WO2025175094A1

WO2025175094A1 - Glider mechanism and chair with independent tilt

Info

Publication number: WO2025175094A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/015922
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Andrew Crum; Gregory Mark Lawson
Original assignee: L&P Property Management Co
Current assignee: L&P Property Management Co
Priority date: 2024-02-16
Filing date: 2025-02-14
Publication date: 2025-08-21
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-16
Also published as: CN120501300A; US20250261757A1

Abstract

A recliner seating unit is provided that allows a gliding motion and that allows the angle of the seat to be independently adjustable through a powered glide and tilt assembly.

Description

GLIDER MECHANISM AND CHAIR WITH INDEPENDENT TILT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Aspects herein relate to a chair and a mechanism for use on a glider chair that allows added tilt.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates broadly to motion upholstery furniture designed to support a user’s body in an essentially seated disposition. Motion upholstery furniture includes recliners, gliders, incliners, sofas, love seats, sectionals, theater seating, traditional chairs, and chairs with a moveable seat portion, such furniture pieces being referred to herein generally as “seating units.” In some aspects, the present invention relates to an improved glider mechanism allowing an added tilt. In some aspects, the present invention relates to an improved powered glider reclining mechanism allowing an added tilt in any of the closed, TV and fully reclined positions. And, in some aspects, a glide and tilt assembly is provided that allows added tilt, while moving the chair forwardly with respect to a base.

[0003] Glider chairs exist that allow a back-and-forth gliding motion when in the closed position. Some of these glider recliners provide a powered mechanism that moves the chair between three basic positions: a normal non-reclined sitting position with the seat generally horizontal and the back substantially upright (the closed position); a partially reclined position often referred to as a “TV” position with an extended ottoman and with the seat and back disposed in a slightly reclined position but with the back still sufficiently upright to permit comfortable television viewing from the recliner: and a fully reclined position with the back pivoted farther than that in the TV position. In these existing gliders, the mechanism positions the overall orientation of the chair. It would be desirable to provide a glider mechanism (for a chair or recliner chair) that allows a further independent tilt adjustment of the chair orientations. It would also be desirable to provide a powered glider recliner mechanism that allows a further independent tilt adjustment of the chair orientation, in any of the closed, TV or fully reclined positions. It would also be desirable to move the chair mechanism forwardly as tilt is added in any position between the TV position and the fully reclined position. Such a chair would offer a user further orientation adjustment options and increase the comfort to the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings figures, wherein:

[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a chair in a closed, neutral, position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the chair of FIG. 1 in the closed position, but in a rearward glide position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the chair of FIG. 1 in the closed position, but in a forward glide position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the chair of FIG. 1 in the closed position, but in an increased tilt position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0009] FIG. 5 is a side view of the chair of FIG. 1 in the TV position (shown without the mid-ottoman cushioning), in accordance with aspects herein;

[0010] FIG. 6 is a side view of the chair of FIG. 5 in the TV position but in an increased tilt position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0011] FIG. 7 is a side view of the chair of FIG. 1 in the fully reclined position (shown without the mid-ottoman cushioning), in accordance with aspects herein;

[0012] FIG. 8 is a side view of the chair of FIG. 7 in the fully reclined position but in an increased tilt position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0013] FIG. 9 is a side view similar to FIG. 1, but shown with certain linkage elements hidden to make other links more visible, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0014] FIG. 10 is a side view similar to FIG. 3, but shown with certain linkage elements hidden to make other links more visible, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0015] FIG. 11 is a side view similar to FIG. 2, but shown with certain linkage elements hidden to make other links more visible, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0016] FIG. 12 is a side view similar to FIG. 4, in the closed and increased tilt position, but shown with certain linkage elements hidden to make other links more visible, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0017] FIG. 13 is a side view similar to FIG. 5, but shown with certain linkage elements hidden to make other links more visible, in accordance with aspects herein; [0018] FIG. 14 is a side view similar to FIG. 6, in the TV position with increased tilt, but shown with certain linkage elements hidden to make other links more visible, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0019] FIG. 15 is a side view similar to FIG. 7, but shown with certain linkage elements hidden to make other links more visible, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0020] FIG. 16 is a side view similar to FIG. 8, in the fully reclined position with increased tilt, but shown with certain linkage elements hidden to make other links more visible, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0021] FIG. 17 illustrates a side perspective view of a selected links in a prior-art mechanism in the closed position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0022] FIG. 18 illustrates a side perspective view of a selected links in the mechanism of FIGS. 1-16 in the neutral tilt position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0023] FIG. 19 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 18, but shown in the increased tilt position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0024] FIG. 20 illustrates a side perspective view similar to FIG. 18, but shown without the glide bracket and glide links, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0025] FIG. 21 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 20, but shown in the increased tilt position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0026] FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of a glider chair in a neutral position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0027] FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of the chair of FIG. 22, but in a forward glide position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0028] FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of the chair of FIG. 22, but in a rearward glide position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0029] FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of the chair of FIG. 22 in the neutral position, but in an increased tilt position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0030] FIG. 26 illustrates a side view of a glider chair in a closed neutral position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0031] FIG. 27 illustrates a side view of a chair of FIG. 26, but in an increased tilt position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0032] FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of the chair of FIG. 26, but in a non-tilted TV position, in accordance with aspects herein; [0033] FIG. 29 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 28, but in an increased tilt position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0034] FIG. 30 illustrates a side view of the chair of FIG. 26, but in a non-tilted fully reclined position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0035] FIG. 31 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 30, but in an increased tilt position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0036] FIG. 32 illustrates the base and the glide and tilt assembly of the chair of FIGS. 26-31, shown in the non-tilted position, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0037] FIG. 33 is a view similar to FIG. 32, but in the tilted position, in accordance with aspects herein; and

