WO2012076857A1

WO2012076857A1 - An integrated recliner or lift-recliner mechanism for adjustable furniture

Info

Publication number: WO2012076857A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/001752
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicholas Adcock; Malcolm Harrison
Original assignee: Willowbrook Furniture (Holdings) Limited
Priority date: 2010-12-11
Filing date: 2011-12-12
Publication date: 2012-06-14
Also published as: GB2486280B; GB201021049D0; GB2486280A

Abstract

The invention concerns an integrated recliner or lift/recliner mechanism (10) for use in adjustable furniture such as a recliner or lift-recliner chair or the like. The mechanism includes width adjustment means (52,54,56,58,60) for adjusting the width of the mechanism in dependence on the width dimension of an item of furniture in which the mechanism is to be fitted. In one embodiment the mechanism includes a plurality of cross-members (36,38,42,46) and the adjustment means comprises respective telescopic adjustment sections of the cross-members.

Description

AN INTEGRATED RECLINER OR LIFT-RECLINER MECHANISM FOR ADJUSTABLE FURNITURE

This invention relates to integrated recliner and/or lift-recliner mechanisms for use in adjustable furniture, particularly recliner and lift-recliner chairs.

Recliner and lift-recliner chairs are commonly available with a self-contained adjustment mechanism integrated into the structure of the chair. In such arrangements the item of furniture is built around the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is typically of a metal, usually steel, construction. The upholstered sections of the chair are attached in the factory to various parts of the mechanism to provide the finished item of furniture. Chairs of this type may have lift or lift and recline functionality. The adjustment mechanism may also provide the main moving parts of an integrated deptoyabie footrest.

Recliners can be powered or manually operated and be either "2-way" or "3-way" adjustable. 2-way recliners have limited movement between an upright configuration and a single part reclined position, the so called TV position where the footrest is extended forward and outwards with the backrest remaining substantially upright. The 3-way recliner provides further movement to a fully reclined position where the backrest is lowered to a relatively shallow angle with respect to the seat. Lift-recliner chairs add further complexity to integrated adjustment mechanisms as they have a lifting function in addition to the recline function.

Lift-recliner or "riser" chairs are used to assist less mobile people lifting themselves out of the chair. Single motor lift-recliner arrangements are know in the art where a single electrical linear actuator provides powered movement for the lift function as well as the recline function and possibly the footrest movement of the adjustment mechanism. Adjustment mechanisms used in adjustable furniture are generally produced by specialist manufacturers and supplied to the furniture industry for incorporation into items of furniture, such as chairs and beds. Known state of the art integrated adjustment mechanisms available "off the shelf" do not provide chair manufacturers with a high degree of production flexibility as the mechanisms are manufactured to suit a particular size of chair. For example, it is common for such mechanisms to be made in a range of sizes to fit chairs having seat cushion widths of 400mm (16 inches) to 800mm {32 inches). Chair manufacturers generally require sufficient inventory to cover all chair sizes offered in their range if delivery times are to be archived and orders fulfilled in a timely and cost effective manner.

There is a requirement for greater flexibility in the manufacture of adjustable furniture such as recliner chairs and lift-recliner chairs.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an integrated recliner or lift/recliner mechanism for use in adjustable furniture such as a recliner chair, lift-recliner chair or the like, the said mechanism including width adjustment means for adjusting the width of the mechanism in dependence on the width dimension of an item of furniture in which the mechanism is to be integrally fitted.

The above aspect of the present invention readily allows a single adjustable mechanism to be used for a variety of items of adjustable furniture having different widths. For example, the present invention envisages embodiments where a single adjustable mechanism is capable of being used in similar items of furniture such as a range of adjustable lift and recline chairs where the chair is available in a range of seat width sizes. A universal lift-recliner or recliner chair mechanism suitable for use in a range of different size chairs provides for improved manufacturing flexibility, lead times. inventory and stock management in addition to increased productivity and lower production costs.

In a preferred embodiment the mechanism includes a plurality of cross-members and the adjustment means comprises respective telescopic adjustment sections of the cross-members. Embodiments are contemplated therefore where the width adjustment is effected by means of telescopic type adjustment of two or more cross- members, conveniently this may be provided by adjustable length telescopic tubular cross-members. Preferably, the cross-members comprise part of a frame part of the mechanism.

