RECLINING CHAIR WITH SECONDARY BACKREST

FAUTEUIL BASCULANT A DOSSIER SECONDAIRE

English Abstract

ABSTRACT OF DISCLOSURE
A reclining chair movable between a normal position
wherein the seat extends generally in a horizontal plane and the
backrest extends generally in upright position; and a plurality
of reclining positions wherein the seat extends at an incline
relative to the horizontal and the backrest extends at an angle
to the vertical. For purposes of styling as well as to provide
effective back and head support depending on the position of the
chair, the backrest is formed in two parts including a primary
backrest and a secondary backrest which moves from a retracted
position behind the primary backrest when the chair is in the
normal position, to an extended position beyond the backrest when
the chair is moved into what is known as the T.V. position which
is a reclined position intermediate the normal and fully reclined
positions.

Pivotally mounted for movement relative to each other, the
backrest and the seat are supported relative to a fixed frame which
includes the armrests and the chair base, by means of a balancing
link pivotally mounted relative to the frame. Additionally
included in the chair is an extendable and retractable footrest
including a main footrest for supporting the feet and a secondary
footrest for supporting the calves. The footrests are included
in a constrained linkage system one end of which is pivotally
mounted relative to the seat to be automatically actuated between
a fully retracted position hidden under the seat when the chair
is in the normal position, and a fully extended position projected
forwardly from the seat when the chair is moved to the T.V.
position. Actuation of the footrest is achieved through relative
movement of the seat and the balancing link which during this
phase is restrained against movement relative the the stationary
chair frame. Mounting and actuation of the secondary headrest
is achieved through a linkage connected to the frame and the
primary backrest which is connected to the seat and the balancing
link. During movement from the upright to T.V. position, the
balancing link is restrained against movement relative to the
frame, and the seat and backrest moved together into a reclined
position. Continued reclining movement beyond the T.V. position
frees the balancing link for movement while also causing the
primary backrest to pivot into further reclined position relative
to the seat which movement together with the freedom of the
balancing link causes the seat to be moved into a further elevated
reclining position. When moving between the T.V. and fully
reclining position, the secondary backrest undergoes a slight
reverse movement to relieve the angle between the secondary
backrest and the primary backrest for comfort purposes.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. In a reclining chair having a stationary frame, a
seat mounted on the frame for movement relative to the frame
between normal and reclining positions, and a backrest
pivotally connected to the seat to be movable with the seat
between normal and reclining positions and to be movable
relative to the seat between a partially reclined position and
a fully reclined position; linkage means for supporting said
seat and backrest for movement relative to the frame between
said normal and reclining positions thereof, the linkage means
including a balance link extending below said seat, first pivot
means pivotally mounting said balance link intermediate its
ends to said frame for permitting said balance link to move
relative to said frame, a front mounting link pivotally
interconnecting front portions of said balance link and said
seat, a second, rear mounting link pivotally interconnecting
the backrest and a rear end portion of said balance link, said
first pivot means being located intermediate the connections of
said front and rear mounting links to said balance link, and
restraining means preventing pivoting movement of said balance
link relative to said frame when the chair moves from a normal
to said partially reclined position but permitting pivotal
movement of said balance link about said first pivot means
relative to said frame under actuation by said rear mounting
link when the backrest is moved to a further reclined position
beyond said partially reclined position, said linkage means
including a third, rear mounting link pivotally connected to
said backrest and pivotally connected to said frame forwardly
of said second rear mounting link, the pivotal connection
between said third mounting link and said backrest acting as
a fulcrum for said backrest when moving beyond said partially
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reclined position to a further reclined position, said first
pivot means being located forwardly of the pivotal connection
of the third mounting link to the frame.
2. The reclining chair defined in Claim 1 wherein said
linkage means includes a first stop means fixed to said frame
engageable by said third mounting link when the chair moves
into said partially reclined position for preventing further
movement of said third mounting link as the chair moves beyond
said partially reclined position towards a further reclined
position and permitting said third mounting link to act as a
fulcrum for said backrest when moving beyond said partially
reclined position to said further reclined position, said link-
age means including a further stop means on said seat
engageable with a portion of said backrest for limiting movement
of said backrest to a fully reclined position beyond said
partially reclined position.
3. The reclining chair defined in Claim 1 wherein said
restraining means includes a stop on said third mounting link
and a portion projecting from said second mounting link and
engageable with said stop.
4. The reclining chair defined in Claim 1 wherein said
backrest includes a primary backrest to which said seat and
rear mounting links are pivotally connected as aforesaid, and
a secondary backrest movable between a retracted position
behind the primary backrest and an extended position projected
beyond the primary backrest when the chair is moved into said
partially reclined position, and wherein there is further
included a second linkage means for mounting and actuating said
secondary backrest said second linkage means including a pair
of secondary backrest links pivotally connected to said
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secondary backrest, a secondary backrest mounting link pivoted
intermediate its ends to said primary backrest for rotation
relative thereto, said secondary backrest links being
pivotally connected to said backrest mounting link at one side
of the pivot of the secondary backrest mounting link to said
primary backrest, and a secondary backrest actuator link
pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said secondary
backrest mounting link at the side of it pivot to said primary
