Furniture member having lumbar adjustment mechanism

A furniture assembly may include a seat bottom, a seatback, and a lumbar adjustment assembly. The seatback is disposed adjacent the seat bottom and includes a seatback frame. The lumbar adjustment assembly may be mounted to the seatback frame and may include a rail, a threaded rod disposed within the rail, a first slider block slidably engaging the rail, a second slider block slidably engaging the rail, a lumbar pad, and links connecting the lumbar pad to the first and second slider blocks. The threaded rod may include a first threaded section having threads with a first handedness and a second threaded section having threads with a second handedness that is opposite the first handedness. The first slider block may threadably engage the first threaded section. The second slider block may threadably engage the second threaded section. One or more massaging units may be mounted to the lumbar pad.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an adjustment mechanism, such as a lumbar adjustment mechanism for a seating or furniture assembly.

BACKGROUND

A furniture member (e.g., a chair, sofa, loveseat, etc.) may include an adjustable lumbar support that allows a user to adjust the amount of support that a seatback of the furniture member provides at a lumbar portion of the user's back. The present disclosure provides a lumbar adjustment assembly that is compact in size while still providing a sufficiently large range of motion. The lumbar adjustment assembly of the present disclosure fits within a slimmer space within a seatback frame, which allows for a wider variety of aesthetic designs of the seatback without sacrificing functionality. In some configurations, the lumbar adjustment assembly of the present disclosure provides appropriate support in a wider width seat, such as in an oversized armchair (or “chair and a half”), for example. In some configurations, the lumbar adjustment assemblies of the present disclosure may include one or more massaging units.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an assembly (e.g., a seating or furniture assembly) that may include a seat bottom, a seatback, and a lumbar adjustment assembly. The seatback is disposed adjacent the seat bottom and includes a seatback frame. The lumbar adjustment assembly may be mounted to the seatback frame and may include a rail, a threaded rod disposed within the rail, a first slider block slidably engaging the rail, a second slider block slidably engaging the rail, one or more lumbar pads, and a plurality of links connecting the lumbar pad to the first and second slider blocks. The threaded rod may include a first threaded section having threads with a first handedness and a second threaded section having threads with a second handedness that is opposite the first handedness. The first slider block may threadably engage the first threaded section. The second slider block may threadably engage the second threaded section.

In some configurations of the assembly of the above paragraph, the assembly includes a motor assembly attached to the rail and rotatably driving the threaded rod relative to the rail.

In some configurations of the assembly of either of the above paragraphs, the links include a pair of first links and a pair of second links.

In some configurations of the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs, a first end of each of the first links is rotatably coupled to the first slider block, a second end of each of the first links is rotatably coupled to the lumbar pad, a first end of each of the second links is rotatably coupled to the second slider block, and a second end of each of the second links is rotatably coupled to the lumbar pad.

In some configurations of the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs, the second ends of the first links and the second ends of the second links are rotatably coupled to the lumbar pad at a common rotational axis.

In some configurations of the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs, the lumbar pad moves in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first and second slider blocks move along the rail.

In some configurations of the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs, the lumbar pad moves away from the rail when the first and second slider blocks move toward each other along the rail, and the lumbar pad moves toward from the rail when the first and second slider blocks move away from each other along the rail. In other configurations of the assembly, the first and second links could be configured such that the lumbar pad moves away from the rail when the first and second slider blocks move away from each other along the rail, and the lumbar pad moves toward from the rail when the first and second slider blocks move toward each other along the rail.

In some configurations of the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs, the seatback frame includes a lower cross member, an upper cross member, a first lateral support member, and a second lateral support member. A motor assembly of the lumbar adjustment assembly may be attached to the first lateral support member and the rail is attached to the second lateral support member.

In some configurations of the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs, each of the first and second slider blocks includes a channel that slidably and non-rotatably receives the rail.

In some configurations of the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs, the threaded rod is a single, unitary body.

In some configurations, the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs includes a massaging unit mounted to the lumbar pad.

The present disclosure also provides an assembly (e.g., a seating or furniture assembly) that may include a frame, a motor assembly, a rail, a threaded rod, a first slider block, a second slider block, and a plurality of links. The motor assembly may include a housing attached to the frame. The rail may include a first end attached to the motor assembly and a second end attached to the frame. The threaded rod may be coupled to the motor assembly and may be disposed within a channel of the rail. The threaded rod may include a first threaded section having threads with a first handedness and a second threaded section having threads with a second handedness that is opposite the first handedness. The first slider block may slidably engage the rail and may threadably engage the first threaded section. The second slider block may slidably engage the rail and may threadably engage the second threaded section. The plurality of links may be rotatably coupled to the first and second slider blocks.

In some configurations of the assembly of the above paragraph, the assembly may include a support member attached to the plurality of links.

In some configurations of the assembly of either of the above paragraphs, the support member is a lumbar pad, and the frame is a seatback frame.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the seatback frame includes a lower cross member, an upper cross member, a first lateral support member, and a second lateral support member. The housing of the motor assembly may be attached to the first lateral support member and the second end of the rail may be attached to the second lateral support member.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the links include a pair of first links and a pair of second links.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a first end of each of the first links is rotatably coupled to the first slider block, a second end of each of the first links is rotatably coupled to the support member, a first end of each of the second links is rotatably coupled to the second slider block, and a second end of each of the second links is rotatably coupled to the support member.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the second ends of the first links and the second ends of the second links are rotatably coupled to the support member at a common rotational axis.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the support member moves in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first and second slider blocks move along the rail.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the support member moves away from the rail when the first and second slider blocks move toward each other along the rail, and the support member moves toward from the rail when the first and second slider blocks move away from each other along the rail. In other configurations of the assembly, the first and second links could be configured such that the support member moves away from the rail when the first and second slider blocks move away from each other along the rail, and the support member moves toward from the rail when the first and second slider blocks move toward each other along the rail.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, each of the first and second slider blocks includes a channel that slidably and non-rotatably receives the rail.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the threaded rod is a single, unitary body.

