CN108135360B

CN108135360B - Automatic linkage mechanism for high-leg seat unit

Info

Publication number: CN108135360B
Application number: CN201680060023.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·A·布赖恩特
Original assignee: L&P Property Management Co
Current assignee: L and P 产权管理公司; L&P Property Management Co
Priority date: 2015-10-15
Filing date: 2016-10-14
Publication date: 2020-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-14
Also published as: EP3361907A4; CN108135360A; EP3361907B1; WO2017066610A1; EP3361907A1

Abstract

A linkage mechanism provides motion capability for various chair types. For example, the linkage mechanism includes a combination of linkages for facilitating extension/retraction of the footrest and recline/tilt of the backrest. Furthermore, the linkage has a compact design and can be used in high leg chairs where the seat height is low. The invention also relates to a seat unit with an automatic linkage mechanism.

Description

Automatic linkage mechanism for high-leg seat unit

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to motion upholstered furniture (motion upholstered furniture) designed to support a user's body in a substantially seated position. Sports upholstered furniture including recliners, arm chairs, sofas, lovers' seats, modular furniture, cinema seats, traditional chairs, and chairs with movable seats are generally referred to herein as "seating units". More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved linkage mechanism developed to accommodate a wide variety of seating unit types that would otherwise be limited by the configuration of the linkage mechanism in the art. In addition, the improved linkage of the present invention provides for recline for a seating unit having a high leg design and a lower seat height, and in addition, provides for an automatic/motorized linkage for automatic movement of the seating unit with a footrest drive tube assembly between the front and rear ends of the seating unit.

Background

Reclining seating units exist that allow a user to extend the ottoman forward relative to the seat and recline the backrest backward. These prior seating units typically provide three basic positions (e.g., a standard non-reclined stowed position, an extended position, and a reclined/recumbent/inclined position). In the stowed position, the seat portion is in a generally horizontal orientation and the backrest is disposed substantially upright. Additionally, if the seating unit includes one or more ottomans to which the mechanism is attached, the mechanism is folded such that the ottoman(s) are not extended. In an extended position, commonly referred to as a television ("TV") position, the ottoman(s) are extended forward of the seat portion, while the backrest remains sufficiently upright to allow an occupant of the seating unit to comfortably view television. In the reclined position, the backrest pivots rearwardly from the extended position to a position in obtuse angular relation to the seat for resting or sleeping.

A variety of modern seating units within the industry are suitable for providing the adjustment functions described above. However, the adjustment mechanisms used in these seating units are often not ideal for use in high leg chair designs where the seat height is low. The present invention addresses these and other issues.

Disclosure of Invention

The subject matter of embodiments of the invention is defined by the claims below, not by the summary of the invention. A high level overview of various aspects of the invention are therefore provided herein to provide an overview of the disclosure and to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description section. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid, in isolation, in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

In general, embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a simplified, compact linkage mechanism that can be adapted for use with virtually any type of seating unit, such as a high-leg formal chair. In operation, the linkage is adapted to move between a stowed position, an extended position, and a reclined position, and is configurable for automatic operation, with a plurality of cross members for added stability and functionality, and the ottoman drive tube assembly positioned toward the center of the linkage, allowing for compact, stable extension of the ottoman in the vertical direction when the motor/motors are activated.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides an automatic linkage mechanism for an adjustable seating unit. The automatic linkage mechanism includes a pair of seat mounting plates joined together by a back crossbar and an ottoman crossbar. An ottoman drive tube assembly is coupled between the pair of seat mounting plates between the back crossbar and the ottoman crossbar. The drive tube assembly is rotatably coupled to an automatic drive mechanism attached to the back rail. Additionally, the drive tube is coupled to one or more links coupled to the ottoman crossbar and the footrest assembly. Thus, when the drive tube is rotated by movement of the automatic drive mechanism, the linkage is rotatably translated to extend the footrest assembly outwardly.

Drawings

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a linkage mechanism in a stowed position and installed in a seating unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a linkage mechanism in a collapsed position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a linkage mechanism in an extended position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a linkage mechanism in a reclined position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates various views of different combinations of links, with the combinations of links labeled, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an automatic adjustable linkage mechanism for a seating unit in a stowed position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an angled perspective view of the automatic adjustable linkage of FIG. 6, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the automatic adjustable linkage of FIG. 6 in an extended position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an angled perspective view of the automatic adjustable linkage of FIG. 8, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the automatic adjustable linkage mechanism of FIG. 6 in a reclined position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an angled perspective view of the automatic adjustable linkage of FIG. 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method for assembling an automatic linkage for an adjustable seating unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be implemented in other ways, to include different elements or combinations of elements similar to the ones described in this document, and in conjunction with other present or future technologies.

Referring to fig. 1, a seat unit 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a seat 12, a backrest 14,

legs

16 and 18, and a linkage 20, the linkage 20 being positioned below the seat 12, shown in more detail in fig. 2-4. In addition, the seating unit 10 may include one or more armrests (not shown), and may also be incorporated into a larger seating unit, such as a sofa or modular seating unit.

