CN109700221B

CN109700221B - Modular assembly for high leg row seats

Info

Publication number: CN109700221B
Application number: CN201811243123.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: G·M·劳森
Original assignee: L&P Property Management Co
Current assignee: L&P Property Management Co
Priority date: 2017-10-25
Filing date: 2018-10-24
Publication date: 2022-08-05
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-24
Also published as: CN109700221A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular assembly for a high leg row seat. Each seating unit has a pair of mechanisms actuatable to move between a closed position and a reclined position. Each mechanism includes first and second roller tracks oriented at opposite angles to each other. The seat mounting plate is movably coupled with and restrained by a linkage that couples the seat mounting plate with the first and second roller tracks such that the seat mounting plate is movable from a generally horizontal orientation in the closed position to an elevated tilt orientation in the reclined position, wherein the elevated tilt is from the rear end of the seat unit to the front end of the seat unit.

Description

Modular assembly for high leg row seats

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application serial No.15/595,522 filed on day 5, 15, 2017, and a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application serial No.15/441,984 filed on day 24, 2, 2017, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to high leg seating arrangements, and in particular to seats in an environment where rows of seats are used.

Background

In the movable furniture (sports furniture) industry, there are mechanisms that move a chair between at least three positions: a closed position wherein the leg rest is stowed and the chair back is substantially upright; a TV or extended position with the leg rest extended and the back slightly reclined; and a fully reclined/reclined position, wherein the leg rest is extended and the backrest is reclined. This type of motion is now expanding into other environments such as movie theaters or movie theaters. However, these commercial environments present new problems for this type of portable furniture. It would be advantageous to implement a design that is suitable for the challenges presented by these environments.

Disclosure of Invention

An assembly is provided that includes a modular base system that may be used in rows of movable furniture seats, such as in a theater. The modular base system may be bolted directly to the ground and may be equipped with adjustable legs to allow the unit to be leveled to accommodate uneven ground. The modular base system provides a structure that enables the arms, back (back) panel, and linkage for moving the seating unit between the closed, extended, and fully reclined positions to be easily removed and replaced. Structure is also provided to enable the seat portion to be pivoted upwardly to expose the interior of the seating unit (as may be required for repair or cleaning). In addition, a formed metal footrest with a low-profile (low-profile) is provided that allows the wrap-around cushion to easily slide over the footrest when the footrest is opened and closed. An elongated profile chair back assembly is also provided which also includes a readily removable chair back. The mechanism of the seating unit drives the seat pitch change from the closed position to the extended position and from the extended position to the fully reclined position, thereby increasing comfort and minimizing the space required between rows of seating units.

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 perspective view of an exemplary multi-chassis modular base system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing two base assemblies and two arms, and two back side panels, the remainder of the seat unit not shown for clarity;

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a portion of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one unit (not one row for clarity) of the seat assembly shown in the closed position;

FIG. 5 is the same view as FIG. 4 but showing the seat frame pivoted upwardly;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but showing an extended position and showing only the right hand side of the mechanism as viewed by a person seated in the seating unit;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, but showing a fully reclined position;

FIG. 8 is a cross section through the center of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a cross section through the center of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a cross section through the center of FIG. 7;

11-17 are sections (from different angles) of the fully reclined position of FIG. 7, progressively moving from the arm of the seating unit toward the center of the seating unit to show structural details of, inter alia, the mechanism;

FIG. 18 is a cross-section of a different aspect of the invention shown in the closed position;

FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18 but showing the backrest reclined with the footrest closed;

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 19 taken in a different section to reveal additional components;

FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 20 but showing the footrest extended and the back in an upright position;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 but now showing the backrest in a fully reclined position;

FIG. 23 is a view in various respects, showing a cross section of aspects of a fixed back embodiment disclosing a single motor;

FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 23 taken in a different section to reveal additional components;

FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIGS. 23 and 24, taken in different sections to reveal additional components, and showing the mechanism in a closed position;

FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 25 taken in a different section to reveal additional components;

FIG. 27 is a view similar to FIG. 25, but showing the mechanism in a fully reclined position;

FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 26 but showing the mechanism in a fully reclined position;

FIG. 29 is a view of a different aspect showing an aspect similar to FIGS. 23-28 but with an independent leg rest;

FIG. 30 is the section of FIG. 29 but showing the seat reclined and the leg rest closed;

FIG. 31 is the cross-section of FIG. 29 showing the mechanism in a closed position; and

