US2918113A - Multiple position reclining chair - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 22, 1959 A. LORENZ MULTIPLE POSITION RECLINING CHAIR Filed June 11, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

A /V 70/V A flf/VZ Arum/5 s I A. LORENZ MULTIPLE POSITION RECLINING CHAIR 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 11, 1958 INVENTOR. ANTON (OFF/V2 Dec. 22, 1959 A. LORENZ 2,918,113

MULTIPLE POSITION RECLINING CHAIR Filed June 11, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 6.

INVENTOR.

ANTON ZUPE/VZ Dec. 22, 1959 A. LdRENZ MULTIPLE POSITION RECLINING CHAIR 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 11, 1958 INVENTOR. ,4/V7'0/V AORFA/Z Arr-0km? Ulflit L The present invention relates to reclining chairs of the type including a body-supporting unit having a unitary seat and back-rest and a leg-rest mounted for coordinated movement relative to the body-supporting unit, and in particular to an improved reclining chair in which the body-supporting unit may be brought to an intermediate resting or tilted position with the leg-rest elevated for accommodating the chair occupant in a partially reclined or resting attitude and then into a fully reclined position wherein the chair occupant is accommodated in a fully reclined attitude. This is a continuation in part of my earlier filed application Serial No. 526,635 filed August 5, 1955 and entitled, Article of Repose for Supporting the Body of a Person, which earlier filed application was a division of application Serial No. 309,272 which is now US. Patent No. 2,746,521.

The well-known reclining chair comprises a support, a body-supporting unit including a seat and back-rest movably rockably mounted on the support, and a leg-rest appropriately coordinated to the body-supporting unit for movement into an elevated leg-supporting position as a function of the reclining movement of the chair. Chairs are available on the market which are designed to provide a semi-reclined or tilted position for the chair occupant, with the leg-rest elevated in front of the bodysupporting unit which semi-reclined or tilted position is suitable for reading, television viewing and the like. Further, chairs are available on the market which are designed to provide a fully reclined or completely relaxed position for the chair occupant, with the body-supporting unit disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal suitable for complete or total relaxation and with the legrest elevated in front of the body-supporting unit.

Broadly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved reclining chair suitable for reading, television viewing the like, as well as for complete or total relaxation. Specifically, it is within the contemplation of the present invention to provide a reclining chair which is characterized in that two discrete chair positions may be realized, a first intermediate semireclined or tilted position wherein the body-supporting unit is disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal with the leg-rest elevated in front of the body-supporting unit appropriate for partial relaxation, and a second fully reclined position wherein the body-supporting unit is disposed at a different angle relative to the horizontal with the leg-rest in its elevated position relative to the body-supporting unit appropriate for complete or total relaxation.

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment demonstrating features and advantages of the present invention, my reclining chair comprises a support, a bodysupporting unit including a unitary seat and back-rest, means mounting the body-supporting unit for movement about a main pivot from a sitting position into an intermediate resting or semi-reclined position and for further movement from the intermediate resting position into a reclining position, a leg-rest, .and .a leg-rest control linkage having links movable relative to each other in response to movement of the body-supporting unit. The leg-rest control linkage includes an auxiliary pivot for one of the links with means mounting the auxiliary pivot for displacement relative to the support, the legrest control linkage being arranged to elevate the legrest into a leg-supporting position in response to movement of the links relative to each other as the bodysupporting unit moves into the resting position. The leg-rest control linkage is further arranged such that the auxiliary pivot remains stationary relative to the support when the links move relative to each other, with the auxiliary pivot being displaced relative to the support when the links are blocked against movement relative to each other. Appropriate means are provided for blocking the links of the leg-rest control linkage against movement relative to each other when the bodysupporting unit moves into the resting position such that the blocked leg-rest control linkage maintains the legrest in its elevated leg-supporting position. Thereafter, further actuation of the leg-rest control linkage causes the auxiliary pivot to displace relative to the support thereby enabling the body-supporting unit to move from the resting position into an appropriate reclined position, with the leg-rest control linkage supporting the leg-rest in the elevated leg-supporting position relative to the body-supporting unit.

Advantageously, the described chair control or linkage enables the body-supporting unit to move into the par.- tially reclined or intermediate resting position with raising of the leg-rest to the required elevated leg-supporting position, followed by the movement of the body-supporting unit and leg-rest as a substantially unitary assembly into an appropriate fully reclined position.

The above brief description, as well as other objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of several illustrative embodiments, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. l is an elevational view, with parts broken away and sectioned, of an improved reclining chair embodying features of the present invention, the chair being shown in its upright or sitting position;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, with the full lines showing the chair in the partially reclined or intermediate tilted position with the leg-rest disposed in the elevated leg-supporting position forwardly of the seat, and the dot-dash lines showing the chair in a fully reclined position suitable for total relaxation;

Fig. 3 is an elevational view, with parts broken away and sectioned, of a further embodiment illustrating an improved reclining chair according to the present invention, the chair being shown in its upright or sitting position;

Pig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the chair in the partially reclined or intermediate tilted position;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the chair in the fully reclined position;

Fig. 6 is an elevational view with parts broken away and sectioned, of a further embodiment illustrating an improved reclining chair according to the present invention, the chair being shown in its upright or sitting position;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6, but with parts thereof broken away and sectioned, showing the relative position of the coordinating linkage incorporated in the chair when the chair is moved into the partially reclined or intermediate tilted position, with the leg-rest disposed in its elevated leg-supporting position forwardly of the seat;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view similar to Fig. 7 but showing the chair in the fully reclined position;

Fig. 9 is an elevational view, with parts broken away and sectioned, of a still further embodiment of an improved reclining chair according to the present invention, the chair being shown in its upright or sitting position;

, Fig. 10 is a fragmentary elevational view similar to Fig. 9, showing the relative position of coordinating linkage of the chair in the partially reclined or intermediate tilted position, with the leg-rest disposed in its elevated leg-supporting position forwardly of the seat;

. Fig. 11 is a fragmentary elevational view similar to Fig. 10, but showing the chair in the fully reclined position; 4

Fig. 12 is an elevational view, with parts broken away and sectioned, of a still further embodiment of an improved reclining chair according to the present invention, the chair being shown in the upright or sitting position;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary elevational view similar to Fig. 12, showing the coordinating linkage of the chair in the partially reclined or intermediate tilted position, with the leg-rest disposed in the elevated leg-supporting position forwardly of the seat; and

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 13 but showing the chair in the fully reclined position.