In the case of a pivot-over-armrest (POA) type seat, the armrest would interconnect with the seat and linkage 20 so that the

legs

16 and 18 do not directly support the armrest. The

leg portions

16 and 18 support the lower frame of the seating unit 10 so that the seat portion 12 can move with the armrest. In the POA configuration, the backrest 14 may include wings that extend over the armrests and pivot about the rear of the armrests when the backrest reclines. In an alternative configuration, known as a frame-in-frame configuration, the armrest is fixed relative to the seat 12, adjustable by the linkage. In this embodiment, the seat portion 12 is movable during adjustment of the seating unit 10, but the armrests remain relatively stationary.

In one embodiment, the backrest 14 extends from the rear of the seating unit 10 and is rotatably coupled to the linkage 20. In addition, as will be described in further detail with reference to fig. 2-4, the linkage 20 includes a footrest assembly that extends and retracts one or more ottomans. In an embodiment, the linkage 20 is configured to hingedly/pivotally actuate and control movement of the seat 12, backrest 14, and ottoman between the stowed (folded), extended, and reclined positions.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the seating unit 10 includes a high leg design with specific dimensional characteristics. For example, fig. 1 shows that the first dimension 22 comprises a distance between a portion of the seat mounting plate of the linkage 20 and the bottom end of the forefoot 16 when the linkage 20 is in the collapsed or folded position. In one embodiment, the first dimension is in a range of about 11 inches to about 12.5 inches. Fig. 1 shows a second dimension 24, comprising the height of the leg 16. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second dimension 24 is in a range of about 5 inches to about 6 inches. Other dimensions of the present invention are described in other sections of this application, such as the distance between the seat mounting plate and the side-bar/flipper support when the linkage is folded.

Without the present invention, a high leg chair that includes the adjustment functions of the present invention (e.g., ottoman extension/folding and back recline/tilt) would not normally meet the first dimension 22 and the second dimension 24. For example, without the present invention, it is difficult to have sufficient clearance above the ground to extend and collapse the footrest when the height of the seat mounting plate comprises the first dimension. However, the present invention includes a linkage mechanism having a compact design that allows the seat mounting plate to be positioned low enough to meet the first size and movement of the seating unit between the stowed, extended, and reclined positions.

Fig. 2-4 illustrate a configuration of a linkage 20 for a manually or automatically adjustable three position reclining seating unit (hereinafter referred to as a "seating unit"), which in an embodiment is designed to be configured as a high-leg type seating unit. As mentioned above, the linkage 20 is provided for articulated actuation and control of the movement of the seat, backrest and ottoman(s) of the seating unit. That is, the linkage mechanism 20 is adjustable to a collapsed position (fig. 2), an extended (TV) position (fig. 3), and a reclined position (fig. 4). In the reclined position, as described above, the backrest rotates rearwardly and is biased at a rearward inclination that is an obtuse angle relative to the seat.

The linkage 20 employs various links and pivots during adjustment between the stowed, extended and reclined positions. The geometry of the links and their location of interconnection provides advantages for a three position high leg seating unit with a lower seat height. Likewise, the lower seat height is defined at least in part by a first dimension 22, wherein the distance between the end 16a of the leg 16 and the seat mounting plate is in the range of about 11 inches to about 12.5 inches. When this first dimension is met, a final seat height (i.e., including the seat cushion) of about 17 inches to about 18.5 inches may be achieved by the linkage 20.

Generally, the linkage mechanism 20 includes a plurality of linkages arranged for actuating and controlling movement of the seating unit during movement between the stowed, extended and reclined positions. Typically, to achieve articulated actuation of the linkage mechanism 20, these linkages can be pivotably coupled to one or more other linkages or plates that make up the linkage mechanism 20. It is to be understood and appreciated that the pivotable links (illustrated as pivot points) between these links can take on various configurations, such as pivot pins, bearings, conventional mounting hardware, rivets, bolt and nut assemblies, or any other suitable fastener known in the furniture-making industry. In addition, the shape of the linkage and the bracket may vary, as may the position of certain pivot points. It will be understood that when a linkage or other component is referred to as being pivotally, rotatably, or fixedly "coupled," "interconnected," "attached," etc. to another element (e.g., link, bracket, frame, etc.), it is contemplated that the linkage and/or elements will be in direct contact with one another, or may be in contact through other elements, such as intermediate elements.

In operation, the linkage 20 guides rotational movement of the back, seat, and ottoman(s). In an exemplary configuration, these movements are controlled by a pair of substantially mirror image linkages (one of which is shown and designated herein by the reference numeral 20, hereinafter designated by the reference numeral 100) comprising an arrangement of pivotally or rotatably interconnected linkages. The linkage is disposed in facing relation with respect to a longitudinally extending plane bisecting the seat unit between the pair of opposed armrests. As such, the following discussion will focus on only one of the linkages 20, and in the following sections, the same applies to the other respective and complementary linkage assembly of each

respective mechanism

20 and 100, with respect to only one of the automated linkages 100.

