chair

Abstract

Chair 100 includes transom 1, seat support 3, backrest portion 5, and combination rocking and reclining mechanism 200. Combination rocking and reclining mechanism 200 includes forward and rearward rocking mechanisms 400a, 400b configured to rock seat support 3 and backrest portion 5 together generally forward and rearward from a neutral position relative to transom 1, and recline mechanism 200a configured such that seat support 3 is in a first rest position relative to backrest portion 5 when backrest portion 5 is in an upright position, such that reclining back from the upright position to a reclined position moves seat support 3 upward and rearward from the first rest position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a chair, and more particularly to a chair with a combination rocking and reclining mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] This application claims priority to New Zealand patent application 766462, filed on July 22, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Many existing rocking and reclining chairs are equipped with mechanisms that provide a rocking or reclining motion. These mechanisms can function separately so that the chair can have either a rocking motion or a reclining motion. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] These mechanisms may function in response to the chair user's movements or may require an actuator that the user must operate to enable the chair to rock or recline. Mechanisms with actuators that require user operation can result in cumbersome or awkward movements when transitioning from a rocking position to a reclining position, or vice versa. Typically, combined rocking and reclining mechanisms, whether they operate in response to the user's movements or using a single actuator or multiple actuators, are bulky and complex. Therefore, they are often unsightly and lack aesthetic appeal to consumers.

[0005] Furthermore, that type of complex mechanism would require the purchase of multiple chairs, and could be prohibitively expensive to apply to chairs purchased in large quantities, such as conference or office chairs, where low cost is desirable.

[0006] Where reference is made herein to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for describing features of the present invention. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the reference to such external documents or such sources of information should not be construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information are prior art in any jurisdiction or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0007] It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a chair with a combined rocking and reclining mechanism. An additional or alternative object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention is to at least provide the public with a useful choice. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In a first aspect of the present invention, a chair is provided, the chair comprising a transom, a seat support, a backrest portion, and a combination rocking and reclining mechanism, the combination rocking and reclining mechanism operatively connecting the seat support and the backrest portion to the transom and the seat support to the backrest portion, the combination rocking and reclining mechanism operatively connecting the seat support and the backrest portion to the transom. Medium a forward and rearward rocking mechanism configured to rock the backrest generally forward and rearward together from a standing position; In position and a reclining mechanism configured such that the seat support is in a first rest position relative to the backrest portion when the seat is in a reclined position, and such that the seat support moves upward and rearward from the first rest position when the backrest portion is reclined rearward from the upright position toward a reclined position. In one embodiment, the chair includes a plurality of rocking positions, and the back portion is reclined rearwardly from the upright position to a reclined position in any of the rocking positions of the chair. In one embodiment, the forward rocking mechanism comprises a forward track disposed on the transom and a forward engagement element operably connected to the seat support, the forward engagement element being received within the front track for movement thereof within the front track, and the aft rocking mechanism comprises an aft track disposed on the transom and an aft engagement element operably connected to the seat back portion, the aft engagement element being received within the aft track for movement thereof within the aft track. In one embodiment, the backrest portion includes a rear axle member, the rear engagement element is rotatably mounted to the rear axle member, and the rear axle member defines a substantially horizontal lateral rear pivot axis that is movable relative to the transom upon pivoting of the seat support and the backrest portion, and about which the backrest portion can pivot. In one embodiment, the seat support includes a front axle member, the front engagement element being rotatably mounted to the front axle member, the front axle member defining a substantially horizontal lateral front pivot axis movable relative to the transom and about which the seat support can pivot. In one embodiment, the combination rocking and reclining mechanism comprises a substantially horizontal lateral central pivot axis movable relative to the transom, and the backrest portion and the seat support are pivotally coupled to each other at the central pivot axis. In one embodiment, the combination rocking and reclining mechanism comprises a substantially horizontal lateral central pivot axis movable relative to the transom, and the backrest portion and the seat support are pivotally coupled to each other at the central pivot axis. In one embodiment, the front track has a curved path and the rear track has a substantially straight path. In one embodiment, the rear of the front track has a smaller radius of curvature than the front of the front track, and the curved path increases in slope from front to rear. In one embodiment, the combination rocking and reclining mechanism comprises at least one first biasing means fixed to the transom and configured to provide a first biasing force that biases the seat support and backrest portion toward the neutral position. In one embodiment, a rear portion of the first biasing means is connected to the rear axle member, a central portion of the first biasing means is connected to the transom, and a front portion of the first biasing means is connected to a front portion of the backrest portion located forward of where the central portion of the first biasing means is fixed to the transom. In one embodiment, the first biasing means includes elastic means, the front portion of the first biasing means receives a protrusion extending from the front portion of the backrest portion, and the rear portion of the first biasing means receives a portion of the rear axle member. In one embodiment, the combined rocking and reclining mechanism comprises at least one second biasing means for applying a second biasing force between the backrest portion and the seat support to inhibit a change in the angular position of the backrest portion relative to the angular position of the seat support. In one embodiment, a first end of the second biasing means engages the back portion and a second end of the second biasing means engages the seat support. In one embodiment, the second biasing means is fixed to the back portion at a location between the front portion and the central pivot axis. In one embodiment, the second biasing means comprises a torsion spring, the first end of the second biasing means comprises an arm that engages with the backrest portion and extends rearward, and the second end of the second biasing means comprises an arm that engages with the seat support and extends forward. In one embodiment, the chair includes a forward rocking position in which the front engagement element is located at a front edge of the front track, and the forward and rearward rocking mechanism is configured such that when the seat support moves from the neutral position to the forward rocking position, the front pivot axis moves forward and downward relative to the neutral position and the central pivot axis moves forward and upward relative to the neutral position, thereby causing a front portion of the seat support to move forward and downward relative to the transom. In one embodiment, when the seat support moves from the neutral position to the forward swing position, the position of the central pivot shaft changes, the rear engagement element moves to the leading edge of the rear track, and the rear pivot shaft moves forward and upward relative to the neutral position, thereby causing the front portion and backrest of the seat support to move forward and upward relative to the transom. In one embodiment, the chair includes a rearward swing position in which the front engagement element is located rearward from the front edge of the front track, and the forward and rearward swing mechanism is configured such that when the seat support moves from the neutral position to the rearward swing position, the front pivot axis moves rearward and upward relative to the neutral position and the central pivot axis moves rearward and upward relative to the neutral position, thereby causing a front portion of the seat support to move rearward and upward relative to the transom. In one embodiment, when the seat support moves from the neutral position to the rearward swing position, the position of the central pivot shaft changes, the rear engagement element moves to the rear edge of the rear track, and the rear pivot shaft moves rearward and downward relative to the neutral position, thereby causing the rear portion of the seat support and the backrest portion to move rearward and downward relative to the transom. In one embodiment, the reclining mechanism is configured such that, when the backrest portion is moved to the reclined position, the position of the central pivot axis changes, the front pivot axis moves rearward and upward, the front engagement element moves toward the rear edge of the front track, and the seat support moves rearward and upward relative to a first rest position. In one embodiment, when the backrest portion is moved from the upright position to the reclined position, the front pivot shaft moves rearward by approximately 8 to 11 mm and upward by approximately 6 to 13 mm relative to the first rest position, the neutral position, the forward swing position, the rearward swing position, or other swing position, and the central pivot shaft moves rearward by approximately 5 to 8 mm and upward by approximately 12 to 14 mm relative to the first rest position, the neutral position, the rearward swing position, the forward swing position, or other swing position. In one embodiment, the forward and aft rocking mechanisms are configured to define a virtual rocking path of the seat support and seat back relative to the transom. In one embodiment, the virtual rocking path includes a curved path, a lowest point of the curved path corresponds to the seat support, the backrest portion is in the neutral position, a rear portion of the virtual rocking path is located behind the lowest point, and a front portion of the virtual rocking path is located in front of the lowest point. In one embodiment, the virtual swing path has an increasing gradient from the lowest point to the front end of the virtual swing path, and the virtual swing path has an increasing gradient from the lowest point to the rear end of the virtual swing path. In one embodiment, the chair comprises a seat attached to the seat support. In one embodiment, the seat is slidably mounted to the seat support. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a side view of the chair in its default position. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the chair in a forward swing position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the chair in a rocked forward position superimposed on a side view of the chair in its default position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the chair in a rocked-back position. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 shows a side view of the chair in a rocked-back position superimposed on a side view of the chair in its default position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the chair in its most rearward reclined position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the chair in its fully reclined position superimposed on a side view of the chair in a rocked-back position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the transom of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the seat support of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the back portion of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the biasing means of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows an exploded perspective view of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a cutaway perspective view of a combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly with hidden seat support. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly, showing the forward and backward rocking mechanisms when the chair is in its default position. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A shows a cross-sectional side view of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly, showing the forward and backward rocking mechanisms when the chair is in its default position. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B shows a side cross-sectional view of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly, showing the forward and backward rocking mechanisms when the chair is in the forward rocking position. [Figure 16C] FIG. 16C shows a cross-sectional side view of the combined rocking and reclining mechanism assembly of the chair, showing the forward and backward rocking mechanisms when the chair is in the rocked-back position. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional side view of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly showing the at least one first biasing means when the chair is in its default position. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional side view of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly showing the at least one first biasing means when the chair is in a rocked forward position. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional side view of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly showing the at least one first biasing means when the chair is in the rocked back position. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional side view of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly showing the at least one first biasing means when the chair is in its most rearward reclined position. [Figure 21A] FIG. 21A shows a cross-sectional side view of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly showing the at least one second biasing means when the chair is in a rocked-back position. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B shows a cross-sectional side view of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly showing the at least one second biasing means when the chair is in its most rearward reclined position. [Figure 21C] FIG. 21C shows a cross-sectional side view of the combined chair rocking and reclining mechanism assembly showing the at least one second biasing means when the chair is in the forward rocked position. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a schematic side view of the front and rear tracks of the chair. [Figure 23]FIG. 23 shows a schematic side view of the front, rear and center pivot axes of the chair when the chair is in a swing forward position superimposed on a schematic side view of the front, rear and center pivot axes of the chair in the default position. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows a schematic side view of the front, rear and center pivot axes of the chair when the chair is in a rocked-back position superimposed on a schematic side view of the front, rear and center pivot axes of the chair in its default position. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 shows a schematic side view of the front, rear and center pivot axis of the chair when it is in its most rearward reclined position superimposed on a schematic side view of the front, rear and center pivot axis of the chair in a rocked rearward position. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 shows a schematic side view of the front, rear and center pivot axes of the chair when the back portion is in a reclined position superimposed on a schematic side view of the front, rear and center pivot axes of the chair in a default position. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 shows a schematic side view of the front, rear and central pivot axis of the chair when the back portion is in a reclined position superimposed on a schematic side view of the front, rear and central pivot axis of the chair in a rocked forward position. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a schematic side view of the virtual rocking path of the chair when the chair is in the initial position. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a schematic side view of the hypothetical swing path of the chair when the chair is in a forward swing position. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a schematic side view of the hypothetical swing path of the chair when the chair is in a swing-back position. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the seat of one embodiment of the chair. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the seat and seat support of one embodiment of a chair. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 shows a cross-sectional side view of the transom of one embodiment of the chair. [Figure 34]FIG. 34 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the seat and seat support of one embodiment of a chair. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 shows a bottom view of the seat and seat depth and seat height actuators of one embodiment of the chair. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 shows a bottom front perspective view of the seat support of another form of combination rocking and reclining mechanism. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 shows a rear perspective view of the seat support of the alternative form of combination rocking and reclining mechanism with the seat support inverted. [Figure 38A] FIG. 38A shows a top front perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the combination rocking and reclining mechanism. [Figure 38B] FIG. 38B is a view similar to FIG. 38A, but showing the seat slide cover separated from the rest of the alternative combination rocking and reclining mechanism. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 shows a perspective view of the transom of the alternative embodiment of the combined rocking and reclining mechanism. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 shows an exploded perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the combined rocking and reclining mechanism. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 shows the insertion of one of the locking springs into the transom mounting portion of the alternative form of the combination rocking and reclining mechanism. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 shows a perspective view of the biasing means of the alternative embodiment of the combined rocking and reclining mechanism. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 shows a perspective view of the back portion of the alternative embodiment of the combined rocking and reclining mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of." When interpreting statements in this specification and claims that include the term "comprising," there may be other features present than those inserted by this term in each statement. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in a similar manner.

