ES2609252T3 - Assisted articulation mechanisms for tilting and sliding recliner - Google Patents

Abstract

A seat unit (10), comprising: a pair of seat mounting plates (400) in substantially parallel spaced relationship, wherein each of the seat mounting plates (400) is disposed in an inclined orientation at relationship to an underlying surface; a pair of generally mirror hinge mechanisms (100; 1000) adapted to move the seat unit (10) between a closed position, an extended position and a reclined position, in which each of the mechanisms (100; 1000) of The hinge comprises: (a) a rear mounting hinge (510) rotatably coupled to a respective seat mounting plate (400) and configured to support a back (25) of the seat unit (10); (b) a sequence link (550) rotatably coupled to the rear mounting link (510), wherein the sequence link (550) includes a guide slot (551); (c) a rear pivot link (520) rotatably coupled to the rear mounting link (510) and a sequence element (526), wherein the sequence element (526) extends into the slot (551 ) guiding, and wherein the interaction between the sequence element (526) and the sequence link (550) resists direct adjustment between the closed position and the reclined position; (d) An engine bent lever (430) having an intermediate portion (433) located between a first end (431) and a second end (432), in which an actuator rod (350) is rotatably coupled to the first end (431) of the engine bent lever (430); and (e) a front lift link (440) having a front end (441) and a rear end (442), wherein the rear end (442) of the front lift link (440) is coupled securely. pivotally to the rear mounting link (510), and wherein the intermediate portion (433) of the engine crank lever (430) is rotatably coupled in a section between the front end (441) and the end (442 ) rear of the front lift link (440); and a linear actuator (320, 330, 340) coupled to the actuator bar (350), which is sequenced in a mutually exclusive first phase and second phase, in which the first phase moves the articulation mechanisms (100; 1000) between the closed position and the extended position, and in which the second phase moves the link mechanisms (100; 1000) between the extended position and the reclined position.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Assisted articulation mechanisms for tilting and sliding recliner chair Background of the invention

The present invention broadly relates to motion upholstery furniture designed to support a user's body in an essentially seated arrangement. Motion upholstery furniture includes recliners, recliners, sofas, sofas for two, sectional, theater seats, traditional chairs and chairs with a movable seat portion, such furniture pieces being referred to here generally as "seating units". More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved articulation mechanism developed to accommodate a seat unit that acts as a tilting and sliding recliner. Accordingly, the improved articulation mechanism of the present invention provides for reclining the seat unit while accommodating the operation of a tilting mechanism or a sliding assembly.

There are reclining seating units that allow a user to extend a footrest or stool forward and recline a backrest with respect to a seat. These existing seating units normally provide three basic positions: a standard, non-reclined closed position; an extended position; and a reclined position. In the closed position, the seat is in a generally horizontal orientation and the backrest is arranged substantially vertically. Additionally, if the seat unit includes a stool attached to a mechanical arrangement, the mechanical arrangement contracts so that the stool does not extend. In the extended position, often referred to as a television ("TV") position, the stool extends forward of the seat and the backrest remains sufficiently vertical to allow a comfortable viewing of the television by an occupant of the seat unit. In the reclined position the backrest is positioned backwards from the extended position in an obtuse relationship with the seat for resting or sleeping.

Several modern tilting and sliding recliners in today's industry are adapted to provide the adjustment capacity described above. However, these recliners require relatively complex articulation mechanisms to provide this capability. Complex articulation assemblies limit certain design aspects used by furniture manufacturers, such as the incorporation of an engine to provide an assisted fit. In particular, these articulating recliner armchair assemblies impose restrictions on the fixation of an engine that can achieve a complete adjustment between the three previous positions without interfering with internal transverse beams or limiting the movement of the tilting mechanism or the sliding assembly. Accordingly, the present invention introduces a new articulation mechanism that allows a reclining armchair type seat of tilting or reclining style of sliding style to provide all assisted adjustment features between the three previous positions without interfering with the crossbars or the operation of the tilting mechanism or sliding assembly.

A reclining seat unit is known from US 2003/0047973 A1.

Summary of the invention

The embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a simplified and compact articulation mechanism that can fully adjust a seat unit of the reclining recliner type (from here on "recliner reclining armchair") or a seat unit of the recliner type reclining armchair ( from here on "sliding recliner") between three positions (closed, extended and reclined) without limiting the movement of a tilting mechanism or a sliding assembly, respectively. Normally, the tilting mechanism allows a tilting recliner seat to swing back and forth with respect to the base, while the sliding assembly allows a sliding recliner seat to swing back and forth with respect to the base.

Generally, the tilting / sliding recliner is assisted by a linear actuator that helps the adjustment of an articulation mechanism. The movement of the linear actuator is sequenced in a first phase and a second phase, where the second phase occurs once the first phase is substantially complete. In other words, a first phase race takes place substantially independently of a second phase race. In an exemplary embodiment, the first phase acts to adjust the articulation mechanism between the closed and extended positions, while the second phase acts to adjust the articulation mechanism between the extended and reclined positions. Therefore, in operation, the sequence ensures that a footrest extends substantially before a backrest begins to recline.

In the embodiments of the present invention, the simplified articulation mechanism described above can be mounted on a linear actuator that reassembles a compact motor and that is adaptable to essentially any type of seating unit. In an exemplary embodiment, the compact motor according to the articulation mechanism can achieve a complete, sequenced and automated adjustment of the tilting / sliding recliner between each of the closed, extended and reclined positions. Normally, the compact motor can be used competently and profitably to adjust the articulation mechanism without creating interference or other inconveniences that appear in conventional designs that are inherent in the

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automation.

Brief description of the drawing

In the accompanying drawings that are part of the specification and to be read in conjunction with them, and in which similar reference numbers are used to indicate equal parts in the various views:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a seat unit in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, but in an extended position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, but in a reclined position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a linear actuator mounted on an articulation mechanism that adjusts to a reclined position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic side view, from an internal perspective, of the articulation mechanism in the reclined position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, but in an extended position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Y

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 5, but in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a schematic side view, from an external perspective, of the articulation mechanism in the reclined position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a partial side elevational view of the articulation mechanism in the closed position that highlights a sequence articulation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9, but in the extended position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 9, but in the reclined position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a linear actuator mounted on an articulation mechanism that adjusts to a reclined position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is a schematic side view, from an internal perspective, of the articulation mechanism in the reclined position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 13, but in an extended position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 13, but in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Y

Figure 16 is a schematic side view, from an external perspective, of the articulation mechanism in the reclined position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Figures 1-3 illustrate a seat unit 10. The seat unit 10 has a seat 15, a backrest 25, legs 26 (for example, support bushes), an articulation mechanism 100 or 1000, a first foot support stool 45, a second support stool 47 for feet, a stationary base 35 and a pair of opposite arms 55. The stationary base 35 has a front section 52, a rear section 54, and is supported by the legs 26, where the legs 26 (for example, bushings) support the stationary base 35 and raise it above an underlying surface (not shown ). In addition, the stationary base 35 is interconnected with the seat 15 through the articulation mechanism 100 or 1000 which is generally disposed between the pair of opposite arms 55 and the rear section 54. The seat 15 can be moved on the stationary base 35 during the adjustment of the seat unit 10, when balancing a tilting mechanism of the articulation mechanism 100, or when a sliding assembly of the articulation mechanism 1000 oscillates. In embodiments, the seat 15 or the backrest 25 can be moved according to the arrangement of the articulation mechanism 100 or 1000 so that no portion of the seat 15 interferes with the opposite arms 55 throughout the adjustment.