Referring to fig. 2-4, a schematic side view of the linkage 20 from a vantage point inside the seating unit is shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the linkage 20 includes a footrest assembly 26, a seat mounting plate 28, a base plate 30, and a seat adjustment assembly 32. The footrest assembly 26 includes a plurality of linkages arranged to extend and collapse the ottoman(s) during adjustment of the seating unit between the extended and stowed positions. The seat mounting plate 28 is configured to be fixedly mounted to a seat and to define, in combination with an opposing seat mounting plate, a seat support surface (not shown). The seat adjustment assembly 32 includes a back mounting bracket 34 and a plurality of other linkages. Generally, the seat adjustment assembly 32 is adapted to recline and tilt a backrest coupled to the backrest mounting bracket 34. In addition, the seat adjustment assembly 32 is further adapted to laterally translate and angularly adjust a seat coupled to the seat mounting plate 28. Further, the seat adjustment assembly 32 may be coupled to an automated drive mechanism having a linear actuator to facilitate movement of the linkage mechanism 20 in response to user-triggered actuation.

In an embodiment, one or

more legs

16 and 18 are adapted to vertically raise and support the seating unit above an underlying surface/ground. In an embodiment, in a frame-in-frame type chair, the leg(s) are mounted to the armrest, while in a pivoting armrest type chair, the leg(s) are mounted to an underlying/underlying armrest base. Sometimes, the undercarriage is mounted to the armrest or to the underlying armrest substrate. The base plate 30 is mounted to the tube(s) (e.g., front and rear) across the chassis. The seat mounting plate 28 and the base plate 30 are interconnected via links that constitute a seat adjustment assembly 32, the seat adjustment assembly 32 translating the seat above the base plate 30 while incrementally adjusting the angle of inclination therebetween during adjustment between the stowed, extended, and reclined positions.

Referring to fig. 2-4, the footrest assembly 26 will be described in greater detail. The footrest assembly 26 includes a rear ottoman link 35 and a front ottoman link 36, both of which are attached to the seat mounting plate at

pivots

38 and 40, respectively. The footrest assembly 26 also includes a main ottoman link 42 attached to the rear ottoman link 35 at a pivot 44 and a second ottoman link 46 attached to the front ottoman link 36 at a pivot 48. Both the second ottoman link 46 and the main ottoman link 42 are attached to the ottoman bracket 50, and the main ottoman link 42 is also attached to the intermediate ottoman bracket 52. The footrest bracket is used to support a footrest 51 (fig. 1), and the intermediate ottoman bracket 52 is used to support another footrest 53 (fig. 1) other than the footrest 51. An intermediate ottoman control link 57 is attached from the second ottoman link 46 to the intermediate ottoman bracket 52. The footrest assembly 26 also includes a side extension/flipper control link 54 attached to the second ottoman link 46 and to a flipper bracket 56 for supporting another footrest 59 (fig. 1).

As described above, the footrest assembly 26 is used to actuate and move a plurality of footrest/

ottomans

51, 53 and 59 from a collapsed or folded position (fig. 1 and 2) to an extended position (fig. 3). As such, the linkage 20 also includes a lock link 60 attached to the front ottoman link 36 and a footrest drive link 62 attached to the rear ottoman link 35. The lock link 60 is also attached to a lock bracket 64, the lock bracket 64 being attached to a drive tube 66 and a lock mounting plate 68. When the drive tube 66 is activated (either manually or using a motor), the locking bracket 64 rotates clockwise (in the view provided in FIG. 2) about a pivot 70 that attaches the locking bracket 64 to the locking mounting plate 68. This movement of the lock bracket 64 drives the lock link 60 forward, which in turn causes the front ottoman link 36 to rotate clockwise on the pivot 40 that attaches the front ottoman link 36 to the seat mount plate 28. At the same time, the ottoman drive link 62 and the rear ottoman link 35 are activated, in which case the rear ottoman link 35 rotates clockwise on the pivot 38 attaching the rear ottoman link 35 to the seat mounting plate 28.

Clockwise rotation of the rear and front ottoman links 35, 36 from the stowed position of fig. 2 in turn causes the main and second ottoman links 42, 46 to rotate counterclockwise as they are extended to the extended configuration of fig. 3. In addition, the intermediate ottoman control link 57 and the intermediate ottoman bracket 52 rotate clockwise on

pivots

72 and 74, respectively, to move from the stowed position (fig. 2) to the extended position (fig. 3). In addition, the flipper control link 54 and the flipper mount 56 rotate clockwise on

pivots

76 and 78, respectively, to move from the stowed position (fig. 2) to the extended position (fig. 3).

As previously noted, the compact design of the linkage 20 allows the footrest assembly 26 to move from the stowed position to the extended position when the seating unit includes the first dimension 22 and the second dimension 24 (fig. 1). The compact design depends on various geometric characteristics of the links included in the footrest assembly, such as the shape and spacing of the links, the length of the links, the distance between the pivots, and the like. In one embodiment, these features are illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

The compact design of the linkage 20 also provides other benefits. For example, in one embodiment, the design allows a flipper ottoman (not shown) to be mounted to the flipper support 56 to expand to approximate the width of a main footrest (not shown). Without this technique, the flipper is lowered and cannot be expanded to the same width (left to right). In another embodiment, the design meets a third dimension 75 defined by the distance between the seat mounting flange 31 and the mounting surface of the flipper support 56 when the assembly is in the stowed position. In one embodiment, the third dimension is about 3.625 inches.

