CN107788737B

CN107788737B - Reversible headrest tilt and lumbar mechanism

Info

Publication number: CN107788737B
Application number: CN201710755047.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·R·西格蒙; R·D·多诺万
Original assignee: L&p Property Rights Management Co
Current assignee: L and P 产权管理公司; L&p Property Rights Management Co
Priority date: 2016-08-30
Filing date: 2017-08-29
Publication date: 2021-11-19
Anticipated expiration: 2037-08-29
Also published as: CN107788737A; EP3326492A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a reversible adjustable lumbar support and headrest tilt mechanism for mounting on a chair. A side bracket is coupled to each side of the back frame, and a back bracket is pivotably coupled to each side bracket. The actuator is pivotably coupled to a back frame having a telescoping shaft. In a first orientation, the actuator shaft extends toward an upper end of the back frame, and the headrest back insert may be connected to the back bracket between the back brackets such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the headrest back insert. In a second orientation, the actuator shaft extends toward a lower end of the back frame, and the lumbar push rod may be coupled to the back bracket between the back brackets such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the lumbar push rod.

Description

Reversible headrest tilt and lumbar mechanism

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a partial continuation of U.S. application No.14/854,197 entitled "head rest tilt mechanism" filed on 9/15/2015, which is entitled to the benefit of U.S. provisional application No.62/114,166 entitled "head rest tilt mechanism" filed on 2/10/2015 and U.S. provisional application No.62/055,771 entitled "head rest tilt mechanism filed on 9/26/2014. The teachings of U.S. application nos. 14/854,197, 62/114,166, and 62/055,771 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Statement regarding federally sponsored research or development

Not applicable.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a headrest mechanism, and more particularly, to a headrest mechanism used in a reclining seat device.

Background

Conventional reclining chairs typically include a mechanism to move the chair into three basic positions: a closed position with the footrest retracted and the back substantially upright; "television position" with the footrest extended and the back generally upright; and an inclined position, the footrest extended and the back in the inclined position.

One feature that may increase the comfort of users of these conventional lounge chairs is a movable headrest. The features of the movable headrest allow the head portion of the back of the chair to pivot relative to the remainder of the back. This may increase the comfort of the person, especially in a tilted position, since the rotation of the headrest provides support for the head of the user and may be adjusted to the most comfortable position.

While movable headrests have been provided, it would be desirable to provide a simplified structure that can be mounted on any type of chair while still providing the necessary adjustments for enhancing the comfort of the chair user. Another comfort assistance feature is lumbar support. It is also desirable to provide adjustable lumbar support for chairs.

Disclosure of Invention

A simplified head rest tilt mechanism is operable to move a head rest portion of a chair back between a closed position generally in line with the chair back and an open position in which the head rest pivots relative to the chair back. In another embodiment, a simplified adjustable lumbar support mechanism is provided that is operable to move a lumbar push rod between a retracted position in line with the chair back and an extended position in which the lumbar push rod pivots relative to the chair back to provide additional lumbar support.

Another embodiment relates to a reversible adjustable lumbar support and headrest tilt mechanism for mounting on a chair. A side bracket is coupled to each side of the back frame, and a back bracket is pivotably coupled to each side bracket. An actuator is pivotably coupled to the back frame and has a retractable shaft. In a first orientation in which the shaft of the actuator extends toward the upper end of the back frame, the headrest back insert can be connected to the back bracket between the back brackets such that extension and retraction of the shaft of the actuator rotates the headrest back insert. In a second orientation in which the shaft of the actuator extends toward the lower end of the back frame, the lumbar push rod can be connected to the back bracket between the back brackets such that extension and retraction of the shaft of the actuator rotates the lumbar push rod.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

Drawings

The invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary headrest tilt mechanism in a closed position, showing only a portion of a chair frame for clarity, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 from a different angle;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 with the mechanism in the open position and the back frame upright removed to show the pivot point;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the release mechanism in a released state;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing the relationship of the motor slide hinge, the motor slide bracket and the cam;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an embodiment using a different motor;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 from a different angle;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary headrest tilt mechanism in a closed position, showing only a portion of a chair frame for clarity, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 8 to show details of the structure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the headrest tilting mechanism of FIG. 8 with additional components removed for clarity;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the headrest tilt mechanism of FIG. 8, shown in an open or tilted position;

FIG. 11 is a view of the headrest tilting mechanism of FIG. 10, shown in perspective from a different angle;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one side of an exemplary headrest tilt mechanism in a closed position, showing only a portion of a chair frame for clarity, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a view of the headrest tilt mechanism of FIG. 12 shown from a different angle, with portions shown "in perspective" for clarity;

