U.S. patent application number 09/305972 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-30 for power actuated reclining chair with wall-hugger function.
Invention is credited to GAFFNEY, EDWARD J., ZAREMBA, ALAN.
Application Number | 20020063459 09/305972 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23183174 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020063459 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GAFFNEY, EDWARD J. ; et
al. |
May 30, 2002 |
POWER ACTUATED RECLINING CHAIR WITH WALL-HUGGER FUNCTION
Abstract
A reclining chair has a backrest and a seat, which includes a
front seat portion and a rear seat portion. The chair is carried on
a mechanized base. The base carries an actuator, which is coupled
to a reclining linkage assembly. The reclining linkage assembly
applies force in response to operation of the actuator to advance
the seat and backrest forward while also tilting the backrest
rearward from a generally upright position to a generally reclined
position. Advancing the seat and backrest forward while the
backrest reclines, keeps the distance between the backrest and an
adjacent wall generally constant, regardless of whether the
backrest is in the generally upright position and in the generally
reclined position. The actuator can also operate a lifting linkage
assembly for lifting the seat and tilting the seat forward to
assist exit from the chair. A locking mechanism resists extension
of an associated footrest linkage when the seat is lifted and
tilted forward.
Inventors: |
GAFFNEY, EDWARD J.;
(PEWAUKEE, WI) ; ZAREMBA, ALAN; (DELAFIELD,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RYAN KROMHOLZ & MANION, S.C.
P. O. BOX 26618
MILWAUKEE,
WI
53226-0618
US
|
Family ID: |
23183174 |
Appl. No.: |
09/305972 |
Filed: |
May 6, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/330 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 5/1075 20130101;
A61G 5/14 20130101; A47C 1/0345 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/330 |
International
Class: |
A47C 001/034 |
Claims
We claim:
1. In a reclining chair having a backrest, a seat including a rear
seat portion, and a base, the improvement comprising: an actuator
on the base, and a reclining linkage assembly coupled to the
actuator and including a rear thrust bar on the base adapted to be
coupled to the backrest and the back portion of the seat, the
reclining linkage assembly being operable, in response to operation
of the actuator, for applying a pulling force to the rear thrust
bar to pull the seat and backrest forward while tilting the
backrest rearward from a generally upright position to a generally
reclined position, whereby distance between the backrest and an
adjacent wall remains generally constant when the backrest is in
the generally upright position and in the generally reclined
position.
2. A reclining chair according to claim 1 wherein the reclining
linkage assembly includes an actuating thrust bar coupled to the
actuator to which the actuator applies force during operation, and
a rear thrust link coupling the actuating thrust bar to the rear
thrust bar to apply the pulling force to the rear thrust bar in
response to the force applied by the actuator to the actuating
thrust bar.
3. A reclining chair according to claim 2 wherein the force applied
by the actuator to the actuating thrust bar pivots the actuating
thrust bar about an axis, and wherein the rear thrust link applies
the pulling force to the rear thrust link in response to pivot of
the actuating thrust bar.
4. In a reclining chair having a backrest, a seat including a rear
seat portion, and a base, the improvement comprising: an actuator
on the base operable in a first mode and in a second mode, a
lifting linkage assembly on the base coupled to the seat and the
actuator and being operable, when the actuator operates in the
first mode, for lifting the seat and tilting the seat forward to
assist exit from the chair, and a reclining linkage assembly
coupled to the actuator and including a rear thrust bar on the base
coupled to the backrest and the back portion of the seat, the
reclining linkage assembly being operable, when the actuator
operates in the second mode, for applying a pulling force on the
rear thrust bar to pull the seat and backrest forward while tilting
the backrest rearward from a generally upright position to a
generally reclined position, whereby distance between the backrest
and an adjacent wall remains generally constant when the backrest
is in the generally upright position and in the generally reclined
position.
5. A reclining chair according to claim 1 or 4 wherein the actuator
operates in a first direction during the first mode and in a second
direction during the second mode.
6. A reclining chair according to claim 5 wherein, during operation
in the first direction, the actuator extends in length, and
wherein, during operation in the second direction, the actuator
retracts in length.
7. A reclining chair according to claim 6 wherein the lifting
linkage assembly includes a front thrust bar coupled to the
actuator to lift the seat in response to force applied by the
actuator as it extends in length.
8. A reclining chair according to claim 7 wherein the reclining
linkage assembly includes a rear thrust link coupling the front
thrust bar to the rear thrust bar to apply the pulling force to the
rear thrust bar in response to the force applied by the actuator to
the front thrust bar as the actuator retracts in length.
9. A reclining chair according to claim 8 wherein force applied by
the actuator to the front thrust bar as the actuator retracts in
length pivots the front thrust bar about an axis, and wherein the
rear thrust link applies the pulling force to the rear thrust link
in response to pivot of the front thrust bar.
10. A reclining chair according to claim 1 or 4 wherein the
reclining linkage assembly is operable for also tilting the seat
rearward while pulling the seat and backrest forward.
11. A reclining chair according to claim 1 or 4 wherein the
reclining linkage assembly is operable for tilting the backrest
rearward relative to the seat while pulling the seat and backrest
forward.
12. A reclining chair according to claim 1 or 4 wherein the
reclining linkage assembly includes an upper support coupled to the
seat and backrest, a lower support coupled to the base, and a seat
linkage coupling the upper support to the lower support for
swinging the upper support forward relative to the lower support,
and wherein the rear thrust bar applies the pulling force to the
upper support to swing the upper support forward.
13. A reclining chair according to claim 12 wherein the rear thrust
bar is attached to the seat linkage to apply the pulling force
through the seat linkage to the upper support.
14. A reclining chair according to claim 1 or 4 wherein the seat
and backrest comprise an assembled unit when out of association
with the mechanized base.
15. A reclining chair according to claim 1 or 4 wherein the seat
and backrest comprise unassembled components when out of
association with the mechanized base.
16. A reclining chair according to claim 1 or 4 and further
including a footrest linkage operable between a retracted position
and an extended position, and wherein the reclining linkage
assembly includes an intermediate link coupled to the footrest
linkage for moving the footrest linkage from the retracted toward
the extended position in response to pulling the seat and backrest
forward.
17. In a reclining chair having a backrest, a seat including a
front seat portion, and a base, the improvement comprising: an
actuator on the base, and a reclining linkage assembly coupled to
the actuator and including a forward thrust bar on the base adapted
to be coupled to the front portion of the seat, the reclining
linkage assembly being operable, in response to operation of the
actuator, for applying a pushing force to the forward thrust bar to
advance the seat and backrest forward while tilting the backrest
rearward from a generally upright position to a generally reclined
position, whereby distance between the backrest and an adjacent
wall remains generally constant when the backrest is in the
generally upright position and in the generally reclined
position.
18. A reclining chair according to claim 17 wherein the reclining
linkage assembly includes a actuating thrust bar coupled to the
actuator to which the actuator applies force during operation, and
a forward thrust link coupling the actuating thrust bar to the
forward thrust bar to apply the pushing force to the forward thrust
bar in response to the force applied by the actuator to the
actuating thrust bar.
19. A reclining chair according to claim 18 wherein the force
applied by the actuator to the actuating thrust bar pivots the
actuating thrust bar about an axis, and wherein the forward thrust
link applies the pushing force to the forward thrust link in
response to pivot of the actuating thrust bar.
20. In a reclining chair having a backrest, a seat including a
front seat portion, and a base, the improvement comprising: an
actuator on the base operable in a first mode and in a second mode,
a lifting linkage assembly on the base coupled to the seat and the
actuator and being operable, when the actuator operates in the
first mode, for lifting the seat and tilting the seat forward to
assist exit from the chair, and a reclining linkage assembly
coupled to the actuator and including a forward thrust bar on the
base coupled to the front portion of the seat, the reclining
linkage assembly being operable, when the actuator operates in the
second mode, for applying a pushing force on the forward thrust bar
to push the seat and backrest forward while tilting the backrest
rearward from a generally upright position to a generally reclined
position, whereby distance between the backrest and an adjacent
wall remains generally constant when the backrest is in the
generally upright position and in the generally reclined
position.
21. A reclining chair according to claim 17 or 20 wherein the
actuator operates in a first direction during the first mode and in
a second direction during the second mode.
22. A reclining chair according to claim 21 wherein, during
operation in the first direction, the actuator extends in length,
and wherein, during operation in the second direction, the actuator
retracts in length.
23. A reclining chair according to claim 22 wherein the lifting
linkage assembly includes a actuating thrust bar coupled to the
actuator to lift the seat in response to force applied by the
actuator as it extends in length.
24. A reclining chair according to claim 23 wherein the reclining
linkage assembly includes a forward thrust link coupling the
actuating thrust bar to the forward thrust bar to apply the pushing
force to the forward thrust bar in response to the force applied by
the actuator to the actuating thrust bar as the actuator retracts
in length.
25. A reclining chair according to claim 24 wherein force applied
by the actuator to the actuating thrust bar as the actuator
retracts in length pivots the actuating thrust bar about an axis,
and wherein the forward thrust link applies the pushing force to
the forward thrust link in response to pivot of the actuating
thrust bar.
26. A reclining chair according to claim 17 or 20 wherein the
reclining linkage assembly is operable for also tilting the seat
rearward while pulling the seat and backrest forward.
