Glider seating unit between stationary arms

Abstract

A glider seating unit, comprising: a base frame including a pair of armrests, the base frame being configured to support the glider seating unit on a support surface; and a seating unit operatively connected to the base frame with a glide assembly, the seating unit being configured to glide in a forward direction and in a backward direction relative to the base frame, the glide assembly comprising: at least one glide bracket rigidly attached to the seating unit; and at least one swing link that extends between a first end and an opposite second end, the first end of the at least one swing link being movably attached to the base frame and the second end of the at least one swing link being movably attached to the at least one glide bracket such that the glide bracket is movable relative to the base frame.

Description

GLIDER SEATING UNIT BETWEEN STATIONARY ARMSFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention generally relates to furniture and seating products, and more particularly, to motion furniture and seating products with a gliding motion.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional motion seating furniture, such as chairs, sofas, loveseats, and similar furniture items, may either recline or be fixed upright and are often classified by their motion type, which includes either rocking or gliding motions. Gliding motion furniture, otherwise referred to as glider seating units, glide forward and backward from a neutral position due to the force exerted by the occupant. This gliding motion is distinct from the rocking motion of a rocker seating unit. In that regard, rocker seating units are typically configured to rock back and forth around a pivot point. This motion is typically achieved by a curved base or a system of springs and pivoting linkages that create a rocking arc, for example.

[0003] Conventional glider seating units are designed so that the entire chair, including the seat, backrest, and arms, glides forward and backward from a neutral position in response to the force exerted on the seating unit by the occupant. In that regard, the occupant initiates and maintains the gliding motion by shifting their weight or pushing off from the ground or other surface with their feet. While this occupant-driven gliding motion provides a smooth and relaxing experience that many users enjoy, it can become physically demanding to power the movement of the entire chair. Additionally, the lack of stationary or non-gliding components of the chair makes it challenging for users to enter or exit the chair safely, as there are no fixed parts to hold onto for support. This limitation can be particularly problematic for individuals with reduced mobility or strength, for example. Consequently, there is a need for a glider chair that reduces the physical effort required for operation and improves accessibility.

[0004] In view of the above, it is therefore an objective of this invention to provide a glider seating unit with a mechanical mechanism to provide gliding motion at relatively low cost. It is further an objective of this invention to provide a glider seating unit having a self or occupant-powered gliding motion, where only a portionof the chair, such as the seat, backrest, and optional footrest of the chair, glide between two stationary arms. It is further an objective of this invention to provide a glider seating unit having a chair that is relatively easy to get into and exit from due to its location between two stationary arms.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to one embodiment of the invention, a glider seating unit is provided. The glider seating unit includes a base frame with a pair of armrests. The base frame is configured to support the glider seating unit on a support surface. The glider seating unit includes a seating unit that is operatively connected to the base frame with a glide assembly. The seating unit is configured to glide in a forward direction and in a backward direction relative to the base frame. The glide assembly includes at least one glide bracket rigidly attached to the seating unit and at least one swing link that extends between a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the at least one swing link is movably attached to the base frame and the second end of the at least one swing link is movably attached to the at least one glide bracket such that the glide bracket is movable relative to the base frame.

[0006] According to one aspect, the seating unit may be positioned between the pair of armrests so as to glide in the forward direction and in the backward direction relative to the armrests. In another aspect, there may be zero relative motion between the armrest and the support surface on which the glider seating unit is arranged.

[0007] According to another aspect, the at least one glide bracket may include an L-shaped body having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. For instance, the horizontal portion of the glide bracket may be rigidly attached to the seating unit and the second end of the swing link may be movably attached to the vertical portion of the at least one glide bracket. In yet another aspect, the at least one glide bracket may be rigidly attached to an underside of a seat frame of the seating unit.

[0008] According to yet another aspect, the glide assembly may include a support bracket rigidly attached to the base frame. The first end of the at least one swing link may be movably attached to the support bracket. For example, the support bracket may include at least one stop that is configured to abut the at least one swing link to limit the gliding movement of the seating unit relative to the base frame. In anotheraspect, the at least one swing link may be arranged outboard of the at least one glide bracket relative to a centerline of the glider seating unit.

[0009] According to one aspect, the at least one glide bracket may include a first glide bracket rigidly attached to the seating unit and movably attached to the base frame and a second glide bracket rigidly attached to the seating unit and movably attached to the base frame. For example, the first glide bracket may be movably attached to the base frame with a first front swing link and a first rear swing link and the second glide bracket may be movably attached to the base frame with a second front swing link and a second rear swing link. In another aspect, the first front swing link and the second front swing link may be coupled together with a front support tube and the first rear swing link and the second rear swing link may be coupled together with a rear support tube.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a glide assembly for operatively connecting a seating unit to a base frame of a glider seating unit such that the seating unit is configured to glide in a forward direction and in a backward direction relative to the base frame is provided. The glide assembly includes at least one glide bracket that is configured to be rigidly attached to the seating unit, at least one support bracket that is configured to be rigidly attached to the base frame, and at least one swing link that extends between a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being movably attached to the at least one support bracket and the second end being movably attached to the at least one glide bracket.

