WO2015069119A1

WO2015069119A1 - A foot or leg support assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2015069119A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2014/000065
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kent Wallace Parker; Gregory William Baum; Lyall Douglas Stewart; Gavin James BATEMAN; Jon Leonard Fifield; Wayne Douglas O'HARA; Martyn Walter Goodwin Collings; Paul James STEVENSON; Aaron Michael YOUNG
Original assignee: Formway Furniture Limited
Priority date: 2013-11-11
Filing date: 2014-04-11
Publication date: 2015-05-14

Abstract

A foot or leg support assembly (1, 1') for a chair (201) has a frame (5, 5') pivotable between a retracted position and a deployed position about a frame pivot (13, 13'), a moveable foot or leg support portion (11, 11') arranged to slide relative to the frame (5, 5'), and an extension mechanism (7, 7') to slide the moveable support portion (11, 11') as the frame (5, 5') is moved to the deployed position. The extension mechanism (7, 7') has a first extender (15) operatively attached to the frame, a drag link (21, 21') having a slidable end (21a, 21a') that is slidable relative to the frame (5, 5') and attached to the first extender (15), an intermediate member (19) operatively connected to the first extender (15), and a second extender (17) operatively connected to the intermediate member (19) and to the movable portion (11, 11').

Description

A FOOT OR LEG SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a foot or leg support assembly for a chair. More particularly, the invention relates to an extendible foot or leg support assembly and/or to a foot or leg support assembly with a latch mechanism.

BACKGROUND

Traditional chairs for domestic lounge use often have extendible foot or leg rests or supports. However, such chairs often have bulky mechanisms for extending the foot or leg rest or support. Those bulky mechanisms must be hidden in large housings that may extend substantially to the floor of the chair for aesthetic purposes and to hide potential pinch points from users.

In more recent times, lighter weight reclining lounge chairs have become available that do not have large housings. Such chairs are generally mounted on pedestals and normally do not have built in extendible leg rests or supports, due to the lack of housing to hide the mechanisms of such supports. A purchaser generally needs to buy a separate stool or ottoman, if they want a leg support to match their chair.

Adjustable foot or leg rest arrangements typically only provide two or three discrete adjustment positions. A user may not be provided with optimal comfort with that restricted number of adjustment positions. In addition, extendible foot or leg rest arrangements typically retract to a generally vertical position. That can make it more difficult for a user to egress the chair compared to a chair without an attached foot rest, in which an occupant can place their feet on the ground partly beneath the seat portion to stand up.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents or such sources of information is not to be construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a foot or leg support assembly that addresses at least one of the disadvantages outlined above and/or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides a foot or leg support assembly for a chair. The support assembly comprises a frame pivotable between a retracted position and a deployed position about a frame pivot, a moveable foot or leg support portion arranged to slide relative to the frame, and an extension mechanism configured to slide the moveable support portion away from the frame pivot as the frame is moved to the deployed position. The extension mechanism comprises a first extender operatively attached to the frame, a drag link that is pivotable about a first pivot spaced from the frame pivot, and having a slidable end that is slidable relative to the frame and attached to the first extender, an intermediate member operatively connected to the first extender, the first extender being configured to move the intermediate member in an opposite direction to the direction of travel of the slidable end of the drag link, and a second extender operatively connected to the intermediate member and to the movable foot or leg support portion and configured to slide the moveable foot or leg support portion relative to the frame and relative to the intermediate member.

In an embodiment, the foot or leg support assembly comprises an actuator connected to the frame to move the frame from its retracted position to its deployed position. The actuator may be a linear actuator, for example a gas spring assembly. The actuator may have a first end pivotally attached relative to the frame, and a second end pivoted at a pivot spaced from the frame pivot.

In an embodiment, the pivot at the first end is positioned rearward of the frame pivot and may be fixed or movable relative to the frame pivot.

In an embodiment, the foot or leg support assembly further comprises an actuator for use by a chair occupant to operate the foot or leg support assembly. For example, in an embodiment having a gas spring, the user actuator may be configured to actuate the gas spring.

In an embodiment, the gas spring assembly comprises a gas spring that is selectively actuatable or releasable at any position of the frame between the retracted position and the deployed position such that the frame is selectively positionable at any position at or between its retracted and deployed positions.

In an embodiment, the gas spring assembly comprises an actuator head at or towards the first end of the gas spring assembly. The actuator head may comprise a lever having a first end connected to an actuating cable such that movement of the cable away from the second end of the gas spring assembly activates the gas spring and enables compression or extension of the gas spring. In an embodiment, the foot or leg support assembly comprises a substantially arcuate cable guide that receives a portion of the actuating cable at least in the retracted position of the frame. Preferably in the retracted position of the frame, the actuating cable contacts at least a major part of the arcuate cable guide. In an embodiment, the arcuate cable guide is configured to minimise slack in the actuating cable when the frame is in the retracted position.

In an embodiment, the arcuate cable guide is configured to minimise movement of the actuator head lever relative to the gas spring as frame is moved between its retracted and deployed positions and a portion of the actuating cable is held in a fixed position relative to the frame pivot.

In an embodiment, pivoting the frame from the retracted position toward the deployed position causes the slidable end of the drag link to move toward the frame pivot and the moveable support portion to move towards an extended position.

The second extender may be configured such that the rate of movement of the movable foot or leg support portion relative to the intermediate member is the same as the rate of movement between the intermediate member and the frame.

From the retracted position, the extension mechanism may be configured to initially slide the moveable support portion towards the frame pivot as the frame is moved towards the deployed position and then away from the frame pivot. In an embodiment, the first extender comprises a first loop element and the second extender comprises a second loop element. In that embodiment the slidable end of the drag link is operatively attached to the first loop element, the intermediate member is operatively attached to the first loop element, the movable member is operatively connected to the second loop element, and a portion of the second loop element is operatively attached to the frame.

In an embodiment, the portion of the second loop element operatively attached to the frame is fixed relative to the frame. Alternatively, the portion of the second loop element operatively attached to the frame may have some movement relative to the frame.

In an embodiment, the first loop element is mounted to the frame via two end pulleys, and the first loop element is movable around the pulleys. The second loop element may be mounted to the intermediate member via two end pulleys, and the first loop element is movable around the respective pulleys.

In an embodiment, the first extender comprises a first tension adjustor to adjust the tension on the first loop element. Additionally or alternatively, the second extender may comprise a second tension adjustor to adjust the tension on the second loop element. In an embodiment having a first tension adjustor, one of the first loop element pulleys may be movable and biased away from the other respective pulley by the first tension adjustor. In an embodiment having a first tension adjustor, one of the second loop element pulleys may be movable and biased away from the other respective pulley by the second tension adjustor.

Each tension adjustor may comprise at least one biasing member and a stop to limit movement of the respective movable pulley. In an embodiment, the first and/or second tension adjustors comprise two biasing members, for example two compression springs.

In an embodiment, the first loop element comprises an endless belt. Additionally or alternatively, the second loop element comprises an endless belt. The first and/or second loop elements may each comprise at least one flexible member and at least one joining member attached to flexible member ends to form a continuous loop. For example, the first and second loop elements each comprise a toothed belt. Clamping portions may operatively connect the first loop element to the slidable end of the drag link, the first loop element to the intermediate member, the second loop element to the frame, and/or the second loop element to the movable support member. The clamps may comprise complementary features of the respective belt to more securely grip the respective belt.

In an alternative embodiment, the first extender comprises a first rack and pinion arrangement, the intermediate member comprises an intermediate rack, and the second extender comprises a second rack and pinion arrangement. In that embodiment, the first rack and pinion arrangement comprises a first rack that is slidable relative to the frame, the slidable end of the drag link being operatively attached to the first rack for movement therewith, and a first pinion gear that engages the first rack and is rotatable relative to the frame, the intermediate rack engages the first pinion gear, the second rack and pinion arrangement comprises an intermediate pinion gear that is rotatable relative to the frame and that engages the intermediate rack, a second pinion gear coupled for rotation with the intermediate pinion gear, and a second rack that engages the second pinion gear and is fixed relative to the movable member.

The intermediate pinion gear and the second pinion gear may be compound gears. The first pinion gear may be positioned between the second pinion gear and the first frame end.

The foot or leg support assembly may further comprise a latch mechanism for latching the frame in the retracted position. In an embodiment, the assembly further comprises a latch actuator, wherein, in the retracted frame position, actuation of the latch actuator unlatches the frame to enable movement of the frame away from the retracted position. In an embodiment, the latch mechanism comprises a catch member operatively attached to the frame and movable relative to the frame, a de-latch member that is movable in a first sense relative to the frame pivot and additionally movable in a second sense towards and away from the engagement feature, and an actuator configured to move the de-latch member relative to the frame pivot upon actuation of the actuator. In the retracted frame position with the catch member engaged, actuation of the actuator disengages the catch member from the engagement feature to enable movement of the frame towards the deployed position.

The de-latch member may be biased towards the engagement feature. The de-latch member may be pivotable about a slidable pivot that is slidable relative to the frame pivot. The latch mechanism may comprise a slidable shuttle, and the de-latch member may be pivotally attached to the shuttle.

In an embodiment, the de-latch member is biased towards the engagement feature via a torsion spring between the de-latch member and the shuttle. In an embodiment, the shuttle is slidable from a first position to a second position and is biased towards the second position, and wherein, in the retracted frame position with the catch member engaged, sliding the shuttle from the first position to the second position disengages the catch member from the engagement feature.

In an embodiment, the first position is a forward position, and wherein, in the retracted frame position with the catch member engaged, the shuttle is slidable rearwards to unlatch the catch member from the engagement feature.

The shuttle may be coupled to the actuator, for example by way of a cable.

The foot or leg support assembly may further comprise a latch housing at least partly housing the shuttle, the shuttle being slidable in the housing. The housing may be fixed relative to the frame pivot.

The movable member may comprise a first shell attached to the second extender, and a second shell, wherein in the retracted frame position, a major portion of the frame is positioned between the first and second shells.

The foot or leg support assembly may further comprise a mounting bracket for attaching to a chair, wherein the frame is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket. The actuator, for example the gas spring, may be pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket.

A second aspect of the invention provides a chair comprising a seat portion, a back portion, a support supporting the seat, and a foot or leg support assembly according to the first aspect, the foot or leg support being operatively attached to the seat with the frame pivot positioned towards a front portion of the seat.

In an embodiment, the seat and back portions are rockable relative to the support.

The chair may further comprise a rocking inhibitor arrangement to inhibit forward rocking of the seat portion relative to the support when the foot or leg support assembly is deployed and extended. Additionally or alternatively the chair may comprise a rock lock arrangement to selectively lock rocking of the seat portion relative to the support.

In an embodiment, the rocking inhibitor arrangement is configured to automatically engage to inhibit forward rocking of the seat portion when the foot or leg support assembly frame is deployed, and to automatically disengage to allow forward rocking of the seat portion when the foot or leg support assembly frame is retracted.

In an embodiment, the chair comprises a crank having a pivot fixed relative to the frame pivot, a first end configured to follow a cam surface on frame, and being connected at or towards a second end to the rocking inhibitor arrangement to automatically engage or disengage based on the position of the frame relative to the seat portion. The crank may be biased towards the cam surface.

In one embodiment, the back portion of the chair is reclinable. Additionally or

alternatively, the seat portion may be pivotable relative to the chair support portion.

In an embodiment, the retracted frame position is under a seat portion of the chair at an angle of between about 5 and about 20 degrees from vertical. In one embodiment, the retracted frame position is under the seat portion of the chair at an angle of about 15 degrees from vertical.

In an embodiment, the deployed frame position is forward of the seat portion of the chair at an angle of about 10 degrees below horizontal. A third aspect of the invention provides a foot or leg support assembly for a chair. The support assembly comprises a frame pivotable inwardly and outwardly about a frame pivot at a first end between a retracted position and a deployed position, a moveable foot or leg support portion arranged to slide relative to the frame, and an extension mechanism configured to slide the moveable support portion in a direction away from the first frame end to an extended position as the frame is moved to the deployed position. The extension mechanism comprises a first loop element configured for rotation relative to the frame, a drag link that is pivotable about a first pivot spaced from the frame pivot, and having a slidable end operatively attached to the first loop element and that is slidable relative to the frame, a carriage that is slidable relative to the frame and operatively attached to the first loop element for movement therewith in an opposite direction to the slidable end of the drag link, a second loop element carried by the carriage and configured for rotation relative to the frame, and operatively attached to the movable foot or leg support portion to slide the moveable foot or leg support portion relative to the frame and relative to the frame and carriage, and a frame connector connecting a portion of the second loop element to the frame to limit relative movement of that second loop element relative to the frame.

In an embodiment, the frame connector fixes a portion of the second loop element relative to the frame to fix that second loop element relative to the frame. Alternatively, the portion of the second loop element operatively attached to the frame may have some movement relative to the frame The first and second loop elements may each comprise an endless belt.

In an embodiment, from the retracted position, the extension mechanism is configured to initially slide the moveable support portion towards the frame pivot as the frame is moved towards the deployed position and then away from the frame pivot.

In an embodiment, the first extender comprises a first tension adjustor to adjust the tension on the first loop element. Additionally or alternatively, the second extender may comprise a second tension adjustor to adjust the tension on the second loop element.

In an embodiment having the first tension adjustor, one of the first loop element pulleys may be movable and biased away from the other respective pulley by the first tension adjustor. In an embodiment having the second tension adjustor, one of the second loop element pulleys may be movable and biased away from the other respective pulley by the second tension adjustor.

Each tension adjustor may comprise at least one biasing member and a stop to limit movement of the respective movable pulley. In one embodiment, the first and/or second tension adjustors comprise two biasing members, for example two compression springs.

In an embodiment, the first and second loop elements each comprise an endless belt. The first and second loop elements may each comprise at least one flexible member and at least one joining member attached to flexible member ends to form a continuous loop. For example, the first and second loop elements each comprise a toothed belt.

