bungee cord or self-gripping textile strips).

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