In some configurations, the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs includes a massaging unit mounted to the lumbar pad.

The present disclosure also provides an assembly (e.g., a seating or furniture assembly) that may include a seat bottom, a seatback, and an adjustment assembly. The seatback is disposed adjacent the seat bottom and includes a seatback frame. The lumbar adjustment assembly may be mounted to the seatback frame and may include a rail, a threaded rod disposed within the rail, first slider block slidably engaging the rail, a second slider block slidably engaging the rail, a third slider block slidably engaging the rail, one or more lumbar pads, and a plurality of links connecting the lumbar pad to the first, second, and third slider blocks. The threaded rod may include a first threaded section having threads with a first handedness and a second threaded section having threads with a second handedness that is opposite the first handedness. The first and second slider blocks may threadably engage the first threaded section. The third slider block may threadably engage the second threaded section.

In some configurations of the assembly of the above paragraph, the assembly includes a motor assembly attached to the rail and rotatably driving the threaded rod relative to the rail.

In some configurations of the assembly of either of the above paragraphs, the links include a pair of first links, a pair of second links, and a pair of third links.

In some configurations of the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs, a first end of each of the first links is rotatably coupled to the first slider block, a second end of each of the first links is rotatably coupled to the lumbar pad, a first end of each of the second links is rotatably coupled to the second slider block, a second end of each of the second links is rotatably coupled to the lumbar pad, a first end of each of the third links is rotatably coupled to the third slider block, and a second end of each of the third links is rotatably coupled to the lumbar pad.

In some configurations of the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs, the second ends of the first links, the second ends of the second links, and the second ends of the third links are rotatably coupled to the lumbar pad at first, second, and third rotational axes, respectively. The first, second, and third rotational axes may be spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other.

In some configurations of the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs, the lumbar pad moves in a direction perpendicular to directions in which the first, second, and third slider blocks move along the rail.

In some configurations of the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs, the lumbar pad moves away from the rail when the first and second slider blocks move toward the third slider block along the rail, and the lumbar pad moves toward from the rail when the first and second slider blocks move away from the third slider block along the rail.

In some configurations of the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs, the seatback frame includes a lower cross member, an upper cross member, a first lateral support member, and a second lateral support member. A motor assembly of the adjustment assembly may be attached to the first lateral support member and the rail is attached to the second lateral support member.

In some configurations of the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs, each of the first, second, and third slider blocks includes a channel that slidably and non-rotatably receives the rail.

In some configurations of the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs, the threaded rod is a single, unitary body.

In some configurations, the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs includes a massaging unit mounted to the lumbar pad.

The present disclosure also provides an assembly (e.g., a seating or furniture assembly) that may include a frame, a motor assembly, a rail, a threaded rod, a first slider block, a second slider block, a third slider block, and a plurality of links. The motor assembly may include a housing attached to the frame. The rail may include a first end attached to the motor assembly and a second end attached to the frame. The threaded rod may be coupled to the motor assembly and may be disposed within a channel of the rail. The threaded rod may include a first threaded section having threads with a first handedness and a second threaded section having threads with a second handedness that is opposite the first handedness. The first slider block may slidably engage the rail and may threadably engage the first threaded section. The second slider block may slidably engage the rail and may threadably engage the first threaded section. The third slider block may slidably engage the rail and may threadably engage the second threaded section. The plurality of links may be rotatably coupled to the first, second, and third slider blocks.

In some configurations of the assembly of the above paragraph, the assembly includes a support member attached to the plurality of links.

In some configurations of the assembly of either of the above paragraphs, the support member is a lumbar pad, and the frame is a seatback frame.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the seatback frame includes a lower cross member, an upper cross member, a first lateral support member, and a second lateral support member. The housing of the motor assembly may be attached to the first lateral support member and the second end of the rail may be attached to the second lateral support member.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the links include a pair of first links, a pair of second links, and a pair of third links.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a first end of each of the first links is rotatably coupled to the first slider block, a second end of each of the first links is rotatably coupled to the support member, a first end of each of the second links is rotatably coupled to the second slider block, a second end of each of the second links is rotatably coupled to the support member, a first end of each of the third links is rotatably coupled to the third slider block, and a second end of each of the third links is rotatably coupled to the support member.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the second ends of the first, second, and third links are rotatably coupled to the support member at first, second, and third rotational axes, respectively. The first, second, and third rotational axes may be spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the support member moves in a direction perpendicular to directions in which the first, second, and third slider blocks move along the rail.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the support member moves away from the rail when the first and second slider blocks move toward the third slider block along the rail, and the support member moves toward from the rail when the first and second slider blocks move away from the third slider block along the rail.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, each of the first, second, and third slider blocks includes a channel that slidably and non-rotatably receives the rail.

In some configurations of the assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the threaded rod is a single, unitary body.

In some configurations, the assembly of any or more of the above paragraphs includes a massaging unit mounted to the lumbar pad.

The present disclosure also provides a furniture assembly that includes a seat bottom, a seatback, a lumbar adjustment assembly, and a massaging unit. The seatback is disposed adjacent the seat bottom and including a seatback frame. The lumbar adjustment assembly may be mounted to the seatback frame and may include a lumbar pad, a plurality of links connecting the lumbar pad, and a motor assembly configured to drive the links to move the lumbar pad relative to the seatback frame between a first position and a second position. The lumbar pad is configured to push an upholstery of the seatback as the lumbar pad moves between the first and second positions. The massaging unit mounted to the lumbar pad and configured to move with the lumbar pad relative to the seatback frame between the first position and the second position.

