U.S. patent number 3,730,585 [Application Number 05/081,957] was granted by the patent office on 1973-05-01 for rocker recliner chair.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Royal Development Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Frank D. Hoffman, Jr., Walter Clark Rogers, Jr..
United States Patent |
3,730,585 |
Rogers, Jr. , et
al. |
May 1, 1973 |
ROCKER RECLINER CHAIR
Abstract
A rocker-recliner chair having a base, a rocking frame mounted
on the base for rocking movement; a seat frame with linkage
suspending it from the rocking frame for movement between a lower
position and a forwardly raised position; a backrest with linkage
connected to the seat frame to pivot relative thereto between a
normal upright position and inclined reclined positions, the
backrest linkage also serving to actuate the seat frame linkage to
swing the seat frame upwardly and forwardly when the backrest is
moved into reclining positions, and a footrest with linkage
mounting it to the seat frame to be operable by a handle, between a
retracted position and a single extended position. A locking
linkage is provided between the footrest linkage, seat frame and
rocking frame for preventing reclining movement when the footrest
is retracted and also for preventing return of the footrest to
retracted position when the backrest is in reclining position. A
lock mechanism is also provided at the front of the chair for
preventing rocking when the footrest is extended. The locking
mechanism is connected to the footrest linkage to be operated
thereby upon extension and retraction of the footrest.
Inventors: |
Rogers, Jr.; Walter Clark (High
Point, NC), Hoffman, Jr.; Frank D. (High Point, NC) |
Assignee: |
Royal Development Company, Inc.
(High Point, NC)
|
Family
ID: |
22167470 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/081,957 |
Filed: |
October 19, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/85L;
297/DIG.7; 297/69; 297/267.1; 297/259.2; 297/271.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C
3/027 (20130101); A47C 3/025 (20130101); A47C
1/0355 (20130101); Y10S 297/07 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47C
7/50 (20060101); A47C 7/00 (20060101); A47C
3/02 (20060101); A47c 001/02 (); A47c 003/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;297/85,270,271,DIG.7 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: McCall; James T.
Claims
I claim:
1. In a reclining chair including a base, a frame including a seat
frame mounted on the base, a backrest pivotally mounted with
respect to said frame for movement between a generally upright
position and a reclining position, and a footrest movable between
an extended position projected forwardly from the chair and a
retracted position adjacent the front of the chair; footrest
linkage means for moving the footrest to extended position
independently of movement of the backrest, and locking means
preventing movement of the backrest into a reclining position
unless the footrest is in said extended position such that the
footrest must first be moved into said extended position prior to
movement of said backrest into said reclining position, said lock
means further preventing movement of said footrest to said
retracted position in response to movement of said backrest to said
reclining position such that the backrest must first be returned to
said upright position in order to release the footrest for movement
into said retracted position thereof, said locking means including
a linkage connected between said frame and said footrest linkage
means.
2. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said frame including
said seat frame is mounted for rocking movement on the base, and
wherein there is further included second lock means for preventing
rocking movement of said frame relative to the base upon movement
of the footrest into the extended position thereof.
3. In a combination rocking-reclining chair including a base, a
frame including a seat frame mounted for rocking movement on the
base, a backrest pivotally mounted with respect to said frame for
movement between a generally upright position and a reclining
position, and a footrest movable between an extended position
projected forwardly from the front of the chair and a retracted
position; means for preventing movement of the footrest from the
extended to retracted position in response to movement of the
backrest into a reclining position, said frame further including a
rocking frame mounted on said base for rocking movement, linkage
means mounting said seat frame relative to said rocking frame, and
wherein said means for preventing movement of said footrest to
retracted position when said backrest is in reclining position
includes a locking linkage connected between said rocking frame and
said footrest.
