US3730585A

US3730585A - Rocker recliner chair

Info

Publication number: US3730585A
Authority: US
Inventors: W Rogers; F Hoffman
Original assignee: ROYAL DEV Inc
Current assignee: ROYAL DEV Inc
Priority date: 1970-10-19
Filing date: 1970-10-19
Publication date: 1973-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 1990-05-01
Also published as: AU3382371A; AU471648B2; CA954031A

Abstract

A rocker-recliner chair having a base, a rocking frame mounted on the base for rocking movement; a seat frame with linkage suspending it from the rocking frame for movement between a lower position and a forwardly raised position; a backrest with linkage connected to the seat frame to pivot relative thereto between a normal upright position and inclined reclined positions, the backrest linkage also serving to actuate the seat frame linkage to swing the seat frame upwardly and forwardly when the backrest is moved into reclining positions, and a footrest with linkage mounting it to the seat frame to be operable by a handle, between a retracted position and a single extended position. A locking linkage is provided between the footrest linkage, seat frame and rocking frame for preventing reclining movement when the footrest is retracted and also for preventing return of the footrest to retracted position when the backrest is in reclining position. A lock mechanism is also provided at the front of the chair for preventing rocking when the footrest is extended. The locking mechanism is connected to the footrest linkage to be operated thereby upon extension and retraction of the footrest.

Description

United States Patent 1 Rogers, Jr. et al.

[ 1 May 1, 1973 [54] ROCKER RECLINER CHAIR [73] Assignee: Royal Development Company, Inc.,

High Point, N.C.

22 Filed: Oct.l9,1970

21 Appl.No.: 81,957

[52] US. Cl. ..297/85, 297/69, 297/264, 297/270, 297/271, 297/D1G. 7 [51] Int. Cl ..A47c 1/02, A47c 3/02 [58] Field of Search ..297/85, 270, 271, 297/DIG. 7

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Primary ExaminerJames T. McCall Att0rneyBeveridge & De Grandi [57] ABSTRACT A rocker-recliner chair having a base, a rocking frame mounted on the base for rocking movement; a seat frame with linkage suspending it from the rocking frame for movement between a lower position and a forwardly raised position; a backrest with linkage connected 'to the seat frame to pivot relative thereto between a normal upright position and inclined reclined positions, the backrest linkage also serving to actuate the seat frame linkage to swing the seat frame upwardly and forwardly when the backrest is moved into reclining positions, and a footrest with linkage mounting it to the seat frame to be operable by a handle, between a retracted position and a single extended position. A locking linkage is provided between the footrest linkage, seat frame and rocking frame for preventing reclining movement when the footrest is retracted and also for preventing return of the footrest to retracted position when the backrest is in reclining position. A lock mechanism is also provided at the front of the chair for preventing rocking when the footrest is extended. The locking mechanism is connected to the footrest linkage to be operated thereby upon extension and retraction of the footrest 23 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures 'PATENTEDHAY Hm SHEET 1 OF 4 FIG 5 INVENTORS WALTER CLARK ROGERS, JR. FRANK 0. HOFFMAN, JR

ATTORNEYS 'PATENIED HAY .1 I973 SHEET 2 UF 4 INVENTORS WALTER CLARK ROGERS, JR FRANK 0. HOFFMAN, JR

ATTORNEYS PAT ENTED RAY I 1 i373 S'HEET 3 BF 4 INVENTORS WALTER CLARK ROGERS, JR FRANK D. HOFFMAN, JR

ATTORNEYS PATENTED W 1 i373 sum u 0F 4 INVENTORS WALTER CLARK ROGERS, JR FRANK 0. HOFFMAN, JR.

ATTORNEYS 1 ROCKER RECLINER CHAIR SUMMARY OF INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved rocker-recliner chair as well as novel linkage mechanisms which may be incorporated therein.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a rocker-recliner chair having a compact construction longitudinally as well as transversely of the chair which will permit various designs to be incorporated into the chair with deep upholstery springs in the seat, if desired.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a rocker-recliner chair wherein return of the footrest to retracted position is prevented when the backrest is in a reclining position.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel lock mechanism for preventing rocking when the footrest is extended and which permits rocking only when the footrest is returned to its fully retracted position. Included herein is the provision of such a lock mechanism that is actuated by linkage associated with the footrest.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a rocker-recliner chair wherein the seat frame and backrest move forwardly when the backrest is pivoted into reclining position.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide such a rocker-recliner chair whose backrest may be easily moved into and maintained in a TV" position, intermediate the upright and fully reclined positions of the backrest.

The above and other objects are achieved in a chair including a base; a rocking frame mounted on the base for rocking movement; a seat frame with linkage suspending it from the rocking frame for movement between a lower position and a forwardly raised position; a backrest with linkage connected to the seat frame to pivot relative thereto between a normal upright position and reclining positions, the backrest linkage also serving to actuate the seat frame linkage to swing the seat frame upwardly and forwardly when the backrest is moved into reclining positions; and a footrest with linkage mounting it to the seat frame to be operable by a handle, between a retracted position and a single, extended position.