In some configurations of the furniture assembly of the above paragraph, the massaging unit is configured to transmit vibration through the lumbar pad.

In some configurations of the furniture assembly of either of the above paragraphs, the massaging unit is mounted within a cavity formed in the lumbar pad.

In some configurations, the furniture assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs includes a damping pad in contact with the lumbar pad and the massaging unit.

In some configurations of the furniture assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the massaging unit includes a motor, an output shaft, and a rotationally unbalanced weight. The output shaft is connected to the rotationally unbalanced weight, and the motor spins the output shaft and the rotationally unbalanced weight relative to the lumbar pad.

In some configurations of the furniture assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the lumbar pad includes a wire-routing aperture through which a wire connected to the massaging unit extends.

In some configurations of the furniture assembly of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the lumbar pad includes a resiliently flexible arm that secures the massaging unit to the lumbar pad.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference toFIGS.1-11, a seating or furniture assembly10(FIGS.1and2) is provided that may include a seat bottom12, a seatback14, and a lumbar adjustment mechanism or assembly16(FIGS.3-11). In some configurations, the seatback14may be movable relative to the seat bottom12between reclined and upright positions. In some configurations, the seating or furniture assembly10may include a legrest assembly18that is movable relative to the seat bottom12between a retracted position (FIG.1) and an extended position (FIG.2). The seatback14includes a lumbar support section20in which the lumbar adjustment assembly16is disposed. As will be described in more detail below, the lumbar adjustment assembly16can be actuated to move the lumbar support section20of the seatback14in a lumbar extension direction A to increase occupant lumbar support or in a lumbar retraction direction B to decrease occupant lumbar support. The lumbar adjustment assembly16is operable independently of any seatback reclining mechanism, tilting mechanism or the legrest assembly18.

Referring now toFIGS.3and4, the seatback14includes a seatback frame22(which, inFIGS.1and2, is shown covered with padding and upholstery) that may have an upper cross member24, a lower cross member26(i.e., the end adjacent the seat bottom12when the seating or furniture assembly10is fully assembled), and first and second lateral support members28,29extending between the upper and lower cross members24,26. The lumbar adjustment assembly16may be mounted to the first and second lateral support members28,29. The lumbar adjustment assembly16may be disposed between the upper and lower cross members24,26at a location corresponding to the lumbar support section20(FIGS.1and2) of the seatback14.

As shown inFIGS.3-11, the lumbar adjustment assembly16may include a motor assembly30, a rail32, a threaded rod34, a first slider block36, a second slider block38, a pair of first links40, a pair of second links42, and a lumbar pad or support member44. The motor assembly30may include a housing46and a motor48. The housing46may include one or more mounting projections50each having an aperture52. A connecting pin54may extend through the aperture(s)52and engage a mounting bracket56that is fixedly attached to the first lateral support member28. It will be appreciated that the motor assembly30could be mounted to the seatback14in any suitable manner.

The motor48may be attached to and/or disposed at least partially within the housing46. The motor48may be operatively coupled (e.g., via one or more output shafts disposed in the motor housing46and, in some configurations, via gears and/or other couplings) to the threaded rod34such that operation of the motor48causes rotation of the threaded rod34about a longitudinal axis of the threaded rod34. As will be described in more detail below, operation of the motor48in a first direction causes the lumbar pad44to move relative to the seatback14in the lumbar extension direction A toward an extended position (FIGS.7and8), and operation of the motor48in a second direction causes the lumbar pad44to move relative to the seatback14in the lumbar retraction direction B toward a retracted position (FIGS.5and6).

The rail32may be an elongated member that defines an internal cavity58(FIGS.10and11) in which the threaded rod34is disposed. One end of the rail32may be fixedly attached to the housing46and another end of the rail32may include a mounting projection60. The mounting projection60may include an aperture62that receives a connecting pin64that engages a mounting bracket66that is fixedly attached to the second lateral support member29.

The threaded rod34may be an elongated cylindrical rod that is coupled to the motor48and threadably engages the first and second slider blocks36,38. As shown inFIGS.9and11, the threaded rod34may include a first threaded section68and a second threaded section70. The first threaded section68and the second threaded section70may have threads of opposite handedness. For example, the first threaded section68may have right-handed threads and the second threaded section70may have left-handed threads, or the first threaded section68may have left-handed threads and the second threaded section70may have right-handed threads.

The threaded rod34may include an intermediate section72(FIGS.9and11) disposed between the first and second threaded sections68,70. The intermediate section72defines a transitional portion of the threaded rod34between the first and second threaded sections68,70. In some configurations, the intermediate section72may be unthreaded. The first threaded section68may extend between the motor assembly30and the intermediate section72and may threadably engage the first slider block36. The second threaded section70may threadably engage the first slider block36and may extend between the intermediate section72and the mounting projection60attached to the second lateral support member28.

The opposite handedness of the first and second threaded portions68,70causes the first and second slider blocks36,38to move in opposite directions while the threaded rod34rotates. That is, rotation of the threaded rod34in one direction causes the first and second slider blocks36,38to move toward each other along the rail32, and rotation of the threaded rod34in the opposite direction causes the first and second slider blocks36,38to move away from each other along the rail32.

The first and second slider blocks36,38may be similar or identical to each other and may each include a channel74that movably receives the rail32. As shown inFIG.10, the channel74has a cross-sectional shape that substantially matches the outer cross-sectional shape of the rail32. In this manner, the first and second slider blocks36,38can slide along the rail32.

