WO2008001093A1

WO2008001093A1 - Chair

Info

Publication number: WO2008001093A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/002417
Authority: WO
Inventors: Colin Tiffany
Original assignee: Colin Tiffany
Priority date: 2006-06-28
Filing date: 2007-06-28
Publication date: 2008-01-03
Also published as: GB0901130D0; GB2453299A; GB0612756D0

Abstract

This invention relates to a chair (10), having a seat mounted on support means (30, 40) to provide a load bearing surface above the ground and a backrest (30) pivotally mounted relative to a distal end of said seat (10) for movement between a first configuration in which the backrest (30) is upright relative to the seat and a second configuration in which said back rest (30) is substantially horizontal relative to the ground (15). The chair further comprises a reclining mechanism (32, 34) for raising and lowering the seat relative to the support means (30, 40) such that, in said first configuration, the load bearing surface is higher relative to the ground (15) than in the second configuration.

Description

Chair

The present invention relates generally to seating apparatus and more specifically to a chair that is arranged and configured to accommodate a user in a variety of orientations.

Reclining chairs are known in the art, most incorporating some form of mechanism that allows the backrest to pivot about a lower section to some degree relative to the vertical, so that a user can sit upright or lie down, at least to an extent. An example of such a chair would be a conventional sun lounger.

Under some circumstances, a reclining chair could provide a useful alternative to the requirement for a bed and a chair individually, in a place where floor space is either cost prohibitive or simply an issue. Examples of such places are inner city hotels, oil rigs or space craft. In order to be a suitable alternative to the individual structures, however, the chair would need to be comfortable and the backrest capable of being manipulated between a horizontal position for enabling a user to comfortably sleep thereon and an upright position to enable the chair to be used, for example, for dining at a table, or simply for relaxing and watching the television.

However, conventional reclining chairs tend not to be versatile enough to be used in such a diverse manner. If the seat is high enough to enable the chair to be used for dining or the like, it's height may present a safety hazard when the chair is in the horizontal position. Equally, if the seat is low enough for safety in the horizontal position, it will be unpractically low for use when the chair is in the vertical position.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a reclining chair which is versatile enough for practical use as a chair in an upright position and safe, comfortable use as a sleeping surface in the 'horizontal position¹.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a chair, having a seat mounted on support means to provide a load bearing surface above the ground and a backrest pivotally mounted relative to a distal end of said seat for movement between a first configuration in which said backrest is upright relative to said seat and a second configuration in which said back rest is substantially horizontal relative to the ground, the chair further comprising a reclining mechanism for raising and lowering said seat relative to said support means such that, in said first configuration, said load bearing surface is higher relative to the ground than in said second configuration.

Thus the above mentioned object is achieved, in an exemplary embodiment, by the chair comprising a mechanism comprising a number of parts that move in relation to one other, such that when the back portion is lowered towards a horizontal position, the area where a user sits will drop towards the floor and when the back is raised towards a vertical position the seating area is raised up from the floor.

Preferably, said support means comprises a leg portion and an arm portion, each having upper and lower ends, with said lower ends either directly or indirectly contacting the ground, said upper end of said leg portion being able to follow the contours of said arm portion within a fixed limit and said upper end of said arm portion being rotatably attached to said back portion.

Beneficially, said reclining mechanism comprises at least one toothed portion in or on said backrest and at least one sprocket rotatably mounted on said leg portion, such that said toothed portion of said backrest contacts and is supported by said sprocket and rotation of said sprocket causes said back rest to pivot about said upper end of said arm rest. Said at least one toothed portion in or on said back rest is beneficially longitudinally arcuate.

Preferably, a roller is rotatably mounted at an upper end of said leg portion such that said upper end of said leg portion is able to follow the contours of said arm portion within a fixed limit, said roller being forced against said contours of said arm portion by way of means for generating an opposing force being provided between an upper portion of said arm portion and a lower end of said back portion. Said means for providing an opposing force preferably comprises at least one gas spring. Benefϊcially, said seat is anchored to said support means at a lower end, anchored to a lower end of said backrest at a generally mid point and anchored to an upper end of said backrest at a higher end thereof.

Preferably, said at least one sprocket is kinetically restricted in at least one direction of rotation by restricting means and said restricting means is beneficially a pawl and/or a motor, said motor enabling said sprocket to be driven in at least one direction.

Alternatively, said reclining mechanism may comprise at least one recess in or on said support means and a rod mounted in or on said support means, said at least one recess being arranged and configured to receive a portion of said rod, such that said recess contacts and is supported by said rod when said chair is said second configuration.