. Referring now specifically to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown an improved reclining chair demonstrating features of the present invention, which chair is designated by the reference numeral 10. The chair is of the two-position type, being capable of movement into a first or semi-reclined or intermediate tilted position for television viewing with the leg-rest elevated (see the full line showing of Fig. 2) and being further capable of movement into a second or fully reclined position (see the dot-dash line showing of Fig. 2). The chair includes a support 12 having opposite side walls 14 interconnected by suitable cross braces (not shown). Movably or rockably mounted on the support 12 is a body-supporting unit 16 which includes a unitary seat 18 and back-rest 20. The body-supporting unit 16 is mounted on the support 12 at the juncture of the seat 18 and back-rest 20 at a main or back-rest pivot 22, the back-rest 20 being provided with an integral extension 24 which extends downwardly from the main pivot 22. The main or back-rest pivot 22 serves as a means for mounting the body-supporting unit 16 on the support for movement about the main pivot from the upright or sitting position of Fig. 1 into the intermediate tilted or resting position (illustrated by the full lines in Fig. 2) and then into the fully reclined or total relaxation position (illustrated by the dot-dash lines in Fig. 2).

Disposed beneath the forward end of the seat 18 of the body-supporting unit 16, there is a leg-rest 26 which is movable from the stored position depending below the seat as shown in Fig. 1 into the elevated leg-supporting positions, shown successively by the full and broken lines in Fig. 2. In this embodiment the leg-rest 26 is mounted directly on the forward end of the seat 18 at a leg-rest pivot 28.

The movement of the leg-rest 26 is coordinated with the movement of the body-supporting unit 16 by a legrest control linkage, generally designated by the reference numeral 30, which includes a number of links movable relative to each other in response to the reclining movement of the body-supporting unit 16. Specifically, the leg-rest control linkage 30 includes a guiding or carrier link 32 which carries at its upper end an auxiliary pivot 34 confined within an arcuate slot 36 provided in the support 12. In the upright or sitting position of the chair the auxiliary pivot 34, which suspends the guiding or carrier link 32 on the support, is at the lower end of the arcuate slot 36, remaining at such lower end until the leg-rest control linkage 30 is blocked, whereupon the auxiliary pivot 34 translates or displaces upwardly within the slot 36, as will appear hereinafter. Operatively connected between the guiding or carrier link 32 and the legrest 26 is a link pair 38, 40, the links of which extend in an acute angular relationship relative to each other and have their adjacent ends connected at the pivotal connection 42. The link 38 of the link pair 38, 40 is pivotally suspended at its upper end from the carrier link 32 at the pivot 44 and the link 40 of the link pair has a pivotal connection 46 at its upper end to a bracket 48 which is mounted on the leg-rest pivot 28 and is in urged or bearing engagement with the adjacent upper end portion of the leg-rest 26. The leg-rest control linkage 30 in this embodiment is completed by the provision of an upper connecting or actuating link 50 having a pivotal connection 52 at its rearward end to the rigid extension 24 of the back-rest 20 at a point spaced below the main or back-rest pivot 22 and a pivotal connection 54 at its forward end to the lower end of the guiding or carrier link 32 and by the provision of a lower connecting or actuating link 56 having a pivotal connection 58 at its rearward end to the lower end of the rigid extension 24 of the back-rest and a pivotal connection 60 at its forward end to the link 38 of the link pair 38, 40. The pivotal c0nnection 60 is at an intermediate portion of the link 38 and at a point spaced below the pivotal connectio'n 44 between the link 38 and the guiding or carrier link 32.

Provision is made for blocking the movable links of the leg-rest control linkage 30 for movement relative to each other in response to movement of the body-supporting unit 16 from the upright sitting position to the intermediate tilted or partially reclined position. In this embodiment, an abutment or blocking member 62 is fixed to the upper connecting or actuating link 50 adjacent the pivot 52 and in position to engage the link portion 24 intermediate the pivotal connections 52, 58 when the body-supporting unit 16 moves into the intermediate tilted or semi-reclined position of Fig. 2. It will of course be appreciated that the abutment or blocking member 62 is positio'ned in relation to the movable links to block the leg-rest control linkage 30 when the leg-rest 26 moves into the required elevated leg-supporting position extending forwardly of the seat 18 (see the full and broken lines of Fig. 2). In general the chair construction is such that the leg-rest 26 is moved into the leg supporting position and the control linkage 30 is blocked when the body-supporting unit 16 moves into the required inclined attitude for comfortably accommodating the chair occupant in a semi-reclined or resting position. When the leg-rest control linkage 30 is blocked by the contact between the abutment or blocking member 62 and the rigid extension of the back-rest 20, the leg-rest supporting linkage 30 maintains the leg-rest in the elevated leg-supporting position and further reclining movement of the chair will cause the auxiliary pivot 34 to translate upwardly in its confining slot or guideway 36. During such further reclining movement from the resting position into the reclining position the body-supporting unit 16 and the elevated leg-rest 26 move as a unitary assembly about the main or back-rest pivot 22, without any relative movement between the links of the leg-rest control linkage or mechanism 30. In a sense, the pin and slot 34. 36 serve as a lost motion connection enabling the further movement of the body-supporting unit and the leg-rest as an assembly after the leg-rest control linkage 30 is blocked.

In order to establish limits for the movements of the reclining chair, a first stop 64 is fixed to the support 12 in position to engage the downward extension 24 of the back-rest 20 to establish the upright sitting position (Fig. 1) and a further stop 66 is fixed on the support rearwardly of the back-rest 20 at the location of the main or hack-rest pivot 22 to contact the back-rest 20 and thereby establish the fully reclined position for the chair (see Fig. 2).

The function and purpose of my improved two-position reclining chair will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following description of a typical'scqucnce of operations, making progressive reference to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings:

In the upright sitting position of the chair illustrated in Fig. 1 the auxiliary pivot 34 is at the lower end of the confining slot or guideway 36 and the leg-rest control linkage 30 is unblocked and in condition for elevating the leg-rest 26 to the required leg-supporting position. Accordingly, as the chair occupant leans against the back-rest '20 and causes the body-supporting unit 16 to rock or turn about the main pivot 22, the leg-rest control linkage 30 is effective to elevate the leg-rest 26. Specifically, the downward extension 24 rocks in a counterclockwise direction about the main pivot (see Fig. 1) which, via the actuating or driving links F0, 56 cause the "carrier or guiding link 32 to pivot about the auxiliary "pivot '34 in the counter-clockwise direction, with the link pair 38, 40 swinging forwardly. As the leg-rest 26 tnoves into the elevated leg-supporting position the intermediate tilted or semi-reclined position is established by contact between the extension 24 and the abutment or blocking member 62, as seen in Fig. 2.

- In response to further pressure on the back-rest 20, the auxiliary pivot 34 begins to translate upwardly along the slot 36 and about the main pivot 22 with the blocked leg-rest control linkage 30 supporting the leg-rest 26 in its elevated leg-supporting position. As the auxiliary pivot 34 translates along its confining slot 36, the backrest 20 moves into contact with the stop 66 which establishes the fully reclined position illustrated by the dotdash lines in Fig. 2.