FIG. 32 is a section similar to FIG. 31 but showing the seat reclined and the foot rest extended.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an assembly that provides a modular base system that may be used in rows of movable furniture seats, such as in a theater. The modular base system may be bolted directly to the ground and may be equipped with adjustable legs to allow the unit to be leveled to accommodate uneven ground. The modular base system provides a structure that enables the arms, the back panel, and the linkage for moving the seating unit between the closed, extended, and fully reclined positions to be easily removed and replaced. Structure is also provided to enable the seat to be pivoted upwardly to expose the interior of the seating unit (as may be required for repair or cleaning). In addition, a contoured metal footrest is provided that allows the wrap-around seat cushion to easily slide over the footrest when the footrest is opened and closed. An elongated profile chair back assembly is also provided that also includes a readily removable chair back. The mechanism of the seating unit drives the seat pitch change from the closed position to the extended position and from the extended position to the fully reclined position, thereby increasing comfort and minimizing the space required between rows of seating units.

The modular base system 10 is shown in fig. 1 with certain components removed for clarity. Furthermore, while FIG. 1 shows only partial rows, it should be understood that rows of seats may be constructed by adding to the arrangement shown. The modular base system 10 includes a number of spaced apart welded base components 12, only one of which is labeled in detail, it being understood that each base component 12 is similarly constructed. The base assembly 12 includes two spaced apart chassis plates 14 that are radial to each other. Each chassis plate 14 has a rear panel 16, side panels 18 and a front stiffening flange 20. While the panel 16, side panels 18 and front stiffening flange 20 are then preferably formed from one piece of metal, the assembly could be made from separate components and then joined together, for example by welding. As best shown in fig. 3, the rear panel 16 has a keyhole slot 22 formed therein and a top slot 24 extending downwardly from the top surface. The side panels 18 extend from the rear panel 16 to the front stiffening flange 20 and beyond the stiffening flange 20 to the front mechanism bracket 26. The front mechanism bracket 26 includes one or more mounting holes 28 and an inwardly extending mechanism pin 30. The mechanism pin 30 may have a head larger than a base, forming a space between the head and the surface of the front mechanism bracket 26. As shown, the front mechanism bracket 26 may be formed with an inward bias such that it is biased inward from the remainder of the side panel 18. As best shown in fig. 3, the side panels 18 have a front slot 32 extending downwardly from the top surface, a little rearward of the front stiffening flange 20. A similar rear slot 34, also extending downwardly from the top surface of the side panels 18, is located on the side panels 18 adjacent the rear panel 16. Side panel 18 also includes a reinforced area 36 that supports a second mechanism pin 38. Similar to mechanism pin 30, mechanism pin 38 may have a larger head than base, thereby creating a space between the head and the surface of reinforced area 36. Each side panel 18 also has a mounting hole 40 formed therein near the bottom and adjacent the front stiffening flange 20.

Each chassis plate 14 is coupled together with a front tube 42 and a rear tube 44. The

tubes

42 and 44 are preferably welded to the chassis plate 14 and may specifically include welds to the front stiffening flange 20 and the rear panel 16. As best shown in fig. 1, a U-clip type motor mount 45 is rigidly coupled to the rear tube 44, for example by welding. The assembly of chassis plate 14, front tube 42 and rear tube 44 is supported above an underlying support surface via adjustable leg assemblies 46. Front leg assembly 46 includes a front mounting bracket 48 welded to front tube 42 (and may be welded to the lower surface of chassis plate 14). In one embodiment, the front mounting bracket 48 includes a nut 50 welded to a top surface of the front mounting bracket 48. The support legs 52 are threaded through holes (not shown) in the mounting bracket 48 and the nut 50. The support legs 52 are rigidly or pivotably coupled with feet 54 designed to rest on an underlying support surface. As best shown in fig. 3, the foot 54 may include a hole 56 to secure the foot 54 to the ground, for example, using a bolt (or peg) or other securing mechanism. Similarly, rear leg assembly 46 includes a rear mounting bracket 58 welded to rear tube 44 (and possibly to the lower surface of chassis plate 14). In one embodiment, the rear mounting bracket 58 includes a nut 60 welded to a top surface of the rear mounting bracket 58. The support legs 62 are threaded through holes (not shown) in the mounting bracket 58 and the nut 60. The support legs 62 are rigidly or pivotably coupled with feet 64 designed to rest on an underlying support surface. As best shown in fig. 3, the foot 64 may include an aperture 66 to secure the foot 64 to the ground, for example, using bolts or other securing mechanisms. The length of either

leg

52 or 62 can be adjusted by tightening or loosening any

leg

52, 62 through the corresponding

nut

50, 60. This allows the base assembly 12 to be leveled even if the underlying support surface is uneven. The feet 54 and support legs 52 are positioned rearwardly relative to the front surface of the arms 68 so that the feet 54 or legs 52 are less likely to present a rollover hazard. If no adjustment is needed or desired, the adjustable leg assembly 46 is also replaced with a fixed length leg, such as the leg shown in FIGS. 4-17, which is designated 82 in FIG. 5.