A locking linkage is provided between the footrest linkage, seat frame and rocking frame for preventing reclining movement when the footrest is retracted and also for preventing return of the footrest to retracted position when the backrest is in reclining position.

To prevent rocking of the chair when the footrest is in extended position, a lock mechanism is provided at the front of the chair. This locking mechanism includes a keeper fixed to the'base at the front of the chair and having a passage for receiving a locking lever operatively connected to a crossbar connected between the footrest linkages on opposite sides of the chair to be rotated upon extension and retraction of the footrest. Rotation of the crossbar in this manner serves to pivot the locking lever about an associated mounting bracket fixed to the forward position of the rocking frame,

causing the locking lever to move into or out of the keeper passage depending on the rotative direction of the crossbar. The crossbar also serves to transmit motion from the footrest linkage actuated by the handle on one side of the chair, to the footrest linkage on the opposite side of the chair to actuate the latter in unison with the former; it being understood that both footrest linkages are connected to opposite sides of the footrest proper as well as to the seat frame.

The seat frame linkage includes two pairs of parallel mounting links located on opposite sides of the chair respectively where they are pivotally connected to the seat frame and rocking frame; these links extending upwardly and rearwardly at a slight incline from the seat frame to the rocking frame and being adapted to swing forwardly about the pivotal connection to the rocking frame when the backrest is pivoted rearwardly into reclining position.

The backrest linkage includes on each side of the backrest, a first link having one end pivotally connected to the backrest, an intermediate portion pivotally connected to the seat frame, and an opposite end pivotally connected to an actuating link which in turn is connected to the rearmost mounting link of the seat frame to actuate the same upon movement of the backrest. A short link is positioned rearwardly of the aforementioned backrest link where it is pivotally connected to the backrest as well as to the seat frame. Movement of the backrest into reclining positions is effected by the occupant exerting back pressure on the backrest which causes the backrest to pivot about the short link which pivots forwardly relative to the seat frame to move the backrest and seat frame in a forward direction during which time the seat frame is swung upwardly by virtue of the actuating link moving the mounting link as mentioned above.

The footrest linkage on each side of the chair includes a first pair of parallel links having their outer ends pivotally connected to the footrest and their inner ends pivotally connected to a second pair of generally parallel links which in turn are pivotally connected to a pair of extension links movable longitudinally, forwardly and rearwardly of the chair. As indicated above, actuation of the footrest is achieved through a handle on one side of the chair rotatably mounted with respect to the seat frame and connected by a crank, to the inner ends of the extension links to move the same forwardly or rearwardly depending on the rotative direction of the handle. The footrest linkage on the other side of the chair is actuated through the crossbar pivotally connected to the footrest linkages on opposite sides of the chair as described above. This connection of the crossbar to the footrest is achieved through links to which the locking linkage mentioned above is pivotally connected. An over-center spring biasing mechanism is provided to bias the footrest in both the extended and retracted positions.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

F IG. 1 is a perspective view of a rocker-recliner chair embodying the present invention and shown with a portion of its upholstery removed;

.FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional viewof the chair with the upholstery removed and with the associated footrest in retracted position and the backrest in a normal upright position;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the linkage mechanisms associated with the chair and shown in a fully retracted position of thefootrest with the backrest in the normal upright position; 7

FIG. 3a is a side elevational view of a locking mechanism for preventing rocking movement of the chair when the footrest is extended, the locking mechanism being shown in the disengaged position permitting rocking when the footrest is retracted as shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 howeverwith the footrest in extended position and with the locking mechanism engaged;

FIG. 4a is a side elevational view of the locking mechanism in one engaged position shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 4a;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the linkage mechanism similar to FIG. 4 but with the backrest and seat frame linkage shown in reclining position and the locking mechanism in the fully engaged position;

FIG. 6a is a side elevational view of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 7 is a detail view of a handle mechanism employed to actuate the footrest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION SUMMARY OF BASIC CHAIR PARTS Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown for purposes of illustration only, a rocker-recliner chair generally designated 10 embodying the present invention including a rectangular base comprised of opposite side members 12 extending along the underside of the chair and opposite end members 14 extending transversely under the chair between side members 12. Mounted for rocking movement on the base, is a typical rocking frame composed of a pair of arcuate rocking members 16 respectively engaged on base side members 12 while being interconnected by forwardly and rearwardly positioned cross members 18. Conventional compression spring' assemblies generally designated 20 are provided between the rocker frame and base on opposite sides thereof in typical manner.

