GB2063063A - Chairs and settees - Google Patents

Abstract

A chair or settee is convertible into and out of a number of configurations in order to enable the user to sit or recline or lie out flat. The chair/settee has a back 13, pivoted at P5 which is supported, in each of its alternative positions, by toggle levers T1, T2. The rake of the back may be adjustable. The chair including a foot-rest, may be foldable. The seat may be adjustable in position and attitude. The toggle levers may have a self-locking over centre action. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Chairs and settees The invention relates to chairs and settees.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a chair or settee (whose frame is made pricipally of wood or made principally of metal tubes) which can be used to sit in in a conventionally upright position orto recline in.

A subsidiary object of the present invention is to provide a chair or settee as described in the preceding paragraph and which is further convertible into a piece of furniture upon which the user can lie completely flat.

Accordingly the present invention consists in a chair or settee comprising a seat and a back which is arranged for pivotal movements, relatively to the seat, from a first back position to a second back position, and vice versa, under the control of a toggle device which supports said back in each of said positions.

Said chair or settee according to the invention can take many forms which are defined in the several appended Claims.

Said toggle device is provided by a system of levers which, in a past-the-centre position, mean that the back is locked in an upright position, and which can be moved into a lock-released position to provide physical or mechanical support of said back by virtue of contact of a part of said lever system with the ground.

In one embodiment, given by way of example, said chair or settee includes two side frame members connected to one another by at least two transverse members to form a rigid seat frame; front legs and rear legs attached to said rigid seat frame; the back having side elements secured to one another by at least one cross member to form a rigid back frame; corresponding ends of the side elements being pivotally connected to the side frame members; the toggle device comprising at least two levers, one end of one of said levers being pivotally connected to one end of the other lever, the free end of said one lever being pivotally connected to the appropriate one of said transverse members and the free end of said other lever being pivotally connected to the side elements.

Said one embodiment may be modified to include a leg-rest frame which is pivotally mounted at the front end of the seat frame. Said leg-rest frame may include hinged legs which, in use of the leg-rest, are unfolded to support that end of the leg-rest which is not pivotally connected to the seat frame.

In another embodiment, also given by way of example, said chair or settee includes two side frame members connected to one another by at least two transverse members to form a rigid frame; front legs secured to said rigid frame and rear legs pivotally mounted on the respective side frame members; the back having side elements secured to one another by at least one cross member to form a rigid back frame; corresponding ends of the side elements being pivotally connected to the side frame members; and a seat frame supported by said rigid frame with freedom for pivotal movements and forward/backwards movements relatively to said rigid frame and to said rigid back frame.In said other embodiment, the toggle device preferably comprises at least two levers, one end of one of said levers being pivotally connected to one end of the other lever, the free end of said one lever being pivotally connected to the appropriate one of said transverse members and the free end of said other lever being pivotally connected to the side elements.

In one particularly expedient version of said other embodiment, said rear legs are pivotally connected at their upper ends to arm rests which are in turn pivotally connected to corresponding locations on levers which are connected directly or indirectly to the front end of the rigid frame, said levers incorporating means operable to swing a a leg-rest upwardly into position about a pivot axis. Said pivot axis is preferably carried by the front end of the seat frame referred to in the preceding paragraph.

Moreover, in said one particularly expedient version, the seat frame may occupy a first position in which the front part of the seat frame positively engages the front part of said rigid frame and is supported by said front part of the rigid frame at a first height above the ground, and may be moved to a second position thereof in which the front part of the seat frame no longer engages the front part of the rigid frame but is still supported by said front part of the rigid frame at a second height above the ground, the first height being greater than the second height, movement of said seat frame from the first position to the second position thereof being effected by pivoting the seat frame upwardly about its pivot out of its first position and by pulling the seat frame forwardly and by lowering the seat frame into its second position.

In one generally preferred embodiment of a chair or settee according to the present invention, the interconnected rigid frame, seat frame, back frame and leg-rest are capable of adjustment relatively to one another to give the following configurations: (1) back frame upright (e.g. at 67"to the horizontal), seat frame at conventional slope (e.g. 60two the horizontal), leg-rest folded away so as to be ineffective; (2) same as (1 ) with leg-rest folded out manually by the user so as to be effective to support the legs of a user; (3) similarto (2) but with the seat frame horizontal;; (4) pivotally mounted rear legs swung through an angle (e.g. 117 ) so as to lie nearthe ground, whereby the back frame becomes positioned at a complementary angle (e.g. 22" to the horizontal) and the leg-rest is automatically lifted by the chair/settee mechanism into a leg-supporting attitude, rear of rigid frame resting on the ground; (5) similar to (4) but with the back frame lowered, but still supported by the toggle device, as a result of appropriate operation of the toggle device, into another position which gives a second reclining angle thereof (e.g. 13"to the horizontal); (6) similar to (4) but with the front edge of the seat frame lowered so as to position said seat frame at a reduced angle (e.g. 17"to the horizontel);; (7) similar to (5) but with the front erjge of the seat frarne lowered jo as to position said seat frame at a reduced angle (e.g. 17"to the horizontal); (8) back frame horizontal, seat frame horizontal, leg-rest horizontal, the rear legs of the chair/settee being in their positions in which they are respec tively at say 630 to the horizontal and in which that angle of inclination is towards the front of the chair/settee.