27. A reclining chair according to claim 17 or 20 wherein the
reclining linkage assembly is operable for tilting the backrest
rearward relative to the seat while pulling the seat and backrest
forward.
28. A reclining chair according to claim 17 or 20 wherein the
reclining linkage assembly includes an upper support coupled to the
seat and backrest, a lower support coupled to the base, and a seat
linkage coupling the upper support to the lower support for
swinging the upper support forward relative to the lower support,
and wherein the forward thrust bar applies the pushing force to the
upper support to swing the upper support forward.
29. A reclining chair according to claim 28 wherein the forward
thrust bar is attached to the seat linkage to apply the pushing
force through the seat linkage to the upper support.
30. A reclining chair according to claim 17 or 20 wherein the seat
and backrest comprise an assembled unit when out of association
with the mechanized base.
31. A reclining chair according to claim 17 or 20 wherein the seat
and backrest comprise unassembled components when out of
association with the mechanized base.
32. A reclining chair according to claim 17 or 20 and further
including a footrest linkage operable between a retracted position
and an extended position, and wherein the reclining linkage
assembly includes an intermediate link coupled to the footrest
linkage for moving the footrest linkage from the retracted toward
the extended position in response to pulling the seat and backrest
forward.
33. A chair comprising a seat, a footrest linkage associated with
the seat to operable between a retracted position and an extended
position, a base, an actuator on the base, a lifting linkage
assembly on the base coupled to the seat and the actuator and being
operable, in response to operation of the actuator, for lifting the
seat and tilting the seat forward to assist exit from the chair,
and a mechanism to resist movement of the footrest linkage out of
the retracted position when the seat is lifted and tilted
forward.
34. A chair according to claim 33 wherein the lifting linkage
assembly includes a lift arm that pivots in response to operation
of the actuator, and wherein the mechanism is coupled to the lift
arm.
35. A chair according to claim 34 wherein the mechanism includes an
appendage on the lift arm that pivots into interference with the
footrest linkage as the lift arm pivots in response to operation of
the actuator.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to chairs, and more particularly to
power actuated reclining chairs having a wall-hugger function.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Manual "wall-hugger" style chairs are popular, because they
do not require any more clearance between the backrest and a nearby
wall in a normal seated position than in a fully reclined position.
As a result, they conserve space in a room.
[0003] Power actuated lifting and reclining chairs are well known.
See, for example, Gaffney U.S. Pat. No. 4,007,960. These chairs
have, in the past, allowed elderly or infirm persons to enjoy all
the comforts and benefits of then conventional reclining chairs.
The elderly or infirm should also have the opportunity to enjoy all
the comfort and benefits of wall-hugger style chairs.
[0004] Unfortunately, the special mechanisms that make
conventional, manual wall-hugger style chairs possible do not
readily lend themselves to straightforward, reliable, and
inexpensive connection to conventional power actuated lift and
recline mechanisms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One aspect of the invention provides a mechanized base for a
reclining chair, which provides a reliable, straightforward,
power-driven reclining function with a wall-hugging feature. The
reclining chair has a backrest and a seat, which includes a front
seat portion and a rear seat portion. The base carries an actuator,
which is coupled to a reclining linkage assembly.
[0006] In one embodiment, the reclining linkage assembly includes a
rear thrust bar on the base. The rear thrust bar is adapted to be
coupled to the backrest and the back portion of the seat. In use,
the reclining linkage assembly is operable, in response to
operation of the actuator, for applying a pulling force to the rear
thrust bar. The applied pulling force pulls the seat and backrest
forward while also tilting the backrest rearward from a generally
upright position to a generally reclined position. Pulling the seat
and backrest forward while the backrest reclines, keeps the
distance between the backrest and an adjacent wall generally
constant, regardless of whether the backrest is in the generally
upright position and in the generally reclined position.
[0007] In another embodiment, the reclining linkage assembly
includes a forward thrust bar on the base adapted to be coupled to
the front portion of the seat. In this embodiment, the reclining
linkage assembly is operable, in response to operation of the
actuator, for applying a pushing force to the forward thrust bar to
advance the seat and backrest forward while tilting the backrest
rearward from a generally upright position to a generally reclined
position. Pushing the seat and backrest forward while the backrest
reclines, keeps the distance between the backrest and an adjacent
wall generally constant when the backrest is in the generally
upright position and in the generally reclined position.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator on the base is
operable in first and second modes. In this embodiment, a lifting
linkage assembly coupled to the actuator is also adapted to be
coupled to the seat. In use, the lifting linkage is operable, when
the actuator operates in the first mode, for lifting the seat and
tilting the seat forward to assist exit from the chair. In this
embodiment, the reclining linkage assembly is operable, when the
actuator operates in the second mode, for applying force to move
the seat and backrest forward while tilting the backrest rearward
for recline.
[0009] The mechanized base provided by the invention readily
accommodates a reclining chair construction in which the backrest
and seat are secured together at a fixed angle. The mechanized base
just as readily accommodates a reclining chair construction in
which the backrest pivots relative to the seat.
[0010] The mechanized base also accommodates a reclining chair
having an extendable footrest. In this embodiment, the reclining
linkage assembly is linked to the footrest to extend the footrest
as the seat and backrest are pulled forward for recline.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention provides a chair comprising
a seat, a footrest linkage associated with the seat to operable
between a retracted position and an extended position, and a base.
An actuator on the base is coupled to a lifting linkage assembly,
which is coupled to the base and the seat. The lifting linkage
assembly is operable, in response to operation of the actuator, for
lifting the seat and tilting the seat forward to assist exit from
the chair. According to this aspect of the invention, the chair
includes a mechanism to resist movement of the footrest linkage out
of the retracted position when the seat is lifted and tilted
forward.
[0012] Other features and advantages of the inventions are set
forth in the following Description and Drawings, as well as in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective front side view of a reclining chair
carried on a mechanized base, which embodies features of the
invention, the chair being shown in a normal seated position on the
base;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective front side view of the reclining
chair shown FIG. 1, except that the chair is shown in an elevated
position, lifted above the mechanized base;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective front side view of the reclining
chair shown FIG. 1, except that the chair is shown in a reclined
position on the base;
[0016] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are exploded rear side perspective
views of one embodiment of the mechanized base which the chair
shown in FIG. 1 incorporates, with
[0017] FIG. 4A showing the chair frame support unit,
[0018] FIG. 4B showing the bottom base unit, and
[0019] FIG. 4C showing the assembly of the chair frame support unit
on the bottom base unit, forming the mechanized base;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a rear side perspective view of the bottom base
unit of the mechanized base with the components oriented when the
chair is in the normal seated position shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIGS. 6 and 7 are rear side perspective views of the bottom
base unit of the mechanized base with the components oriented when
the chair is being elevated, with
[0022] FIG. 6 showing a partially elevated position and
[0023] FIG. 7 showing a fully elevated position, generally
corresponding to the attitude of the chair shown in FIG. 2;
[0024] FIGS. 8 and 9 are rear side perspective views of the bottom
base unit of the mechanized base, with portions of the chair frame
support unit also shown, with components oriented when the chair is
being reclined, with
[0025] FIG. 8 showing a partially reclined position and
[0026] FIG. 9 showing a fully reclined position, generally
corresponding to the attitude of the chair shown in FIG. 3;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the mechanized base,
with portions broken away and presented in phantom lines to enable
clear viewing, showing the orientation of components when the chair
is in a normal seated position, generally corresponding to FIG.
1;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the mechanized base,
with portions broken away and presented in phantom lines to enable
clear viewing, showing the orientation of components when the chair
is in an elevated position, generally corresponding to FIG. 2;
[0029] FIGS. 12 and 13 are a side elevation views of the mechanized
base, with portions broken away and presented in phantom lines to
enable clear viewing, showing the orientation of components when
the chair is in a partially reclined position (FIG. 12) and a fully
recline position (FIG. 13), generally corresponding to FIG. 3;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a
mechanized base, which embodies features of the invention, with
portions broken away and presented in phantom lines to enable clear
viewing, showing the orientation of components when the chair is in
a normal seated position;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the mechanized base
shown in FIG. 14, with portions broken away and presented in
phantom lines to enable clear viewing, showing the orientation of
components when the chair is in a partially reclined position;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the mechanized base
shown in FIG. 14, with portions broken away and presented in
phantom lines to enable clear viewing, showing the orientation of
components when the chair is in a fully reclined position;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a rear side perspective view of the mechanized
base shown in FIGS. 14 to 16;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of
a mechanized base which the chair shown in FIG. 1 can incorporate,
showing the assembly of a chair frame support unit on the bottom
base unit, forming the mechanized base, which is shown in a normal
seated condition;
[0035] FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the mechanized base
shown in FIG. 18, with the base in a partially reclined
condition;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the mechanized base
shown in FIG. 18, with the base in a fully reclined condition,
generally corresponding to claim 3;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the mechanized base
shown in FIG. 18 taken generally along line 21-21 in FIG. 18,
showing the orientation of components when the chair is in a normal
seated position, generally corresponding to FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the mechanized base
shown in FIG. 21, showing the orientation of components when the
chair is in an partially elevated position;
[0039] FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of the mechanized base
shown in FIG. 21, showing the orientation of components when the
chair is in a fully partially elevated position, generally
corresponding to FIG. 2;
[0040] FIGS. 24 and 25 are enlarged perspective views showing a
mechanism for locking a lazy tongs linkage when the chair shown in
FIG. 21 elevated, FIG. 24 showing the orientation of the locking
mechanism when the chair is partially elevated (as also shown in
FIG. 22), and FIG. 24 showing the orientation of the locking
mechanism when the chair is fully elevated (as also shown in FIG.
