US2945533A

US2945533A - Improved leg-rest and actuating mechanism

Info

Publication number: US2945533A
Application number: US579926A
Authority: US
Inventors: Peter S Fletcher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1956-04-23
Filing date: 1956-04-23
Publication date: 1960-07-19
Anticipated expiration: 1977-07-19
Also published as: FR1230006A; GB843639A; BE577254A; DE1404044A1

Description

P. s. FLETCHER 2,945,533

IMPROVED LEG-REST AND ACTUATING MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 July 19, 1960 Filed April 23, 1956 FIG.

INVENTOR. PETER S 7;EWART FLETCHER ATTORNEYS y 1960 P. s. FLETCHER 2,945,533

IMPROVED LEG-REST AND ACTUATING MECHANISM Filed April 23, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 3a,.

\ INVENTOR. PETER STEWART FLETCHER AMI/g z} +1011,

ATTORNE. I

July 19, 1960 P. s. FLETCHER IMPROVED LEG-REST AND ACTUATING MECHANISM Filed April 23, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VEN TOR.

ATT'OR NE Y5 July 19, 1960 P. s. FLETCHER 3 IMPROVED LEG-REST AND ACTUATING MECHANISM Filed April 25, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. 8.

ATTORNEY$ July 19, 1960 P. s. FLETCHER 2,945,533

IMPROVED LEG-REST AND ACTUATING MECHANISM Filed April 23, 1956 s Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

TER arm/A R T FLETCHER BY J0 J7 J)! J24 ATTORN Y5 Patented July 19, 1 960 IMPROVED LEG-REST AND ACTUATING MECHANISM Peter S. Fletcher, Boynton Beach, Fla., assignor to Anton Lorenz, Boynton Beach, Fla.

Filed Apr. 23, 1956, Ser. No. 579,926

6 Claims. (Cl. 155-106) The present invention relates generally to reclining chairs incorporating a leg-rest, and in particular to an improved linkage mechanism for actuating an extension of the leg-rest of the reclining chair which extension is normally disposed below the chair seat in a stored position and is brought into an extended position in substantial alignment with the leg-rest in response to reclining movement of the chair.

The well-known reclining chair comprises a support, a body-supporting means including a seat and a backrest rockably mounted on the support, a leg-rest and a linkage mechanism controlled from the back-rest and coordinated to the seat and the leg-rest for inclining the seat and for elevating the leg-rest in response to movement of the back-rest from a sitting position to various reclining positions. Of recent time, the industry has been presented with the problem of designing a reclining chair of a modern and streamlined appearance and preferably incorporating a chair frame supported by depending feet or legs. In order to incorporate an adequate leg rest in this type of chair, resort has been had to a two-part leg-rest which includes a leg-rest proper and a leg-rest extension. In the normal upright sitting position of the chair, the leg-rest proper extends vertically and downwardly beneath the forward end of the chair, with the leg rest extension folded back beneath the chair. The leg-rest and its extension are stored within the outline of the chair frame so that no substantial portion of the two-part leg-rest projects belowthe chair frame and into the open region provided beneath the chair by the supporting feet or legs. The leg-rest extension is coordinated to the remaining components of the reclining chair such that the leg-rest extension is brought into an in-line position with the leg-rest proper in response to reclining movements of the chair under control of the chair occupant. A typical prior art construction may be found in US. Patent No. 2,774,412 of December 18, 1956, in the name of Johannes Luckhardt.

It is broadly an object of the present invention to provide an improved reclining chair having a two-part legrest with provision for bringing the leg-rest extension into alignment with the leg-rest proper in response to reclining movement of the chair.

In chairs of this general construction, the degree of movement of the leg-rest extension relative to the legrest proper has been substantially uniform throughout the extent of the reclining movement of the chair. Accordingly, when the reclining chair is only partially reclined, the leg-rest extension is still folded back relative to the leg-rest proper and for all intents and purposes serves no useful function. The conventional linkages heretofore employed bring the leg-rest extension into alignment with the leg-rest proper only when the chair is substantially brought to its fully reclined position. Obviously, the leg-rest extension serves no useful supporting function for the many intermediate reclined positions into which the chair may be brought during actual use. In the absence of an adequate leg-rest support in the various intermediate reclined positions, optimum comfort is not afforded to the occupant of the chair, although the arrangement meets aesthetic requirements.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved two-part leg-rest which is coordinated to the reclining movement of the chair such that the leg-rest extension is brought into alignment with the legrest proper at an intermediate reclining position well in advance of the fully reclined position whereby the legrest proper and its extension are in substantial alignment with each other to provide effective support between the intermediate reclined position and the fully reclined position. Specifically, it is within the contemplation of the invention to provide an improved linkage which is effective in response to the initial reclining movement of the back-rest to rapidly translate the leg-rest extension from the stored position beneath the chair to an in-line position relative to the leg-rest proper to thereby provide adequate support for the legs of the chair occupant during a substantial portion of the reclining movement of the chair.

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment demonstrating features of the present invention, there s provided a reclining chair which comprises a support, bodysupporting means mounted on the support for movement into various reclined positions, a leg-rest, linkage means connecting said leg-rest to the body-supporting means for movement in coordination therewith, a leg-rest extensison swingably mounted on the leg-rest and normally disposed in a stored position folded behind the leg-rest, and a toggle linkage connected between the leg-rest and the leg-rest extension and controlled by the body-supporting means for bringing the leg-rest extension into an extended position substantially in alignment with the legrest in response to movement of the body-supporting means into a reclined position. The toggle linkage is effective during a first portion of the reclining movement to rapidly translate the leg-rest extension into an in-line position relative to the leg-rest proper such that adequate support is provided for the legs of the chair occupant in various further reclined positions of the reclining chair.

