IL251628A - Furniture member and power recline and lift mechanism - Google Patents

Description

WO FURNITURE MEMBER AND POWER RECLINE AND LIFT MECHANISM TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to States Patent 5 Application on which a of United States Patent Application No filed on September The entire disclosures of the above application are Incorporated herein The present disclosure relates to a furniture member and power recline lift BACKGROUND This section provides background information to the present disclosure is not necessarily prior Power chairs can provide a transition from an occupants seated position to a lift position which provides the occupant with approximately percent or more of a transition from a seated position to a standing Such a feature may be particularly beneficial for occupants have difficulty directly standing from a fully seated Known power lift chair designs the occupants feet In a position close to the center of gravity of the occupant require greater that necessary leg strength of the occupant to stand 25 even when at a full lift position of the chair Known power lift chair designs complicated operating that are expensive to build and therefore result in a high cost of known power lift chair designs do not provide for multiple chair positions or range of motion that maximize occupant choice of seating leg rest SUMMARY This section provides a general summary of the and is a disclosure of lull scope or all of Its feature T in one the present disclosure provides a furniture member that include a frame a a a first an first second leg and a second The frame assembly may include a chair portion movable relative a base portion among a nominal a reclined position and a The motor may be attached to the base The may be connected to the motor displaceable relative to the base portion and second directions by selective operation of the The first bar may be connected to the slide member the chair The first bar may move the chair portion among the nominal the reclined position and the hit position response to operation of the The axle may be rotatably mounted to the base The first and second leg members be attached to respective first and second ends of Each of the first and second leg members may a fore foot and The second bar may be connected to portion and slidably connected to the The second bar rotate the axle in a first direction in response to movement of the chair portion into the reclined The second bar may rotate the axle second direction in response to movement of the chair portion into the lift In some the feet of the first and second leg 20 members extend through the base portion In the reclined position so that an aft portion of the base fore feet of the first and second leg members are supporting a weight of the furniture member with a fore portion of the base portion spaced apart from a ground upon which the furniture member is some the aft of the first second leg members extend through the base portion in the position sc that the fore portion of the base and aft feet of the first and leg members supporting the weight of the furniture member with tho alt portion of the base portion spaced apart from the ground in some the first and second leg members are generally some the base portion includes a plurality of apertures through which the fore and feet of the first and second members are In some the furniture member includes a mechanism Including a linkage and a member that are moveable between an extended position a retracted position independently of of the first and second In some the mechanism includes a legrest motor that engages the In some the axle is rotatably supported by bearing blocks that are fixedly to the base some the first and second leg members are fixedly attached to the by first and second In some the second bar includes elongated that slidably receives a peg that is fixedly attached to the In some the slide connected to the first bar has a range of motion that is longer than the elongated slot so that the peg slides along the elongated slot of the second bar for only a portion of the range of motion of the some continued motion of the slide in a rearward direction past a position of the slide corresponding to initial contact between the peg and a fore end of the elongated slot causes rotation of the axle the and second leg members a first rotational direction relative to the base In some continued motion of the slide a forward direction past a position of the slide corresponding to initial contact between the peg and an aft end of the elongated causes rotation of the axle and the and second leg members In a rotational direction relative to the base In some the furniture member can be a in some the furniture can be a sofa or a section a in some an angle between a of the chair portion and a seat botom of chair portion increases by a predetermined amount when the chair portion is from the nominal position to the The predetermined amount may be approximately five for example in another the present disclosure provides a furniture member that may include a base a chair a and first second leg base member may and aft end Tire chair frame may be movable relative to the base member among a no mal a reclined position and a lift The mechanism may move the chair frame relative to the member among the reclined and lift The first and second leg members may each have fore and aft feet mounted to the base member such that the fore feet extend through the base member in the reclined position and the aft feet extend through me base member in the lift The and end portions of the base may support a of the furniture member in the nominal The fore feet and the aft end portion may support the weight m the position The aft feet and the fore end portion may support the weight the lift In some the mechanism includes motor attached to the base a slide member connected to the and a first bar connected to the slide member and the chair in some the furniture member includes an axle rotatably mounted to the base and a second bar connected to the chair frame and slidably connected to the The second bar may rotate the axle in first direction in response to movement of the chair frame into the reclined position and rotate the axle In a second direction in response to movement of the chair frame into the lift In some the second bar includes an elongated slot that slidably receives a peg that fixedly attached to the in some embodiments slide connected to the first bar has a range of motion that is longer an the elongated slot so the peg slides along the elongated slot of the second bar for only a portion of range of of the slide member in continued motion of the slide member in a rearward direction a position of the slide member corresponding to initial contact between the peg and a of the elongated slot causes rotation of the axle and the first and second members in a first rotational direction relative to the base In some continued motion of the slide member in a forward direction past a position of the slide member corresponding to initial contact between the peg and an end of the elongated slot causes rotation of the axle the first and second leg members in a second relational direction relative to the base in some the axle is rotatably supported bearing blocks that are fixedly mounted to the base In some the first and second