CN108135360B - Automatic linkage for high-leg seating units - Google Patents

Abstract

A linkage mechanism provides motion capabilities for various chair types. For example, the linkage mechanism includes a combination of linkage components to facilitate footrest extension/retraction and backrest recline/tilt. Furthermore, the linkage mechanism has a compact design and can be used in high-leg chairs with low seat heights. The present invention also relates to seating units with automatic linkage mechanisms.

Description

Automatic linkage for high-leg seating units

technical field

The present invention generally relates to motion upholstery furniture designed to support a user's body in a substantially sitting position. Sports upholstery furniture includes recliners, armchairs, sofas, love seats, modular furniture, theater seats, traditional chairs, and chairs with moveable seats, collectively referred to herein as "seating units." More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved linkage developed to accommodate a wide variety of seating unit types that would otherwise be limited by the configurations of linkages in the art. Additionally, the improved linkage mechanism of the present invention provides recoil for seating units with high leg designs and low seat heights, and additionally, for seating units having a footrest drive tube assembly between the front and rear ends of the seating unit The automatic movement of the seat unit provides an automatic/motorized linkage.

Background technique

There are reclining seating units that allow a user to extend the footrest forward and recline the backrest relative to the seat. These existing seating units typically offer three basic positions (eg, standard non-reclined stowed position; extended position; and reclined/reclined/reclined position). In the stowed position, the seat is in a generally horizontal orientation and the backrest is disposed substantially upright. Additionally, if the seating unit includes one or more ottomans to which the mechanism is attached, the mechanism is folded so that the ottoman(s) do not extend. In an extended position, commonly referred to as a television ("TV") position, the ottoman(s) extend forward of the seat, while the backrest remains sufficiently upright to allow an occupant of the seating unit to comfortably watch television. In the reclined position, the backrest pivots rearwardly from the extended position to a position in obtuse angular relationship with the seat for rest or sleep.

Various modern seating units in the industry are suitable for providing the above adjustment functions. However, the adjustment mechanisms used in these seating units are often not ideal for use in high chair designs with low seat heights. The present invention addresses these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is defined by the following claims rather than by this summary. A high-level overview of various aspects of the invention is therefore provided herein to provide an overview of the disclosure and to introduce a selection of various concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description section. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as a sole aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

In general, embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a simplified, compact linkage mechanism that can be adapted for use with virtually any type of seating unit, such as a high-legged formal chair. In operation, the linkage is adapted to move between a stowed position, an extended position, and a reclined position, and can be configured for automatic operation, with a plurality of beams for added stability and function, and the bench drive tube assembly is positioned Towards the center of the linkage, allows a compact and stable extension of the ottoman in the vertical direction when the motor/motor is activated.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides an automatic linkage mechanism for an adjustable seating unit. The automatic linkage mechanism includes a pair of seat mounting plates joined together by the backrest beam and the bench beam. A ottoman drive tube assembly is coupled between the pair of seat mounting plates between the backrest beam and the ottoman beam. The drive tube assembly is rotatably coupled to an automatic drive mechanism attached to the backrest beam. Additionally, the drive tube is coupled to one or more links coupled to the ottoman beam and footrest assembly. Thus, when the drive tube is rotated by movement of the automatic drive mechanism, the link is rotatably transformed to extend the footrest assembly outwardly.

Description of drawings

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a linkage mechanism in a stowed position and installed in a seating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a side view of the linkage mechanism in a stowed position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the linkage in an extended position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a side view of the linkage in a reclined position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 shows various views of different linkage combinations according to embodiments of the present invention, wherein the linkage combinations are labeled;

6 illustrates a side view of an automatically adjustable linkage for a seating unit in a stowed position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

7 illustrates an angled perspective view of the automatic adjustable linkage of FIG. 6 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

8 shows a side view of the automatic adjustable linkage of FIG. 6 in an extended position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

9 illustrates an angled perspective view of the automatic adjustable linkage of FIG. 8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 shows a side view of the automatic adjustable linkage of Figure 6 in a reclined position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 shows an angled perspective view of the automatic adjustable linkage of Figure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

12 shows a block diagram of an exemplary method for assembling an automatic linkage for an adjustable seating unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described herein with specificity to satisfy statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter may be implemented in other ways to include different elements or combinations of elements similar to those described herein, as well as in conjunction with other current or future technologies.

1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a seating unit 10 has a seat portion 12, a backrest 14, legs 16 and 18, and a linkage 20 positioned below the seat portion 12, shown in greater detail at Figure 2-4. Additionally, seating unit 10 may include one or more armrests (not shown), and may also be incorporated into larger seating units, such as sofas or modular seating units.

In the case of a pivot across armrest (POA) type seat, the armrest would be interconnected with the seat and linkage 20 so that the legs 16 and 18 do not directly support the armrest. Legs 16 and 18 support the lower frame of seating unit 10 so that seat 12 can move with the armrests. In the POA configuration, the backrest 14 may include wings that extend over the armrest and pivot about the rear of the armrest when the backrest is reclined. In an alternative configuration known as the frame-on-frame type, the armrest is fixed relative to the seat 12, adjustable by the linkage. In this embodiment, the seat 12 is movable during adjustment of the seating unit 10, but the armrests remain relatively stationary.

