阅读说明：本技术 具有高脚设计的隐藏式搁脚凳斜倚座椅装置 (Concealed footrest reclining seat apparatus with high-foot design ) 是由 M·克鲁姆 于 2019-01-08 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种用于座椅单元的装置,该装置在关闭位置、电视位置和完全倾斜位置之间移动座椅单元。该装置允许可靠地将搁脚板保持在关闭位置,防止搁脚板随着时间而下垂。该装置包括联动机构,当搁脚板从关闭位置移动到伸展位置时,该联动机构迫使联接到搁脚板的连杆最初向上移动。该装置的重量保持搁脚板确实地关闭,直到施加足够大的力来移动经过联接到搁脚板的连杆能够下降的点。(An apparatus for a seating unit is provided that moves the seating unit between a closed position, a television position, and a fully reclined position. The device allows to reliably keep the footrest in the closed position, preventing the footrest from sagging over time. The device includes a linkage that forces a link coupled to the footrest to initially move upward as the footrest is moved from the closed position to the extended position. The weight of the device keeps the footrest positively closed until sufficient force is applied to move past the point where the link coupled to the footrest can be lowered.)

1. An apparatus for a seating unit having two sides, a seat between the two sides, an extendable ottoman, and a seat back, the apparatus being adapted to move the seating unit between a closed position, an extended position, and a fully reclined position, the apparatus comprising: a seat link; a footrest linkage movable between a closed position and an extended position, the footrest linkage having a first footrest link having a first end and a second end, the first footrest link pivotally coupled to the footrest at the first end; a second footrest link having a first end and a second end, the second footrest link pivotally coupled to the footrest at the first end; a third footrest link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the third footrest link pivotally coupled to the seat link and the second end pivotally coupled to the second end of the second footrest link, the third footrest link also pivotally coupled to the first footrest link between the first end and the second end of the first footrest link; and a fourth footrest link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the fourth footrest link pivotally coupled to the seat link, the second end of the fourth footrest link pivotally coupled to the second end of the second footrest link; and a footrest drive link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the footrest drive link being pivotally coupled to the fourth footrest link between the first end and the second end of the fourth footrest link at a point below a line intersecting the pivotal connection of the first end of the fourth footrest link to the seat link and the pivotal connection of the second end of the fourth footrest link to the first footrest link when the footrest link is in the closed position.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the pivotally coupled portion of the second end of the fourth footrest link and the second end of the first footrest link is further from the pivotally coupled portion of the first end of the third footrest link and the seat plate than the pivotally coupled portion of the first footrest link and the third footrest link, such that when the footrest linkage mechanism is initially moved from the closed position to the extended position, the second end of the first footrest link rotates faster than the pivotally coupled portion of the first footrest link to the third footrest link, such that when the footrest linkage mechanism is initially moved from the closed position to the extended position, the first end of the first footrest link initially moves upward.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a recline tilt link having a first end and a second end and a post coupled to and projecting from the recline tilt link proximate the first end of the recline tilt link, wherein the second end of the footrest drive link is pivotally coupled to the recline tilt link between the first and second ends of the recline tilt link, and wherein in the closed position the footrest drive link abuts the post creating a rotational force on the footrest drive link and a corresponding upward force on the fourth footrest link at the pivotal connection of the first end of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pivotal connection of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link is below a line that intersects the pivotal connection of the first end of the fourth footrest link and the seat link and the pivotal connection of the second end of the fourth footrest link and the second end of the first footrest link, wherein an upward force exerted on the pivotal connection of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link caused by a rotational force generated by the footrest drive link contact post retains the footrest linkage in the closed position.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising an undercarriage link coupled to one of the two side portions, the undercarriage link having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the undercarriage link is pivotally coupled to the recline tilt link proximate the second end of the recline tilt link.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said chassis link includes a curved slot extending vertically on said chassis link, and wherein said recline tilt link is coupled to said chassis link by a link located within said slot, said link limiting and controlling pivotal movement of said recline tilt link relative to said chassis link.

7. The device of claim 6, further comprising a front pivot link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the front pivot link pivotally coupled to the seat link and the second end of the front pivot link pivotally coupled to the recline tilt link.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the first end of the chassis link has a pin extending therefrom, and wherein the second end of the front pivot link has a hook end that engages the pin when the device is in the closed position.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a recline pivot link having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the recline pivot link has an elongated slot and the first end of the recline pivot link is pivotally coupled to the chassis link at the elongated slot, and wherein the recline pivot link is further pivotally coupled to the chassis link at a location approximately midway between the first end of the recline pivot link and the second end of the recline pivot link.

