US20060238007A1

US20060238007A1 - Chair with aid in lying back and getting up

Info

Publication number: US20060238007A1
Application number: US11/114,853
Authority: US
Inventors: Chang Lin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-04-26
Filing date: 2005-04-26
Publication date: 2006-10-26

Abstract

A chair includes a base, a seat, a backrest pivotally connected to a rear end of a seat frame of the seat, and a transmission mechanism including a motor, a telescopic rod actuated by the motor to move in a retracting direction and an extending direction, and a transmission plate. A connecting rod is pivotally connected between a lower end of the backrest frame and the transmission plate. The telescopic rod is directed to a position below a central portion of the seat. The transmission plate is pivoted to the central portion of the seat, the second end of the connecting rod, and the telescopic rod at different portions thereof. When the telescopic rod is retracted, the top support portion of the transmission plate presses against the seat frame to make the rear end of the seat frame move upward and forward.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a chair. In particular, the present invention relates to a chair with aid in lying back and getting up.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings illustrate a conventional chair with aid in lying back and getting up. In other words, the chair may assist the user in lying back into the chair or getting up from the chair. The chair comprises a base 10′, a seat 11′, a backrest 12′ pivotally connected to a rear end of the seat 11′, a transmission mechanism 13′, and a footrest 14′. The transmission mechanism 13′ comprises a motor 131′ pivotally mounted to a rear end of the base 10′ and a telescopic rod 132′ extending from the motor 13′ and having a front end pivotally connected to a front end of the seat 11′. The footrest 14′, the seat 11′, and the transmission mechanism 13′ are so connected that the backrest 12′ is inclined rearward and the footrest 14′ is extended when the telescopic rod 132′ is in a retracted position, assisting in lying down of the user (FIG. 9) and that the footrest 14′ is folded and the backrest 12′ is moved forward when the telescopic rod 132′ is in an extended position, assisting in getting up of the user (FIG. 10).
The center of gravity of the user sitting in the chair is usually located in a longitudinal position adjacent to the rear end of the chair. However, the force applied by the telescopic rod 13′ acts on the front end of the chair 11′, resulting in unstable movement of the seat 11′. Further, the telescopic rod 132′ extending forward from the rear end of the base 10′ could not reach the location on which the center of gravity of the user sitting in the chair generally locates, failing to provide a reliable support for the seat 11′ when the seat 11′ is moving forward.
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another conventional chair with aid in getting up and lying down. The chair comprises a base 20′, a seat 21′, a backrest 22′ pivotally connected to the seat 21′, a transmission mechanism 23′, and a footrest 24′. The transmission mechanism 23′ comprises a motor 231′ and a telescopic rod 232′ extending rearward and having a top end fixed to the backrest 22′. The footrest 24′, the transmission mechanism 23′, and the seat 21′ are so connected that the backrest 22′ is inclined rearward and the footrest 24′ is extended when the telescopic rod 232′ is in a retracted position, assisting in lying down of the user (FIG. 11) and that the footrest 24′ is folded and the backrest 22′ is moved forward when the telescopic rod 232′ is in an extended position, assisting in getting up of the user (FIG. 12).
The center of gravity of the user sitting in the chair is usually located in a longitudinal position adjacent to the rear end of the chair. However, the telescopic rod 232′ is connected to the backrest 22′ (i.e., at a rear of the seat 21′), not the location on which the center of gravity of the user sitting in the chair generally locates, failing to provide a reliable support for the seat 21′ when the seat 21′ is moving forward.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the present invention is to provide a chair in which the seat is reliably supported and moves smoothly during forward movement of the seat for assisting in getting up of the user.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a chair with a footrest that can be extended or folded in response to movement of a transmission mechanism.
A chair in accordance with the present invention comprises a base having a front end and a rear end, a seat including a seat frame that has a central portion and a rear end, a backrest having a lower end pivotally connected to the rear end of the seat frame, and a transmission mechanism.
The transmission assembly includes a motor, a telescopic rod actuated by the motor to move in a retracting direction and an extending direction, and a transmission plate. The motor has an end pivotally connected to the front end of the base. The transmission plate is pivotally connected to the central portion of the seat frame. A connecting rod includes a first end pivotally connected to the lower end of the backrest frame and a second end pivotally connected to the transmission plate.
