Abstract:
A chair back height adjustment mechanism comprises a guide having an abutment surface at a lateral side of the guide which extends along an adjustment direction. The chair back height adjustment mechanism comprises an adjusting device supported on the guide so as to be displaceable along the adjustment direction. The adjusting device comprises a carrier, a coupling member which is moveably supported on the carrier, and a bias mechanism. The coupling member has a contact face shaped to abut on the abutment surface of the guide and a slanted face. The bias mechanism is operative to apply a force onto the slanted face to urge the contact face of the coupling member against the abutment surface of the guide.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §365 to PCT/EP2014/074463, filed on Nov. 13, 2014, entitled “Tilt Mechanism for a Weight-Responsive Seating Furniture,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the invention relate to a tilt mechanism for seating furniture. Embodiments of the invention relate in particular to a tilt mechanism for a chair or another seating furniture which is weight-responsive, and to a seating furniture which includes such a mechanism. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    For a wide variety of applications, chairs and other types of seating furniture are nowadays provided with features which provide enhanced comfort to the person using the chair. For illustration, office-type chairs are commonly utilized in modern working environments to provide an occupant with a level of comfort while performing certain tasks that require a person to be in a seated position for an extended period of time. Similar features may be provided in other types of chairs to provide enhanced comfort to the person sitting on the chair. 
         [0004]    One common configuration for such a chair includes a chair base assembly and a superstructure. The superstructure may include components which enable the user to recline or “tilt” the backrest of the chair. This basic chair configuration allows users to change their sitting position in the chair as desired, such that fatigue may be minimized during long sitting periods. 
         [0005]    In recent years, chair designs have implemented a feature where the recline characteristic of a chair backrest may be altered. For illustration, the force applied by the chair backrest during a recline motion may be varied, so as to better accommodate the needs of different users. Adjusting elements may be provided on the chair which allow a user to manually adjust the force applied by the chair backrest. Alternatively or additionally, weight-responsive chairs may be provided with a mechanism in which the force applied by the chair backrest during a recline motion depends on a weight of a person sitting on a seat of the chair. 
         [0006]    Such tilt mechanisms for weight-responsive seating furniture offer constructive simplicity and lend themselves to a cost-efficient production. However, despite these qualities conventional tilt mechanisms for weight responsive seating furniture may suffer from shortcomings. Such shortcomings may include one or several of knee rise, heel rise and/or shear effect and back compression. In the art, knee rise refers to the movement of the front end of the seat along an upward arc when the back is reclined. This movement causes the user&#39;s knees and thighs to rise. In the art, heel rise refers to the effect that the user&#39;s heels loose contact with ground as a result of the upward movement of the front of the seat. In the art, shear effect and back compression refer to the effect that, while reclining the backrest, the seat rises upward because of its connection to the back support and the user&#39;s back slips against the backrest of the chair while being raised. This last issue also causes a compression of the user&#39;s back, still because of the seat&#39;s rear portion being raised. There is a continued need in the art for weight-responsive tilt mechanisms which mitigate one or several of knee rise, heel rise and/or shear effect and back compression. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    There is a continued need in the art for a tilt mechanism and a seating furniture which address some of the above needs. There is in particular a continued need in the art for a tilt mechanism which reduces at least one of knee rise, heel rise and/or shear effect and back compression effects, which are associated with the seat rise in conventional weight-responsive tilt mechanisms. 
         [0008]    According to exemplary embodiments, a tilt mechanism for a weight-responsive seating furniture includes a segmented member. The segmented member includes a first segment which is coupled to move with a seat support and a second segment. The second segment is coupled to the first segment via an articulated connection. 
         [0009]    The tilt mechanism may be configured such that when the seat support is raised by a reclining movement of a backrest support, the second segment is pivoted relative to the first segment. The upward movement of the front and/or rearward end of a seat may thereby be reduced. The shortcomings associated with at least one of knee rise, heel rise and/or shear effect and back compression effects may be mitigated. 
         [0010]    The segmented member may have a lower face which overlays the seat support and an upper face on which upholstery of a seat may be supported. 
         [0011]    A tilt mechanism for a weight-responsive seating furniture according to an embodiment comprises a base support, a backrest support, and a seat support. The seat support is coupled to the backrest support such that the seat support is displaced relative to the base support when the backrest support is pivoted. The tilt mechanism comprises a segmented member. The segmented member comprises a first segment which is attached to the seat support or which is integrally formed with the seat support. The segmented member comprises a second segment which is articulated to the first segment. The tilt mechanism comprises a linkage coupled to the second segment to pivot the second segment relative to the first segment when the seat support is displaced relative to the base support. 
         [0012]    The segmented member may be arranged so as to overlay the seat support. 
         [0013]    The segmented member may be configured to form a support surface which extends across a seat support at an upper end of the seat support. 
         [0014]    The segmented member may be configured to form a support surface. The support surface may be configured to support the weight of a user&#39;s thighs and hips. The support surface may be arranged such that it extends above and along a ground plane on which the seating furniture is positioned. 
         [0015]    The linkage may be configured to pivot the second segment downward relative to the first segment when the first segment is displaced upward by the seat support. 
         [0016]    The linkage may be configured to pivot the second segment upward relative to the first segment when the first segment is displaced downward by the seat support. 
         [0017]    The linkage may be pivotably coupled to the second segment. 
         [0018]    The linkage may be pivotably coupled to at least one of the base support and the backrest support. The linkage may be slidably coupled to at least one of the base support and the backrest support. 
         [0019]    The second segment may be attached to a front end of the first segment. The tilt mechanism may thus be configured to mitigate knee rise and/or heel rise effects. 
         [0020]    The second segment may be attached to a rear end of the first segment. The tilt mechanism may thus be configured to mitigate shear effect and back compression effects. 
         [0021]    The segmented member may further comprise a third segment articulated to the first segment. The third segment and the second segment may be provided on opposite sides of the first segment. The tilt mechanism may thus be configured to mitigate knee rise, heel rise, shear effect and back compression effects. 
         [0022]    The tilt mechanism may comprise a further linkage coupled to the third segment to pivot the third segment relative to the first segment when the seat support is displaced relative to the base support. 
         [0023]    The segmented member may be a seat of the weight-responsive seating furniture. 
         [0024]    The segmented member may be sandwiched between the seat support and a seat of the seating furniture. The tilt mechanism may comprise a seat coupled to the segmented member such that the segmented member is sandwiched between the seat support and the seat. 
         [0025]    The seat may have an adjustable depth. According to conventional terminology in this field of the art, an adjustable depth means that the seat position may be adjusted along the forward-rearward direction of the seat. 
         [0026]    The seat may comprise a first seat section, a second seat section and an articulated connection between the first seat section and the second section. 
         [0027]    The seat may be configured such that the articulated connection of the seat overlaps a position at which the second segment of the segmented member is articulated to the first segment of the segmented member. 
         [0028]    The articulated connection of the seat may have a length, measured in the forward-rearward direction of the tilt mechanism, which is greater than a distance by which the depth of the seat may be adjusted. 
         [0029]    The seat support may comprise a first lever. The tilt mechanism may comprise a second lever pivotably attached to the backrest support and coupled to the first lever to pivot the first lever when the backrest support pivots. The linkage may comprise a first link coupled to the second segment and a second link coupled to the first link and the first lever. 
         [0030]    The first lever or the first link may comprise a slot in which a projection of the other one of the first lever or the first link is slidably received. 
         [0031]    The first lever and the second lever may be received within a carrier. The carrier may have a U-shaped cross-section. 
         [0032]    The second lever may be pivotably coupled to the first lever. The tilt mechanism may comprise an energy storage mechanism which biases at least one of the second lever and the backrest support. 
