US2788057A - Contour lounge of the chaise longue type - Google Patents

Description

April 9, 1957 I J. KRAKORA 8,

CONTOUR LOUNGE OF THE CHAISE LONGUE TYPE Filed Sept. 30, 195:5 3 Sheets- Sheet 1 FIG. 1'

/m :F f g a I INVENTOR. By John Kra/rom L2H mu K April 9, 1957 J. KRAKORA 2,788,057

- CONTOUR LOUNGE OF THE CHAISE LONGUE TYPE Filed Sept. 50, 1953 v a s Shets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

John Kra/rora BY M W m April 9, 1957 J. KRAKORA CONTOUR LOUNGE OF THE CHAISE LONGUE TYPE Filed Sept. 30,, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. I John Kra/rora .L 'aaeaww w 7/ I Am CONTOUR LOUNGE OF THE CHAISE. LflNGUE TYPE John Krakora, "Park Ridge, Iii.

Application September 30, 1953, Serial No. 383,266

14 Claims. (Cl. 155-105) The present invention relates to lounges of the chaise longue type and more particularly to such lounges of the contour type.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a lounge of the chaise longue type that may be readily and conveniently converted by the user between a substantially conventional configuration or position and a contour configuration or position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lounge of the character noted that may be readily converted between its conventional configuration and its contour configuration by a user while he is on the lounge merely by appropriately shifting his weight in the proper manner.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lounge of the character noted including a first or back panel, a second or seat panel, a third or upper-leg supporting panel and afourth or lower-leg supporting panel, wherein the first panel is movable between a first substantially upright position and a second substantially rearwardly inclined position, and also including mechanism for automatically positioning the other three panels named with respect to each other in response to the movements of the first panel, so as to provide the conventional configuration and the contour configuration when the first panel is moved into its respective first and second positions.

A further object of the invention isto provide a lounge of the character noted that includes improved and exceedingly simple mechanism for correlating the related movements of the several panels named.

A further object of the .invention is to provide a lounge of the character noted, wherein the first panel may also be moved from its first position through its second position into a third position, so as to convert the lounge into a bed configuration or position.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a lounge of the character noted thatincludes an improved arrangement for selectively rendering inoperative the automatic mechanism mentioned so that the first panel may be moved from its first position through its second position into its third position without effecting substantial movement of the other panels named.

Further features of the invention pertainito the particular arrangement of the elements of the lounge, whereby the above-outlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specificationtaken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a contour lounge embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of'the lounge shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lounge, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 33 in Fig. 1, and illustrating the individual positions of the nitied States Patent 2,788,057 Patented Apr. 9 1957 several panels thereof when the lounge occupies its normal or conventional configuration;

Fig. 4 is another longitudinal sectional view of the lounge, also taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 44 in Fig. 1, and illustrating the individual positions of the several panels thereof when the lounge occupies its operated or contour configuration;

Fig. 5 is a further longitudinal sectional View of the lounge, also taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 5--5 in Fig. l, and illustrating the individual positions of the several panels thereof when the lounge occupies its further operated or bed configuration;

Fig. 6 is a front elevational view of the lounge, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 7 is a rear elevational view of the lounge, asshown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectiona1 view of the lounge, identical to a portion of Fig. 4, and illustrating the front of the upper-leg supporting panel and the associated operating bar therefor that are incorporated in the lounge, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2; and

