GB2537527A

GB2537527A - Chair

Info

Publication number: GB2537527A
Application number: GB1609229.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: De Borja Romagosa De Caralt Francesc
Original assignee: Accora Ltd
Current assignee: Accora Ltd
Priority date: 2016-05-25
Filing date: 2016-05-25
Publication date: 2016-10-19
Anticipated expiration: 2036-05-25
Also published as: GB2537527B; GB201609229D0

Abstract

A rise and recline chair (2) includes a seat platform 28 supporting a seat cushion, and further comprises a foot rest (8) comprising a support board 32 and a cushion mounted on the support board; a mechanism arranged to move the foot rest between lowered and raised positions, the mechanism comprising an extendible arm assembly (52) and a mounting plate (56) at an end of the arm assembly; and attachment means for attaching the support board to the mounting plate in at least two pre-defined positions, the foot rest being located closer to the seat platform in a first one of the positions than in a second one of the positions. The attachment means may comprise two holes in one of the mounting plate or support board and at least one post projecting from the other to be received through one of the holes to attach the support board to the mounting plate. The mechanism may comprise two extendible arms with a mounting plate at the end of each arm adjacent to the sides of the support board, and the chair may comprise height adjustment feet.

Description

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to chairs and in particular to chairs that have a rise and recline functionality.

It is known in the art to provide chairs, such as arm chairs, with mechanisms that can lift the chair and can recline a backrest of the chair. These chairs are designed to help people with limited mobility to sit comfortably and to more easily sit down on and get up from the chair. In particular, known chairs are provided with a first mechanism that raises the height of at least a seat portion of the chair to enable a person to more easily get up from the chair. This first mechanism may also tilt the seat portion of the chair to assist the person into a standing position. Known chairs are also typically provided with a second mechanism that enables a person to recline the backrest of the chair.

Traditionally, in the UK at least, these types of chairs are referred to as rise and recline chairs.

Some less mobile people, such as the elderly and patients, spend a significant time in bed. However, if a person is in bed for prolonged periods of time there is a significant risk that they will develop pressure sores. These are wounds that develop over time due to constant pressure and friction against a person's skin. As such, it is preferable if people can get out of bed regularly. Often these people will then sit in a chair and it is important that the chair is comfortable and will not cause or aggravate any pressure sores.

There are a number of problems associated with known rise and recline chairs. -2 -

These include incorrect support or cushioning, the chair being at the incorrect height for the person and movement of the chair, e.g. when reclining, causing discomfort to a person sitting in the chair.

Many users of rise and recline chairs require pressure relieving cushions. Users may require cushions having a different firmness depending on their physical condition and/or any particular medical conditions. Often this is achieved by placing the required pressure relieving cushion on top of the existing chair cushion. This, however, means that the person is sitting at the incorrect height in the chair both relative to the floor and relative to other parts of the chair such as the armrests. Furthermore, there is a tendency for the pressure relieving cushion to slip or move relative to the underlying chair cushion when the person moves.

Some chairs allow for height adjustment of the seat portion of the chair relative to the floor. However, in chairs that include a footrest, a change in position of the seat can lead to an incorrect positioning of the footrest leading to discomfort or the user.

Due to the mechanisms that are present in known rise and recline chairs, the chairs are often bulky and heavy. This makes it difficult to move the chairs and may provide difficulty in assisting a person to get into or get out of the chair, especially if a hoist is required.

Finally, in chairs in which the backrest can be reclined, movement of the backrest relative to the seat portion of the chair can cause friction against a user's back.

Furthermore, movement of the backrest from a reclined position to a more upright position may cause discomfort to a user and may require a user to shift their position on the chair to allow repositioning of their back against the backrest.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a rise and recline chair that overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of known rise and recline chairs. -3 -

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a rise and recline chair including a seat platform supporting a seat cushion, the chair comprising: a foot rest comprising a support board and a cushion mounted on the support board; a mechanism arranged to move the foot rest between a first, lowered position and a second, raised position, the mechanism comprising an extendible arm assembly and a mounting plate at an end of the arm assembly; and attachment means for attaching the support board to the mounting plate in at least two pre-defined positions, the foot rest being located closer to the seat platform in a first one of the positions than in a second one of the positions.