23); and
[0041] FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of a mechanized base
having the features of the base shown in FIG. 18, but adapted to
accept a preassembled reclining chair.
[0042] The invention may be embodied in several forms without
departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The scope
of the invention is defined in the appended claims, rather than in
the specific description preceding them. All embodiments that fall
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are
therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] FIGS. 1 to 3 show a power actuated lifting and reclining
chair 10, which embodies features of the invention. The chair 10
comprises an upholstered chair body 12 carried on a mechanized base
14(see FIG. 2). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the chair 10 which is
supported on a floor 16 in proximity to a wall 18.
[0044] I. The Chair Body
[0045] The chair body 12 is typical of most chairs in residential
use. The chair body 12 includes a seat 20, a backrest 22, and side
arms 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the chair body 12 also
includes an extendable footrest or ottoman 26. Still, the presence
of the footrest 26 is not essential to the features of the
invention.
[0046] FIG. 1 shows the chair body 12 in a typical, normal seated
position. In this position, the backrest 22 is in a generally
upright, or perhaps somewhat tilted back, condition. This position
provides comfort to an occupant for normal seating in the chair
body 12.
[0047] The mechanized base 14 is coupled to a hand-held controller
28. The controller has one or more control buttons 30. The occupant
presses the control buttons 30, which drives the mechanized base 14
and alters the position of the chair body 12.
[0048] The mechanized base 14 operates in two modes, which will be
called the lift mode and the reclined mode.
[0049] In the lift mode (exemplified in FIG. 2), the mechanized
base 14 elevates the seat 20 of the chair body 12 from the normal
seated position. Preferably, in the lift mode, the mechanized base
14 also tilts the seat slightly downward, toward the floor 16.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the backrest 22 and side arms 24 are all
elevated in common with the seat 20. Still, it should be recognized
that the chair body 12 could be constructed to enable elevating the
seat 20 during the lift mode without raising the backrest 22 or the
side arms 24.
[0051] The lift mode is designed to aid persons who lack the
physical strength or dexterity to push themselves comfortably from
the chair seat 20 into a standing position. The lift mode brings
the occupant in the seat 20 up to or near a full standing position,
to thereby facilitate exit from the chair body 12. In reverse, the
lift mode lowers a person from a standing position to the normal
seated position.
[0052] In the recline mode (exemplified in FIG. 3), the mechanized
base 14 tilts or swings the backrest 22 of the chair body 12
rearward, from the upright position (FIG. 1) through a range of
reclined positions to a preset fully reclined position (FIG. 3).
Using the controller 28, the occupant can stop the backrest 22 at
any position between the upright position and the fully reclined
position.
[0053] The recline mode is designed to give a range of comfortable
positions to the occupant while seated for various activities, such
as reading, watching television, resting, or sleeping.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, during the recline mode, the mechanized
base 14 also causes the footrest 26 to extend out from the front of
the seat 20. The footrest 26 provides added support for the
occupant's legs, lifting the legs to enhance blood circulation
while enjoying a reclined position.
[0055] The details of the reclining action of the backrest 22 in
relation to the seat 20 during the recline mode can vary, according
to the construction of the chair body 12. For example, the backrest
22 can, during all or a portion of the recline, move relative to
the seat 20. This is known in the industry as a "three-way" chair
construction, in which the seat 20 and backrest 22 are pivotally
hinged together.
[0056] For an other example, the seat 20 and backrest 22 can be
secured together in a fixed relationship, so that, during recline,
they move as a unit, maintaining a fixed angle between them. This
is known in the industry as a "two-way" chair construction.
[0057] The selection of a particular chair construction depends
upon individual preference. The mechanized base 14 can readily
accommodate both types of chair constructions, as will be
demonstrated.
[0058] As FIGS. 1 to 3 show, during the recline mode, the
mechanized base 14 provides a wall-hugger function. More
particularly, the distance D.sub.WALL, measured between the top of
the backrest 22 and the adjacent wall 18, remains generally the
same, whether the backrest 22 is in the normal seated position or
in the fully reclined position.
[0059] II. The Mechanized Base
[0060] (Three-way, Base-assembled, Rear Thrust Embodiment)
[0061] Details of one preferred embodiment of the mechanized base
14 will now be discussed, with reference first primarily to FIGS.
4A, 4B, and 4C.
[0062] The mechanized base 14 includes a bottom base unit 32 (shown
in FIG. 4B) and a chair frame support unit 34 (shown in FIG. 4A).
In this particular embodiment, the bottom base unit 32 and the
chair frame support unit 34 are conveniently joined by five bolts
B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5 to create the mechanized base 14 (shown in
FIG. 4C).
[0063] A. The Bottom Base Unit
[0064] Referring principally to FIG. 4B, the bottom base unit 32
includes a base frame 36. A back brace 38 is welded or otherwise
fastened across the rear of the base frame 36 to provide strength
and stability.
[0065] The back brace 38 carries a single actuator 40. In the
illustrated embodiment, the actuator 40 comprises a single electric
motor 42 driving a single extendable ram 44. The controller 28
(previously described) is coupled by a cable 46 to the motor 42. A
power cable 48 couples the motor 42 to a conventional electrical
power outlet (not shown).
[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the extendable ram 44
includes a driver 50 driven by a conventional, rotating lead screw
52. The lead screw 22 is coupled to the motor 42 by a right angle
speed reducer 54. The driver 50 includes a drive nut 60, which
threadably engages the lead screw 52. The ram 44 is pivotally
connected on a pintle 56 to an actuator mount 58, which is welded
or otherwise fastened to the back brace 38. As used in this
Specification, a "pintle" identifies a pin or bolt or other
equivalent fastening element about which the attached part can
pivot.
[0067] Operation of the control buttons 30 on the controller 28
command the motor to cause clockwise or counterclockwise rotation
of the lead screw. When the motor 42 rotates the lead screw 52 in a
first direction (e.g., clockwise), the nut 60 advances the driver
50 in a first direction (designed by arrow 1 in FIG. 4B), which in
the illustrated embodiment is away from the motor 42. For point of
reference, this direction will be called the forward or fore
direction.
[0068] Conversely, when the motor 42 rotates the lead screw in a
second direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the nut 60 advances the
driver 50 in a second direction (designated by arrow 2 in FIG. 4B),
which in the illustrated embodiment is toward the motor 42. For
point of reference, this direction will be called the rearward or
aft direction.
[0069] Although the actuator 40 is shown in the illustrated
embodiment to be a motor-driven ram, other power-actuated
mechanisms can be used. For example, a hydraulic or a pneumatic ram
can be used instead of the motor-driven ram.
[0070] As also shown in FIG. 4B, the bottom base unit 32 carries a
forward pair of lift arms 62. The forward lift arms 62 are
pivotally connected on pintles 66 to the bottom base unit 32 by a
front brace 64. The front brace 64 is welded or otherwise fastened
across the base frame 36, to provide additional strength and
stability.
[0071] The bottom base unit 32 also includes a pair of rear lift
arm mounts 68. The rear lift arm mounts 68 are welded or otherwise
secured to the back portion of the base frame 36, adjacent the back
brace 38.
[0072] B. The Chair Frame Support Unit
[0073] Referring now principally to FIG. 4A, the chair frame
support unit 34 includes a pair of upper and lower side plates,
respectively 70 and 72. The upper side plates 70 are coupled to the
lower side plates 72 by spaced apart front and rear seat links,
respectively 74 and 76. The seat links 74 and 76 are pivotally
connected on pintles 78 at their opposite ends to the upper and
lower side plates 70 and 72. The upper support plates 70 swing on
the lower support plates 72 in fore and aft directions on the front
and rear seat links 74 and 76, as will be shown in greater detail
later.
[0074] A front brace 80 is coupled by fasteners 82 or welding
across the upper support plates 70 to provide structural strength
and stability. A rearward thrust bar 88, which is also coupled by
fasteners 84 or welding to brackets 86 carried by the rear seat
links 76, provides a similar function at the rear of the upper
support plates 70. The rearward thrust bar 88 and seat links 74 and
76 also serve an important force transfer function during the
recline mode, as will be described in greater detail later.
[0075] Flanges 92 on the upper support plates 70 are secured by
suitable fasteners 90 to the seat 20 of the chair frame 12 (as FIG.
10 best shows). The side arms 24 are secured by suitable fasteners
96 to flanges 94 to the lower support plates 72 (as FIG. 10 also
best shows).
[0076] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, it is
contemplated that, the seat 20, side arms 24, and backrest 22 will
be assembled on the chair frame support unit 34 as individual
component parts, and are not preassembled into a chair body 12
before their attachment to the support unit 34.
[0077] If a two-way chair construction is desired, the backrest 22
is secured directly to the chair seat 20 on the upper support
plates 70 by a conventional bracket (not shown). Alternatively, or
in combination with a direct seat-to-backrest connection, a pair of
fixed (i.e., not pivotable) back mounts carried on rear of the
upper support plates 70 can be provided (like those identified by
reference numeral 98 in FIG. 4A, only secured in a not pivoting
fashion). The backrest 22 can be attached by suitable fasteners
(not shown) to the fixed back mounts.