Beneficially, said support means comprises a leg portion and an arm portion, each having upper and lower ends, said lower ends directly or indirectly contacting the ground, said upper end of said leg portion being able to follow the contours of said arm portion within a fixed limit and said upper end of said arm portion being rotatably attached to said back portion. The reclining mechanism preferably comprises at least one recess in or on said backrest and a rod mounted in or on said leg portion, said at least one recess being arranged and configured to receive a portion of said rod, such that said recess contacts and is supported by said rod.

Preferably, said reclining mechanism comprises at least two recesses disposed sequentially in or on said backrest, each of said recesses independently being arranged and configured to receive and support said rod, each said recess fixing said chair in an exclusive configuration. Beneficially, the rod-contacting part of said sequence of recesses follow a longitudinally arcuate path.

Preferably, a channel is provided from one side of at least one recess to the other, said channel being configured to allow passage of a portion of said rod there through so as to enable movement of said chair between said first to said second configuration. The channel is beneficially provided on a generally opposite side of said at least one recess to that side which is configured to receive said rod. -A-

The at least one recess and said channel are preferably formed in said backrest. Alternatively, at least one recess is preferably formed in an adjustment element and beneficially the adjustment element is held a fixed distance from said backrest by a bridging portion, wherein the distance between said adjustment element and said backrest defines said channel.

Preferably, a roller is rotatably mounted at an upper end of said leg portion such that said upper end of said leg portion is able to follow the contours of said arm portion within a fixed limit, said roller being forced against said contours of said arm portion by way of said reclining mechanism.

Beneficially, said seat comprises a seating platform anchored to said support means and said seat preferably comprises a seating platform anchored at a first end to an upper part of said leg portion and anchored at a second end to a lower part of said back portion..

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described herein.

Embodiments of the present will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a simplified schematic representation of a chair according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2a is a schematic partial representation of the back portion of the chair from

Figure 1, shown as the chair is moving towards its upright position; Figure 2b is a schematic partial representation of the back portion of the chair from

Figure 1, shown as the chair is moving towards its horizontal position; Figure 3 a is a schematic representation of the arm portion of the chair from Figure 1 , shown as the chair is moving towards its upright position;

Figure 3b is a schematic representation of the arm portion of the chair from Figure 1 , shown as the chair is moving towards its horizontal position;

Figure 4a is a schematic representation of the leg portion of the chair from Figure 1 , shown as the chair is moving towards its upright position; Figure 4b is a schematic representation of the arm portion of the chair from Figure 1 , shown as the chair is moving towards its horizontal position; Figure 5 is a perspective schematic representation of the chair from Figure 1, indicating seat cover detail; Figure 6 is a sequence of schematic representations of the chair from Figure 1, as it is manipulated in use from an initial upright position to a horizontal sleeping position; Figure 7 is a schematic representation the chair from Figure 1 , demonstrating the height variation between vertical and horizontal positions; Figure 8a is a schematic representation of a chair according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a generally horizontal position; Figure 8b is a schematic representation of a chair according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a generally upright position; Figure 9a is a partial schematic representation of protrusion portion, bridging portion and back portion of a chair according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a generally horizontal position; Figure 9a is a partial schematic representation of protrusion portion, bridging portion and back portion of a chair according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a generally upright position; Figure 10a is a partial schematic cross sectional representation of protrusion portion, bridging portion and back portion of a chair according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a supported position; Figure 10b is a partial schematic cross sectional representation of protrusion portion, bridging portion and back portion of a chair according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a transitional position;

Figure 11 is a partial schematic representation of protrusion portion, channel and back portion of a chair according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12a is a simplified line drawing of a chair according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in a generally horizontal position; Figure 12b is a simplified line drawing of a chair according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in between a generally horizontal position and generally upright position;

Figure 12c is a simplified line drawing of a chair according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in a generally upright position; and

Figure 13 is a partial schematic representation of protrusion portion, channel

(partitioned into upper an lower channel) and back portion of a chair according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, a chair 10 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, comprising three main parts: (a corresponding set of two of each of) an arm portion 12; a back portion 30; and a leg portion 40. For ease of description each pair shall be referred to in the singular and each pair may have the same components and interactions on their respective sides (i.e. are mirrored about a vertical plane between each pair, bisecting the chair from front to back). The purpose of Figure 1 is to demonstrate the interaction of the main parts of the chair 10, leaving the specifics of each portion 12, 30, 40 to be described in detail with reference to Figures 2a to 4b.

Looking initially at the manner in which the three portions 12, 30, 40 interact, there are three points of substantially constant contact A, B, C between the three portions 12, 30, 40 as a group, with each portion (e.g 12) having one point of contacts, B with each of the other two portions (i.e. 30, 40).