backrest opposite the side of said secondary backrest links,
one end portion of said actuator link being pivotally mounted
relative to said frame while the other end of said actuator
link being pivotally connected to one of said secondary
backrest links; said second linkage means further including
a connecting link pivotally interconnecting said actuator
link and one of said secondary backrest links.
5. The reclining chair defined in Claim 4 further
including a footrest movable between a retracted position
underlying said seat and an extended position projected
forwardly from the front of the seat, and wherein there is
further included third linkage means for mounting and actuating
said footrest between said extended and retracted positions
thereof,said third linkage means including said front mounting
link which actuates said third linkage means between extended
and retracted positions of said footrest.
6. The reclining chair defined in Claim 5 wherein said
third linkage means includes a pair of generally parallel
footrest links pivotally connected at spaced locations to
said footrest, and wherein there is further included a leg
support for supporting the calves of the legs and being
movable between a retracted position below said seat and an
extended position projected forwardly of said seat but rear-
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wardly of said footrest, said third linkage means further
including a leg support mounting link fixed to said leg support
and pivotally connected to said footrest at the same location
as one of said footrest links, and a leg support actuator link
pivotally connected to the other of said footrest links and
pivotally connected intermediate the ends of said leg support
mounting link for causing actuation of said leg support between
said extended and retracted positions thereof.
7. The reclining chair defined in Claim 1 further
including a footrest movable between a retracted position
underlying said seat and an extended position projected for-
wardly from the front of the seat, and wherein there is further
included second linkage means for mounting and actuating said
footrest between said extended and retracted positions thereof,
said second linkage means including said front mounting link
which actuates said second linkage means between extended and
retracted positions of said footrest.
8. The reclining chair defined in Claim 7 wherein said
second linkage means includes a pair of generally parallel
footrest links pivotally connected at spaced locations to said
footrest, and wherein there is further included a leg support
for supporting the calves of the legs and being movable between
a retracted position below said seat and an extended position
projected forwardly of said seat but rearwardly of said
footrest, said second linkage means further including a leg
support mounting link fixed to said leg support and pivotally
connected to said footrest at the same location as one of said
footrest links, and a leg support actuator link pivotally
connected to the other of said footrest links and pivotally
connected intermediate the ends of said leg support mounting
link for causing actuation of said leg support between said
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extended and retracted positions of said leg support.
9. In a reclining chair as in Claim 1 including a primary
backrest movable between a normal generally upright position
and a reclining position extending at an incline to the vertical;
a secondary backrest and linkage means mounting said secondary
backrest to the primary backrest for movement between a
retracted position located behind the primary backrest when the
latter is in the upright position and an extended position
projected beyond the primary backrest when the latter is in a
reclined position,said linkage means including a mounting link
pivoted intermediate its ends thereof to said primary backrest
for rotation relative thereto a pair of secondary backrest
links pivotally connected to said secondary backrest and also
pivotally connected to said mounting link at one side of the
pivotal connection of the mounting link to the primary backrest,
an actuator link having one end portion mounted for pivotal
movement relative to the chair and an opposite end portion
pivotally connected to one of said secondary backrest links,
said actuator link being pivotally connected intermediate its
ends to said mounting link on the opposite side of the pivotal
connection of the mounting link to the primary backrest.
10. The chair defined in Claim 9 wherein said one of said
secondary backrest links is pivotally connected to said mounting
link at one of the ends thereof and wherein the other secondary
backrest link is pivotally connected to said mounting link at
a point intermediate the pivotal connection to the primary
backrest and the pivotal connection to said one secondary
backrest link.
11. The chair defined in Claim 9 further including a
fulcrum means about which said primary backrest moves when
moving between a partially reclined position at which said
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secondary backrest is in the extended position and a fully
reclined position and at which said secondary remains in said
extended position, and wherein the pivotal connection of said
actuator link and the chair is adjacent but eccentric relative
to the fulcrum means when the primary backrest is in the
partially and fully reclined positions such that the angle
between the primary backrest and secondary backrest is greater
in the fully reclined position than in the partially reclined
position.
12. For use in a reclining chair having a stationary
frame, a seat mounted on the frame for movement relative to
the frame between normal and reclining positions, and a backrest
pivotally connected to the seat to be movable with the seat
between normal and reclining positions and to be movable
relative to the seat between a partially reclined position and
a fully reclined position; a linkage means for supporting said
seat and backrest for movement relative to the frame between
said normal and reclining positions thereof, the linkage means
including a seat link adapted to be fixed to the seat to be
movable therewith, a backrest link adapted to be fixed to the
backrest to be movable therewith, said backrest link being
pivotally connected to a rear end portion of said seat link,
a frame link adapted to be fixed to the frame and extending
generally below said seat link and rearwardly thereof, a balancing
link extending generally between said frame and seat link and
pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said frame link,
a front mounting link pivotally connected to front portions
of said seat link and said balancing link, a rear mounting
link pivotally connected to said backrest link and to a rear
end portion of said balancing link, and restraining means for
preventing pivotal movement of said balancing link relative
to said frame link when the backrest is moved from a normal
--21-