[0038] FIG. 34 is a view comparing the positioning of various links in the two positions shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, comparing a non-tilted position to a tilted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.

[0040] FIGS. 1-8 depict a swivel, glider recliner chair 10 in various positions, guided by a mechanism 100. FIGS. 9-16 are similar, but show fewer parts of the mechanism to better illustrate other links. The mechanism 100 allows the chair 10 to be in a closed, neutral position shown in FIGS. 1 and 9. As a glider recliner, the mechanism 100 allows the chair 10 to reciprocate (or glide) between a rearward glide position (shown in FIGS. 2 and 11) and a forward glide position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 10). The chair 10 may include a pair of spaced apart arms 12, suspended above the floor by a swivel base 14. While shown with a swivel base 14, the mechanism 100 could also be used on a glider base without the swivel feature. The chair 10 includes a back 16 pivotally coupled between the arms 12 via the mechanism 100. The mechanism 100 further carries a seat 18 (carried on a seat mounting plate 19) and an extendable ottoman broadly designated as 20 (in some aspects, the ottoman 20 includes both a footrest and a mid-ottoman). In addition to allowing the gliding motion, the mechanism 100 is operable (via a motor) to move the chair between the closed position (such as that shown in FIG. 1), to the TV position (such as that shown in FIG. 5), to the fully reclined position (such as that shown in FIG. 7), and can stop at various positions intermediate of each of these positions.

[0041] The mechanism 100 is supported above the swivel base 14 via a glide bracket 102 and a glide and tilt assembly 104 (as best seen in FIGS. 18 and 19). Prior to discussing the glide and tilt assembly 104, a prior art glider assembly 600 will be discussed with reference to FIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 17, and as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,398,168, a glide bracket 580 may be mounted to the glider base. The glide bracket 580 pivotally supports a front glide link 570 at a pivot point 576. Similarly, the glide bracket 580 pivotally supports a rear glide link 560 at a pivot point 586. The lower end of the front glide link 570 is pivotally coupled to a carrier link 450 at a pivot point 575. Similarly, the lower end of the rear guide link 560 is pivotally coupled to the carrier link 450 at a pivot point 585. A front cross tube 602 may be coupled between opposing front glide links 570 and a rear cross tube 604 maybe coupled between the rear glide links 560 for stability. The carrier link 450 is used to support the remainder of the mechanism, with a linkage allowing a powered motion from the closed position, to the TV position, to the fully reclined position, and back. This prior art assembly 600 allows for the oscillating movement of the chair in the closed position, with the carrier link 450 (which carries the remainder of the mechanism, and thus the seat, back and ottoman) directly supported by the front glide link 570 and the rear glide link 560 on the glide bracket 580. The prior art assembly 600 can be used in a powered glider recliner, but any additional tilting movements, discussed further below, are not enabled or possible.

[0042] In some aspects, as seen in FIG. 18, a new glide and tilt assembly 104 is shown for use on the glider chair 10. The assembly 104 supports an oscillating motion of the glider chair 10 in the closed position, and allows an added tilt of the glider chair 10. The added tilt of the chair 10 provided by the assembly 104 can be provided by the assembly 104 in any of the closed position, the TV position and the fully reclined position, (or any intermediate position) as desired by the user of the chair 10.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 18, the assembly 104 includes the glide bracket 102, which is coupled to the swivel base 14. The glide bracket 102 indirectly supports a front glide link 106 and directly supports a rear glide link 108. The lower end of the front glide link 106 is pivotally coupled to a carrier link 110 at pivot point 112. Similarly, the lower end of the rear glide link 108 is pivotally coupled to the carrier link 110 at pivot point 114. The upper end of the rear glide link 108 is pivotally coupled to the glide bracket 102 at pivot point 115. The carrier link 110 supports the remainder of the linkage of the mechanism 100. From the carrier link 110 upward, the links of the mechanism 100 are similar to those found in existing powered glider recliners. For example, the links of the mechanism 100 from the carrier link 110 upward are similar to those shown and described in US Patent No. 8,398,168, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety. These links (and the motor powering them) allow the mechanism 100 to move from the closed position, to the TV position, to the fully reclined position (and back). However, the glide and tilt assembly 104 also provides the option of an added tilt to the chair 10 in any of the closed position, the TV position and the fully reclined position, or any position intermediate these positions.