Looking at each point of contact in turn, point of contacts connects the arm portion 12 to the back portion 30 and enables one (or both) to rotate relative to the other, about a substantially horizontal axis. In this exemplary embodiment point A is facilitated by way of two plate members 14 placed in a vertical plane and being fixed either side of (and to) the back portion 30. The two members 14 have an axle therebetween that intersects and retains the ami portion 12. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that by this arrangement, both portions 12, 30 may rotate about their common axis, in the same plane. Point of contact B is made by way of roller means 44 that is rotatably mounted towards the front end of the leg portion 40. The roller means 44 interacts with the front edge of the arm portion 12, due to an opposing force generated by means provided between the arm portion 12 and a lower extremity of the back portion 30. In this exemplary embodiment, the opposing force is provided by way of a gas spring 50. Point of contact B may move within a fixed limit along a stretch of the front edge of the arm portion 12, as will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 3 a and 3b.

Point of contact C connects the back portion 30 to the leg portion 40 and is facilitated by way of a sprocket 34 that is rotatably mounted on the leg portion 40, on a horizontal axis. The sprocket 34 supports an arcuate toothed rack 32, that in this exemplary embodiment is integral to the back portion 30. The back portion 30 remains on the sprocket 34 due to gravity and the lateral stabilisation provided thereto by point A, (in addition to the opposing force provided by, in this exemplary embodiment, the gas spring 50).

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that by way of this arrangement, each of the three portions 12, 30, 40 may move relative to one another, simultaneously ,by the action of partially rotating the back portion 30 about point A (within its range of freedom, which is described below). It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the portions should move relative to one another by correct movement of any of the three portions 12, 30, 40.

Referring now to Figures 2a and 2b, a partial representation of the back portion 30 is shown in its horizontal and upright orientations, respectively. The back portion 30 in this embodiment comprises a wooden back member 30, to which is attached two plate members 14, the two members 14 having an axle therebetween that intersects and retains the arm portion 12 at points (as described above with reference to Figure 1). A lower part of the back portion 30 is arcuate in shape along one edge and tooth means are provided along this arcuate edge, thereby providing an arcuate toothed rack 32 that may interact with the sprocket 34 provided on the leg portion 40. In this embodiment, the shape and dimensions of the arcuate toothed rack 32 (relative to the dimensions of other essential parts of the chair that are identified below) is very important to the functionality of the chair in that if any one of the essential parts were to vary in size or configuration, beyond a certain threshold, the three portions 12, 30, 40 would not be able to interact in such complimentary fashion and thus the chair 10 would not function properly. In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the teeth of the arcuate toothed rack 32 comprise a high density polymer that is bonded to the back portion 30, however any suitable material may be used that has the necessary strength characteristics.

Between the corresponding two sides of the back portion 30 there is provided a first axle 36 at a lower end and a second axle 38 (not shown in this Figure) at an upper end, which maybe used for anchoring the seating means (also not shown - this is described later with reference to Figure 5).

It can be seen from Figures 2a and 2b that when the chair 10 is in its upright position, point C is towards the lower end of the arcuate toothed rack 32, whereas when the chair 10 is in its horizontal position, point C is towards the top of the arcuate toothed rack 32 and this variation is made possible by the back portion 30 being able to rotate about point A (the limits of this rotation being set by the length of the arcuate toothed rack 32). Point A raises, relative to the ground, as the b ack portion 30 is rotated towards the vertical and correspondingly lowers when the back portion 30 is rotated towards the horizontal.

Referring now to Figures 3 a and 3b, a schematic representation of the arm portion 12 is shown in its horizontal and upright orientations, respectively. In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the arm portion 12 comprises a wooden arm member 12 that is substantially of a 'boomerang'-like shape, when viewing its face of largest surface area from a perpendicular axis. A section of the front edge running from 18 to 16 is highlighted by a thicker line and corresponds to the travel path of a roller means 44 that is provided at an upper end of the leg portion 40. When the chair 10 is in its upright position the roller means 44 will be at 16 and when the chair 10 is in its horizontal position the roller means 44 will be at 18. As the chair 10 is manipulated between its upright and horizontal configurations the roller means 44 travels along the front edge of the arm portion 12 between 16 and 18, being held against the front edge by way of the gas spring 50 pressing the front edge of the arm portion 12 towards the roller means 44. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the gas spring also keeps the arcuate toothed rack 32 pressed firmly against the sprocket 34. As the roller means 44 is fixed in its position it acts as a limit point for the front edge of the arm portion 12 . Due to this arrangement, the shape and configuration of the portion between 16 and 18 is another important aspect of the invention as it affects the relationship between points A and C and also serves to aid in raising and lowering the load bearing surface.

The lower end of the arm portion 12 comprises wheel means 20 that contacts the floor 15 at point D and enables the arm portion 12 to move forward and backwards, relative to the floor 15, without undue friction therebetween. The upper end of the arm portion 12 is rotatably mounted to the back portion 30 at point A (as described above, with reference to Figure 1).