generally upright position to a partially reclined position
but permitting pivotal movement of said balancing link relative
to said frame link under actuation by said rear mounting link
when the backrest is moved to a further reclined position
beyond said partially reclined position, and wherein said
restraining means includes a stop on said frame link and
a portion projecting from said rear mounting link and
engageable with said stop.
13. For use in a reclining chair having a stationary frame,
a seat mounted on the frame for movement relative to the frame
between normal and reclining positions, and a backrest pivotally
connected to the seat to be movable with the seat between
normal and reclining positions and to be movable relative to
the seat between a partially reclined position and a fully
reclined position, a linkage means for supporting said seat and
backrest for movement relative to the frame between said normal
and reclining positions thereof, the linkage means including
a seat link adapted to be fixed to the seat to be movable
therewith, a backrest link adapted to be fixed to the backrest
to be movable therewith, said backrest link being pivotally
connected to a rear end portion of said seat link, a frame link
adapted to be fixed to the frame and extending generally below
said seat link and rearwardly thereof, a balancing link extend-
ing generally between said frame and seat link and pivotally
connected intermediate its ends to said frame link, a front
mounting link pivotally connected to front portions of said
seat link and said balancing link, a rear mounting link
pivotally connected to said backrest link and to a rear end
portion of said balancing link, and restraining means for
preventing pivotal movement of said balancing link relative
to said frame link when the backrest is moved from a normal
generally upright position to a partially reclined position
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but permitting pivotal movement of said balancing link relative
to said frame link under actuation by said rear mounting link
when the backrest is moved to a further reclined position
beyond said partially reclined position, and wherein the back-
rest includes a primary backrest to which said seat and rear
mounting links are pivotally connected as aforesaid, and a
secondary backrest movable between a retracted position behind
the primary backrest and an extended position projected beyond
the primary backrest when the chair is moved into said partially
reclined position; a second linkage means for mounting and
actuating said secondary backrest, said second linkage means
including a secondary backrest bracket adapted to be fixed to
the secondary backrest, a pair of secondary backrest links pivot-
ally connected to said secondary backrest bracket, a secondary
backrest mounting link pivoted intermediate its ends to said
backrest link for rotation relative thereto, said secondary
backrest links being pivotally connected to said backrest
mounting link at one side of the pivotal connection to said
backrest link, and a secondary backrest actuator link pivotally
connected intermediate its ends to said secondary backrest
mounting link at the side of its pivot to said backrest link
opposite the side of said secondary backrest links, one end
portion of said actuator link being pivotally connected relative
to said frame link while the other end of said actuator link
being pivotally connected to one of said secondary backrest
links.
14. For use in a reclining chair having a stationary
frame, a seat mounted on the frame for movement relative to the
frame between normal and reclining positions, and a backrest
pivotally connected to the seat to be movable with the seat
between normal and reclining positions and to be movable
relative to the seat between a partially reclined position and
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a fully reclined position; a linkage means for supporting said
seat and backrest for movement relative to the frame between
said normal and reclining positions thereof, the linkage means
including a seat link adapted to be fixed to the seat to be
movable therewith, a backrest link adapted to be fixed to the
backrest to be movable therewith, said backrest link being
pivotally connected to a rear end portion of said seat link,
a frame link adapted to be fixed to the frame and extending
generally below said seat link and rearwardly thereof, a
balancing link extending generally between said frame and seat
link and pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said
frame link, a front mounting link pivotally connected to front
portions of said seat link and said balancing link, a rear
mounting link pivotally connected to said backrest link and to
a rear end portion of said balancing link, and restraining
means for preventing pivotal movement of said balancing link
relative to said frame link when the backrest is moved from a
normal generally upright position to a partially reclined
position but permitting pivotal movement of said balancing link
relative to said frame link under actuation by said rear mounting
link when the backrest is moved to a further reclined position
beyond said partially reclined position, and wherein the back-
rest includes a primary backrest to which said seat and rear
mounting links are pivotally connected as aforesaid, and a
secondary backrest movable between a retracted position behind
the primary backrest and an extended position projected beyond
the primary backrest when the chair is moved into said partially
reclined position; a second linkage means for mounting and
actuating said secondary backrest, said second linkage means
including a secondary backrest bracket adapted to be fixed to
the secondary backrest, a pair of secondary backrest links
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pivotally connected to said secondary backrest bracket, a
secondary backrest mounting link pivoted intermediate its ends
to said backrest link for rotation relative thereto, said
secondary backrest links being pivotally connected to said
backrest mounting link at one side of the pivotal connection
to said backrest link, and a secondary backrest actuator link
pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said secondary
backrest mounting link at the side of its pivot to said
backrest link opposite the side of said secondary backrest
links, one end portion of said actuator link being pivotally
connected relative to said frame link while the other end
of said actuator link being pivotally connected to one of said
secondary backrest links, and wherein the pivotal connection
of the third rear mounting link to the primary backrest link
is adjacent but eccentric to the pivotal connection of the
secondary backrest actuator link to said frame whereby when
the backrest moves into a position beyond the partially
reclined position into a fully reclined position, the angle
between the secondary backrest and the primary backrest is
greater in the fully reclined position than in the partially
reclined position.
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Description