The present invention will now be more particu larly described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure lisa section taken on the median plane of a chair according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a series of very diagrammatic representations illustrating the various configurations (sitting, reclining, lying down, folded up for storage or carriage) which can be obtained with the chair of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side elevation of a tubular metal chair according to the present invention; Figure 4 represents, in two views, additional different positions obtainable by the modification of the embodiment of Figure 3 by the ability to move pivot points; Figure 5 illustrates other configurations obtainable with modifications similar to those illustrated in Figure 4;; Figure 6 is a section on the median line of another embodiment of a chair made of tubular material; Figure 7 is a series of diagrammatic representations, similar to Figure 2, illustrating the various configurations which can be obtained with the chair of Figure 6; Figure 8 illustrates the toggle (past the centre) locking arrangement of the backrest of the chair in Figure 6, and the manner in which the lever mechanism is operated to release the lock; Figure 9 illustrates another alternative embodiment of chair made of tubular material; Figure 10 illustrates a part of the chair of Figure 9; Figures 11 and 12 illustrate yet further embodiments of chair made of tubular material; and Figure 13 illustrates, in detail view, an adjustable headrest feature as applied to a chair of tubular material.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, as the section line is taken on the median plane of the chair, one of many of the pairs of constituent parts of the chair has been omitted but reference will still be made to two parts if such exist. Thus, there is illustrated a chair which comprises two side frame members 10 which are connected to one another by transverse member!,!; andb to form a rigid frame; members andb may be of tubular metallic form. Attached to the member h is a pair of arms 11, each arm being disposed close to a respective one of the members 10 and supporting one end of a pivot rod or tube P5 whose other end is connected to the respective member 10.Said pivot P5 constitutes the pivot axis for a pivotal back frame 12 which comprises parallel side elements 13 which are secured to one another by two cross members 14 to form a rigid back frame. Front legs f are firmly secured to the members 10 ofthe rigid frame near one end of said frame and rear legs 15 are pivotally mounted at P4 on the members 10, P4 being constituted by a rod or tube extending from one member 10 to the other. Said pivot rod or tube P4 has firmly secured thereto two projecting stop lugs C which, as drawn and for a purpose hereinafter described, are in contact with the member.

The back frame is held in the attitude thereof which is illustrated by a toggle device which consists of horizontally spaced pairs of levers which are pivotally connected to one another and to the respective elements 13 and to the pivot rod or tube P4. Thus, there are two upper toggle levers T1 and two lowertoggle levers T2, the respective levers T1, T2 at the two sides of the chair (namely, adjacent to the respective elements 13) being pivotally connected to one another; in fact, the pivot of each pair of levers is provided by the end portions of a slightly curved rod m which extends transversely of the chair. The free ends of the levers T1 are pivotally connected at P6 to the respective elements 13 and the free ends of the levers T2 are connected to the pivot P4 with freedom to move about its axis.The free ends of the rod m project beyond the levers T1, T2 and said projecting free ends are accommodated (in the chair attitude illustrated) in suitable formed open-ended notches in the respective members 13.

Thus, the back of the chair is firmly supported without possibility of unintended collapse. If it is desired to allow the back to move in an arc about the common axis of the pivot rods or tubes P5 which extend through the corresponding ends of the respective elements 13, it is simply necessary to pull the rod m in the direction indicated by the arrow 16, thereby withdrawing the projecting ends of said rod m from the open-ended notches, and to lower the back until those ends of the respective levers T1, T2 which are pivotally connected to one another by the rod m make contact with the ground. In that attitude (namely, with the back horizontal), the back is still supported by the toggle levers.

The upper toggle levers T1 are connected to one another rigidly by cross members 17 and the toggle levers T2 are connected to one another rigidly by cross members 18.

A seat frame comprises side piecesg connected to one another to form a rigid frame. To the rear end of the seat frame are connected respective straps 20 defining an elongate slot 21 in which is situated the transverse member!;. The ends of the front one of the two cross pieces sit (as illustrated) in slots therefor in the front ends of the respective members 10. The seat frame can be lifted by its front end and will pivot about the member!;, said lifting removing the said ends of the front cross piece g out of the slots. Then, the seat frame can be pulled forwardly (i.e. to the left as viewed in Figure 1) until the memberh is in contact with that part of each strap 20 which marks the other end of the slot 21. Then, the front end of the seat frame is lowered to bring said seat frame into its horizontal attitude, a slot 22 being formed appropriately in the underside of each side piece 19 (and a matching pair of slots being formed in the upper side of the transverse memberi, if necessary) to ensure said horizontality.