[0012] Reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (e.g., 1 to 10) expressly discloses all rational numbers within that range (e.g., 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10) and any range of rational numbers within that range (e.g., 2-8, 1.5-5.5, and 3.1-4.7), i.e., all subranges of every range explicitly disclosed herein. These are merely examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values ​​between the lowest and highest values ​​recited should be considered to be expressly set forth in this application in the same manner.

[0013] The invention may also be broadly stated to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of this application, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features.

[0014] Numerous modifications in the structure of the present invention, and widely different embodiments and applications, will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any sense. Where specific integers that have known equivalents in the art to which the present invention pertains are referred to herein, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0015] As used herein, the term "(s)" following a noun refers to the plural and / or singular form of that noun.

[0016] As used herein, the term "and / or" means "and" or "or," or where the context permits both. The present invention contemplates the above and the following structures, of which the following are examples only.

[0017] 1 shows chair 100 in a default position, chair 100 comprising transom 1, seat support 3, and back portion 5. Chair 100 comprises a combination rocking and reclining mechanism 200 that operatively connects seat support 3 and back portion 5 to transom 1 and seat support 3 to back portion 5. Combination rocking and reclining mechanism 200 is an assembly of components.

[0018] Transom 1 is supported above the ground by base 2. Base 2 may be a mobile base with wheels or casters to allow base 2 to move across the ground, or may have a number of fixed legs that rest on the ground surface. In some embodiments of chair 100, height-adjustable posts 92 allow a user to selectively adjust the height of transom 1 above base 2, i.e., its height above the ground. Alternatively, the chair height may be constant.

[0019] The combined rocking and reclining mechanism assembly 200 itself includes forward and aft rocking mechanisms 400a, 400b, shown in Figures 15 and 16A-16C, which are configured to allow the seat support 3 and backrest portion 5 to rock together approximately forward and backward from a neutral position relative to the transom 1. Both the seat support 3 and backrest portion 5 are shown in their respective neutral positions relative to the transom 1 in Figure 1.

[0020] The combined rocking and reclining mechanism assembly 200 of the chair 100 also includes a recliner mechanism 200a, shown for example in Figure 13, which is configured such that when the backrest portion 5 is in an upright position relative to the seat support 3, the seat support 3 is in a first rest position relative to the backrest portion 5, and when the backrest portion 5 is reclined backward from the upright position toward the reclined position, the seat support 3 moves upward and backward from the first rest position. The backrest portion 5 is shown in its upright position in Figure 1.

[0021] In the position shown in Figure 1, the back portion 5 is oriented substantially vertically and substantially upright relative to the seat support 3, whereby the seat support 3 is shown in its first rest position.

[0022] Chair 100 generally includes multiple rocking positions, some of which are shown in Figures 2-5, and back portion 5 is capable of reclining backward from an upright position to a reclined position in any of chair 100's rocking positions. Thus, combined rocking and reclining mechanism assembly 200 provides chair 100 with a rocking function that can occur separately from the reclining function of chair 100, but also allows the rocking function to occur simultaneously with the reclining function of chair 100 in a combined, uninterrupted, continuous motion that is comfortable and intuitive to a user of chair 100.

[0023] When a user is sitting in the chair 100, movement of the user's center of gravity generally controls the rocking movement of the seat support 3 and backrest portion 5, and application of a rearward force through the user's back controls the reclining movement of the backrest portion 5, so that no actuators need to be operated to provide the combined, uninterrupted, continuous movement of the chair 100 described above.

[0024] Arrow A1 in Figure 1 defines a forward direction of chair 100 as used herein and in the claims, and arrow A2 defines a rearward direction of chair 100 as used herein. These arrows A1 and A2 also define references to "forward" and "rearward" as used herein. Terms such as "forward," "rearward," "forwardly," "rearwardly," "frontmost / rearmost extreme," "front end / portion," and "rear end / portion" should be interpreted similarly with reference to arrows A1 and A2, where forward movement of any component described herein moves that component generally in the direction of arrow A1, and any front or front end of any component described herein is generally closer to arrow A1 or the front end of chair 100 than arrow A2.

[0025] Also, note that the movement of a given component's front or rear end / portion applies equally to the entire component as it applies to the component's front or rear end / portion, and is used herein only as a reference for the direction of movement (e.g., angular rotation or tilt) of the component. Thus, a component's front end / portion moving downward, or a component's rear end / portion moving upward, can be interpreted as a counterclockwise rotation of the entire component with reference to FIG. 1. Similarly, a component's front end / portion moving upward, or a component's rear end / portion moving downward, can be interpreted as a clockwise rotation of the entire component with reference to FIG. 1.

[0026] Figures 1-7 illustrate various positions of chair 100. Exemplary features or components that provide functionality of chair 100 are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 8-30.

[0027] Figure 2 shows chair 100 in a rocking forward position, and Figure 3 shows chair 100 in a rocking forward position superimposed on a "ghost image" of chair 100 in the default position of Figure 1. Moving chair 100 from the default position to the rocking forward position causes the front portion of seat support 3 to move downward and forward relative to its neutral position, as shown in Figure 3.

[0028] In one configuration, as shown in Figure 3, chair 100 moving from the default position to the forward rocking position moves the front portion of seat support 3 downward approximately 33 mm relative to its neutral position, as shown by displacement D1, and moves forward approximately 19 mm relative to its neutral position, as shown by displacement D2. The front portion of seat support 3 also tilts downward approximately 8 degrees relative to its neutral position, as shown by displacement A3 in Figure 3.

[0029] Figure 4 shows chair 100 in a rock-back position, and Figure 5 shows chair 100 in a rock-back position superimposed on a "ghost image" of chair 100 in the default position of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 5, chair 100 moving from the default position to the rock-back position moves the front portion of seat support 3 upward and rearward relative to its neutral position.

[0030] In one configuration, as shown in Figure 5, chair 100 moving from the default position to the rock-back position moves the front portion of seat support 3 upward about 17 mm relative to its neutral position, as shown by displacement D3, and moves backward about 10 mm relative to its neutral position, as shown by displacement D4. The front portion of seat support 3 also tilts upward about 4 degrees relative to its neutral position, as shown by displacement A5 in Figure 5.

[0031] 2-5 show that the backrest portion 5 moves with the seat support 3 to remain upright relative to the seat support 3, and thus the seat support 3 can simultaneously remain in its first rest position while moving to a forward or rearward swing position, or other swing positions therebetween. However, the backrest portion 5 does not necessarily move with the seat support 3, and can remain in an upright position relative to the transom 1 while the seat support 3 swings from its neutral position to the forward swing position. In that case, the seat support 3 does not remain in its first rest position when moving to the forward swing position, because the backrest portion 5 remains in an upright position relative to the transom 1, rather than in a substantially perpendicular, approximately perpendicular orientation relative to the seat support 3, as the backrest portion 5 moves to the forward swing position.

[0032] However, when the seat support 3 moves from the neutral position to the rearward swing position, the backrest portion 5 may not remain in an upright position relative to the transom 1. Instead, during the swinging movement of the seat support 3 from the neutral position to the rearward swing position, the backrest portion 5 may remain in a substantially vertical and substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the seat support 3, or may recline rearward beyond the substantially vertical and substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the seat support 3.

[0033] Figure 6 shows chair 100 in its most rearward reclined position, and Figure 7 shows chair 100 in its most rearward reclined position superimposed on a "ghost image" of chair 100 in the rocking-back position of Figure 4. As shown in Figure 7, chair 100 moving from the rocking-back position to its most rearward reclined position moves the front portion of seat support 3 upward, tilting the front portion of seat support 3 upward from the rocking-back position.

[0034] In one configuration, as shown in Figure 7, chair 100 moving from the rocking-back position to the rearmost reclined position moves the front portion of seat support 3 upward about 14 mm from the rocking-back position, as indicated by displacement D5, and tilts the front portion of seat support 3 upward about 0.5 degrees, as indicated by displacement A7. The front portion of backrest portion 5 tilts downward / backward about 12 degrees relative to the upright position of backrest portion 5 relative to seat support 3, as indicated by displacement A9 shown in Figure 7.

[0035] 6 and 7 show that the seat support 3 moves with the back portion 5 from its rearward swing position to its most rearwardly reclined position as the back portion 5 reclines rearward. However, the back portion 5 can recline rearward or move to its reclined position when the seat support 3 is in either the forward or rearward swing position, or any other swing position therebetween.

[0036] Thus, when the backrest 5 is in a generally perpendicular and generally upright orientation relative to the seat support 3, the front portion of the backrest 5 tilts downward / rearward by approximately 12 degrees, regardless of the position of the seat support 3. However, during use, a user's weight shift to recline the backrest 5 rearward occurs naturally as the seat support 3 first moves to its rearward swing-out position, and then as the backrest 5 moves to its reclined position, the user shifts their weight so that the seat support 3 continues to move from the rearward swing-out position to its rearward-most reclined position. Thus, the reclining action of the backrest 5 is a weight compensation action due to the upward movement of the user's center of gravity as the seat support 3 rises.

[0037] 8 shows the combined rocking and reclining assembly 200 in its assembled and default position. The combined rocking and reclining assembly 200 includes a transom 1, a seat support 3, and a backrest portion 5.

[0038] It should be noted that for illustrative purposes, the entire transom 1, seat support 3, and backrest portion 5 may not be shown in Figures 8-21C and 31-35.

[0039] 9, 10, and 11 respectively show the transom 1, seat support 3, and backrest portion 5 individually separated from the other components of the combined rocking and reclining assembly 200. The combined rocking and reclining assembly 200 also includes a biasing means 300 and an optional height adjustment lever 10, which is shown separated from the other components of the combined rocking and reclining assembly 200 in FIG.

[0040] Figure 13 shows an exploded view of combined rocking and reclining assembly 200 and how the various components therein are operatively coupled or engaged with one another. Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of combined rocking and reclining assembly 200 in an assembled state, concealing seat support 3. These Figures 10-14 are referenced throughout the following description of the function of combined rocking and reclining assembly 200.

[0041] 15 and 16A-16C show cross-sectional views of combined rocking and reclining mechanism assembly 200, showing forward and aft rocking mechanisms 400a, 400b. Forward rocking mechanism 400a includes a forward track 7 disposed on transom 1 and a forward engagement element 9 operably connected to seat support 3 and received within front track 7 for movement of forward engagement element 9 within forward track 7. Aft rocking element 400b includes a rearward track 11 disposed on transom 1 and aft engagement element 13 operably connected to seat back portion 5 and received within rearward track 11 for movement of aft engagement element 13 within rearward track 11.

[0042] 8-21C, and as described herein, the front and rear engagement elements 9, 13 are shown in the form of front and rear rollers 9, 13. These front and rear rollers 9, 13 may optionally be formed with any suitable bearings, such as, for example, ball bearings, needle roller bearings, or plain bearings.

[0043] The configurations of Figures 15 and 16A-16C show a forward rocking mechanism 400a including a pair of forward tracks and rollers 7, 9 spaced apart along the width of the transom 1 and mounted on the side walls of the transom 1. The aft rocking mechanism 400b is shown including a pair of aft tracks and rollers 11, 13 also spaced apart along the width of the transom 1 and mounted on the side walls of the transom 1. However, in alternative embodiments, the forward rocking mechanism 400a may include only a single forward track 7 and a single forward roller 9 mounted in either side wall of the transom 1 or in the central inner wall of the transom 1. Similarly, the aft rocking mechanism 400b may include only a single aft track 11 and a single aft roller 13 mounted in either side wall of the transom 1 or in the central inner wall of the transom 1. Alternatively, the forward and aft rocking mechanisms can each have three or more tracks and rollers.