Preferably the attachment means comprises at least two holes in one of the support board or mounting plate and at least one post projecting from the other one of the support board or mounting plate, the post being received through one of the holes to attach the support board to the mounting plate. Typically the attachment means comprises two holes in the support board and a post projecting from a surface of the mounting plate. In most embodiments the support board is substantially rectangular and has opposite upper and lower edges, and one of the holes is closer to the upper edge than the other hole.

The attachment means may comprise a reinforcing plate attached to the support board, the reinforcing plate including two holes and the support board comprising an aperture aligned with the holes and through which the holes are accessed, and a post projecting from the mounting plate, the post being received through one of the holes to attach the support board to the mounting plate. In some embodiments the support board is substantially rectangular and has opposite upper and lower edges, and the reinforcing plate is attached to the support board such that one of the holes is closer to the upper edge than the other hole. The aperture may be elongate in a direction between the upper and lower edges. -4 -

In preferred embodiments the mechanism arranged to move the foot rest comprises two extendible arm assemblies connected to the frame of the chair and a mounting plate connected to an end of each arm assembly. In these embodiments the foot rest support board is preferably generally rectangular and has two opposite side edges, and the support board is connected to the arm assemblies such that a mounting plate is located adjacent each of the side edges of the support board. Preferably the foot rest cushion is attached to a first side of the support board and a first surface of each of the mounting plates opposes or is in contact with a second surface of the support board.

The rise and recline chair may further comprise height adjustment feet removeably secured to a base frame of the chair. The height adjustment feet are configured to support the chair on a floor or surface on which the chair is standing, and the height adjustment feet raise the seat platform away from said floor or surface.

Preferably each one of the height adjustment feet comprises a stem, a contact pad for contacting said floor or surface at a first, lower end of the stem, and a mounting bracket proximate a second, upper end of the stem, the mounting bracket being removeably secured to the base frame by mechanical fastening means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from the front of a rise and recline chair according to the present invention, with the chair in an upright position, Figure 2 is a perspective view from the rear of the rise and recline chair of Figure 1; -5 -Figure 3 is a perspective view of the chair of Figure 1, with the chair in a first reclined position; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the chair of Figure 1, with the chair in a second reclined position and with a footrest raised; Figure 5 shows the chair of Figure 1 with cushions removed and with a footrest in a first position; Figure 6 is a detail view of a part of the footrest of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows the chair of Figure 5, including height adjustment feet to raise a seat height of the chair, and with the footrest in a second position; Figure 8 is a detail view of a part of the footrest of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a detail view of a front height adjustment foot affixed to the chair of Figure 7; Figure 10 is a detail view of rear height adjustment feet affixed to the chair of Figure 7; Figure 11 is a view of a pad of the chair showing the backrest in a reclined position and the footrest in a raised position; Figure 12 is a side view of the chair with an armrest removed showing part of a mechanism for reclining a backrest of the chair, and the backrest shown in an upright position; Figure 13 is a side view of the chair of Figure 12 showing the backrest in a -6 -reclined position; Figure 14 is a detail view of a part of the chair of Figure 12 showing, in particular, a pivot assembly attached to the backrest; Figure 15 is a further view of the pivot assembly of Figure 14 showing, in configuration, the position of the pivot assembly with the backrest in a raised position; Figure 16 illustrates the rise and recline chair of the invention, with the chair in a raised position; Figure 17 is a side view of the chair of Figure 16, with an armrest removed, showing the configuration of a lift mechanism for moving the chair in to the raised position; Figure 18 is a view from below of a frame and the lift mechanism of the chair of Figure 16 showing, in particular, a configuration of a base frame including legs of the chair; Figure 19 illustrates a removable seat cushion of the rise and recline chair according to the present invention; Figure 20 is an exploded view of the rise and recline chair, showing a first stage in the disassembly of the chair for transportation, the chair including a backrest assembly, a seat cushion assembly, a pair of armrests, a subframe and a base frame, Figure 21 shows the location of securing means attaching the base frame of the chair to the subframe; -7 -Figure 22 shows a mounting member for mounting a rear part of the subframe on the base frame; Figure 23 is a rear perspective view of the subframe of the chair, and Figure 24 is a perspective view of the base frame of the chair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A rise and recline chair 2 according to the present invention includes a seat portion 4, a backrest 6, a footrest 8 and two armrests 10 arranged in the conventional manner. The seat portion 4 is supported by a subframe 12 (shown in detail in Figure 23), which in turn is mounted on and supported by a base frame 14 (shown in detail in Figure 24).