Pivotally connected to the front end of the seat frame is a leg-rest. The leg-rest comprises side pieces 23 which are pivoted at 24 to the respective side pieces 19 and pivotally connected to the side pieces 23 at 25 are two legs 26 which are connected secured to one another by cross braces 27. The leg rest is swung into its operative (leg-supporting) position by swinging the side pieces in a clockwise direction about the pivot 24 into a substantially horizontal attitude and thereafter swinging the legs 26 in a clockwise direction about the pivot 25 as far as stops J will allow. The pivots 24,25 are preferably rods or tubes.

A sub-frame is provided for the automatic raising of the leg-rest under certain circumstances. Said sub-frame consists of two levers d each pivotally connected to the respective front leg fat P1. The lower ends of the horizontally spaced levers d are connected to one another rigidly by a brace e and the upper ends of said levers d are pivotally connected at P2 to respective chair arm-rests 28 which are also pivotally connected to the upper ends of the rear legs 15 at P3. At least one of the arm-rests 28 carries a retractable stop device a which, in the illustrated positions of the relevant parts, lodges behind the upper end of the or each leg 15; this stop device prevents accidental pivotal movement of the leg 15 about its axis of rotation P4.When the rear legs 15 are swung about their pivot axis P4 in a clockwise direction through an angle of, for example, 1170, the stop lugs c move angularly, clockwise, away from the transverse memberb, and the arm-rests are moved from left to right (in Figure 1) and consequently the levers dare swung about their pivot P1 in a clockwise direction, thereby causing the brace e to lift the leg-rest. The rear legs 15 have to be swung through the whole angle of 117 so as to bring them from one stable attitude thereof to the other in which the edges orfaces 29 of the members 10 are in contact with the ground.

In the position in which the ends of the front cross pieceg are in their slots in the side members 10, the seat frame is firmly engaged with the rigid frame constituted by the members 10, i, h and 6.

A releasable catch / may be provided to hold the rod m securely in its illustrated position; this will prevent accidental operation of the toggle device by a very young child.

Springs may be provided at various places to assist the adjustment of the chair to its various configurations. Thus, for example, a spring may be connected between the rear cross pieceg and the brace e; and a spring or springs could be provided at one or more places to ensure that the toggle levers T1, T2 stay in the positions intended for them.

Releasable catchesk are provided to facilitate disconnection of the respective end of the toggle levers T2 from the pivot P4; this has to be done when folding the chair as flat as possible for storage or carrying or sending to a customer by way of a freight carrier.

The rigid frame constituted by the members 10, i, h and!; and the seat frame need not be movable relatively to one another; in a simple embodiment of the invention, these frames could be secured firmly to one another or in some way coalesced in order to save materials. In such a case, however, the chair/settee would still have an adjustable back and a leg-rest.

Cushions supported by suitable webbing (tensioned rubber type or any other type) complete the chair or settee.

The front legs could be collapsible in order to facilitate smaller dimensions of the completely collapsed or folded chair/settee. Thus, the legs fcould be hinged at convenient points along their lengths so as to enable portions of them to be folded inwardly under the member!. This would, however, necessitate a collapsible brace of some kind which will keep the legs f stiff when the chair/settee is in use.

The chair may be made of tubular metal (e.g.

aluminium) instead of wood which is visualised for the version described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2. One embodiment of a tubular metal chair is illustrated in Figure 3 in which the underlying principles are the same. In this case, the front legs of the chair could fold in a fore-and-aft direction so as to lie parallel to the median plane of the chair. In Figure 3, the same reference numerals have been used to indicate parts which correspond to identical or similar parts in Figure 1. The breakable support struts 40 of well-known kind can be used to permit the front leg unit to be folded rearwardly when it is desired to fold the chair flat. Moreover, P6 of the toggle levers T1 is able to slide along a channel created by straps 41; this enables the chair to be folded flat without temporary discon nection of the toggle arm T2 from P4 being necessary.

It is not necessary for there to be more than two toggle levers but I have preferred to use horizontally spaced pairs. Likewise, even horizontally spaced pairs need not be used; they could be replaced by any convenient combination of levers to give the desired and necessary toggle effect.

As an alternative to the chair/settee being supported on the surfaces 29 of the members 10 when the rear legs have been rotated through said angle of 117 , the chair/settee could be supported on the edge surfaces 30 of the rear legs 15 when said legs have been so rotated. Such configuration would not, it is submitted, be as stable as the configuration employing the surfaces 29 but with further experiment it might be possible to achieve satisfactory stability.

It should be pointed out that the rotation of the rear legs 15 about P4through said angle of 1170 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 1 lowers the arm-rests 28 and moves them rearwardly; this is important because lowered arms increase the comfort of the user of the chair/settee in any of its "recline" configurations and because rearwardly moved and lowered arms make it easierforthe user to get into and out of the chair/settee in its "recline" configurations.

