Patent Grant
9901176
The invention relates generally to chairs and supports for use in chairs. More particularly, although not exclusively, the invention relates to reclining and rocking chairs suitable for domestic lounge use.
Traditional reclining and/or rocking chairs are often large, heavy chairs that take up significant room. They also often have large housings that extend substantially to the floor to hide bulky mechanisms that provide the rocking and/or reclining action of the chairs. Such chairs often have extendible leg rests or supports which have bulky mechanisms, which again must be hidden in the large housings of the chair for aesthetic purposes and to hide potential pinch points from users.
In more recent times, lighter weight reclining lounge chairs have become available that do not have the large housings. Such chairs are generally mounted on pedestals. However, those chairs often have basic mechanisms that only provide limited functionality in the chair. Those reclining chairs have a less than optimal relationship between the seat and back. When the back of the chair is reclined, the relationship between the seat and back will generally be such that the user will not be comfortable in the chair, particularly over long periods. Such chairs also do not have built in extendible leg rests or supports, due to the lack of housing to hide the mechanisms of such supports. A purchaser generally needs to buy a separate stool or ottoman, if they want a leg support to match their chair.
Typical recliner mechanisms move the seat predominantly forward, so require a tension adjustment of the recline mechanism or a user activated recline lever to suit different user body sizes.
Some chairs have head rests or supports that are adjustable in position to suit a user. Most head rests can be raised or lowered in height relative to a chair back. Some can also be adjusted horizontally. Traditional head rests require the use of two separate actuators to initially adjust the vertical position of the head rest and then adjust the horizontal position of the head rest. This means the head rest adjustment is a two step process, and reduces the likelihood of the headrest position being adjusted. As a result, people may be inclined to use the head rests in a less than optimal position. Often, the user will not be able to adjust the head rest whilst seated due to high friction mechanisms and twin action adjusters, which means the user cannot switch between different head rest positions as needed when moving the chair between upright and reclined positions or when changing between tasks such as watching television and working on a laptop computer.
Some chairs have adjustable foot or leg rest arrangements. However, those arrangements typically only provide two or three discrete adjustment positions. A user may not be provided with optimal comfort with that restricted number of adjustment positions.
It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a chair or support that addresses at least one of the disadvantages outlined above, or that at least provides the public with a useful choice.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chair comprising: a supporting frame; a seat portion for supporting an occupant; a back portion for supporting the back of a seated occupant that has an upper end, a lower end, and is pivotally mounted to the supporting frame at a position above its lower end; and a recline mechanism configured to lift and move the seat portion forward upon a reclining action of the back portion, the recline mechanism comprising an operative connection between the seat portion and the supporting frame, and a drag link pivotally connected to the seat portion and pivotally connected to the back portion at a position below the pivotal mounting of the back portion to the supporting frame, the recline mechanism configured such that as the back portion of the chair is reclined, the lower end of the back portion moves forward and the drag link pulls the seat portion upward and forward relative to the supporting frame.
In an embodiment, the chair comprises a front operative connection between a relatively forward portion of the seat portion and the supporting frame. In an embodiment, the front operative connection comprises a slide arrangement comprising a track on one of the seat portion and the supporting frame, and a follower on the other of the seat portion and the supporting frame, with the follower arranged to travel in the track as the seat portion is moved upward upon recline of the back portion. In an embodiment, the chair comprises two front operative connections, one at or adjacent each side of the seat portion, and wherein each front operative connection comprises a slide arrangement comprising a track on one of the seat portion and the supporting frame, and a follower on the other of the seat portion and the supporting frame, with the follower arranged to travel in the track as the seat portion is moved upward upon recline of the back portion.
In an embodiment, the chair comprises a rear operative connection between a relatively rearward portion of the seat portion and the supporting frame. In an embodiment, the rear operative connection comprises a forward link that is pivotally connected to the supporting frame, a rearward link that is pivotally connected to the supporting frame, and a carrier link that is pivotally connected to the forward link and to the rearward link, wherein the carrier link is pivotally connected to the seat portion. In an embodiment, when the back portion is in an upright configuration, the forward link hangs downwardly and rearwardly from its pivot connection to the supporting frame, and the rearward link hangs downwardly and forwardly from its pivot connection to the supporting frame, and when the back portion is fully reclined, the forward link hangs generally downwardly from its pivot connection to the supporting frame, and the rearward link extends generally forwardly from its pivot connection to the supporting frame.
In an embodiment, the pivot connection of the carrier link to the seat portion is positioned rearwardly of the pivot connections of the forward link and rearward link to the carrier link.
In an embodiment, the pivot connection of the drag link to the seat portion is positioned generally above and generally behind the pivot connection of carrier link and the seat portion, when the back portion of the chair is not reclined. In an embodiment, the pivot connection of the drag link to the seat portion is positioned upwardly and rearwardly of the pivot connection of the carrier link and the seat portion, when the back portion of the chair is fully reclined.
In an embodiment, the chair comprises two rear operative connections, one at or adjacent each side of the seat portion, and wherein each rear operative connection comprises a forward link that is pivotally connected to the supporting frame, a rearward link that is pivotally connected to the supporting frame, and a carrier link that is pivotally connected to the forward link and to the rearward link, and that is pivotally connected to the seat portion.
In an embodiment, the operative connection(s) between the seat portion and the supporting frame is/are arranged such that the relatively forward and relatively rearward portions of the seat portion move upward and forward with a substantially linear movement as the back portion is reclined, with the amount of movement of the relatively rearward portion being greater than the amount of movement of the relatively forward portion, to provide a forward tilt of the seat portion as the back portion is reclined. The seat portion may have a rearward tilt angle when the back portion is upright, and the seat portion may have a smaller rearward tilt angle when the back portion is fully reclined.
In an embodiment, the upward movement of the relatively rearward portion of the seat portion may be greater than that of the relatively forward portion of the seat portion.
In an embodiment, the back portion comprises a central spine, and a compliant support surface supported by the spine for supporting the back of a seated occupant, wherein a lower portion of the spine is pivotally connected to the supporting frame, with a bottom portion of the spine pivotally connected to the drag link. The compliant support surface may comprise a resiliently flexible shell supported by the spine and a cushion supported by the shell. In an embodiment, the spine is resiliently flexible such that an upper end of the spine can be flexed rearwardly relative to a portion of the spine adjacent the pivot connection of the spine to the supporting frame.
In an embodiment, the spine is resiliently flexible so it can twist with a torsional action around a longitudinal axis of the spine, upon application of a suitable force by a seated occupant to the compliant support surface.
In an embodiment, the supporting frame comprises an intermediate support with a generally horizontally extending portion and a pair of rearward uprights, with the lower portion of the spine positioned between and pivotally connected to the uprights. In an embodiment, the seat portion comprises a seat frame and a support surface mounted to the seat frame for supporting a seated occupant, wherein the operative connection(s) between the seat portion and the supporting frame are connected between the intermediate support and the seat frame.
In an embodiment, the supporting frame comprises a main transom, an intermediate support, and a rocker mechanism that operatively connects the main transom and the intermediate support to provide a rocking motion therebetween, wherein the front and rear operative connections between the seat portion and the supporting frame are connected to the intermediate support. In an embodiment, the intermediate support, and thereby the seat portion, can be rocked between a rearwardly angled rearward rocked position and a forward rocked position. In an embodiment, the rocker mechanism comprises a front rocker arm pivotally connected to the main transom and to the intermediate support, and a rear rocker arm pivotally connected to the main transom and to the intermediate support. The front rocker arm and the rear rocker arm may hang downwardly, from their pivot connections to the main transom, at least when the rocker mechanism is in a neutral position. In an embodiment, when the intermediate support is in the rearward rocked position, the front rocker arm extends generally rearwardly from its pivot connection to the main transom, and the rear rocker arm extends generally downwardly from its pivot connection to the main transom, and when the intermediate support is in the forward rocked position, the front rocker arm extends generally downwardly from its pivot connection to the main transom, and the rear rocker am extends downwardly and forwardly from its pivot connection to the main transom.
In an embodiment, the front rocker arm is longer than the rear rocker arm. The pivot connection of the front rocker arm to the main transom may be positioned vertically higher than the pivot connection of the rear rocker arm to the main transom.
In an embodiment, the rocker mechanism comprises two front rocker arms and two rear rocker arms, positioned at or adjacent respective sides of the seat portion.