In one embodiment, the backrest 14 extends from the rear of the seating unit 10 and is rotatably coupled to the linkage 20 . Additionally, as will be described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 2-4, the linkage mechanism 20 includes a footrest assembly that extends and retracts one or more ottomans. In an embodiment, linkage 20 is arranged to articulate/pivot actuate and control movement of seat 12, back 14 and ottoman between stowed (folded), extended and reclined positions.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the seating unit 10 includes a high-leg design with specific dimensional characteristics. For example, FIG. 1 shows that the first dimension 22 includes the distance between a portion of the seat mounting plate of the linkage 20 and the bottom end of the front foot 16 when the linkage 20 is in the stowed or folded position. In one embodiment, the first dimension is in the range of about 11 inches to about 12.5 inches. FIG. 1 shows the second dimension 24 , including the height of the legs 16 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the second dimension 24 is in the range of about 5 inches to about 6 inches. Other dimensions of the invention are described elsewhere in this application, such as the distance between the seat mounting plate and the side reach/fin ottoman support when the linkage is folded.

Without the present invention, a high chair that includes the adjustment features of the present invention (eg, footrest extend/fold and backrest recline/recline) would generally not satisfy the first dimension 22 and the second dimension 24 . For example, without the present invention, when the height of the seat mounting plate includes the first dimension, it would be difficult to have sufficient clearance above the ground to extend and fold the footrest. However, the present invention includes a linkage mechanism with a compact design that allows the seat mounting plate to be positioned low enough to satisfy the first dimension and movement of the seating unit between stowed, extended and reclined positions.

Figures 2-4 illustrate the configuration of a linkage 20 for a manually or automatically adjustable three-position reclining seating unit (hereinafter "seat unit"), which in an embodiment is designed to A seating unit constructed as a high-leg type. As described above, linkage 20 is provided for articulating actuation and control of movement of the seat, backrest and ottoman(s) of the seating unit. That is, the linkage 20 is adjustable to a stowed position (FIG. 2), a stretched (TV) position (FIG. 3), and a reclined position (FIG. 4). In the reclined position, as described above, the backrest is rotated rearward and is biased at a rearward inclination angle, which is an obtuse angle relative to the seat.

During adjustment between the stowed, extended and reclined positions, the linkage mechanism 20 employs various linkages and pivots. The geometry of the links and the location of their interconnections gives the three-position high-leg seating unit an advantage with a lower seat height. Likewise, the lower seat height is at least partially defined by the first dimension 22 wherein the distance between the ends 16a of the legs 16 and the seat mounting plate is in the range of about 11 inches to about 12.5 inches. When this first dimension is met, a final seat height (ie, including the seat cushion) of about 17 inches to about 18.5 inches can be achieved by the linkage 20 .

Generally, the linkage mechanism 20 includes a plurality of linkages arranged for actuating and controlling movement of the seating unit during movement between stowed, extended and reclined positions. Typically, to achieve articulated actuation of the linkage 20, the linkages can be pivotally coupled to one or more other linkages or plates that make up the linkage 20. It should be understood and appreciated that the pivotable links between these linkages (shown as pivot points) may take various configurations, such as pivot pins, supports/bearings, conventional mounting hardware, rivets, bolts and nut assemblies, or any other suitable fasteners known in the furniture manufacturing industry. Additionally, the shapes of the linkages and brackets can vary, as can the location of certain pivot points. It will be understood that when a linkage or other component is referred to as being pivotally, rotatably, or fixedly "coupled," "interconnected," "attached," etc. to another element (eg, a link, a bracket, frame, etc.), it is envisaged that the linkages and/or elements are in direct contact with each other, or may also be in contact through other elements, such as intermediate elements.

In operation, the linkage mechanism 20 guides rotational movement of the backrest, seat and ottoman(s). In an exemplary configuration, these movements are controlled by a pair of substantially mirror-image linkages (one of which is shown here and designated by the reference numeral 20 and hereinafter by the reference numeral 100 ) including a pivotable Arrangement of linkages that are connected to one another, either rotatably or rotatably. The linkage is arranged in facing relationship with respect to a longitudinally extending plane bisecting the seating unit between the pair of opposing armrests. Thus, the following discussion will focus on only one of the linkages 20, and in the following sections, only with respect to one automatic linkage 100, the same applies to the other corresponding and complementary linkage of each respective mechanism 20 and 100 components.