[0044] 11 , the backrest portion 5 includes a rear axle member 15, and the rear roller 13 is rotatably mounted on the rear axle member 15. The rear axle member 15 defines a substantially horizontal lateral rear pivot axis 17 about which the seat support 3 and the backrest portion 5 can move relative to the transom 1 when they swing. The backrest portion 5 is mounted so as to be able to pivot about the transom 1.

[0045] Spaced apart back arms 5a are provided at or adjacent each end of the rear axle 15.

[0046] 10 , the seat support 3 includes a front axle member 19, and the front roller 9 is rotatably mounted on the front axle member 19. The front axle member 19 defines a substantially horizontal lateral front pivot axis 21 that is movable relative to the transom 1. The seat support 3 is mounted so as to be able to pivot around the transom 1.

[0047] In some configurations, the front and rear engagement elements 9, 13 may not include rollers, but instead may include shaft member liner components that are received by the front and rear tracks 7, 11. The shaft member liner elements are fixedly attached to the front and rear shaft members 19, 15 and may be self-lubricating to provide smooth translational and rotational movement of the front and rear engagement elements 9, 13, i.e., the rear shaft members 19, 15, within the front and rear tracks 7, 11.

[0048] Alternatively, the front and rear engagement elements 9, 13 may be integrally formed with the front and rear axle members 19, 15 such that the front and rear axle members 19, 15 have smooth surfaces that are received by the front and rear tracks 7, 11 for smooth translational and rotational movement of the front and rear axle members 19, 15 within the front and rear tracks 7, 11. The smooth surfaces of the front and rear members 19, 15 may be self-lubricating.

[0049] In some configurations, the front and rear tracks 7, 11 may also be provided with liner components along the inner peripheral edges of the front and rear tracks 7, 11 to contribute to the smooth translational and rotational movement of the front and rear engagement elements 9, 13 and the front and rear shaft members 19, 15, and the front and rear shaft members 19, 15 within the front and rear tracks 7, 11.

[0050] 10 , the seat support 3 includes a pair of spaced-apart, downwardly extending flanges 23 having openings 25 that align with openings 27 in spaced-apart flanges 29 of the seat back 5 when the combined rocking and reclining mechanism assembly 200 is in its assembled state. This allows a separate bolt, rivet, or any other suitable connecting component (not shown) to pass through the openings 25, 27 to define a substantially horizontal, lateral central pivot axis 31 that is movable relative to the transom 1. The connecting component (not shown) therefore allows the seat back 5 and the seat support 3 to be pivotally coupled to each other at the central pivot axis 31 without being physically connected to each other. The spaced-apart flanges 29 of the seat back 5 are shown extending from the rear axle member 15 in FIG. 11 .

[0051] Movement of the seat back portion 5 relative to the transom 1 is defined or constrained by the pivotal movement of the seat back portion 5 about both the rear and central pivot axes 17, 31 (i.e., rear pivot axis 17), along with the translational movement of the rear axle member 15 and rear roller 13 in the rear track 11. Similarly, movement of the seat support 3 relative to the transom 1 is defined or constrained by the pivotal movement of the seat support 3 about both the front and central pivot axes 21, 31, along with the translational movement of the front axle member 19 and front roller 9 (i.e., front pivot axis 21). Thus, a change in the position of either the seat support 3 or the seat back portion 5 changes the position of the central pivot axis 31 relative to the transom 1, which causes a corresponding change in the position of the other of the seat support 3 or the seat back portion 5.

[0052] This is shown in Figures 16A to 16C, where the change in position of the front and rear roller and shaft members 9, 13, 15, 19 is shown for a forward swing position, a rear swing position and a neutral position.

[0053] In Figure 16A, both the seat support 3 and backrest portion 5 are in a neutral position relative to the transom 1, and therefore the front and rear roller and axle members 9,13,15,19 are relatively centrally located within the front and rear tracks 7,11.

[0054] FIG. 16B shows both the seat support 3 and back portion 5 in a forward swing position with the front and rear roller and axle members 9,13,15,19 located at the forwardmost ends of the front and rear tracks 7,11.

[0055] Finally, Figure 16C shows both the seat support 3 and back portion 5 in a rearwardly pivoted position with the rear roller and axle members 13, 19 positioned at the rearmost end of the rear track 11 and the front roller and axle members 9, 15 positioned proximate the rearmost end of the front track 7, rearward of the neutral position shown in Figure 17.

[0056] 9, 15, and 16A-16C also show stops 33 located at the forward-most end of front track 7 and the rearmost end of rear track 11 to prevent a user from experiencing a hard or sudden jolt when moving chair 100 to either the forward-most or rearmost rocking positions.

[0057] The stop may comprise an elastomeric material, such as, for example, natural or synthetic rubber.

[0058] To assist in demonstrating a smooth and comfortable rocking action, the biasing means 300 comprises at least one first biasing means fixed to the transom 1 and configured to exert a first biasing force that biases the seat support 3 and the backrest portion 5 back to their neutral position of FIG. 16A.

[0059] The at least one first biasing means is shown in Figures 12-14 and in the form shown comprises a pair of oscillating springs 35. Alternatively, it may be a single oscillating spring 35. The oscillating spring 35 comprises a single homogenous piece of any suitable elastomeric or resilient material having a front portion 37 and a rear portion 39.

[0060] A rear portion 39 of the rocker spring 35 wraps around or is received on the rear axle member 15 of the backrest portion 5, and a front portion 37 of the rocker spring wraps around or is received on a forward projection 41 extending from the spaced flanges 29 of the backrest portion 5. A central portion 43 of the rocker spring 35 is fixedly attached to a spring post 45 that extends upwardly from the underside of the transom 1, as shown in Figures 9, 13 and 14. Generally, the forward projection 41 of the backrest portion 5 is located forward of the spring post 45 of the transom 1.

[0061] This is best shown in FIG. 17, where chair 100 is in its default position, such that seat support 3 and back portion 5 are in a neutral position relative to transom 1. In this state, rocking spring 35 does not exert a first biasing force because neither front portion 37 nor rear portion 39 of spring 35 have been extended from their resting state. Instead, rocking spring(s) 35 may only exert a preload biasing force that maintains the neutral position of seat support 3 and back portion 5 relative to transom 1.

[0062] However, when the chair 100 is rocked forward from its initial position, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 , the front portion 37 of the rocking spring 35 expands or lengthens forward as the forward projection 41 moves forward relative to the transom 1, while the rear portion 39 of the rocking spring 35 relaxes. The forward extension of the front portion 37 naturally creates an equal and opposite reaction force, creating a rearward first biasing force that urges the back portion 5, i.e., the seat support 3, rearward and back to the neutral position.

[0063] When the chair 100 is swung rearward from the initial setting position, such as toward the rearward swing position shown in FIG. 19, the opposite occurs. The rear portion 39 of the swing spring 35 expands or stretches rearward as the rear pivot member 15 moves rearward relative to the transom 1, while the front portion 37 of the swing spring 35 relaxes. The rearward expansion of the rear portion 39 naturally creates an equal and opposite reaction force, creating a forward first biasing force that urges the back portion 5, i.e., the seat support 3, forward and back toward the neutral position.

[0064] Therefore, the rocking motion of chair 100 requires the user to overcome this first biasing force, thereby providing an intuitive and comfortable rocking motion to the user.

[0065] 20 shows the combination rocking and reclining mechanism 200 when the chair 100 is in its rearmost reclined position. When in the rocking rear position, the rear pivot member 15 is already at the rearmost end of the rear track 11, so that when the chair 100 moves from the rocking rear position to its rearmost reclined position, the rear portion 39 of the rocking spring 35 does not extend any further as the chair 100 moves rearward. Therefore, if the rocking positions of the seat support 3 and back portion 5 do not change, the rocking spring 35 is generally unaffected by the reclining of the back portion 5.

[0066] In some embodiments, the rocking spring 35 may have front and rear portions that do not wrap around or receive the forward projection 41 or the rear axle member 15, but instead may simply be coupled to the forward projection 41 or the rear axle member 15 by any suitable fastening device. Furthermore, the front and rear portions may not be connected to the forward projection 41 or the rear axle member 15, but may instead be connected to any other suitable portion of the seat back 5 at or near a location substantially at the same position as the forward projection 41 or the rear axle member 15.

[0067] Thus, the at least one first biasing means is intended to assist in providing a smooth and comfortable rocking motion as described above, rather than acting against the reclining motion of the chair 100.

[0068] Alternatively, to assist in a smooth and comfortable reclining movement, the biasing means 300 comprises at least one second biasing means configured to apply a second biasing force between the backrest portion 5 and the seat support 3 to resist change in the angular position of the backrest portion 5 relative to the angular position of the seat support 3. This biases the backrest portion 5 towards an upright position relative to the seat support 3, thereby biasing the seat support 3 towards its first rest position.

[0069] The at least one second biasing means is shown in Figures 12-14 and comprises a pair of torsion springs 47. Alternatively, there may be one torsion spring 47 or three or more torsion springs 47. The torsion spring 47 consists essentially of a single uniform winding of any suitable spring material, such as spring steel, having a forwardly extending arm 49 and a rearwardly extending arm 51.

[0070] The forwardly extending arm 49 contacts and engages a downwardly extending projection 53 on the seat support 3. The rearwardly extending arm 51 contacts and engages a pair of inwardly extending flanges 55 on the backrest portion 5. The torsion spring 47 is fixedly attached to the backrest portion 5, and an interior space 47a, shown in FIG. 13, is formed by the windings of the torsion spring 47 and receives a pair of inwardly extending projections 57. The projections 57 extend inwardly from the spaced flanges 29 on the backrest portion 5 at a location between the forward projection 41 and the central pivot axis 31.

[0071] This is best shown in Figure 21A, where the chair 100 is in a pivoted-back position with the back portion 5 in an upright orientation relative to the seat support 3. In this state, the torsion spring 47 does not exert a second biasing force because neither the forwardly or rearwardly extending arms 49, 51 have been bent from their resting state in which they are substantially aligned along a horizontal axis relative to the torsion spring 47. Instead, the torsion spring 47 can only exert a preload biasing force that maintains the back portion 5 in an upright position relative to the seat support 3, i.e., maintaining the seat support 3 in its first resting position.

[0072] However, when the back portion 5 is reclined, for example, when the chair 100 is moved from a rearwardly rocking position to a rearwardly reclined position as shown in FIG. 21B, the front end of the forwardly extending arm 49 bends downward, and the rear end of the rearwardly extending arm 51 bends downward as the angular position of the back portion 5 changes relative to the angular position of the seat support 3. This bending causes an opposing action on the torsion spring 47, which generates a second biasing force that acts to return the forwardly and rearwardly extending arms 49, 51 to their resting state, i.e., to reverse the change in the angular position of the back portion 5 relative to the angular position of the seat support 3.

[0073] A soft stop (not shown) may be provided between an upper surface of the inwardly extending flange 55 of the back portion 5 and an underside of the stop plate 56 of the seat support 3. The soft stop is configured to limit movement of the back portion relative to the seat support 3. In particular, when the seat support 3 is in a first rest position, the angular position of the seat support 3 and the back portion 5 cannot be adjusted to tilt the front portion of the back portion 5 downward relative to the seat support 3 beyond its upright position and tilt the front portion of the seat support 3 upward beyond its first rest position, because this would impinge on an occupant of the chair 100. The soft stop may be made of any suitable elastomeric or resilient material, such as natural or synthetic rubber.

[0074] Any reclining action of the back portion 5 therefore requires the user to overcome this second biasing force in addition to the preload biasing force, thereby providing an intuitive and comfortable reclining action for the user.

[0075] 21C shows the chair 100 in a forwardly pivoted position. Because the backrest 5 is upright relative to the seat support 3, i.e., the backrest 5 is not reclined in this position, the forwardly and rearwardly extending arms 49, 51 are not bent and remain stationary. Therefore, no second biasing force is generated by the torsion spring 47. Therefore, the torsion spring 47 is not affected by the pivoting of the seat support 3 as long as the angular position of the backrest 5 relative to the angular position of the seat support 3 remains the same, i.e., the backrest 5 is not tilted from the upright position relative to the seat support, i.e., the forwardly and rearwardly extending arms 49 remain stationary.

