EP0000437B1 - Foldable chair frame - Google Patents
Foldable chair frame Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0000437B1 EP0000437B1 EP78300125A EP78300125A EP0000437B1 EP 0000437 B1 EP0000437 B1 EP 0000437B1 EP 78300125 A EP78300125 A EP 78300125A EP 78300125 A EP78300125 A EP 78300125A EP 0000437 B1 EP0000437 B1 EP 0000437B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- members
- frame
- chair
- pivot
- corners
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B7/00—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators
- B62B7/04—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor
- B62B7/06—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor collapsible or foldable
- B62B7/08—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor collapsible or foldable in the direction of, or at right angles to, the wheel axis
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B7/00—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators
- B62B7/04—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor
- B62B7/12—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor convertible, e.g. into children's furniture or toy
- B62B7/123—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor convertible, e.g. into children's furniture or toy from seat to bed
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B9/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for children's carriages or perambulators
- B62B9/10—Perambulator bodies; Equipment therefor
- B62B9/102—Perambulator bodies; Equipment therefor characterized by details of the seat
- B62B9/104—Perambulator bodies; Equipment therefor characterized by details of the seat with adjustable or reclining backrests
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B2205/00—Hand-propelled vehicles or sledges being foldable or dismountable when not in use
- B62B2205/02—Hand-propelled vehicles or sledges being foldable or dismountable when not in use foldable widthwise
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B7/00—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators
- B62B7/04—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor
- B62B7/06—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor collapsible or foldable
- B62B7/064—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor collapsible or foldable the handle bar being parallel to the front leg
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B9/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for children's carriages or perambulators
- B62B9/20—Handle bars; Handles
- B62B9/206—Handle bars; Handles with two separate bars, i.e. not interconnected
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S297/00—Chairs and seats
- Y10S297/04—Wheelchair
Definitions
- the chairs illustrated in that specification are each braced in the lateral, namely side to side, sense of the chair frame, partly by two foldable X-frames.
- One of these X-frames constitutes a bottom frame of the chair frame whereas the other X-frame constitutes the back frame of the chair.
- the two X-frames are pivotally interconnected by connections at their adjacent corners and by upright side frames which flank the X-frames.
- the X-frames when being folded, elongate in a sense away from their adjacent corners, but can be held in a laterally extended condition by interpivotted struts which themselves can be locked in an extended condition. These struts also contribute to bracing of the chair frame in the side to side sense. This mode of bracing is very satisfactory.
- a second known chair frame which corresponds in essential particulars to the hereinbefore described chair frame with the notable exception of the X-frame which constitutes the back frame of the chair, comprises elongate rigid members which are interpivotted and foldable into a compact bundle of elements, the chair frame comprising a bottom X-frame which extends in a plane from back to front of the chair frame, in which plane the X-frame is foldable, an equal pair of side frames which extend in upright planes, each such side frame being pivotally interconnected with a respective front comer and a respective back corner of the bottom X-frame for pivoting and folding about the front and the back corners in a back to front sense, each such side frame comprising a chair back element which extends upwardly away from a respective back corner of the bottom X-frame, the chair back element of one such side frame being coplanar with the chair back element of the other such side frame, a pair of interpivotted bracing elements which slope upwardly and back between the respective front corner of the bottom X
- the oblique struts for bracing the chair frame in the side to side sense, the oblique struts having an interconnection about which to pivot relatively to each other and being arranged to unfold to supply a bracing frame of X-form which extends between the chair back element in each side frame, the oblique struts having lower ends pivotally connected to the back of the chair frame at the back corners of the bottom X-frame, and having upper ends pivotally connected indirectly to the chair back elements, the interconnection between the oblique struts being located in a fixed position in relation to the back corners of the bottom X-frame when the locking pair of struts is locked in an extended condition, the oblique struts thereby being inclined in opposite senses to each other and oblique to each chair back element.
- the upper ends of the bracing X-frame cannot themselves be connected to pivot at fixed locations on the parallel chair back elements because the bracing X-frame, when being folded, must be allowed to elongate away from its lower ends at the back corners of the bottom X-frame, and this gives rise to the problem or reconciling the need to connect the upper ends of the bracing X-frame to the chair back elements and to permit elongation of the bracing frame during folding, with the desirability of optimum stiffening of the chair frame, in particular the chair back, in the side to side sense.
- the bracing frame formed by unfolding the oblique struts should be of X-form, known per se, or of an X truncated to an inverted V-form, and the interconnection between the oblique struts locates a connection which comprises a pair of links, each such link being supported on a respective first pivot at one end of the link at a fixed location on a respective chair back element, the fixed location beng remote from the respective back corner of the bottom X-frame, and each such link being pivotally connected remote from the first pivot of the link, indirectly to the interconnection between the oblique struts.
- the hereinbefore described second known chair frame also has a pair of equal seat back elements of rigid elongate form arranged between the side frames, each such seat back element having an upper end and a lower end, one such seat back element being pivoted by its lower end on one of the seat support elements, and the other such seat back element being pivoted by its lower end on the other seat support element, there being a second pair of oblique struts provided for bracing the seat back elements in the side to side sense when in an extended condition, the second pair of oblique struts having an interconnection about which to pivot relatively to each other and being arranged to unfold to supply a second bracing frame of X-form which extends between the side frames, the interconnection between the second pair of oblique struts being located in a fixed position in relation to the seat back elements when the chair frame is in an extended condition, the second pair of oblique struts thereby being located so that the struts thereof are inclined in opposite senses to each other and ob
- the difficulty arises that the presence of the X-frame or other bracing frame prevents or seriously restricts the movement of the seat back rest from a forward position, suitable for a person sitting in the chair, towards a backward position, suitable for a person reclining in the chair.
- An object of this invention is to provide a foldable chair frame which alleviates the above- mentioned difficulty.
- a chair frame of elongate rigid members which are interpivoted and foldable into a compact bundle in which the rigid members extend substantially parallel to each other, the chair frame comprising two base members which are pivotally interconnected to form a laterally collapsible X-frame in which the opposite ends of.
- the two base members provide front and back corners of the X-frame;
- two back members which are disposed on copolanar axes and respectively extend upwardly from pivotal connections at the back corners of the X-frame;
- two lower brace members respectively pivoted, at their lower ends, to the front corners of the X-frame;
- two upper brace members respectively pivoted, at their upper ends, to the upper ends of the back members;
- two knuckle joints respectively connecting the two lower brace members to the two upper brace members so as to prevent folding of the back members towards the X-frame when the chair frame is extended with the lower brace members respectively extending substantially colinearly with the upper brace members and the front or rear corners of the X-frame are held apart, but to allow the knuckle joints to move towards the back corners of the X-frame, thus permitting folding of the back members towards the X-frame, when the back corners of the X-frame are allowed to move towards each other;
- two seat support members respectively pivoted to members constituting
- a chair frame constructed in accordance with the invention has the advantage that it can be designed to permit a considerable degree of movement of the back rest members from a forward position suitable for a person in a sitting position in the chair, to a backward position, suitable for a person reclining in the chair.