4. A combination rocking and reclining chair comprising in
combination, a base, a rocking frame mounted on the base for
rocking movement, a seat frame and a seat frame linkage mechanism
suspending said seat frame from said rocking frame for movement
between a normal lower position and an upper reclining position; a
backrest including a backrest linkage mechanism mounting said
backrest with respect to said seat frame for movement between a
normal generally upright position and an inclined reclining
position, said seat frame linkage mechanism including at least one
mounting link pivotally connected to said seat frame and said
rocking frame for swinging movement about its pivotal connection to
said rocking frame, said backrest mechanism including a first link
pivotally connected to said backrest and said seat frame, a second
link pivotally connected to said backrest and pivotally connected
to said seat frame at an intermediate portion of said second link,
and a third link pivotally connected to said second link and
pivotally connected to said mounting link for operating said
mounting link to move said seat frame into reclining position when
said backrest is moved into reclining position, a footrest
including a footrest linkage mechanism mounting the footrest for
movement between an extended position projected forwardly from the
chair and a retracted position adjacent the front of the chair, and
means for preventing return movement of the footrest from extended
to retracted position as long as said backrest is in said inclined
reclining position and for preventing movement of the backrest into
said inclined reclining position as long as said footrest is in
retracted position.
5. In a rocking-reclining chair including a base, a seat frame
mounted on the base for rocking movement, and a footrest including
first and second linkage means on opposite sides of the chair
mounting the footrest for movement between an extended position
projected forwardly from the chair and a retracted position; a lock
means movable into locking and unlocking positions for preventing
rocking movement of the seat frame relative to the base, and means
for moving said lock means in response to movement of said footrest
to extended position including a cross member interconnected
between said first and second linkage means and a linkage means
positively interconnecting said cross member and said lock means to
positively move said lock means between said positions thereof.
6. The combination defined in claim 5 wherein said lock means
includes a keeper fixed to the base at the front of the chair and a
lock member connected by said linkage means to said cross member to
be operated thereby into the keeper when the footrest is moved to
extended position, said cross member being connected to said first
and second linkage means to be rotatable about its longitudinal
axis upon extension of the footrest.
7. In a combination rocking-reclining chair including a base, a
frame including a seat frame mounted for rocking movement on the
base, a backrest pivotally mounted with respect to said frame for
movement between a generally upright position and a reclining
position, and a footrest movable between an extended position
projected forwardly from the front of the chair and a retracted
position, means for preventing movement of the footrest from the
extended to retracted position when the backrest is in a reclined
position, means for preventing rocking movement of said frame
relative to the base when the footrest is in an extended position,
footrest linkage means mounting said footrest between the extended
and retracted positions thereof, manually operable control
mechanism connected to said footrest linkage means for operating
the same between extended and retracted positions of the footrest,
said means for preventing rocking movement including a keeper
having a passage mounted on the base, a locking member movable into
said passage for preventing rocking movement and movable out of
said passage for permitting said rocking movement, and linkage
means interconnecting said footrest linkage means and said locking
member for operating said locking member into and out of said
passage upon extension and retraction of the footrest.
8. In a chair including a base, a frame including a seat frame
mounted on the base for rocking movement, a footrest mounted with
respect to the seat frame for movement between an extended position
projecting forwardly from the chair and a retracted position
adjacent the front of the chair, and actuating means for moving
said footrest between the extended and retracted positions thereof;
locking means for preventing rocking movement of the seat frame
relative to the base when the footrest is in extended position,
said locking means including a keeper member fixed to the base and
having a passage for receiving a locking member, a locking member
mounted for pivotal movement into and out of said passage, and a
positive linkage mechanism interconnecting said locking member in
said actuating means for positively moving said locking member into
said passage when the footrest moves into extended position to
prevent rocking movement of the chair frame and for positively
moving said locking member out of said passage when the footrest
moves to retracted position for releasing the seat frame for
rocking movement.
9. In a chair including a base, a frame including a seat frame
mounted on the base for rocking movement, and a footrest mounted
with respect to the seat frame for movement between an extended
position projecting forwardly from the chair and a retracted
position adjacent the front of the chair; locking means for
preventing rocking movement of the seat frame relative to the base
when the footrest is in extended position, said locking means
including a keeper member fixed to the base and having a passage,
and a locking member movable into said passage when the footrest
moves to extended position to prevent rocking movement of the chair
frame, said locking means including a bracket fixed to said frame,
and said locking member being pivoted to said bracket for movement
into and out of said passage in said keeper member.
10. The combination defined in claim 7 wherein said means for
preventing movement of the footrest to retracted position when the
backrest is in reclined position includes a locking linkage
connected between said frame and said footrest linkage means.