10. The device of claim 9, further comprising a rear pivot link pivotally coupled at a first end to the seat link and pivotally coupled at a second end to a second end of the recline pivot link, wherein the front and rear pivot links control and limit movement of the seat link when the device moves the seat unit between the closed, extended, and fully reclined positions.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a back link pivotally coupled to the seat link and further comprising a back pivot link having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the back pivot link is pivotally coupled to the back link and the second end of the back pivot link is pivotally coupled to the second end of the recline tilt link.

12. An arrangement for a seating unit having two sides, a seat between the two sides, and an extendable footrest and a seat back, the arrangement being adapted to move the seating unit between a closed position, an extended position and a fully reclined position, the arrangement comprising: an undercarriage link having a front end and a rear end, the undercarriage link adapted to be coupled to a side; a recline tilt link having a first end and a second end, the second end of the recline tilt link being pivotally coupled to the chassis link near the rear end thereof, the recline tilt link having a post extending therefrom near the first end thereof; a footrest drive link having a first end and a second end, the second end of the footrest drive link pivotally coupled to the recline tilt link between the first end of the recline tilt link and the second end of the recline tilt link at a point below the post of the recline tilt link; a seat link having a front end and a rear end, the seat link pivotally coupled to the chassis link by a linkage mechanism; a footrest linkage pivotally coupled to the front end of the seat plate, the footrest linkage having first and second footrest links pivotally coupled to the footrest, and third and fourth footrest links pivotally coupled to the seat link; a first end of the footrest drive link is pivotally coupled to the fourth footrest link; wherein in the closed position the footrest drive link contacts the post of the recline tilt link, applying a rotational force about the pivotal connection of the footrest drive link with the recline tilt link, and then applying a counter rotational force about the pivotal connection of the fourth footrest link with the seat link to positively retain the footrest linkage in the closed position.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said chassis link includes a curved slot extending vertically on said chassis link, and wherein said recline tilt link is coupled to said chassis link by a link located within said slot, said link limiting and controlling pivotal movement of said recline tilt link relative to said chassis link.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the fourth footrest link has a first end and a second end, the first footrest link having a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the fourth footrest link is pivotally coupled to the seat link and the second end of the fourth footrest link is pivotally coupled to the second end of the first footrest link, the first end of the first footrest link being pivotally coupled to the footrest, and wherein the third footrest link has a first end and a second end, the first end of the third footrest link being pivotally coupled to the seat link, the second end of the third footrest link being pivotally coupled to the second footrest link, and the third footrest link being pivotally coupled to the first footrest link between the first end and the second end of the first footrest link.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the pivotal coupling of the second end of the fourth footrest link to the second end of the first footrest link is further away from the pivotal coupling of the first end of the third footrest link to the seat plate, the pivotal coupling of the first footrest link to the third footrest link rotating the second end of the first footrest link faster than the pivotal coupling of the first footrest link to the third footrest link when the footrest linkage is initially moved from the closed position to the extended position, the first end of the first footrest link initially moving upward when the footrest linkage is initially moved from the closed position to the extended position.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the pivotal connections of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link are below a line intersecting the pivotal connections of the first end of the fourth footrest link and the seat link and the pivotal connections of the second end of the fourth footrest link and the second end of the first footrest link, wherein an upward force exerted on the pivotal connections of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link caused by the rotational force of the footrest drive link contact post maintains the footrest linkage in the closed position.