Referring now to Figures 4a and 4b, a schematic representation of the leg portion 40 is shown in its horizontal and upright orientations, respectively. The leg portion 40 comprises a generally 's' shaped member, which in this exemplary embodiment of the present invention is made of wood. A roller means 44 is provided at an upper end of the leg portion 40, mounted outwardly with respect to each of the corresponding sides of the leg portion 40. A sprocket 34 is rotatably mounted approximately halfway along the leg portion 40 and is mounted on the same face to that of the roller means 44. The sprocket 34 is fixed mounted on a third axle 34b that extends between the two corresponding sides of the leg portion (and thus contains a sprocket 34 at either end of the axle 34b). A ratchet (not shown) is also fixed mounted on the third axle 34b on the opposite side of the leg portion 40 to the sprocket 34. The ratchet is engaged by a pawl (not shown) that is that is fixed mounted on a fourth axle 42 that passes between the two sides 40. The pawl engages the sprocket 42 by way of return means (not shown), such that the ratchet may move freely in one direction but may only move in the opposite direction if the pawl is withdrawn from the ratchet. In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the ratchet (and thus the sprocket 34) may move freely in a direction that corresponds to the chair 10 moving towards its upright position, but may not move in the direction that corresponds to the chair 10 moving towards its horizontal position. A handle (not shown) is provided on one or both sides of the chair 10 to enable a user to easily remove the pawl from the ratchet. As stated, the return means will return the pawl once pressure is removed from the handle. The return means may comprise a spring, elastic material or be effected by gravity, or by any other suitable means. In another embodiment of the present invention, the third axle 34b (having the fixed-mounted sprockets thereon) maybe driven my motor means, such that a user may automatically move the chair from it's upright to it's horizontal position (and vice versa) by way of some electronic control means for controlling the motor, hi such an embodiment, the motor may have some form of gearing between its initial output and the third axle 34b to increase the torque supplied thereto and also to give better controllability. The motor means could be mains powered, or may have its own power source located in or near the chair 10. It will be apparent that if a motor is employed that either has an integral break that is applied when power is off, or there is sufficient friction created by any gearing provided between a breakless motor (being a motor having no associated breaking means) and the third axle 34b, it may not be necessary to provide the ratchet and pawl. If there is no such friction due to the motor/gearing, then the motorised system may include means for removing and replacing the pawl in accordance with the motor functioning.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that as the chair 10 is moved from its upright position to its horizontal position, the roller means 44 (and thus point B) will move in accordance with the contours of the front edge of the arm portion 12, whilst the point where the bottom of the leg portion 40 touches the floor (point E) will attempt to move in a backwards direction. In reality, point E will not move significantly, if at all, as there is far more friction between the chair 10 and the floor at point E than at point D, thus it is most likely that point D (the arm portion 12) will move further from (a substantially stationary) point E, as the chair assumes it horizontal position.

Referring now to Figure 5, a perspective representation of the chair 10 is shown indicating the arrangement and configuration of the seating means. In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the seating means comprises two chains (one for each corresponding side of the chair), with each chain being anchored to the chair at an upper end by the second axle 38 and at a lower end by a fifth axle 44b (upon which the roller means 44 may be mounted). A further piece of chain 52c extends from each of the two chains approximately one third of the way up and is anchored to the first axle 36, thereby dividing the chain into an upper part 52b, a lower part 52a and a tensioning part 52c. The lengths of each part of chain (in relation to the dimensions of the chair 10) ensure that there is tension in the chain 52a, 52b, 52c throughout the manipulation of the chair 10 from it's upright to it's horizontal position (and vice versa). Also, because the tensioning part 52c of the chain is anchored to the first axle 36, the seating means will raise in accordance with the arcuate toothed rack 32, as the chair assumes it's upright position. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any number of suitable materials maybe provided between the chains (the chains may have further chains therebetween, or indeed any suitable material having low creep and good tensile strength) to provide the seating means cover 60 and in this exemplary embodiment the cover 60 is made from leather and is removably attached to the chains 52a, 52b, 52c at its sides and fixed to the axles 38, 44b at it's top and bottom respectively. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the seating means cover 60 provides the load bearing surface that is, in this exemplary embodiment, supported by the chains. In another embodiment of the present invention, a number of cross members may be provided at points between corresponding sides of the chair 10 that may be used, inter-alia, as further anchor points for the cover 60 and also to provide further support for a user and strength to the chair 10.

Referring now to Figure 6 (in conjunction with Figure 1 for reference numerals), Figure 6 depicts a sequence of representations illustrating the stages that a chair 10, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, moves through as it is manipulated from it's upright to it's horizontal position. In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the chair 10 further comprises foot rest means 64 that extends from the chair in accordance with the chair moving towards it's horizontal position. In one embodiment, the footrest means 64 may be (passively) mechanically actuated in accordance with the movement of the lower part of the back portion 30 (for example an axle that is not shown that may be the common anchor point for the gas springs to the back portion 30), or by any other suitable part of the chair 10.

