US3333811A - Rocker mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Aug- 1, 1967 J.1.MATTHEWS sssm ROCKEH MECHANI SM Filed sept. v, 1965 faz@ 3 L 52 55f /azw ATTORNEYLE;

Aug. 1, 1967 J, T. MATTHEWS 3,333,81

ROCHER MECHANISM Filed Sept. 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR ATTORNE Aug. 1, i967 1. T. MATTHEWS HOOKER MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept.

INVENTQ BY f,

/ idd@ www( 60u/ ATTGRNEYS A118- 1 1957 J. T. MATTHEWS 3,333,8H

HOOKER MECHANISM Filed Sept. 1965 v4 Sheets-Sheet L Y @mi IWENTOR @mm/Waff ww' ATTORNEY United States Patent O 3,333,811 RGCKER MECHANISM John T., Matthews, Charlotte, N.C., assignor to Wil-Mat Corporation, Charlotte, N.C., a corporation of North Carolina Filed Sept. 7, 1965, Ser. No. 485,188 14 Claims. (Cl. 248-376) The present invention relates to new and novel rocker mechanism, and more particularly to rocker mechanism for use with chairs or seat structures.

The rocker mechanism of the present invention is par ticularly adapted for use with chairs or seats such as office chairs and the like. The rocker mechanism is so designed as to normally bias the mechanism into a desired neutral position and to facilitate rocking movement when so desired by a person occupying the structure supported by the rocker mechanism itself.

In order t accomplish these desired results, the rocker mechanism of the present invention incorporates a unique structure wherein a plurality of support arms are pivotally connected -With a base means, and a support framework is operatively associated with the support arms, the support framework including pivotally supported side member means for supporting a seat or the like. The base means, the support arms and the support framework are preferably formed of a rigid metallic material so as to provide a very strong and durable construction.

Unique resilient means is operatively associated with the rocker mechanism so as to normally bias the over-all mechanism into a neutral position. This resilient means may take different forms, and in various modifications of the invention, compression spring means, tension spring means and torsion spring means as well as certain combinations of these spring means are employed.

A special advantage of the arrangement of the rocker mechanism of the present invention is the fact that it can be utilized with diiferent types of base means. This enables maximum versatility since the support arms can be pivotally supported on any suitable type of base means and any conventional supporting leg arrangement. In particular, the rocker mechanism of the present invention may be associated with a base means which is a swivel arrangement so that the over-all combination provides a swivel rocker which is highly desirable in oiice chairs or similar articles of furniture.

The construction of the present invention isquite compact, employs a minimum of parts, is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and substantially trouble-free in operation. At the same time, the arrangement is quite sturdy and rugged in construction so as to readily withstand loads applied thereto in normal use.

The support framework connected with the support arms of the structure enables any suitable means to be supported on the rocker mechanism, and in a typical example a seat structure is shown as supported on the support framework, although it will be understood that any other suitable means may be supported thereon if so desired.

An object of the present invention is to provide new and novel rocker mechanism which is particularly adapted for use with chairs or seats such as oliice chairs and the like.

Another object of the invention is the provision of rocker mechanism which may be employed with dilerent types of supports and which can be particularly combined with a swivel base means to provide a swivel rocker arrangement.

Still another object of the invention is to provide rocker mechanism employing novel resilient means to bias the mechanism to a neutral position and to facilitate rocking movement when in use.

3,333,811 Patented Aug. l, 1967 A further object of the invention is to provide rocker mechanism which is quite compact, employs a minimum of parts, is relatively inexpensive in construction, is substantially trouble-free in use, and yet which is quite sturdy and rugged and reliable in operation.