The above brief description, as well as further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, will be best appreciated by reference to the following de-' tailed description of a number of illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view, with parts broken away, of a reclining chair embodying features of the present invention, the chair being shown in the upright sitting position;

Fig. 1a is a diagrammatic view of the chair illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the leg-rest and the leg-rest extension and the coordinating linkage of the chair shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is identical to Fig. 1 except that the chair is illustrated in the fully reclined position;

Fig. 3a is identical to Figs. 1 and 3 except that the chair is illustrated in advance of the fully reclined position but with the leg-rest extension nevertheless in line with the leg-rest;'

Fig. 4 is a schematic or diagrammatic showing of a modified form of a reclining chair in accordance with the present invention, the chair being shown in the upright sitting position;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic showing similar to Fig. 4, but with the chair illustrated in the reclining position;

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic showing of a further modified form of reclining chair in accordance with the present invention, the chair being shown in the upright sitting position; 1

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic showing of the chair illustrated in Fig. 6 but showing the chair in the fully reclined position;

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic showing of a further modified form of reclining chair in accordance with the present invention, the chair being shown in the upright sitting position;

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic showing of the chair illustrated in Fig. 8, but showing the chair in the fully reclined position;

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic showing of a further modified form of reclining chair in accordance with the present invention, the chair being shown in the upright sitting position;

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic showing of the chair illustrated in Fig. 10, but showing the chair in the fully reclined position;

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic showing of a further modified form of reclining chair in accordance with the present invention, the chair being shown in the upright sitting position; and,

Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic showing of the chair illustrated in Fig. 12, but showing the chair in the fully reclined poistion.

Preliminary to a detailed description of a number of illustrative embodiments demonstrating features of the present invention, a brief description of the design theory employed in the various illustrative forms of the invention will be set forth to facilitate a more thorough understanding of the invention and its many variants. I have found that the leg-rest extension can be brought into a position in substantial alignment with the leg-rest proper very rapidly and in response to a first portion of the reclining movement of the chair by employing a linkage chain or mechanism including a toggle lnikage. I define a toggle linkage or mechanism as a pair of links joined together at a pivot with one of the links constituting a driver and being constrained to move in a rotary path in response to uniform motion imparted thereto to exert an axial force on the other of the links, and with the other of the links constituting a connecting link. The rotary motion of the driver is such that the effective lever arm (which is the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the connecting link to the center of rotation of the driver) is less when the driver is in its final position than in its initial position. The axial force produced in the connecting link is transmitted to the component which is subjected to the toggle eifect (eg. the leg-rest extension) and the toggle effect occurs between the sitting position and an intermediate reclining position in advance of the final reclining position of the chair, that is the effective lever arm of the driver in said intermediate reclining position is less than the elfective lever arm of the driver in the sitting position. By employing this toggle eifect, the leg-rest extension may be brought into alignment with the leg-rest proper during a first por tion of the chair movement such that over a substantial remaining portion of the chair movement the leg-rest extension is in a proper position to serve as a leg-support. As is generally understood, uniform motion imparted to the driver of a toggle linkage causes rapid turning of the follower until the pivots of the toggle linkage approach the in-line or dead center position. As this inline or dead center position is approached, the uniform motion imparted to the driver manifests itself as a rapidly decreasing turning movement of the follower. In the dead center position and for a substantial degree of movement past the dead center position, there is little turning movement of the follower despite the continued uniform motion imparted to the driver. This principle of operation is employed to advantage in the various illustrative embodiments by making the leg-rest extension the follower, with the extension linkage embodying the. toggle, which. brings the leg-rest extension into the in-line position relative to the leg-rest quickly and in response to a first portion or phase of the reclining movement of the chair; and when once brought into the in-line 'position, maintains the leg-rest extension substantially in the in-line position despite continued reclining movement of the chair and the continued uniform motion imparted to the driver of the toggle linkage.

Referring now specifically to Figs. 1-3 inclusive of the drawings, there is shown a reclining chair 10 of generally known construction, which comprises a support or chair frame including opposite side walls 12, 14 joined by a series of cross-braces 16 supported above the level of the floor by depending legs. A body-supporting means including a seat 18 and aback-rest 20 are rockably supported on the chair frame with the back-rest 20 being pivoted on the chair frame at the back-rest pivot 22 and with the seat 18 being pivoted at the back-rest pivot 22 by means of rearwardly-extending hangers. Positioned below the forward end of the seat Iii is a leg-rest 42 which pivotally carries a leg-rest extension 68 by means of pivot 70; The leg-rest 42 is disposed within the outline of the chair frame and has its lower end terminating above the underside of the side walls 12, 14, with the leg-rest extension 68 folded behind the leg-rest into a stored position substantially within the outline of the chair frame.

An appropriate coordinating linkage mechanism is connected between the support or chair frame, the body-supporting means or unit including the seat 18 and the backrest 24) and the leg-rest 42 to coordinate the several components of the reclining chair in relation to each other; to wit, the seat 18 is inclined and the leg-rest is elevated in coordination with rearward reclining movement of the back-rest 2-9. In this embodiment the coordinating linkage includes an arm or downward extension 24 rigid with and depending from the backrest 20 below the backrest pivot 22, a guiding link 32 pivotally supported on the chair frame at the pivot 34, and a connecting link 26 which is pivotally connected at its rearward end to the rigid arm 24 at the pivotal connection 28, and is pivotally connected intermediate its ends to the guiding link 32. at the pivot 30, with the foremost end of the connecting link 26 serving as an operative connection to and partially supporting a leg-rest mounting linkage. The leg-rest mounting linkage is seen to include a supporting link 38 which is connected to the seat at a pivot 40 at its upper end and has a pivotal connection 36 intermediate its ends to the foremost end of the connecting link 26. The lower end of the supporting link 38 is connected to the leg-rest 42 at a bracket 44 bolted or otherwise secured to the leg-rest 42, by a controlling link 54 which has a pivotal connection 56 at its rearward end to the supporting link 38 and a pivotal connection 58 at its forward end to the bracket 44 of the leg-rest 42. The four-bar leg-rest supporting or suspending linkage is completed by a further supporting link 76 which is pivotally suspended at its upper endfrom the connecting link 26 at the pivot 78 and is connected to the leg-rest 42 by a further link 46 which has a pivotal connection 52 at its forward end to the bracket 44, a pivotal connection 74 at its rearward end to the lower end of the supporting link 76, and a pivotal connection 50 intermediate its ends at a cross over point to the supporting link 38.

The coordination of the chair components by the described linkage is substantially as follows:

When the chair occupant leans against the back-rest 20, the backrest turns about the backrest pivot 22 and a forward thrust or motion is imparted to the connecting link 26- which inclines the seat, as may be appreciated by comparing the relative positions of the seat in Figs. 1 and 3, and also imparts a forward turning motion to the sup porting links 38 and 76 of the leg-rest suspending linkage, which causes the leg-rest to move from its normally stored position beneath the forward end of the seat as shown in Fig. 1 to an elevated leg-supporting position as shown in Fig. 3.