As shown in fig. 1, rows of seats may be formed by coupling arms 68 with base assemblies 12. More specifically, the arm 68 may overlap two side-by-side base assemblies 12 and couple them together. In some embodiments, the lower panel 70 of each arm rests on the front and rear mounting

brackets

48, 58 and extends between the

support legs

52, 62 and the undercarriage plate 14. As best shown in fig. 3, each lower panel 70 also has a front dowel 72 and a rear dowel 74. The front locating pin 72 is positioned to engage the front slot 32 and the rear locating pin 74 is positioned to engage the rear slot 34. This allows each arm 68 to be easily mounted on the base assembly 12 by inserting the locating pins 72, 74 into the corresponding

slots

32, 34. Once in position, each arm may be locked in place with a bolt through the mounting hole 40 and into the lower panel 70 of the arm 68. Each arm 68 may house wiring and buttons or other mechanisms to operate the movement of the seat (described below), and is therefore shown with an exemplary hole 76 in the arm 68. If any individual arm is damaged, worn or otherwise needs to be replaced, the arm 68 in question can be simply removed and replaced by simply removing the bolts (on each side) extending through the mounting holes 40 (and disconnecting any wiring) and lifting the arm to separate the locating pins 72, 74 from the

slots

32, 34. A new arm can then be simply reinstalled.

The back side panel 78 is also easily mounted to the base assembly 12. The back panel 78 has a pair of locating pins 80 on each side that engage with corresponding keyhole slots 22 and top slot 24 on the back panel 16. The back panel 78 can thus be easily removed (for access or repair) by lifting the back panel 78 to separate the pin 80 from the

slots

22, 24.

The mechanism 90, which moves the seating unit between the upright position (fig. 4), extended position (fig. 6), and fully reclined position (fig. 7), is simply mounted on the base assembly 12. More specifically, as best shown in fig. 11, the mechanism 90 includes a base plate 92, the base plate 92 generally carrying and supporting the components of the mechanism 90 and the remainder of the linkage (linkage). As best shown in fig. 11, to mate with the base assembly 12, the base plate 92 includes a protruding rear end 94 having a slot 96. In some embodiments, the slot 96 extends substantially horizontally. The base plate 92 also includes an extended front end 98. The front end 98 includes a slot 100. In at least some embodiments, the slots 100 extend vertically. The front end 98 also includes mounting holes 102. As shown, in some embodiments, a plurality of mounting holes 102 are shown. The mechanism 90 may be simply mounted to the base assembly 12 by sliding the mechanism pins 38 (on the chassis plate 14) into corresponding slots 96 at the rear end 94 of the base plate 92. At this point, the front end of the mechanism 90 may be lowered such that the slot 100 on the front end 98 of the base plate 92 engages the corresponding mechanism pin 30 on the front mechanism bracket 26. Once in place, gravity will maintain the position of mechanism 90 on chassis plate 14. The mechanism 90 may be further secured using one bolt (on each side) extending through a selected mounting hole 102 (on the base plate 92) and a selected mounting hole 28 in the front mechanism bracket 26.

With continued reference to fig. 11, the base plate 92 carries a front rail 104 having front rollers 106 and a rear rail 108 having rear rollers 110. In at least one embodiment, the

rails

104, 108 are rigidly coupled directly to the base plate 92, such as by riveting, bolting, or welding. In some embodiments, it is desirable to vary the spacing of the seats as the seating unit moves from the closed position to the extended position. To achieve this seat pitch variation, the front rail 104 has a slightly greater slope than the rear rail 108. This change in seat spacing continues from the extended position to the fully reclined position, which may be preferred in commercial settings (theaters), to minimize the space required to move to the fully reclined position (since as the seating unit reclines, the seat spacing changes, rather than the seat moving only forward, which would require more space from front to back). A rear crank link 112 (partially shown in fig. 11 and best shown in fig. 12) is also pivotally coupled with the rear end 94 of the base plate 92. As best shown in fig. 13, the upper end of the rear crank link 112 is pivotally coupled with the lower end of the rear bell crank 114. As seen in fig. 14, the opposite end of rear bell crank 114 is pivotally coupled with a back drive link 116. The opposite end of the back drive link 116 is coupled to a back mounting link 118. A backrest mount link 118 couples a backrest 120 with the seating unit. In at least some embodiments, the backrest 120 is an elongated profile design with welded steel tube frames 122 that reinforce wooden frames 124. The backrest 120 is designed to be easily removable from the backrest mounting link 118.