Other objects and many attendant advantages of the invention will become more apparent when considered in connection with the specification and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a first form of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the structure shown in FIG. l;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the structure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top View of a modilied form of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the structure shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the structure shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of an oliice chair employing the structure shown in FIGS. 1 3 inclusive;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 8-8 of FIG. l looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 9-9 of FIG. 3 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 10-10 of FIG. 3 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. ll is a sectional View taken substantially along line 11--11 of FIG. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. l2 is a side View of a further modification of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a side view of still another form of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a top view of a still further modified form of the invention;

FIG. l5 is a rear view of the structure shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the structure shown in FIG. 14 with a part thereof broken away for the sake of clarity; and

FIG.- 17 is a top perspective view of a portion of the structure shown in FIGS. 14-16 and partly broken away to illustrate the manner of mounting one of the torsion springs of the structure.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a tirst modification of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 7-11 inclusive. In this modification, the base means is indicated generally by reference numeral 10 which includes a swivel means indicated by reference numeral 12 and supported by a plurality of leg members 14 shown as being four in number and each being of a generally channel shaped configuration. Suitable glide members 16 or other well known types of support members can be employed with the leg members for supporting them on a support surface.

The swivel means 12 may be of a construction as shown for example in U.S. Patent No. 2,779,642 and as particularly illustrated in FIG. 9 of such patent. The swivel means includes a pair yof plates 20 and 22, the lower plate 20 being suitably secured to the leg members 14 as by nut and bolt assemblies vindicated by reference numerals 24. The plates 20 and 22 are shown as being of generally square coniiguration, although any suitable shape may be employed. The plates are provided with corner openings, the nut and bolt assemblies 24 extending through the corner openings in plate 20 and suitably aligned openings provided inthe leg members.

The plates 20 and 22 are provided with bearing races or channels 20a and 22a respectively, these channels re- 3 ceiving a plurality of bearing balls 28 which are maintained in suitable spaced relationship by a cage structure as set forth in the aforementioned patent.

A plate 30 of circular configuration has a downwardly facing annular raceway which receives va plurality of bearing balls 32, plate 30 as well as the plates 20 and 22 all being held in operative relationship by means of a rivet stud 34 and a collar or washer 36, the upper end of the stud being-swaged over to hold the assembly in the assembled relationship shown in FIG. 8. Y

The base means includes a pair of base members 40 and 42 each of which is of channel-shaped configuration, being open at the top and defining a cross sectional configuration which is generally rectangular. The two base members 40 and 42 are fixed in spaced relationship to one another on the upper plate 22 and may be secured in position by suitable fastening means such as rivets 40a and 42a respectively which extend through openings provided in the corners of the plate 22 and suitable aligned openings provided in the base members.

Support arm means comprises four separate and independent support arms indicated by reference numerals 50,52, 54 and 56, each of these arms being of generally channel-shaped cross sectional configuration and of similar construction. The two support arms 50 and 52 are pivotally supported by base member 40, the arms being vmounted for pivotal movement about pivot pins 50a and 52a respectively, and the other two arms 54 and 56 are pivotally supported by base member 42Afor pivotal movement aboutY pivot pins 54a and 56a respectively. Since the construction of each of the arms is identical, and the manner of pivotally mounting each ofthe arms is similar, a description of the particular manner of mounting one of the arms will suffice for all.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the manner. of pivotally supporting arm 50 is illustrated. The opposite leg portions of the channel-shaped arm 50 are provided with inwardly directed integral flange portions 60 and 62 which snugly receive and support bearing members 64 and 66 which may be formed of any suitable non-friction material such as nylon or the like. These bearing members 64 and 66 each have a central bore formed therethrough, the bores in the bearing members being aligned with holes 68 and 70 provided in the opposite leg portions of the channelshaped associated base member. It is apparent that the pivot pin 50a extends through the -aligned holes and bores and serves to pivotally support the support arm on the associated base member.

Spring support members 74 and 76 as seen most clearly in FIG.V 1 are supported at an intermediate portion of the base members40 and 42 respectively, these spring support members serving to support the springs hereinafter described. Y

The various support arms 50, 52, 54 and 56 include laterally extending portions 80, 82, 84 and 86 respectively which are adapted to engage the spring members associated therewith for biasing the support arms in a particular direction. The construction of each of theserportions 80, 82, 84 and 86 is the same, and accordingly, a detailed description of one of them will suffice for all.