[0078] If a three-way chair construction is desired, a pair of
pivoting back mounts 98 can be pivotally connected on pintles 102
at the rear of the upper support plates 70 and connected by back
links 142 to cause pivoting of the backrest 22 relative to the seat
20. Further details concerning the pivoting back mounts 98 will be
described later.
[0079] A lift bar 104 is welded or otherwise fastened across the
front of the lower support plates 72. FIG. 5 shows an unobstructed
view of the lift bar, with certain adjacent components removed for
the purpose of illustration.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 4A, a pair of rearward lift arms 110 are
pivotally connected on pintles 174 to mounts 106, which welded or
otherwise fastened to the lift bar 104. A lift arm brace 108 is
welded or otherwise fastened across the rearward lift arms 110 to
provide added structural strength and stability.
[0081] As FIG. 4C shows, the pair of rearward lift arms 110 are
pivotally coupled at their other ends by the two bolts B1 and B2 to
the rear pair of lift arm mounts 68 on the bottom base unit 32. In
like manner, the free ends of the forward pair of lift arms 62 (on
the bottom base unit 32) are pivotally coupled by the two bolts B3
and B4 to the front of the lower support plates 72 (see FIG. 4C).
These four bolts B1, B2, B3, and B4 conveniently couple the chair
frame support unit 34 to the bottom base unit 32.
[0082] Referred back to FIG. 4A. the lift bar 104 also carries a
pair of thrust brackets 112, which are also shown in an
unobstructed view in FIG. 5. The thrust brackets 112 are welded or
otherwise secured at equally spaced distances from the middle of
the lift bar 104.
[0083] A pair of thrust rocker arms 114 are pivotally connected by
pintles 116 to the thrust brackets 112. The thrust rocker arms 114
can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise about the pintles 116,
unless otherwise restrained, as will be described in greater detail
later.
[0084] A forward thrust bar 118 is coupled by welding or suitable
fastening to the front of the thrust rocker arms 114, for movement
on the rocker arms about the pintles 116. The forward thrust bar
118 carries a front actuator mount 120, which is welded or
otherwise secured to it.
[0085] As FIG. 4C shows, the free end of the driver 50 of the
actuator 40 is pivotally connected by the bolt B5 to the front
actuator mount 120. The bolt B5 operatively couples the chair frame
support unit 34 to the single actuator 40.
[0086] As FIG. 4A shows, the rearward thrust bar 88 (previously
described) is pivotally connected on pintles 122 to the ends of a
pair of rear thrust links 124. The opposite ends of the rear thrust
links 124 are connected on pintles 126 to the lower portion of the
thrust rocker arms 114.
[0087] As FIG. 4C shows, the rear thrust links 124 operatively
couple the rearward thrust bar 88 (through the pivotally connected
thrust rocker arms 114, the forward thrust bar 118, and the mount
120) to the single actuator 40. The thrust rocker arms 114 (and,
with it, the forward thrust bar 118) are coupled to the upper and
lower support plates 70 and 72 by the rear thrust links 124, the
rear thrust bar 88, and the rear seat links 76.
[0088] C. Operation of the Mechanized Base
[0089] The foregoing connections between the components of the
bottom base unit 32 and the chair frame support unit 34 make
possible the realization of both lift and recline modes using the
single actuator 40, while also providing the wall-hugger
feature.
[0090] 1. Normal Seating Position
[0091] FIGS. 5 and 10 show the orientation of principal operating
components of the bottom base unit 32 and the chair frame support
unit 34 when the chair body 12 is in its normal seated position
(which also generally corresponds with the orientation of the chair
body in FIG. 1).
[0092] In this condition, the lift bar 104 rests on the base frame
36. The rearward lift arms 110 rest generally parallel to and on
the base frame 36.
[0093] Also, in this position, the actuator 40 has an effective
neutral length L1, as measured between the rear mount 58 and the
forward mount 120. The position of the actuator 40 when in this
length L1 will be called the transfer position, because it
constitutes the transition between the lift mode and the recline
mode.
[0094] ii. Lift Mode
[0095] FIGS. 6, 7, and 11 show operation of the mechanized base 14
in the lift mode. The lift mode begins with the actuator 40 in the
transfer position shown in FIGS. 5 and 10.
[0096] Referring first to FIG. 6, the motor 42 is commanded to turn
the lead screw 52 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise, as the
arrow 128 in FIG. 6 shows). The driver 50 advances in the first
(forward) direction along the lead screw 52, as the arrow 130 in
FIG. 6 shows. The length of the actuator 20 increases beyond L1,
applying a force F.sub.LIFT to the mount 120. The lift mode
commences.
[0097] The forward force F.sub.LIFT is applied directly to the
forward thrust bar 118. In the transfer position shown in FIG. 5,
pivotal motion of the thrust rocker arms 114 in a counterclockwise
direction is restrained, because the thrust rocker arms 114 are
effectively locked to the upper and lower support plates 70 and 72
by the intermediate rear thrust links 124, the rear thrust bar 88,
and rear seat links 76. As a consequence, the force F.sub.LIFT
created by the extending actuator 40 pivots the actuator 40 in a
clockwise direction about its mount 58 (as shown by arrows 180 in
FIGS. 6 and 7). The clockwise pivot is transferred by the forward
thrust bar 118 to the lift bar 104, which also pivots on the
rearward lift arms in a clockwise direction about the mounts 68 in
synchrony with the actuator 40.
[0098] As FIG. 11 shows, as the actuator 40 progressively increases
in length and pivots clockwise on the base frame 36, the lower
support plate 72, and, with it, the upper support plate 70, are
lifted in tandem by the lift bar 104. The upper and lower support
plates 70 and 72 pivot on the forward and rearward lift arms 62 and
110. As FIG. 11 shows, the entire chair body 12 support unit, and
with it, the chair body 12 itself, is elevated above the base frame
unit.
[0099] As FIG. 11 also shows, the forward lift arms 62, which are
coupled to the front of the elevated lower support plates 72, are
shorter than the rearward lift arms 110, which are coupled to the
elevating lift bar. The assemblage of the shorter forward lift arms
62 and longer rearward lift arms 100 to the base frame 36 and the
lower support plates 72 creates a non-parallelogram linkage 132.
The non-parallelogram linkage 132 causes the upper and lower
support plates 72 and 74 to tilt forward toward the floor 16 as
they are elevated. As a result, the chair seat 20, carried by the
upper support plate 70, tilts forward to the same extent. The
relative differences in lengths and the spacing between the forward
lift arms 62 and the rearward lift arms 110 govern the angle of the
forward tilt.
[0100] When a preset fully elevated position is achieved (which is
shown in FIGS. 7 and 11), a limit switch on the motor 42 stops
further clockwise rotation of the lead screw 52.
[0101] In this fully lifted position (see FIGS. 7 and 11), the
actuator has an new effective length L2, as measured between the
mounts 68 and 120. The new length L2 is longer than neutral length
L1 of the actuator 40 when in the transfer position.
[0102] Subsequent operation of the motor 42 to turn the lead screw
52 counterclockwise causes the driver 50 to travel in a second
direction, which will be called a rearward direction, along the
lead screw 72. The effective length of the actuator 40 decreases
from L2 back toward L1.
[0103] The rearward travel of driver 50 transfers a force
F.sub.LOWER to the mount 120. The force F.sub.LOWER created by the
shortening actuator 40 pivots the actuator 40 in a counterclockwise
direction about its mount 58. The counterclockwise pivot force is
transferred by the forward thrust bar 118 to the lift bar 104,
which also pivots on the rearward lift arms in a counterclockwise
direction about the mounts 68 in synchrony with the actuator
40.
[0104] As the actuator 40 shortens in length from L2 toward L1 and
pivots counterclockwise on the base frame 36, the lower support
plate 72, and, with it, the upper support plate 70, are lowered in
tandem by the lift bar 104, pivoting on the forward and rearward
lift arms 62 and 110. The entire chair body 12 support unit, and,
with it, the chair body 12 itself, descend toward the base frame
unit.
[0105] During the descent, the forward and rearward lift arms 62
and 110 tilt the seat 20 rearward as the chair body 12 returns to
it's the normal seated position. At this point, the actuator has
resumed its original effective length L1, and is again at its
transfer position.
[0106] iii. Recline Mode
[0107] FIGS. 8, 9, 12, and 13 show operation of the mechanized base
14 in the recline mode.
[0108] The recline mode begins, with the actuator 40 in the
transfer position, and the chair body 12 in a normal seating
position (as shown in FIGS. 5 and 10). Referring to FIG. 8, the
motor 42 is commanded to turn the lead screw 72 in a second
direction (i.e., a direction different than the direction of the
lift mode, which is clockwise in the illustrated embodiment, as the
arrow 134 in FIG. 8 shows). The driver 50 travels in the second
(rearward) direction along the lead screw 52, as the arrow 136 in
FIG. 8 shows. The length of the actuator 20 shortens from L2,
applying a force F.sub.RECLINE to the mount 120. The recline mode
commences.
[0109] The force F.sub.RECLINE is applied directly to the forward
thrust bar 118. In the transfer position shown in FIG. 5, pivotal
motion of the thrust rocker arms 114 in a clockwise direction is
not restrained. Thus, rearward travel of the driver 50 past the
transfer position pulls rearward on the forward thrust bar 118,
causing the thrust rocker arms 114 to rotate about the pintles 116
in a clockwise direction (as shown by the arrow 182 in FIG. 8).