In accordance with the present invention, a toggle linkage mechanism is operatively connected to the leg-rest extension 68 and controlled from the main coordinating linkage to eifect a turning movement of the leg-rest extension about pivot 70 in response to reclining movement of the back-seat 20. The toggle linkage mechanism is arranged to move the leg-rest extension 68 into substantial alignment with the leg-rest 42 in response to a first portion of the reclining movement of the chair, and to thereafter maintain the leg-rest extension 68 in a substantial alignment with the leg-rest 42 during a further or final portion of the reclining movement. In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated by Figs. l-3, the toggle linkage mechanism includes an integral forward extension or link portion 60 of the link 54 which extends forwardly of the pivot 58 and serves as one link of the toggle linkage, and a connecting link 62 which has a pivotal connection 61 at one end thereof to the link extension 60 and a pivotal connection 64 at the other end there- .of to a bracket 66 fixed to the leg-rest extension 68. The link extension 60 serves as the driver link of the toggle linkage but is constrained to move in a rotary path about the pivot 58 on the leg-rest bracket 44, producing an axial force along the line of action of the connecting link 62 such that the leg-rest extension 68 moves into the in-line position relative to the leg-rest 42 in response to such rotary movement of the driver link 60 during a first portion of the reclining movement. The rotary movement of the driver link 60 is such that the effective lever arm which is the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the connecting link 62 to the center of rotation of the driver link 60 at pivot 58 is less when the driver link 60 is in its final position at the end of the first portion of the reclining movement than the effective lever arm of the driver link 60 when in its initial position with the chair in the upright sitting attitude. That a substantial decrease occurs in the effective lever arm of the driver and a substantial increase occurs in the corresponding toggle action may be appreciated by noting the position of the pivot 58 relative to the pivots 61, 64 which determine the line of action of the connecting link 62. As seen in Fig. 1, the pivot 58 is out of line with the pivots 61, 64 and there is consequently an appreciable effective lever arm for the driver; while in Fig. 3 the pivots 58, 61 and 64 are substantially in line, which results in substantially eliminating the effective lever arm, thus increasing the effect of the corresponding toggle action. It will now be appreciated that by the described toggle linkage mechanism the leg-rest extension may be brought into the in-line position relative to the leg-rest when the reclining movement has progressed only to the point illustrated by Fig. 3a, which issubstantially in advance of the fully reclined position illustrated by Fig. 3.

Many alternative embodiments within the scope of the present invention may be employed, all of which operate on the principle of the decreasing lever arm, but which differ in the placement of the driver link relative to the coordinating linkage mechanism of the body-supporting unit and the leg-rest mounting linkage. For the purposes of illustration, a number of such particular vembodiments will now be described, it being understood that they merely exemplify the range of possible arrangements within the scope of this invention.

, Referring now specifically to Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings, there is shown another embodiment of a reclining chair of generally similar construction to the first described embodiment, comprising a support or chair frame including opposite side walls joined by a series of crossbraces supported above the level of the floor by depending legs, just as in the first-described embodiment, these members therefore being omitted from the drawings in the interest of simplicity. A body-supporting means including a seat 118 and a back-rest 120 are rockably supported onthe chair frame with the back-rest 120 being pivoted on the chair frame at the back-rest pivot 122 and with the seat 118 being pivoted at the' back-rest pivot 122 by means of rearwardlyextending hangers.

Positioned below the forward end of the seat 118 is a leg-rest 143 which pivotally carries a leg-rest extension 168 by means of pivot 170. The leg-rest 143 is disposed within the outline of the chair frame and has its lower end terminating above the underside of the side walls, with the leg-rest extension 168 folded behind the legrest 143 into a stored position substantially within the outline of the chair frame.

An appropriate coordinating linkage mechanism is connected between the support or chair frame, the bodysupporting means or unit including the seat 118 and the back-rest 120 and the leg-rest 143 to coordinate the several components of the reclining chair in relation to each other; to wit, the seat 118 is inclined and the legrest 143 is elevated in coordination with rearward reclining movement of the back-rest 120. In this embodiment the coordinating linkage again includes an arm or downward extension 124 rigid with and depending from the back-rest 120 below the back-rest pivot 122, a guiding link 132 pivotally supported on the chair frame at the pivot 134, and a connecting link 126 which is pivotally connected at its rearward end to the rigid arm 124 at the pivotal connection 128, and is pivotally connected intermediate its ends to the guiding link 132 at the pivot 130, with the foremost end of the connecting link 126 serving as an operative connection to and partially supporting a leg-rest mounting linkage. The leg-rest mounting linkage is seen to include a supporting link 138 which is connected to the seat at a pivot 140 at its upper end and has a pivotal connection 136 intermediate its ends to the foremost end of the connecting link 126. A lower intermediate portion of the supporting link 138 is connected to the leg-rest 143 at the bracket 142 bolted or otherwise secured to the leg-rest 1 43, by a controlling link 154 which has a pivotal connection 151 at an intermediate portion to the supporting link 138 and a pivotal connection 158 at its forward end to the bracket 142 of the leg-rest 143. The four-bar leg-rest supporting or suspending linkage is completed by a further supporting link 176 which is pivotally suspended at its upper end from the connecting link 126 at the pivot 178. This four-bar leg-rest suspending linkage is connected to the leg-rest by a further link 146 which has a pivotal connection 152 at its forward end to the bracket 1 42, and a pivotal connection 153 at its rearward end to the lower end of the supporting link 138.

The coordination of the chair components by the described linkage is substantially as' follows:

When the chair occupant leans against the back-rest 120, the back-rest turns about the back-rest pivot 122 and a forward thrust or motion is imparted to the connecting link 126 which inclines the seat, as may be appreciated by comparing the relative positions of the seat in Figs. 4 and 5, and also imparts a forward turning motion to the supporting

links

138 and 176 of the leg-rest suspending linkage which causes the leg-rest 143 to move from its normally stored position beneath the forward end of the seat as shown in Fig. 4 to an elevated leg-supporting position as shown in Fig. 5.