Suspended from the rocker frame by linkage to be described, is a seat frame including opposite parallel mounting plates 22 having a generally W-shaped and positioned in vertical planes outwardly of the rocker frame; and upholstery frame members 24 extending longitudinally of the chair and being fixed on flanges 25 projecting outwardly from mounting plates 22 at longitudinally spaced intervals along the mounting plates. A pair of arm rest frames 26 are secured to frame members 24 to be upholstered therewith in any suitable fashion as indicated at 28 in FIG. I. A seat cushion 30,

which may contain deep springs (not shown) is sup-- ported by and between mounting plates 22 in any suitable manner.

Pivotally connected to mounting plates 22 of the seat frame by a linkage to be described, is a backrest having a frame 32 with upholstery 34. The backrest is movable between a normal, upright position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a plurality of inclined or reclining positions, the fully reclined position being shown in FIG. 6. As will be described in greater detail, the backrest linkage is connected to the seat frame linkage such that when the backrest is moved into reclining position, the seat frame will swing upwardly and forwardly relative to the rocking frame. Actuation of the backrest into reclining position is effected by the occupant exerting back pres sure on the backrest. Return of the backrest to the normal upright position is effected by the occupant removing pressure from the backrest to permit the weight of the occupant to restore the back frame and the seat frame into their normal positions. However it should by understood that once the backrest and seat frame are moved into the reclining positions, it is not necessary for the occupant to constantly exert pressure on the backrest to maintain the reclining position as the change in the occupants weight distribution will hold the various linkage parts in balance. However when the occupant moves from a reclining position to an upright position, the shift in the weight distribution of the occupant will cause the backrest and seat frame to return to their normal position.

At the front of the chair, a footrest 36 is connected by a linkage to be described, to the seat frame to be movable between a retracted position oriented in a vertical plane as shown in FIG. 2, and a single, extended position projected forwardly from the chair as illustrated in FIG. I. Actuation of footrest 36 is effected by means of a handle 38 mounted to one of the mounting plates 22 of the seat frame at one side of the chair to be easily grasped by the occupant of the chair.

In order to prevent rocking movement of the chair,

when the footrest is extended, a lock mechanism generally designated 40 is provided under the. forward front portion of the chair. Lock mechanism 40 is engaged automatically to prevent rocking movement upon movement of the footrest to its extended position. This is achieved by a linkage connection to the footrest linkage which connection is also employed to transmit motion from the footrest linkage operated on one side of the chair by handle 38, to the other footrest linkage on the opposite side to actuate the latter. Additionally, a locking'linkage is provided to prevent return of the footrest to its retracted position when the backrest is in a reclining position. This linkage also prevents reclining of the backrest when the footrest is in retracted position. To bias the footrest in both extended and retracted positions, an over-center spring mechanism is provided on opposite sides of the chair.

SEAT FRAME LINKAGE The seat frame is pivotally suspended from the rocking frame by means of two pairs of parallel mounting

links

50, 52, one pair on each side of the chair. The upper ends of mounting

links

50, 52 are pivotally connected by means of pivots 54 to a rigid bracket 49 fixed to the top of rocker member 16; there being two brackets 49, one with each rocker member 16. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the lower ends of mounting

links

50, 52 are pivotally connected by

pivots

58 and 60 to the lower portions of mounting plates 22. In the normal upright position of the backrest, mounting links 50,

52 extend upwardly and slightly rearwardly of the chair from their

lower pivots

58 and 60 as shown in FIG. 3. When the backrest is moved to a reclining position, mounting

links

50 and 52 are swung about their

upper pivots

54, 56, relative to the rocking frame to raise and move forwardly the seat frame as shown in FIG. 6. In the preferred embodiment, mounting

links

50 and 52 are positioned outwardly of brackets 49 thus leaving the space between the opposite brackets 49 and rockers 16 open to accommodate seat cushions which may have deep springs. Actuation of mounting

links

50, 52 is accomplished by a linkage connection to the backrest which will now be described.

BACKREST LINKAGE The backrest linkage includes a pair of short links 64 pivotally connected to opposite sides of the backrest respectively by pivots 66. The lower ends of short links 64 are pivoted at 68 to the rear end portions of mounting plates 22 of the seat frame. Additionally, the backrest linkage includes a second pair of links 70 pivotally connected by pivots 72 forwardly of short links 64 respectively associated therewith to the backrest on opposite sides thereof as well as to mounting plates 22at pivots 74 located intermediate the ends of links 70. The forward ends of links 70 are pivotally connected by pivots 76 to actuating links 78 respectively which in turn are pivotally connected by pivots 80 to rear mounting links 52 to actuate the same as described above in response to movement of the backrest between normal and reclining positions. In the shown embodiment,

pivotal connections

66 and 72 of the backrest linkages to the backrest frame 32 are achieved through mounting brackets 82 which in turn are suitably secured to backrest frame 32 on opposite sides thereof. However it will be appreciated that these pivotal connections may be effected directly to the backrest frame 32 or in any other suitable manner.