Clamping portions may operatively connect the first loop element to the slidable end of the drag link, the first loop element to the intermediate member, the second loop element to the frame, and/or the second loop element to the movable support member. The clamps may comprise complementary features to the respective belt to more securely grip the respective loop element.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a chair comprising a seat portion, a back portion, a support supporting the seat, and a foot or leg support assembly according to the third aspect, the foot or leg support being operatively attached to the seat with the frame pivot positioned towards a front portion of the seat.

In an embodiment, the back portion of the chair is reclinable. Additionally or alternatively, the seat portion may be pivotable relative to the chair support portion.

In an embodiment, the deployed frame position is forward of the seat portion of the chair at an angle of about 10 degrees below horizontal. A fifth aspect of the invention provides a foot or leg support assembly for a chair. The support assembly comprises a frame pivotable inwardly and outwardly about a frame pivot at a first end of the frame, between a retracted position and a deployed position, an engagement feature, and a latch mechanism configured to latch the frame to the engagement feature in the retracted position. The latch mechanism comprises a catch member operatively attached to the frame and movable relative to the frame, a de-latch member that is movable in a first sense relative to the frame pivot and additionally movable in a second sense towards and away from the engagement feature, and an actuator configured to move the de-latch member relative to the frame pivot upon actuation of the actuator. In the retracted frame position with the catch member engaged, actuation of the actuator disengages the catch member from the engagement feature to enable movement of the frame towards the deployed position.

In an embodiment, the de-latch member is biased towards the engagement feature.

The de-latch member may be pivotable about a slidable pivot that is slidable relative to the frame pivot. The assembly may comprise a slidable shuttle, and the de-latch member may be pivotally attached to the shuttle.

In an embodiment, the de-latch member is biased towards the engagement feature via a torsion spring between the de-latch member and the shuttle.

In an embodiment, the shuttle is slidable from a first position to a second position and is biased towards the first position, and wherein, in the retracted frame position with the catch member engaged, sliding the shuttle from the first position to the second position disengages the catch member from the engagement feature.

The shuttle may coupled to the actuator, for example by way of a cable.

The foot or leg support assembly may further comprise a latch housing at least partly housing the shuttle, the shuttle being slidable in the housing. The housing may be fixed relative to the frame pivot. In an embodiment, the de-latch member comprises an aperture for receiving a portion of the catch member, and wherein from the retracted frame position with the catch member engaged, actuation of the actuator causes a side of the aperture to abut the catch to disengage the catch member from the engagement feature.

In an embodiment, the catch member may comprise a hook. The catch member may be pivotable relative to the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the catch member is biased towards an engagement position for engaging the engagement feature.

A frame actuator may be connected to the frame to pivot the frame from its retracted position to its deployed position. The frame actuator may comprise a gas spring assembly having a first end pivotally attached relative to the frame, and a second end pivoted at a pivot spaced from the frame pivot.

The gas spring assembly may comprise an actuator head at or towards the first end of the gas spring assembly. In an embodiment, the actuator head comprises a lever having a first end connected to an actuating cable and wherein movement of the cable away from the second end of the gas spring assembly activates the gas spring to enable compression or extension of the gas spring.

In an embodiment, the foot or leg support assembly comprises a substantially arcuate cable guide that receives a portion of the actuating cable at least in the retracted position of the frame. Preferably in the retracted position of the frame, the actuating cable contacts at least a major part of the arcuate cable guide. In an embodiment, the arcuate cable guide is configured to minimise slack in the actuating cable when the frame is in the retracted position.

In an embodiment, actuation of the frame actuator is coupled to actuation of the de-latch mechanism. In an embodiment having a gas spring and actuating cable, actuation of the frame actuator may be coupled to actuation of the de-latch mechanism by the gas spring actuating cable. For example, the latch mechanism may comprise a slidable shuttle, with the de-latch member pivotally attached to the shuttle, wherein the actuating cable is attached to the shuttle and to the actuator head. The foot or leg support assembly may further comprise a mounting bracket for attaching to a chair, wherein the frame is pivoted to the mounting bracket and wherein the engagement feature is provided on the mounting bracket.

The engagement feature may comprise a plate member. Alternatively the engagement feature may comprise a detent, protrusion, or hook, for example. In one embodiment, the engagement feature is provided on the mounting bracket.

In an embodiment, downwards movement of the de-latch member is limited by the engagement feature.

The foot or leg support assembly may further comprise a moveable foot or leg support portion arranged to slide relative to the frame, and an extension mechanism configured to slide the moveable support portion in a direction away from the first frame end to an extended position as the frame is moved to the deployed position.

The extension mechanism may comprise any number of the features described above in relation to the first or third aspects. A sixth aspect of the invention provides a chair comprising a seat portion, a back portion, a support that supports the seat portion, and the foot or leg support assembly as according to the fifth aspect. The foot or leg support is operatively attached to the seat with the frame pivot positioned towards a front portion of the seat. The engagement feature may be fixed relative to the seat portion such that the frame is fixable relative to the seat portion in the retracted position.

The term 'comprising' as used in this specification and claims means 'consisting at least in part of. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term 'comprising', other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprised' are to be interpreted in a similar manner. It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner. To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. As used herein the term '(s)' following a noun means the plural and/or singular form of that noun.

As used herein the term 'and/or' means 'and' or 'or', or where the context allows both.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which : Figure 1 is a side view of a rockable reclinable chair in accordance with a preferred form of the present invention, in an upright configuration, schematically showing the leg or foot support assembly attached to the seat portion and retracted;

Figure 2 is a side view of the chair of Figure 1 in a neutral rock, half reclined and occupied position, with the leg or foot support assembly extended;

Figure 3 is a right side view of a first embodiment foot or leg support assembly with the foot or leg support frame retracted;

Figure 4 is a right side view of the foot or leg support assembly of Figure 3 with the foot or leg support frame partially deployed and the movable foot or leg support portion partially extended;

Figure 5 is a right side view of the foot or leg support assembly of Figures 3 and 4 with the foot or leg support frame deployed and the movable foot or leg support portion fully extended;

Figure 6 is an underside perspective view of the underside of the foot or leg support

assembly corresponding to Figure 5;

Figure 7 is an elevation view normal to the frame of the foot or leg support assembly with the lower portion of the movable foot or leg support portion hidden, in an un-extended position corresponding to Figure 3;

Figure 8 is a view normal to the frame of the foot or leg support assembly with the lower portion of the movable foot or leg support portion hidden, in a fully extended position corresponding to Figures 5 and 6;

Figure 9 is a chart showing the relationship between the gas spring extension required for various angular displacements of the foot or leg support frame for assembly of Figures

3 to 8;

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the extension mechanism of Figures 3 to 9 in a retracted configuration;

Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the extension mechanism of Figures 3 to 9 in an extended configuration;

Figure 12(i) is a perspective view of an alternative rack and pinion extension mechanism, in a retracted configuration;

Figure 12(ii) is a perspective view of the extension mechanism of Figure 12(i) in an

extended configuration;

Figure 13 is a right side the foot or leg support frame of Figures 3 to 8 in a transition

position where the drag link end pivots and the frame pivot are collinear;

Figure 14 is a right side perspective view showing the foot or leg support frame latched in its retracted position, with the extension mechanism hidden and the de-latch mechanism deactivated;

Figure 15 is a left side perspective view corresponding to Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a sectioned right side perspective view showing the foot or leg support frame latched in its retracted position and the de-latch mechanism deactivated; Figure 17 is a view corresponding to Figure 16, but with the de-latch mechanism actuated pulling the catch rearwards to de-latch the frame;

Figure 18 is a view corresponding to Figure 17, with the de-latch mechanism still actuated, but with the frame pivoted outwards slightly from the retracted position;

Figure 19 is a similar view to Figures 16 to 18, with the de-latch mechanism actuated, but with the foot or leg support assembly frame in a generally vertical orientation;

Figure 20 is a similar view to Figures 16 to 19, with the de-latch mechanism actuated and the foot or leg support assembly frame partly rotated towards the retracted position from the position shown in Figure 19;

Figure 21 is a view corresponding to Figure 20, but with the frame pivoted slightly further towards the retracted position, moving the de-latch member upwards;

Figure 22 is a view corresponding to Figure 21, but with the frame in the retracted position, with the catch engaged to latch the frame in its retracted position;

Figure 23 is a view corresponding to Figure 22, but with the de-latch mechanism

deactivated and returning to the configuration shown in Figure 16;

Figure 24 is a section view taken through a centreline of the foot or leg support frame

assembly of Figures 3 to 9 with the foot or leg support latched in a retracted position; Figure 25 is a similar view to Figure 14, but with the foot or leg support frame in a near vertical position with the latch mechanism actuated and unlatching the catch;

Figure 26 is a similar view to Figures 14 and 15, but with the foot or leg support frame forward of vertical, with the latch mechanism actuated and the catch unlatched;

Figure 27 is a similar view to Figures 14 to 16, but with the foot or leg support frame being returned to the retracted position, with the latch mechanism actuated and the catch pivoting the de-latch member upwards to enable engagement of the catch;

Figures 28(i) to 28(iii) are plan views of an alternative embodiment cable controller

configured to provide different amounts of travel and/or delayed activation to the gas spring cable or the de-latch cable, where Figure 28(i) show the cable controller in an un-actuated configuration, Figure 28(ii) shows the cable controller in an intermediate actuation stage, and Figure 28(iii) shows the cable controller fully actuated;

Figures 29(i) to 29(iv) are views of a further alternative embodiment cable controller

configured to provide different rates of travel to the gas spring cable and the de-latch cable, where Figure 29(i) is a plan view of the cable controller in an un-actuated configuration, Figure 29(ii) is view showing the underside of the pivot block in the configuration of Figure 29(i), Figure 29(ii) is a plan view of the cable controller fully actuated, and Figure 29(iv) is view showing the underside of the pivot block in the configuration of Figure 29(iii);

Figure 30 is a section view of the foot or leg support assembly of Figures 3 to 17 taken through line AA of Figures 7 and 8, with the foot or leg support frame retracted and the rocking inhibitor arrangement deactivated; Figure 31 is a similar view to Figure 30, but with the foot or leg support frame partially deployed and the rocking inhibitor arrangement activated;

Figure 32 is a similar view to Figure 31 with the rocking inhibitor arrangement activated, but with the foot or leg support frame deployed and the movable foot or leg support portion extended;

Figure 33 is an overhead front perspective view of a rocking inhibitor arrangement

comprising an anti-rock ratchet assembly to inhibit forward rocking of the seat when the foot or leg support is extended and a lock assembly to selectively lock the rock of the seat independent of the position of the foot or leg support, in an engaged configuration where the foot or leg support is extended and forward rocking is prevented;

Figure 34 is a perspective view corresponding to Figure 33 of the underside of the rocking inhibitor arrangement of Figure 33;

Figure 35 is a partially exploded perspective view of the rock inhibitor arrangement of

Figures 33 and 34, showing the central slide member removed;

Figure 36 is an overhead exploded perspective view of the anti-rock ratchet assembly of the rock inhibitor arrangement of Figures 33 to 35;

Figure 37 is an underside exploded perspective view of the anti-rock ratchet assembly of

Figures 33 to 36;

Figure 38 is a bottom view of the anti-rock ratchet assembly of the rocking inhibitor

arrangement of Figures 33 to 37, in a configuration where the foot or leg support is retracted and forward rocking is enabled;

Figure 39 is a view corresponding to Figure 38, but in a configuration where the foot or leg support is extended and forward rocking is prevented;

Figure 40(i) is an enlarged plan view of the engagement teeth of the anti-rock ratchet

assembly of Figures 33 to 39 when the foot or leg support has been extended but the teeth on the pawl and ratchet are not aligned and engagement of the teeth is delayed by a biasing device;

Figure 40(ii) is a view corresponding to 40(i) but with the seat portion rocked slightly

forward of the position of Figure 40(i), with the ratchet and pawl teeth partly engaged;

Figure 40(iii) is a view corresponding to 40(ii) but with the seat portion rocked slightly

forward of the position of Figure 40(ii), with the ratchet and pawl teeth fully engaged to prevent forward rocking;

Figure 41 is an overhead exploded perspective view of the lock assembly of the rock

inhibitor arrangement of Figures 33 to 39;

Figures 42(i) and 42(ii) are top and bottom perspective views respectively of the rock lock detent pawl;

Figures 43(i) to 43(vii) are partial overhead views showing the operation of the rock lock assembly, with Figure 43(i) showing the rock lock in a released configuration with the seat portion free to rock, Figure 43(ii) showing the rock lock during actuation with locking delayed due to misaligned engagement teeth on the central slide member, Figure 43(iii) corresponding to Figure 43(ii) but when the user has released the rock lock actuator and the detent pin is in a locked position, Figure 43(iv) showing the seat portion rocked slightly forward from its position in Figures 43(ii) and 43(iii) and the lock biased into engagement with the teeth on the central slide member, Figure 43(v) showing the detent pin moved into the unlocked position during rock lock actuation by user to unlock the rock lock, Figure 43(vi) showing the detent pin returned to the unlocked position but retraction of the lock pawl delayed due to frictional force, and Figure 43(vii) showing the lock pawl retracted and the rock lock in the released configuration with the seat portion free to rock;

Figure 44 is an underside perspective view of a second embodiment foot or leg support assembly, with the foot or leg support frame deployed and the movable foot or leg support portion in a fully extended position;

Figure 45 is an elevation view normal to the frame of the foot or leg support assembly

embodiment of Figure 44 with the lower portion of the movable foot or leg support portion hidden, in an un-extended position;

Figure 46 is an elevation view normal to the frame of the foot or leg support assembly of Figures 44 and 45 with the lower portion of the movable foot or leg support portion hidden, in a fully extended position corresponding Figure 44;

Figure 47 is a left underside perspective view showing the second embodiment extension mechanism of Figures 44 to 46 in a retracted configuration;

