US3370884A

US3370884A - Chair with footrest

Info

Publication number: US3370884A
Application number: US536882A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr Walter C Rogers
Original assignee: ROYAL DEV CO
Current assignee: ROYAL DEV CO; ROYAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY Inc
Priority date: 1966-03-23
Filing date: 1966-03-23
Publication date: 1968-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 1985-02-27

Description

Feb. 27, 1968 w, 3, E S, JR 3,370,884

CHAIR WITH FOOTREST 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 23. 1966 ATTORNEY Feb. 27, 1968 w. c. ROGERS, JR

CHAIR WITH FOOTREST 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 23, 1966 INVENTOR WALTER CLARK R06ERS,JR.

ATTORNEYS Feb. 27, 1968 W. (2. ROGERS, JR

CHAIR WITH FOO'I'REST 4 Sheets-Sheet Filed March 25, 1966 INVENTOR WALTER CLARK ROGERS,JR.

ATTORNEYS BYM/W gm Feb. 8 w. c. ROGERS, JR

CHAIR WITH FOOTREST 4 Sheets-Sheet Filed March 25, 1966 WALTER CLARK ROGERS,JR.

BY fi m- 4 W ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,370,884 CHAIR WITH FOOTREST Waiter C. Rogers, Jr., High Point, N.'C., assignor to Royal Development Company, Inc, High Point, N.C., a corporation of North Carolina Filed Mar. 23, 1966, Ser. No. 536,882 19 Claims. (Cl. 297-68) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An extendible and retractable footrest particularly suitable in a position chair of the type having a base, a chair frame including a seat swingably mounted by a linkage to the base for movement between a lower rear position and an upper forward position, and a backrest swingably connected to the chair frame linkage to move the chair frame to its upper and forward position upon movement of the backrest into an inclined position for reclining. The footrest linkage includes a pair of elongated and generally parallel extension links swingably connected to the chair frame linkage for movement between a retracted position below the chair and an extended position projecting forwardly from the chair in response to movement of the chair frame into the upper and forward position. The connection of the extension links to the chair frame linkage includes a crank which causes the extension links to move relative to each other during their movement into the extended position. This relative movement unfolds the footrest proper from a retracted position generally adjacent the extension links to a use position spaced above the latter. The linkage connecting the extension links to the chair frame linkage further provides a rigid trussed support for the extension links and footrest proper when in their extended position so that the extension links may not be inadvertently retracted from the extended position but rather require that the footrest proper be folded relative to the extension links before the latter may be retracted under the chair. To bias the extension links in both their extended and retracted positions, an over-center spring arrangement is provided.

This invention relates to a chair having a new and improved footrest.

One of, the objects of the present invention is a chair having a footrest which provides comfortable leg and foot support while being quickly and smoothly operable between an extended position for use and a concealed, retracted position beneath the chair.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a footrest which is compact and durable and moreover may be incorporated into upholstered and other decorative chairs without detracting from the appearance of the chair or adversely affecting its design and construction.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a footrest which may be incorporated into a position chair such as disclosed in my copending US. application entitled, Positionable Chair, Ser. No. 523,296, filed Jan. 27, 1966, now Patent No. 3,337,267, although the present invention is not limited to such a chair. Included in this object is the provision of such a footrest which is automatically moved to an extended position for use when the chair is moved into reclining position, but may also be operated manually between extended and retracted positions when the chair is in normal, or upright, position.

Achieving the above objects is a footrest assembly including a pair of elongated and generally parallel extension links mounted for movement with respect to an associated chair between a retracted position generally 3,376,884 Patented Feb. 27, 1968 ice underlying the chair and an extended position projected forwardly from the chair. The extension links are mounted for this movement with respect to the associated chair by a linkage which provides relative longitudinal movement between the extension links during their movement into their extended position. This relative movement is employed to unfold the footrest proper from a retracted position generally adjacent the extension links to a raised, use, position above the extension links. When the footrest is in the extended use position, its associated linkage rigidly supports it against inadvertent movement towards the retracted position. To retract the footrest, it is necessary to fold the footrest proper relative to the extension links into a position adjacent the latter whereupon the extension links may be retracted under the associated chair. Preferably, a suitable over-center spring arrange ment is provided to bias the extension links in both their extended and retracted positions.