In operation, and assuming the backrest is in the upright position as shown in FIG. 4, and the occupant desires to move the backrest into an intermediate or a fully reclined position, the occupant merely exerts back pressure on the backrest which will cause the backrest to pivot clockwise about pivots 66 (located on opposite sides of the chair) while the associated short links 64 pivot counterclockwise forwardly about their lower pivots 68. This will cause forwardly positioned links 70 of the backrest to pivot in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 4 and 6 about pivots 74 which movement in turn will cause raising of actuating links 78 causing rear movement links 52 to swing forwardly and upwardly about pivots 56 to thus place the seat frame in an inclined position for reclining shown in FIG. 6. When it is desired to return the backrest to the normal upright position shown in FIG. 4, the occupant merely sits generally upright in the chair thus removing pressure from the backrest and redistributing the weight on the chair which will cause reverse movement of the linkages mentioned above. In the preferred embodiments stop lugs 84 are fixed to the seat frame plates 22 on the insides thereof for engaging the backrest brackets 82 in the normal upright position. Although not shown the backrest and seat frame may be moved to a reclining position intermediate the upright and fully reclining positions shown in FIGS. 4

and 6; this position is commonly referred to in the trade as TV" position.

FOOTREST LINKAGE Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6 the footrest linkage on each side of the chair includes a pair of extension links 90 and 92 extending longitudinally in the forward-rearward direction of the chair, link 90 being generally straight throughout with the exception of its forward portion 94 which extends upwardly at a slight angle; while the other link 92 having a first generally straight portion 96 and a second forward portion 98 projecting upwardly from the first portion 96 at an angle of about 60.

Connected to the forward ends of extension links 90, 92 is a pair of generally parallel links 100 and 102; link 100 having one end pivotally connected by pivot 104 to the upper forward end of extension link portion 98 while link 102 having an intermediate portion connected by pivot 106 to an intermediate portion of the extension link portion 98 with one end of link 102 also being connected by pivot 110 to the end portion 94 of the other extension link 90.

The footrest proper has on each side a depending bracket 112 to which a pair of

parallel links

114, 116

A are connected at their upper forward ends by pivots 118 and 120. The rear, lowermost ends of

parallel links

114, 116 are connected by

pivots

122 and 124 to parallel links 102 and respectively. Additionally, an intermediate portion of link 114 closest to the lower end thereof is pivotally connected by pivot 126 to an intermediate portion of link 100. Stops 128 may be provided on footrest brackets 112 to engage

parallel links

114, 116 in the extended and retracted positions of the footrest as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 3.

Actuation of the footrest linkage to extend and retract the footrest is achieved through handle 38 which includes a shaft 130 positioned transversely outwardly of the seat frame plate 22. Handle shaft 130 is rigidly connected to a laterally extending flange portion 132 ofa crank 134 which is pivotally mounted by pivot 136 to the adjacent seat frame plate 22 to be rotatable about pivot 136 upon rotation of the handle. An intermediate portion of crank 134 is pivotally connected by pivot 138 to the rear end of extension link 90 while the end portion 140 of crank 134 is pivotally connected by pivot 142 to the rear end portion of the other extension link 94.

Thus rotation of crank 134 about pivot 136 caused by rotation of

handle

38, 130 will either extend or retract

extension links

90, 92 depending on the direction of rotation. During such movement of the extension links, they will undergo relative longitudinal movement with respect to each other because of the spaced positioning of their pivots 138 and 142 on crank 134. This relative longitudinal movement will cause folding or unfolding of the two pairs of

parallel links

100, 102 and 114, 116 to shift the footrest proper from the vertical to horizontal plane or vice versa. FIG. 3 shows the fully retracted position of the footrest linkage wherein the two pairs of

parallel links

100, 102 and 114, 116 shown in folded position; whereas FIGS. 4 and 6 show the extended position of the footrest wherein these parallel links are shown in unfolded position.

Transmission of movement of the one footrest linkage situated on one side of the chair which linkage is actuated by handle 38, to the footrest linkage on the opposite side of the chair, is achieved through a cross 7 rod 150 connected at its opposite ends with respect to seat frame plates 22 by means of two generally 2- shaped

links

152, 154 which are pivoted by pivots 156 at their upper ends to seat frame plates 22 on opposite sides of the chair respectively. The connection between Z-shaped

links

152, 154 and the cross rod 150 being a rigid connection which may be effected by any suitable means such as screws 158 shown in FIG. 1. The ends of Z-shaped

links

152, 154 are pivotally connected by pivots 160 to the bend or bite portions of extension links 92 respectively so that extension and retraction of the footrest linkages will cause the Z-shaped

links

152, 154 to pivot relative to frame plates 22 about pivots 156. This pivoting movement of Z-shaped link 152 on the handle side of the chair-is transmitted to cross rod 150 to Z-shaped link 154 on the opposite side of the chair, to extend the associated footrest linkage associated with the latter. It will be seen that the Z- shaped

links

152, 154 also function as an additional mounting for the extension linkages with respect to the seat frame. v

In the preferred embodiments illustrated, a spring mechanism is provided to bias the footrest in both the extended and retracted positions thereof. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the mechanism includes tension coil springs 157 provided on opposite sides of the chair, with one end of each'spring 157 connected at 159 to the offset portion of crank 134 and the other end connected at 161 to an intermediate portion of extension link 90.