17. A seating unit movable between a closed position, an extended position, and a fully reclined position, the seating unit comprising: two sides spaced apart; a seat extending between two side portions; an extendable footrest; a chair back; and a device adapted to move the seating unit between a closed position, an extended position, and a fully reclined position, the device comprising: a seat link; a footrest linkage movable between a closed position and an extended position, the footrest linkage having: a first footrest link having a first end and a second end, the first footrest link pivotally coupled to the footrest at the first end; a second footrest link having a first end and a second end, the second footrest link pivotally coupled to the footrest at the first end; a third footrest link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the third footrest link pivotally coupled to the seat link and the second end pivotally coupled to the second end of the second footrest link, the third footrest link also pivotally coupled to the first footrest link between the first end and the second end of the first footrest link; and a fourth footrest link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the fourth footrest link pivotally coupled to the seat link, the second end of the fourth footrest link pivotally coupled to the second end of the second footrest link; and a footrest drive link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the footrest drive link being pivotally coupled to the fourth footrest link between the first end and the second end of the fourth footrest link at a point below a line intersecting the pivotal connection of the first end of the fourth footrest link to the seat link and the pivotal connection of the second end of the fourth footrest link to the first footrest link when the footrest linkage is in the closed position.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the pivotal coupling of the second end of the fourth footrest link to the second end of the first footrest link is further from the pivotal coupling of the first end of the third footrest link to the seat pan than the pivotal coupling of the first footrest link to the third footrest link, such that when the footrest linkage initially moves from the closed position to the extended position, the second end of the first footrest link rotates faster than the pivotal coupling of the first footrest link to the third footrest link, such that when the footrest linkage initially moves from the closed position to the extended position, the first end of the first footrest link initially moves upward.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a recline tilt link having a first end and a second end and a post coupled to and projecting from the recline tilt link proximate the first end of the recline tilt link, wherein the second end of the footrest drive link is pivotally coupled to the recline tilt link between the first and second ends of the recline tilt link, and wherein in the closed position the footrest drive link abuts the post creating a rotational force on the footrest drive link and a corresponding upward force on the fourth footrest link at the pivotal connection of the first end of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the pivotal connections of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link are lower than a line intersecting the pivotal connections of the first end of the fourth footrest link and the seat link and the pivotal connections of the second end of the fourth footrest link and the second end of the first footrest link, wherein an upward force exerted on the pivotal connections of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link caused by the rotational force of the footrest drive link contact post retains the footrest linkage mechanism in the closed position.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to reclining seat assemblies and chairs employing them, and more particularly to a reclining seat assembly for a chair having a high foot design and a footrest hidden from view when in the' stowed position.

Background

One chair design that uses a tilting device is known as a high-foot design. In these types of chairs, the legs suspend the seat from the floor surface so that one can see under the chair. In a chair with this configuration, the ottoman is stored in a more horizontal position (compared to the vertical position). A common problem with tilting devices used with this style of chair is that the ottoman may be lowered relative to the ideal storage position. The weight of the cushioned footrest may cause the footrest to sag, resulting in an undesirable appearance of the chair. In these types of devices, the initial movement from the storage position of the ottoman to the television position is downward, which causes the weight of the ottoman to sag over time. This unwanted sagging increases with thicker, heavier footrests, and as the pivot joints wear, the sagging also increases over time as more clearance is gained into the device.

Disclosure of Invention

A seating arrangement for a seating unit having two sides, a seat between the two sides, an extendable ottoman and a seat back. The device moves the seating unit between a closed position, an extended position, and a fully reclined position. The device includes a seat link and a footrest movable between a closed position and an extended position. The footrest linkage mechanism includes first, second, third and fourth footrest links. The first footrest link is pivotally coupled to the footrest at a first end. The second end of the second footrest link is also pivotally coupled to the footrest. The first end of the third footrest link is pivotally coupled to the seat link and the second end is pivotally coupled to the second end of the second footrest link. The third footrest link is also pivotally coupled to the first footrest link between the first and second ends of the first footrest link. A first end of the fourth footrest link is pivotally coupled to the seat link and a second end of the fourth footrest link is pivotally coupled to a second end of the second footrest link. When the footrest linkage is in the closed position, the first end of the footrest drive link is pivotally coupled to the fourth footrest link between the first end and the second end of the fourth footrest link at a point below a line that runs through the pivotal connection of the first end of the fourth footrest link and the seat link and the pivotal connection of the second end of the fourth footrest link and the first footrest link. The pivotal connection of the second end of the fourth footrest link with the second end of the first footrest link is further from the pivotal connection of the first end of the third footrest link with the seat plate than the pivotal connection of the first and third footrest links. This geometry causes the second end of the first footrest link to rotate faster than the pivotal connection of the first and third footrest links when the footrest linkage is initially moved from the closed position to the extended position. This, in turn, causes the first end of the first footrest link to initially move upward as the footrest linkage is initially moved from the closed position to the extended position. This geometry prevents the footrest from sagging over time and use.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

Drawings

The invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary chair according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the device in a closed position, showing one side of the device;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the chair in a television position or extended position;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the chair in a fully reclined position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing only the device in a closed position;

FIG. 5 is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 4 in a television position;