Fig. 9 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the lower-leg supporting panel of the lounge, taken in the direction of'the arrows along the line '9.r9 in Fig. 1, and illustrating the mechanism for guiding the movements of this panel with respect to the associated frame, and also illustrating a modificationconceruing the provision of an associated snubbing device for restraining this panel in its adjusted position with respect to the associated frame.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. '1 to 3, inclusive, of the drawings, the lounge 1t there illustrated and embodying the features of the present inventionis of the chaise longue type and comprises frame structure including a longitudinally extending main frame 11 "and a longitudinally extending subframe'Zt). The main frame 1-1 includes a substantially iJ-shaped tubular member 12., and a pair of curved and laterally spaced-apart arm mem bers 13. The member 12 is provided with a front laterally extending ground-engaging bar 14; the rear ends of the sidesof the member 12 are suitably joined to the lower downwardly and rearwardly extending extremities of the members 13 by welding, or the like; and the front extremities of the members 13 are suitably joined to the intermediate portions of the sides of the member 12 by welding, or the like. The'rearwardly and downwardly projecting extremities of the members 13 are connected together by a laterally extending axle 15, the opposite ends of which carry a pair of laterally spaced-apart ground-engaging Wheels '16. Also the opposite sides of the member 12 are connected together adjacentto the intermediate portions thereof by a laterally extending tubular member 17 and adjacent to the front ends thereof by a laterally extending axle 13; while the opposite sides of the members 13 are connected together above and forwardly of the axle lSby anotherlaterally extending a ile .19. Accordingly, the main frame 11 is-of rigid, light-weight, tubular construction, accommodating ready movement of the lounge 10 upon the wheels '16 after lifting of the ground-engaging bar =14. The su bframe 20 is substantially ,U-shaped, including a pair of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced-apart-side members 21 and a connecting laterally extending member 22, the front ends of the members 21 being pivotally connected to the lower ends of the members 13 by a pair of laterally spaced-apart and aligned pivot pins 23; whereby the subframe 29 extends longitudinally from the pivot pins 23 toward the-rear of the mainframe Ill and is-movable with respect thereto in the vertical direction as explained more fully hereinafter. Further, the intermediate upper por tions of the arm members 13 carry a pair of laterally spaced-apart arm rests 24.

Further, the lounge 10 comprises four longitudinally spaced-apart and cooperating panels 25, 26, 27 and 23. The panel 25 constitutes a back panel and is arranged at the rear of the main frame 11; the panel 26 constitutes a seat and is arranged at the intermediate rear of the main frame 11; the panel 27 constitutes an upper-leg supporting panel and is arranged at the intermediate front of the main frame 11; and the panel 28 constitutes a lower-leg supporting panel and is arranged at the front of the main frame 11. The panels 25, 26, 27 and 28 are disposed between the sides of the member 12; and each of these panels is of general rectangular configuration including resilient laterally extending mattress-supporting structure. More specifically, as best shown in Fig. 3, the panels 25, 26, 27 and 28 are respectively bounded by generally rectangular frames 29, 30, 31 and 32 that may be formed of steel angle members; and as best shown in Fig. 1, the frames 29, 30, 31 and 32 respectively carry a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart and laterally extending steel ribbon- like slats 33, 34, 35 and 36. Each of the slats 33, etc. is connected at one end to the associated frame 29. etc., and is connected at the other end to a coil spring 37, that, in turn, is connected to the other side of the frame 29, etc., the springs 37 being alternately disposed on opposite ends of the slats 33, etc. This arrangement provides for the necessary resiliency of the panels 25, 26, 27 and 28, accommodating proper and equalized support of an associated mattress, not shown.

The back panel 25 is supported upon the axle 19 adjacent to the lower portion thereof by an arrangement best shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 7, and comprising a pair of laterally spaced-apart rollers 38 rotatably mounted upon the axle 19 and cooperating with a pair of laterally spaced-apart substantially inverted U-shaped brackets 39 directly secured by welding, or the like, to the lower portion of the frame 29, the back panel 25 being movable between a first substantially upright position, shown in Fig. 3, and a second substantially rearwardly inclined position, shown in Fig. 4, and a third substantially horizontally disposed position. shown in Fig. 5, as explained more fully hereinafter. The opposite sides of the bottom of the rear panel 25 are pivotally connected to the rear of the subframe 20 by two laterally spaced-apart fixtures 40 directly carried by the opposite rear ends of the member 22 and cooperating pivot pins 41 carried by the fixtures 40 and extending into the opposite lower sides of the frame 29. Accordingly, when the back panel 25 is moved from its first position, shown in Fig. 3, into its second position, shown in Fig. 4, the subframe 20 is pivoted upwardly about the pivot pins 23 from its first position, shown in Fig. 3, into its second position, shown in Fig. 4. In the mounting arrangement for the rear panel 25, the brackets 39 carry a pair of laterally spacedapart studs 42 that are adjustable with respect to the cooperating rollers 38; whereby the heads of the studs 42 engage the rollers 38 when the back panel 25 occupies its first position, shown in Fig. 3. On the other hand, as the back panel 25 is moved from its first position, shown in Fig. 3, into its second position, shown in Fig. 4, it 15 moved rearwardly; whereby the brackets 39 are moved upon the rollers 38 causing the heads of the studs 42 to disengage the rollers 38.