In accordance with the present invention, a toggle linkage mechanism is operatively connected to the leg-rest extension 168 and controlled from the main coordinating linkage to effect a turning movement of the leg-rest extension about pivot 170 in response to reclining movement of the back-rest 120. The toggle linkage mechanism is arranged to move the leg-rest extension 168 into substantial alignment with the leg-rest 143 in response to a first portion of the reclining movement of the chair, and to thereafter maintain the leg-rest extension 168 in substantial alignment with the leg-rest 143 during a further or final portion of the reclining movement. In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated by Figs. '4' and 5, the toggle linkage mechanism includes an integral forward extension or link portion of the link 15 4 which extends forwardly of the pivot 158 and enemas.

serves as one link of the toggle linkage, and a connecting link 162 which has a pivotal connection 161 at one end thereof to the link extension 160 and a pivotal connection 164 at the other end thereof to a bracket 166 fixed to the leg-rest extension 168. The link extension 160 serves as the driver link of the toggle linkage but is constrained to move in a rotary path about the pivot 158 on the leg-rest bracket 142, producing an axial force along the line of action of the connecting link 162 such that the leg-rest extension 168 moves into the in-line position relative to the leg-rest 143 in response to such rotary movement of the driver link 160 during a first portion of the reclining movement. The rotary movement of the driver link 160 is such that the efiective lever arm- (which is the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the connecting link 162 to the center of rotation of the driver link 160 at pivot 158) is less when the driver link 160 is. in its final position at the end of the first portion of the reclining movement than the effective lever arm of the driver link 160 when in its initial position with the chair in the upright sitting attitude. That a substantial decrease occurs in the effective lever arm of the driver and a substantial increase in the corresponding toggle action may be appreciated by noting the position of the pivot 158 relative to the

pivots

161, 164 which determine the line of action of the connecting link 162. As seen in Fig. 4, the pivot 158 is out of line with the

pivots

161, 164 and there is consequently an appreciable effective lever arm for the driver; while in Fig. the

pivots

158, 161 and 164 are more nearly in line, which results in substantially lessening the effective lever arm and an increase in the corresponding toggle action on which it depends. By the described toggle linkage mechanism it will be appreciated that the leg-rest extension may be brought into the in-line position relative to the leg-rest substantially in advance of the fully reclined position.

Referring now specifically to Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawings, there is shown a further embodiment of a reclining chair of generally similar construction to the previously described embodiments, comprising a support or' chair frame including opposite side walls joined by a series of cross-braces supported above the level of the floor by depending legs, just as in the first described embodiment, these members therefore being omitted from the drawings in the interest of simplicity. A body-supporting means including a seat 218 and a backrest 229 are 'rockably supported on the chair frame with the backrest 220 being pivoted on the chair frame at the backrest pivot 222 and with the seat 218 being pivoted at the back-rest pivot 222 by means of rearwardly-extending hangers. Positioned below the forward end of the seat 218 is a leg-rest 243 which pivotally carries a legrest extension 268 by means of pivot 270. The leg-rest 243 is disposed within the outline of the chair frame and has its lower end terminating above the underside of the side walls, with the leg-rest extension 268 folded behind the leg-rest 243 into a stored position substantially within the outline of the chair frame.

An appropriate coordinating linkage mechanism is connected between the support or chair frame, the body-supporting means or unit including the seat 218 and the back-rest 220 and the leg-rest 243 to coordinate the several components of the reclinin chair in relation to each other; to wit, the seat 218 is inclined and the legrest 243 is elevated in co-ordination with rearward reclining movement of the back-rest 220. In this embodiment the coordinating linkage again includes an arm or downward extension 224 rigid with and depending from. the back-rest 220 below the back-rest pivot 222, a guiding link 232 pivotally supported on the chair frame at the pivot 234, and a connecting link 226 which is pivotally connected at its rearward end to the rigid arm 224, and is pivotally connected intermediate its ends to the guiding link 232 with the foremost end of theconnect- .8 ing link 226 serving as an operative connection to. and partially supporting a leg-rest mounting linkage. The leg-rest mounting linkage is seen to include a supporting link 238 which is connected to the seat at a pivot M0 at its upper end and has a pivotal connection 258 intermediate its ends to the foremost end of the connecting link 226. The lower end of the supporting link 238 terminates in a bracket 242 which is bolted or otherwise secured to the leg-rest 243.

When the chair occupant leans against the back-rest 224), the back-rest turns about the back-rest pivot 222 and a forward thrust or motion is imparted to the connecting link 226 which inclines the seat, as may be appreciated by comparing the relative positions of the seat in Figs. 6 and 7, and also imparts a forward turning motion to the supporting link 238 of the leg-rest suspending linkage which causes the leg-rest 243 to move from its normally stored position beneath the forward end of the seat as shown in Fig. 6 to an elevated leg-supporting position as shown in Fig. 7. i

In accordance with the present invention, a toggle linkage mechanism is operatively connected to the leg-rest extension 268 and controlled from the main coordinating linkage to eifect a turning movement of the leg-rest" extension about pivot 270 in response to reclining movement of the back-rest 220. The toggle linkage mechanism is arranged to move the leg-rest extension 268 into substantial alignment with the leg-rest 243 in response to a first portion of the reclining movement of the chair, and to thereafter maintain the leg-rest extension 268 in substantial alignment with the leg-rest 243 during a further or final portion of the reclining movement. In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated by Figs. 6 and 7, the toggle linkage mechanism includes an integral forward extension or link portion 260 of the can necting link 226 which extends forwardly of the pivot 258 and serves as one link of the toggle linkage, and a connecting link 262 which has a pivotal connection 261 at one end thereof to the link extension 260 and a pivotal connection 244 at the other end thereof to a bracket 266 fixed to the leg-rest extension 268. The link extension 260 serves as the driver link of the toggle linkage but is constrained to move in a rotary path about the pivot 258 on the leg-rest bracket 242, producing an axial force along the line of action of the connecting link 262 such that the leg-rest extension 268 moves into the in-line position relative to the leg-rest 243 in response to such rotary movement of the driver link 260 during a first portion of the reclining movement. The rotary movement of the driver link 260 is such that the. effective lever arm; (which is the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the connecting link 262 to the center of rotation of the driver link 260 at pivot 258) is less when the driver link 260 is in its final position at the end of the first portion of the reclining movement than the efliective lever arm of the driver link 260 when in its initial position with the chair in the upright sitting attitude. That a substantial decrease occurs in the effective lever arm of the driver and a substantial increase in the corresponding toggle action may be appreciated by noting the position of the pivot 258 relative to the

pivots

261, 244 which determine the line of action of the connecting link 262. As seen in Fig. 6, the pivot 258 is out of line with the

pivots

261, 244 and there is consequently an appreciable effective lever arm for the driver; while in Fig. 7 the

pivots

258, 261 and 244 are more nearly in line, which results in substantially lessening the effective lever arm and increasing the corresponding toggle action on which it depends. It will be appreciated that with this alternative embodiment also the leg-rest extension may be brought into the in-line position relative to the leg-rest substantially in. advance of the fully reclined position.