log members are fixedly attached the axle by first and second In some the base member a plurality of apertures through the fore and aft feet of the first and second leg members are In some the furniture member includes a Iegrest mechanism including a linkage and a Iegrest member that are moveable an extended position and a retracted position independently of movement of the first and second leg in some the mechanism includes a Iegrest motor that encages the iegrest in some the first and second leg members are generally in some furniture member can be a in some the furniture member can be a sofa or a of a In some an angle between a of chair frame and a seat bottom of the chair frame increases by a predetermined amount when the chair frame is moved from the nominal position to the lift The predetermined amoun may be approximately five for Further areas will apparent from the description provided The description and specific examples in this are intended purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit scope of the present DRAWINGS The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and possible are not Intended to limit the scope of the present Figure a front right perspective of a furniture member having a power lift mechanism shown a nominal seating Figure 2 is the furniture member of Figure shown In a maximum lift Figure 3 is a front left perspective view of a portion of the furniture member of Figure the power lift mechanism an exploded Figure 4 is the front left perspective view of Figure 3 showing the assembled power lift Figure is a front right perspective exploded assembly view of a chair portion of furniture member of Figure Figure is a right rear perspective view of base and chair portions of Figures 4 and during Figure front right perspective view of the furniture member of Figure in a forward Figure is a front right perspective view of furniture member of Figure 1 in rearward tilt end rotated Figure Is a front right perspective view of the furniture member of Figure 1 in a leg rest extended Figure 10 Is a front right perspective view of the furniture member of Figure in a rotated and leg rest extended Figure 11 is a front right perspective view of the furniture member Figure in the leg rest extended and further In a forward lift Figure is a top plan of the furniture member of Figure 1 Figure 13 is a cross sectional right side eievationai view taken at section of Figure Figure is a cross sectional rear eievationai view taken at section of Figure Figure is a left side eievationai view of the furniture member of Figure Figure is a cross side eievationai of the furniture member of Figure 2 taken at section of is a partial left perspective view of the furniture member of Figure Figure is a cross sectional right side view of the furniture member of Figure further showing the chair in tilt Figure is a cross sectional right side view of the furniture member of Figure further showing the chair in a leg extended Figure 20 is a cross sectional right eievationai view of the furniture member of Figure further showing the chair in a seatback fully Figure 21 is a cross sectional right side eievationai view the furniture member of Figure 20 further showing the chair a leg rest fully extended Figure 22 is a right side eievationai view of another furniture member a right armrest in a Figure is a perspective view of a mechanism of the furniture member of Figure 22 in the nominal Figure 24 is a right side eievationai view of the furniture member in a position with a mechanism in an extended Figure a right side eievationai view of trie furniture member a fully reclined Figure 26 a perspective view of the mechanism in the fully reclined Figure is a right side view of the furniture member in a full lift Figure 28 ss a perspective view of the the full and Figure is a perspective view of an alternative configuration oi a leg member of the furniture member of Figures Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the DETAILED DESCRIPTION Example embodiments will be described more fully reference to the accompanying to Figure a lift chair includes a rotatable frame 12 having a back 14 rotatably connected to frame assembly and a leg rest member connected to and with respect to assembly The frame assembly includes a base portion which is positioned to and rotatable respect to a chair portion For lift chair is not shown with seat support or upholstery which are commonly applied to chairs as known in the The lift chair is supported on a floor or planar surface using a square or rectangular shaped base platform which according to several embodiments included with base portion The chair portion further includes each of a first arm rest portion corresponding to a right an occupant seated lift chair and a second arm rest portion corresponding to a left side of the seated occupant Lift chair also includes several which are displaced using a mechanism Mechanism 28 Independently or In combination forward and rearward rotational displacement of seat back assembly of the leg rest member between a stowed position shown to an outward extended which is shown and described In reference to Figures and and rotation of the chair portion upwardly and downwardly with respect to the base portion to provide multiple occupant seating positions and a full Referring to Figure 2 and again to Figure chair 10 is shown following rotation from nominal seating position of Figure to a lift position which accommodates user exit or entrance the lift chair To rotate lift chair the seating position defined as a seat back fully upright and leg rest stowed position in Figure to the lift position in Figure a lift portion of mechanism is actuated by the causing lift and rotation of chair portion 20 with respect to a frame rotational axis which rotates chair portion in a lift rotational direction the lull pool the seat back assembly positioned in fully upright position and leg rest member positioned in its stowed The mechanism 28 further includes a leg rest mechanism portion 34 which will be described in greater detail reference to Figure which is not operational during the rotation of chair portion to the full lift As also visible In Figure the chai portion further a first inner arm rest member positioned to the right hand and a second Inner arm rest member positioned to the left hand which are nested between a first base frame member and a second base frame Referring to Figure 3 and again to Figure 1 components of the lift mechanism portion of mechanism are positioned In a cavity defined between first and base frame 42 s he first base frame member positioned proximate to a base platform first edge 44 of base platform and second base frame member 42 is positioned proximate to a base platform second edge 46 of base platform Each of the first and second base frame members 42 are oriented parallel with respect each other and substantially perpendicular to base platform A third base frame member defining a rear facing wall of base portion is positioned proximate to a platform third of base platform A plurality of feet are adjustably connected to base platform 22 at each of a plurality of positioning apertures 51 allow for ensuring contact and equal support of the four comers of base platform Each of the first and second base frame members 42 are provided with an intersecting corner 53 where a frame