When the chair occupant desires to return to the nor- :mal upright or sitting position, it is merely necessary to exert a downward pressure on the leg-rest 26 whereupon the auxiliary pivot 34 returns to the lower end of the guideway or slot .36. Further downward pressure causes :the auxiliary pivot 34 to turn, with the lower end of the slot 36 serving as a bearing for such turning movement. The leg-rest controlling linkage 30 is free to move in the unblocking direction until such time as the body-supporting unit 16 is restored to the upright sitting position illustrated in Fig. 1 as established by the stop 64.

Referring now specifically to Figs. 3 to 5 of the draw- :ings, there is shown a further improved reclining chair demonstrating features of the present invention, which chair is designated by the reference numeral 111). The chair is of the two-position type, being capable of movement into a semi-reclined or intermediate tilted position .for television viewing with the leg-rest elevated as seen :in Fig. 4 and being further capable of movement into a fully "reclined position as seen in Fig. 5. The chair includes a support 112 having opposite side walls 114 interr-conected by suitable cross braces 115a, 115b, 1115c. Movably or rockably mounted on the support 112 is a body-supporting unit 116 which includes a unitary seat 118 and back-rest 120. The back-rest 120 is provided with an integral extension and the body-supporting unit 116 is mounted on the suport 112 at the lower end of the extension 124 at a main or back-rest pivot 122. The main or back-rest pivot 122 serves as a means for mounting the body-supporting unit 116 on the support 112 for movement about the main pivot 122 from the upright or sitting position of Fig. 3 into the intermediate tilted or resting position of Fig. 4 and then into the fully reclined or total relaxation position of Pig. 5.

Disposed beneath the forward end of the seat 118 of the body-supporting unit 116, there is a leg-rest 126 which is movable from the stored position depending be- "low the seat, as shown in Fig. 3, into the elevated legsupporting positions, shown successively in Figs. 4 and 5. In this embodiment the leg-rest 126 is suspended beneath the forward end of the seat 118 by a linkage arrangement to be described.

The movement of the leg-rest 126 is coordinated with the'movement of the body-supporting unit 116 by a legrrestscontrol linkage, generally designated by the reference numeral 130, which includes a number of links movable relative to each other in response to the reclining movement of the body-supporting unit 116. Specifically, the leg-rest control linkage 130 includes a guiding or carrier link 132 which is pivoted at its rearward end coaxially with the main pivot 122, the coaxial pivots being provided by a bracket or fixture 134. In the upright or sitting position of the chair the guiding or carrier link 132 remains stationary relative to the support, bearing against the cross brace k which is located beneath the link. When the leg-rest control linkage is blocked, the carrier link 132 translates or displaces upwardly about the pivot 122 at its rearward end, as will appear hereinafter. Operatively connected between the guiding or carrier link 132 and the leg-rest 126 is a first link pair 138, which extend in an angular relation relative to each other and have their adjacent ends connected at a pivotal connection 142. The link 138 of the link pair 138, 140 is suspended from the carrier link 132 at a pivot 144 which is adjacent to and spaced from its other end. The other end of the link 140 of the link pair 138, 140 has a pivotal connection 146 to the legrest. Operatively connected between the seat 118 and the leg-rest 126 is a second link pair 148, 150 which extend in an angular relationship relative to each other and having their adjacent ends connected at a pivotal connection 152. The link 148 is suspended at its other end from the seat 118 at a pivot 154 which is spaced from the forward end of the seat. The link 150 has a pivotal connection 156 at its other end to the leg-rest 126, the pivotal connection 156 being spaced below the pivotal connection 146. The link 148 crosses over the link 140 and at the cross-over point the links 140, 148 have a pivotal connection 158. The link pairs 138, 140 and 148, 156 will be recognized as providing a doublefour bar suspending linkage for the leg-rest, with one suspending pivot 144 on the carrier link 1332 and the other suspending pivot 154 on the seat. The suspending linkage is actuated by a connecting link 161) which has a pivotal connection 162 at its forward end to the upper end of the link 138 of the leg-rest control linkage 130 and a pivotal connection 164 at its rearward end to the juncture of the seat and back-rest above the rigid extension 124.

Provision is made for blocking the movable links of the leg-rest control linkage 130 from movement relative to each other in response to movement of the body-supporting unit 116 from the upright sitting position to the intermediate tilted or partially reclined position. In this embodiment an abutment 166 is fixed to the carrier link 132 in position to engage the movable links 138, in the region of the pivotal connection 162 when the bodysupporting unit 116 moves into the intermediate tilted or semi-reclined position of Fig. 4. It will of course be appreciated that the abutment or blocking member 166 is located in relation to the movable links to block the leg-rest control linkage 130 only after the leg-rest 126 moves into the required elevated leg-supporting position extending forwardly of the seat 118. When the leg-rest control linkage 136 is blocked by the contact between the abutment or blocking member 166 and the links 138, 161 the leg-rest supporting linkage 130 maintains the leg-rest 126 in the elevated leg-supporting position and further reclining movement of the chair will cause the carrier link 1132 to translate or turn about its pivot 122. During such further reclining movement from the resting position into the reclining position, the body-supporting unit 116 and the elevated leg-rest 126 move as a unitary assembly about the main pivot 122 without any relative movement between the links of the leg-rest control linkage or mechanism 136. In a sense, the movable mounted carrier link 132 serves as a lost motion connection enabling the further movement of the body-supporting unit and the leg-rest as an assembly after the leg-rest control linkage 130 is blocked.

The limits for the movement of the reclining chair are established by the brace 1150 on the support 112 which is in position to engage the undersurface of the seat 116 to establish the upright sitting position (Fig. 3) and the brace 115a on the support which is in position to contact the downward extension 124 of the back-rest 120 and thereby establish the fully reclined position for the chair (see Fig. 5).

The function and purpose of this improved two-position reclining chair will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following description of a typical sequence of operations making progressive reference to Figs. 3 to 5 of the drawings:

In the upright sitting position of the chair illustrated in'Fig. 3 the carrier link 132 rests on the brace or stop 11% and the leg-rest control linkage 130 is unblocked and in condition for elevating the leg-rest 126 to the required leg-supporting position. Accordingly, as the chair occupant leans against the back-rest and causes the body-supporting unit 116 to rock or turn about the main pivot 122, the leg-rest control linkage 130 is effective to elevate the leg-rest 126. Specifically, the pivot 164 moves rearwardly in a counter-clockwise direction about themain pivot (see Fig. 3) which, via the actuating or driving link 160 causes the lower mm of the link or double arm lever 138 to pivot about the pivot 144 in the counter-clockwise direction which causes the link pair 138, 140 and 148, 150 to swing forwardly. As the leg-rest 126 moves into the elevated leg-supporting position, the intermdeiate tilted or semi-reclined position is established by contact between the movable links 138, 160 and the abutment or blocking member 166, as seen in Fig. 4.