2-4, schematic side views of the linkage mechanism 20 from a vantage point inside the seating unit are shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the linkage mechanism 20 includes a footrest assembly 26 , a seat mounting plate 28 , a base plate 30 , and a seat adjustment assembly 32 . The footrest assembly 26 includes a plurality of links arranged for extending and folding the ottoman(s) during adjustment of the seating unit between extended and stowed positions. The seat mounting plate 28 is configured to be fixedly mounted to the seat and, in conjunction with the opposing seat mounting plate, defines a seat bearing surface (not shown). The seat adjustment assembly 32 includes a back mounting bracket 34 and a number of other linkages. Typically, the seat adjustment assembly 32 is adapted to recline and tilt the backrest coupled to the backrest mounting bracket 34 . In addition, the seat adjustment assembly 32 is also adapted to laterally translate and angularly adjust the seat coupled to the seat mounting plate 28 . Additionally, the seat adjustment assembly 32 may be coupled to an automatic drive mechanism with a linear actuator to facilitate movement of the linkage mechanism 20 in response to user-triggered actuation.

In an embodiment, one or more of the legs 16 and 18 are adapted to raise and support the seating unit vertically above the underlying surface/ground. In an embodiment, in a frame-in-frame type chair, the leg(s) are mounted to the armrest, while in a pivoting armrest type chair, the leg(s) are mounted below the base of the armrest/underside. Sometimes the base frame is mounted to the handrail or to the base of the handrail below. The base plate 30 is mounted to the tube(s) (eg, front and rear) across the chassis. The seat mounting plate 28 and the base plate 30 are interconnected via links forming a seat adjustment assembly 32 which translates the seat above the base plate 30 during adjustment between the stowed, extended and reclined positions while simultaneously Incrementally adjust the tilt angle between them.

2-4, the footrest assembly 26 will be described in greater detail. The footrest assembly 26 includes a rear ottoman link 35 and a front ottoman link 36, both of which are attached to the seat mounting plate at pivots 38 and 40, respectively. Footrest assembly 26 also includes a main ottoman link 42 attached to rear ottoman link 35 at pivot 44 and a second ottoman link 46 attached to front ottoman link 36 at pivot 48 . Both the second ottoman link 46 and the main ottoman link 42 are attached to the footrest bracket 50 , and the main ottoman link 42 is also attached to the middle ottoman bracket 52 . The footrest support is used to support the footrest 51 ( FIG. 1 ), and the middle stool support 52 is used to support another footrest 53 ( FIG. 1 ) other than the footrest 51 . The middle ottoman control link 57 is attached to the middle ottoman bracket 52 from the second ottoman link 46 . The footrest assembly 26 also includes a side extension/fin control link 54 that attaches to the second ottoman link 46 and to the fin ottoman support 56, which can be used to support another footrest 59 (Fig. 1).

As described above, the footrest assembly 26 is used to actuate and move the plurality of footrests/couches 51, 53 and 59 from a stowed or folded position (FIGS. 1 and 2) to an extended position (FIG. 3). As such, the linkage mechanism 20 also includes a locking link 60 attached to the front ottoman link 36 and a footrest drive link 62 attached to the rear ottoman link 35 . Lock link 60 is also attached to lock bracket 64 , which is attached to drive tube 66 and lock mounting plate 68 . When the drive tube 66 is activated (manually or using a motor), the locking bracket 64 rotates clockwise (in the view provided in FIG. 2 ) about the pivot axis 70 that attaches the locking bracket bracket 64 to the locking mounting plate 68 . This movement of the locking bracket 64 drives the locking link 60 forward, which in turn causes the front ottoman link 36 to rotate clockwise on the pivot 40 that attaches the front ottoman link 36 to the seat mounting plate 28 . At the same time, the footrest drive link 62 and the rear ottoman link 35 are activated, in this case the rear ottoman link 35 in the attachment of the rear ottoman link 35 to the pivot 38 of the seat mounting plate 28 Turn clockwise up.

Clockwise rotation of the rear ottoman link 35 and the front ottoman link 36 from the stowed position of FIG. 2 in turn causes the main ottoman link 42 and the second ottoman link 46 to extend to the extended configuration of FIG. 3 as they extend And turn counterclockwise. Additionally, the center ottoman control link 57 and the center ottoman support 52 pivot clockwise on pivots 72 and 74, respectively, to move from the stowed position (FIG. 2) to the extended position (FIG. 3). Additionally, the fin control link 54 and the fin ottoman support 56 pivot clockwise on pivots 76 and 78, respectively, to move from the stowed position (FIG. 2) to the extended position (FIG. 3).

As previously noted, when the seating unit includes a first dimension 22 and a second dimension 24 (FIG. 1), the compact design of the linkage 20 allows movement of the footrest assembly 26 from the stowed position to the extended position. The compact design depends on various geometrical characteristics of the links included in the footrest assembly, such as the shape and spacing of the links, the length of the links, the distance between the pivots, and the like. In one embodiment, these features are shown in Figures 2-4.

The compact design of linkage 20 also provides other benefits. For example, in one embodiment, the design allows a flipper (not shown) to be mounted to the flipper support 56 to expand to approximately the width of the main footrest (not shown). Without this technique, the fin ottoman is lowered and cannot expand to the same width (from left to right). In another embodiment, the design meets a third dimension 75 defined by the distance between the seat mounting flange 31 and the mounting surface of the fin ottoman support 56 when the assembly is in the stowed position. In one embodiment, the third dimension is about 3.625 inches.

