US3287059A

US3287059A - Recliner rocker loungers and hardware therefor

Info

Publication number: US3287059A
Application number: US411776A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ernest S Rosmarin
Original assignee: FUTORIAN Manufacturing CORP OF NEW YORK
Current assignee: FUTORIAN Manufacturing CORP OF NEW YORK
Priority date: 1964-11-17
Filing date: 1964-11-17
Publication date: 1966-11-22
Anticipated expiration: 1983-11-22

Description

REGLINER ROCKER LOUNGERS AND HARDWARE THEREFOR Nov. 22, 1966 E. s. ROSMARIN Filed Nov.

8 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORA EY- Nov."22; "I966 E. s. ROSMARIN RECLINER ROCKER LOUNGERS AND HARDWARE THEREFOR 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 17, 1964 I NVENTOR. Eff/575 ROSMdR/N Nov. 22, 1966 E. s. ROSMARIN RECLINER ROCKER LOUNGERS AND HARDWARE THEREFOR Filed Nov. 17, 1964 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 MOE INVENTOR. fR VESI' 520571.421

ATTOR/Vfy Nov. 22, 1966 I E. s. ROSMARIN RECLINER. ROCKER LOUNGERS AND HARDWARE THEREFOR Filed Nov. 17, 1964 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 l I NVE N TOR. fer/E57 .S'. EOSMARIN A TI'OR/VE).

'Nov.'22, 1966- 352875059 RECLINER ROCKER LOUNGERS AND HARDWARE THEREFOR E. s. RosMARm Filed NOV. 17, 1964- 8 Sheets-Sheet 5' kw WQAN Q Nov. 22, 1966 s. ROSMARIN 3,287,059

I RECLINER ROCKER LOUNGERS AND HARDWARE THEREFOR Filed Nov. 17. 1,9641 8 Sheets$heet e INVEN TOR. ER/SE57 .5. ROSMAR/N Arm/wax Nov. 22, 1966 E. S. ROSMARIN RECLINER ROCKER LOUNGERS AND HARDWARE THEREFOR 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed Nov. 1'7, 1964 IN V EN TOR EQIVES? 51 ROSMAB/IV Armmlx NOW 1956 E. s. ROSMARIN 3,

RECLINER ROCKER LOUNGERS AND HARDWARE THEREFOR Filed Nov. 17, 1964 a Sheets-Sheet 8 FIG. l7

INVENTOR. ERNEST 5T QOSMAE/N A 7' men/Ex U nited States Patent 3,287,059 RECLINER ROCKER LOUNGERS AND HARDWARE THEREFOR Ernest S. Rosmarin, Roslyn, N.Y. Futorian Manufacturing Corp. of New York, Amsterdam, N.Y.) Filed Nov. 17, 1964, Ser. No. 411,776 8 Claims. (Cl. 297-69) This invention relates to recliner rocker lonngers and hardware therefor.

An object of this invention is to, provide a recliner rocker lounger of the character described and hardware therefor, having the following features:

(1) The chair back and seat are locked relative to the side arms of the chair during the rocking motion of the chair (lounger).

(2) Reclining positions can be obtained only after the footrest is extended.

(3) Raising of the footrest is semi-automatic, that is, upward pressure against a release mechanism unlocks a footrest drive linkage, which is spring actuated, by

means of a toggle arrangement, providing nearly constant pressure throughout an opening cycle during which the footrest moves from closed or retracted to fully extended position.

(4) The footrest is locked in open or extended position; and closing of the footrest 'by pressure of the users legs down against the footrest, requires release of locking mechanism by the user. When the chair seat and back are reclined, the footrest can be lowered but not locked in lowered positions. It is necessary to return the back and seat to normal sitting position before the footrest can be locked in lowered position. Means is provided to fully close the footrest and ensure locking of the footrest in fully closed position until the release mechanism is again actuated by the occupant of the chair.

(5) In a modified construction, the footrest is locked in open or extended position as occupant of chair begins to recline backrest and seat, and the footrest remains locked until occupant returns to original sitting position. In such position, pressure of the leg on the footrest will lower the footrest (without necessity to again release the locking mechanism), to a closed position where it locks automatically.

(6) Once the footrest is released, a serrated latch engages a locking pin, thereby preventing forward rocking, but permitting the chair to be rocked back to any one of a number of predetermined positions, until it reaches a rearmost position. The serrated latch is gravity actuated without use of any springs.