member forward edge 54 of each of the first and second base frame members 42 intersects base platform The corner of each of the first and second base frame members 42 is spatially positioned with respect to a base platform forward edge of base According to several first base frame member includes a first receiving face which is oriented parallel with respect to an upper face of base platform first receiving face 56 is positioned proximate to the frame member forward edge 54 of first base member A second receiving face 60 similarly provided with second base frame 4 which oriented parallel with respect to upper face 58 and respect to first receiving face A first receiving slot having a generally created downwardly with respect to the first receiving The receiving slot 62 receives a first shaped journal 64 which is sized to slidably received In first receiving slot 62 a The first journal 64 integrally included with a first connection member 66 which can combined as a unitary molded plastic Once the first journal 64 received In first receiving slot connection member fasteners 68 are inserted from the or face of first base frame member and are received in threaded apertures of first connection member 66 to fix the location of first connection member A second U journal of a second connection member defining either a duplicate of or a image of first connection member is similarly positioned a second receiving slot created in second receiving face of second base frame member Second connection member 72 is shown In its installed position installed position of both first and connection members an upper edge 74 of both members is positioned substantially flush with or slightly above the first or second receiving face the upper edge 74 of both first U journal and second journal may extend partially into the slot defined by the journal The purpose for extension will be better reference to Figure The frame member forward edge 54 of each of the first and second base frame members 42 defines an acute angle a with respect to a plane defined by upper face of base platform The purpose of angle a will be better described in reference to Figure if is noted that intersecting corner is recessed respect to base platform forward edge 55 to create angle With continuing reference to Figure 3 and again to Figure lift 5 portion includes a motor which according to several aspects is a direct current A mounting bracket 78 is connected to a forward directed face 80 of third base frame member also to upper face 58 of base platform Mounting bracket 78 includes coaxial through apertures only of which is clearly visible in Figure which siidabiy receive an assembly mount pin to connect an including lift motor and a gear housing directly connected to lift motor which includes internal gears which drive and are directly connected to an worm gear of a worm drive assembly it is noted that throughout disclosure the description of a device or gear is not limiting and can be replaced by other drive devices or gears as are known in the Operation of lift motor slidably displaces a worm gear slide which is siidabiy disposed on and displaced during operation of worm gear of worm drive assembly 88 each of a slide fitting direction or oppositely in a slide returning direction An assembly end 92 of worm drive assembly is connected to upper face 58 of base platform 22 using an assembly end bracket Positioned on opposite sides of worm drive assembly 88 are triangularly shaped first and second guide members According to several first and second guide members 98 are molded plastic alternate materials can also be First guide 25 member includes a first elongated slot and second guide member 98 Includes a second elongated slot both located proximate to an upper wall or edge of first and second guide members 98 Elongated slots are oriented substantially in parallel axial alignment with each other the installed positions of the and second guide members Each of first and second guide members 98 also Includes a low elevation end oriented toward the forward or front facing portion of base portion and a high elevation end oriented toward third base frame member 48 or a rear lacing end of base portion The elongated slots therefore a continuous rearward to downward pitch or angle with respect to upper face Each and second guide also includes a planar support face which rests and fastened to the upper face of base portion further includes a rectangular and metal lift bar or tube The bar may be a generally bar Including a substantially straight first tube portion and a second tube portion which is angularly oriented respect to first tube portion The bar 1 is connected and therefore displaces during the sliding motion of worm gear slide A combined weight of a substantial portion portion 20 plus a substantial portion of of the occupant are distributed by lift bar to worm gear slide 90 and thereby to each of the first and second guide members 98 such that bending dees not occur within the length of worm drive assembly 88 To provide a sliding connection between the worm gear slide and each of the first and second guide members two shoulder bolts are A first shoulder bolt includes a bolt head a bolt sleeve and a bolt threaded shank 122 positioned opposite to bolt head During the bolt threaded shank and sleeve of first shoulder are disposed through elongated slot of first guide member A tube connecting el lift bar 110 is positioned between a first inside face of first guide membe and first slide face of worm gear slide After bolt threaded shank 122 and bolt sleeve of first shoulder 118 extend through elongated slot they are slidably disposed through a tube through aperture created the tube connecting end Bolt threaded shank extends out of tuba through aperture and is engaged In a first threaded bore created the first slide face 8 of worm gear slide Different portions of bolt sleeve are slidably received in elongated slot and rotatably received in tube through aperture therefore allowing motion of worm gear slide 90 as well as rotation of lift bar with respect to a axis of first shoulder bolt The sliding contact of first shoulder boil with walls of first elongated slot therefore distributes half the weight received at gear slide to first guide and base platform 22 at any sliding position gear slide lift bar is also connected to second guide member in the following An flange is engaged to the tube connecting end 124 using bracket fasteners The ofset flange Integrally connected to a connection Connection bracket 138 is substantially planar such that connection bracket can rest on a plurality of ribs defining a slide surface of worm gear slide A transverse flange Is oriented transverse to integrally connected to connection bracket and contacts a second slide face 144 of worm gear slide which oriented parallel but oppositely facing with respect to first slide face transverse flange aperture of transverse flange 142 is positioned proximate to a bushing 1 8 that disposed between transverse flange 142 and a second of second guide member Bushing 148 has a length which corresponds approximately a of bar thereby spacing first and second guide 98 substantially equally about and with respect to worm drive assembly 88 A bushing bore of bushing 148 is coaxially aligned with transverse aperture and a shoulder bolt is assembled similar to first