[0011] According to one aspect, the at least one swing link may be arranged between the at least one glide bracket and the at least one support bracket. For example, the at least one glide bracket may include an L-shaped body having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The second end of the swing link may be movably attached to the vertical portion of the at least one glide bracket. In another aspect, the horizontal portion of the glide bracket may be configured to be rigidly attached to the seating unit.

[0012] According to yet another aspect, the at least one swing link may include a front swing link and a rear swing link. The first end of the front swing link and the rear swing link may be movably attached to the at least one support bracket and the second end of the front swing link and the rear swing link may be movably attachedto the at least one glide bracket. For example, the support bracket may include a first stop that is configured to abut the front swing link and a second stop that is configured to abut the rear swing link. The first stop and the second stop may be configured to limit the gliding movement of the seating unit relative to the base frame.

[0013] According to another aspect, the at least one glide bracket may include a first glide bracket and a second glide bracket that are configured to be rigidly attached to the seating unit. The at least one support bracket may include a first support bracket and a second support bracket that are configured to be rigidly attached to the base frame. The at least one swing link may include a first front swing link and a first rear swing link each being movably connected between the first glide bracket and the first support bracket and a second front swing link and a second rear swing link each being movably connected between the second glide bracket and the second support bracket. For instance, the first front swing link and the second front swing link may be coupled together with a front support tube and the first rear swing link and the second rear swing link may be coupled together with a rear support tube.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a glide assembly for operatively connecting a seating unit to a base frame of a glider seating unit such that the seating unit is configured to glide in a forward direction and in a backward direction relative to the base frame is provided. The glide assembly includes first and second glide brackets configured to be rigidly attached to opposite sides of the seating unit, first and second support brackets configured to be rigidly attached to opposite sides of the base frame, and front and rear swing links on each side of the glide assembly. Each swing link has a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being movably attached to one of the support brackets and the second end being movably attached to one of the glide brackets. Each of the first and second glide brackets has ears secured one of the sides of the seating unit. The front swing links may be coupled together with a front brace and the rear swing links may be coupled together with a rear brace. Either the front or rear brace or both braces may comprise a tubular member.

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with thesummary of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the drawings given below, explain the principles of the present invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary glider seating unit having a glide assembly for moving a seating unit relative to a base frame of the glider seating unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a partial disassembled perspective view of the glider seating unit of Fig. 1 , illustrating details of the base frame, the glide assembly, and the seating unit of the glider seating unit.

[0018] Fig. 3 is an enlarged, partial disassembled perspective view of the glide assembly of the glider seating unit of Figs. 1 and 2.

[0019] Fig. 3A is an enlarged, partial disassembled perspective view of a portion of the glide assembly of the glider seating unit of Figs. 1 and 2.

[0020] Fig. 4A is a diagrammatic side cross-sectional view of the glider seating unit of Figs. 1 and 2, illustrating the glider seating unit in a neutral position.

[0021] Fig. 4B is a view similar to Fig. 4A, illustrating the glider seating unit moved to a rearward position.

[0022] Fig. 4C is a view similar to Figs. 4A and 4B, illustrating the glider seating unit moved to a forward position.

[0023] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary glider seating unit having a glide assembly for moving a seating unit relative to a base frame of the glider seating unit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig. 6 is a partial disassembled perspective view of the glider seating unit of Fig. 5, illustrating details of the base frame, the glide assembly, and the seating unit of the glider seating unit.

[0025] Fig. 7 is an enlarged, partial disassembled perspective view of the glide assembly of the glider seating unit of Figs. 5 and 6.

[0026] Fig. 8 is an enlarged, partial disassembled perspective view of a portion of the glide assembly of the glider seating unit of Figs. 5 and 6.

[0027] Fig. 9A is a diagrammatic side cross-sectional view of the glider seating unit of Figs. 5 and 6, illustrating the glider seating unit in a neutral position.

[0028] Fig. 9B is a view similar to Fig. 9A, illustrating the glider seating unit moved to a rearward position.

[0029] Fig. 9C is a view similar to Figs. 9A and 9B, illustrating the glider seating unit moved to a forward position.

[0030] Fig. 10 is an enlarged, partial disassembled perspective view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of glider seating unit.