In response to further pressure on the back-rest, the carrier link 132 begins to translate about the main pivot 122, with the blocked leg-rest control linkage 130 supporting the leg-rest 126 in its elevated leg-supporting position. As the carrier link 132 translates or turns about the main pivot 122 in the counter-clockwise direction, the back-rest 120 moves into contact with the brace .or stop 115a which establishes the fully reclined position illustrated in Fig. 5.

When the chair occupant desires to return to the normal upright or sitting position it is merely necessary to exert a downward pressure on the leg-rest 126 where- .upon the carrier link 132 returns to its supported position on the brace or stop 1151). Further downward pressure causes the leg-rest controlling linkage 30 to move in the unblocking direction until such time as the body supporting unit 116 is restored to the upright sitting position illustrated in Fig. 3.

Referring now specifically to Figs. 6 to 8 of the drawings, there is shown a further improved reclining chair demonstrating features of the present invention, which chair is designated by the reference numeral 210. The chair is of the two-position type, being capable of movement into a semi-reclined or intermediate tilted position for television viewing with the leg-rest elevated as seen in Fig. 7 and being further capable of movement into a fully reclined position as seen in Fig. 8. The chair includes a support 212 having opposite side Walls 214 interconnected by suitable cross braceo 215a, 215b, 2150. Movably or rockably mounted on the support 212 is a body-supporting unit 216 which includes a unitary seat 218 and back-rest 220. The back-rest 220 is provided with an integral extension 224 and the body-supporting unit 216 is mounted on the support 212 adjacent the upper end of the extension 224 at a main or back-rest pivot 222. The main or back-rest pivot 222 serves as a means for mounting the body-supporting unit 216 on the support 212 for movement about the main pivot 222 from the upright or sitting position of Fig. 6 into the intermediate tilted or resting position of Fig. 7 and then into the fully reclined or total relaxation position of Fig. 8.

Disposed beneath the forward end of the seat 218 of the body-supporting unit 216, there is a leg-rest 226 which is movable from the stored position depending below the seat, as shown in Fig. 6 into the elevated legsupporting positions. In this embodiment the leg-rest 226 is suspended beneath the forward end of the seat 218 by a linkage arrangement to be described.

The movement of the leg-rest 226 is coordinated with the movement of the body-supporting unit 216 by a legrest control linkage, generally designated by the reference numeral 230, which includes a number of links movable relative to each other in response to the reclining movement of the body-supporting unit 216. Specifically, the leg-rest control linkage 230 includes a guiding or carrier link 232 which is pivoted at its rearward end at a carrier link pivot 234 spaced forwardly of the main pivot 222. In the upright or sitting position of the chair the guiding or carrier link 232 remains stationary relative to the support, bearing against the cross brace or rod 215b which is located beneath the link 232. When the leg-rest control linkage 230 is blocked, the carrier link 232 translates or displaces upwardly about the pivot 234 at its rearward end, as will appear hereinafter. Operatively connected between the guiding or carrier link 232 and the leg-rest 226 is a first link pair 238, 240 which extend in an angular relation relative to each other and have their adjacent ends connected at a pivotal connection 242. The link 238 of the link pair 238, 240 is suspended at its other or upper end from the carrier link 232 at a pivot 244. The other end of the link 240 of the link pair 238, 240 has a pivotal connection 246 to the leg-rest via a connecting link pair 239, 241 which have their adjacent ends connected at a pivotal connection 243, the pivotal connection between the first and second link pairs being designated by the numeral 245. Operatively connected between the carrier link 232 and the leg-rest 226 is a third link pair 248, 250 which extend in an angular relationship relative to each other and having their adjacent ends connected at a pivotal connection 252. The link 248 is suspended at its other or upper end from the carrier link at a pivot 254 which is adjacent the forward end of the link 232. The link 250 has a pivotal connection 256 at its other end to the leg-rest 226 the pivotal connection 256 being spaced above the pivotal connection 246. The link 248 crosses over the link 240 and at the cross-over point the links 240, 248 have a pivotal connection 258. The link 250 crosses over the link 239 and at the cross over point the links 239, 250 have a pivotal connection 259. The link pairs 238, 240, 239, 241 and 248, 250 will be recognized as providing a four bar suspending linkage for the leg-rest, with both suspendmg pivots 244, 254 on the carrier link 232 at spaced apart locations. The suspending linkage is actuated'by a connecting link 260 which has a pivotal connection 262 at its forward end to the link 238 of the leg-rest control linkage 230 and a pivotal connection 264 at its rearward end to the lower end of the rigid extension 224 of the back-rest 220 below the main pivot 222.

Provision is made for blocking the movable links of the leg-rest control linkage 230 from movement relative to each other in response to movement of the body-supporting unit 216 from the upright sitting position to the intermediate tilted or partially reclined position. In this embodiment an abutment 266 is fixed to the carrier link 232 in position to engage the movable link 238 in the region of the pivotal connection 266 when the body-supporting unit 216 moves into the intermediate tilted or semi-reclined position of Fig. 7. It will of course be appreciated that the abutment or blocking member 266 is located in relation to the movable links to block the leg-rest control linkage 230 only after the leg-rest 226' moves into the required elevated leg-supporting position extending forwardly of the seat 218. When the leg-rest abutment or blocking member 266 and the link 238, the

leg-rest supporting linkage 230 maintains the leg-rest 226 in the elevated leg-supporting position and further reclining movement of the chair will cause the carrier link 232 to translate or turn about its carrier pivot 234. During such further reclining movement from the resting position into the reclining position, the body-supporting unit 216 and the elevated leg-rest 226 move as a unitary as sembly about the main pivot 222, without any relative movement between the links of the leg-rest control linkage or mechanism 236. In a sense, the movable mounted carrier link 232 serves as a lost motion connection enabling the further movement of the bodysupportiug unit 216 and the leg-rest 226 as an assembly after the legrest control linkage 23th is blocked.

The limits for the movement of the reclining chair are established by the carrier link 232 which is relatively stationary during the first phase of movement and is in position to engage the undersurface of the seat 216 to establish the upright sitting position (Fig. 6) and the brace 215a on the support 212 which is in position to contact the back-rest extension 224 and thereby establish the fully reclined position for the chair (see Fig. 8).

The function and purpose of this improved two-position reclining chair will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following description of a typical sequence of operations, making progressive reference to Figs. 6 to 8 of the drawings:

In the upright sitting position of the chair illustrated in Fig. 6 the carrier link 232 rests on the brace or stop 215b and the leg-rest control linkage 230 is unblocked and in condition for elevating the leg-rest 226 to the required leg-supporting position. Accordingly, as the chair occupant leans against the back-rest and causes the body-supporting unit 216 to rock or turn about the main pivot 222, the leg-rest control linkage 23@ is effective to elevate the legrest 226. Specifically the pivot 264 moves forwardly in a counter-clockwise direction about the main pivot (see Fig. 6) which, via the actuating or driving link 260 causes the link 238 to pivot about the suspending pivot 244 in the counter-clockwise direction which causes the link pairs 238, 24%}, 239, 241 and 248, 250 to swing forwardly. As the leg-rest 226 moves into the elevated leg-supporting position, the intermediate tilted or semi-reclined position is established by contact between the movable link 23% and the abutment or blocking member 266, as seen in Fig. 7.