         [0033]    According to an embodiment, a seating furniture is provided. The seating furniture may include a tilt mechanism according to any embodiment. 
         [0034]    The seating furniture may have a seat which is attached to the segmented member of the tilt mechanism and a backrest which is attached to the backrest support. 
         [0035]    The seating furniture may have a base to which the base support of the tilt mechanism is attached. The base may, but does not need to include a central support column. 
         [0036]    Various effects may be attained by the tilt mechanisms and seating furniture of embodiments. The tilt mechanism is operative to reduce an upward travel of a front end and/or a rear end of a seat when the seat is raised during backrest recline. One or several of the shortcomings associated with conventional weight-responsive tilt mechanisms may thereby be mitigated. 
         [0037]    The tilt mechanism and seating furniture according to embodiments may be utilized for various applications in which it is desired that the backrest applies a force during recline which depends on the weight of the person sitting on the seat. For illustration, the tilt mechanism may be installed in office chairs, community seating, chairs for the hospital sector, seats for the house, domestic furniture, seating on airports and in general waiting rooms, other public seating, seating for collaborative areas, without being limited thereto. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0038]    Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements. 
           [0039]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a chair having a tilt mechanism according to an embodiment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a tilt mechanism according to an embodiment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 2  when the backrest support is reclined. 
           [0042]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a tilt mechanism according to an embodiment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 4  when the backrest support is reclined. 
           [0044]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a tilt mechanism according to an embodiment. 
           [0045]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 6  when the backrest support is reclined. 
           [0046]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 9  is an exploded partial view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a tilt mechanism according to an embodiment. 
           [0050]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 11  when the backrest support is reclined. 
           [0051]      FIG. 13  is a partial cross-sectional view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 11  when the backrest support is reclined. 
           [0052]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a tilt mechanism according to an embodiment. 
           [0053]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 14  when the backrest support is reclined. 
           [0054]      FIG. 16  is a partial cross-sectional view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 14  when the backrest support is reclined. 
           [0055]      FIG. 17  is an exploded side view of a tilt mechanism according to an embodiment. 
           [0056]      FIG. 18  is a partial plan view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 19  is a partial plan view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 17  with adjusted seat depth. 
           [0058]      FIG. 20  is an enlarged perspective view of a slider of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 21  is a side view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 17  when the seat is at a rearmost position. 
           [0060]      FIG. 22  is a side view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 17  when the seat is moved to a frontmost position by a seat depth adjustment. 
           [0061]      FIG. 23  is a side view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 17  when the seat is at a rearmost position and the backrest support is reclined. 
           [0062]      FIG. 24  is a side view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 17  when the seat is moved to a frontmost position by a seat depth adjustment and the backrest support is reclined. 
           [0063]      FIG. 25  is a side view of a tilt mechanism according to an embodiment. 
           [0064]      FIG. 26  is an exploded perspective view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0065]      FIG. 27  is an enlarged perspective view showing a linkage of the tilt mechanism of 
           [0066]      FIG. 25 . 
           [0067]      FIG. 28  is a partially broken-away side view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0068]      FIG. 29  is a partially broken-away side view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 25  when the backrest support is reclined. 
           [0069]      FIG. 30  is a side view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 25  when the backrest support is reclined. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0070]    Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. While some embodiments will be described in the context of specific fields of application, such as in the context of an office-type chair or a chair having four legs, the embodiments are not limited to this field of application. The features of the various embodiments may be combined with each other unless specifically stated otherwise. 
         [0071]    It should be understood that the terms “forward”, “front”, “rearward”, “rear”, “lateral”, “left” and “right” as used herein, each have a particular meaning that is defined in relation to a flat support surface beneath the chair and in relation to an occupant of the chair. For instance, the term “forward” refers to a direction moving away from the chair backrest and in front of a chair occupant along an axis which extends parallel to such a flat support surface, while the term “rearward” refers to a direction opposite of the forward direction. The term “lateral” refers to a generally horizontal direction perpendicular to both the forward and rearward direction and extending parallel to the aforementioned flat support surface. 
         [0072]    According to embodiments, a tilt mechanism is provided which offers weight-responsive recline characteristics. The tilt mechanism is configured such that a seat support is raised when a backrest is reclined, and that a torque which depends on a weight force acting on the seat support is applied to a backrest support. 
         [0073]    In order to mitigate shortcomings of conventional mechanisms which are associated with conventional weight-responsive mechanisms, the tilt mechanism includes a segmented member. The segmented member comprises a first segment and a second segment articulated to the first segment. 
         [0074]    The second segment may be articulated to the first segment such that it is pivotable relative to the first segment about an axis which is parallel to a flat support surface on which a base of the seating furniture rests. The segmented member may have a lower face disposed towards the base support which overlays the base support. The segmented member may be comprised by the seat of the seating furniture or may be an intermediate member arranged between the seat support and the seat. 
         [0075]    The tilt mechanism includes a linkage which selectively pivots the second segment relative to the first segment when the seat is raised due to a recline motion of the backrest support. The linkage may be configured to limit upward travel of the second segment by pivoting the second segment downward relative to the first segment of the segmented member. Upward travel of the front end and/or rear end of a seat may be reduced by this pivoting motion. One or several of knee rise, heel rise and/or shear effect and back compression effects may be mitigated. 
         [0076]    The tilt mechanism of embodiments may comprise a base support of the seating furniture, e.g. a chair base support, or a carrier which, in use, may be fixedly attached to a base assembly of the seating furniture. The tilt mechanism further comprises a backrest support. A backrest may be attached to the backrest support. The tilt mechanism further comprises a seat support coupled to the backrest support such that the seat support is displaced relative to the base support when the backrest support is reclined. The tilt mechanism further comprises the segmented member comprising the first segment and the second segment. The first segment may be attached to the seat support or may be integrally formed with the seat support. The second segment is articulated to the first segment. The tilt mechanism comprises a linkage coupled to the second segment to pivot the second segment relative to the first segment when the seat support is displaced relative to the base support. 
         [0077]      FIG. 1  shows a chair  1  according to an embodiment. While a chair is shown in  FIG. 1 , the tilt mechanism according to embodiments may be used in a wide variety of different seating furniture, including office chairs, community seating, chairs for the hospital sector, seats for the house, domestic furniture, seating on airports and in general waiting rooms, other public seating, seating for collaborative areas, without being limited thereto. 
         [0078]    The chair  1  has a backrest  2 , a seat  3 , and a base assembly  4 . The base assembly  4  supports the chair  1  on a floor. The chair  1  may be an office-type chair in which the base assembly  4  has a central column  5  on which the superstructure of the chair  1  rests. 
         [0079]    The chair  1  has a tilt mechanism  10 . The tilt mechanism  10  is configured to raise a seat support when the backrest  2  is reclined. A segmented member is overlaid on the base support and includes a first segment  21  and a second segment  22  articulated to the first segment. For illustration, the seat  3  may include a first segment  21  and a second segment which are pivotably coupled at a hinge connection or other articulated joint  23 . 
         [0080]    The tilt mechanism  10  comprises a linkage which is configured such that it pivots the second segment  22  downward relative to the first segment  21  when a seat support moves the first support upward. 
         [0081]    Configurations of the tilt mechanism  10  according to various embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 2  to  FIG. 30 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  are side views of a tilt mechanism  10  according to an embodiment. The tilt mechanism  10  may be installed in the chair  1  of  FIG. 1  or in another seating furniture.  FIG. 2  shows the tilt mechanism  10  when the backrest is not reclined and a backrest support is in a position which corresponds to the frontmost backrest position.  FIG. 3  shows the tilt mechanism  10  when the backrest support is in a reclined state which corresponds to a reclined backrest. 
         [0083]    The tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  is operative to mitigate heel rise and knee rise effects. 