In another embodiment, the foot rest means 64 may be extended and retracted by way of motorised means, either in relation to the chair being manually operated or in relation to a control signal or any other suitable input. In a further embodiment, a portion of the extending/retracting may be done by a passive mechanism and the rest by motorised means.

In another embodiment, the foot rest means 64 may be manually withdrawn and attached.

Beginning with the first (top left) image, a user 62 is sat in the chair in it's upright configuration, as would be the case if the user were dining or the like. In the second image, the user 62 begins to manipulate the chair 10 towards it horizontal position and in this image it can be seen that the back portion 30 has began to rotate about point A and thus the sprocket 34, that supports the arcuate toothed rack 32, rotates in a clockwise manner (as it would be viewed in this Figure). Thus, the point of contact between the two (point Q shifts slightly towards the top of the arcuate toothed rack 32. At the same time, the roller means 44 at point B shifts slightly down the front edge of the arm portion 12, from 16 and in a direction towards 18. Also, point A drops slightly in accordance with the rotation thereabout of the back portion 30, thereby causing point D to shift forward slightly (the point of contact between the arm portion 12 and the floor 15). The foot rest means 64 begins to extend from the chair.

In the third image, the back portion 30 has rotated further about point A and thus point C moves further up the arcuate toothed rack 32 which further lowers and levels the back portion 30. The roller means 44 at point B shifts slightly further down the front edge of the arm portion 12, in a direction towards 18. Again, points drops slightly in accordance with the rotation thereabout of the back portion 30, thereby causing point D to shift further forwards. The foot rest means 64 extends further from the chair.

By the fourth image, the chair 10 is almost in it's horizontal position. Point C is almost as far along the arcuate toothed rack 32 as it will travel and point A is almost as low as it will go. Point B is nearly at 18 and the distance between points D and E is almost at a maximum. The foot rest means 64 is almost fully extended.

The fifth image shows the chair in its horizontal position, with point C as far along the arcuate toothed rack 32 as it will travel (it should be noted that in fact the cam shaped toothed rack 32 travels across the sprocket 34) and point s is as low as it will go, relative to the ground 15. Point B is at 18 and the distance between points D and E is at a maximum. The foot rest means 64 is fully extended.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the choice of means for creating an opposing force 50, (which in the described embodiment above comprises a gas spring 50), will have an impact on the way in which the chair 10 behaves. If a means is chosen that provides a great deal of force, applied to the arm portion 12 and back portion 30, then the chair is likely to return to its upright position when under no load (i.e. no user sat thereon), and depending upon the force provided and the weight of a user, it may do so even when under load. In such a circumstance, the rotation of the third axle 34b and thus sprocket 34 may be restricted in both directions by way of means as described above, thereby ensuring the chair remains in its configuration while it is so desired. This may be the case in any event, and indeed this is the case if a motorised means is employed to drive the third axle 34b that incorporates a break that is active in an inverse manner to the motor.

Referring now to Figure 7, a side view schematic representation of a chair 10 is shown having overlapping representations of the chair 10 moving between it's horizontal and upright positions. The darker lines represent the seating plane at various stages and thus illustrate the height variation between its horizontal seating (or support) level 70 and upright seating level

72. hi this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the respective distances from the floor are 28cm when horizontal and 47cm when upright. It is therefore apparent that the chair 10 does elevate a user when in it's upright position and indeed lower the load bearing surface when in it's horizontal position.

Referring now to Figures 8a and 8b, a chair 100 is shown according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The chair 100 is similar to chair 10 in that chair 100 also comprises arm portion 12, back portion 30 and leg portion 40 (a corresponding pair of each). Chair 100 differs from chair 10 in that arcuate toothed rack 32 and sprocket 34 have be replaced with adjustment element 104 and rod 102. Rod 102 provides a weight bearing platform that supports a portion of protrusion portion 104. Rod 102 maybe a continuous piece that is connected to both corresponding leg portions 40, or in an alternative embodiment, rod 102 may comprise one or more dowels fixed to/in and protruding from leg portion 40. Rod 102 may comprise any suitable material that provides the necessary strength to support the combined weight of the upper chair portion supported thereon and the maximum reasonable weight of a user of chair 100. For example, rod 102 may comprise a metal, such as steel, aluminium, iron, or a suitable alloy. Furthermore, rod 102 could comprise a hardwood, or man made material such as plywood or the like, or rod 102 could comprise plastic, polymer, preferably high density polymer. It is envisaged that rod 102 could be an integral part of leg portion 40, i.e. a protruding part or other surface profile that provides a weight-bearing surface to support adjustment element 104.