Figure 48 is a right underside perspective view showing the second embodiment extension mechanism of Figures 44 to 47 in an extended configuration;

Figures 49(i) and 49(ii) are left underside perspective views showing the second

embodiment extension mechanism of Figures 44 to 48 attached to the frame, Figure 49(i) shows the extension mechanism partly extended, and Figure 49(ii) shows the extension mechanism fully extended;

Figure 50 is a right side view the foot or leg support frame of Figures 44 to 49 in a transition position where the drag link end pivots and the frame pivot are collinear;

Figure 51 is a left rear perspective view showing the second embodiment foot or leg support frame latched in a retracted position, with the extension mechanism hidden and the de-latch mechanism deactivated;

Figure 52 is a right overhead perspective view corresponding to Figure 51;

Figure 53 is a sectioned right side perspective view showing the second embodiment foot or leg support frame latched in a retracted position and the de-latch mechanism deactivated;

Figure 54 is a view corresponding to Figure 53, but with the de-latch mechanism actuated pivoting the catch rearwards to de-latch the frame; Figure 55 is a view corresponding to Figure 54, with the de-latch mechanism still actuated, with the frame pivoted outwards slightly from the retracted position;

Figure 56 is a similar view to Figures 53 to 55, with the de-latch mechanism actuated and the foot or leg support assembly frame being rotated towards the retracted position from the position shown in Figure 55;

Figure 57 is a left side section view taken through a centreline of the second embodiment foot or leg support frame assembly of Figures 44 to 46, showing the foot or leg support latched in a retracted position;

Figure 58 is a similar view to Figures 57, but with the second embodiment foot or leg

support frame forward of vertical, showing the latch mechanism actuated and the catch unlatched;

Figure 59 is a right side section view taken through a centreline of the second embodiment foot or leg support frame assembly of Figures 44 to 46, showing the foot or leg support frame retracted and the rocking inhibitor arrangement deactivated;

Figure 60 is a similar view to Figure 59, but with the foot or leg support frame partially

deployed and the rocking inhibitor arrangement activated;

Figure 61 is a similar view to Figure 60, with the rocking inhibitor arrangement activated, but with the second embodiment foot or leg support frame deployed and the movable foot or leg support portion extended;

Figure 62 is a section view of the foot or leg support assembly of Figures 44 to 61 showing the actuator cable coupled to the latch mechanism and extending over the cable guide to the gas spring;

Figures 63(i) to 63(vi) are right section views showing actuation of the gas spring and latch mechanism of the foot or leg support assembly of Figures 44 to 61, Figure 63(i) shows the actuation paddle inactive and the foot or leg support locked in the retracted position, Figure 63(ii) shows the actuation paddle activated and the latch released, allowing the footrest to extend, Figure 63(iii) shows the actuation paddle activated and the foot rest extending or retracting, Figure 63(iv) showing the actuation paddle inactive and the foot rest held at mid extension, Figure 63(v) shows the actuation paddle activated, the foot or leg support assembly fully extended, and the cable unwrapped from the arcuate guide, and Figure 63(vi) shows the actuation paddle inactive with the foot or leg support assembly locked in the extended position;

Figures 64(i) and 64(ii) are side views of the gas spring and actuator head of the foot and leg support assembly of Figures 44 to 63(vi), with Figure 64(i) showing the actuator head released and the gas spring valve closed, and Figure 64(ii) showing the actuator head activated and the gas spring valve open;

Figures 65(i) and 65(ii) are section views of the gas spring and actuator head, with Figure 65(ϊ) showing the actuator head released and the gas spring valve closed, and Figure 65(ii) showing the actuator head activated and the gas spring valve open; and Figures 66(i) and 66(ii) are perspective section views of the gas spring and actuator head, with Figure 66(i) showing the actuator head released and the gas spring valve closed, and Figure 66(ii) showing the actuator head activated and the gas spring valve open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Figures 1 and 2 show a rocking and reclining domestic lounger chair 201 incorporating to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The chair 201 comprises a supporting frame 203 including a base assembly 205, a seat portion 207 for supporting a seated occupant, a back portion 209 for supporting the back of a seated occupant, arm rests 211 for supporting the arms of a seated occupant, an adjustable head or neck rest or support assembly 213 and an extendable and retractable foot or leg rest or support assembly 1.

The figures illustrate the preferred form chair and foot or leg support assembly from various different angles. An arrow marked "F" has been inserted into the figures where appropriate to indicate a forward direction of the chair. Accordingly the terms forward, rearward, left side, and right side (or similar) should be construed with reference to the forward direction F of the chair, not necessarily with reference to the orientation shown in the particular figure.

The chair comprises a foot or leg support assembly 1 as described below. The assembly can be used to support an occupant's feet, legs, or both, depending on the configuration of the assembly and the size of the occupant relative to the chair. References to a foot or leg support assembly should be understood to cover any of: a support assembly that is suitable for supporting an occupant's feet, a support assembly that is suitable for supporting an occupant's legs, or a support assembly that is suitable for supporting an occupant's feet and legs.

The foot or leg support assembly 1 is movable between a deployed and extended position shown in Figure 5 for supporting an occupant's feet or legs, and a retracted position shown in Figure 3. Figure 4 shows an intermediate position of the foot or leg support assembly 1 between the deployed and retracted positions. The foot or leg support assembly 1 is mounted to the seat portion 207 of the chair via a mounting bracket 3 so that the foot or leg support assembly 1 moves with the seat portion 207 when the seat is rocked and/or moved during recline of the back portion in chairs having rocker or recline mechanisms, as described above.

The foot or leg support assembly 1 comprises a frame 5, an extension mechanism 7, an actuator in the form of a gas spring assembly, and a movable support portion 11 for receiving and supporting an occupant's feet or legs. The gas spring assembly comprises a gas spring 9 and an actuator head 12. A first end 5a of the frame 5 is pivoted to the mounting bracket 3 or directly to the seat portion 207 at a frame pivot 13 and configured to be pivoted about its first end by the actuator.

In the retracted position, the frame 5 is preferably angled rearwardly so that the angle ω between the mounting bracket 3 and the frame 5 is about 75 degrees. That corresponds to a rearward angle of the frame 5 of about 15 degrees when the chair 201 is upright and in its neutral rock position. As the frame 5 is pivoted outward toward the deployed position, the extension mechanism 7 is configured to move the moveable support portion 11 in a direction away from the first frame end 5a, increasing the angle ω, to the extended position shown in Figure 5. Preferably in the extended position, the angle ω between the mounting bracket 3 and the frame 5 is about 170 degrees. That corresponds to an angle of about 10 degrees below horizontal when the chair 201 is upright and in its neutral rock position.

Because the foot or leg support assembly 1 of the preferred embodiment can retract to a rearwardly angled position beneath the seat portion of a chair 201, an occupant can more easily egress the chair than would be the case if the foot or leg support only retracted to a vertical position. An occupant can place their feet flat on the ground partly beneath the seat portion to stand up. The extended position slightly below horizontal provides a more comfortable seating position than a horizontal extended position.

As best seen in Figures 6 to 8 and 30 to 32, the gas spring assembly is pivotally connected at a first end 9a to the mounting bracket 3 at a gas spring assembly pivot 10 that is spaced rearward and below the frame pivot 13. A second end 9b of the gas spring assembly is pivotally connected to the frame 5 towards a second end 5b of the frame. The frame 5 is pivotable outwardly about its first end 5a between the retracted position and the deployed position upon extension of the gas spring 9, and pivotable inwardly about its first end 5a between the deployed position and the retracted position upon compression of the gas spring 9. In an exemplary embodiment, the gas spring 9 has a stroke of about 30.5 mm. However, longer or shorter gas springs may be used.

The gas spring 9 may be selectively actuated or released at any frame 5 position via a user actuator (not shown) such as a paddle which is coupled to the actuator head 12 by a cable 98. When the frame 5 is in the retracted position, actuation of the user actuator enables the foot or leg support assembly 1 to move from the retracted position to the deployed position. When the user actuator is released, there is no movement of the frame 5 relative to the seating portion 207. The frame 5 can be stopped and positioned at any intermediate position between the retracted position shown in Figure 3 and the deployed position shown in Figure 5 by an occupant releasing the user actuator. To retract the foot or leg support assembly 1 from any position, a chair occupant must actuate the user actuator and apply an inward force to the foot or leg support frame 5 or movable foot support portion 11, for example with their legs or feet. Figure 9 shows the linear extension of the gas spring 9 against the angular displacement of the frame 5 from the retracted position. When the frame 5 is nearer the retracted position the magnitude of the gas spring 9 extension required to pivot the frame 5 outwards five degrees is less than the spring extension required to pivot the frame 5 outwards five degrees when the frame is nearer the extended position, for example. This means that, when the foot or leg support 1 is being deployed, the user experiences a rising force rate as the foot or leg support frame 5 rotates outwards, to assist the user in lifting their legs. The converse is also true. When the frame is nearer the retracted position, the amount the gas spring 9 must be compressed to pivot the frame 5 inwards five degrees is less than the amount the gas spring 9 must be compressed to pivot the frame 5 inwards five degrees when the frame is nearer the extended position, for example. This means that as the foot or leg support assembly 1 is retracted, the user needs to apply less force the closer the frame is to the retracted position.

In the embodiment shown, the gas spring assembly pivot 10 is provided on the mounting portion 3 and fixed relative to the frame pivot 13. Alternatively, the gas spring assembly pivot 10 may be movable relative to the frame pivot 13 as the frame is moved between the retracted and deployed positions, to further alter the force rate as the foot or leg support frame 5 rotates outwards.

EXTENSION MECHANISM

The moveable foot or leg support portion 11 of the foot or leg support assembly 1 is arranged to slide relative to the frame 5 such that the foot or leg support assembly 1 is extendable from an initial length LI (shown in Figure 3) to an extended length L2 (shown in Figure 5). The extension mechanism 7 is configured to slide the moveable support portion 11 in a direction away from the first frame end 5a, to an extended position as the frame 5 is moved from the retracted position to the deployed position by the gas spring 9. This sliding of the support portion 11 causes the movable support portion 11 to follow a parabolic arc similar to the arc through which an occupant's lower legs or feet move as the occupant moves them outward. This results in less 'trouser pull' which is the result of relative movement between a support portion and an occupant's legs or feet as a foot or leg support is deployed.

Referring to Figures 6 to 8, the extension mechanism 7 comprises a first extender 15 attached to the frame 5 and a second extender 17 attached to the movable foot or leg support portion 11 and to the frame 5. An intermediate member 19 couples the first and second extenders 15, 17. The extension mechanism further comprises a drag link 21 having a slidable end 21a that is slidable relative to the frame 5 and is operatively connected to the first extender 15. The drag link 21 is pivotable about a pivot 23 that is parallel to the frame pivot 13 and spaced from the frame pivot. The first extender 15 moves the intermediate member 19 in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the slidable end 21a of the drag link 21 as the frame 5 is pivoted between its retracted and deployed positions. The direction of movement of the first extender 15 is parallel to the direction of movement of the slidable end 21a of the drag link 21. As the frame 5 pivots outwards towards the deployed position, the slidable end 21a of the drag link 21 slides towards the first end 5a of the frame 5 and the intermediate member 19 moves away from the first end 5a of the frame 5. As the frame 5 pivots inwards towards the retracted position, the slidable end 21a of the drag link 21 slides away from the first end 5a of the frame 5 and the intermediate member moves towards the first end 5a of the frame 5.

The second extender 17 moves the moveable foot or leg support portion 11 relative to the frame 5 and relative to the intermediate member 19 in the same direction as the

intermediate member 19, such that the magnitude of the displacement of the movable foot or leg support portion 11 relative to the frame 5 from the retracted position to the extended position, is greater than the magnitude of the displacement of the slidable end 21a of the drag link 21 relative to the frame 5.

In the preferred embodiment shown in figures 6 to 8, 10, 11, and 24-32, the first extender 15 comprises a first continuous loop element 25 in the form of a first endless belt, and two end pulleys 27a, 27b. The second extender 17 comprises a second continuous loop element 29 in the form of a second endless belt, and two respective end pulleys 31a, 31b.

The slidable end 21a of the drag link 21 is pivotally attached to a slide block 33. The slide block 33 is slidable longitudinally relative to the frame 5 towards and away from the first end 5a of the frame 5. The slide block 33 has a guide feature that engages a

complementary guide on the frame 5 (Figure 11). The guide and guide feature preferably comprise a tongue and groove, for example an elongate tongue 36 on the frame 5 and a complementary groove 34 on the slide block. Alternatively, other guide arrangements are possible, for example using a guide slot or a channel.

The first endless belt 25 and the two respective end pulleys 27a, 27b are mounted to the frame 5 such that the belt 25 is rotatable about the end pulleys 27a, 27b relative to the frame 5. The slide block 33 comprises a clamping portion 35 that clamps to the first endless belt 25 to fix the slide block 33 to the belt 25 and thereby causes rotation of the first endless belt 25 upon movement of the slide block 33 towards or away from the first end 5a of the frame 5.

In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the intermediate member 19 comprises a carriage 37 that is slidable longitudinally relative to the frame 5 towards and away from the first end 5a of the frame 5. The carriage 37 has a guide feature 41 that engages a complementary guide 39 on the frame 5. The guide and guide feature preferably comprise a tongue and groove, for example an elongate tongue 39 on the frame 5 and a complementary groove 41 on the carriage 37. Alternatively, other guide arrangements are possible, for example using a guide slot or a channel, or having a groove on the frames and tongue on the carriage 37. The carriage 37 is clamped to the first endless belt 25 at a clamping portion 43, to fix the carriage 37 to the first belt 25 such that the carriage 37 moves towards or away from the first end 5a of the frame 5 upon rotation of the first belt 25 about the respective pulleys 27a, 27b. The carriage 37 is clamped to a portion of the first belt on an opposite side of the pulleys 27a, 27b to the slide block 33, such that the carriage 37 and the slide block 33 move in opposite directions relative to the frame 5.