In the various versions of the chair/settee according to the invention it would be possible for the user to alter the pivot point P6, for example, by mounting it in short levers which are themselves pivotally connected to the respective side elements 13 and which are adjustable from one position to another. By means of the short lever, it would be possible, for example, to move the position of the pivot point P6 six inches if the effective length of the short lever were to be three inches. Of course, it would be desir able to provide means forfixing each short lever in its new position to which it would be swung about its own pivot. The mounting of pivots P6 in short levers, results in the backrest arriving at the approximate positions illustrated in Figure 4, when short levers T3 are moved about pivots P7.The general form of the chair illustrated in Figure 4 is similar to that of Figure 3 in which only the after end of the side members 10 and relevant parts are illustrated for clarity and in which straps 41 enabling pivots P6 to slide have been removed.

The short levers T3 are connected by a transverse rod/tube, the outer ends of which form the pivots P6, being free to rotate in the free ends of levers Ti. The extreme outer ends of this rod/tube are in contact with the 'stops' secured to elements 13, in the two positions obtained, and limit the amount of rotation of T3 about pivots P7. That portion of rod/tube transversely placed between levers T3, form the operating handle, which is pulled by the user away from the respective stops, secured to element 13, and moved in an arc from one position to the other as arrowed, enabling variations of positions 1 to 2 and 3 to 4, and vice versa.

Another function of using short levers T3 is illustrated in Figure 5 which is in similar form to Figure 4.

Again the levers T3 are pivotally connected to levers T1 and P6 in similar manner, but in this version levers T3 swing about pivots P7 which are secured lower down elements 13 when viewed in the substantially upright position of the backrest. In this position 1, levers T3 are in tension with the forces exerted on them by the weight of the user and/or backrest of the chair and the extreme ends of transverse rod/tube forming P6 are held formly against the stops secured to side elements 13. If the backrest is required to be folded forward about its pivots P5, the user moves the backrest forward as arrow, whereupon short levers T3 will rotate to allow the backrest forward movement without physical disconnection of any pivots within the toggle device, resulting in folded position 2.Position 3 is achieved as in the various forms of toggle device by operating rodltubem.

It is possible by having levers T1, T2 and T3 of suitable lengths to achieve a fourth position approximately that of Figure 4, position 4 by swinging T3 levers about their pivots P7 by manual operation of rod/tube forming P6 in similarfashion.

Short levers T3 could be extended beyond their pivots P6 to form a stop preventing the angle between levers T3 and T1 reaching 1 80C for instance, enabling the backrest to be returned from folded forward 2 to normal 1 positions without operating rod/tu be forming pivots P6. This would also prevent the swinging of levers T3 about their pivots P7 to achieve a fourth position, as previously described, should it be undesirable.

In the various forms of toggle device incorporating short levers T3: Said levers could be spaced by more than one transert;e member which could also form its pivot pins or indeed have no transverse member at all being simply one or more levers in any of its forms, connected by their respective pivots P6 and P7 to levers Ti and 13 respectively. As in the various forms oftoggle device its operation remains similar by pulling roditubem to move backrest from normal to a substantially horizontal position for instance.

It would be desirable for suitable means to be provided to hold pivots P6 in their various positions towards elements 13. This could be achieved for instance, by fitting tension spring(s) to the sides of levers T1 and T3 so as to connect them at suitable points near pivots P6.

A simpler embodiment of a tubular metal chair is illustrated in Figure 6. A single main tube 42, is shaped to form one front leg, one arm rest, transverse member, other arm rest and other front leg, when views from end to end of said tube. A transverse tube 43 is secured at its ends across the upper front legs region of main tube 42 to form a support for the seat frame 44 towards the front end of 44. The seat frame 44 consists of a single tube shaped to a closed loop of roughly rectangularform, the afterend of which slopes downwards (when viewed from side of chair) to form an inclined plane.This inclined section at after-end of seat frame rests on a transverse rod/tube 45 which is itself secured to main tube 42 at each side of chain The seat frame 44 also has an additional rod/tube above each inclined plane section firmly attached, which maintains a level surface 46 for upholstery webbing attachment. Below the inclined plane section are attached two prongs 47, one at each side, which hold seat frame 44 onto transverse rod/tube 45 and limit the forward movement of said seat frame, but which will allow seat frame to be removed from rod/tube 45 when seat frame is pushed rearwards to its full extend by means of the open ends of the aforementioned prongs, which consist of flat section leaf spring type elements.Towards the front of the seat frame 44, on the undersides of each of the side sections of said frame, are two notches 48 & 49 which locate over transverse tube 43 (the number of notches could, of course, be increased). On the front transverse section of the seat frame are two pivots which locate a legrest frame made from a single tube to form a rectangular closed loop 23, and folding legs 26. Said legs 26 consist of a tube of roughly letter 'U' configuration in which the base has been flattened and lengthened somewhat, hereafter referred to as a U tube. The legs are pivotally connected to the outer transverse section of the leg rest frame 23, and all of said parts are suitable shaped to enable both legs and legrest to fold away under seat frame when not required.

The legrest and its legs could be spring assisted to hold them in their folded positions, for example, by tension springs attached to legrest frame 23 and seat frame 44 for the former end at 26 and 23 side sections near their pivotal connections, for the latter.