As shown in Figure 1, the backrest 6 preferably includes one or more cushions 16 attached to a support frame 18 of the backrest 6. The backrest 6 may also include a pair of wing structures 20 extending from either side of the backrest support frame 18 in a direction towards a front 22 of the chair 2. The wing structures 20 provide lateral support to the backrest cushions 16. As shown most clearly in Figure 2, a rear cover 24 extends over a rear side of the support frame 18 of the backrest 6 and the rear of the subframe 12.

The chair 2 further includes a seat cushion 26 that is supported on a seat platform 28 (shown in Figure 20) and a footrest cushion 30 that is mounted on a support board 32. A seat cover 34 extends over the seat cushion 26 and the footrest cushion 30 to provide a continuous surface on which a person may be seated. The seat cushion 26, footrest cushion 30 and seat cover 34 together form a seat cushion assembly 36. -8 -

In the following description, references to upwardly and in an upward direction refer to directions away from a surface or floor on which the chair 2 is standing in its usual orientation in use. References to rear or rearwardly refer to locations closer to and/or in a direction towards the backrest 6 of the chair 2. References to front or forwardly refer to locations further from and/or in a direction away from the backrest 6 of the chair 2. Accordingly, in normal use a user will sit on an upward facing surface of the seat cover 34 and their back will rest against forward facing surfaces of the backrest cushions 16.

Figures 1 and 2 show the chair 2 in an upright position. In the upright position the backrest 6 is in a first position relative to the seat portion 4 of the chair 2. The chair 2 includes a first mechanism 38 for reclining the backrest 6, a second, mechanism 40 for raising the footrest 8 and a third mechanism 42 for raising the chair 2 to an inclined position. Figure 3 shows the chair 2 in a first reclined position in which the backrest 6 is tilted to a second position with respect to the seat portion 4 of the chair 2. Figure 4 shows the chair 2 in a second reclined position in which the backrest 6 is in the second position with respect to the seat portion 4 of the chair 2 and the footrest 8 is raised. In this second reclined position the seat platform 28 of the chair 2 is also tilted with respect to the base frame 14 of the chair 2.

To allow persons of different heights to sit comfortably in the chair 2, it is preferable if the seat platform 28 can be raised and lowered with respect to a surface on which the chair 2 is standing. The seat platform 28 may, therefore, be placed in a first, lowered position to accommodate shorter people and/or people with shorter legs and lowered to accommodate taller people and/or people with longer legs.

Figures 5 to 10 illustrate height adjustment means of the chair 2 including height 30 adjustment feet 42 that may be attached to the base frame 14 of the chair 2. Attaching the feet 42 to the chair 2 raises the base frame 14 off the surface/floor -9 -on which the chair 2 is standing so that the chair 2 stands on and is supported by the feet 42. In this embodiment a first pair of feet 42a is attached to a front portion of the base frame 14 and a second pair of feet 42b is attached to a rear portion of the base frame 14. Each foot 42 is removeably attached to the base frame 14. In this embodiment each foot 42 comprises a stem 44, a contact pad 46 at a first, lower end of the stem 44, and a mounting bracket 48 proximate a second, upper end of the stem 44. The mounting bracket 48 is removeably secured to the base frame 14 of the chair 2 by mechanical fastening means 50 such as threaded bolts and nuts.

When the height adjustment feet 42 are attached to the base frame 14 of the chair 2 to raise the chair 2, the footrest 8 may no longer be in the correct position relative to the seat platform 28 of the chair 2 to provide the correct support to a person's legs when the footrest 8 is raised.

The mechanism 40 for raising and lowering the footrest 8 is located within the subframe 12 under the seat platform 28 of the chair 2, as shown most clearly in Figures 11 and 14. The mechanism 40 includes a pair of extensible arms 52 comprising a plurality of pivoted members 54 in a scissor configuration. At an end of each arm 52 is a mounting bracket 56 including a mounting plate 58 having opposite first and second surfaces 60, 61. When the arms 52 are in a retracted configuration, such that the footrest 8 is lowered, as shown in Figure 14, the first surface 60 faces forward in a direction away from the backrest 6 of the chair 2. When the arms 52 are in an extended configuration, such that the footrest 8 is raised as shown in Figure 11, the first surface 60 faces upward in a direction away from the surface or floor on which the chair 2 is standing.