The footrest assembly may be incorporated into a position chair of the type that is movable between a normal upright position and a reclining position wherein the backrest of the chair extends rearwardly at an incline. One such position chair includes a base, a chair frame including a seat swingably connected to the base for movement between upper and lower positions, and a backrest swingably connected to the chair frame for movement between a normal or upright position and a reclining or inclined position. The backrest is operatively connected to the linkage which mounts the chair frame relative to the base so that when the backrest is moved into the reclining position, the chair frame will be raised and moved forwardly. The extension links are operatively connected to the chair frame linkage such that when the chair frame is raised and moved forwardly in response to the movement of the backrest into the inclined position, the extension links will be projected forwardly from the chair to ultimately cause placement of the footrest in the proper use position.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational View of a position chair embodying the present invention with certain parts, including supporting linkage, removed, and others shown in phantom for purposes of clarity;

FiG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but with the chair in a reclining position;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational View of linkage included in the chair of FIG. 1, the linkage being shown in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but with certain parts broken away and removed;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the linkage shown in FIG. 3 with a portion of the footrest shown in phantom;

FIG. 6 is a view in reduced scale, similar to FIG. 3 but with the linkage shown in the position assumed when the chair is in a reclining position and the footrest in a partially extended position;

FIG. 6a is a fragmental view of a portion of the linkage as shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but with the linkage shown in another position, assumed when the chair and footrest are in further reclining and extended positions;

FIG. 7a is a fragmental view of a portion of the linkage as shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 but with the linkage shown in another position, assumed when the chair and footrest are in fully reclining and extended positions, respectively;

FIG. 8a is a fragmental view of a portion of the linkage shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is a view generally similar to FIG. 8 except that the linkage is shown in the position assumed when the chair is in normal, or upright, position, and the footrest in fully extended position; and

FIG. 9a is a fragmental view of a portion of the linkage as shown in FIG. 9.

Referring to the drawings in detail, FIGS. 1 and 2 show, for illustrative purposes only, a position chair embodying the footrest of the present invention generally designated 10. The illustrated chair corresponds generally to the chair disclosed in FIGS. 8 and 9 of my aboveidentified copending U.S. application, and is of the type that is movable between a normal, or upright, position shown in FIG. 1 and a reclining position shown in FIG. 2. Basically included in the chair are a base 12, a chair frame 14 pivotally mounted to the base 12, and a backrest 16 pivotally connected with respect to the chair frame for movement between the normal and reclining positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Base 12 includes two steel tubes 18 extending along the opposite sides of the chair and connected at the back of the chair by a cross-piece 20, from the opposite ends of which depend the back legs 22 of the chair. The front legs 2.4 of the chair are suitably attached to the front ends of tube 18. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the chair legs are dimensioned sufficiently to define a space 26 beneath the chair for receiving the footrest However, because of the present invention, as will be subsequently apparent, space 26 may be reduced in depth in comparison to that of conventional, or prior art, chairs, equipped with footrests.

Chair frame 14 is shown as including opposite wooden side rails 28 interconnected by front andback rails 29 to form a rectangular structure which supports a seat 30. Upstanding from side rails 28 are arm rests 32, which are fixed to rails 28 and move together with the latter as well as seat 30. Chair frame 14.is mounted for movement between a normal, or upright, position closely overlying base 12 as shown in FIG. 1, and a reclining position raised from and disposed forwardly of base 12, as shown in FIG. 2. This mounting of chair frame 14 is effected by linkage which includes on each side of the chair a seat link 34 fixed along side rail 28, and front and

rear support links

36 and 40, respectively, pivoted'to seat link 34 at

pivots

38 and 42, and extending downwardly 'at an angle toward the front end of the chair and base tube 18 to which they are also pivoted at 39 and 43. The upper and lower positions of the chair frame are determined by a stop link 46, fixed to base tube 18 and projecting upwardly at an angle toward front support link 36. Longitudinally formed in stop link 46 is an elongated slot 48 which receives a stop pin 50 fixed to front support link 36.

Backrest 16 includes a generally rectangular frame formed by opposite side rails 52interconnected bytop and bottom rails 54. Any suitable backrest, such as that represented at 56, is fixed to the backrest frame to support the back of one using the chair in typical fashion. Fixed to each backrest side rail 52, is a backrest link 60 which projects downwardly beyond bottom rail 54 while curving toward the front of the chair for a distance sufficient to be pivotally connected at 62 to rear support link 40. Thus, when the backrest 16 is pivoted counterclockwise, as shown in the drawings, backrest link 60 will cause clockwise rotation of rear support link 40 to thus raise and move forwardly the chair frame 14 into the position illustrated in FIG. 2. When the occupant in the chair'releases pressure on the backrest, the weight of the occupant will cause the linkage elements to move in reverse directions to restore the chair to its normal, or upright, position as shown in FIG. 1.