         [0084]    The tilt mechanism  10  comprises a base support  11 . The base support  10  may be configured as any carrier which is configured to be coupled to a chair base or other support structure. The tilt mechanism  10  comprises a backrest support  12  configured for attachment of the backrest  3 . The backrest support  12  may be pivotably supported on the base support  11  or another component, e.g. the seat support. In the illustrated implementation, the backrest support  12  may be pivotably coupled to the base support  11  at a pivot  14 . 
         [0085]    The tilt mechanism  10  comprises a seat support  13 . The seat support  13  may be displaceably mounted to the base support  11 . The seat support  13  may be coupled to the backrest support  12  via a connection  15 . The connection  15  may force the seat support  13  to raise when the backrest support  12  is reclined, thereby exerting a torque onto the backrest support  12  which depends on the downward force applied to the seat by the occupant. The connection  15  may have any one of a variety of configurations. For illustration, a guide pin provided on one of the backrest support  12  and the seat support  13  may be slidably received in a guide recess provided on the other one of the backrest support  12  and the seat support  13 . 
         [0086]    The tilt mechanism  10  comprises a segmented member. The segmented member comprises a first segment  21  and a second segment  22 . The first segment  21  and the second segment  22  may be joined to each other so as to form a support surface. Upholstery or another seat component may be supported on an upper face of the segmented member. A lower face of the segmented member may face the base support  11 . The segmented member may generally be overlaid on the base support  11  and, optionally, also on the seat support  13  and/or the backrest support  12 . 
         [0087]    In the tilt mechanism  20  of  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the second segment  22  is provided on a front end of the first segment  21 . As will be explained in more detail below, the second segment may also be provided at a rear end of the first segment. 
         [0088]    The first segment  21  may be attached to the seat support  13  or may be integrally formed with the seat support  13 , such that the first segment  21  moves jointly with the seat support. The first segment  21  may be rigidly attached to the seat support  13 . When the seat support  13  is raised by a recline motion of the backrest support  12 , the first segment  21  is forced to move jointly with the seat support  13 . 
         [0089]    The tilt mechanism  10  comprises a linkage  25 . The linkage  25  is configured to limit an upward movement of a front end of the second segment  22  of the segmented member by pivoting the second segment  22  relative to the first segment  21  when the seat support  13  is displaced relative to the base support  11 . The linkage  25  may interconnect the second segment  22  and the base support  11  or the backrest bracket  12 , for example. The linkage  25  may include at least one link  26 . The at least one link  26  may be pivotably attached to the base support  11  via a first pivot axis  27  and may be pivotably attached to the second segment  22  via a second pivot axis  28 . Other configurations may be used. For illustration, the linkage  25  may include a plurality of links which are attached to each other. The link(s) may be coupled to the second segment  22  and/or the base support  11  in a manner which allows both a translatory displacement and a rotation of the link(s) relative to the base support  11  and/or the second segment  22 . 
         [0090]    Operation of the tilt mechanism  10  will be explained in more detail with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0091]    When the backrest  3  is reclined, the backrest support  12  pivots relative to the base support  11  on pivot  14 . The recline motion of the backrest support  12  forces the seat support  13 , via the connection  15 , to travel upward. The link  26  is pivoted relative to the base support  11 , but exerts a downward force onto the second segment  22  when the seat support  13  has travelled upward. The downward force causes the second segment  22  to pivot relative to the first segment  21 . The second segment  22  may perform a downward pivoting motion  31  about the articulated connection  23 . This leads to a downward motion  32  of the front end of the second segment  22  relative to the first segment. While the front end of the second segment  22  may still be raised relative to the base support  11  when the backrest is reclined, the downward movement  32  at least partially compensated the upward movement of the seat support  13 . In some implementations, the linkage  25  may be configured such that the front end of the second segment  22  has substantially the same vertical position above ground when the backrest is fully reclined and when the backrest is not reclined. In other implementations, the linkage  25  may be configured such that the front end of the second segment  22  moves upward by a distance when the backrest is reclined which is less than the distance by which the seat support  13  is moved upward. 
         [0092]    When the backrest is tilted forward and the backrest support  12  moves from the reclined position to the rest position, the linkage  25  may pivot the second segment  22  upward relative to the first segment  21 , thereby returning the segmented member to the state shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0093]    A tilt mechanism as explained with reference to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  is configured to mitigate heel rise and knee rise effects. This is achieved by a seat divided in two parts. The rear first segment  21  may be connected directly to the mechanism&#39;s seat support  13 . The frontal second segment  22  is pivotally connected to a pivot  23  located in the first segment  21  of the seat. The second segment  22  is connected to the base support  11  by a linkage  25  which includes a link  26  which is fitted to a pin  27  fixed to the base support and another pin  28  fixed to a front edge of the second segment  22 . 
         [0094]    When the backrest is reclined, the rear second segment  22  of the seat rises together with the seat support  13 , while the frontal first segment  21  connected to the base support  11  is forced by the link  26  to pivot on pivot  23  such that the front end of the second segment  22  is pulled down relative to the rear first segment  21 . This may reduce knee and heel rise. 
         [0095]      FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  are side views of a tilt mechanism  10  according to an embodiment. The tilt mechanism  10  may be installed in the chair  1  of  FIG. 1  or in another seating furniture.  FIG. 4  shows the tilt mechanism  10  when the backrest is not reclined and a backrest support is in a position which corresponds to the frontmost backrest position.  FIG. 5  shows the tilt mechanism  10  when the backrest support is in a reclined state which corresponds to a reclined backrest. 
         [0096]    The tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  is operative to mitigate shear effect and back compression. 
         [0097]    The tilt mechanism  10  comprises a base support  11 , a backrest support  12  and a seat support  13 . The base support, backrest support  12 , and seat support  13  may be configured as explained with reference to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , for example. The backrest support  12  is coupled to the seat support  13  such that a recline movement of the backrest support  12  causes the seat support  13  to be raised. 
         [0098]    The tilt mechanism  10  comprises a segmented member. The segmented member comprises a first segment  21  and a second segment  42 . The first segment  21  and the second segment  42  may be joined to each other so as to form a support surface. Upholstery or another seat component may be supported on an upper face of the segmented member. A lower face of the segmented member may face the base support  11 . The segmented member may generally be overlaid on the base support  11  and, optionally, also on the seat support  13  and/or the backrest support  12 . 
         [0099]    In the tilt mechanism  20  of  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , the second segment  42  is provided on a rear end of the first segment  21 . 
         [0100]    The first segment  21  may be attached to the seat support  13  or may be integrally formed with the seat support  13 , such that the first segment  21  moves jointly with the seat support. The first segment  21  may be rigidly attached to the seat support  13 . 
         [0101]    When the seat support  13  is raised by a recline motion of the backrest support  12 , the first segment  21  is forced to move jointly with the seat support  13 . 
         [0102]    The tilt mechanism  10  comprises a linkage  45 . The linkage  45  is configured to limit an upward movement of a rear end of the second segment  42  of the segmented member by pivoting the second segment  42  relative to the first segment  21  when the seat support  13  is displaced relative to the base support  11 . The linkage  45  may interconnect the second segment  42  and the backrest bracket  12 , for example. The linkage may also be connected between the second segment  42  and the base suppport  11 . The linkage  45  may include at least one link  46 . The at least one link  46  may be pivotably attached to the backrest support  12  via a first pivot axis  47  and may be pivotably attached to the second segment  42  via a second pivot axis  48 . Other configurations may be used. For illustration, the linkage  45  may include a plurality of links which are attached to each other. The link(s) may be coupled to the second segment  42  and/or the backrest support  12  in a manner which allows both a translatory displacement and a rotation of the link(s) relative to the backrest support  12  and/or the second segment  42 . 