The footrest cushion 30 (Figure 4) is removeably secured to a first surface of the support board 32, typically by means of a hook and loop fastener or similar. In this embodiment the support board 32 is substantially rectangular and has opposite top and bottom edges 62, 63 and opposite first and second side edges 64, 65.

-10 -When the footrest 8 is in the lowered position the first and second side edges 64, 65 lie adjacent the armrests 10, the top edge 62 lies adjacent a front edge 29 of the seat platform 28 and the bottom edge 63 lies closest to the surface or floor on which the chair 2 is standing.

The support board 32 is removeably attached to the mounting plates 58 of the footrest mechanism 40. In particular, a first mounting plate 58 is secured to the support board 32 proximate the first side edge 64 of the support board 32 and a second mounting plate 58 is secured to the support board 32 proximate the second side edge 65 of the support board 32. The mounting brackets 56 are secured to the support board 32 such that the first surface 60 of each of the mounting plates 58 opposes or is in contact with a second surface of the support board 32.

The support board 32 and mounting brackets 56 are configured such that the support board 32 can be secured to the mounting brackets 56 in one of a plurality of pre-defined positions. By securing the support board 32 to the mounting plates 58 in the different positions the footrest 8 can be located in different positions relative to the seat platform 28 of the chair 2. In particular, securing means 66 are provided that enable the support board 32 to be secured to the mounting brackets 56 in at least a first position in which the top edge 62 of the support board 32 is closer to the seat platform 28 and a second position in which the top edge 62 of the support board 32 is further from the seat platform 28.

In this embodiment the support board 32 is secured to the mounting plates 58 by means of reinforcing plates 68 attached to the second surface of the support board 32. An elongate aperture 70 is provided in the support board 32 proximate each of the side edges 64, 65. Each of the reinforcing plates 68 is attached to the support board 32 in a fixed position such that each reinforcing plate 68 extends over a respective one of the apertures 70. Each of the reinforcing plates 68 includes a line of three holes 72 located such that the holes 72 are accessible through the aperture 70 in the support board 32. Each line of holes 72, and the corresponding elongate aperture 70, extends in a direction between the top and bottom edges 62, 63 of the support board 32.

A threaded post 74 extends from the first surface 60 of each of the mounting plates 58 (shown in Figure 14). The post 74 is sized to be received though the holes 72 of a corresponding reinforcing plate 68. To secure the support board 32 to the mounting plates 58, each of the posts 74 is inserted through one of the holes 72 in the corresponding reinforcing plate 68. A nut is then attached to an end of each of the posts 74 to retain the support board 32 on the mounting plates 58.

It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the footrest 8 may not include separate reinforcing plates 68. In these embodiments an elongate recess may be provided in the first surface of the support board proximate each of the side edges.

A plurality of spaced apart holes may be provided in a base of the recess such that the holes extend through the support board from the recess to the second surface of the support board. The post 74 of each of the mounting plates 58 may then be inserted through a respective one of the holes to secure the support board directly to the mounting plates 58.

When the chair 2 is in the first position, shown in Figure 5, the footrest 8 is attached to the footrest mechanism 40 in a first position in which the posts 74 extend through the holes 72 located nearest the top edge 62 of the support board 32. When the chair 2 is in the second position, shown in Figure 7, the footrest 8 is attached to the footrest mechanism 40 is a second position in which the posts 74 extend through the holes 72 located furthest from the top edge 62 of the support board 32. This increases the distance between the top edge 62 of the support board 32 and the front edge 29 of the seat platform 28.

Adjusting the position of the footrest 8 relative to the seat platform 28 in this way -12 -maintains the bottom edge 63 of the support board 32 at a substantially constant distance from the surface or floor on which the chair 2 is standing, when the footrest 8 is in the lowered position, independent of the height of the seat platform 28 above the floor. Importantly, this means that the footrest 8 supports a person's legs in the correct way when the footrest 8 is raised even if the seat platform 28 has been raised.

Figures 12 to 15 illustrate the mechanism 38 for reclining the backrest 6 of the chair 2. The mechanism 38 is configured such that the backrest 6 is pivotally connected to the subframe 12 and seat platform 28 of the chair 2 at a position forward of a rear edge 31 of the seat platform 28.

As described above, the backrest 6 comprises a support frame 18 to which one or more backrest cushions 16 are secured either directly or indirectly. A backrest actuator 76 is connected to the support frame 18 and is arranged such that, when activated, the actuator 76 causes the support frame 18, and therefore the backrest 6, to move between an upright position, shown in Figure 12, and a reclined position, shown in Figure 13.