[0076] Thus, the at least one second biasing means is not intended to act against the rocking motion of the chair 100, but rather is primarily intended to assist in providing a smooth and comfortable reclining motion as described above.

[0077] Next, the shape of the front and rear tracks 7, 11, the change in position of the rear, front and central pivot shafts 17, 21, 31 during rocking and reclining operations, and the subsequent virtual rocking path 63 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0078] 22 shows the front truck 7 and the rear truck 11. The front end of the front truck 7 is located forward and below the rear end of the front truck 7. The front end of the rear truck 11 is located forward and above the rear end of the rear truck 11.

[0079] In the illustrated form, the front track has a curved path and the rear track 11 has a substantially straight path.

[0080] The curved shape of the front track 7 can take any suitable form. However, the rear portion 59 of the front track 7 generally has a smaller radius of curvature than the front portion 61 of the front track 7, such that the curved path of the front track 7 increases in slope from the front portion 61 to the rear portion 59.

[0081] This means that movement of the front roller 9 in the front track 7 from the leading edge of the rear portion 59 to the trailing edge of the front track 7, i.e. movement of the seat support 3 from the rear swing position to the rear, requires more energy or force from the user than movement of the seat support 3 between the forward and rear swing positions or between those of any other swing position.

[0082] 22, the path length M1 of the rear track 11 is about 22 mm. The radius of curvature R1 of the front portion 61 of the front track 7 is about 38 mm, and the radius of curvature R2 of the rear portion 59 of the front track 7 is about 33 mm.

[0083] These radii of curvature and lengths, in combination with the location of the central pivot axis 31, together define the magnitude of translation and tilt angle of the seat support 3 and backrest portion 5 during rocking and reclining movements.

[0084] For example, Figure 23 shows a "ghost image" of the rear, front and central pivot axes 17, 21, 31 when the chair 100 is in a neutral position, i.e., when the rear, front and central pivot axes 17, 21, 31 are in their neutral positions, superimposed with the positions of the rear, front and central pivot axes 17, 21, 31 when the chair 100 is in a forward swing position.

[0085] In this forward swing position, the front pivot shaft 21 is located at the front end of the front track 7, and the assembly 200, which combines swing and reclining mechanisms, moves the front pivot shaft 21 forward and downward relative to the neutral position and the central pivot shaft 31 forward and upward relative to the neutral position when the seat support 3 moves from the neutral position to the forward swing position, thereby moving the front portion of the seat support 3 forward and downward relative to the transom 1.

[0086] Therefore, when the seat support 3 moves from the neutral position to the forward swing position, the position of the central pivot shaft 31 changes, the rear roller 13 moves to the front end of the rear track 11, and the rear pivot shaft 17 moves forward and upward relative to the neutral position, thereby moving the seat support 3 and the rear portion of the backrest portion 5 forward and upward relative to the transom 1.

[0087] In one configuration shown in FIG. 23, when the seat support 3 moves from the neutral position to the forward swing position, the front pivot shaft 21 moves approximately 6 mm downward and approximately 11 mm forward relative to the neutral position, as shown by displacements D6 and D7, respectively; the central pivot shaft 31 moves approximately 15 mm forward and approximately 2 mm upward relative to the neutral position, as shown by displacements D8 and D9, respectively; and the rear pivot shaft 17 moves approximately 12 mm forward and approximately 11 mm upward relative to the neutral position, as shown by displacements D10 and D11, respectively.

[0088] As described above in connection with FIG. 3, when the seat support 3 moves from the neutral position to the forward swing position, the front portion of the seat support 3 tilts downward approximately 8 degrees relative to the neutral position, as shown by displacement A3 in FIG.

[0089] Finally, when the backrest portion 5 moves from the neutral position to the forward swing position, the rear pivot shaft 17 moves approximately 12 mm forward and approximately 11 mm upward relative to the neutral position, as shown by displacements D10 and D11 in FIG. 23, respectively.

[0090] FIG. 24 shows a "ghost image" of the rear, front, and center pivot axes 17, 21, 31 when the chair 100 is in its default position, i.e., when the rear, front, and center pivot axes 17, 21, 31 are in their neutral positions, superimposed with the positions of the rear, front, and center pivot axes 17, 21, 31 when the chair 100 is in the rear swing position.

[0091] In this rearward swing position, the front pivot shaft 21 is located rearward from the neutral position of the front track 7, i.e., rearward of the front end of the front track 7, and the assembly 200, which combines swing and reclining mechanisms, moves the front pivot shaft 21 rearward and upward relative to the neutral position and the central pivot shaft 31 rearward and upward relative to the neutral position when the seat support 3 moves from the neutral position to the rearward swing position, thereby causing the seat support 3 to move rearward and upward relative to the transom 1.

[0092] Therefore, when the seat support 3 moves from the neutral position to the rearward swinging position, the position of the central pivot shaft 31 changes, the rear roller 13 moves to the rearmost end of the rear track 11, and the rear pivot shaft 17 moves rearward and downward relative to the neutral position, thereby causing the rear portion of the seat support 3 and the backrest portion 5 to move rearward and downward relative to the transom 1.

[0093] In one configuration shown in FIG. 24, when the seat support 3 moves from the neutral position to the rearward swing position, the front pivot shaft 21 moves approximately 4 mm upward and approximately 5 mm rearward relative to the neutral position, as shown by displacements D12 and D13, respectively; the central pivot shaft 31 moves approximately 6 mm rearward and approximately 1 mm upward relative to the neutral position, as shown by displacements D14 and D15, respectively; and the rear pivot shaft 17 moves approximately 4 mm rearward and approximately 4 mm downward, as shown by displacements D16 and D17, respectively.

[0094] As described above in connection with FIG. 5, when the seat support 3 moves from the neutral position to the rearward swing position, the front portion of the seat support 3 tilts upwardly by approximately 4 degrees relative to the neutral position, as shown by displacement A5 in FIG.

[0095] Finally, when the backrest portion 5 moves from the neutral position to the rearmost swing position, the rear pivot shaft 17 moves approximately 4 mm rearward and approximately 4 mm downward relative to the neutral position, as shown by displacements D16 and D17 in FIG. 24, respectively.

[0096] FIG. 25 shows a "ghost image" of chair 100, i.e., rear, front and central pivot axes 17, 21, 31, when chair 100 is in the rear rocking position, superimposed with the positions of rear, front and central pivot axes 17, 21, 31 when chair 100 is in its most rearward reclined position.

[0097] In one configuration shown in FIG. 25, when the seat support 3 is in the rearward swing position, moving from an upright position to a reclined position relative to the seat support 3 causes the backrest portion 5 to move approximately 13 mm upward and approximately 8 mm backward, as indicated by displacements D18 and D19, respectively, with the front pivot shaft 21 moving approximately 13 mm upward and approximately 8 mm backward relative to the rearward swing position, as indicated by displacements D20 and D21, respectively.

[0098] The combined rocking and reclining mechanism assembly 200 is configured such that when the seat support 3 and backrest portion 5 are in the rock-back position, as the backrest portion 5 moves from an upright position relative to the seat support 3 to a reclined position, it tilts upward by approximately 0.5 degrees relative to the rock-back position, as shown by displacement A7 described above with reference to FIG. 7.

[0099] FIG. 26 shows a "ghost image" of the rear, front and central pivot axes 17, 21, 31 when the chair 100 is in its initial state, i.e., when the rear, front and central pivot axes 17, 21, 31 are in their neutral positions, superimposed on the positions of the rear, front and central pivot axes 17, 21, 31 when the back portion 5 is moved to a reclined position.

[0100] In one configuration shown in Figure 26, when the seat support 3 is in the first rest position and the back portion 5 is moved to the reclined position, the front pivot axis 21 moves approximately 9 mm upward and approximately 9 mm rearward relative to the first rest position, as shown by displacements D22 and D23, and the central pivot axis 31 moves approximately 7 mm rearward and approximately 13 mm upward relative to the first rest position, as shown by displacements D24 and D25, although the position of the rear pivot axis 17 remains the same as shown in Figure 26.

[0101] FIG. 27 shows a "ghost image" of the chair 100, i.e., the rear, front and central pivot axes 17, 21, 31, when the chair is in a forward swing position, superimposed on the positions of the rear, front and central pivot axes 17, 21, 31 when the back portion 5 is moved to a reclined position.

[0102] In one configuration shown in Figure 27, when the seat support 3 is in the forward rocking position, as the backrest portion 5 moves to the reclined position, the front pivot shaft 21 moves approximately 6 mm upward and approximately 11 mm rearward relative to the forward rocking position, as shown by displacements D26 and D27, and the central pivot shaft 31 moves approximately 5 mm rearward and approximately 14 mm upward relative to the forward rocking position, as shown by displacements D28 and D29, although the position of the rear pivot shaft 17 remains the same as shown in Figure 27.

[0103] In general, the combined rocking and reclining assembly 200 is configured such that when the backrest portion 5 is moved to a reclined position, the position of the central pivot shaft 31 changes and the seat support 3 moves rearward and upward relative to its first rest position, such that the front pivot shaft 21 moves rearward and upward and the front roller 9 moves toward the rearmost end of the front track 7.

[0104] Thus, as the backrest portion 5 moves from the upright position to the reclined position relative to the seat support 3, as shown by displacements A11, A13, and A15 shown in Figures 25-27, and as shown by displacement A9 described above in connection with Figure 7, the front portion of the backrest portion 5 tilts upwardly by approximately 12 degrees relative to the upright position, regardless of the position of the seat support 3.

[0105] Thus, as the backrest portion 5 moves from the upright position to the reclined position relative to the seat support 3, the front pivot shaft 21 moves rearward by approximately 8 mm to approximately 11 mm and upward by approximately 6 mm to approximately 13 mm relative to the first rest position, neutral position, rocker forward position, rocker rearward position, or any other rocker position, and the central pivot shaft 31 moves rearward by approximately 5 mm to approximately 8 mm and upward by approximately 12 mm to approximately 14 mm relative to the first rest position, neutral position, rocker forward position, rocker rearward position, or any other rocker position. Thus, these movements reflect the change in the positions of the front and central pivot shafts 21, 31 when the backrest portion 5 moves to the reclined position, regardless of the initial positions of the front and central pivot shafts 21, 31.

[0106] In various exemplary configurations, the front pivot axis 21 can move rearward at least about 8 mm, at least about 9 mm, at least about 10 mm, or at least about 11 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the front pivot axis 21 can move rearward up to about 11 mm, up to about 10 mm, or up to about 9 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the front pivot axis 21 can move rearward about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, or about 11 mm, or move rearward between any two of these distances.

[0107] In various exemplary configurations, the front pivot axis 21 can move upward at least about 6 mm, at least about 7 mm, at least about 8 mm, or at least about 9 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the front pivot axis 21 can move upward up to about 13 mm, up to about 12 mm, up to about 11 mm, up to about 10 mm, up to about 9 mm, up to about 8 mm, up to about 7 mm, or up to about 6 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the front pivot axis 21 can move upward about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, or about 13 mm, or move upward between any two of those distances.

[0108] In various exemplary configurations, the central pivot axis 31 can move rearward at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, or at least about 7 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the central pivot axis 31 can move rearward up to about 8 mm, up to about 7 mm, up to about 6 mm, or up to about 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the central pivot axis 31 can move rearward about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, or about 8 mm, or move rearward between any two of those distances.

[0109] In various exemplary configurations, the central pivot axis 31 can move upward at least about 12 mm, at least about 12.5 mm, at least about 13 mm, at least about 13.5 mm, or at least about 14 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the central pivot axis 31 can move upward by up to about 14 mm, up to about 13.5 mm, or up to about 13 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the central pivot axis 31 can move upward by about 12 mm, about 12.5 mm, about 13 mm, about 13.5 mm, or about 14 mm, or any two of those distances.