- the laterally collapsible bracing frame may comprise two substantially identical parallelogram linkages each formed by respective struts pivotally connected to respective back members and to a common member disposed parallel to the back members.
- the laterally collapsible bracing frame may also comprise two locking struts interconnected by a pivot and respectively pivotally connected at opposite ends to back members adjacent the back corners of the X-frame, two further strut members each such further strut member being supported on a respective first pivot at one end of the further strut member at a fixed location on a respective back member, the fixed location being remote from the respective back corner of the X-frame and each such further strut member being pivotally connected, remote from the first pivot of the further strut member, to the pivotal connection of the two locking struts by a common member which forms with a locking strut, a further strut member and a back member, a parallelogram linkage.
- the common member may form a guide for a slide arranged to limit movement of the parallelogram linkages.
- the slide may be pivotally connected to one end of two obliquely disposed supporting members having their other ends connected to back members adjacent respective back comers of the X-frame.
- the laterally collapsible bracing frame may comprise a frame of X-form having two upper ends pivotally connected to respective upper strut means pivotally connected to respective back members and two lower ends pivotally connected to respective lower strut means pivotally connected to the back members adjacent back corners of the X-frame.
- the upper strut means may be interconnected by a second pivot, and each of the upper ends of the frame of X-form connected to a respective upper strut means by a respective third pivot between the first pivot, which supports the outer end of each upper strut means on the respective back member, and the second pivot, which interconnects the upper strut means.
- Each of the upper strut means may have at an inner end thereof an extension beyond the second pivot, the extension of one such upper strut means overlapping the the other strut means when the upper strut means are in an extended condition, the extension of one such upper strut means lying within a gap formed between the other such strut means and the upper end of the frame of X-form connected to said other upper strut means.
- the second pivot which interconnects the upper strut means may be disposed above a horizontal line between each of the third pivots which interconnects the upper end of the frame of X-form and the inner ends of the upper struts means.
- the chair frame may be provided with two seat back links extending between the back rest members and forming therewith a second laterally collapsible bracing frame.
- the second laterally collapsible bracing frame may comprise a frame of X-form, having two upper ends connected to respective seat back links pivotally connected to respective back rest members and the two lower ends pivotally connected to respective back rest members.
- the two seat back links may be interconnected by a second pivot, and each of the upper ends of the frame of X-form may be connected to a respective seat back link by a respective third pivot between a first pivot which supports the outer end of each seat back link on the respective back rest member and the second pivot which interconnects the seat back links.
- Each of the seat back links may have at an inner end thereof an extension beyond the second pivot, the extension of one such seat back link overlapping the other seat back link when the seat back links are in the extended condition, the extension of one such back link lying within a gap formed between the other such seat back link and the upper end of the frame of the X-form connected to said other seat back link.
- the second pivot which interconnects the seat back links may be disposed above a horizontal line between each of the third pivots which interconnect the upper end of the frame of X-form and the inner ends of the seat back links.
- the chair frame may be provided with two adjustable securing devices respectively connecting the two back rest members respectively to the two back members so as to support the upper ends of the back rest members, at least when in their upper and lower positions.
- Each adjustable securing device may comprise a link pivotally connected at one end to a back rest member and formed with an elongate slot which extends along the link from the other end thereof and receives a pivot pin on the back member.
- the slot may be substantially L-shaped, with the foot of the L-slot located adjacent to said other end of the link and directed upwardly so that the link can pivot about the first pivot pin and engage the second pivot pin by the foot of the L-slot and thereby sustain the back rest member in the upper position.
- the back rest members have lower ends which are respectively pivoted to two seat side members which respectively overlie the two seat support members, and each seat side member is connected to the seat support member which it overlies by at least two equal length parallel links which, together with the seat side member and said support member, for a parallelogram linkage so that when the upper ends of the back rest members are in their lower position, the seat side members may be moved from a rearward position into a forward position.
- This embodiment of the invention has the advantage that it provides a foldaole chair in which there are means for supporting a person in either the sitting or reclining position without substantially moving the position of the centre of gravity of the person relative to the base of the chair frame.
- the upper ends of the back rest members extend through the space between the two back members when supported by the adjustable securing devices in their lower positions, but are disposed in front of two back members when in their upper positions.
- each adjustable securing device consists of a link which, at one end, is pivotally connected to the upper end of one of the back rest members and formed with an elongate slot, extending from the other end, for receiving a screw threaded pin which is carried by a bracket mounted on the back member adjacent the back rest member and provided with an internally screw threaded knob for tightening and loosening on adjustment of the arrangement of the back rest.
- the folding push-chair is supported on wheels 10 and is constructed of elongate rigid members which are interpivotted and foldable into a compact bundle.
- the push-chair frame comprises a bottom X-frame 11 which extends in a plane from back to front of the chair.
- the members 11a of the X-frame 11 are interconnected by a central pivot pin 11 b and the frame 11 is foldable in the plane mentioned.
- the chair further comprises a pair of identical side frames whose planes extend upwardly.
- the side frames are pivotally interconnected with respective front corners 11 c and respective back corners 1 1 d of the bottom X-frame 11, for pivoting and folding about the front and back corners 11 c and 11 d, respectively, in the back to front sense.
- Each of the side frames comprises a chair back member 12 which extends upwardly away from a back corner 11 d, member 12 of one side frame being coplanar with the member 12 of the other side frame.
- Each side frame further comprises a pair of interpivotted bracing members, namely a lower brace member 13 and an upper brace member 14, and a seat supporting member 15.
- the brace members 13 and 14 of each side frame slope upwardly and back between the respective front corner 11 c of the bottom X-frame 11 and the upper end of the respective chair back member 12.
- the members 13 and 14 are interconnected by a knuckle joint 16.
- Each upper brace member 14 has an extension to provide a pair of handles 19 for pushing the chair, or for carrying it folded.
- Each seat support member 15 extends between the respective back corner 11 d of the X-frame 11, and the respective lower brace member 13, the member 15 being pivotally connected to the back corner 11 d.
- the member 15 is also connected to the member 13 by a pivot connection 15a located between the knuckle joint 16 and the pivot connections 17.
- the member 15 in each side frame thereby ensures that folding of each side frame and of the bottom X-frame 11 takes place simultaneously.