[0110] As FIGS. 8 and 9 show, as the actuator 40 progressively
shortens, the clockwise pivot of the thrust rocker arms 114 about
the pintles 116, pulls the rear thrust links 124 forward. This
force, in turn, pulls the rearward thrust bar 88 forward. The
forward pulling force is transferred by the rear seat links 124 to
the upper support plates 70, which are advanced forward on the
front and rear links 74, accordingly. FIGS. 12 and 13 also show the
forward travel of the upper support links 70 created by the pulling
force on the rearward thrust bar 88, as the lower side plates 72
remain stationary. As FIGS. 12 and 13 show, the seat 20 (coupled to
the upper support plates 70) thereby moves forward, while the side
arms (coupled to the lower support plates 72) remain
stationary.
[0111] As FIGS. 12 and 13 also show, the front seat links 74 are
longer than the rear seat links 76. The assemblage of the front and
rear seat links 74 and 76 to the upper and lower support plates 70
and 72 thereby forms another non-parallelogram linkage 138. As the
upper side plates 70 move forward, the seat links 74 and 76 will
lift the front of the chair seat 20 higher than the back of the
seat 20. As a result, the seat 20 tilts back, or reclines. The
relative differences in lengths and the distances between the front
and rear seat links 74 and 76 govern the angle that the seat 20
reclines.
[0112] The motion of the backrest 22 as the seat 20 moves forward
and reclines depends upon the construction of the chair body 12. If
the backrest 22 and seat 20 are secured together at a fixed angle,
typical of a two-way chair construction, as previously described,
forward movement and recline of the seat 20 in the manner just
described will likewise cause forward movement and recline of the
backrest 22 to generally the same degree. In this construction, the
back mounts 98 (if used) are restrained from pivoting by a suitable
fastener (not shown) to fix the position of the back mounts 98 on
the upper support plates 70. In this construction, the back mounts
98 (if used) are not linked to other components operative during
the recline mode.
[0113] In the illustrated embodiment (see FIGS. 12 and 13), a three
way chair construction is shown. In this construction, the backrest
22 is secured independent of the seat 20 to the back mounts 98 by
screws or suitable fasteners 140. In this arrangement, the back
mounts 98 are allowed to pivot on pintles 178 on the rear of the
upper support plates 70. A pair of backrest links 142 are pivotally
coupled by pintles 144 between the back mounts 98 and the rear of
the lower support plates 72.
[0114] As FIG. 10 shows, the backrest links 142 and rear seat links
76 are approximately parallel when the upper support plate 70
places the chair seat 20 in the normal seated position. Forward
movement of the upper support plates 70 about the links 74 and 76
(carrying the seat 20 forward while also reclining it) (see FIGS.
12 and 13) also pivots the back links 142 forward. The back links
142 exert a pulling force on the back mounts 98, rotating them in a
clockwise direction about the pintles 144(as shown by arrow 148 in
FIG. 13). The clockwise rotation of the back mounts 98 tilts the
backrest 22 rearward relative to the seat 22. This movement of the
backrest 22 is independent of the movement of the seat 20 caused by
the non-parallelogram linkage 132. Adjusting the relatively lengths
of and distances between the back links 142 and the rear seat links
74 governs the degree to which the backrest 22 reclines relative to
the seat 20 during the recline mode. If desired, close to a full,
bed-like repose can be achieved using a three-way chair
construction.
[0115] Governed by the occupant's use of the controller 28, the
actuator 40 continues to shorten in the recline mode until a preset
fully reclined position is achieved, which is shown in FIGS. 9 and
13. At this time, a limit switch on the motor 42 stops further
rotation of the lead screw 52. Of course, the occupant can, using
the controller 28, stop the motor 42 at any time during the recline
mode, and thereby achieve an intermediate degree of recline, such
as shown in FIG. 12.
[0116] In the fully reclined position (see FIG. 13), the actuator
40 has shortened to an effective length L3 shorter than effective
length L1, as measured between the mounts 58 and 120.
[0117] The above described operation of the mechanized base 14 in
the recline mode provides a wall hugger function. In the recline
mode (see FIGS. 12 and 13), the mechanized base 14 causes the chair
seat 20 and backrest 22 to move forward, away from the adjacent
wall 18. This assures that, during the recline mode, the top of the
backrest 22 stays at essentially the same distance from the
adjacent wall 18 in both the normal seated position and the fully
reclined position.
[0118] In the illustrated and preferred embodiment (see FIGS. 8, 9,
12, and 13), the forward movement of the upper support plates 70
during the recline mode also extends the footrest 26. As shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9, the footrest 26 is coupled to a conventional lazy
tongs linkage 150. The lazy tongs linkage 150 comprises individual
links (designated LT1 to LT4) of unequal lengths joined together by
pintles 162 in an asymmetrical fashion, according to conventional
practice. The most forward links L3 and L4 are pivotally connected
by pintles 160 to the upholstered footrest 26. The most rearward
links L1 and L2 are pivotally connected by pintles 164 to the upper
support plates 70 of the mechanized base 14.
[0119] The top of the innermost link L1 of the lazy tongs linkage
150 is coupled by a pintles 152 to intermediate links 154. The
intermediate links 154 are, in turn, coupled by pintles 156 to the
middle of the front seat link 74.
[0120] As the upper support plate 70 moves forward during the
recline mode (see FIGS. 12 and 13, too), the front seat link 74
pivots in a counterclockwise direction (as shown by arrow 158 in
FIG. 12). The counterclockwise pivot of the front seat link 74
pulls on the lazy tongs linkage 150, causing it to extend. The lazy
tongs linkage 150 also causes the footrest 26 to rotate clockwise
(as indicated by the arrow in FIGS. 12 and 13), so that the
footrest 26 faces upward when the lazy tongs linkage 150 reaches
its fully extended position (see FIG. 13). The lazy tongs linkage
150 reaches its fully extended position at the time the actuator
reaches its shortest effective length L3, which marks the end of
the recline mode.
[0121] As FIGS. 9, 12 and 13 show, the lazy tongs linkage 150
includes intermediate brackets 166 secured by pins or suitable
fastener 168 to the link L4. An upholstered cross brace 170 is
secured across the intermediate brackets 166. As the lazy tongs
linkage 150 extends (see FIGS. 8 and 12), it lifts the upholstered
cross brace 170 into a mutually aligned orientation with the
footrest 26. When the footrest 26 is fully extended (see FIGS. 9
and 13), the upholstered cross brace 170 provides intermediate
support to the occupant's legs.
[0122] With the seat 20 and backrest 22 in the reclined position
(or any intermediate reclined position), subsequent operation of
the motor 42 to turn the lead screw 52 in a clockwise direction
causes the driver 50 to advance forward. The effective length of
the actuator 40 increases beyond L3 back toward the length L1 of
the transfer position.
[0123] The forward advancing driver 50 transfers a forward pushing
force upon the forward thrust bar 118, causing it to rotate in a
counterclockwise direction on the thrust rocker arms 114. The pivot
of the thrust rocker arms 114 pushes the rear thrust links 124 in a
rearward direction, thereby pushing the rearward thrust bar 88 in a
rearward direction as well. The rearward pushing force is
transferred by the rearward thrust bar 88 to the upper side plates
70. The upper side plates 70 move in a rearward direction. The
non-parallelogram linkage lowers the front of the seat 20 as the
seat 20 moves rearward. For a three-way chair construction, the
back brackets pivot forward (counterclockwise), returning the
backrest 22 toward an upright position.
[0124] The rearward movement of the upper side plates 70 also
transfers, via the clockwise swinging front seat link 74, a
rearward pulling force upon the lazy tongs linkage 150. The lazy
tongs linkage 150 retracts, pulling the footrest 26 and upholstered
cross brace 170 back toward a retracted position.
[0125] As the lengthening actuator 40 reaches its length L1 (at the
transfer point), the footrest 26 and cross brace 170 are fully
retracted, and the backrest 22 and the seat 20 are again in the
normal seated position.
[0126] III. Mechanized Base
[0127] (Three-way, Preassembled, Rear Thrust Embodiment)
[0128] FIGS. 14 to 16 show another embodiment of a mechanized base
200, which embodies features of the invention. The mechanized base
200 is, in substantial part, identical to the mechanized base 14
shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C. Therefore, common reference numerals will
be used, and only significant differences will be discussed.
[0129] As previously described, the chair body 12 carried by the
mechanized base 14 was not preassembled. Rather, the seat 20,
backrest 22, and side arms 24 comprised component parts, which were
assembled as such on the chair frame support unit 34. In FIGS. 14
to 16, the chair body 202 comprises a preassembled, conventional
reclining chair. The chair body 202 is capable of use without
attachment to the mechanized base 200. The chair body 202 can
provide a manual reclining action independent of any attachment to
the mechanized base 200. Of course, without attachment to the
mechanized base 200, the chair body 202 can not provide a lifting
function.
[0130] The preassembled chair body 202 is shown in FIG. 14 in a
normal seated position. The chair body 202 includes a chair base
224, a seat frame 204, and a backrest frame 206. Side arms 208 are
also coupled to the chair base 224 and shown in phantom lines in
FIG. 14.
[0131] FIG. 14 shows these components without upholstery for the
purpose of illustration. It should be appreciated that the chair
body 202 would be fully upholstered in conventional fashion, and
would look substantially like the chair body 12 shown in FIG.