shoulder 1 by extending second shoulder 154 through the elongated slot the bushing bore the transverse flange aperture and a threaded aperture visible In this created In the second slide face 144 of worm gear slide The second shoulder bolt therefore similarly provides sliding support for half the weight distributed through worm gear slide SO to second guide member 98 and thereby to base platform Referring to Figure 4 and again to Figures base portion shown following the completed assembly of lift mechanism portion in the assembled condition the worm gear slide is positioned a neutral or nominal position which provides a basic seating position for the occupant of lift chair subsequent operation of lift motor gear housing worm drive assembly worm gear slide 90 can be slidably disposed in the slide lifting direction to and upwardly displace bar establishing the lift chair full lift position shown respect to Figure The transferred via lift to worm gear slide distributed to each of the first and second guide members 98 by the first and second shoulder bolts in the nominal position of worm gear the first and second shoulder bolts are positioned two thirds along a length of elongated slots looking forward respect to motor in the nominal positron of worm gear slide the connection bracket 138 lays substantially with respect to worm gear in the completed assembly position of base portion first and second journals are fixed in and base portion is therefore ready to receive chair portion as will be described In reference to Figure Referring to Figure 5 to Figure the chair portion assembled as First and second chair frame members are positioned substantially parallel with respect to each A chair frame structural tube is fixed to rearward ends of each of the first and second chair frame members to provide a predetermined frame A chair frame front connecting member 182 connects forward ends the first and second chair frame members The leg rest portion 34 positioned between supported by the chair frame structural tube arid the chair frame front connecting member The log rest mechanism portion 34 includes a leg rest drive motor which according to several aspects is a DC The leg rest drive motor is connected to a drive member which used to rotate a drive rod using a drive rod connecting member A support shaft is positioned in parallel with drive rod 168 and Includes portions which extend outwardly via apertures created in each of the first and second frame members extending portions will be described better in reference to Figure First and second pantograph linkage sets are each connected to the drive rod and the supped shaft Operation of the leg rest drive motor 64 causes extension of the drive rod connecting member which axially rotates drive rod Rotation of drive rod acts to extend or refract each of the first and second pantograph linkage sets The first pantograph linkage set through a first clearance opening 178 created in chair front connecting member the second pantograph linkage set 176 extends through a second clearance opening of chair frame front connecting member Each of the and second pantograph linkage 176 are connected to the leg vest Extension or retraction the first second pantograph linkage sots therefore extends or retracts the rest member With continuing reference to Figure chair portion further includes a seat frame 18 which is supported in part on first second swing assemblies which are rotatably to a tube assembly A first rear swing assembly is also connected to assembly and a first back bracket assembly is connected to first rear swing assembly Similarly a second rear swing assembly also connected to tube assembly and a second back bracket assembly is to the second rear swing assembly The first and second back bracket assemblies are used to connect the seat back assembly Rotation of the tube assembly with respect to first and second rear swing assemblies 194 displaces the first and second swing assemblies which displace the seat frame either forwardly or Referring to Figure 8 and again to Figures frame assembly is assembled by inserting the assembled chair portion 20 the assembled base portion 18 by loading the chair portion 20 in a downward direction until a first shaft extension portion 198 and a second shaft extension portion 199 in phantom Figure which are extending portions support shaft are received in the individual first and second journals journal 64 is clearly visible In this By downwardly pressing the first and second shaft extension portions past the upper edges 74 which extend partially Into and second U journals providing a clearance less than a diameter of the first and second shaft extension portions the first and second portions will position within first and second journals defining a frictional snap thereafter the edge 74 resists removal of the shaft extension portions A material of the journals 70 is selected to provide a low coefficient of friction as can be a polyamide or a material or similar polymeric to provide minimal resistance to rotation of chair portion 20 with respect to base portion To assemble the chair portion 20 the base portion after the chair portion Is received within base portion the first shaft extension portions individually and sequentially fin any snapped in the individual first second journals The second tube portion of lift bar is than positioned in a clevis 200 fixed to the tube assembly A clevis through aperture of an insulating bushing 202 receives a tube mounting pin which is also extended through a second tube aperture 206 created in second tube portion 114 such that second tube portion is rotatably connected to the clevis Tube mounting 204 can be retained after insertion using a standard hairpin Although additional structural can be used to connect first and second chair frame members tire third base frame member of base portion 18 substantially provides a rear wall when the chair portion is received in base portion A motor control fob is then connected to the mechanism for selective operation by the occupant in directing operation of either or both the lift mechanism portion leg rest mechanism portion At this the leg rest member is free to extend a forward direction by operation of the leg rest mechanism portion Referring to Figure 7 and again to 1 chair can be moved from the nominal position shown Figure to forward lift position shown in Figure 7 by operation of the lift mechanism portion which causes a forward of chair portion with respect to frame rotational axis Each of the first and second arm rest portions includes an arm rest outer frame having a first frame lower 2 at a rearward end of arm rest outer frame and a second frame lower face positioned toward a forward end of arm rest outer frame The first frame lower face Is oriented at an angle with respect to second frame lower face 21 As the chair portion is rotated in lift rotational direction the second frame lower face 214 is brought into parallel alignment with base platform and lower face 212 raised respect to the base platform edge this forward lift the seat back 14 in its upright and the rest is in its Referring to Figure 8 again to 1 and lift chair 10 can also be positioned in a rearward tilt position by operation of lift portion As chair portion 20 is rotated In a chair downward rotational direction with respect to frame rotational