Opposite arms 55 are laterally spaced apart and have an arm support surface 57 that is normally substantially horizontal. In one embodiment, the pair of opposing arms 55 are attached to the stationary base 35 through intermediate members. The backrest 25 extends from the rear section 54 of the stationary base 35 and is rotatably coupled to the articulation mechanism 100 or 1000, normally close to the support surface 57 of the arm. The first foot support stool 45 and the second foot support stool 47 are mobilely supported by the articulation mechanism 100 or 1000. Each articulation mechanism 100 and 1000 is arranged to articulate and control the movement of the seat 15, the backrest 25 and the stools 45 and 47 between the positions shown in Figures 1-3, as described more fully below.

As shown in Figures 1-3, the seat unit 10 can be adjusted in three basic positions: a closed position 20, an extended position 30 (ie TV position) and a reclined position 40. Figure 1

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represents the seat unit 10 adjusted to the closed position 20, which is a normal resting position not reclined with the seat 15 in a generally horizontal position and the backrest 25 generally vertical and generally perpendicular to the seat 15. In particular, 15 is arranged in a slightly inclined orientation relative to the stationary base 35. In this embodiment, the inclined orientation can be maintained throughout the entire adjustment of the seat unit 10. Also, when adjusted to the closed position 20, the stools 45 and 47 are placed under the seat 15.

Referring to Figure 2, the extended position 30, or TV position, will be described below. When the seat unit 10 is adjusted to the extended position 30, the first foot support stool 45 and the second foot support stool 47 extend forward of the front section 52 of the stationary base 35 and are generally disposed of horizontal shape However, the backrest 25 remains substantially perpendicular to the seat 15 and will not invade an adjacent wall. Normally, the seat 15 moves slightly forward and upward relative to the stationary base 35. Thus, the configuration of the seat unit 10 in the extended position 30 provides an occupant with an inclined TV position while providing a space-saving utility. This independent movement of the seat 15 allows a variety of styles to be incorporated into the seat 15, such as the T-shaped style.

Figure 3 represents the reclined position 40, in which the seat unit 10 is fully reclined. Normally, the opposite arms 55 are attached to the stationary base 35 and the legs 26 extend from the stationary base 35. The backrest 25 is turned backwards by the articulation mechanism 100 or 1000 and is pushed at an angle of inclination backwards. The angle of inclination towards the back is normally an obtuse angle in relation to the seat 15. However, the angle of inclination towards the back of the backrest 25 is displaced by a forward and upward translation of the seat 15, controlled by the mechanism 100 or 1000 of articulation. This is in contrast to other reclining chairs with 3-position mechanisms, which make its backrest move backwards during adjustment, thus requiring that the reclining chair be located a considerable distance from an adjacent rear wall or other fixed objects. next. Thus, the forward and upward translation of the seat 15 in the embodiments of the present invention allows a zero wall separation. Generally, the "zero wall separation" is used here to refer to the space-saving utility that allows the seat unit 10 to be placed in close proximity to an adjacent rear wall and other fixed objects. In the embodiments of the reclined position 40, the stools 45 and 47 can be moved further forward and upward from their position in the extended position 30.

Figures 4 to 7 illustrate the exemplary configurations of the articulation mechanism 100 for a tilting recliner seat type unit (from now on "tilting recliner chair") which is assisted by a linear actuator included within a motor assembly 300. As described above, the articulation mechanism 100 is arranged to actuate and control in an articulated manner the movement of a seat, a backrest and a stool or stools of the tilting recliner when the articulation mechanism 100 is adjusted between the positions shown in Figures 5-7, that is, the articulation mechanism 100 can be adjusted to three basic positions: a reclined position (Figures 5 and 8), an extended position (TV) (Figure 6) and a closed position (Figure 7) . In the reclined position, as shown in Figures 5 and 8, the backrest is rotated backwards by the articulation mechanism 100 and pushed at an angle of inclination backwards, which is an obtuse angle with respect to the seat. When the tilting recliner adjusts to the extended position, as shown in Figure 6, it extends forward and is generally arranged horizontally, while the backrest remains substantially perpendicular to the seat. The closed position of Figure 7 is a normal resting position not reclined with the seat in a generally horizontal position and the backrest generally vertical and in a relation substantially inclined perpendicular to the seat.

Furthermore, the articulation mechanism 100 comprises a plurality of joints that are arranged to drive and control the movement of the tilting recliner during its adjustment between the closed, extended and reclined position. These joints can be pivotally interconnected. It is understood and appreciated that pivotal couplings (illustrated as pivot points in the Figures) between these joints can take a variety of configurations, such as pivot pins, bearings, traditional mounting hardware, rivets, bolt and nut combinations, or any other suitable fastener that is well known in the furniture manufacturing industry. In addition, the shapes of the joints and supports can be varied as desired, as are the locations of certain pivot points. It will be understood that when reference is made to an articulation as being "pivotally" coupled to, "interconnected" with, "attached" to, etc., another element (eg, articulation, support, frame and the like) contemplates that the articulation and the elements may be in direct contact with each other, or that other elements (such as intermediate elements) may also be present.

In general, the articulation mechanism 100 grinds the movement of the backrest, the translation of the seat and the extension of the stool or stools. In an exemplary configuration, these movements are controlled by a pair of essentially mirror articulation mechanisms (one of which is shown here and indicated by reference number 100), which comprise a pivotally articulated articulation arrangement. The articulation mechanisms are normally arranged in an opposite confrontational relationship with respect to a longitudinally extending plane that bisects the tilting recliner between the pair of opposite arms. As such, the following description will focus on only one of the articulation mechanisms 100, applying

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also the content to the other set of complementary articulation.

Referring to Figure 4, a perspective view of the articulation mechanism 100 in the reclined position is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In embodiments, the articulation mechanism 100 includes a set 200 of footrests, a seat mounting plate 400, a seat adjustment assembly 500, a base plate and a tilting mechanism 410. The footrest assembly 200 is composed of a plurality of joints arranged to extend and collapse the stools during the adjustment of the tilting recliner between the extended position and the closed position. The seat mounting plate 400 is configured to be fixedly fixed to the seat of the tilting recliner and, together with an opposite seat mounting plate, defines a seat support surface (not shown). Generally, the seat adjustment assembly 500 is adapted to recline and tilt the backrest of the tilting recliner, which is coupled to the rear mounting joint 510. In addition, the seat adjustment assembly 500 includes joints (for example, the angled lever 430 of the motor) that indirectly couple a bar 350 of the activator of a motor assembly 300 to the seat mounting plate 400, thereby facilitating movement of the tilting recliner seat in response to the actuation of a linear actuator within the motor assembly 300.

As mentioned above, with reference to Figure 4, the articulation mechanism 100 is coupled to the motor assembly 300, which provides an assisted adjustment of the articulation mechanism 100 between the reclined, extended and closed positions. The engine assembly 300 includes a front engine tube 310, a front engine support 315, an engine mechanism 320, a support 325 of the front engine tube, a track 330, a block 340 of the engine activator and a bar 350 of the activator. The motor mechanism 320 and the block 340 of the motor activator are slidably connected through track 330. This linear actuator comprising the motor mechanism 320, track 330 and block 340 of the motor activator are kept in position and is coupled to the articulation mechanism 100 by means of the front motor tube 310 and the activator bar 350. Generally, the front motor tube 310 and the activator rod 350 extend between and coupled together to the articulation mechanism 100 shown in Figure 1 and to its counterpart, specular articulation mechanism (not shown). In embodiments, the front motor tube (310) and the activator bar (350) function as a set of crossbars and can be formed from a square metal tube. Alternatively, the seat mounting plate 400 and the plurality of joints comprising the articulation mechanism 100 are normally formed from metallic material, such as shaped, stamped steel. However, it should be understood and appreciated that any suitable nested or resistant material known in the furniture manufacturing industry can be used instead of the materials described above. For example, a tilting element 412 of the tilting mechanism 410 may be molded plastic, fiberglass or other elastic material.