[0044] To allow the tilting functionality, the assembly 104 includes a generally L- shaped front tilt link 116 that is pivotally coupled to the glide bracket 102 at pivot point 118. One end of the front tilt link 116 is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the front glide link 106 at a pivot point 120. The other end of the front tilt link 116 is pivotally coupled to a connector link 122 at a pivot point 124. The connector link 122 extends rearwardly from pivot point 124, and is pivotally coupled at its other end to a tilt drive link 126 at a pivot point 128. The tilt drive link 126, in some aspects, has two angled bends and may be formed as a unitary piece, or may be formed in multiple parts that are fixedly coupled to one another. Near the bend closest to pivot point 128, the tilt drive link 126 is pivotally coupled to the glide bracket 102 at a pivot point 130. The end of the tilt drive link 126 opposite pivot point 128 is fixedly coupled to a tilt motor tube assembly 132, such as by welding. While not shown, it should be understood that only one side of the assembly 104 is shown, but the mechanism 100 includes opposed sides, spaced apart from one another that are mirror images of each other. The front glide links 106 may be coupled to one another for stability, such as with a support tube 148. Similarly, the rear glide links 108 may be coupled to one another for stability, such as with a support tube 150. The tilt motor tube assembly 132 includes a support tube 134 extending between, and coupled to, the tilt drive links 126. The tilt motor tube assembly 132 also includes a motor block 136 coupled to the support tube 134. The motor block 136 is moveable by a tilt motor 138 along a shaft or track 140. The tilt motor 138 has a bracket 142 extending from its lower end. The bracket 142 is pivotally coupled to another bracket 144. The bracket 144 is fixedly coupled to the base 14, such as by welding it to a rear glider cross tube 146. In some aspects, the tilt motor 138 is mounted slightly off-center between opposing sides of the mechanism 100 to provide clearance for other parts of the mechanism 100 (such as the recline motor).

[0045] The glide and tilt assembly 104 thus indirectly couples the front glide link 106 (and thus the carrier link 110) to the glide bracket 102. In use, the mechanism 100 can operate as the prior art mechanism, allowing the chair 10 to reciprocate or glide in the closed position, and to be moved from the closed position, to the TV position, and to the fully reclined position. In any position, the assembly 104 can also be used to provide added tilt to the chair 10, as may be desired by the user. To provide added tilt, the tilt motor 138 is activated to move the assembly from the position shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, to the position shown in FIGS. 19 and 21. When the tilt motor 138 is activated, the motor block 136 moves down the track 140, rotating the tilt drive link 126 about pivot point 130, causing a rotation of the front tilt link 116 about pivot point 118, moving the top of the front glide link 106 upwardly. This moves the carrier link 110 from the position shown in FIG. 18 to the position shown in FIG. 19. Because the carrier link 110 carries the remainder of the linkage of the mechanism 100, moving the glide and tilt assembly 104 from the position shown in FIGS. 18 and 20 to the position shown in FIGS. 19 and 21 provides added tilt to the chair 10. The assembly 104 can be activated in any of the closed position, the TV position, or the fully reclined position, or any intermediate position. Stated another way, the assembly 104 can provide added tilt, independent of the position of the glider chair 10.