The transmission plate includes a top support portion. The telescopic rod is directed to a position below a central portion of the seat. The transmission plate further includes a first pivotal portion on an upper portion of a front side thereof for pivotal connection with the central portion of the seat. The transmission plate further includes a second pivotal portion on a lower portion of the front side thereof for pivotal connection with the second end of the connecting rod. The transmission plate further includes a third pivotal portion on a lower portion of a rear side thereof for pivotal connection with the telescopic rod.
When the telescopic rod is extended, the transmission plate rotates and the backrest is folded. When the telescopic rod is retracted, the top support portion of the transmission plate presses against the seat frame to make the rear end of the seat frame move upward and forward.
In an embodiment of the invention, the base further comprises a supporting portion at a rear end thereof for supporting the rear end of the seat.
Preferably, the base comprises a connecting plate mounted on each of two lateral sides of the front end of the base. A connecting plate is mounted to each of two sides of the rear end of the seat frame. The chair further comprises two connecting rods each having a first end pivotally connected to an associated one of the connecting plates and a second end pivotally connected to an associated one of the connecting plates.
Preferably, the seat frame further includes a front end to which the footrest mechanism is pivotally connected. The footrest mechanism comprises a toggle mechanism, a footrest frame, and a connecting rod. The toggle mechanism includes two ends respectively and pivotally connected to the front end of the seat frame and the footrest frame. The connecting rod includes a first end pivotally connected to the toggle mechanism and a second end pivotally connected to the second pivotal portion of the transmission plate.
In another embodiment of the invention, the chair further comprises two armrests respectively mounted on two sides of the seat frames.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the seat comprises a front end pivotally connected to the front end of the base. The seat frame comprises a front frame and a rear frame that is pivotally connected to the front frame. When the telescopic rod is extended, the top abutting portion presses against the seat frame to make the rear end of the seat frame move upward and forward.
Preferably, a second connecting rod has a first end pivotally connected to the front end of the seat and a second end pivotally connected to the rear frame of the seat frame. A third connecting rod has a first end pivotally connected to the backrest frame and a second end. The footrest mechanism comprises a toggle mechanism and a footrest frame. The toggle mechanism includes two ends respectively and pivotally connected to the front end of the seat and the footrest frame. The toggle mechanism is connected to the second end of the third connecting rod.
Preferably, the chair includes an elastic element having a first end connected to the toggle mechanism and a second end connected to the seat.
Preferably, the second end of the third connecting rod comprises an elongated slot, and the toggle mechanism is pivotally and slidably engaged in the elongated slot.
Other objectives, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a chair in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the chair in accordance with the present invention, wherein the backrest is inclined rearward and the footrest is in an extended position.
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, wherein the backrest is in an upright position and the footrest is in a folded position.
FIG. 4 is a side view similar to FIG. 3, wherein the backrest is moved forward.
FIG. 5 is a side view similar to FIG. 2, wherein the chair includes armrests.
FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of the chair in accordance with the present invention, wherein the backrest is inclined rearward and the footrest is in an extended position.
FIG. 7 is a side view similar to FIG. 6, wherein the backrest is in an upright position and the footrest is in a folded position.
FIG. 8 is a side view similar to FIG. 7, wherein the chair is moved forward.
FIG. 9 is a side view of a conventional chair.
FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9, wherein the footrest is in a folded position and the backrest is moved forward.
FIG. 11 is a side view of another conventional chair.
FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11, wherein the footrest is in a folded position and the backrest is moved forward.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a chair in accordance with the present invention comprises a base 1, a seat 2, a backrest 3, a transmission mechanism 4, and a footrest mechanism 5. The base 1 includes a pivotal portion 11 at a center of a front end thereof. The transmission mechanism 4 includes a motor 41 pivotally mounted to the pivotal portion 11, which will be described later. The base 1 further includes a supporting portion 12 at a rear end thereof for supporting a rear end of the seat 2.
Two connecting plates 13 are respectively mounted on two lateral sides of the front end of the base 1. Each connecting plate 13 includes a pivotal hole 13 for pivotal connection with an end of a connecting rod 14. The other end of each connecting rod 14 is pivotally connected to the seat 2.