The subframe 12 comprises a pair of elongate side members 78, which are attached to side edges 33 of the seat platform 28 on which the seat cushion 26 is supported. Each of the side members 78 extends from a first end proximate the front edge 29 of the seat platform 28 to a second end proximate a rear edge 31 of the seat platform 28.

A pivot assembly 80 connects the backrest support frame 18 to the subframe 12. The pivot assembly 80 comprises a pair of pivot plates 82 and a corresponding pair of connector arms 84. Each pivot plate 82 is connected to one of the side members 78 at or near the second end of the side member 78. The pivot plate 82 is connected to the side member 78 such that the pivot plate 82 remains in a fixed position with respect to the side member 78.

-13 -A backrest actuator support bar 86 extends between the two pivot plates 82. The support bar 86 is attached to the pivot plates 82 such that the support bar 86 remains in a fixed position with respect to the pivot plates 82 and to the seat platform 28. The actuator 76, which in this embodiment is in the form of a piston assembly, is connected at a first end to the support bar 86. A second end of the actuator 76 is connected to a part of the backrest support frame 18.

Each connector arm 84 is elongate and is attached at a first end to one of the pivot plates 82 and at a second end to a part of the backrest support frame 18. The second end of the connector arm 84 is attached to the backrest support frame 18 in a fixed position such that the support frame 18 cannot move with respect to the connector arm 84. The first end of the connector arm 84 is pivotally connected to the pivot plate 82 by means of a pivot pin 88.

Each pivot plate 82 extends upwardly and rearwardly from the side member 78 and the seat platform 28. The support bar 86 is connected to the pivot plate 82 at a rear edge of the pivot plate 82 and is, therefore, located rearward of the rear edge 31 of the seat platform 28. The first end of the connector arm 84 is pivotally attached to the pivot plate 32 at a position above the seat platform 28 and forward of the rear edge 31 of the seat platform 28. The connector arm 84 extends in a generally rearward direction and a length of the connector arm 84 is such that the connector arm 84 extends beyond the pivot plate 82 and the second end of the connector arm 84 is located rearward of the rear edge of the pivot plate 82. In this way, the pivot pins 88 are located forward of the rear edge 31 of the seat platform 28 and the backrest support frame 18 is located rearward of the rear edge 31 of the seat platform 28.

To move the backrest 6 from the upright position to the reclined position the actuator 76 is activated to shorten a length of the actuator 76. This causes the connector arm 84 to rotate about the pivot pin 88 in a first direction so that the -14 -second end of the connector arm 84 moves in a direction towards the support bar 86 and, therefore, in a downwards direction towards the base frame 14 of the chair 2. To return the backrest 6 to the upright position the actuator 76 is activated to lengthen the actuator 76. This causes the connector arm 84 to rotate about the pivot pin 88 in an opposite, second direction so that the second end of the connector arm 84 moves in a direction away from the support bar 86 and, therefore, in an upwards direction away from the base frame 14 of the chair 2.

A pivot axis 89, defined by the pivot pins 88, extends substantially parallel to but spaced apart from the rear edge 31 of the seat platform 28. Importantly, the pivot axis 89 is located forward of the rear edge 31 of the seat platform 28 and at a distance above the seat platform 28. This means that the pivot axis 89 is substantially aligned with a person's pelvis or hips when they are seated in the chair 2. Accordingly, as the backrest 6 is reclined, the movement between the seat platform 28 and the backrest support frame 18 mimics or replicates the movement between a person's spine and thighs. In this way as the chair 2 is reclined the backrest 6 remains in substantially the same position relative to a person's back when they are seated in the chair 2 and little or no shear forces are generated between the backrest 6 and the person's back. Preferably when the backrest 6 is in the upright position a lower edge of the backrest 6 is located above the pivot axis 89 and when the backrest 6 is in the reclined position a lower edge of the backrest 6 is located below the pivot axis 89.

Figures 16 to 18 illustrate the mechanism 42 for raising the chair 2 to a raised inclined position, and Figures 16 and 17 show the chair 2 in the raised position.

Moving the chair 2 to the raised position assists a person getting out of the chair 2 by supporting them and lifting them to a partially standing position. It may also assist a person to sit in the chair 2 from a standing position. The operation of the mechanism 42 is to raise the chair 2 to such a position is known and will not be described further here.