- Two pairs of locking struts 20 and 23, respectively connected by pivot pins 20a and 26, have their opposite ends pivotally connected to spaced portions of the back members 12 by pivot pins 20b and 25 and are interconnected by means of a guide link 24 to form a laterally collapsible bracing frame 60 consisting of two identical parallelogram linkages.
- Stop means are provided in the form of a slider 22, which is able to slide up and down guide link 24, and two supporting struts 21 which are pivotally connected to the slider 22 and to the pivots 20b to support the slider 22 relative to the back members 12 so that the two pairs of locking struts 20 and 23 are simultaneously movable into and out of an overcentre locking condition in which the frame members are held apart with the push-chair in its extended condition, as shown in Figure 1 and 2.
- a knob 20c can be provided on the pivot pin 20a for foot operation of the laterally collapsible bracing frame 60.
- Figure 4 shows the laterally collapsible bracing frame 60 in an extended condition, the slider 22 being adjacent to the locking struts 23.
- Figure 6 shows the laterally collapsible bracing frame 60 partially collapsed and the slider 22 spaced from the locking struts 23.
- An auxiliary pair of centre-locking or overcentre-locking struts 27 interpivotted at 27a is pivotally connected by its outer end to the upper brace members 14, between the handles 19 and the pivot connections 18, in order to stiffen and secure the upper part of the chair frame.
- the struts 27 are shown extended in Figure 4, for example, and partially folded in Figure 6.
- the front corners 11 c of the bottom X-frame 11 are tied by a flexible strap 28 which provides a footrest.
- the push-chair also includes a sheet of fabric which is supported by two seat side members 29a and by two back rest members 29b respectively connected to the seat side members 29a by means of pivot pins 30 and brackets 30a attached to the seat side members 29a.
- the back rest members 29b are thereby inclinable in a sense parallel to the side frames when the chair is in extended condition.
- the members 29b are primarily for stiffening and controlling reclining of a fabric seat back 31 of a fabric seat 32 extending between the seat support members 15 and fastened to the seat side members 29a, but also contribute to stiffening the chair frame in the side to side sense, particularly be resisting forces imposed in that sense by an infant seated in the chair.
- each seat side member 29a is pivotally connected to a respective seat supporting member 15 by means of six identical links 50, the rearmost four of which are attached to opposite sides of the rearmost end of the seat member 29a. It is thereby possible to swing the seat side members 29a between rearward and forward positions, respectively shown in Figures 1 and 2 in which they rest on the seat supporting members 15. This allows the seat side members 29a to be moved forwardly when the back rest members 29b are lowered, as shown in Figure 2, so that when the back rest members 29b are lowered, the centre of gravity of a child reclining on the fabric sheet supported by the seat members 29a and the back rest members 29b remains substantially midway between the front and rear wheels .10.
- the seat back rest members 29b are braced in the side to side sense by a second X-frame 70 which extends between the side frames.
- the second X-frame comprises a pair of intersecting members 33 having a pivot pin 34 about which to pivot relatively to one another.
- the lower ends of the second X-frame 70 are connected by pivots 35 at fixed locations on the back rest members 29b themselves.
- the second X-frame 70 also has a connection at its upper ends which allows these ends to pivot in relation to the members 29b, but this connection is indirect, being by means of a pair of seat back links 36.
- pivot pin 34 needs a slightly oversize hole in which to operate, because the pivot pin 34 moves perceptibly eccentrically in relation to the hole during folding and unfolding of the push-chair.
- Each link 36 is connected to a respective back rest member 29b by a first pivot pin 37 at the outer end of the link at an upper fixed location on the member 29b remote from the lower fixed location of pivot pin 35 on the same member.
- the links 36 are interconnected by a second pivot pin 38.
- Each of the upper ends of the second X-frame 70 is connected to a respective link 36 by a third pivot pin 39 between the first pivot pin 37 which supports the link 36 on the respective back rest member 29b, and the second pivot pin 38 which interconnects the links 36.
- Each link 36 is thus pivotally connected indirectly through the respective pivot pin 39 to the interconnection provided by the pivot pin 34.
- the interconnection provided by the pivot pin 34 locates the links 36 and is fixed in relation to each pivot pin 35 and each member 29b when the push-chair is sustained in an extended condition by the locking struts 20 and 23.
- the two links 36 are respectively formed with an optional extension 36a and 36b, as shown in Figure 5, which extend beyond the second pivot 38, the extensions 36a and 36b of each link overlapping the other link when the links 36 are in an extended condition, one of the link extensions 36a engaging in a gap 40 formed between the other link and the respective upper end of one of the members 33 of the second X-frame 70.
- the second pivot pin 38 which interconnects the links 36 is disposed above a horizontal line between each of the third pivot pins 39 so that, without manipulation, folding of the second X-frame 70 will accompany folding of the rest of the push-chair.
- the members 33 of the second X-frame 70 and the links 36 are preferably of stiff plastics strip so that they will fold compactly.
- the heads of the pivot pins 34, 35 and 37 to 39 can be seated in countersunk depressions.
- the upper ends of the back rest members 29b are tied to the chair back elements 12 by a pair of rigid links 41 (see Figure 9) which can be manipulated to sustain the members 29b in a forward position as in Figure 1 and in a reclined position as shown in Figure 2.
- the links 41 are arranged between and adjacent to the side frames.
- Each link 41 is formed at one end with a hole for receiving a first pivot pin 43 on respective member 29b and with a slot 44 which extends along the link 41 from the other end thereof.
- the slot 44 receives a second pivot pin 45 carried by a bracket 12a mounted on the respective member 12.
- One end of each pivot pin 45 is screw threaded and fitted with an internally screw threaded knob 45a.
- the knobs 45a are first loosened, to allow the links 41 to rotate about the pivot pins 45 and to allow the slots 44 to slide along the pivot pins 45.
- the seat side members 29a are then swung forward on the links 50 and, finally, the back rest members 29b are lowered and the knobs 45a are re-tightened.
- the reverse procedure may be adopted to return the push-chair to the arrangement shown in Figure 1. However, in this case, it is possible to return the seat side members 29a to their rear position before raising the back rest members 29b.
- the auxiliary strut pair 27 is unlocked with one hand, the knob 20c kicked up to unlock the lower strut pair 20 and, by consequential upward thrusting movement of the guide link 24 on pivot pin 26, to cause locking struts 23 to fold.
- Such movement of the guide link 24 is in relation to the slider 22 which disengages from the locking struts 23.
- the oblique struts 21 pivot on the slider 22 and on the back corners 11 b of the bottom X-frame 11 with consequential folding of the pair of oblique struts 21.
- the chair frame is unfolded by reversal of the above procedure and finally locked by the pairs of struts 20, 23 and 27.
- the chair back members 12 carry the rear pairs of wheels 10.