The seat 2 includes a seat frame 21 having a connecting portion 22 at a central portion thereof. A transmission plate 43 of the transmission mechanism 4 is pivotally connected to a pivotal section 221 of the connecting portion 22. The rear end of the seat frame 21 includes a pivotal portion 23 for pivotal connection with the backrest 3. A connecting plate 24 is mounted to each of two sides of the rear end of the seat frame 21 and includes a pivotal hole 241 for pivotal connection with the other end of the associated connecting rod 14. Further, the seat frame 21 includes a pivotal portion 25 at a front end thereof for pivotal connection with the footrest mechanism 5.
The backrest 3 includes a backrest frame 31 that has a pivotal portion 32 at each of two sides of a lower end thereof for pivotal connection with the associated pivotal portion 23 at the rear end of the seat frame 21. The backrest frame 31 further includes a horizontal bar 33 at a lower end thereof. The horizontal bar 33 includes a central pivotal portion 331 for pivotal connection with an end of a connecting rod 34. The other end of the connecting rod 34 is pivotally connected to the transmission plate 43.
The transmission mechanism 4 includes the motor 41, a telescopic rod 42, and the transmission plate 43. An end of the motor 41 is pivotally connected to the pivotal portion 11 of the base 1. The motor 41 may be activated to extend or retract the telescopic rod 42. A front end of the telescopic rod 42 is directed to a position below a rear, central portion of the seat 2 and pivotally connected to the transmission plate 43. In this embodiment, the transmission plate 43 includes two sidewalls and mounted on the connecting portion 22 of the seat frame 21. The transmission plate 43 includes a top support portion 431. Further, the transmission plate 43 includes pivotal portions 432, 433, and 434 at upper and lower portions of a front side thereof and an upper portion of a rear side thereof. The pivotal portion 432 is pivotally connected to the connecting portion 22 of the seat 2. The pivotal portion 433 is pivotally connected to the other end of the connecting rod 34 and an end of a connecting rod 53 of the footrest mechanism 5. The pivotal portion 434 is pivotally connected to the telescopic rod 42.
The footrest mechanism 5 includes a toggle mechanism 51, a footrest frame 52, and the connecting rod 53. The toggle mechanism 51 includes two ends respectively and pivotally connected to the pivotal portion 25 of the seat frame 21 and the footrest frame 52. The toggle mechanism 51 further includes a pivotal portion 511 for pivotal connection with the other end of the connecting rod 53. The end of the connecting rod 53 is pivotally connected to the pivotal portion 433 of the transmission plate 43, as mentioned above.
When the motor 41 is activated to retract the telescopic rod 42, the transmission plate 43 pivots about the pivotal portion 432 at the upper portion of the front side thereof. The rear side of the transmission plate 43 moves downward, and the lower portion of the front side of the transmission plate 43 moves forward to move the connecting rod 34 of the backrest frame 31 rearward and to move the backrest frame 31 rearward to an inclined state. Further, the connecting rod 53 of the footrest mechanism 5 moves forward to cause forward movement of the toggle mechanism 51 and the footrest frame 52 is moved to an extended position, as shown in FIG. 2.
Referring to FIG. 3, when the motor 41 is activated to extend the telescopic rod 42, the rear side of the transmission plate 43 moves upward, and the connecting rod 34 of the backrest frame 31 and the connecting rod 53 of the footrest mechanism 5 move rearward such that the backrest frame 31 moves to an upright position and the footrest 5 moves to a folded position.
Referring to FIG. 4, when the user is intended to get up from the chair, the telescopic rod 42 is extended to make the top support portion 431 of the transmission plate 43 press against the connecting portion 22 of the seat frame 21. Thus, the seat frame 21 extends in response to the extension of the telescopic rod 42, resulting in upward movement of the rear side of the seat frame 21 and downward movement of the front side of the seat frame 21, assisting in getting up of the user. During the upward movement of the seat frame 21, the two sides of seat frame 21 are connected via the connecting plates 24 and the connecting rods 14 to the connecting plates 13 of the seat 1, providing a stable support. Further, the force applied by the transmission mechanism 4 is directed to the location where the center of gravity of the user sitting in the chair generally locates, which further assures stable movement of the seat frame 21.
Referring to FIG. 5, two armrests 6 may be mounted on two sides of the seat frame 21 to provide improved sitting comfort.
FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the chair comprises a base 71, a seat 72, a backrest 73, a transmission mechanism 74, and a footrest mechanism 75. The base 71 includes a pivotal portion 711 at a center of a front end thereof. The transmission mechanism 74 includes a motor 741 pivotally mounted to the pivotal portion 711, which will be described later. The base 71 further includes a supporting portion 712 at a rear end thereof for supporting the seat 72.