The movement of the ottoman/

ottomans

51, 53 and 59 and the ottoman assembly 26 from the collapsed configuration to the extended position has been described. Folding or collapsing these elements is facilitated by moving the drive tube 66 in the opposite direction (i.e., counterclockwise in fig. 3), which in turn results in the reverse of the movement described above.

With continued reference to fig. 2-4, the seat adjustment assembly 32 will now be described in greater detail. As previously noted, the seat adjustment assembly 32 attaches the seat mounting plate 28 to the base plate 30. Also, the seat adjustment assembly 32 is forward through the seat mounting plate 28 when the backrest 14 is moved to a more reclined position and rearward through the seat mounting plate 28 when the backrest 14 is moved to a more inclined position.

The seat adjustment assembly 32 includes a back drive link 80, a rear bell crank 82 and a back crank link 84. A back drive link 80 is attached to the back mounting bracket 34 and a rear bell crank 82. The mounting bracket 34 is attached to a rear seat bracket 81 extending from the seat mounting plate 28. The rear bell crank 82 is attached at pivot 83 to a rear portion 86 of the seat mounting plate 28 and to a back crank link 84 of the base plate 30.

The seat adjustment assembly 32 also includes a rear pivot link 88 and a front pivot link 90, both of which are attached to a roller link 92. The roller link 92 includes two

rollers

94 and 96 rotatably coupled to the roller link 92.

Rollers

94 and 96 are positioned between roller link 92 and base plate 30, and

rollers

94 and 96 are positioned on one or more rails of base plate 30.

As previously noted, the seat adjustment assembly 32 facilitates recline and tilt of the backrest 14 and through the seat mounting plate 28 relative to the base plate 30. The operation of the seat adjustment assembly 32 will now be described in more detail.

Referring to FIG. 3, the seat mounting plate 28 has been adjusted downwardly as a result of moving from the stowed position to the extended position. At least part of the downward displacement results from the footrest drive link 62 acting on the rear pivot link. That is, as the linkage moves from the stowed position to the extended position, the rear pivot link rotates counterclockwise, displacing the seat mounting plate downward. During movement to the reclined position, the back mounting bracket 34 rotates clockwise on the pivot 98 that attaches the back mounting bracket 34 to the rear seat bracket 81. For example, the back mounting bracket 34 may rotate clockwise when a user seated in the seating unit 10 leans back or applies weight to the back 14. Clockwise rotation of the back mounting bracket 34 pushes the back drive link 80 downward, causing the rear bell crank 82 to rotate counterclockwise on the pivot 83 and displace downward. The back crank link 84 is adjusted counterclockwise on the pivot attaching the back crank link 84 to the base plate 30. When the base plate 30 is fixed relative to the seat mounting plate (e.g., when the base plate 30 is attached, directly or indirectly, to a chair leg resting on the floor), movement of the back mounting bracket 34, back drive link 80, rear bell crank 82, and back crank link 84 triggers forward movement of the seat mounting plate 28.

With continued reference to fig. 3, as the seat mount plate 28 is biased forward, the rear pivot link 88 and the front pivot link 90 transfer forward motion of the seat mount plate 28 to the roller links 92. Further, the roller link 92 is displaced forward relative to the base plate 30 by

movable rollers

94 and 96 reciprocating in the track of the base plate 30.

The movement of the seat adjustment assembly 32 from the relatively reclined position of fig. 3 to the relatively reclined position of fig. 4 has been described. Movement from the position shown in fig. 4 to the position shown in fig. 3 (as seen in fig. 3) is facilitated by the backrest mounting bracket 34 rotating in a counterclockwise direction, which in turn facilitates the reverse movement of the movement described above. For example, the back mounting bracket 34 may be actively moved and/or the force (e.g., the weight of the user) moving the back mounting bracket 34 clockwise may be removed. Similarly, forward tipping by the user may also exert a force that causes the back mounting bracket 34 to rotate counterclockwise.

FIG. 5 shows various views of different combinations of links, labeled, according to embodiments of the invention.

Referring now to fig. 6-11, various illustrations of an automatic linkage mechanism 100 for an automatic adjustable seating unit 102 are provided in which the seating unit 102 moves between a stowed position, an extended position 106, and a reclined position 108, according to embodiments of the present invention. As discussed with respect to the seating unit 10, the automatic linkage 100 may be one of a pair of mirror image linkages coupled together within the seating unit 102. Thus, each component may be referred to individually, but in addition to the cross-beams or drive tubes extending between the mirror image linkages, each component coupled to the seat pan may be one of a pair, or have a complementary component on the other linkage.