The second endless belt 29 and the two respective end pulleys 31a, 31b are mounted to the carriage 37 to move relative to the frame 5 with the carriage upon movement of the frame about its first end 5a. A fixed belt clamp 45 is clamped to the second belt 29 and is also fixed to the foot or leg support assembly frame 5, fixing a portion of the second belt 29 relative to the frame 5. As the carriage 37 and the two respective end pulleys 31a, 31b move towards or away from the first end 5a of the frame, the fixed belt clamp 45 causes the second belt 29 to rotate about the end pulleys 31a, 31b.

Alternatively, the belt clamp 45 may have a small range of motion relative to the frame.

A connector 47 has a clamp portion clamping the connector 47 to the second endless belt 29, and attached to the movable foot or leg support portion 11 to fix the movable portion

11 to the second belt 29. The connector 47 is clamped to a portion of the second belt 29 on an opposite side of the pulleys 31a, 31b to the fixed belt clamp 45, such that the connector 47 moves relative to the fixed belt clamp 45 and relative to the carriage 37 upon movement of the carriage 37 relative to the frame. The pulleys 27a, 27b, 31a, 31b preferably comprise a generally cylindrical roller rotatably mounted relative to the respective one of the frame or the carriage 37. The rollers may comprise a groove or concave portion for locating the loop element relative to the roller. Alternatively, the pulleys may simply comprise a rotatably mounted pin. Alternatively, the loop elements may be mounted on fixed, non-rotatable pins. Operation of the preferred form extension mechanism 7 will now be described with reference to Figures 3 to 8. In the retracted position shown in Figures 3 and 7 the gas spring 9 is compressed, the slidable end 21a of the drag link 21 is positioned towards the second end 5b of the frame 5, and the movable foot or leg support portion 11 is slid towards the first end 5a of the frame such that it substantially covers the frame 5. To extend the foot or leg support assembly 1 from the retracted position, a user activates the gas spring 9, Extension of the gas spring 9 creates a moment about the frame pivot 13 to pivot the frame 5 outwards. As the frame 5 pivots outwards from a vertical position, the drag link 21 pivots upwards, pulling the slide block 33 towards the first end 5a of the frame 5. This in turn causes the first belt 25 to rotate anticlockwise, when viewed from an underside of the frame 5, and causes the carriage 37 carrying the second belt 29 to move away from the first end 5a of the frame 5.

The slide block 33 and the carriage 37 move the same distance relative to the frame 5, but in opposite directions. As the carriage 37 slides away from the first end 5a of the frame 5, the second belt 29 rotates clockwise, when viewed from the left of the frame, and the respective second pulley 31b moves towards the fixed belt clamp 45. In turn, the connector 47 of the movable foot or leg support portion 11 moves relative to the carriage 37, towards the respective first pulley 31a, moving the movable portion 11 to the extended position shown in Figures 5, 6, and 8.

The connector 47 moves the same distance relative to the carriage 37 as the carriage 37 moves relative to the frame 5, and in the same direction. This has the effect of 'stepping up' the extension of the movable foot or leg support portion 11 relative to frame 5 compared to the movement of the slidable end 21a of the drag link 21. The movable foot or leg support portion 11 moves twice the distance relative to the frame as the slidable end 21a of the drag link 21.

To fix the foot of leg support assembly in the extended position, the user releases the gas spring. The extension mechanism 7 preferably comprises at least one stop 51 to limit outward rotation of the frame 5 and extension of the movable support 11. For example, in the embodiment shown, a stop 51 is provided on the mount for the first belt pulley 27a nearest the frame pivot 13. The stop 51 limits sliding of the slide block 33 towards the frame pivot 13 to prevent further outward rotation of the frame 5. In the most outward position of the frame 5, the gas spring 9 is preferably not in its fully extended position. This prevents over extension of the gas spring 9, or use of the gas spring 9 to support a load in a fully extended position, both of which can decrease the life of the gas spring 9.

In the embodiment shown, the first and second endless belts are orientated such that the pulleys 27a, 27b for the first belt 25 are perpendicular to the frame 5, and the pulleys 31a, 31b of the second belt 29 are parallel with the frame pivot 13. This advantageously provides a compact arrangement that facilitates connection to the drag link 21 and the movable portion 11. Alternatively, the pulleys 27a, 27b, 31a, 31b may all have the same

orientation, for example may all be parallel with the frame pivot. As a further alternatively, the pulleys 27a, 27b of the first belt 25 may be parallel with the frame pivot 13 and pulleys 31a, 31b for the second belt 29 may be at 90 degrees to the frame 5.

The first and second extenders 15, 17, preferably each further comprise a tension adjuster for adjusting the tension on the respective belt 25, 29. One pulley 27a, 31a, in each extender 15, 17 is fixed to the frame 5 or carriage 37, respectively. The other pulley 27b, 31b in each extender 15, 17 is movable relative to the frame 5 or carriage 37, respectively. A tension adjuster 53 is operatively connected to each movable pulley 27b, 31a to bias the movable pulley 27b, 31a away from the respective fixed pulley 27a, 31b.

The tension adjustors 53 may be provided at either end of the respective belt 25, 29. For example, in an alternative embodiment, pulley 27b and/or pulley 31a may instead be fixed and the respective opposite pulley 27a, 31b may be movable.

In one embodiment each tension adjustor 53 comprises two compression springs.

Alternatively, each tension adjustor may comprise only a single spring. However, dual spring embodiments allow for easier assembly and the use of springs with a lower stiffness. Each tension adjustor 53also preferably comprises a stop to limit compression of the springs and movement of the respective movable pulley, for example to avoid excessive deflection of the foot or leg support or bouncing under shock loading.

The tension adjustors 53 are advantageous for embodiments comprising endless belts because they provide additional compliance to reduce strain on other extension mechanism components under loading of the foot or leg support assembly 1, and particularly under shock loading. The tension adjustors 53 provide automatic tensioning of the belts 25, 29 to reduce reliance on assembling the mechanism with the correct tension applied to the belts 25, 29, for easier assembly. Belts also stretch as they wear. The tension adjustors 53 are able to take up slack as the belts 25, 29 wear, improving the life of the extension

mechanism 7.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second endless belts 25, 29 are toothed belts. The clamping portions 35, 43, 45, 47 have complementary recesses or protrusions for engaging the teeth to provide a secure non-slip connection with the belt without applying large clamping forces to the respective belt. However, alternative belts and connectors are possible. For example, the belt 25, 29 may be a moulded belt and/or may comprise one or more features, such as a protrusion, to facilitate connection to the clamping portions 35, 43, 45, 47. Alternatively, the belt may be a flat belt, and the connection with the clamping portions 35, 43, 45, 47 may be a friction connection. The clamping portions 35, 43, 45, 47 may comprise features such as teeth to improve engagement with the respective belt.

Rather than clamping to the belts 25, 29, the slide block 33, fixed belt clamp 49, carriage 37, and movable portion connector 47 may be otherwise connected to the respective loop element 25, 29. For example, the belt may comprise one or more apertures and the slide block 33, fixed belt clamp 45, carriage 37, and/or movable portion connector 47 attached to the respective loop element 25, 29 through the aperture(s) by one or more fasteners.

The first and second continuous loop elements 25, 29 each preferably comprise an endless belt, as described above. The belt is preferably a fibre reinforced belt, but may alternatively be any other suitable belt, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Rather than being an endless belt, the continuous loop elements 25, 29 may alternatively comprise one or more discrete elements arranged to form a loop. For example, a flexible member having two ends fixed relative to each other, for example being fixed by one of the clamping portions 35, 43, 45, 47, to form a loop. Similarly, the continuous loop elements 25, 29 could comprise two or more members connected end-to-end to form a loop, for example by the clamping portions 35, 43, 45, 47, or additional rigid or flexible jointing members. The loop elements 25, 29 may each comprise one or more belts, cables, chains, or other flexible members. The above describes only one preferred form extension mechanism 7. Alternative extension mechanisms 7 may be used to push or pull the movable support portion 11 relative to the frame 5 as the frame 5 is pivoted inwards or outwards. For example, the extension mechanism 7 may comprise a rack and pinion arrangement.

One exemplary rack and pinion arrangement 111 is shown in Figures 12(i) and 12(ii). In that embodiment, the first extender comprises a first rack 113 and a complementary first pinion gear 115. The first rack 113 is slidable relative to the frames, for example using a tongue and groove 117 or other slide arrangement. The first pinion gear 115 engages the first rack 113 and is rotatably mounted to the frame 5. The second extender comprises a second pinion gear 119 rotatably mounted to the frame 5 towards the second end 5b of the frame, and a complementary second rack 121 that is operatively fixed to the movable foot or leg support 11.

The slidable end 21a of the drag link 21 is pivotally attached to the first rack 113. The first rack 113 is slidable longitudinally relative to the frame 5 towards and away from the first end 5a of the frame 5 as the frame is pivoted inwards and outwards, rotating the first pinion gear 115.

An intermediate rack and pinion arrangement comprising an intermediate pinion gear 123 and an intermediate rack 125 couples the first and second extenders. The intermediate rack 125 is parallel to the first rack 113 and is slidable longitudinally relative to the frame 5 towards and away from the first end 5a of the frame 5. The intermediate rack 125 comprises teeth on two opposite sides of the rack. Teeth 127 on a first side of the intermediate rack engage the first pinion gear 115, and teeth 129 on an opposite second side of the intermediate rack 125 engage the intermediate pinion gear 123.

The first pinion gear 115 rotates upon sliding of the slidable end 21a of the drag link 21 to move the intermediate rack 125 relative to the frame 5 in an opposite direction to the slidable end 21a of the drag link 21. The intermediate rack 125 in turn rotates the intermediate pinion gear 123 in an opposite direction to rotation of the first pinion gear 115.

The intermediate pinion gear 123 is coupled to the second pinion gear 119 such that rotation of the intermediate pinion gear 123 causes rotation of the second pinion gear 119. For example, a compound gear 131 may comprise both the intermediate and second pinion gears 119, 123 such that they rotate together.

The gear ratio between the second pinion gear 119 and the second rack 121 is different to the gear ratio between the intermediate pinion gear 123 and the intermediate rack 125, such that the second rack 121 moves relative to the intermediate rack 125. In the example shown in Figures 12(i) and 12(ii), the intermediate rack 125 and the second rack 121 comprise identically dimensioned and spaced teeth, but the second pinion gear 119 has twice the number of teeth of the intermediate pinion gear 123 to achieve a 1 : 2 step up ratio between the drag link slidable end 21a and the movable member 11. That is, the second rack and attached movable member 11 move twice the distance relative to the frame compared to the movement of the slidable end 21a of the drag link 21. In such an embodiment the first pinion gear 115 is positioned between the second pinion gear 119 and the first frame end 5a to enable that the first rack 113 to remain in

engagement with the first pinion gear 115 through its range of travel.

As described above in relation to the belt embodiment of the extension mechanism 7, a rack and pinion embodiment may also comprise one or more stops to limit outward movement of the frames and foot or leg support assembly 1. Such a stop may be provided on the frame to limit sliding of the first rack 113 towards the first end 5a of the frame 5.

In a preferred embodiment, extension of the movable portion 11 is timed to provide optimal clearance for the base portion 205 of the chair 201. In such an embodiment, the drag link 21 is pivoted at a pivot 23 that is below and rear of the frame pivot 13. In the retracted position, the drag link pivot is positioned forward of a point coincident to a straight line between the slidable end 21a of the drag link and the frame pivot 13. During the initial stage of rotation of the frame 5, the slidable end 21a of the drag link 21 moves away from the first end 5a of the frame 5 to move the movable support portion 11 towards the first end 5a. At a point before the frame 5 is vertical, the frame pivot 13, slidable end 21a of the drag link 21, and the drag link pivot 23 are collinear. That is, the frame pivot 13 is coincident with the straight line between the slidable end 21a of the drag link 21 and the drag link pivot 23, such that the drag link 21 is at an 'over centre' orientation and the movable support portion 11 is in its most retracted position relative to the frame 5. The extension mechanism 7 operates to extend the movable portion 11 relative to the frame 5 upon movement of the frame 5 about its first end 5a both inwards and outwards from that point.

This over centre arrangement of the drag link 21 means the foot or leg support

arrangement 1 is in its most compact configuration when it is directly over the base portion 205. If the drag link pivot 23 were more rearward, the movable portion 11 may otherwise collide with part of the base portion 205, such as a radial leg, as the assembly is deployed. The moveable foot or leg support portion 11 comprises an upper shell 11a and a lower shell lib. Together the upper and lower shells 11a, lib define a cavity that substantially receives the frame 5 and the extension mechanism 7 when the foot or leg support assembly 1 is retracted. The extension mechanism is preferably provided on an underside of the frame and connected to the lower shell lib of the movable portion, such that the frame obscures the extension mechanism from a user when the foot or leg support assembly is extended. The frame may comprise integral or connected side walls 6 to obscure the extension mechanism when viewed from a side of the chair 201 when the foot or leg support assembly is extended.

The upper shell 11a of the slidable portion provides support for a user's feet or legs, and may be upholstered and/or cushioned for aesthetics and comfort. The moveable foot or leg support portion 11 is slidably connected to the frame 5 by any suitable slide means. For example drawer slides 6 attached to the frame side walls 6.

In another alternative embodiment, rather than a gas spring, an alternative actuator, for example a powered actuator, could be used to deploy and retract the foot or leg support assembly 1.

LATCH MECHANISM

Referring to Figures 14 to 27, the foot or leg support assembly 1 comprises a latch mechanism 61 to fix the frame 5 relative to the seat portion when the frame 5 is in a retracted position. The latch mechanism 61 comprises a catch 63 that is movable relative to the frame 5. In the embodiment shown, the catch 63 is pivotally mounted to a bracket 71 that is fixed to the underside of the frame 5, at a catch pivot 65. The catch has a hook or lip 67 configured to engage an engagement feature that is fixed relative to the frame pivot 13. In the embodiment shown, the engagement feature comprises a plate member 69 that is integral with the mounting portion 3. The catch hook 67 hooks the edge and/or top surface of the plate to secure the frame 5 in the retracted position.