The front motor tube 310 joins the articulation mechanism 100 through the support 325 of the front motor tube, which is fixedly coupled to an articulation 110 of the front stool of the footrest assembly 200. The activator bar 350 includes a pair of opposite ends and is rotatably coupled to the angled lever 430 of the motor of the seat adjustment assembly 500 through a motor pivot bracket 470. The engine mechanism 320 is protected by a housing that pivotally engages the front engine tube 310 through the front engine mount 315. The block 340 of the motor activator is attached to the bar 350 of the activator between the opposite ends by means of fasteners.

During operation, the motor mechanism 320 and the motor activator block 340 cause the motor activator block 340 to move longitudinally or slide along the track 330. This sliding action produces a lateral force or thrust on the front motor tube 310 and the activator bar 350, which, in turn, generates the movement of the articulation mechanism 100. As described in more detail below, the sliding action of block 340 of the motor activator, or the stroke of the linear actuator, is sequenced in a first phase and a second phase. In an exemplary embodiment, the first phase and the second phase are mutually exclusive in their career. In other words, the linear actuator stroke of the first phase is completed entirely before the linear actuator stroke of the second phase begins and vice versa.

Initially, track 330 is operatively coupled to motor mechanism 320 and includes a first displacement section 331 and a second displacement section 332. The block 340 of the motor activator is moved longitudinally along the track 330 under the automated control of the motor mechanism 320 such that the block 340 of the motor activator is moved into the first displacement section 331 during the first phase and of the second section 332 of displacement during the second phase. As illustrated in Figure 4, the dotted line that separates the first displacement section 331 and the second displacement section 332 indicates that the displacement sections 331 and 332 abut, however, do not overlap. It should be noted that the exact length of the displacement sections 331 and 332 is provided for demonstration purposes only and that the length of the displacement sections 331 and 332 or the ratio of the linear actuator stroke assigned to each of the first phase and second phase, may vary with respect to the length or ratio represented.

In general, the first phase involves the longitudinal translation of block 340 of the motor activator along the first section 331 of track 330 which creates a lateral thrust in the front motor tube 310. The lateral thrust invokes the movement of the articulation 110 of the front stool. The movement of the articulation 110 of the front stool invokes and controls the adjustment of the footrest assembly 200 between the closed position and the position

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extended. Also, during the first phase, the motor mechanism 320 moves forward and upward with respect to the tilting mechanism 410 while the engine activator block 340 generally remains fixed in the space, thereby extending the footrest assembly 200 from the closed position to the extended position. Once a first phase race is substantially completed, the second phase occurs.

In general, the second phase involves the longitudinal translation of the block 340 of the motor activator along the second section 332 of the track 330 which creates a lateral thrust in the bar 350 of the activator. The lateral thrust invokes the movement of the angled lever 430 of the motor. The movement of the angled lever 430 of the motor invokes and controls the adjustment of the seat adjustment assembly 500 between the extended position and the reclined position. Also, during the second phase, the engine activator block 340 moves backwards with respect to the tilting mechanism 410 while the motor mechanism 320 remains generally fixed in the space, thereby adjusting the seat adjustment assembly 500 of the Extended position to reclined position. In embodiments, a weight of an occupant sitting in the tilting recliner and / or springs that interconnect the joints of the seat adjustment assembly 500 can help create the sequence. Therefore, the sequence ensures that the adjustment of the footrest between the closed and extended positions is not interrupted by a backrest adjustment, and vice versa. In other embodiments, as depicted in Figures 9-11, an integrated sequencing assembly is provided within the articulation mechanism 100 to control the adjustment of the tilting recliner.

In one case, the combination of the motor mechanism 320, the track 330 and the block 340 of the motor activator is performed as an electrically assisted linear actuator. In this case, the linear actuator is controlled by a manual controller that provides instructions to the linear actuator. These instructions can be provided by detecting a user-initiated drive of the manual controller. In addition, these instructions may cause the linear actuator to perform a complete first phase and / or a second movement phase. Or, the instructions can cause the linear actuator to partially complete the first phase or the second movement phase. As such, the linear actuator may be able to move and remain in various positions within a first phase or second phase stroke, independently.

Although a particular configuration of the combination of the motor mechanism 320, the track 330 and the block 340 of the motor activator has been described, it should be understood and appreciated that other types of suitable devices can be used that provide sequential adjustment, and that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a linear actuator as described herein. For example, the combination of the motor mechanism 320, the track 330 and the block 340 of the motor activator can be performed as a telescopic apparatus that extends and retracts in a sequential manner.

Referring now to Figure 5, the components of the articulation mechanism 100 will be described in detail below. As discussed above, the articulation mechanism 100 includes the footrest assembly 200, the seat mounting plate 400, the seat adjustment assembly 500 and the tilting mechanism 410. The footrest assembly 200 includes the articulation 110 of the front stool, an articulation 130 of the external stool, an intermediate stool support 140, an articulation 150 of the internal stool and a footrest support 170. The articulation 110 of the front stool is rotatably coupled to a front portion 401 of the seat mounting plate 400 in the pivot 115. The articulation 110 of the front stool is also pivotally coupled to the articulation 150 of the interior stool in the pivot 113 and the articulation 150 of the inner stool to the pivot 117. In addition, the articulation 110 of the front stool joins the front motor tube 310 through the support 325 of the front motor tube mounted at positions 111. The articulation 120 of the rear stool is it rotatably engages the front portion 401 of the seat mounting plate 400 on the pivot 121 and pivotally engages the joint 130 of the outer stool on the pivot 133. Also, as shown in reference to Figure 8 , the joint 120 of the rear stool pivotally engages a front portion 591 of the footrest actuation joint 590 of the adjustment assembly 500 from the seat, to the pivot 275. During the adjustment in the first phase (that is, adjustment between the closed and extended positions), the directional force transferred by the linear actuator to the articulation 110 of the front stool causes the footrest assembly 200 to be move to the extended position or collapse to the closed position. This movement of the footrest assembly 200 and, specifically, of the joint 120 of the rear stool, within the first phase invokes the translation of the footrest actuation joint 590. The translation of the footrest actuation joint 590 displaces, in turn, a sequence element 526 within a slot 551 of a sequence joint 550 between a first region 555 and a second region 556, as more fully described then, with reference to Figures 9-11.

The articulation 130 of the outer stool is pivotally coupled at one end to the articulation 120 of the rear stool at the pivot 133 and to the articulation 110 of the front stool at the pivot 113. At one opposite end, the articulation 130 of the outer stool is coupled pivotally to the footrest support 170 on the pivot 172. Between the ends of the articulation 130 of the outer stool, the intermediate stool support 140 is rotatably coupled thereon on the pivot 135. The intermediate stool support 140 is engaged also pivotally to the articulation 150 of the inner stool in the pivot 141. The articulation 150 of the inner stool is also pivotally coupled to the articulation 110 of the front stool in the pivot 117 and to the footrest support 170 in the pivot 175. In embodiments, the footrest support 170 and stool support 140

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intermediate are designed to engage the stools, such as the first foot support stool 45 and the second foot support stool 47, respectively. In a specific case, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, the footrest support 170 and intermediate stool support 140 support the respective stools in a substantially horizontal arrangement when the footrest assembly 200 extends fully after completing the first phase. of adjustment.