Another object of this invention is to provide a rugged and durable device of the character described which shall be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, easy to manipulate, and yet practical and eflicient to a high degree in use.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope of invention will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings in which is shown an illustrative embodiment of this invention,

FIG. 1 is a partial top view showing one side of a lounger and illustrating the hardware on one side of the lounger, in the sitting position of the seat and back, with the footrest fully retracted or closed and locked in retracted position;

FIG. 3 is a View similar to FIG. 2, but showing the footrest fully extended, with the rocker fully rocked back and locked against forward rocking, and with the seat and back in reclining position;

FIG. 4 is a partical cross-sectional view taken on line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the semi-automatic foot-rest raising mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the footrest linkage drive link;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational View of the fixed mounting plate; with its bushings and members rotating with said bushings;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the footrest release member;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 1212 of FIG. 9;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are front views of the drive link illustrating variations thereof;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 2 and illustrating a modified form of the invention, but omitting the means for releasably'locking the rocker against rocking movement;

FIG. 16 is a partial top plan view of the structure of FIG. 15; and

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of the modified structure of FIG. 15, but including the rocker lock means.

Referring now in detail to the drawing, 10 designates a recliner rocker lounger embodying the invention, Said lounger 10 comprises a base support or platform 11 on which is mounted for rocking movement, a rocker or chair support 12. The platform 11 comprises parallel side runners 13 interconnected by a front cross-rail 14 and a rear cross-rail 15.

The chair support 12 comprises parallel side walls or side arms 18 interconnected by a cross-rail 19 in a vertical plane and a cross-rail 20' extending rearwardly from the lower end of cross-rail 19. Said side arms 18 are also interconnected by a rear cross-rail 22. Fixed to the lower ends of the front edges of the side arms 18 in any suitable manner (not shown) are extensions 24 in the planes of said side arms. Said extensions 24 are interconnected by a cross-rail 25. The lower edges 24a of extensions 24 are at the level of the lower edges 18a of side arms 18. The upper edges 24b of extensions 24 are disposed below the upper ends 18b of side arms 18.

Fixed to the top edges'18b of side arms 18 are top arm plates 18 extending outwardly therefrom, and fixed to the front edges of the side arms are front boards also extending outwardly therefrom, thereby forming spaces which may be enclosed in any suitable manner.

A wood rail 18d is attached to the underside of arm plate 18 and is spaced from the adjacent wall 18.

Fixed to the inner surfaces of side arms '18, at their lower ends thereof, are rockers 26 having curved undered'ges 26a contacting the upper edges 13a of platform runners 13. Usual platform springs (not shown) interconnect the platform 11 with the chair support 12 and these tend to bias the support toward a normal upright position of the support,

Fixed to the inner surfaces of side walls or arms 18, are similar, opposed mounting plates 28 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 9). Each mounting plate 28 is of V shape, generally having an apex portion 28a and arms 28b, 28c extending therefrom. The mounting plates are each attached to a side arm by means of a rear scab or block 28 interspaced between said plate and the side arm and fixed by means of a bolt 28d; and by a front scab or block 28e interspaced between said plate and said arm and fixed by means of rivets or bolts 28 and 28g. Scab 28e is inclined forwardly and upwardly and lies along arm 28b of the mounting plate. Bolt 28) goes through plate 28.

Each mounting plate is formed with a circular opening 29 adjacent to the apex 28a, and with a similar circular opening 30 near the upper rear end of arm 280. Fixed to each plate adjacent to, and to the right of opening 29, is a pin 31, for the purpose hereinafter appearing. Fixed to each plate 28, by means of a pair of rivets 32, 33, is a mounting bracket 34 inclined downwardly and forwardly beyond and below arm 28b of mounting plate 28. A second mounting bracket 35 is fixed to each mounting plate 28 by means of rivets 36, 37 and inclined rearwardly and upwardly and projects beyond and beneath arm 28b of the mounting plate. Fixed to the lower forward end of bracket 34 by rivet 38, and to the rear upper end of bracket 35 by rivet 39, is an arm mounting bar 40.-

Pivoted to each mounting bar 40 adjacent its forward end, as at 41, is a front seat link 42 inclined upwardly and rearwardly. Pivoted to the rear end of each mounting bar 40, as at 43, is a rear seat link 44. Pivoted to the upper rear ends of each pair of

seat links

42, 44, as at 42a, 44a, respectively, is a seat mounting bar or link 45. Supported by and mounted on the two bars 45, is a seat frame 46. Seat frame 46 may comprise side members 47 connected by a rear cross-rail 48- and a front cross-rail 49. The seat frame projects forwardly to overlie the space heneath the side extensions 24, and is located, when the seat is in upright position, above said side extensions, as at 50.