The catch 63 is biased forwards into a position for latching the engagement plate 69 by a tension spring 87. A first end of the tension spring 87 is fixed relative to the frame, for example, attached to a protrusion 91 on the frame catch bracket 71. The other end of the tension spring 87 is attached to the catch 63 at a point between the catch pivot 65 and the hook 67, for example, by attachment to a protrusion 88 on the catch 63. When the frame 5 is in the retracted position, forward rotation of the catch 63 is limited by the engagement plate 69. The latch mechanism further comprises a de-latch assembly for unlatching the catch 63 from the engagement plate 69 to enable the foot or leg support assembly 1 to be deployed. The de-latch assembly comprises a de-latch member 73, a slidable shuttle 75, a shuttle housing 77, and an actuating cable 79.

The shuttle housing 77 is fixed to the foot or leg support mounting bracket 3 by an attachment feature 78. Alternatively, the shuttle housing 77 could be integral with the mounting bracket 3 or fixed directly to the seat portion of the chair. The slidable shuttle 75 is slidable longitudinally in the shuttle housing 77 towards and away from the frame pivot 13 and engagement plate 69, between a rearward first position and a forward second position. The de-latch member 73 is pivotally attached to the shuttle 75 at a pivot 81 such that the de-latch member 73 is slidable and pivotable relative to the shuttle housing 77 and the frame pivot 13.

The de-latch member 73 is wedge shaped and comprises an aperture 74 for at least partly receiving the hook portion 67 of the catch member when the catch 63 is engaged.

Alternatively, the de-latch member 73 may comprise a recess, or notch to receive the hook portion 67 of the catch member, or alternatively may not receive the hook portion 67 of the catch member, but have a protrusion or other feature to engage the front edge of the catch to unhook the catch 63.

The de-latch member 73 is biased downwards towards the engagement plate 69 by a torsion spring 87 between de-latch member 73 and the shuttle 75. Downwards rotation of the de-latch member 73 is limited by the engagement plate 69.

The slidable shuttle 75 is attached to a de-latch cable 79 and biased forwards into its second position by a compression spring 93. The compression spring 93 is positioned within the shuttle housing 77 between a rear portion of the housing 77 and the slidable shuttle 75. Activation of a user actuator coupled to the cable 79 pulls the cable 79 rearwards against the spring bias, thereby pulling the slidable shuttle 75 and the de-latch member 73 rearwards. The housing 77 preferably comprises a stop such as a projection, shoulder 83, or end wall to limit rearwards movement of the slidable shuttle 75 and the de-latch member 73.

The engagement feature may alternatively comprise a detent, protrusion, ledge, hook, or recess. Similarly, rather than a hook, the catch may comprise an alternative feature for engaging the engagement feature. For example, if the engagement feature comprises a hook or recess, the catch 63 may comprise a complementary plate, protrusion, or ledge rather than a hook.

The catch 63 may be otherwise attached relative to the frame 5. For example, the catch could be linearly movable rather than pivoted. The de-latch member 73 may be otherwise movable relative to the shuttle 75. For example, the de-latch member 73 may linearly movable up and down and biased downwards.

The latch mechanism 61 further comprises a cable controller 95 comprising a housing 96 that at least partly houses a cable shuttle 97. The cable shuttle 97 is connected to a user operated actuator (not shown) by an actuation cable 99. The cable shuttle 97 is slidable relative to the housing 96 between a first position and a second position upon activation and release of the user operated actuator.

In the first cable shuttle position, the cable shuttle 97 is nearer the de-latch shuttle housing 77, and in the second position the cable shuttle 97 is further from the de-latch shuttle housing 77. In the embodiment shown, the cable shuttle housing 77 and the de-latch shuttle housing 75 are longitudinally aligned. The cable shuttle 97 and the attached de- latch member move in a first sense towards and away from the frame pivot 13 between a rearward first position and a forward second position. The de-latch member additionally moves in a second sense about the de-latch member pivot 81, towards and away from the engagement plate 69. The de-latch cable 79 is attached to the cable shuttle 97 for movement therewith to move the de-latch slidable shuttle 75 between its forwards and rearwards positions. The gas spring 9 for deploying the foot or leg support frame 5 is also operatively connected to the cable shuttle 97 by a gas spring cable 98, the cable 98 being coupled to a gas spring actuator head 12 at the second end of the gas spring assembly 9b. Therefore, movement of the cable shuttle 97 towards its first position pulls both the gas spring cable 98 and the de-latch cable 79 to actuate both the gas spring 9 and the de-latch mechanism 61.

This arrangement allows a user to unlatch and extend the foot or leg support assembly using a single actuator and a single actuation action rather than requiring separate de- latching and extension steps or separate retraction and latching steps. In the embodiment shown, the cable shuttle 97 is configured to pull the gas spring cable 98 and the de-latch cable 79 at the same time and at the same rate. Alternatively, the cable controller 95 may be configured to activate the de-latch mechanism 61 before the gas spring 9 is released to minimise loading on the catch 63 from extension of the gas spring 9, which the de-latch member 73 must overcome to release the catch 63 from the

engagement plate 69.

In some embodiments, the de-latch mechanism and the gas spring 9 may require different amounts of cable travel to actuate, delayed actuation and/or different rates of actuation. The cable controller 95 may be configured to accommodate those differences. Exemplary alternative embodiment cable shuttle arrangements are shown in Figures 28(i) to 29(iv). In the embodiment shown in Figure 28, the cable controller 95' is configured to provide different and delayed/timed amounts of travel to actuate the gas spring 9 and the de-latch mechanism. In that embodiment, the cable shuttle 97' has two enlarged slots 141, 143. The end 79a of the de-latch cable 79 and the end 98a gas spring cable 98 are each slidable in a respective slot between a first end 141a, 143a of the slot and a second end 141b, 143b of the slot. In one of the slots 143, a spring 145 or other biasing member biases the cable end 79a towards the first end 143a of the slot 143.

Figure 28(i) shows the cable controller 95' in a configuration where both the gas spring 9 and the de-latch mechanism are deactivated. From that position, pulling the actuator cable 99 pulls the cable shuttle 97' in the housing 96'. This in turn actuates the de-latch mechanism and the gas spring 9 in a three stage process.

During a first actuation stage, the biased cable 79 moves with the cable shuttle 97' to pull the de-latch cable 79 and activate the de-latch assembly. During this initial stage, the cable shuttle 97' moves relative to the gas spring cable 98 until the gas spring cable end 98a is positioned at the second end 141b of the respective slot 141 (Figure 28(ii)).

During an intermediate actuation stage, the gas spring cable end 98a is at the second end 141b of the respective slot 141 and the de-latch cable end 79a is biased to the first end 143a of the respective slot 143. The gas spring cable 98 and the de-latch cable 79 both move with the cable shuttle 97' to actuate both the gas spring 9 and the de-latch assembly at the same time.

During a final actuation stage, the gas spring cable end 98a is at the second end 141b of the respective slot 141 and moves with the cable shuttle 97' to actuate the gas spring 9. Once the de-latch mechanism is fully actuated, further sliding of the cable shuttle 97' moves the cable shuttle 97' relative to the de-latch cable 79, compressing the spring 145 until the de-latch cable end 79a is positioned at the second end 143b of the respective slot 143 (Figure 28(iii)). The length and relative position of the slots 141, 143 may be selected depending on the amount of cable travel to actuate each of the gas spring and the de-latch mechanism, and the desired actuation timing.

A further alternative embodiment cable controller 95" is shown in Figures 29(i) to 29(iv), in which the cable controller 95" is configured to provide different actuation rates to the de- latch mechanism and to the gas spring 9. In that embodiment, the cable shuttle comprises a block 147 that is pivotable relative to the housing 96" about a pivot 149.

The actuator cable end 99a is connected to the pivoted block 147 at a point spaced from the block pivot 149. Pulling the actuator cable 99 relative to the housing 96" pivots the block 147 from the position shown in Figures 29(i) and 29(ii) towards the position shown in Figure 29(iii) and 29(iv). The first side of the pivot block has a recess 155 for the cable 99 (Figures 29(ii) and 29(iv)). The recess has a curved wall 156 to ensure the actuator cable 99 has a straight exit from the cable housing 96" to minimise any drag or rubbing of the cable. The gas spring cable end 98a and the de-latch cable end 79a are connected to the pivoted block 147 on a second side of the block 147, at two spaced apart points that are spaced from the block pivot 149. The second side of the block 147 has recesses 152, 154 for the respective cable 79, 98. The recesses 151, 153 on the second side of the pivoted block 147 have curved walls 152, 154 that guide the cables 79, 98 as the block is pivoted to control the rate of cable pull. The curved walls 152, 154 also ensure the cables have a straight exit from the cable housing 96" to minimise any drag or rubbing of the cable.

As the block 147 pivots, the rate and distance of movement of the gas spring cable end 98a is different to the rate and distance of movement of the de-latch cable end 79a. The cable that is farthest from the block pivot 149 is pulled at a higher rate. In the embodiment, shown, the de-latch cable 79 is attached to the block further from the block pivot 149 that the gas spring cable 98, and therefore is pulled at a higher rate. Alternatively, the gas spring cable 98 may be attached farthest from the block pivot 149 to be pulled at a higher rate than the de-latch cable 79.

Operation of the de-latch mechanism 61 will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 27. Figures 14, 15, 16, and 24 show the foot or leg support frame 5 in the retracted frame position with the catch member 63 engaging the engagement plate 69. The hook portion 67 of the catch 63 is positioned in the de-latch member aperture 74. The de-latch member 73 is pivoted downwards in contact with the engagement plate 69 with a front wall 74a of the aperture 74 positioned forward of the hook 67.

From that position, actuation of the user actuator pulls the actuator cable 99 relative to the controller housing 96 to move the cable shuttle 97 and the de-latch shuttle 75 rearwards. In turn the de-latch member 73 slides rearwards, remaining pivoted downwards and in contact with the engagement plate 69, The front wall 74a of the aperture 74 abuts a front surface of the hook 67 as the de-latch member 73 moves rearward, pivoting the catch 63 rearwards against the bias of the tension spring 87 to unlatch the hook 67 from the engagement plate, as shown in Figure 17.

Simultaneously, the gas spring 9 is activated tending to pivot the foot or leg support frame 5 outwards. Once the hook 63 is unlatched as shown in Figure 17, the foot or leg support frame 5 pivots outwards from the retracted position. The catch 63 moves out of the de- latch member aperture 74, as shown in Figures 18 and 25, and then below and out of contact with the engagement feature 69. Once the catch 63 is out of contact with the de- latch mechanism 61 and engagement feature 69, it returns to its forward 'engagement' position under the bias of the tension spring 87, as shown in Figures 19 and 143. In this position, a front portion of the de-latch member 73 is still in contact with the engagement plate 69 to prevent downwards rotation of the de-latch member 73. The user actuator may be released at any position of the frame 5 to keep the footrest in that position. If the user actuator is released when the catch 63 is free of the de-latch mechanism 61 and engagement feature 69, the de-latch member 73 will slide forward and return to its position as shown in Figures 14, 15, 16, and 24.

To retract the foot or leg support frame 5, the user actuator is activated to activate the gas spring actuator head 12 so the gas spring 9 can be compressed. However, in this position the de-latch member 73 is also pulled rearwards to its 'de-latch' position.

Figures 20 to 23, and 27 show the frame 5 being returned and re-latched in the retracted position. As the frame 5 returns to the retracted position, the hook portion 67 of the catch 63 contacts an underside of the engagement plate 69. The top of the catch 63 has an angled surface 64 that contacts an underside edge of the engagement plate 69. This angled surface means that upon further retraction of the frame, the catch 63 pivots rearwards against its biasing member 87 and the hook portion 67 moves up beside the engagement plate 69.

As the hook portion 67 moves up beside the engagement plate 69, the top surface 64 of the catch 63 , contacts an underside of the de-latch member 73, pivoting the de-latch member 73 upwards against its biasing member 85, as shown in Figures 20, 21, and 27.

As the frame 5 reaches the retracted position, the hook portion 67 clears the engagement plate 69 and pivots forward under bias from the tension spring 87 to engage the

engagement plate 69, as shown in Figure 22. The de-latch member 73 remains pivoted upwards against its biasing member 85 with an underside contacting the top of the catch 63 as long as the user actuator is activated and the de-latch shuttle 75 is slid rearwards. The wedge shape of the de-latch member allows the de-latch member 73 to pivot upwards without contacting the underside of the seat.

When the user actuator is released from this position, the de-latch shuttle 75 and de-latch member 73 slide forwards, as shown in Figure 23, until the mechanism returns to the state illustrates in Figures 14, 15, 16, and 24.

The latch mechanism 61 is described above in relation to a rotatable and extendable footrest that is extendible using the extension mechanism described above. However, it will be apparent that the latch mechanism is suitable for use with other form foot or leg supports. For example, the latch mechanism 61 may be provided on a non-extending foot or leg support, or an extendible foot or leg support assembly that uses a mechanism different to that described above. The foot or leg support assembly may be attached to a fixed seat or to a rockable and/or reclinable seat.

ROCKING INHIBITOR AND RECLINE

A preferred embodiment chair 201 has a recline mechanism configured to lift the seat portion 207 relative to an intermediate support of the supporting frame 203 upon a reclining action of the back portion 209, and a rocker mechanism that operatively connects a main transom of the supporting frame 203 and the intermediate support of the supporting frame, to provide a rocking motion therebetween. The rocker mechanism enables the body supporting surfaces of the chair (including the seat portion 207, back portion 209, foot or leg support 1, head or neck support 113, and arm rests 211) to rock forward and rearward relative to the base assembly 205, for example between a forward rocked position a rearward rocked position. The recline mechanism enables the back portion 201 of the chair to be reclined from an upright position shown in Figure 2, through a partly reclined position shown in Figure 5, to a fully reclined position shown in Figure 6. The foot or leg support can be extended or retracted in any position of the back portion.