The movement of the footrests/couches 51, 53 and 59 and the footrest assembly 26 from the stowed configuration to the extended position has been described. Folding or collapsing of these elements is facilitated by moving the drive tube 66 in the opposite direction (ie, counterclockwise in Figure 3), which in turn results in a reverse movement of the above-mentioned movement.

With continued reference to Figures 2-4, the seat adjustment assembly 32 will now be described in greater detail. As previously noted, the seat adjustment assembly 32 attaches the seat mounting plate 28 to the base plate 30 . Also, the seat adjustment assembly 32 passes forward through the seat mounting plate 28 when the backrest 14 is moved to a more reclined position, and rearwardly through the seat mounting plate 28 when the backrest 14 is moved to a more reclined position.

The seat adjustment assembly 32 includes a back drive link 80 , a rear crank 82 and a back crank link 84 . The back drive link 80 is attached to the back mounting bracket 34 and the rear crank 82 . Mounting bracket 34 is attached to rear seat bracket 81 extending from seat mounting plate 28 . The rear crank 82 is attached at pivot 83 to the rear portion 86 of the seat mounting plate 28 and to the back crank link 84 of the base plate 30 .

The seat adjustment assembly 32 also includes a rear pivot link 88 and a front pivot link 90 , both of which are attached to the roller link 92 . Roller link 92 includes two rollers 94 and 96 rotatably coupled to roller link 92 . The rollers 94 and 96 are positioned between the roller links 92 and the base plate 30 , and the rollers 94 and 96 are positioned on one or more tracks of the base plate 30 .

As previously noted, the seat adjustment assembly 32 facilitates recoil and tilt of the backrest 14 and passes through the seat mounting plate 28 relative to the base plate 30 . The operation of the seat adjustment assembly 32 will now be described in greater detail.

Referring to Figure 3, the seat mounting plate 28 has been adjusted downward as a result of movement from the stowed position to the extended position. At least part of the downward displacement comes from the footrest drive link 62 acting on the rear pivot link. That is, as the linkage moves from the stowed position to the extended position, the rear pivot link rotates counterclockwise, thereby displacing the seat mounting plate downward. During movement to the reclined position, the back mounting bracket 34 rotates clockwise on the pivot 98 that attaches the back mounting bracket 34 to the rear seat bracket 81 . For example, when a user seated in seating unit 10 leans back or applies weight to backrest 14, backrest mounting bracket 34 may rotate clockwise. Clockwise rotation of the back mount bracket 34 pushes the back drive link 80 downward, causing the rear crank 82 to rotate counterclockwise on the pivot 83 and displace downward. The back crank link 84 is adjusted counterclockwise on the pivot that attaches the back crank link 84 to the base plate 30 . When base plate 30 is fixed relative to the seat mounting plate (eg, when base plate 30 is attached directly or indirectly to a chair leg resting on the floor), backrest mounting bracket 34 , backrest drive link 80 , rear crank 82 and movement of the back crank link 84 triggers forward movement of the seat mounting plate 28 .

With continued reference to FIG. 3 , the rear pivot link 88 and the front pivot link 90 transmit forward motion of the seat mounting plate 28 to the roller links 92 as the seat mounting plate 28 is biased forward. In turn, the roller link 92 is displaced forward relative to the base plate 30 by the movable rollers 94 and 96 reciprocating in the track of the base plate 30 .

Movement of the seat adjustment assembly 32 from the relatively reclined position in FIG. 3 to the relatively reclined position in FIG. 4 has been described. Movement from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. 3 (as seen in FIG. 3 ) is facilitated by rotation of the backrest mounting bracket 34 in a counterclockwise direction, which in turn facilitates the reverse movement of the above-mentioned movement. For example, the back mounting bracket 34 may be actively moved and/or the force (eg, the user's weight) to move the back mounting bracket 34 clockwise may be removed. Similarly, leaning forward by the user may also apply a force that rotates the backrest mounting bracket 34 counterclockwise.

Figure 5 shows various views of different combinations of connecting rods according to embodiments of the invention, the connecting rods being labeled.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-11 , various illustrations are provided of an automatic linkage 100 for an automatically adjustable seating unit 102 in a stowed position, an extended position 106 , and Movement between reclined positions 108 . As discussed with respect to seating unit 10 , automatic linkage 100 may be one of a pair of mirrored linkages coupled together within seating unit 102 . As such, each component may be referred to individually, but with the exception of the beam or drive tube extending between mirrored linkages, each component coupled to the seat plate may be one of a pair, or The other linkage has complementary components on it.

6-7 illustrate the seating unit 102 in the stowed position 104 . 8-9 show the seating unit in the extended position 106 . 10-11 illustrate the seating unit in the reclined position 108 . Movement between positions 104 , 106 and 108 may be actuated by an automatic drive mechanism 110 coupled to the seating unit 102 . The seating unit includes a front end 101 and a rear end 103 , and a first side 120 and a second side 122 .