         [0103]    Operation of the tilt mechanism  10  will be explained in more detail with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
         [0104]    When the backrest  2  is reclined, the backrest support  12  pivots relative to the base support  11  on pivot  14 . The recline motion of the backrest support  12  forces the seat support  13 , via the connection  15 , to travel upward. The link  46  is pivoted relative to the base support  11 , but exerts a downward force onto the second segment  42  when the seat support  13  has travelled upward. The downward force causes the second segment  42  to pivot relative to the first segment  21 . The second segment  42  may perform a downward pivoting motion  33  about the articulated connection  43 . This leads to a downward motion  34  of the rear end of the second segment  42  relative to the first segment  21 . While the rear end of the second segment  42  may still be raised relative to the base support  11  when the backrest is reclined, the downward movement  34  at least partially compensated the upward movement of the seat support  13 . In some implementations, the linkage  45  may be configured such that the rear end of the second segment  42  has substantially the same vertical position above ground when the backrest is fully reclined and when the backrest is not reclined. In other implementations, the linkage  45  may be configured such that the rear end of the second segment  42  moves upward by a distance when the backrest is reclined which is less than the distance by which the seat support  13  is moved upward. 
         [0105]    When the backrest is tilted forward and the backrest support  12  moves from the reclined position to the rest position, the linkage  45  may pivot the second segment  42  upward relative to the first segment  21 , thereby returning the segmented member to the state shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0106]    A tilt mechanism configured as explained with reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  is operative to reduce shear effect and back compression by reducing the upward movement of the rear edge of the seat during a backrest recline. This may be achieved by a seat divided in two parts. The frontal first segment  21  may be connected directly to the seat support  13 . The rear second segment  42  is pivotally connected to a pivot  43  located in the first segment  21  of the seat. The rear second segment  42  is connected to the backrest support  12  via a link  46  which is fitted to a pin  47  fixed to the backrest support  12  and another pin  48  fixed to the rear edge of the second segment  42 . 
         [0107]    When the backrest is reclined, the rear second segment  42  is forced by link  46 , connected to the backrest support  12 , to pivot on pivot  47 , which causes a downward movement  34  of the rear end of the second segment  42  and reduces back compression and shear effect. 
         [0108]      FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  are side views of a tilt mechanism  10  according to an embodiment. The tilt mechanism  10  may be installed in the chair  1  of  FIG. 1  or in another seating furniture.  FIG. 6  shows the tilt mechanism  10  when the backrest is not reclined and a backrest support is in a position which corresponds to the frontmost backrest position.  FIG. 7  shows the tilt mechanism  10  when the backrest support is in a reclined state which corresponds to a reclined backrest. 
         [0109]    The tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  is operative to mitigate, heel rise and knee rise and shear effect and back compression effects. 
         [0110]    The tilt mechanism  10  includes a base support  11 , a backrest support  12 , and a seat support which may be configured as explained with reference to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , for example. 
         [0111]    The tilt mechanism  10  includes a segmented member which comprises a first segment  21 , a second segment  22  articulated to a front end of the first segment  21 , and a third segment  42  articulated to a rear end of the first segment. 
         [0112]    The first segment  21 , the second segment  42  and the third segment may be joined to each other so as to form a support surface. Upholstery or another seat component may be supported on an upper face of the segmented member. A lower face of the segmented member may face the base support  11 . The segmented member may generally be overlaid on the base support  11  and, optionally, also on the seat support  13  and/or the backrest support  12 . 
         [0113]    The first segment  21  may be attached to the seat support  13  or may be integrally formed with the seat support  13 , such that the first segment  21  moves jointly with the seat support. When the seat support  13  is raised by a recline motion of the backrest support  12 , the first segment  21  is forced to move jointly with the seat support  13 . 
         [0114]    The tilt mechanism  10  comprises a linkage  25  which is interconnected between the second segment  22  and the base support  11 . The linkage  25  may be configured to pivot the second segment  22  relative to the first segment  21  when the seat support  13  is raised relative to the base support  11 , thereby reducing upward travel of the front end of the second segment  22 . The linkage  25  may be configured as explained with reference to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . The tilt mechanism  10  comprises a further linkage  45 . The further linkage  45  may be interconnected between the third segment  42  and one of the base support  11  and the backrest support  12 . The further linkage  45  may be configured to pivot the third segment  42  relative to the first segment  21  when the seat support  13  is raised relative to the base support  11 , thereby reducing upward travel of the rear end of the third segment  42 .The further linkage  45  may be configured as explained with reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . 
         [0115]    Operation of the tilt mechanism will be explained further with reference to  FIG. 7 . When the backrest is reclined and the seat support is raised thereby, the linkage  25  causes the second segment  22  to pivot about the articulated connection  23 . This pulls the front end of the second segment  22  downward relative to the first segment. When the backrest is reclined and the seat support is raised thereby, the further linkage  45  causes the third segment  42  to pivot about the articulated connection  43 . This pulls the rear end of the third segment  42  downward relative to the first segment. 
         [0116]    In the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 , both the front end and the rear end of the seat may be displaced relative to the first segment  21 , thereby preventing excessive upward movement of the front end and the rear end of the seat. 
         [0117]    A tilt mechanism which mitigates both knee and heel rise and shear effect and back compression may combine the principles explained with reference to  FIG. 2  to  FIG. 5 . A seat may be divided in three parts. A central first segment  21  may be directly connected to the seat support  13 . The central first segment  21  may define two pivots  23 ,  43  at its opposing ends. The rear third segment  42  may be pivotally connected to the pivot  43  located at the rear end of the central first segment  21 . The rear third segment  42  may be connected to the back support  12  through a further linkage  25 . The further linkage  25  may include a link  46  which is fitted to a pin  47  fixed to the backrest support  12  and another pin  48  fixed to the rear edge of the rear third segment  42 . The front second segment  21  may be pivotally connected to the pivot  23  located at a front end of the central first section  21 . The front second segment  21  may be connected to the base support  11  through a linkage  25 . The linkage  25  may include a link  26  which is fitted to a pin  27  fixed to the base support  11  and another pin  28  at the front edge of the second segment  22 . 
         [0118]    When the backrest is reclined, the central first segment  21  of the seat rises together with the seat support  13 . The rear third segment  42  is forced by link  46 , connected to the backrest support  12 , to pivot on pivot  43  with the result that a rear end of the rear third segment  42  is pulled downward relative to the first segment  21 . At the same time, the frontal second segment  22 , connected to the base support  11  through the linkage  25 , is forced by the linkage  25  to pivot on pivot  23  with the result that a front end of the front second segment  22  is pulled down. This combined effect concurrently mitigates shear effect and back compression and knee and heel rise. 
         [0119]    The articulated connection(s)  23 ,  43  between the segments of the segmented members may be implemented in any one of a variety of ways, as will be explained in more detail with reference to  FIG. 8  to  FIG. 16 . The articulated connection(s)  23 ,  43  may include a hinge. The articulated connection(s)  23 ,  43  may include a resiliently deformable portion interposed between the segments of the segmented member. Generally, the articulated connection(s)  23 ,  43  may be configured such that a torsion stiffness for pivoting the second segment relative to the first segment is much smaller than a torsion stiffness of the first segment and a torsion stiffness of the second segment. 
         [0120]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . 