11. The combination defined in claim 3 wherein said footrest
includes a footrest proper and linkage connecting said footrest
proper to said seat frame for movement between said extended and
retracted positions, and wherein said locking linkage includes a
first link connected to said footrest linkage and said seat frame,
and a second link connected to said first link and said rocking
frame, said first link also serving to mount the footrest linkage
with respect to the seat frame.
12. The combination defined in claim 11 wherein said footrest
linkage includes a pair of extension links movable forwardly and
rearwardly of the chair when the footrest moves to extended and
retracted positions, said first link being pivotally connected to
one of said extension links.
13. The combination defined in claim 12 further including means for
actuating said footrest linkage between extended and retracted
position including a handle rotatably mounted with respect to said
seat frame, a crank rigidly connected to said handle to be rotated
thereby, said crank being pivotally connected to said extension
links to project or retract the same upon rotation by said
handle.
14. The combination defined in claim 13 wherein said footrest
linkage further includes a first pair of generally parallel links
pivotally connected at their outer ends to said footrest proper,
and a second pair of generally parallel links pivotally
interconnecting the other ends of said first pair of parallel links
and said extension links.
15. The combination defined in claim 9 wherein said frame includes
a rocking frame mounted on said base for rocking movement with said
seat frame being mounted to said rocking frame, and wherein said
bracket is fixed to said rocking frame.
16. The combination defined in claim 9 wherein said passage in said
keeper member faces forwardly of the chair and wherein said locking
member pivots about a horizontal axis when moving into and out of
said passage in said keeper member.
17. The combination defined in claim 16 wherein said locking means
further includes a cross member extending transversely across at
least a portion of the chair and being connected to the footrest to
be rotated when the footrest is moved between extended and
retracted positions, and linkage means interconnecting said cross
member and said locking member for pivoting said locking member
about said horizontal axis upon rotation of said cross member for
operating said locking member into and out of said passage in said
keeper.
18. The combination defined in claim 17 wherein said footrest has a
pair of linkage mechanisms on opposite sides of the chair
respectively mounting said footrest for movement between extended
and retracted positions, said cross member interconnecting said
footrest linkage mechanism.
19. The combination defined in claim 18 further including a handle
operated linkage means connected to one of said footrest linkage
mechanisms on one side of the chair for operating the footrest
between extended and retracted positions, with said cross member
serving to transmit motion of said one footrest linkage mechanism
across to the other footrest linkage mechanism while also serving
to operate said locking member.
20. The combination defined in claim 17 wherein said means
interconnecting said cross member and said locking member includes
a first link rigidly fixed to said cross member, and a second link
having one end pivotally connected to said first link and an
opposite end pivotally connected to said locking member.
21. The chair defined in claim 4 wherein said last recited means
includes a locking linkage pivotally interconnected between said
footrest linkage mechanism and said rocking and seat frames.
22. The chair defined in claim 21 wherein said locking linkage
includes a first link pivotally connected to said footrest linkage
mechanism and said seat frame, and a second link pivotally
connected to said first link and said rocking frame.
23. The chair defined in claim 22 wherein said first link also
serves to mount said footrest linkage to said seat frame.
Description
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a rocker-recliner chair of the
type having a handle operated footrest movable between extended and
retracted positions.
An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved
rocker-recliner chair as well as novel linkage mechanisms which may
be incorporated therein.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a
rocker-recliner chair having a compact construction longitudinally
as well as transversely of the chair which will permit various
designs to be incorporated into the chair with deep upholstery
springs in the seat, if desired.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a
rocker-recliner chair wherein return of the footrest to retracted
position is prevented when the backrest is in a reclining
position.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel
lock mechanism for preventing rocking when the footrest is extended
and which permits rocking only when the footrest is returned to its
fully retracted position. Included herein is the provision of such
a lock mechanism that is actuated by linkage associated with the
footrest.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a
rocker-recliner chair wherein the seat frame and backrest move
forwardly when the backrest is pivoted into reclining position.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide such
a rocker-recliner chair whose backrest may be easily moved into and
maintained in a "TV" position, intermediate the upright and fully
reclined positions of the backrest.