VReferring now particularly to FIG. 11, the laterally extending portion 86 of arm 56 includes a downwardly facing Vcup-shaped portion 88 which receives the upper end of a compression spring 96, the lower end of this compressionspring being retained Within a cup-shaped portion 77, secured to member 76. It is apparent that this arrangement will securely retain the compression spring in operative position, and the compression spring will normally tend to bias the support arm 86 in a clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 1l about the pivot axis defined by pivot pin 56a.

Similar springs 90, 92 and 94 are operatively associated with the arm portions 50, 82 and 84 respectively, it being understood ineach case that the upper end of Yeach of these separate compression springs is received and retained in a downwardly facing cup-shaped portion, the lower end of each of the springs being received in a cup-shaped retainer provided on one of the spring support means 74 or 76. With this arrangement, each of the support arms is biased in a particular direction about its associated pivot axis.

As seen in FIG. 3, it will be understood that arm 50 will be biased in a clockwise direction as will the arm 54 immediately therebehind in this view, while arm 52 and the arm 56 immediately therebehind in this view will be biased in a counterclockwise direction as seen in this particular figure.

As seen most clearly in FIG. l, the support framework supported at the upper end of the support arms includes a first pair of frame members 100 and 102. Each of these members is of tubular construction and may for example be generally square in cross sectional configuration. Frame member .100 is rigidly secured as by welding or the like to the upper ends of the arms 50 and 54. The frame member 102 is rigidly secured to the upper ends of arms 52 and 56. Y

The opposite ends of thetubular members 100 and 102 are closed by cap members 100a and 102a respectively, these cap members serving as means for pivotally supporting the side members 104 and 106 of the support framework. It will be noted that each of members 104 and 106 is pivotally connected at spaced portions thereof with the two frame members 100 and 102. Since the construction of the Vpivotal interconnection -between each of the frame members and each of the side members of the support framework is identical, a description of t-he detailed construction of one will suffice for all. Y

Referring particularly to FIG. 9, a support stud includes a cylindrical shank portion 110 extending through a suitable opening provided in cap member a, and having formed thereon an enlarged head 112 which is suitably secured as by welding to the innerV surface of the cap member. The associated side member 104 is provided with an integral flange portion 114 which defines a bearing portion which snugly receives the shank portion 110. It is evident that this arrangement provides a pivotal interconnection between the side member and the associated frame member.

As seen most clearly in FIGS. l, 3 and 7, side member 104 is provided with a plurality of spaced holes 116, and side member 106 is provided with a plurality of spaced holes 118, these holes being employed for securing a suitable means thereto which is to be supported by the rocker structure. As shown in FIG. 7, the means supported on the rocker mechanism comprises a chair structure indicated generally by reference numeral and including a seat portion 122 and a back rest portion 124. It will be understood that the seat portion 122 is suitably secured to the side members 104 by suitable fastening means as is conventional in the art. It will also be noted in FIG. 7 that one of the leg members has been removed for the sake of illustration.

' Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 6 inclusive, a modified form of the invention is illustrated, and in this form of the invention, the base meanssupport arms, and support framework are substantially identical with the previously described modification and have been give the same reference numerals primed. The only difference in the construction shown in FIGS. 4 through 6 inclusive is in the provision of additional resilient spring means for urging the rocker mechanism into a neutral position and for facilitating the rocking action when in use. It will be noted that in this latter modification, four compression springs are employed just as in the previously described modification.

In addition to the same structure as employed in theV support a pin 134 at the outer ends thereof. A pair of bracket members 136 secured to arm 54 support a pin 138, and a similar pair of bracket members 140 secured to arm 56 serve to support a pin 142 at the outer ends thereof. Y

A first tension spring 144 has the opposite ends thereof secured to pins 132 and 134, and a second tension spring 146 has the opposite ends thereof connected to pins 138 and 142. It is apparent that these tension springs will tend to pull the associated arms toward one another and in cooperation with the aforedescribed compression springs will bias the rocker structure to a neutral position and assist in maintaining a proper rocking action when in use.