- the construction shown could be modified by extending the seat support members 15 rearwards beyond the back corners 11 d and mounting the rear pair of wheels 10 suitably on the rearward extensions of the members 15, the lower ends of the chair back members 12 would terminate at the back corners 11 d.
- the laterally collapsible bracing frame 60 comprises two pairs of locking struts 20 and 23, having their opposite ends pivotally connected to spaced portions of the back members 12 by pivot pins 20b and 25 and are interconnected by a frame of X-form formed by a pair of intersecting members 51 having a pivot pin 52 about which to pivot relatively to one another.
- the lower ends of the intersecting members 51 are connected by the pivot pins 20b to respective back members 12 adjacent the back corners 11 d of the X-frame 11.
- the upper ends of the intersecting members 51 are connected to respective struts 23 by pivot pins 55 located between the pivot pin 25 which supports the outer end of each strut 23 and the pivot pin 53 which interconnnects the struts 23.
- pivot pin 52 needs a slightly oversize hole in which to operate, because the pivot pin 52 moves perceptibly eccentrically in relation to the hole during folding and unfolding of the push-chair.
- the two struts 23 are respectively formed with an optional extension 23a and 23b as shown in Figure 11, which extend beyond the second pivot 53, the extensions 23a and 23b of each strut 23 overlapping the other strut 23 when the struts are in an extended condition, one of the strut extensions 23a lying in a gap 56 formed between the other strut and the respective upper end of one of the members 51 of the X-frame 60.
- the bracing frame 60 is provided with a knob 20c to facilitate foot operation.
- the push-chair shown in Figure 12 to 15 differs from that shown in Figures 1 to 9 in that the rigid links 41 are in the form shown in detail in Figure 14.
- Each link 41 is formed at one end with a hole 42 for receiving a first pivot pin 43 on the respective back rest member 29b and with an L-slot 44 which extends along the link 41 from the other end thereof.
- the slot 44 receives a second pivot pin 45 on the respective chair back member 12.
- the foot 58 of the slot 44 is located adjacent to the other end of the link 41 formed with the hole 42, and is directed upwardly so that the link 41 can pivot about the first pivot pin 43 and engage the second pivot pin 45 by the foot 58 of the slot 44.
- the back rest members 29b are thereby maintained in the forward position.
- the back rest members 29b are released for movement into the reclined position by pivoting each link 41 upwards individually by hand about the first pivot pin 43, thereby disengaging the foot 58 of the slot 44 from the pivot pin 45.
- the pivot pin 43 approaches and then passes underneath the pivot pin 45 as the back rest members 29b move from the forward position shown in Figure 12 to the reclined position shown in Figure 13, finally coming to rest when the pivot pins 43 and 45 become separated by the full extent allowed by the L-slot 44.
- the collapsible bracing frames 70 shown in Figure 4 and Figure 15 may be replaced by either of the bracing frames of X-form shown diagrammatically in Figures 16 and 17, to which the same reference numerals are applied to the bracing frame and links to indicate the correspondence.
- the seat back links 36' in Figures 16 and 17 are shorter that the seat back links 36 in Figures 4 or Figure 15, the links 36' merely connecting the pivots 37, 39'.
- the bracing frame 70 comprising intersecting members 33 located on pivot pin 34, has two upper ends and each of links 36' is connected to a respective upper end of the bracing frame by a pivot 39'.
- Figure 17 shows one pivot 39' tied to the corresponding pivot 39' at the upper end of the bracing frame 70 by an auxiliary pair of interpivotted links 46 extending between the ends of the bracing frame.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Chairs Characterized By Structure (AREA)
- Chairs For Special Purposes, Such As Reclining Chairs (AREA)
- Carriages For Children, Sleds, And Other Hand-Operated Vehicles (AREA)
Description
- Owen Finlay Maclaren has developed highly successful chairs which fold compactly in the back to front sense and simultaneously in the side to side sense of the chairs, of which the push chairs described in U.K. Patent Specification No. 1 154 362 are examples. The chairs illustrated in that specification are each braced in the lateral, namely side to side, sense of the chair frame, partly by two foldable X-frames. One of these X-frames constitutes a bottom frame of the chair frame whereas the other X-frame constitutes the back frame of the chair. The two X-frames are pivotally interconnected by connections at their adjacent corners and by upright side frames which flank the X-frames. The X-frames, when being folded, elongate in a sense away from their adjacent corners, but can be held in a laterally extended condition by interpivotted struts which themselves can be locked in an extended condition. These struts also contribute to bracing of the chair frame in the side to side sense. This mode of bracing is very satisfactory.
- A second known chair frame, which corresponds in essential particulars to the hereinbefore described chair frame with the notable exception of the X-frame which constitutes the back frame of the chair, comprises elongate rigid members which are interpivotted and foldable into a compact bundle of elements, the chair frame comprising a bottom X-frame which extends in a plane from back to front of the chair frame, in which plane the X-frame is foldable, an equal pair of side frames which extend in upright planes, each such side frame being pivotally interconnected with a respective front comer and a respective back corner of the bottom X-frame for pivoting and folding about the front and the back corners in a back to front sense, each such side frame comprising a chair back element which extends upwardly away from a respective back corner of the bottom X-frame, the chair back element of one such side frame being coplanar with the chair back element of the other such side frame, a pair of interpivotted bracing elements which slope upwardly and back between the respective front corner of the bottom X-frame and the upper end of the respective chair back element, the pair of bracing elements comprising a lower element and an upper element which are interconnected by a first pivot connection, there being a second pivot connection between the lower element and the respective front corner of the bottom X-frame, and a third pivot connection between the upper element and the upper end of the respective chair back element, the side frame further comprising a seat supporting element which extends between the respective back corner of the bottom X-frame to which back corner the seat supporting element is pivotally connected, and the lower bracing element to which the seat supporting element is connected by a pivot connection located between the first and second pivot connections, the seat supporting element in each side frame thereby ensuring that folding of each side frame and of the bottom X-frame take place simultaneously, the chair frame further comprising at the back thereof a pair of locking struts interconnected by a pivot and pivotally connected at opposite ends to the back corners of the bottom X-frame, the pair of struts when locked in an extended condition sustaining the chair frame in an extended condition, and an . equal pair of oblique struts for bracing the chair frame in the side to side sense, the oblique struts having an interconnection about which to pivot relatively to each other and being arranged to unfold to supply a bracing frame of X-form which extends between the chair back element in each side frame, the oblique struts having lower ends pivotally connected to the back of the chair frame at the back corners of the bottom X-frame, and having upper ends pivotally connected indirectly to the chair back elements, the interconnection between the oblique struts being located in a fixed position in relation to the back corners of the bottom X-frame when the locking pair of struts is locked in an extended condition, the oblique struts thereby being inclined in opposite senses to each other and oblique to each chair back element.