Fig. 6-7 show the seating unit 102 in a stowed position 104. Fig. 8-9 show the seating unit in the extended position 106. Fig. 10-11 show the seating unit in a reclined position 108. The movement between

positions

104, 106 and 108 may be actuated by an automated drive mechanism 110 coupled to the seating unit 102. The seating unit includes a front end 101 and a rear end 103, and a first side 120 and a second side 122.

As shown in fig. 1-6, the seating unit 102 includes a seat mounting plate 28, an automatic drive mechanism 110, and an ottoman drive tube assembly 116. The ottoman drive tube assembly 116 includes a drive tube 66 rotatably coupled to the automatic drive mechanism 110 and to the seat mounting plate 28 of the automatic linkage 100 (and, in operation, to the mirror image seat mounting plate and automatic linkage shown in fig. 1-6 mounted opposite the seat mounting plate 28). The automatic drive mechanism 110 includes a linear actuator 124 that is retracted in fig. 6-7 and at least partially extended in fig. 8-11. When the drive tube 66 is rotated by extension of the linear actuator 124 rotatably coupled to the drive tube 66, the drive tube 66 is rotatably coupled to the ottoman crossbar 126 by a linkage that allows the footrest assembly 26 to extend.

An ottoman crossbar 126 is positioned at the front end 101 of the seating unit 102 and extends from the seat mounting plate 28 of the automatic linkage 100. The ottoman drive tube assembly 116 is coupled to the automatic linkage 100 between the front end 101 and the rear end 103 of the seating unit 102. The drive tube assembly 116 may be coupled between the seat mounting plate 28 and an opposing seat mounting plate (not shown in fig. 1-6) and extend at least partially between a first side 120 and a second side 122 of the seat unit 102. The automatic drive mechanism 110 is coupled to the back cross member 130 at a first motor connection location 132 and extends to the drive tube assembly 116 and is coupled to the drive tube assembly 116 at a second motor connection location 134 that is pivotable relative to the drive tube 66.

The ottoman drive tube assembly 116 includes a plurality of interconnected components. The seat mounting plate 28 includes a lock mounting plate 68 that is coupled to the inside of the automatic linkage 100 at a first location 136 between the front end 101 and the rear end 103 of the seat unit 102 and between the first and

second sides

120, 122 of the seat unit 102. The ottoman control link 157 is rotatably coupled to the lock mounting plate 68. The ottoman control link 157 is rotatably coupled to the ottoman drive link 62 having first and second ends 140, 142, with the first end 140 of the ottoman drive link 62 coupled to the ottoman control link 157. Again, the seat mounting plates 28 shown in fig. 6-11 may be mirrored on opposite sides of the seat unit 102 to provide a pair of parallel, linked seat mounting plates 28 that provide an automatic linkage mechanism 100 that allows dynamic movement of the seat unit 102.

The first end 140 of the ottoman drive link 62 is coupled to the ottoman control link 157 on an inboard side of the ottoman control link 157 (i.e., closer to the center of the seat unit 102; between the first and second sides 120, 122), and the lock mounting plate 68 is coupled to the ottoman control link 157 on an outboard side of the ottoman control link 157 (i.e., further from the center of the seat unit 102 toward the first side 120 of the seat unit). In other words, the first ends 140 of the ottoman drive links 62 (on both sides of the seating unit 102) are coupled such that the movement of the first ends 140 of the ottoman drive links 62 does not interfere with other components of the ottoman drive tube assembly 116. In the mirror image configuration discussed above, the ottoman control link 157 is fixedly coupled to the opposite end of the drive tube 66. The drive tube 66 is thus rotatably coupled to the automatic drive mechanism 110 relative to the pair of seat mounting plates 28.

Each footrest drive link 62 is rotatably coupled to rear pivot link 88 at a second end 142 of footrest drive link 62. The rear pivot link 88 is coupled to the second end 142 of the footrest drive link 62 between a rear pivot link first end 144 and a rear pivot link second end 146. The rear pivot link first end 144 is rotatably coupled to the outside of the seat mount plate 28 at a second location 148. Second end 146 of rear pivot link 88 is rotatably coupled to roller link 92 at third location 153. As shown in fig. 10, which is an exterior view of the first side 120 of the automatic linkage 100, the roller link 92 includes a roller link first end 152 and a roller link second end 154. The roller link 92 is slidably coupled to the base plate 30 by

rollers

94 and 96 that are received in roller track locations in the base plate 30.

Further, the front pivot link 90 is rotatably coupled to the outside of the seat mounting plate 28 at a fourth location 156. Additionally, front pivot link 90 is rotatably coupled to roller link first end 152 of roller link 92. Roller link 92 is thus coupled to front pivot link 90 at roller link first end 152 and to rear pivot link 88 at roller link second end 154. The base plate 30 is rotatably coupled to the back crank link 84 at a fifth location 158. The back crank link 84 is rotatably coupled to the rear bell crank 82 at a sixth position 162. The rear bell crank 82 is coupled to the seat mounting plate 28 at a seventh position 164 toward the rear end 103 of the seat unit 102 and is also rotatably coupled to the backrest drive link 80 at an eighth position 166. The back drive link 80 is rotatably coupled to the back mounting bracket 34 at a ninth position 168. The back-mounting bracket 34 is rotatably coupled to the rear-seat bracket 81 at a tenth position 170, and the rear-seat bracket 81 is fixedly coupled to the seat-mounting plate 28 at an eleventh position 172.