39
OBJECTS OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to improvements in
reclining chairs of the type having a backrest movable between an
upright or normal position and a fully reclining position including
an intermediate T.V. position; and a footrest automatically
movable between a retracted position when the backrest is in the
upright position and an extended position when the backrest is in
the T.V. position. Additionally, the chair includes a secondary
backrest member movable from a retracted position behind the
primary backrest member when the chair is in the upright position
and an extended position beyond the primary backrest member when
the chair is in the T.V. and reclining positions or any positions
therebetween.
One o the objects of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved reclining chair of the type described
as well as novel linkage systems for use therein.
A further object of the present invention is to provide
a reclining chair of the type described which may be designed
with a normal seating height for example, approximately 16 to
17 inches, of the seating cushion and which will also accommodate
a thick cushion in conformance with present day styling references.
A further object of the present invention is to provide
such a reclining chair which may be designed to meet present
day styling requirements as described above and yet also includes
a footrest system which may be projected sufficiently forwardly
from the chair to support the feet as well as the calves of the
chair occupant. Included herein is the provision of such a
reclining chair including a footrest which will provide maximum
foot and calf support and yet may be retracted into a compact

unit that will be hidden under the seat of the chair even when
the lower or bottom plane of the chair is raised from the floor
to meet present day styling re~uirements.
Further included herein is the provision of such a chair
which may be provided with legs to space the bottom of the chair
approximately five inches from the floor and yet will not reveal
the footrest linkage when in the retracted position.
A still further object of the present invention is to
provide a reclining chair incorporating a secondary backrest
member which will operate smoothly and without obstruction
between retracted and extended positions relative to the primary
backrest and at the same time, may be designed with sufficient
dimension to provide proper back and head support. Included
herein is the provision of such a reclining chair wherein gaps
between the primary and secondary backrest when in reclining
position heretofore prevelant with prior art chairs, are eliminated
or ~ignificantly reduced.
Yet another object of the present invention is to
provide such a reclining chair wherein the angle between the
secondary backrest and the primary backrest when in the T.V.
position is relieved when in the fully reclined position to enhance
comfort appropriate to the full recline position.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
_
In summary, the above and other objects are achieved
in a reclining chair including a frame having a stationary frame
including a base supported from the floor by legs at the corners
of the chair, and opposite arm rest projecting upwardly from the
base. Pivotally mounted relative to the stationary frame for