[0031] Fig. 11 is an enlarged, partial assembled perspective view of the glide assembly of the glider seating unit of Fig. 10.

[0032] Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic side cross-sectional view of the glider seating unit of Figs. 10 and 11 , illustrating the glider seating unit in a neutral position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Various embodiments will be further clarified by examples in the description below. In general, aspects of the present invention are directed to a glider seating unit having a stationary base frame that includes a pair of stationary armrests, and a seating unit movably supported by the stationary base frame. The seating unit is movably connected to the stationary base frame with a glide assembly allowing the seating unit to glide relative to the stationary base frame and between the pair of stationary armrests. The armrests contact the support surface on which the glider seating unit sits and are stationary during use of the glider seating unit. While the glider seating unit is shown and described as having a fixed upright seating unit, the glider seating unit may alternatively be a recliner seating unit. In either case, the seating unit of the glider seating unit does not include armrests. Instead, the armrests form part of the base frame. Positioned between the stationary armrests, the seating unit is configured to glide forward and backward from a neutral position relative to the stationary base frame and armrests. The gliding movement may be powered by the occupant. Because the armrests are fixed to the stationary base frame, and thus stationary during operation of the glider seating unit, the armrests provide a stable support for the occupant when entering or exiting the glider seating unit. When unoccupied, the glider seating unit appears as a stationary piece of furniture. These and other benefits of the present invention will be described in further detail below.

[0034] Referring now to the Figures, Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary glider seating unit 10 incorporating the principles of the present invention. The glider seating unit 10 includes a base frame 12, a seating unit 14, and a glide assembly 16 (e.g., Fig. 2) that operatively connects the seating unit 14 to the base frame 12. Specifically, the glide assembly 16 permits the seating unit 14 to glide in a forward direction and a backward or rearward direction relative to the base frame 12. That is, the glider seating unit 10 is configured to glide or move in a forward direction and in a backward direction from the neutral position, as indicated by directional arrows A1 (forward) and A2 (backward) in Fig. 1. The glider seating unit 10 is shown in the neutral position in Fig. 1. The glider seating unit 10 is not a rocker seating unit, for example. The figures show components of the glider seating unit 10, such as the seating unit 14 and the base frame 12, without upholstery to reveal details of the construction of the underlying components. It will be understood, however, that the base frame 12, the seating unit 14, or portions thereof, may be upholstered and / or cushioned as desired.

[0035] As best shown in Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C, the seating unit 14 includes a seat cushion 18 and a backrest cushion 20 and may optionally include a footrest (not shown). The backrest cushion 20 is considered at a rear 22 of the glider seating unit 10, opposite a front 24 of the glider seating unit 10 where the occupant may enter or exit from the glider seating unit 10. In that regard, the glider seating unit 10 is configured to support an occupant, and the seating unit 14 may be a fixed upright seating unit, as shown. That is, the seating unit 14 may not recline. However, in another embodiment, the seating unit 14 may be a recliner that is actuatable between an upright position and a reclined position.

[0036] In either case, the stationary base frame 12 includes a pair of armrests 26 positioned on opposite sides 28 of the glider seating unit 10. The base frame 12 is configured to support the glider seating unit 10 on a support surface, such as the floor, and may further include a plurality of supports or legs 30. In the embodiment shown, the base frame 12 includes four supports 30 that support the glider seating unit 10 on the support surface. However, the base frame 12 may include fewer or more supports 30, which may be adjustable in height and any desired shape. The drawings are not intended to be limiting.

[0037] The armrests 26 are supported above the support surface by one or more supports 30, creating a direct engagement between the armrests 26 and the support surface, such as the floor. In other words, the armrests 26 are rigidly attached to the base frame 12 of the glider seating unit 10, ensuring zero relative motion between the armrest 26 and the support surface on which the glider seating unit 10 is arranged. The armrests 26 contact the support surface and are stationary during use of the glider seating unit 10. This engagement, which may be referred to as a “wood-to-floor” configuration, ensures that the occupant can rely on the armrests 26 for support and balance while using the glider seating unit 10. The armrests 26 may also be used by the occupant to power movement of the seating unit 14. As used herein, rigidly attached means that the attachment of one component to another is fixed and does not involve any intervening movable parts so that the components remain securely connected without any relative motion between them.

[0038] Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, the seating unit 14 of the glider seating unit 10 includes a backrest frame 32 and a seat frame 34 attached together with a pair of backrest support brackets 36. The exemplary backrest frame 32 includes of a pair of vertical frame members or stiles 38, and a number of crossmembers 40 attached between the vertical frame members 38.

[0039] The backrest frame 32 of the seating unit 14 receives and supports the backrest cushion 20 of the glider seating unit 10. The backrest cushion 20 may be made of any known material, such as foam for example.