[0046] In some aspects, the added tilt can be in a wide range between zero and 40 degrees. In some aspects, the added tilt can be in a range of between about 4-16 degrees, or about 8- 12 degrees, or about 9- 11 degrees. FIGS. 1 and 9 show the chair 10 in a closed, neutral position (with no added tilt and the assembly 104 in the position of FIG. 18). FIGS. 4 and 12 show the chair 10 in a closed position with added tilt and the assembly 104 in the position of FIG. 19. Similarly, FIGS. 5 and 13 show the chair 10 in the TV, neutral position (with no added tilt and the assembly 104 in the position of FIG. 18). FIGS. 6 and 14 show the chair 10 in TV position with added tilt and the assembly 104 in the position of FIG. 19. Similarly, FIGS. 7 and 15 show the chair 10 in the fully reclined, neutral position (with no added tilt and the assembly 104 in the position of FIG. 18). FIGS. 8 and 16 show the chair 10 in fully reclined position with added tilt and the assembly 104 in the position of FIG. 19. While the figures show the assembly 104 in either the neutral, non- til ted position of FIG. 18, or the position of FIG. 19 with full tilt added, it should be understood that the tilt motor 138 could be stopped such that the assembly 104 could exist in any position between that of FIG. 18 and that of FIG. 19. With the assembly 104 on the mechanism 100, a user can position the chair 10 to achieve more of a position known as a zero-gravity position by adding tilt to the chair in any of the closed position, the TV position and the fully reclined position, or any position therebetween. Such functionality provides additional options for positioning and comfort. In some aspects, the glide and tilt assembly 104 can be engaged to provide an added pitch anywhere within the range of added tilt, by stopping the motor 138 at an intermediate point. As one example, the mechanism 100 may be mounted on the chair 10 such that the seat 16 sits at an angle relative to horizontal of about nine degrees. The mechanism 10 may move this plane to an angle relative to horizontal of about 17 degrees as the chair 10 moves from the closed position to the TV position. This angle remains relatively the same as the mechanism 100 moves the chair 10 to a fully reclined position. With the glide and tilt assembly 104, the pitch of the chair 10 may be increased in any position. Continuing with the above example, by engaging the motor 138, with the chair 10 in the closed position, the pitch of the chair 10 can be increased, such that the seat 16 sits at an angle relative to horizontal of about 18 degrees , with the glide and tilt assembly 104 adding nine degrees of tilt, or pitch (again, this is an example, and the range of added tilt can vary, and in some aspects is the added pitch can be up to forty degrees). Similarly, with the chair 10 in the TV or fully reclined positions (or any position intermediate those two positions), the pitch of the chair 10 can be increased, such that the seat sits at an angle relative to horizontal of about 26 degrees (again, this is an example, and the range of the final seat pitch in the TV or fully reclined positions can be up to fifty degrees).

[0047] A similar glide and tilt assembly 204 could be used on a glider chair 200 as shown in FIGS. 22-25. The chair 200 includes a seat 201 and a back 203 that move together, as one unit. The glider chair 200 offers a gliding motion, allowing a user to glide between the neutral position shown in FIG. 22, to a forward glide position shown in FIG. 23, to a rearward glide position shown in FIG. 24 (and to reciprocate back and forth between the forward glide position and the rearward glide position). The chair 200 is a glider chair, without having the swivel or reclining features of the chair 10 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-16.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 22, the assembly 204 includes an arm mounting plate 202 that functions somewhat similarly to the glide bracket 102 in the chair 10. In some aspects, the arm mounting plate 202 is coupled to the side of the chair 200. The arm mounting plate 202 indirectly supports a front glide link 206 and directly supports a rear glide link 208. The lower end of the front glide link 206 is pivotally coupled to a seat plate 210 at pivot point 212. Similarly, the lower end of the rear glide link 208 is pivotally coupled to the seat plate 210 at pivot point 214. The seat plate 210 supports the seat 201 and back 203 of the chair 200. The upper end of the rear glide link 208 is pivotally coupled to the seat plate 202 at pivot point 215. [0049] To allow the tilting functionality, the assembly 204 includes a generally L- shaped front tilt link 216 that is pivotally coupled to the arm mounting plate 202 at pivot point 218. One end of the front tilt link 216 is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the front glide link 206 at a pivot point 220. The linkage of the arm mounting plate 202, the front glide link 206, the rear glide link 208, the front tilt link 216 and the seat plate 210 provides a gliding motion to the seat 201 and back 203 of the chair 200. The other end of the front tilt link 216 is pivotally coupled to a connector link 222 at a pivot point 224. The end of the connector link 222 opposite pivot point 224 is pivotally coupled to a tilt drive link 226 at a pivot point 228. The tilt drive link 226, in some aspects, has two angled bends and may be formed as a unitary piece, or may be formed in multiple parts that are fixedly coupled to one another. Near the bend closest to pivot point 228, the tilt drive link 226 is pivotally coupled to the arm mounting plate 202 at a pivot point 230. The end of the tilt drive link 226 opposite pivot point 228 is fixedly coupled to a tilt motor tube assembly 232, such as by bolting. While not shown, it should be understood that only one side of the assembly 204 is shown, but the assembly 204 includes opposed sides, spaced apart from one another that are mirror images of each other. The front glide links 206 may be coupled to one another for stability. Similarly, the rear glide links 208 may be coupled to one another for stability. The tilt motor tube assembly 232 includes a support tube 234 extending between, and coupled to, the tilt drive links 226. The tilt motor tube assembly 232 also includes a motor block (not shown) that is similar to the motor block 136 of FIGS. 1-16 and 18-21. The motor block is coupled to the support tube 234, and is moveable by a tilt motor 238 along a shaft or track 240. The tilt motor 238 has a bracket 242 extending from its lower end. The bracket 242 is pivotally coupled to the arm mounting plate 202 at a pivot point 244 such as, for example, via a lower motor tube extending between the arm mounting plates 202.