FIG. 14 is a side view of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary headrest tilt mechanism in a closed position, showing only a portion of a chair frame for clarity, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable lumbar support mechanism in a closed position, showing only a portion of a chair frame for clarity, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 16A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 16 to show details of the structure;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the adjustable lumbar support mechanism of FIG. 16 with additional components removed for clarity;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the mechanism of FIG. 16, shown in an extended position; and

FIG. 19 is a view of the mechanism of FIG. 18, shown in perspective view from a different angle.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a movable headrest or head tilt mechanism for use on a recliner or other furniture. Referring initially to fig. 1, an exemplary headrest tilt mechanism 10 is shown, the headrest tilt mechanism 10 moving a head portion of a chair between a closed position shown in fig. 1 and 2 and an open position shown in fig. 3. The mechanism 10 is installed into a chair by mounting it to a back frame post 12, the back frame post 12 forming the frame of the back of the chair. For clarity, only one back frame post 12 is shown in the figures, but in practice a second back frame post may be present to support the other side of the chair back. Although only a portion of the chair frame is shown, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the back frame upright 12 forms only a portion of the entire chair frame. The mechanism 10 is mounted to the back frame uprights by back upright spacer blocks 14. The blocks 14 are rigidly secured to the inner surface of the back frame upright 12. The back bracket 16 is then rigidly fixed to the back column spacer block 14, for example by screws or bolts, although other attachment methods are also effective. The back bracket 16 extends forward and upward. A stopper 18 is formed in the back bracket 16 at a lower end of the back bracket 16 or coupled to the back bracket 16. The headrest diagonal member 20 is pivotally coupled to an upper end of the back bracket 16 at pivot 22 (as shown in fig. 3). The headrest diagonal member 20 is shaped as shown with an upwardly extending leg 24 and an inwardly extending leg 26. As shown, there are two headrest recliners 20, one of which is a mirror image of the other. A top connecting tube 28 is coupled to each inwardly extending leg 26 to secure the two head rest recliners 20 together. Connecting tube 28 may include a plurality of spaced apart holes along its length to allow for a change in the width of the back of the chair to which mechanism 10 is attached. The back insert 30 is coupled between the upwardly extending legs 24 of the head rest tilt member 20. The dorsal insert 30 is a rigid frame finished in practice with a support, padding and a covering.

The bottom bracket 32 is coupled to the back frame upright 12 and is spaced downwardly from the back bracket 16. As shown, the mechanism 10 includes two bottom brackets 32, each bottom bracket 32 being a mirror image of the other. A bottom connecting tube 34 is rigidly secured to each bottom bracket 32 and forms a lower post for the head restraint tilt mechanism 10. More particularly, the clevis/clevis 36 is coupled to the connecting tube 34, for example, by bolts, rivets, or welds. The shaft 38 of the motor 40 is then pivotally coupled to the clevis 36. The motor shown in the figures may also be any other type of motor, linear actuator or gas spring capable of effecting the movement described below. The upper end of the motor 40 is pivotally coupled to a rear region of the motor slide hinge 42 at pivot 44. The motor slide hinge 42 has an upper surface with a locating notch 46, as best shown in fig. 5. In addition, the motor slide hinge 42 includes an upwardly extending retaining finger 48. The retaining finger 48 operates to prevent the geometry of the mechanism from entering an over-center condition and to retain the retaining pin 54 in a desired area. The front region of the motor slide hinge 42 is pivotally coupled to the motor slide bracket 50 at pivot 52. The motor slide bracket 50 is generally L-shaped. One leg of the L is pivotally coupled to a motor slide hinge 42. The other leg of the L is rigidly secured to the adjacent inward leg 26 of the head rest tilt member 20 by a connecting tube 28. The stop pin 54 is rigidly fixed to the motor slide bracket 50. The stop pin 54 is positioned to correspond with the notch 46 in the motor slide hinge 42.