t3
movement into various inclined reclining positions relative to
the horizontal is a seat; the mounting being achieved by a
balancing link so as to move downwardly on a constant arc with
the rear of the seat into predetermined inclined positions relative
to the horizontal when moving from the normal to the T.V.
position during which time the balancing link is restrained from
moving relative the the frame by means of a restraining linkage.
Mounted below the front of the seat is a footrest
linkage, a portion of which is connected to the front end portion
of the balancing link such as to be automatically actuated into
extended position projected forwardly from the chair when the
seat moves relative to the balancing link from upright to T.V.
position. The footrest linkage system is of the constrained type
and includes a main footrest or leg support at the free end thereof
which moves between a vertical position when the footrest linkage
is retracted and a generally horizontal position when the footrest
linkage is fully extended. Additionally, a secondary footrest
for supporting the calves of the legs is included in the footrest
linkage system for movement between a generally horizontal or
slightly inclined position and an extended generally horizontal
position when the footrest linkage is in the fully extended
position.
When the backrest is further reclined beyond the T.V.
position, the restraining linkage permits the balancing link to
move relative to the frame while the backxest pivots rearwardly
and downwardly relative to the seat and frame the effect of which
raises the seat relative to the frame and places the backrest
in a further inclined position for reclining.
The secondary backrest is mounted and actuated by means
of a linkage system connected to the primary backrest as well as

the stationary frame such than when the primary backrest is moved
to the T.V. position as described above, the secondary backrest
will move from a retracted position behind the primary backrest
to an extended position beyond the primary backrest and extending
at a predetermined angle relative to the primary backrest to
properly support the upper back and head in harmony with the
T.V. position. When moving from the T.V. to the fully reclined
position, the secondary backrest will undergo a slight reverse
movement which will act to relieve the angle between the secondary
backrest and the primary backrest which will be suitable for
supporting the upper back and the head for the fully reclined
position.
The entire linkage system is balanced and automatically
operable such ~hat the footrest will be automatically operated
between the normal and T.V. positions while the backrest may be
moved into a multiplicity of reclining positions where it will
be maintained therein through the weight distribution of the
chair occupant and the balance of the linkage system.
DRAWINGS
Other objects and advantages will become more apparent
from the following more detailed description taken in conjunction
with the attached drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a reclining chair
embodying the present invention and shown in a reclining position;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged side view of the chair shown in
a normal or upright position with the linkage system retracted
and with portions of the chair frame and upholstery shown in
phantom lines;
Fig. 2A isa side view of the chair when in the normal
or upright position corresponding to that shown in Fig. 2 but

P()8~3
with the linkage system omitted and with portions of the
upholstery and frame shown in cross section;
Fig. 3 is a side view of the chair similar to Fig. 2
but with the chair in a reclining position intermediate the
normal or upright position and the T.V. position;
Fig. 3A is a view similar to Fig. 2A but when the chair
is in the position corresponding to that shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 4 is a side view of the chair similar to Fig. 2
but with the chair in a T.V. position;
Fig. 4A is a view similar to Fig. 2A but when the chair
is in the T.V. position corresponding to that shown in Fig. 4;
Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but with the chair
in the fully reclined position;
Fig. 5A is a view similar to Fig. 2A but when the chair
is in the fully reclined position corresponding to that shown
in Fig. 5 and,
Fig. 6 is a fragmented side view of a slightly modified
linkage embodying the invention and shown in position corresponding
generally to that shown in Fig. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the drawings in detail and initially Figs. 1
and 4A, there is shown a reclining chair embodying the present
invention and including a stationary frame composed of a base 10
supported from the floor by four legs 12 at the corners of the
chair and having upstanding opposite sides 14 terminating in
armrests 16. Projected from the front of the chair as shown
in Fig. 1 is a foot and leg rest generally designated 18 while
support for theback and head is provided by a two part backrest

~l~4~()89
including a primary backrest 20 and a secondary backrest 22.
Fig. 4A shows the seat 24 on which there is a cushion 26 formed
separately from the seatn Each of the chair parts described
may include any conventional frame construction, for example,
rectangular wooden frames with the upholstery formed thereon
as shown. One such example of the forming is illustrated in
Fig. 4A wherein 10a designates a cross frame piece in base 10
of the stationary frame while pieces 20a and 24a designate cross
pieces in the primary backrest and seat frames. While the
disclosed chair is one incorporating a basic rectangular design,
it will be appreciated that any other suitable shapes may be
employed in the design of the chair.
Fig. 2A shows the normal or what will be termed the
normal or upright position of the chair wherein seat 24 extends
ln a generally horizontal plane but at a slight incline, with
the backrest 20 and 22 projecting upwardly in a generally vertical
plane but at a slight incline and with the secondary backrest
22 located in retracted position behind primary backrest 20.
Also in this position, the footrest which includes primary
footrest 18a for supporting the feet and secondary footrest 18b
for supporting the calves are in the retracted position with the
primary footrest 18a extending generally in a vertical plane
at the front of the seat 24, and the secondary backrest or calve
support 18b extending in a generally horizontal plane but at a
slight incline below seat 24 as illustrated in Fig. 2A. It
should be understood that base 10 and its sides 14 and armrest
16 which make up the stationary fram~, always remain stationary,
and various other movable parts move relative to the stationary
frame.