Referring to Figure 4, the pair of tilting mechanisms 410 that mobilely support the articulation mechanism 100 will now be described. Typically, each tilting mechanism 410 serves to provide a vertical support for a respective articulation mechanism 100 above the underlying surface, while allowing an occupant of the tilting recliner to easily tilt, swing or swing the articulation mechanism 100 forward and / or backwards. Each of the tilting mechanisms 410 includes a tilting base 411, a tilting element 412 and at least one spring 425. The tilting base 411 includes a front end, a rear end and an intermediate section 416. Normally, the front end and the rear end are fixed to the respective legs that stabilize the tilting base 411 above the underlying surface. In addition, the tilting base 411 includes a rear portion 417 that intermittently contacts a wheel 530, as will be described below.

In embodiments, the tilting element 412 is formed with a convex curvature 413, or bevel, which is rotatably coupled to or physically moved over the intermediate section 416 of the tilting base 411. Normally, each tilting element 412 is attached to a respective base plate 580. In a particular case, the tilting element 412 is fixedly coupled to the base plate 580 in a front position 581 and at an intermediate point 582 (see Figures 5 and 8). The spring 425 serves to interconnect the tilting base 411 and the tilting element 412. As illustrated in Figure 4, the spring or springs 425 are made as a pair of vertically arranged compression springs extending between an upper support 418 and a lower support 419. The upper support 418 is mounted on the tilting element 412 while the lower support 419 is mounted on a pair of lower crossbars 415 that extend between the tilting elements 412. These lower crosspieces 415, in cooperation with upper crossbars 414, interconnect the tilting elements 412 and provide lateral support thereto.

During operation, the interconnection of the spring or springs 425 between the tilting base 411 and the tilting element 412 facilitates a controlled oscillation of the tilting element 412, as the convex curvature 412 of the tilting element 4movably moves on a flattened surface upper base 411 tilting. This controlled oscillation of the tilting element 412, with respect to the underlying surface, is transferred to the base plate 580 which is coupled to the articulation mechanism 100. Accordingly, the controlled tilt enabled by the tilting mechanism 410 allows the occupant sitting in the tilting recliner to easily tilt or tilt the articulation mechanism 100 back and forth in a tilting movement with minimal effort. Although controlled oscillation is described herein as being facilitated by spring or springs 425, it should be appreciated and understood that several other devices (for example, air cylinders or dampers) or components (for example, compression members) are they can be used to contain, enhance and / or control the oscillation, provided by the tilting mechanisms 410.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 8, the interconnection joints of the seat adjustment assembly 500 will be described. Initially, in the embodiments, the seat adjustment assembly 500 includes a cranked motor lever 430, a front elevation articulation 440, a front pivot joint 450, a lifting articulation 460, the motor pivot support 470 (see Figure 5), the rear mounting joint 510, a rear pivot joint 520, a wheel 530, a wheel joint 540, a sequence joint 550, a wheel control joint 565, and the drive actuation joint 590 footrest.

As described above, the footrest actuation joint 590 pivotally engages in the front portion 591 to the front stool joint 120, of the footrest assembly 200, on the pivot 275. In addition, the actuation joint 590 of the footrest pivotally engages at an end 593 posterior to the rear pivot joint 520 on the pivot 525. In an exemplary embodiment, the pivot 525 is coupled to an element 526 of generally cylindrical sequence (eg, bushes, disc, wheel, and the like) extending, at least partially into a longitudinal groove groove (see reference number 551 of Figure 8) formed (for example, laser cut or stamped) within a lower portion 5544 of the 550 sequence joint. In one embodiment, the sequence element 526 is rotatably or slidably engaged within the slot groove 551 and is captured laterally between the footrest actuation joint 590 and the rear pivot joint 520. Although various mounting and interaction configurations between the slot groove 551 and the sequence element 526 have been described, it should be understood and appreciated that other types of suitable mechanisms that allow the longitudinal displacement of a pivot location between the joints can be used, and that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the slot-and-element configuration described herein. For example, the sequence element 526 and the slot groove 551 can be replaced by a track that grinds a roller in a predefined path in order to achieve the adjustment sequence.

In the cases of the present invention, the groove 551 represents a pffle shaped opening formed within the lower portion 554 of the sequence joint 550. In addition, a central, longitudinal axis of the

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GMA slot 551 can be substantially aligned with a central, longitudinal axis of the sequence joint 550. In an exemplary embodiment, the sequence element 526 extends completely through the groove 551 of gma so that the sequence element 526 extends substantially between the footrest actuation joint 590 and the rear pivot joint 520, retaining laterally the sequence joint 550 in the sequence element 526. During operation, the groove 551 of gma acts to guide a predetermined path and retain the sequence element 526 (see Figures 9-11). In addition, the groove 551 of gma of the sequence joint 550 helps ensure that the first phase and second phase of the linear actuator stroke do not interfere with or overlap between st

Beyond being coupled in a rolling or sliding manner within the groove 551 of gma of the sequence joint 550 in the pivot 525, the rear pivot joint 520 is rotatably coupled to the rear mounting joint 510 in the pivot 521. Similarly, an upper portion 553 of the sequence joint 550 is rotatably coupled to the rear mounting joint 510 on the pivot 552. In an exemplary embodiment, the pivot 521 is located behind the pivot 552, with respect to the tilting recliner. In addition, the pivot 552 is located behind the pivot 511, which rotatably engages a rear portion 402 of the seat mounting plate 400 to the rear mounting joint 510. In addition, however, the pivot 511 is toward the rear of the pivot 515, which rotatably engages the rear mounting joint 510 to a rear end 442 of the front elevation articulation 440, as explained below.

Referring now to Figures 5-8, the rest of the seat adjustment assembly 500 will now be described. As described above, the rear pivot joint 520 is rotatably coupled to the rear mounting joint 510 on the pivot 521 and the actuation joint 590 of the footrest on the pivot 525. In addition, the rear pivot joint 520 is pivotally engages a rear portion 583 of the base plate 580 in the pivot 522. The base plate 580 pivotally engages even more to a front end 461 of the lifting joint 460 in the pivot 466, which is located in front of the intermediate location 582 of the base plate 580. A rear end 462 of the lifting articulation 460 pivotally engages a second end 4344 of the angled lever 430 of the motor on the pivot 465.

In an exemplary embodiment, the angled lever 430 of the motor is an L-shaped joint that includes an intermediate portion 433 that lies between a first end 432 and a second end 434. As mentioned above, the trigger rod 350 is rotatably engages the first end 432 of the angled lever 430 of the motor through the motor pivot bracket 470 of the motor assembly 300 at the pivot 431. The front elevation articulation 440 includes a front end 441 and a rear end 442 . In embodiments, the rear end 442 of the front elevation articulation 440 is pivotally coupled to the rear mounting articulation 510 on the pivot 515. The front end 441 of the front elevation articulation 440 pivotally engages the front pivot joint 450 at pivot 445. The intermediate portion 433 of the motor angled lever 430 rotatably engages a section between the front end 441 and the rear end 442 of the front elevation articulation 440. The front pivot joint 450 is also coupled to the base plate 580 in the pivot 446. The pivot 446 is placed forward of the pivot 466 in the base plate 580, which is placed in front of the front location 581 that joins the tilting element 412 to the base plate 580.