The above and other objects are achieved in a chair including a
base; a rocking frame mounted on the base for rocking movement; a
seat frame with linkage suspending it from the rocking frame for
movement between a lower position and a forwardly raised position;
a backrest with linkage connected to the seat frame to pivot
relative thereto between a normal upright position and reclining
positions, the backrest linkage also serving to actuate the seat
frame linkage to swing the seat frame upwardly and forwardly when
the backrest is moved into reclining positions; and a footrest with
linkage mounting it to the seat frame to be operable by a handle,
between a retracted position and a single, extended position.
A locking linkage is provided between the footrest linkage, seat
frame and rocking frame for preventing reclining movement when the
footrest is retracted and also for preventing return of the
footrest to retracted position when the backrest is in reclining
position.
To prevent rocking of the chair when the footrest is in extended
position, a lock mechanism is provided at the front of the chair.
This locking mechanism includes a keeper fixed to the base at the
front of the chair and having a passage for receiving a locking
lever operatively connected to a crossbar connected between the
footrest linkages on opposite sides of the chair to be rotated upon
extension and retraction of the footrest. Rotation of the crossbar
in this manner serves to pivot the locking lever about an
associated mounting bracket fixed to the forward position of the
rocking frame, causing the locking lever to move into or out of the
keeper passage depending on the rotative direction of the crossbar.
The crossbar also serves to transmit motion from the footrest
linkage actuated by the handle on one side of the chair, to the
footrest linkage on the opposite side of the chair to actuate the
latter in unison with the former; it being understood that both
footrest linkages are connected to opposite sides of the footrest
proper as well as to the seat frame.
The seat frame linkage includes two pairs of parallel mounting
links located on opposite sides of the chair respectively where
they are pivotally connected to the seat frame and rocking frame;
these links extending upwardly and rearwardly at a slight incline
from the seat frame to the rocking frame and being adapted to swing
forwardly about the pivotal connection to the rocking frame when
the backrest is pivoted rearwardly into reclining position.
The backrest linkage includes on each side of the backrest, a first
link having one end pivotally connected to the backrest, an
intermediate portion pivotally connected to the seat frame, and an
opposite end pivotally connected to an actuating link which in turn
is connected to the rearmost mounting link of the seat frame to
actuate the same upon movement of the backrest. A short link is
positioned rearwardly of the aforementioned backrest link where it
is pivotally connected to the backrest as well as to the seat
frame. Movement of the backrest into reclining positions is
effected by the occupant exerting back pressure on the backrest
which causes the backrest to pivot about the short link which
pivots forwardly relative to the seat frame to move the backrest
and seat frame in a forward direction during which time the seat
frame is swung upwardly by virtue of the actuating link moving the
mounting link as mentioned above.
The footrest linkage on each side of the chair includes a first
pair of parallel links having their outer ends pivotally connected
to the footrest and their inner ends pivotally connected to a
second pair of generally parallel links which in turn are pivotally
connected to a pair of extension links movable longitudinally,
forwardly and rearwardly of the chair. As indicated above,
actuation of the footrest is achieved through a handle on one side
of the chair rotatably mounted with respect to the seat frame and
connected by a crank, to the inner ends of the extension links to
move the same forwardly or rearwardly depending on the rotative
direction of the handle. The footrest linkage on the other side of
the chair is actuated through the crossbar pivotally connected to
the footrest linkages on opposite sides of the chair as described
above. This connection of the crossbar to the footrest is achieved
through links to which the locking linkage mentioned above is
pivotally connected. An "over-center" spring biasing mechanism is
provided to bias the footrest in both the extended and retracted
positions.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following more detailed description taken in
conjunction with the drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rocker-recliner chair embodying
the present invention and shown with a portion of its upholstery
removed;
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the chair with the
upholstery removed and with the associated footrest in retracted
position and the backrest in a normal upright position;
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the linkage mechanisms
associated with the chair and shown in a fully retracted position
of the footrest with the backrest in the normal upright
position;
FIG. 3a is a side elevational view of a locking mechanism for
preventing rocking movement of the chair when the footrest is
extended, the locking mechanism being shown in the disengaged
position permitting rocking when the footrest is retracted as shown
in FIG. 3;
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 however with the footrest in
extended position and with the locking mechanism engaged;
FIG. 4a is a side elevational view of the locking mechanism in one
engaged position shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the locking mechanism shown
in FIG. 4a;
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the linkage mechanism similar
to FIG. 4 but with the backrest and seat frame linkage shown in
reclining position and the locking mechanism in the fully engaged
position;
FIG. 6a is a side elevational view of the locking mechanism shown
in FIG. 6; and
FIG. 7 is a detail view of a handle mechanism employed to actuate
the footrest.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
SUMMARY OF BASIC CHAIR PARTS
Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIGS. 1 and
2, there is shown for purposes of illustration only, a
rocker-recliner chair generally designated 10 embodying the present
invention including a rectangular base comprised of opposite side
members 12 extending along the underside of the chair and opposite
end members 14 extending transversely under the chair between side
members 12. Mounted for rocking movement on the base, is a typical
rocking frame composed of a pair of arcuate rocking members 16
respectively engaged on base side members 12 while being
interconnected by forwardly and rearwardly positioned cross members
18. Conventional compression spring assemblies generally designated
20 are provided between the rocker frame and base on opposite sides
thereof in typical manner.