As best shown in fig. 12, a roller link 126 is coupled with the front rollers 106 and the rear rollers 110. As shown in fig. 13, a rear pivot link 128 is pivotally coupled with the rear end of the roller link 126, and a front pivot link 130 is pivotally coupled with the front end of the roller link 126. As best shown in fig. 14, the opposite end of the rear pivot link 128 is pivotally coupled with the seat mounting plate 132. Similarly, the opposite end of the front pivot link 130 is also pivotally coupled with the seat mounting plate 132. As best shown in fig. 14, the seat mounting plate 132 has a rear end pivotally coupled with the rear bell crank 114. Near the rear end of the seat mounting plate 132, a rear seat bracket 134 is rigidly coupled at one end to the seat mounting plate 132 and pivotably coupled at the other end to the back mounting link 118. The seat mount plate 132 extends forward to a seat mount pivot 136. The seat mount pivot 136 pivotally couples the front end of the seat frame 138 with the mechanism 90. The seat frame 138 may be made of, for example, welded steel tubing. The rear end of the seat frame 138 rests on the seat mounting plate 132. This pivotal connection of the seat frame 138 only at the front end of the seat frame 138 allows the seat frame 138 to rotate upward, allowing access to components below the seat frame 138 (or generally any access below the seat frame 138). Fig. 5 shows the rear end of the seat frame 138 pivoted upward away from the seat mounting plate 132.

As best shown in fig. 14, the front end of the seat mounting plate 132 also has a rear footrest link 140 pivotally coupled with the seat mounting plate 132. Similarly, a front ottoman link 142 is also pivotally coupled to the seat mounting plate 132 forward of the rear ottoman link 140. As best shown in fig. 15, an end of the rear footrest link 140 opposite the connection with the seat mounting plate 132 is pivotally coupled with a main footrest link 144. The main ottoman link 144 is also pivotally coupled with the front ottoman link 142. The outermost end of the main ottoman link 144 is pivotally coupled with a leg rest bracket 146. The lower end of leg rest bracket 146 is pivotally coupled with a second footrest link 148. The second footrest link 148 has an opposite end pivotally coupled with the forward footrest link 142. Approximately midway along the second footrest link 148, an intermediate footrest control link 150 is pivotally coupled with the second footrest link 148. An end of the intermediate footrest control link 150 opposite the connection with the second footrest link 148 is pivotally coupled with an intermediate footrest bracket 152. The intermediate footrest bracket 152 is also pivotally coupled to the main footrest link 144. Returning to leg rest bracket 146, a baffle footrest bracket 154 is pivotally coupled with a forward end of leg rest bracket 146. The flapper control link 156 is pivotally connected at one end to the flapper footrest bracket 154 and pivotally coupled at the other end to the outer end of the second footrest link 148. As best shown in fig. 10, leg rest 158 is coupled with baffle footrest bracket 154, leg rest 160 is coupled with leg rest bracket 146, and middle footrest 162 is coupled with middle footrest bracket 152. In some embodiments, the seating unit may be designed with a continuous cushion covering leg rest 158, leg rest 160, and intermediate ottoman 162. To allow the seat cushion to move more freely, in some embodiments, the footrest 160 is a thin profile formed metal plate.

Returning to fig. 15, the secondary rear footrest link 164 is rigidly coupled at one end to the rear footrest link 140. The other end of secondary rear ottoman link 164 is pivotally coupled with leg rest drive link 166. A leg rest drive link 166 extends rearwardly from the secondary rear footrest link 164 and is pivotally coupled at a rear end to the rear pivot link 128. A motor tube bracket 168 is rigidly coupled at one end to the secondary rear footrest link 164 and at the other end to a motor tube 170, the motor tube 170 extending from one side of the mechanism 90 to the opposite mirrored side (there are mirrored side assemblies as described above, forming a left and rear side assembly for each mechanism 90). As best shown in fig. 16, approximately midway along the motor tube 170, a clevis mount 172 is rigidly coupled with the motor tube 170. The mounting bracket 172 is used to pivotably couple the shaft 176 of the motor 174 with the motor tube 170. The opposite end of the motor 174 is pivotally coupled to the motor mounting bracket 45 on the rear tube 144.

The motor 174 is activated/operated to extend and retract the shaft 176, thereby moving the mechanism 90 (and thus the seating unit) from the closed position of fig. 4 to the extended position of fig. 6 and to the fully reclined position of fig. 7, and vice versa. The motor 174 may be operated by a user-actuated control device, which in some arrangements may be located in the arm 68. The motor 174 may also be stopped at any position between closed and fully reclined if desired by the user.