Seat mounting bars 45 extend rearwardly beyond the rear seat links, at at 51. Pivoted to each rear extension 51, as at, 52, is a short forwardly and upwardly inclined link 53, for the purpose hereinafter appearing.

Fixed t the inner side of each side arm 18, near the rear upper corner thereof, as by rivets 54, is a bracket 55. Pivoted to each bracket 55, as at 56, is a backrest mounting bar 57. The backrest or chair back 58 is fixed to the backrest mounting bar 57 as by rivets '9, and is hence pivoted to the chair support or rocker 12. Each bar 57 has a forwardly and downwardly inclined extension 57a pivoted, as at 60, to the upper end of short link 53.

The backrest 58 may recline rearwardly to cause seat mounting bar to be pushed forwardly thereby causing seat links 42, 44 to swing upwardly and forwardly (in a counterclockwise direction looking at FIGS. 2 and 3) to raise the seat and move it forwardly. The seat mounting bar 45, front and rear seat links 42, 44 and fixed bar 40 form almost a parallelogram.

The recliner rocker l'ounger is provided with a footrest or leg rest member 62 and lazy tong mechanism 63 connecting said member to the chair support 12. To this end, there is rotatably mounted in circular opening 29, a rotary bushing 65. Saaid bushing 65 comprises an annular bushing part 65a having circular portion 65b contacting the inner side of mounting plate 28, and an integral circular hub 65c fitting within opening 29. A

circular disc retainer part 65d contacts the rear of plate 28 and hub 65c, and is fixed to the bushing part 65a by a pair of parallel rivets 66 passing through parallel.

openings 66a in parts 65a, 6503.

Parts

65a, 65d are preferably made of nylon or any other suitable antifriction material such as hard plastic. The rivets 66 are on opposite sides of the axis of opening 29. The bush-1 ing 65 (

parts

65a and 65d) are formed with axial square registering holes 67 through which extends a square shaft.

It will be understood that the seat and back supporting hardware and the footrest projecting mechanism is illustrated for one side only of the chair. similar at both sides and symmetrically disposed, so that only one side is illustrated and one side will be described.

The shaft 68 hence passes through the square holes in the bushings on the mounting plates 28 at opposite sides of the chair.

Mounted on said square shaft 68 is a drive lever 70 formed with a square hole 71 registering with holes 67 and through which, said shaft passes. Drive lever 70 contacts portion 65b of bushing part 65a and is fixed thereto, and to part 65d by said rivets 66, which also pass through rivet holes 70a registering with rivet holes 66a. the drive lever 70. Shaft 68 passes through a suitable opening 72 in the side arm or wall 18 at the right side of chair (looking at the front of the chair), and has an arm portion 68a bent at right angles to the shaft and located at the outer side of said wall. wood may be attached to the outer side of said wall 18 and it is formed with an opening 73a registering with opening 72 ,so that the shaft 68 can pass therethrough. Arm 68a is parallel to wall 18, and when the footrest is retracted, is inclined upwardly and rearwardly, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7.

The drive lever 70, in the retracted position of the footrest (FIG. 2), comprises an arm 70c having an arcuate outer edge 70d formed at one end with a corner notch] 70e, at its other end with a corner notch 70 At the rear. edge of arm 70c is a notch 70g adapted to engage a pin 75 fixed to mounting plate 28, when said drive lever is rotated forwardly andupwardly (in a clockwise direction from position of FIG. 2 to position of FIG. 3) to stop rotation of said drive lever in said direction.

Pivoted to the upper, forward end of arm 28b of mounting plate 28, as on pivot 76 is a lever 77 inclined downwardly and rearwardly, in the retracted footrest position of FIG. 2. Pivoted to lever 77, mediately the ends thereof, as at 78, is a lever 79 crossing lever 77. The lower end of lever 79 is pivoted as at 80 to the lower end of arm 70b of drive lever 70. Pivoted to the upper. end

of lever 79, as at 81, is a lever 82. Pivoted to the lower end of lever 77, as at 83, is the lower end of a lever 84 which crosses lever 82 and is interpivoted thereto, as at 85. Pivoted to the lower end of lever 82 (looking at.

FIG. 2), as at 86, is a short link 87.

Fixed to the rear of footrest 62 is a footrest angle iron 88, to which the upper end of lever 84 is pivoted, as at 89, and to which link 87 is pivoted, as at 90. In the retracted position of the footrest, said footrest 62 is in vertical position, beneath the forwardly projecting portion 50 of the seat frame (see FIG. 2). tracted position, a pin on lever 84, between

pivots

85 and 89, contacts an edge of lever 82 to fully close the lazy-tong mechanism.