The rear mounting joint 510 serves to support the backrest and forms an angle backwards with respect to a reclined orientation when the articulation mechanism 100 moves from the extended position to the reclined position. The rear mounting joint 510 pivotally engages the rear end 442 of the front elevation joint 440 on the pivot 515, the upper portion 553 of the sequence joint 550 on the pivot 552 and the rear pivot joint 520 in the pivot 521. Also, the rear mounting joint 510 is rotatably coupled to the rear portion 402 of the seat mounting plate 400 on the pivot 511.

The seat mounting plate 400 serves to support the seat of the tilting recliner. The seat mounting plate 400 is located in a substantially horizontal orientation when the articulation mechanism 100 is in the closed position and the extended position. But, when the articulation mechanism 100 adjusts to the reclined position, with the help of the linear actuator, the seat mounting plate 400 moves up and is rotated slightly backwards, thus orienting the seat in a position slightly inclined. The seat mounting plate 400 pivotally engages the front stool joint 110 and the front stool joint 120 of the footrest assembly 200 on the pivots 115 and 121, respectively. In addition, the seat mounting plate 400 pivotally engages the rear mounting joint 510 of the seat adjustment assembly 500 on the pivot 511. As illustrated in Figures 5-8, the locations of the interconnecting pivots The articulation mechanism 100 and the seat mounting plate 400 are configured to move the seat mounting plate 400 at a substantially constant angle of inclination, with respect to the base plate 580, throughout the entire recliner chair adjustment tilting between closed position, extended position, and reclined position.

The rear pivot joint 520 pivotally engages the wheel joint 540 in the pivot 527. The wheel joint 540 rotatably engages the wheel control joint 565 in the pivot 567 and

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it is rotatably engaged in the rear pivot joint 520 in the pivot 527. At a lower end, a wheel 530 rotatably engages in the wheel joint 540 in the pivot 541. The wheel joint 540 is substantially oriented from vertical form when the articulation mechanism 100 adjusts to the extended and reclined positions. This configuration of the wheel joint 540 brings the wheel 530 close to an upper surface of the rear portion 417 of the tilting base 411. In addition, the wheel 530 and the upper portion of the tilting base 411 are aligned to induce contact after the occurrence of excessive balancing, thereby reducing the exaggerated backward inclination of the tilting mechanism 410 on the wheel 530 in contact with the upper portion of the 411 tilting base.

The wheel control joint 565 pivotally engages the wheel joint 540 in the pivot 567 and the base plate 580 in the pivot 566. Generally, the wheel control joint 565 functions to retract the wheel 530 from the proximity to the upper portion of the tilting base 411 when the articulation mechanism 100 adjusts from the extended position to the closed position. As described above, the base plate 580 is fixedly attached to the upper portion of the tilting element 412 in positions 581 and 582, in addition, the base plate 580 rotatably engages a variety of joints: the joint 520 rear pivot on pivot 522, wheel control articulation 565 on pivot 566, lifting articulation 460 on pivot 466, and front pivot articulation 450 on pivot 446.

The operation of the seat adjustment assembly 500 will now be discussed with reference to Figures 5-11. Initially, an occupant of the tilting recliner can invoke an adjustment of the reclined position (Figures 3, 4, 5, 8 and 11) to the extended position (Figures 2, 6 and 10), in an effort to sit upright to the television visualization. In an exemplary embodiment, the occupant may invoke a drive in a manual drive controller that sends a control signal with instructions to the linear actuator. As described above, the linear actuator moves in a sequential manner, which is bound by an occupant weight, a placement of the springs within the seat adjustment assembly 500, and / or a configuration of the sequence joint 550 and of sequence element 526. In general, the movement of the linear actuator is sequenced in two substantially independent strokes: the first phase (adjustment between the closed and extended positions), and the second phase (adjustment between the extended and reclined positions).

Upon receipt of the control signal from the manually operated controller when the articulation mechanism 100 is in the reclined position, the linear actuator makes a run in the second phase. That is, with reference to Figure 4, the linear actuator slides block 340 of the motor activator forward with respect to the tilting mechanism 410 while keeping the motor mechanism 320 relatively fixed in space. This sliding action of the motor activator block 340 pulls the activator rod 350 and the 470 motor pivot bracket attached forward. The driving force on the motor pivot support 470 creates a moment 705 in a clockwise direction (see Figure 6) on the lever 430 angled of the motor around the pivot 435 that pulls the front elevation articulation 440 downwards. This traction action is caused, in part, by the rotation of the angled lever 430 of the motor in the pivot 465, which pivotally couples the angled lever 430 of the engine to the lifting articulation 460. The movement of the lifting articulation 460 by its pivotable coupling to the base plate 580 on the pivot 466 is avoided.

In addition, the pull-down action of the front elevation joint 440 creates a counter-clockwise moment 701 (see Figure 6) of the rear mounting joint 510 around the pivot 511, which rotatably engages the rear mounting joint 510 of the seat mounting plate 400. This moment 701 of the rear mounting joint 510 tilts the attached seat and causes the sequence element 526, which engages the rear pivot joint 520 on the pivot 525, to slide in an ascending path within the groove 551 of longitudinal grin of the joint 550 of sequence. In an exemplary embodiment, the sequence element 526 slides from the second region 556 (see Figure 11) to the first region 555 (see Figure 10) of the groove slot 551. As described above, if the sequence element 526 is within the second region 556 (when the tilting recliner is adjusted in the reclined position), the interaction of the sequence element 526 and the sequence joint 550 resists the adjustment. of the tilting recliner directly from the reclined position to the closed position. Then, in the rear-mounted articulation 510 that rotates to a position that causes contact between a rear stopper 420 and the front elevation articulation 440, the articulation mechanism 100 has reached the extended position and the linear actuator has completed the stroke of The second phase

The operation of the footrest assembly 200 will be described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. As described above, when it is desired to move from the extended position (Figure 6) to the closed position (Figure 7), the occupant may invoke a drive in the manual drive controller that sends the control signal with instructions for the linear actuator to make a run in the first phase. Upon receiving the control signal from the hand-operated controller, the linear actuator slides the motor mechanism 320 backward with respect to the tilting mechanism 410 while keeping the motor activator block 340 relatively fixed in space. This sliding action of the motor mechanism 320 pulls the front motor tube 310 and the front stool joint 110 attached backwards. In an exemplary embodiment, the force backward in the front stool joint 110 eliminates the contact of the front stool joint 110 with a front stop 422, which serves to limit the extension of the set 200 footrests.

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In addition, the force backward in the front stool joint 110 indirectly causes a backward movement of the footrest actuating joint 590. This translation backwards of the footrest actuation joint 590 directly creates a movement 711 of the rear pivot joint 520 around the pivot 521, which rotatably engages the rear pivot joint 520 to the rear mount joint 510. This movement 711 (see Figure 7) functions to slide the sequence element 526 (coupled to the rear pivot joint 520 on the pivot 525) in a downward path within the longitudinal groove slot 551 of the sequence joint 550.

In an exemplary embodiment of the first phase, the sequence element 526 slides from the first region 555 (see Figure 10) to the second region 556 (see Figure 9) of the groove slot 551. As described above, if the sequence element 526 is within the first region 555 (when the tilting recliner is adjusted in the extended position), the interaction of the sequence element 526 and the sequence articulation 550 allows adjustment of the tilting recliner either to the reclined position or to the closed position. However, after adjusting the tilting recliner to the closed position, the sequence element 526 is within the second region 556 (see Figure 9) and the interaction of the sequence element 526 and the sequence joint 550 resists the adjustment. from the reclining recliner directly from the closed position to the reclined position. In addition, the movement 711 works to slightly raise upwards and tilt forward the rear mounting joint 510. This forward tilt of the rear mounting joint 510 pulls the front elevation joint 440 downward on the pivot 515 around the pivot 445. Once the front elevation joint 440 is pulled down to a position where it does Contact with an intermediate stop 421 attached to the seat mounting plate 400 (see Figure 7), the articulation mechanism 100 has reached the closed position.