In an embodiment, the chair further comprises: an extendable foot or leg support assembly pivotally connected to the seat portion; and a rocking inhibitor arrangement to inhibit forward rocking of the intermediate support relative to the main transom when the foot or leg support assembly is extended.
In an embodiment, the rocking inhibitor arrangement is configured to automatically engage to inhibit forward rocking of the intermediate support when the foot or leg support assembly is extended, and to automatically disengage to allow forward rocking of the intermediate support when the foot or leg support assembly is retracted.
In an embodiment, the main transom or the intermediate support comprises one or more resiliently compressible stop(s) and the other of the main transom or intermediate support comprises one or more respective abutment surface(s) configured such that when the intermediate support is rocked sufficiently forward and/or rearward, the stop(s) are compressed against the respective abutment surface(s) to damp and limit the forward and/or rearward rock of the support.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chair comprising: a supporting frame; a seat portion for supporting an occupant; a back portion for supporting the back of a seated occupant and that is reclinable from an upright position to a reclined position; a recline mechanism configured to lift the seat portion upon a reclining action of the back portion; and a pair of arm assemblies positioned one on either side of the seat portion, each arm assembly comprising an arm rest support that is mounted to the seat portion to move with the seat portion as the seat portion is moved by the recline mechanism, and an arm rest that is slidably mounted to the arm rest support, wherein the arm rests are operatively connected to the back portion such that as the back portion is reclined, the arm rests slide rearwardly on the arm rest supports.
In an embodiment, the back portion comprises a central spine, and a support surface supported by the spine for supporting the back of a seated occupant.
In an embodiment, the recline mechanism is configured to lift and move the seat portion forward upon a reclining action of the back portion.
In an embodiment, the supporting frame comprises a main transom, an intermediate support that operatively supports the seat portion and the back portion, and a rocker mechanism that operatively connects the main transom and an intermediate support to provide a rocking motion therebetween, wherein the arm rest supports are mounted to the seat portion to move as the seat portion is rocked by the rocker mechanism. The arm assemblies may alternatively be provided in a reclining chair that does not have a rocker mechanism.
In an embodiment, the seat portion comprises a seat frame and a support surface supported by the seat frame for supporting a seated occupant, and the arm rest supports are mounted to the seat frame.
In an embodiment, the arm rest supports are mounted to the seat portion so that the orientations of the arm rest supports relative to the seat portion are fixed.
In an embodiment, lower portions of the arm rest supports are pivotally connected to the seat portion, the arm rest supports configured such that the orientations of the arm rest supports relative to the seat portion change for at least part of the reclining action of the back portion.
In an embodiment, in each arm assembly, either the arm rest or the arm rest support comprises one or more bearing members, and the other of the arm rest or arm rest support comprises one or more complementary elongate slots for receiving the bearing member(s), the one or more elongate slot(s) extending in the direction of movement of the arm rest on the arm rest support.
In an embodiment, the back portion comprises a resiliently flexible shell to support an occupant's back, with upper body contacting surfaces of the arm rests being resiliently flexible and formed by, or connected to, part of the resiliently flexible shell. In an embodiment, the resiliently flexible shell comprises a central main back supporting portion, and elongate arm rest portions, one on either side of the central main back supporting portion, wherein rear ends of the elongate arm rest portions are connected to the central main back supporting portion and forward ends of the elongate arm rest portions form the upper body contacting surfaces of the arm rests. In an embodiment, rear portions of the elongate arm rest portions are arcuate when the back portion of the chair is in an upright position, and are substantially flat when the back portion of the chair is reclined.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a head or neck support assembly for a chair, the head or neck support assembly comprising: a base for mounting the head or neck support assembly to a chair; a first member that is rotatable relative to the base about a first axis; a second member that is rotatable relative to the base about a second axis that is substantially parallel to the first axis; a first linkage arrangement comprising a first pair of generally parallel arms that have first ends that are pivotally connected to the first member about axes that are substantially perpendicular to the first axis and that have second ends; a second linkage arrangement comprising a second pair of generally parallel arms that have first ends that are pivotally connected to the second member about axes that are substantially perpendicular to the second axis and that have second ends; and a head or neck support that is operatively supported by the second ends of the generally parallel arms of the first and second linkage arrangements, wherein the head or neck support is moveable relative to the base with two substantially perpendicular degrees of freedom.
In an embodiment, the second ends of the first pair of generally parallel arms are moveable toward and away from the second ends of the second pair of generally parallel arms, upon movement of the head or neck support relative to the base.
In an embodiment, the second ends of the first pair of generally parallel arms are pivotally connected to a first support link about axes that are substantially parallel to the pivot axes between the parallel arms and the first member, and the second ends of the second pair of generally parallel arms are pivotally connected to a second support link about axes that are substantially parallel to the pivot axes between the parallel arms and the second member, and wherein the first and second support links being rotatable relative to the head or neck support, with the rotation axes of the first and second support links relative to the head or neck support being substantially parallel to the rotation axes of the first and second members relative to the base. In an embodiment, the first and second members are operatively coupled such that as the first member is rotated in one direction relative to the base, the second member rotates a corresponding amount in an opposite direction relative to the base, and wherein the rotating of the first and second members causes corresponding movement of the first and second linkage arrangements about the first and second axes relative to the base and rotation of the first and second support links relative to the head or neck support, with corresponding movement of the first and second support links toward or away from one another. In an embodiment, the head or neck support comprises a housing containing a first toothed rack that is coupled to the first support link, a second toothed rack that is coupled to the second support link, and a pinion gear that is rotatably mounted to the housing and engaged with the first and second toothed racks, wherein movement of the first and second support links toward and away from one another moves the toothed racks, with the racks and pinion gear linking the movement of the first and second support links.
In an embodiment, the head or neck support assembly comprises a locking mechanism to selectively inhibit movement of the first and second members and the first and second linkage arrangements and thereby maintain the head or neck support in a desired position. In an embodiment, the head or neck support assembly comprises a locking member that selectively inhibits pivoting of the first pair of generally parallel arms relative to the first member and that selectively inhibits rotation of the first member relative to the base. In an embodiment, the first pair of generally parallel arms are pivotally connected to a first support link, wherein the locking member is carried by the first support link and is engageable with one of the first pair of generally parallel arms to inhibit pivoting of the first pair of generally parallel arms relative to the first support link and thereby inhibit pivoting of the first pair of generally parallel arms relative to the first member. In an embodiment, an engagement surface is provided on one of the first pair of generally parallel arms, and the locking member comprises a complementary engagement surface for engaging with the engagement surface on one of the first pair of generally parallel arms.
In an embodiment, the head or neck support comprises a housing containing a first toothed rack that is rotatably connected to the first support link, and wherein the locking member is engageable with the first toothed rack to inhibit rotation of the first support link relative to the first toothed rack, thereby inhibiting rotation of the first member relative to the base. In an embodiment, the toothed rack comprises a body having an aperture and an engagement surface, and the locking member extends through the aperture in the body of the toothed rack and through an aperture in the first support link and is moveable only axially relative to the first support link, and wherein the locking member comprises a complementary engagement surface for engaging with the engagement surface on the toothed rack to inhibit rotation therebetween.
In an embodiment, the locking member is configured such that when moving the locking member from an unlocked position to a locked position, the locking member initially inhibits pivoting of the first pair of generally parallel arms relative to the first member and then inhibits rotation of the first member relative to the base. In an embodiment, the locking member comprises a first locking member portion for inhibiting pivoting of the first pair of generally parallel arms relative to the first member, a second locking member portion for inhibiting rotation of the first member relative to the base, and a biasing device between the first locking member portion and the second locking member portion.
In an embodiment, the head or neck support assembly comprises a second locking member that selectively inhibits pivoting of the second pair of generally parallel arms relative to the second member and that selectively inhibits rotation of the second member relative to the base. In an embodiment, the head or neck support comprises an unlock plate with a pair of slots in which the locking members are slidably mounted such that the first and second support links can move toward and away from one another, and at least one actuation lever for actuating by a user, wherein actuation of the actuation lever moves the unlock plate and disengages the locking members to enable the position of the head or neck support to be adjusted. In an embodiment, the head or neck support assembly comprises a biasing device to bias the lever and thereby the unlock plate into a position in which the locking members are engaged to inhibit movement of the head or neck support.