At least one of the inward legs 26 (or top connector tube 28) is connected to at least one of the bottom brackets 32 (or bottom connector tube 34 or back frame upright 12) by a tension/drag spring 56. Spring 56 biases mechanism 10 to the closed position shown in fig. 1. The motor 40 is sized to overcome this spring force to move the mechanism 10 from the closed position to the open position. More specifically, if the user wishes to move the mechanism from the closed position of fig. 1 to the open position of fig. 3, he or she will engage the motor 40. Although not shown, the motor 40 is operatively connected to a switch or controller that can be operated by a user. The controller for the motor 40 may be separate from or combined with other controllers associated with the chair. The motor shaft 38 is extended so as to overcome the biasing force of the spring 56 and induce an upward force at the pivot 44. This upward force moves the motor slide hinge 42 upward. When the motor slide hinge 42 moves upward, the stopper pin 54 rotates rearward and upward due to the upward force of the motor slide hinge 42 and the pivot shaft 52. This movement also causes a corresponding movement of the motor slide bracket 50. The rotation of the motor slide bracket 50 operates to rotate the head rest tilt member 20 about the pivot 22. Thus, the motor 40 is used to provide selective adjustment of the angular position of the head rest tilt member 20 relative to the back frame upright 12. To move the headrest recliners to the closed position, a motor controller is used to retract the shaft 38 and the spring 56 operates to pull the headrest recliners 20 toward the closed position until the headrest recliners 20 abut the stops 18.

Another feature of the mechanism 10 is a release mechanism. When the headrest diagonal member 20 is moved to the closed position, the object(s) may have moved into position behind the back insert 30. The pivotal couplings of the motor 40, the motor slide hinge 42, and the motor slide bracket 50 cooperate to allow the motor 40 to continue to operate without applying a continuous force to the rotation of the head rest tilt member 20 if an object is present. More specifically, if there is an object behind the back insert 30, the object will operate to resist movement of the head rest tilt member 20, effectively preventing rotation about the pivot 22. The motor 40 can continue to operate, moving the pivot 44 downward. The motor slide bracket 50 will remain in place while the head rest tilt member 20 is prevented from moving. The motor slide hinge 42 is still allowed to move to pivot about the pivot 52. This effectively moves the motor slide hinge 42 away from the stop pin 54, as shown in fig. 4. The only holding force acting on objects behind the back insert 30 is exerted by the spring 56.

The mechanism 10 has been described above in the context of a "frame-in-frame" environment. In other words, the back insert 30 is embedded within the back frame uprights 12 or between the back frame uprights 12. The mechanism 10 may also be used in environments where the back frame upright 12 extends only to the vicinity of the pivot 22 area, where the back insert is configured to extend substantially across the width of the chair in which it is installed.

An embodiment of the mechanism 10 showing the use of different motors 40A is shown in fig. 6 and 7. Clevis 36A is configured differently from clevis 36 to accommodate motor 40A. The remaining components of the mechanism 10 are identical. As noted above, other motors, gas springs, or linear actuators may also be used in the mechanism 10. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, each different motor, gas spring or actuator may require slight modifications in the mounting arrangement.

A different embodiment of the mechanism 10, showing a slightly different configuration, is shown in fig. 8-11. Referring first to fig. 8, the mechanism 10 is again mounted between the back frame upright 12 and the back insert 78. More specifically, the motor bracket 60 is coupled to the frame upright 12, for example, by bolts, adhesives, or screws, although other attachment means may of course be used. The bracket 60 extends inwardly from the frame upright 12 and has an upwardly extending projection that is coupled to a clevis 62 of a motor 64 at a pivot 66. The opposite end of the motor 64 has an extension shaft 68 that is pivotally coupled to a motor slide hinge 70 at pivot 72. The motor slide hinge 70 is shaped as shown and has a retaining notch 82 (similar to retaining notch 46 of fig. 1-5) and a retaining finger 84 (similar to retaining finger 48 of fig. 1-5) as best seen in fig. 8A. The motor slide hinge 70 is pivotally coupled to the back bracket 74 at pivot 76. Although not shown, the pivotal coupling may be accomplished using bolts, rivets, or other pivotal connection mechanisms. Near this pivotal coupling, the cam 80 is fixed to the back bracket 74. The cam 80 generally rests within the retention notch 82. The upper end of the back bracket 74 is fixedly coupled to the back insert 78 such that movement of the back bracket 74 causes movement of the back insert 78. As best shown in fig. 9, the back bracket 74 is pivotally coupled to the side brackets 86 at pivots 88. It will be noted that the side bracket 86 has an unused aperture spaced from the pivot 88. Providing two holes in this position and with this geometry allows the side bracket 86 to be used interchangeably as either a left or right side bracket. With continued reference to fig. 9, a positioning stop 92 is coupled to the back bracket 74 and projects outwardly toward the side bracket 86. In the closed position, the stop 92 rests within a notch 94 in the side bracket 86. As best shown in fig. 9, side brackets 86 and back bracket 74 are used to pivotally couple the back frame upright 12 to the back insert 78 on a side opposite the motor 64. A spring 96 extends from the back bracket 74 to a mounting tab 98 coupled to the back frame upright 12. The mechanism 10 shown in fig. 8-11 operates substantially similarly to the operation described above with respect to fig. 1-5, including operation of the motor and spring return, use of the retaining finger, and release operation.