The rear legs 50 are formed by a tube of roughly 'U' configuration as previously explained, which has its base section transversely placed across the chain Said legs are pivoted at their upper ends, at P9, to main tube 42, being prevented from anticlockwise rotation, as viewed in Figure 6, by contact with after transverse section of main tube 42, or by suitable 'stops' fitted to 42, or legs 50 or both. Legs 50 are free to rotate in the opposite (clockwise) direction when catch 51, if fitted, of suitable spring-loaded type is released. Alternatively, the legs 50 could be held against clockwise rotation by springs suitably placed which the user would easily overcome, but which would be sufficient to hold legs 50 in their normal position.A backrest frame consists of an inverted U tube with side elements 13, their lower ends being pivotally connected at P5 and also held transversely spaced, prevented from moving towards each other under the forces exerted by tensioned webbing by suitable heads or shoulders on the pivot pins. This completes the basic structure.

The pivots P5 are to each side sections of main tube 42. The backrest frame with side elements 13 are held in their various positions, as in the various forms of chair/settee, under the action of a toggle device. The toggle device consists of a tube of 'U' configuration whose limbs form the levers T1 and the base or transverse part of the U forms an operating handle 52, which in the second position(s) of the toggle device rests on the floor. The levers T1 of above form are also bent outwards slightly (as viewed in Figure 6) at a point at or near their pivots P8 connecting them to levers T2. The free ends of the levers T1 are pivotally connected at P6 to side elements 13. Levers T2 consist of two horizontally spaced tubes which are pivotally connected at P4 to lugs attached to transverse section of main tube 42.

Suitable suspension, for example tensioned rubber webbing is secured transversely or otherwise across the chair on the backrest, seat frame, and legrest frame side elements. Upon this is secured or supported suitably shaped cushioning/upholstery.

Upholstered arm rests could be attached to the appropriate parts of the main tube 42 to complete the chair.

Wherever a U shaped tube has been referred to, especially within the toggle device, the same basic form could comprise for example, two tubes having a transverse tube connecting them at, or towards the adjacent ends of the two tubes. In the various forms of toggle device according to the invention, although the levers T1 and handle 52 are formed from a single U tube, they could have added to them one or more transverse members as also could the horizontally spaced tube forming levers T2. The reverse form could also be used, in that T1 levers are formed as described for levers T2 and levers T2 as described for T1. Similarly, levers T1 and levers T2 could be made in the various tube forms as described, or levers T1 and levers T2 could be formed from horizontally spaced tubes as described.Pivots P8 could be formed from, for example, a single transverse rod or tube, which could constitute the operating handle, dispersing with the transverse handle 52 in thevari- ous forms of toggle device. In fact in all the forms of the toggle device described levers T2 and/or levers T1 can be extended beyond their pivots atm ore8.

All the forms of toggle device described could be applied to a chair or settee, of course, and not just to the simpler embodiment of a tubular metal chair as described.

Referring now to Figure 7, this illustrates the main positions, and sequence of operations of the simpler embodiment of a tubular chair as described. The angles of legrest, seat, and backrest are approxi mately similar to those of other versions of the chair/settee.

The legrest is swung into position manually and the legrest legs are lowered likewise. In order to recline the chair the rear legs are rotated, after release of the catch, thereby lowering the after end of the chair which comes to rest on the transverse section of the main tube (see RECLINE). By operation of the levers which comprise the toggle device, from 1 st to 2nd position, the handle section of the T1 toggle lever comes to rest on the floor as illustrated in LOW RECLINE. By grasping the front of the seat and lifting the seat frame notches 48 off the transverse tube and then pulling the seat forwards and then engaging notches 49 onto transverse tube, it can be seen that the after end of the seat frame will rise on the inclined plane formed by the after end of the seat frame, resting as it does on transverse rod/tube 45.

The forward position of seat/legrest will be approximately as illustrated, in which the seat cushioned area available has lengthened, measured from front of seat to backrest cushion, and flattened slightly compared with its former position. From this LOW RECLINE position it would be possible to lift the after end of the chair, whilst rotating the rear legs anticlockwise until the spring catch secures the rear legs back in their normal position, to achieve the BED position. However, from the illustrations in Figure 7 and description, it can be seen how each position is achieved in a logical sequence. The positions have been shown in a very diagrammatic form to show the basic principles involved.

In order to fold the chair into a fairly compact form for transporting, storage, etc., it could be necessary for instance to remove the seat frame, complete with legrest and leg rest legs attached, from the chair by pushing the seat frame fully rearwards and lifting off the aforementioned transverse rod/tube 45 which will pass through the open ends of the prongs 47 enabling the seat frame to be lifted out of the chair and possibly stowed underneath (see SEAT/LEG REST REMOVED). In order to fold the backrest forward it would be necessary to remove pivot pins, for instance at P4, thus releasing the toggle levers T2 at their free ends and enabling forward movement of the backrest (see FOLD in Figure 7).