As shown in fig. 6-11, the back crossbar 130 may be coupled at the rear end 103 to the base plate 30 of the seating unit 102 by a back crossbar bracket 173, and the ottoman crossbar 126 may be coupled to the seat mounting plate 28 at the front end 101 of the seating unit 102 by an ottoman crossbar bracket 174. The ottoman crossbar 126 and the drive tube 66 of the ottoman drive tube assembly 116 are rotatably coupled to one another by a combination of linkages. In this regard, as shown in fig. 7, 9 and 11, the drive tube 66 includes a first locking bracket 176 fixedly coupled to the drive tube 66 at a first drive tube location 178 and a second locking bracket 180 fixedly coupled to the drive tube 66 at a second drive tube location 182. Each of the first and

second locking brackets

176, 180 is rotatably coupled to a respective locking link 60. Each lock link 60 is rotatably coupled to a respective front ottoman link 36. Each of the front ottoman links 36 is rotatably coupled to a respective ottoman mounting bracket 184, the ottoman mounting bracket 184 being fixedly coupled to the ottoman crossbar 126 between the first and

second sides

120, 122 of the seating unit 102.

The footrest assembly 26 is rotatably coupled to the ottoman crossbar 126. Each ottoman mounting bracket 184 is further rotatably coupled to the rear ottoman link 35. Each rear ottoman link 35 is rotatably coupled to a respective main ottoman link 42. Each main ottoman link 42 is rotatably coupled to a respective ottoman bracket 50. In addition to these links, rotatably coupled to each ottoman mounting bracket 184 is a respective front ottoman link 36, which is also rotatably coupled to a respective lock link 60, as discussed above, and also rotatably coupled to a respective second ottoman link 46. Each second ottoman link 46 is rotatably coupled to a respective flipper control link 54. Each flipper control link 54 is rotatably coupled to a respective flipper mount 56. Each flipper mount bracket 56 is rotatably coupled to a respective footrest bracket 50 on each side of the footrest assembly 26.

Different configurations of the automatic linkage 100, the respective footrest assembly 26, and the overall seating unit 102 are possible and contemplated. The ottoman drive tube assembly 116 may be positioned at different locations between the front and

rear ends

101, 103 of the seating unit 102. Further, the automatic drive mechanism 110 may have another coupling configuration that includes an ottoman drive tube assembly 116, such as, for example, rotatably coupled to the drive tube assembly 116 by one side of the drive tube assembly 116 to provide rotational force from an axial position. Additionally, the distance between the drive tube 66 and the ottoman crossbar 126 may be varied, depending on the desired position of the links, their length, and the linkage.

Additionally, more or fewer footrest components may be used. For example, more or less than two linkage assemblies may be used that extend to the respective footrest brackets 50. The ottoman crossbar 126 may have a first cross-sectional area and the drive tube 66 may have a second cross-sectional area, and in this regard, the first cross-sectional area may be greater than the second cross-sectional area because the ottoman crossbar 126 may require greater support in certain configurations.

Fig. 12 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method 1200 of assembling an automatic linkage mechanism (e.g., the automatic linkage mechanism 100 shown in fig. 6-11) for an adjustable seating unit (e.g., the adjustable seating unit 102 shown in fig. 6-11) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In block 1210, a pair of seat mounting plates, such as the seat mounting plate 28 shown in fig. 6-11 and an opposing mirror image seat mounting plate, are provided that are coupled to the seating unit 102. At block 1212, a back cross member, such as back cross member 130 shown in fig. 6-11, is coupled between a pair of seat mounting plates of the seating unit at a rear end, such as rear end 103 shown in fig. 6-11. In block 1214, an ottoman crossbar, such as the ottoman crossbar 126 shown in fig. 6-11, is coupled between a pair of seat mounting plates of the front end 101 of the seating unit. At block 1216, an ottoman drive tube assembly, such as the ottoman drive tube assembly 116 shown in fig. 6-11, is coupled between the pair of seat mounting plates between the front and rear ends of the seating unit.

In an exemplary method 1200, the drive tube assembly may include a pair of lock mounting plates, such as the lock mounting plate 68 and an opposing mirror image lock mounting plate on the seating unit 102 shown in fig. 6-11, that are respectively coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, and a pair of ottoman control links, such as the ottoman control link 157 shown in fig. 6-11 and an opposing mirror image ottoman control link on the seating unit 102, that are respectively rotatably coupled to the pair of lock mounting plates.

The drive tube assembly may also include a drive tube, such as drive tube 66 shown in fig. 6-11, fixedly coupled to and extending at least partially between the first and second sides of the seat unit, such as first and

second sides

120, 122 shown in fig. 6-11, a pair of footrest drive links, such as footrest drive link 62 shown in fig. 6-11 having first and second ends (such as first and second ends 140, 142 shown in fig. 6-11), and an opposite, mirror image footrest drive link on the seat unit 102.