Referring now specifically to Figs. 8 and 9 of the drawings, there is shown a further embodiment of a reclining chair of generally similar construction to the previously described embodiments, comprising a support or chair frame including opposite side walls joined by a series of cross-braces supported above the level of the floor by depending legs, just as in the first-described embodiment, these members therefore being omitted from the drawings in the interest of simplicity. A body-supporting means including a seat 318 and a back-rest 320 are rockably supported on the chair frame with the backrest 320 being pivoted on the chair frame at the back-rest pivot 322 and with the seat 318 being pivoted at the backrest pivot 322 by means of rearwardly-extending hangers. Positioned below the forward end of the seat 318 is a leg-rest 343 which pivotally carries a leg-rest extension 368 by means of pivot 370. The leg-rest 343 is disposed within the outline of the chair frame and has its lower end terminating above the underside of the side walls, with the leg-rest extension 368 folded behind the leg-rest 343 into a stored position substantially within the outline of the chair frame. 7

An appropriate coordinating linkage mechanism is connected between the support or chair frame, the body-supporting means or unit including the seat 318 and the back-rest 320 and the leg-rest 343 to coordinate the several components of the reclining chair in relation to each other; to wit, the seat 318 is inclined and the leg-rest 343 is elevated in coordination with rearward reclining movement of the back-rest 320. In this embodiment the coordinating linkage includes an arm or downward extension 324 rigid with and depending from the back-rest 320 below the back-rest pivot 322, a guiding link 332 pivotally supported on the chair frame at the pivot 334, and a connecting link 326 which is pivotally connected at its rearward end to the rigid arm 324 at the pivotal connection 328, and is pivotally connected intermediate its ends to the guiding link 332 at the pivot 330, with the foremost end of the connecting link 326 serving as an operative connection to and partially supporting a leg-rest mounting linkage. The leg-rest mounting linkage is seen to include a supporting linkage 338 which is connected to the seat at a pivot 340 at its upper end and has a pivotal connection 336 intermediate its ends to an intermediate portion of the connecting link 326. The lower end 348 of the supporting link 338 is connected to the leg-rest 343 at the bracket 342 which is bolted or otherwise secured to the leg-rest 343 by a controlling link 354 which has a pivotal connection 359 at its rearward end to the supporting link 338 and a pivotal connection 358 at its forward end to the bracket 342 of the leg-rest 343. The four-bar leg-rest supporting or suspending linkage is completed by an extension 346 of the connecting link 326 having a pivotal connection 352 at its forward end to the bracket 342.

The coordination of the chair components by the de scribed linkage is substantially as follows:

When the chair occupant leans against the back-rest 10 substantial alignment with the leg-rest 343 in response to a first portion of the reclining movement of the chair, and to thereafter maintain the leg-rest extension 368 in substantial alignment with the leg-rest 343 during a further or final portion of the reclining movement. In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated by Figs. 8 and 9, the toggle linkage mechanism includes an integral forward extension or link portion 360 of the link 354 which extends forwardly of the pivot 358 and serves as one link of the toggle linkage, and a connecting link 362 which has a pivotal connection 361 at one end thereof to the link extension 360 and a pivotal connection 364 at the other end thereof to a bracket 366 fixed to the leg"- rest extension 368. The link extension 360 serves as the driver link of the toggle linkage but is constrained to move in a rotary path about the pivot 358 on the leg-rest bracket 342, producing an axial force along the line of action of the connecting link 362 such that the leg-rest extension 368 moves into the in-line position relative to the leg-rest 343 in response to such rotary movement of the driver link 360 during a first portion of the reclining movement. The rotary movement'of the driver link 360 is such that the effective lever arm (which is the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the connecting link 362 to the center of rotation of the drive link 360 at pivot 358) is less when the driver link 360 is in its final position at the end of the first portion of the reclining movement than the effective lever arm of the driver link 360 when in its initial position with the chair in the upright sitting attitude. That a substantial decrease occurs in the effective lever arm of the driver and an increase in the corresponding toggle action may be appreciated by noting the position of the pivot 358 relative to the

pivots

361, 364 which determine the line of action of the connecting link 362. As seen in Fig. 8, the pivot 358 is out of line with the

pivots

361, 364 and there is consequently an appreciable effective lever arm for the driver; while in Fig. 9 the

pivots

358, 361 and 364 are substantially in line, which results inv substantially eliminating the effective lever arm, thus increasing the eifect of the corresponding toggle action. It will be appreciated that with this alternative embodiment also the leg-rest extension may be brought into the in-line position relative to the leg-rest substantially in advance of the fully reclined position.

Referring now specifically to Figs. 10 and 11 of the drawings, there is shown a further embodiment of a reclining chair of generally similar construction to the v previously described embodiments, comprising a support 320, the back-rest turns about the back-rest pivot 322 and a forward thrust or motion is imparted to the connecting link 326 which inclines the seat, as may be appreciated by comparing the relative positions of the seat in Figs. 8 and 9, and also imparts a forward turning motion to the supporting link 338 of the leg-rest suspendinglinkage which causes the leg-rest 343 to move from its normally stored position beneath the forward end of the seat as shown in Fig. 8 to an elevated leg-supporting position as shown in Fig. 9.

In accordance with the present invention, a toggle linkage mechanism is operatively connected to the leg-rest extension 368 and controlled from the main coordinating linkage to effect a turning movement of the leg-rest extension about pivot 370 in response to reclining movement of the back-rest 320. The toggle linkage mechanism is arranged to move the 1eg-rest extension 368 into or chair frame including opposite side walls joined by a series of cross-braces supported above the level of the floor by depending legs, just asin the first-described embodiment, these members therefore being omitted from the drawings in the interest of simplicity. A body-supporting means including a seat 418 and a back-rest 420 are rockably supported on the chair frame with the backrest 420 being pivoted on the chair frame at the backrest pivot 422 and with the seat 418 being pivoted at the back-rest pivot 422 by means of rearwardly-extending hangers. Positioned below the forward end of the seat 418 is 'a leg-rest 443 which pivotally carries a leg-rest extension 468 by means of pivot 470. The leg-rest 443 is disposed Within the outline of the chair frame and has its lower end terminating above the underside of the side walls, with the leg-rest extension 468 folded behind the leg-rest 443 into a stored position substantially within the outline of the chair frame.