In a manner that is inverse to the steps described above, with reference to the adjustment of the footrest assembly 200 from the closed position to the extended position, the automated force of the engine mechanism 320 on the front engine tube 310 in the first phase of the linear actuator stroke rotates the front stool joint 110 around the pivot 115. This rotation acts to extend the footrest assembly 200 and make the joints 110, 120, 130, and 150 move up and / or rotate in An address clockwise. In addition, supports 140 and 170 are raised and rotated clockwise so that stools 45 and 47 (see Figures 1-3) adjust from a collapsed and generally vertical orientation to an extended and generally horizontal orientation. The extension of the footrest assembly is restricted by the front stool joint 110 that comes into contact with the front stop 422.

Furthermore, after the completion of the first phase, the continuous actuation of the linear actuator causes the adjustment of the articulation mechanism 100 within the second phase of the linear actuator stroke. Within the second phase, the automated force of the motor activator nozzle 340 on the activator rod 350 rotates the angled lever 430 of the motor counterclockwise around pivot 435 (with respect to Figures 5-7), which it acts to raise the front elevation joint 440 and, in turn, push the rear mounting joint 510 backwards by means of the pivot 515. The push back of the rear mounting joint 510, as well as the continuous adjustment within the second phase, is restricted after completion of the race within the second phase.

With reference to Figures 12-16, exemplary configurations of an articulation mechanism 1000 for a sliding recliner type seat unit (hereinafter "sliding recliner") are shown and will be described below. The articulation mechanism 1000 is arranged to articulately actuate the movement and control of a seat, a backrest, and stool or stools of the sliding recliner when the articulation mechanism 1000 is adjusted between the positions shown in Figures 13-15 that is , the articulation mechanism 1000 can be adjusted in three basic positions: the reclined position (Figure 13), the extended position (TV) (Figure 14), and the closed position (Figure 15). In the reclined position, as shown in Figure 13, the backrest is rotated backwards by the articulation mechanism 1000 and pushed at an angle of inclination backwards, which is an obtuse angle in relation to the seat. When the sliding recliner adjusts to the extended position, as shown in Figure 14, the stools extend forward and are generally arranged horizontally, while the backrest remains substantially perpendicular to the seat. The closed position of Figure 15 is a normal non-reclining seating position with the seat in a generally horizontal position and the backrest generally vertical and in a substantial, perpendicular relationship pushed relative to the normal seat.

In addition, the articulation mechanism 1000 comprises a plurality of joints that are arranged to drive and control the movement of the sliding recliner during adjustment between the closed, extended, and reclined positions. As with the swing arm recliner articulation mechanism 100, these articulations can be pivotally interconnected through a variety of configurations, such as pivot pins, bearings, traditional mounting errages, rivets, bolt and nut combinations , or any other suitable fastener that is well known in the furniture manufacturing industry.

In general, the articulation mechanism 1000 grinds the movement of the backrest, the translation of the seat, and the extension of the stool or stools. In an exemplary configuration, these movements are controlled by a pair of essentially speculative articulation mechanisms (one of those shown herein and

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indicates with reference number 1000), which comprise an arrangement of pivotally interconnected joints. The articulation mechanisms are normally arranged in an opposite confrontational relationship with respect to a longitudinally extending plane that bisects the sliding recliner between the pair of opposing arms. As such, the following description will focus on only one of the articulation mechanisms 1000, the content also being applied to the other complementary articulation set.

Referring to Figure 12, a perspective view of the articulation mechanism 1000 in the reclined position is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In embodiments, the articulation mechanism 1000 includes a set 200 of footrests, a seat mounting plate 400, a seat adjustment assembly 700 and a sliding mechanism 600. The footrest assembly 200 is composed of a plurality of joints arranged to extend and collapse the stools during the adjustment of the sliding recliner between the extended position and the closed position. The seat mounting plate 400 is configured to be fixedly fixed to the seat of the sliding recliner and, together with an opposite seat mounting plate, defines a seat support surface. Typically, the seat adjustment assembly 700 is adapted to recline and tilt the back of the sliding recliner, which is coupled to the rear mounting joint 510. In addition, the seat adjustment assembly 700 includes joints that indirectly couple a bar 350 of the activator of the motor assembly 300 to the seat mounting plate 400, thereby facilitating the movement of the seat of the sliding recliner in response to the actuation of a linear actuator within the 300 motor assembly. As mentioned above, with reference to Figure 4, the engine assembly 300 provides an assisted adjustment between the reclined, extended, and closed positions. Because the incorporation of the motor mechanism 300 into the articulation mechanism 100 of the tilting recliner is substantially similar to the incorporation of the motor mechanism 300 into the articulation mechanism 1000 of the sliding recliner, the components, the configuration and the functionality of the engine mechanism 300 will not be repeated.

Referring now to Figure 13, the components of the articulation mechanism 1000 will now be described in detail. As described above, the articulation mechanism 1000 includes the footrest assembly 200, the seat mounting plate 400, the seat adjustment assembly 700, and the sliding assembly 600. The configuration of the footrest assembly 200 is substantially similar to that of the tilting recliner, as described above, and will not be repeated. The sliding assembly 600 serves to provide vertical support for a rest of the articulation mechanism 1000. The sliding assembly 600 includes a sliding support 740 that is fixedly mounted to a chassis that elevates the articulation mechanism 1000 above an underlying surface (not shown). The sliding assembly 600 also includes a carrier joint 750 that is coupled to the footrest assembly 200 and the seat adjustment assembly 700.

Typically, carrier articulation 750 is configured to rock, swing, or slide forward and backward with respect to stationary sliding support 740. Normally, the sliding support 740 and the carrier joint 750 are movably coupled by a plurality of intermediate sliding joints that allow the forward and backward translation of the articulation mechanism 1000 with respect to the underlying surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the pair of sliding joints includes a rear sliding joint 560 and a front sliding joint 570. An upper end of the rear sliding joint 560 pivotally engages the sliding support 740 in the pivot 586, while a lower end of the rear sliding joint 560 pivotally engages the carrier joint 750 in the pivot 585. In upper end of the front sliding joint 570 pivotally engages the sliding support 740 on the pivot 576, while a lower end of the front sliding joint 570 pivotally engages the carrier joint 750 on the pivot 575. During the In operation, the rear sliding joint 560 and the front sliding joint 570 oscillate in concert to move the carrier joint 750 with respect to the sliding support 740. Specifically, pivots 575, 576, 585, and 586 are arranged to allow the rear sliding joint 560 and the front sliding joint 570 to oscillate in spatial relationship substantially parallel to each other; facilitating, therefore, the sliding action of the articulation mechanism 1000.