In addition, the Z-shaped

links

152, 154 are also employed to achieve a locking mechanism preventing return of the footrest from extended to retracted position when the backrest is in a reclining position. This is achieved through what will be termed locking links 170 pivotally connected by pivots 172 at their upper ends with respect to rocking frame brackets 49 by means of rigid bars 174 fixed to brackets 49 respectively and projecting forwardly to locations on opposite sides of cross rod 150. The lower ,ends of locking links 170 are pivotally connected to the lower endsof the Z- shaped

links

152, 154 by pivots 176. Thus, when the footrest is in the extended position and the backrest is in reclining position as shown in FIG. 6, locking links 170 together with the Z-shaped

links

152, 154 prevent retraction of the footrest. Similarly, when the footrest is retracted as shown in FIG. 3, locking links 170 will extend rearwardly from their pivots 172 and prevent the backrest from being moved into a reclining position. This is achieved through the connection of the locking links 170 to the seat frame by means of Z-shaped links 152, this connection preventing forward movement of the seat frame which is necessary in order to permit the backrest to be swung into reclining position.

LOCK MECHANISM PREVENTING ROCKING MOVEMENT In order to prevent rocking movement of the chair when the footrest is in extended position, locking mechanism generally designated 40 is provided at the lower front portion of the chair. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, locking mechanism 40 includes a keeper including a flat plate fixed to the front cross member 14 of the base and an upper portion 182 spaced above plate 180 to define therewith a keeper passage 184 for receiving a locking member generally designated 186. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 locking member 186 is in the form of a lever including two members 188, the lower ends of which have mounted therein a locking roller 190 dimensioned to be received in keeper passage 184, with the locking roller being movable on keeper plate 180. The intermediate portions of locking members 188 arepivoted by pivots 192 to a bifurcated bracket 194 cantilevered forwardly from cross member 18 of the rocking frame; bracket 194 being secured in any suitable manner such as by screws extending through a cross portion 196 to the cross member of the rocking frame. The upper ends of locking members 188 merge together at 198 and are connected to an L-shaped actuating link 200 by means of pivot 202 to be actuated by link 200 about pivots 192 into or out of keeper passage 184. Actuating link 200 is connected to cross rod 150 to be driven thereby upon rotation of cross rod 150, by means of a crank 204 fixed to cross rod 150 in any'suitable manner. Crank 204 projects transversely outwardly from rod 150 where it is pivotally connected to actuating lever 200 by pivot 206.

When the footrest is retracted as shown in ,FIG. 3, crank 204 rigidly fixed to cross rod 150 will project downwardly as shown in FIG. 3a which in turn will cause actuating lever 200 to also be in a lower position which in turn will maintain locking lever 186. close to the horizontal plane, with roller 190 removed and above keeper passage 184. In this position as shown in FIG. 3a, the rocking frame will be free to rock on the base.

When the footrest is extended from the retracted position shown in FIG. 3 to the extended position shown in FIG. 4, rotation of cross rod 150 will pivot the rigid crank 204 forwardly and upwardly which will in turn carry actuating link 200 upwardly which in turn will cause locking lever 186 to pivot about pivots 192 in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 4a) to immediately engage locking roller 190 in the mouth of keeper passage 184 as shown in FIG. 4a. Once engaged in this manner, locking roller 190 will be held captive by

keeper plates

180, 182 thus preventing rocking motion of the chair both forwardly or rearwardly of the chair. With the footrest extended, should the backrest be moved to a reclining position as shown in FIG. 6, this will merely cause locking roller 190 to move further into keeper passage 184 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6a thus continuing prevention of rocking movement. Should it be desired to return the backrest into the normal upright position while maintaining the footrest extended, this may be done without releasing roller 190 from keeper passage 184, it being understood that roller 190 will move from the position shown in FIG. 60 back to the position shown in FIG. 4a. In this manner the chair is blocked against rocking movement not only when the footrest is extended, but also when the backrest is moved between normal upright and reclining positions thereby avoiding undesirable abrupt rocking movements during reclining.

From the above description, it will be seen that the present invention provides a novel rocker-recliner chair incorporating linkage assemblies which moreover are relatively uncomplicated while being sturdy and reliable. Moreover because of the forward swinging movement of the backrest and seat frame when moving into reclining position, the chair may be positioned closer to a wall than many conventional rockerrecliners. The present invention also avoids placement of any linkage mechanisms directly below the seat frame, that is in the area between opposite sides of the chair, thus leaving this area open to accommodate deep seat springs, if desired. The latter feature is further permitted by the placement of locking mechanism 40 at the front of the chair.