An appropriate coordinating linkage mechanism is con. nected between the support or chair frame, the body supporting means or unit including the seat 418 and the back-rest 420' and the leg-rest 443 to coordinate the several components of the reclining chair in relation to eachother; to wit, the seat 418 is inclined and the legrest 443 is elevated in coordination with rearward reclining movement of the back-rest 420. In this embodiment the coordinating linkage includes an arm or downward extension 424 rigid with and depending from the back-rest 420 below the back-rest pivot 422, a guiding link 432 pivotally supported on the chair frame at the pivot 434, and connected at pivot 431 to a supporting link 438 which is connected in turn to the seat 418 at pivot 440 and a connecting link 426 which is pivotally connected at its rearward end to the rigid arm 424 at the pivotal connection 428, and is pivotally connected intermediate its ends to the guiding link 432 at the, pivot 430, with the foremost end of the connecting link 426 serving as an operative connection to and partially sup porting a leg-rest mounting linkage. The leg-rest mounting linkage is seen to include a supporting link 443 which is connected to the chair frame at a pivot 480 at its upper end and has a pin and

slot connection

482, 484 intermediate its ends to a cross-over point at the foremost end of the connecting link 426. The lower end of the supporting link 448 is connected to the leg-rest 443 at the bracket 442 bolted or otherwise secured to the leg-rest 443, by a controlling link 446 which has a pivotal connection 453 at its rearward end to the supporting link 448 and a pivotal connection 452 at its forward end to the bracket 442 of the leg-rest 443. The four-bar legrest supporting or suspending linkage is completed by a further link 454 which constitutes an extension of the connecting link 426 extending forwardly of pin and

slot connection

482, 484 and is connected to the leg-rest 443 by a pivotal connection 458 at its forward end to the bracket 442.

When the chair occupant leans against the back-rest 420, the back-rest turns about the back-rest pivot 422 and a forward thrust or motion is imparted to the connecting link 426 which inclines the seat, as may be appreciated by comparing the relative positions of the seat in Figs. and 11, and also imparts a forward turning motion to the supporting link 448 of the leg-rest suspending linkage which causes the leg-rest 443 to move from its normally stored position beneath the forward end of the seat as shown in Fig. 10 to an elevated leg-supporting position as shown in Fig. 11.

In accordance with the present invention, a toggle linkage mechanism is operatively' connected to the leg-rest extension 468 and controlled from the main coordinating linkage to effect a turning movement of the leg-rest extension about pivot 470 in response to reclining movement of the back-rest 420. The toggle linkage mechar nism is arranged to move the leg-rest extension 468 into substantial alignment with the leg-rest 443 in response to a first portion of the reclining movement of the chair, and to thereafter maintain the leg-rest extension 468 in substantial alignment with the leg-rest 443 during a further or final portion of the reclining movement. In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated by Figs. 10 and 11, the toggle linkage mechanism includes an integral forward extension or link portion 460 of the connecting link 426 which extends forwardly of the pivot 458 and serves as one link of the toggle linkage, and a connecting link 462 which has a pivotal connection 461 at one end thereof to the link extension 460 and a pivotal connection 464 at the other end thereof to a bracket 466 fixed to the leg-rest extension 468. The link extension 460 serves as the driver lin1-k of'the toggle linkage but is constrained to move in a rotary path about the pivot 458 on the leg-rest bracket 442, producing an axial force along the line of action of the connecting link 462 such that the leg-rest extension 468 moves into the inline position relative to the leg-rest 443 in response to such rotary movement of the driver link 460 during a first portion of the reclining movement. The rotary movement of the driver link 460 is such that the effective lever arm (which is the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the connecting link 462 to the center of rota- 12 tion of the driver link 460 at pivot 458) is, less than, the driver link 460 is in its final position at the end, of the first portion of the reclining movement than the effective lever arm of the driver link 460 when in its initial position with the chair in the upright sitting attitude. That a substantial decrease occurs in the effective lever arm of the driver and an increase in the corresponding toggle action may be appreciated by noting the position of the pivot 458 relative to the

pivots

461, 464 which determine the line of action of the connecting link 462,. As seen in Fig. 10, the pivot 458 is out of line with the

pivots

461, 464 and there is an appreciable effective lever arm for the driver; while in Fig. 11 the

pivots

458, 461 and 464 are more nearly in line, which results in substantially lessening the effective lever arm, and increasing the corresponding toggle action on which it depends. It will. be appreciated that with this alternative embodiment also. the leg-rest extension may be brought into the. in-line position relative to the leg-rest substantially in advance of the fully reclined position.

Referring now specifically to Figs. 12 and 13 of the drawings, there is shown a further embodiment of a reclining chair of generally similar construction to the pre viously described embodiments, comprising a support or chair frame including opposite side walls joined by a series of cross-braces supported above the level of, the floor by depending legs, just as in the first-described embodiment, these members therefore being omitted from the drawings in the interest of simplicity. A body-supporting means including a seat 518 and a back-rest 520 are rockably supported on the chair frame with the back-rest 520 being pivoted on the chair frame at the back-rest pivot 522 and with the seat 518 being pivoted at the back-rest pivot 522 by means of rearwardly-extending hangers. Positioned below the forward end of the seat 518 is a leg-rest 543 which pivotally carries a leg rest extension 568 by means of pivot 578. The leg-rest 543 is disposed within the outline of the chair frame and has its lower end terminating above the underside of the side walls, with the leg-rest extension 568 folded behind the leg-rest into a stored position substantially within the outline of the chair framev An appropriate coordinating linkage mechanism is connected between the support or chair frame, the bodysupporting means or unit including the seat 518 and the back-rest 520 and the leg-rest 543 to coordinate the several components of the reclining chair in relation to each other; to wit, the seat 518 is inclined and the legrest 543 is elevated in coordination with rearward reclining movement of the back-rest 520. In this embodiment the coordinating linkage includes an arm or down ward extension 524 rigid with and depending from the back-rest 520 below the back-rest pivot 522, a guiding link 532 pivotally supported on the chair frame at the pivot 534 and connected at pivot 531 to a supporting link 538 which is connected to the seat 518 at pivot 540, and a connecting link 526 which is pivotally connected at its rearward end to the rigid arm 524 at the pivotal connection 528, and is pivotally connected at its for- Ward end to an intermediate position of the guiding link 532 at the pivot 53a. The lower end of the guiding link 532 is connected at pivot 596 to another connect ing link 592, which in turn is connected at a pivot 594 to an intermediate portion of another supporting link 586 pivotally supported at its upper end on the chair frame at the pivot 588 and connected at its lower end at pivot 598 to the connecting link 554, which serves as an operative connection to and partially supports a leg-rest mounting linkage. The leg-rest mounting linkage is seen to include a supporting link 548 which is connected to the chair frame at a pivot 580 at its upper end and has a pivotal connection 556 at its lower end to an intermediate portion of the connecting link 554. Intermediate its ends the supporting link 548 is connected to the leg-rest 543 at the bracket 542 bolted or to a first portion of the reclining movement.