To limit movement of backrest 16 relative to chair frame 14, a short link 64 is pivotally connected at its opposite ends by pivots '67 and 68 to backrest link 60 and the end of seat link 34, respectively. For a more detailed description of the structure and operation of the aforedescribed linkage, reference may be had to my above-identified copending U.S. application.

Before turning to footrest 10-, it should be first noted that conventional and prior art footrests usually are connected into the chair such that in moving between extended and retracted positions, they are rotated or pivoted about a horizontal axis extending transversely of the chair.

This arrangement in many instances has been found to increase the space requirement below the chair'in order to permit the footrest to be swung into its opposite retracted and extended positions. Moreover, in some structures, it has been found to complicate the structure and operation of the linkage which supports the footrest.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved linkage, generally designated 70, which, among other advantages, overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies of prior and conventional footrests. In the illustrated embodiment, linkage 70 is provided on each side of the chair andincludes a bracket 72 fixed to the end of footrest 10 in a generally horizontal plane. Pivotally connected to bracket 72 to depend downwardly from bracket 72 is a pair of

links

76, 78; link 76 being connected to the extremity of a sloping bracket portion .73 by pivot 77, while link 78 is connected intermediate the ends of bracket 72 by pivot 79.

Links

76 and 78 extend generally in side-by-side relationship, and are pivotally connected at their lower ends to a pair of elongated links, hereinafter termed extension links 80 and-82, which extend forwardly and rearwardly of the chair. In this latter connection, both link 76 and 78 are connected to extension link 82 by pivots 86 and 88, respectively, while link 76, which is a primary link in this subassembly, is also pivotally connected at 84 intermediate its ends to extension link 80. It will be seen that forward longitudinal movement of extension link 80 relative to extension 82 will cause

links

76 and 78 to rotate clockwise to thus raise bracket 72 and footrest 10 into a fully projected or extended position such as shown in FIGS. 8 or 9, while the reverse movement will cause bracket 72 and footrest 10 to rotate in the opposite direction into a retracted position shown in FIG. 6. Movement of

links

76 and 78 relative to

extension links

80 and 82 beyond the-fully extended position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is prevented by engagement between link 76 and a stepped portion 81 of link 78.

Extension links 80 and 82 are mounted to seat link 34 for swinging movement between the extended position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the retracted position shown in FIG. 3, by means of

links

90, 92, and 94. Link 90 is pivoted at 96 on its lower end to an intermediate portion of extension link 82 while the opposite end of link 90 is pivoted at 98 to an offset bracket 100 which extends along and is fixed to seat link 34 to define therewith an elongated space 101 (see FIG. 5) which receives the upper end of link 90. Link 92 has a boomerang shape and is pivoted at 102 on its upper end to the external face of'bracket 100 and at its lower end'at 104 to the rear end of extension link 82. Link 94-is a bell crank with its fulcrum 106 being a pivotal connection to link 92 and with its lower end pivotallyconnected at 108 to the rear end of'extension link 80. The opposite end of bell crank 941s pivoted at 110 to a straight connecting link 112 which extends to link 90' and is pivoted thereto adjacent the upper end of link 90 at 114. As will be explained subsequently, rotation of hell crank 94 is employed to move extension links longitudinally relative to each other for raising and lowering footrest 10 between the positions shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.

Movement of the footrest linkage between the fully extended and retracted postions'simultaneously with movement of the chair between reclining and upright positions is effected through

links

116 and 120. Link'116 is a drive-transmitting link the upper end of which is pivoted at 117 to an intermediate portion of connecting link'112.

The opposite lower end of link 116 is pivoted at 118 to the front end of link 120 which is a drive link connected at pivot 43 which also mounts rear support link 40 with respect to base tube 18. The rear end 122 of drive link 120 projects upwardly a short distance and has fixed on its extremity a stud 124- Which is engageable with the edge of rear support link 40 so that when rear support link 4% is rotating clockwise during movement of the chair towards reclining position, drive link 120 will also rotate clockwise to actuate the footrest linkage from the retracted position of FIG. 3 successively into the positions of FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. It will be understood from FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 that in actuating the footrest linkage, movement of the drive link 120 is transmitted by link 116 to pivot connecting link 112 downwardly in counterclockwise direction which swings link 90 downwardly also in counterclockwise direction while lowering and simultaneously rotating bell crank 94 counterclockwise. Continued rotation of hell crank 94 will cause extension link 80 to advance relative to extension link 82 whereupon links 76 and 7 8 will begin to unfold in clockwise direction to raise footrest 10 from the position of FIG. 6 to the fully extended position of FIG. 8.