As shown inFIG.10, each of the first and second slider blocks36,38may include a nut portion76that extends from a main body of the slider block36,38into the channel74and threadably engages the threaded rod34. That is, the nut portion76includes a threaded aperture through which the threaded rod34is threadably received. The nut portion76of the first slider block36threadably engages the first threaded section68of the threaded rod34. The nut portion76of the second slider block38threadably engages the second threaded section70of the threaded rod34. Therefore, the nut portions76of the first and second slider blocks36,38have different threaded handedness (i.e., the nut portion76of the first slider block36has the same thread handedness as the first threaded section68, and the nut portion76of the second slider block38has the same thread handedness as the second threaded section70).

Since the cross-sectional shape of the channel74of the slider blocks36,38substantially matches the cross-sectional shape of the rail32, the rail32prevents the slider blocks36,38from rotating with the threaded rod34and allows the slider blocks36,38to slide along the rail32(in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the threaded rod34) while the threaded rod34rotates relative to the rail32. As described above, because the first and second threaded sections68,70of the threaded rod34have threads of opposite handedness, rotation of the threaded rod34in one direction causes the first and second slider blocks36,38to move toward each other along the rail32, and rotation of the threaded rod34in the opposite direction causes the first and second slider blocks36,38to move away from each other along the rail32(compareFIGS.5and7orFIGS.6and8).

The first links40and the second links42may be similar or identical to each other. As shown inFIGS.5and7, first ends of the first links40are rotatably connected to the first slider block36(e.g., via pins77) and second ends of the first links40are rotatably connected to the lumbar pad44(e.g., via pins or fasteners; not shown). First ends of the second links42are rotatably connected to the second slider block38(e.g., via pins77) and second ends of the second links42are rotatably connected to the lumbar pad44(e.g., via pins or fasteners; not shown). In the configuration shown in the figures, bracket plates78(FIGS.4and5) are fixedly attached (e.g., via threaded fasteners; not shown) to opposing sides of each of the slider blocks36,38. The links40,42are rotatably attached to the bracket plates78(e.g., via pins77). As shown inFIGS.5and7, the first and second links40,42may be coupled to the lumbar pad44along a common rotational axis R. In some configurations, however, the first links40may be coupled to the lumbar pad44along a first rotational axis, and the second links42may be coupled to the lumbar pad44along a second rotational axis that is spaced apart from the first rotational axis.

The lumbar pad44may be a relatively rigid member and may have a contoured support surface80(FIG.5). The support surface80may be in contact with and/or adjacent to the padding and upholstery that covers the seatback14. The lumbar adjustment assembly16may be positioned on the seatback frame22such that the support surface80corresponds to the lumbar support section20of the seatback14(i.e., the support surface80of the lumbar pad44supports the lumbar portion of a person's back who is sitting in the seating or furniture assembly10).

With continued reference toFIGS.1-11, operation of the lumbar adjustment assembly16will be described in detail. A user sitting in the seating or furniture assembly10can actuate the lumbar adjustment assembly16to adjust the position of the lumbar support section20of the seatback14. Movement of the lumbar adjustment assembly16from the retracted position (FIGS.5and6) to the extended position (FIGS.7and8) causes the lumbar pad44to move in the lumbar extension direction A (FIG.1); and movement of the lumbar adjustment assembly16from the extended position to the retracted position causes the lumbar pad44to move in the lumbar retraction direction B. Movement of the lumbar pad44toward the extended position moves the lumbar support section20(e.g., padding and/or upholstery covering the lumbar support section20of the seatback14) in the lumbar extension direction A; and movement of the lumbar pad44toward the retracted position allows the lumbar support section20(e.g., the padding and/or upholstery covering the lumbar support section20) to move in the lumbar retraction direction B.

To move the lumbar adjustment assembly16from the retracted position to the extended position, the user may press a button (not shown) or other switch or control interface located on the side of the seating or furniture assembly10or on a remote control (not shown), for example, to operate the motor48to drive the threaded rod34in a first rotational direction relative to the rail32. As described above, rotation of the threaded rod34in the first rotational direction causes the first and second slider blocks36,38to move linearly toward each other along the rail32. As the first and second slider blocks36,38move toward each other along the rail32, the links40,42rotate relative to the slider blocks36,38and force the lumbar pad44to move linearly in the lumbar extension direction A (seeFIG.8). The lumbar extension direction A may be perpendicular to the direction in which the slider blocks36,38move along the rail32. In other configurations, the links40,42could be configured such that the lumbar extension direction A extends at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the rail32. In some configurations, the links40,42could be configured such that the lumbar pad44moves in the lumbar extension direction A (i.e., away from the rail32) when the first and second slider blocks36,38move away from each other along the rail, and the lumbar pad44moves in the lumbar retraction direction B (i.e., toward from the rail32) when the first and second slider blocks36,38move toward each other along the rail32.

To move the lumbar adjustment assembly16from the extended position to the retracted position, the user may press another button (not shown) on the side of the seating or furniture assembly10or on the remote control (not shown), for example, to operate the motor48to drive the threaded rod34in a second rotational direction (opposite the first rotational direction) relative to the rail32. Rotation of the threaded rod34in the second rotational direction causes the first and second slider blocks36,38to move linearly away from each other along the rail32. As the first and second slider blocks36,38move away from each other along the rail32, the links40,42rotate relative to the slider blocks36,38and force the lumbar pad44to move linearly in the lumbar retraction direction B (seeFIG.6). The lumbar retraction direction B may be perpendicular to the direction in which the slider blocks36,38move along the rail32. In other configurations, the links40,42could be configured such that the lumbar retraction direction B extends at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the rail32.