Arm portion 30 comprises an inner face (facing another respective arm portion) and an outer face, the two faces joined by a peripheral edge portion. A bridging portion 112 is fixed to an area of the outer surface of arm 30, at an area generally where the arcuate tooth rack 32 is located on chair 10. Bridging portion 112 is fixed on one side to arm portion 30 and an opposing side is fixed to adjustment element 104, as illustrated in Figures 9a and 9b. Bridging portion 112 may comprise a single piece or a number of pieces, providing adjustment element 104 is securely held at a predefined distance from peripheral edge of arm portion 30. Bridging portion 112 comprises a strong material, such as stainless steel, plywood, polymer, or the like, that has properties sufficient to fix adjustment element 104 to back portion 30 under the weight of the upper portions of chair 100 and a user. In this embodiment, bridging portion 112 comprises a single piece attached by nuts and bolts to back portion 30 and adjustment element 104.

In another embodiment, it is envisaged that two or more of: back portion 30; bridging portion 112; and/or adjustment element 104 may comprise of a single piece of material. For example, all three parts 30, 112, 104 may be formed out of a single material, such as plastic, wood or metal, having a channel 110 and surface profile equivalent to notches 104a and recesses 104b of adjustment element 104.

Referring to Figures 10a and 10b, a cross sectional diagram is shown, indicating the arrangement of arm portion 30, bridging portion 112 and adjustment element 104. A channel 110 is defined between facing peripheral edges of arm portion 30 and adjustment element 104. As shown in Figure 10a, rod 102 is supporting adjustment element 104, by way of the upper surface to rod 102 being in contact with the lower face of adjustment element 104 at an area between two consecutive notches 104a thereon. Figure 10b shows rod 102 within passageway 110, as would be the case when back portion 30 is to be moved from an upright to a horizontal position. Channel 110 is of dimension wide enough to permit passage there through of diameter of rod 102. Referring again to Figures 9a and 9b, adjustment element 104 comprises a number of notches 104a, providing a surface profile configured to be capable of bearing against rod 102 so as to maintain chair 100 in a plurality of predetermined positions. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the notches 104a may be angled so as to enable simple passageway across rod 102 in one direction (in the case of the Figures 8 a to 9b this easy passage is to the right) and provide difficult passageway over rod 102 in the other direction (in this case to the left). It will be appreciated that each recess 104b between flanking 104a, when rested on rod 102, provides a different chair configuration. The recess 104b to left hand side of notch 104a closest to the head portion of back member 30 provides the most reclined chair configuration and the recess 104b to left hand side of the notch 104a closest to the base of back member 30 provides the most upright configuration of chair 100. It is envisaged that many configurations of protrusion portion will provide this function.

Referring now to Figures 8a to 10b, movement of chair 10 between an upright and horizontal position will be described. Chair 100 begins in a generally horizontal position as depicted in Figure 8a. Rod 102 supports protrusion portion 104 at a recess 104b between consecutive notches at its upper most extremity (indicated towards the right hand side of adjustment element 104 as shown in Figure 8a 104). As with chair 10, seating platform 114 and back platform 116 together form a supporting surface to support the body of a user. Seating platform 114 connects at one end to a portion of leg portion 40 (in this embodiment by way of a rod connecting the respective pair of leg portions) and at an opposite end is connected to back support 116 and/or anchored to back portion 30. An upper portion of back platform 116 is connected to back portion 30 (in this embodiment connected to a rod between respective pair of back portion 30) and at a lower end connected to seat platform 114 and/or a lower area of back portion 30. It would be appreciated by one skilled in the art that in this configuration, seat platform 114 is at a low height relative to the ground.

A user may rotate back portion 30 anticlockwise about point A (as shown in Figures 8a and 8b) and in doing so a notch 104a on adjustment element 104 will, due to its surface profile, easily slide across rod 102. When rod 102 has passed tip of notch 104a, adjustment element 104 will drop until rod 102 abuts against the surface profile of a recess between flanking notches 104a. In this position, chair 100 has moved a step towards being in its most upright position, and this process maybe repeated until rod 102 abuts against recess in front of final notch 104a, as depicted in Figure 8b. In this position, chair 100 is in an upright position and as such, seating platform 114 and back platform 116 are a high "use" position, relative to a ground.