[0050] The glide and tilt assembly 204 thus indirectly couples the front glide link 206 (and thus the seat plate 210) to the arm mounting plate 202. In use, the assembly 204 can operate to allow the chair 200 to reciprocate or glide. The assembly 204 can also be used to provide added tilt, as may be desired by the user. To provide added tilt, the tilt motor 238 is activated to move the assembly 204 from the position shown in FIGS. 22-24, to the position shown in FIG. 25. When the tilt motor 238 is activated, the motor block moves down the track 240, rotating the tilt drive link 226 about pivot point 230, causing a rotation of the front tilt link 216 about pivot point 218. This moves the seat plate 210 from the position shown in FIG. 22 to the position shown in FIG. 25. Because the seat plate 210 carries the seat 201 and the back 203, moving the glide and tilt assembly 204 from the position shown in FIG. 22 to the position shown in FIG. 25 provides added tilt to the chair 200. In the position of FIG. 25, the chair 200 remains a glider, allowing the back and forth reciprocation discussed above. In some aspects, the added tilt can be in the range of about 4-16 degrees, or about 8-14 degrees, or about 10-12 degrees. While the figures show the assembly 204 in either the neutral, non-tilted position of FIGS. 22-24, or the position of FIG. 25 with full tilt added, it should be understood that the tilt motor 238 could be stopped such that the assembly 204 could exist in any position between that of FIG. 22 and that of FIG. 25. The pitch of the chair 200 can be adjusted in ranges similar to those discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-16 and 18-24. From the above, it should be understood that glide and tilt assemblies similar to assembly 104 and assembly 204 could be used on other seating arrangements to provide added tilt (and added comfort to the user).

[0051] A similar glide and tilt assembly 304 could be used on a glider recliner chair 300 as shown in FIGS. 26-34. While the figures do not show the chair back, chair seat and ottoman, it should be understood that these components would be, in practice, installed to complete the chair 300. The chair 300 offers a gliding motion, allowing a user to glide between the neutral position, to a forward glide position, to a rearward glide position (and to reciprocate back and forth between the forward glide position and the rearward glide position) as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-15. The chair 300 is shown as a glider recliner chair, but the glide and tilt assembly 304 could also be used on a glider chair without having the swivel or reclining features (similar to the aspects shown and described with respect to FIGS. 18-25). As described below, the glide and tilt assembly 304 translates the chair 300 forwardly as the chair tilts to provide added stability to the chair 300 when in the tilted positions.

[0052] Similar to the aspect shown in FIGS. 1-16, the glide and tilt assembly 304 carries a recline mechanism 100 that is the same as, or similar to, the recline mechanism 100 shown in FIGS 1-16. As such, the mechanism 100 is supported above a swivel base 314 and is operable via a motor to move the chair 300 between the closed position (such as that shown in FIG. 26) to a TV position (such as that shown in FIG. 28), to a fully reclined position (such as that shown in FIG. 30), and can stop at any of a number of various intermediate positions between those shown. Additionally, while shown on a swivel base 314, the mechanism 100 could also be used on a glider base without the swivel feature. [0053] With initial reference to FIG. 32, the glide and tilt assembly 304 is carried on the swivel base 314. The glide and tilt assembly 304 includes a glide bracket 316 that is rigidly mounted to the base 314, such as on a front tube 318 and a rear tube 320. In this aspect, a front glide lift link 322 is pivotally mounted to the glide bracket 316 at a pivot point 324. The front glide lift link 322 is somewhat L- shaped, with the center section pivotally mounted to the glide bracket 316. The front glide lift link 322 has a forward end that is pivotally mounted to the upper end of a front glide link 326 at a pivot point 328. The lower end of the front glide link 326 is pivotally coupled to a carrier link 330 (as seen in FIG. 26, for example) at a pivot point 331. As with the aspects described above with respect to FIGS. 1-16, the carrier link 330 carries the remainder of the mechanism 100. Each of the two front glide links 326 may be coupled to one another with a cross-tube 332.