In response to further pressure on the back-rest, the carrier link 232 begins to translate about the carrier pivot 234 with the blocked leg-rest control linkage 230 supporting the leg-rest 226 in its elevated leg-supporting position. As the carrier link 232 translates or turns about the carrier pivot in the counter-clockwise direction the back-rest extension moves into contact with the brace or stop 215a which establishes the fully reclined position illustrated in Fig. 8.

When the chair occupant desires to return to the normal upright or sitting position it is merely necessary to exert a downward pressure on the leg-rest 226 whereupon the carrier link 232 returns to its supported position on the brace or stop 21%. Further downward pressure causes the leg-rest controlling linkage 230 ot move in the unblocking direction until such time as the body-supporting unit 216 is restored to the upright sitting position illustrated in Fig. 6.

Refeiring now specifically to Figs. 9 to 11 of the drawings, there is shown a further improved reclining chair demonstrating features of the present invention, which chair is designated by the reference numeral 310. The chair is of the two-position type, being capable of movement into a semi-reclined or intermediate tilted position for television viewing with the leg-rest elevated as seen in Fig. 10, and being further capable of movement into a fully reclined position as seen in Fig. 1-1. The

1 0 chair includes a support 312 having opposite side walls 314 interconnected by suitable cross braces 315a, 3151;, 315a. Movably or rockablymounted on the support 312 is a body-supporting unit 316 which includes a unitary seat 318 and back-rest 320. The body-supporting unitj316 is mounted on the support .3'12via-the carrier ,link332 at a main or back-rest pivot 322, the carrier link 332 having a pivotal connection 325 to the lower end of the extension 324. The main or back-rest pivot 322 serves as a means for mounting the body-supporting unit 316 on the support 312 for movement about the main pivot 322'from the upright or setting position of Fig. 9 into the intermediate tilted or restingposition of Fig. 10 and then into the fully reclined or total relaxation position of 'Fig. 11, and also serves as a means for movably mounting 'the carrier link 332.

Disposed beneath the forward end of the seat 318 of the body-supporting unit 316, there is a leg-rest 326 which is movable from the stored position depending below the seat, as shown in Fig. '9, into the elevated legsupporting positions. In this embodiment the leg-rest 326 is suspended beneath the forward end of the seat 318 by 'a linkage arrangement to be described.

The movement of the leg-rest 326 is coordinated with the movement of the body-supporting unit 316 by a legrest control linkage, generally designated by the reference numeral 330, which includes a number of links movable relative to each other in response'to the reclining movement of the body-supporting unit 316. Specifically, the

leg-rest control linkage 330 includes the guiding or carrier link 332 which is movably mounted as previously described. In the upright or sitting position of the chair the guiding or carrier link 332 remains stationary rela- 'tive to the support, bearing against the cross brace 3.15b which is located beneath the carrier link 332. When the leg-rest control linkage 330 is blocked, the carrier link 332 translates or displaces upwardly about the pivot .322 which is located intermediate its ends, as will appear hereinafter. Operatively connected between the guiding or carrier link 332 and the leg-rest'326 is a first link pair 338, 340 which extend in an angular relation relative to each other and have their adjacent ends connected at a pivotal connection 342. The link 338 of the link pair 338, 340 is suspended from the carrier link 332 at a pivot 344 which is adjacent to and spaced from its other or upper end. The other end of the link 340 of the link pair 338, 340 has a pivotal connection 346 to the leg-rest 326. Operatively connected between the seat 318 and the legrest 326 is a second link pair 348, 350 which extend in an pivotal connection 356 being spaced below the pivotal connection 346. The link 348 crosses over the link 340 and at the cross-over point the links 340, 348 have a pivotal connection 358. The link pz irs 338, 340 and 348, 350 will be recognized as providing a four bar suspending linkage for the leg-rest, with one suspending pivot 344 on the carrier link 332 and the other suspending pivot 354 on the seat 318. The suspending linkage is actuated by a connecting link 360 Which'has a pivotal connection 362 at its forward end to the upper end of the link 338 at a point spaced from the pivotal connection 344 and a pivotal connection 364 at its rearward end at the juncture of the seat and back-rest above the rigid extension 324. Provision is made for blocking the movable links of the leg-rest control linkage 330 for movement relative to each other in response to movement of the body-supporting unit 316 from the upright sitting position to the intermediate tilted or partially reclined position. In this embodiment an abutment 366 is fixed to the'forward end of the carrier link 332 in position to engage the movable 51 1 link 338 in the region of thepivotal connection 344 when the body-supporting unit 316 moves into the intermediate tilted or semi-reclined position of Fig. 10. When the leg-rest control linkage 330 is blocked by' the contact between the abutment or blocking member 366 and the link 338, the leg-rest supporting linkage 330 maintains the leg-rest 326 in the elevated leg-supporting position and further reclining movement of the chair will cause the carrier link 332 to translate or turn about its pivot 322 intermediate its ends. During such further reclining movement from the resting position into the reclining position, the body-supporting unit 316 and the elevated leg-rest 326 move as a unitary assembly about the main pivot 322, without any relative movement between the links of the leg-rest control linkage or mechanism 330. In a sense, the movable mounted carrier link 332 serves as a lost motion connection enabling the further movement of the body-supporting unit and the leg-rest as an assembly after the leg-rest'control linkage 330 is blocked.

The limits for the movement of the reclining chair are established by the brace or cross rod 3150 on the support 312 which is in position to engage the undersurface of the seat 316 to establish the upright sitting position (Fig. 9) and the brace 315a on the support whch is in position to contact the back-rest 320 and thereby establish the fully reclined position for the chair (see Fig. 11).

The function and purpose of this improved two-position ireclining chair will be more fully appreciated by refer ence to the following description of a typical sequence of operations, making progressive reference to Figs. 9 to 11 of the drawings:

In the upright sitting position of the chair illustrated in Fig. 9 the carrier link 332 rests on the brace or stop 315b and the leg-rest control linkage 330 is unblocked and in condition for elevating the. leg-rest 326 to'the required leg-supporting position. Accordingly, as the chair occupant leans against the back-rest and causes the body-supporting unitf316 to rock or turn about the main pivot 322, the leg-rest control linkage 330 is efiective to .elevate the leg-rest 326. Specifically the pivot 364 moves ,rearwardly in a counter-clockwise direction about the main pivot (see Fig. 10) which, via the actuating or driving link 360 causes the lower arm of the link or double-arm lever 338 to pivot about the pivot 344 in the counter-clockwise direction which causes the link pairs 338, 340 and 348, 350 to swing forwardly. As the legrest 326 moves into the elevated leg-supporting position, the intermediate tilted or semi-reclined position is established by contact between the movable link 338 and the abutment or blockingmember 366, as seen in Fig. 10.