The principles of operation described could equally be applied to a chair/settee with non-rotating rear legs in which the rear legs are fixed, being formed for example, by continuing the main tube downwards (at the after end of the chair/settee) so that the transverse section of said tube rests on the floor. The rotating rear legs of U configuration having been dispensed with, a chair/settee results in which all but the RECLINE and LOW RECLINE positions illustrated could be achieved, i.e. a bedchair/settee with further positions available.

In a particularly simple embodiment of the tubular chair/settee the seat frame could be fixed securely to the side sections of the main tube to form for exam ple, with fixed rear legs, a bed-chair/settee or an embodiment in which the rear legs can be rotated as previously described, but no variation in seat frame angle can be achieved relative to the main tube. In all the embodiments of the chair except a particularly simple embodiment, the seat frame may not have the inclined plane section of the seat frame which is such that pulling the seat frame forwards results in a lengthening of the seat/seat cushion but does not result in any change in angle between the seat and/or seat frame and the floor.

In all the embodiments described above, it would of course be possible to dispense with the legrest altogether and if required an entirely separate legrest, of footstool type for instance, could be used.

The toggle device in all forms of the invention may include a self-locking feature in which the toggle device cannot be moved from its first position without firstly moving the backrest of the chair/settee slightly forwardly. Figure 8 shows the after end of a chair of similar form to that illustrated in Figure 6, in which the seat frame etc. have been omitted. The locked position is labelled 1 in Figure 8. In order to achieve this locking facility, the pivots connecting toggle levers T1 and T2, i.e. P8 in Figure 8, must lie forwardly of a line drawn between the effective centres of pivots P6 and P5. Figure 8 shows the line between the effective centres of P6 and P5 and the distance between small arrows is the distance perpendicularto said line moved by said pivot P8 towards the backrest beyond said line.It can be seen that if handle 52 is now pulled to operate the toggle device, levers T2 will attempt to move in a clockwise direction about P4 in order to cause P8 to describe the arc indicated. However, P8 will be prevented from moving in the required said arc (of radius equal to distance between effective centres of pivots P8 and P4 about effective centre of pivot P4) by the restraint or blocking effect imposed on levers T1 by pivots P6 which are held at a fixed constant distance from pivots P5. Thus, the handle 52 cannot be pulled to release the lock provided by the toggle device.

However, if the backrest is pushed slightly forward, in the direction of the largest arrow, the pivot P6 moves along the arc shown, the radius of said arc being the distance along the aforementioned line between the centres of pivots P6 and P5. As this line moves forward with the backrest and pivot P6 in the arc of radius P5 to P6 as described, as the aforementioned line passes through the effective centre of pivot P8 and beyond, then Pivot P6 no longer restrains the levers T1, as said first P6 is able to move in arc shown.

A- the position 2 in Figure 8, the backrest is at its most forward position, namely, at the point where the direction of rotation of the backrest about its pivot P5 changes from forwards to rearwards under the influence of the toggle device. The handle 52, when pulled lightly in direction of arrow, will cause the backrest to be lowered through position 3 to its lower position.

Any suitable means could be used to achieve the necessary pivot positions required to achieve a self locking facility, for example by mounting pivots P6 in lugs, or by bending the side elements 13 at a conventional point, for example at the base; for illustration purposes, both of said means have been used giving a slightly more exaggerated 'over-centres' movement than would be required in practice to achieve the desired self-locking facility. The self locking facility as described could also be used on the three toggle levertype system. Using the facility for the action of toggle levers T3, as previously described and illustrated in Figure 4, pivots P5, P6 and P7 could be placed in the necessary positions forthe over-centre or past the centre effect to be obtained and hence the self-locking facility.This could be incorporated with or without the selflocking facility being used for the operation of levers T1 andT2 in aforementioned system illustrated in Figure 4.

In the various examples ofthe toggle device, the free ends of levers T1 could be pivotally connected to the top transverse member of the backrest frame and the free ends of T2 as in other examples of the toggle device or in the form illustrated in Figure 9, wherein the transverse section of the main tube 42 forms the pivots P4. Thus, said Figure 9 illustrates an example of such an arrangement in which pivots P6 are formed by the top transverse tube of a chair/settee of tubular form, in which for simplicity the seat, leg rest, etc., have been omitted.

It would be necessary for suitable positive location of pivots of this form to be provided to prevent movement of levers axially on the tubes forming pivots P6 and P4. This could be achieved by fitting, for example, a pair of collars to the insides of a pair of pivots P4 so as to locate them axially, pivots P6 being free, or vice versa. Any combination of numbers of, for example, collars, for location of pivots P6 and P4 axially could be provided.