- The upper ends of the bracing X-frame cannot themselves be connected to pivot at fixed locations on the parallel chair back elements because the bracing X-frame, when being folded, must be allowed to elongate away from its lower ends at the back corners of the bottom X-frame, and this gives rise to the problem or reconciling the need to connect the upper ends of the bracing X-frame to the chair back elements and to permit elongation of the bracing frame during folding, with the desirability of optimum stiffening of the chair frame, in particular the chair back, in the side to side sense.
- In order to deal with this problem, it has been proposed that the bracing frame formed by unfolding the oblique struts should be of X-form, known per se, or of an X truncated to an inverted V-form, and the interconnection between the oblique struts locates a connection which comprises a pair of links, each such link being supported on a respective first pivot at one end of the link at a fixed location on a respective chair back element, the fixed location beng remote from the respective back corner of the bottom X-frame, and each such link being pivotally connected remote from the first pivot of the link, indirectly to the interconnection between the oblique struts.
- Furthermore the hereinbefore described second known chair frame also has a pair of equal seat back elements of rigid elongate form arranged between the side frames, each such seat back element having an upper end and a lower end, one such seat back element being pivoted by its lower end on one of the seat support elements, and the other such seat back element being pivoted by its lower end on the other seat support element, there being a second pair of oblique struts provided for bracing the seat back elements in the side to side sense when in an extended condition, the second pair of oblique struts having an interconnection about which to pivot relatively to each other and being arranged to unfold to supply a second bracing frame of X-form which extends between the side frames, the interconnection between the second pair of oblique struts being located in a fixed position in relation to the seat back elements when the chair frame is in an extended condition, the second pair of oblique struts thereby being located so that the struts thereof are inclined in opposite senses to each other and oblique to the seat back elements, the second bracing frame having upper ends with connections which allow pivoting of the upper ends of the second bracing frame in relation to the seat back elements, and having lower ends with fixed locations in which to pivot in relation to the side frames and to the seat back elements.
- A problem, similar to that described hereinbefore, exists, in stiffening the seat back elements of the chair frame in the side to side sense.
- However, in both the chair frames described above, the difficulty arises that the presence of the X-frame or other bracing frame prevents or seriously restricts the movement of the seat back rest from a forward position, suitable for a person sitting in the chair, towards a backward position, suitable for a person reclining in the chair.
- An object of this invention is to provide a foldable chair frame which alleviates the above- mentioned difficulty.
- According to the invention, there is provided a chair frame of elongate rigid members which are interpivoted and foldable into a compact bundle in which the rigid members extend substantially parallel to each other, the chair frame comprising two base members which are pivotally interconnected to form a laterally collapsible X-frame in which the opposite ends of. the two base members provide front and back corners of the X-frame; two back members which are disposed on copolanar axes and respectively extend upwardly from pivotal connections at the back corners of the X-frame; two lower brace members respectively pivoted, at their lower ends, to the front corners of the X-frame; two upper brace members respectively pivoted, at their upper ends, to the upper ends of the back members; two knuckle joints respectively connecting the two lower brace members to the two upper brace members so as to prevent folding of the back members towards the X-frame when the chair frame is extended with the lower brace members respectively extending substantially colinearly with the upper brace members and the front or rear corners of the X-frame are held apart, but to allow the knuckle joints to move towards the back corners of the X-frame, thus permitting folding of the back members towards the X-frame, when the back corners of the X-frame are allowed to move towards each other; two seat support members respectively pivoted to members constituting the chair frame at or adjacent the back corners of the X-frame and respectively pivoted to the lower brace members between the knuckle joints and the front corners of the X-frame; two upwardly extending back rest members, which are disposed on coplanar axes and form part of a laterally collapsible back rest, respectively supported on the two seat support members for pivotal movement so that the upper ends of the back rest members are movable between upper and lower positions; and strut means extending between the back members and forming therewith a laterally collapsible bracing frame which can be locked to hold the back corners of the X-frame apart, the bracing frame being located adjacent the X-frame so that the back rest members can be moved between their upper and lower positions without being obstructed by the collapsible bracing frame.
- Thus a chair frame constructed in accordance with the invention has the advantage that it can be designed to permit a considerable degree of movement of the back rest members from a forward position suitable for a person in a sitting position in the chair, to a backward position, suitable for a person reclining in the chair.
- The laterally collapsible bracing frame may comprise two substantially identical parallelogram linkages each formed by respective struts pivotally connected to respective back members and to a common member disposed parallel to the back members.
- The laterally collapsible bracing frame may also comprise two locking struts interconnected by a pivot and respectively pivotally connected at opposite ends to back members adjacent the back corners of the X-frame, two further strut members each such further strut member being supported on a respective first pivot at one end of the further strut member at a fixed location on a respective back member, the fixed location being remote from the respective back corner of the X-frame and each such further strut member being pivotally connected, remote from the first pivot of the further strut member, to the pivotal connection of the two locking struts by a common member which forms with a locking strut, a further strut member and a back member, a parallelogram linkage.
- The common member may form a guide for a slide arranged to limit movement of the parallelogram linkages. The slide may be pivotally connected to one end of two obliquely disposed supporting members having their other ends connected to back members adjacent respective back comers of the X-frame.
- The laterally collapsible bracing frame may comprise a frame of X-form having two upper ends pivotally connected to respective upper strut means pivotally connected to respective back members and two lower ends pivotally connected to respective lower strut means pivotally connected to the back members adjacent back corners of the X-frame.
- The upper strut means may be interconnected by a second pivot, and each of the upper ends of the frame of X-form connected to a respective upper strut means by a respective third pivot between the first pivot, which supports the outer end of each upper strut means on the respective back member, and the second pivot, which interconnects the upper strut means.
- Each of the upper strut means may have at an inner end thereof an extension beyond the second pivot, the extension of one such upper strut means overlapping the the other strut means when the upper strut means are in an extended condition, the extension of one such upper strut means lying within a gap formed between the other such strut means and the upper end of the frame of X-form connected to said other upper strut means. The second pivot which interconnects the upper strut means may be disposed above a horizontal line between each of the third pivots which interconnects the upper end of the frame of X-form and the inner ends of the upper struts means.
- The chair frame may be provided with two seat back links extending between the back rest members and forming therewith a second laterally collapsible bracing frame. The second laterally collapsible bracing frame may comprise a frame of X-form, having two upper ends connected to respective seat back links pivotally connected to respective back rest members and the two lower ends pivotally connected to respective back rest members.
- The two seat back links may be interconnected by a second pivot, and each of the upper ends of the frame of X-form may be connected to a respective seat back link by a respective third pivot between a first pivot which supports the outer end of each seat back link on the respective back rest member and the second pivot which interconnects the seat back links.