         [0121]    In order to provide weight responsive recline characteristics, the back support  12  may have a projection  14   a  which is rotatably received in a recess  14   b  on the base. The connection  15  between the backrest support  12  and the seat support  13  may include a pin  15   a  which is attached to or integrally formed with one of the backrest support  12  and the seat support  13 . The pin  15   a  may extend through a slot  15   b  provided in the other one of the backrest support  12  and the seat support  13 . The pine  15   a  may extend through a further slot  15   c  provided in the base support  11 , so as to define a travel path of the seat support  13  relative to the base support  11  when the backrest support  12  undergoes a recline motion. The slot  15   b  and the further slot  15   c  may be angled relative to each other. When the backrest support  12  is in its frontmost position, one of the slot  15   b  and the further slot  15   c  may be angled downward in the rearward-forward direction, and the other one of the slot  15   b  and the further slot  15   c  may be angled upward in the rearward-forward direction of the tilt mechanism. 
         [0122]    The articulated connection  23  of the segmented member may be formed by a hinge. Projections  23   a  provided on the first segment  21  may be rotatably received in mating recesses  23   b  provided on the second segment  22 . In another implementation, projections provided on the second segment  22  may be rotatably received in mating recesses provided on the first segment  21 . 
         [0123]    Alternatively or additionally, the articulated connection  43  of the segmented member may be formed by a hinge. Projections  43   a  provided on the first segment  21  may be rotatably received in mating recesses  43   b  provided on the third segment  42 . In another implementation, projections provided on the third segment  42 may be rotatably received in mating recesses provided on the first segment  21 . 
         [0124]    The linkage  25  and/or the further linkage  45  may have various configurations. For illustration, the link  26  of the linkage  25  may be pivotably connected to both the base support  11  and the second segment  22 . A pin  27   a  provided on one of the base support  11  and the link  26  may be received in a mating hole  27   b  provided on the other one of the base support  11  and the link  26 . A pin  28   a  provided on one of the link  26  and the second segment  22  may be received in a mating hole  28   b  provided on the other one of the second segment  22  and the link  26 . One or both of the holes  27   b ,  28   b  may be circular or may be formed as slots to allow the pins  27   a ,  28   a  to slide therein. This allows the tilt mechanism to be configured such that the second segment  22  is pivoted downward relative to the first segment  21  when the first segment  21  reaches a threshold height, for example. 
         [0125]    Similarly, the further linkage  45  may be configured such that the link  46  of the further linkage  45  may be pivotably connected to both the backrest support  12  and the third segment  42 . A pin  47   a  provided on one of the backrest support  12  and the link  46  may be received in a mating hole  47   b  provided on the other one of the backrest support  12  and the link  46 . A pin  48   a  provided on one of the link  46  and the third segment  42  may be received in a mating hole  48   b  provided on the other one of the third segment  42  and the link  46 . One or both of the holes  47   b ,  48   b  may be circular or may be formed as slots to allow the pins  47   a ,  48   a  to slide therein. This allows the tilt mechanism to be configured such that the third segment  42  is pivoted downward relative to the first segment  21  when the first segment  21  reaches a threshold height, for example. 
         [0126]    A configuration of the articulated connection  23  and the linkage  25  as illustrated in  FIG. 8  may be used also in the tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , i.e., in a tilt mechanism in which only the front segment of the seat is pivoted downward. A configuration of the articulated connection  43  and the further linkage  45  as illustrated in  FIG. 8  may be used also in the tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , i.e., in a tilt mechanism in which only the rear segment of the seat is pivoted downward. 
         [0127]      FIG. 9  is an exploded partial view of a segmented member which may be used in the tilt mechanism  10  of any one of  FIG. 6  to  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 10  is a perspective bottom view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 6  to  FIG. 8 . 
         [0128]    The articulated connection(s) of the segmented member are formed by a hinge  51 ,  52 . The hinge  51  may include projections  23   a  provided on the first segment  21  which are rotatably received in mating recesses  23   b  provided on the second segment  22 . In another implementation, projections provided on the second segment  22  may be rotatably received in mating recesses provided on the first segment  21 . The hinge  52  may include projections  43   a  provided on the first segment  21  which are rotatably received in mating recesses  43   b  provided on the third segment  42 . In another implementation, projections provided on the third segment  42 may be rotatably received in mating recesses provided on the first segment  21 . 
         [0129]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a tilt mechanism  10  according to an embodiment when the backrest support  12  is in a position which corresponds to the frontmost backrest position.  FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 11  when the backrest support  12  is in a reclined position.  FIG. 13  is a partial sectional view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 11  when the backrest support  12  is in a reclined position. 
         [0130]    In the tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 11  to  FIG. 13 , the segmented member includes an articulated connection which is formed by a resilient section  61  which is sandwiched between the first segment  21  and the second segment  22 . 
         [0131]    The resilient section  61  may extend through the segmented member in a lateral direction, which corresponds to the left-right direction in the installed state of the tilt mechanism. 
         [0132]    The resilient section  61  may have a thickness which is the same or which is smaller than a thickness of the first segment  21  and the second segment  22 . 
         [0133]    The resilient section  61  may be formed from a plastic material, e.g. from rubber. The resilient section  61  may be integrally formed with or attached to the first segment  21  and the second segment  22 . The resilient section  61  may have a torsion stiffness for rotations about an axis which extends in the lateral horizontal axis which is less than a torsion stiffness of both the first segment  21  and the second segment  22 . 
         [0134]    The segmented member may include a material  62  having a higher rigidity than the resilient section  61  to from the first segment  21 . The segmented member may include a material  66  having a higher rigidity than the resilient section to form the second segment  22 . Reinforcements may optionally be embedded in the material  62  and/or reinforcement ribs may be formed on the material  62  to provide the first segment  21  with a torsion stiffness which is greater than that of the resilient section  61 . Reinforcements may be embedded in the material  66  and/or reinforcement ribs may be formed on the material  66  to provide the second segment  22  with a torsion stiffness which is greater than that of the resilient section  61 . 
         [0135]    The first segment  21  may have anchoring features  64  which secure the first segment  21  to the resilient section  61 . The second segment  22  may have anchoring features  68  which secure the second segment  22  to the resilient section  61 . 
         [0136]    Other configurations may be used. For illustration, the anchoring features  64 ,  68  may also be omitted when the segmented member is formed by embedding reinforcements  65 ,  67  into a unitary resilient material to form the first segment  21  and the second segment  22  connected by the resilient section  61 . 
         [0137]    When the backrest support  12  moves to a reclined position, the second segment  22  pivots relative to the first segment  21  by virtue of the resilient material articulation. The resilient material articulation may be provided between seats portions so as to extend through the segmented member in a width direction of the seat. The resilient material articulation may adapt itself to the movements imposed by the linkage  25  while the user tilts back. 
         [0138]    A resilient material articulation as explained with reference to  FIG. 11  to  FIG. 13  may be used in any one or both of the articulated connections  23 ,  43  of the tilt mechanisms of  FIG. 2  to  FIG. 10 . 
         [0139]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a tilt mechanism  10  according to an embodiment when the backrest support  12  is in a position which corresponds to the frontmost backrest position.  FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 14  when the backrest support  12  is in a reclined position.  FIG. 16  is a partial sectional view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 14  when the backrest support  12  is in a reclined position. 
         [0140]    In the tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 14  to  FIG. 16 , the segmented member includes an articulated connection which is formed by a resilient section  71  which is sandwiched between the first segment  21  and the second segment  22 . 
         [0141]    The resilient section  71  may extend through the segmented member in a lateral direction, which corresponds to the left-right direction in the installed state of the tilt mechanism. 
         [0142]    The resilient section  71  may have a thickness which is the same or which is smaller than a thickness of the first segment  21  and the second segment  22 . The resilient section  71  may have an undulated shape, with the apices of the undulated shape extending in the lateral direction of the tilt mechanism. 
         [0143]    The resilient section  71  may be formed from a plastic material, e.g. from rubber. The resilient section  71  may be integrally formed with or attached to the first segment  21  and the second segment  22 . The resilient section  71  may have a torsion stiffness for rotations about an axis which extends in the lateral horizontal axis which is less than a torsion stiffness of both the first segment  21  and the second segment  22 . 