The seat panel 26 is directly secured to the rear of the subframe 20 and is movable therewith as the subframe 20 partakes of the pivotal movements about the pivot pins 23, as previously noted. More particularly, the seat panel 26 is movable between first and second positions, respectively shown in Figs. 3 and 4; however, the seat panel 26 is disposed substantially in a horizontal plane in each of its positions by virtue of the small angle of movement of the subframe 20 between its first and sec- 4 0nd positions. Also, it is noted that the seat panel 26 is spaced forwardly of the rear panel 25 and is secured in place by a pair of laterally spaced-apart bolts 43 disposed adjacent to the rear thereof and a pair of laterally spacedapart pillow blocks 44 disposed adjacent to the front thereof. As best shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the bolts 43 extend between the frame 30 and the members 21; and the pillow blocks 44 are directly secured by welding, or the like, to the members 21.

The lower-leg supporting panel 28 is mounted upon the main frame 11 for guided movements between first and second positions, respectively shown in Figs. 3 and 4, by an arrangement including a centrally disposed roller 45 carried by the axle 18 and a cooperating guide rail 46 carried by the central lower portion of the panel 28, the guide rail 46 being substantially channel-shaped in crosssection and riding on the roller 45, as shown in Fig. 9. Also, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the upper-leg supporting panel 27 is arranged between the panels 26 and 28 and is mounted for movements between first and second positions, respectively shown in Figs. 3 and 4. More particularly, the front of the frame 30 and the rear of the frame 31 are hinged together by a pair of laterally spacedapart hinge mechanisms 47 arranged on opposite sides thereof; and similarly, the front of the frame 31 and the rear of the frame 32 are hinged together by a pair of laterally spaced-apart hinge mechanisms 48 arranged on opposite sides thereof.

For the purpose of moving the panels 26 and 27 from their first positions, shown in Fig. 3, into their second positions, shown in Fig. 4, mechanism is provided that comprises a substantially U-shaped tubular operating member 49 extending longitudinally below the panels 25, 26 and 27, the member 49 including a front laterally extending bar 50 disposed below the front of the panel 27. The opposite sides of the member 49 are notched, as indicated at 51 in Fig. 5, adjacent to the rear extremities thereof and which notches 51 normally engage the axle 15 adjacent to the opposite sides thereof. More particularly, the ends of the member 49 are normally restrained in place with the notches 51 engaging the axle 15 by a pair of tubular keepers 52 arranged in sliding relation therewith, the outer ends of the keepers 52 being slotted, as indicated at 53 in Fig. 5, so that they embrace the axle 15 retaining the notches 51 in seated engagements with the axle 15, when the several panels 25, 26, 27 and 28 occupy other than their bed position of Fig. 5. The intermediate sections of the sides of the bar 49 are flexibly connected to the intermediate portion of the subframe 20 by two lengths of chain 54; whereby the bar 49 is pivoted about the axle 15 incident to pivotal movement of the subframe 20, as explained more fully hereinafter. A pair of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced-apart brackets 55 are secured to the frame 31 of the panel 27; and the front ends of the brackets 55 carry a pair of laterally spaced-apart slide blocks 56 cooperating with the front bar 50 of the member 49. More particularly, as best shown in Fig. 8,

mounted to the front end of the bracket 55 by a pivot pin 57; and the rear end of each of the slide blocks 56 is adjustably mounted with respect to the associated bracket 55 by a set screw arrangement, indicated generally at 58. Finally, the lower surface of the slide block 56 carries a layer of brake band 59, or the like, directly engaging the bar 50 so as to prevent undesirable noise as a consequence of movement of the bar 50, fore and aft, with respect to the slide blocks 56. 3

Considering now the operation of the above-described mechanism, it will be understood that when the lounge 10 occupies its conventional configuration or position, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the lower-leg supporting panel 28 is disposed in a first position arranged substantially in the horizontal plane of the seat panel 26, the upperleg supporting panel 27 extending therebetween and also sition, shown in Fig. 3, into its substantially rearwardly reclining position, shown in Fig. '4, it rides rearwardly with respect to the rollers 38, as previously noted; whereby the subframe 20 is pivoted from its lower position, shown in Fig. 3, into its upper position, shown in Fig. 4. As