I claim:

1. In a reclining chair including a base, a frame including a seat frame mounted on the base, a backrest pivotally mounted with respect to said frame for movement between a generally upright position and a reclining position, and a footrest movable between an extended position projected forwardly from the chair and a retracted position adjacent the front of the chair; footrest linkage means for moving the footrest to extended position independently of movement of the backrest, and locking means preventing movement of the backrest into a reclining position unless the footrest is in said extended position such that the footrest must first be moved into said extended position prior to movement of said backrest into said reclining position, said lock means further preventing movement of said footrest to said retracted position in response to movement of said backrest to said reclining position such that the backrest must first be returned to said upright 4 position in order to release the footrest for movement into said retracted position thereof, said locking means including a linkage connected between said frame and said footrest linkage means.

2. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said frame including said seat frame is mounted for rocking movement on the base, and wherein there is further included second lock means for preventing rocking movement of said frame relative to the base upon movement of the footrest into the extended position thereof.

3. In a combination rocking-reclining chair including a base, a frame including a seat frame mounted for rocking movement on the base, a backrest pivotally mounted with respect to said frame for movement between a generally upright position and a reclining position, and a footrest movable between an extended position projected forwardly from the front of the chair and a retracted position; means for preventing movement of the footrest from the extended to retracted position in response to movement of the backrest into a reclining position, said frame further including a rocking frame mounted on said base for rocking movement, linkage means mounting said seat frame relative to said rocking frame, and wherein said means for preventing movement of said footrest to retracted position when said backrest is in reclining position includes a locking linkage connected between said rocking frame and said footrest.

4. A combination rocking and reclining chair comprising in combination, a base, a rocking frame mounted on the base for rocking movement, a seat frame and a seat frame linkage mechanism suspending said seat frame from said rocking frame for movement between a normal lower position and an upper reclining position; a backrest including a backrest linkage mechanism mounting said backrest with respect to said seat frame for movement between a normal generally upright position and an inclined reclining position, said seat frame linkage mechanism including at least one mounting link pivotally connected to said seat frame and said rocking frame for swinging movement about its pivotal connection to said rocking frame, said backrest mechanism including a first link pivotally connected to said backrest and said seat frame, a second link pivotally connected to said backrest and pivotally connected to said seat frame at an intermediate portion of said second link, and a third link pivotally connected to said second link and pivotally connected to said mounting link for operating said mounting link to move said seat frame into reclining position when said backrest is moved into reclining position, a footrest including a footrest linkage mechanism mounting the .footrest for movement between an extended position projected forwardly from the chair and a retracted position adjacent the front of the chair, and means for preventing return movement of the footrest from extended to retracted position as long as said backrest is in said inclined reclining position and for preventing movement of the backrest into said inclined reclining position as long as said footrest is in retracted position.

5. In a rocking-reclining chair including a base, a seat frame mounted on the base for rocking movement, and a footrest including first and second linkage means on opposite sides of the chair mounting the footrest for movement between an extended position projected forwardly from the chair and a retracted position; a lock means movable into locking and unlocking positions for preventing rocking movement of the seat frame relative to the base, and means for moving said lock means in response to movement of said footrest to extended position including a cross member interconnected between said first and second linkage means and a linkage means positively interconnecting said cross member and said lock means to positively move said lock means between said positions thereof.

6. The combination defined in claim 5 wherein said lock means includes a keeper fixed to the base at the front of the chair and a lock member connected by said linkage means to said cross member to be operated thereby into the keeper when the footrest is moved to extended position, said cross member being connected to said first and second linkage means to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis upon extension of the footrest.

7. In a combination rocking-reclining chair including a base, a frame including a seat frame mounted for rocking movement on the base, a backrest pivotally mounted with respect to said frame for movement between a generally upright position and a reclining position, and a footrest movable between an extended position projected forwardly from the front of the chair and a retracted position, means for preventing moverelative to the base when the footrest is in an extended position, footrest linkage'means mounting said footrest between the extended and retracted positionsthereof, manually operable control mechanism connected to said footrest linkage means for operating the same between extended and retracted positions of the footrest, said means for preventing rocking movement including a keeper having a passage mounted on the base, a locking member movable into said passage for preventing rocking movement and movable out of said passage for permitting said rocking movement, and linkage means'interconnecting said footrest linkage means and said locking member for operating said locking member into and out of said passage upon extension and retraction of the footrest.