Referring now to Figures 13 and 16, the interconnection joints of the seat adjustment assembly 700 will now be described. Initially, in the embodiments, the seat adjustment assembly 700 includes the angled lever 430 of the engine, the front elevation articulation 440, a carrier articulation 750, the lifting articulation 460, the engine pivot support 470 (see Figure 13) , the rear mounting joint 510, the rear pivot joint 520, a rear 710 joint, a blocker control joint 720, the sequence joint 550, a hook joint 730, and the footrest actuation joint 590. As described above, the footrest actuation joint 590 is pivotally coupled in the front portion 591 to the front stool joint 120, of the footrest assembly 200, on the pivot 275. In addition, the actuation joint 590 of the Footrests are indirectly coupled to the sliding assembly 600 through the control joint of the blocker and the hook joint 730. That is, a rear portion 592 of the footrest actuation joint 590 pivotally engages an upper end 543 of the control joint of the blocker on the pivot 545, while a lower end 542 of the control joint of the blocker it is pivotally coupled to a rear end of the hook joint 730 in the pivot 569 (see Figure 14). A front end of the hook joint 730 rotatably engages an intermediate portion 451 of the bearing joint 750 of the slide assembly at pivot 586.

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In addition, the footrest actuation joint 590 is pivotally coupled at the rear end 593 to the rear pivot joint 520 on the pivot 525. In an exemplary embodiment, the pivot 525 is coupled to a generally cylindrical sequence element 526 which it extends, at least partially within a longitudinal groove (see reference number of Figure 16) formed within a lower portion 554 of the sequence joint 550. Beyond engaging within the groove 551 of gma of the sequence joint 550 on the pivot 525, the rear pivot joint 520 is rotatably engaged in the rear mounting joint 510 on the pivot 521. Similarly, a upper portion 553 of the sequence joint 550 is rotatably engaged in the rear mounting joint 510 on the pivot 552. In an exemplary embodiment, the pivot 521 is located behind the pivot 552, in relation to the sliding recliner. In addition, the pivot 552 is located behind the pivot 511, which rotatably engages a rear portion 402 of the seat mounting plate 400 to the rear mounting joint 510. In addition, however, the pivot 511 is located behind the pivot 515, which rotatably engages the rear mounting joint 510 to the rear end 442 of the front elevation joint 440, as described in more detail above.

Referring now to Figures 13-16, the rest of the seat assembly 700 will now be described. As described above, the rear pivot joint 520 is rotatably engaged in the rear mount joint 510 on the pivot 521 and the footrest actuation joint 590 on the pivot 525. In addition, the rear pivot joint 520 is pivotally engages an upper end of the rear joint 710 in the pivot 522. A lower end of the rear joint 710 pivotally engages the carrier joint 750 in the pivot 535. In an exemplary embodiment, the pivot 535 is It is located behind the intermediate portion 451 of the carrier joint 750. The carrier joint 750 is also pivotally coupled to the front end 461 of the lift joint 460 at the pivot 466, which is located forward of the intermediate portion 451. The rear end 462 of the lifting articulation 460 pivotally engages the second end 434 of the angled lever 430 of the motor on the pivot 465.

As mentioned above, the activator rod 350 is rotatably coupled to the first end 432 of the cranked lever 430 of the motor through the motor pivot bracket 470 of the motor assembly 300 in the pivot 431. In the embodiments, the rear end 442 of the front elevation joint 440 is pivotally coupled to the rear mounting joint 510 on the pivot 515. The front end 441 of the front elevation joint 440 rotatably engages the carrier joint 750 in the pivot 445. The intermediate portion 433 of the angled lever 430 of the motor is rotatably coupled to the section between the front end 441 and the rear end 442 of the front elevation articulation 440.

In embodiments, the rear mounting joint 510 of the articulation mechanism 1000 pivotally engages the rear end 442 of the front elevation joint 440 on the pivot 515, the upper portion 553 of the sequence joint 550 on the pivot 552 , and to the rear pivot joint 520 on the pivot 521. In addition, the rear mount joint 510 rotatably engages the rear portion 402 of the seat mounting plate 400 on the pivot 511. In addition, the joint 550 of The sequence is rotatably coupled to the rear mounting joint 510 on pivot 552 and, as described in more detail above, includes a longitudinal groove (see reference number 551 of Figure 16).

The seat mounting plate 400 serves to support the sliding recliner seat. In embodiments, the seat mounting plate 400 pivotally engages the front stool joint 110 and the rear stool joint 120 of the footrest assembly 200 on the pivots 115 and 121, respectively. In addition, the seat mounting plate 400 pivotally engages the rear mounting joint 510 of the seat adjustment assembly 700 on the pivot 511. As illustrated in Figures 13-16, the locations of the interconnecting pivots the articulation mechanism 1000 and the seat mounting plate 400 are configured to move the seat mounting plate 400 at a substantially constant angle of inclination, with respect to the sliding support 740, along the adjustment of the sliding recliner between the closed position, extended position, and reclined position.

The operation of the seat adjustment assembly 700 will now be discussed with reference to Figures 9-16. Initially, an occupant of the sliding recliner may invoke an adjustment of the reclined position (Figures 3, 11 and 13) to the extended position (Figure 2, 10 and 14), in an effort to sit upright to watch television. In an exemplary embodiment, the occupant may invoke a drive in a manual drive controller that sends a control signal with instructions to the linear actuator. As described above, the linear actuator moves sequentially, which is forced by an occupant weight, a placement of the springs within the seat adjustment assembly 700, and / or a configuration of the sequence joint 550 and of sequence element 526. In general, the movement of the linear actuator is sequenced in two substantially independent strokes: the first phase (adjustment between the closed and extended positions), and the second phase (adjustment between the extended and reclined positions).

Upon receipt of the control signal from the manually operated controller when the articulation mechanism 1000 is in the reclined position, the linear actuator makes a run in the second phase. That is, with reference to Figure 12, the linear actuator slides block 340 of the motor activator forward with respect to the sliding joint mechanism 600 while maintaining the motor mechanism 320 relatively

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fixed in space. This sliding action of the motor activator block 340 carries the activator bar 350 and the motor pivot bracket 470 attached forward. The driving force on the motor pivot support 470 creates a moment 705 in a clockwise direction (see Figure 14) on the lever 430 angled of the motor around the pivot 435 that pulls the front elevation articulation 440 downwards. This traction action is caused, in part, by the rotation of the angled lever 430 of the motor in the pivot 465, which pivotally couples the angled lever 430 of the engine to the lifting articulation 460. The movement of translation of the lifting joint 460 by its pivotable coupling to that of bearing joint 750 in the pivot 466 is avoided.

In addition, the downward traction action of the front elevation joint 440 creates the moment 701 counterclockwise (see Figure 14) of the rear mounting joint 510 around the pivot 511, which rotatably engages the rear mounting joint 510 of the seat mounting plate 400. This moment 701 of the rear mounting joint 510 tilts the attached attached seat and causes the sequence element 526, which engages the rear pivot joint 520 on the pivot 525, to slide in an ascending path within the slot 551 of longitudinal length of the joint 550 of sequence. In an exemplary embodiment, the sequence element 526 slides from the second region 556 (see Figure 11) to the first region 555 (see Figure 10) of the groove slot 551. As described above, if the sequence element 526 is within the second region 556 (when the sliding recliner is adjusted in the reclined position), the interaction of the sequence element 526 and the sequence joint 550 resists the adjustment. of the sliding recliner directly from the reclined position to the closed position. Then, on the rear mounting joint 510 that rotates to a position that causes contact between a rear stopper 420 and the front lift joint 440, the articulation mechanism 1000 has reached the extended position and the linear actuator has completed the stroke of The second phase

The operation of the footrest assembly 200 will be described below with reference to Figures 14 and 15. As described above, when it is desired to move from the extended position (Figure 14) to the closed position (Figure 15), the occupant may invoke a drive in the manual drive controller that sends the control signal with instructions to the linear actuator to perform a run in the first phase. Upon receiving the control signal from the manual drive controller, the linear actuator slides the motor mechanism 320 backward with respect to the sliding assembly 600 while keeping the motor activator block 340 relatively fixed in space. This sliding action of the motor mechanism 320 pulls the front motor tube 310 and the front stool joint 110 attached backwards. In an exemplary embodiment, the force backward in the front stool joint 110 eliminates the contact of the front stool joint 110 with a front stop 422, which serves to limit the extension of the set 200 footrests.