Means is provided to lock the footrest projecting mechanism against opening, until a release mechanism hereinafter described, is released. To this end, a bushing is rotatably mounted in opening 30 of mounting plate 28. Bushing 105 comprises a bushing part 105a having an annular portion 105b contacting the outer side of plate 28 and from which projects a bushing part or hub 1050 rotatably received in said opening 30. An annular disc retainer part 105a contacts the inner surface. of

This hardware is 1 Thus, rotation of the shaft 68 causes rotation of A block 73 of In such re-;

plate 28 and is fixed to part 105a by means of a pair of parallel rivets 106 disposed on opposite sides of the axis of the bushing and passing through parallel openings 1052 in said bushing. A footrest locking lever 108 is fixed to said bushing by said rivets 106, said rivets passing through openings 108a formed in said lever, and registering with openings 105a.

Bushing 105 is formed with an axial square opening 105], and lever 108 is formed with a square hole 108!) registering therewith. A square shaft 109 passes through said

openings

105f, 108b and rotates with the bushing. Bushing 105 is also made of anti-friction material such as nylon or other hard plastic material.

In the retracted position of the footrest, lever 108 extends forwardly. Mounted on the forward end of said lever 108 is a stud 109a engaged in notch 70 of lever 70 to prevent rotation of latter in a clockwise direction (looking at FIG. 2). Fixed to mounting plate 28 is a pin 110 on which is mounted the coil portion of torsion spring 111. One end arm of said spring engages beneath a pin 113 also fixed to said mounting plate 28, and the other end arm of said spring engages a pin 114 on said lever 108. The torsion spring is thus so arranged as to bias the lever 108 in a counter-clockwise direction (FIG. 2) to retain the locking stud 109a Within the notch 70f.

Means is provided for releasing stud 109a from notch 70], to permit rotation of drive lever 70 to project the footrest from the position of FIG. 2 to the position of FIG. 3, by means described hereinafter.

To this end, shaft 109 extends through a hole 115 on the left wall or side arm 18 (looking toward the front of the chair), and extending from said shaft is an arm 116 bent at right angles to said shaft and located at the outer side of said wall.

Fixed to the outer side of said last mentioned wall 18, as by bolts 118, is a vertical angle iron 120 which has a vertical flange 121 carrying a pair of spaced headed pins 122. Slidably contacting the front surface of said flange 121, is a vertical release plate attach link 125 formed with slots 126 through which pins 122 pass.

Thus, member 125 may slide up and down relative to the side arms of the chair. Ann 116 of shaft 109 passes through a round opening 127 in the lower end of said member.

Attached to the upper end of sliding member 125, is a footrest release plate 130 (FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and Said plate 130 comprise a top flat wall portion 131 from which an integral tongue 132 projects downwardly and is attached to the upper end of member 125. The upper end of member 125 passes partially through a groove 133 in board 18d. Wall portion 131 is disposed within an opening 18:: in top plate 18 A piece of wood 134 is attached to the underside of the outer end of wall 131 so that the occupant of the chair may reach below piece 134 with his right hand to permit upward pressing of plate 130 to lift member 125, to thereby rotate shaft 109 through the connection of arm 116 within hole 127 of said member 125. Rotation of shaft 109 (accompanied by rotation of bushings 105), causes rotation of lever 108 to bring stud 109a out of notch 70 and thereby releases drive lever 70 for clockwise rotation.

A cover member 140 is attached to the top of plate 18 Said cover 140 has front and rear flanges 141 screwed to the top plate and interconnected by a top wall 142 spaced above opening 184:.

Means is provided to automatically rotate shaft 68 upon release of drive lever 70, whereby to project said footrest. To this end there is fixed to the outer side of wall 18, at the right side of the chair, when looking toward the front of the chair, a bracket 150. Pivoted thereto as at 151 is a toggle link 152. Pivoted to the forward end of toggle link 152, as by pivot pin 153, is a second toggle link 154, the lower end of which is pivoted to the upper end of arm 68a as at 155.

Attached to the inner side of said wall 18 as by rivets 156 is an L-shaped bracket 157 having a flange 158 perpendicular to said wall. Welded to flange 158 is a nut 159. The threaded opening in said nut registers with an opening in flange 158. A screw 160 passes through the opening in flange 158 and is screwed through the nut 159. Screw 160 has a slotted head at one end. Said screw is inclined upwardly and forwardly. Fixed to the part of bracket 157 which is fixed to the wall 18, is a pivot pin 161 on which is pivoted a lever 162. On one end of the lever 162 is a pin 163 which is abutted by the upper end of screw 160, so that turning of the screw in one direction will cause rotation of the lever 162 in a counter-clockwise direction, looking at FIG. 5, to adjust the tension of the spring.