In order to bias the footrest in its extended and retracted positions, there is provided an over-center bias in cluding a tension coil spring 130 having one end fixed about a stud 132 located on an intermediate portion of extension link 80 and its opposite end fixed about a stud 134 located on the extremity of bell crank 94 adjacent pivot 168. Spring 130 acts above pivot 198 to bias the footrest in the fully retracted position shown in FIG. 3, and in the fully extended position of the footrest, spring 13% acts below pivot 168 to provide an opposite bias.

As mentioned above, the footrest in the illustrated embodiment is supported by identical linkage on each side of the chair. To insure that both linkage assemblies will act as a unit, there is provided in the illustrated embodiment a flange 136 projecting inwardly from bell crank 94 to receive a suitable connecting element such as a torque member (not shown) which interconnects both linkage assembli s to provide simultaneous movement.

in use, assuming that an occupant is sitting in the chair while it is in upright, or normal, position with the footrest in fully retracted position, to recline the chair the occupant merely applies pressure on the backrest 16 which raises the chair frame 14 above and forwardly of the base 12 into the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 8. This movement of the chair frame will also cause drive link 12%) to swing downwardly and actuate

links

99, 92, and 94 to thus extend forwardly extension links 80 and 82 in the manner described above. In this forward movement toward extended position, extension links 80 and 82 initially undergo slight longitudinal movement and thus links 7s and 78 which connect to the footrest bracket 72 remain in folded position closely overlying the extension links as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. When the footrest linkage reaches the position shown in FIG. 6, bell crank 94, with the aid of sprin 130 (which has just passed center), advances extension link 89 relative to link 82, thus causing links 76 and 73 to begin to unfold in clockwise direction, raising footrest 10, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

Continued movement of the footrest linkage causes links 75 and 78 to reach their fully unfolded position as shown in FIG. 8 as determined by engagement between link 7 6 and portion 81 of link 78. As fully extended, footrest 10 is in its uppermost position, and it will be noted that throughout movement of the footrest linkage, footrest 19 remains generally horizontally disposed. Moreover when the footrest is in the fully extended position, links 99, 92, 94, and 112 combine to rigidly support

extension links

80 and 82 against return movement under the chair. This is obtained by

links

94 and 112 and their connection to

links

90 and 92 whereby the latter are rigidly trussed together as a unit to support

extension links

80 and 82 in their fully extended position. Through the above-described action of the shown footrest, a highly compact and smoothly operable arrangement is obtained. However, it will be apparent that other types of footrests and footrest motion may be employed in connection with extension links and 82 and their supporting links 99, 92, S 4, and 112 which, as indicated, provide an improved linkage assembly.

If the occuptant wishes to restore the chain to normal, or upright, position, pressure against the backrest is released and the weight of the occupant will lower and move rearwardly the chair frame which will cause the backrest 16 to pivot forwardly into upright position. However, the footrest will remain in fully extended position. If it is desired to retract the footrest under the chair, footrest 1% is pushed rearwardly of the chair, which first causes

links

76 and 78 to fold counterclockwise, after which continued movement of the footrest rearwardly will cause the extension links to move longitudinally rearwardly until spring 13% is positioned above the pivot 168 which spring then becomes 6.18Cil16 to move the footrest linkage into fully retracted position without further manual effort. It should be noted in connection with return of the footrest, that as described above, extension links 80 and 82 are rigidly supported in their fully extended position against return movement, by links 9% and 92 which are rigidly trussed together by links 4 and 112. Thus in order to retract the footrest, extension links 80 and 82 must be moved relative to each other as is accomplished by pivoting

links

76 and 78 counterclockwise through rearward movement of the footrest as described above.

Extension of the footrest while the chain is in upright position may also be effected merely by reaching below the chair and pulling the footrest forwardly until the action of spring becomes effective to move the footrest to fully extended position.

it will thus be seen that in addition to the above-described advantages, the present invention provides an improved linkage assembly which rigidly supports the footrest in extended position and yet is easily operable in moving the footrest between its opposite positions.