Suspended from the rocker frame by linkage to be described, is a
seat frame including opposite parallel mounting plates 22 having a
generally W-shaped and positioned in vertical planes outwardly of
the rocker frame; and upholstery frame members 24 extending
longitudinally of the chair and being fixed on flanges 25
projecting outwardly from mounting plates 22 at longitudinally
spaced intervals along the mounting plates. A pair of arm rest
frames 26 are secured to frame members 24 to be upholstered
therewith in any suitable fashion as indicated at 28 in FIG. 1. A
seat cushion 30, which may contain deep springs (not shown) is
supported by and between mounting plates 22 in any suitable
manner.
Pivotally connected to mounting plates 22 of the seat frame by a
linkage to be described, is a backrest having a frame 32 with
upholstery 34. The backrest is movable between a normal, upright
position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a plurality of inclined or
reclining positions, the fully reclined position being shown in
FIG. 6. As will be described in greater detail, the backrest
linkage is connected to the seat frame linkage such that when the
backrest is moved into reclining position, the seat frame will
swing upwardly and forwardly relative to the rocking frame.
Actuation of the backrest into reclining position is effected by
the occupant exerting back pressure on the backrest. Return of the
backrest to the normal upright position is effected by the occupant
removing pressure from the backrest to permit the weight of the
occupant to restore the back frame and the seat frame into their
normal positions. However it should by understood that once the
backrest and seat frame are moved into the reclining positions, it
is not necessary for the occupant to constantly exert pressure on
the backrest to maintain the reclining position as the change in
the occupant's weight distribution will hold the various linkage
parts in balance. However when the occupant moves from a reclining
position to an upright position, the shift in the weight
distribution of the occupant will cause the backrest and seat frame
to return to their normal position.
At the front of the chair, a footrest 36 is connected by a linkage
to be described, to the seat frame to be movable between a
retracted position oriented in a vertical plane as shown in FIG. 2,
and a single, extended position projected forwardly from the chair
as illustrated in FIG. 1. Actuation of footrest 36 is effected by
means of a handle 38 mounted to one of the mounting plates 22 of
the seat frame at one side of the chair to be easily grasped by the
occupant of the chair.
In order to prevent rocking movement of the chair, when the
footrest is extended, a lock mechanism generally designated 40 is
provided under the forward front portion of the chair. Lock
mechanism 40 is engaged automatically to prevent rocking movement
upon movement of the footrest to its extended position. This is
achieved by a linkage connection to the footrest linkage which
connection is also employed to transmit motion from the footrest
linkage operated on one side of the chair by handle 38, to the
other footrest linkage on the opposite side to actuate the latter.
Additionally, a locking linkage is provided to prevent return of
the footrest to its retracted position when the backrest is in a
reclining position. This linkage also prevents reclining of the
backrest when the footrest is in retracted position. To bias the
footrest in both extended and retracted positions, an over-center
spring mechanism is provided on opposite sides of the chair.
