EP0702523B1 - Chair or armchair footrest - Google Patents

Abstract

A chair or armchair footrest includes a set of two cushions of the same width as the footrest, retracting one below the other under the chair when not in use and folding out towards the front as a continuous extension of the seat or armchair cushion (3) when in use. The vertical cross section of each of the cushion planes (9, 13) corresponds to the front side and to the lower side of a triangle hinged at its vertices, the upper vertex being hinged to the front portion of the seat or armchair and its rear side (127) being joined to translation means (23) integral with the seat or armchair. The lowermost plane (13) of the lowest cushion (on the lower side of the triangle) is fixed in a longitudinally sliding manner on its front hinge.

Description

The invention relates to a leg rest device for seat or armchair and, in particular, a device for retractable legrest under the seat or chair and which has a cushion length and thickness in service important ensuring the complete and comfortable support of people's legs.

A legrest device for seat or armchair according to the preamble of claim 1 is described by DE-A-3 718 645 and partially by US-A-2 918 964.

However, the cushions are not strictly independent of each other and the kinematics of deployment of these cushions is relatively complex.

There is proposed according to the invention a leg rest device for seat or armchair, comprising a set of two cushions, approximately the width of the legrest, which retract one below the other under the seat in out of service position and which deploy forward in continuity between each other and the seat element of the seat or chair in service position, each of the plans of corresponding cushions respectively in vertical section transverse to the front side and the lower side of a triangle articulated at its vertices, the upper vertex being articulated on the front part of the seat or armchair and its side back which consists of a link being connected to a means of translation integral with the seat or armchair, characterized in that the plane of the cushion the lowest, on the lower side of the triangle, is mounted sliding longitudinally on its front joint.

The rear side of the triangle, consists of a connecting rod joining the rear articulation of the cushion plane lower and the triangle support joint, this connecting rod being connected to said integral means of translation of the seat frame, this means of translation by pushing the articulated triangle creating a general rotational movement of the articulated triangle which flattens at first thanks to at the sliding of its front joint, and then turns forward in a flat service layout where the cushions are continuous from each other and according to a angular orientation adjustable as desired under the control of said means of translation, and vice versa by traction.

It results from this leg rest arrangement according to the invention with an articulated triangle, suspended from the front part seat or armchair fitted with a sliding option transverse of the lower cushion relative to the second cushion close to the seat until bringing it in continuity with plane relative to it, to an angular orientation of small angle relatively to the vertical, then a possibility of rotation of legrest, two cushions simultaneously, according to a variable and adjustable angle according to the position desired by the supported person.

According to advantageous features, the legrest according to the invention comprises two lateral fittings parallel to plate shape on each side of the element seat supporting the support surface of the upper cushion, two parallel slide elements connected to the support plane of the lower cushion, the two lateral fittings being mounted articulated to the front part of the seat or wheelchair their upper end, and connected to each of slides at their lower end, and at least one connecting rod connected to said slides and said fittings and forming the rear side of the articulated triangle.

Naturally, the link can be connected by its upper end to an upper tab secured to the support surface of the upper cushion.

les figures 1 et 2 sont des vues schématiques d'un dispositif de repose-jambes selon l'invention sans coussins, respectivement en coupe transversale en position repliée escamotée et en perspective en extension de service, et

les figures 3 à 6 sont des vues schématiques montrant les diverses étapes de la mise en service de ce dispositif de repose-jambes.

The invention is illustrated below using an embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic views of a legrest device according to the invention without cushions, respectively in cross section in the retracted retracted position and in perspective in service extension, and

Figures 3 to 6 are schematic views showing the various stages of the commissioning of this legrest device.