Modifications and adaptations of the present invention readily apparent from the foregoing description and as sociated drawings, although not specifically mentioned herein, will nevertheless be included within the scope of the present invention as indicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a chair or the like the combination comprising, a footrest positioned generally in a horizontal plane, and means including pivoted linkage members between the footrest and the chair for supporting and moving the footrest between a retracted position below the chair and an operative position extended from the chair while maintaining the footrest generally horizontally disposed, said linkage members including extension linkage movable generally longitudinally forwardly and rearwardly of the chain, and a footrest linkage pivotally connected at one end to the front end of said extension linkage and at the opposite end to the footrest, said extension linkage including a pair of extension links positioned in generally side by side and parallel relationship and movable longitudinally relatively to each other, said footrest including a pair of links pivotally connected to the front end of one of said extension links, one of said pair of links of said footrest linkage being pivotally connected intermediate its ends to the other extension links so as to be unfoldable from a retracted position to an extended position upon relative movement of said extension links to ultimately unfold the footrest from a retracted position to an extended position.

2. In a chair or the like a footrest positioned generally in a horizontal plane, and means for supporting and moving the footrest between a retracted position below the chair and an operative position extended from the chair while maintaining the footrest generally horizontally disposed, said means including pivoted linkage members between the footrest and the chair, said linkage members including extension linkage movable generally longitudinally forwardly and rearwardly of the chair, and first linkage pivotally connected at one end to the front end of said extension linkage and at the opposite end to the footrest, said extension linkage including a pair of extension links positioned in side by side interrelationship and movable longitudinally relative to each other, said first linkage including a pair of links pivotally connected to the front end of one of said extension links, one of said links of said first linkage being pivotally connected intermediate its. ends to the other extension link, said second linkage including a first link pivotally connected with respect to the chair and to an intermediate portion of said one extension link, a bell crank having one end pivotally connected to the other extension link,

7 and a third, connecting, link having one end pivotally connected to said first link of said second linkage and another end connected to the other end of said bell crank.

3. A position chair including in combination, a base, a chair frame including a seat and a backrest pivotally connected with respect to the seat, first linkage means mounting said chair frame to said base for movement generally vertically and horizontally relative to said base, a footrest disposed generally horizontally, second linkage means mounting the footrest to the chair for movement between an extended position projected from the chair and a retracted position beneath the chair while maintaining the footrest generally horizontally disposed, third linkage means driveably interconnecting said first and second linkage means to actuate said second linkage means upon movement of said first linkage means, a seat link fixed along one side of the chair frame, said first linkage means including a support link pivotally connected to both saidseat link and said base, said third linkage means including a drive link engageable and activated by said support link, a backrest link fixed to the backrest and pivotally connected to said support link to actuate said support link and move the chair frame relative to the base when the backrest is pivoted relative to the chair frame into an inclined position for reclining.

4. In a chair or the like the combination comprising, a footrest assembly comprising a pair of generally parallel extension links, first means mounting said extension links below the chair for translational movement generally along their longitudinal directions between a retracted position below the chair and-a projected position forwardly of the chair while maintaining said links in substantially parallel relationship and providing limited relative movement between said links, second means caus- 7 ing relative longitudinal movement of said extension links during movement of said extension links towards their projected position, a footrest, and third means for supporting the footrest between a retracted position adjacent the extension links and a raised position spaced above the extension links, said third means being operatively connected to at least one of said extension links so as to be movable to place the footrest in said raised position upon relative movement of said extension links during movement of said extension links towards their projected position.

5. In a chair or the like, a footrest assembly comprising a pair of generally parallel extension links, first means mounting said extension links below the chair for translational movement generally along their longitudinal directions between a retracted position below the chair and a projected position forwardly of the chair while maintaining said links in substantially parallel relationship and providing limited relative movement between said links, second means on one end of said links for supporting a footrest, said first means including a third link pivotally connected to the chair and to one of said extension links, a fourth, bell crank link having opposite arms one of which being. pivotally connected to the other extension 8 link, and a fifth link pivotally connected to said third link and the other arm of said bell crank link.

6. A position chair including in combination, a base, a chair frame including a seat and a backrest pivotally connected with respect to the seat, first linkage means mounting said chair frame to said base for movement generally vertically and horizontally relative to said base, a footrest disposed generally horizontally, second linkage means mounting the footrest to the chair for movement between an extended position projected from the chair and a retracted position beneath the chair while maintaining the footrest generally horizontally disposed, third linkage means drivably interconnecting said first and second linkage means to actuate said second linkage means upon movement of said first linkage means, said first linkage means including a support link pivotally connected to both said chair frame and said base, said third linkage means including a drive link engageable and activated by said support link, a backrest link fixed to the backrest and pivotally connected to said support link to actuate said support link and move the chair frame relative to the base when the backrest is pivoted relative to the chair frame into an inclined position for reclining.