FIG. 6 is a view of the device of FIG. 3 in a fully tilted position;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing in phantom initial movement of the device from the closed position; and

fig. 8A-D are a series of views showing only certain components of the device during initial movement of the device from a closed position.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a seat unit having a device that can be used on a high chair that maintains a footrest assembly in a closed state until excessive force is applied. The seat unit has two sides, a seat positioned between the two sides, an extendable ottoman, and a seat back. The device moves the seating unit between a closed position, an extended position, and a fully reclined position. The device includes a seat link and a footrest movable between a closed position and an extendable position. The footrest linkage mechanism includes first, second, third and fourth footrest links. The first footrest link is pivotally coupled to the footrest at a first end. The second end of the second footrest link is also pivotally coupled to the footrest. The first end of the third footrest link is pivotally coupled to the seat link and the second end is pivotally coupled to the second end of the second footrest link. The third footrest link is also pivotally coupled to the first footrest link between the first and second ends of the first footrest link. A first end of the fourth footrest link is pivotally coupled to the seat link and a second end of the fourth footrest link is pivotally coupled to a second end of the second footrest link. When the footrest linkage is in the closed position, the first end of the footrest drive link is pivotally coupled to the fourth footrest link between the first end and the second end of the fourth footrest link at a point below a line that runs through the pivotal connection of the first end of the fourth footrest link and the seat link and the pivotal connection of the second end of the fourth footrest link and the first footrest link. The pivotal connection of the second end of the fourth footrest link with the second end of the first footrest link is further from the pivotal connection of the first end of the third footrest link with the seat plate than the pivotal connection of the first and third footrest links. This geometry causes the second end of the first footrest link to rotate faster than the pivotal connection of the first and third footrest links when the footrest linkage is initially moved from the closed position to the extended position. This, in turn, causes the first end of the first footrest link to initially move upward as the footrest linkage is initially moved from the closed position to the extended position. This geometry prevents the footrest from sagging over time and use.

An exemplary seating arrangement 10 is shown in a cross-sectional view of a chair 12 in a closed position in fig. 1. In some aspects, the chair 12 has legs 14, side frames 16, the side frames 16 cooperating with the apparatus 10 to support a seat 18 above a floor or other support surface. The chair 12 also includes an arm 20, and in some embodiments, the arm 20 is integrally formed with the leg 14. The apparatus 10 allows the chair 12 to use a so-called "high-foot" configuration while allowing the chair 12 to move between the closed position of fig. 1, the extended position of fig. 2, and the fully-reclined position of fig. 3. In the extended position of fig. 2, the back/back 22 is maintained in a generally upright position, but the footrest assembly 24 is moved from the stowed position shown in fig. 1 to the extended position shown in fig. 2. In the extended position of fig. 2, the seat 18 is moved rearward and the seat 18 is inclined from the rear of the seat 18 to the front of the seat 18. In the fully reclined position of fig. 3, the back 22 is reclined relative to the seat 18, the footrest assembly 24 remains extended, the seat 18 moves further rearwardly, and the angle of inclination of the seat 18 increases.

For simplicity, the device 10 is shown without the chair 12 in FIGS. 4-7. The apparatus 10 includes undercarriage links 26 coupled to respective side frames 16. The first end of the undercarriage link 26 has a pin 30, and the pin 30 is rigidly coupled to the undercarriage link 26 and extends from the undercarriage link 26. Similarly, undercarriage link 26 has a pin 30 rigidly coupled to undercarriage link 26 near a first end of undercarriage link 26. A pin 30 also extends from undercarriage link 26. In some aspects, undercarriage link 26 may have a spring connection point 32 generally located between and below pin 28 and pin 30. The spring attachment points 32 may simply be holes in the undercarriage links 26 or may be pins for securing the springs. Arcuate slots 34 are generally formed in the undercarriage links 26 along the length of the undercarriage links.

A recline tilt link 36 is pivotally coupled to a second end of the chassis link 26 at a pivot point 38. The reclining tilt link 36 is shaped as shown in fig. 6. The pivotal movement of the recline tilt link 36 relative to the undercarriage link 26 is controlled and constrained by a rivet 40 (or other connection), the rivet 40 coupling the recline tilt link 36 to the undercarriage link 26 at the arcuate slot 34. When the device 10 is in the fully tilted position and the rivet 40 is at the top of the arcuate slot 34, the rivet 40 allows the recline tilt link 36 to rotate from the lower position (with the rivet 40 at the bottom of the arcuate slot 34) to the raised position.