In preferred embodiments each cross-member may comprise respective telescopic adjustment sections at each longitudinal end of the cross-member. In this way the centre of gravity of the mechanism can be maintained if the cross-members are extended to increase the width of the mechanism or likewise refracted to reduce the width of the mechanism. This is particularly advantageous in the case of a lift-recline chair where any change in the centre of gravity of the mechanism could be detrimental to the efficient operation of the mechanism. Preferably, each adjustable cross-member further comprises locking means for locking the said telescopic sections together when the cross-member is adjusted to its desired pre-determined length. In this way the length of the cross-members are preferably selected during assembly of the item of furniture and locked in position at the desired length so that the mechanism is effectively selectively sized during assembly of the item of furniture to that item of furniture. The cross-members are effectively permanently locked at the appropriate required length for the item of furniture into which the mechanism is installed. In preferred embodiments the said adjustment means includes a plurality of discrete adjustment elements for discrete adjustment of the said mechanism between a minimum and a maximum width dimension. The present invention therefore contemplates embodiments where the width of the mechanism is continuously adjustable and embodiments where the width is adjustable in pre-determined discrete increments.

The discrete adjustment elements may comprise registration elements provided in said telescopic sections for discrete adjustment of the length of the respective cross members between respective registration positions. The registration elements may be provided by a series of apertures in the respective telescopic sections such that adjustments occur between sets of adjacent apertures, with the adjustment increment or interval being determined by the pitch of the series of apertures. The locking means may be provided by pins or other types of fastener, such as bolts or the like, passing through the aligned apertures in the respective telescopic parts.

The discrete adjustment elements may be spaced apart in increments between 12.5mm and 37.5mm, preferably between 20mm and 30mm, most preferably 25mm+/- 1 mm. The discrete adjustment elements may be spaced apart to provide overall width adjustments in increments between 25mm and 75mm, preferably between 40mm and 60mm, most preferably 50mm+/-2mm. In preferred embodiments the adjustment elements have a pitch spacing of about 25mm (1 inch) such that equal adjustments on both sides of the mechanism provides overall combined width adjustment increments of about 50mm (2 inches).

In preferred embodiments the said discrete adjustment elements have a range of adjustment to accommodate seat widths between .405m (16 inches) and .760m (30 inches), more preferably between 458mm (18 inches) and 660mm (26 inches). P T/GB2011/001752

The lift-recliner or recliner mechanism according to the above aspect of the present invention preferably further comprises a floor standing base frame and a chair support frame mounted for movement with respect to the base frame, in which the width adjustment means is part of or incorporated into the chair support frame.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a lift-recliner chair having a lift-recliner mechanism according†o the above aspect of the invention

Another aspect of the present invention provides a recliner chair having recliner mechanism according to the above aspect of the invention

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I is a perspective view from the front-right of an adjustable lift-recline mechanism for a lift-recline chair according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view from the front of the lift-recline mechanism of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a perspective view from the rear of the lift-recline mechanism of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from the rear quarter of the lift-recline mechanism of Figures 1 ,2 and 3; and

Figure 5 is a perspective view in greater detail of the encircled region A in Figure 2.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown an adjustable lift-recline mechanism 10, constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention, for incorporation T/GB2011/001752 into σ lift-recline chair, typically an upholstered chair although the invention does contemplate other such applications including medical lift chairs and the like.

The adjustable mechanism 10 is of mainly metal, mainly steel construction and comprises a series of tubes, links, levers, plates, pivot pins, bushes etc. In this respect the mechanism 10 shares the same general type of construction as is well know in the art and part of the common general knowledge of the skilled person. The mechanism 10 comprises a lift part 12 and a recliner/foot rest part 1 , with both arrangements 12 and 1 being state of the art apart that is that in the illustrated embodiment the width of the recliner/foot rest part 14 is adjustable. In the context of the present invention the term "width" is to be understood in its normal sense when considered in relation to furniture and chairs in particular.

In the drawings the adjustable mechanism is shown in its raised position.

As can bee seen in the drawings the lift part 12 comprises a floor standing metal frame 16 constructed from square section tube including front and rear cross-members 18,20 and a pair of laterally spaced members 22,24 extending front to back orthogonal to the cross-members 18,20 defining a generally rectangular frame with flanges 23 at the rear corners for mounting castors or the like. The recliner/foot rest part 14 is connected to the rectangular frame 16 by a pair of parallel and laterally spaced apart four bar linkage arrangements 26. Each four bar linkage includes a pair of pivoting elongate links 28,30 and a pair of fixed brackets 32,34 at respective ends of the links 28,30. Brackets 32 are secured to the respective support members 22,24 towards the rear end of the frame near the rear cross member 20. Brackets 34 are each secured to the recliner/foot rest part 14 at respective lateral positions along the lengths of a pair of parallel cross-members 36, 38 of the recliner/foot rest part 1 . As can best be seen in the drawings of Figures 3 and 4 a single linear electrical actuator (jack) 40 is provided for moving the adjustment mechanism between its various positions. The actuator 40 is secured at one end to cross-member 20, at a mid point along the length thereof, and to the mid point of a further cross-member 42 of the recliner/foot rest part 14.