In an embodiment, the head or neck support assembly comprises two actuation levers for actuating by a user, wherein actuation of either or both actuation levers moves the unlock plate and disengages the locking members to enable the position of the head or neck support to be adjusted. In an embodiment, it is sufficient to actuate one of the actuation levers to disengage the locking members to enable the position of the head or neck support to be adjusted. In an alternative embodiment, it is necessary to actuate both of the actuation levers to disengage the locking members to enable the position of the head or neck support to be adjusted. The actuation levers may be positioned adjacent respective sides of the head or neck support. In an embodiment, the actuation levers are arranged for actuation from a rear of the head or neck support. In an alternative embodiment, the actuation levers are arranged for actuation from a front of the head or neck support.
In an embodiment, the head or neck support assembly is mounted to a chair having a back portion with a central spine, wherein the base and the central spine are integral. Alternatively, the base may be separately formed from the central spine, and may be mounted to the back portion by being connected to the spine. Alternatively, the base may be connectable to, or integrally formed, with a part of the back portion other than the spine, for example a frame member or shell of the back portion.
In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable support arrangement for a chair comprising: a flexible mounting assembly comprising an elongate flexible closure and tension members for movably attaching the support arrangement to a frame or relatively rigid member; a slider arrangement comprising a first slider portion and a second slider portion in fixed relation, the slider portions being slidable together along the closure to open and close a portion of the closure; and a support member operatively connected to the slider arrangement; wherein the support member is adjustable to a plurality of positions between first and second end positions by sliding the slider portions along the closure.
In an embodiment, the first slider portion and the second slider portion are integrally formed. Alternatively, the first slider portion and the second slider portion may be separately formed, but configured to move together with movement of the support member.
In an embodiment, the closure comprises two opposite, engagable sides that engage to close or partially close the respective closure.
In an embodiment, the opposing sides of each closure each comprise a plurality of engagable teeth. The closure may comprise a zipper with first and second slider portions. Alternatively, the opposing sides of the closure may comprise a cooperating projection and recess.
In an embodiment, portions of the closure externally of the first and second slider portions are closed. A portion of the closure between the first and second slider portions may form an opening.
The support arrangement may comprise a second elongate closure that is substantially parallel to the first elongate closure, and wherein the slider arrangement comprises third and fourth slider portions that are slidable together along the further second closure. The second elongate closure may have any one or more of the features outlined in relation to the first closure. The first and second closures could be the same, or could differ.
In an embodiment, the support arrangement further comprises a carriage wherein the slider portions are fixed to the carriage and the support member is operatively connected attached to the support carriage. In an embodiment, the slider portions are connected to the carriage by way of a snap connection.
In an embodiment, the support member is removably attached to the carriage. The support member may, for example, be connected to the carriage by way of a snap connection.
In an embodiment, the mounting assembly comprises a flexible load dispersion panel for attachment to the front surface of a cushioned support.
In an embodiment, the support member is a head or neck support and the support member is height adjustable relative to the mounting assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the support member is a lumbar support and the support member is height adjustable relative to the mounting assembly.
In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chair comprising: a seat portion for supporting an occupant; a back portion for supporting the back of a seated occupant; and an adjustable support arrangement as outlined in relation to the fourth aspect above; wherein the mounting assembly is attached to the back portion.
In an embodiment, the back portion is upholstered and the upholstery comprises an elongate aperture substantially parallel to the closure(s), and wherein the slider arrangement comprises a carriage with a forwardly protruding connector portion that protrudes through the aperture for connection to the support member.
In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable support arrangement for a chair back portion comprising a cushioned portion and an upholstery layer, the adjustable support arrangement comprising: a flexible mounting assembly, the mounting assembly comprising a flexible support rail and a flexible load dispersion panel arranged to be positioned between the front surface of the cushioned portion and a back surface of the upholstery layer; a slider arrangement being slidable along the support rail; and a support member operatively connected to the slider arrangement; wherein the support member is adjustable to a plurality of positions between first and second end positions by sliding the slider arrangement along the support rail, and wherein the flexible load dispersion panel is arranged to disperse a user's load from the support member across the cushioned portion.
In an embodiment, the flexible support rail comprises an elongate closure.
In an embodiment, the load dispersion panel is configured for attachment to the front surface of the cushioned portion. In an embodiment, the load dispersion panel comprises a woven or non-woven fabric.
In an embodiment, the back attachment assembly further comprises tension members for movably attaching the support arrangement to the relatively rigid portion.
In an embodiment, the support member is a head or neck support and the support member is height adjustable relative to the mounting assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the support member is a lumbar support and the support member is height adjustable relative to the mounting assembly.
The support arrangement may have any one or more of the features outlined in relation to the fourth aspect above.
In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chair comprising: a seat portion for supporting an occupant; a back portion for supporting the back of a seated occupant; and an adjustable support arrangement as outlined in relation to the sixth aspect above, wherein the back portion comprises a rear relatively rigid portion and a cushioned portion and the mounting assembly is attached to a front surface of the cushioned portion.
In an embodiment, the flexible load dispersion panel is attached to the front surface of the cushioned portion by an adhesive, and is positioned behind an upholstery layer.
In an embodiment, the mounting assembly comprises tension members that extend through apertures in the cushioned portion and attach to the relatively rigid portion of the back portion.
This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features.
The term “comprising” as used in this specification means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner.
As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.
As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.
It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.
The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.
In order that the invention may be more fully understood, some embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
The chair additionally has a recline mechanism configured to lift the seat portion 101 relative to an intermediate support of the supporting frame 1 upon a reclining action of the back portion 201, and a rocker mechanism that operatively connects a main transom of the supporting frame and the intermediate support of the supporting frame, to provide a rocking motion therebetween. These features will be described in further detail below.
The mechanisms and features operate together to provide a large number of possible occupant supporting configurations of the chair, some of which are shown in
Since the figures illustrate the preferred form chairs from various different angles as convenient to explain certain parts, an arrow marked “F” has been inserted into the figures where appropriate to indicate a forward direction of the chair. Accordingly the terms forward, rearward, left side, and right side (or similar) should be construed with reference to the forward direction F of the chair, not necessarily with reference to the orientation shown in the particular figure.
The features of the preferred form chairs are described and shown herein to give a full understanding of the components and operation of the preferred form chair. It will be appreciated that not all of the features described herein need be provided in every chair.
Base
The lower part of the supporting frame 1 comprises a base 3 for supporting the chair on a support surface. Referring to
The main transom 15 may be supported from the base by at least one resilient member 17 that is arranged to deform and allow generally downward movement of the main transom to absorb initial impact as an occupant sits on the seat portion. This provides a ‘plonk’ feature, and avoids the hard impact that would generally be experienced when an occupant initially sits on a conventional chair. In the form shown, the supporting frame has two elastomeric blocks 17 that are provided between the main transom 15 and the support 11, one elastomeric block positioned at or toward each side of the support 11. The elastomeric blocks are positioned between the main transom and the base at a position spaced from the pivot connections 13. The elastomeric blocks are compressed between engagement surfaces 11a on the support and engagement surfaces 15a on the main transom, as an occupant sits on the seat portion 101. The elastomeric block(s) or other resilient member(s) may have cut-outs, apertures, or weakened areas to change the amount of deformation force with respect to deformation.
The elastomeric blocks 17 or other resilient members could be solid with sufficient compressibility to give the required plonk, or could be shaped in such a way as to give the required deflection using less material. Such shapes might include cylindrical cross sections which deform in the radial direction or honeycomb matrixes where the honeycombs collapse.
Alternatively, rather than being pivotally connected, the transom 15 may be rigidly fixed to the base upright 9. In one embodiment, the transom 15 and the upright 9 may be integral.