[0110] As noted above, the radii of curvature and lengths M1, R1, R2 of the front and rear tracks 7, 11 combined with the location of the central pivot axis 31 together define the magnitude of translation and tilt angle of the seat support 3 and backrest portion 5 during rocking and reclining movements.

[0111] 28-30 show how these features of the combined swing and recline assembly 200 combine to create a virtual swing path 63 of the seat support 3 and backrest portion 5 relative to the transom 1.

[0112] 28, the chair 100 is in its default position, i.e., the seat support 3 and backrest 5 are in their neutral positions. The imaginary rocking path 63 is shown having a curved shape, and the lowest point 65 of the path corresponds to the seat support 3 and backrest 5 being in the neutral position, as indicated by the imaginary intersection 67 of the seat support 3 and backrest 5 along the imaginary rocking path 63.

[0113] The imaginary swing path 63 also has a rear portion 69 located behind the lowest point 65 and a front portion 71 located in front of the lowest point 65 .

[0114] In FIG. 29, the chair 100 is in its forward most swing position, so that the forward most end of the imaginary swing path 63 is reached by the imaginary intersection 67 of the seat support 3 and the backrest portion 5 .

[0115] In FIG. 30, the chair 100 is in the rearmost swing position, so that the rearmost end of the imaginary swing path 63 is reached by the imaginary intersection 67 of the seat support 3 and the backrest 5 .

[0116] The front end 73 of the front portion 71 of the virtual rocking path 63 has a larger radius of curvature than the rear end 75 of the front portion 71 of the virtual rocking path 63. Alternatively, the front end 73 of the front portion 71 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the rear end 75 of the front portion 71, or the front end 73 and the rear end 75 of the front portion 71 may have a constant radius of curvature. The virtual rocking path 63 increases in slope from the lowest point 65 to the front-most end or leading edge of the virtual rocking path 63 due to the upward curvature of the virtual rocking path.

[0117] Additionally, the aft end 77 of the aft portion 69 of the imaginary rocking path 63 has a smaller radius of curvature than the forward end 79 of the aft portion 69 of the imaginary rocking path 63. Alternatively, the aft end 77 of the aft portion 69 may have a larger radius than the forward end 79 of the aft portion 69, or the aft end 77 and the forward end 79 of the aft portion 69 may have a constant radius of curvature. The imaginary rocking path 63 increases in slope from the nadir 65 to the aft end or rearmost edge of the imaginary rocking path 63 because the imaginary rocking path curves upward.

[0118] Thus, moving the chair 100 to a forward or rearward rocking position requires, in addition to the energy required to overcome the first biasing force of the at least one first biasing means, an increasing energy input by the user due to the increasing slope of the rocking path 63 as the chair 100 moves towards either the forward rocking position or the rearward rocking position.

[0119] In some embodiments, the path, radius, and / or length of the front and rear tracks 7, 11, and / or the location of the central pivot axis 31 can be changed to change the virtual rocking path 63 and provide different increasing, decreasing, or constant resistance as the chair 100 rocks from the rear rocking position to the forward rocking position and / or vice versa.

[0120] 31 shows the underside of the seat 81. The seat 81 may be fixedly attached to the seat support 3, may be integrally formed with the seat support 3, or may be movably attached to the seat support 3.

[0121] A seat cushion or other flexible surface or structure may be fixedly attached to the upper side (not shown) of seat 81 .

[0122] In some embodiments, the seat 81 is slidably mounted to the seat support 3. The seat 81 includes a slide channel 83 that receives and slides along a pair of slide flanges 85 of the seat support 3, FIG. 10 . Provided along the length of at least one of the pair of slide flanges 85 are a plurality of slide openings 87. A seat depth actuator 89, shown in FIG. 32 , is operably connected to the underside of the seat 81 and passes through a portion of one of the slide channels 83 and protrudes into one of the plurality of slide openings 87. The seat depth actuator 89 is biased to engage with one of the plurality of slide openings 87 to lock the translational sliding position of the seat 81 relative to the seat support 3. When pressed down by a user of the chair 100, the seat depth actuator 89 disengages from one of the plurality of slide openings 87, thereby allowing the seat 81 to translate relative to the seat support 3.

[0123] In some embodiments, multiple openings may instead be provided along the length of the underside of the seat 81, or along the length of the flange, or along the length of a flange extending from the underside of the seat 81 that is received by a sliding channel that is instead provided along the length of the seat support 3. Thus, the operating principles of the seat depth actuator 89 apply equally to permitting or inhibiting translational sliding of the seat 81 relative to the seat support 3, except that the positions of the openings, flanges, and sliding channels are interchanged.

[0124] In some embodiments, the transom 1 is provided with a recess 91, as shown in Figures 9 and 33, to receive a height-adjustable post 92, as shown in Figure 1. The post 92 can accommodate any suitable pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical telescoping device known in the art of height-adjustable chairs.

[0125] Height adjustment lever 10 is pivotally connected to a seat height pivot 93 that extends upward from the underside of transom 1. A lower end 95 of height adjustment lever 10 is pulled by a cable (not shown) that is anchored to transom 1. This causes an upper end 97 of height adjustment lever 10 to pivot downward and depress a button (not shown), allowing adjustment of height-adjustable post 92.

[0126] 34 is operatively connected to the underside of the seat 81 and engages a cable (not shown) to tension or release the cable, and thus allow or prevent adjustment of the height-adjustable post 91. The seat height actuator 99 is biased to a release position such that the user of the chair 100 must press down on it to tension the cable, thereby allowing adjustment of the height-adjustable post 91, and thus the height above the ground of the transom 1, seat support 3, and backrest portion 5.

[0127] 35 shows the underside of seat 81, which has both a seat depth actuator 89 and a height actuator 99. These actuators 89, 99 are located below and adjacent the periphery of seat 81, allowing for easy and intuitive adjustment of seat depth or height by a user of chair 100 in embodiments of chair 100 where these features are provided.

[0128] The combined rocking and reclining mechanism assembly 200 is particularly suited for use in pedestal-type height-adjustable bases and / or swivel bases that allow rotation of the mechanism assembly 200 about a vertical axis, such as task or office chairs. The features described herein may also be used in other suitable seating applications, including, but not limited to, dining chairs, multipurpose chairs, cafeteria chairs, restaurant chairs, breakout space chairs, and meeting environment chairs.

[0129] The preferred embodiment of the invention has been described by way of example only and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0130] For example, the specific values ​​of displacements D1-D29 and A3-A15 described herein with reference to movement of components of chair 100 represent only one exemplary configuration of chair 100. The specific values ​​of the displacements are determined in part by the magnitude of the tilt angle of the front portion of seat support 3 in the rocking forward and rocking backward positions. Accordingly, these specific values ​​may vary in other exemplary configurations of chair 100 in which the magnitude of the tilt angle of the front portion of seat support 3 in the rocking forward and / or rocking backward positions differs from those described herein and claimed. This applies equally to the radii of curvature and lengths R1, R2, M1 described for the front and rear tracks 7, 11.

[0131] For example, Table 1 below sets out exemplary ranges of possible values ​​for each of the displacements, radii, and lengths D1-D29, A3-A15, R1, R2, and M1 when the tilt angle of the front portion of the seat support 3 in the fore-aft rocking position increases or decreases by 2 degrees.

[0132] The "lower limit" value indicates the value when the tilt angle of the front portion of the seat support 3 in the forward swing position and the rearward swing position is reduced by 2 degrees. The "upper limit" value indicates the value when the tilt angle of the front portion of the seat support 3 in the forward swing position and the rearward swing position is increased by 2 degrees. The "initial setting" value indicates the value when the tilt angle of the front portion of the seat support 3 in the forward swing position and the rearward swing position is as described above in this specification and claims.

[0133] Any value within these ranges is contemplated, and indeed various values ​​outside these ranges are contemplated for various configurations of the chair.

[0134] [Table 1]