the subframe 20 is moved from its lower position of Fig. 3

into its upper'position of Fig. 4, it pivots the member 49 from its lower position of Fig 3 into its upper position of Fig. 4 by virtue of the arrangement including the two lengths of chain 54; whereby the bar 50 exerts an upward and rearward force upon the slide blocks 56 causingthe panel 27 to pivot upwardly about the hinge mechanisms 47, so that the hinge mechanisms 48 exert a'lifting force upon the panel 28, moving the panel 28 from its first position of Fig. 3 into its second position of Fig. 4. When the panel 28 occupies its second position, shown in Fig. 4, it is disposed well above the plane of the seat panel 26, and the panel 27 occupies an upwardlyirrclin'ed position between the panels 26 and 28, the movement of the panel 28 between its first and second positions being guided by the cooperation between the roller 45 and the guide rail 46. Accordingly, when the lounge occupies its position, shown in Fig. 4, it is in its contour configuration ,or position, so that a person reclining thereon is in a contour or posture position with his lower legs raised decidedly in a position above his upper legs and with his back and head in a substantially rearwardly reclined position.

It is noted that'in order to shift the lounge 10 from its conventional configuration of Fig. 3 into its contour configuration of Fig. 4, it is only necessary for the person thereon to shift his weight toward the-rear thereof-pushing against the arm rest 24; and on the other hand, in order to shift the lounge 10 from its contour configuration of Fig. 4 back into its conventional configuration of Fig. 3, it is only necessary for the person thereon to shift his weight toward the front thereof pulling upon the arm rest 24. Moreover, the intermediate positions of the lounge 10 between the extreme positions of Figs. 3 and 4 thereof also comprise stable positions, so that the person in the lounge 10 may utilize any one of these intermediate positions.

For the purpose of positively restraining the lounge 1% in an intermediate position between the extreme positions of Figs. 3 and 4, a snubber device may be incorporated therein, as indicated in Fig. 9, although the intermediate positions mentioned of the lounge 16 are'stable without the provision of this snubber device. As illustrated in Fig. 9, the snubber device com-prises an upstanding substantially channel-shaped member 65) also cooperating with the roller 45, the lower end of the member 60 being secured toone leaf 61 of a hinge mechanism 62, the other leaf 63 of the hinge mechanism 62 being secured to the lowermost portion of the guide rail 46. The hinge mechanism 62 is of the coil spring biased type, including a coil spring, indicated generally at'64, biasing .the two leaves 61 and 63 toward each other so that the member 60 is biased toward the roller 45. Accordingly, the roller 45 isfrictionally clamped between the member 61} and the guide rail 46 so that a frictional or snubbing action is exerted thereupon, so as further to restrain the panel 28 in any intermediate adjusted position thereof disposed between the two extreme positions of Figs. 3 and 4;

As previously noted, the sliding of the bar 50 upon the brake band 59 is without noise, as the band 59 may be formed of rubber, asbestos fiber, etc., with this in view. Also, it will be appreciated that the extent of the pivotal movement-of the panel 27- about the hinge mechanism 47 maybe selectively adjusted by controlling the adjusted position of the slide blocks 56, employing the associated set screws 58; whereby the total movement of the panel 28 between its two positions of Figs. 3 and 4 may be selectively controlled. Also, thelaterally extending member 17 of the main frame 11 carries a pair of laterally spaced-apart pillow blocks 65 that en gage and support the front of the panel 27 in its normal or first position, as illustrated in Fig. 3.

In view of the foregoing, it will be understood that the lounge 10 may be automatically converted between .its conventional configuration and its contour configuration, as respectively shown-in Figs. 3 and 4, by the user while he is in the lounge 10 and by the simple expedient of shifting the position of the back panel25 between its first and second positions, as respectively shown'in Figs. 3 and 4.