In some embodiments, the stabilization bar 180 (fig. 17) may be rigidly fixed to the roller link 126 via a stabilization bracket 182 (fig. 13). The stabilizing bar 180 thus extends from one side of the mechanism 90 to the other and provides additional stability to the mechanism 90 as the name suggests.

In another aspect, a two-motor version is shown and described with reference to fig. 18-22, as opposed to the single-motor version described above. This further aspect allows independent operation of the backrest recline and the footrest. Further, in this aspect, when the backrest reclines, the angle of the rear rail slightly decreases to increase the seat pitch.

In another aspect shown in fig. 18-22, many of the components remain the same as described above with reference to fig. 1-17. The components are similarly numbered and configured while they remain the same, and therefore will not be further described with reference to fig. 18-22 for the sake of brevity.

As best shown in fig. 18, in this aspect, another recline bracket 200 is coupled to the roller link 126. The recline bracket 200 is in turn coupled to a recline motor tube 202 extending between corresponding recline brackets 200 (one recline bracket 200 on each side of the welded base assembly 12). Still referring to fig. 18, the rear rail 108A can be seen coupled to the base plate 92 in an orientation such that the rail is at a lesser angle, flatter or upward, than the rear rail 108 described above. By maintaining the same angular orientation of the front rail 104 and decreasing the angle of the rear rail 108A, the spacing of the seat frame 138 increases as the backrest 120 reclines. As best shown in fig. 20, the pitch motor 174A is coupled at a rear end with the rear tube 44 using a motor mount 45. The pitch back motor 174A has an extendable shaft coupled to the pitch back motor tube 202 with an intermediate motor bracket 204.

The recline motor 174A may be actuated to independently recline the back 120 without extending the leg rest 158. With the extendable shaft of the recline motor 174A in the retracted position, the backrest 120 is in the upright orientation, as shown in fig. 18. As the extendable shaft of the recline motor 174A extends, the shaft drives the recline motor tube 202 forward and correspondingly drives the recline bracket 200 and the roller link 126 forward. This movement reclines the backrest 120 to the position shown in fig. 19 and 20. Thus, it can be seen that the backrest 120 can recline independently of the footrest 158, such that the backrest 120 can recline without the footrest 158 extending.

As can be seen in fig. 20, the leg rest motor 174B is coupled at a rear end with the intermediate motor bracket 204. Leg rest motor 174B also has an extendable shaft. The extendable shaft of leg rest motor 174B is coupled at the forward end to leg rest motor tube 170B with clevis bracket 172B. Leg rest motor tube 170B is coupled with motor tube bracket 168B. As best shown in fig. 21, the motor tube bracket 168B is coupled with the front footrest link 142. This is slightly different from the aspect described above with reference to fig. 1-18, because the motor 174 of fig. 1-18 is coupled with the secondary rear ottoman link 164 (rather than the front ottoman link 142 as in this aspect). Leg rest motor 174 is actuatable to move leg rest 158 from the closed position shown in fig. 18 to the extended position shown in fig. 21. As shown in fig. 21, the footrest 158 can be extended independently of the backrest 120 such that the backrest 120 can remain in an upright orientation when the footrest 158 is extended.

Although the back 120 and the leg rest 158 may be independently operated using

motors

174A and 174B, respectively, both

motors

174A and 174B may be actuated to move the chair to the fully reclined position, as shown in fig. 22.

In another aspect, a single motor version is shown and described with reference to fig. 23-28, which shares the same modular base system 10, but uses a different mechanism 290. This further aspect allows the footrest to be opened when the seat is moved, while the backrest is fixed relative to the seat. In addition, the aspects shown in fig. 23-28 are configured to only partially open the footrest in the fully open position, and have a large number of seat pitch variations to provide very comfortable recline in a compact space. The aspect shown in fig. 23-28 thus provides a reclined position similar to the "zero gravity" position. As described below, the rear rails are inclined downward and the front rails are inclined upward to provide a seat pitch change while still maintaining a minimum recline seat height.

Turning to fig. 23, a mechanism 290 that moves the seating unit between the upright position (fig. 25, 26) and the fully reclined position (fig. 27, 28) may be conveniently mounted on the base assembly 12. More specifically, as best shown in fig. 23, the mechanism 290 includes a base plate 292, the base plate 292 generally carrying and supporting the components of the mechanism 290 and the remainder of the linkages. As best shown in fig. 23, the base plate 292 includes a protruding rear end 294 having a slot 296 for mating with the base assembly 12. In some embodiments, the grooves 296 extend substantially horizontally. Base plate 292 also includes an extended front end 298. The front end 298 includes a slot 300. In at least some embodiments, the slots 300 extend vertically. The front end 298 also includes mounting holes 302. As shown, in some embodiments, a plurality of mounting holes 302 are shown. The mechanism 290 may be simply mounted to the base assembly 12 by sliding the mechanism pins 38 (on the chassis plate 14) into corresponding slots 296 at the rear end 294 of the base plate 292. At this point, the front end of the mechanism 290 may be lowered such that the slot 300 on the front end 298 of the base plate 292 engages the corresponding mechanism pin 30 on the front mechanism bracket 26. Once in position, gravity will maintain the position of mechanism 290 on chassis plate 14. The mechanism 290 may be further secured using one bolt (on each side) extending through selected mounting holes 302 (on the base plate 292) and selected mounting holes 28 in the front mechanism bracket 26.