Referring to Figures 30 to 40(ii), the chair 201 may be a rocking chair, and may comprise a rocking inhibitor arrangement 801 to inhibit forward rocking of the seat portion 207 relative to the support 203 when the foot or leg support assembly 1 is extended. The rocking inhibitor arrangement 801 comprises a mounting member 827 for mounting to the support 203, an anti-rock ratchet assembly 803, a rock lock assembly 805, and a slide assembly 806 for operatively connecting to the seat portion 207 and comprising a slide member 811 slidably mounted to the mounting member 827.

Referring to Figures 36 and 37, the anti-rock ratchet assembly 803 comprises a carriage 809 transversely slidable relative to the mounting member 827, a ratchet pawl 807 carried by the carriage 809 and slidable relative to the carriage 809 and transversely slidable relative to the mounting member 827 and slide member 811. A series of ratchet teeth 813 are formed on the slidable member 811 of the slide assembly 806, for engaging with teeth on the ratchet pawl 807. The ratchet pawl 807 is slidable transversely relative to the slidable member 811 between an outward disengaged position and an engaged position. The anti-rock ratchet assembly 803 is configured to automatically engage to inhibit forward rocking of the seat portion when the foot or leg support assembly 1 is extended, and to automatically disengage to allow forward rocking when the foot or leg support assembly 1 is retracted.

The central slide member 811 of the slide assembly 806 is slidably mounted to the mounting member 827 via a guide channel 829 in the mounting member. Guide features 831 in the form of inwardly protruding tabs retain the slide member 811 in the channel 829. A connecting member 833 is attached to the central slide member 811 and operatively connected to the seat portion 207, which rocks relative to the chair support 203 and mounting member 827 as the chair is rocked.

The anti-rock ratchet assembly 803 comprises an actuation assembly 810, shown in exploded form in Figure 37, operatively connected to the foot or leg support 1. The actuation assembly 803 comprises a first actuation link 815 having a first end 815a pivotally connected to the mounting member 827 at pivot 827a towards one side of the mounting member 827, and a second actuation link 817 having a first end 817a pivotally connected to the carriage 809 at a pivot 809a towards the opposite side of the mounting member 827. A second end 815b of the first link 815 is pivotally attached to the second end 817b of the second actuation link 817 at a central pivot 819. A biasing member 821 in the form of a torsion spring is positioned between the mounting member 827 and the pivot 809a between the carriage 809 and second actuation link 817 to bias the first end 817a of the actuation link outwards and the carriage 809 and pawl 807 inwards towards the slide member 811 and therefore the pawl 807 into engagement with the ratchet teeth 813.

A cable 823 is operatively connected to the actuation links 815, 817 at the central pivot 819. As shown in Figures 38, pulling the cable pulls the central pivot 819 forward, moving the first end 817a of second actuation link 817 inwards and the carriage 809 and ratchet pawl 807 outwards and out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 813. As shown in Figure 39, releasing the cable tension reverses this action, allowing the first end 817a of second actuation link 817 to move outwards under the bias of biasing member 821 and the carriage 809 and ratchet pawl 807 to move inwards, and back into engagement with the ratchet teeth 813. The cable 823 is operatively attached to the foot or leg support 1.

Figure 38 shows the actuation assembly 810 in a first, disengaged mode of the anti-rock ratchet assembly 803 in which the foot or leg support assembly 1 is retracted and the chair is free to rock. In the first mode, the anti-rock ratchet pawl 807 is in its disengaged position. The retracted foot or leg support 1 tensions the cable, pulling the actuator into the disengaged position shown. The slide assembly 806 is free to move with the seat portion of the chair as it rocks.

Figure 39 shows the actuation assembly 810 in a second, engaged mode of the anti-rock ratchet assembly 803 in which the foot or leg support assembly 1 has been at least partially deployed. As the foot or leg support 1 is moved outward from its retracted position, a member that is operatively connected to the foot or leg support acts on the cable 823. That reduces the tension in the cable 823, so that the first biasing spring 821 causes the carriage 809 to move inwards, allowing the actuation arrangement 810 to move into the second, engaged mode shown. Preferably, the actuator arrangement 810 is moved into the second mode when the foot or leg support 1 reaches an approximately vertical position or is moved slightly forward of vertical, and teeth on the ratchet pawl 807, are biased into engagement with teeth 813 on the slide member 811.

As can be seen from Figures 36 and 37, a second biasing member 808 in the form of a compression spring is positioned between the pawl 807 and the carriage 809 and biases the ratchet pawl 807 inwards relative to the carriage 809, towards the slidable member 811 and teeth 813. When the carriage 809 is in the engaged position of the second mode, the ratchet pawl 807 is biased into engagement with the ratchet teeth 813. When the anti-rock ratchet assembly is configured to the second mode, if the teeth of the ratchet pawl 807 and the teeth 813 of the slide member 811 and misaligned as shown in Figure 53A, the ratchet pawl is not forced into engagement but is biased towards the teeth by biasing member 808. The ratchet pawl 807 will then move to engage the teeth 813 of the slide member 811 upon slight forward or rearward sliding of the slide member 811 aligning the teeth as shown in Figures 40(ii) and 40(iii). In the second mode, the ratchet pawl 807 can slide outwards relative to the carriage to allow the slide assembly 806 to slide only rearward relative to the transom. Forward rocking of the chair while the foot or leg support 1 is forward of the seat is disabled, preventing the chair from tipping forward due to the weight of the foot or leg support, but still allowing the seat to be rocked rearwardly.

Preferably, the components in the rocking inhibitor arrangement 801 are designed to be thin so that the arrangement is compact for packaging under the seat. Figures 30 to 32 show a crank arrangement 101 coupling the movement of the foot of leg support assembly 1 to a rocking inhibitor arrangement such as the one described above, to prevent forward rocking of the chair 201 when the foot or leg support assembly 1 is deployed.

The crank arrangement 101 comprises a crank 103 pivotally attached to the mounting bracket 3 at a crank pivot 104. The crank 103 has a forwardly directed follower portion 103a for contacting a surface of the foot or leg support frame 5. An opposite end of the crank 103b is attached to the cable 823 for the rocking inhibitor arrangement described above.

The underside of the foot or leg support frame 5 comprises a protrusion 105 or attached bracket that is aligned with the crank 103. The protrusion 105 has a curved cam surface 107 that the crank follower portion 103a is configured to follow for certain range of travel of the foot or leg support frame 5, as will be described in more detail below. Alternatively, the cam surface 107 may be a straight surface.

The crank is preferably biased to follow the cam surface. For example by a torsion spring or a compression spring at the crank end 103b connected to the rocking inhibitor arrangement. Figure 30 shows the foot or leg support assembly retracted. In this position, the crank follower portion 103a contacts a first surface 107a of the cam surface 107. The crank 103 is pivoted so that its opposite end 103b connected to the rocking inhibitor cable 823 is in a forward most position, pulling the rocking inhibitor cable 823 forwards to disengage the rocking inhibitor arrangement to enable the seat portion 207 to rock relative to the chair support 203.

As the foot or leg support assembly frame 5 is deployed, the crank follower portion 103a follows the cam surface 107. Between the retracted position and a near vertical position of the frame 5, the crank follower portion 103a contacts with a first portion 107a of the cam surface 107. The first portion is substantially parallel with the frame 5 and maintains the crank 103 in substantially the same position shown in Figure 30, keeping the rocking inhibitor arrangement disengaged to enable the seat portion 207 to rock relative to the chair support 203.

When the foot or leg support assembly frame 5 reaches a generally vertical orientation, the crank follower portion 103a moves into contact with a steep second transition portion 107b of the cam surface 107. Upon contact with this second portion 107b of the cam surface 107, the crank 103 quickly pivots to move its cable connecting end 103b to a rearward position. That releases the rocking inhibitor cable 823 to engage the rocking inhibitor arrangement and prevent rocking of the seat portion 207 relative to the chair support 203.

Upon further outwards pivoting of the frame 5 from a generally vertical position to around 15 or 20 degrees forward of vertical, the cam moves into contact with a flatter third portion 107c of the cam surface 107, this slowly further releases the rocking inhibitor cable 823 to ensure the rocking inhibitor arrangement is fully engaged.

Further outwards pivoting of the frame 5 moves the frame protrusion 105 and cam surface 107 out of contact with the cam, as shown in Figure 32, maintaining the rocking inhibitor arrangement in its engaged configuration to prevent rocking of the seat portion 207 relative to the chair support 203.

When the foot or leg support assembly 1 is retracted, the crank arrangement works in the reverse manner. That is, the third cam surface 107a contacts the crank follower portion 103a when the frame 5 is in an orientation forward of vertical such as that shown in Figure 31. When the frame 5 is further retracted and reaches a generally vertical orientation, the crank follower portion 103a contacts the transition portion and pulls the rocking inhibitor cable to initiate disengagement of the rocking inhibitor to permit rocking of the seat portion 207. The rock lock assembly 805 is shown in exploded form in Figure 41. The rock lock 805 comprises a detent assembly 846 which is operatively connected to and actuates a locking assembly 848. The locking assembly comprises a lock carriage 845 transversely slidable in a channel 830 in the mounting member 827, a lock member 841 carried by the lock carriage 845 and which is slidable relative to the lock carriage 845, and the slide member 811. One side of the slide member 811 comprises square lock teeth 840. The lock member 841 comprises complementary square lock teeth 841a that are engageable with the slide member square lock teeth 840 to prevent forward and rearward sliding of the slide member 811 and rocking of the chair. Alternatively, the teeth 840, 841a could be different shapes.

In the locking assembly, 848, a lock biasing member 843 is positioned between the lock carriage 845 and the lock member 841, biasing the lock member 841 towards the slide member 811. The lock carriage 845 is biased outwards, away from the slide member 811 by a carriage biasing member 847 positioned between a projection on the lock carriage 845 and a projection on the mounting member 827.

The detent assembly 846 comprises a detent pawl 851 pivotally mounted on the mounting member 827, a slidable pin carrier 855 slidably mounted on the mounting member 827, and a detent pin 857 protruding downwardly from the pin carrier. A biasing member comprising a spring 861 is positioned between the pin carrier 855 and a protrusion 862 on the mounting member 827 to bias the pin carrier rearwardly. A cable 863 is operatively connected to a front end of the pin carrier 855 and to a paddle (not shown) or lever for actuation by a user to lock and unlock the rocking of the chair.

The detent pawl 851 is shown in Figures 42(i) and 42(ii). The detent pawl 851 is pivotally attached to the mounting member 827 through an aperture 849 in the mounting member about an off-centre pivot 852. A heart-shaped groove 853a on the top surface of the pawl 851 receives the detent pin 857. The groove 853a has a central projection 853b and a stepped surface to guide the pin 857 in the groove 853a. A resilient member 859 (Figure 41) movably connects the detent pin 857 to the pin carrier 855 to enable some up and down movement of the pin 857, biasing the pin downwardly towards the surface of the groove so that the pin contacts the stepped surface of the groove 853a at every position in the groove 853a. The off-centre pivot 852 of the pawl 851 enables the pawl to pivot towards the left or right in response to movement of the pin carrier 855 and pin 857 in the groove 853a. An underside of the pin carrier 855 comprises a cam 856. The lock carriage 845 of the locking assembly comprises a camming surface 845a with two parallel end portions and a rearwardly inwardly angled intermediate portion (Figure 43(i)). The cam 856 contacts the camming surface 845a to operate the lock.

Operation of the lock assembly will now be described with reference to Figures 43(i) to 43(vii). In a first stage shown in Figure 43(i), the rock lock is released and the seat portion is free to rock. In this configuration, the user has released the actuation paddle and the pin carrier 855 and pin is biased rearwardly by spring 861 to a first stop position in the detent pawl 851. The cam 856 on the underside of the pin carrier 855 is therefore also in its rearmost position. The lock carriage 845 and camming surface 845a are biased outwardly by spring 847, into contact with the cam 856. The extent of the outward movement of the lock carriage 845 is limited by the position of the cam 856. In this stage, the cam is in its rearmost position to allow maximum outward movement of the lock carriage 845 and lock member 841, so that the teeth 840, 841a on the slide member and lock member 811, 841 are disengaged. In a second stage shown in Figure 43(ii) the user is actuating the actuation paddle or lever to lock the chair rock. This tensions the cable 863 and pulls the pin carrier 855, pin 857, and cam 856 forward to their forward-most position. The movement of the cam 856 along the lock carriage camming surface 845a pushes the lock carriage 845 and lock member 841 inwards. In the configuration shown, the user has actuated the lock assembly when the teeth 840 on the central slide 811 and the teeth 841a on the lock member 841 are misaligned. This means that when the lock carriage 845 is moved inwards, the lock member 841 moves outwards relative to the lock carriage 845, compressing biasing member 843, to delay locking until the slide member 811 is moved to align the teeth.

Figure 43(iii) shows a third stage where the user has released the actuation paddle or lever, releasing tension in the cable 863. The spring 861 causes the pin carriage 855 to again move rearwardly, and the pin 857 to move rearwardly in the detented groove 853a. The stepped, angled surfaces within the groove 853a prevent the pin from returning to the first stop position of stage one, and instead direct the pin 857 to a second stop position between the pin positions of stages one and two, as shown. The cam 856 moves rearwardly with the pin carriage 855 but remains forward of the angled portion of the camming surface 845a and holds the lock carriage 845 in the position of stage two. The fourth stage shown in Figure 43(iv) corresponds to the third stage where the actuation paddle is released, but the seat has been rocked slightly forward from its position in Figures 43(H) and 43(iii). The forward rocking slides the slide member teeth 840 to a position where they are aligned with the teeth 841a on the lock member 841. The lock member 841 biased inwardly on the lock carrier 845 by spring 843, is then forced into engagement with the slide member teeth 840 to lock forward and rearward rock of the seat portion.