[0040] The seat frame 34 of the seating unit 14 includes of a pair of side apron members 42 and a pair of crossmembers 44 attached to the side apron members 42. The side apron members 42 and the crossmembers 44 define a top surface 46 of the seat frame 34 that is configured to receive and support the seat cushion 18 and an opposite underside 48 of the seat frame 34 that is configured to be attached to the glide assembly 16. The seat cushion 18 may be made of any known material, such as foam for example. Each of the side apron members 42 has an inner surface 45 which is shown as being generally planar but be non-planar.

[0041] In the embodiment shown, each backrest support bracket 36 may attached to a respective side apron member 42 of the seat frame 34 and a respective vertical frame member 38 of the backrest frame 32, for example. Each backrest support bracket 36 may be a two-piece clip bracket, such as a knock-down (KD) clip bracket,for example. However, the configuration of the seat frame 34 and the backrest frame 32 of the seating unit 14 is exemplary, and it will be understood that other configurations for these components of the glider seating unit 10 are possible. To that end, the drawings are not intended to be limiting.

[0042] With continued reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the exemplary base frame 12 of the glider seating unit 10 includes the pair of armrests 26 arranged on opposite sides 28 of the base frame 12 and thus the glider seating unit 10, as briefly described above. Each armrest 26 may be formed as a single component, or may be formed from one or more individual components assembled together to form a cohesive structure. Regardless, the armrest 26 defines a support surface 50 that is configured to receive an occupant’s arm while seated in the glider seating unit 10. In the embodiment shown, each armrest 26 is part of the base frame 12 and includes an arm member 52 and a base member 54 spaced apart by a pair of upright members 56. Each armrest 26 may generally extend between the front 24 and the rear 22 of the glider seating unit 10. The arm member 52 of each armrest 26 defines the support surface 50 that is configured to receive (either directly if exposed or indirectly if covered in upholstery, for example) an occupant’s arm while seated in the glider seating unit 10. Although the support surface 50 is illustrated as being generally planar, it may be any desired shape or configuration. Each base member 54 extends generally parallel to the respective arm member 52 of the armrest 26. Positioned on the underside of the base member 54 of each armrest 26 are a pair supports 30 that are configured to elevate and stabilize the base frame 12 above the ground surface. The base frame 12 includes a pair of cross members 58 attached between the armrests 26 to connect the pair of armrests 26 together. Specifically, the cross members 58 are attached between the base members 54 of each armrest 26.

[0043] Although not shown in any of the illustrated embodiments, the base frame may include only the base members 54 and cross members 58.

[0044] As best shown in Fig. 2, the base frame 12 defines a U-shaped opening between the pair of armrests 26 that is configured to receive the seating unit 14. In that regard, a width of the base frame 12, as measured between the sides 28 of the glider seating unit 10, is greater than a width of the seating unit 14. Specifically, a distance between the armrests 26, measured between the inboard sides of thearmrests 26, is greater than a width of the seating unit 14. As a result, the base frame 12 is configured to cradle the seating unit 14 between the armrests 26.

[0045] The seating unit 14 is configured to be operatively supported over the cross members 58 of the base frame 12 by the glide assembly 16 for gliding between the armrests 26 and relative to the base frame 12 in the forward A1 and backward A2 direction. As best shown in Fig. 1 , the glide assembly 16 is arranged between and attached to the base member 54 of each armrest 26 so as to be arranged inboard of the armrests 26 and beneath the seating unit 14. Specifically, the glide assembly 16 is disposed in the space between the base member 54 of each armrest 26 and the cross members 58 of the base frame 12. As used herein, inboard refers to a location closer to a centerline 60 of the glider seating unit 10, as shown in Fig. 1. Outboard refers to a location farther away from the centerline 60, closer to the sides 28 and exterior of the glider seating unit 10.

[0046] Referring now to Figs. 1 -3, the glide assembly 16 connects the seating unit 14 and the base frame 12 to permit gliding motion of the seating unit 14 relative to the stationary base frame 12, as described above. As best shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the glide assembly 16 includes a pair of glide brackets 62a, 62b (i.e., a right side glide bracket 62a and a left side glide bracket 62b) and a pair of mounting brackets 64a, 64b (i.e., a right side mounting bracket 64a and a left side mounting bracket 64b). The glide brackets 62a, 62b and mounting brackets 64a, 64b are arranged in operative pairs where each glide bracket 62a, 62b is movable relative to the respective mounting bracket 64a, 64b. As shown, the right glide bracket 62a and mounting bracket 64a pair is located on the right side 28 of the glider seating unit 10 (i.e., from the perspective of an occupant sitting in the glider seating unit 10) and the left glide bracket 62b and mounting bracket 64b pair is positioned on the opposite, left side 28. Movably attached between each glide bracket 62a, 62b and mounting bracket 64a, 64b pair is a front swing link 66 and a rear swing link 68. The swing links 66, 68 facilitate movement of each glide bracket 62a, 62b relative to the respective stationary mounting bracket 64a, 64b. Although one configuration of front swing link 66 is illustrated, the front swing link 66 may be any desired configuration or shape. Although one configuration of rear swing link 68 is illustrated, the rear swing link 68 may be any desired configuration or shape.