Also illustrated in Figure 9 is an extending form of lever which is detailed in cross-section, to a larger scale, and fore-shortened in Figure 10. Any suitable means of extending levers T1 in the various example of toggle device (other than the type in Figure 5) could be used, but a telescopic arrangement is illustrated consisting of an innertubewhich has pivot P8 at its outer end and which tube is free to slide within an outertube. The outer end of the latter tube, has a housing which forms pivot P6, screwed onto it, which is prevented from rotating within its housing by a pin 53. In its closed position, the telescopically arranged levers forming T1 become so disposed that the lefthand end (as seen in Figure 10) of the innertube butts firmly against the inner face of the housing, thereby preventing any shortening of the lever beyond this point. The lever is free to extend as shown in Figure 10 against the tension of a spring secured by its opposite ends to pin 53 and pivot pin P8, respectively, to enable forward folding of the backrest as illustrated in Figure 9, positions 2 and 3. Position 4 (Figure 9) shows the substantially flat second position of the toggle action in which the lever T1 is at its shortest length as in position 1.

Collars are provided to prevent tubes becoming disengaged.

Any combination of numbers could be used of an extending T1 toggle lever, in the various forms of the invention, where forward folding of the backrest is required.

In a simplified version of the tubular chair/settee as described, the toggle levers T2 could be pivotally connected at or nearthe base of the rear legs of the chair/settee, or to a transverse member located between rear legs, at or near above mentioned positions, to form pivots P4. Thus, Figure 11 illustrates diagrammatically a chair/settee of tubular form in which pivots P4 are mounted on a transverse table which extends between the lower parts of respective rear legs; the two approximate positions obtainable are illustrated.

In the various forms of the toggle device, the levers T1 and T2 and pivots and P8 which in some versions include stops, could be held clear of the backrest or its side elements 13 in the first positions of the toggle device. Suitably placed stops, which for example in the forms of toggle device employing tubes of U configuration, with suitable transverse sections 52 could be of a form illustrated in Figure 12 provided that the toggle effect of the device is maintained. Thus, said Figure illustrates in diagrammatic form a view on the median plane of such a form, in which the transverse section 52 of T1 lever of U configuration engages with levers T2 in the manner of a stop.Similarly, T2 levers could be of U configuration as well as or instead of the arrangement described with reference to and illustrated in Figure 12, in which T1 levers are of U configuration.

In other forms of toggle device as described suitable stops could be attached for example to levers T1 and T2 adjacent to pivots m of P8 which, when in contact with each other, will have the same effect.

In the various forms of the chair/settee, the toggle device could include a facility for variations in the angle of backrest by means of movable pivot(s) P6.

The action of one of said pivots is hereafter described with reference to Figure 13. The pivot P6 could be located in one notch of a series of notches in a rail attached to the backrest e.g. secured to side element 13 with a retaining strap, forming a slot in which pivot pin P6 is free to slide and engage in chosen suitably shaped notch. A leaf spring for example could be incorporated to hold the said pin engaged in the chosen notch. The length of the said slot could be extended downwards towards the base of the backrest of sufficient length to enable forward folding of the backrest. Figure 13 illustrates such a method as described, but which also includes an upper portion of the backrest, which may for example be the headrest, which is separate and pivotally connected to the side element 13 for instance, at P9.

This upper portion headrest is able to move in an arc in the direction of arrow but is prevented from rotating past a certain point in the clockwise direction by a stop 54 which is secured to side element 13 and which is contacted by lever 55 which is secured to the lower ends of upper portion of backrest/headrest 56. In orderto move the backrest from one position to another, the user could, from the seated position, reach backwards and grasp the upper surface of 56 and pull forward in the direction arrowed. Lever 55 would then ease pivot pin P6 out of its notch against the pressure of spring 57 and the user, by leaning back against the backrest and releasing 56, could shift P6 into the adjacent notch. An increased angle between backrest and seat would result in this instance.

The above method would apply for variations from the normal, (substantially upright), and recline positions for example. Further notches could be provided of suitable shape to enable P6 to be shifted manually to other positions operable from the (for example) low recline, and bed positions. Pivot pin P6 could be in the form of a rod or tube transversely placed across the backrest connecting two or more of such mechanisms, as required.

The backrest could be of one piece, which instead of having portion 56 pivotally connected to elements 13, incorporates for example, a separate suitably shaped tube or tubes to form a lever of similar form to 56, but which is pivotally connected to the after side of elements 13 for example and has a transverse tube within easy reach of the user.

In the various forms of chair/settee described the angles of backrest could be varied further or adjusted by making toggle device levers T1 adjustable in length; for example, by forming each leverT1 from telescopic tubes suitably drilled with holes through which a removeable pin is fitted through the appropriate holes in the inner and outer telescopic tubes to achieve the desired length of levers T1 to produce the angle of backrest or range of angles required by the user. It would be possible to fold forward the backrest by removal of said pin. It would be necessary to adjust each lever T1 a similar amount of course, where more than one lever T1 is used.

In the various forms of toggle device it would be possible to replace the transverse members connecting levers T1 and T2 respectively by a single member, for example plywood secured to wooden toggle levers, transversely connecting them, to which could be added upholstery or fabric etc. In the various forms of toggle device suitable stops formed for example from rubber could be attached at suitable positions to the toggle levers T1 and T2, pivots between them when used as stops, orto the side elements 13 of the backrest for example, to prevent direct contact with said elements or upholstery attached to them.