1.
[0132] As shown in FIG. 14, the chair body 202 comprises a
three-way chair construction. The backrest frame 206 is connected
on a pintle 210 for pivoting relative to the seat frame 204. A back
link 212 is coupled on a pintle 214 to the backrest frame 206 to
recline the backrest frame 206 independent of the seat frame 204,
as will be described in greater detail later.
[0133] It should be appreciated that the chair body 202 could
comprise a two-way chair construction. In this arrangement, the
backrest frame 206 and seat frame 204 would be coupled together at
a fixed angle for reclining as a unit.
[0134] As shown in FIG. 14, the chair body 202 also includes an
extendable footrest 216. The footrest 216 is coupled to a
conventional lazy tongs linkage 218. The chair body 202 also
includes conventional front and rear seat links 226 and 228 (which
are best seen in FIGS. 16 and 17). The seat links 226 and 228
pivotally couple the seat frame 204 to the chair base 224. The seat
links 226 and 228 are also coupled to the lazy tongs linkage 218 in
conventional fashion, to extend the footrest 216 when during
recline. A traveling link 220 coupled to the lazy tongs linkage 218
is also coupled to the back link 212.
[0135] The assemblage of seat frame 204, chair base 225, the lazy
tongs linkage 218, seat links 226 and 228, backrest frame 206 and
associated back link 212 shown in FIG. 14, can be purchased
preassembled, e.g., from Leggett and Platt Incorporated., which
incorporates the assemblage as part of its WALLHUGGER.RTM.
IMPERIAL.TM. line of recliners.
[0136] The entire preassembled chair body 202--comprising the seat
204, backrest 206, footrest 216, and associated linkage 212, 218,
and 220--is mounted as a unit on the mechanized base 200. FIG. 17
shows the base 200 before mounting of the chair body 202. The base
200 shown in FIG. 17 differs from the base 14 shown in FIG. 4C, in
that the chair frame support unit 34 does not include an upper
support plate 70 and the associated front and rear seat links 74
and 76, lazy tongs linkage 150, back mounts 98, and back links 142.
This is because the preassembled chair body 202 already carries
equivalent components; namely, the seat frame 204, seat links 226
and 228, lazy tongs linkage 218, backrest frame 206, and back link
212, respectively.
[0137] The chair base 224 is bolted or otherwise secured with
fasteners 230 to the flange 94 to the lower support plates 72, as
FIG. 14 best shows. As FIG. 14 also shows, the rear thrust bar 88
is secured by a bracket 234 and fasteners 232 to the seat frame
204.
[0138] The mechanized base 200 operates in the lift and recline
modes in the same manner as previously described. The actuator 40
has an initial transfer length L1 when the chair body 202 is in the
normal seated position, shown in FIG. 14. In the lift mode,
lengthening of the actuator 40 beyond the transfer length L1 to
fully extended length L2 lifts the tilts the seat frame 204 forward
on the lift arms 62 and 110, in exactly the same manner previously
described in connection with FIGS. 6, 7, and 11. In the recline
mode, shortening of the actuator 40 from the transfer length L1 to
a fully retracted length L2 (see FIG. 16) tilts the seat frame 202
rearward, while also tilting the backrest frame 206 rearward.
[0139] FIGS. 15 and 16 provide further details of the operation of
the mechanized base 200 in the recline mode. As FIG. 15 shows,
shortening of the actuator 40 from its transfer length Li pulls
rearward on the forward thrust bar 118, causing the thrust rocker
arms 114 to rotate about the pintles 116 in a clockwise direction
(as shown by the arrow 182 in FIG. 15). The clockwise pivot of the
thrust rocker arms 114 about the pintles 116, pulls the rear thrust
links 124 forward. This force, in turn, pulls the rearward thrust
bar 88 forward. The forward pulling force is transferred to the
seat frame 204. The seat frame 204 and backrest frame 206 move
forward. The side arms 208 (coupled with chair base 224 to the
flange 94 of the lower support plates 72) remain stationary.
[0140] As FIGS. 15 and 16 also show, the front seat links 226 are
longer than the rear seat links 228 and, with the seat frame 204
and chair base 224, form a non-parallelogram linkage 138. As the
seat frame 204 moves forward, the seat links 226 and 228 lift the
front of the seat frame 204 higher than the back of the seat frame
204. As a result, the seat frame 204 tilts back, or reclines. The
relative differences in lengths and the distances between the front
and rear seat links 226 and 228 govern the angle that the seat 20
reclines.
[0141] As the seat frame 204 moves forward during the recline mode,
the counterclockwise pivot of the front seat link 226 pulls on the
lazy tongs linkage 218 (via intermediate links 236), causing it to
extend. The extending lazy tongs linkage 218 rotates the footrest
frame 216 clockwise to face upward when the lazy tongs linkage 218
reaches its fully extended position (see FIG. 16). The lazy tongs
linkage 218 reaches its fully extended position at the time the
actuator reaches its shortest effective length L3, which marks the
end of the recline mode.
[0142] As FIGS. 14 to 16 show, the lazy tongs linkage 218 carries a
cross brace 238, which provides intermediate support to the
occupant's legs in the manner previously described.
[0143] If the backrest frame 206 and seat frame 204 are secured
together at a fixed angle (i.e., a typical two-way chair
construction), forward movement and recline of the seat frame 204
will likewise cause forward movement and recline of the backrest
frame 206 to generally the same degree.
[0144] In the three way chair construction shown, the traveling
link 220 (coupled to the lazy tongs linkage 218) pulls on the back
link 212 as the lazy tongs linkage 218 fully extends (see FIG. 16).
In response, the back link 212 pivots clockwise in response,
tilting the backrest frame 206 rearward.
[0145] The above described operation of the mechanized base 200 in
the recline mode provides a wall hugger function. In the recline
mode (see FIGS. 15 and 16), the mechanized base 200 causes the seat
frame 204 and backrest frame 206 to move forward, away from the
adjacent wall 18. This assures that, during the recline mode, the
top of the backrest frame 206 stays at essentially the same
distance from the adjacent wall 18 in both the normal seated
position (FIG. 14) and the fully reclined position (FIG. 16).
[0146] IV. The Mechanized Base
[0147] (Three-way, Base-assembled, Forward Thrust Embodiment)
[0148] Details of another embodiment of a mechanized base 314 (see
FIG. 18) that provides a wall hugger function will now be
discussed.
[0149] In many respects, the mechanized base 314 shares many
structural components that are the same as the mechanized base 14
shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C. To begin with, the mechanized base
314 includes a bottom base unit 332 and a chair frame support unit
334 joined by the five bolts B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5 (in generally
the same manner earlier shown in FIG. 4C).
[0150] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, it is contemplated that,
the components of the chair itself (i.e., the seat 320, side arms
324, and backrest 322, as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 21, but
which are not shown in FIG. 18 to simplify the illustration) will
be assembled on the chair frame base unit 334 as individual
component parts, and are not preassembled into a chair body before
their attachment to the support unit 334.
[0151] However, a chair frame base unit of the type shown in FIG.
18 can readily accept the mounting of a preassembled chair body, as
will be described later with reference to FIG. 26.
[0152] A. The Bottom Base Unit
[0153] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, the bottom base unit 332
includes a base frame 336. A back brace 338 is welded or otherwise
fastened across the rear of the base frame 336 to provide strength
and stability.
[0154] The back brace 338 carries a single actuator 340. In the
illustrated embodiment, the actuator 340 comprises a single
electric motor 342 driving a single extendable driver 350. The
controller 328 (previously described) is coupled by a cable 346 to
the motor 342. A power cable 348 couples the motor 342 to a
conventional electrical power outlet.
[0155] The driver 350 can be driven by a conventional, rotating
lead screw. Other power-actuated mechanisms can be used, e.g., a
hydraulic or a pneumatic ram.
[0156] In the illustrated embodiment, the driver 350 is coupled to
the motor 342 by a right angle speed reducer 354. The driver 350
includes a drive nut, which threadably engages the lead screw. The
actuator 340 is pivotally connected on a pintle 356 to an actuator
mount 358, which is welded or otherwise fastened to the back brace
338.
[0157] As also explained before, operation of the control buttons
330 on the controller 328 command the motor to cause clockwise or
counterclockwise rotation of the lead screw. When the motor 342
rotates in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), the driver 350
advances in a first direction, which in the illustrated embodiment
is away from the motor 342. For point of reference, this direction
will be called the forward or fore direction.
[0158] Conversely, when the motor 342 rotates in a second direction
(e.g., counterclockwise), the driver 350 retracts in a second
direction, which in the illustrated embodiment is toward the motor
342. For point of reference, this direction will be called the
rearward or aft direction.
[0159] The bottom base unit 332 also carries a forward pair of lift
arms 362. The forward lift arms 362 are pivotally connected on
pintles to the bottom base unit 332 by a front brace 364.
[0160] The bottom base unit 332 also includes a pair of rear lift
arm mounts 368. The rear lift arm mounts 368 are welded or
otherwise secured to the back brace 338.
[0161] B. The Chair Frame Support Unit
[0162] The chair frame support unit 334 includes a pair of upper
and lower side plates, respectively 370 and 372. The upper side
plates 370 are coupled to the lower side plates 372 by spaced apart
front and rear seat links, respectively 374 and 376. The seat links
374 and 376 are pivotally connected on pintles at their opposite
ends to the upper and lower side plates 370 and 372. The upper
support plates 370 swing on the lower support plates 372 in fore
and aft directions on the front and rear seat links 374 and
376.