Also the lounge 10 may be converted into a bed configuration so that it comprises a bed or cot, as shown in Fig. 5, by first disconnecting the rear ends of the member 49 from the axle 15, and then by moving the back panel 25 from its first position through its second position into its third position. In order to disconnect the .rear ends of the member 49 from the axle'15' it is only necessary to slide the tubular keepers 52 forwardly, so that the slots 53 therein are removedfrom the axle 15, in order that thenotches .51 may be moved away from the axle 15. At this time, after disconnection of the member 49 from the axle 15,-the movement of the back panel 25 from its first position of Fig. 3 through its .second ,position and-thence into its thirdposition of Fig. 5 is not transmitted through the lengths of chain 54 to'the member49, as.far as anyforce exerted upon the panel 27 is concerned; whereby the panel 28 remains in its first or lower position and the panels 27 and 26 are only shifted or raised slightly as a consequence of the movement of the subframe 20, as the back panel 25 is moved into its third position. In other words, when the lounge 10 occupies its bed configuration, as shown in Fig. 5, the panels 28, 27 and 26 are disposed in'a substantially horizontal plane, and the back panel 25' is disposed substantially in this same horizontal plane, although actually slightly inclined-from the horizontal; and,-as illustrated, the members 49 are supported'above the axle 15 by the lengths of chain 54. In order to insure that the lounge 10 remains in'its bed configuration 'of Fig. 5, aloose length'of chain :66 is provided, the upper end of'the length of chain 66 being secured to the frame 29, and the lower end ofthe length of chain 66 terminating in a hook 67 that is adapted to engage the axle 15. This arrangement of the length of chain 66 positively prevents the back panel 25 from tilting'upwardly from the position of Fig.5 toward the position of Fig. 4, when the person occupies thelounge 10. The slight inclinationof the back panel 25 with respect to the horizontal is established by an adjustable stop arrangement including a pair of bolts 68 carriedat the extreme rear of the subframe 20 adjacent to the opposite sides thereof, and cooperating with the opposite sides of the back panel 25 .rearwardly of the pivot pins 41,'asclearly shown in Fig. 5. After the desired inclination of the back panel 25 is obtained by adjustment or the bolts 68, associated lock nuts carried thereby may be set to preserve the adjustment mentioned.

Thereafter, in order to convert the lounge 10 from its bed configuration it is only necessary to disengage the hook 67 with respect to the axle 15, and then'to'reengage the ends of the member 49 with respect to the axle 15, returning thetubular keepers 52 into their positions, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

- In the use of the lounge 10, it is again pointed out that it is necessary to employ in conjunction therewith, a mattress, not shown, of a type commerciallyavailable; and of course it is contemplated that this mattress will 7 be sufficiently flexible so that it will follow readily the contour of the lounge 10 into the respective configurations shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, described above.

In view of the foregoing, it is apparent that there has been provided a lounge of the chaise longue type capable of automatic adjustment between conventional and contour configurations and capable of simple manual adjustment also into a bed configuration. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the last-mentioned manual adjustment requires only a simple manipulation employing no tools, or the like.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A contour lounge comprising longitudinally extending frame structure, a first or back panel, means mounting said first panel upon the rear of said frame structure for pivotal movements with respect thereto between a first substantially upright position and a second substantially rearwardly inclined position, a second or seat panel supported by said frame structure forwardly of said first panel and arranged in a substantially horizontal plane, a third or upper-leg supporting panel disposed forwardly of said second panel, the rear of said third panel being pivotally connected to the front of said second panel, said third panel being movable between a first substantially horizontal position disposed substan tially in the plane of said second panel and a second substantially forwardly inclined position, mechanism responsive to movements of said first panel between its first and second positions for moving said third panel between its respective first and second positions, a fourth or lower-leg supporting panel disposed forwardly of said third panel, and means including a roller carried by the front of said frame structure and a cooperating guide rail carried by the bottom of said fourth panel for mounting said fourth panel for guided movements with respect to said frame structure between a first substantially horizontal position disposed substantially in the plane of said second panel and a second substantially horizontal position disposed well above the plane of said second panel, the rear of said fourth panel being pivotally connected to the front of said third panel, whereby said fourth panel is moved between its first and second positions in response to movements of said third panel between its respective first and second positions.

2. The contour lounge set forth in claim 1, wherein said means mounting said first panel for pivotal movements includes a laterally extending bar carried by the upper rear portion of said frame, and rollers carried by said bar and cooperating with the rear of said first panel.

3. The contour lounge set forth in claim 1, wherein said means mounting said first panel for pivotal movements includes a pair of spaced-apart rollers respectively carried by the opposite upper rear sides of said frame and respectively cooperating with the opposite lower sides of said first panel.

4. The contour lounge set forth in claim 1, wherein said means mounting said first panel for pivotal movements includes a pair of rollers carried by said frame and engaging the rear of said first panel.

5. The contour lounge set forth in claim 1, and further comprising friction means for restraining said fourth panel in its second position.

6. The contour lounge set forth in claim 1, and further comprising friction means cooperating with said first named roller and said guide rail for restraining said fourth panel in its second position.

7. The contour lounge set forth in claim 1, wherein said frame includes a front laterally extending groundengaging bar and a rear laterally extending axle carrying a pair of laterally spaced-apart ground-engaging wheels, thereby accommodating ready movement of said lounge upon said wheels after lifting of said front bar from the ground.