[0054] The lower or rear end of the front glide lift link 322 is pivotally coupled to a pitch control link 334 at a pivot point 336. The pitch control link 334 extends forwardly from pivot point 336, and is pivotally coupled at its other end to a pitch tube connector link 338 at a pivot point 340. The pitch tube connector link 338 is fixedly coupled to a bracket 342, such as at points 344 and 346. The bracket 342 is also fixedly coupled to a pitch motor tube 348 that extends between two opposed brackets 342. The pitch tube connector link 338 is also pivotally coupled to the glide bracket 316 at a pivot point 350. The pitch motor tube 348 is pivotally coupled to a motor shaft 352, via a bracket 354 that is fixedly coupled to the pitch motor tube 348. The rear end of a motor 356 (that is operable to extend and retract the shaft 352) is pivotally coupled to the base 314, such as through a bracket 358. In the aspect of FIGS. 26- 34, the motor 356 is lower and more near the base 314 than in the aspect of FIGS. 1-16, allowing the glide and tilt assembly 304 to be used on a greater variety of chair designs. The motor 356 is also oriented substantially horizontally, verses the relatively vertical orientation of the motor 138 in FIGS. 1-16.

[0055] With this arrangement, the front glide link 326 is indirectly coupled to the glide bracket 316. As discussed below, in this aspect, a rear glide link 360 is also indirectly coupled to the glide bracket 316. More specifically, as opposed to the aspect described above with reference to FIGS. 1-16, the rear glide link 360 in this aspect is not directly coupled to the glide bracket 316. Instead, the top of the rear glide link 360 is pivotally coupled to a glide transfer link 362 at a pivot point 364. The lower end of the rear glide link 360 is pivotally coupled to the carrier link 330 at a pivot point 366. In some aspects, the rear glide links 360 are coupled by a rear cross plate 368 to provide stability. The lower end of the glide transfer link 362 is pivotally coupled to the glide bracket 316 at a pivot point 370. The glide transfer link 362 is also pivotally coupled to a connector link 372 at a pivot point 374. The connector link 372 extends forwardly from point 374 and is pivotally connected at the forward end to the front glide lift link 322 at a pivot point 376.

[0056] In any position, the glide and tilt assembly 304 may be used to increase the overall pitch of the chair 300 relative to the base 314. To increase the pitch, the motor 356 is activated, extending the shaft 352. This extension rotates the pitch tube connector link 342 about pivot point 350 (counter-clockwise as viewed in FIG. 32, shown by arrow 400). This rotation pulls the pitch control link 334 forwardly, which rotates the front glide lift link 322 about pivot point 324 (clockwise as viewed in FIG. 32, shown by arrow 402). As the front glide lift link 322 rotates, the front glide link 326 is raised, as seen in FIG. 33, to increase the pitch of the chair 300 in any position. By way of example, the chair 300 is shown tilted in each of the closed, TV and fully reclined positions in FIGS. 27, 29 and 31, respectively.

[0057] In the aspect of FIGS. 26-34, in the non-titled position, pivot point 328 is level with, or approximately level with, pivot point 324. This allows a more linear movement upwardly of the front glide link 326 (as opposed to a configuration where the pivot point 324 is substantially lower than the pivot point 328, which would bring the front glide link 326 both upwardly and rearwardly in somewhat of an arc).

[0058] Additionally, in the aspect of FIGS. 26-34, as the glide and tilt assembly 304 increases the overall pitch of the chair 300 relative to the base 314, it also translates the mechanism 100 (and thus the seat, back and ottoman of the chair 300) forwardly relative to the base 314. More specifically, as the front glide lift link 322 rotates as shown by arrow 402, it pulls the connector link 372 forwardly. This pulling motion, in turn, rotates the glide transfer link 362 about pivot point 370, and pulls the rear glide link 360 forwardly with respect to the base 314, as can be seen by comparing FIG. 32 to FIG. 33 (or by comparing FIG. 28 to FIG. 29 or FIG. 30 to FIG 31, or in the overlay shown in FIG. 34). As viewed in FIG. 4, the glide and tilt assembly 304 may move the mechanism forwardly relative to the base by comparing the positions of pivot point 364 (non-tilted) to pivot point 364’ (tilted). In some aspects, pivot point 364’ may move about 1.5” forwardly, although other movement distances are possible. This motion is achieved through the glide and tilt assembly 304, and assisted by a glide lock. As seen in FIG. 26, the glide lock includes locking fingers 412 that rotate as the mechanism 100 moves from the closed position (FIG. 26) to the TV position (FIG. 28). As the fingers 412 rotate to the TV position, they entrap a pin 414 extending from the rear glide link 360 (see, for example, FIGS. 28 and 30). Therefore, in the TV and fully reclined positions, as the rear glide link 360 moves forwardly, the entire mechanism 100 moves forwardly relative to the base 314 (compare, for example, FIG. 27 to FIG 28 or FIG. 29 to FIG. 30). This moves the center of gravity of the chair 300 forwardly relative to the base 314 as the pitch of the chair increases and provides added stability to the chair 300 (making a tipping condition less likely).