Figure 43(v) shows a fifth stage where the user is actuating the actuation paddle or lever to release the lock. The cable 863 is tensioned pulling the pin carriage 855, pin 857, and cam 856 forward to their forward most position. The pin 857 travels forward in the detent pawl groove 853a, but to a different side of the pawl than in stage two. The movement of the cam 856 forward along the lock carriage camming surface 845a retains the lock carriage 845 and lock member 841 in their engaged positions.

In a sixth stage, shown in Figure 43(vi), the user has once again released the actuation paddle or lever, releasing tension in the cable 863. The spring 861 causes the pin carriage 855 to again move rearwardly, causing the pin 857 to move rearwardly in the detented groove 853a. The stepped, angled surfaces within the groove 853a direct the pin 857 back to the first stop position of the first stage. The cam 856 moves rearward with the pin carrier 855. Friction between the lock member teeth 841a and the slide member teeth 840 may prevent the lock member 841 and carriage 845 sliding outwards, out of engagement, meaning the camming surface 845a is no longer in contact with cam 856, as shown, delaying unlocking of the rock.

Figure 43(vii) shows a final stage, corresponding to the sixth stage of Figure 43(vi) but where the pressure on the seat portion has been shifted, releasing the frictional forces between the lock member teeth 841a and the slide member teeth 840. This allows the lock 841 and lock carriage 845 to move out of engagement with the slide member 811, into the configuration of the first stage so that the seat portion 207 is free to rock relative to the support 203.

The lock assembly 805 enables a user to selectively lock forward and rearward rocking of the seat portion 207, independent of the position of the foot or leg support assembly 1. A first 'click' of the actuation paddle or lever moves the assembly to a locking configuration (stages three and four) and a second 'click' moves the lock assembly to a release configuration (stages one, six and seven).

In the embodiment shown, the slide member 811 forms part of both the anti-rock ratchet assembly 803 and the lock assembly 805. Angled teeth 813 are provided on one side of the slide member to interact with the ratchet pawl 807, and square teeth 840 are provided on the opposite side of the slide member 811 to interact with the lock member 841.

Alternatively, separate slidable members could be provided for each of the anti-rock ratchet assembly 803 and the lock assembly 805. Alternative embodiments of the chair may comprise only one of the anti-rock ratchet assembly 803 or the lock assembly 805.

SECOND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FOOT OR LEG SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

Figures 44 to 63 show a second embodiment foot or leg support assembly 1'. The second embodiment foot or leg support assembly 1' is movable between a retracted position and an extended position in the same manner as for the first embodiment described above, but contains an alternative form extension mechanism 7', latch mechanism 61', and mounting bracket 3'. Like numbers are used to indicate like parts compared with the first

embodiment, but with the addition of a prime ('). The alternative form extension mechanism 7' is best shown in Figures 47 to 49 and works substantially as described above in relation to the first embodiment extension mechanism 7. To advantageously prevent wear of the teeth against the pulleys, the teeth of the first and second endless belts 25, 29 are positioned on the outside of the belts such that the teeth do not contact their respective end pulleys. With reference to Figures 47 to 49(ii), the alternative form extension mechanism 7' stabilises the movable foot support portion 11' relative to the foot or leg support frame 5' when the foot or leg assembly 1' is fully extended (Figures 48 and 49(ii)). The support 300 for the fixed end pulley 31b on the second endless belt 29' has an end wall 302. As shown in Figure 49(ii), when the foot or leg support assembly 1' is full extended, the support end wall 302 abuts the clamp 45' that clamps the second endless belt 29' to the frame 5'. The contact between the pulley support end wall 302 and the clamp 45' stabilises the movable foot support portion 11' by substantially preventing lateral rotation of the carriage 37' relative to the carriage 37' guide tongue 39'. That minimises movement of the movable foot support portion 11' when the foot or leg support assembly 1' is extended. In the embodiment shown, a housing 301 covers the sprung pulley (not shown) of the second endless belt 29'. The connector 47' connecting the second endless belt 29' to the movable foot support portion 11' is spaced from an end wall 303 of the housing 301 when the foot or leg support assembly 1' is fully extended. Excessive downward force applied to the movable foot support portion 11' when the foot or leg support assembly 1' is fully extended may cause any slack in the endless belt 29' to be taken up and cause the connector 47' to abut the end wall 303.

The orientation of the gas spring 9' in the second embodiment foot or leg support assembly 1' of Figures 44 to 67 is reversed compared to the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 32. That is, the gas spring valve 347 and actuator head 309 are positioned proximal the pivot 5a' of the foot or leg support frame 5'. The gas spring assembly 9' is pivotally connected at its second end 9b' to the mounting bracket 3' at a gas spring assembly pivot 10' that is spaced rearward and below the frame pivot 13'.

The gas spring assembly pivot 10' is in the same position as the gas spring assembly pivot 10 of the first embodiment. The first end 9a' of the gas spring 9' is pivotally connected to the frame 5' towards the second end 5b' of the frame. Because the gas spring assembly pivot points 10, 10' are in substantially the same positions as for the first embodiment, the force characteristics of the second embodiment foot or leg support assembly 1' are substantially the same as illustrated in Figure 9 and described above with respect to the first embodiment 1. This reversal of the gas spring assembly 9' advantageously reduces the amount of cable slack or effective 'cable growth' in the retracted position because the cable 99' does not need to compensate for the change in length of the gas cylinder in the gas spring assembly 9' as it extends and retracts. Instead, the cable 99' only needs to compensate for the change in position of the actuator head 309.

To enable activation of the gas spring 9' in this reversed orientation, the foot or leg support assembly comprises a custom gas spring actuator head 309 (see Figures 64(i) to 66(H)) configured to activate the gas spring valve 347 when the connecting cable 99' is pulled away from gas spring 9'. This is in contrast to commonly available gas spring actuator heads, which require the attached end of the actuating cable to be pulled towards the gas spring to activate the valve.

The actuator head 309 has a slimmer profile compared than commonly available gas spring actuator heads. This is because the actuating cable 99' runs in a plane normal to the mounting eyes 331, 333 of the gas spring 9', whereas standard actuator heads are configured to have the cable run along the same plane as the cylinder's mounting eyes. Positioning the cable in a plane normal to the mounting eyes 331, 333 advantageously allows the envelope of the foot or leg support assembly 1' to be minimised. That is important because the angle between the foot or leg support frame 5' and the mounting bracket 3' in the retracted position is less than 90 degrees, limiting the space within the foot or leg support assembly 1' for the actuation mechanism.

Figures 64(i) to 66(ii) show the gas spring actuator head 309. The actuator head 309 comprises a main body 325 and a lever 327 pivoted to the main body 325 at a pivot 329. The cable 99' attaches to the lever 327 at an end of the lever 327a distal the pivot 329, arrow C indicates the path of the cable 99'. With reference to Figure 65(i), the lever 327 is further connected to a linkage comprising a first link 335 pivoted to the housing 325 at a pivot 339, and a second link 337 pivoted to the first link at a pivot 341 and to the lever 327 at a second pivot 343 such that the first and second links 335, 337, the lever 327, and the housing 325 together form a four bar mechanism. The pivot 329 between the lever 327 and the housing 325 is intermediate the second lever pivot 343 to the second link 337 and the cable attachment 327a. When the lever 327 is pulled away from the gas spring cylinder upon activation of the actuator paddle, the second lever pivot 343 between the lever 327 and the second link 337 moves towards the gas cylinder. This in turn moves the pivot 341 between the first and second links 335, 337 and the first link towards the gas spring cylinder, depressing and opening the gas spring valve 347 as shown in Figures 64(ii), 65(ii), and 66(ii).

When the actuator paddle is released, the gas spring actuator head 309 returns to the configuration shown in Figures 64(i), 65(i), and 66(i). The gas spring valve 347 contacts the first link 335 and biases the first link away from the gas cylinder, thereby biasing the cable end 327a of the lever towards the gas cylinder. The actuator head housing 325 comprises a central web 345. An end 345a of the web limits movement of the first link 335 away from the gas spring cylinder in the released configuration. The end 345a of the web 345 is preferably angled to provide maximum contact area between the first link 335 and the web 345.

Ribs 349 on the sides of the actuator head housing 325 (Figures 63(i) to 63(vi)) provide a limit for the lever 327 when the cable 99' is pulled.

With reference to Figures 62 and 63(i) to 63(vi), a cable guide 317 is provided between the slide block 75' and the gas spring actuator head 309. The cable guide 317 comprises an arcuate channel 319 between two side flanges 321 (Figure 62) that receives and guides the actuation cable 99'. The cable 99' can slide within the arcuate channel 319 and unwraps from the channel 319 as the foot or leg support frame 5' is pivoted outwards. In some embodiments, a portion of the cable 99' lifts off from the channel 319 as the foot or leg support frame 5' is pivoted outwards. In other embodiments, the cable does not lift off from the channel. Figures 63(i) to 63(vi) show a section view of the cable guide 317 taken through the channel 319. The side flanges 321 help retain the cable 99' in the guide 317 and reduce the possibility of the cable 99' slipping off the guide 317. Alternatively, the cable guide 317 could comprises a wheel or pulley that rotates as the cable 99' is pulled.

The cable guide 317 ensures the cable 99' isn't bent at too acute an angle as the foot or leg support 1' is retracted. Forcing the gas spring cable 99' into a tight bend could lead to premature failure of the cable or, if the cable is housed, the cable housing through bending fatigue.

The curvature, position and diameter of the arcuate channel 319 is selected so that the guide 317 takes up slack in the cable 99' as the foot or leg support assembly is retracted. The arcuate guide 317 advantageously minimises or eliminates change in the length of cable required between the slide block 75' and the gas spring actuator head 309. The cable 99' wraps around the guide 317, which takes up the majority of cable slack as the foot or leg support is retracted, overcoming the problem of 'cable growth'. This ensures that as the slide block 75' is held in the unlatch position, the actuator head 309 is held in the same state by the cable 99' through the full range of motion of the foot or leg support frame 5'.

The cable guide 317 allows the use of bare wire cable without the need for cable housing. Bare wire cable advantageously can be bent around a tighter radius than if it were within a cable housing, thereby allowing the cable 99' to be bent through the full operating motion of the foot or leg support frame 5' and reducing the chance of cable failure due to bending fatigue.

The reversed gas spring and cable guide arrangement enables a single cable 99' to be used to actuate both the latch mechanism 61' and the gas spring 9', eliminating the need for a cable controller. The actuator cable 99' connected to the gas spring actuator head 309 is also connected to the latch actuator slide block 75' by a cable terminating lug 305 as well as to a user operated actuator paddle (not shown), for example on the arm of the chair.

Alternatively, separate cables may be used between the actuator head 309 and the slide block 75' and from the slide block 75' to the paddle.

Actuation of the actuator paddle pulls the cable 99', sliding the slide block 75' rearwards relative to the mounting bracket 3'. In the embodiment of Figures 44 to 63, the shuttle housing is provided integrally by the mounting bracket 3'. The mounting bracket 3' contains a channel 77' for receipt of the slide block 75' and de-latch member 73'.

Movement of the slide block 75' is constrained and guided by a guide rod 311 that extends through a corresponding aperture in the slide block 75'. The slide block aperture 312 (Figure 62) slides over the guide rod 311 as the slide block 75' moves forward and back.

Figures 53 to 58 show operation of the latch mechanism 7', which operates in substantially the same manner as described above for the first embodiment foot or leg support assembly 1. One variation in the latch mechanism of Figures 53 to 58 is that the tension spring 87' is connected at one end to a lower part 313 of the frame catch bracket 71', and at its other end to the catch 67' at a catch attachment 315 positioned on the opposite side of the catch pivot 65' to the head of the catch 64'.

When the actuator paddle is squeezed, the cable 99' slides over the arcuate cable guide 317, simultaneously activating the latch mechanism 7' and the gas spring actuator head 309. While the paddle is depressed, the gas cylinder 9' will force the foot or leg support assembly 1' towards the extended position. As the foot or leg support frame 5' rotates, the cable 99' unwraps from the cable guide 317, having the effect of feeding out the extra cable needed to account for the change in length between the slide block 75' and the actuator head 309. When the actuator paddle is released, the cable 99' slides back over the arcuate cable guide 317, simultaneously releasing both the latch mechanism 7' and the gas spring actuator head 309 to close the gas spring valve 347, lock the gas spring and hold the foot or leg support assembly in place. Figures 63(i) to 63(vi) illustrate operation of both the latch mechanism 7' (in part) and the gas spring assembly 9' by a single cable 99' connected to the user-actuated paddle. In Figure 63(i), the paddle is inactive and the cable 99' is wrapped over the arcuate channel 319. The latch mechanism is biased to its home position, ready to release the catch 67', and the actuator head 309 is released, locking the gas cylinder 9'. Figure 63(ii) shows the foot or leg support assembly 1' in the same position as in Figure 63(i) but with the paddle activated. In this position, the de-latch member 73' has either released the catch 63' or is ready to accept the catch 63' as the foot or leg support assembly 1' is fully retracted. The actuator head 309 is activated, releasing the valve of the gas spring to allow the gas spring 9' and thereby the foot or leg support assembly 1' to extend or retract. Figures 63(iii) and 63(iv) show the foot or leg support assembly extended about 45 degrees forward of vertical. In Figure 63(iii), the paddle is activated so the foot or leg support assembly 1' can extend or retract. The cable is partially unwrapped from the cable guide 317. Because cable growth is compensated for by the cable guide 317, the slide block 75' and actuator head 309 remains in the same state throughout the entire range of motion of the frame 5' as the paddle is held down. In Figure 63(iv) the paddle has been released such that the slide block 75' is biased to its home position and the actuator head 309 is released, locking the gas cylinder 9' and the foot or leg support assembly in position.