axis the first frame lower brought parallel alignment with base platform and trie second frame lower face is raised with respect to base platform further operation of lift mechanism portion seat back assembly 14 is rotated a seat back reclining direction F which directly results in a forward displacement of the seat frame a seat frame extending direction The forward displacement of seat frame is caused by of the tube assembly 188 during of lift mechanism portion At this the log reef member is still position Operation of the leg rest mechanism portion 34 is therefore not required to reach the lift chair rearward and seat back assembly rearward reclined positions Referring to Figure 9 and again to 1 3 from the nominal position of lift chair shown Figure with the seat assembly in the fully upright the rest can be extended by operation of leg mechanism portion Operation of log rest drive motor causes extension the first and second pantograph linkage sets first pantograph linkage set 174 is shown for The leg rest member can be extended without repositioning seat frame Referring to Figure and again to Figure with the leg rest member m the fully extended additional operation of lift portion 30 can be used to rotate the seat back assembly 14 from the fully upright to the seat back reclined position in the sear back reclining direction in this seat back assembly 14 is fully rotated in the seat back reclining direction the seat frame is extended leg rest member Is fully Referring to Figure 11 and again to Figure with lift chair already positioned the forward lift rest can be extended by operation of leg rest mechanism portion 34 either before after rotation of chair portion 20 the lift rotational direction to the forward in forward lift the second frame lower face of arm outer frames 2 are oriented parallel or in direct contact with platform and the first lower face Is elevated with to base platform this either the chair portion 20 he returned to the nominal position shown in Figure 1 before the return of leg rest member to the stowed or leg rest member be returned to the stowed position before chair portion returned to the nominal Referring to Figure 12 and again to Figures 1 and in the lift chair nominal the occupant seated seat frame has his or her weight distributed substantially onto worm gear slide and thereby to each of the first and second guide members During operation of lift mechanism portion either of the slide lifting direction or slide returning the weight of the occupant remains substantially supported over worm gear slide 90 by distribution of the weight via lift bar Referring to Figure and Figures 5 and in the lift chair nominal position with the seat assembly 14 in the fully upright position and the leg rest member in the stowed a chair frame rear member of chair portion extends below and rearwardiy of third base frame member A frame member lower end of chair frame rear connecting member is positioned substantially below upper of the third base frame member as previously noted in the nominal lift chair seating position the first shoulder bolt 1 second shoulder not visible in this is positioned substantially two thirds of the length of elongated slot with respect to a orientation of elongated slot The chair portion defines a wood the first and second chair frame members oriented parallel to each the rear wail member connected to and oriented perpendicular to the first and second chair frame members and the front member 162 connected to and oriented perpendicular to the and second chair frame members The base portion 18 also defines a wood the first and second base frame members 42 oriented parallel to each the rectangular shaped base platform 22 oriented perpendicular to the first and second base members and the third base frame 48 defining the rear facing wail of the base portion Referring to Figure 14 again to Figure a first portion of the weight of the of chair partially distributed by the first and second shaft extension portions of support shaft 172 to each of the first and second base frame members A second portion of the occupant weight as previously described via tube assembly and lift bar 1 to the components of lift mechanism portion and thereby to base platform As evident in Figure the first base e 40 is positioned in a cavity between inner rest membe arm rest outer frame of arm rest portion 24 the second base frame 42 is positioned in a cavity between second inner arm rest member 38 and an arm root outer frame to arm rest outer frame of second arm rest Referring to Figure and again to Figure when lift chair o positioned at the maximum lift position by rotation of chair portion 20 about frame rotational axis a lower end 222 of leg rest member Is still provided with clearance to base platform It is noted again that the full lift position for lift chair is achieved only with leg rest member in the fully stowed Referring to Figure and again to Figures 3 and the orientation frame member forward edge 54 of both the first and second base frame members 42 angle and the rearward positioning of the intersecting comer 53 with respect to frame member forward edge 54 provides additional clearance for the feet to be moved rearward to a position which closer to the center of gravity of the occupant In standing up from the lift chair full lift At the full second shoulder positioned at a fully rearward end of elongated slot and can be in direct contact with a slot end wall 224 elongated slot The first shoulder visible in this is similarly positioned with respect to elongated slot The lift bar is therefore providing maximum extension height at clevis At the maximum extension a vertical plane 226 defined at a forward edge 223 of seat frame Is oriented perpendicular with respect to a floor surface The spacing between vertical plane 226 and base IS platform forward edge 55 provides additional space for the feet of the occupant to be positioned rearward of vertical and therefore closer to a center of gravity of the occupant than known lift enhances the ability of the to stand and lift chair 5 to Figure and again to Figures 3 and most of the structural of lift chair beers removed for clarity that the right components operation of leg rest and the components of lift mechanism portion are visible when left chair is the maximum leg rest drive motor not operated the rotation to the chair foil The drive rod connecting member is therefore in its fully retracted position as is first pantograph linkage set As gear slide is displaced in the slide lifting direction which is rearward respect to the occupant of lift chair the connection bracket as well as lift bar HO rotate such that second tube portion connected to clevis provides maximum lift to the tube assembly As worm gear slide moves in the slide lifting direction the shoulder such as second shoulder slide within the elongated such as elongated slot toward the high elevation end 06 of first and second guide members The rearward displacement of worm gear slide as well as the increased 20 elevation of the shoulder provides the maximum lift When the shoulder 1 reach the slot tear end wall of each of respective first and second elongated slots the maximum lift position Is Lift chair remain at full lift position until the occupant redirects operation of lift motor 76 to return lift chair to the nominal position shown in 