Base Swivel
The base 3 of the supporting frame 1 is preferably configured so that the upright 9 and thereby the main transom 15 and the components supported by the main transom 15 are rotatable about a substantially vertical axis relative to the support surface engaging portion of the base. The hub 7 may be configured as shown in
Base recess 3a and bearing plate aperture 31a together form a stepped recess in the base. An underside of the hub 7 of the upright 9 has a complementary stepped profile with surfaces that are spaced from the surfaces of the base 3 and bearing plate 31a when the hub is mounted to the base. An upper, top hat washer 33 having a central cylindrical portion 33′ and an annular flange 33″ at one end thereof is positioned in the stepped recess, between the hub 7 of the upright and an upper planar annular bearing surface 32a, to provide a planar annular bearing surface 34a that bears against surface 32a as the upright rotates relative to the base. A sandwich member 37 is provided on the opposite side of the bearing plate 31 to the hub 7 of the upright, and fixed to the hub 7 at a central portion, for example using bolts 41. A lower washer 35 is positioned between an upper side 37a of the sandwich member and a lower planar annular bearing surface 32b, to provide a planar annular bearing surface 36a to bear against surface 32b as the upright rotates relative to the base. The lower washer 35 has an aperture 35a corresponding in size to an aperture 33a in the upper washer. An o-ring 42 may be positioned between the lower washer 35 and the sandwich member 37. The o-ring 42 is compliant to minimise non-rotational movement of the upright 9 and to reduce the need for fine tolerances on the base swivel components.
The upright 9, washers 33, 35, and sandwich member 37 are rotatable in tandem relative to the base 3 and bearing plate 31 to swivel the chair. As the upright 9, washers 33, 35, and sandwich member 37 are rotated, the bearing surfaces 34a and 36a slide against the respective bearing surface on the bearing plate 31.
The upper and lower washers 33, 35 preferably comprise a low friction material such as acetal. The bearing plate 31 comprises a hard bearing material, and may be a metallic material, for example hardened chrome steel or anodised aluminium. The hub 7, legs 5, and sandwich member 37 are all suitably a metallic material. The use of low friction materials in the bearing surfaces provides a smooth low friction swivel with a large surface area for the bearing surfaces suitable for accommodating offset loadings and moment loads such as those produced by the cantilevered upright 9.
In the embodiment shown, the bearing plate 31, upper washer 33 and lower washer 35 are all separate members. Alternatively one or more of these members may be integral with another component, for example the bearing plate 31 may be integral with the base 3, the upper washer 33 may be integral with the hub of the upright 7, and/or the lower washer 35 may be integral with the sandwich member 37. As a further example, rather than having one or both of the washers 33, 35, the bearing surfaces 34a, 36a may be provided by a coating of a suitable bearing material on the respective upright and/or the sandwich member, and/or the bearing surfaces 32a, 32b may be provided by a coating of suitable bearing material on the upper and lower surfaces of the bearing plate 31.
In place of the swivel described in relation to
In an alternative configuration, the main transom could be provided on a more conventional pedestal base. However, such a base would not provide the benefit of the ‘plonk’ feature described above.
Recline Mechanism
Referring to
Reverting to
As shown in
the spine 209 may be resiliently flexible so it can twist with a torsional action around a longitudinal axis of the spine, upon application of a suitable force by a seated occupant to the compliant support surface 211. These features, and the compliant support surface, enable an occupant to sit in unusual positions and be supported by the chair, thereby increasing the comfort level offered by the chair. Additionally, the configuration encourages healthy blood flow through micro-movements and allows freedom of movement with continuous support of the user.
Similarly, the seat portion comprises a seat frame 103 and a support surface 107 mounted to the seat frame for supporting a seated occupant. The support surface 107 of the seat portion may be compliant or rigid and of any of the types outlined in relation to the back portion.
Referring to
In the form shown, the chair comprises a rocker mechanism 701 as will be described below. The rocker mechanism 701, shown in
As shown in
Reverting to
In the preferred form shown, the recline mechanism also comprises a rear operative connection 611 between a relatively rearward portion of the seat portion 101 and the intermediate support 21 of the supporting frame. The rear operative connection 611 guides movement of the relatively rearward portion of the seat portion as the back portion is reclined or returned to upright. The rear operative connection 611 comprises a forward link 613 that is pivotally connected at pivot 613a to the intermediate support 21, a rearward link 615 that is pivotally connected at pivot 615a to the intermediate support 21, and a carrier link 619 that is pivotally connected at pivots 613b, 615b to the forward link and to the rearward link respectively. The carrier link 619 is pivotally connected at pivot 619a to the seat portion 101. The pivot connection 619a of the carrier link 619 to the seat portion 101 is positioned rearwardly of the pivot connections 613b, 615b of the forward link 613 and rearward link 615 to the carrier link 619. The pivot connection 602a (
When the back portion 201 is in an upright configuration (
The operative connections 603, 611 between the seat portion 101 and the intermediate support 21 are arranged such that the relatively forward and relatively rearward portions of the seat portion move upward and forward with a substantially linear movement as the back portion is reclined, with the amount of movement of the relatively rearward portion being greater than the amount of movement of the relatively forward portion, to provide a forward tilt of the seat portion 101 as the back portion is reclined. That forward tilt reduces force against the underside of the occupant's thighs as the back portion is reclined, and also reduces ‘shirt pull’. Preferably, the seat portion 101 has a rearward tilt angle when the back portion 201 is upright, and the seat portion 101 has a smaller rearward tilt angle when the back portion 201 is fully reclined. Preferably, the upward movement of the relatively rearward portion of the seat portion is greater than that of the relatively forward portion of the seat portion.
In an alternative configuration, the rear operative connections could instead comprise track and follower arrangements of the type described for the front operative connections. In another configuration, the front operative connections could instead comprise pivot and link arrangements of the type described for the rear operative connections.
Because the recline mechanism 601 lifts the seat portion 101 upon recline of the back portion 201, the recline mechanism is a weight compensating mechanism. That is, the occupant's body weight influences the force that must be applied to the back portion to cause it to recline. A lighter weight occupant who would generally be less strong does not need to apply as much force to the back portion, as a heavier occupant who would generally have greater strength. A lighter occupant is also typically shorter and therefore applies force to the back portion at shorter distance above the back pivot 207, achieving less leverage than a taller occupant. The present recline mechanism, has the advantage that for the same force applied to the back portion, less leverage is required (i.e. the force can be applied closer to the back pivot) to lift a lighter occupant than a heavier occupant. These benefits mean that tension adjustment and/or a user activated recline lever are not required.
The use of the drag link 602 and a pivot of the back portion to the supporting frame above the bottom of the back portion enables the lower portion of the back portion and the seat portion to travel on independent paths, reducing the amount of ‘shirt pull’ that would occur if the back portion was pivoted directly to the seat portion. The position of the pivot 207 of the back portion to the supporting frame also provides optimal lumbar rotation as the back portion is reclined, and reduces the spacing that is required between the back of the chair and a wall to enable the chair to be reclined, despite the back portion of the preferred embodiment chair being reclinable to an angle of about 37 degrees. Additionally, the drag link 602 provides variable gearing through the travel of the back portion 201 and the seat portion 101, due to the changing link angle relative to the back angle. That varies the weight compensation rate inversely to the recline angle of back portion. As the back portion 201 reclines rearward, more of the occupant's weight is on the back portion 201, increasing the weight compensation requirement of the seat portion 101 to keep the rate of change of angle of the back portion recline controlled. The drag link angle change increases the amount of seat lift per degree of back angle, and therefore the effort required to recline, as the back angle increases
Having a recline mechanism that moves the seat portion 101 forward and upward upon recline of the back portion 201 means that the occupant's centre of gravity will be moved a minimal amount upon recline of the back portion. This minimises any undesired rocking of the chair that may otherwise occur due to recline of the back portion.
Rocker Mechanism
As discussed above, the supporting frame 1 comprises a main transom 15, an intermediate support 21, and a rocker mechanism 701 that operatively connects the main transom and the intermediate support to provide a rocking motion therebetween. Referring to
The front rocker arm 703 and the rear rocker 705 arm hang generally downwardly from their pivot 703a, 705a connections to the main transom 15, at least when the rocker mechanism is in a neutral position as shown in
The arms 703, 705 are configured such that their action simulates rocking motion of a traditional rocking chair utilising a curved piece of wood in contact with the support surface. A traditional rocking chair motion is a combination of rotation and translation. The intermediate support 21, and thereby the seat portion 101 and the back portion 201, can be rocked between a rearwardly angled rearward rocked position as shown in
Preferably, the front rocker arm 703 is longer than the rear rocker arm 705. Preferably, the pivot connection 703a of the front rocker arm 703 to the main transom 15 is positioned vertically higher than the pivot connection 705a of the rear rocker arm 705 to the main transom, as shown in
Preferably, the rocker mechanism comprises two of said front rocker arms and two of said rear rocker arms, positioned at or adjacent respective sides of the seat portion.
Preferably, the rocker mechanism comprises one or more stops (not shown) to limit forward and/or rearward rock of the intermediate support relative to the transom 15.