In addition, the drive tube assembly may further include: the pair of ottoman drive links rotatably coupled to a pair of ottoman control links at first ends, respectively; a pair of rear pivot links, such as rear pivot link 88 shown in fig. 6-11, rotatably coupled to the second ends of the pair of footrest drive links, respectively, and an opposite, mirror-image rear pivot link rotatably coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, respectively. The drive tube assembly may also include a pair of base plates, such as base plate 30 shown in fig. 6-11 and an opposite mirror image base plate, slidably coupled to the pair of rear pivot links, respectively. The drive tube assembly may further include a pair of locking brackets, such as first and

second locking brackets

176, 180 shown in fig. 9, fixedly coupled to the drive tube between the first and second sides and spaced inwardly from the pair of seat mounting plates, and a pair of locking links, such as locking link 60 shown in fig. 9, rotatably coupled to the pair of locking brackets and the ottoman crossbar, respectively.

In block 1218, the method 1200 further includes coupling an automatic drive mechanism, such as the automatic drive mechanism 110 shown in fig. 6-11, to the back cross beam and the drive tube. Additionally, the automatic drive mechanism may be pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric, and may be linearly or rotationally actuated, and/or may be of another configuration or design that provides rotational force to the drive tube assembly.

Many different arrangements of the various components shown, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below. The description of the embodiments of the present technology is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains from a reading of the present disclosure. Alternative means of accomplishing the foregoing may be accomplished without departing from the scope of the following claims. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic linkage mechanism for an adjustable seating unit having front and rear ends and spaced apart first and second sides, the automatic linkage mechanism comprising:

a pair of seat mounting plates spaced apart from each other;

a backrest cross member coupled between the pair of seat mounting plates at a rear end of the seating unit;

an ottoman crossbar coupled between the pair of seat mounting plates at a front end of the seating unit;

an ottoman drive tube assembly coupled between the pair of seat mounting plates between a front end and a rear end, the ottoman drive tube assembly comprising: a pair of lock mounting plates coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, respectively, a pair of ottoman control links rotatably coupled to the pair of lock mounting plates, respectively, a drive tube fixedly coupled to the pair of ottoman control links and extending at least partially between the first and second sides of the seating unit; a pair of ottoman drive links having first and second ends, the pair of ottoman drive links being rotatably coupled at the first end to the pair of ottoman control links, respectively; a pair of rear pivot links rotatably coupled to the second ends of the pair of footrest drive links, respectively, the pair of rear pivot links rotatably coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, respectively; a pair of base plates slidably coupled to the pair of rear pivot links, respectively, and at least one locking bracket fixedly coupled to the drive tube between the first and second sides and spaced inwardly from the pair of seat mounting plates; at least one locking link coupled to the at least one locking bracket, the at least one locking link rotatably coupled to the ottoman crossbar; and

an automatic drive mechanism coupled to the back rail and the drive tube.

2. The automatic linkage mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the automatic drive mechanism comprises a linear actuator.

3. The automatic linkage mechanism of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of roller links rotatably coupled to the pair of rear pivot links, respectively, the pair of roller links being coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, respectively, and the pair of roller links being slidably coupled to the pair of base plates, respectively.

4. The automatic linkage mechanism of claim 3, further comprising a pair of front pivot links rotatably coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates and to the pair of roller links, respectively.

5. The automatic linkage mechanism of claim 4, further comprising: a pair of rear bell cranks coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, respectively; and a pair of back crank links rotatably coupled to the pair of base plates and the pair of rear bellcranks, respectively.

6. The automatic linkage mechanism of claim 5, further comprising: a pair of rear seat brackets coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, respectively; a pair of back mounting brackets rotatably coupled to the pair of backseat brackets, respectively; and a pair of back drive links rotatably coupled to the pair of back mounting brackets and the pair of rear bellcranks, respectively.

7. The automatic linkage mechanism of claim 6, wherein each of the pair of roller links further includes a first roller slidably coupled to the respective substrate at a first track location and a second roller slidably coupled to the respective substrate at a second track location.

8. The automatic linkage mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking bracket comprises: a first locking bracket coupled to the drive tube at a first drive tube location between the first side and the second side, and a second locking bracket coupled to the drive tube at a second drive tube location between the first side and the second side.

9. The automatic linkage mechanism of claim 8, wherein the automatic drive mechanism further comprises a linear actuator, and wherein the automatic drive mechanism is coupled to the backrest beam at a first motor connection location and to the drive tube at a second motor connection location, wherein the second motor connection location is between the first drive tube location and the second drive tube location.

10. The automatic linkage of claim 1, further comprising at least one front ottoman link rotatably coupled to the at least one locking link, wherein each of the at least one front ottoman link is rotatably coupled to an ottoman crossbar.