Below the pivot point 38, a back pivot link 42 is pivotally coupled to the recline tilt link 36 at a pivot point 44. The back pivot link 42 extends upwardly from a pivot point 44 and is pivotally coupled at its other end to a back link 46 at a pivot point 48. As known to those skilled in the art, the back link 46 has a generally triangular shape and is used to couple the back 22 to the device 10. The back pivot link 42 has a retaining finger 50 that extends beyond the pivot point 48. When the device is in the closed position of fig. 4 and the fully tilted position of fig. 6, the retaining fingers 50 engage the stop post 52, the stop post 52 being fixedly coupled to the back link 46 and extending from the back link 46 to provide additional stability.

The seat link 54 is pivotally coupled to the front lower end of the back link 46 at pivot point 56. The seat link 54 carries and supports the seat 18. Below pivot point 56, a rear pivot link 58 is pivotally coupled to seat link 54 at pivot point 60. The rear pivot link 58 extends away from the pivot point 60, with a slight bend in the middle, and is pivotally coupled to the recliner pivot link 62 at pivot point 64. The recline pivot link 62 is also pivotally coupled to the recline tilt link 36 at pivot point 66 near the midpoint of the recline pivot link 62. At this midpoint, the recline tilt link has a slight bend. The end of the rear pivot link 58 opposite the pivot point 64 has a slot 68, the slot 68 being used to couple the rear pivot link 58 to the undercarriage link 26 by a rivet 70. As best seen by comparing fig. 4 and 6, the slot connection provided by the slot 68 and rivet 70 allows the recliner pivot link 62 to pivot about the pivot point 66.

Near the rivet 40, a footrest drive link 72 is pivotally coupled at one end to the recline tilt link 36 at a pivot point 74. Remaining with the recline tilt link 36, the front pivot link 76 is pivotally coupled to the front end of the recline tilt link 36 at pivot point 78. Near the pivot point 78, the post 26 is fixedly coupled to the recline tilt link 36. The post 26 extends outwardly away from the recline tilt link 36. Above the post 26, the recline tilt link 36 has a spring connection 82. As with the spring connection 32, the spring connection 82 may simply be a hole in the recline tilt link 36 or may be a post extending from the recline tilt link 36.

As mentioned above, the front pivot link 76 is pivotally coupled to the recline tilt link 36 at pivot point 78. The lower end of the front pivot link 76 has a hooked end 84 near the pivot point 78. When the device 10 is in the closed position, the hooked end 84 of the front pivot link 76 engages the pin 28 on the undercarriage link 26 to retain the links in the device 10 and prevent unwanted movement of the device 10. The end of the front pivot link 76 opposite the hook end 84 is pivotally coupled to the seat link 54 at pivot point 86.

The end of the footrest drive link 72 opposite the pivot point 74 is pivotally coupled to the fourth footrest link 88 at a pivot point 92 generally centrally between the first end of the fourth footrest link 88 and the second end of the fourth footrest link 88. The footrest drive link 72 is shaped as shown in fig. 3 and 6 and is pivotally coupled to the recline tilt link 36, the forward pivot link 76 and the fourth footrest link 88. A first end of a fourth footrest link 88 is pivotally coupled to the seat link 54 at a pivot point 90. A second end of the fourth footrest link 88 is pivotally coupled to a first footrest link 94 at a pivot point 96. The end of the first footrest link 94 opposite the pivot point 96 is pivotally coupled to a footrest bracket 98 at a pivot point 100. The third footrest link 102 of the footrest assembly 24 is pivotally coupled to the first footrest link 94 at pivot point 104. A first end of the third footrest link 102 is pivotally coupled to the seat link 54 at a pivot point 106. The footrest assembly 24 further includes a second footrest link 110, the second footrest link 110 pivotally coupled to the third footrest link 102 at a pivot point 112. The end of the second footrest link 110 opposite the pivot point 112 is pivotally coupled to the footrest bracket 98 at pivot point 114.