otherwise secured to the leg-rest 543, by a controlling link 546 which has a pivotal connection 536 at its rearward end to the supporting link 548 and a pivotal connection 552 at its forward end to the bracket 542 of the leg-rest 543.

When the chair occupant leans against the back-rest 520, the back-rest turns about the back-rest pivot 522 and a forward thrust or motion is imparted in turn to the connecting link 526, the supporting link 532, the connecting link 592, the supporting link 586, and the connecting link 554, which inclines the seat, as may be appreciated by comparing the relative positions of the seat in Figs. 12 and 13, and also imparts a forward turning motion to the supporting link 548 of the leg-rest suspending linkage which causes the leg-rest 543 to move from its normally stored position beneath the forward end of the seat as shown in Fig. 12 to an elevated legsupporting position as shown in Fig. 13.

In accordance with the present invention, a toggle linkage mechanism is operatively connected to the leg-rest extension 568 and controlled from the main coordinating linkage to effect a turning movement of the leg-rest extension about pivot 570 in response to reclining movement of the back-rest 520. The toggle linkage mechanism is arranged to move the leg-rest extension 568 into substantial alignment with the leg-rest 543 in response p In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated by Figs. 12 and 13, the toggle linkage mechanism includes an integral forward extension or link portion 560 of the link 554 which extends forwardly of the pivot 558 and serves as one link of the toggle linkage, and a connecting link 562 which has a pivotal connection 561 at one end thereof to the link extension 560 and a pivotal connection 564 at the other end thereof to a bracket 566 fixed to the leg-rest extension 568. The link extension 560 serves as the driver link of the toggle linkage but is constrained to move in a rotary path about the pivot 558 on the leg-rest bracket 542, producing an axial force along the line of action of the connecting link 562 such that the leg-rest extension 568 moves into the in-line position relative to the leg-rest 543 in response to such rotary movement of the driver link 560, during a first portion of the reclining movement. The rotary movement of the driver link 56!) is such that the effective lever arm (which is the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the connecting link 562 to the center of rotation of the driver link 560 at pivot 558) is less when the driver link 560 is in its final position at the end of the first portion of the reclining movement than the effective lever arm of the driver link 560 when in its initial position with the chair in the upright sitting attitude. That a substantial decrease occurs in the eifective lever arm of the driver and an increase in the corresponding toggle action may be appreciated by noting the position of the pivot 558 relative to the

pivots

561, 564 which determine the line of action of the connecting link 562. As seen in Fig. 12, the pivot 558 is out of line with the

pivots

561, 564 and there is an appreciable eifective lever arm for the driver; while in Fig. 13 the

pivots

558, 561 and 564 are substantially in line, which results in eliminating the effective lever arm, thus increasing the effect of the corresponding toggle action. It will be appreciated that with this alternative embodiment also the leg-rest extension may be brought into the in-line position relative to the leg-rest substantially in advance of the fully reclined position.

What I claim is:

1. A reclining chair comprising a support, body-supporting means pivotally mounted on said support for reclining movement through successive partially reclined positions and into a fully reclined position, a leg-rest, a

sit)

"14 linkage mechanism connected between said leg-rest and said body-supporting means for elevating said leg-rest in response to reclining movement of said body-supporting means, a leg-rest extension pivotally mounted on the lower end of said leg-rest and normally disposed in a stored position folded behind said leg-rest, and a toggle linkage connected between said leg-rest and said leg-rest extension and controlled by said linkage mechanismfor bringing said leg-rest extension into an extended position substantially in alignment with said leg-rest in response to movement of said body-supporting means into a partially reclined position, said toggle linkage including a driving link operatively connected to said linkage mechanism and a connecting link pivotally connected to said driving link and coupled to said leg-rest extension serving as a driven member, said driving link and said connecting link being disposed at an angle with respect to each other in said stored position of said leg-rest extension, said toggle linkage being effective in response to uniform motion imparted to said driving member from said linkage mechanism to initially bring about a rapid movement of said leg-rest extension from said stored position to said ex tended position as said body-supporting means moves into said partially reclined position and with said driving link and said connecting link moving into -a substantially aligned position, said toggle linkage permitting said legrest and said leg-rest extension to be elevated as a unit in substantial alignment with each other in response to continued uniform motion imparted to said driving member between said partially reclined position and said fully reclined position with said driving link and said connecting link remaining substantially in said aligned position.

2. A reclining chair comprising a support, body-supporting means mounted on said support for reclining movement, a leg-rest, a linkage mechanism connected between said leg-rest and said body-supporting means for elevating said leg-rest in response to reclining movement of said body-supporting means, a leg-rest extension swingably mounted on said leg-rest and normally disposed in a stored position folded behind said leg-rest, and a toggle linkage connected between said leg-rest and said leg-rest extension and controlled from said body-supporting means for bringing said leg-rest extension into an extended position substantially in alignment with said legrest in response to an initial phase of the reclining movement of said body-supporting means, said toggle linkage including first and second links disposed at an angle with respect to each other in said stored position of said legrest extension and having adjacent ends connected together to provide a knee pivot, said first link having an operative connection to said body-supporting means tending to impart a straightening action to said first and second links in response to reclining movement of said bodysupporting means, said second link having an operative connection to said leg-rest extension whereby a turning force is applied to said leg-rest extension bringing the same into said extended position in response to said straightening action, said toggle linkage being effective in response to uni-form movement imparted to said first link to bring about a rapid movement of said leg-rest extension into said extended position during said initial phase of the reclining movement, with said first and second links reaching a substantially aligned position during said initial phase, said first and second links of said toggle linkage thereafter remaining substantially in said aligned position and being effective in response to uniform movement imparted to said first link to bring about substantially no movement of said leg-rest extension relative to said leg-rest.