In the particular example shown inFIGS.1and2, the assembly10is a chair; however, the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to chairs. That is, the lumbar adjustment assembly16can be incorporated into a variety of types of seating or furniture assemblies including single or multiple person furniture members, sofas, sectional members, loveseats, vehicle seating, dental seating, medical seating, etc. Furthermore, in any given seating or furniture assembly, the lumbar adjustment assembly16may be one of a plurality of movable or adjustable portions of the seating or furniture assembly, or the lumbar adjustment assembly16could be the only movable or adjustable portion of the seating or furniture assembly.

While the lumbar adjustment assembly16is described above as being driven by the motor assembly30, in some configurations, the lumbar adjustment assembly16could be manually driven.

Furthermore, while the threaded rod34shown in the figures is a single, unitary body, in some configurations, the threaded rod34could be formed by welding or otherwise attaching two rods (one rod corresponding to each of the first and second threaded sections68,70) together.

In some configurations, the threads of the first and second threaded sections68,70have the same pitch. In other configurations, the threads of the first threaded section68may have a different pitch than the threads of the second threaded section70. The different pitches of the threads of the first and second threaded sections68,70can allow the first and second slider blocks36,38to move at different speeds.

The links40,42could be shaped, sized, oriented and connected to the slider blocks36,38and lumbar pad44in any desired manner to produce any desired movement of the lumbar pad44(or multiple lumbar pads). Furthermore, the threaded rod34, slider blocks36,38and links40,42could be configured to move additional or alternative components of a seating or furniture assembly (i.e., instead of or in addition to the lumbar pad44).

With reference toFIGS.12-22, a seating or furniture assembly110(FIGS.12and13) is provided that may include a seat bottom112, a seatback114, and a lumbar adjustment mechanism or assembly116(FIGS.14-22). In some configurations, the seatback114may be movable relative to the seat bottom112between reclined and upright positions. In some configurations, the seating or furniture assembly110may include a legrest assembly118that is movable relative to the seat bottom112between a retracted position (FIG.12) and an extended position (FIG.13). The seatback114includes a lumbar support section120in which the lumbar adjustment assembly116is disposed. As will be described in more detail below, the lumbar adjustment assembly116can be actuated to move the lumbar support section120of the seatback114in a lumbar extension direction A to increase occupant lumbar support or in a lumbar retraction direction B to decrease occupant lumbar support. The lumbar adjustment assembly16is operable independently of any other mechanism (e.g., a seatback reclining mechanism, tilting mechanism, movable headrest mechanism, or the legrest assembly118) of the furniture assembly110.

Referring now toFIGS.14and15, the seatback114includes a seatback frame122(which, inFIGS.12and13, is shown covered with padding and upholstery) that may have an upper cross member124, a lower cross member126(i.e., the end adjacent the seat bottom112when the seating or furniture assembly110is fully assembled), and first and second lateral support members128,129extending between the upper and lower cross members124,126. The lumbar adjustment assembly116may be mounted to the first and second lateral support members128,129. The lumbar adjustment assembly116may be disposed between the upper and lower cross members124,126at a location corresponding to the lumbar support section120(FIGS.12and13) of the seatback114.

As shown inFIGS.14-22, the lumbar adjustment assembly116may include a motor assembly130, a rail132, a threaded rod134(FIGS.20-22), a first slider block136, a second slider block138, a third slider block139, a pair of first links140, a pair of second links142, a pair of third links143, and a support member (e.g., a lumbar pad)144. The motor assembly130may include a housing146and a motor148. The housing146may include one or more mounting projections150each having an aperture152(FIG.5). A connecting pin154(FIG.14) may extend through the aperture(s)152and engage a mounting bracket156that is fixedly attached to the second lateral support member129. It will be appreciated that the motor assembly130could be mounted to the seatback114in any suitable manner.

The motor148may be attached to and/or disposed at least partially within the housing146. The motor148may be operatively coupled (e.g., via one or more output shafts disposed in the motor housing146and, in some configurations, via gears and/or other couplings) to the threaded rod134such that operation of the motor148causes rotation of the threaded rod134about a longitudinal axis of the threaded rod134. As will be described in more detail below, operation of the motor148in a first direction causes the lumbar pad144to move relative to the seatback114in the lumbar extension direction A toward an extended position (FIGS.18and19), and operation of the motor148in a second direction causes the lumbar pad144to move relative to the seatback114in the lumbar retraction direction B toward a retracted position (FIGS.16and17).

The rail132may be an elongated member that defines an internal cavity158(FIGS.21and22) in which the threaded rod134is disposed. One end of the rail132may be fixedly attached to the housing146and another end of the rail132may include or be attached to a mounting bracket160. The mounting bracket160may be fixedly attached to the first lateral support member128.

The threaded rod134may be an elongated cylindrical rod that is coupled to the motor148and threadably engages the first, second and third slider blocks136,138,139. As shown inFIGS.20and22, the threaded rod134may include a first threaded section168and a second threaded section170. The first threaded section168and the second threaded section170may have threads of opposite handedness. For example, the first threaded section168may have right-handed threads and the second threaded section170may have left-handed threads, or the first threaded section168may have left-handed threads and the second threaded section170may have right-handed threads.

The threaded rod134may include an intermediate section172(FIGS.20and22) disposed between the first and second threaded sections168,170. The intermediate section172defines a transitional portion of the threaded rod134between the first and second threaded sections168,170. In some configurations, the intermediate section172may be unthreaded. The first threaded section168may extend between the motor assembly130and the intermediate section172and may threadably engage the third slider block139. The second threaded section170may threadably engage the first and second slider blocks136,138and may extend between the intermediate section172and the mounting bracket160attached to the second lateral support member128.