Adjacent wall 18 is formed with an arcuate slot 165. On the lower end of lever 162 is a pin 166 passing through said slot 165. A coil tension spring 167 located at the outer side of said adjacent wall 18, interconnects pin 166 with pin 153. The coil spring 167 is inclined upwardly and forwardly and substantially bisects the angle between toggle links 152, 154.

Upon releasing the locking link or lever 108, coil spring 167 will cause movement of the toggle links 152, 154 to thereby cause rotation of arm 68a and hence of shaft 68 in a clockwise direction. Such rotation of said shaft 68 will cause rotation of the drive lever to cause the footrest to be projected.

However, when lever 108 is raised thereby tensioning spring 111, stud 109a will be disposed above the arcuate edge 70d of the drive lever. When the footrest is fully projected, stud 109a will be snapped down into notch 70:? and notch 70g will engage the stop pin to limit rotation of the drive lever in a direction to project the footrest. Engagement of the stud 109a in notch 70e will prevent the footrest from coming down until the release plate is again pressed upwardly to lift stud 109a up out of notch 70a. Upon lifting of the stud 109a out of notch 70e, downward pressure by the legs of the occupant on the footrest will lower the footrest.

Nearly constant pressure is maintained throughout the opening cycle from closed or retracted to fully extended position of the footrest due to the toggle arrangement of links 152, 154 and the spring 167. When the spring is under greatest tension, the effect of the toggle links on arm 68a for a given pull at the apex, is less, and becomes greater as the spring shortens and decreases in tension. As the toggle links come closer to alignment (as the angle therebetween approaches closer to 180) the outward resultant force increases. Since the tension on the spring during such action decreases, a more or less constant pressure on arm 68a is maintained. Means is provided to prevent forward rocking movement of the chair support 12 when the footrest is projected, while permitting rearward rocking motion until said support is rocked back to its fully rearwardly rocked position. To this end, there is fixed to the middle of front crossrail 14 of the platform 11, as by bolts 170, a bracket 171 having bottom outwardly extending flange 172 engaged by said bolts and vertical spaced walls 173' interconnected by a rear vertical Web 174. Walls'173 are interconnected by a fixed cross-pin 175.

Attached to the front side of cross-rail 19 of the chair support, at the middle'thereof, is a bracket 176, having outwardly extending, coplanar wings 177 from which parallel flanges 178 extend forwardly. Flanges 178 are interconnected by a top curved portion 179. Wings 177 are fixed to the rail 19 by bolts 180. Flanges 178 are interconnected by a horizontal cross-pin 181. Pivoted to pin 181 is a ratchet bar 182 having notches 183 at its rear edge, engageable with the fixed cross-pin 175. The notches 183-are so designed that when said ratchet bar-engages the pin 175, the chair support "can rock back until pin reaches the lowermost notch and contacts an extension 182a on said ratchet bar. However the notches 183 are such that the chair support cannot rock forwardly unless the ratchet bar is swung up and away from pin 175.

Means is provided to raise the ratchet bar 182 when the footrest is retracted (FIG. 2) and to again engage the ratchet bar with pin 175 when the footrest is projected, so that the chair support 12 can only rock back to a rearward rocking position but cannot rock forwardly, when the footrest is projected, and the chair support is free to rock back and forth only when the. footrest is retracted. To this end there is attached to rat-chet bar 182, a bellcrank lever 190, the apex of which has the pivot pin 181 passing therethrough. Lever 190 has one arm 191 lying alongside ratchet bar 182 and fixed thereto by rivets 192. Extending from the apex for-' wardly thereof is a second arm 194 of the bell crank lever 190 having a curved front underedge.