39
Backrest 20, 22 and seat 2~ are mounted for movement relative
to the stationary frame such that when a chair occupant grips
armrests 14 and pushes rearwardly against the backrest with his
back, seat 24 and backrest 20, 22 will move into a reclined
position depending on the magnitude of force exerted thereon
and the distribution of the occupant's weight relative to the
chair. One position intermediate the upright position shown
in Fig. 2A and the fully reclined position shown in Fig. 5 is
known as the T.V. position shown in Fig. 4 and 4A. In this
~ 10 position as can be seen from the drawings, secondary backrest
22 has been elevated beyond and above primary backrest 20 to
extend at a certain angle relative thereto while footrests 18a
and 18b have been moved to fully extended positions for supporting
the feet and legs of the chair occupant.
Should the occupant exert additional force rearwardly
against the backrest the chair will be moved towards the fully
reclined position shown in Figs. 5 and 5A where seat 24 has been
elevated and the backrest moved relative to seat 24 into a further
reclined position, and with footrests 18a, 18b continuing to
remain in their extended positions but elevated due to the
elevation of seat 24. In the fully reclined position shown
in Figs. 5 and 5A however, secondary backrest 22 undergoes a
slight reverse movement to relieve the angle between the secondary
backrest 22 and primary backrest 20 which angle while desirable
in the T.V. position is undesirable in the fully reclined position.
In order to restore the chair to the T.V. or any other
intermediate reclined position or to return it to the original
normal or upright position, it is necessary for the occupant
to merely lean forward thereby redistributing his weight to

)U~9
hange the balance of the system. I-t should be understood that
in any of the reclining positions of the chair, the chair will
remain in the desired position by virtue of the occupant's weight
distribution and the balanced linkage system will be described
below.
SEAT AND PRIMARY BACKREST LINKAGE
Seat ~4 is mounted relative to sides 14 of the stationary
frame by means of what will be termed a pair of seat links 30
fixed on opposite sides of seat 24. While in the preferred form
of the invention there are two seat links 30 and two sets of
linkages on opposite sides of the chair, only one seat link 30
and the related linkage system is shown and will be described
since both linkage systems are identical. Seat link 30 in the
shown embodiment includes a substantially straight or rectilinear
portion fixed along the side of seat 24 and a vertically project-
ing rear portion 32 located rearwardly of seat 24 as clearly
shown in the drawings. Seat link 30 as well as all the other
linkage parts to be described may be made from a suitable durable
strong rigid material such as steel or any alloys thereof. Any
suitable method such as bolts, screws etc. may be employed for
attaching seat link 30 to seat frame 24, there being illustrated
apertures such as 34 in the linkages for accommodating the
attachment fasteners, not shown.
Seat 24 via seat link 30 is mounted for movement relative
to the stationary frame by means of a balancing link 40 connected
by pivot 42 to stationary frame for pivotal movement relative
thereto, and by means of a link 38 pivotally connected to the
front end of seat link 30 by pivot 39 and also pivotally connected
to the front end of balancing link 40 by pivot 41. The pivotal
connection of balancing link 40 relative to the stationary frame
is achieved through a fixed frame link 36 which is suitably
~ ~ -8-

rigidly fixed to the side 14 of the stationary frame.
Seat 24 is also mounted at its rear relative to the
stationary frame through a means of a generally V-shaped link
hereinafter termed a V-link 50 which is rigidly fixed to primary
backrest 20 and is pivotally connected by pivot 52 to the extremity
of rear seat link portion 32.
V-link 50 includes a lower leg 54 which is connected to
balancing link 40 by means of a straight link 56 pivoted at its
opposite ends by pivots 57 and 58 to the extremities of lower
V-link leg 54 and balancing link 40. Additionally, V-link 50
is connected to the stationary frame via a link 60 which is shown
as generally parallel to link 56. This latter connection is
achieved through a pivot 62 between an intermediate portion of
link 60 and the rear end portion of stationary frame link 36
which extends upwardly and rearwardly from the horizontal portion
thereof it being understood that the frame link 36 is fixed to
the statlonary ~rame and is stationary at all times.
In order to restrain movement of balancing link 40 when
the seat and backrest move from the normal or upright position
shown in Fig. 2 to the T.V. position shown in Fig. 4, a restraining
linkage is provided which in the first embodiment shown includes
a lower extension of link 60, the extension being designated 64
and being the part of link 60 which extends downwardly beyond
pivot 62 which connects link 60 to stationary frame link 36.
The restraining linkage further includes a short restraining
link 66 pivota}ly connected to extension 64 by pivot 67 and also
pivotally connected at its opposite end by pivot 68 to balancing
link 40 by means of an elongated slot 69 in balancing link 40
which receives pivot 68 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