[0047] Each of the glide brackets 62a, 62b is configured to be rigidly attached to the seat frame 34 of the seating unit 14, such as by welding or bolting, for example. As shown, the glide brackets 62a, 62b are configured to be attached to the underside 48 of the seat frame 34. Specifically, each glide bracket 62a, 62b is configured to be attached to a corresponding side apron member 42 of the seat frame 34. Similarly, the pair of mounting brackets 64a, 64b are spaced apart and configured to be rigidly attached to the base frame 12 of the glider seating unit 10, such as by welding or bolting, for example. Specifically, each mounting bracket 64a, 64b is configured to be attached to one of the base members 54 of a corresponding armrest 26, such as to the inboard side of the base member 54, as shown.

[0048] Referring now to Fig. 3, each glide bracket 62a, 62b may be constructed from metal so as to be formed as a unitary piece having a plate-like body. As shown in Fig. 3, each glide bracket 62a, 62b includes an L-shaped body having a horizontal portion 70 and a vertical portion 72. The horizontal portion 70 forms an elongate tab or flange that is configured for attachment to the underside 48 of the seat frame 34. In the embodiment shown, the horizontal portion 70 of each glide bracket 62a, 62b is rigidly attached to a respective side apron member 42 of the seat frame 34. To that end, the horizontal portion 70 may include one or more mounting bores for receiving mounting hardware, such as a screw or bolt, for example, for attaching the glide bracket 62a, 62b to the seat frame 34. The vertical portion 72 of each glide bracket 62a, 62b extends downward from the horizontal portion 70 to a pair of legs 74 located at opposite ends of the vertical portion 72 (e.g., a front leg 74 and a rear leg 74). The front and rear swing links 66, 68 are configured to be movably attached to the legs 74 of each glide bracket 62a, 62b, as will be described in further detail below. As used herein, the terms “front” and “rear” are directional or spatial references pertaining to the front 24 and rear 22 of the glider seating unit 10.

[0049] Each mounting bracket 64a, 64b may also be constructed from metal so as to be formed as a unitary piece having a plate-like body. In particular, each mounting bracket 64a, 64b includes a U-shaped body having two vertical arms 76 at opposite ends that extend upward from a base portion 78 of the mounting bracket 64a, 64b to form the U-shaped profile. Each mounting bracket 64a, 64b further includes a pair of stops 80, with one stop 80 being arranged on an inboard side of each arm 76. The stops 80 may be integrated or affixed, such as by welding, to themounting bracket 64a, 64b so as to project from the inboard side of the support bracket 64a, 64b. As shown, the stops 80 are positioned symmetrically on the arms 76 of the mounting bracket 64a, 64b. The stops 80 are formed as rounded protrusions, but may alternatively be formed as flat tabs or angled flanges, for example. To that end, the stops 80 serve as barriers to limit movement of the swing links 66, 68 to thereby limit the gliding movement of the seating unit 14, as will be described in further detail below. Each mounting bracket 64a, 64b includes one or more bores in the base portion 78 or arms 76 for receiving mounting hardware for attaching the mounting bracket 64a, 64b to the base frame 12. The mounting brackets 64a, 64b further include at least one mounting bore in each arm 76 to movably attach the front and rear swing links 66, 68 to the support bracket 64a, 64b. The U-shaped configuration of each mounting bracket 64a, 64b is exemplary, and it will be understood that the mounting brackets 64a, 64b may be configured in various shapes, such as square or rectangular, for example.

[0050] With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, each glide bracket 62a, 62b and mounting bracket 64a, 64b pair are operatively connected together via a front swing link 66 and a rear swing link 68. Both swing links 66, 68 are arranged between and movably or pivotably coupled to the glide bracket 62a, 62b and the mounting bracket 64a, 64b of each pair. In particular, each front swing link 66 is pivotally coupled at a first upper end 82 to the inboard side of one arm 76 of the mounting bracket 64a, 64b at a pivot point 84, and at an opposite second lower end 86 to the outboard side of one leg 74 of the glide bracket 62a, 62b (i.e., the front leg 74) at a pivot point 88. Similarly, the rear swing link 68 is movably or pivotally coupled at a first upper end 90 to the inboard side of the other arm 76 of the mounting bracket 64a, 64b at a pivot point 92, and at an opposite second lower end 94 to the outboard side of the other leg 74 of the glide bracket 62a, 62b (i.e., the rear leg 74) at a pivot point 96. Each swing link 66, 68 may be coupled to the respective glide bracket 62a, 62b and mounting bracket 64a, 64b with a pin. To that end, each pin may define each pivot point 84, 88, 92, 96 and corresponding pivot axis.