Claims (18)

1. A chair or settee comprising a seat and a back which is arranged for pivotal movements, relatively to the seat, from a first back position to a second back position, and vice versa, under the control of a toggle device which supports said back in each of said positions.

2. A chair or settee as claimed in Claim 1, including two side frame members connected to one another by at least two transverse members to form a rigid seat frame; front legs and rear legs attached to said rigid seat frame; the back having side elements secured to one another by at least one cross member to form a rigid back frame; corresponding ends of the side elements being pivotally connected to the side frame members; the toggle device comprising at least two levers, one end of one of said levers being pivotally connected to one end of the other lever, the free end of said one lever being pivotally connected to the appropriate one of said transverse members and the free end of said other lever being pivotally connected to the side elements.

3. A chair or settee as claimed in Claim 2, which further includes a legrest frame which is pivotally mounted at the front end of the seat frame.

4. A chair or settee as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said legrest frame has hinged legs which, in use of the leg rest, are unfolded to support that end of the leg-rest which is not directly pivotally connected to the seat frame.

5. A chair or settee as claimed in Claim 1, including two side frame members connected to one another by at least two transverse members to form a rigid frame; front legs secured to said rigid frame and rear legs pivotally mounted on the respective side frame members; the back having side elements secured to one another by at least one cross member to form a rigid back frame; corresponding ends of the side elements being pivotally connected to the side frame members; and a seat frame supported by said rigid frame with freedom for pivotal movements and forward/backwards movements relatively to said rigid frame and to said rigid back frame.

6. A chair or settee as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the toggle device comprises at least two levers, one end of one of said levers being pivotally connected to one end of the other lever, the free end of said one lever being pivotally connected to the appropriate one of said transverse members and the free end of said other lever being pivotally connected to the side elements.

7. A chair or settee as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein said rear legs are pivotally connected at their upper ends to arm rests which are in turn pivotally connected to corresponding locations on levers which are connected directly or indirectly to the front end of the rigid frame, said levers incorporating means operable to swing a leg-rest upwardly into position about a pivot axis.

8. A chair or settee as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said pivot axis is carried by the front end of the seat frame.

9. A chair or settee as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the seat frame is adapted to occupy a first position in which the front part of the seat frame positively engages the front part of said rigid frame and is supported by said front part of the rigid frame at a first height above the ground, and wherein said seat frame is adapted to be moved to a second position thereof in which the front part of the seat frame no longer engages the front part of the rigid frame but is still supported by said front part of the rigid frame at a second height above the ground, the first height being greater than the second height, movement of said seat frame from the first position to the second position thereof being effected by pivoting the seat frame upwardly about its pivot out of its first position and by pulling the seat frame forwardly and by then lowering the seat frame into its second position.

10. A chair or settee as claimed in any one ofthe preceding Claims, wherein the toggle device com prises two pairs of levers, one pair at each side, and wherein in the case of each pair one of its two constituent levers has an arbitrarily movable pivotal connection to said back.

11. A chairorsettee as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the arbitrarily movable pivotal connection is provided by a short lever of which one end is pivotally connected to said back and of which the other end is pivotally connected to that end of the upper one of the two constituent levers which is not directly connected to the lower one of the two constituent levers.

12. A chair or settee as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the toggle device comprises two pairs of levers, one pair at each side, and wherein in the case of each pair the relative lengths of the two levers and the relative positions of the pivotal connection to the back and the seat are such that a lock comes into operation to maintain the back in said first back position, said lock only being released as a result of moving the back in an arc out of said first back position and away from said second back position.

13. A chair or settee as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the toggle device comprises two pairs of levers, one pair at each side, and wherein in the case of each pair the upper one of the two constituent levers is of telescopic construction.

14. A chair or settee as claimed in Claim 13, wherein said upper lever comprises two concentrically arranged tubes which are at all times urged, by a tension spring acting between them, into the collapsed state thereof in which one of said two concentrically arranged tubes has made contact with an end stop.

15. A chair or settee as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the back is provided with means shaped to permit alteration of the rake of the back with disturbing the support of said back by the toggle device, and a member adapted to be moved angularly about a pivot supported by said back in order to interrupt the engagement of said shaped means by the toggle device temporarily.

16. A chair or settee as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said shaped means comprises a pair of toothed racks, one rack at each side, the teeth of which are engaged by pivot means by which said back and the respective levers of the toggle device are enabled to be moved into different attitudes relatively to one another, said pivot means being urged into engagement with the teeth by a spring.

17. A chair or settee constructed, arranged and adapted to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 or Figure 3 or Figure 4 or Figure 5 or Figures 6 and 7 or Figure 8 or Figures 9 and 10 or Figure 11 or Figure 12 or Figure 13 of the accom panying diagrammatic drawings.

18. Any features of novelty, taken singly or in combination, of the embodiments of the invention hereinbefore described with reference to the accom panying drawings.