8. A contour lounge comprising longitudinally extending frame structure, a first or back panel, means mounting said first panel upon the rear of said frame structure for pivotal movements with respect thereto between a first substantially upright position and a second substantially rearwardly inclined position, a second or scat panel supported by said frame structure forwardly of said first panel and arranged in a substantially horizontal plane, a third or upper-leg supporting panel disposed forwardly of said second panel, the rear of said third panel being pivotally connected to the front of said second panel, said third panel being movable between a first substantially horizontal position disposed substantially in the plane of said second panel and a second substantially forwardly inclined position, a longitudinally extending bar disposed below said first and second and third panels, means for pivotally mounting the rear of said bar to the rear of said frame structure for movements between lower and upper positions, mechanism responsive to movement of said first panel between its first and second positions for moving said bar between its respective lower and upper positions, means responsive to movements of said bar between its lower and upper positions for moving said third panel between its respective first and second positions, a fourth or lower-leg supporting panel disposed forwardly of said third panel, and means including a roller carried by the front of said frame structure and a cooperating guide rail carried by the bottom of said fourth panel for mounting said fourth panel for guided movements with respect to said frame structure between a first substantially horizontal position disposed substantially in the plane of said second panel and a second substantially horizontal position disposed well above the plane of said second panel, the rear of said fourth panel being pivotally connected to the front of said third panel, whereby said fourth panel is moved between its first and second positions in response to movements of said third panel between its respective first and second positions.

9. The contour lounge set forth in claim 8, wherein said bar is substantially U-shaped including a pair of rearwardly extending arms respectively pivotally mounted to the opposite lower rear sides of said frame and a laterally extending connecting front arm cooperating with means on the lower front bottom of said third panel.

10. The contour lounge set forth in claim 9, wherein the lower front bottom of said third panel carries a pair of laterally spaced-apart pillow blocks engaging the opposite sides of the front connecting arm of said bar.

11. A contour lounge comprising a longitudinally extending main frame, a longitudinally extending subframe, means for mounting the front of said subframe upon the intermediate portion of said main frame for pivotal movement between upper and lower positions, a first or back panel, means mounting said first panel upon the rear of said main frame for pivotal movements with respect thereto between a first substantially upright position and a second substantially rearwardly inclined position, means pivotally connecting the lower end of said first panel to the rear of said subframe so that movements of said first panel between its first and second positions effect movements of said subframe between its respective lower and upper positions, a second or seat panel carried by the rear of said subframe forwardly of said first panel, a third or upper-leg supporting panel disposed forwardly of said second panel and extending over the intermediate front of said main frame, the rear of said third panel being pivotally connected to the front of said second panel, said third panel being movable between a first substantially horizontal position and a second substantially forwardly upwardly inclined position, mechanism responsive to movements of said subframe between its lower and upper positions for moving said third panel between its respective first and second positions, a fourth or lower-leg supporting panel disposed forwardly of said third panel, and means including a roller carried by the front of said main frame and a cooperating guide rail carried by the bottom of said fourth panel for mounting said fourth panel for guided movements with respect to said main frame between a first substantially horizontal position disposed substantially in the plane of said second panel and a second substantially horizontal position disposed well above the plane of said second panel, the rear of said fourth panel being pivotally connected to the front of said third panel, whereby said fourth panel is moved between its first and second positions in response to movements of said third panel between its respective first and second positions.

12. The contour lounge set forth in claim 1, wherein said means mounting said first panel for pivotal movements also accommodates pivotal movement thereof into a third substantially horizontal position disposed substantially in the plane of said second panel, and wherein said mechanism is normally operative, and further comprising means for selectively rendering inoperative said mechanism so as to accommodate movement of said first panel 10 from its first position through its second position into its third position without substantial movement of said third and fourth panels out of their first positions, and means for restraining said first panel in its third position from upward movement.

13. The contour lounge set forth in claim 12, wherein said means for restraining said first panel in its third position comprises a flexible member acting between the lower rear of said frame and the rear of said first panel.

14. The contour lounge set forth in claim 1, wherein said first and third and fourth panels are movable into stable intermediate positions with respect to the respective first and second positions thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 238,799 Morgan Mar. 15, 1881 1,166,198 Fischrupp Dec. 28, 1915 2,379,080 Hillenbrand June 26, 1945 2,474,264 Lorenz June 28, 1949 2,485,387 Krakora Oct. 18, 1949 2,567,222 Lorenz Sept. 11, 1951 2,617,118 Lorenz Nov. 11, 1952

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