SEAT FRAME LINKAGE
The seat frame is pivotally suspended from the rocking frame by
means of two pairs of parallel mounting links 50, 52, one pair on
each side of the chair. The upper ends of mounting links 50, 52 are
pivotally connected by means of pivots 54 to a rigid bracket 49
fixed to the top of rocker member 16; there being two brackets 49,
one with each rocker member 16. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the
lower ends of mounting links 50, 52 are pivotally connected by
pivots 58 and 60 to the lower portions of mounting plates 22. In
the normal upright position of the backrest, mounting links 50, 52
extend upwardly and slightly rearwardly of the chair from their
lower pivots 58 and 60 as shown in FIG. 3. When the backrest is
moved to a reclining position, mounting links 50 and 52 are swung
about their upper pivots 54, 56, relative to the rocking frame to
raise and move forwardly the seat frame as shown in FIG. 6. In the
preferred embodiment, mounting links 50 and 52 are positioned
outwardly of brackets 49 thus leaving the space between the
opposite brackets 49 and rockers 16 open to accommodate seat
cushions which may have deep springs. Actuation of mounting links
50, 52 is accomplished by a linkage connection to the backrest
which will now be described.
BACKREST LINKAGE
The backrest linkage includes a pair of short links 64 pivotally
connected to opposite sides of the backrest respectively by pivots
66. The lower ends of short links 64 are pivoted at 68 to the rear
end portions of mounting plates 22 of the seat frame. Additionally,
the backrest linkage includes a second pair of links 70 pivotally
connected by pivots 72 forwardly of short links 64 respectively
associated therewith to the backrest on opposite sides thereof as
well as to mounting plates 22 at pivots 74 located intermediate the
ends of links 70. The forward ends of links 70 are pivotally
connected by pivots 76 to actuating links 78 respectively which in
turn are pivotally connected by pivots 80 to rear mounting links 52
to actuate the same as described above in response to movement of
the backrest between normal and reclining positions. In the shown
embodiment, pivotal connections 66 and 72 of the backrest linkages
to the backrest frame 32 are achieved through mounting brackets 82
which in turn are suitably secured to backrest frame 32 on opposite
sides thereof. However it will be appreciated that these pivotal
connections may be effected directly to the backrest frame 32 or in
any other suitable manner.
In operation, and assuming the backrest is in the upright position
as shown in FIG. 4, and the occupant desires to move the backrest
into an intermediate or a fully reclined position, the occupant
merely exerts back pressure on the backrest which will cause the
backrest to pivot clockwise about pivots 66 (located on opposite
sides of the chair) while the associated short links 64 pivot
counterclockwise forwardly about their lower pivots 68. This will
cause forwardly positioned links 70 of the backrest to pivot in a
counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 4 and 6 about pivots
74 which movement in turn will cause raising of actuating links 78
causing rear movement links 52 to swing forwardly and upwardly
about pivots 56 to thus place the seat frame in an inclined
position for reclining shown in FIG. 6. When it is desired to
return the backrest to the normal upright position shown in FIG. 4,
the occupant merely sits generally upright in the chair thus
removing pressure from the backrest and redistributing the weight
on the chair which will cause reverse movement of the linkages
mentioned above. In the preferred embodiments stop lugs 84 are
fixed to the seat frame plates 22 on the insides thereof for
engaging the backrest brackets 82 in the normal upright position.
Although not shown the backrest and seat frame may be moved to a
reclining position intermediate the upright and fully reclining
positions shown in FIGS. 4 and 6; this position is commonly
referred to in the trade as "TV" position.
FOOTREST LINKAGE
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6 the footrest linkage on each side of the
chair includes a pair of extension links 90 and 92 extending
longitudinally in the forward-rearward direction of the chair, link
90 being generally straight throughout with the exception of its
forward portion 94 which extends upwardly at a slight angle; while
the other link 92 having a first generally straight portion 96 and
a second forward portion 98 projecting upwardly from the first
portion 96 at an angle of about 60.degree..
Connected to the forward ends of extension links 90, 92 is a pair
of generally parallel links 100 and 102; link 100 having one end
pivotally connected by pivot 104 to the upper forward end of
extension link portion 98 while link 102 having an intermediate
portion connected by pivot 106 to an intermediate portion of the
extension link portion 98 with one end of link 102 also being
connected by pivot 110 to the end portion 94 of the other extension
link 90.