- Each of the seat back links may have at an inner end thereof an extension beyond the second pivot, the extension of one such seat back link overlapping the other seat back link when the seat back links are in the extended condition, the extension of one such back link lying within a gap formed between the other such seat back link and the upper end of the frame of the X-form connected to said other seat back link.
- The second pivot which interconnects the seat back links may be disposed above a horizontal line between each of the third pivots which interconnect the upper end of the frame of X-form and the inner ends of the seat back links.
- The chair frame may be provided with two adjustable securing devices respectively connecting the two back rest members respectively to the two back members so as to support the upper ends of the back rest members, at least when in their upper and lower positions.
- Each adjustable securing device may comprise a link pivotally connected at one end to a back rest member and formed with an elongate slot which extends along the link from the other end thereof and receives a pivot pin on the back member.
- The slot may be substantially L-shaped, with the foot of the L-slot located adjacent to said other end of the link and directed upwardly so that the link can pivot about the first pivot pin and engage the second pivot pin by the foot of the L-slot and thereby sustain the back rest member in the upper position.
- In one embodiment of the invention the back rest members have lower ends which are respectively pivoted to two seat side members which respectively overlie the two seat support members, and each seat side member is connected to the seat support member which it overlies by at least two equal length parallel links which, together with the seat side member and said support member, for a parallelogram linkage so that when the upper ends of the back rest members are in their lower position, the seat side members may be moved from a rearward position into a forward position.
- This embodiment of the invention has the advantage that it provides a foldaole chair in which there are means for supporting a person in either the sitting or reclining position without substantially moving the position of the centre of gravity of the person relative to the base of the chair frame.
- In a preferred embodiment of the invention the upper ends of the back rest members extend through the space between the two back members when supported by the adjustable securing devices in their lower positions, but are disposed in front of two back members when in their upper positions.
- In one convenient form of construction, each adjustable securing device consists of a link which, at one end, is pivotally connected to the upper end of one of the back rest members and formed with an elongate slot, extending from the other end, for receiving a screw threaded pin which is carried by a bracket mounted on the back member adjacent the back rest member and provided with an internally screw threaded knob for tightening and loosening on adjustment of the arrangement of the back rest.
- Examples of folding push-chair constructions embodying a frame according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
- Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views, partly from the side, of one push-chair construction embodying the invention, showing a seat back in forward and rearward reclined positions respectively;
- Figures 3 and 4 are front and rear views, respectively, of the push-chair in the condition shown in Figure 1;
- Figure 5 is an end view of part of the push-chair shown in Figure 1;
- Figure 6 is a perspective view of the push-chair, partly from the rear, showing the push-chair in a partly folded condition;
- Figures 7 and 8 are rear and side views, respectively, of the push-chair in its fully folded condition;
- Figure 9 is a side elevation of part of the push-chair;
- Figure 10 is a rear view similar to Figure 4, but showing a modified form of push-chair construction embodying the invention;
- Figure 11 is an end view of a part of the push-chair shown in Figure 10;
- Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views, partly from the side, of another push-chair construction embodying the invention, showing a seat back in forward and rearward reclined positions, respectively;
- Figure 14 is a side elevation of a part of the push-chair shown in Figures 12 and 13;
- Figure 15 is a rear view corresponding to Figure 12; and
- Figure 16 and 17 are diagrammatic representations of alternative bracing frames which may be applied to Figure 4 or Figure 15.
- Referring in the first instance to Figures 1 to 9 of the drawings, the folding push-chair is supported on
wheels 10 and is constructed of elongate rigid members which are interpivotted and foldable into a compact bundle. - The push-chair frame comprises a
bottom X-frame 11 which extends in a plane from back to front of the chair. Themembers 11a of theX-frame 11 are interconnected by acentral pivot pin 11 b and theframe 11 is foldable in the plane mentioned. - The chair further comprises a pair of identical side frames whose planes extend upwardly. The side frames are pivotally interconnected with respective
front corners 11 c and respective back corners 1 1 d of thebottom X-frame 11, for pivoting and folding about the front andback corners - Each of the side frames comprises a
chair back member 12 which extends upwardly away from aback corner 11 d,member 12 of one side frame being coplanar with themember 12 of the other side frame. Each side frame further comprises a pair of interpivotted bracing members, namely alower brace member 13 and anupper brace member 14, and aseat supporting member 15. - The
brace members front corner 11 c of thebottom X-frame 11 and the upper end of the respectivechair back member 12. Themembers knuckle joint 16. There is apivot connection 17 between thelower brace member 13 and the respectivefront corner 11c of theX-frame 11 and apivot connection 18 between theupper brace member 14 and the upper end of the respectivechair back member 12. Eachupper brace member 14 has an extension to provide a pair ofhandles 19 for pushing the chair, or for carrying it folded. - Each
seat support member 15 extends between therespective back corner 11 d of the X-frame 11, and the respectivelower brace member 13, themember 15 being pivotally connected to theback corner 11 d. Themember 15 is also connected to themember 13 by apivot connection 15a located between the knuckle joint 16 and thepivot connections 17. Themember 15 in each side frame thereby ensures that folding of each side frame and of thebottom X-frame 11 takes place simultaneously. - Two pairs of locking struts 20 and 23, respectively connected by
pivot pins back members 12 bypivot pins guide link 24 to form a laterally collapsible bracingframe 60 consisting of two identical parallelogram linkages. Stop means are provided in the form of aslider 22, which is able to slide up and downguide link 24, and two supportingstruts 21 which are pivotally connected to theslider 22 and to thepivots 20b to support theslider 22 relative to theback members 12 so that the two pairs of locking struts 20 and 23 are simultaneously movable into and out of an overcentre locking condition in which the frame members are held apart with the push-chair in its extended condition, as shown in Figure 1 and 2. For convenience, a knob 20c can be provided on thepivot pin 20a for foot operation of the laterally collapsible bracingframe 60. - Figure 4 shows the laterally collapsible bracing
