Patent ID: 7482544
Filing Date: 2009-01-27
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
1. An actuator that is usable in a support frame for use in a lift chair, comprising: a. a housing having a first housing part and a second housing part, the housing defining a front end and a rear end; b. the first housing part configured to define an opening on a side and provide a journal bearing; c. a reversible electric motor positioned in the first housing part and received by the opening; d. a worm that extends into the journal bearing and connects with a worm wheel, wherein the worm is driven by the electric reversible motor in operation; e. an outer tube member that extends through an opening defined in the front end of the housing to a free end spaced forwardly of the front end of the housing and has a central axis; f. an activation rod that extends from within the housing through and beyond the free end of the outer tube member to an opposite, second end providing a first fitting for connection to a first pushing member, the activation rod being telescopically movable relative to the outer tube member; g. the first pushing member movable with the activation rod and having a threaded opening, a first protrusion member and a second protrusion member spaced apart from the first protrusion member; h. a spindle bearing supported by a corresponding spindle bearing recess formed in the housing proximate to the rear end of the housing; i. a spindle that is mounted in the spindle bearing and extends into the threaded opening of the activation rod for connection to the activation rod, rotation of the worm and the worm wheel by the electric reversible motor causing the spindle to rotate and telescopically move the activation rod relative to the outer tube member; and j. a first push button switch with a push button and a second push button switch with a push button, the first push button switch and second push button switch electrically coupled to the electric reversible motor and positioned apart in the housing;