25 Figure 1 or to of tire operating positions described Referring to Figure and again to Figure in the chair rearward tilt position provided by operation of lift mechanism portion chair portion 20 is rotated the chair downward rotational direction until the first frame lower face parallel with or contact upper face 58 of base platform The chair rearward having seat back assembly 1 in its furthest upright results in a lowest position for lift bar respect to base platform During the transition toward the chair rearward nit the shoulder bolts displace in the first and second elongated slots the slide returning direction toward a slot forward end wall At the chair rearward tilt the frame member lower of chair frame rear connecting member at lowest elevation and positioned proximate base platform Referring to Figure and again tc Figure the upright leg rest extended position of chair the leg rest mechanism portion is operated that extending drive shaft extended by operation of log rest drive motor 164 from drive connecting member displaces drive rod connecting member and thereby rotates drive rod Rotation of drive rod as previously extends leg rest member to the fully extended position bar and the shoulder boils such as first shoulder are in positions corresponding to the nominal position of lift chair to shown Figure The only operation required to leg rest member is therefore operation of the leg rest mechanism portion 34 by operation of leg rest drive motor Referring to Figure and to Figure to change from the chair rearward tilt shown in to further achieve the maximum seat back assembly rearward rotation in the back reclining direction lift mechanism portion is operated to displace worm slide in the returning direction further forward than position the nominal position of lift chair gear slide 90 therefore In the slide returning direction until the shoulder bolts such as first shoulder bolt contact the slot forward end wait 232 the first and second elongated slots At this bar elevated compared to the chair position shown in which allows the full rearward rotation of seat back assembly and forward displacement of seat frame in the seat extending direction a maximum chair rearward tilt position can be achieved while the leg rest member in fully stowed Referring to Figure 21 and again to Figure to change the maximum chair rearward tilt position shown Figure 20 to further include the full extension of leg rest member when the operation of mechanism n portion 30 is leg rest portion 34 can be further operated to extend leg rest member to extended position With reference to Figures another furniture member 500 The structure and function of the furniture member 500 may be similar or identical to that of the lift chair 10 described apart from any exceptions noted features will not be described in the furniture member 500 may include a base portion and a chair portion that rotatably mounted to the base portion A mechanism is to a base platform 522 of the base portion and is operable to move the chair portion 520 and the base portion 518 among nominal position a or a reclined position and a fully lifted position It will be appreciated that the mechanism move the base portion and the chair portion 520 to any position between the reclined and A mechanism 534 is coupled to the chair portion and a iegrest member and operable to move the member relative the base portion the chair portion between a retracted position 22 and and an extended position 24 and The mechanism 534 may be operable independently of mechanism The structure function of the mechanism 534 may be similar or identical that of the Iegrest mechanism described and will not be described again in The structure and function of the mechanism 530 may be similar to that of the mechanism described t from any exceptions described shown in the ilar features will not be described again in Like the mechanism the mechanism 530 may include the motor the worm drive assembly the first and second guide members and the lift bar Figure operation of the motor causes the slide to move along the worm 88 and the first and second guide members As described a first of the lilt bar 110 coupled to the slide 90 and a second end of the lift bar Is coupled to the tube assembly which in is coupled to the portion As shown Figure the mechanism also includes an axle first and second legs and generally extension bar The axle 540 Is rotatably supported by a pair of bearing blocks that are fixedly to the base platform A first end of the axio may be fixedly mounted to the first leg by a bracket A second end 554 of the axle 540 may be fixedly mounted to the second leg 44 another bracket In the axle the first and second legs 544 are rotatable each other relative to the base portion and the chair portion Figures and The first and second legs may be generally members that each includes a fore foot and an foot The base platforms may include a plurality of apertures each of which are generally aligned with a corresponding one of the feet 558 of the first and second legs As shown in Figures and the apertures allo the feet extend through the base platform 522 as be more detail Figure depicts an alternative configuration of the legs The configuration shown Figure may be a molded metal or composite rather than a plastic or composite The configuration shown In Figure 29 attaches to the mechanism In the same way as the configuration shown in Figures also functions In the same As in Figure another bracket 562 is fixedly attached to the axle 540 between the first end and the first guide member The bracket includes first and second members 566 that engage a peg or pin A first portion 570 of the extension bar 546 is disposed between the first second 566 and includes an elongated slot 572 that slidably receives the pin 568 so that the extension bar 546 can slide relative to the bracket 562 and axle As shown Picture the slot 572 can be formed In a block 574 fixedly mounted to the extension bar or the slot 572 can be formed in an integrally formed portion of the extension bar A length of the slot 572 is shorter than the lengths of the first and second slots 102 of the first and guide members A second portion of the extension bar be pivotably coupled to the tube assembly continued reference to Figures operation of the mechanism will be described in As described the mechanism moves the base portion the chair portion among the nominal position the position and the lifted position in the nominal and portions 582 of the base platform 522 contact a flat ground surface 584 which the furniture member 500 situated and support the entire weight of the furniture member In some the fore and aft feet 558 of the first and second legs 544 may contact the ground surface and support the entire weight of the furniture the nominal In the reclined the fore feet of the first and second 542 and the aft portion 582 of the platform 522 may contact the ground surface 584 and support the entire weight of the furniture member In the lifted the aft feet of the first and second legs 542 and the fore portion of the base platform 522 may contact the ground surface 584 and support the entire weight of the furniture member 20 When the mechanism moves from the nominal position 22 and to the reclined position 25 and operation of the In a first direction causes the slide SO to move along the worm drive