[0051] Coupled between the pair of front swing links 66 is a front support tube 98, otherwise referred to as a front horizontal cross brace. The front support tube 98 is fixedly coupled to each front swing link 66 via an inwardly extending tab 100 of each front swing link 66. The front support tube 98 extends generally between sides 28 ofthe glider seating unit 10. Similarly, coupled between the pair of rear swing links 68 is a rear support tube 102, otherwise referred to as a rear horizontal cross brace. The rear support tube 102 is fixedly coupled to each rear swing link 68 via an inwardly extending tab 104 of each rear swing link 68. The rear support tube 102 extends between sides 28 of the glider seating unit 10. The front and rear support tubes 98, 102 connect the front and rear swing links 66,68 of each glide bracket 62a, 62b, respectively, thereby providing stability and support to the glide assembly 16.

[0052] Having now described certain details of the glider seating unit 10, including the glide assembly 16, methods of operating the glider seating unit 10 will now be described with respect to Figs. 4A-4C in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. With reference to Fig. 4A, the seating unit 14 of the glider seating unit 10 is disposed between the armrests 26 and operatively connected to the base frame 12 with the glide assembly 16. The glide assembly 16 permits the seating unit 14 to glide or move relative to the base frame 12 in the forward direction A1 and in the backward direction A2 from the neutral position shown in Fig. 4A. Specifically, the glide assembly 16 is arranged between the seating unit 14 and the base frame 12, with the glide brackets 62a, 62b being rigidly attached to the seat frame 34 of the seating unit 14 and the mounting brackets 64a, 64b being rigidly attached to the base frame 12, and the swing links 66, 68 being movably connected between respective glide bracket 62a, 62b and mounting bracket 64a, 64b pairs. That is, the swing links 66, 68 are arranged outboard of each glide bracket 62a, 62b and inboard of each mounting bracket 64a, 64b. When not in use (i.e., when no occupant is seated in the glider seating unit 10), the glide assembly 16 suspends the seating unit 14 between the armrests 26 in the neutral position, as shown in Fig. 4A. The neutral position serves as a rest or return position where the seating unit 14 naturally remains in the absence of any external force exerted by an occupant. As shown in Fig. 4A, when an occupant sits in the seating unit 14 of the glider seating unit 10 without exerting additional force on it, the seating unit 14 may remain suspended in the neutral position by the glide assembly 16.

[0053] Referring now to Fig. 4B, the occupant may apply force to the glider seating unit 10, causing the seating unit 14 to move in the rearward direction A2 relative to the base frame 12, as shown. For example, the occupant may push the seating unit 14 rearward by engaging their legs with the ground. The seating unit 14may glide in the rearward direction A2 until the front swing links 66 engage the stop 80 on the front arm 76 of each mounting bracket 64a, 64b, as shown in Fig. 4B. The stop 80 on the front arm 76 of each mounting bracket 64a, 64b limits the rearward movement of the front swing links 66, and thus the rearward gliding movement of the seating unit 14. The cessation of force applied by the occupant in the rearward direction A2 may cause the seating unit 14 to glide forward A1 due to the natural response of the glide assembly 16 to return to the neutral position. Additionally, momentum and / or the occupant pushing the seating unit 14 forward by engaging their legs with the ground may further cause the seating unit 14 to glide in the forward direction A1 relative to the base frame 12, as shown in Fig. 4C. The seating unit 14 glides in the forward direction A1 until the rear swing links 68 engage the stop 80 on the rear arm 76 of each mounting bracket 64a, 64b, as shown in Fig. 4G. The stop 80 on the rear arm 76 of each mounting bracket 64a, 64b limits the forward movement of the rear swing links 68, and thus the forward gliding movement of the seating unit 14.