In res onse to further pressure on the back-rest, the carrier link 332 begins to translate about the main pivot 322, with the blocked leg-rest control linkage 330 supporting the leg-rest 326 in its elevated leg-supporting position. As the carrier link 332 translates or turns about the main pivot 322 in the counter-clockwise direction, the back-rest 320 moves into contact with the brace or stop 315a which establishes the fully reclined position illustrated in Fig. 11.

When the chair occupant desires to return to the normal upright or sitting position it is merely necessary to .exert a downward pressure on the leg-rest 326 whereupon the carrier link 332 returns to its supported position on the brace or stop 315b. Further downward pressure causes the leg-rest controlling linkage 330 to move in the unblocking direction until such time as the bodysupporting unit 316 is restored to the upright sitting position illustrated in Fig.9.

Referring now specifically to Figs. 12 to 14 of the drawings, there is shown a further improved reclining .chair demonstratingfeatures of the present invention, which chair is designated by the reference numeral 410. The chair is of the two-position type, being capable of movement into a semi-reclined or intermediate tilted position for television viewing with the leg-rest elevated 'jacent its rearward end at a pivot 425.

as seen in Fig. 13 and being further capable of move ment into a fully reclined position as seen in Fig. 14. The chair includes a support 412 having opposite side walls 414 interconnected by suitable cross braces 415a, 415b, 4150. Movably or rockably mounted on the support 412 is a body-supporting unit 416 which includes a unitary seat 418 and back-rest 420. The body-supporting unit 416 is mounted on the support 412 at a main or back-rest pivot 422 by a double arm lever 424 which has its upper arm 424a connected to the seat 418 ad- The main or back-rest pivot 422 serves as a means for mounting the body-supporting unit 416 on the support 412 for movement about the main pivot 422 from the upright or sitting position of Fig. 12 into the intermediate tilted or resting position of Fig. 13 and then into the fully reclined or total relaxation position of Fig. 14 and also as a means for mounting the carrier link 432 for pivotal or turning movement.

Disposed beneath the forward end of the seat 418 of the body-supporting unit 416, there is a leg-rest 426 'which is movable from the stored position depending below the seat, as shown in Fig. 12 into the elevated legsupporting position. In this embodiment the leg-rest 426 is suspended beneath the forward end of the seat 418 by a linkage arrangement to be described.

The movement of the leg-rest 426 is coordinated with the movement of the body-supporting unit 416 by a leg rest control linkage, generally designated by the reference numeral 430, which includes a number of links movable relative to each other in response to the reclining movement of the body-supporting unit 416. Specifically, the leg-rest control linkage 430 includes the guiding or carrier link 432 which is pivoted at a point adjacent to and spaced from its rearward end coaxially with the main pivot 422. In the upright or sitting position of the chair the guiding or carrier link 432 remains stationary relative to the support, bearing against the cross brace or rod 415b which is located beneath the link. When the leg-rest control linkage 430 is blocked, the carrier link 432 translates or displaces upwardly about the pivot 422 adjacent its rearward end, as will appear hereinafter. Operatively connected between the guiding or carrier link 4332 and the leg-rest 426 is a first link pair 438, 440 which extend in an angular relation relative to each other and have their adjacent ends connected at a pivotal connection 442. The link 438 of the link pair 438, 440 is suspended from the carrier link 432 at a pivot 444 which is at its other or upper end. The other end of the link 440 of the link pair 438, 440 has a pivotal connection 446 to the leg-rest. Operatively connected between the seat 418 and the leg-rest 426 is a second link pair 448, 450 which extend in an angular relationship relative to each other and having their adjacent ends connected at a pivotal connection 452. The link 448 is suspended at its other end from the seat 418 at a pivot 454 which is spaced from the forward end of the seat. The link 450 has a pivotal connection 456 at its other end to the leg-rest 426, the pivotal connection 456 being spaced below the pivotal connection 446. The link 448 crosses over the link 440 and at the cross-over point the links 440, 448 have a pivotal connection 458. The link pairs 438, 440 and 448, 450 will be recognized as providing a double-four bar suspending linkage for the leg-rest with one suspending pivot 444 on the carrier link 432 and the other suspending pivot 454 on the seat. The suspending linkage is actuated by a connecting link 460 which has a pivotal connection 462 at its forward end to the link 438 below the suspending pivot 444 and a pivotal connection 464 at its rearward end to the arm 424!) of the double arm mounting lever or link 424.

Provision is made for blocking the movable links of the leg-rest control linkage 430 for movement relative to each other in response to movement of the bodysupporting unit 416 from the upright sitting position to the intermediate tilted or partially reclined position. In this embodiment an abutment 466 is fixed to the rear end of the carrier link 432 in position to engage the lever arm 424a when the body-supporting unit 416 moves into the intermediate tilted or semi-reclined position of Fig. 13. When the leg-rest control linkage 4-30 is blocked by the contact between the abutment or blocking member 466 and the lever arm 424a the leg-rest supporting linkage 430 maintains the leg-rest 426 in the elevated legsupporting position and further reclining movement of the chair will cause the carrier link 432 to translate or turn about the main pivot 422. During such further reclining movement from the resting position into the reclining position, the body supporting unit 416 and the elevated leg-rest 426 move as a unitary assembly about the main pivot 422, without any relative movement between the links of the leg-rest control linkage or mechanism 430. In a sense, the movable mounted carrier link 432 serves as a lost motion connection enabling the further movement of the body-supporting unit 416 and the leg-rest 426 as an assembly after the leg-rest control linkage 430 is blocked.

The limits for the movement of the reclining chairs are established by the brace 415c on the support 412 which is in position to engage the undersurface of the seat 4-16 to establish the upright sitting position (Fig. 12) and the brace 415a on the support which is in position to contact the back-rest 42d and thereby establish the fully reclined position for the chair (see Fig. 14).

The function and purpose of this improved two-position reclining chair will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following description of a typical sequence of operations, making progressive reference to Figs. 12 to 14 of the drawings:

In the upright sitting position of the chair illustrated in Fig. 12 the carrier link 43:2 rests on the brace or stop 41511 and the leg-rest control linkage 434) is unblocked and in condition for elevating the leg-rest 426 to the required leg-supporting position. Accordingly, as the chair occupant leans against the back-rest and causes the body-supporting unit 416 to rock or turn about the main pivot 422, the leg-rest control linkage 43% is efiective to elevate the leg-rest 426. Specifically the pivot 425 moves rearwardly in a counter-clockwise direction about the main pivot 422 which, via the lever arm 42 3b serving as an actuating or driving link causes the link 438 to pivot about the pivot 444 in the counter-clockwise direction which causes the link pairs 438, 440, and 448, 450 to swing forwardly. As the leg-rest 425 moves into the elevated leg-supporting position, the intermediate tilted or semi-reclined position is established by contact between the lever arm 424a and the abutment or blocking member 466, as seen in Fig. 13.