With continued reference to fig. 23, the base plate 292 carries a front rail 304 with front rollers 306 and a rear rail 308 with rear rollers 310. In at least one embodiment, the

rails

304, 308 are rigidly coupled directly to the base plate 292, such as by riveting, bolting, or welding. In some embodiments, it is desirable to vary the spacing of the seats as the seating unit moves from the closed position to the extended position. To achieve this seat pitch change in this aspect, the front rail 304 is tilted forward from rear (the front rail 304 is tilted upward from rear to front). Conversely, the rear rail 308 descends from the rear to the front (the rear rail 308 inclines downward from the rear to the front). Thus, the front rail 304 and the rear rail 308 are oppositely inclined. Such seat pitch variation may be preferred in commercial settings (theaters) to minimize the space required to move to the fully reclined position while keeping the seat height to a minimum (since as the seating unit reclines, the seat pitch changes, rather than the seat moving only forward, which would require more front-to-back space).

As best shown in fig. 24, roller link 312 is coupled with both forward roller 306 and rearward roller 310. As

rollers

306, 310 move within

tracks

304, 308, roller link 312 moves in a corresponding manner. In other words,

rollers

306, 310 and

tracks

304, 308 control the movement of roller link 312.

The seat mounting plate 314 is rigidly coupled to the upper front and rear ends of the roller link 312. The seat mount plate 314 is an elongated link that extends from a seat mount pivot 316 at a front end to a backrest mount 318 at a rear end. As best shown in fig. 28, a seat mount pivot 316 is used to pivotably couple the seat frame 320 with the seat mount plate 314. The sides of the seat frame 320 are supported by the top of the seat mounting plate 314. As discussed above with respect to the previous aspects, this pivotal coupling allows the seat frame 320 to pivot about the seat mount pivot 316 to provide access to components below the seat frame 320. The seat frame 320 is typically a welded steel frame to which resilient supports such as zigzag springs may be attached. Other configurations of the seat frame 320 are known and may also be used. The seat bracket 322 is rigidly secured at its lower end to the backrest mounting portion 318 of the seat mounting plate 314. Similarly, a back link 324 is secured at its lower end to the back mounting portion 318 of the seat mounting plate 314. The upper ends of the seat bracket 322 and the back link 324 are coupled to the lower end of the back mounting link 326. A backrest mount link 326 couples a backrest 328 with the seating unit. In at least some embodiments, the backrest 328 is an elongated profile design with welded steel tube frame 330 reinforcing a wood frame 332. The backrest 328 is designed to be easily removable from the backrest mounting link 326. The connection between the seat mounting plate 314, the seat bracket 322, the back link 324, and the back mounting link 326 causes the back 328 to be fixed relative to the seat frame 320 such that the back 328 and the seat frame 320 move together as the mechanism 290 moves from the closed position to the fully reclined position.

As best shown in fig. 24, the rear control link 334 is pivotally coupled on a rear end with the base plate 292. The rear control link 334 extends forwardly from this pivot point and is pivotally coupled at its forward end to a central bell crank 336 (fig. 25). The center bell crank is also pivotably coupled to the roller link 312 at pivot point 340. The front end (or top end) of central bell crank 336 is pivotally coupled with leg rest drive link 338. As best shown in fig. 27, the forward end of leg rest drive link 338 is coupled with rear footrest link 342 between the top and bottom of rear footrest link 342. The top of the rear footrest link 342 is pivotally coupled to the front end of the seat mounting plate 314. Similarly, a front ottoman link 344 is also pivotally coupled to the seat mounting plate 314 forward of the rear ottoman link 342. As best shown in fig. 27, the end of the rear footrest link 342 opposite the connection with the seat mounting plate 314 is pivotally coupled with a main footrest link 346. Main ottoman link 346 is also pivotally coupled with forward ottoman link 344. The outermost end of main ottoman link 346 is pivotally coupled with leg rest bracket 348. A lower end of leg rest bracket 348 is pivotally coupled with a second footrest link 350. Second footrest link 350 has an opposite end pivotally coupled to forward footrest link 344. Approximately midway along the second footrest link 350, an intermediate footrest control link 352 is pivotally coupled with the second footrest link 350. The end of the intermediate footrest control link 352 opposite the connection with the second footrest link 350 is pivotally coupled with an intermediate footrest bracket 354. The intermediate footrest bracket 354 is also pivotally coupled to the main footrest link 346. Returning to leg rest bracket 348, a baffle footrest bracket 356 is pivotally coupled to a forward end of leg rest bracket 348. A barrier control link 358 is pivotally connected at one end to the barrier footrest bracket 356 and is pivotally coupled at the other end to the outer end of the second footrest link 350. As best shown in fig. 27, a leg rest 360 is coupled with the baffle footrest bracket 154, another leg rest 362 is coupled with the leg rest bracket 348, and a middle footrest 364 is coupled with the middle footrest bracket 354. In some embodiments, the seating unit may be designed with a continuous cushion covering leg rest 360, leg rest 362, and middle footrest 364. To allow the cushion to move more freely, in some embodiments, the footrest 362 is a thin profile shaped metal plate.