[0059] Additionally, in the aspect shown in FIGS. 26-34, pivot point 328 (the top of the front glide link 326) is approximately the same height, if not the same height, as pivot point 324 (the rotational point of the front glide lift link 322). This allows the pivot point 328 to be driven more upwardly and less rearwardly than the aspect shown in FIGS. 1-16. This also allows the center of gravity of the chair to stay more forward relative to the base 314 as the glide and tilt assembly 304 moves to the tilted position. The aspect shown in FIGS. 26-34 also moves pivot point 364 (the top of the rear glide link 360) closer to pivot point 328 as the glide and tilt assembly moves 304 to the tilted position. By moving these two pivot points closer together as the pitch of the chair increases, the amount of gliding motion is limited in the closed, tilted position of FIG. 27 (or in any tilted position prior to pin 414 being entrapped by fingers 412). As viewed in FIG. 34, the distance DI may be approximately 8.5”, and the distance D2 may be approximately 10”, with the pivot point 364’ about 1.5” closer to pivot point 328’ in the tilted position, as compared to pivot point 328 and 364 in the non-tilted position. So, the chair 300 can still glide in the closed, tilted position of FIG. 27, but with a more limited glide motion as compared to the closed, non-tilted position of FIG. 26. This also adds stability to the glide chair 300 in the closed, tilted position.

[0060] As known to those in the art, the mechanism 100 includes a seat plate 418 that is used to couple the seat of the chair 300 to the mechanism 100. The seat plate 418 may include a number of seat tabs 420 to aid in this attachment. The added pitch effected by the glide and tilt assembly 304 can be seen by comparing the orientation of seat tabs 420, as seen in FIG. 26 and indicated by angle a to the orientation of the seat tabs 420 as seen in FIG. 27 as indicated by angle p. In practice, the mechanism 100 may be coupled to the chair 300 in an orientation chosen by the chair designer or manufacturer. In most designs, the mechanism 100 is mounted such that the seat plate 418 (and the plane defined by the seat tabs 420) is somewhat inclined from the rear of the chair 300 to the front of the chair 300, when in a closed, neutral (non-gliding) position. In some aspects, the initial pitch may be between about 5-12 degrees. The glide and tilt assembly 304 can be independently (with the chair 300 in any position) engaged to increase the pitch of the chair. In some aspects, the glide and tilt assembly 304 can provide an added pitch of up to forty added degrees of tilt (see the angle X in FIG. 34). In some aspects, the added tilt can be in the range of about 4-16 degrees, or about 8-12 degrees, or about 9-11 degrees (although, again, the added tilt could range up to forty degrees). In some aspects, the glide and tilt assembly 304 can be engaged to provide an added pitch anywhere within that range, by stopping the motor 356 at an intermediate point. As one example, the mechanism 100 may be mounted on the chair 300 such that the seat tabs 420 form a plane relative to horizontal of about nine degrees (angle a in FIG. 26). The mechanism 100 may move this plane to an angle relative to horizontal of about 17 degrees as the chair moves to the TV position (angle <|> in FIG. 28). This angle remains relatively the same as the mechanism 100 moves the chair 300 to a fully reclined position. With the glide and tilt assembly 304, the pitch of the chair 300 may be increased in any position. Continuing with the above example, by engaging the motor 356, with the chair 300 in the closed position, the pitch of the chair 300 can be increased, such that the seat tabs 420 form a plane relative to horizontal of about 18 degrees (angle P in FIG. 27), with the glide and tilt assembly 304 adding nine degrees of tilt, or pitch. Similarly, with the chair 300 in the TV or fully reclined positions (or any position intermediate those two positions), the pitch of the chair 300 can be increased, such that the seat tabs 420 define a plane relative to horizontal of about 26 degrees (angle 5 in FIG. 29). It should be understood that the above is only one example, and the angle 8 in FIG. 29 could be adjusted up to fifty degrees in some aspects. Again, with the glide and tilt assembly 304, the chair 300 translates forwardly relative to the base 314 as the pitch increases, to increase the stability of the chair 300 in a tilted position. In some aspect, the glide and tilt assembly 304 translates the chair forwardly between about 1-2 inches, and in some aspects, about 1.5 inches..

[0061] Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.

Claims

1. A powered glider recliner seating unit moveable between closed, TV and fully reclined positions, the seating unit comprising; a base; a glide and tilt assembly coupled to the base; a linkage mechanism supported on the glide and tilt, the linkage mechanism including a seat mounting plate, and being configured to move the seating unit between the closed, TV and fully reclined positions; the glide and tilt assembly allowing a reciprocating gliding motion of the seat mounting plate above the base at least when the recliner is in the closed position; and including a powered actuator operable to change the orientation of the seat mounting plate independent of the position of the seating unit.