Referring now to FIG. 12 of the drawings, a still further modified form of the invention is illustrated, parts similar to those shown in FIG. 6 having been given the same reference numerals. A comparison of FIG. 12 with FIG. 6 of the drawings reveals that substantially the identical construction is provided with the exception that in the modifiication shown in FIG. 12, the two projecting portion 82 and 86 and the associated compression springs 92 and 96 have been eliminated in this form of the invention. In other words, the construction shown in FIG. l2 is identical with that shown in FIG. 6 except that in the modification shown in FIG. 12, the compression springs normally biasing arms 52 and 56 in a counterclockwise direction have -been eliminated.

The other spring means employed in the modification shown in FIG. 12 are identical with those shown in FIG. 6, or in other words a pair of compression springs 90' and 94 are provided for normally biasing arms 50' and 54' in a clockwise direction about the pivot pins thereof and a pair of tension springs 144 and 146 serve to bias arms 50 and 52 toward `one another and arms 54 and 56 toward one another respectively.

Referring now to the modification shown in FIG. 13, it will be noted that here again the structure is similar to those previously described in that the base means, the support arm structure and the support framework are substantially identical with the first described modification. The parts shown in FIG. 13 similar to those shown in FIG. 12 have been given the same reference numerals. In the structure shown in FIG. 13, the only difference from that shown in FIG. 12 is the fact that all of the compression springs have been eliminated so that the sole resilient means provided in ths form of the invention is the tension spring means 144 and 146. In other words, in the modification shown in FIG. 13, a first tension spring is provided for biasing arms 50 and 52' toward one another, and a second tension spring is provided for biasing the other pair of arms 54 and 56 toward one another.

This resilient biasing means as employed in FIG. 13 will also serve to bias the support arms and the rocker structure to a neutral position and will facilitate rocking action when in use as `in each of the previous modifications.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 through 17, a still further modified form of the invention is illustrated. In lthis modification as in the others, the base means, the support arm structure and the support framework is substantially identical with the first described form of the invention and similar parts have beeny given the same reference numerals primed. In this latter modification, a modified form of spring means is employed wherein torsion springs are utilized for biasing the rocker mechanism to a neutral position and for assisting in providing the proper rocking action.

A first torsion spring 150 is provided, and as seen particularly in FIG. 17, the lower end of the torsion spring is secured within base member 40' by means of a clamping member 152. An angle member bracket 154 is secured to the upper end of the torsion spring.

Bracket member 154 includes a first leg 156 having an integral offset portion 158 which receives the upper end of the torsion spring. A second leg member 160 is provided with a hole 162 therethrough for securing the bracket member to a suitable portion of the seat structure or the like which is supported on the framework.

A second torsion spring has the lower end thereof secured to the base member 42 by means of a clamping member 172.

An upper bracket 174 is similar to bracket 172 and includes a first leg portion 176 having an integral offset portion 178 for receiving the upper end of the torsion spring. A second leg portion 180 has a hole 182 formed therethrough for securing the bracket member to a suitable portion of the supported seat structure or the like.

It is apparent that the torsion springs in this modification Will function in a manner so as to accomplish the same purpose as the compression springs or tension springs in the previously described modifications in biasing the rocker mechanism to a neutral position and assisting in providing a proper rocker action when in use.