Figures 63(v) and 63(vi) show the foot or leg support assembly 1' fully extended, both with the paddle activated (Figure 63(v)) and released (Figure 63(vi)). It is not necessary for the cable guide 317 to remove all cable growth. For example, in one embodiment the cable growth is approximately +/-lmm between the retracted and extended foot or leg support positions.

It may be advantageous to have a small amount of slack in the cable 99' between the cable lugs 305, 307 in the retracted state to provide a delay between activation of the latch mechanism 7' and the gas spring 9'. This would minimise loading on the catch 63' from extension of the gas spring 9', which the de-latch member 73' must overcome to release the catch 63' from the steel engagement plate 69. Alternatively, the second embodiment foot or leg support assembly 1' of Figures 44 to 63 could be used with a cable controller 95, 95', 95" and two-cable system such as those shown in Figures 28(i) to 29(iv) to control the timing of activation of the latch mechanism 7' and the gas spring 9'. The mounting bracket 3' preferably comprises aluminium. To reduce wear due to friction between the latch mechanism 7' and the mounting bracket 73' as the catch 63' is unlatched, a steel wear plate 69' is provided on the mounting bracket 3' where the de-latch member 73' and catch 63' contact the mounting bracket 3'. The foot or leg support assembly 1' preferably comprises a finger guard 323 to reduce the likelihood of a user's fingers becoming trapped between the foot or leg support frame 5' and the mounting bracket 3' as the foot or leg support is retracted. In the embodiment shown, the finger guard 323 is mounted to the frame 5' and movable relative to the mounting bracket 3' as the frame 5' pivots inwards. In addition, the gas spring 9, 9' is preferably a 'soft valve' type. That is, the valve will release and the gas spring will compress upon overload of the foot or leg support assembly 1, 1'. For example, if a person sits on movable foot support 11, 11'.

Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. The features of the preferred form chair and foot or leg support assembly are described and shown herein to give a full understanding of the components and operation of the preferred form chair. It will be appreciated that not all of the features described herein need be provided in every chair or in every foot or leg support assembly.

Claims

CLAIMS What we claim is:

1. A foot or leg support assembly for a chair, the support assembly comprising :

a frame pivotable between a retracted position and a deployed position about a frame pivot;

a moveable foot or leg support portion arranged to slide relative to the frame; and

an extension mechanism configured to slide the moveable support portion away from the frame pivot as the frame is moved to the deployed position, the extension mechanism comprising :

a first extender operatively attached to the frame;

a drag link that is pivotable about a first pivot spaced from the frame pivot, and having a slidable end that is slidable relative to the frame and attached to the first extender;

an intermediate member operatively connected to the first extender, the first extender being configured to move the intermediate member in an opposite direction to the direction of travel of the slidable end of the drag link; and

a second extender operatively connected to the intermediate member and to the movable foot or leg support portion and configured to slide the moveable foot or leg support portion relative to the frame and relative to the intermediate member.

2. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an actuator connected to the frame to move the frame from its retracted position to its deployed position.

3. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the actuator comprises a gas spring assembly having a first end pivotally attached relative to the frame, and a second end pivoted at a pivot spaced from the frame pivot.

4. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the gas spring assembly comprises a gas spring that is selectively actuatable or releasable at any position of the frame between the retracted position and the deployed position such that the frame is selectively positionable at any position at or between its retracted and deployed positions.

5. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the gas spring assembly comprises an actuator head at or towards the first end of the gas spring assembly.

6. A foot or leg support as claimed in claim 5, wherein the actuator head comprises a lever having a first end connected to an actuating cable and movement of the cable away from the second end of the gas spring assembly activates the gas spring to enable compression or extension of the gas spring.

7. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 6 comprising a substantially arcuate cable guide that receives a portion of the actuating cable at least in the retracted position of the frame.

8. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein, when the frame is in the retracted position, the actuating cable contacts at least a major part of the arcuate cable guide.

9. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the arcuate cable guide is configured to minimise slack in the actuating cable when the frame is in the retracted position.

10. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 7, 8, or 9, wherein the arcuate cable guide is configured to minimise movement of the actuator head lever relative to the gas spring as the frame is moved between its retracted and deployed positions and a portion of the actuating cable is held in a fixed position relative to the frame pivot.

11. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein pivoting the frame from the retracted position toward the deployed position causes the slidable end of the drag link to move toward the frame pivot and the moveable support portion to move towards an extended position.

12. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second extender is configured such that the rate of movement of the movable foot or leg support portion relative to the intermediate member is the same as the rate of movement between the intermediate member and the frame.

13. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein from the retracted position, the extension mechanism is configured to initially slide the moveable support portion towards the frame pivot as the frame is moved towards the deployed position and then away from the frame pivot.

14. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first extender comprises a first loop element and the second extender comprises a second loop element, and wherein :

the slidable end of the drag link is operatively attached to the first loop element; the intermediate member is operatively attached to the first loop element;

the movable element is operatively connected to the second loop element; and a portion of the second loop element is operatively attached to the frame.

15. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the portion of the second loop element operatively attached to the frame is fixed relative to the frame.

16. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the first loop element is mounted to the frame via two end pulleys, and the first loop element is movable around the pulleys.

17. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the second loop element is mounted to the intermediate member via two end pulleys, and the first loop element is movable around the respective pulleys.

18. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 17 comprising a first tension

adjustor to adjust the tension on the first loop element, and a second tension adjustor to adjust the tension on the second loop element.

19. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein one of the first loop element pulleys is movable and is biased away from the other respective pulley by the first tension adjustor, and wherein the one of the second loop element pulleys is movable and is biased away from the other respective pulley by the second tension adjustor.

20. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein each tension adjustor comprises at least one biasing member and a stop to limit movement of the respective movable pulley.

21. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the first and second loop elements each comprise an endless belt.

22. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the first and second loop elements each comprise at least one flexible member and at least one joining member attached to flexible member ends to form a continuous loop.

23. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the first and second loop elements each comprise a toothed belt.

24. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first extender comprises a first rack and pinion arrangement, the intermediate member comprises an intermediate rack, and the second extender comprises a second rack and pinion arrangement, wherein :

the first rack and pinion arrangement comprises a first rack that is slidable relative to the frame, the slidable end of the drag link being operatively attached to the first rack for movement therewith, and a first pinion gear that engages the first rack and is rotatable relative to the frame; the intermediate rack engages the first pinion gear;

the second rack and pinion arrangement comprises an intermediate pinion gear that is rotatable relative to the frame and that engages the intermediate rack, a second pinion gear coupled for rotation with the intermediate pinion gear, and a second rack that engages the second pinion gear and is fixed relative to the movable member.

25. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 24, wherein the intermediate pinion gear and the second pinion gear are compound gears.

26. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the first pinion gear is positioned between the second pinion gear and the first frame end.

27. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a latch mechanism for latching the frame in the retracted position.

28. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 27 comprising a latch actuator, wherein, in the retracted frame position, actuation of the latch actuator unlatches the frame to enable movement of the frame away from the retracted position.

29. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the

movable member comprises a first shell attached to the second extender, and a second shell, wherein in the retracted frame position, a major portion of the frame is positioned between the first and second shells.

30. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a

mounting bracket for attaching to a chair, wherein the frame is pivoted to the mounting bracket.

31. A chair comprising a seat portion, a back portion, a support supporting the seat, and a foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, the foot or leg support being operatively attached to the seat with the frame pivot positioned towards a front portion of the seat.

32. A chair as claimed in claim 31 wherein the seat and back portions are rockable relative to the support.

33. A chair as claimed in claim 32, further comprising a rocking inhibitor arrangement to inhibit forward rocking of the seat portion relative to the support when the foot or leg support assembly is deployed and extended.

34. A chair as claimed in claim 33, wherein the rocking inhibitor arrangement is configured to automatically engage to inhibit forward rocking of the seat portion when the foot or leg support assembly frame is deployed, and to automatically disengage to allow forward rocking of the seat portion when the foot or leg support assembly frame is retracted.

35. A chair as claimed in claim 33 or 34, further comprising a crank having a pivot fixed relative to the frame pivot, a first end configured to follow a cam surface on frame, and being connected at or towards a second end to the rocking inhibitor arrangement to automatically engage or disengage based on the position of the frame relative to the seat portion.

36. A chair as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the retracted frame position is under a seat portion of the chair at an angle of between about 5 and about 20 degrees from vertical.

37. A chair as claimed in claim 36 wherein the retracted frame position is under the seat portion of the chair at an angle of about 15 degrees from vertical.

38. A chair as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein the deployed frame position is forward of the seat portion of the chair at an angle of about 10 degrees below horizontal.

39. A foot or leg support assembly for a chair, the support assembly comprising :

a first loop element configured for rotation relative to the frame;

a drag link that is pivotable about a first pivot spaced from the frame pivot, and having a slidable end operatively attached to the first loop element and that is slidable relative to the frame;

a carriage that is slidable relative to the frame and operatively attached to the first loop element for movement therewith in an opposite direction to the slidable end of the drag link;

a second loop element carried by the carriage and configured for rotation relative to the frame, and operatively attached to the movable foot or leg support portion to slide the moveable foot or leg support portion relative to the frame and carriage; and a frame connector connecting a portion of the second loop element to the frame to limit relative movement of that second loop element portion relative to the frame.

40. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 39, wherein the frame connector fixes a portion of the second loop element relative to the frame to fix that second loop element portion relative to the frame.

41. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 39 or 40, wherein the first and

second loop elements each comprise an endless belt.

42. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein from the retracted position, the extension mechanism is configured to initially slide the moveable support portion towards the frame pivot as the frame is moved towards the deployed position and then away from the frame pivot.

43. A foot or leg support assembly for a chair, the support assembly comprising :

an engagement feature; and

a latch mechanism configured to latch the frame to the engagement feature in the retracted position, the latch mechanism comprising :

a catch member operatively attached to the frame and movable relative to the frame;

a de-latch member that is movable in a first sense relative to the frame pivot and additionally movable in a second sense towards and away from the engagement feature; and

an actuator configured to move the de-latch member relative to the frame pivot upon actuation of the actuator;

wherein, in the retracted frame position with the catch member engaged, actuation of the actuator disengages the catch member from the engagement feature to enable movement of the frame towards the deployed position.

A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 43, wherein the de-latch member is biased towards the engagement feature.

A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 43 or 44, wherein the de-latch member is pivotable about a slidable pivot that is slidable relative to the frame pivot.

A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 45, further comprising a slidable shuttle, and the de-latch member is pivotally attached to the shuttle.

A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 46, wherein the de-latch member is biased towards the engagement feature via a torsion spring between the de-latch member and the shuttle.

48. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 46 or 47, wherein the shuttle is slidable from a first position to a second position and is biased towards the first position, and wherein, in the retracted frame position with the catch member engaged, sliding the shuttle from the first position to the second position disengages the catch member from the engagement feature.

49. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 48, wherein the first position is a forward position, and wherein, in the retracted frame position with the catch member engaged, the shuttle is slidable rearwards to unlatch the catch member from the engagement feature.

50. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 49, wherein the shuttle is coupled to the actuator.

51. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 50, further

comprising a latch housing at least partly housing the shuttle, the shuttle being slidable in the housing.

52. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 51, wherein the housing is fixed relative to the frame pivot.

53. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 43 to 52, wherein the de-latch member comprises an aperture for receiving a portion of the catch member, and wherein from the retracted frame position with the catch member engaged, actuation of the actuator causes a side of the aperture to abut the catch to disengage the catch member from the engagement feature.

54. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 43 to 53, wherein the catch member comprises a hook.

55. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 43 to 54, wherein the catch member is pivotable relative to the frame.

56. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 43 to 55, wherein the catch member is biased towards an engagement position for engaging the

engagement feature.

57. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 43 to 56, comprising a frame actuator connected to the frame to pivot the frame from its retracted position to its deployed position.

58. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 57, wherein the frame actuator comprises a gas spring assembly having a first end pivotally attached relative to the frame, and a second end pivoted at a pivot spaced from the frame pivot, wherein the gas spring assembly comprises a gas spring that is selectively actuatable or releasable.

59. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 58, wherein the gas spring

assembly comprises an actuator head at or towards the first end of the gas spring assembly.

60. A foot or leg support as claimed in claim 59, wherein the actuator head comprises a lever having a first end connected to an actuating cable and wherein movement of the cable away from the second end of the gas spring assembly activates the gas spring to enable compression or extension of the gas spring.

61. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 60, comprising a substantially

arcuate cable guide that receives a portion of the actuating cable at least in the retracted position of the frame.

62. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 61, wherein, when the frame is in the retracted position, the actuating cable contacts at least a major part of the arcuate cable guide.

63. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 62, wherein

actuation of the frame actuator is coupled to actuation of the de-latch mechanism.

64. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 60, 61, or 62, wherein actuation of the frame actuator is coupled to actuation of the de-latch mechanism by the actuating cable.

65. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 64, comprising a slidable shuttle, with the de-latch member pivotally attached to the shuttle, wherein the actuating cable is attached to the shuttle and to the actuator head.

66. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 43 to 65, comprising a mounting bracket for attaching to a chair, wherein the frame is pivoted to the mounting bracket and wherein the engagement feature is provided on the mounting bracket.

67. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in claim 66, wherein the engagement

feature comprises a plate member.

68. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in anyone of claims 43 to 67, wherein

downwards movement of the de-latch member is limited by the engagement feature.

69. A foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 43 to 68, further comprising a moveable foot or leg support portion arranged to slide relative to the frame, and an extension mechanism configured to slide the moveable support portion in a direction away from the first frame end to an extended position as the frame is moved to the deployed position.

70. A chair comprising a seat portion, a back portion, a support that supports the seat portion, and a foot or leg support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 43 to 69, the foot or leg support being operatively attached to the seat with the frame pivot positioned towards a front portion of the seat.

71. A chair as claimed in claim 70, wherein the engagement feature is fixed relative to the seat portion such that the frame is fixable relative to the seat portion in the retracted position.