The recliner foot-rest part is also of mainly conventional construction comprising a rectangular chassis part 44 of tubular metal construction including front cross-members 36,38, rear cross-member 46 and lateral members 48, 50. Mounted on the cross- members and lateral support members are a series of metal links, levers, arms etc, which provide the respective backrest recline movement and footrest movement. These mechanical arrangements are well known to those skilled in the art and do not warrant further description. In the illustrated embodiment the width of the mechanism is adjustable so that mechanisms according to the embodiment may be built into chairs of different sizes (widths). The length of each of the cross-members 36,38,42 and 46 is adjustable and may be extended or retracted. Each cross-member 36,38, 42 and 44 has a telescopic construction with an outer tubular mid section 52 housing respective telescopic end sections 54,56 at the respective ends thereof. As can best be seen in Figure 5 the end sections 54,56 are sized to fit within the main section 52 and are slidable within the main section to alter the overall length of the cross-member according to the length required for a particular width of chair. The brackets 34 are fixed to the respective mid sections of cross-members 36, 38. The end of the actuator 40 is fixed to the mid section of the cross-member 42 whereas the outer frame parts 48,50 are fixed with respect to the respective end sections 54,56 of cross-members 36,38.

In the illustrated embodiment the adjustable cross-members 36,38,42 and 46 are adjustable between discrete points of adjustment. A series of bolt holes 58 is provided in the telescopic end sections 54,56 and the end portions of the central main mid sections 52, each series of holes having the same pitch of 25mm ( 1 inch) or thereabouts for registration purposes so that when the respective end sections are moved to a required position for a particular width of chair the respective sections can be secured together by fixing bolts 60 or the like, thereby enabling the mechanism to be configured for the particular size of chair it is to be built into during assembly fo the chair rather than assembly of the mechanism.

In the illustrated embodiment the cross-members are adjustable, and indeed are intended to be adjustable at both ends to preserve the symmetry and balance of the mechanism, that is to say the mechanism may be widened by 50mm [2 inches) say by extending each end of each cross-member by 25mm, that is to say by moving to the next hole 58. Although the invention has been described in relation to a mechanism for a lift-recline chair it is to be understood that the invention also contemplates embodiments of recliner chairs without a lifting function and also other types of adjustable furniture including adjustable beds.

Claims

1. An integrated recliner or lift/recliner mechanism for use in adjustable furniture such as a recliner or lift-recliner chair or the like, the said mechanism including width adjustment means for adjusting the width of the mechanism in dependence on the width dimension of an item of furniture in which the mechanism is to be integrally fitted.

2. A lift and/or recliner mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the said mechanism includes a plurality of cross-members and said adjustment means comprises respective telescopic adjustment sections of said cross-members.

3. A lift and/or recliner mechanism as claimed in Claim 2 wherein each cross- member comprises respective telescopic adjustment sections at each longitudinal end of the cross-member

4. A lift and/or recliner mechanism as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein each adjustable cross-member further comprises locking means for locking the said telescopic sections together when the cross-member is adjusted to its desired predetermined length.

5. A lift and/or recliner mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the said adjustment means includes a plurality of discrete adjustment elements for discrete adjustment of the said mechanism between a minimum and a maximum width dimension.

6. A lift and/or recliner mechanism as claimed in Claim 5 when directly or indirectly dependent on Claim 2, wherein the said discrete adjustment elements comprise registration elements provided in said telescopic sections for discrete adjustment of the length of the said respective cross members between respective registration positions.

7. A lift and/or recliner mechanism as claimed Claim 5 wherein said discrete adjustment elements are spaced apart in increments between 12.5mm and 37.5mm, preferably between 20mm and 30mm, most preferably 25mm+/-lmm.

8. A lift and/or recliner mechanism as claimed Claim 5 when directly or indirectly dependent on Claim 3, wherein said discrete adjustment elements are spaced apart to provide overall width adjustments in increments between 25mm and 75mm. preferably between 40mm and 60mm, most preferably 50mm+/-2mm.

9. A lift and/or recliner mechanism as claimed in any of Claims 5 to 8 wherein the said discrete adjustment elements have a range of adjustment to accommodate seat widths between .405m {16 inches) and .760m (30 inches). 10. A lift and/or recliner mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a floor standing base frame and a chair support frame mounted for movement with respect to the base frame, wherein said width adjustment means is part of or incorporated into said chair support frame. N . A lift-reciiner chair including an integrated \ift-rec\iner mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim.

12. A recliner chair including an integrated recliner mechanism as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10.