As shown in FIGS. 1-6 , seating unit 102 includes seat mounting plate 28 , automatic drive mechanism 110 , and ottoman drive tube assembly 116 . The bench drive tube assembly 116 includes a drive tube 66 that is rotatably coupled to the automatic drive mechanism 110 and to the seat mounting plate 28 of the automatic linkage mechanism 100 (and, in operation, to the motor shown in FIGS. 1-6 ). The mirrored seat mounting plate and automatic linkage mechanism is mounted on the opposite side of the seat mounting plate 28). The automatic drive mechanism 110 includes a linear actuator 124 retracted in FIGS. 6-7 and at least partially extended in FIGS. 8-11 . When the drive tube 66 is rotated by extension of the linear actuator 124 rotatably coupled to the drive tube 66, the drive tube 66 is rotatably coupled to the ottoman beam 126 through the links that allow the footrest assembly 26 to extend.

The ottoman beam 126 is positioned at the front end 101 of the seating unit 102 and extends from the seat mounting plate 28 of the automatic linkage 100 . A bench drive tube assembly 116 is coupled to the automatic linkage 100 between the front end 101 and the rear end 103 of the seating unit 102 . The drive tube assembly 116 may be coupled between the seat mounting plate 28 and an opposing seat mounting plate (not shown in FIGS. 1-6 ) and at least partially between the first side 120 and the second side 122 of the seating unit 102 extension between. Automatic drive mechanism 110 is coupled to backrest beam 130 at a first motor connection location 132 and extends to drive tube assembly 116 and to drive tube assembly 116 at a second motor connection location 134 that is pivotable relative to drive tube 66 .

The bench drive tube assembly 116 includes a plurality of interconnected components. The seat mounting plate 28 includes a locking mounting plate 68 in a first position 136 between the front end 101 and the rear end 103 of the seating unit 102 and between the first and second sides 120 , 122 of the seating unit 102 Coupling to the inside of the automatic linkage 100 . The ottoman control link 157 is rotatably coupled to the lock mounting plate 68 . The ottoman control link 157 is rotatably coupled to the ottoman drive link 62 having first and second ends 140 , 142 , wherein the first end 140 of the ottoman drive link 62 is coupled to the ottoman control link 157 . Again, the seat mounting plates 28 shown in FIGS. 6-11 may be mirrored on opposite sides of the seating unit 102 to provide a pair of parallel, coupled seat mounting plates 28 that provide a dynamic allowing the seating unit 102 to move Movement of the automatic linkage mechanism 100.

The first end 140 of the ottoman drive link 62 is coupled to the inner side of the ottoman control link 157 (ie, closer to the center of the seating unit 102; between the first and second sides 120, 122). The ottoman control link 157, the locking mounting plate 68 is coupled to the ottoman control link 157 on the outside of the bench control link 157 (ie, further away from the center of the seating unit 102, towards the first side 120 of the seating unit) . In other words, the first ends 140 of the ottoman drive links 62 (on both sides of the seating unit 102) are coupled so that movement of the first ends 140 of the ottoman drive links 62 does not interfere with the stool Other components of the couch drive tube assembly 116 interfere. In the mirror configuration discussed above, the ottoman control link 157 is fixedly coupled to the opposite end of the drive tube 66 . The drive tube 66 is thus rotatably coupled to the automatic drive mechanism 110 relative to the pair of seat mounting plates 28 .

Each footrest drive link 62 is rotatably coupled to the rear pivot link 88 at the second end 142 of the footrest drive link 62 . The rear pivot link 88 is coupled to the second end 142 of the footrest drive link 62 between the rear pivot link first end 144 and the rear pivot link second end 146 . The rear pivot link first end 144 is rotatably coupled to the outside of the seat mounting plate 28 at a second position 148 . The second end 146 of the rear pivot link 88 is rotatably coupled to the roller link 92 in the third position 153 . As shown in the exterior view of the first side 120 of the automatic linkage 100 in FIG. 10 , the roller link 92 includes a roller link first end 152 and a roller link second end 154 . Roller link 92 is slidably coupled to base plate 30 by rollers 94 and 96 housed in the base plate 30 at roller track locations.

Additionally, the front pivot link 90 is rotatably coupled to the outside of the seat mounting plate 28 in the fourth position 156 . Additionally, the front pivot link 90 is rotatably coupled to the roller link first end 152 of the roller link 92 . Roller link 92 is thus coupled to front pivot link 90 at roller link first end 152 and to rear pivot link 88 at roller link second end 154 . The base plate 30 is rotatably coupled to the back crank link 84 in the fifth position 158 . The back crank link 84 is rotatably coupled to the rear crank 82 in the sixth position 162 . The rear crank 82 is coupled to the seat mounting plate 28 at a seventh position 164 toward the rear end 103 of the seating unit 102 and is also rotatably coupled to the back drive link 80 at an eighth position 166 . The back drive link 80 is rotatably coupled to the back mounting bracket 34 in the ninth position 168 . The back mount bracket 34 is rotatably coupled to the rear seat bracket 81 in the tenth position 170 and the rear seat bracket 81 is fixedly coupled to the seat mounting plate 28 in the eleventh position 172 .