frame 60 in an extended condition, theslider 22 being adjacent to the locking struts 23. Figure 6 shows the laterally collapsible bracingframe 60 partially collapsed and theslider 22 spaced from the locking struts 23. - An auxiliary pair of centre-locking or overcentre-locking
struts 27 interpivotted at 27a is pivotally connected by its outer end to theupper brace members 14, between thehandles 19 and thepivot connections 18, in order to stiffen and secure the upper part of the chair frame. Thestruts 27 are shown extended in Figure 4, for example, and partially folded in Figure 6. - The
front corners 11 c of the bottom X-frame 11 are tied by aflexible strap 28 which provides a footrest. - The push-chair also includes a sheet of fabric which is supported by two
seat side members 29a and by twoback rest members 29b respectively connected to theseat side members 29a by means of pivot pins 30 andbrackets 30a attached to theseat side members 29a. Theback rest members 29b are thereby inclinable in a sense parallel to the side frames when the chair is in extended condition. Themembers 29b are primarily for stiffening and controlling reclining of a fabric seat back 31 of afabric seat 32 extending between theseat support members 15 and fastened to theseat side members 29a, but also contribute to stiffening the chair frame in the side to side sense, particularly be resisting forces imposed in that sense by an infant seated in the chair. - As shown in Figures 1 and 2, each
seat side member 29a is pivotally connected to a respectiveseat supporting member 15 by means of sixidentical links 50, the rearmost four of which are attached to opposite sides of the rearmost end of theseat member 29a. It is thereby possible to swing theseat side members 29a between rearward and forward positions, respectively shown in Figures 1 and 2 in which they rest on theseat supporting members 15. This allows theseat side members 29a to be moved forwardly when theback rest members 29b are lowered, as shown in Figure 2, so that when theback rest members 29b are lowered, the centre of gravity of a child reclining on the fabric sheet supported by theseat members 29a and theback rest members 29b remains substantially midway between the front and rear wheels .10. - The seat back
rest members 29b (see Figure 4) are braced in the side to side sense by a second X-frame 70 which extends between the side frames. The second X-frame comprises a pair of intersectingmembers 33 having apivot pin 34 about which to pivot relatively to one another. The lower ends of the second X-frame 70 are connected bypivots 35 at fixed locations on theback rest members 29b themselves. The second X-frame 70 also has a connection at its upper ends which allows these ends to pivot in relation to themembers 29b, but this connection is indirect, being by means of a pair of seat back links 36. - In practice the
pivot pin 34 needs a slightly oversize hole in which to operate, because thepivot pin 34 moves perceptibly eccentrically in relation to the hole during folding and unfolding of the push-chair. - Each
link 36 is connected to a respectiveback rest member 29b by afirst pivot pin 37 at the outer end of the link at an upper fixed location on themember 29b remote from the lower fixed location ofpivot pin 35 on the same member. Thelinks 36 are interconnected by asecond pivot pin 38. Each of the upper ends of the second X-frame 70 is connected to arespective link 36 by athird pivot pin 39 between thefirst pivot pin 37 which supports thelink 36 on the respectiveback rest member 29b, and thesecond pivot pin 38 which interconnects thelinks 36. Eachlink 36 is thus pivotally connected indirectly through therespective pivot pin 39 to the interconnection provided by thepivot pin 34. The interconnection provided by thepivot pin 34 locates thelinks 36 and is fixed in relation to eachpivot pin 35 and eachmember 29b when the push-chair is sustained in an extended condition by the locking struts 20 and 23. - The two
links 36 are respectively formed with anoptional extension second pivot 38, theextensions links 36 are in an extended condition, one of thelink extensions 36a engaging in agap 40 formed between the other link and the respective upper end of one of themembers 33 of thesecond X-frame 70. - As can be seen in Figure 4, the
second pivot pin 38 which interconnects thelinks 36 is disposed above a horizontal line between each of the third pivot pins 39 so that, without manipulation, folding of the second X-frame 70 will accompany folding of the rest of the push-chair. - The
members 33 of the second X-frame 70 and thelinks 36 are preferably of stiff plastics strip so that they will fold compactly. The heads of the pivot pins 34, 35 and 37 to 39 can be seated in countersunk depressions. - The upper ends of the
back rest members 29b are tied to the chair backelements 12 by a pair of rigid links 41 (see Figure 9) which can be manipulated to sustain themembers 29b in a forward position as in Figure 1 and in a reclined position as shown in Figure 2. Thelinks 41 are arranged between and adjacent to the side frames. Eachlink 41 is formed at one end with a hole for receiving afirst pivot pin 43 onrespective member 29b and with aslot 44 which extends along thelink 41 from the other end thereof. Theslot 44 receives asecond pivot pin 45 carried by abracket 12a mounted on therespective member 12. One end of eachpivot pin 45 is screw threaded and fitted with an internally screw threadedknob 45a. - In order to convert the push-chair from the arrangement shown in Figure 1 to the arrangement shown in Figure 2, the
knobs 45a are first loosened, to allow thelinks 41 to rotate about the pivot pins 45 and to allow theslots 44 to slide along the pivot pins 45. Theseat side members 29a are then swung forward on thelinks 50 and, finally, theback rest members 29b are lowered and theknobs 45a are re-tightened. The reverse procedure may be adopted to return the push-chair to the arrangement shown in Figure 1. However, in this case, it is possible to return theseat side members 29a to their rear position before raising theback rest members 29b. - Assuming that the chair is initially as in Figure 1, in the extended condition, the
auxiliary strut pair 27 is unlocked with one hand, the knob 20c kicked up to unlock thelower strut pair 20 and, by consequential upward thrusting movement of theguide link 24 onpivot pin 26, to cause locking struts 23 to fold. Such movement of theguide link 24 is in relation to theslider 22 which disengages from the locking struts 23. Simultaneously with this disengagement of theslider 22, the oblique struts 21 pivot on theslider 22 and on theback corners 11 b of the bottom X-frame 11 with consequential folding of the pair of oblique struts 21. - Then, by swinging the
upper brace members 14 forward about theknuckle joints 16, folding of the other chair frame parts proceeds through the intermediate stage indicated by Figure 6, side to side folding of the X-frame 11 and forward folding of the side frames occurring simultaneously because of interconnections with theseat support members 15, to a final fully folded state indicated by Figures 7 and 8. - The chair frame is unfolded by reversal of the above procedure and finally locked by the pairs of
struts - It will be noted that, in Figures 1 to 8, the chair back
members 12 carry the rear pairs ofwheels 10. However, the construction shown could be modified by extending theseat support members 15 rearwards beyond theback corners 11 d and mounting the rear pair ofwheels 10 suitably on the rearward extensions of themembers 15, the lower ends of the chair backmembers 12 would terminate at theback corners 11 d. - Turning now to the modified construction shown in Figure 10, the laterally collapsible bracing