To transition the device 10 and chair 12 from the closed position of fig. 1 to the extended position of fig. 2, a user will exert a force on the arms 20. This force on the arm 20 causes the seat link 54 to move rearward, rotating the front pivot link 76 clockwise about the pivot point 78 and the rear pivot link 58 clockwise about the pivot point 64. This moves the seat link 54 rearward and lowers the rear portion of the seat 18 relative to the front portion of the seat 18. In other words, the seat 18 is inclined forward from the rear. During this opening movement, the hook end 84 of the front pivot link 76 disengages from the pin 28. As explained more fully below, the footrest drive link 72 rotates about the pivot point 74 to extend the footrest assembly 24 from the closed position to the extended position, acting on the fourth footrest link 88. To move from the extended position of fig. 2 to the fully tilted position of fig. 3, further force on the arm 18 further rotates the seat link 54 and causes the recline tilt link 36 to rotate about the pivot point 38. This rotational movement is controlled and constrained by rivet 40 in slot 34 on undercarriage link 26. As the recline tilt link 36 rotates, the back pivot link 42 exerts a rotational force on the back link 46 about the pivot point 56, causing the back 22 to tilt relative to the seat 18. The process reverses/operates in reverse as the device 10 moves from fully tilted to closed. Note that the recline tilt link 36 will rotate about pivot point 38 until the recline tilt link 36 contacts pin 30 on the undercarriage link 26 causing the footrest drive link 72 to begin closing the footrest assembly 24 as the device moves from the extended position to the closed position.

Fig. 8A to 8D illustrate the progression of the linkage and pivot point of the footrest assembly 24 as the footrest assembly 24 is initially moved from the closed position to the extended position, and how the pivot point 114 initially moves upward before moving downward. As shown in fig. 8A-8D, reference line 116 is only shown for a static reference line as a point of comparison when the linkage of the footrest assembly 24 is moved. The links shown in solid lines show the closed position and each successive view from fig. 8A to 8D shows the initial incremental movement as the footrest assembly 24 begins to move to the extended position shown in phantom. It can be seen that the pivot points 106, 90 and 96 are generally aligned in the fully closed position. This geometry causes the fourth footrest link 94 to function as if it were a link from pivot point 106 to pivot point 96. Additionally, pivot point 96 is farther from pivot point 106 than pivot point 104. As can be seen by comparing fig. 8A and 8B or 8B and 8C, pivot point 96 rotates a greater amount than pivot point 104. The pivot points in the rotated positions are labeled with suffixes A, B, C or D to better indicate the moved position corresponding to the graphic. This means that the first footrest link 94 is rotated clockwise (as viewed in fig. 8A-8C). When the footrest assembly 24 is in the initial stage of opening, clockwise rotation of the first footrest link 94 causes the pivot point 114 to move upwardly. As can be seen by comparing fig. 8C and 8D, at some point in the opening movement, the pivot point 114 will begin to descend as the footrest assembly 24 continues to open. Because the initial movement of the pivot point 114 is upward, the user must provide a force on the arm 20 to move the seat link 54 rearward that is sufficient to move the footrest assembly 24 past the upward point of movement. The length of the front pivot link 76 allows this motion to be a smooth opening that the user must provide without the opening force impeding the user's movement from the closed position to the extended position.

Because initial movement of the footrest assembly 24 from the closed position to the extended position causes the pivot point 114 to move upwardly, the pivot point 114 and footrest bracket 98 are prevented from sagging in the closed position. This allows the footrest brackets 98 to be positively/positively retained near the lower end 118 of the front portion of the seat 18.

As the device 10 moves from the extended position to the closed position, the footrest drive link 72 rotates counterclockwise (as viewed from the perspective of the figure) about the pivot point 74. During this rotation, and prior to the device 10 moving to the fully closed position, the footrest drive link 72 will contact the post 80 on the recline tilt link 36. The weight of the user on the device 10 and chair 12 will act on the footrest drive link 72 causing a continuous rotational force about the pivot point 74. Because the post 80 prevents any further rotation, the footrest drive link 72 will generate an upward (clockwise) force at pivot point 92. This force assists in rotating the fourth footrest link 88 (about pivot point 90) to the fully closed position. This is important in a high foot concealed footrest configuration because once the footrest assembly 24 reaches the upright position, a user seated in the chair 12 will not be able to provide a closing force against the footrest assembly 24 with their feet or lower legs. In other words, some assistance is required to move the footrest assembly 24 to the fully closed position.