As shown in FIGS. 6-11 , the back beam 130 may be coupled to the base plate 30 of the seating unit 102 at the rear end 103 through the back beam bracket 173 and the ottoman beam 126 may be through the ottoman beam bracket at the front end 101 of the seating unit 102 174 is coupled to the seat mounting plate 28 . The bench beam 126 and the drive tube 66 of the bench drive tube assembly 116 are rotatably coupled to each other by a combination of linkages. In this regard, as shown in FIGS. 7 , 9 and 11 , the drive tube 66 includes a first locking bracket 176 fixedly coupled to the drive tube 66 at a first drive tube location 178 and fixedly coupled to the drive tube 66 at a second drive tube location 182 The second locking bracket 180 is coupled to the drive tube 66 . Each of the first and second locking brackets 176 , 180 is rotatably coupled to a corresponding locking link 60 . Each locking link 60 is rotatably coupled to a corresponding front ottoman link 36 . Each of the front ottoman links 36 is rotatably coupled to a corresponding ottoman mounting bracket 184 that is fixedly coupled to the seating unit 102 between the first side 120 and the second side 122 . Bench beam 126.

The footrest assembly 26 is rotatably coupled to the ottoman beam 126 . Each ottoman mounting bracket 184 is further rotatably coupled to the rear ottoman link 35 . Each rear ottoman link 35 is rotatably coupled to a corresponding main ottoman link 42 . Each main ottoman link 42 is rotatably coupled to a corresponding footrest support 50 . In addition to these links, rotatably coupled to each ottoman mounting bracket 184 is a corresponding front ottoman link 36, which is also rotatably coupled to a corresponding locking link 60, as discussed above, and also A corresponding second ottoman link 46 is rotatably coupled. Each second ottoman link 46 is rotatably coupled to a corresponding fin control link 54 . Each fin control link 54 is rotatably coupled to a corresponding fin ottoman bracket 56 . Each flipper support 56 is rotatably coupled to a corresponding footrest support 50 on each side of the footrest assembly 26 .

Different configurations of the automatic linkage 100 , corresponding footrest assembly 26 , and integral seating unit 102 are possible and contemplated. The bench drive tube assembly 116 may be positioned at various locations between the front and rear ends 101 , 103 of the seating unit 102 . Additionally, the automatic drive mechanism 110 may have another coupling configuration that includes the bench drive tube assembly 116, such as, for example, by rotatably coupling one side of the drive tube assembly 116 to the drive tube assembly 116 to provide rotation from an axial position. power. Additionally, the distance between the drive tube 66 and the ottoman beam 126 can be varied depending on the desired position of the links, their lengths, and the linkage.

Additionally, more or fewer footrest components may be used. For example, more or less than two linkage assemblies extending to the corresponding footrest support 50 may be used. The ottoman beam 126 may have a first cross-sectional area, the drive tube 66 may have a second cross-sectional area, and in this regard, the first cross-sectional area may be greater than the second cross-sectional area because the ottoman beam 126 may be in a particular configuration Greater support is required.

12 illustrates the assembly of an automatic linkage mechanism (eg, in FIGS. 6-11 ) for an adjustable seating unit (eg, the adjustable seating unit 102 shown in FIGS. 6-11 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention). A block diagram of an exemplary method 1200 of an automated linkage mechanism 100) is shown.

In block 1210 , a pair of seat mounting plates, such as seat mounting plate 28 as shown in FIGS. 6-11 and an opposing mirrored seat mounting plate, are provided, which are coupled to the seating unit 102 . At block 1212, a back beam, such as back beam 130 shown in FIGS. 6-11, is coupled at a rear end, such as rear end 103 shown in FIGS. 6-11, to a pair of seat mounting plates of the seating unit between. In block 1214, an ottoman beam, such as ottoman beam 126 shown in Figures 6-11, is coupled between a pair of seat mounting plates of the front end 101 of the seating unit. At block 1216, a bench drive tube assembly, such as the bench drive tube assembly 116 shown in FIGS. 6-11, is coupled between a pair of seat mounting plates between the front and rear ends of the seating unit.

In exemplary method 1200, the drive tube assembly may include a pair of locking mounting plates, such as locking mounting plate 68 on seating unit 102 shown in FIGS. 6-11 and an opposing mirrored locking mounting plate, each coupled to a The seat mounting plate also includes a pair of ottoman control links, such as the ottoman control link 157 shown in FIGS. 6-11 and the opposite mirrored ottoman control links on the seating unit 102, respectively Rotationally coupled to a pair of locking mounting plates.

The drive tube assembly may also include a drive tube, such as drive tube 66 shown in FIGS. 6-11 , fixedly coupled to a pair of ottoman control links and at least partially on the first and second sides of the seating unit, Extending between first and second sides 120, 122, such as shown in FIGS. 6-11, a pair of footrest drive links, such as shown in FIGS. 6-11, have a first end and a second end (eg, The ottoman drive link 62 at the first and second ends 140 , 142 shown in FIGS. 6-11 ) and the opposite mirrored ottoman drive link on the seating unit 102 .