To better see the various constituent elements of the legrest device according to the invention, we have it shown in Figures 1 and 2 without its cushion elements. The legrest device according to the invention comprises a set of two parallel lateral fittings 1, articulated at their upper end to the front of the element seat 3 of the fitted seat or armchair 5 and a set of parallel lateral slides 7, each adjacent to a fitting, and hinged and sliding mounted at the end lower fittings. The fittings are arranged on the side and other of the seat element 3 of the chair, being each articulated in a lateral vertical plane of the armchair. The plan of articulation and sliding of backstage is the same as the fittings, namely vertical and in line with each of the fittings. The fittings are identical to each other and consist into a plate of substantially triangular shape and the vertex A of the triangle at the back is under the seat element 3 or seat cushion of the seat or chair. These fittings are rigidly connected to a transverse plate 9 support a first cushion 11 or upper cushion of the legrest (Figures 3-6). This plate is rectangular, substantially the width of the cushion it receives. This one is mounted with the plate embedded in it. Behind the scenes 7 are also connected to a plate 13 supporting a second cushion 15 or lower cushion mounted adjacent to the first. This plate is also rectangular, of the same width that the associated cushion and this one is mounted with the plate drowned in its bosom. The width of the two cushions (in the longitudinal plane of the seat or chair) is substantially equal to the half length of the legrest in service (figure 5 and 6).

A rear link 17 connects the set of slides 7 to the game fittings 1. This connecting rod is hinged to the part behind the backstage, in its median plane and at level of the crown part A of the set of fittings also in its median plane. This rod is therefore in travel in a median vertical plane of the seat or chair, being hinged rise to a rear lower leg 19 integral of plate 13 of the set of slides and to a leg upper 21 secured to the plate 9 of the set of fittings. The kinematic assembly constituted is therefore analogous to a articulated triangle in section, mounted suspended from the part front of the seat element 3. A rear rod 23 arranged under the seat element is articulated connection to the link 17. This rod is driven in translation, in pushing or in arrow traction, by a driving element, such as a screw jack, mounted integral with the seat or chair frame.

The operation of the legrest is now specified. in relation to Figures 3 to 6. In Figure 3, the legrest is in the retracted position under the seat or chair, folded in the free space under the seat element 3 and between the side uprights, not shown, of the frame or seat frame or armchair. The upper cushion 11 is arranged with its front face in position substantially vertical. The lower cushion 15 is fully retracted backwards, its upper side touching the cushion upper and its front edge is an extension vertical of the front face of the upper cushion. He is at short distance from the ground.

In a first deployment phase (Figure 4) of the legrest, corresponding to a push of the rod 23, according to arrow, the lower cushion 15 is moved alone towards the front in a substantially horizontal and low position distance from the ground, the set of slides 7 translating on full length of runner available at their point of lower articulation on the fittings. As soon as we have reaches this sliding limit stroke, the rod continuing to push, the articulated triangle flattens gradually so that the cushions 11 and 15 come as an extension of one another according to the same plan at a angle of about 40 ° from the vertical (Figure 5). The connecting rod 17 rear linkage in this position blocks the planes cushion supports in the same plane (by pressing the planes in abutment thereon). Up to this position, the end front of the lower cushion 15 is a short distance from the ground. As the rod continues to push, the assembly then turns on the articulation axis of the front part of the element seat 3, the cushions remaining in the same plane and in continuity of each other, to a limit position upper, slightly raised from the horizontal, shown in Figure 6. The angular travel allowed between the positions of figures 5 and 6 corresponds to the area useful service of the legrest where it can be ordered in variable orientation at will by people using it.

Naturally, the displacement of the rod 23 in the direction opposite to the above, causes a symmetrical movement at that of the service extension to the out position above-mentioned retracted service under the seat.

It will also be noted that the seat element of the seat or chair can be mobile, with a slight movement amplitude, translation or angular orientation, accompanying the movement of the legrest for comfort optimal leg support. The kinematics described works perfectly.

If the seat element remains fixed, the legrest can still be mounted articulated by its fittings 1 to the uprights side of the seat or chair support frame, for example to its side armrest elements.