Due to the opposite handedness of the first and second threaded portions168,170, when the threaded rod134rotates, the first and second slider blocks136,138to move in a direction opposite a direction of movement of the third slider block139. That is, rotation of the threaded rod134in one direction causes the first, second and third slider blocks136,138,139to move along the rail132toward the intermediate section172(i.e., the first and second slider blocks136,138move toward the third slider block139and the third slider block139moves toward the first and second slider blocks136,138), and rotation of the threaded rod134in the opposite direction causes the first, second and third slider blocks136,138,139to move away from the intermediate section172along the rail132(i.e., the first and second slider blocks136,138move away from the third slider block139and the third slider block139moves away from the first and second slider blocks136,138).

The first, second and third slider blocks136,138,139may be similar or identical to each other and may each include a channel174that movably receives the rail132. As shown inFIG.21, the channel174has a cross-sectional shape that substantially matches the outer cross-sectional shape of the rail132. In this manner, the first, second and third slider blocks136,138,139can slide along the rail132.

As shown inFIG.21, each of the first, second, and third slider blocks136,138,139may include a nut portion176that extends from a main body of the slider block136,138,139into the channel174and threadably engages the threaded rod134. That is, the nut portion176includes a threaded aperture through which the threaded rod134is threadably received. The nut portions176of the first and second slider blocks136,138threadably engage the first threaded section168of the threaded rod134. The nut portion176of the third slider block139threadably engages the second threaded section170of the threaded rod134. Therefore, the nut portions176of the first and second slider blocks136,138have different threaded handedness than the nut portion176of the third slider block139(i.e., the nut portions176of the first and second slider blocks136,138have the same thread handedness as the first threaded section168, and the nut portion176of the third slider block139has the same thread handedness as the second threaded section170).

Since the cross-sectional shape of the channels174of the slider blocks136,138,139substantially matches the cross-sectional shape of the rail132, the rail132prevents the slider blocks136,138,139from rotating with the threaded rod134and allows the slider blocks136,138,139to slide along the rail132(in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the threaded rod134) while the threaded rod134rotates relative to the rail132. As described above, because the first and second threaded sections168,170of the threaded rod134have threads of opposite handedness, rotation of the threaded rod134in one direction causes the first and second slider blocks136,138to move toward the third slider block139along the rail132(and the third slider block139moves toward the first and second slider blocks136,138along the rail132), and rotation of the threaded rod134in the opposite direction causes the first and second slider blocks136,138to move away from the third slider block139along the rail132(and the third slider block139moves away from the first and second slider blocks136,138along the rail132) (compareFIGS.16and18orFIGS.17and19).

The first, second, and third links140,142,143may be similar or identical to each other. As shown inFIGS.16and18, first ends of the first links140are rotatably connected to the first slider block136(e.g., via pins or protrusions177) and second ends of the first links140are rotatably connected to the lumbar pad144(e.g., via pins or fasteners178). First ends of the second links142are rotatably connected to the second slider block138(e.g., via pins or protrusions717) and second ends of the second links142are rotatably connected to the lumbar pad144(e.g., via pins or fasteners178). First ends of the third links143are rotatably connected to the third slider block139(e.g., via pins or protrusions177) and second ends of the third links143are rotatably connected to the lumbar pad144(e.g., via pins or fasteners178). As shown inFIGS.16and18, the first, second, and third links140,142,143may be coupled to the lumbar pad144at first, second, and third rotational axes R1, R2, R3, respectively. The first, second, and third rotational axes R1, R2, R3are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other.

The lumbar pad144may be a relatively rigid member and may have a contoured support surface180(FIG.16). The support surface180may be in contact with and/or adjacent to the padding and upholstery that covers the seatback114. The lumbar adjustment assembly116may be positioned on the seatback frame122such that the support surface180corresponds to the lumbar support section120of the seatback114(i.e., the support surface180of the lumbar pad144supports the lumbar portion of a person's back who is sitting in the seating or furniture assembly110).

With continued reference toFIGS.12-22, operation of the lumbar adjustment assembly116will be described in detail. A user sitting in the seating or furniture assembly110can actuate the lumbar adjustment assembly116to adjust the position of the lumbar support section120of the seatback114. Movement of the lumbar adjustment assembly116from the retracted position (FIGS.16and17) to the extended position (FIGS.18and19) causes the lumbar pad144to move in the lumbar extension direction A (FIG.12); and movement of the lumbar adjustment assembly116from the extended position to the retracted position causes the lumbar pad144to move in the lumbar retraction direction B. Movement of the lumbar pad144toward the extended position moves the lumbar support section120(e.g., padding and/or upholstery covering the lumbar support section120of the seatback114) in the lumbar extension direction A; and movement of the lumbar pad144toward the retracted position allows the lumbar support section120(e.g., the padding and/or upholstery covering the lumbar support section120) to move in the lumbar retraction direction B.

To move the lumbar adjustment assembly116from the retracted position to the extended position, the user may press a button (not shown) or other switch or control interface located on the side of the seating or furniture assembly110or on a remote control (not shown), for example, to operate the motor148to drive the threaded rod134in a first rotational direction relative to the rail132. As described above, rotation of the threaded rod134in the first rotational direction causes the first and second slider blocks136,138to move toward the third slider block139and the third slider block139to move toward the first and second slider blocks136,138. As the first and second slider blocks136,138move toward each other along the rail132, the links140,142,143rotate relative to the slider blocks136,138,139and force the lumbar pad144to move linearly in the lumbar extension direction A (e.g., from the retracted position to the extended position) (seeFIG.19). The lumbar extension direction A may be perpendicular to the direction in which the slider blocks136,138,139move along the rail132. In other configurations, the links140,142,143could be configured such that the lumbar extension direction A extends at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the rail132.