         [0144]    The segmented member may include a material  72  which forms the first segment  21  and which has a higher rigidity than the resilient section  71 . The segmented member may include a material  76  which forms the second segment  22  and which has a higher rigidity than the flexible section  71 . The material may form the flexible section  71  which joins the first segment  21  and the second segment  22 . Reinforcements may be embedded in the material  72  and/or may be formed on the material  72  to provide the first segment  21  with a torsion stiffness which is greater than that of the resilient section  71 . Reinforcements may be embedded in the material  76  and/or may be formed on the material  76  to provide the second segment  22  with a torsion stiffness which is greater than that of the resilient section  71 . 
         [0145]    The tilt mechanism may be configured such that it allows a seat depth to be adjusted. According to conventional terminology in the art, seat depth adjustment refers to a configuration which allows the seat position to be varied, e.g. relative to the base support  11 , in the forward-rearward direction. While a tilt mechanism configured for seat depth adjustment will be explained with reference to  FIG. 17  to  FIG. 24  in the context of a segmented member which has a pivotable front section to reduce knee and heel rise, the tilt mechanisms are not limited thereto. For illustration, the tilt mechanisms which are configured to mitigate back shear and compression effects may also have features which allow the seat depth to be adjusted. 
         [0146]      FIG. 17  is an exploded side view of a tilt mechanism  10  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 18  is a perspective partial view of the tilt mechanism  10  for one seat depth and  FIG. 19  is a perspective partial view of the tilt mechanism  10  for another seat depth. 
         [0147]    The tilt mechanism  10  comprises a base support  11 , a back support  12 , and a seat support  13  which are configured to provide weight-responsive recline characteristics. The tilt mechanism  10  comprises a segmented member. The segmented member has a first segment  21  and a second segment  22  coupled to the first segment  21  via an articulated connection  23 . A linkage  25  is configured to pivot the second segment relative to the first segment  21  when the seat support  13  is raised by a recline motion of the backrest support  12 . The first segment  21  may be rigidly attached to the seat support  13 . The segmented member and linkage may have any one of the configurations explained with reference to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 16  above. 
         [0148]    A seat of the tilt mechanism  10  comprises a slider system which allows the seat to slide forward and rearward relative to the base support  11 . The slide system may comprise sliders  84  which are attached to the segmented member. The sliders  84  may be received in guide recesses  85  which are best seen in  FIG. 18  and  FIG. 19 . As will be explained in more detail below, at least one of the sliders  84  is provided on the first segment  21  and at least another one of the sliders  84  is provided on the second segment  22 . 
         [0149]    A seat of the tilt mechanism may be configured to adjust itself in accordance with the pivoting motion of the second segment  22  relative to the first segment  21 . The seat may include a segmented support. The sliding panel may be overlaid on the segmented member in an abutting relationship. The sliding panel may include a first sliding panel segment  81 , a second sliding panel segment  82 , and an articulated connection  83 . The second sliding panel segment  82  may be pivotable relative to the first sliding panel segment  81  by virtue of the articulated connection  83 . The seat may include upholstery, padding or cover material overlaid on the segmented support. 
         [0150]    The articulated connection  83  may have a length  90  measured in the forward-rearward direction of the tilt mechanism which is greater than a length of the articulated connection  23  of the segmented member measured in the forward-rearward direction. Either one or both of the articulated connection  83  of the sliding panel and the articulated connection  23  of the segmented member may be configured as explained with reference to  FIG. 11  to  FIG. 16 , for example. 
         [0151]    As best seen in  FIG. 18  and  FIG. 19 , the sliding panel includes guide slots  85  in which the sliders  84  are slidably received. The guide slots  85  may have a length, measured in the forward-rearward direction of the tilt mechanism, which corresponds to the distance by which the seat may travel in the forward-rearward direction. The guide slots  85  may respectively have a length measured in the forward-rearward direction of the tilt mechanism which is less than the length  90  of the articulated connection  83  of the segmented support. 
         [0152]    At least one of the guide slots  85  is configured to receive a slider  84  provided on the first segment  21  of the segmented member. At least another one of the guide slots  85  is configured to receive another slider  84  provided on the second segment  22  of the segmented member. 
         [0153]    The sliders  84  and guide slots  85  may be configured such that the slider  84  provided on the second segment  22  of the segmented member is operative to exert a downward force onto the second sliding panel segment  82 . 
         [0154]    The slider system which comprises the guide slots  85  and the sliders  84  received therein allows the seat to be displaced. The guide slots  85  move over the sliders  84 . Ends of the guide slots  85  act as end stops for the movement of the seat. 
         [0155]    The slider system may be configured to lock the seat in position in the forward-rearward direction. An activation member  87  for locking the seat may be provided. Activation of the activation member  87  causes engagement with a locking feature  86  provided on the segmented member. The activation member  87  may be provided on the pivotable second sliding panel segment  82 . The locking feature  86  may be provided on the pivotable second segment  22 . 
         [0156]    The tilt mechanism  10  is configured such that the articulated connection  83  remains positioned above the articulated connection  23  for any position to which the seat may be adjusted in the forward-rearward direction. The length  90  of the articulated connection  83  may be set in dependence on the desired travel of the seat so as to ensure that the articulated connection  83  remains positioned above the articulated connection  23  for any position to which the seat may be adjusted in the forward-rearward direction. This allows the seat to adjust when the second segment  22  is pivoted relative to the first segment  21  to reduce upward travel of the front end of the second segment  22 . 
         [0157]    The slider(s)  84  attached to the second segment  22  and received in guide slots  85  on the second sliding panel segment  82  are operative to exert a force onto the second sliding panel segment  82  in a downward direction. A lower end face of the slider(s)  84  may abut on a surface of the guide slot to exert the downward force onto the second sliding panel segment  82 . The front end of the seat may thereby be pulled downward to limit upward travel of the front end of the seat. 
         [0158]      FIG. 20  is an enlarged perspective view of a slider  84  which may be attached to or integrally formed with the second segment  22 . The slider  91  has side faces  91  for abutting contact with the guide slot  85 . The slider  91  may have a central opening  92  for attachment to the second segment  22 , e.g. via a bolt or threaded connection. The slider  91  has a lower face  93  configured to abut on a face of the guide slot  85 , so as to pull the second sliding panel segment  82  downward relative to the first sliding panel segment  81  when the linkage  25  pivots the second segment  22  relative to the first segment  21 . 
         [0159]    Operation of the tilt mechanism  10  will be explained in more detail with reference to  FIG. 21  to  FIG. 24 .  FIG. 21  shows the tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 17  when the backrest is not reclined and the seat is in a rearmost position relative to the base support.  FIG. 22  shows the tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 17  when the backrest is not reclined and the seat is in a frontmost position relative to the base support.  FIG. 23  shows the tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 17  when the backrest is reclined and the seat is in the rearmost position relative to the base support.  FIG. 24  shows the tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 17  when the backrest is reclined and the seat is in the frontmost position relative to the base support. 
         [0160]    As best seen in  FIG. 21  and  FIG. 22 , the articulated connection  83  of the sliding panel remains positioned above the articulated connection  23  of the segmented member  20  for any position of the seat when the seat is displaced in the forward-rearward position. 
         [0161]    When the backrest support  12  performs a recline movement, as shown in  FIG. 23  and  FIG. 24 , the first segment  21  and the first sliding panel segment  81  are raised by the upward movement of the seat support  13 . The linkage  25  pivots the second segment  22  relative to the first segment  21 . The slider system causes the second sliding panel segment  82  to be pulled downward relative to the first sliding panel segment  81  when the linkage  25  pivots the second segment  22  relative to the first segment  21 . 