Fixed on square shaft 68 at the middle thereof, is a yoke 195 having

flanges

196, 197 interconnected by a web 198. Flange 197 has a square opening receiving the shaft 68 therethrough in a close fit. Flange 196 has an enlarged round hole through which square shaft 68 passes. Flange 197 has greater radial length .than flange 196 and carries a pin 199 spaced from arm 194 of bellcrank lever 190 when the footrest is projected, but which engages beneath said arm as the footrest is projected to rotate said bellcrank, and hence ratchet bar 182, in a clockwise direction (FIG. 2) to disengage said ratchet bar from pin 175. The serrated ratchet bar 182 is gravity actuated and moves without necessity for springs. I

Means is provided to lock the seat and backrest to the chair support 12 during rocking motion of the chair, when the footrest is fully retracted, so that the seat and back can only be reclined when the chair support is locked against rocking. To this end there is pivoted to the front seat link 42, 'as at 210, an interlock lever 211. Said lever.211 has a straight upper portion 212 formed with a longitudinal slot 213 through which the pin 31 on mounting plate 28, passes. In the retracted position of the footrest (FIG. 2), with the ratchet bar 182 swung away from pin 175,.so that the chair support is free to rock, pin 31 is at the upper end of slot 213. Said interlock lever 211 has at its lower end, a forwardly and downwardly curved hook portion 214 formed with an upper edge 215 and a front edge 216. In the position of FIG. 2, a pin 217 fixed to the drive link 70 engages said upper edge 215 of the hook portion of the interlock lever to prevent said lever from being pulled upwardly. Thus, said pin 217 prevents the front seat link 42 from being rotated in a counterclockwise direction about pivot 41. The seat is hence locked against movement.

However, when the drive link is swung forwardly to allow ratchet bar 182 to engage pin 175, pin 217 moves away from the hooked portion 214 of the interlock lever, disengaging hook edge 215, and thereby permitting reclining movement of the seat and backrest.

When the seat and backrest are reclined, the footrest can be lowered but not locked, because pin 217 will strike the front edge 216 of the hooked portion of the interlock lever. It is necessary to return the backrest and. seat to normal sitting position, so that the interlock lever will be moved all the way down, to permit the pin or stud 217 on the drive link to clear above the hook extension 214 and engage edge 215, in order to lock the seat and backrest against reclining movement.

Two variations in the design of the drive link upper portion are illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. In FIG. 13, the drive link 220 is similar to drive link 70 except that notch 70e has been eliminated. With such construction reasonable pressure by the occupant of the rocker, in excess of weight of legs, will lower the footrest without necessity for occupant pressing release plate 130 upwardly. I

In FIG. 14, there is illustrated a drive link 221, simiis shown a modified construction of FIGS.114BXCPI:

for changes hereinafter pointed out.

The chair 10 comprises a platform 11 and rocker 12 similar to that shown in FIG. 2. The hardware which connects the support side walls 18 to the seat and back-. rest are also the same as in FIG. 2. The mechanism to lock the rocker against rocking movement are also the same as in FIG. 2. The mechanisms shown in FIGS.

5, 6, 7 are also employed for the construction of FIGS.

l5l7. The mounting plates 28,the bushings 65 and are also employed in FIGS. 15-17, as well as

shafts

68 and 109.

However in FIGS. 15l7, a main .drive lever 300 =I'C'.

It is mounted on said 1 places main drive lever 70. square shaft 68 and is attached to bushing 65, the same way that lever 70 is mounted on said square shaft and attached to said bushing.

end of a lever 301.

said lever 301 replaces lever 79 and'diifers therefrom by being provided, adjacent its uppenforward end with a lug 302 which is inclined upwardly and rearwardly when r the footrest is retracted. bug 302 carries a pin 303 for the purpose hereinafter appearing. Drive link 300 carries.

in a pin 304 (same as pin 217 on drive link 70).

Interlock lever 211 of 'FIG. 2 is replaced by an interlock lever, 305 pivoted to pin 210 on front seat link 42.1

Said interlock lever 305 has a slot 306 (to receive pin 31 on plate 28) same as slot 213 of member 211, and an.

offset arm 307 similar to arm 214 of said member but narrow in width thereby eliminating the front edge 216 of the offset arm. Offset arm 307 does have an upper edge. 308 to engage pin 304 on .the drive link to prevent reclin- I ing movement of the seat and back of the chair while the footrest is retracted, and the rocker may rock because the rachet (not shown in FIG. :15) is released from the locking pin (same as in FIG. 2).

In FIGS. 15-17, locking lever 108 is replaced by a lever 310 mounted on square shaft 109 and attached to bushing 106 in the same way that lever 108 is mounted on said square shaft and fixed to said bushing.

Fixed to mounting plate 28 is a pin 311 on which is mounted .the coil portion 312 of a torsion spring 313..