[0163] A front spanning brace 380 is coupled by fasteners or
welding across the front of the upper support plates 370 to provide
structural strength and stability. A rear spanning brace 388
provides a similar function at the rear of the upper support plates
370.
[0164] Flanges 392 on the upper support plates 370 are secured by
suitable fasteners 390 to the seat 320 of the chair frame 312 (as
FIG. 21 shows). The side arms 324 are secured by suitable fasteners
396 to the lower support plates 372 (as FIG. 21 also shows).
[0165] If a two-way chair construction is desired, the backrest 322
is secured directly to the chair seat 320 on the upper support
plates 370 (see FIG. 21) by a conventional bracket (not shown).
Alternatively, or in combination with a direct seat-to-backrest
connection, a pair of fixed (i.e., not pivotable) back mounts
carried on rear of the upper support plates 370 can be provided
(like those identified by reference numeral 398 in FIG. 21, only
secured in a not pivoting fashion). The backrest 322 can be
attached by suitable fasteners (not shown) to the fixed back
mounts.
[0166] If a three-way chair construction is desired (as FIG. 21
shows), a pair of pivoting back mounts 398 can be pivotally
connected on pintles at the rear of the upper support plates 370
and connected by back links 442 to cause pivoting of the backrest
322 relative to the seat 320.
[0167] A forward thrust bar 407 is welded or otherwise fastened
across a pair of thrust links 409, which are pivotally connected by
pintles or bolts to the upper support plates 370 and the lower
support plates 372. FIG. 20 shows an unobstructed view of the
forward thrust bar 407 and thrust links 409.
[0168] A pair of rearward lift arms 410 are pivotally connected on
pintles to thrust brackets 412, which welded or otherwise fastened
to a lift bar 404. A lift arm brace 408 9 (shown in FIG. 18) can be
welded or otherwise fastened across the rearward lift arms 410 to
provide added structural strength and stability.
[0169] The pair of rearward lift arms 410 are pivotally coupled at
their other ends by the two bolts B1 and B2 to the rear pair of
lift arm mounts 368 on the bottom base unit 332. In like manner,
the free ends of the forward pair of lift arms 362 are pivotally
coupled by the two bolts B3 and B4 to the front of the lower
support plates 372. These four bolts B1, B2, B3, and B4
conveniently couple the chair frame support unit 334 to the bottom
base unit 332.
[0170] The lift bar 404 also carries a pair of thrust brackets 412,
which are also shown in an unobstructed view in FIG. 20. The thrust
brackets 412 are welded or otherwise secured at equally spaced
distances from the middle of the lift bar 404.
[0171] A pair of thrust rocker arms 414 are pivotally connected by
pintles to the thrust brackets 412. The thrust rocker arms 414 can
rotate clockwise and counterclockwise about the pintles, unless
otherwise restrained, as will be described in greater detail
later.
[0172] A thrust bar 418 is coupled by welding or suitable fastening
to the front of the thrust rocker arms 414, for movement on the
rocker arms 414 about the pintles. The thrust bar 418 carries a
front actuator mount 420, which is welded or otherwise secured to
it.
[0173] The free end of the driver 350 of the actuator 340 is
pivotally connected by the bolt B5 to the front actuator mount 420.
The bolt B5 operatively couples the chair frame support unit 334 to
the single actuator 340.
[0174] The forward thrust bar 407 (previously described) is
pivotally connected by pintles to the ends of a pair of forward
thrust links 424. The opposite ends of the forward thrust links 424
are connected on pintles to the lower portion of the thrust rocker
arms 414.
[0175] The forward thrust links 424 operatively couple the forward
thrust bar 407 (through the pivotally connected thrust rocker arms
414, the thrust bar 418, and the mount 420) to the single actuator
340. The thrust rocker arms 414 (and, with it, the forward thrust
bar 418) are coupled to the upper and lower support plates 370 and
372 by the forward thrust bar 407 and the forward thrust links
409.
[0176] C. Operation of the Mechanized Base
[0177] The foregoing connections between the components of the
bottom base unit 332 and the chair frame support unit 334 make
possible the realization of both lift and recline modes using the
single actuator 340, while also providing the wall-hugger
feature.
[0178] i. Normal Seating Position
[0179] FIGS. 18 and 21 show the orientation of principal operating
components of the bottom base unit 332 and the chair frame support
unit 334 when the chair body (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 21) is
in its normal seated position. This position generally corresponds
with the orientation of the chair body 12 in FIG. 1.
[0180] In this condition (see FIG. 21), the lift bar 404 rests on
the base frame 336. The forward and rearward lift arms 362 and 410
also rest generally parallel to and on the base frame 336.
[0181] Also, in this position, the actuator 340 has an effective
neutral length L1, as measured between the rear mount 358 and the
forward mount 420. The position of the actuator 340 when in this
length L1, previously called the transfer position, constitutes the
transition between the lift mode and the recline mode.
[0182] ii. Lift Mode
[0183] FIGS. 21 to 23 show sequential operation of the mechanized
base 314 in the lift mode. The lift mode begins with the actuator
340 in the transfer position shown in FIG. 21.
[0184] The motor 342 turns the lead screw in a first direction
(e.g., clockwise) to advance the driver 350 in the first (forward)
direction, as FIG. 22 shows. The length of the actuator 340
increases beyond L1, applying a force F.sub.LIFT to the mount 420.
The lift mode commences.
[0185] The forward force F.sub.LIFT is applied directly to the
forward thrust bar 418. In the transfer position shown in FIG. 21,
pivotal motion of the thrust rocker arms 414 in a counterclockwise
direction is restrained, because the thrust rocker arms 414 are
effectively locked to the upper and lower support plates 370 and
372 by the forward thrust bar 407 and forward thrust links 409. As
a consequence, the force F.sub.LIFT created by the extending
actuator 340 pivots the actuator 340 in a clockwise direction about
its mount 358, as FIGS. 22 and 23 show. The clockwise pivot is
transferred by the thrust bar 418 to the lift bar 404, which also
pivots on the forward and rearward lift arms 362 and 410 in a
clockwise direction about the mounts 368 in synchrony with the
actuator 340.
[0186] As FIGS. 22 and 23 show, as the actuator 340 progressively
increases in length and pivots clockwise on the base frame 336, the
lower support plate 372, and, with it, the upper support plate 370,
are lifted in tandem by the lift bar 404. The upper and lower
support plates 370 and 372 pivot on the forward and rearward lift
arms 362 and 410. As FIGS. 22 and 23 show, the entire chair body
support unit 334, and with it, the chair body itself, is elevated
above the base frame unit 332.
[0187] As before described, the assemblage of the shorter forward
lift arms 362 and longer rearward lift arms 410 to the base frame
336 and the lower support plates 372 creates a non-parallelogram
linkage. The non-parallelogram linkage causes the upper and lower
support plates 370 and 372 to tilt forward toward the floor as they
are elevated, tilting the chair seat 320 forward to the same
extent.
[0188] When a preset fully elevated position is achieved (which is
shown in FIG. 23), a limit switch on the motor 342 stops further
clockwise advancement of the driver 350.
[0189] In this fully lifted position, the actuator 340 has an new
effective length L2, as measured between the mounts 368 and 420.
The new length L2 is longer than neutral length L1 of the actuator
40 when in the transfer position.
[0190] Subsequent operation of the motor 342 to turn the lead screw
counterclockwise causes the driver 350 to travel in a second
direction, which has been called a rearward direction, along the
lead screw 372. The effective length of the actuator 40 decreases
from L2 back toward L1.
[0191] The rearward travel of driver 350 transfers a force
F.sub.LOWER to the mount 420. The force F.sub.LOWER created by the
shortening actuator 340 pivots the actuator 340 in a
counterclockwise direction about its mount 358. The
counterclockwise pivot force is transferred by the thrust bar 418
to the lift bar 404, which also pivots on the rearward lift arms in
a counterclockwise direction about the mounts 368 in synchrony with
the actuator 340.
[0192] As the actuator 340 shortens in length from L2 toward L1 and
pivots counterclockwise on the base frame 336, the lower support
plate 372, and, with it, the upper support plate 370, are lowered
in tandem by the lift bar 404, pivoting on the forward and rearward
lift arms 362 and 410. The entire chair body support unit, and,
with it, the chair body 12 itself, descend toward the base frame
unit.
[0193] During the descent, the forward and rearward lift arms 362
and 410 tilt the seat 20 rearward as the chair body 312 returns to
its normal seated position. At this point, the actuator has resumed
its original effective length L1, and is again at its transfer
position.
[0194] iii. Recline Mode
[0195] FIGS. 18 to 20 show sequential operation of the mechanized
base 314 in the recline mode.
[0196] The recline mode begins, with the actuator 340 in the
transfer position, and the chair body in a normal seating
position.
[0197] The motor 342 is commanded to turn the lead screw in a
second direction (i.e., a direction different than the direction of
the lift mode, which is clockwise in the illustrated embodiment).
The driver 350 travels in the second (rearward) direction. The
length of the actuator 320 shortens from L2, applying a pulling
force F.sub.RECLINE to the mount 420. The recline mode
commences.