In response to further pressure on the back-rest, the carrier link 432 begins to translate about the main pivot 422, with the blocked leg-rest control linkage s30 supporting the leg-rest 426 in its elevated leg-supporting position. As the carrier link 432 translates or turns about the main pivot 422 in the counter-clockwise direction the back-rest 420 moves into contact with the brace or stop 415a which establishes the fully reclined position illustrated in Fig. 14.

When the chair occupant desires to return to the normal upright or sitting position it is merely necessary to exert a downward pressure on the leg-rest 426 whereupon the carrier link 432 returns to its supported position on the brace or stop 41511. Further downward pressure causes the leg-rest controlling linkage 43 to move in the unblocking direction until such time as the body-supporting unit 416 is restored to the upright sitting position illustrated in Fig. 12.

In the various embodiments, provision is made for locking the leg-rest control linkage substantially at the intermediate tilted position such that the leg-rest control linkage will maintain the leg-rest in a fixed position in relation to the seat during the movement from the intermediate tilted or resting position into the reclining position. The blocking arrangement may be provided directly on the linkage for suspending and mounting the leg-rest or may be provided as part of the associated actuating linkage. Accordingly in the appended claims the reference to means for blocking the links of the legrest control linkage is intended to include a stop or blocking member directly on one of the links of the legrest control linkage or a blocking member on the overall coordinating linkage of the chair which is efifective in turn to achieve the blocking function.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described herein, it is obvious that numerous additions, changes and omissions may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. A reclining chair comprising a support, a bodysupporting unit including a unitary seat and back-rest, means mounting said body-supporting unit for movement about a main pivot successively from a sitting position into an intermediate resting position and into a reclining position, a leg-rest, a leg-rest control linkage including links movable relative to each other in response to movement of said body-supporting unit, said leg-rest control linkage including an auxiliary pivot for one of said links, and means mounting said auxiliary pivot for displacement relative to said support, said leg-rest control linkage elevating said leg-rest into a leg-supporting position in response to movement of said links relative to each other as said body-supporting unit moves into said resting position, said leg-rest control linkage being arranged such that said auxiliary pivot remains substantially stationary when said links move relative to each other and such that said auxiliary pivot is displaced when said links are blocked against movement relative to each other, and means for blocking said links of said leg-rest control linkage against movement relative to each other in response to movement of said body-supporting unit into said resting position such that the blocked leg-rest control linkage maintains said leg-rest in said leg-supporting position, said auxiliary pivot being displaced relative to said support in response to movement of said body-supporting unit from said resting position into said reclining position whereby said body-supporting unit may continue to move with said leg-rest control linkage blocked and said leg-rest maintained in said leg-supporting position.

2. A reclining chair comprising a support, a bodysupporting means including a seat and back-rest rigid with each other to form a unit, means mounting said unit for movement successively from a sitting position into an intermediate resting position and into a reclining position, the mounting means including a main pivot on said support, a leg-rest control linkage including links movable relative to each other in response to movement of said unit, said leg-rest control linkage including at least one auxiliary pivot for at least one of said links and means mounting said auxiliary pivot for displacement relative to said support, a leg-rest operatively connected to said leg-rest control linkage and elevated into a leg supporting position in response to movement of said links relative to each other as said unit moves into said resting position, said auxiliary pivot remaining substantially stationary when said links are movable relative to each other and said auxiliary pivot being displaced when said links are blocked against movement relative to each other, and means for blocking said links against movement relatiVe to each other in response to movement of said unit into said resting position, said auxiliary pivot being displaced relative to said support in response to movement of said unit from said resting position into said reclining position whereby said unit continues to move with said leg-rest control linkage blocked.

3. A reclining chair according to claim 2 wherein said 1-5 back-rest including a rigid extension extending downwardly from said main pivot and said leg-rest control linkage is operatively connected to said rigid extension.

4. A reclining chair according to claim 2 wherein said leg-rest control linkage is operatively connected to said seat of said unit.

5. A reclining chair comprising a support, a bodysupporting unit including a rigid seat and back-rest, means operatively connected to and mounting said bodysupporting unit on said support for pivotal movement through a first phase from an upright sitting position to an intermediate tilted position and through a second phase from said intermediate tilted position to a reclined position, carrier means movably mounted on said support, a leg-rest, a leg-rest control linkage operatively connected to said carrier means, to said body-supporting unit and to said leg-rest for moving said leg-rest to an elevated leg-supporting position in response to said first phase of said reclining movement, and, blocking means operative to block said control linkage when said bodysupporting unit moves into said intermediate tilted position, said carrier means remaining relatively stationary during said first phase of said reclining movement and moving during said second phase of said reclining movement such that said leg-rest in said elevated leg-supporting position moves with said body-supporting unit into said reclined position with the blocked control linkage maintaining a fixed relationship between said leg-rest and said body-supporting unit.

6. A reclining chair according to claim 5 wherein the mounting means for said body-supporting unit includes a main pivot and wherein said carrier means includes a carrier link and means pivotally mounting said carrier link on said support.

7. A reclining chair comprising a support, a bodysupporting unit including a rigid seat and back-rest, means operatively connected to and mounting said bodysupporting unit on said support for pivotal movement about a main pivot through a first phase from an upright sitting position to an intermediate tilted position and through a second phase from said intermediate tilted position to a reclined position, an extension rigid with said back-rest extending below said main pivot, carrier means, means mounting said carrier means for turning movement about a relatively fixed axis on said support and for translation relative to said relatively fixed axis, a leg-rest, a leg-rest control linkage operatively connected to said carrier means, to said extension of said back-rest and to said leg-rest for moving said leg-rest to an elevated leg-supporting position in response to said first phase of said reclining movement, and blocking means engageable with said control linkage and arranged to block said control linkage when said body-supporting unit moves into said intermediate tilted position, said carrier means remaining relatively stationary and turning on said relatively fixed axis during said first phase of said reclining movement and translating relative to said relatively fixed axis during said second phase of said reclining movement such that said leg-rest, when in said elevated leg-supporting position moves with said body-supporting unit into said reclined position with the blocked control linkage maintaining a fixed relationship between said leg-rest and said body-supporting unit.