Said torsion spring 313 has

arms

314, 315 for the purpose hereinafter appearing. Pivoted to pivot pin 311 is a footrest locking lever 318 having an arm 319 extending toward locking lever 310 and formed with a slot 320' slidably receiving a pin 321 on looking lever 310. Said locking lever 318 has an arm 322 projecting forwardly Said lever 330 also has a downwardly extending arm 333 formed at its lower end with a rearwardly projecting hook or l-ug 334. Arm 333 has a hole 335 to receive the outer offset end of arm 315 of the torsion spring 313. Arm 322 of locking lever 318 has a hole 336 to receive the outer offset end of arm 314 of said torsion spring. Thus,

torsion spring 313 tends to rotate locking lever 330 in,

a counterclockwise direction relative to lever 318.

The operation of the apparatus of FIGS. 15-17 will now be described. The footrest linkage is prevented from opening by engagement of hooked portion 323 of lever.

318 with stud or pin 303 mounted on the footrest intermediate lever 301. Pressure of the torsion spring 313 Drive lever 300 is pivoted at its lower end, as at '80, to the lower; The footrest and its lazy-tong pro-. jecting mechanism is the same as in FIG. 2, except that causes locking lever 318 toremain in engagement with stud 303. Square shaft 109 extendsbetween right and left side bushings 105, through hole 115 in side arm 18 and is bent at 90 angle to form the extension 116 (see FIG. which engages in hole 127 in slotted attaching link 125 which is attached to the release member 130.

Upward pressure by the chair occupant against plate 131 of release member 130 lifts attach link 125 upwards, thereby rotating square shaft .109, hence rotating lever 310 in 'a clockwise direction, looking at FIGS. '15, 17. This action, through the pin and

slot connection

321, 320,

will cause lever 31-8 to rotate ina counterclockwise di-' rection to disengage hook 323 from stud or pin 303. Square shaft 68 is now free to rotate clockwise under tension of spring 167 and toggle linkage 152, 154 acting on offset arm 68a of said shaft (see FIG. 5 Such action of square shaft 68 will cause the footrest to be projected from the position of FIG. to the position of FIG. 17.

Upward or projecting movement of the footrest is limited by engagement of pin 343 on lever 301 with lower edge of lever 346 (which corresponds with lever 77 of FIG. 3). As the occupant causes the backrest and seat to take a reclined position relative to the rocker support or chair frame by applying pressure against the backrest of the chair, the front carrier or seat link 42 is caused to rotate counterclockwise around its lower pivot pin 41, thus moving a stud or pin 342 thereon away from the rearward extension edge 332 or the arm 331 of locking lever 330 to permit said lever 330 (under influence of spring 313) to rotate in a counterclockwise direction (FIG. '15). In the position of FIG. 15, pin 342 retains lever 330 against rotation because .said pin contacts said extension edge 332. Rotation of lever 330 will cause it to engage a stud or pin 345 on drive link 300, just inside of hook 334, when the footrest is fully extended, to lock the foot-rest in fully extended position, until the occupant of the chair returns the seat and backrest to sitting position. In such position, pin or stud 342 will rotate lever 330 in a clockwise direction to release the footrest for downward or retracting movement when sufiicient pressure of the leg against the iootrest will overcome effect of the footrest actuating spring 167 and the toggle mechanism 152, 154, and allow the footrest to be returned to its closed position, without necessity for pressing release member 130 upwardly. In the closed position of the footrest, stud 303 will engage itself with hook end 323 of lever 318, thus causing the footrest to remain locked in its retracted position.

Also, as the footrest is retracted, with the seat and back in sitting position, oflset arm 307 of member 305 will engage stud 304 on drive lever 300 to prevent reclining movement of the seat and backrest.

The ratchet 182 of FIG. 17 operates the same as in FIGS. 2 and 3, and locks the rocker against forward rocking when the footrest is extended, and is'released when the footrest is retracted, to permit free rocking movement back and forth.

It will be thus seen that there is provided a combination device in which the several objects of the present invention are achieved and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

As possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and as various changes might be made in the embodiments above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. In combination, a chair support, a footrest, means to project said footrest relative to said support, from a fully retracted to a projected position of said footrest, spring means to actuate said projecting means to project said footrest from said fully retracted to said projected position, releasable means to lock said projecting means in the fully retracted position of said footrest to prevent projection of said footrest, and manually controlled means to release said locking means to permit said spring means to actuate said projecting means andproject said footrest from said fully retracted to said projected position thereof, said spring means beingi nits greatest loaded condition inthe fully retracted position of said footrest and decreasing in load from its greatest l oaded condition as said footrest is projected from its fully retracted position.

2 The combination of claim 1, and means controlled by said lock means, to lock said footrest in projected position and means whereby said release means may actuate said lock means to release said means for locking the footrest in projected position, whereby to permit retraction of said footrest from projected position.