Fig. 12-14 illustrate a mechanism 10 similar to that described above with respect to fig. 8-11, but showing a "split-back" configuration. The mechanism 10 of fig. 12-14 has many of the same components as described in fig. 8-11. However, in this configuration, the back frame is split into a lower back frame upright 100 and an upper headrest frame 102. The motor bracket 60 is coupled to the lower back frame upright 100. Rather than the back bracket 74 being coupled to the back insert 78, the back bracket 74 is coupled to the upper headrest frame 102 via a spacer block 104. This embodiment illustrates the use of the mechanism 10 in a "split-back" configuration, as opposed to the "frame-in-frame" configuration of fig. 8-11. The primary operation of the mechanism remains unchanged, but provides furniture manufacturers with additional styling options.

Fig. 15 shows the basis of the mechanism 10 as shown and described with reference to fig. 8-14, but shows the use of a different motor 110 (which is the same as that shown and described above with reference to fig. 6 and 7). Fig. 15 shows that a number of different motors can be used while retaining most of the mechanism. As shown, different motor brackets 112 are used to mount the motor 110 to the back frame upright 12. In addition, the coupling between the motor 110 and the motor slide hinge 70 may be slightly different depending on the configuration of the shaft of the motor.

Fig. 16-19 illustrate the use of the mechanism 10 shown in a reversed configuration (compared to fig. 8-11) to provide a motorized, adjustable lumbar support, rather than a head rest tilt. The mechanism 10 in a reversible manner allows the manufacturer to store only one mechanism 10 that provides an adjustable headrest recliners or an adjustable lumbar support, requiring only minor changes in assembly. As shown in fig. 16, the mechanism 10 is also mounted to the back frame upright 12. Rather than being mounted to a dorsal insert (such as dorsal insert 78 in fig. 8-11) at the opposite end, the mechanism is mounted to a lumbar push rod 200. As can be seen, the mechanism 10 is in the opposite orientation to that shown in fig. 8, providing an adjustable lumbar support rather than a head rest tilt.

More specifically, the motor bracket 60 is coupled to the frame upright 12, for example, by bolts, adhesives, or screws, although other attachment means may of course be used. The bracket 60 extends inwardly from the frame upright 12 and has a downwardly extending projection that is coupled to a clevis 62 of a motor 64 at a pivot 66. The opposite end of the motor 64 has an extension shaft 68, which extension shaft 68 is pivotally coupled to a motor slide hinge 70 at pivot 72. The motor slide hinge 70 is shaped as shown and has a retaining notch 82, and a retaining finger 84 as best shown in fig. 16A. The motor slide hinge 70 is pivotally coupled to the back bracket 74 at pivot 76. Although not shown, the pivotal coupling may be accomplished using bolts, rivets, or other pivotal attachment means. At this pivotal coupling, the cam 80 is fixed to the back bracket 74. The cam 80 normally rests within the retention notch 82. The lower end of the back bracket 74 is fixedly coupled to the lumbar push rod 200 such that movement of the back bracket 74 causes movement of the lumbar push rod 200. As best shown in fig. 16, the back bracket 74 is pivotally coupled to the side brackets 86 at pivots 88. It should be noted that the side bracket 86 has an unused aperture spaced from the pivot 88. Providing two holes in this position and with this geometry allows the side bracket 86 to be used interchangeably as either a left or right side bracket. With continued reference to fig. 17, a positioning stop 92 is coupled to the back bracket 74 and projects outwardly toward the side bracket 86. In the closed position, the stop 92 rests within a notch 94 in the side bracket 86. As best shown in fig. 18, the side brackets 86 and the back bracket 74 on the side opposite the motor 64 are used to pivotally couple the back frame upright 12 to the lumbar push rod 200. A spring 96 extends from the back bracket 74 to a mounting tab 98 connected to the back frame post.