8. A reclining chair comprising a support, a bodysupporting unit including a rigid seat and back-rest, means operatively connected to and mounting said bodysupporting unit on said support for pivotal movement about a main pivot through a first phase from an upright sitting position to an intermediate tilted position and through a second phase from said intermediate tilted position to a reclined position, an extension rigid with said back-rest extending below said main pivot, carrier means, means mounting said carrier means for turning movement about a relatively fixed axison said support and for translation relative to said relatively fixed axis,

a leg-rest, means mounting said leg-rest below said seat for movement into an elevated leg-supporting position, leg-rest control means mounted on said carrier means and operatively connected to said leg-rest, actuating means connected to said leg-rest control means and to said body-supporting unit for moving said leg-rest to an elevated leg-supporting position in response to said first phase of said reclining movement, and blocking means engaging said control linkage when said body-supporting unit moves into said intermediate tilted position, said carrier means remaining relatively stationary and turning on said relatively fixed axis during said first phase of said reclining movement and translating relative to said relatively fixed axis during said second phase of said reclining movement such that said leg-rest when in said elevated leg-supporting position moves with said body-supporting unit into said reclined position with the blocked control linkage maintaining a fixed relationship between said leg-rest and said body-supporting unit.

9. A reclining chair comprising a support, a bodysupporting unit including a rigid seat and back-rest, means operatively connected to and mounting said bodysupporting unit at a main pivot on said support for pivotal movement through a first phase from an upright sitting position to an intermediate tilted position and through a second phase from said intermediate tilted position to a reclined position, a carrier link, means pivotally mounting said carrier link on said support coaxially of said main pivot, a leg-rest, a leg-rest control linkage pivotally connected to said carrier link, to said bodysupporting unit and to said leg-rest for moving said legrest to an elevated leg-supporting position in response to said first phase of said reclining movement, and blocking means engageable with said control linkage and arranged to block said control linkage when said body-supporting unit moves into said intermediate tilted position, said carrier link remaining stationary during said first phase of said reclining movement and turning on said main pivot during said second phase of said reclining movement such that said leg-rest when in said elevated legsupporting position moves with said body-supporting unit into said reclined position with the blocked control linkage maintaining a fixed relationship between said legrest and said body-supporting unit.

10. A reclining chair comprising a support, a bodysupporting unit including a rigid seat and back-rest, means operatively connected to and mounting said bodysupporting unit on said support for pivotal movement about a main pivot through a first phase from an upright sitting position to an intermediate tilted position and through a second phase from said intermediate tilted position to a reclined position, a carrier member, means operatively connected to and movably mounting said carrier on said support for turning movement about a carrier pivot, a leg-rest, a leg-rest mounting linkage operatively connected to said carrier member and to said leg-rest for mounting said leg-rest for movement into an elevated leg-supporting position, coordinating means operatively connected to said body-supporting unit and to said mounting linkage for moving said leg-rest into said elevated leg-supporting position in response to said first phase of said reclining movement, and blocking means arranged to block said mounting linkage when said body-supporting unit moves into said intermediate tilted position, said carrier member remaining relatively stationary during said first phase of said reclining movement and turning about said carrier pivot during said second phase of said reclining movement such that said leg-rest when in said elevated leg-supporting position moves with said body-supporting unit into said reclined position with the blocked mounting linkage maintaining a fixed relationship between said leg-rest and said bodysupporting unit. a

11. A reclining chair comprising a support, a bodysu pporting unit including a rigid seat and back-rest,

means operatively connected to and mounting said bodysupporting unit on said support for pivotal movement about a main pivot through a first phase from an upright sitting position to an intermediate tilted position and through a second phase from said intermediate tilted position to a reclined position, a carrier member, means operatively connected to and movably mounting said carrier on said support for turning movement about a carrier pivot, a leg-rest, a leg-rest mounting linkage pivotally supported on said carrier member and operatively connected to said leg-rest for mounting said leg-rest for movement into an elevated leg-supporting position, coordinating means operatively connected to said bodysupporting unit and to said mounting linkage for moving said leg-rest into said elevated leg-supporting position in response to said first phase of said reclining movement, and blocking means arranged to block said mounting linkage when said body-supporting unit moves into said intermediate tilted position, said carrier member remaining relatively stationary during said first phase of said reclining movement and turning about said carrier pivot during said second phase of said reclining movement such that said leg-rest when in said elevated leg-supporting position moves with said body-supporting unit into said reclined position with the blocked mounting linkage maintaining a fixed relationship between said leg-rest and said body-suppo ting unit.

12. A reclining chair comprising a support, a bodysupporting unit including a rigid seat and back-rest, means mounting said unit on said support for rearward tilting movement, a leg-rest, a leg-rest control linkage carrying said leg-rest and guiding the same for outward movement to an extended position, said leg-rest linkage including a plurality of links connecting said leg-rest to said unit and having a movable pivot on said support, means mounting said movable pivot for translatory movement relative to said support, said links being movable relative to each other during an initial phase of rearward movement of said unit with said movable pivot remaining stationary in relation to said support to move said legrest to its extended position in response to said initial phase of movement, said movable pivot translating relative to said support during further rearward movement of said unit to lift said extended leg-rest and linkage with said unit, said leg-rest and linkage remaining substantially stationary relative to said unit and said links remaining substantially stationary relative to each other during said further rearward movement.

13. A reclining chair comprising a support, a bodysupporting unit including a rigid seat and back-rest, means mounting said unit on said support for movement successively from a sitting position into various reclining positions, a control linkage including links movable relative to each other in response to movement of said unit, said control linkage including at least one pivot for at least one of said links and means mounting said one pivot for displacement relative to said support, a leg-rest operatively connected to said control linkage and elevated into a leg-supporting position in response to movement of said links relative to each other as said unit moves into a first reclining position, said one pivot remaining substantially stationary when said links are movable relative to each other and said one pivot being displaced when said links are blocked against movement relative to each other, and means for blocking said links against movement relative to each other in response to movement of said unit into said first reclining position such that said one pivot is displaced relative to said support in response to movement of said unit from said first reclining position into a further reclining position.

14. A reclining chair comprising a support, a bodysupporting unit including a rigid seat and back-rest, means operatively connected to and mounting said bodysupporting unit on said support for pivotal movement through a first phase from an initial position to an intermediate position and through a second phase from said intermediate position to a final position, carrier means movably mounted on said support and including a pivot displaceable relative to said support, a leg-rest, a control linkage operatively connected to said carrier means, to said body-supporting unit and to said leg-rest for moving said leg-rest to an elevated leg-supporting position in response to said first phase of said reclining movement, and blocking means operative to block said control linkage when said body-supporting unit moves into said intermediate position, said pivot on said carrier means remaining relatively stationary during said first phase of said reclining movement and being displaced relative to said support during said second phase of said reclining movement such that said leg-rest in said elevated leg-supporting position moves with said body-supporting unit into said final position.

15. A reclining chair according to claim 14 wherein said carrier means includes a carrier link and cooperating pin and slot means on said carrier link and support providing said pivot displaceable relative to said support.

16. A reclining chair according to claim 14 wherein the mounting means for said body-supporting unit includes a main pivot and wherein said carrier means includes a carrier link and means pivotally mounting said carrier link on said support.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

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