As the intermediate frame 21 rocks rearward relative to the transom 15, as shown in
Similarly, as the intermediate frame 21 rocks forward relative to the transom 15, the forward compressible stop 709 comes into contact with the second abutment surface 708b on the fixed stop 707. As the intermediate frame 21 continues to rock forward, the forward compressible stop 709 is forced into the second abutment surface 708b, compressing the forward stop 709 and slowing the velocity of the forward rock. As the forward stop 709 is compressed further, the velocity of the rock slows further until the stop is fully compressed, limiting the forward rock of the intermediate member 21. As the intermediate member 21 is rocked rearward towards the neutral rock position, the forward stop 709 expands until it is out of contact with the fixed stop 707 and in its non-compressed configuration.
In an alternative embodiment, the compressible stops could be provided on the transom, and the abutment surfaces may be provided on the intermediate member. In a further embodiment, rather than compressible stops, the intermediate support 21 and/or the transom 15 may comprise front and/or rear hard limit stops to limit the front and rear rock of the seat portion.
The rocker mechanism will function irrespective of whether the back portion is upright or reclined. However, in an embodiment having a foot or leg support assembly as described below, the chair is preferably provided with a rocking inhibitor arrangement to counter the effect of weight change when the foot or leg support is extended.
Arm Assemblies
The chair has a pair of arm assemblies 301 positioned one on either side of the seat portion 101. As shown in
Because the chair comprises a recline mechanism 601 configured to lift the seat portion 101 upon a reclining action of the back portion 201, to maintain a desired position between the seat portion and the arm rest supports 303, the arm rest supports 303 are mounted to the seat portion 101 to move with the seat portion as the seat portion is moved by the recline mechanism. Similarly, because the chair comprises a rocker mechanism that operatively connects the main transom 15 and the intermediate support 21 to provide a rocking motion therebetween, by mounting the arm rest supports 303 to the seat portion 101, the arm rest supports 303 will move with the seat portion 101 as the seat portion is rocked by the rocker mechanism.
In the form shown, the arm rest supports 303 are mounted to the seat frame of the seat portion 101, so that the orientations of the arm rest supports 303 relative to the seat portion 101 are fixed. In an alternative configuration, lower portions 303a of the arm rest supports 303 are pivotally connected to the seat portion (e.g. to the seat frame 103), with the arm rest supports 303 configured such that the orientations of the arm rest supports relative to the seat portion 101 change for at least part of the reclining action of the back portion. This could occur, for example, by the arm rests 305 initially sliding on the arm rest supports and, at a certain point of the rearward movement of the arm rests 305, the arm rests could catch and cause the arm rest supports to pivot rearwardly.
Referring to
Either the arm rest 305 or the arm rest support 303 of each assembly may further comprise a central guide member 307b, and the other of the arm rest 305 or arm rest support 303 may comprise a complementary central elongate slot 309b that receives the central guide member. When the arm rest 305 is slid forward or rearward relative to the support 303, the surfaces of the central guide member 307b bear against the surfaces of the central slot 309b. The tolerances between the central guide member 307b, and the central slot 309b are finer than the tolerances between the T-shaped guide members 307a and their respective slots 309a so that the central guide member 307b, and the central slot 309b prevent side-to-side movement and twisting of the arm rest support. The T-shaped guide members 307a and their respective slots 309a primarily act to prevent the arm rest 305 being lifted off the arm rest support.
As discussed above, the back portion may comprise a resiliently flexible shell 211. Upper body contacting surfaces 311 of the arm rests may be integrally formed by part of the resiliently flexible shell. The resiliently flexible shell 211 preferably comprises a central main back supporting portion 211a, and elongate arm rest portions 211b, one on either side of the central main back supporting portion. Rear ends of the elongate arm rest portions are connected to the central main back supporting portion and forward ends of the elongate arm rest portions form the upper body contacting surfaces 311 of the arm rests. The elongate arm rest portions 211b may be integrally formed with the resiliently flexible back shell 211 or may be separate members that are connected to the back shell 211, for example by clipping an upper portion 211c of the arm rest to the back shell 211.
The arm rest portions could also be tension members, with biasing members such as springs to return the slides to their forward positions.
Preferably, rear portions 211c of the elongate arm rest portions 211b are arcuate when the back portion 201 of the chair is in an upright position (as shown in
By providing the sliding arm rests with part of the arm rests 305 formed by, or connected to, the back portion of the chair 201, the gap that would otherwise open between the back portion 201 and the arm rest 305 is eliminated. Additionally, because the arm rests 305 slide forward and rearward on the arm rest supports 305 with movement of the back portion, the occupant's arm will not slide excessively on the surfaces of the arm rests, reducing wear on the occupant's clothing and on any upholstery on the arm assemblies. Additionally, the flattening of the rear portions of the arm rests 305 upon recline of the back portion follows the natural straightening of the occupant's arms as the occupant reclines the back portion of the chair.
Cushioning surfaces could be provided on or in the arm rests. For example, cushioning could be provided on or under the surfaces 311. The cushioning may be integral with the cushioning of the back portion 201 of the chair.
The arm assemblies could be incorporated into other types of chairs with reclining back portions which may or may not have recline mechanisms to move the seat portions upon movement of the back portion, and which may or may not have rocker mechanisms.
Foot or Leg Support Assembly
The chair comprises a foot or leg support assembly 501 as described below. The assembly can be used to support an occupant's feet, legs, or both, depending on the configuration of the assembly and the size of the occupant. References to a foot or leg support assembly should be understood to cover any of: a support assembly that is suitable for supporting an occupant's feet, a support assembly that is suitable for supporting an occupant's legs, or a support assembly that is suitable for supporting an occupant's feet and legs.
The foot or leg support assembly 501 is movable between a deployed and extended position shown in
The foot or leg support assembly comprises a frame 505, an extension mechanism 509, an actuator 511 and a movable support portion 513 for receiving and supporting an occupant's feet or legs. The frame 505 is pivoted at a first end 505a to the mounting bracket 503 or directly to the seat portion 101 and configured to be pivoted about its first end by the actuator 511 which is preferably a gas spring. In the retracted position, the frame 505 is preferably angled rearwardly so that the angle to between the mounting bracket 503 and the frame 505 is about 60 degrees. That corresponds to a rearward angle of the frame 505 of about 30 degrees when the chair is upright and in its neutral rock position. As the frame 505 is pivoted outward toward the deployed position, the extension mechanism 509 is configured to move the moveable support portion 513 in a direction away from the first frame end, increasing the angle to, to the extended position shown in
As best seen in
The gas spring 511 may be selectively actuated at any frame 505 position via the user actuator 321. When the frame 505 is in the retracted position, actuation of the user actuator enables the foot or leg support assembly 501 to move from the retracted position to the deployed position.
The gas spring 511 is selectively released by an occupant using a user actuator 321 which is coupled to a gas spring release by a cable.
To retract the foot or leg support assembly 501 from any position, a chair occupant must actuate the user actuator 321 and apply an inward force to the foot or leg support member, for example with their legs or feet. The linkage 520 controls the position of the first end 511a of the gas spring 511 so that the position of the first end 511a is a function of the position of the frame 505. Moving the position of the first end 511a of the gas spring 511 changes the ratio between the required gas spring extension or retraction to angularly displace the frame 505 a given amount.
The moveable foot or leg support member 513 of the foot or leg support assembly 501 is arranged to slide relative to the frame 505 such that the foot or leg support assembly 501 is extendable from an initial length L1 to an extended length L2. The extension mechanism 509 is configured to slide the moveable support member in a direction away from the first frame end 505a, to an extended position as the frame is moved from the retracted position to the deployed position by the gas spring 511. This sliding of the support member causes the support member to follow an arc similar to the arc through which an occupant's lower legs or feet move as the occupant moves them outward. This results in less ‘trouser pull’ which is the result of relative movement between a support portion and an occupant's legs or feet as a foot or leg support is deployed.
Referring to
In a preferred embodiment, the slidable end 531b of each drag link 531 is pivotally connected to a sliding block 545. Slots 544 are positioned on opposite sides of the centre of the frame 505, and the sliding blocks 545 are each configured to slide longitudinally in a respective slot 544. The second end 539b of each frame connector link 539 is pivotally connected to a respective sliding block 545 about a pivot that is transverse to the pivots between the drag links 531 and sliding blocks 545, such that each pivot slides relative to the frame 505 with the slidable end of the respective drag link 531 and sliding block 545.