3. A reclining chair comprising a support, body-supporting means mounted on said support for movement in various reclined positions, a leg-rest, a linkage mechanism connecting said leg-rest to said body-supporting means for elevating said leg-rest in response to reclining movement of said body-supporting means, a leg-rest extension swingably mounted on the lower end of said legrest and normally disposed in a stored position folded behind said leg-rest, and a toggle linkage connected between said leg-rest and said legrest extension and controlled by said linkage mechanism for bringing said legrest extension into an extended position substantially in alignment with said leg-rest in response to an initial phase of the movement of said body-supporting means into a partially reclined position, said toggle linkage including first and second links disposed at an angle with respect to each other in said stored position of said leg-rest extension and having adjacent ends connected together to provide a knee pivot, said first link having an operative connection to said linkage mechanism tending to impart a straightening action to said first and second links in response to movement of said body-supporting means into said partially reclined position, said second link having an operative connection to said leg-rest extension whereby a turning force is applied to said leg-rest extension bringing the same into said extended position in response to said straightening action, said toggle linkage being efiective in response to uniform movement imparted to said first link to bring about a rapid movement of said leg-rest extension into said extended position during said initial phase of the reclining movement, with said first and second links reaching a substantially aligned position during said initial phase, said first and second links of said toggle linkage thereafter remaining substantially in said aligned position and being efiective in response to uniform movement imparted to said first link to bring about substantially no movement of said leg-rest extension relative to said leg-rest.

4. A reclining chair comprising a support, body-supporting means including a seat, back-rest and leg-rest rockably mounted on said support, a linkage mechanism connected to said leg-rest for coordinating said leg-rest for movement to an elevated position in response to reclining movement of said back-rest from a sitting position into a reclining position, a leg-rest extension normally disposed below said seat in a stored position and mounted on said leg-rest for turning movement from said stored position into substantial alignment with said legrest, and a toggle linkage mechanism controlled by said first linkage mechanism and operatively connected to said leg-rest extension for effecting the turning movement of the latter in response to reclining movement of said backrest, said toggle linkage mechanism being arranged to move said leg-rest extension into substantial alignment with said leg-rest in response to a first portion of said reclining movement and to thereafter maintain said leg- .rest extension in substantial alignment with said legrest during a further portion of said reclining movement and including a pair of links joined together at a pivot and disposed at an angle with respect to each other in said stored position of said leg-rest extension, one of said links being operatively connected to said first linkage mechanism and having uniform motion imparted thereto and the other of said links being operatively connected to said leg-rest extension and producing a toggle effect thereon, and means constraining said one link to move in a rotary path and to produce an axial force in the other of said links such that said leg-rest extension moves into substantial alignment in response to said uniform motion imparted to said one link during said first portion of said reclining movement with said pair of links reaching a substantially aligned position during said first portion of said reclining movement, said pair of links remaining substantially in said aligned position and said leg-rest extension remaining substantially in alignment with said leg-rest in response to a further portion of said reclining movement.

5. A reclining chair comprising a support, body-supporting means including a seat, back-rest and leg-rest rockably mounted on said support, a linkage mechanism connected to said leg-rest for coordinating said leg rest for movement to an elevated position in response to reclining movement of said back-rest from a sitting position into a reclining position, a leg-rest extension nor mally disposed below said seat in a stored position and mounted on said leg-rest for turning movement from said stored position into an extended position in substantial alignment with said leg-rest, and toggle linkage mechanism controlled by said first linkage mechanism and operatively connected to said leg-rest extension for effecting the turning movement of the latter in response to reclining movement of said back-rest, said toggle linkage mechanism being arranged to move said leg-rest extension into substantial alignment with said leg-rest in response to a first portion of said reclining movement and to thereafter maintain said leg-rest extension in substantial alignment with said leg-rest during a further portion of said reclining movement and including a pair of links joined together at a pivot and disposed at an angle with respect to each other in said stored position of said leg-rest extension, one of said links serving as a driver link being pivotally connected to said first linkage mechanism and having uniform motion imparted thereto and the other of said links serving as a connecting link and being pivotally connected to said leg-rest extension and producing a toggle effect thereon, and means pivotally mounting said driver link on said leg-rest to move in a rotary path and to produce an axial force along the line of action of said connecting link such that said leg-rest extension moves into said substantial alignment in response to the rotary movement of said driver link during the first portion of said reclining movement with said pair of links reaching a substantially aligned position during said first portion of said reclining movement, said rotary movement being such that the perpendicular distance from the line of action of said connecting link to the pivotal mouth of said driver link is less at the end of said first portion of said reclining movement, said pair of links remaining substantially in said aligned position and said leg-rest extension remaining substantially in alignment with said leg-rest in response to a further portion of said reclining movement.

6. A reclining chair comprising a support, body-supporting means movably mounted on said support for movement through successive partially reclined positions and into a fully reclined position, a leg-rest, a linkage mechanism connected between said leg-rest and said body-supporting means for elevating said leg-rest in response to movement of said body-supporting means, a leg-rest extension normally disposed in a stored position extending rearwardly from said leg-rest, means opera tively connected to and mounting said leg-rest extension for turning movement from said stored position to an operative position substantially in alignment with said leg-rest, and an actuating mechanism operatively connected to said leg-rest extension and controlled from said linkage mechanism for rapidly turning said leg-rest extension into said operative position in response to movement of said body-supporting means into a partially reclined position, said actuating mechanism including driving means and connecting means disposed at an angle with respect to each other in said stored position of said leg-rest extension, said connecting means coupling said driving means to said leg-rest extension with the latter serving as a driven member, said driving means and said connecting means being arranged to move into a substantially aligned position with respect to each other and to produce a rapid initial turning movement of said legrest extension into said operative position in response to said movement of said body-supporting means into said prescribed partially reclined position, said driving means and said connecting means being arranged thereafter to remain substantially in said aligned position and to produce no appreciable tunring movement of said leg-rest extension in response to further movement of said bodysupporting means from said prescribed partially reclined 17 position to said fully reclined position such that legrest and leg-rest extension are elevated substantially as a unit with substantially no relative movement therebetween.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,688,576 Doyle Oct. 23. 1928