3. The combination of claim 2, body support means movably connected to said support, means to prevent movement of said body support means when said footrest is in retracted position, and to release said body support means for movement relative to said support, upon projecting said footrest.

4. In combination, a chair support, a drive member pivoted thereto, a footrest member, lazy tong mechanism connecting said footrest member to said chair support and to said drive member to project said footrest member from a fully retracted to a projected position upon rotating said drive member in one direction from an initial position, a locking member pivoted to said support, means controlled by said locking member to lock said drive member against rotation in said one direction from said initial position, manually actuable means to cause the locking member to release said lock means to permit said drive member to be rotated in said one direction from said initial position, and spring means to rotate said drive member in said one direction from said initial position upon actuation of said release means, said spring means being in its greatest loaded condition in the fully retracted position of said footrest, and decreasing in load from its greatest loaded condition as said footrest is projected from the fully retracted position thereof.

5. The combination of claim 4, and means to prevent rotation of said drive member in an opposite direction, to releasably lock said footrest in projected position.

6. The combination of claim 5, and means to release the footrest member when it is locked in projected position, thereby permitting rotation of said drive member in an opposite direction to cause retraction of said footrest member.

7. The combination of claim 4, said spring means comprising a first toggle link pivoted to said chair support, a second toggle link pivoted to said first toggle link and forming an angle therewith, a coil tension spring anchored at one end to said chair support and at its other end to the pivotal point interpivoting said toggle links, and located in the angle therebetween, and means connected to said drive member for rotation therewith, and to said second toggle link, for rotating said drive member.

8. In combination, a platform, a chair support rockingly mounted on said platform, a drive member rotatably mounted on said support, a footrest, lazy tong mechanism connecting said footrest to said support and to said drive member, spring means to rotate said drive member in one direction from an initial position thereof to extend said lazy tong mechanism to project said footrest from fully retracted to projected position, releasable means to lock said drive member against rotation in said one direction in its said initial position, manually controlled means to release said locking means, means to lock said support against forward rocking when said footrest is projected, and means to release said last lock means upon rotating said drive member in an opposite direction to retract said footrest, so that said support may freely rock when said footrest is retracted.

(References on following page) References Cited by the Examiner 3,099,487 UNITED STATES PATENTS gig ggg 12/1899 May 29769 X 311411700 11/1916 Klndel 2197-341 5 3 1 3 4 4 8/ 1952 Caldmeyer 297269 5/ 1956 Krikon'an 297269 7/1957 Burton 297269 1,139,367 12/ 1957 Knabusch et a1 297269 1,380,124

5/ 1958 Kluclein et a1. 29768 10 11/ 1961 Teague 297--84 7/ 1963 Knabusch et a1 297269 12, 7/1963 Knabusch et a1. 29769 X 8/ 1963 Rogers et a1 29775 X 5/ 1964 Mohler 29789 7/ 1964 Fletcher 297271 12/1964 Martin et a1. 29785 FOREIGN PATENTS 5/1961 France. 10/ 1964 France.

FRANK B. SHERRY, Primary Examiner.

, JAMES T. MCCALL, Examiner.

Claims

1. IN COMBINATION, A CHAIR SUPPORT, A FOOTREST, MEANS TO PROJECT SAID FOOTREST RELATIVE TO SAID SUPPORT, FROM A FULLY RETRACTED TO A PROJECTED POSITION OF SAID FOOTREST, SPRING MEANS TO ACTUATE SAID PROJECTING MEANS TO PROJECT SAID FOOTREST FROM SAID FULLY RETRACTED TO SAID PROJECTED POSITION, RELEASABLE MEANS TO LOCK SAID PROJECTING MEANS IN THE FULLY RETRACTED POSITION OF SAID FOOTREST TO PREVENT PROJECTION OF SAID FOOTREST, AND MANUALLY CONTROLLED MEANS TO RELEASE SAID LOCKING MEANS TO PERMIT SAID SPRING MEANS TO RELEASE SAID PROJECTING MEANS AND PROJECT SAID FOOTREST FROM SAID FULLY RETRACTED TO SAID PROJECTED POSITION THEREOF, SAID SPRING MEANS BEING IN ITS GREATEST LOADED CONDITION IN THE FULLY RETRACTED POSITION OF SAID FOOTREST AND DECREASING IN LOAD FROM ITS GREATEST LOADED CONDITION AS SAID FOOTREST IS PROJECTED FROM ITS FULLY RETRACTED POSITION.