The footrest proper has on each side a depending bracket 112 to
which a pair of parallel links 114, 116 are connected at their
upper forward ends by pivots 118 and 120. The rear, lowermost ends
of parallel links 114, 116 are connected by pivots 122 and 124 to
parallel links 102 and 100 respectively. Additionally, an
intermediate portion of link 114 closest to the lower end thereof
is pivotally connected by pivot 126 to an intermediate portion of
link 100. Stops 128 may be provided on footrest brackets 112 to
engage parallel links 114, 116 in the extended and retracted
positions of the footrest as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 3.
Actuation of the footrest linkage to extend and retract the
footrest is achieved through handle 38 which includes a shaft 130
positioned transversely outwardly of the seat frame plate 22.
Handle shaft 130 is rigidly connected to a laterally extending
flange portion 132 of a crank 134 which is pivotally mounted by
pivot 136 to the adjacent seat frame plate 22 to be rotatable about
pivot 136 upon rotation of the handle. An intermediate portion of
crank 134 is pivotally connected by pivot 138 to the rear end of
extension link 90 while the end portion 140 of crank 134 is
pivotally connected by pivot 142 to the rear end portion of the
other extension link 94.
Thus rotation of crank 134 about pivot 136 caused by rotation of
handle 38, 130 will either extend or retract extension links 90, 92
depending on the direction of rotation. During such movement of the
extension links, they will undergo relative longitudinal movement
with respect to each other because of the spaced positioning of
their pivots 138 and 142 on crank 134. This relative longitudinal
movement will cause folding or unfolding of the two pairs of
parallel links 100, 102 and 114, 116 to shift the footrest proper
from the vertical to horizontal plane or vice versa. FIG. 3 shows
the fully retracted position of the footrest linkage wherein the
two pairs of parallel links 100, 102 and 114, 116 shown in folded
position; whereas FIGS. 4 and 6 show the extended position of the
footrest wherein these parallel links are shown in unfolded
position.
Transmission of movement of the one footrest linkage situated on
one side of the chair which linkage is actuated by handle 38, to
the footrest linkage on the opposite side of the chair, is achieved
through a cross rod 150 connected at its opposite ends with respect
to seat frame plates 22 by means of two generally Z-shaped links
152, 154 which are pivoted by pivots 156 at their upper ends to
seat frame plates 22 on opposite sides of the chair respectively.
The connection between Z-shaped links 152, 154 and the cross rod
150 being a rigid connection which may be effected by any suitable
means such as screws 158 shown in FIG. 1. The ends of Z-shaped
links 152, 154 are pivotally connected by pivots 160 to the bend or
bite portions of extension links 92 respectively so that extension
and retraction of the footrest linkages will cause the Z-shaped
links 152, 154 to pivot relative to frame plates 22 about pivots
156. This pivoting movement of Z-shaped link 152 on the handle side
of the chair is transmitted to cross rod 150 to Z-shaped link 154
on the opposite side of the chair, to extend the associated
footrest linkage associated with the latter. It will be seen that
the Z-shaped links 152, 154 also function as an additional mounting
for the extension linkages with respect to the seat frame.
In the preferred embodiments illustrated, a spring mechanism is
provided to bias the footrest in both the extended and retracted
positions thereof. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the mechanism
includes tension coil springs 157 provided on opposite sides of the
chair, with one end of each spring 157 connected at 159 to the
offset portion of crank 134 and the other end connected at 161 to
an intermediate portion of extension link 90.
In addition, the Z-shaped links 152, 154 are also employed to
achieve a locking mechanism preventing return of the footrest from
extended to retracted position when the backrest is in a reclining
position. This is achieved through what will be termed "locking"
links 170 pivotally connected by pivots 172 at their upper ends
with respect to rocking frame brackets 49 by means of rigid bars
174 fixed to brackets 49 respectively and projecting forwardly to
locations on opposite sides of cross rod 150. The lower ends of
locking links 170 are pivotally connected to the lower ends of the
Z-shaped links 152, 154 by pivots 176. Thus, when the footrest is
in the extended position and the backrest is in reclining position
as shown in FIG. 6, locking links 170 together with the Z-shaped
links 152, 154 prevent retraction of the footrest. Similarly, when
the footrest is retracted as shown in FIG. 3, locking links 170
will extend rearwardly from their pivots 172 and prevent the
backrest from being moved into a reclining position. This is
achieved through the connection of the locking links 170 to the
seat frame by means of Z-shaped links 152, this connection
preventing forward movement of the seat frame which is necessary in
order to permit the backrest to be swung into reclining
position.