If desired, for heavier footrests, or simply as a design choice, a spring may be added between spring link 32 and spring link 82.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages, which are obvious and inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

The claims (modification according to treaty clause 19)

1. An apparatus for a seating unit having two sides, a seat between the two sides, an extendable ottoman, and a seat back, the apparatus being adapted to move the seating unit between a closed position, an extended position, and a fully reclined position, the apparatus comprising: a seat link; a footrest linkage movable between a closed position and an extended position, the footrest linkage having:

a first footrest link having a first end and a second end, the first footrest link pivotally coupled to the footrest at the first end;

a second footrest link having a first end and a second end, the second footrest link pivotally coupled to the footrest at the first end;

a third footrest link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the third footrest link pivotally coupled to the seat link and the second end pivotally coupled to the second end of the second footrest link, the third footrest link also pivotally coupled to the first footrest link between the first end and the second end of the first footrest link; and

a fourth footrest link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the fourth footrest link pivotally coupled to the seat link, the second end of the fourth footrest link pivotally coupled to the second end of the first footrest link, wherein a pivotal coupling of the second end of the fourth footrest link to the second end of the first footrest link is further from the pivotal coupling of the first end of the third footrest link to the seat pan than from the pivotal coupling of the first footrest link to the third footrest link, such that the second end of the first footrest link rotates faster than the pivotal connection of the first and third footrest links when the footrest linkage is initially moved from the closed position to the extended position, such that when the footrest linkage is initially moved from the closed position to the extended position, the first end of the first footrest link initially moves upward;

a footrest drive link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the footrest drive link pivotally coupled to the fourth footrest link between the first end and the second end of the fourth footrest link at a point below a line passing through the pivotal connection of the first end of the fourth footrest link with the seat link and the pivotal connection of the second end of the fourth footrest link with the first footrest link when the footrest linkage is in the closed position, and

a recline tilt link having a first end and a second end and a post coupled to and projecting from the recline tilt link proximate the first end of the recline tilt link, wherein the second end of the footrest drive link is pivotally coupled to the recline tilt link between the first and second ends of the recline tilt link, and wherein in the closed position the footrest drive link abuts the post creating a rotational force on the footrest drive link and a corresponding upward force on the fourth footrest link at the pivotal connection of the first end of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pivotal connection of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link is below a line that intersects the pivotal connection of the first end of the fourth footrest link and the seat link and the pivotal connection of the second end of the fourth footrest link and the second end of the first footrest link, wherein an upward force exerted on the pivotal connection of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link caused by a rotational force generated by the footrest drive link contact post retains the footrest linkage in the closed position.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an undercarriage link coupled to one of the two side portions, the undercarriage link having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the undercarriage link is pivotally coupled to the recline tilt link proximate the second end of the recline tilt link.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said chassis link includes a curved slot extending vertically on said chassis link, and wherein said recline tilt link is coupled to said chassis link by a link located within said slot, said link limiting and controlling pivotal movement of said recline tilt link relative to said chassis link.

5. The device of claim 4, further comprising a front pivot link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the front pivot link pivotally coupled to the seat link and the second end of the front pivot link pivotally coupled to the recline tilt link.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the first end of the chassis link has a pin extending therefrom, and wherein the second end of the front pivot link has a hook end that engages the pin when the device is in the closed position.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a recline pivot link having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the recline pivot link has an elongated slot and the first end of the recline pivot link is pivotally coupled to the chassis link at the elongated slot, and wherein the recline pivot link is further pivotally coupled to the chassis link at a location approximately midway between the first end of the recline pivot link and the second end of the recline pivot link.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising a rear pivot link pivotally coupled at a first end to the seat link and pivotally coupled at a second end to a second end of the recline pivot link, wherein the front and rear pivot links control and limit movement of the seat link when the device moves the seat unit between the closed, extended, and fully reclined positions.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a back link pivotally coupled to the seat link and further comprising a back pivot link having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the back pivot link is pivotally coupled to the back link and the second end of the back pivot link is pivotally coupled to the second end of the recline tilt link.

10. An arrangement for a seating unit having two sides, a seat between the two sides, and an extendable footrest and a seat back, the arrangement being adapted to move the seating unit between a closed position, an extended position and a fully reclined position, the arrangement comprising:

an undercarriage link having a front end and a rear end, the undercarriage link adapted to be coupled to a side;

a recline tilt link having a first end and a second end, the second end of the recline tilt link being pivotally coupled to the chassis link near the rear end thereof, the recline tilt link having a post extending therefrom near the first end thereof;

a footrest drive link having a first end and a second end, the second end of the footrest drive link pivotally coupled to the recline tilt link between the first end of the recline tilt link and the second end of the recline tilt link at a point below the post of the recline tilt link;

a seat link having a front end and a rear end, the seat link pivotally coupled to the chassis link by a linkage mechanism;

a footrest linkage pivotally coupled to the front end of the seat plate, the footrest linkage having first and second footrest links pivotally coupled to the footrest, and third and fourth footrest links pivotally coupled to the seat link;