It is apparent from the foregoing that there -is provided according to the present invention new and novel rocker mechanism which is particularly adapted for use with chairs or seats such as Yoffice chairs and the like. It will be noted as seen for example in FIG. 3 that when the rocker mechanism is in its neutral position, the forward or right-hand portion of the support framework will be disposed slightly above the rear or left-hand portion of the framework such that the over-all support framework slopes from the rear portion thereof upwardly toward the forward portion thereof. This provides the usual desired neutral position of the associated chair structure. The resilient means in each form of the invention serves to bias the rocker mechanism to its neutral position so that the support framework is in the desired relationship, and the resilient means will facilitate proper rocking of the structure when in use. It is apparent that the rocker mechanism of the present invention can be employed with different types of supports, and is particularly adapted for use with a swivel structure to give a swivel rocker arrangement. The rocker mechanism is quite compact, employs a minimum yof parts, is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, is substantially trouble-free, and yet at the same time is quite sturdy and rugged and reliable in operation.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, and since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, all changes that fall within the metes .and bounds of the claims or that form their functional as Well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are therefore intended to be embraced by those claims.

I claim:

1. Rocker mechanism comprising base means including a pair of base members disposed in fixed spaced relationship to one another, four separate and independent support arms, a pair of support arms being pivotally interconnected at the lower ends thereof with spaced portions of each of said base members, a support framework connected with and supported by the upper ends of said support arms, said support framework including pivotally supported means for connection with means to be supported, and spring means for biasing the rocket mechanism to a neutral position, said spring means being operatively connected With each pair of support arms interconnected with one of said base members, each of said spring means being disposed between the associated pair of arms.

2. Apparatus yas defined in claim 1 wherein each of said spring means is supported by one of said base members at a point disposed between the pivotal interconnection of the lower ends of the associated arms with the associated base member.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said spring means associated with each of said pairs ofl support arms comprises a pair of compression springs, each of said compressions springs engaging portions on the lower part of one of said arms for biasing the associated arm in one direction about the pivotal interconnection thereof with the associated base member. Y Y

4. Apparatus as dened in claim 3 including tension spring means connected between the arms of each of said pairs of .arms above said compression spring means operatively connected with the associated arms, said tension spring means normally tending to bias the upper ends of said arms in a direction opposite to that in which the arms are biased by the associated compression spring means.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said spring means includes compression spring means operatively associated witheach of said pairs of support arms, each of said compression spring means being supported by the associated base member between lthe points of pivotal interconnection of the associated pair of support arms with the associated base member, each of said compression spring means engaging a portion on the lower part of only one of the arms of the associated pair of support arms, said spring means also including tension spring means connected between the arms of each pair of support arms for biasing the upper ends of the arms of each of said pairs of support arms toward one another.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said spring means comprises a tension spring means operatively connected between the arms of each of said pairs of support arms for biasing the upper ends of the arms of each of said pairs of support arms toward one another.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said spring means comprises a pair of torsion spring means, each of said torsion spring means-having one end thereof connected with and supported by one of said base members at a point between the pivotal interconnections of the associated pair of support arms with the associated base member, the opposite end of each of said torsion spring means being connected with said support framework.

8. Rocker mechanism including base means, a plurality of separate and independent support arms each of which is pivotally supported by said base means, resilient means for biasing the rocker mechanism into a neutral position, and a support framework supported by each of said support arms, said support framework including a first pair of frame members rigidly connected with said support arms, said yframework including a second pair of members each of which is pivotally interconnected with each of said frame members.

9. Rocker mechanism including base means, a plurality of separate and independent support arms each Aof which is pivotally .interconnected with said base means, resilient means for biasing the rocker mechanism into a neutral position, there being at least four support arms, a support framework supported by said support arms, said support framework including a pair of frame members each of said frame members being vrigidly connected with a pair of support arms, said framework also including a pair of side members each of which is pivotally connected at spaced points thereof with said pair of frame members.