[0054] The forward and rearward gliding motion of the seating unit 14 relative to the base frame 12 may be powered by the occupant. The occupant may initiate and maintain the gliding motion using their legs, as previously described. Additionally or alternatively, the occupant may use the armrests 26 to power the gliding motion of the seating unit 14. That is, the occupant may use their arms to push off from the armrests 26 to initiate and maintain the gliding motion of the seating unit 14 relative to the base frame 12. In that regard, the armrests 26 are rigidly attached to the base frame 12, thereby ensuring there is no relative motion between the armrests 26 and the support surface on which the glider seating unit 10 is placed. As a result, and similar to pushing off from the floor with their legs, the occupant may push against the armrests 26 using their arms to generate force to move the seating unit 14 relative to the base frame 12. Likewise, the occupant may use the armrests 26 to stop the gliding motion of the seating unit 14 and may also rely on the armrests 26 for support when entering or exiting the glider seating unit 10.

[0055] Figs. 5-9C illustrate an alternative embodiment of glider seating unit 10a having the same base frame 12 and same seating unit 14 as the glider seating unit 10. The difference lies in the glide assembly 16a which differs from the glide assembly 16 slightly. More specifically, the glide assembly 16a has glide brackets62c, 62d in place of glide brackets 62a, 62b. Glide brackets 62c, 62d do not have L-shaped bodies; instead, they have “dog faced” shaped bodies.

[0056] Each glide bracket 62c, 62d has a unitary body 71 with a vertical main portion 73 having two legs 75. The front and rear swing links 66, 68 are configured to be movably attached to the legs 75 of each glide bracket 62c, 62c, as described above. Each unitary body 71 has two transition portions 79. Each transition portion 79 extends from the vertical main portion 73 upwardly and inwardly towards the centerline 60 of the glider seating unit 10a. Each glide bracket 62c, 62d has two ears 77 for attachment to one of the side apron members 42 of the seat frame 34. Each ear 77 is a further extension of one of the transition portions 79 of either glide bracket 62c or glide bracket 62d. As shown in Fig. 8, the two ears 77 of glide bracket 62c abut the inner surface 45 of the one of the apron members 42 of the seat frame 34. The same is true of glide bracket 62d. Therefore, the ears 77 of each glide bracket 62c, 62d are located inwardly towards the centerline 60 of the glider seating unit 10a relative to the vertical main portion 73 of the unitary body 71 of each glide bracket 62c, 62d.

[0057] As best seen in Fig. 7, each of the ears 77 of each glide bracket 62c, 62d has multiple openings 97 extending therethrough. As best seen in Fig. 8, fasteners 99 extend through one or more of the openings 97 of each ear 77 to fix the position of the ear 77 relative to the apron member 42 of the seat frame 34 to which the ear 77 is secured. This multiplicity of openings 97 within each ear 77 enables an assembler to change the pitch or angle of the glide bracket 62c, 62d relative to the apron member 42 of the seat frame 34. Although the drawings show three openings 97 per ear 77, each ear 77 may any desired number of openings at any desired location. The drawings are not intended to be limiting.

[0058] Glide assembly 16a has a brace 81 which may be one or more pieces and extends between glide brackets 62c, 62d. Brace 81 is secured to the glide brackets 62c, 62d and may be made of any desired material. As best shown in Fig. 7, each glide bracket 62c, 62d has a bracket 95 secured to the vertical main portion 73 of the unitary body 71 with fasteners 83. Each bracket 95 has an attachment portion 85 extending generally parallel to the vertical main portion 73 of the unitary body 71 and a connecting portion 87. The connecting portion 87 is generally circular in crosssection at its end and connects to a single support tube 89. Instead of two supporttubes, the glide assembly 16a only has one support tube 89. The support tube 89 may be joined to the connecting portions 87 of the brackets 95 in any known manner. The single support tube 89 of glide assembly 16a replaces the front and rear support tubes 98, 102 of glide assembly 16.

[0059] As best shown in Fig. 7, nothing extends between the swing links 66, 68 of one side to the swing links 66, 68 of the other side. Instead, the unitary body 71 of glide bracket 62c and the unitary body 71 of glide bracket 62d are connected and move together due to the brace 81 of glide assembly 16a. Movement of the unitary bodies 71 of glide brackets 62c, 62d moves the swing links 66, 68. Although not shown, two or more braces like brace 81 made of any number of pieces may join glide brackets 62c, 62d. Although the swing links 66, 68 are illustrated having tabs 104, the swing links in this embodiment or similar embodiments may lack tabs.

[0060] The swing links 66, 68 are commonly made of metal but may be made of any known material such as plastic, for example.

[0061] Figs. 10-12 illustrate an alternative embodiment of glider seating unit 10b having the same base frame 12 and same seating unit 14 as the glider seating units 10 and 10a. The difference lies in the glide assembly 16b which differs from the glide assemblies 16, 16a slightly. More specifically, the glide assembly 16b has glide brackets 62c, 62d in place of glide brackets 62a, 62b.The glide assembly 16b also has front and rear support tubes 98, 102 instead of the single support tube 89 of glide assembly 16a.