8. in a chair including a base, a frame including a seat frame mounted on the base for rocking movement, a footrest mounted with respect to the seat frame for movement between an extended position projecting forwardly from the chair and a retracted position adjacent the front of the chair, and actuating means for moving said footrest between the extended and retracted positions thereof; locking means for preventing rocking movement of the seat frame relative to the base when the footrest isin extended position, said locking means including a keeper member fixed to the base and having a passage for receiving a locking member, a locking member mounted for pivotal movement into and out of said passage, and a positive linkage mechanism interconnecting said locking member in said actuating means for positively moving said locking member into said passage when the footrest moves into extended position to prevent rocking movement of the chair frame and for positively moving said locking member out of said passage when the footrest moves to retracted position for releasing the seat frame for rocking movement.

9. In a chair including a base, a frame including a seat frame mounted on the base for rocking movement, and a footrest mounted with respect to the seat frame for movement between an extended position projecting forwardly from the chair and a retracted position adjacent the front of the chair; locking means for preventing rocking movement of the seat frame relative to the base when the footrest is in extended position, said locking means including a keeper member fixed to the base and having a passage, and a locking member movable into said passage when the footrest moves to extended position to prevent rocking movement of the chair frame, said locking means including a bracket fixed to said frame, and said locking member being pivoted to said bracket for movement into and out of said passage in said keeper member.

10. The combination defined in claim 7 wherein said means for preventing movement of the footrest to retracted position when the backrest is in reclined position includes a locking linkage connected between said frame and said footrest linkage means.

1 l. The combination defined in claim 3 wherein said footrest includes a footrest proper and linkage connecting said footrest proper to said seat frame for movement between said extended and retracted positions, and wherein said locking linkage includes a first link connected to said footrest linkage and said seat frame, and a second link connected to said first link and said rocking frame, said first link also serving to mount the footrest linkage with respect to the seat frame.

12. The combination defined in claim 11 wherein said footrest linkage includes a pair of extension links movable forwardly and rearwardly of the chair when the footrest moves to extended and retracted positions. said first link being pivotally connected to one of said extension links.

13. The combination defined in claim 12 further including means for actuating said footrest linkage between extended and retracted position including a handle rotatably mounted with respect to said seat frame, a crank rigidly connected to said handle to be rotated thereby, said crank being pivotally connected to said extension links to project or retract the same upon rotation by said handle.

14. The combination defined in claim 13 wherein said footrest linkage further includes a first pair of generally parallellinks pivotally connected at their outer ends to said footrest proper, and a secondpair of generally parallel links pivotally interconnecting the other ends of said first pair of parallel links and said extension links.

15. The combination defined in claim 9 wherein said frame includes a rocking frame mounted on said base for rocking movement with said seat frame being mounted to said rocking frame, and wherein. said bracket is fixed to said rocking frame.

16. The combination defined in claim 9 wherein said passage in said keeper member faces forwardly of the chair and wherein said locking member pivots abouta horizontal axis when moving into and. out of said passage in said keeper member.

17. The combination defined in claim 16 wherein said locking means further includes a cross member extending transversely across at least a portion of the chair and being connected to the footrest to be rotated when the footrest is moved between extended and retracted positions, and linkage means interconnecting said cross member and said locking member for pivoting said locking member about said horizontal axis upon rotation of said cross member for operating said locking member into and out of said passage in said keeper.

18. The combination defined in claim 17 wherein said footrest has a pair of linkage mechanisms on opposite sides of the chair respectively mounting said footrest for movement between extended and retracted positions, said cross member interconnecting said footrest linkage mechanism.

19. The combination defined in claim 18 further including a handle operated linkage means connected to one of said footrest linkage'mechanisms on one side of the chair for operating the footrest between extended and retracted positions, with said cross member serving to transmit motion of said one footrest linkage mechanism across to i the other footrest linkage mechanism while also serving to operate said locking member.

20. The combination defined in claim 17 wherein said means interconnecting said cross member and said locking member includes a first link rigidly fixed to said cross member, and a second link having one end pivotally connected to said first link and an opposite end pivotally connected to said locking member.

13 14 21. The chair defined in claim 4 wherein said last and a second link pivotally connected to said first link recited means includes a locking linkage pivotally inand said rocking frame. terconnected between said footrest linkage mechanism 2 The chair defined in claim 22 wherein Said fi and said rocking and seat frames.

22. The chair defined in claim 21 wherein said 5 link also serves to mount said footrest lmkage to said locking linkage includes a first link pivotally connected Seat frame to said footrest linkage mechanism and said seat frame,

Claims

1. In a reclining chair including a base, a frame including a seat frame mounted on the base, a backrest pivotally mounted with respect to said frame for movement between a generally upright position and a reclining position, and a footrest movable between an extended position projected forwardly from the chair and a retracted position adjacent the front of the chair; footrest linkage means for moving the footrest to extended position independently of movement of the backrest, and locking means preventing movement of the backrest into a reclining position unless the footrest is in said extended position such that the footrest must first be moved into said extended position prior to movement of said backrest into said reclining position, said lock means further preventing movement of said footrest to said retracted position in response to movement of said backrest to said reclining position such that the backrest must first be returned to said upright position in order to release the footrest for movement into said retracted position thereof, said locking means including a linkage connected between said frame and said footrest linkage means.