To move the lumbar adjustment assembly116from the extended position to the retracted position, the user may press another button (not shown) on the side of the seating or furniture assembly110or on the remote control (not shown), for example, to operate the motor148to drive the threaded rod134in a second rotational direction (opposite the first rotational direction) relative to the rail132. Rotation of the threaded rod134in the second rotational direction causes the first and second slider blocks136,138to move away from the third slider block139and the third slider block139to move away from the first and second slider blocks136,138. As the first and second slider blocks136,138move in a direction opposite the third slider block139along the rail132, the links140,142,143rotate relative to the slider blocks136,138,139and force the lumbar pad144to move linearly in the lumbar retraction direction B (seeFIG.17). The lumbar retraction direction B may be perpendicular to the direction in which the slider blocks136,138,139move along the rail132. In other configurations, the links140,142,143could be configured such that the lumbar retraction direction B extends at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the rail132.

As described above, the slider blocks136,138,139are connected to the lumbar pad144via links140,142,143at three spaced-apart locations (i.e., at the first, second, and third rotational axes R1, R2, R3) along a length of the lumbar pad144. This configuration provides adequate support for the lumbar pad144along the entire length of the lumbar pad144so that a load applied to the any point on the surface180of the lumbar pad144can be adequately supported so that undesired movement or deflection of the lumbar pad144is reduced or eliminated. This may be particularly beneficial for a lumbar adjustment assembly116mounted in a wide seat assembly114. For example, the furniture assembly110shown inFIGS.12and13is an oversized or extra-wide chair (also known as a “chair-and-a-half”). The three slider blocks136,138,139and three pairs of links140,142,143supporting the extra-wide lumbar pad144in an extra-wide chair (or in an extra-wide backrest assembly114in a sofa, for example) adequately supports the lumbar pad144and reduces or prevents undesired movement of deflection of the lumbar pad144when subjected to a load at or near opposing ends190,192(FIG.14) of the lumbar pad144.

In the particular example shown inFIGS.12and13, the assembly110is a chair (e.g., an oversized chair); however, the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to chairs. That is, the lumbar adjustment assembly116can be incorporated into a variety of types of seating or furniture assemblies including single or multiple person furniture members, sofas, sectional members, loveseats, vehicle seating, dental seating, medical seating, etc. Furthermore, in any given seating or furniture assembly, the lumbar adjustment assembly116may be one of a plurality of movable or adjustable portions of the seating or furniture assembly, or the lumbar adjustment assembly116could be the only movable or adjustable portion of the seating or furniture assembly.

While the lumbar adjustment assembly116is described above as being driven by the motor assembly130, in some configurations, the lumbar adjustment assembly116could be manually driven.

Furthermore, while the threaded rod134shown in the figures is a single, unitary body, in some configurations, the threaded rod134could be formed by welding or otherwise attaching two rods (one rod corresponding to each of the first and second threaded sections168,170) together.

In some configurations, the threads of the first and second threaded sections168,170have the same pitch. In other configurations, the threads of the first threaded section168may have a different pitch than the threads of the second threaded section170. The different pitches of the threads of the first and second threaded sections168,170can allow the first and second slider blocks136,138to move at a different speed than the third slider block139.

The links140,142,143could be shaped, sized, oriented and connected to the slider blocks136,138,139and lumbar pad144in any desired manner to produce any desired movement of the lumbar pad144(or multiple lumbar pads). Furthermore, the threaded rod134, slider blocks136,138,139and links140,142,143could be configured to move additional or alternative components of a seating or furniture assembly (i.e., instead of or in addition to the lumbar pad144).

While the first and second slider blocks136,138are described above as being engaged with the first threaded section168of the threaded rod134and the third slider block139is described above a being engaged with the second threaded section170, in some configurations of the assembly116, two of the slider blocks136,138,139may be disposed on the second threaded section170and one of the blocks136,138,139could be on the first threaded section168. Furthermore, in some configurations of the assembly116, there could be more than three slider blocks or fewer than three slider blocks. For example, the assembly116could include only two slider blocks (e.g., one on each of the threaded sections168,170). As another example, the assembly116could include four (or more) slider blocks (one or more slider blocks on the first threaded section168and one or more slider blocks on the second threaded section170). Regardless of the number of slider blocks in the assembly116, each slider block may be coupled to the lumbar pad144by one or more links (e.g., like links140,142,143). Furthermore, while the section of the threaded rod134that is adjacent to motor assembly130is referred to above and in the figures as “the second threaded section170,” the section of the threaded rod134that is adjacent to motor assembly130could be termed “the first threaded section168.”

Furthermore, while the assembly116is described above as being a lumbar adjustment assembly116, in some configurations, the assembly116could be a movable headrest assembly (e.g., where the support member144is a headrest support member), a movable footrest assembly (e.g., where the support member144is a footrest support member), movable legrest assembly (e.g., where the support member144is a legrest support member), or a movable armrest assembly (e.g., where the support member144is a armrest support member), for example.

With reference toFIGS.23-27, another lumbar adjustment assembly216is provided. The lumbar adjustment assembly216can be similar or identical to either of the lumbar adjustment assembly16or116, except the lumbar adjustment assembly216includes one or more massaging units245. The lumbar adjustment assembly216can be incorporated into a furniture assembly10,110. As shown inFIG.27, the lumbar adjustment assembly216can be mounted to the seatback frame22,122of the seatback14,114. In other configurations, the assembly216could be a movable headrest assembly, a movable footrest assembly, movable legrest assembly, or a movable armrest assembly, for example.