Returning to fig. 25, the motor tube bracket 366 is rigidly coupled with the roller link 312. The motor tube cradle supports a motor tube 368 that extends from one mechanism 290 to the other (in other words, the motor tube 368 is coupled at each end with a corresponding roller link 312). Approximately midway along the rear tube 44, in this regard and as can be seen in fig. 26, the rear clevis 370 is rigidly secured to the rear tube 44. A motor 372 is pivotally coupled with the rear clevis 370. The motor 370 includes an extendable shaft 376 that is pivotally coupled on its front end with a front clevis 374. The front clevis 374 is rigidly coupled to the motor tube 368.

When motor shaft 376 extends from the closed position (fig. 26) to the extended position (fig. 28), motor tube 368 and motor tube bracket 366 move roller link 312 forward, constrained by

rollers

306, 310 and

roller tracks

304, 308. As roller link 312 moves forward, center bell crank 336 rotates about the pivotal connection with roller link 312, causing leg rest drive link 338 to rotate rear footrest link 342, and thus the entire leg rest linkage, to the open position shown in fig. 28. Simultaneously, as the motor shaft 376 extends to move the roller links 312 forward, the connection of the roller links 312 to the seat mount plate 314 moves the seat frame 320 (and thus the seat) from the closed position of fig. 26 to the fully reclined position of fig. 28. In addition, because the backrest 328 is rigidly coupled with the seat mounting plate 314, the backrest 328 reclines as the seat mounting plate 314 moves, thereby maintaining the relationship between the seat frame 320 and the backrest 328. Unlike the aspect described above with reference to fig. 1-22, in this aspect, the fully reclined position results in a "zero gravity" position due to the position of the leg rest, seat, and backrest. The orientation of the front roller track 304 (forward tilt) and the rear roller track 308 (backward tilt) moves the seat frame 320 and backrest 328 to this position, allowing for large seat pitch changes while keeping the reclined seat height at a minimum. In addition, the geometry and positioning of rear control link 334, central bell crank 336, and leg rest drive link 338 properly positions leg rests 360, 362 and intermediate footrest 364.

In yet another aspect, a mechanism 400 is shown in fig. 29-32, the mechanism 400 being similar to the mechanism 290 described above with reference to fig. 23-28 except that the leg rest linkages can be independently actuated on the mechanism 400. Like reference numerals are used for like parts between mechanism 290 and mechanism 400. Mechanism 400 does not include rear control link 334, central bell crank 336, and leg rest drive link 338 as described above with respect to mechanism 290. Referring to fig. 30, to actuate the leg rest independently, the mechanism 400 includes an additional motor 402 pivotably coupled with the front clevis 374. Motor 402 includes an extendable/retractable shaft 404 pivotally coupled on its outer end with a clevis 406. Clevis 406 is rigidly coupled to leg rest drive tube 408. Leg rest drive tube 408 is rigidly fixed at each end to drive tube bracket 410. As best shown in fig. 32, the motor tube bracket 410 is rigidly coupled with the front footrest link 344. The motor 402 may extend and retract the shaft 404 to move the drive tube 408 and, thus, the leg rest linkage by moving the front footrest link 344. By removing

links

344, 336, and 338 and replacing them with motor 402 coupled with forward footrest link 344, mechanism 400 can be actuated to independently recline seat frame 320 and backrest 328 (using motor 372) and independently position the footrest linkage (using motor 402).

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 has been 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.