a first end of the footrest drive link is pivotally coupled to the fourth footrest link;

wherein in the closed position the footrest drive link contacts the post of the recline tilt link, applying a rotational force about the pivotal connection of the footrest drive link with the recline tilt link, and then applying a counter rotational force about the pivotal connection of the fourth footrest link with the seat link to positively retain the footrest linkage in the closed position.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said chassis link includes a curved slot extending vertically on said chassis link, and wherein said recline tilt link is coupled to said chassis link by a link located within said slot, said link limiting and controlling pivotal movement of said tilt link relative to said chassis link.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the fourth footrest link has a first end and a second end, the first footrest link having a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the fourth footrest link is pivotally coupled to the seat link and the second end of the fourth footrest link is pivotally coupled to the second end of the first footrest link, the first end of the first footrest link being pivotally coupled to the footrest, and wherein the third footrest link has a first end and a second end, the first end of the third footrest link being pivotally coupled to the seat link, the second end of the third footrest link being pivotally coupled to the second footrest link, and the third footrest link being pivotally coupled to the first footrest link between the first end and the second end of the first footrest link.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the pivotally coupled portion of the second end of the fourth footrest link and the second end of the first footrest link is further from the pivotally coupled portion of the first end of the third footrest link and the seat plate than the pivotally coupled portion of the first footrest link and the third footrest link, such that when the footrest linkage mechanism is initially moved from the closed position to the extended position, the second end of the first footrest link rotates faster than the pivotally coupled portion of the first footrest link and the third footrest link, such that when the footrest linkage mechanism is initially moved from the closed position to the extended position, the first end of the first footrest link initially moves upward.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the pivotal connection of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link is below a line that intersects the pivotal connection of the first end of the fourth footrest link and the seat link and the pivotal connection of the second end of the fourth footrest link and the second end of the first footrest link, wherein an upward force exerted on the pivotal connection of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link caused by a rotational force generated by the footrest drive link contact post retains the footrest linkage in the closed position.

15. A seating unit movable between a closed position, an extended position, and a fully reclined position, the seating unit comprising: two sides spaced apart; a seat extending between two side portions; an extendable footrest; a chair back; and a device adapted to move the seating unit between a closed position, an extended position, and a fully reclined position, the device comprising: a seat link; a footrest linkage movable between a closed position and an extended position, the footrest linkage having:

a first footrest link having a first end and a second end, the first footrest link pivotally coupled to the footrest at the first end;

a second footrest link having a first end and a second end, the second footrest link pivotally coupled to the footrest at the first end;

a third footrest link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the third footrest link pivotally coupled to the seat link and the second end pivotally coupled to the second end of the second footrest link, the third footrest link also pivotally coupled to the first footrest link between the first end and the second end of the first footrest link;

a fourth footrest link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the fourth footrest link pivotally coupled to the seat link, the second end of the fourth footrest link pivotally coupled to the second end of the first footrest link, wherein a pivotal coupling of the second end of the fourth footrest link to the second end of the first footrest link is further from the pivotal coupling of the first end of the third footrest link to the seat pan than from the pivotal coupling of the first footrest link to the third footrest link, such that the second end of the first footrest link rotates faster than the pivotal connection of the first and third footrest links when the footrest linkage is initially moved from the closed position to the extended position, such that when the footrest linkage is initially moved from the closed position to the extended position, the first end of the first footrest link initially moves upward;

a footrest drive link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the footrest drive link pivotally coupled to the fourth footrest link between the first end and the second end of the fourth footrest link at a point below a line passing through the pivotal connection of the first end of the fourth footrest link with the seat link and the pivotal connection of the second end of the fourth footrest link with the first footrest link when the footrest link is in the closed position, and

a recline tilt link having a first end and a second end and a post coupled to and projecting from the recline tilt link proximate the first end of the recline tilt link, wherein the second end of the footrest drive link is pivotally coupled to the recline tilt link between the first and second ends of the recline tilt link, and wherein in the closed position the footrest drive link abuts the post creating a rotational force on the footrest drive link and a corresponding upward force on the fourth footrest link at the pivotal connection of the first end of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the pivotal connection of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link is below a line that intersects the pivotal connection of the first end of the fourth footrest link and the seat link and the pivotal connection of the second end of the fourth footrest link and the second end of the first footrest link, wherein an upward force exerted on the pivotal connection of the footrest drive link and the fourth footrest link caused by a rotational force generated by the footrest drive link contact post retains the footrest linkage in the closed position.