[0135] In various exemplary configurations, displacement D1 can be at least about 28 mm, at least about 29 mm, at least about 30 mm, at least about 31 mm, at least about 32 mm, or at least about 33 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D1 can be up to about 47 mm, up to about 46 mm, up to about 45 mm, up to about 44 mm, up to about 43 mm, up to about 42 mm, up to about 41 mm, up to about 40 mm, up to about 39 mm, up to about 38 mm, up to about 37 mm, up to about 36 mm, up to about 35 mm, up to about 34 mm, or up to about 33 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D1 can be about 28 mm, about 29 mm, about 30 mm, about 31 mm, about 32 mm, about 33 mm, about 34 mm, about 35 mm, about 36 mm, about 37 mm, about 38 mm, about 39 mm, about 40 mm, about 41 mm, about 42 mm, about 43 mm, about 44 mm, about 45 mm, about 46 mm, about 47 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0136] In various exemplary configurations, displacement D2 can be at least about 15 mm, at least about 16 mm, at least about 17 mm, at least about 18 mm, or at least about 19 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D2 can be up to about 24 mm, up to about 23 mm, up to about 22 mm, up to about 21 mm, up to about 20 mm, or up to about 19 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D2 can be about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0137] In various exemplary configurations, displacement D3 can be at least about 10 mm, at least about 11 mm, at least about 12 mm, at least about 13 mm, at least about 14 mm, at least about 15 mm, at least about 16 mm, or at least about 17 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D3 can be up to about 20 mm, up to about 19 mm, up to about 18 mm, or up to about 17 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D3 can be about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0138] In various exemplary configurations, displacement D4 can be at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, at least about 7 mm, at least about 8 mm, at least about 9 mm, or at least about 10 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D4 can be up to about 12 mm, up to about 11 mm, or up to about 10 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D4 can be about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0139] In various exemplary configurations, the displacement D5 can be at least about 4 mm, at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, at least about 7 mm, at least about 8 mm, at least about 9 mm, at least about 10 mm, at least about 11 mm, at least about 12 mm, at least about 13 mm, or at least about 14 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D5 can be up to about 30 mm, up to about 29 mm, up to about 28 mm, up to about 27 mm, up to about 26 mm, up to about 25 mm, up to about 24 mm, up to about 23 mm, up to about 22 mm, up to about 21 mm, up to about 20 mm, up to about 19 mm, up to about 18 mm, up to about 17 mm, up to about 16 mm, up to about 15 mm, or up to about 14 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D5 can be about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, about 25 mm, about 26 mm, about 27 mm, about 28 mm, about 29 mm, about 30 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0140] In various exemplary configurations, displacement D6 can be at least about 4 mm, at least about 4.5 mm, at least about 5 mm, at least about 5.5 mm, or at least about 6 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D6 can be up to about 8 mm, up to about 7.5 mm, up to about 7 mm, up to about 6.5 mm, or up to about 6 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D6 can be about 4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 6 mm, about 6.5 mm, about 7 mm, about 7.5 mm, about 8 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0141] In various exemplary configurations, displacement D7 can be at least about 8 mm, at least about 9 mm, at least about 10 mm, or at least about 11 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D7 can be up to about 15 mm, up to about 14 mm, up to about 13 mm, up to about 12 mm, or up to about 11 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D7 can be about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0142] In various exemplary configurations, displacement D8 can be at least about 10 mm, at least about 11 mm, at least about 12 mm, at least about 13 mm, at least about 14 mm, or at least about 15 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D8 can be up to about 18 mm, up to about 17 mm, up to about 16 mm, or up to about 15 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D8 can be about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0143] In various exemplary configurations, displacement D9 can be at least about 1 mm, at least about 1.2 mm, at least about 1.4 mm, at least about 1.6 mm, at least about 1.8 mm, or at least about 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D9 can be up to about 4 mm, up to about 3.8 mm, up to about 3.6 mm, up to about 3.4 mm, up to about 3.2 mm, up to about 3 mm, up to about 2.8 mm, up to about 2.6 mm, up to about 2.4 mm, up to about 2.2 mm, or up to about 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D9 can be about 1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 1.6 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.2 mm, about 2.4 mm, about 2.6 mm, about 2.8 mm, about 3 mm, about 3.2 mm, about 3.4 mm, about 3.6 mm, about 3.8 mm, about 4 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0144] In various exemplary configurations, displacement D10 can be at least about 8 mm, at least about 9 mm, at least about 10 mm, at least about 11 mm, or at least about 12 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D10 can be up to about 15 mm, up to about 14 mm, up to about 13 mm, or up to about 12 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D10 can be about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0145] In various exemplary configurations, displacement D11 can be at least about 7 mm, at least about 9 mm, at least about 10 mm, or at least about 11 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D11 can be up to about 14 mm, up to about 13 mm, up to about 12 mm, or up to about 11 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D11 can be about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0146] In various exemplary configurations, the displacement D12 can be at least about 3 mm, at least about 3.1 mm, at least about 3.2 mm, at least about 3.3 mm, at least about 3.4 mm, at least about 3.5 mm, at least about 3.6 mm, at least about 3.7 mm, at least about 3.8 mm, at least about 3.9 mm, or at least about 4 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D12 can be up to about 5 mm, up to about 4.9 mm, up to about 4.8 mm, up to about 4.7 mm, up to about 4.6 mm, up to about 4.5 mm, up to about 4.4 mm, up to about 4.3 mm, up to about 4.2 mm, up to about 4.1 mm, or up to about 4 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D12 can be about 3 mm, about 3.1 mm, about 3.2 mm, about 3.3 mm, about 3.4 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 3.6 mm, about 3.7 mm, about 3.8 mm, about 3.9 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.1 mm, about 4.2 mm, about 4.3 mm, about 4.4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 4.6 mm, about 4.7 mm, about 4.8 mm, about 4.9 mm, about 5 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0147] In various exemplary configurations, the displacement D13 can be at least about 4 mm, at least about 4.1 mm, at least about 4.2 mm, at least about 4.3 mm, at least about 4 mm, at least about 4.5 mm, at least about 4.6 mm, at least about 4.7 mm, at least about 4.8 mm, at least about 4.9 mm, or at least about 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D13 can be up to about 6 mm, up to about 5.9 mm, up to about 5.8 mm, up to about 5.7 mm, up to about 5.6 mm, up to about 5.5 mm, up to about 5.4 mm, up to about 5.3 mm, up to about 5.2 mm, up to about 5.1 mm, or up to about 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D13 can be about 4 mm, about 4.1 mm, about 4.2 mm, about 4.3 mm, about 4.4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 4.6 mm, about 4.7 mm, about 4.8 mm, about 4.9 mm, about 5 mm, about 5.1 mm, about 5.2 mm, about 5.3 mm, about 5.4 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 5.6 mm, about 5.7 mm, about 5.8 mm, about 5.9 mm, about 6 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0148] In various exemplary configurations, displacement D14 can be at least about 3 mm, at least about 4 mm, at least about 5 mm, or at least about 6 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D14 can be up to about 9 mm, up to about 8 mm, up to about 7 mm, or up to about 6 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D14 can be about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0149] In various exemplary configurations, the displacement D15 can be at least about 0 mm, at least about 0.2 mm, at least about 0.4 mm, at least about 0.6 mm, at least about 0.8 mm, or at least about 1 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D15 can be at most about 3 mm, at most about 2.8 mm, at most about 2.6 mm, at most about 2.4 mm, at most about 2.2 mm, at most about 2 mm, at most about 1.8 mm, at most about 1.6 mm, at most about 1.4 mm, at most about 1.2 mm, or at most about 1 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D15 can be about 0 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 1.6 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.2 mm, about 2.4 mm, about 2.6 mm, about 2.8 mm, about 3 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0150] In various exemplary configurations, displacement D16 can be at least about 3 mm, at least about 3.1 mm, at least about 3.2 mm, at least about 3.3 mm, at least about 3.4 mm, at least about 3.5 mm, at least about 3.6 mm, at least about 3.7 mm, at least about 3.8 mm, at least about 3.9 mm, or at least about 4 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D16 can be up to about 5 mm, up to about 4.9 mm, up to about 4.8 mm, up to about 4.7 mm, up to about 4.6 mm, up to about 4.5 mm, up to about 4.4 mm, up to about 4.3 mm, up to about 4.2 mm, up to about 4.1 mm, or up to about 4 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D16 can be about 3 mm, about 3.1 mm, about 3.2 mm, about 3.3 mm, about 3.4 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 3.6 mm, about 3.7 mm, about 3.8 mm, about 3.9 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.1 mm, about 4.2 mm, about 4.3 mm, about 4.4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 4.6 mm, about 4.7 mm, about 4.8 mm, about 4.9 mm, about 5 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0151] In various exemplary configurations, the displacement D17 can be at least about 3 mm, at least about 3.1 mm, at least about 3.2 mm, at least about 3.3 mm, at least about 3.4 mm, at least about 3.5 mm, at least about 3.6 mm, at least about 3.7 mm, at least about 3.8 mm, at least about 3.9 mm, or at least about 4 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D17 can be up to about 5 mm, up to about 4.9 mm, up to about 4.8 mm, up to about 4.7 mm, up to about 4.6 mm, up to about 4.5 mm, up to about 4.4 mm, up to about 4.3 mm, up to about 4.2 mm, up to about 4.1 mm, or up to about 4 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D17 can be about 3 mm, about 3.1 mm, about 3.2 mm, about 3.3 mm, about 3.4 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 3.6 mm, about 3.7 mm, about 3.8 mm, about 3.9 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.1 mm, about 4.2 mm, about 4.3 mm, about 4.4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 4.6 mm, about 4.7 mm, about 4.8 mm, about 4.9 mm, about 5 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0152] In various exemplary configurations, displacement D18 can be at least about 10 mm, at least about 11 mm, at least about 12 mm, or at least about 13 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D18 can be up to about 18 mm, up to about 17 mm, up to about 16 mm, up to about 15 mm, up to about 14 mm, or up to about 13 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D18 can be about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0153] In various exemplary configurations, the displacement D19 can be at least about 2 mm, at least about 3 mm, at least about 4 mm, at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, at least about 7 mm, or at least about 8 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D19 can be up to about 10 mm, up to about 9 mm, or up to about 8 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D19 can be about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0154] In various exemplary configurations, the displacement D20 can be at least about 2 mm, at least about 3 mm, at least about 4 mm, at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, at least about 7 mm, or at least about 8 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D20 can be up to about 10 mm, up to about 9 mm, or up to about 8 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D20 can be about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0155] In various exemplary configurations, the displacement D21 can be at least about 9 mm, at least about 10 mm, at least about 11 mm, or at least about 12 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D21 can be up to about 18 mm, up to about 17 mm, up to about 16 mm, up to about 15 mm, up to about 14 mm, up to about 13 mm, or up to about 12 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D21 can be about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0156] In various exemplary configurations, the displacement D22 can be at least about 6 mm, at least about 7 mm, at least about 8 mm, or at least about 9 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D22 can be up to about 12 mm, up to about 11 mm, up to about 10 mm, or up to about 9 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D22 can be about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0157] In various exemplary configurations, the displacement D23 can be at least about 6 mm, at least about 7 mm, at least about 8 mm, or at least about 9 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D23 can be up to about 12 mm, up to about 11 mm, up to about 10 mm, or up to about 9 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D23 can be about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0158] In various exemplary configurations, displacement D24 can be at least about 4 mm, at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, or at least about 7 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D24 can be up to about 9 mm, up to about 8 mm, or up to about 7 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D23 can be about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0159] In various exemplary configurations, the displacement D25 can be at least about 10 mm, at least about 11 mm, at least about 12 mm, or at least about 13 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D25 can be up to about 20 mm, up to about 19 mm, up to about 18 mm, up to about 17 mm, up to about 16 mm, up to about 15 mm, up to about 14 mm, or up to about 13 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D25 can be about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0160] In various exemplary configurations, displacement D26 can be at least about 3 mm, at least about 4 mm, at least about 5 mm, or at least about 6 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D26 can be up to about 9 mm, up to about 8 mm, up to about 7 mm, or up to about 6 mm. Additionally or alternatively, displacement D26 can be about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0161] In various exemplary configurations, the displacement D27 can be at least about 7 mm, at least about 8 mm, at least about 9 mm, at least about 10 mm, or at least about 11 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D27 can be up to about 15 mm, up to about 14 mm, up to about 13 mm, up to about 12 mm, or up to about 11 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D27 can be about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0162] In various exemplary configurations, the displacement D28 can be at least about 2 mm, at least about 3 mm, at least about 4 mm, or at least about 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D28 can be up to about 8 mm, up to about 7 mm, up to about 6 mm, or up to about 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D28 can be about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0163] In various exemplary configurations, the displacement D29 can be at least about 10 mm, at least about 11 mm, at least about 12 mm, at least about 13 mm, or at least about 14 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D29 can be up to about 22 mm, up to about 21 mm, up to about 20 mm, up to about 19 mm, up to about 18 mm, up to about 17 mm, up to about 16 mm, up to about 15 mm, or up to about 14 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement D29 can be about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0164] In various exemplary configurations, displacement A3 can be at least about 6 degrees, at least about 6.5 degrees, at least about 7 degrees, at least about 7.5 degrees, or at least about 8 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, displacement A3 can be up to about 10 degrees, up to about 9.5 degrees, up to about 9 degrees, up to about 8.5 degrees, or up to about 8 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, displacement A3 can be about 6 degrees, about 6.5 degrees, about 7 degrees, about 7.5 degrees, about 8 degrees, about 8.5 degrees, about 9 degrees, about 9.5 degrees, about 10 degrees, or between any two of these values.

[0165] In various exemplary configurations, the displacement A5 can be at least about 2 degrees, at least about 2.2 degrees, at least about 2.4 degrees, at least about 2.6 degrees, at least about 2.8 degrees, at least about 3 degrees, at least about 3.2 degrees, at least about 3.4 degrees, at least about 3.6 degrees, at least about 3.8 degrees, or at least about 4 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement A5 can be up to about 6 degrees, up to about 5.8 degrees, up to about 5.6 degrees, up to about 5.4 degrees, up to about 5.2 degrees, up to about 5 degrees, up to about 4.8 degrees, up to about 4.6 degrees, up to about 4.4 degrees, up to about 4.2 degrees, or up to about 4 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement A5 can be about 2 degrees, about 2.4 degrees, about 2.6 degrees, about 2.8 degrees, about 3 degrees, about 3.2 degrees, about 3.4 degrees, about 3.6 degrees, about 3.8 degrees, about 4 degrees, about 4.2 degrees, about 4.4 degrees, about 4.6 degrees, about 4.8 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 5.2 degrees, about 5.4 degrees, about 5.6 degrees, about 5.8 degrees, about 6 degrees, or between any two of these values.

[0166] In various exemplary configurations, displacement A7 can be at least about -1.5 degrees, at least about -1 degree, at least about -0.5 degrees, at least about 0 degrees, or at least about 0.5 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, displacement A7 can be up to about 3.5 degrees, up to about 3 degrees, up to about 2.5 degrees, up to about 2 degrees, up to about 1.5 degrees, up to about 1 degree, or up to about 0.5 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, displacement A7 can be about -1.5 degrees, about -1 degree, about -0.5 degrees, about 0 degrees, about 0.5 degrees, about 1 degree, about 1.5 degrees, about 2 degrees, about 2.5 degrees, about 3 degrees, or between any two of these values.

[0167] In various exemplary configurations, displacement A9 can be at least about 10 degrees, at least about 10.5 degrees, at least about 11 degrees, at least about 11.5 degrees, or at least about 12 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, displacement A9 can be up to about 16 degrees, up to about 15.5 degrees, up to about 15 degrees, up to about 14.5 degrees, up to about 14 degrees, up to about 13.5 degrees, up to about 13 degrees, up to about 12.5 degrees, or up to about 12 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, displacement A9 can be about 10 degrees, about 10.5 degrees, about 11 degrees, about 11.5 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 12.5 degrees, about 13 degrees, about 13.5 degrees, about 14 degrees, about 14.5 degrees, about 15 degrees, or between any two of these values.