The base 71 further includes a pivotal portion 713 at a front end thereof for pivotal connection with a front end of the seat 72. Also formed on the front end of the base 71 are a pivotal portion 714 for pivotal connection with the footrest mechanism 75 and a pivotal portion 715 for pivotal connection with an end of a connecting rod 716. The other end of the connecting rod 716 is pivotally connected to the seat 72. Armrests 717 are mounted on the base 71.
The seat 72 includes a seat frame 721 having a front frame 722 and a rear frame 723 that is pivotally connected to the front frame 722. The rear frame 723 includes a connecting portion 724 at a central portion thereof. A transmission plate 743 of the transmission mechanism 74 is pivotally connected to a pivotal section 725 of the connecting portion 724. A pivotal portion 726 is provided on a front end of the front frame 722 for pivotal connection with the base 71. The rear frame 723 includes a pivotal portion 727 for pivotal connection with the backrest 73. Further, the rear frame 723 includes another pivotal portion 728 for pivotal connection with the other end of the connecting rod 716 that has an end pivotally connected to the base 71.
The backrest 73 includes a backrest frame 731 that has a pivotal portion 732 at each of two sides of a lower end thereof for pivotal connection with the seat frame 721. The backrest frame 731 further includes a horizontal bar 733 at a lower end thereof. The horizontal bar 733 includes a pivotal portion 734 for pivotal connection with an end of a connecting rod 736 and another pivotal connection with an end of another connecting rod 737. The other end of the connecting rod 736 is pivotally connected to the transmission plate 743. The other end of the connecting rod 737 includes an elongated slot 7371 for engaging with the footrest mechanism 75.
The transmission mechanism 74 includes the motor 741, a telescopic rod 742, and the transmission plate 743. An end of the motor 741 is pivotally connected to the pivotal portion 711 of the base 71. The motor 741 may be activated to extend or retract the telescopic rod 742. A front end of the telescopic rod 742 is directed to a position below a rear, central portion of the seat 72 and pivotally connected to the transmission plate 743. The transmission plate 743 includes a top support portion 7431. Further, the transmission plate 743 includes pivotal portions 7432, 7433, and 7434 at upper and lower portions of a front side thereof and an upper portion of a rear side thereof. The pivotal portion 7432 is pivotally connected to the seat 72. The pivotal portion 7433 is pivotally connected to the other end of the connecting rod 736 of the backrest frame 731. The pivotal portion 7434 is pivotally connected to the telescopic rod 742.
The footrest mechanism 75 includes a toggle mechanism 751 and a footrest frame 752. The toggle mechanism 751 includes two ends respectively and pivotally connected to the pivotal portion 714 of the base 71 and the footrest frame 752. The toggle mechanism 751 is pivotally and slidably engaged in the elongated slot 7371 of the connecting rod 737 of the backrest frame 73. Further, the toggle mechanism 751 is connected to an end of an elastic element 753. The other end of the elastic element 753 is connected to a horizontal rod (not labeled) of the base 71.
When the motor 741 is activated to retract the telescopic rod 742, the transmission plate 743 pivots about the pivotal portion 7432 at the upper portion of the front side thereof. The rear side of the transmission plate 743 moves downward, and the lower portion of the front side of the transmission plate 743 moves forward to move the connecting rod 736 of the backrest frame 731 rearward and to move the backrest frame 731 rearward to an inclined state. Further, the connecting rod 737 below the backrest frame 731 moves forward to cause forward movement of the toggle mechanism 751 and the footrest frame 752 is moved to an extended position whereas the elastic element 753 is stretched, as shown in FIG. 6.
Referring to FIG. 7, when the motor 741 is activated to extend the telescopic rod 742, the rear side of the transmission plate 743 moves upward, the backrest frame 731 moves to an upright position, and the toggle mechanism 751 moves to a folded position. The elastic element 753 assists in folding operation of the toggle mechanism 751.
Referring to FIG. 8, when the user is intended to get up from the chair, the telescopic rod 742 is extended to make the top support portion 7431 of the transmission plate 743 press against the seat frame 721. Thus, rear side of the seat frame 721 moves upward, and the front frame 722 and the rear frame 723 are in an angled position to assist in getting up of the user. During the upward movement of the seat frame 721, the connecting rod 716 is connected to the base 71 to provide a stable support for the seat frame 121. Further, the force applied by the transmission mechanism 74 is directed to the location where the center of gravity of the user sitting in the chair generally locates, which further assures stable movement of the seat frame 721.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications and variations are still possible without departing from the essence of the invention. The scope of the invention is limited by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A chair comprising:

a base (1; 71) comprising a front end and a rear end;

a seat (2; 72) comprising a seat frame (21; 721), the seat frame (21; 721) including a central portion and a rear end;

a backrest (3; 73) comprising a lower end pivotally connected to the rear end of the seat frame (21; 721);

a transmission mechanism (4; 74) comprising a motor (41; 741), a telescopic rod (42; 742) actuated by the motor to move in a retracting direction and an extending direction, and a transmission plate (43; 743), the motor (41; 741) having an end pivotally connected to the front end of the base (1; 71), the transmission plate (43; 743) being pivotally connected to the central portion of the seat frame (21; 721); and

a connecting rod (34; 736) including a first end pivotally connected to the lower end of the backrest frame (31; 731) and a second end pivotally connected to the transmission plate (43; 743);

the transmission plate (43; 743) including a top support portion (431; 7431);

the telescopic rod (42; 742) being directed to a position below a central portion of the seat (2; 72);

the transmission plate (43; 743) further including a first pivotal portion (432; 7432) on an upper portion of a front side thereof for pivotal connection with the central portion of the seat (2; 72);

the transmission plate (43; 743) further including a second pivotal portion (433; 7433) on a lower portion of the front side thereof for pivotal connection with the second end of the connecting rod (34; 736);

the transmission plate (43; 743) further including a third pivotal portion (434; 7434) on a lower portion of a rear side thereof for pivotal connection with the telescopic rod (42; 742);

wherein when the telescopic rod (42; 742) is extended, the transmission plate (43; 743) rotates and the backrest (3; 73) is folded; and

wherein when the telescopic rod (42; 742) is retracted, the top support portion (431; 7431) of the transmission plate (43; 743) presses against the seat frame (21; 721) to make the rear end of the seat frame (21; 721) move upward and forward.

2. The chair as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base (1) further comprises a supporting portion (12) at a rear end thereof for supporting the rear end of the seat (2).

3. The chair as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base (1) comprises a connecting plate (13) mounted on each of two lateral sides of the front end of the base (1), the chair further comprising a connecting plate (24) mounted to each of two sides of the rear end of the seat frame (21), the chair further comprising two connecting rods (14) each having a first end pivotally connected to an associated one of the connecting plates (13) and a second end pivotally connected to an associated one of the connecting plates (24).

4. The chair as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat frame (21) further includes a front end to which the footrest mechanism (5) is pivotally connected, the footrest mechanism (5) comprising a toggle mechanism (51), a footrest frame (52), and a connecting rod (53), the toggle mechanism (51) including two ends respectively and pivotally connected to the front end of the seat frame (21) and the footrest frame (52), the connecting rod (53) including a first end pivotally connected to the toggle mechanism (51) and a second end pivotally connected to the second pivotal portion (433) of the transmission plate (43).

5. The chair as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chair further comprises two armrests (6) respectively mounted on two sides of the seat frames (21).

6. The chair as claimed in claim 1, wherein

the seat (72) comprises a front end pivotally connected to the front end of the base (71);

the seat frame (71) comprises a front frame (722) and a rear frame (723) that is pivotally connected to the front frame (722);

when the telescopic rod (742) is extended, the top abutting portion (7431) presses against the seat frame (721) to make the rear end of the seat frame (721) move upward and forward.

7. The chair as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a second connecting rod (716) having a first end pivotally connected to the front end of the seat (71) and a second end pivotally connected to the rear frame (723) of the seat frame (72), further comprising a third connecting rod (737) having a first end pivotally connected to the backrest frame (731) and a second end, the footrest mechanism (75) comprising a toggle mechanism (751) and a footrest frame (752), the toggle mechanism (751) including two ends respectively and pivotally connected to the front end of the seat (71) and the footrest frame (752), the toggle mechanism (751) being connected to the second end of the third connecting rod (737).

8. The chair as claimed in claim 7, further comprising an elastic element (753) having a first end connected to the toggle mechanism (751) and a second end connected to the seat (71).

9. The chair as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second end of the third connecting rod (737) comprises an elongated slot (7371), and wherein the toggle mechanism (751) is pivotally and slidably engaged in the elongated slot (7371).