The mechanism 10 shown in fig. 16-19 operates substantially similarly to the operation described above with respect to fig. 1-5, including operation of the motor and spring return, use of the retaining fingers, and the release operation, except that the mechanism 10 is inverted to extend and retract the lumbar push rod 200 (as opposed to the dorsal insert). More specifically, the motor 64 is sized to overcome the force of the spring 96 to move the mechanism 10 from the closed position to the extended position. If the user wishes to move the mechanism from the closed position of FIG. 16 to the open position of FIG. 18, he or she engages the motor 64. Although not shown, the motor 64 is operatively connected to a switch or controller that can be operated by a user. The controller for the motor 64 may be separate from or combined with other controllers associated with the chair. The motor shaft 68 is extended so that the biasing force of the spring 96 is overcome and a downward force is created at the pivot 72. This downward force moves the sliding hinge 70 against the cam 80, thereby rotating the back bracket 74. The rotation of the back bracket 74 operates to rotate or extend the lumbar push rod 200. Thus, the motor 64 is used to provide selective adjustment of the angular position of the lumbar push rod 200 relative to the back frame upright 12. To move the headrest recliners to the closed position, the motor control is used to retract the shaft 68 and the spring 96 operates to pull the lumbar push rod 200 to the closed position.

If the release feature described above with respect to fig. 1-15 is not required in the adjustable lumbar configuration, the motor shaft 68 may be coupled directly to the back bracket 74. In this configuration, the motor 64 actively extends and retracts the lumbar push rod 200. If the motor shaft 68 is coupled directly to the back bracket 74 in this manner, the spring 96 and mounting tab 98 may be omitted.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages, which are obvious and inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, 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.

Claims

1. An adjustable lumbar support mechanism for mounting on a chair having a back frame, comprising:

a first side bracket and a second side bracket, the first side bracket coupled to a first side of the back frame, the second side bracket coupled to a second side of the back frame;

a first back bracket having a first end and a second end, wherein the first back bracket is pivotably coupled to the first side bracket and the second back bracket is pivotably coupled to the second side bracket;

an actuator having a telescoping shaft, an end of the actuator opposite the telescoping shaft being pivotably coupled to the back frame;

a sliding hinge, wherein the sliding hinge is a single member having a first pivot coupling the sliding hinge to the retractable shaft of the actuator, a second pivot extending between the first pivot and the second pivot, a body coupling the sliding hinge to the first back bracket, and a retaining finger extending beyond the second pivot; and

a lumbar push rod coupled between the first and second back brackets,

wherein extension and retraction of the shaft of the actuator operates to extend and retract the lumbar push rod to provide adjustable lumbar support.

2. A mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first back bracket includes a protruding cam, wherein the retaining finger contacts the cam protrusion over a range of rotation of the sliding hinge relative to the first back bracket.

3. The mechanism of claim 2, wherein the extension cam engages the body of the sliding hinge when the shaft of the actuator is extended, thereby imparting rotational motion to the first back bracket and thus to the lumbar push rod.

4. The mechanism of claim 2, wherein the back frame has a front and a rear, and the lumbar push rod has a convex radius surface toward the front of the back frame.

5. The mechanism of claim 3, further comprising a spring having a first end and a second end, the first end of the spring coupled to the second back bracket and the second end of the spring coupled to the back frame, the spring applying a biasing force to bias the lumbar push rod to a retracted position.

6. An invertible mechanism for mounting on a chair having a back frame, the back frame having an upper end and a lower end, the invertible mechanism providing adjustable lumbar support in one orientation and adjustable headrest support in another orientation, the invertible mechanism comprising:

a pair of side brackets, each side bracket adapted to be coupled to one side of the back frame;

a pair of back brackets, wherein one of the back brackets is pivotably coupled to one of the side brackets and the other of the back brackets is pivotably coupled to the other of the side brackets; and

an actuator having an end and a telescoping shaft, the shaft pivotably coupled to the sliding hinge at a first pivot of the sliding hinge, a second pivot of the sliding hinge pivotably coupled to one of the back brackets, wherein the end is opposite the telescoping shaft, the end adapted to pivotably couple to the back frame, wherein the sliding hinge is a single member having a retaining finger extending beyond the second pivot;

wherein in a first orientation in which the shaft of the actuator extends toward the upper end of the back frame, a headrest back insert is coupleable to the back bracket between the back brackets such that extension and retraction of the shaft of the actuator rotates the headrest back insert, an

Wherein, in a second orientation in which the shaft of the actuator extends toward the lower end of the back frame, a lumbar push rod can be coupled to the back brackets between the back brackets such that extension and retraction of the shaft of the actuator rotates the lumbar push rod.

7. The mechanism of claim 6, wherein a first back bracket of the pair of back brackets includes a protruding cam that engages a sliding hinge when a shaft of an actuator is extended to impart rotational motion to the first back bracket.

8. A mechanism as claimed in claim 7 wherein the retaining finger contacts a cam projection over the range of rotation of the sliding hinge relative to the first back bracket.

9. The mechanism of claim 8, wherein the sliding hinge includes a notch such that the notch contacts the cam protrusion over a range of rotation of the sliding hinge relative to the first back bracket.