[0168] In various exemplary configurations, displacement A11 can be at least about 10 degrees, at least about 10.5 degrees, at least about 11 degrees, at least about 11.5 degrees, or at least about 12 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, displacement A11 can be up to about 16 degrees, up to about 15.5 degrees, up to about 15 degrees, up to about 14.5 degrees, up to about 14 degrees, up to about 13.5 degrees, up to about 13 degrees, up to about 12.5 degrees, or up to about 12 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, displacement A11 can be about 10 degrees, about 10.5 degrees, about 11 degrees, about 11.5 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 12.5 degrees, about 13 degrees, about 13.5 degrees, about 14 degrees, about 14.5 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 15.5 degrees, about 16 degrees, or between any two of these values.

[0169] In various exemplary configurations, displacement A13 can be at least about 10 degrees, at least about 10.5 degrees, at least about 11 degrees, at least about 11.5 degrees, or at least about 12 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, displacement A13 can be up to about 16 degrees, up to about 15.5 degrees, up to about 15 degrees, up to about 14.5 degrees, up to about 14 degrees, up to about 13.5 degrees, up to about 13 degrees, up to about 12.5 degrees, or up to about 12 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, displacement A13 can be about 10 degrees, about 10.5 degrees, about 11 degrees, about 11.5 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 12.5 degrees, about 13 degrees, about 13.5 degrees, about 14 degrees, about 14.5 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 15.5 degrees, about 16 degrees, or between any two of these values.

[0170] In various exemplary configurations, displacement A15 can be at least about 10 degrees, at least about 10.5 degrees, at least about 11 degrees, at least about 11.5 degrees, or at least about 12 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, displacement A15 can be up to about 16 degrees, up to about 15.5 degrees, up to about 15 degrees, up to about 14.5 degrees, up to about 14 degrees, up to about 13.5 degrees, up to about 13 degrees, up to about 12.5 degrees, or up to about 12 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, displacement A15 can be about 10 degrees, about 10.5 degrees, about 11 degrees, about 11.5 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 12.5 degrees, about 13 degrees, about 13.5 degrees, about 14 degrees, about 14.5 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 15.5 degrees, about 16 degrees, or between any two of these values.

[0171] In various exemplary configurations, the radius of curvature R1 can be at least about 30 mm, at least about 31 mm, at least about 32 mm, at least about 33 mm, at least about 34 mm, at least about 35 mm, at least about 36 mm, at least about 37 mm, or at least about 38 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the radius of curvature R1 can be up to about 45 mm, up to about 44 mm, up to about 43 mm, up to about 42 mm, up to about 41 mm, up to about 40 mm, up to about 39 mm, or up to about 38 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the radius of curvature R1 can be about 30 mm, about 31 mm, about 32 mm, about 33 mm, about 34 mm, about 35 mm, about 36 mm, about 37 mm, about 38 mm, about 39 mm, about 40 mm, about 41 mm, about 42 mm, about 43 mm, about 44 mm, about 45 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0172] In various exemplary configurations, the radius of curvature R2 can be at least about 20 mm, at least about 21 mm, at least about 22 mm, at least about 23 mm, at least about 24 mm, at least about 25 mm, at least about 26 mm, at least about 27 mm, at least about 28 mm, at least about 29 mm, at least about 30 mm, at least about 31 mm, at least about 32 mm, or at least about 33 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the radius of curvature R2 can be up to about 40 mm, up to about 39 mm, up to about 38 mm, up to about 37 mm, up to about 36 mm, up to about 35 mm, up to about 34 mm, or up to about 33 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the radius of curvature R2 can be about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, about 25 mm, about 26 mm, about 27 mm, about 28 mm, about 29 mm, about 30 mm, about 31 mm, about 32 mm, about 33 mm, about 34 mm, about 35 mm, about 36 mm, about 37 mm, about 38 mm, about 39 mm, about 40 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0173] In various exemplary configurations, length M1 can be at least about 14 mm, at least about 15 mm, at least about 16 mm, at least about 17 mm, at least about 18 mm, at least about 19 mm, at least about 20 mm, at least about 21 mm, or at least about 22 mm. Additionally or alternatively, length M1 can be up to about 26 mm, up to about 25 mm, up to about 24 mm, up to about 23 mm, or up to about 22 mm. Additionally or alternatively, length M1 can be about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, about 25 mm, about 26 mm, or between any two of these values.

[0174] 36-43 show another embodiment of a combination rocking and reclining mechanism for a chair. Unless otherwise described below, the features, functions, and options are the same as those outlined herein for combination rocking and reclining mechanism 200 for chair 100. Like reference numbers refer to like parts increased by 1000.

[0175] It will be appreciated that any one or more of the features of the combination rocking and reclining mechanism 1200 may be used in combination with any one or more of the features of the combination rocking and reclining mechanism 200 .

[0176] 36 and 37, a pair of spaced apart downwardly extending flanges 1023 having openings 1025 therein may be provided by a single adjacent downwardly projecting flange. The single downwardly projecting flange has a side member 1023a that provides the flange 1023 and a forward, laterally extending member 1023b. The laterally extending member 1023b extends between and connects to the forward ends of the side members 1023a. The forward, laterally extending member 1023b and the side members 1023a may be generally U-shaped components.

[0177] The flange may be formed as a unitary piece or may include multiple pieces welded together. An optional rear laterally extending member 1023c extends between rear portions of the side members 1023a.

[0178] Rather than having a stop plate 56, the underside 1056 of the seat support behind the forward laterally extending member 1023a provides a surface for action of a soft stop (not shown) between the seat support and an inwardly directed flange 1055 of the back portion 1005. In the configuration shown, the inwardly directed flange 1055 is provided at the forward end of the spaced flange 1029 of the back.

[0179] 38A and 38B show removable side covers 1003a for the seat support 1003. The side covers attach to the outside of the seat support 1003 and cover the sides of the seat support. The side covers 1003a can serve an aesthetic function of covering openings and other features in the side walls of the seat support. The side covers 1003 may be formed from any suitable material, such as, for example, a metal or plastic material.

[0180] The side cover 1003a may be attached to the seat support 1003 in any suitable manner. For example, the side cover may be attached to the seat support using any suitable fasteners, clips, and / or snaps. In the illustrated form, the side cover 1003a includes a plurality of upwardly projecting tabs 1003b' receivable in complementary openings or recesses 1003b'' in the seat support, a plurality of alignment pins 1003c' receivable in complementary openings 1003c'' in the seat support, and a plurality of snaps 1003d' receivable in complementary openings 1003d'' in the seat support.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 39, in addition to the stops 1033 located at the front end of the front track 1007 and the rear end of the rear track 1011, a stop 1034 is located at the rear end or each front track 1007.

[0182] Stop 1034 only functions when the combination rocker and recliner mechanism is rocked rearward and in the fully reclined position.

[0183] The stops 1033, 1034 may comprise an elastomeric material, such as, for example, natural or synthetic rubber.

[0184] Stop 1033 may include an opening 1033a therein. The opening 1033a allows for adjustment of the compression of stop 1033a, with larger openings providing less resistance to compression and smaller openings providing more resistance to compression. Stop 1034 may also include an opening (not shown).

[0185] A support 1007 a is provided across the upper rear end of the front track 1007 .

[0186] 40-42, the central body portion 1043 of the rocking spring 1035 is received in an upwardly opening spring post 1045 to position the rocking spring relative to the transom 1011. The stop member 1045a is a plate in the illustrated form, but may be in a different form and may extend over the central body portion 1043 to retain the rocking spring 1035 within the spring post 1045. The stop member 1045a may be connected to the spring post 1045 in any suitable manner, such as using any suitable fasteners, clips, and / or snaps.

[0187] 40 , the height adjustment lever 1010 is pivotally coupled to a seat height pivot 1093 that extends upward from the underside of the transom 1001. The height adjustment lever 1010 functions as a crank, and the seat height pivot functions as a housing for the crank. The seat height pivot 1093 is not integrally formed with the transom 1001, but is formed separately from but connected to the transom 1001. The seat height pivot 1093 can be connected to the transom 1001 in any suitable manner, for example, using any suitable fasteners, clips, and / or snaps.

[0188] 43, the backrest portion 1005 includes a lateral intermediate member 1005b extending between and connecting the rear ends of the spaced-apart back arms 1005a. The lateral intermediate member 1005b may be integrally formed with the spaced-apart back arms 1005 or may be connected by welding or any other suitable technique. The lateral intermediate member 1005b supports and provides rigidity to the spaced-apart back arms 1005a.

[0189] Also, referring to Figure 43, the spaced flanges 1029 of the back portion include locating features 1058 for holding the torsion spring 1047 in a desired position.

[0190] The positioning portion 1058 includes a hook for receiving and holding the rearwardly extending arm 1051 of the torsion spring 1047 .

[0191] In the illustrated configuration, the hooks extend inwardly from spaced flanges 1029 toward the center of the chair and open downwardly.

[0192] Locator 1058 is an alternative method for holding torsion spring 1047 in place instead of the split pin and washer shown in FIG.

[0193] The combination rocking and reclining mechanism 200, 1200 can also be used in chairs without reclining functionality with minimal modification. In this configuration, the mechanism provides the rocking functionality described herein, but not the reclining functionality.

[0194] This can be achieved by fixing the seat support 3, 1003 to the backrest portion 5, 1005 at a position away from the pivot axis 31, 1031 between the seat support 3, 1003 and the backrest portion 5, 1005 to prevent pivoting between the seat support 3, 1003 and the backrest portion 5, 1005.

[0195] For example, one or more fasteners may be provided to secure the seat support 1003 to, for example, one or both of the spaced flanges 1029 of the back portion 1005 .

[0196] Additional openings can be provided in one or both of the spaced apart flanges 1029 to receive fasteners, the additional openings being spaced apart from the openings that provide the pivot axes 1031. For example, the additional openings can be provided at or towards the front ends of the spaced apart flanges 1029.