10. Rocker mechanism comprising base means includ- -ing a pair of base members disposed in fixed spaced relationship to one another, four support arms, two support arms being pivotally connected with spaced portions of one of said base members, two other support arms Vbeing pivotally connected with spaced portions of the other of said base members, resilient means for biasing said Vrocker mechanism into a neutral position, a support framework connected with and supported by said support arms, said support framework including a first pair'of frame members, each of said frame members being rigidly connected with the upper ends of a pair of said support arms, said support framework including a pair of side members, each of said side members being pivotally interconnected a-t spaced points thereof with said frame members. Y

11. Apparatus as dened in claim 10 wherein each of said frame members is rigidly interconnected with a support arm pivotally interconnected with different ones of said lbase members. Y

12. Rocker mechanism comprising base means including a pair of base members disposed in fixed spaced relationship to one another, four separate and independent support arms, a pair of support arms being pivotally connected with spaced portions of each of said base members, four separate compression spring means, each of said compression spring means being disposed between said base means and one of said support arms for normally biasing each support arm in one direction about the pivot axis thereof, a support framework connected with and supported by said support arms, said support framework including a rst pair of frame members each of which is rigidly connected with a pair of said support arms, said support framework including a pair of spaced side members each of which is pivot-ally connected at spaced portions thereof with said pair of 4frame members.

13. Rocker mechanism comprising base means including a pair of base members disposed in fixed spaced relationship -to one another, four separate and independent support arms, a pair of support arms being pivotally interconnected with spaced portions -of each of said base members, four separate compression spring means, each of said compression spring means being disposed between said base means and one of said arms for normally biasing each of said -arms in one direction about the pivot axis thereof, and a pair of tension spring means, each of said tension springmeans being connected between the support arms pivotally supported by one of said base members, a support framework including a first pair of frame members each of which is rigidly connected with a pair of said support arms, said support framework also including a pair of side members each of which is pivotally interconnected at spaced portions thereof with said frame members.

14. Rocker mechanism comprising base means including a pair of base members disposed in iixed spaced relationship to one another, four separate and independent support arms, a pair of support arms being pivotally interconnected with spaced portions of each of said base members, a pair of torsion spring means, each of said torsion spring means being connected with one of said base members and being adapted to bias the rocker mechanism into a neutral position, and a support framework connected with and supported by said support arms, said support framework including a pair of frame members each of which is rigidly connected with a pair of said support arms, said support framework including a pair of side members each of which is pivotally interconnected at spaced portions thereof with said frame members.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 208,08'3 9/187'8 Gorrell 24S-376 X 399,502 3/ 1889 Davis 248--399 X 733,450 "7/ 1903 Wolf 248-389 X 2,015,974 10/ 1935 Stannard 248-399, X y2,273,286 \2/ 1942 Roberti Mii-388 2,916,084 1\2/ 1959 Bottemiller et al. 248-389 3,070,642 12/ 1962 Babbitt 248-376 3,249,331 5/ 1966 Hampton 248-399 X ROY D. FRAZIER, Primary Examiner.

CLAUDE A. LE ROY, Examiner.

R. P. SEITTER, Assistant Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. ROCKER MECHANISM COMPRISING BASE MEANS INCLUDING A PAIR OF BASE MEMBERS DISPOSED IN FIXED SPACED RELATIONSHIP TO ONE ANOTHER, FOUR SEPARATE AND INDEPENDENT SUPPORT ARMS, A PAIR OF SUPPORT ARMS MEANS BEING PIVOTALLY INTERCONNECTED AT THE LOWER ENDS THEREOF WITH SPACED PORTIONS OF EACH OF SAID BASE MEMBERS, A SUPPORT FRAMEWORK CONNECTED WITH AND SUPPORTED BY THE UPPER ENDS OF SAID SUPPORT ARMS, SAID SUPPORT FRAMEWORK INCLUDING PIVOTALLY SUPPORTED MEANS FOR CONNECTION WITH MEANS TO BE SUPPORTED, AND SPRING MEANS FOR BIASING THE ROCKET MECHANISM TO A NEUTRAL POSITION, SAID SPRING MEANS BEING OPERATIVELY CONNECTED WITH EACH PAIR OF SUPPORT ARMS INTERCONNECTED WITH ONE OF SAID BASE MEMBERS, EACH OF SAID SPRING MEANS BEING DISPOSED BETWEEN THE ASSOCIATED PAIR OF ARMS.

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