In addition, the force backward in the front stool joint 110 indirectly causes a backward movement of the footrest actuating joint 590. This translation backwards of the footrest actuation joint 590 directly creates a movement 711 of the rear pivot joint 520 around the pivot 521, which rotatably engages the rear pivot joint 520 to the rear mount joint 510. This movement 711 (see Figure 15) functions to slide the sequence element 526 (coupled to the rear pivot joint 520 on the pivot 525) in a downward path within the longitudinal groove slot 551 of the sequence joint 550.

In an exemplary embodiment of the first phase, the sequence element 526 slides from the first region 555 (see Figure 10) to the second region 556 (see Figure 9) of the groove slot 551. As described above, if the sequence element 526 is within the first region 555 (when the sliding recliner is adjusted to the extended position), the interaction of the sequence element 526 and the sequence articulation 550 allows adjustment of the sliding recliner either to the reclined position or to the closed position. However, after adjusting the sliding recliner to the closed position, the sequence element 526 is within the second region 556 (see Figure 9) and the interaction of the sequence element 526 and the sequence articulation 550 resists the adjustment. from the reclined slider directly from the closed position to the reclined position. In addition, the movement 711 works to slightly raise upwards and tilt forward the rear mounting joint 510. This forward tilt of the rear mounting joint 510 pulls the front elevation joint 440 downward on the pivot 515. Once the front elevation joint 440 is pulled down to a position where it makes contact with a stop 421 intermediate, the articulation mechanism 1000 has reached the closed position.

In a manner that is inverse to the steps described above, with reference to the operation of the footrest assembly 200 from the closed position to the extended position, the automated force of the engine mechanism 320 on the front engine tube 310 in the first phase of the linear actuator stroke rotates the front stool joint 110 around the pivot 115. This rotation acts to extend the footrest assembly 200 and causes the joints 110, 120, 130, and 150 to move up and / or rotate in one direction clockwise. In addition, the supports 140 and 170 are raised and rotated clockwise so that the stools 45 and 47 (see Figures 1-3) fit in a collapsed orientation and generally vertical to an extended and generally horizontal orientation. The extension of the footrest assembly is restricted by the front stool joint 110 that comes into contact with the front stop 422.

Furthermore, after the completion of the first phase, the continuous actuation of the linear actuator causes the adjustment of the articulation mechanism 1000 within the second phase of the linear actuator stroke. Within the second phase, the automated force of the motor activator nozzle 340 on the activator rod 350 rotates the angled lever 430 of the motor counterclockwise around pivot 435 (with respect to Figures 135 16), which acts to raise the articulation 440 of frontal elevation and push, in turn, back the articulation 510

for subsequent mounting by pivot 515. The thrust back of the rear mounting joint 510, as well as the continuous adjustment within the second phase, is restricted after the end of the stroke within the second phase.

It should be understood that the construction of the articulation mechanisms 100 and 1000 lends itself to allow 10 different joints and supports to be mounted on and easily disassembled from the remaining components of the tilting / sliding recliner. Specifically, the nature of the pivots and / or mounting locations allows the use of quick dismantling hardware, such as a folding fastener. Consequently, a rapid disarticulation of components before shipping, or quick articulation at reception, is facilitated.

The present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims (6)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 1. A seat unit (10), comprising: a pair of seat mounting plates (400) in a substantially parallel separate relationship, in which each of the seat mounting plates (400) is arranged in an inclined orientation relative to an underlying surface; a pair of generally specular articulation mechanisms (100; 1000) adapted to move the seat unit (10) between a closed position, an extended position and a reclined position, in which each of the mechanisms (100; 1000) of articulation includes: (a) a rear mounting joint (510) rotatably coupled to a respective seat mounting plate (400) and configured to support a backrest (25) of the seat unit (10); (b) a sequence joint (550) rotatably coupled to the rear mount joint (510), in which the sequence joint (550) includes a slot (551) of crane; (c) a rear pivot joint (520) rotatably coupled to the rear mounting joint (510) and a sequence element (526), in which the sequence element (526) extends into the groove (551) ), and in which the interaction between the sequence element (526) and the sequence joint (550) resists direct adjustment between the closed position and the reclined position; (d) an angled lever (430) of the motor having an intermediate portion (433) located between a first end (431) and a second end (432), in which a bar (350) of the activator is rotatably coupled to the first end (431) of the angled lever (430) of the motor; Y (e) a front elevation joint (440) having a front end (441) and a rear end (442), in which the rear end (442) of the front elevation joint (440) is pivotally engaged to the rear mounting joint (510), and in which the intermediate portion (433) of the cranked lever (430) of the motor is rotatably engaged in a section between the front end (441) and the end (442) rear of the articulation (440) of frontal elevation; Y a linear actuator (320, 330, 340) coupled to the bar (350) of the activator, which is sequenced in a mutually exclusive first phase and second phase, in which the first phase moves the articulation mechanisms (100; 1000) between the closed position and the extended position, and in which the second phase moves the articulation mechanisms (100; 1000) between the extended position and the reclined position. 2. The seating unit (10) of claim 1, wherein the seat unit (10) has a seat (15) that can be moved with respect to an underlying surface and a backrest (25) that can be adjusted angularly with respect to the seat (15), in which each slot groove (551) of the sequence joint (550) includes a first region (555) and a second region (556); wherein the sequence element (526) is within the second region (556) of the groove (551) when the seat unit (10) adjusts to the reclined position, and when the unit (10) The seat adjusts to the reclined position, the interaction of the sequence element (526) and the sequence joint (550) resists the adjustment of the seat unit (10) to the closed position, wherein the sequence element (526) is within the first region (555) of the groove (551) when the seat unit (10) adjusts to the extended position, and when the unit (10) The seat adjusts to the extended position, the interaction of the sequence element (526) and the sequence articulation (550) allows the adjustment of the seat unit (10) to either the reclined position or the closed position, and wherein the sequence element (526) is within the second region (556) of the groove (551) when the seat unit (10) adjusts to the closed position, and when the unit (10) The seat adjusts to the closed position, the interaction of the sequence element (526) and the sequence articulation (550) resists the adjustment of the seat unit to the reclined position. 3. The seating unit (10) of claim 2, wherein the sequence joint (550) includes upper portion (553) and a lower portion (554), wherein the upper portion (553) is coupled with swivel shape to the joint (510) for subsequent mounting. 4. The pair of articulation mechanisms (100; 1000) of claim 3, wherein the slot groove (551) is formed within the lower portion (554) of the sequence joint (550). 5. The seat unit (10) of any one of claims 2-4, further comprising: a seat mounting plate (400) supporting the seat (15), in which the seat mounting plate (400) rotatably engages the rear mounting joint (510); a base plate (580) that interconnects with the seat mounting plate (400) through a joint system; wherein the rear pivot joint (520) is rotatably coupled to a rear portion of the base plate (580). 6. The seating unit (10) of any one of claims 2-5, wherein the sequence element (526) extends completely through the groove (551) of gma, and wherein the first region (555) is located above the second region (556) within the groove (551) of gma.