In the embodiment shown in
The single user actuator 321 controls all of the outward pivoting of the frame 505, inward pivoting of the frame 505, and extension and retraction of the support member 513 relative to the frame 505.
Other than the drag links 531, the components of the extension mechanism 509 all move in a plane substantially corresponding to that of the frame 505. That configuration enables a low profile support assembly to be provided. The sliding of the support member 513 as the frame 505 is pivoted outwardly and inwardly means that the support member 513 can stay in an approximately fixed position relative to an occupant's feet or legs, improving comfort and reducing wear on clothing.
The above describes only one preferred form extension mechanism 509. Alternative linkage arrangements may be used to push or pull the movable support member 513 relative to the frame 505 as the frame 505 is pivoted inwards or outwards. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator 511 could be provided in a foot or leg support assembly that doesn't have an extension mechanism. In another alternative embodiment, rather than a gas spring, an alternative actuator, for example a powered actuator, could be used to deploy and retract the foot or leg support assembly 501.
The foot or leg support assembly could be incorporated into other types of chairs that may or may not have recline mechanisms or rocking mechanisms. In embodiments that do not have rocking mechanisms, the frame 505 may instead be pivotally mounted to a main transom rather than to the seat portion.
Because the foot or leg support member 513 of the preferred embodiment can retract to a rearwardly angled position beneath the seat portion of a chair, an occupant can more easily egress the chair than would be the case if the foot or leg support only retracted to a vertical position. An occupant can place their feet flat on the ground partly beneath the seat portion to stand up. In an alternative embodiment, the foot or leg support may comprise a switch and gas spring arrangement that avoids the need of the occupant applying rearward force to fully retract the support member past the vertical position.
Rocking Inhibitor
Referring to
Referring to
The central slide member 811 of the slide assembly 806 is slidably mounted to the mounting member 827 via a guide channel 829 in the mounting member. Guide features 831 in the form of inwardly protruding tabs retain the slide member 811 in the channel 829. A connecting member 833 is attached to the central slide member 811 and connected to the intermediate support 21 which rocks relative to the transom and mounting member 827 as the chair is rocked. The connecting member 833 may be integral with the central slide member 811, or alternatively, the central slide member 811 may be directly connected to the intermediate support 21, such as via a pivot connection.
The anti-rock ratchet assembly 803 comprises an actuation assembly 810, shown in exploded form in
A cable 823 is operatively connected to the actuation links 815, 817 at the central pivot 819. As shown in
As can be seen from
When the foot or leg support is being retracted, the actuator arrangement and anti-rock ratchet assembly 803 is returned to the first mode when the foot or leg support 501 is moved to slightly forward of vertical or a vertical position as it is being retracted.
Referring to
When the foot or leg support 501 is retracted, the second link 523 and therefore the cable connector 533, is moved away from the moulded housing 535. That pulls the cable end 823a rearward in the housing 535. When the foot or leg support 501 reaches a vertical orientation, as shown in
As the foot or leg support 501 is retracted further, towards the position shown in
The rock lock assembly 805 is shown in exploded form in
In the locking assembly, 848, a lock biasing member 843 is positioned between the lock carriage 845 and the lock member 841, biasing the lock member 841 towards the slide member 811. The lock carriage 845 is biased outwards, away from the slide member 811 by a carriage biasing member 847 positioned between a projection on the lock carriage 845 and a projection on the mounting member 827.
The detent assembly 846 comprises a detent pawl 851 pivotally mounted on the mounting member 827, a slidable pin carrier 855 slidably mounted on the mounting member 827, and a detent pin 857 protruding downwardly from the pin carrier. A biasing member comprising a spring 861 is positioned between the pin carrier 855 and a protrusion 862 on the mounting member 827 to bias the pin carrier rearwardly. A cable 863 is operatively connected to a front end of the pin carrier 855 and to a paddle (not shown) or lever for actuation by a user to lock and unlock the rocking of the chair.
The detent pawl 851 is shown in
An underside of the pin carrier 855 comprises a cam 856. The lock carriage 845 of the locking assembly comprises a camming surface 845a with two parallel end portions and a rearwardly inwardly angled intermediate portion (
Operation of the lock assembly will now be described with reference to
In a second stage shown in
The fourth stage shown in
In a sixth stage, shown in
The lock assembly 805 enables a user to selectively lock forward and rearward rocking of the intermediate support 21, independent of the position of the foot or leg support assembly 501. A first ‘click’ of the actuation paddle or lever moves the assembly to a locking configuration (stages three and four) and a second ‘click’ moves the lock assembly to a release configuration (stages one, six and seven).
In the embodiment shown, the slide member 811 forms part of both the anti-rock ratchet assembly 803 and the lock assembly 805. Angled teeth 813 are provided on one side of the slide member to interact with the ratchet pawl 807, and square teeth 840 are provided on the opposite side of the slide member 811 to interact with the lock member 841. Alternatively, separate slidable members could be provided for each of the anti-rock ratchet assembly 803 and the lock assembly 805. Alternative embodiments of the chair may comprise only one of the anti-rock ratchet assembly 803 or the lock assembly 805. Embodiments of the chair having no foot or leg support would not include the anti-rock ratchet assembly.
Preferably, the components in the rocking inhibitor arrangement 801 are designed to be thin so that the arrangement is compact for packaging under the seat.
First Preferred Form Support Assembly
The chair may comprise a head or neck support assembly 401 as described below. The assembly can be used to support an occupant's head, neck, or both, depending on the configuration of the assembly and the size of the occupant. References to a head or neck support assembly should be understood to cover any of: a support assembly that is suitable for supporting an occupant's head, a support assembly that is suitable for supporting an occupant's neck, or a support assembly that is suitable for supporting an occupant's head and neck.
Referring to
The upper part 403b of the plate has two forwardly-directed spigots 405a, 405b. A first member 407a is rotatably connected to the base by being rotatably mounted on the first spigot 407a. A second member 407b is rotatably connected to the base by being rotatably mounted on the second spigot 407b. The first axis 405a′ of the first member 407a on the first spigot 405a is substantially parallel to the second axis 405b′ of the second member 407b on the second spigot 405b.
The first and second members 407a, 407b are preferably operatively coupled by gear surfaces 407a′, 407b′ (
The first member 407a carries a first linkage arrangement 409a comprising a first pair of generally parallel arms 411a, 413a that have first ends that are pivotally connected to the first member about axes 411a′, 413a′ that are substantially perpendicular to the first axis 405a′. The second member 407b carries a second linkage arrangement 409b comprising a second pair of generally parallel arms 411b, 413b that have first ends that are pivotally connected to the second member about axes 411b′, 413b′ that are substantially perpendicular to the second axis 405b′. As first and second members 407a, 407b are rotated relative to the base about axes 405a′, 405b′, the first and second linkage arrangements pivot with the first and second members. This movement is controlled by the gearing at 407a′, 407b′, to control movement of the head or neck support as the first and second members 407a, 407b are rotated relative to the base. In the form shown, the arms 411a, 413a on the first base member 407a and the arms 411b, 413b on the second base member 407b extend outwardly away from each other. Alternatively the two sets of arms 411a, 413a and 411b, 413b could extend in the same direction, so that the arm 411a is substantially parallel to arm 411b, and so that the arm 413a is substantially parallel to the arm 413b.
Arms 413a, 413b act as protective covers over the parallel arms 411a, 411b. Alternatively separate protective covers could cover the first and second pairs of parallel arms. The arms 411a, 411b will typically be identical to each other, but could differ. It will be appreciated from reviewing the FIGS. that the arms 411a, 413a, and 411b, 4113b need not be truly parallel, and can instead be any suitable shape that provides a four bar linkage of the type shown with substantially parallel pivot axes on members 407a, 407b and on support mounting links 415a, 415b described below. Indeed, in the form shown, arms 411a and 413a, and arms 411b, 413b are different shapes, with arms 413a, 413b at least partly encapsulating arms 411a, 411b within recesses in the arms. In the form shown, the arms 413a, 413b are each two-part members comprising two halves, with connectors 412a, 412b joining the two halves together to partly encapsulate the respective parallel arm 411a, 411b. By using generally parallel arms, the head or neck support 417 will stay substantially parallel to the base 403, rather than possibly becoming skewed during adjustment.