In addition, the drive tube assembly may further include: the pair of footrest drive links rotatably coupled at first ends to a pair of ottoman control links, respectively; a pair of rear pivot links, eg, FIGS. 6-11 The rear pivot link 88 shown in and the opposite mirror image rear pivot link are rotatably coupled to the second ends of a pair of footrest drive links, respectively, the pair of rear pivot links. The links are respectively rotatably coupled to a pair of seat mounting plates. The drive tube assembly may also include a pair of base plates, such as base plate 30 shown in FIGS. 6-11 and an opposing mirrored base plate, each slidably coupled to a pair of rear pivot links. The drive tube assembly may also include a pair of locking brackets, such as first and second locking brackets 176, 180 shown in FIG. 9, fixedly coupled to the drive tube between the first side and the second side And spaced inwardly from a pair of seat mounting plates, and a pair of locking links, such as locking links 60 shown in Figure 9, are rotatably coupled to a pair of locking brackets and the ottoman beam, respectively.

At block 1218, the method 1200 also includes coupling an automatic drive mechanism, such as the automatic drive mechanism 110 shown in FIGS. 6-11, to the backrest beam and the drive tube. Additionally, the automatic drive mechanism may be pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical, and may be linearly or rotationally actuated, and/or may be of another configuration or design that provides rotational force to the drive tube assembly.

Many different arrangements of the various components shown, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. The descriptions of the embodiments of the present technology are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Alternative embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains from reading this disclosure. Alternative means of implementing the above may be accomplished without departing from the scope of the following claims. Certain features and sub-combinations may be useful and may be used without reference to other features and sub-combinations, which are also considered within the scope of the claims.

Claims (20)