It will also be noted that the cushions can be of a relatively large thickness, without the kinematics articulated triangle is prevented. This ensures a good leg support comfort (without pressure point).

Furthermore, the cushion 11 can be connected to a spring rear secured to the seat or armchair frame and the recalling in vertical orientation. This spring in retaining the cushion promotes the sliding of the cushion 15 to prevent the two cushions from being raised en bloc without prior sliding of the lower cushion and similarly the return to the retracted position of the cushions in ensuring a positive action on the sliding of the cushion lower than the lower limit of the orientation of service. Likewise, the front end of the sliding cushion lower can be provided with a buffer intended to come in contact with the ground to favor the sliding of this cushion during this movement and vice versa upon its return in the retracted position.

Claims (11)

1. A leg rest device for a seat or chair, comprising an assembly of two cushions (11, 15), substantially of the width of the leg rest, which retract one beneath the other under the seat in the out-of-service position and which unfold forwards forming a continuous arrangement with each other and the seating element (3) of the seat or chair in the in-service position, each of the planes (9, 13) of the cushions respectively corresponding in a transverse vertical section to the front side and lower side of a triangle articulated at its vertices, the upper vertex being articulated with the front part of the seat or chair and the rear side of which, comprising a connecting rod (17), being connected to a translation means (23) integral with the seat or chair, characterised in that the plane (13) of the lowest cushion, on the lower side of the triangle, is mounted to slide longitudinally on its front articulation.
2. A leg rest device according to claim 1, characterised in that the rear side of the triangle comprises at least one connecting rod (17) joining the rear articulation of the plane (13) of the lower cushion and the supporting articulation of the triangle, said connecting rod (17) being connected to said translation means (23) integral with the frame of the seat or chair, which translation means, by pushing the articulated triangle, generates a general rotational movement of the articulated triangle which initially flattens due to the sliding of its front articulation and then turns forward into a flat in-service arrangement where the cushions (11, 15) form a continuous arrangement with each other at an angle which is adjustable at will under the control of said translation means (23), and vice versa by pulling.
3. A leg rest device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that it comprises two parallel, lateral, plate-shaped mountings (1) on each side of the seating element (3) supporting the supporting plane (9) of the upper cushion (11), two parallel sliding elements (7) connected to the supporting plane (13) of the lower cushion (15), the upper ends of the two lateral mountings (1) being articulated with the front part of the seat or chair and the lower ends being connected to each of the slides (7), and at least one connecting rod (17) connected to said slides (7) and to said mountings (1) and constituting the rear side of the articulated triangle.
4. A leg rest device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting rod (17) is connected by its upper end to an upper lug (21) integral with the supporting plane (9) of the first cushion.
5. A leg rest device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the width (transverse dimension) of said cushions (11, 15) is substantially equal to half the length of the leg rest at complete extension.
6. A leg rest device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in the retracted position, the front face of the upper cushion (11) is substantially vertical and the anterior end of the lower cushion (15) is arranged vertically below said front face close to the ground.
7. A leg rest device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said connecting rod (17) is displaced in a vertical median plane of the seat or chair, being articulated with a lower rear lug (19) integral with the plate (13) of the set of slides and to an upper lug (21) integral with the plate (9) of the set of mountings.
8. A leg rest device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the in-service position is achieved as soon as said articulated triangle has flattened out after sliding of the lower cushion (15), the cushions (11) and (15) being in a continuous arrangement with each other.
9. A leg rest device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is articulated with the seating element (3) of the seat or chair, which element may be mobile.
10. A leg rest device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that it is articulated by its mountings (1) to the lateral uprights of the supporting frame of the seat or chair, for example to its lateral armrest elements.
11. A leg rest device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a spring for returning the upper cushion (11) to the retracted position or a buffer at the front end of the sliding cushion (15) to facilitate the sliding of this cushion (15) both when moving forwards and when returning to the retracted position.

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