         [0162]    When the backrest support  12  moves back to a position which it is not reclined, the linkage  25  causes the second segment  22  to pivot upward relative to the first segment  22 . Abutment of the second segment  22  on the second sliding panel segment  82  returns the second sliding panel segment  82  to the position shown in  FIG. 21  and  FIG. 22 , respectively. 
         [0163]    As seen in  FIG. 21  and  FIG. 23 , when the seat is in a rearmost position, the articulated connection  23  of the segmented member overlaps with a front portion of the articulated connection  83 . As seen in  FIG. 22  and  FIG. 24 , when the seat is in a frontmost position, the articulated connection  23  of the segmented member overlaps with a rear portion of the articulated connection  83 . This ensures that the seat adapts to the configuration of the segmented member irrespective of how it is positioned in the forward-rearward direction relative to the base support  11 . 
         [0164]    The tilt mechanism according to embodiments may be configured to allow an adjustment in depth of the seat. In some embodiments, the segmented may be an intermediate member interposed between the seat support  13  and the seat. The first segment  21 , which may be the rear segment, of the segmented member may be directly connected to the seat support  13 . The second segment  22 , which may be the front segment, may be pivotally linked to the base support  11  via a link  26  and a pin  27  provided on the link  26 . The second segment may be connected through a resilient articulation  23  to the rear segment. 
         [0165]    When tilting back, the first segment  21  rises together with the seat support  13 , while the second segment  22  connected to the base support  11  is forced by link  26  to pivot downward. A front end of the second segment  22  may be pulled down, mitigating knee and heel rise. 
         [0166]    The segmented member  21 - 23  may be surmounted by the resilient sliding panel. The resilient sliding panel may comprise a front section  82 , a rear section  81  and a central section  83 . The resilient sliding panel may follow the articulation of the segmented member during backrest recline. The sliding panel automatically adapts itself to the seat depth chosen by the user. The sliding panel can be positioned forward or rearward because of the slots  85  in its sections which receive the sliders  84 . The sliding panel can also be locked in a preferred position thanks to a button or other activation member  87  on its front section  82 . Activation of the activation member  87  may cause engagement with a locking rack  86  on the second segment  22 . 
         [0167]    The tilt mechanism according to any one of the various embodiments may be configured such that it can be easily installed on seating furniture even when there is no central support column. The tilt mechanism may include two mechanisms which each have at least one link forming the seat support. The two mechanisms may be installed on lateral sides of the seating furniture to provide a weight-responsive recline characteristics. A linkage acts on a segmented member to mitigate at least one of knee and heel rise or back compression. 
         [0168]      FIG. 25  is a side view of a tilt mechanism  10  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 26  is an exploded perspective view of the tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 25 .  FIG. 27  is an enlarged partial perspective view of the tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 25 .  FIG. 28  and  FIG. 29  are partially broken-away side views showing the tilt mechanism  10  when the backrest is not reclined and when the backrest is reclined, respectively.  FIG. 30  is a side view of the tilt mechanism of  FIG. 25  when the backrest is reclined. 
         [0169]    The tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 25  to  FIG. 30  includes a base support  11 , a backrest support  12 , a seat support  13 , and a segmented member. The segmented member may define a support surface for the user&#39;s weight and may form the seat or may be interposed between the seat and the seat support. The segmented member includes a first segment  21  which moves jointly with the seat support and a second segment  22  which is articulated to the first segment  21  via an articulated connection  23 . The articulated connection  23  may have any one of a variety of configurations as explained above. A linkage  25  causes the second segment  22  to pivot relative to the first segment  21  when the first segment  21  is displaced relative to the base support  11 . 
         [0170]    The tilt mechanism  10  of an embodiment has a base support  11 . The base support  11  may be fixedly attached to the base assembly  4 . The base support  11  may define two receptacles  104 ,  105  on lateral sides of the seating furniture. At least part of the mechanisms  106 ,  107  which will be described in more detail below may be accommodated in the receptacles  104 ,  105 . 
         [0171]    The tilt mechanism  10  includes a first recline mechanism  106  and a second recline mechanism  107  which are arranged on opposite lateral sides of the seating furniture. The first recline mechanism  106  and the second recline mechanism  107  generally have identical or mirror-symmetrical configurations. The configuration described with reference to the first recline mechanism  106  below may accordingly be implemented also in the second recline mechanism  107 . 
         [0172]    The first mechanism  106  has a first lever  131  and a third lever  133 , which respectively are attached to the seat. The first lever  131  and the third lever  133  may be pivotably attached to the seat. The first lever  131  and the third lever  133  may be pivotably attached to the first segment  21  of the segmented member which is comprised by the seat or which is arranged to extend below the seat. The tilt mechanism  10  has a backrest support  12 . In the installed state of the tilt mechanism  10 , the backrest support  12  may be fixedly attached to the backrest  2 . For illustration, the backrest support  12  may be attached to a lateral arm of the backrest  2 . The tilt mechanism  10  may further have a second lever  132  which is pivotably attached to the first lever  131  and the backrest support  12 . The second lever  132  may be operative to force the first lever  131  to pivot relative to the base support  11  when the backrest support  12  pivots relative to the base support  11 . The movement of the seat induced by the movement of the first lever  131  also causes the third lever  133  to pivot relative to the base support  11 . An energy storage mechanism, which may comprise a spring  135 , is connected between the second lever  132  and the first lever  131  to provide a self-balancing function. 
         [0173]    The small width in the lateral dimension allows the first recline mechanism  106  and/or second recline mechanism  107  to be partially hidden from view. For illustration, at least part of the first recline mechanism  106  may be arranged in a first lateral pocket and at least part of the second tilt mechanism  107  may be arranged in a second lateral pocket on the opposite lateral side of the seating furniture. 
         [0174]    With the first and second recline mechanisms  106 ,  107  being installed at lateral sides of the seating furniture, the tilt mechanism may also be installed in chairs or other seating furniture which do not have a central support. 
         [0175]    The receptacles  104 ,  105  may act as carriers for the first and second recline mechanisms  106 ,  107 . When the tilt mechanism is installed, the carrier may be the fixed part of the recline mechanisms  106 ,  107 . The receptacles  104 ,  105  may be attached to a chair such that the carrier remains stationary relative to a base assembly of the chair. The receptacles  104 ,  105  may have a U-shape configuration, with at least part of the first lever  31  and the second lever  32  being disposed within a cavity defined by the U-shape of the receptacles  104 ,  105 . The U-shaped receptacles  104 ,  105  may comprise a first wall section and a second wall section parallel to the first wall section, with the first lever  31  and the second lever  32  entering a space between the first wall section and the second wall section of the receptacle  104  or of the receptacle  105 . 
         [0176]    The recline mechanism  106  comprises the first lever  131  configured to be attached to the seat of the chair. A first pivot axis  141  is positioned on a front part of the receptacle  104 . The first lever  131  is pivotably attached to the receptacle  104  at the first pivot axis  141 . The first lever  131  may pivot relative to the carrier about the first pivot axis  141 . The first pivot axis  141  may have a fixed location relative to the receptacle  104 . The first pivot axis  141  may comprise a pin which extends through an opening in the receptacle  104  and an opening in the first lever  131 . The first lever  131  has a mount structure  138  for mounting the first lever  131  to the seat. The mount structure  138  may comprise a hole through which a pin  28  may be inserted to pivotably couple the first lever  131  to the seat. The first lever  131  may comprise a pair of walls, with the second lever  132  entering a space defined between the pair of walls of the first lever  131 . In other embodiments, the second lever  132  may move along a side of the first lever  131  and the first lever  131  does not include a cavity. The first lever  131  may be arranged on the receptacle  104  such that the mount structure  138  is positioned rearward and upwardly of the first pivot axis  141  when the backrest is in the frontmost position. The recline mechanism  106  may be configured such that the mount structure  138  remains positioned rearward and upwardly of the first pivot axis  141  while the backrest is reclined from its frontmost position to its rearmost position. 