4. A combination rocking and reclining chair comprising in combination, a base, a rocking frame mounted on the base for rocking movement, a seat frame and a seat frame linkage mechanism suspending said seat frame from said rocking frame for movement between a normal lower position and an upper reclining position; a backrest including a backrest linkage mechanism mounting said backrest with respect to said seat frame for movement between a normal generally upright position and an inclined reclining position, said seat frame linkage mechanism including at least one mounting link pivotally connected to said seat frame and said rocking frame for swinging movement about its pivotal connection to said rocking frame, said backrest mechanism including a first link pivotally connected to said backrest and said seat frame, a second link pivotally connected to said backrest and pivotally connected to said seat frame at an intermediate portion of said second link, and a third link pivotally connected to said second link and pivotally connected to said mounting link for operating said mounting link to move said seat frame into reclining position when said backrest is moved into reclining position, a footrest including a footrest linkage mechanism mounting the footrest for movement between an extended position projected forwardly from the chair and a retracted position adjacent the front of the chair, and means for preventing return movement of the footrest from extended to retracted position as long as said backrest is in said inclined reclining position and for preventing movement of the backrest into said inclined reclining position as long as said footrest is in retracted position.

7. In a combination rocking-reclining chair including a base, a frame including a seat frame mounted for rocking movement on the base, a backrest pivotally mounted with respect to said frame for movement between a generally upright position and a reclining position, and a footrest movable between an extended position projected forwardly from the front of the chair and a retracted position, means for preventing movement of the footrest from the extended to retracted position when the backrest is in a reclined position, means for preventing rocking movement of said frame relative to the base when the footrest is in an extended position, footrest linkage means mounting said footrest between the extended and retracted positions thereof, manually operable control mechanism connected to said footrest linkage means for operating the same between extended and retracted positions of the footrest, said means for preventing rocking movement including a keeper having a passage mounted on the base, a locking member movable into said passage for preventing rocking movement and movable out of said passage for permitting said rocking movement, and linkage means interconnecting said footrest linkage means and said locking member for operating said locking member into and out of said passage upon extension and retraction of the footrest.

8. In a chair including a base, a frame including a seat frame mounted on the base for rocking movement, a footrest mounted with respect to the seat frame for movement between an extended position projecting forwardly from the chair and a retracted position adjacent the front of the chair, and actuating means for moving said footrest between the extended and retracted positions thereOf; locking means for preventing rocking movement of the seat frame relative to the base when the footrest is in extended position, said locking means including a keeper member fixed to the base and having a passage for receiving a locking member, a locking member mounted for pivotal movement into and out of said passage, and a positive linkage mechanism interconnecting said locking member in said actuating means for positively moving said locking member into said passage when the footrest moves into extended position to prevent rocking movement of the chair frame and for positively moving said locking member out of said passage when the footrest moves to retracted position for releasing the seat frame for rocking movement.

11. The combination defined in claim 3 wherein said footrest includes a footrest proper and linkage connecting said footrest proper to said seat frame for movement between said extended and retracted positions, and wherein said locking linkage includes a first link connected to said footrest linkage and said seat frame, and a second link connected to said first link and said rocking frame, said first link also serving to mount the footrest linkage with respect to the seat frame.

12. The combination defined in claim 11 wherein said footrest linkage includes a pair of extension links movable forwardly and rearwardly of the chair when the footrest moves to extended and retracted positions, said first link being pivotally connected to one of said extension links.

14. The combination defined in claim 13 wherein said footrest linkage further includes a first pair of generally parallel links pivotally connected at their outer ends to said footrest proper, and a second pair of generally parallel links pivotally interconnecting the other ends of said first pair of parallel links and said extension links.

15. The combination defined in claim 9 wherein said frame includes a rocking frame mounted on said base for rocking movement with said seat frame being mounted to said rocking frame, and wherein said bracket is fixed to said rocking frame.

16. The combination defined in claim 9 wherein said passage in said keeper member faces forwardly of the chair and wherein said locking member pivots about a horizontal axis when moving into and out of said passage in said keeper member.

19. The combination defined in claim 18 further including a handle operated linkage means connected to one of said footrest linkage mechanisms on one side of the chair for operating the footrest between extended and retracted positions, with said cross member serving to transmit motion of said one footrest linkage mechanism across to the other footrest linkage mechanism while also serving to operate said locking member.

21. The chair defined in claim 4 wherein said last recited means includes a locking linkage pivotally interconnected between said footrest linkage mechanism and said rocking and seat frames.

22. The chair defined in claim 21 wherein said locking linkage includes a first link pivotally connected to said footrest linkage mechanism and said seat frame, and a second link pivotally connected to said first link and said rocking frame.

23. The chair defined in claim 22 wherein said first link also serves to mount said footrest linkage to said seat frame.