It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that due to the surface profile of notches 104a on adjustment element 104, it is difficult to cause a notch to move across rod 102 in the opposite direction to that just described (without lifting back portion 30 upwardly and away from rod 102). Therefore, in order to return chair 100 to a horizontal configuration, further anticlockwise rotation of back portion 30 about point A causes adjustment element 104 to move off rod 102. When this occurs back portion 30 drops such that rod 102 abuts against a part of back portion 30 (what is important is that rod 102 is in a position that enables it to easily access channel 110). From this position, anticlockwise rotation of back portion 30 about point a will cause rod 102 to move into channel 110. Accordingly, back portion 30 may be rotated clockwise until rod 102 exits channel and wherein anticlockwise rotation of back portion 30 thereafter enables rod 102 to be positioned back at its initial location as depicted in Figure 8a. Chair 100 does not require the use of gas spring 50 (of chair 10) because the weight of back portion 30 causes ami portion 14 to exert a force against roller 44, due to back portion 30 being held in a fixed position on rod 102 by way of the surface profile of adjustment element 104 (i.e. recess 104b between flanking notches 104a). Furthermore, there is no requirement for rotating sprocket 34 or ratchet and pawl to prevent rotation of sprocket. This, therefore, provides a simplified arrangement relative to chair 10. The number of possible angles of back portion 30 is reduced but the mechanism is simpler.

Figure 11 shows adjustment element 104 having notch 104a configuration according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 also indicates channel 110 between adjustment element 104 and back portion 30. For clarity, bridging portion 112 is not shown in Figure 11. Notches 104a have a "wave-like" surface profile, such that rod (not shown) may be securely received within recess 104b and pass over notch 104a easily in one direction (in Figure 11 from the top portion towards the bottom portion), but movement in the opposite direction is restricted by the surface profile of the peak of notch 104a. A further exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 13, wherein the movement of back portion 30 between a generally vertical and generally horizontal position is enabled by a second rod (not shown) and partitioned channel 11 Oa, 11 Ob. Second rod may comprise a wooden, plastic or metal dowel, rod, or bar affixed to leg portion 40, or any other suitable part, such as a ball joint element or the like. In this embodiment, the channel is partitioned longitudinally into upper channel 110b and lower channel 110a. Lower channel 110a is closer to adjustment element 104 than upper channel 110b. In this embodiment, rod 102 is used to support parts of adjustment element during movement of back portion from a generally horizontal position towards a generally vertical position, as with the second embodiment described above. A second rod is provided on leg portion 40, approximately 50mm above rod 102 in a direction towards roller 44, such that when the back portion 30 is at it's most vertical position, it may be lifted such that second rod enters lower channel 110a and thus supports back portion 30 a distance above rod 102 such that adj ustment element 104 does not contact rod 102. Once second rod is located within lower channel 11 Oa, back portion 30 may be rotated about position A so as to move back portion 30 towards a generally horizontal position and in doing so second rod moves through lower channel HOa in a direction indicated by arrow X. The contours of channel 110a are such that adjustment element does not foul rod 102 during movement between an upright and a generally horizontal position. When back portion 30 returns to it's most horizontal position, second rod exits lower channel 110a, and back portion falls such that rod 102 again supports adjustment element 104 and chair is in a generally horizontal position. As back portion 30 moves from a generally horizontal position towards a generally upright position (also referred to as the horizontal position) second rod moves through upper channel 110b in direction indicated by arrow Y. Note, upper channel 110b acts to provide a passage for second rod to move back to the "start side" of lower channel 110a and it is not required that second rod contact any part of upper channel 110b. When back portion 30 reaches its most upright position, second rod will have substantially exited upper channel HOb so as it enable it to be easily aligned with lower channel 110a as back portion is lifted away from rod 102 as described above.

An advantage of the embodiment described with reference to Figure 13 is that the back portion 30 is supported at a higher position relative to the floor when moving back towards a generally horizontal position and also that the rod 102 is only required to support the weight of back portion for movement in a single direction, thereby reducing wear, stress and the like.

Referring now to Figures 12a to 12c, simple line diagrams of chair 100 are shown so as to indicate interactions between major parts.

Figure 12a shows chair 100 in a generally horizontal use configuration. In this configuration, back portion 30 is in a generally horizontal configuration and seat platform 114 is at a low position relative to ground, due to points of contact B (i.e. roller fixed to leg portion 40) being at a position close to point D at the foot of arm portion 12. Point C (i.e. rod 102) contacts adjustment element 104 at an "upper" area. In this configuration, chair 100 is suitably configured to be used as a bed or the like.

As shown in Figure 12b, as back portion 30 is rotated anticlockwise about point A, point of contact C contacts adjustment element 104 at a roughly mid way position and point of contact B moves upwardly along arm portion 12 in the direction towards point A. Point A rises relative to the height of point D. In this configuration, seat back 30 is at a position substantially between its most upright and its most horizontal configuration as seat platform 114 has raised relative to it's height shown in the configuration in Figure 12a.

Referring now to Figure 12c, seat back 30 has been rotated about point A to a more upright configuration, point of contact C contacts adjustment element 104 towards its lower end, point of contact B has moved further along on portion 12 towards point of contact A and point of contact A has raised in height relative to the height of point D. Seat platform 114 is now at a high position, relative to the ground. In this configuration, the chair is suitable for use, for example, as a dining chair and the like.