[0198] The pulling force F.sub.RECLINE is applied directly to the
thrust bar 418. In the transfer position shown in FIG. 18, pivotal
motion of the thrust rocker arms 414 in a clockwise direction is
not restrained. Thus, rearward travel of the driver 350 past the
transfer position pulls rearward on the thrust bar 418, causing the
thrust rocker arms 414 to rotate about the pintles in a clockwise
direction.
[0199] As FIGS. 19 and 20 show, as the actuator 340 progressively
shortens, the clockwise pivot of the thrust rocker arms 314 about
the pintles pushes the forward thrust links 424 forward. This
forward force, in turn, pushes the thrust bar 407 forward. The
forward pushing force is transferred by the forward thrust links
409 to the upper support plates 370, which are advanced forward on
the front and rear links 374 and 376, accordingly. The lower side
plates 372 remain stationary, as the forward travel of the upper
support links 370, created by the forward pushing force on the
thrust bar 407, proceeds. The chair seat (not shown) carried by the
upper support plates 370 will thereby move forward, while the side
arms (not shown) coupled to the lower support plates 372 remain
stationary.
[0200] As FIGS. 19 and 20 also show, the front seat links 374 are
longer than the rear seat links 376. The assemblage of the front
and rear seat links 374 and 376 to the upper and lower support
plates 370 and 372 thereby forms another non-parallelogram linkage.
As the upper side plates 370 move forward, the seat links 374 and
376 will lift the front of the chair seat higher than the back of
the seat. As a result, the seat tilts back, or reclines. The
relative differences in lengths and the distances between the front
and rear seat links 374 and 376 govern the angle that the seat
reclines.
[0201] The motion of the backrest as the seat moves forward and
reclines depends upon the construction of the chair body 312. If
the backrest and seat are secured together at a fixed angle,
typical of a two-way chair construction, as previously described,
forward movement and recline of the seat in the manner just
described will likewise cause forward movement and recline of the
backrest to generally the same degree. In this construction, the
back mounts 398 (if used) are restrained from pivoting by a
suitable fastener (not shown) to fix the position of the back
mounts 398 on the upper support plates 370. In this construction,
the back mounts 398 (if used) are not linked to other components
operative during the recline mode.
[0202] In the three way chair construction shown in the illustrated
embodiment, the backrest is secured independent of the seat to the
back mounts 398 by screws or suitable fasteners. In this
arrangement, the back mounts 398 are allowed to pivot on pintles on
the rear of the upper support plates 370. A pair of backrest links
442 are pivotally coupled by pintles between the back mounts 398
and the rear of the lower support plates 372. The details of the
three way reclining action are as previously described in
connection with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10, 12, and 13.
[0203] Governed by the occupant's use of the controller 328, the
actuator 340 continues to shorten in the recline mode until a
preset fully reclined position is achieved, which is shown in FIG.
20. At this time, a limit switch on the motor 342 stops further
retraction of the driver 350. Of course, the occupant can, using
the controller 328, stop the motor 342 at any time during the
recline mode, and thereby achieve an intermediate degree of
recline, such as shown in FIG. 19.
[0204] In the fully reclined position, the actuator 340 has
shortened to an effective length L3 shorter than effective length
L1, as measured between the mounts 358 and 420.
[0205] The above described operation of the mechanized base 314 in
the recline mode provides a wall hugger function. In the recline
mode (see FIGS. 19 and 20), the mechanized base 314 causes the
chair seat and backrest to move forward, away from the adjacent
wall. This assures that, during the recline mode, the top of the
backrest stays at essentially the same distance from the adjacent
wall 18 in both the normal seated position and the fully reclined
position.
[0206] In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the forward
movement of the upper support plates 370 during the recline mode
also exerts, through the thrust links 409, a forward force upon the
lazy tong linkage 450 of the footrest 326. The lazy tongs linkage
450 extends. Further details of the extension of the lazy tongs
linkage 450 are as previously described in connection with the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0207] With the seat and backrest in the reclined position (or any
intermediate reclined position), subsequent operation of the motor
342 to turn the lead screw in a clockwise direction causes the
driver 350 to advance forward. The effective length of the actuator
340 increases beyond L3 back toward the length L1 of the transfer
position.
[0208] The forward advancing driver 350 transfers a forward pushing
force upon the thrust bar 418, causing it to rotate in a
counterclockwise direction. The pivot of the thrust rocker arms 414
resulting from a forward pushing force on the thrust bar 418 pulls
the thrust bar 407 in a rearward direction. The rearward pulling
force is transferred to the upper side plates 370 by the thrust
links 409. The upper side plates 370 move in a rearward direction.
The non-parallelogram linkage lowers the front of the chair seat as
the seat moves rearward. For a three-way chair construction, the
back brackets pivot forward (counterclockwise), returning the
backrest toward an upright position.
[0209] The rearward movement of the upper side plates 370 also
transfers, via the thrust links 409, a rearward pulling force upon
the lazy tongs linkage 450. The lazy tongs linkage 450 retracts,
pulling the footrest 326 back toward a retracted position.
[0210] iv. Lazy Tongs Linkage Lock During Lift Mode
[0211] As the seat tilts forward at the upper end of the lift mode
(see FIG. 23), the weight of the occupant may cause the upper side
plates 370 to shift forward. The forward shift of the side plates
370 during the lift mode may, in turn, exert through the thrust
links 409, a forward force upon the lazy tong linkage 450 of the
footrest 326. The lazy tongs linkage 450 could unexpectedly extend
during the lift mode, causing the occupant to slide out of the
chair.
[0212] In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical base 314
includes a locking mechanism 500. The locking mechanism 500
interferes with the lazy tongs linkage 450 when the base 314 is
operating in the lift mode, to resist opening of the lazy tongs
linkage 450 in response to a forward force imposed by the thrust
links 409.
[0213] The locking mechanism 500 can be variously constructed. In
the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism includes an
appendage 502 on each of the front lift arms 362. As illustrated,
the appendage 502 takes the form of an L-shaped finger that
projects from the end of each front lift arm 362 outwardly of and
slightly beyond the associated lower side panel 372(see FIG. 18).
Other configurations could be used.
[0214] As FIGS. 21 and 22 show, as each lift arm 362 pivots during
the lift mode, the associated appendage 502 also pivots
successively toward contact with the lazy tongs linkage 450. FIGS.
24 and 25 show the successive pivoting of the appendage 502 toward
the lazy tongs linkage 450 as the lift arm 362 pivots.
[0215] As the frame support unit 334 reaches or nears its fully
elevated position (as FIGS. 23 and 25 show), the appendage 502 is
brought into contact with the lazy tongs linkage 450, or at least
in an adjacent interfering relationship laying in the extension
travel path of the linkage 450. The lift arm 362 holds the
appendage 502 in interference with the lazy tongs linkage 40 when
the frame support unit 334 is fully elevated. The interference
prevents extension of the lazy tongs linkage 450. The appendage 502
effectively locks the lazy tongs linkage in its fully retracted,
closed condition.
[0216] Movement of the frame support unit 334 back toward the
normal seated position pivots the appendage 502 out of interference
with the lazy tongs linkage 450 (see FIGS. 21 and 22). The lazy
tongs linkage 450 is thereby freed to open, as desired, in response
to a forward force imposed by the thrust links 409 when the base
314 is operated in the recline mode.
[0217] V. The Mechanized Base
[0218] (Three-way, Pre-assembled, Forward Thrust Embodiment)
[0219] The assemblage of chair body including the seat 320, side
arms 324, chair back 322 (see FIG. 21), along with the associated
side plates 370 and 372, with the reclining linkage (e.g., the
reclining links 374 and 378), and the lazy tongs linkage 450 can be
purchased preassembled, e.g., the ZERO-WALL.TM. line of recliners
made by Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company (Hickory, N.C.) or a
similar style recliner.
[0220] The entire preassembled chair body can be mounted as a unit
on a mechanized base 532, as shown in FIG. 26. FIG. 26 shows the
base 532 before mounting of the chair body. The base 532 shown in
FIG. 26 includes the thrust bar 418, which is linked to the thrust
bar 407 via the rocker arms 414 and thrust links 424. The base 532
also includes the actuator 340 coupled to the mount 420 to move the
thrust bar 418, and thereby move the thrust bar 407. The base 532
also includes the front and rear lift arms 362 and 410.
[0221] The base 532 shown in FIG. 26 does not include upper and
lower support plates 370 and 372, and the associated front and rear
seat links 374 and 376, lazy tongs linkage 450, back mounts 398,
and back links 442, because the preassembled chair body already
carries equivalent components.
[0222] The chair body is bolted or otherwise secured with fasteners
directly to the side flanges 534 of the base 532, to which the
front lift arms 362 are pivotally attached. The thrust bar 407 of
the chair base 532 is suitably coupled to the reclining linkage of
the preassembled chair. The preassembled chair will typically
include its own front brace, which is removed to accommodate
attachment of the thrust bar 407 of the base 532. The rear lift
arms 410 are also attached to the frame of the preassembled chair
or to its reclining linkage to provide, together with the front
arms 362, the lift function.
[0223] With the preassembled chair attached, the mechanized base
534 operates in the lift and recline modes in the same manner as
previously described.
[0224] It should be appreciation that variations to the described
structures can be made while keeping many of the important features
of the invention.
[0225] The features of the invention are set forth in the following
claims.
* * * * *