CLAIMS 1. An automatic linkage for an adjustable seating unit having front and rear ends and spaced first and second sides, the automatic linkage comprising: a pair of seat mounting plates spaced apart from each other; a backrest beam coupled between the pair of seat mounting plates at the rear end of the seating unit; a bench beam coupled between the pair of seat mounting plates at the front end of the seating unit; A bench drive tube assembly coupled between the pair of seat mounting plates between the front and rear ends, the bench drive tube assembly including a pair of locks coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, respectively Mounting plates, a pair of ottoman control links rotatably coupled to the pair of locking mounting plates, respectively, are fixedly coupled to the pair of ottoman control links and are at least partially at a first position of the seating unit. a drive tube extending between one side and a second side; a pair of footrest drive links having first and second ends, said pair of footrest drive links being rotatably coupled to said first ends, respectively a pair of ottoman control links; a pair of rear pivot links rotatably coupled to the second ends of the pair of ottoman drive links, respectively, the pair of rear pivot links Pivot links are rotatably coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, respectively; a pair of base plates slidably coupled to the pair of rear pivot links, respectively, and at least one locking bracket, which is slidably coupled to the pair of rear pivot links, respectively. fixedly coupled to the drive tube between one side and the second side and spaced inwardly from the pair of seat mounting plates; at least one locking link coupled to the at least one locking bracket, the at least one a locking link is rotatably coupled to the bench beam; and An automatic drive mechanism coupled to the backrest beam and the drive tube. 2. The automatic linkage mechanism of claim 1, wherein the automatic drive mechanism comprises a linear actuator. 3. The automatic linkage mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a pair of roller links rotatably coupled to the pair of rear pivot links, respectively, the pair of roller links respectively coupled to the pair of roller links A pair of seat mounting plates and the pair of roller links are slidably coupled to the pair of base plates, respectively. 4. The automatic linkage mechanism of claim 3, further comprising a pair of front pivot links respectively rotatably coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates and to the pair of roller links, respectively. 5. The automatic linkage mechanism of claim 4, further comprising: a pair of rear cranks coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, respectively; and rotatably coupled to the pair of base plates and the pair of base plates, respectively A pair of back crank links to the rear crank. 6. The automatic linkage mechanism of claim 5, further comprising: a pair of rear seat brackets respectively coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates; and a pair of rear seat brackets respectively rotatably coupled to the pair of rear seat brackets a pair of back mount brackets; and a pair of back drive links rotatably coupled to the pair of back mount brackets and the pair of rear cranks, respectively. 7. The automatic linkage mechanism of claim 6, wherein each of the pair of roller links further comprises a first roller slidably coupled to the corresponding base plate at the first track position and a second roller at the second track position. The track positions are slidably coupled to the second rollers on the corresponding base plates. 8. The automatic linkage of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking bracket comprises a first locking bracket coupled to the drive tube at a first drive tube location between a first side and a second side , and a second locking bracket coupled to the drive tube at a second drive tube location between the first side and the second side. 9. The automatic linkage of claim 8, wherein the automatic drive mechanism further comprises a linear actuator, and wherein the automatic drive mechanism is coupled to the back beam at the first motor connection position and at the second motor connection A position is coupled to the drive tube, wherein the second motor connection position is between the first drive tube position and the second drive tube position. 10. The automatic linkage of claim 1, further comprising at least one front ottoman link rotatably coupled to the at least one locking link, wherein each of the at least one front ottoman link Both are rotatably coupled to the bench beam. 11. A linkage mechanism for an adjustable seating unit having front and rear ends and spaced first and second sides, the linkage mechanism comprising: A bench drive tube assembly coupled between a front end and a rear end between a pair of seat mounting plates, the bench drive tube assembly including a pair of locking mounts coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, respectively a pair of ottoman control links rotatably coupled to the pair of locking mounting plates, respectively; fixedly coupled to the pair of ottoman control links and at least partially at the first a drive tube extending between the side and the second side; a pair of footrest drive links having first and second ends, the pair of footrest drive links being rotatably coupled to the one at the first ends, respectively a pair of ottoman control links; a pair of rear pivot links rotatably coupled to the second ends of the pair of footrest drive links, respectively, the pair of rear pivot links Axle links are respectively rotatably coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates; slidably coupled to a pair of base plates of the pair of rear pivot links, respectively; a bench beam coupled at the front end between the pair of seat mounting plates; a first ottoman mounting bracket coupled to the ottoman beam between the first side and the second side; a first front ottoman link rotatably coupled to the first ottoman mounting bracket, a first locking link rotatably coupled to the first front ottoman link; and A first locking bracket fixedly coupled to the drive tube and rotatably coupled to the first locking link. 12. The linkage of claim 11, wherein the drive tube is rotatable relative to a pair of seat mounting plates, and wherein the ottoman beam is fixed relative to the pair of seat mounting plates. 13. The linkage of claim 12, wherein the ottoman beam further comprises a second ottoman mounting bracket coupled to the ottoman beam between the first side and the second side ; a second front ottoman link rotatably coupled to the second ottoman mounting bracket; and a second locking link rotatably coupled to the second front ottoman link; and fixedly coupled to The drive tube is rotatably coupled to the second locking bracket of the second locking link. 14. The linkage of claim 13, further comprising: a first rear ottoman link rotatably coupled to the first ottoman mounting bracket; a first rear ottoman link rotatably coupled to the first rear ottoman link a first main ottoman link; a first footrest bracket coupled to the first main ottoman link; a second rear ottoman link rotatably coupled to the second ottoman mounting bracket; rotatably coupled a second main ottoman link to the second rear ottoman link; and a second footrest bracket coupled to the second main ottoman link. 15. The linkage of claim 14, wherein the pair of ottoman drive links are rotatably coupled to inner sides of the pair of ottoman control links, respectively, and wherein the pair of locking mounting plates are respectively rotatably coupled to the outer sides of the pair of ottoman control links. 16. The linkage of claim 15, further comprising a motor connection position on the drive tube, wherein the motor connection position is pivotable relative to the drive tube, and wherein the first and second locking brackets are in the motor connection position on the opposite side. 17. The linkage of claim 16, wherein the ottoman beam has a first cross-sectional area and the drive tube has a second cross-sectional area, and wherein the first cross-sectional area is greater than the second cross-sectional area. 18. A method of assembling an automatic linkage for an adjustable seating unit having front and rear ends and first and second spaced apart sides, the method comprising: Provide a pair of seat mounting plates; coupling a backrest beam between the pair of seat mounting plates at the rear end of the seating unit; coupling the ottoman beam between the pair of seat mounting plates at the front end of the seating unit; A bench drive tube assembly is coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates between the front and rear ends, the bench drive tube assembly including a pair of locking mounting plates coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, respectively a pair of ottoman control links rotatably coupled to the pair of locking mounting plates, respectively; fixedly coupled to the pair of ottoman control links and at least partially on the first side and the first side of the seating unit A drive tube extending between two sides; a pair of ottoman drive links having first and second ends, the pair of ottoman drive links being rotatably coupled to the pair of ottomans at the first ends, respectively a control link; a pair of rear pivot links rotatably coupled to the second ends of the pair of footrest drive links, respectively, the pair of rear pivot links a pair of base plates respectively rotatably coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates; a pair of base plates respectively slidably coupled to the pair of rear pivot links; fixed between the first side and the second side a pair of locking brackets rotatably coupled to the drive tube and spaced inwardly from the pair of seat mounting plates; and a pair of locking links rotatably coupled to the pair of locking brackets and the ottoman beam, respectively; and Coupling the automatic drive mechanism to the backrest beam and drive tube. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: rotatably coupling a first locking link of the pair of locking links to a first locking bracket of the pair of locking brackets; a second locking link of the pair of locking links is rotatably coupled to the second locking bracket of the pair of locking brackets; the first front ottoman link is rotatably coupled to the first locking link; the second The front bench link is rotatably coupled to the second locking link; the first bench mounting bracket is fixedly coupled to the bench beam; the first front bench link is rotatably connected at the first bench mounting bracket coupling to the bench beam; fixedly coupling the second bench mounting bracket to the bench beam; and rotatably coupling the second front bench link to the bench beam at the second bench mounting bracket. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the pair of ottoman drive links are on opposite sides of the seating unit and are respectively coupled to the inner side of the pair of ottoman control links.

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