-15 -Importantly, however, the base frame 14 of the chair 2 is configured to enable a patient lifting hoist to be easily positioned in front of the chair 2 if required to further assist a person to get out of the chair 2. The base frame 14 includes a substantially U-shaped front leg member 90 including a central cross-member 5 portion 92 and two foot portions 94 extending from either end of the cross-member portion 92. The front leg member 90 is preferably a unitary member to improve the strength and rigidity of the member 90. The front leg member 90 is arranged such that the cross-member portion 92 extends across a width of the chair 2 between the armrests 10 and the foot portions 94 extend forwardly. The front leg 10 member 90 is positioned such that ends of the foot portions 94 do not extend beyond the front edge 29 of the seat platform 28.

A length of the cross-member portion 92 is such that a distance between the foot portions 94 is not less than a distance between the armrests 10 of the chair 2.

Preferably a distance between the foot portions 94 is substantially the same as the distance between side edges 33 of the seat platform 28.

When the chair 2 is in the raised position, the shape of the front leg member 90 means that an area 96 between the foot portions 94 is clear allowing a part of a hoist assembly to be located in this area 96 or gap between the foot portions 94.

This allows a hoist to be positioned closer to the chair 2 than with prior art designs of chair.

It is desirable to be able to change the softness or resilience of the seat cushion 26 of the rise and recline chair 2 thereby changing the support or comfort provided to a person sitting in the chair 2. Figure 19 shows an example of a chair 2 in which a central portion of the seat cushion 26 is removable to allow the central portion to be replaced by a cushion of the required softness/resilience.

The seat cushion assembly 36 comprises an outer seat cushion 98, an inner seat cushion 100 and a seat cover 34. The outer seat cushion 98 is a border cushion 98 extending around the perimeter of the seat platform 28 and defining a central hole 102. The inner seat cushion 100 or seat pad is received in the hole 102 defined by the border cushion 98. The border cushion 98 is removeably attached or secured to the seat platform 28 whereas the seat pad 100 is in contact with the seat platform 28 but not secured to it, thereby allowing the seat pad 100 to be readily interchanged. The square ring shape of the border cushion 98 extending fully around the perimeter of the seat pad 100 provides lateral support to the seat pad 100. It will be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments the border cushion 98 may not extend fully around the perimeter of the seat pad 100. For example, the border cushion 98 may be substantially C-shaped or U-shaped.

A part of the seat cover 34 extends over an upper surface of the seat pad 100 and the border cushion 98. To access the seat pad 100 the seat cover 34 includes a flap 104 that extends over the seat pad 100 and at least a part of the border cushion 98. The flap 104 is substantially square or rectangular and is fastened to the rest of the seat cover 34, at least along two side edges 106, by suitable fastening means. The fastening means allow the flap 104 to be repeatedly fastened and unfastened from another part of the seat cover 34. The fastening means may comprise a zip or hook and loop material. In the example illustrated in Figure 19, the flap 104 is permanently attached to the rest of the seat cover 34 along a front edge 108 of the flap 104. An opposite, rear edge 110 of the flap 104 is a free edge and locates under the backrest cushions 16 in use. Fastening means in the form of zips are provided along the two opposite side edges 106 of the flap 104 and are arranged such that the side edges 106 of the flap 104 may be fastened to the parts of the seat cover 34 proximate outer side edges 112 of the border cushion 98.

In use, to replace the seat pad 100 of the chair 2, the fastening means are undone and the flap 104 is pulled forward in a direction away from the backrest 6. This 30 exposes the seat pad 100 located within the border cushion 98. The seat pad 100 can then be removed and another seat pad 100 inserted into the hole 102 in the -17 -border cushion 98. The flap 104 is laid over the new seat pad 100 and the fastening means are secured to retain the flap 104 over the seat cushion 26.

It will be appreciated that the flap 104 will typically be an integral part of the seat 5 cover 34. However, in some embodiments the flap may be fully separable from the rest of the seat cover. In other embodiments securing means may be provided along more than two edges of the flap.

In some situations it is desirable to be able to transport the chair 2 to another location, such as upstairs to a bedroom. Due to the substantial rise and recline mechanisms 38, 40, 42, however, the complete chair 2 is heavy and difficult to move. The chair 2, therefore, comprises a separable subframe 12 and base frame 14 allowing parts of the chair 2 to be easily separated for transportation. Importantly the subframe 12 and base frame 14 are designed to each weigh less than 25kg.