Claims

1. A modular assembly for rows of seat units, each seat unit having a rear end and a front end, the modular assembly comprising:

a frame defined by a pair of spaced apart first and second chassis plates coupled together in spaced apart relation, each chassis plate having a front end and a rear end;

a pair of mechanisms actuatable to move between a closed position and at least one reclined position, one of the mechanisms being coupled to a respective chassis plate, each mechanism comprising:

a first roller track fixedly coupled to one of the first and second chassis plates and oriented proximate a front end of the chassis plate at an upward slope angle from a rear end of the chassis plate to the front end of the chassis plate;

a second roller track fixedly coupled to the same one of the first and second chassis plates, spaced apart from the first roller track, and oriented proximate the rear end of the chassis plate at an angle of descending incline from the rear end of the chassis plate to the front end of the chassis plate; and

a seat mounting plate movably coupled with and constrained by a linkage coupling the seat mounting plate with the first and second roller tracks, an

A leg rest linkage coupled with the seat mounting plate having an extendable leg rest such that the leg rest linkage moves the leg rest between a retracted position and an extended position independent of movement of the seat,

wherein the seat mounting plate is movable independently of the leg rest linkage from a generally horizontal orientation in the closed position to an ascended recline orientation in the reclined position, wherein the ascended recline is from a rear end of the seat unit to a front end of the seat unit.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the linkage coupling the seat mounting plate with the first and second roller tracks comprises:

a first roller coupled with the first roller track and constrained to move within the first roller track;

a second roller coupled with the second roller track and constrained to move within the second roller track; and

a roller link coupled with the first and second rollers and also coupled with the seat mounting plate, wherein movement of the roller link causes corresponding movement of the seat mounting plate.

3. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising a seat back rigidly coupled with the seat mounting plate and oriented to be generally vertical in the closed position, and wherein an angle between the seat mounting plate and the back is maintained as the mechanism moves between the closed position and the reclined position.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein in the reclined position:

the leg rest is extended by the leg rest linkage such that it is oriented at an angle that slopes downwardly from the rear end to the forward end of the seat unit;

the seat mounting plate moves to an angle of rising inclination from a rear end of the seat unit to a front end of the seat unit; and is

The seat back reclines at an angle of descending incline from the rear end to the front end of the seat unit such that the seat back, the seat mounting plate and the leg rest form a zero-gravity seating position.

5. The assembly of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of legs coupled with the frame and supporting the frame above an underlying surface on which the seating unit rests.

6. The assembly according to claim 5, further comprising a motor coupled with the recline mechanism, and wherein the motor is actuatable to move the seat mounting plate from the closed position to the reclined position independently of the leg rest linkage.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the frame includes a rear tube extending from one side of the frame to another side of the frame, and wherein the motor is pivotably coupled on one end to the rear tube and the extendable shaft of the motor is coupled to the roller link of each of the pair of mechanisms.

8. A seating unit having a rear end and a front end, comprising:

a seat mounting plate movably coupled with and constrained by a linkage coupling the seat mounting plate with the first and second roller tracks,

wherein the seat mounting plate is movable from a generally horizontal orientation in the closed position to an upward-reclined orientation in the reclined position, wherein the upward recline is from a rear end of the seating unit to a front end of the seating unit.

9. The seating unit of claim 8, wherein the linkage coupling the seat mounting plate with the first and second roller tracks comprises:

10. The seating unit of claim 9, further comprising a seat back rigidly coupled with the seat mounting plate and oriented to be substantially vertical in the closed position, and wherein an angle between the seat mounting plate and the back is maintained as the mechanism moves between the closed position and the reclined position.

11. The seating unit of claim 10, wherein the mechanism further comprises:

a leg rest linkage coupled with the seat mounting plate and actuatable independently of the roller link, the leg rest linkage having an extendable leg rest such that the leg rest linkage is actuatable independently to move the leg rest from a retracted position to an extended position.

12. The seating unit of claim 11, wherein, in the extended position:

the leg rest is oriented at an angle of declining incline from the rear end to the front end of the seat unit.

13. The seating unit of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of legs coupled with the frame and supporting the frame above an underlying surface on which the seating unit rests.

14. The seating unit defined in claim 13, further comprising a first motor coupled with the recliner mechanism, and wherein the motor is actuatable to move the seat and backrest from the closed position to the reclined position.

15. The seat unit of claim 14, wherein the frame includes a rear tube extending from one side of the frame to another side of the frame, and wherein the first motor is pivotably coupled on one end to the rear tube and the extendable shaft of the first motor is coupled to the roller link of each of the pair of mechanisms.

16. The seating unit of claim 15, further comprising:

a second motor coupled with the leg rest linkage, the second motor being actuatable to move the leg rest from the closed position to the extended position independently of the seat mounting plate and the seat back.