         [0177]    The recline mechanism  106  comprises the second lever  132  which is pivotably attached to the backrest support  12  at a second pivot axis  142 . The second pivot axis  142  may comprise a pin which projects through an opening in the backrest support  12  and an opening in the second lever  132 . The second lever  132  is coupled to the first lever  131  by a coupling mechanism to pivot the first lever  131  about the first pivot axis  141  when the backrest support  12  pivots relative to the receptacle  104 . The second lever  132  may be pivotably coupled to the first lever  131  at a fourth pivot axis  144 . The fourth pivot axis  144  may comprise a pin which extends through an opening in the first lever  131  and through an opening in the second lever  132 . The fourth pivot axis  144  and the second pivot axis  142  may be attached to the second lever  132  at opposite ends of the second lever  132 . 
         [0178]    The fourth pivot axis  144  may be provided at a fixed location on the first lever  131  and on the second lever  132 . The fourth pivot axis  144  may project into a recess on the receptacle  104 . The recess on the receptacle  104  may be a hole in which the fourth pivot axis  144  is rotatable. The recess defines a travel of the first lever  131  and, thus, of the seat attached to the first lever  131 . 
         [0179]    An energy storage mechanism is connected to the first lever  131  and the second lever  132 . The energy storage mechanism may be or may comprise a spring  135 . The energy storage mechanism may be connected to the first lever  131  adjacent to the mount structure  138 . The energy storage mechanism may be connected to the second lever  132  towards a rear end of the second lever  132 , e.g. adjacent to the second pivot axis  142 . The opposite end of the energy storage mechanism may also be mounted in other ways, e.g. by attachment to the receptacle  104 . 
         [0180]    The recline mechanism  106  may comprise a third lever  133 . The third lever  133  may also be configured to be attached to the seat. The third lever  133  may have a mount structure  139  for mounting the third lever  133  to the seat. The mount structure  139  may comprise a hole through which a pin  139  may be inserted to pivotably couple the third lever  133  to the seat. The third lever  133  may be arranged on the receptacle  104  such that the mount structure  139  is positioned rearward and upwardly of a third pivot axis  143  when the backrest is in the frontmost position. Both the third lever  133  and the backrest support  12  may pivot relative to the receptacle  104  when the backrest support  12  is reclined. 
         [0181]    The recline mechanism  106  may be configured such that the backrest support  12  and the third lever  133  are caused to pivot in opposite directions. When the backrest support  12  is pivoted rearward during a recline motion of the backrest, the recline mechanism  106  may cause the third lever  133  to simultaneously pivot in a forward direction, thereby causing the seat to lift and to move forward. When the backrest support  12  is pivoted forwardly, the recline mechanism  106  may cause the third lever  133  to simultaneously pivot in a rearward direction, thereby causing the seat to be lowered and to move backward. 
         [0182]    When a person sitting on the seat reclines the backrest, the backrest support  12  rotates in a recline movement. This causes a movement of the second pivot axis  142  about the third pivot axis  143 . The second lever  132  is thereby actuated and transmits a rotational movement to the first lever  131 . Movement of the second pivot axis  142  causes the fourth pivot axis  144  at the front portion of the second lever  132  to pivot about the first pivot axis  141 . This movement of the fourth pivot axis  144  also leads to a rotation of the first lever  131  about the first pivot axis  141 . The mount structure  138  of the first lever  131  performs a movement in the forward and upward direction. Accordingly, the location at which the first segment  21  is attached to the first lever  131  also performs a forward and upward movement as the backrest is reclined. This movement of the first segment causes the third lever  133  to pivot about the third pivot axis  143  in a forward direction. The mount structure  139  of the third lever  133  is caused to perform a movement in the forward and upward direction. 
         [0183]    The reclining movement of the backrest causes the first segment  21  of the seat to be raised. The second lever  132  exerts a force onto the backrest support, with the magnitude of the force depending on the weight of the person sitting on the chair. Accordingly, the torque applied onto the backrest support  12  via the second lever  132  depends on the weight of the person sitting on the seat. 
         [0184]    In order to reduce upward travel of a front and/or rear part of the seat, the second segment  22  is caused to pivot about an articulated connection  23  relative to the first segment  21 . A linkage  120  effects this pivoting movement of the second segment  22  which limits upward travel of the front and/or rear edge of the seat. 
         [0185]    An enlarged view of the linkage  120  is shown in  FIG. 27 . The linkage  120  includes a first link  121  and a second link  122 . The second link  122  may be connected to the first lever  131  through a pivot  124  on the first lever  131 . A pin may project at pivot  124  of the first lever  131  into a slot  123  of the second link  122 . The first link  121  may be pivoted to the base support  11  in a pivot  125 . The first link  121  may be pivotably attached to the second link  122  at a pivot  126 . The pivot  126  may be arranged at an outer end of the second link  122 . 
         [0186]    When the backrest is reclined, the first lever  131  pivots. This causes the pivot  126  to travel upward when the backrest is reclined, because the slot  123  is pushed downward by the movement of the first lever  131 . 
         [0187]    The first link  121  may be fitted to a front edge of the second segment  22  at a pivot  127 . When the backrest is reclined, the first link  121  pulls down the front edge of the second segment  22  relative to the first segment  21 . The upward travel of the front edge of the second segment  22  is thereby reduced. 
         [0188]    A linkage  120  configured as explained with reference to  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 27  may also be interconnected between the first lever  131  of the second recline mechanism  107  and the front end of the second segment  22  of the segmented member. 
         [0189]    Operation of the tilt mechanism  10  of  FIG. 25  to  FIG. 30  will be explained in more detail with reference to  FIG. 28  and  FIG. 29 .  FIG. 28  shows the tilt mechanism  10  in a state when the backrest is not reclined.  FIG. 29  shows the tilt mechanism  10  in a state in which the backrest is fully reclines. 
         [0190]    The reclining motion of the backrest support  12  causes the first lever  131  and the third lever  133  to pivot, raising the first segment  21  of the seat upward. The linkage  120  pulls the front end of the second segment  22  downward to pivot the second segment  22  relative to the first segment  21  about the articulated connection  23 . Upward travel of the front end of the seat may thereby be reduced, as illustrated in  FIG. 30 . 
         [0191]    In any one of the tilt mechanisms explained with reference to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 30  above, the linkage may not only be operative to pivot the second segment relative to the first segment when the backrest is reclined, but may also be operative to pivot the second segment back to a rest configuration relative to the first segment when the backrest is returned to the frontmost position. The linkage may pivot the second segment downward relative to the first segment when the first segment is raised. The linkage may pivot the second segment upward relative to the first segment when the first segment is lowered. 
         [0192]    Modifications and alterations may be implemented in tilt mechanisms of further embodiments. 
         [0193]    For illustration, the tilt mechanism may include a slider system for depth adjustment and/or a pair of recline mechanisms provided on opposite lateral sides of the seating furniture not only when the front segment of the seat is pivoted downward, but also when the rear segment of the seat is pivoted downward during backrest recline. 
         [0194]    It will be appreciated that the tilt mechanism according to embodiments may be used in chairs and other seating furniture of various other kinds and types. 
         [0195]    Various effects may be attained by tilt mechanisms of embodiments and seating furniture using the same. The configuration of the tilt mechanism allows weight-responsive recline characteristics to be attained while mitigating problems associated with large upward travel of the front end and/or rear end of the seat.