7. A linkage for supporting and actuating a footrest in a chair for movement between an extended position projected from the chair and a retracted position below the chair comprising in combination, a pair of elongated extension links positioned in generally close and parallel relationship, first linkage means operatively'connected to the extension links and adapted to be connected to the chair to move the extension links generally along their longitudinal directions between retracted and extended positions thereof while permitting limited relative movement between the extension links during their'movement into the extended position, second linkage means for causing said extension links to move relative to each other during their movement into the extended position, and third linkage means adapted to be connected to a footrest to move the footrest between a retracted position adjacent the extension links and an extended position spaced above the extension links, said third linkage-means being operatively connected to at least one of said extension links to be moved thereby into an extended position for placing the footrest in extended position in response to relative movement of said extension links during their movement into the extended position.

8. The linkage defined in claim 7 wherein said third linkage includes a first link having one end portion pivot ally connected to both of said extension links, the other end portion of said one link adapted to be connected to a footrest to move and supoprt the'same between the extended and retracted positions thereof.

9. The linkage defined in claim 8 wherein said one link is pivoted to said extension links to be movable between a retracted position extending adjacent to and generally in the same direction as the extension links and an extended position projecting upwardly from the extension links.

10. The linkage defined in claim 9 wherein the pivotal connections of said one link to said extension links are spaced longitudinally along said one link.

11. The linkage defined in claim 10 wherein said third linkage means further includes a second link having one end pivotally connected to one of said extension links and extending generally coextensively with said one link and terminating in an opposite end adapted to be pivotally connected to' a footrest.

12. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein said second linkage further includes a fourth link pivotally connected to the chair at one end and to said one extension link at the other end, said fourth link of said second linkage being connected at the fulcrum of said bell crank;

13. A linkage for supporting a footrest in a chair for movement between extended positions projected from the chair and a retracted position below the chair, the linkage comprising a pair of elongated extension links extending generally in side-by-side relationship, a pair of links pivotally connected at their adjacent ends to one of said extension links at a forward end of the extension link, one of said pair of links being pivotally connected intermediate its ends to the forward end of the other extension link, a bracket link pivotally connected across the opposite ends of said pair of links, a third link having one end pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of said one extension link and having an opposite end adapted to be pivotally connected to a chair, a bell crank having one end pivotally connected to the other extension link, and a fourth link pivotally connected to the opposite end of the bell crank and to an intermediate portion of said third link.

14. The linkage defined in claim 13 further including a fifth link having one end pivotally connected to said one extension link and an opposite end adapted to be pivotally connected to the chair, said fifth link having an intermediate portion pivotally connected at a fulcrum of said bell crank.

15. The linkage defined in claim 14 further including a drive link adapted to be pivotally mounted to the chair for rotation, and a drive transmitting link pivotally connected to said drive link and to an intermediate portion of said fourth link.

16. The chair defined in claim 3 further including a short link pivotally connected to the backrest link and the seat link, and a stop means limiting movement of said chair frame relative to said seat, and wherein said first linkage means includes a second support link pivotably connected to said seat link and said base.

17. The structure defined in claim 5 further including a sixth link pivotally connected to the chair and to said one extension link, said bell-crank link having a fulcrum 10 intermediate said arms thereof pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of said sixth link.

18. The structure defined in claim 17 wherein said third link has opposite end portions projecting outwardly at an angle on one side thereof, said opposite end portions being respectively pivotally connected to the chair and said one extension link, said bell-crank link has a generally L-shaped configuration, and said sixth link has a generally boomerang shape while being pivotally connected at one end to said one extension link and at the opposite end to the chair.

19. The structure defined in claim 5 wherein said bellcrank link has one end portion adjacent but spaced from the pivotal connection to said other extension link and wherein there is further provided a tension spring interconnected between said one end portion of said bellcrank link and an intermediate portion of said other extension link to provide an over-center biasing means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,951,793 3/ 1934 Herman 29'7--78 2,046,644 7/ 1936 Martin 2978l 212,474 2/ 1879 Keiran 29768 426,602 4/1890 Muhl 297-68 556,343 3/1896 Fleer et al 297430 X 2,326,910 8/1943 Young 297-69 2,880,784 4/ 1959 Navelle et a1. 29784 2,903,045 9/1959 Viall 29'769 FOREIGN PATENTS 198,879 4/ 1920 Canada. 602,342 12/ 1925 France.

JAMES T. MCCALL, Primary Examiner.