Figure 20 shows a first stage in dismantling the chair 2. In this exploded view the backrest 6 has been detached from the backrest support frame 18, the two armrests 10 have been detached from upright members 114 of the subframe 12, and the seat cushion assembly 36 has been detached from the seat platform 28 and footrest support board 32 In a further step the backrest actuator 76 and an actuator 116 for raising the chair 2 (Figure 18) may be removed from the subframe 12. In a final step the subframe 25 12 (shown in Figure 23) may be separated from the base frame 14 (shown in Figure 24).

The base frame 14 includes two pairs of anchor plates 118. The plane of each of the anchor plates 118 is substantially vertical when the base frame 14 is in its 30 usual orientation in use. The front leg member 90 and rear leg members 120 are connected to the anchor plates 118. Additionally a lower support bar 122 extends -18 -between the two pairs of anchor plates 118. The lower support bar 122 includes mounting elements 124 for connecting the actuator 116 for raising the chair 2 to the support bar 122.

Two struts 126 are connected between the anchor plates 118 of the base frame 14 and a stabiliser bar 128 of the subframe 12. Each of the struts 126 comprises a substantially H-shape structure 130 having a pair of first, lower ends 132 and a pair of second, upper ends 134. The lower ends 132 are pivotally or rotatable connected to the anchor plates 118 of the base frame 14 and the upper ends 134 are pivotally or rotatable connected to the stabiliser bar 128 of the subframe 12.

When the chair 2 is moved into the raised position, as shown in Figure 17, the struts 126 rotate about both the anchor plates 118 and the stabiliser bar 128.

To separate the subframe 12 from the base frame 14, the upper ends 134 of the struts 126 are disconnected from the stabiliser bar 128. Fastening means 136 used to connect the struts 126 to the stabiliser bar 128 are preferably manually operable so that tools are not required to connect or disconnect the struts 126. The fastening means 136 may include, for example, threaded posts or bolts and wing nuts. A part of the fastening means 136 includes a surface for engagement by a person's finger or thumb to allow the manual operation of the fastening means 136. Typically a user will apply a pressing force to the engagement surface to turn or otherwise move the part of the fastening means 136. The engagement surface may be provided by a pair of wings of a wing nut.

Each of the anchor plates 118 further comprises a landing recess 138 formed in an upper edge of the anchor plate 118. The recess 138 is located proximate a rear edge of the anchor plate 118. The subframe 12 includes a rear cross beam 140 in a lower region of the subframe 12. When the subframe 12 is connected to the base frame 14, the cross beam 140 locates in and is seated in the recesses 138 of the anchor plates 118. The weight of the subframe 12 retains the cross -19 -beam 140 in the recesses 138 during use of the chair 2. When the subframe 12 is disconnected from the base frame 14, the cross beam 140 may simply be lifted out of the recesses 138.

The chair 2 is then separated into parts, each weighing less than 25kg, so that they may be carried to a new location.

The present invention, therefore, provides a rise and recline chair that has: i. A height adjustment system and corresponding footrest adjustment system that allows the height of the chair to be tailored to the height of a user and permits repositioning of the footrest to provide the correct support to a users legs when the footrest is raised; ii. A backrest pivot assembly that locates the pivot axis substantially in line with a user's pelvis so that minimal friction is caused between the backrest and a back of the user as the backrest is reclined; iii. A front leg member that is positioned to provide a clear region under the front of the chair to enable hoist access; iv. A removal and replaceable seat pad to allow tailored support for a user; and v. A separable base frame and subframe permitting easy disassembly of the chair, without tools, into sections weighing less than 25kg, to enable a person to manually transport the chair to a new location.