[0062] The various embodiments of the invention shown and described are merely for illustrative purposes only, as the drawings and the description are not intended to restrict or limit in any way the scope of the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate various changes, modifications, and improvements which can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details and representative apparatus and methods shown and described. Departures may therefore be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept. The invention resides in each individual feature described herein, alone, and in all combinations of those features. Accordingly, the scope of the invention shall be limited only by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A glider seating unit, comprising:a base frame including a pair of armrests, the base frame being configured to support the glider seating unit on a support surface; anda seating unit operatively connected to the base frame with a glide assembly, the seating unit being configured to glide in a forward direction and in a backward direction relative to the base frame, the glide assembly comprising:at least one glide bracket rigidly attached to the seating unit; and at least one swing link that extends between a first end and an opposite second end, the first end of the at least one swing link being movably attached to the base frame and the second end of the at least one swing link being movably attached to the at least one glide bracket such that the glide bracket is movable relative to the base frame.

2. The glider seating unit of claim 1 , wherein the seating unit is positioned between the pair of armrests so as to glide in the forward direction and in the backward direction relative to the armrests.

3. The glider seating unit of claim 1 , wherein there is zero relative motion between the armrest and the support surface on which the glider seating unit is arranged.

4. The glider seating unit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one glide bracket includes a body having two ears secured to the seating unit.

5. The glider seating unit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one glide bracket is rigidly attached to a side of a seat frame of the seating unit.

6. The glider seating unit of claim 1 , wherein the glide assembly further includes a mounting bracket rigidly attached to the base frame, the first end of the at least one swing link being movably attached to the mounting bracket.

7. The glider seating unit of claim 6, wherein the mounting bracket includes at least one stop that is configured to abut the at least one swing link to limit the gliding movement of the seating unit relative to the base frame.

8. The glider seating unit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one swing link is arranged outboard of the at least one glide bracket relative to a centerline of the glider seating unit.

9. The glider seating unit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one glide bracket includes a first glide bracket rigidly attached to one side of the seating unit and a second glide bracket rigidly attached to an opposite side of the seating unit.

10. The glider seating unit of claim 9, wherein the first glide bracket is movably attached to the base frame with a first front swing link and a first rear swing link and the second glide bracket is movably attached to the base frame with a second front swing link and a second rear swing link.

11. The glider seating unit of claim 10, wherein the first front swing link and the second front swing link are coupled together with a front support tube and the first rear swing link and the second rear swing link are coupled together with a rear support tube.

12. A glide assembly for operatively connecting a seating unit to a base frame of a glider seating unit such that the seating unit is configured to glide in a forward direction and in a backward direction relative to the base frame, the glide assembly comprising:at least one glide bracket configured to be rigidly attached to the seating unit; at least one mounting bracket configured to be rigidly attached to the base frame; andat least one swing link that extends between a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being movably attached to the at least one mounting bracket and the second end being movably attached to the at least one glide bracket.

13. The glide assembly of claim 12, wherein the at least one swing link is arranged between the at least one glide bracket and the at least one mounting bracket.

14. The glider seating unit of claim 12, wherein the at least one glide bracket includes a first glide bracket rigidly attached to one side of the seating unit and a second glide bracket rigidly attached to an opposite side of the seating unit.

15. The glider seating unit of claim 14, wherein the first glide bracket is movably attached to the base frame with a first front swing link and a first rear swing link and the second glide bracket is movably attached to the base frame with a second front swing link and a second rear swing link.

16. The glider seating unit of claim 15, wherein the first front swing link and the second front swing link are coupled together with a front support tube and the first rear swing link and the second rear swing link are coupled together with a rear support tube.

17. A glide assembly for operatively connecting a seating unit to a base frame of a glider seating unit such that the seating unit is configured to glide in a forward direction and in a backward direction relative to the base frame, the glide assembly comprising:first and second glide brackets configured to be rigidly attached to opposite sides of the seating unit;first and second mounting brackets configured to be rigidly attached to opposite sides of the base frame; andfront and rear swing links on each side of the glide assembly, each swing link having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being movably attached to the one of the mounting brackets and the second end being movably attached to one of the glide brackets.

18. The glide assembly of claim 17, wherein each of the mounting brackets includes a first stop that is configured to abut the front swing link and a second stop that is configured to abut the rear swing link, the first stop and the second stop being configured to limit the gliding movement of the seating unit relative to the base frame.

19. The glide assembly of claim 17, wherein each of the first and second glide brackets has ears secured to one of the sides of the seating unit.

20. The glide assembly of claim 17, wherein the front swing links are coupled together with a front support tube and the rear swing links are coupled together with a rear support tube.

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