A head or neck support 417 is operatively supported by the second ends of the generally parallel arms 411a, 413a, 411b, 413b of the first and second linkage arrangements. In the form shown, the second ends of the first pair of generally parallel arms 411a, 413a are pivotally connected to a first support link 415a about axes 411a″, 413a″ that are substantially parallel to the pivot axes 411a′, 413a′ between the parallel arms 411a, 413a and the first member 407a. The second ends of the second pair of generally parallel arms 411b, 413b are pivotally connected to a second support link 415b about axes 411b″, 413b″ that are substantially parallel to the pivot axes 411b′, 413b′ between the parallel arms 411b, 413b and the second member 407b. The first and second support links 415a, 415b are pivotable relative to the head or neck support 417, with the pivot axes 415a′, 415b′ of the first and second support links 415a, 415b relative to the support 417 being substantially parallel to the pivot axes 405a′, 405b′ of the first and second members 407a, 407b relative to the base.
The second ends of the first pair of generally parallel arms 411a, 413a are moveable toward and away from the second ends of the second pair of generally parallel arms 411b, 413b (in a widthwise direction of the chair), upon movement of the head or neck support 417 relative to the base 403. The movement toward and away from each other of the second ends of the first and second pairs of generally parallel arms, causes a corresponding movement toward and away from each other of the first and second support links 415a, 415b.
The head or neck support 417 comprises a housing having a front part 417a and a back part 417b. The housing 417 houses a unlock plate 419 containing a first toothed rack 421a that is coupled to the first support link 415a, a second toothed rack 421b that is coupled to the second support link 415b, and a pinion gear 423 that is rotatably mounted to unlock plate 419 and engaged with the first and second toothed racks 421a, 421b, wherein movement of the first and second support links 415a, 415b toward and away from one another moves the toothed racks 421a, 421b, with the racks and pinion gear linking the movement of the first and second support links 415a, 415b and thereby movement of the second ends of the first and second generally parallel arms. This arrangement also prevents the head or neck support 417 from moving to an off-centred position to one side relative to the base 403.
The head or neck rest assembly also comprises a locking mechanism 431a, 431b to selectively inhibit movement of the first and second support links 415a, 415b, the first and second linkage arrangements 409a, 409b, and indirectly, the first and second members 407a, 407b, to thereby maintain the head or neck support 417 in a desired adjusted position. As shown in
Member 417b comprises a rear plate 451 made of stainless steel for example and comprising two spaced apart transversely extending elongate slots 451a, 451b within which first and second support links 415a, 415b are slidably mounted.
With reference to the right hand side of the head or neck support assembly, the first locking member 433b is carried by the first support link 415b and is engageable with one of the first pair of generally parallel arms 411b, 413b to inhibit pivoting of the first pair of generally parallel arms relative to the first support link 415b and thereby inhibit pivoting of the first pair of generally parallel 411b, 413b arms relative to the first member 407b. An engagement surface 435b (
The first locking member 433b is engageable with the first toothed rack 421b to inhibit pivoting of the first support link 415b relative to the first toothed rack 421b about axis 415b′, thereby inhibiting pivoting of the first member 407a relative to the base 403. The first toothed rack 421b comprises a body 439b having an aperture 441b and an engagement surface 443b, and the locking member 433b extends through the aperture 441b in the body of the toothed rack and through an aperture 416b in the first support link 415b. The cross-section of the aperture 416b in the first support link 415b is non-circular, as is the cross-section of the shank of the locking member, so that the locking member 433b is moveable only axially relative to the first support link 415b along axis 415b′ but is rotatable relative to the toothed rack 421b in aperture 441b as the link 415b rotates relative to the rack. The locking member has a complementary engagement surface 445b for engaging with the engagement surface 443b on the toothed rack to inhibit pivoting therebetween. Preferably, the engagement surface on the toothed rack comprises an arcuate or semi-arcuate gear surface surrounding the aperture 441b, and the locking member has a head with a complementary gear feature on its underside.
The locking members 433a, 433b are configured such that when moving the locking member 433b from an unlocked position as shown in
In embodiments having two locking members 433a, 433b, the features and functioning of the left locking member 433a and interaction of the left locking member 433a with other components is the same as described above for the right locking member 433b. Like reference numerals indicate like parts, with suffix ‘a’ rather than ‘b’.
The locking members 433a, 433b are slidably mounted in slots 419a, 419b in unlock plate 419 such that the first and second support links 415a, 415b can move toward and away from one another. The heads of the locking members 433a, 433b are configured with recesses that interact with the unlock plate, so that the heads of the locking members can only move relative to unlock plate 419 toward and away from each other or rotate relative to the rack 421, and not in any other direction.
As shown in
The outer parts of the levers are attached to paddles 461a, 461b for use by a chair occupant to release the locking mechanism to enable the head or neck support to be moved to a desired position. The levers 469a, 469b, 469a′, 469b′ are normally biased forward, which corresponds to the unlock plate 419 and the locking members 433a, 433b being biased rearwardly so the head or neck support is locked in position. The biasing could be provided by any suitable biasing device such as one or more springs acting on the levers or the unlock plate for example. Preferably, the biasing device biases the levers 461a, 461b and thereby the unlock plate 419 into a position in which the locking members are engaged to inhibit movement of the head or neck support.
The front portion of the housing 417a comprises two movable portions 418a, 418b positioned on either side of the front portion of the housing 417a, in front of the paddles 461a, 461b. The movable portions of the housing are hinged at respective resilient hinges 418c, 418d. Actuation of the actuation levers 469a, 469b, 469a′, 469b′ by pushing both movable housing portions 418a, 418b and thereby both paddles 461a, 461b rearwardly relative to the rear housing member 417b moves unlock plate 419 and disengages the locking members 433a, 433b to enable the position of the head or neck support 417 to be adjusted. Rearward pressure must be applied to both movable portions 418a, 418b to adjust the head or neck support 417. This prevents inadvertent disengaging of the locking members 433a, 433b if a user leans their head against one of the movable portions.
Inner ends of the actuation levers 483a, 483b, 483a′, 483b′ are geared to each other at 487 and 487′ respectively, so that movement of one lever will also cause movement of the other lever to which it is geared.
The paddles project from a rear surface of the head or neck support housing 491 adjacent respective sides thereof through openings 491a, 491b. The levers 483a, 483b, 483a′, 483b′ are normally biased rearwardly, which corresponds to the unlock plate 485 and the locking members 433a, 433b being biased rearwardly so the head or neck support is locked in position. Actuation of the actuation levers 483a, 483b, 483a′, 483b′ by pushing or pulling the paddles 481a, 481b forward relative to the head or neck support moves the unlock plate 485 and disengages the locking members 433a, 433b to enable the position of the head or neck support 417 to be adjusted. Because the actuation levers 483a, 483b, 483a′, 483b′ are geared together, forward movement of either or both paddles moves the unlock plate 485 and disengages the locking members 433a, 433b to enable the position of the head or neck support 417 to be adjusted.
The head or neck support 417 is moveable relative to the base 403 with two substantially perpendicular degrees of freedom. That is, the support 417 can be moved up and down, and forward and rearward relative to the base 403, in any combination of movements simultaneously, when the actuation lever(s) are actuated by a user. The support 417 can be simultaneously vertically and horizontally adjusted, such as by moving the head or neck support in a diagonal movement relative to the base. The head or neck support can then be maintained in the desired adjusted position by simply releasing the actuation lever(s) so the locking member(s) engage.
The orientation of the head rest mechanism could be varied. While in the form shown the pivoting of the generally parallel arms relative to the first members and support links causes forward and rearward movement of the head or neck support relative to the base 403, and the pivoting of members 407a, 407b relative to the base causes height adjustment of the head or neck support relative to the base, the mechanism could be mounted in a different orientation depending on the specific application and space considerations.
Second Preferred Form Support Assembly
This chair differs in that it is a high backed chair, with the upper end 203′ of the back portion 201′ extending upwardly beyond the upper end of the spine 209′. A preferred embodiment adjustable head support arrangement 901 is supported by the back portion 201′.
First and second parallel elongate closures each comprise two opposed, engagable sides 912a, 912b that engage to close or partially close the respective slit 912 in the closure. The slider arrangement 904 comprises two pairs of sliders 923 and a carriage 925. The sliders 923 act to open or close the respective slit 912 as they slide along the slits 912. The closures provide compliant flexible support rails upon which the support member 905 is supported.