It should be noted that the above mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" and "comprises", and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CLAMS:

1. A chair, having a seat mounted on support means to provide a load bearing surface above the ground and a backrest pivotally mounted relative to a distal end of said seat for movement between a first configuration in which said backrest is upright relative to said seat and a second configuration in which said back rest is substantially horizontal relative to the ground, the chair further comprising a reclining mechanism for raising and lowering said seat relative to said support means such that, in said first configuration, said load bearing surface is higher relative to the ground than in said second configuration.

2. A chair according to claim 1, wherein said support means comprises a leg portion and an arm portion, each having upper and lower ends, said lower ends directly or indirectly contacting the ground, said upper end of said leg portion being able to follow the contours of said arm portion within a fixed limit and said upper end of said arm portion being rotatably attached to said back portion.

3. A chair according to claim 2, wherein said reclining mechanism comprises at least one toothed portion in or on said backrest and at least one sprocket rotatably mounted on said leg portion, such that said toothed portion of said backrest contacts and is supported by said sprocket and rotation of said sprocket causes said back rest to pivot about said upper end of said arm rest.

4. A chair according to claim 3, wherein said at least one toothed portion in or on said back rest is longitudinally arcuate.

5. A chair according to claim any of claims 2 to 4, wherein a roller is rotatably mounted at an upper end of said leg portion such that said upper end of said leg portion is able to follow the contours of said arm portion within a fixed limit, said roller being forced against said contours of said arm portion by way of means for generating an opposing force being provided between an upper portion of said arm portion and a lower end of said back portion.

6. A chair according to claim 5, wherein said means for providing an opposing force comprises at least one gas spring.

7. A chair according to any preceding claim, wherein said seat is anchored to said support means at a lower end, anchored to a lower end of said backrest at a generally mid point and anchored to an upper end of said backrest at a higher end thereof.

8. A chair according to any of claims 3 to 7, wherein said at least one sprocket is kinetically restricted in at least one direction of rotation by restricting means.

9. A chair according to claim 8, wherein said restricting means is a pawl.

10. A chair according to claim 8, wherein said restricting means is a motor, said motor enabling said sprocket to be driven in at least one direction.

11. A chair according to claim 1, wherein said reclining mechanism comprises at least one recess in or on said support means and a rod mounted in or on said support means, said at least one recess being arranged and configured to receive a portion of said rod, such that said recess contacts and is supported by said rod when said chair is said second configuration.

12. A chair according to claim 11, wherein said support means comprises a leg portion and an arm portion, each having upper and lower ends, said lower ends directly or indirectly contacting the ground, said upper end of said leg portion being able to follow the contours of said arm portion within a fixed limit and said upper end of said arm portion being rotatably attached to said back portion.

13. A chair according to claim 12, wherein said reclining mechanism comprises at least one recess in or on said backrest and a rod mounted in or on said leg portion, said at least one recess being arranged and configured to receive a portion of said rod, such that said recess contacts and is supported by said rod.

14. A chair according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein said reclining mechanism comprises at least two recesses disposed sequentially in or on said backrest, each of said recesses independently being arranged and configured to receive and support said rod, each said recess fixing said chair in an exclusive configuration.

15. A chair according to claim 14, wherein the rod-contacting part of said sequence of recesses follow a longitudinally arcuate path.

16. A chair according to claims 11 to 15, wherein a channel is provided from one side of at least one recess to the other, said channel being configured to allow passage of a portion of said rod there through so as to enable movement of said chair between said first to said second configuration.

17. A chair according to claims 11 to 15, wherein a second rod is provided on said leg portion and a channel is provided from one side of at least one recess to the other, said channel being longitudinally partitioned into two subchannels configured to allow passage of a portion of said second rod there through so as to enable movement of said chair between said first to said second configuration.

18. A chair according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said channel is provided on a generally opposite side of said at least one recess to that side which is configured to receive said rod.

19. A chair according to claims 16 or 18, wherein said at least one recess and said channel are formed in said backrest.

20. A chair according to claims 16 or 18, wherein said at least one recess is formed in an adjustment element.

21. A chair according to claim 20, wherein said adjustment element is held a fixed distance from said backrest by a bridging portion, wherein the distance between said adjustment element and said backrest defines said channel.

22. A chair according to any of claims 11 to 21 , wherein a roller is rotatably mounted at an upper end of said leg portion such that said upper end of said leg portion is able to follow the contours of said arm portion within a fixed limit, said roller being forced against said contours of said arm portion by way of said reclining mechanism.

23. A chair according to any of claims 11 to 22, wherein said seat comprises a seating platform anchored to said support means.

24. A chair according to any of claims 12 to 22, wherein said seat comprises a seating platform anchored at a first end to an upper part of said leg portion and anchored at a second end to a lower part of said back portion..

25. A chair as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.