assembly and the first and guide members toward the most position shown Figure Because the bar 110 connected to 25 the slide and the chair portion movement of the slide toward the most position causes the chair portion to move toward the reclined the slide 90 moves toward the ost the pin of the bracket of the axle slides relative to the slot 572 of the extension bar until the pin 568 contacts the of the slot 572 shown in Figure While the pin 568 is sliding relative to the the axle remains stationary relative to the base platform Once the pin contacts the end of the slot continued movement of the slide toward the position causes the extension bar 546 to rotate the axle 540 and the legs 544 in a first rotational direction so that the feet of the legs 544 protrude through the corresponding apertures the base platform 522 shown in Figures and As the fore feet 556 extend further through the apertures the fore portion of the base 522 5 is lifted of the ground to further recline the furniture member 500 to the reclined position shown m Figure 25 When the mechanism moves from the position and to the lifted position and operation of the motor in a second direction the first causes the slide to move along the worm drive and the first second guide members S8 toward the position shown in Figure Because the lift bar f is connected to the slide 90 and the chair this movement of the elide 90 toward the position causes the chair portion 520 to move toward the lifted position As the slide 90 moves toward the position the pin of the bracket 562 of the axle 540 slides relative to the of the extension bar 546 until the pin 568 contacts the end of the slot 572 shown Figure While the pin 568 is sliding relative to the slot the axle remains stationary relative to the base platform Once the pin contacts the end of the continued movement of the toward the position causes the extension bar to rotate the axle 540 the legs 544 in a second direction the first so that the aft feet of the legs 544 protrude through the corresponding apertures In the base platform fas shown m Figures 27 and As the aft feet extend further through 25 the apertures the aft portion 582 of the base platform 522 is lifted off of the ground to further the furniture member to the fully lifted position 27 Providing the legs 544 and moving the legs 544 to the positions shown in Figures and 27 provides the furniture with an increased range of motion relative to the chair shown in Figures 1 While the seat heights of chair and the furniture member In the nominal positions may be the same as shown m Figures 13 the extra range of motion provided by the mechanism relative to the 30 results in a significant increase In height and recline angle of the furniture member 500 the fully reclined A comparison of Figures shows that for exemplary embodiments of the and furniture member providing the mechanism the rotatable 544 increases the of the furniture member 500 by about Inches from inches to 27 arid Increases the of furniture member 500 by about nine degrees from degrees to The additional range of motion provided by rotating the legs 544 to the position shown In Figure 25 may be particularly comfortable for users as the feet the extended iegrest be positioned at or near the vortical level the vertical distance off of the ground of the This positioning of the body in the furniture member promotes arid The extra range of motion provided by the mechanism relative to the mechanism 30 also results In a significant increase in the seat of the furniture member 500 relative to the chair 10 in the fully lifted A comparison of Figures and 27 shows that for exemplary of the chair 10 and furniture member providing the mechanism 530 the rotatable legs 544 increases the seat height of the furniture member 500 by about inches from Inches 24 The additional lift provided by rotating the legs 544 to the position shown in Figure 27 provides additional lift of a user seated in the furniture member 500 toward a standing thereby reducing the of effort and strength required of the user to stand out of the furniture member This may be particularly beneficial for elderly or physically disabled The furniture member may also include structure that causes the frame 514 to recline backward relative to the frame and frame member by approximately live for when the furniture member 500 is in the lifted position to prevent unwanted pressure on the occupants head shoulders during when the occupant is gelling up out of the furniture member 500 to a standing A comparison of Figures and 27 illustrate this recline of the 22 an angle X between seatbaek frame in the nominal and 27 shows an angle of degrees in the lifted As shown in Figure a pivot bracket is connected re the tube assembly the frame the seat frame swing assemblies A pair of slide brackets 588 are attached to frame The slide brackets 588 include slots that slidably receive the shaft the furniture member 500 la moved the lifted position the weight of the frame the rest of the seat bottom assembly supported by the frame causes the seat frame and slide brackets 588 the rest of the bottom to slide forward relative to the shaft which causes relative rotation between the seat frame and the whereb the seatbaek frame 514 reclines backward approximately five The pivot bracket and the interface between slide brackets 585 and the shaft 172 allow the balance of weight of the the seat bottom the mechanism to determine the amount that the seatbaek reclines the lifted some the seatbaek may recline by amount more or less than five degrees in the lifted position While the mechanisms are described above as being power mechanisms motors some either or both of the mechanisms could be manual not mechanisms Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and fully convey scope to who skilled the Numerous specific details are set forth such as of specific components and to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure be apparent to those skilled in the art tha specific details be that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the In some example device and technologies not described terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments Is not intended to be As used herein the singular forms may be intended to include the plural forms as unless the clearly The terms are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated steps but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other steps an groups The method and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance the particular order discussed or unless specifically identified as an order of also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be When an element or layer is to as being o another element or layer it be directly connected or couple to the other element or or intervening elements or layers may be present in when an element referred to as being engaged connected or another element or layer there may be no intervening elements or layers Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion versus As used the term indudes any and ail combinations one or more of the associated listed Although the terms second may be used herein to describe various layers these layers sections should not be limited by these These terms may be only used to distinguish one layer or section from another layer or Terms such as and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply sequence or order unless indicated by the a first layer or section discussed below could be termed a second layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example insufficientOCRQuality