2. The powered glider recliner of claim 1, further comprising: a glide bracket coupled to the base; and wherein the linkage mechanism comprises a carrier link at least indirectly coupled to the seat mounting plate; and wherein the glide and tilt assembly is coupled between the glide bracket and the carrier link.

3. The powered glider recliner of claim 2, wherein the glide and tilt assembly includes a front glide link having a top and a bottom, and a rear glide link having a top and a bottom, and wherein the carrier link is pivotally coupled to the bottom on the front glide link and to the bottom of the rear glide link.

4. The powered glider recliner of claim 3, wherein at least the top of the front glide link is indirectly coupled to the glide bracket.

5. The powered glider recliner of claim 4, wherein the top of the rear glide link is also indirectly coupled to the glide bracket.

6. The powered glider recliner of claim 4 wherein the top of the front glide link is indirectly coupled to the glide bracket via a front glide lift link, the front glide lift link pivotally coupled to glide bracket and operably coupled to the powered actuator to effect rotation of the front glide lift link with respect to the glide bracket, to lift the top of the front glide link as the actuator rotates the front glide lift link, and wherein the lifting of the top of the front glide lift link increase the angular orientation of the seat mounting plate relative to horizontal and independent of the position of the seating unit.

7. The powered glider of claim 1, wherein actuation of the powered actuator increases the pitch of the seat plate with the recliner in any position by between zero and forty degrees.

8. The powered glider of claim 1, wherein actuation of the powered actuator tilts the seat plate to an angle relative to horizontal of between 10-50 degrees.

9. The powered glider of claim 4, wherein actuation of the powered actuator brings the top of the rear glide link closer to the top of the front glide link, lowering the amount of glide possible.

10. The powered glider of claim 4, wherein the glide and tilt assembly translates the linkage mechanism forwardly upon actuation of the powered actuator, to move a center of gravity of the linkage mechanism forwardly.

11. The powered glider of claim 6, wherein the front glide lift link is coupled to the rear glide link through a connector linkage.

12. A glider seating unit, having opposed sides, a seat and a back, comprising; a stationary base; a seat plate coupled to the seat, and supported by the base; and a glide and tilt assembly coupled between the base and the seat plate, and operable to change the orientation of the seat plate and allowing a reciprocating motion of the seat and back.

13. The glider seating unit of claim 12, wherein the base comprises an arm mounting plate coupled to each of the opposed sides.

14. The glider seating unit of claim 13, wherein the glide and tilt assembly includes a front glide link having a top and a bottom, and a rear glide link having a top and a bottom, and wherein the top of the rear glide link is directly pivotally coupled to the arm mounting plate, and the top of the front glide link is indirectly coupled to the arm mounting plate.

15. The glider seating unit of claim 14, further comprising a powered actuator coupled to the glide and tilt assembly and operable to move the glide and tilt assembly to change the orientation of the seat mounting plate.

16. A powered glider recliner seating unit moveable between closed, TV and fully reclined positions, the seating unit comprising; a base; a glide and tilt assembly coupled to the base; a linkage mechanism supported on the glide and tilt assembly, the linkage mechanism including a seat mounting plate, and being configured to move the seating unit between the closed, TV and fully reclined positions; the glide and tilt assembly allowing a reciprocating gliding motion of the seat mounting plate above the base at least when the recliner is in the closed position; and including a powered actuator operable to increase the angle of the seat mounting plate relative to horizontal and independent of the position of the seating unit, and to translate the seat mounting plate forwardly as the powered actuator increases the angle of the seat mounting plate.

17. The powered glider recliner of claim 16, further comprising: a glide bracket coupled to the base; and wherein the linkage mechanism comprises a carrier link at least indirectly coupled to the seat mounting plate; and wherein the glide and tilt assembly is coupled between the glide bracket and the carrier link.

18. The powered glider recliner of claim 17, wherein the glide and tilt assembly includes a front glide link having a top and a bottom, and a rear glide link having a top and a bottom, and wherein the carrier link is pivotally coupled to the bottom on the front glide link and to the bottom of the rear glide link.

19. The powered glider recliner of claim 18, wherein the top of the front glide link is indirectly coupled to the glide bracket, and wherein the top of the rear glide link is also indirectly coupled to the glide bracket.

20. The powered glider recliner of claim 19, wherein the glide and tilt assembly can add pitch to the angle of the seat mounting plate of between one and forty degrees independently of the position of the powered glider recliner.