Claims

-20 -CLAIMS1. A rise and recline chair including a seat platform supporting a seat cushion, the chair comprising: a foot rest comprising a support board and a cushion mounted on the support board; a mechanism arranged to move the foot rest between a first, lowered position and a second, raised position, the mechanism comprising an extendible arm assembly and a mounting plate at an end of the arm assembly; and attachment means for attaching the support board to the mounting plate in at least two pre-defined positions, the foot rest being located closer to the seat platform in a first one of the positions than in a second one of the positions.
2. A rise and recline chair as claimed in Claim 1, the attachment means comprising at least two holes in one of the support board or mounting plate and at least one post projecting from the other one of the support board or mounting plate, the post being received through one of the holes to attach the support board to the mounting plate.
3. A rise and recline chair as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the attachment means comprises two holes in the support board and a post projecting from a surface of the mounting plate.
4. A rise and recline chair as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the support board is substantially rectangular and has opposite upper and lower edges, and wherein one of the holes is closer to the upper edge than the other hole.
5. A rise and recline chair as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the attachment means comprises: a reinforcing plate attached to the support board, the reinforcing plate including two holes and the support board comprising an aperture aligned with the -21 -holes and through which the holes are accessed; and a post projecting from the mounting plate, the post being received through one of the holes to attach the support board to the mounting plate.
6. A rise and recline chair as claimed in Claim 5, the support board being substantially rectangular and having opposite upper and lower edges, and wherein the reinforcing plate is attached to the support board such that one of the holes is closer to the upper edge than the other hole.
7. A rise and recline chair as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the aperture is elongate in a direction between the upper and lower edges.
8. A rise and recline chair as claimed in any preceding claim, the mechanism arranged to move the foot rest comprising two extendible arm assemblies connected to the frame of the chair and a mounting plate being connected to an end of each arm assembly, and the foot rest support board being generally rectangular and having two opposite side edges, and wherein the support board is connected to the arm assemblies such that a mounting plate is located adjacent each of the side edges of the support board.
9. A rise and recline chair as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the foot rest cushion is attached to a first side of the support board and a first surface of each of the mounting plates opposes or is in contact with a second surface of the support board.
10. A rise and recline chair as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising height adjustment feet removeably secured to a base frame of the chair, the height adjustment feet configured to support the chair on a floor or surface on which the chair is standing, and the height adjustment feet raising the seat platform away from said floor or surface.
11. A rise and recline chair as claimed in Claim 10, wherein each one of the height adjustment feet comprises a stem, a contact pad for contacting said floor or surface at a first, lower end of the stem, and a mounting bracket proximate a second, upper end of the stem, the mounting bracket being removeably secured to the base frame by mechanical fastening means.
12. A rise and recline chair substantially as herein described with reference to or as shown in Figure 5-11.AMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWSCLAIMS1. A rise and recline chair including a seat platform supporting a seat cushion, the chair comprising: a foot rest comprising a support board and a cushion mounted on the support board; a mechanism arranged to move the foot rest between a first, lowered position and a second, raised position, the mechanism comprising an extendible arm assembly and a mounting plate at an end of the arm assembly; and attachment means for attaching the support board to the mounting plate in at least two pre-defined positions, the foot rest being located closer to the seat platform in a first one of the positions than in a second one of the positions, and the attachment means comprising a reinforcing plate attached to the support cr) board, the reinforcing plate including two holes and the support board comprising an aperture aligned with the holes and through which the holes are accessed, and a) a post projecting from the mounting plate, the post being received through one of the holes to attach the support board to the mounting plate.2. A rise and recline chair as claimed in Claim 1, the support board being substantially rectangular and having opposite upper and lower edges, and wherein the reinforcing plate is attached to the support board such that one of the holes is closer to the upper edge than the other hole.3. A rise and recline chair as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the aperture is elongate in a direction between the upper and lower edges.4. A rise and recline chair as claimed in any preceding claim, the mechanism arranged to move the foot rest comprising two extendible arm assemblies connected to the frame of the chair and a mounting plate being connected to an end of each arm assembly, and the foot rest support board being generally rectangular and having two opposite side edges, and wherein the support board is connected to the arm assemblies such that a mounting plate is located adjacent each of the side edges of the support board.5. A rise and recline chair as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the foot rest cushion is attached to a first side of the support board and a first surface of each of the mounting plates opposes or is in contact with a second surface of the support board.6. A rise and recline chair as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising height adjustment feet removeably secured to a base frame of the chair, the height adjustment feet configured to support the chair on a floor or surface on which the chair is standing, and the height adjustment feet raising the seat platform away from said floor or surface.7. A rise and recline chair as claimed in Claim 6, wherein each one of the CO height adjustment feet comprises a stem, a contact pad for contacting said floor or surface at a first, lower end of the stem, and a mounting bracket proximate a second, upper end of the stem, the mounting bracket being removeably secured to the base frame by mechanical fastening means.8. A rise and recline chair substantially as herein described with reference to or as shown in Figures 5-11.