[0197] In that configuration, the torsion spring 47, 1047 is not required, nor is the torsion spring retention mechanism required. The spaced flanges 29, 1029 may not have the elements 55, 1055, 1058. [Aspect 1] The transom and Seat support and A backrest and a combination rocking and reclining mechanism operatively connecting said seat support and said back portion to said transom and said seat support to said back portion, The combination rocking and reclining mechanism comprises: a forward and aft rocking mechanism configured to rock the seat support and the backrest together generally forward and backward from an upright position relative to the transom; and a reclining mechanism configured such that the seat support is in a first rest position relative to the back portion when the back portion is upright, and such that reclining the back portion rearward from the upright position toward a reclined position causes the seat support to move upward and rearward from the first rest position. [Aspect 2] 2. The chair of claim 1, wherein the chair includes a plurality of rocking positions, and the backrest portion is reclined backward from the upright position to a reclined position in any of the rocking positions of the chair. [Aspect 3] the forward rocking mechanism includes a forward track disposed on the transom and a forward engagement element operably connected to the seat support, the forward engagement element received within the forward track for movement of the forward engagement element within the forward track; and 3. The chair of claim 1 or 2, wherein the rearward rocking mechanism includes a rearward track disposed on the transom and a rearward engagement element operably connected to the backrest portion, the rearward engagement element received within the rearward track for movement of the rearward engagement element within the rearward track. [Aspect 4] A chair as described in aspect 3, wherein the backrest portion includes a rear axle member, the rear engagement element is rotatably attached to the rear axle member, and the rear axle member defines a substantially horizontal lateral rear pivot axis that is movable relative to the transom when the seat support and the backrest portion swing, and about which the backrest portion can pivot. [Aspect 5] A chair as described in aspect 4, wherein the seat support includes a front axle member, the front engagement element is rotatably mounted to the front axle member, and the front axle member defines a substantially horizontal lateral front pivot axis movable relative to the transom, about which the seat support can pivot. [Aspect 6] A chair as described in aspect 5, wherein the combination rocking and reclining mechanism has a substantially horizontal lateral central pivot axis that is movable relative to the transom, and the backrest portion and the seat support are pivotally connected to each other at the central pivot axis. [Aspect 7] Aspect 7. The chair of any one of aspects 3-6, wherein the front track has a curved path and the rear track has a substantially straight path. [Aspect 8] 8. The chair of claim 7, wherein the rear of the front track has a smaller radius of curvature than the front of the front track, and the curved path increases in slope from front to rear. [Aspect 9] A chair as described in any one of aspects 3 to 8, wherein the combination rocking and reclining mechanism includes at least one first biasing means fixed to the transom and configured to apply a first biasing force that biases the seat support and backrest portion toward the neutral position. [Aspect 10] A chair as described in claim 9 when dependent on claim 6, wherein a rear portion of the first biasing means is connected to the rear axle member, a central portion of the first biasing means is connected to the transom, and a front portion of the first biasing means is connected to a front portion of the backrest portion located forward of where the central portion of the first biasing means is fixed to the transom. [Aspect 11] A chair as described in aspect 10, wherein the first biasing means includes an elastic means, the front portion of the first biasing means receives a protrusion extending from the front portion of the backrest portion, and the rear portion of the first biasing means receives a portion of the rear pivot member. [Aspect 12] A chair as described in any one of aspects 9 to 11, wherein the combined rocking and reclining mechanism includes at least one second biasing means that applies a second biasing force between the backrest portion and the seat support to suppress changes in the angular position of the backrest portion relative to the angular position of the seat support. [Aspect 13] 13. The chair of claim 12, wherein a first end of the second biasing means engages with the back portion and a second end of the second biasing means engages with the seat support. [Aspect 14] 14. The chair of claim 13, wherein the second biasing means is secured to the back portion at a location between the front portion and the central pivot axis. [Aspect 15] 15. The chair of claim 13 or 14, wherein the second biasing means comprises a torsion spring, the first end of the second biasing means comprises an arm that engages with the backrest portion and extends rearward, and the second end of the second biasing means comprises an arm that engages with the seat support and extends forward. [Aspect 16] A chair as described in any one of aspects 6 to 15, wherein the chair includes a forward swing position in which the front engagement element is located at the front edge of the front track, and the forward and rearward swing mechanism is configured such that when the seat support moves from the neutral position to the forward swing position, the front pivot axis moves forward and downward relative to the neutral position and the central pivot axis moves forward and upward relative to the neutral position, thereby causing a front portion of the seat support to move forward and downward relative to the transom. [Aspect 17] A chair as described in aspect 16, wherein when the seat support moves from the neutral position to the forward swing position, the position of the central pivot axis changes, the rear engagement element moves to the front edge of the rear track, and the rear pivot axis moves forward and upward relative to the neutral position, thereby causing the front portion and backrest portion of the seat support to move forward and upward relative to the transom. [Aspect 18] A chair as described in any one of aspects 6 to 17, wherein the chair includes a rearward swing position in which the front engagement element is located rearward from the front edge of the front track, and the forward and rearward swing mechanism is configured such that when the seat support moves from the neutral position to the rearward swing position, the front pivot axis moves rearward and upward relative to the neutral position and the central pivot axis moves rearward and upward relative to the neutral position, thereby causing the front portion of the seat support to move rearward and upward relative to the transom. [Aspect 19] A chair as described in aspect 18, wherein when the seat support moves from the neutral position to the rearward swing position, the position of the central pivot axis changes, the rear engagement element moves to the rear edge of the rear track, and the rear pivot axis moves rearward and downward relative to the neutral position, thereby causing the rear portion of the seat support and the backrest portion to move rearward and downward relative to the transom. [Aspect 20] A chair described in any one of aspects 6 to 19, wherein the reclining mechanism is configured such that when the backrest portion is moved to the reclined position, the position of the central pivot axis changes, the front pivot axis moves rearward and upward, the front engagement element moves toward the rear edge of the front track, and the seat support moves rearward and upward relative to a first rest position. [Aspect 21] A chair as described in aspect 20, wherein when the backrest portion is moved from the upright position to the reclining position, the front pivot shaft moves rearward approximately 8 to 11 mm and upward approximately 6 to 13 mm relative to the first rest position, the neutral position, the forward swing position, the rearward swing position, or other swing position, and the central pivot shaft moves rearward approximately 5 to 8 mm and upward approximately 12 to 14 mm relative to the first rest position, the neutral position, the rearward swing position, the forward swing position, or other swing position. [Aspect 22] A chair according to any one of aspects 1 to 21, wherein the forward and rearward rocking mechanisms are configured to define a virtual rocking path of the seat support and backrest relative to the transom. [Aspect 23] A chair as described in aspect 22, wherein the virtual rocking path includes a curved path, the lowest point of the curved path corresponds to the seat support, the backrest portion is in the neutral position, a rear portion of the virtual rocking path is located behind the lowest point, and a front portion of the virtual rocking path is located in front of the lowest point. [Aspect 24] the virtual swing path has a gradient that increases from the lowest point to the front end of the virtual swing path, A chair as described in aspect 23, wherein the virtual rocking path has an increasing slope from the lowest point to the rearmost end of the virtual rocking path. [Aspect 25] Aspect 25. The chair of any one of aspects 1 to 24, wherein the chair comprises a seat attached to the seat support. [Aspect 26] A chair as described in aspect 25, wherein the seat is slidably attached to the seat support.

Claims

1. The transom and Seat support and A backrest and a combination rocking and reclining mechanism operatively connecting said seat support and said back portion to said transom and said seat support to said back portion, The combination rocking and reclining mechanism comprises: a forward and aft swing mechanism configured to swing the seat support and the seat back together generally forward and backward relative to the transom from a neutral position, wherein when the seat support moves from the neutral position to the forward swing position, a front portion of the seat support moves forward and downward relative to the transom, and when the seat support moves from the neutral position to the aft swing position, the front portion of the seat support moves rearward and upward relative to the transom; and a weight-compensated recline mechanism configured so that the seat support is in a first rest position relative to the back portion when the back portion is in an upright position, and so that when the back portion is reclined rearward from the upright position, the seat support moves upward and rearward from the first rest position to shift a user's center of gravity upward.

2. 2. The chair of claim 1, wherein the chair includes a plurality of rocking positions, and the back portion is reclined rearward from the upright position to a reclined position in any of the rocking positions of the chair.

3. the forward rocking mechanism includes a forward track disposed on the transom and a forward engagement element operably connected to the seat support, the forward engagement element received within the forward track for movement of the forward engagement element within the forward track; and 3. The chair of claim 1, wherein the rearward rocking mechanism comprises a rearward track disposed on the transom and a rearward engagement element operably connected to the backrest portion, the rearward engagement element received within the rearward track for movement of the rearward engagement element within the rearward track.

4. 4. The chair of claim 3, wherein the backrest portion includes a rear axle member, the rear engagement element is rotatably mounted to the rear axle member, the rear axle member defining a substantially horizontal lateral rear pivot axis movable relative to the transom upon pivoting of the seat support and the backrest portion, and about which the backrest portion can pivot.

5. 5. The chair of claim 4, wherein the seat support includes a front axle member, the front engagement element is rotatably mounted to the front axle member, the front axle member defining a substantially horizontal lateral front pivot axis movable relative to the transom and about which the seat support can pivot.

6. 6. The chair of claim 5, wherein the combination rocking and reclining mechanism includes a substantially horizontal lateral central pivot axis movable relative to the transom, and the backrest portion and the seat support are pivotally coupled to one another at the central pivot axis.

7. A chair according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the front track has a curved path and the rear track has a substantially straight path.

8. 8. The chair of claim 7, wherein the rear of the front track has a smaller radius of curvature than the front of the front track, and the curved path increases in slope from front to rear.

9. 9. The chair of claim 3, wherein the combined rocking and reclining mechanism comprises at least one first biasing means fixed to the transom and configured to provide a first biasing force that biases the seat support and backrest portion towards the neutral position.

10. A chair as described in claim 9 when dependent on claim 6, wherein a rear portion of the first biasing means is connected to the rear axle member, a central portion of the first biasing means is connected to the transom, and a front portion of the first biasing means is connected to a front portion of the backrest portion located forward of the location where the central portion of the first biasing means is fixed to the transom.

11. 11. The chair of claim 10, wherein the first biasing means includes a resilient means, the front portion of the first biasing means receives a protrusion extending from the front portion of the backrest portion, and the rear portion of the first biasing means receives a portion of the rear pivot member.

12. 12. The chair of claim 9, wherein the combined rocking and reclining mechanism comprises at least one second biasing means for applying a second biasing force between the back portion and the seat support to inhibit a change in the angular position of the back portion relative to the angular position of the seat support.

13. 13. The chair of claim 12, wherein a first end of the second biasing means engages the back portion and a second end of the second biasing means engages the seat support.

14. 14. The chair of claim 13, wherein the second biasing means is fixed to the back portion at a location between the front portion and the central pivot axis.

15. 15. The chair of claim 13 or 14, wherein the second biasing means comprises a torsion spring, the first end of the second biasing means comprises an arm that engages with the backrest portion and extends rearward, and the second end of the second biasing means comprises an arm that engages with the seat support and extends forward.

16. 16. The chair of claim 6, wherein in the forward swing position, the front engagement element is located at the front edge of the front track, and the forward and rearward swing mechanism is configured such that when the seat support moves from the neutral position to the forward swing position, the front pivot shaft moves forward and downward relative to the neutral position and the central pivot shaft moves forward and upward relative to the neutral position, thereby causing the front portion of the seat support to move forward and downward relative to the transom.

17. 17. The chair of claim 16, wherein when the seat support moves from the neutral position to the forward swing position, the position of the central pivot axis changes, the rear engagement element moves to the leading edge of the rear track, and the rear pivot axis moves forward and upward relative to the neutral position, thereby causing a front portion and backrest portion of the seat support to move forward and upward relative to the transom.

18. 18. The chair of claim 6, wherein in the rearward swing position, the front engagement element is located rearward from the front edge of the front track, and the forward and rearward swing mechanism is configured such that, when the seat support moves from the neutral position to the rearward swing position, the front pivot shaft moves rearward and upward relative to the neutral position and the central pivot shaft moves rearward and upward relative to the neutral position, thereby causing a front portion of the seat support to move rearward and upward relative to the transom.

19. 19. The chair of claim 18, wherein when the seat support moves from the neutral position to the rearward swing position, the position of the central pivot axis changes, causing the rear engagement element to move to the rear edge of the rear track and the rear pivot axis to move rearward and downward relative to the neutral position, thereby causing the rear portion of the seat support and the backrest portion to move rearward and downward relative to the transom.

20. 20. The chair of claim 6, wherein the reclining mechanism is configured such that, when the backrest portion is moved to the reclined position, the position of the central pivot axis changes, the front pivot axis moves rearward and upward, the front engagement element moves towards a rear edge of the front track, and the seat support moves rearward and upward relative to a first rest position.

21. 21. The chair of claim 20, wherein when the back portion is moved from the upright position to the reclined position, the front pivot axis moves rearward by about 8 to about 11 mm and upward by about 6 to about 13 mm relative to the first rest position, the neutral position, the rocking forward position, the rocking backward position, or other rocking position, and the central pivot axis moves rearward by about 5 to about 8 mm and upward by about 12 to about 14 mm relative to the first rest position, the neutral position, the rocking backward position, the rocking forward position, or other rocking position.

22. A chair according to any preceding claim, wherein the forward and rearward rocking mechanisms are configured to define a virtual rocking path of the seat support and backrest relative to the transom.

23. 23. The chair of claim 22, wherein the imaginary rocking path includes a curved path, a lowest point of the curved path corresponds to the seat support, the backrest portion is in the neutral position, a rear portion of the imaginary rocking path is located rearward of the lowest point, and a front portion of the imaginary rocking path is located forward of the lowest point.

24. the virtual swing path has a gradient that increases from the lowest point to the front end of the virtual swing path, 24. The chair of claim 23, wherein the imaginary rocking path increases in slope from the lowest point to the most rearward end of the imaginary rocking path.

25. A chair according to any preceding claim, wherein the chair comprises a seat attached to the seat support.

26. 26. The chair of claim 25, wherein the seat is slidably attached to the seat support.

Images