As shown inFIG.23, the lumbar adjustment assembly216may include a motor assembly230, a rail232, a threaded rod (not shown; similar or identical to threaded rod34,134), a first slider block236, a second slider block238, a pair of first links240, a pair of second links242, a support member (e.g., a lumbar pad)244, and the massaging units245. The structure and function of the motor assembly230, rail232, threaded rod, slider blocks236,238, and links240,242may be similar or identical to that of the motor assembly30,130, rail32,132, threaded rod34,134, slider blocks36,38,136,139, and links40,42,140,143described above. The lumbar pad244may be similar or identical to the lumbar pad44,144described above, apart from differences described below and/or shown in the figures.

Like the lumbar pad44,144, the lumbar pad244may be a relatively rigid member and may have a contoured support surface280(FIGS.25and27). The support surface280may be in contact with and/or adjacent to the padding281and/or upholstery283that covers the seatback14,114(as shown inFIG.25). The lumbar adjustment assembly216may be positioned on the seatback frame22,122such that the support surface280corresponds to the lumbar support section20of the seatback14,114(i.e., the support surface280of the lumbar pad244supports the lumbar portion of a person's back who is sitting in the seating or furniture assembly10,110).

The massaging units245may be mounted to a backside284of the lumbar pad244(i.e., a side opposite the contoured surface280). In the example shown in the figures, the backside284of the lumbar pad244may define one or more cavities286in which the massaging units245may be received.

Each of the massaging units245may include a motor288, an output shaft290, and an unbalanced weight292. The motor288of each massaging unit245can be disposed within a respective one of the cavities286in the lumbar pad244and may be fixed relative to the lumbar pad244in any suitable manner. In the example shown in the figures, the motors288are retained within the respective cavities286by a plurality of resiliently flexible arms294(one or more arms294may retain each motor288within the respective cavity286). The arms294may be living hinges that are integrally formed with the lumbar pad244and securely retain the massaging units245to the lumbar pad244and yet allow for relatively easy installation and removal of the massaging units245. It will be appreciated that any suitable brackets, fasteners, and/or other mounting structures could be utilized instead of or in addition to the arms294to fix the motors288relative to the lumbar pad244.

The outputs shafts290and unbalanced weights292are rotatable relative to the lumbar pad244. Each output shaft290is connected to a respective one of the motors288and a respective one of the unbalanced weights292. During operation of the massaging units245, the motors288may spin the output shafts290, thereby spinning the unbalanced weights292relative to the lumbar pad244. Because the unbalanced weights292are rotationally unbalanced, spinning of the unbalanced weights292(by operation of the motors288) causes the massaging units245to vibrate. Such vibrations propagate from the motors288to the lumbar pad244. Such vibration of the lumbar pad244can be felt by an occupant of the furniture assembly10,110. That is, a person seated in the furniture assembly10,110may feel vibrations in his/her back when he/she rests his/her back against the upholstery282of the seatback14,114. In some configurations, the vibrations from the massaging units245may propagate throughout the entire lumbar adjustment assembly216and into the seatback frame22,122and potentially into the seat bottom12,112and legrest assembly18,118to provide a vibrating massaging effect that the occupant can feel throughout the furniture assembly10,110.

The amplitude and frequency of the vibrations created by the massaging units245can be adjusted by adjusting the rotational speed of the motors288and the amount of rotational unbalance of the unbalanced weights292. In some configurations, a user interface (e.g., buttons or knobs on the furniture assembly10,110or a remote control unit) may be provided to allow the occupant of the furniture assembly10,110to actively control the rotational speed of the motors288to personalize and actively adjust the massaging effect of the massaging units245while the occupant is seated in the furniture assembly10,110.

In some configurations (as shown inFIG.25), a damping pad296(e.g., a relatively thin sheet of foam, rubber or other soft, compressible material) may be disposed within each of the cavities286to insulate the motors288from the relatively hard material of the lumbar pad244. The damping pads296may deaden some of the sound associated with the vibration of the massaging units245to prevent any excessive rattling or other undesirable noises that might otherwise be caused by direct contact between the massaging units245and the lumbar pad244and/or other hard structures/components. The damping pads296could be disposed between the motors288and the bottoms of the cavities286and/or between the motors288and the arms294.

Furthermore, in some configurations, the lumbar pad244may include a removable lid297(shown in phantom lines inFIG.25) that can be removably attached to the backside284of the lumbar pad244to enclose the massaging units245within the lumbar pad244.

In some configurations, the lumbar pad244may include one or more wire-routing features298(shown inFIGS.23and24). The wire-routing features298may be apertures formed in the lumbar pad244(e.g., at or near edges of the lumbar pad244away from the links240,242and slider blocks236,238). Wires299(shown in phantom lines inFIG.24) connected to the motors288of the massaging units245may be routed through the wire-routing features298to ensure that the wires299do not get pulled by or tangled up in the moving parts of the lumbar adjustment assembly216.

In some configurations, the massaging units could include air bladders mounted to the lumbar pad244(e.g., to the contoured surface280of the lumbar pad) that can be selectively inflated and deflated to create a massaging effect for a person seated in the furniture assembly10,110. These air bladders could be provided in addition to or instead of the motors288, output shaft290, and unbalanced weights292described above.

While the lumbar adjustment assembly216is shown in the figures as having only the first and second slider blocks236,238and the first and second links240,242, it will be appreciated that the assembly216could include a third slider block and third links (similar or identical to the assembly116).