~)4(~
~ en the chair is in the normal or upright position
shown in Fig. 2, a~d the occupant exerts pressure on the backrest
which is facilitated by pushing off the armrest 16, ~he front end of
seat link 30 will be raised upwardly and rearwardly and then partly
downwardly short o~ its original elevation by means of link 38
which interconnects seat link 30 and balance link 40. During this
moti~n, balancing link 40 will be restrained against moving by
means of restraining linkage 6~ and 66 which prevents aownward
movement of balancing link 40. The rear end of seat link 30 will
move on a constant aownward arc together with V-link 50 causing
links 60 and 56 to pivot clockwise relative to stationary frame
link 36 and balancing link 40. ~en the intermediate portion of
link 60 engages a stud 36b fixed to stationary link 36, the TV
position will have been reached, stud 36~ acting as a stop in this
regard. Should the occupant wish to return to the upright position
he merely has to lean forward removing pressure fro~ backrest 20
and redistributing his weight whereupon the linkage will return
from the position shown in Fig. 4 to the position ~ho~n in Fig. 2
which is determined by a stop 50a fixed at the Yertex portion of
link 50 to engage the forward edge of seat link 30 as shown in
Fig. 2.
SECONDARY BACKREST
In the specific embodiment shown, a secondary backrest 22
includes a cushioned back and headrest supporting portion 22a
formed on the top of a lower planar portion 22b which is adapted
to be positioned behind primary backrest 20 when in the normal
or upright position to form the back surface of the chair. In
this latter position, the back and headrest support portion 22a
of the secondary backrest is received within opposite sides 20a
of primary backrest 20.
The secondary backrest linkage includes a mounting link
70 suitably rigidly fixed to secondary backrest portion 22b, and
-- 10 --

V~9
a pair of links 72 and 74 pivoted at one of their ends by pivots
71 and 73 to mounting link 70. The opposite ends of links 72
and 74 are pivoted by pivots 77 and 78 to a mounting link 76
which for descriptive purposes may be termed a yoke link. One
end of yoke link 76 is pivotally connected by pivot 88 to an actuator
link 80 while an intermediate portion of yoke link 76 is pivoted
- by pivot 82 to the upper leg 55 of V-link 50. Actuator link 80
is pivotally connected to secondary backrest link 72 by means of
a connecting link ~6 pivotally connected to one end of actuator
link 80 by pivot 90 and pivotally connected intermediate the ends
of link 72 by pivot 92. Additionally actuator link 80 is pivoted
intermediate its ends by pivot 88 to the end of yoke link 76.
The lower end of actuator link 80 is pivotally mounted to
stationary frame link 36 by means of pivot 94.
In operation, when moving from the upright position
shown in Fig. 2 to the T.V. position shown in Fig. 4, actuator link
80 will pivot clockwise about its pivot 94 to stationary frame
link 36 such that secondary backrest link 72 will be directed
counterclockwise about point 77 rearwardly and upwardly by virtue
of its connection by link 86 to actuator link 80. This will also
cause link 74 to unfold about pivot 78 thus extending secondary
backrest 20 into the back and head support position shown in
Fig. 4.
When moving from the T.V. position shown in Fig. 4.
to the fully reclined position shown in Fig. 5, V-link 50 pivots
in a clockwise direction about pivot 61 connecting it to link
60 the effect of which is to raise the rear of seat link 32 by
virture of its connection at 52 to V-link 50 until the lower
edge of V-link 50 engages the stop 95 fixed to seat link 32
as shown in Fig. 5. Also during this motion, link 60 will have
moved off centre relative to pivot 68 of restraining link 66