11. A linkage mechanism for an adjustable seating unit having front and rear ends and spaced apart first and second sides, the linkage mechanism comprising:

an ottoman drive tube assembly coupled between a pair of seat mounting plates between a front end and a rear end, the ottoman drive tube assembly comprising: a pair of lock mounting plates coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, respectively; a pair of ottoman control links rotatably coupled to the pair of locking mounting plates, respectively; a drive tube fixedly coupled to the pair of ottoman control links and extending at least partially between the first and second sides of the seating unit; a pair of ottoman drive links having first and second ends, the pair of ottoman drive links being rotatably coupled at the first end to the pair of ottoman control links, respectively; a pair of rear pivot links rotatably coupled to the second ends of the pair of footrest drive links, respectively, the pair of rear pivot links rotatably coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, respectively; a pair of base plates slidably coupled to the pair of rear pivot links, respectively;

an ottoman crossbar coupled at a forward end between the pair of seat mounting plates;

a first ottoman mounting bracket coupled to an ottoman crossbar between the first side and the second side;

a first front ottoman link rotatably coupled to the first ottoman mounting bracket,

a first locking link rotatably coupled to the first front ottoman link; and

a first locking bracket fixedly coupled to the drive tube and rotatably coupled to the first locking link.

12. The linkage mechanism of claim 11, wherein the drive tube is rotatable relative to a pair of seat mounting plates, and wherein the ottoman crossbar is fixed relative to the pair of seat mounting plates.

13. The linkage of claim 12, wherein the ottoman crossbar further comprises: a second ottoman mounting bracket coupled to the ottoman crossbar between the first side and the second side; a second front ottoman link rotatably coupled to the second ottoman mounting bracket; and a second locking link rotatably coupled to the second front ottoman link; and a second locking bracket fixedly coupled to the drive tube and rotatably coupled to the second locking link.

14. The linkage mechanism of claim 13, further comprising: a first rear ottoman link rotatably coupled to the first ottoman mounting bracket; a first main ottoman link rotatably coupled to the first rear ottoman link; a first ottoman bracket coupled to the first main ottoman link; a second rear ottoman link rotatably coupled to the second ottoman mounting bracket; a second main ottoman link rotatably coupled to the second rear ottoman link; and a second ottoman bracket coupled to the second main ottoman link.

15. The linkage of claim 14, wherein the pair of ottoman drive links are rotatably coupled to inner sides of the pair of ottoman control links, respectively, and wherein the pair of lock mounting plates are rotatably coupled to outer sides of the pair of ottoman control links, respectively.

16. The linkage mechanism according to claim 15, further comprising a motor connection location on the drive tube, wherein the motor connection location is pivotable relative to the drive tube, and wherein the first and second locking brackets are on opposite sides of the motor connection location.

17. The linkage of claim 16, wherein the ottoman crossbar has a first cross-sectional area and the drive tube has a second cross-sectional area, and wherein the first cross-sectional area is greater than the second cross-sectional area.

18. A method of assembling an automatic linkage mechanism for an adjustable seating unit having front and rear ends and spaced apart first and second sides, the method comprising:

providing a pair of seat mounting plates;

coupling a backrest cross member between the pair of seat mounting plates at a rear end of the seat unit;

coupling an ottoman crossbar between the pair of seat mounting plates at a front end of the seating unit;

coupling an ottoman drive tube assembly to the pair of seat mounting plates between a front end and a rear end, the ottoman drive tube assembly comprising: a pair of lock mounting plates coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, respectively; a pair of ottoman control links rotatably coupled to the pair of locking mounting plates, respectively; a drive tube fixedly coupled to the pair of ottoman control links and extending at least partially between the first and second sides of the seating unit; a pair of ottoman drive links having first and second ends, the pair of ottoman drive links being rotatably coupled at the first end to the pair of ottoman control links, respectively; a pair of rear pivot links rotatably coupled to the second ends of the pair of footrest drive links, respectively, the pair of rear pivot links rotatably coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates, respectively; a pair of base plates slidably coupled to the pair of rear pivot links, respectively; a pair of locking brackets fixedly coupled to the drive tube between the first side and the second side and spaced inwardly from the pair of seat mounting plates; and a pair of locking links rotatably coupled to the pair of locking brackets and the ottoman crossbar, respectively; and

an automatic drive mechanism is coupled to the back rest rail and the drive tube.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: rotatably coupling a first one of the pair of locking links to a first one of the pair of locking brackets; rotatably coupling a second one of the pair of locking links to a second one of the pair of locking brackets; rotatably coupling a first front ottoman link to a first locking link; rotatably coupling a second front ottoman link to a second locking link; fixedly coupling a first ottoman mounting bracket to an ottoman crossbar; rotatably coupling a first front ottoman link to an ottoman crossbar at a first ottoman mounting bracket; fixedly coupling a second ottoman mounting bracket to the ottoman crossbar; and rotatably coupling a second front ottoman link to the ottoman crossbar at a second ottoman mounting bracket.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the pair of ottoman drive links are on opposite sides of the seating unit and are coupled to inner sides of the pair of ottoman control links, respectively.