LOCK MECHANISM PREVENTING ROCKING MOVEMENT
In order to prevent rocking movement of the chair when the footrest
is in extended position, locking mechanism generally designated 40
is provided at the lower front portion of the chair. In the
preferred embodiment illustrated, locking mechanism 40 includes a
keeper including a flat plate 180 fixed to the front cross member
14 of the base and an upper portion 182 spaced above plate 180 to
define therewith a keeper passage 184 for receiving a locking
member generally designated 186. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 locking
member 186 is in the form of a lever including two members 188, the
lower ends of which have mounted therein a locking roller 190
dimensioned to be received in keeper passage 184, with the locking
roller being movable on keeper plate 180. The intermediate portions
of locking members 188 are pivoted by pivots 192 to a bifurcated
bracket 194 cantilevered forwardly from cross member 18 of the
rocking frame; bracket 194 being secured in any suitable manner
such as by screws extending through a cross portion 196 to the
cross member of the rocking frame. The upper ends of locking
members 188 merge together at 198 and are connected to an L-shaped
actuating link 200 by means of pivot 202 to be actuated by link 200
about pivots 192 into or out of keeper passage 184. Actuating link
200 is connected to cross rod 150 to be driven thereby upon
rotation of cross rod 150, by means of a crank 204 fixed to cross
rod 150 in any suitable manner. Crank 204 projects transversely
outwardly from rod 150 where it is pivotally connected to actuating
lever 200 by pivot 206.
When the footrest is retracted as shown in FIG. 3, crank 204
rigidly fixed to cross rod 150 will project downwardly as shown in
FIG. 3a which in turn will cause actuating lever 200 to also be in
a lower position which in turn will maintain locking lever 186
close to the horizontal plane, with roller 190 removed and above
keeper passage 184. In this position as shown in FIG. 3a, the
rocking frame will be free to rock on the base.
When the footrest is extended from the retracted position shown in
FIG. 3 to the extended position shown in FIG. 4, rotation of cross
rod 150 will pivot the rigid crank 204 forwardly and upwardly which
will in turn carry actuating link 200 upwardly which in turn will
cause locking lever 186 to pivot about pivots 192 in a
counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 4a) to immediately
engage locking roller 190 in the mouth of keeper passage 184 as
shown in FIG. 4a. Once engaged in this manner, locking roller 190
will be held captive by keeper plates 180, 182 thus preventing
rocking motion of the chair both forwardly or rearwardly of the
chair. With the footrest extended, should the backrest be moved to
a reclining position as shown in FIG. 6, this will merely cause
locking roller 190 to move further into keeper passage 184 as shown
in FIGS. 6 and 6a thus continuing prevention of rocking movement.
Should it be desired to return the backrest into the normal upright
position while maintaining the footrest extended, this may be done
without releasing roller 190 from keeper passage 184, it being
understood that roller 190 will move from the position shown in
FIG. 6a back to the position shown in FIG. 4a. In this manner the
chair is blocked against rocking movement not only when the
footrest is extended, but also when the backrest is moved between
normal upright and reclining positions thereby avoiding undesirable
abrupt rocking movements during reclining.
From the above description, it will be seen that the present
invention provides a novel rocker-recliner chair incorporating
linkage assemblies which moreover are relatively uncomplicated
while being sturdy and reliable. Moreover because of the forward
swinging movement of the backrest and seat frame when moving into
reclining position, the chair may be positioned closer to a wall
than many conventional rocker-recliners. The present invention also
avoids placement of any linkage mechanisms directly below the seat
frame, that is in the area between opposite sides of the chair,
thus leaving this area open to accommodate deep seat springs, if
desired. The latter feature is further permitted by the placement
of locking mechanism 40 at the front of the chair.
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