frame 60 comprises two pairs of locking struts 20 and 23, having their opposite ends pivotally connected to spaced portions of theback members 12 bypivot pins members 51 having apivot pin 52 about which to pivot relatively to one another. The lower ends of the intersectingmembers 51 are connected by the pivot pins 20b torespective back members 12 adjacent theback corners 11 d of the X-frame 11. The upper ends of the intersectingmembers 51 are connected torespective struts 23 bypivot pins 55 located between thepivot pin 25 which supports the outer end of eachstrut 23 and thepivot pin 53 which interconnnects thestruts 23. - In practice the
pivot pin 52 needs a slightly oversize hole in which to operate, because thepivot pin 52 moves perceptibly eccentrically in relation to the hole during folding and unfolding of the push-chair. - The two struts 23 are respectively formed with an
optional extension 23a and 23b as shown in Figure 11, which extend beyond thesecond pivot 53, theextensions 23a and 23b of eachstrut 23 overlapping theother strut 23 when the struts are in an extended condition, one of the strut extensions 23a lying in agap 56 formed between the other strut and the respective upper end of one of themembers 51 of the X-frame 60. As before the bracingframe 60 is provided with a knob 20c to facilitate foot operation. - The push-chair shown in Figure 12 to 15 differs from that shown in Figures 1 to 9 in that the
rigid links 41 are in the form shown in detail in Figure 14. Eachlink 41 is formed at one end with ahole 42 for receiving afirst pivot pin 43 on the respectiveback rest member 29b and with an L-slot 44 which extends along thelink 41 from the other end thereof. Theslot 44 receives asecond pivot pin 45 on the respective chair backmember 12. Thefoot 58 of theslot 44 is located adjacent to the other end of thelink 41 formed with thehole 42, and is directed upwardly so that thelink 41 can pivot about thefirst pivot pin 43 and engage thesecond pivot pin 45 by thefoot 58 of theslot 44. Theback rest members 29b are thereby maintained in the forward position. - The
back rest members 29b are released for movement into the reclined position by pivoting eachlink 41 upwards individually by hand about thefirst pivot pin 43, thereby disengaging thefoot 58 of theslot 44 from thepivot pin 45. As each back rest member-29b leans back from the vertical position, with each link continuing the pivoting movement started by hand, thepivot pin 43 approaches and then passes underneath thepivot pin 45 as theback rest members 29b move from the forward position shown in Figure 12 to the reclined position shown in Figure 13, finally coming to rest when the pivot pins 43 and 45 become separated by the full extent allowed by the L-slot 44. - The
back rest members 29b are restored to forward position merely by hand pressure on the seat back, each link 41 reversing its own pivoting movement as theback rest members 29b pivoted forwardly until finally thepivot pin 45 engages thefoot 58 of theslot 44. - The collapsible bracing
frames 70 shown in Figure 4 and Figure 15 may be replaced by either of the bracing frames of X-form shown diagrammatically in Figures 16 and 17, to which the same reference numerals are applied to the bracing frame and links to indicate the correspondence. However, the seat back links 36' in Figures 16 and 17 are shorter that the seat back links 36 in Figures 4 or Figure 15, the links 36' merely connecting thepivots 37, 39'. Thus, in Figure 16, the bracingframe 70, comprising intersectingmembers 33 located onpivot pin 34, has two upper ends and each of links 36' is connected to a respective upper end of the bracing frame by a pivot 39'. - Figure 17 shows one pivot 39' tied to the corresponding pivot 39' at the upper end of the bracing
frame 70 by an auxiliary pair ofinterpivotted links 46 extending between the ends of the bracing frame. - The locking struts 20 and
auxiliary struts 27 are retained in the chair back in any of the modifications above described. - Although reference numerals have been used in the appended claims to improve the intelligibility of these claims, it is expressly stated that these reference numerals should not be construed as limiting the claims to the constructions illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Claims (12)
characterised in that:
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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GB2859977 | 1977-07-07 | ||
GB2859977 | 1977-07-07 | ||
GB3590277 | 1977-08-26 | ||
GB3590277 | 1977-08-26 | ||
GB642478 | 1978-02-17 | ||
GB642478 | 1978-02-17 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0000437A1 EP0000437A1 (en) | 1979-01-24 |
EP0000437B1 true EP0000437B1 (en) | 1981-10-07 |
EP0000437B2 EP0000437B2 (en) | 1988-06-29 |
Family
ID=27254832
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP78300125A Expired EP0000437B2 (en) | 1977-07-07 | 1978-07-06 | Foldable chair frame |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US4232897A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0000437B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JPS5433449A (en) |
CA (1) | CA1115635A (en) |
DE (1) | DE2861131D1 (en) |
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CN103027517A (en) * | 2012-12-11 | 2013-04-10 | 陈锋光 | Multifunctional car seat |
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JPS54126361U (en) * | 1978-02-23 | 1979-09-03 | ||
JPS54159550U (en) * | 1978-04-27 | 1979-11-07 | ||
JPS5546100U (en) * | 1978-09-19 | 1980-03-26 | ||
FR2472499A1 (en) * | 1979-10-02 | 1981-07-03 | Baby Relax | INCLINABLE SUPPORT IMPROVES IN PARTICULAR FOR CHILDREN'S CAR |
IT1124602B (en) * | 1979-10-10 | 1986-05-07 | Perego Pines Spa | IMPROVEMENTS FOR "STROLLERS" FOR CHILDREN, OF A TYPE THAT CAN BE CONTRACTABLE IN WIDTH AND TRANSPORTABLE WITH AN ARM OF AN UMBRELLA, AND THE RELEVANT IMPROVED STROLLER |
JPS5832067B2 (en) * | 1980-04-11 | 1983-07-11 | アップリカ葛西株式会社 | baby carriage hammock |
US4343482A (en) * | 1980-03-04 | 1982-08-10 | Wegner Dieter F | Wheelchair |
US4386790A (en) * | 1980-03-10 | 1983-06-07 | Kassai Kabushikikaisha | Baby carriage |
GB2092626B (en) * | 1981-05-05 | 1984-08-30 | Todo Seisakusho Ltd | A full automatic leasing machine for a warp beam containing warps of different colours |
JPS59501782A (en) * | 1982-09-23 | 1984-10-25 | アンドル−ス マツクラ−レン リミテツド | folding chair frame |
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USD902617S1 (en) | 2019-01-14 | 2020-11-24 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Portable chair |
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-
1978
- 1978-07-06 CA CA306,901A patent/CA1115635A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-07-06 EP EP78300125A patent/EP0000437B2/en not_active Expired
- 1978-07-06 DE DE7878300125T patent/DE2861131D1/en not_active Expired
- 1978-07-06 US US05/922,439 patent/US4232897A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1978-07-07 JP JP8282778A patent/JPS5433449A/en active Pending
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN103027517A (en) * | 2012-12-11 | 2013-04-10 | 陈锋光 | Multifunctional car seat |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0000437A1 (en) | 1979-01-24 |
CA1115635A (en) | 1982-01-05 |
DE2861131D1 (en) | 1981-12-17 |
US4232897A (en) | 1980-11-11 |
JPS5433449A (en) | 1979-03-12 |
EP0000437B2 (en) | 1988-06-29 |
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