One pair of the sliders 923 is arranged on each of the first and second slits 912, as shown in
In the embodiment of
Preferably, the teeth of the zippers have 10 mm width when engaged, and the closures are preferably about 230 mm long to provide about 170 mm range of adjustable travel of the support member 905. The zippers are positioned a suitable distance apart, such as about 60 mm between slits 912 for example. Alternative sizes and configurations could be used.
In an alternative embodiment shown in
In further alternative embodiments, the sliders 923, 935 may be oppositely oriented so that the slits 912, 912′ are open above and below the slider arrangement 904 and closed between sliders 923 or slider portions 935a, 935b on the same slit. The orientation of the sliders on the first slit may be different to the orientation of the sliders on the second slit. For example, the first slit and the respective slider(s) may be arranged so that the first slit is open above and below the slider arrangement 904; and the second slit and the respective slider(s) may be arranged so that the second slit is closed above and below the slider arrangement 904 as the slider arrangement is moved up and down.
While the following description relates to the zipper embodiment, it will be appreciated that the features and functioning for the zip-lock type embodiment will be the same.
The support member 905 is adjustable to a plurality of intermediate positions between the upper and lower positions of
In an alternative embodiment, the carriage and the sliders 923 or 935 may be integral.
The carriage 925 comprises a centrally positioned support connector 929 protruding from an opposite surface of the carriage 925 from the sliders, for attaching the head or neck support 905 to the carriage and thereby to the mounting assembly 903. The support connector 929 comprises four hollow compartments 930 which are open at a front end, for receiving portions of complementary connector(s) on the support 905. The two middle compartments each comprise at least one side aperture 931 at their base.
The head or neck support member 905 may further comprise one or more layers of cushioning, and covering upholstery. The support member 905 shown in
The support panel 915 comprises a rearwardly projecting carriage connector 933 for connecting the support to the carriage 925. Alternatively, the connector 933 may be a separate member attached to the support panel 915.
The carriage connector 933 comprises a plurality of projections protruding from the main support panel 915 configured to fit into the compartments on the support connector 929 on the carriage 925. Two of the projections 934 for receipt by the two central compartments on the support connector 929 each comprise a lateral lip or catch 934a. Apertures 937 in the main support panel 915 adjacent to those two projections 934 enable those projections to be resiliently moved relative to the main support panel 915. The carriage connector 933 and the support connector 929 are connectable by way of a snap-fit. As the support connector 929 and the carriage connector are moved into engagement, the central projections 934 deflect resiliently inwards. When the lips or catches 934a reach the base of the respective compartment, the lips or catches move into the apertures 931 at the base of the support connector 929 to engage the support connector 929.
In an alternative embodiment, the head or neck support 905 and the carriage 925 may be integral and/or the carriage 925 and the sliders 923 may be integral.
With reference to
A central portion of the back attaching member 907 comprises two apertures 907a, 907c for receiving the retainer straps 920a, 920b. The lower aperture 907c is substantially rectangular to receive the lower strap 920b. The upper aperture 907a is the same width as the lower aperture but comprises an enlarged upper portion to enable the enlarged end 920c of the upper retainer strap 920a to pass through the aperture 907a. When assembled, the main body of the retainer 908 sits against the front surface of the back attachment member 907, and the retainer straps extend through the apertures 907a 907c and rearward from the back attachment member 907. The retainer body comprises projections 908a that are received by complementary locating apertures 907b on the back attachment member 907 to correctly position the retainer 908 on the back attachment member 907 and prevent the retainer moving relative to the back attachment member 907.
The back attaching member 907 is flexible about a horizontal axis to allow the assembly 906 to flex rearward upon contact with a user's back, for example when the head or neck support is in its highest position. Preferably, the rectangular portion 907 is thicker at its upper end than at its lower end, so that the flexibility of the back attaching member 907 transitions from relatively stiff at its upper end to relatively flexible at its lower end. The stiffness of the upper end provides stability of the head or neck support while the flexibility of the lower end provides a compliant contact surface for a taller occupant's back when the support member 905 is in the highest position. Preferably the back attaching assembly 906 is less flexible about a substantially vertical axis, to minimise side-to-side rotation of the head or neck support during use. In the embodiment shown, the back attaching assembly 906 is forwardly concave to match the curvature of the chair, for comfort. Alternatively the back attaching assembly 906 could be flat.
The retainer 908 and the back attaching member 907 preferably comprise polypropylene, or an elastomer such as Hytrel from DuPont, and are preferably made of the same materials. Rather than being two separate members, the retainer 908 and the back attaching member 907 may instead be integral.
Referring to
The cushion 255 comprises four central apertures 256. The back attachment assembly straps 919a, 919b, 920a, 920b extend through these apertures to a rear side of the cushion 255, as shown in
Two fasteners 917 pass through the two aligned apertures 922a, 921a on the upper retainer strap 920a and the upper back attaching member strap 919a, to provide a stronger connection to the back portion than if only one fastener were used. In an alternative embodiment where the back portion has sufficient height above the back attaching member 907, the upper straps 920a, 919a may each comprise only one aperture and connect to the back portion independently in the same manner as the lower straps 920b, 919b. The direct attachment of the back attachment assembly 906 to the back shell 253 minimises undesirable rotation of the support about a horizontal axis.
Because the straps 919a, 919b, 920a, 920b are flexible, the mounting assembly can move rearward or be tilted or twisted in response to rearward force on the head or neck support and compression of the cushion member 255.
The upholstery 257 comprises an elongate aperture 258 that is substantially parallel to the two slits 912 and is preferably positioned between the two slits 912. The aperture may be an elongate rectangular slot, or alternatively may be a slit in the upholstery. In a preferred embodiment, a polypropylene reinforcement member 959 with a central slot is optionally provided on a back side of the upholstery. The upholstery is wrapped around the slot and stitched to the polypropylene member 959 to reinforce and stiffen the elongate aperture 258. In alternative embodiments, there may be no separate reinforcement member, or the reinforcement member may comprise any suitable material other than polypropylene. The support connector 929 protrudes forwardly through the upholstery aperture 258, as shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the mounting assembly 903 further comprises a trim strip 913 that is made from the same material as the upholstery, or from another fabric or material similar in colour and appearance to the upholstery. The trim strip 913 is positioned between the two slits 912 in the double zipper member and is preferably stitched to the load dispersion panel 909 as illustrated in
The support assembly has been described above and is shown in the drawings with reference to a height adjustable head or neck support for a chair. Alternatively, the support assembly may be a height adjustable lumbar support, or alternatively a support that is adjustable side-to-side. In an assembly with a side-to-side adjustable support 905, the slits 912 would be oriented substantially horizontally.
Rather than having two spaced-apart elongate closures, a single elongate closure could be provided, with the slider(s) supporting the support panel 905 from the single closure. However, the spaced-apart closures are preferred, as they minimise undesirable rotation of the support panel about a horizontal axis extending forward/rearward through the back portion and twisting about a vertical axis. For the zipper embodiment, rather than having separate sliders 923 that are configured to move together during adjustment of the support member, the sliders in the pair that engage one closure could be integrally formed. Equally, for the zip-lock type embodiment, the sliders 935 could be separately formed and configured to move together during movement of the support member 905. The opposed pairs of sliders (or integrally formed effective opposed pairs) provide four points of stability for the carriage 925 and thereby the support member 905, to thereby minimise undesirable rotation about a horizontal axis extending forward/rearward through the back portion of the chair.
The above describes preferred forms of the present invention, and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, the preferred form features are described and shown with reference to a domestic lounger chair. However, it will be appreciated that many of the features can readily be incorporated into different types of chairs, such as office chairs, vehicle chairs (e.g. aircraft, marine, or motor vehicle chairs), cinema, or theatre chairs for example. The supporting frame could be modified accordingly, so as to be fixed to the ground or a wall panel for example for a cinema or theatre chair. References herein to a chair should be construed sufficiently broadly to encompass these alternative applications.
Additionally, a number of the features described herein can be incorporated into chairs having different features. They need not all be incorporated into the same chair.
To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/348,874, filed Mar. 31, 2014, which is a nationalization of PCT Application No. PCT/NZ2012/000179, filed Oct. 4, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/543,088, filed Oct. 4, 2011, which are incorporated herewith.
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| Child | 15602959 | US |