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS W ed 1 A furniture member a frame including a chair portion movable relative in a base among a nominal a reclined position a lift a motor attached to the base a slide member connected to the motor and displaceable relative to the base portion in first and second directions by selective operation of the a first bar connected to the slide member and the chai the first bar moving the chair portion among the nominal the reclined position and the position in response to operation of the an rotatably mounted to the base first and second leg members attached to respective first and second ends of the each of the first end teg members a fore foot and an aft and a second bar connected to the chair portion and slidably connected to the the second bar rotating the axle in a first direction in response to of the chair portion the reclined position and rotating the axle a second direction in response to movement of the chair portion into the lift The furniture member of Claim wherein the fore feet of the first and second leg members extend through the base portion the reclined position so that an aft portion of fire base and fore feet of the first second leg members are supporting a weight of the furniture member a fore portion of the base portion spaced apart from a ground surface upon which the furniture member is The furniture member of wherein the feet of the first and second leg members extend through the base portion in the lift position so that the fore portion of the base and ait of the first and second leg members are supporting the weight of furniture with the aft portion of the base portion spaced apart the ground The furniture member of wherein the first and second members are generally members The furniture of 4 wherein the base portion includes plurality of apertures through which the fere and aft feet of the first and second leg are The furniture member of Claim 1 wherein the of the first and second leg members extend through the base portion in the lift position so that a fore portion of mo base and art feet of the first and second leg members are supporting a weight of furniture member with an portion of the base spaced apart from a ground surface upon which the furniture member situated The member of Claim further comprising a mechanism including a iegrest linkage and a member that are moveable an extended position and a retracted position independently of movement of the first and second bars The furniture member of Claim wherein the iegrest mechanism Includes a motor that engages iegrest The furniture member of Claim wherein the is rotatably supported by bearing blocks that are fixedly mounted to the base The furniture member of Claim wherein the first and second leg members are fixedly attached to the axle by first and second The furniture member of Claim wherein the second bar includes an elongated slot that slidably a peg that is fixedly attached to the furniture member of Claim the slide connected to the first bar has a range of motion that is longer than the elongated slot so that the peg slides along the elongated slot of the second bar for onl a portion of the range of of the The furniture member of Claim wherein continued motion of the in a rearward direction past a position of the slide corresponding to Initial between the peg and a fore of the elongated slot causes rotation of the axle and the first and second leg members first rotational direction relative to the base portion The furniture member of wherein continued motion of the slide a forward direction past a position of the slide corresponding to Initial between the peg and aft end of the elongated slot causes rotation of the axle and the first and second leg members in a second rotational direction relative to the base furniture member of Claim 1 wherein an angle between a of the chair portion and a seat bottom of the chair portion increases by a predetermined amount when the chair portion moved from the nominal position to the lift The furniture member of Claim wherein the predetermined amount is approximately five A furniture member a base member including fore and aft end a chair frame movable relative to the base member among a nominal a reclined position and a lift a moving the chair frame relative to the base member among the reclined and and first and second leg each having fore and aft feet mounted to the base member such that the feet extend through the base member in the position and the aft feet extend through the base member in the lift wherein the fore and aft end portions of the base support a weight of the furniture member in the nominal the feet and the aft end portion support the weight the reclined and the aft feet and the end portion support the weight the lift The furniture member of Claim wherein the mechanism includes a motor attached to the base a slide member connected to the ar d a first bar connected to membe and the chair The furniture member of Claim further an rotatably mounted to the base a second bar connected to the chair frame and slidably connected to the the second bar rotating the axle in a first direction in response to of the chair frame Into the reclined position and rotating the axle a second direction response to movement ot the chair frame into the The furniture member of Claim wherein the second bar an elongated slot that slidably receives a peg that fixedly attached to 21 The furniture member of Claim wherein the slide member connected to the first bar has a range of motion that is longer than the elongated slot so that the peg slides along the elongated slot of second bar for only a portion of the range of motion of the slide The furniture member of Claim 21 wherein continued motion of the slide member in a rearward direction past a position of the slide member corresponding to initial contact between the peg and a fore end of the elongated causes rotation of axle and the first and second leg members in a first rotational direction relative to the base furniture member of Claim wherein continued motion of the member a forward direction past a position of the slide member corresponding to initial contact between peg an aft of the elongated slot causes rotation of the axle and the first and second leg members in a second rotational direction relative to the base The furniture member of Claim wherein the is rotatably supported by bearing blocks that are fixedly mounted to the case The furniture member of Claim the and second leg are fixedly attached to the by first and second The furniture member Claim wherein the base member includes a plurality of apertures through which the fore and alt of the and second leg members are The furniture member of Claim further comprising a mechanism including a linkage and a member that are moveable between an extended position and a retracted position independently of movement of the first and second leg 23 The furniture member of Claim wherein the mechanism includes a Iegrest motor that engages the The furniture member of Claim wherein the first and second leg members are generally insufficientOCRQuality