~4(~39
allowing balancing link 40 to be pivoted downwardly in its rear
by link 56; the balancing link pivoting about pivot 42 to stationary
support link 36. The effect will be to raise the front and the
rear of seat link 30 to further elevate the seat as shown in Fig.
5. It will be noted from Fig. 4 that when in the T.V. position,
pivot 94 of actuator link 80 and pivot 61 of V-link 50 will be
slightly eccentric relative to each other. Thus, when moving
from the T.V. to the fully reclined position, secondary backrest
22 will undergo a slight reverse movement relative to primary
backrest 20 to relieve the angle between the secondary backrest
and the primary backrest to place them in a comfortable position
for fully reclining.
FOOTREST LINKAGE
Footrest support 18a has rigidly fixed thereto a mounting
bracket or link 100 to which a pair of footrest links 102 and 104
are pivotally connected by pivots 108 and 106; footrest links
102 and 104 are pivotably interconnected at their opposite ends
by a link 110 pivoted to link 10g by pivot 112 and to link 102
by pivot 114. Link 110 is pivotally connected at its upper end
by pivot 116 to one end of a W-shaped link 120 which is also
pivotally connected to the rear extremity of footrest link 102
by means of a link 132 and pivot 136. Link 132 is pivotally
connected by pivot 138 to an intermediate portion of the W-shaped
link 120 to form a parallel linkage with link 110 for actuating
footrest links 102 and 104. The rear extremity of W-shape link
120 is pivoted by pivot 125 to a mounting and secondary actuator
link 124 which at its upper end is pivoted by pivot 128 to seat
link 30. A straight link 130 is pivoted at one end by pivot 126
to mounting link 124 and pivoted at its other end by pivot 129
to an intermediate portion of link 110 to actuate the same.
-12-

39
The primary actuating link for the footrest linkage is
link 38 which as described above is also utilized in mounting
and actuating the seat relative to balancing link 40 and in
turn the frame. Link 38 is pivoted to seat link 30 by pivot
39 and at its lower end is pivoted hy link 141 to a lower
intermediate portion of W-shape link 120.
In operation, as thechair moves from the upright position
to the T.V. position, main footrest actuator link 38 will rotate
clockwise about pivot 41 to project W-shape link 120 forwardly
which, in turn, together with straight link 130 will actuate
parallel links 110 and 132 which in turn will actuate and project
footrest links 102 and 104 for pivoting footrest, mounting link
100 in the clockwise direction while projecting same into the
extended generally horizontal position.
Secondary footrest support 18b is mounted and actuated
through means of a link 150 in the form of a crank, one end 152
of which is rigidly secured to secondary footrest support 18b.
The opposite extremity of link 150 is pivoted at pivot 108 to
mounting link 100 of the primary footrest support 182. Secondary
footrest link 150 is actuated by means of an actuator link 154
pivoted at 158 to footrest link 102 and at 156 to the bite
portion of link 150.
In the fully retracted position shown in Fig. 2,
secondary footrest link 150 extends generally in a horizontal
plane such that when the chair is moved to T.V. position and primary
footrest links 102 and 104 are extended and actuated, link 154
will be actuated to pivot secondary footrest support link 150
in a counterclockwise direction into elevated position for
extending the secondary footrest 18b. When in the extended
position, the footrest will remain therein by virtue of the
extension of primary actuator link 38 whose position is governed
-13-

by the weight distribution of the chair occupant. Should the
chair occupant lean forward to bring the chair in the upright
position, acutation of seat link 30 and actuator link 38 will
cause the footrest and linkage to automatically retract.
If desired, a biasing spring in the form of a tension
spring 160 may be provided for assisting movement of the footrest
linkage to the extended and retracted positions. Spring 160
is anchored at one end at 162 relative to seat 24 and at the
opposite ends at 164 relative to balancing link 40. Additionally,
spring 160 is mounted relative to pivot 128 of link 124 to provide
an over-centre bias depending on the position of spring 160
relative to pivot 128 whereby the spring will impose a yieldable
bias with respect to both the extended and retracted positions
of the footrest linkage system.
It will be seen that the above described footrest linkage
provides enhanced extension of the footrest to permit proper
support of the feet and legs while at the same time permitting
the entire footrest linkage to be retracted into a compact unit
under the chair concealed from exposure.
Referring now to Fig. 5, there is shown a linkage system
for a recliner chair similar to that described above with the
exception of one modification relating to the restraining linkage
which is constituted in the above-described embodiment by links
64 and 66. In the modification of Fig. 6, a link 260 is provided
corresponding to link 60 in the above-described embodiment however
in the presently described modification, the extension 64 is no
longer needed. Instead, link 256 in the presently described
embodiment, is provided with a hook portion 258 adapted to be received
over a stop 262 projecting from the pivot of link 260 to stationary
frame link 36. When the chair moves from the normal to the T.V.
-14-

39
position, downward movement of balancing link 40 is prevented by
stop 262 which obstructs downward movement of link 256 by virtue
of hook 258 engaged over stop 262. When the chair moves beyond the
T.V. position towards the fully reclined position, link 256 will
have pivoted clockwise sufficiently to clear stop 262 thereby
permitting balance link 40 to move downwardly at its rear end under
the influence of link 258. The remainder of the linkage in the
modification of Fig. 6 is the same as that described above.
~ -15~